clockmaster | [Rufus-Day Party DDD event style]

[Those words actually make Tseng flush a little. It's sort of cute and touching for Reno to say something like that, and it's also a bit embarrassing to have such a thing pointed out aloud. It makes Tseng a bit flustered]

I'm fine. [Even though Rufus is pissed off at him, and weirdly jealous over Zack, and he doesn't know what to do. Oh for the gods' sake] Ugh, one drink. Fine.

[Reno’s actually quite proud of the reaction, it was what he expected or wanted at the very least. He enjoyed it when Tseng dropped his guard around him for a few moments.]

You know…it’s okay, I think I can understand how you feel [Rests Tseng’s feet back in his lap before pouring him a drink and handing him the glass] I passed Zack in the hall and I heard the Prez mumbling something about him a little while ago.

[Tseng sighs, taking the drink and just holding it for the moment]

Zack still thinks he's a Turk, and Rufus refuses to entertain the idea of letting him actually be a Turk, even temporarily. [His frustration is evident] He acts as though my loyalty is divided, because of my friendship with Zack!

[He pauses, looking a bit stricken. He hadn't intended to discuss this with Reno - or anyone, but particularly not an employee]

[Of course Reno doesn’t think of himself as just an employee, though that is part of who he is. Gives Tseng’s feet a comforting pat before taking a sip of his own drink.] Yeah…I think Rufus is pretty attached to his Turks, he seemed a bit upset that I took a bullet for Lazard.

[Chuckles softly at the look on Tseng’s face] Hey, you’re comfortable talking to me, aren’t you? I wouldn’t worry too much about Rufus, Tseng…he’s going through a selfish phase…errr…well…I guess it’s not really a phase. I think his possessiveness is a sign that he cares.

[The truth is that Tseng doesn't just think of Reno as simply an employee either, but there is a difference between trusting Reno implicitly, and complaining about their boss to him.]

Of course he's attached to us. [Sigh] And I know he cares, more than he'd like to let on. I think it makes him uncomfortable how possessive he is. But... I would never leave him for Zack.

[Zack smiles very sweetly, doing his best to look innocent and pure. The expression doesn't fit his face very well, and he's not very good at it anyway]

No, I'm a very good influence. You'll thank me later when we're having fun, trust me. [He pauses thoughtfully] Not that you ever have actually thanked me, not out loud, anyway. But I know you appreciate it anyway.

[Tseng rolled his eyes and finished uploading the data to his PHS so he could monitor things remotely, then got to his feet]

If I don't thank you, then why do you bother? [He doesn't really mean the question]

Because I'm your friend, dumbass. [Zack punches him on the shoulder, smile turning back to his usual grin] What better reason is there?

"It has been quite some time," Krad said, looking at the basket as he held it up. "I don't believe I've had the chance to try it. It'll be an experience. Should we eat first or would you like to take a tour of the museum?"

[Tseng winces a little, but smiles a bit as he walks towards the door] Don't call me a dumbass.

I will if you act like one. But now you're behaving so all is well. [There is a manic gleam in his eyes that Tseng is familiar with, though it lacks the usual glow of mako] Let's go see if anybody's spiked the punch yet, shall we?

[Zack heads straight for the food, a still-grumbling Tseng gripped firmly by the upper arm. He sees Kasumi standing there looking uncertain, and smiles at her.]

Hey! Haven't seen you around before, have I?

[Looking a bit sour, Tseng nods to Kasumi] Miss Tendo.

[Yes, he knows her name even though they haven't met. He's got files on nearly everyone in DDD]

Unfortunately. Though he can be fairly stubborn.

[Startled, Kasumi nearly jumped out of her skin.] Oh! [Two men approached, one looking less than happy, and the other smiling as bright as a sunrise. Both she had seen on the community.]

[With a hand on her chest, as if to keep in her beating heart, she returned the smile.] You startled me.

[Wry] That's an understatement.

Sorry, didn't mean to! [Zack is genuinely apologetic, though still smiling.] I do have a bad habit of sneaking up on people, but it's not on purpose, really.

Well, I'll give the boss - or whoever threw this party despite him, I guess - this much. The food looks damned good.

[Zack is piling food on a plate, taking a small bit of everything he doesn't recognize, adventurous as usual.]

Oh- it's all right. [She breathed deeply, let it out; now she was calm enough to smile back.] I was not paying attention, really.

[He tilts his head] Careful. If you stand around being distracted like that, someone might come along and sweep you off to the dance floor before you realize it, or something. [He winks at her]

[He shoots him an annoyed expression before going off to "mingle".]

[Dance floor? Ah- she's feeling a bit more lost the farther this conversation goes. And it has not gone far. Is he warning her against something?] I will be sure to look out from now on.

[After her heart beat receeded to a reasonable level, Kasumi bowed slightly in greeting.] Hello,...sir. [Had they met before?]

((Eep! I did not mean to ignore this. Should check threads when there are too people blah. Ah- so disorganized now...))

[Tseng returned the bow, polite even if he was a bit aloof]

No, I don't believe so. I'm Tseng, head of the Turks, who are providing security tonight.

[He gestured to Zack] He felt I should take a walk around, that's all.

((Ack, no worries, dear. Sorry for the disorganization!))

[Well, so long as he's here, he might as well have something to eat. He takes a plate and starts taking things]

You can thank Hakuba Saguru, then. He organized this.

[Rufus-Day Party DDD event style]

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