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year 5, quarter 3
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I promise this is the only part where Angeal will be so moody xD
Angeal sipped at his whiskey and blamed that for why his face felt so terribly hot.
Why had he done such a thing? Filling out some sort of match making game card … It seemed like something Genesis would have done to him as a prank. Instead, he sabotaged himself. The Soldier rolled his eyes as he sipped at his drink once more, watching as the bartender swayed the thoughts and ideals of others. Some giggling and participating like it was their life’s mission, others like him; reserved and cautious, cheeks flushed with embarrassment and few excuses on their tongues.
Perhaps it was his inner cynic speaking, but Angeal Hewley was never meant to find love in a bar. Or, maybe ever, really. Despite his parent’s near perfect marriage, he’d never given the topic much thought. Angeal had love for his comrades and his brothers in arms, but really, he had such little interest in the typical romantic activities. He was comfortable alone. The thought of buying flowers and enjoying a nice meal … It sounded like a more attractive venture alone than to be shared.
Maybe he was aromantic. Or, also very likely, exposure to his two best friends and other meaningful cadets simply made him too tired to deal with people outside of work.
The bartender slid a paper toward him: Table 1. Angeal gave the man an awkward nod, grabbing another glass of whiskey as he went and searched out the table. There was no one there yet -- thank Gaia, he could try and get his thoughts together before they arrived. Setting his weapons out of the way, the Soldier took a seat at the booth, trying his best to be comfortable despite having to squeeze in a bit on the bench. Right, most places weren’t built to deal with tall, bulky men like him.
Angeal cast his glowing eyed gaze back over the rest of the bar once more, resting one arm on the table while sipping from his glass with his other hand. It was time to pocket the awkward feelings and regret, and face up to what he’d done. He was the one who filled out a card, it was his choice. Time to face up to whatever may come. No matter what were to happen, he could at least gain a new friend out of the experience. Maybe even someone who could relate to him.
Right. That wouldn’t be so bad.
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
It seemed her original date dipped on her. Perhaps it was her scary demeanor? Or maybe it was something about her appearance, such as her rust colored hair or the suit? In her line of work, she knew someone always did not like something about her. She gave a nearly imperceptible smirk. That could be used to her benefit, be it to keep people from bothering her or for intimidation purposes. Pity she could not fathom her ex-date’s reasons or learn anything about them. What a waste of time.
She heaved a soft, disappointed sigh. The host running the event gave her an apologetic shrug and smile, before slipping another card to her. Apparently, someone else had their partner dip on them too. He slid her a new matching card across the bar counter and a cocktail of gin, lavender, and lemon. Lemon and lavender garnished the top in purples and yellows. The cocktail was partly an apology for not having things work out. Interesting strategy. She tasted the florals with the sweeter fruit. It wasn’t a bad.
Eyes skimmed over the card to see who was next up in this dating game. Love games were meant to be used as stepping stools to an end goal. A Turk was not meant to love, and it usually ended in tragedy. She could think of many examples of this with Rude, Tseng, Veld, Vincent, and many more. No. She was a monster and monsters are not allowed to know love.
However, …
A memory came to her of how such a fowl emotion caused her such suffering. It was not like the young Turk asked for love to happen. But every time she was around this person, she felt a rush of pride. A smile from this person induced such sweet euphoria in her. Even a mere glance was heaven. This enticed her to make sure that the person was pleased with small gifts and gestures. Even now, she wanted so badly to be around this new infatuation. Oh, how she yearned.
But, alas, she knew she should stay away. As a Turk, she had to be isolated. When anyone could be the enemy, it was best to not get attached to anything. Attachment meant loss. Loss meant nothing but the pain of missing it. The only attachment she needed was her work. Besides, who could love a monster like her? Someone who lied, cheated, and stole? Her hands were dirty and her soul as black as tar. She was nothing but a devil in a suit. No one loved the devil... The person deserved much better than her.
Ah. Yes. The table number… One.
She shook her head and ran a hand through her copper locks to push them out of her face. She glared at the clear liquid in her glass for a second, blaming its effects for thoughts.
