[open] meeting Dark Nation

[ambitiousblond]

⌛ Who: Rufus, Dark Nation, and YOU
⌛ What: The best dog finally makes her debut
⌛ When: Monday and onward
⌛ Where: various places
⌛ Warnings: Will be added as needed

Comments

Monday evening : Closed to Tseng

[ambitiousblond]

[It was another dream that woke Rufus up in the middle of the night, trying to catch his breath as he sits up. There had been a flash of light, the shattering of glass, but when he opens his eyes the room is dark and quiet, the only sound is Tseng sleeping beside him.

He knows that he won't be able to get back to sleep easily, the air in the room feels stifling hot and he feels as if he could barely breathe. He could lay down and try to sleep again but something tells him not to that.

He looks down at Tseng who is already stirring beside him.]

I need to go outside, it's too hot in here.

[He doesn't wait for any protest that he knows will come from Tseng. It's still pitch dark outside but that doesn't stop him from rummaging around for clothes. Even if Tseng doesn't like it, Rufus knows that he'll still come along.

All he knows is that he can't stay, he's too restless and walking will be able to calm him down better than just laying and hoping he can get back to sleep.]

[necessarycruelties]

[ Tseng had been fast asleep when the nightmare woke Rufus, something he'd already experienced once since his arrival. He knows Rufus has these nightmares as a result of the things he experienced in their own world, things Tseng has yet to experience.

He rolls over, eyes still closed, and reaches for Rufus only to find nothing in his place. It takes him a minute to open his eyes, still not fully awake, before he's rubbing a hand over his face and pulling himself up so he's sitting in bed. ]

Just give me a minute to wake up before you're rushing out the door, Rufus.

[ But Rufus is already rummaging around for clothes to put on and Tseng knows his mind is made up and there's nothing he can say to change it. So he's rolling out of bed, grabbing something to tie his hair back, and looking for a pair of pants. ]

[ambitiousblond]

[It doesn't take long for Rufus to dress, something is urging him not to waste any time. But once he's finished pulling on clothes he sits on the bed to wait for Tseng.

He doesn't apologize for waking Tseng but he knows that it's not easy for Tseng to wake up in the middle of the night. But Rufus knows he would only restlessly toss and turn if he tries to go back to sleep and that would mean neither of them would get much rest.

As soon as Tseng is dressed Rufus is out the door without asking if Tseng's ready, slipping on his shoes before heading out of the door. As soon as Rufus is outside he stops to take a deep breath of chilly air, trying to calm down a bit.

He reaches a hand out for Tseng, looking back at him with a small smile.]

Walk with me a bit?

[necessarycruelties]

[ Rufus is already on the way down the stairs and headed toward the door before Tseng is fully ready. He sighs, grabbing his gun and pulling on his shoulder holster as he's going down the stairs to join him. He doesn't want Rufus going alone; it's habit, really, that he grabs his gun, acting every bit the bodyguard even in Nippon. Some things don't, and won't, change.

He slips his shoes on and closes the door behind them, turning to lock it before dropping the key in his pocket.

Tseng takes Rufus's hand, squeezing it as he takes his place at his side. ]

I don't know that I'll ever get used to this, being able to walk by your side, hand in mine, and at this hour.

[ He thinks about how they typically walked together in Midgar, Tseng usually several paces behind Rufus, rarely at his side, and never hand in hand... and never at this hour. ]

[ambitiousblond]

It's strange to have that kind of freedom, isn't it?

[He's not sure if he could get used to it either after being one of the most hated men on the entire planet. Here he was just Rufus, free of the legacy of the Shinra name.

He squeezes Tseng's hand in return as they walk, already feeling himself start to relax, the nightmare fading from his mind after a few moments. It's quiet but after Meteor he's found that he likes that. He doesn't miss the noise and smog of Midgar, how it weighed so heavily on him.

