How long has it been, though ...

[untucks]

Yeah?

[ He folds his arms across his chest, one eyebrow cocked, the very picture of sceptical amusement. His drawl says it all. ]

All right, sure, I'll bite: this is 'cause of the devil-woman, ain't it. C'mon, you've really gotta work on that whole transparency thing—I'll tell ya that for free, yo. Quit playin' match-maker, get your shit together, then maybe we'll talk.

[ Pause for dramatic effect as he moves to pull a cig from his pack of smokes. ]

... Maybe.

Comments

♥♥

[killappeal]

[And now, now Tseng sees Reno come to life a little more. Because he does like it. He does seem to thrive on it. No laws, no rules, no one telling him to at least tuck in his shirt when they're acting as bodyguards and no one to make him clean the blood off his shoes. Tseng is a by the books man. Reno threw those books out the window.]

The subtle approach is usually best advised when you have super-powered people who think everyone else is morally reprehensible, yes. If you operate covertly and don't pick on their favorites, they leave you alone. Lest they be seen as tyrants.

[Silly, isn't it? But Tseng smirks and draws on the cigarette and silently tells himself this is the last one, even if he knows that's a lie.]

Rhapsodos was well deserving; I'm certain you understand that much. A shame you didn't join me for that particular moment, though. I'd enjoy seeing what work you could do.

[untucks]

Ugh, him.

[ Reno makes a face of distaste. ]

Wouldn't touch that slimy fucker for anyone; not unless it was to de-pretty that pretty face o'his, in any case.

[ And he means that. Still, there's no small hint of pride in his grin when Tseng mentions enjoying watching him do his thing too. ]

I aim to please, yo. I always said ya kept me around for a reason—Rude says not, but he's been wrong before.

[killappeal]

Sephiroth gets on your ass if you touch him. He's also sick. You wouldn't want any of that to get on your hands just in case it is contagious.

[He doesn't think it is, but he's been wrong before. And he doesn't want Sephiroth on his ass without any back up.]

I keep you around for several reasons, so you can tell Rude to pay up however many beers or much gil he owes you now.

[Gold star sticker! You're his second in command for reasons! He didn't just pull your name out of a hat.]

One day maybe we'll be able to pair up for projects again.

[untucks]

Reason number one bein' my fierce animal magnetism, right?

[ But he's laughing—partially because he thinks he's so damn funny, partially because Sephiroth's managed to get sick, but mostly because it's just good to have found a friendly face in Tseng. Even if it's pretty much always smooth and deadpan. ]

One day, yeah. The mun says y'might catch me around here more often, whatever that means. Maybe even over on those meme things: she gets all crazy for 'em, apparently.

[ And you're damn right you didn't just pick his name out of a hat. Reno might know he's hopeless, but he als knows he's good. ]

Even better if the project's drinkin' an smokin' up past midnight.

[killappeal]

That just makes me wonder if you lure forest wildlife to you.

[Disney Princess Reno! Tseng smiles, just a little bit. It's a tiny quirk of the lips but it's as good as a full on toothed smile in most people.]

And my mun will be on the lookout, then. Memes are...the things my nightmares tend to be made of but I can at very least watch you suffer with me, hm?

[No maliciousness there at all and Tseng's tone is still smooth and even. Even warm.]

Then you're in luck. There's hardly anything to do but drink and smoke past your bedtime.