She shouldn’t keep her lucky chosen waiting. She pocketed the card and slid the glass off the table. She lightly hopped off the bar stool and began to wade through the pool of people with an odd grace for a small person. She cast her eyes at the table, and she felt a cold shock. She tried not to show it as she approached. It was not hard for her memories to return seeing the uniform, his eyes, and the trademark weapon. The missing man that caused Lazard to order her to spy on Zack.
But that was the past.
She leaned down to set her glass on the table. “Angeal?” She figured saying ‘Mister Hewley’ was not really appropriate in this situation. She studied him a little more seeing he was indeed before her. Weird to find a missing man here. Must less a Soldier. She swore up and down not to date a SOLDIER. Emotional and temperamental science projects they tended to be, though necessary to the function of the Shinra company. Or perhaps she was simply bitter on how Heidegger praised the SOLDIERs as superior as he tried to purposefully kill the Turks to prove his point. Perhaps tonight, she would be able to tell.
She swallowed the bitter lump, and instead wore a friendly smile. “My apologies. This was the last place I thought to see you. Looking for a little company, I suppose?” Cissnei began her pleasant prodding for his motives. She shifted her lithe body so that she could slide in on the bench across from him.
This is much better than the alternative, in Angeal's mind xD
Time ticked by, and still, no one came to Angeal’s table.
He wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or offended. No, he was most definitely relieved, the Soldier thought as he took another sip of his nearly-drained whiskey. People watching was only entertaining for a short while, and soon his attention was pulled from the giggles and clinks of glasses to the window; watching as small, glowing bugs occasionally buzzed nearby. A part of him longed for the contact of others, to speak and laugh and get to know someone new, to maybe help someone in trouble. Yet, a voice in the back of his head whispered ruefully, they would never understand you.
Hewley shook the thought away, tapping his fingers on the table. For quite some time, the only interaction he had was with the bartender, who’d stepped forward and given him a fresh drink and a nod -- likely acknowledging his pitiful predicament. Angeal accepted the fresh whiskey and went back to staring out of the window, stuck with only his thoughts for company for yet another evening.
Or, so he’d thought.
“Angeal?”
The Soldier whipped his head back to the bar, his eyes wide and gloved hands perched on the edge of the table. It’d been a long time since he’d heard anyone say his name without him having to share it, first. The alarm bells didn’t stop, however, once he saw who’d stepped up to his table. If anything, Angeal’s heart began to pound faster.
A well-fitted black suit, complete with a perfectly placed tie. Atop the shades of neutral colors was a splash of fiery red hair, and a set of curious brown eyes. A glass placed carefully on the table; an unspoken demand.
A Turk? Here?
Angeal stared hard for a moment, recalling everything he could about the Turks he’d recently worked with. While the two departments regularly shared missions together, everyone was well aware of the unspoken tension between them. Soldiers and Turks operated completely differently -- that was the point of course -- but it meant that they often had difficulties understanding one another. The Turks were all about trickery and secrets, while Soldier was … Well, much more open and blunt. A Turk was a box of mysteries. For Soldier’s, what you saw was what you got. There wasn’t anything left to the imagination.
Either way, seeing one or the other usually meant trouble for whoever they were approaching. Especially if they were together.
However, at their core, the two of them were just people. People with different purposes and ideals, but still, people. The red-head gave him a smile, and Angeal easily returned it. Cold hesitation still seized his shoulders, but it was giving way to an emotion he hadn’t quite expected. Familiarity. Here stood someone that had walked the very same land he had. Someone who knew him, even if he didn’t really know her.
“My apologies. This was the last place I thought to see you. Looking for a little company, I suppose?”
The Turk slid her way into the seat across from him, her tantalizing drink following suit. Angeal tapped a finger against his own glass, relaxing his other hand off of the edge of the table to sit back as far as his form would allow.