He stops as he hears something behind them, the sound of something rustlingi n the shadows down the street behind them. For a moment, Rufus imagines that he's just imagining things, especially after the nightmares he had just woken up from.

He nearly turns back to Tseng but this time he squints as the shadow approaches, letting go of Tseng's hand. If he doesn't know better he would think- ]

Dark Nation.

[His voice cracks just a bit as he falls to his knees as the shadow takes the shape of the large hound running to Rufus, her back tentacle swaying back and forth eagerly as she greets him. He hadn't seen her in years and relief floods him as he wraps his arms around Dark Nation for a bit who is just as eager for affection.]

[necessarycruelties]

[ As Rufus let go of Tseng's hand, he immediately went for his gun, not sure what was approaching them and if it was a threat. But, as Rufus drops to his knees and the hound comes into view under the streetlight, Tseng lets his hand fall to his side. Even without Rufus there, he'd recognize that animal, having spent quite a bit of time with her over the years.

Seeing Rufus so happy, seeing Dark Nation nearly knocking him over as she runs to him... It brings a smile to his face, something he wouldn't let anybody else see. He could probably count the number of times his Turks had seen him smile on one hand.

He doesn't want to disturb Rufus and Dark Nation, doesn't want to interrupt their reunion, so Tseng takes a step back, silent, to watch the pair until Rufus is ready to resume their walk. ]

Open to residents of Neo-Midgar: the best puppy arrives

[ambitiousblond]

[Tuesday morning sees the addition of a new resident- a massive guard hound with bright red eyes and a back tentacle who stays near Rufus, on guard and looking for any potential threats.

But it doesn't take her time to start to make herself at home, basking in the sun during the day with Rufus nearby, occasionally looking up with wariness when someone approaches, waiting to see if there is a threat.

There are other times when Dark Nation sits in front of the chocobo enclosure, looking rather too interested their movements with her back tentacle swaying back and forth as she stares at them intently.

Dark Nation is always happy to be spoiled - despite her appearance and size she has perfected the puppy-eyed look when she wants something- maybe share that yummy treat you have? She'll be your best friend after that.]

[tightbod_bigrod]

"Boss, she's staring at my meatballs."

Reno did occasionally do his own cooking, and when he did it tended to very much be like street vendor food. The tasty but not necessarily healthy stuff. And for this? He cooked his meatballs in lard. They were juicy and fatty and tasty.

And, most importantly, they were his. Not Dark Nation's.

[ambitiousblond]

Dark Nation knows better than to beg outright but it doesn't stop her from staring intently at food that smells so good as if she could will Reno to share some of that deliciousness.

Rufus looks over at Reno from where he's seated in the sun, seeing what Dark Nation is so interested in. "Can you blame her? Those do smell good."

Rufus reaches over to pet the top of the large dog's head idly, amused. "Don't worry, your meatballs are safe as long as you don't let go of them."

Then all bets are off.

[tightbod_bigrod]

"You want one?"

He was kind of surprised that Rufus thought they smelled good, with the high class food he must have been used to.

But they were damn good. He was proud of his junk food. And honestly, they weren't lacking in food here. Suddenly they went from post-apocalypse to having fairly comfortable lives.

"You think I could bribe her with meatballs?"

[ambitiousblond]

"That would be wonderful, thank you." Rufus places his magi-comm device to the side table next to him. He had been checking it before Reno had distracted Dark Nation with food.

He's missed any kind of food that he can actually taste after being sick which includes his newly discovered like of street and junk food. But he's learned that fate has a particular sense of humor and it's best just to go along with things sometimes and today that includes meatballs.

"I think you could. She would love you if you did."

[tightbod_bigrod]

He didn't have an extra fork, so Reno just handed him the one he was using with a meatball on the end. Then, holding the bowl of what balls were left close to his chest, he knelt down in front of Dark Nation to have a serious discussion with her.

"Alright, here's the deal. I give you a meatball. You steal Prompto's underwear so we can put it on a chocobo. Got it?"

