[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

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack notices, but the wary people passing by barely get a glance. It's kind of amusing, honestly; there's so much out there things here, a dog like Dark Nation isn't all that out of the ordinary]

The food carts around here are pretty good, so I guess I can't turn down a free lunch.

How's freedom been treating you?

[ambitiousblond]

Surprisingly well. I thought I would find retirement boring but even with Reno's business picking up the change of pace is nice. It's honestly a relief not having to rule the world.

[He finds a vendor selling various meats and sandwiches, letting Zack pick out what he wants as he buys some for him and Dark Nation who is barely able to contain her excitement at the sight of food.]

What about you? Keeping out of trouble?

[fairlyheroic]

there is nothing at all humorous about Zack picking the same thing as Dark Nation, it's just a coincidence, shhh]

Ruling the world sounds kind of boring anyways. [he says it like he's joking around, but . . . what's that saying about being at the top? Something about it being lonely, right?]

I've been on my best behavior. [a little excitement isn't bad at all, but mostly he's just been cruising along] It's not so bad here, you know?

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus can't help but smile as he notices what Zack orders. Dark Nation is practically beside herself with excitement as they finish with the food vendor but behaves herself, staring up at Zack with big puppy eyes as they walked.]

I do, I never thought sleeping in would be so delightful.

[It was still surreal to not have to wake up and have to deal with the entire world all at once but instead he had the luxury go back to sleep if he pleased.]

I can't say I miss Midgar, truth be told.

[fairlyheroic]

[did he get the same thing because he planned on sharing? A mystery, but that's what Zack is doing - he's weak to the puppy eyes.

He can't help but laugh though] I can't say I've mastered sleeping in yet, but not having to wake up as early is pretty nice.

I do miss Midgar, though. [he shrugs and laughs again, a little sheepish] Parts of it, anyway.

[ambitiousblond]

It takes practice but it's worth it. [Dark Nation seems to sense Zack's weakness, trotting closely by his side.

When they reach the park Rufus finds a shaded place for them to sit and Dark Nation doesn't hesitate to sit in front of Zack once Rufus unhooks her leash. There is no one but them nearby so he's not concerned about disturbing anyone else.]

Normally she knows better than to beg but I admit I indulge her more than I should.

[fairlyheroic]

I'll just have to keep trying, then.

[there is a concentrated effort not to give into the puppy eyes, but it's pretty much all for show. Both eyebrows go up when Dark Nation parks herself right in front of him.

And then he grins, holding out his food for her]

There's nothing wrong with a little spoiling.

[ambitiousblond]

[Dark Nation doesn't hesitate to take the food from his hand, careful not to take any of his fingers in the process. Once the food is gone, she leans in to lick his fingers to get the last little bits eagerly, her back tentacle waving happily.

When she determines that every bit of food is gone she sits back to look at Dark Nation, tongue out happily. Rufus chuckles but he finds it rather endearing.]

She's going to follow you around now since she knows you're weak to her.

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack laughs as she licks his fingers, and when she sits back he immediately lifts his hand to pet her]

Is that a bad thing? Who could say no to that face?

[ambitiousblond]

[Dark Nation eagerly rubs her head against his hand, letting him pet behind her ears.]

I never could. She may have been raised and genetically engineered to be unlike any other guard hound she's always going to be a puppy to me.

[fairlyheroic]

[oh yeah, he's getting the good spot behind the ears. All the spoiling for the good girl]

She's definitely not your average guard hound. [a grin, and his hand drops to scritch under her chin]

[ambitiousblond]

She's one of a kind.

[Created in a lab but it didn't make Rufus love her any less. She had been his only friend growing up, the only one who sat with him in the darkness and silence.

I meant to ask earlier but have you had a chance to touch base with Tseng yet?

[He hadn't pried with Tseng yet but curiosity got the better of him.]

I know he wanted to talk to you.

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack glances up and over at Rufus, but he doesn't stop petting the hound]

Tseng? Yeah, I caught the broadcast he made looking for me and Aerith.

It was good to see him. [he pauses, then with a little laugh looks back down at Dark Nation] I think I might be the only one who thought that, though.