“You could say that,” the Soldier answered in kind, a small, honest smile on his face. He was no Turk, hardly capable of lying. He wore his heart on his sleeve, much less loudly than Zack did, but nonetheless; Angeal was nothing but an honest man. There was no sense in lying to the champion of liars who likely had a profile of him memorized.
Hewley took a hefty sip of his whiskey, before gesturing at the rest of the bar with a glowing eyed glance, “Desperate times call for desperate measures. I think this is the first time I’ve spoken to another human in a week.” He laughed quietly, low, barely shaking his head.
“Cissnei, right? Are you here for work? Something tells me, even on an unknown world, the Turks never stop working.”
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
Cissnei coolly took in Angeal’s surprised reaction. The quickness of his turn and the widening of his eyes were all taken into consideration. And was that a little color rising up his neck? For a dead man, he seemed oddly alive. She gave a mental smirk at this reaction and let the following words coo from her lips, “Oh dear. I haven’t seen that reaction in a while. You must be excited to see me.” Her tone was that of, ‘Like what you see?’ She finally eased forward, elbows on the table. Her fingers laced together with her chin coming to rest upon them, tilted slightly to the side.
Tonight, she was not looking for trouble. However, finding someone to tease would prove most amusing.
Her eyes studied his features for a moment, before lashes lowered to look at the decorative vase of flowers at the edge of the table. He wore his feelings on his sleeves it seemed. The tension was visible in his shoulders. Seemed she had a hard time finding people who weren’t afraid of her mere presence. Many felt uncomfortable around her. They judged her by her appearance and demeanor before even getting to know her. She was a stranger walking an unfamiliar world of hostiles and cowards. But it would not stop her from doing what she could to take advantage of it, even if it was a lonely path.
“And I wonder, what are you desperate for? A drink? A conversation? Hmm… Connection, perhaps?” Her eyes followed his gesture across the bar, before her earthly tones moved back to meet his heavenly ones. “Desperate enough, even to talk to a Turk?” She couldn’t help but grin, pushing off her elbows and reaching for her drink. She placed her glass to her lips and took a small sip of the clear liquid. Its fire touching throats.
“Hm? Yes, that’s right.” She affirmed that was her name as she placed her glass back down with a clink. “Am I still a Turk in an unknown world, I wonder?” She gave a cryptic question without answering him directly. A trick she used with Zack. “I’m on break, regardless.” Bars had always been a haven for the Turks. A place to let loose and forget about the workday. A way to let the drink slip away the memories of deeds performed on behalf of Shinra. “So, don’t worry. I won’t bite. For now.”
“I was simply looking for a way to pass the time.” What better way then interacting with people and gathering information. “What have you been up to during your time here? Using your abilities to play the hero?”
The red-head’s laugh reminded him of a bird, pleasant and trill. However, her dark eyes were much more like a cat; gazing at him over the rim of her glass curiously, a slight smirk on her lips. Angeal suddenly felt more uncomfortable than he had mere moments before, an unwelcome heat barely dusting the edges of his cheekbones. Thank god the bar wasn’t extremely well lit. He averted his eyes just as Cissnei took a sip from her glass, realizing he’d stared harder than he’d meant to.
“Hm? Yes, that’s right. Am I still a Turk in an unknown world, I wonder?” Cissnei’s glass touched back down on the table, and Angeal felt comfortable enough to turn his glowing-eyed gaze away from the window and back to her. They both knew well enough the answer to her question, even if they weren’t voicing it. Of course she was a Turk, forever and for always. It was a rumor, but definitely a believable one that no one left the Turks unless they were dead. Even if she didn’t have anyone to take orders from, Cissnei was likely still doing everything that she did best.
He was doing the same thing, of course. As a Soldier, it was his job to help people … So, that’s what he’d spent his time doing.
Briefly, Angeal wondered if death was the only way out of the Soldier program, as well.
“I’m on break, regardless. So, don’t worry. I won’t bite. For now.”
Angeal scowled, bringing his glass to his lips. He took a long sip, the burn of the whiskey trickling down his throat before he mumbled, “You shouldn’t bite at all.”