[sultanofsquat]

[ Of course. But of course this would be how Cloud's day ends. He'd just returned to Tokyo, letting his curiosity get the better of him as the Neo-Midgar district of Tokyo was only continuing to expand bit by bit. Living closer to the outskirts with Zack, if he happened upon a certain President or any of the Turks, he'd see it as an exercise in amicability. Compared to when he first arrived and started coming around? It's been a massive improvement! A massive improvement save for a minor setback with the tension sitting in the air between himself and the head of the Turks. ]

...

[ Well, that and now, ]

Easy... [ There's Cloud, having decided to check out the chocobo enclosure after thinking of how he wanted to bring Ayaka to see them, and now he's got his hands out, open-palmed and no weapon on hand and backing up slooowly. The one time he opted to leave both Buster Sword and Kizuna Katana at the apartment. ] Good doggy.

[ Hahahah no hard feelings? Bygones be bygones? Don't report Cloud to PETA? ]

[ambitiousblond]

[As soon as she set her red gaze on Cloud Dark Nation growled low in her throat, instantly on guard. Rufus had gone into the house to get something for only a moment, leaving her to watch the chocobos but now she stood in front of Cloud, ready to strike if he made a wrong move.

She steps forward as he steps back, making it clear that Cloud is not welcome but she stops as the door to the house opens and Rufus comes out to see Cloud backing up away from Dark Nation.]

Cloud, we weren't expecting you. [Dark Nation lets Cloud get another step back, sitting down as Rufus approaches. Today had been a quiet day at home, Rufus had been sitting out enjoying the sun while it had lasted.]

D, heel. It's alright, Cloud is a friend. [Dark Nation sits as Rufus approaches and puts a hand on her collar but her eyes don't waver from Cloud, a silent warning, letting him know that she is watching, waiting, for him to slip up.]

Don't worry, she won't attack you now but don't make any sudden movements.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Even without a sword, Cloud was still considerately strong, but that still didn't mean he wanted to have to deal with or explain bite marks or worse before he got to his Materia. The fact that Dark Nation had come to this world also threw him for a loop, too. Granted, if Noctis and Prompto could get a Chocobo Ranch started... His fists clench, mere moments away from standing his ground and preparing for another fight when the sound of the door opening draws his attention. Sure enough...

"Cloud is a friend."

Hearing him say that so simply gets Cloud's breath to catch. They were amicable now, and he was still going to place his trust in the man despite what had only recently just happened. But to hear him say it so openly... The tension in his shoulders grows lax, fists unfurling as his eyes stay on Dark Nation for a moment, only to return to the taller blond as he abides by the man's instruction. ]

It's the "won't attack me now" part that's sticking. [ What about "attack me later"? kjahsdf He's mostly being sarcastic. Mostly. ] I take it she just showed up?

[ambitiousblond]

Tseng and I found her last night by complete chance. I don't know how, it was as if she was waiting for us to find her that night.

[Rufus doesn't hide the fondness in his tone as he looks down at Dark Nation. She had been by his side since he was a child until after Meteor and he had missed her absence sharply since then.]

Here, if you hold out your hands slightly, palms up she knows that means you're not a threat and won't attack.

[Rufus demonstrates, holding out his hands palm up with his fingers straight for Cloud to copy him. So far Dark Nation stays where she is, only huffing lightly in annoyance as she keeps her eyes on cloud, watching his every movement to decide if he's a threat.]

And then let her come to you. Once she decides you're not a threat you'll be fine.

[Rufus still keeps his hand near Dark Nation's collar, ready to hold her if needed. She may be stronger than he is but she knows better than to disobey him.]

Open to all: dog wak

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus had missed Dark Nation over the years, she had been by his side since he was a child and he suspected that it hadn't been complete chance that had made him feel as he needed to take a walk in the middle of that particular night he had found her.