The Soldier set his glass back on the table, the warmth in his body now easily explained off by the whiskey. The red-head played off that she was just killing time at the bar, playing a dating game? Yeah, right. Then again, it’s not like Hewley had any better of an explanation of why he was there, either. Angeal shifted in his seat, suddenly feeling more aware of where his body was positioned. Was his sword within easy reach? Was he going to accidentally nudge Cissnei with his boot? He felt oddly cornered, stuck in the corner of seat, despite the fact he had one strong arm across the back of the booth and definitely more of a presence.
It wasn’t how he expected to feel, being stared down by a Turk. They were partners, in the grand scheme of things.
He’d blame it on her eyes.
“What have you been up to during your time here? Using your abilities to play the hero?”
Angeal sighed, tapping a gloved finger against his glass, “Soldier or not, I’ll always help people if they need it. I wouldn’t liken being a decent human being to playing the hero, though.”
He cast his eyes downward to the table, as a thought passed. What would he be doing, otherwise? Searching for his comrades was his main priority, sure, but it didn’t keep him alive in a world that kept spinning with or without him.
“You’re the first familiar face I’ve run into, here. It’s actually reassuring to know that I’m not really alone,”Angeal muttered, unable to meet Cissnei’s gaze -- unwilling to know if she were simply staring blankly back at him. He certainly hadn’t intended to blurt out such a vulnerable thought, but it was impossible to keep holding onto. Angeal had been beyond lonely, he’d been lost, and most of all; he’d been worried. Worried he was stuck in a fever dream, in Hell itself, left alone to suffer for the rest of his days and that his friends may have been stuck elsewhere, needing him.
Regardless, it was not like a Turk could do much with that information.
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
It seemed she was making him uncomfortable. She knew she should not and retain her professionalism. The angel spoke into her right ear, whispering words to pull back. After all, from what she could recall, Angeal was the more level-headed and practical of the First-Class Soldiers. But alas, the devil on the other spoke differently, whispering to her the bias she had against Soldiers. It had been too long since she saw a Soldier. Too long for her to have someone fun with someone Shinra-related. It wasn’t like she was going to threaten or harm him, necessarily. Just a good old fashion ribbing should do the trick. Tseng was not around to keep her in check either.
“What good are teeth if not for biting?” After all, Minerva gave her just enough to bite with. He seemed to be squirming in this seating arrangement. Could he look anymore uncomfortable? It was not helping the angel on Cissnei’s shoulder at all. Cissnei grinned, taking another sip of her drink and moving to cross her legs. The small gesture brushed her ankle along his knee. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to play footsies with you.” Her words were casual, as if it really was an accident and it wasn’t a big deal. She looked away at the crowd, as she said it. Her drink slowly lowering from her lips. Internally, she was grinning.
Her eyes turned back to him. She studied him for a moment and leaned forward. “I’m probably not the pretty face you wanted to see.” She gave another smile, “Which is why you can’t look at me…” She leaned forward along the table, intentionally showing her attention on him. “Like it or not, you’re stuck with me for a little while. Can you tolerate me just for tonight?” She did not frown, but her face held a quiet curiosity.
Just then one of the waiters came to their table with a surprise. The male in his waist coat and white button down, cleared his throat. “Thank you for the long wait. As an apology, we entered you into the compatibility event to allow for you to have a more exciting night. The event will be free of cost. There will be a serious of tasks to perform to contemplate your compatibility while one wrist from each person is tied to the other’s. The first task is to finish a meal together. Would you be up to it?”
Cissnei couldn’t help but suppress a laugh. Perfect. “Of course, we’re up to it. Soldiers and Turks do work well together.” She gave a side-long glance to Angeal and grinned. “It will also give me a chance to sink my teeth into a good meal.”
Angeal has found his confidence, but for how long?
Angeal was sure he had scrunched himself as far back as he possibly could into his own space, as much as his body would allow. Like a dog that had misbehaved and was trying desperately, but poorly, to hide. So far he’d only managed to get caught in the Turk’s glances, but he, thankfully, hadn’t made any physical contact with her. Not that it would be an awful thing, no, just that it was rude to do so when--
Something brushed up against his knee. The Soldier’s eyes widened as the minx sitting across from him apologized casually, her eyes turned to the crowd.
There was absolutely no way that act was an accident. Tall and bulky as he was, she would have had to search for his angled leg. That made it all the worse though, didn’t it? Cissnei had been rather suggestive from the moment she’d sat down, but then again, wasn’t this exactly the kind of event one should be behaving in such a way? It was a … a dating scene in a bar. He was the odd one out, shoving himself into a corner, wary of everyone that met his eyes. Angeal swallowed the bitter lump in his throat.
“I’m probably not the pretty face you wanted to see,” Cissnei turned her attention back to him, leaning over the table and into his space, her earthy toned eyes glinting in the light, “Which is why you can’t look at me…”
Oh, great. Now he was an asshole. Angeal immediately pulled a thousand apologies from his mind, sighing as he brought his drink to his lips, taking a thoughtful sip. However, the red-head across from him leaned in further, her body pressing against the table as she stared at him curiously, “Like it or not, you’re stuck with me for a little while. Can you tolerate me just for tonight?”
“I …,” the Soldier sighed, placing his glass back down on the table as the whiskey burned down his throat, spurring him on, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off like I don’t want you here. I’m just out of my element, trying to do any of this.”
It was a terrible apology, he thought, his glowing blue eyes meeting Cissnei’s once more, naturally ashamed. He was raised better than this. To be gentlemanly. Maybe she felt just as strange in this setting but was expertly hiding it, as Turks do. Her naturally flirtatious behavior had thrown him for a loop, but he could enjoy himself as well, surely. Not as easily as she did, no, but he could try.
He could try.
“You’re more than a pretty face, and I can certainly do better than only tolerating you. I can promise that much,” Angeal admitted, giving her an honest smile as he forced himself to relax. Relax, he softly reminded himself, She’s not going to bite you. You can have fun here. Stop being so uptight.
A waiter in a nice waistcoat approached the table, appearing very apologetic. Angeal immediately felt the urge to tell him everything was fine, but the gentleman launched into a spiel before he could interrupt. A standard apology, followed by--
“-we entered you into the compatibility event to allow for you to have a more exciting night-”
Asking would have probably been more polite, Hewley mused, watching the man with an amused eyebrow raised. A series of tasks? Well, he did enjoy a healthy competition, and there were likely few-to-none who could go toe-to-toe with a Soldier and a Turk of all people.
“-while one wrist from each person is tied to the other’s-”
Wait, what?
A series of tasks, with the two of them tied together? Angeal’s amusement fell from his face, as he began mouthing a no, no thank you -- but the Turk beat him to the punch, enthusiastically agreeing to the offer. Yes, Soldiers and Turks did work well together, but Angeal was quite sure no Soldier and Turk had ever been tied together and set to perform a series of seemingly romantic tasks! The first task didn’t seem so terrible, having to finish a meal together, but what came next?
… Alright. If that’s the way she wanted the night to go, then he was going to jump into headfirst. It was very unlike him, moreso channeling his rambunctious pupil or his own, younger self, but like any mission, it had to get done.
Angeal took a deep breath, forcing himself to loosen his usual inhibitions. Everything would be fine. He was a grown man, Cissnei was good, albeit overly-friendly, company. If he were lucky, she would crave winning a contest as much as he did. They could have fun along the way. They would have fun, so long as pulled the proverbial stick out of his ass.
It was all in good fun.
“You ought to be more careful,” Angeal nodded to Cissnei, narrowing his eyes slightly as he grabbed his half-filled glass of whiskey. He brought it to his lips, finishing the glass in one measured swallow, before quickly reaching across the table and snagging her glass as well. No time for reactions, the Soldier leaned back and drained her drink as well, the lavender and lemon pairing well with the remnants of his whiskey.
He was going to need more liquor to keep this going, for sure.
Angeal leaned forward slightly, a soft smirk on his strong jaw, “Sometimes good things bite back. But, if you’re so sure you want to do this…”.