He had almost forgotten how much the massive guard dog had so today he's set out with leash in hand, letting her set the course of where they go exploring. She's not a typical hound, her eyes a bright red and a back tentacle that snaps back and forth with excitement, large ears perked up.

Rufus keeps a firm hold on her leash to keep her from pulling him along too hard or from going up to unsuspecting passerby to investigate. As she strains on her leash Rufus tries to steer her away, giving the poor person an apologetic look.]

Forgive me, she is excited to explore somewhere new.

[fairlyheroic]

[that is a biiiiig dog.

Zack just so happens to be heading back to his little office/business when he sees Rufus walking by with Dark Nation, and he stops short to stare as they pass. Just for a moment or two so that he can process exactly what he's seeing. But nope, that really is Rufus Shinra walking a big ol' - dog? Dog. Add that to the list of things you'd never see in Midgar.

It's as Rufus is pulling her away and apologizing that he heads over, watching the person scurry away before glancing back to the president with an amused look]

I didn't take you for a dog person.

[ambitiousblond]

Zack, such a pleasure running into you.

[He can't really stop Dark Nation from approaching Zack, eying him with suspicion, taking the measure of him. When she's satisfied that Zack doesn't seem to be a threat, she leans over to try to sniff at him, curious. Rufus laughs, reaching out to pet her between her large ears affectionately, keeping a firm hold on her leash.]

This is Dark Natin- I've had her since I was a child. Don't worry, she won't bite if you're nice, she just likes making new friends.

[Especially with those who aren't blonds named Cloud.]

[fairlyheroic]

It's been a while.

[if only because he doesn't wander into Neo Midgar too often. Not by choice, but there's always something going on. Zack laughs a little and offers Dark Nation his hand for sniffing]

Haha, she doesn't have to worry, I'm on my best behavior.

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus lets Dark Nation go a little more and she happily shoves her nose into Zack's hand, sniffing him to determine how much she likes him.

But it only takes a moment to decide that she likes Zack, eagerly rubbing her head against his hand to encourage some ear scratches.

Rufus smiles fondly, amused how quickly Dark Nation takes to Zack]

And you've made a new friend, she likes you. I was going to take her to the park to let her run around, would you care to join us?

[invigorates]

( It probably didn't assuage the beast much when there was an equally as curious woman watching as Dark Nation and her owner started past. Lioriley was a petite thing, and probably would have blended in well in the dark if it weren't for the glowing blue lines that coiled around her limbs and across her cheeks. )

Hm? Oh, no. There is not need to apologize- that is a very interesting companion you have. ( she sounded sincere. Like. Genuinely intrigued, especially by the red eyes and flailing tentacle. )

[ambitiousblond]

[Dark Nation's large ears are perked and when Lioriley doesn't back away she takes that as an invitation to try to investigate but Rufus doesn't let her lunge forward despite the hounds's curiosity.]

Thank you. Her name is Dark Nation and as you can tell, she can be a bit overeager and curious about being in a new place.

[But it's said with fondness, she had always protected him no matter what.] If you want to pet her let her sniff you first, palm out. That way she knows you're friendly.

[invigorates]

That is a sentiment I share, my friend. I can understand her excitement. ( She chuckled and extended her hand as suggested, the coiled lines of neon blue pulsing rhythmically would not harm the dog whatsoever. They might tingle a bit though, should she decided to press her snoot into them. )

Hello, Dark Nation. My name is Lioriley. ( Said to both master and pet, obviously. )

[ambitiousblond]

[Dark Nation is slightly startled as she presses her nose into Lioriley's palm, her ears perking up at the sensation but she decides that it's not a threat, eventually deciding that she likes Lioriley enough to rub her head against her hand to encourage ear scatches.

Rufus chuckles as he watches, though Dark Nation was created for his protection she was still like any other dog sometimes.]

It's a pleasure to meet you. Dark Nation seems to have decided that you're her new friend now.