He placed his right elbow in the middle of the table, opening his palm to her in a take my hand gesture, “Tie me up.”
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
He was certainly getting flustered. It did not take much to make him that way. Certainly, helped he didn’t quite trust her either. The teasing of SOLDIERs seemed to give her a rush of devilish pride to see him so uncomfortable. As if this was one of the things she missed doing now that she was so far away from Midgar and the Shinra corporation. Where she was distrustful of civilians and overly trustful of Turks, SOLDIERs had only been a competitive in between. Neither truly friend nor foe, but certainly something to poke until she found out what to really do with them in the business aspect. She watched him curiously, seeing the thought wheel turning vigorously behind his glowing blue eyes.
His response made her remember asking Zack out on a date to see Loveless. Reading the play itself was beyond him, which she remembered colloquially in her texting him. But she thought perhaps if she observed him watching the play, then maybe he could lead her to a clue where Genesis may have disappeared to with the other missing retinue of SOLDIERs. Of course, that never played out either. Perhaps anything about the play was out of Zack’s element too.
She seemed a little surprise at his apology. Perhaps, she picked him to hard? Perhaps, he was more sensitive than she thought. However, his kind words made her sit back a little straighter, eyes widened briefly in surprise. She was more than a pretty face? Do better than tolerate? She let out a soft, yet confused, hum as she tried to process these words together in a sentence. Such kindness was not typical towards her. Luckily, she did not have to respond, as the waiter took over. The waiter nodded at their response and went to go fetch the supplies for their participation.
However, Angeal resumed his normal flustering at the announcement of the new task. He was certainly trying, that was for sure. That leap of faith took courage. She felt the amusement replace her confusion again. Cute? Is that the word to describe the gentle giant? She kept the cool regard as he took her drink, much like a cat that was passively watching a human. A slight smile plastered to her face. Her be more careful? Everyone knew a Turk, much like a cat, had nine lives. “You know Turks live on the edge.” She hummed softly, knowing she had pushed him into action. Support seemed to be her job in most situations with SOLDIERs and it was amazing what people could be spurred to do with a little encouragement.
“Besides, I would love to see you with a little more bite.” She gave him a wink. Tie him up? Ironically, this was not the first time a SOLDIER asked her to do such thing. Probably wouldn’t be the best. “Well, if you are so sure.” She looked at his hand for a moment. Before getting out of her benched seat.
She unbuttoned her blazer and with a backwards roll of her shoulders, she let it slip down her arms and off. She folded it neatly and placed it where she had been sitting. She then adjusted her shirt collar and loosened her tie. She pulled the loop over her head and shook her hair back in place, letting her locks resume their position falling over her shoulders. She undid the top three buttons of her shirt, so not to look so stiff without her tie and blazer to finish the look.
“Slide over. It’s easier if we sit next to each other. We’re eating together, not arm wrestling.” Though she was sure she’d win that with by making eyes at him too. Also, she was too small to feed him from across the table. Unless he wanted her to climb on the table…
She slid into his bench next to him. No escape now, she thought amusingly. She slid her right hand down his muscled left arm to find his hand. Slipping her hand into his she brought it up to the table and slid the loop of her tie over their wrists and proceeded to tighten it and wrapped the length snugly around them. The final step was to tuck the rest of the length down the center securely.
In the rest of the room, the waiters were helping others get tied together. When their waiter returned with a length of ribbon, he seemed dumbfounded they were already ready. Cissnei gave him a deadpan look simply stated, “I took care of it. I think we’re ready for our meal.” The waiter simply nodded and left. She gave a simple shake of her head and looked up at Angeal. “Maybe he should have left us the ribbon. Blindfolding me might have gave the other contestants a shot.”
“But now that we are waiting… If we win, I’ll owe you a favor. What do you say?”
She’d like to see him with more bite, huh? Angeal couldn’t promise it would happen, but he couldn’t deny that it might not, either. He was entering uncharted territory, as it were. He wasn’t completely hopeless at dating, but what he did usually consisted of actual courting and not … open flirtation and charged, friendly jabs. That was more something Genesis was capable of naturally. Maybe Angeal was simply channeling his friend in such an odd moment.
Cissnei slipped out of the bench seat with ease as the Soldier realized they’d have to sit next to each other. Otherwise, she’d be half lying on the table. As the red-head began to roll her blazer off, Angeal squinted in temporary confusion. She neatly tucked her jacket to the side, loosening her collar and tie. Her hands went for her shirt buttons and -- oh. Angeal looked away, thankful his face was flushed enough from the alcohol he’d just pounded in seconds.
“Slide over. It’s easier if we sit next to each other. We’re eating together, not arm wrestling.”
“Lucky for you,” the friendly, little quip left him before he even thought about catching it, glancing over as Cissnei slid into the booth next to him. He caught a peek of pale skin and an exposed collarbone before forcing his glowing gaze back to the table. He really wished another glass of liquor would appear in front of him. Where did that waiter go? The alcohol, of course, wasn’t to make dealing with Cissnei any easier.
It was to keep him loose.
Cissnei slid her fingers down his left arm, and Angeal could swear she was taking her dear, sweet time getting to his hand. Her touch was feather light, almost ticklish, but it was thankfully over as she reached his hand. Their fingers entwined easily, despite the size difference in their hands. Angeal watched with mild curiosity, unconsciously squeezing her fingers very lightly between his own for just a second. Her hand was so small and delicate, nothing like his -- calloused and rough.
They were two very different people, weren’t they? In jobs, in morals maybe, in size and colors. Yet, they were getting along somewhat easily, now that he’d relaxed some, and they could have a good time together. They would. Cissnei had been purposefully vague with what she’d been up to, but the Soldier had a feeling that she could use some time to actually relax as well. Maybe feel a little less lonely.
The coy red-head slid the loop of her tie over their clasped hands, tightening it with the ease that came from wearing one every day. She looped the rest of the loose fabric around their hands and wrists, before neatly tucking what was left away. Angeal tugged very lightly against the restraint, raising an eyebrow at Cissnei. In reality, he could tear through the delicate fabric easily. Something about the situation, though, made his heart skip a beat. Trapped between the wall and the young woman next to him, tied to her.
This was turning out to be a really, really strange night for him.
The waiter came back to the table with a ribbon in his hands, but was shooed away after Cissnei showed off her work. Angeal chuckled as the confused man walked away, too amused to have immediately asked the man to bring them a couple of more drinks as well.
Brown eyes turned to look up at him, “Maybe he should have left us the ribbon. Blindfolding me might have gave the other contestants a shot.”
The Soldier laughed lightly, the sound a deep rumble in his chest as he poked fun at himself, “Really? I think it’s more of a challenge this way. You’ll wink at me, I’ll drop the fork and forget what I’m doing. Maybe they can gain a few extra seconds.”
He was clearly amused and not being serious, unconsciously tapping his left thumb against the back of her hand. There was a little bit of hesitancy crawling in the back of his mind, of course. Worries didn’t easily leave a natural overthinker. This was the first challenge, and though Angeal was a competitive man, how far would they be asking him to go? What else could come next?
Thankfully, the Turk was there to drag him out of his thoughts.
“But now that we are waiting… If we win, I’ll owe you a favor. What do you say?”
“I suppose I should offer up the same thing, hm?” Angeal nudged her lightly with his elbow, giving her a knowing glance, “But, sure. One favor each, as a prize for winning. So long as we aren’t going to get punished for losing.”
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
She gave a slight hum, noticing he was looking away again. Was it something she did? Maybe she had something on her face and he was too polite to say. She resisted the urge to check herself over and instead, busied herself with the final tugs of their bonds.
He squeezed her hand gently and Cissnei felt herself turn red. It was odd to be treated softly and with dignity. Most simply barked their distrust or were rough. And for someone of his strength, it felt out of place. Were all SOLDIERs this way? A gentleness in their strength? It was vastly different from the executives who wielded a sharp temperament and a sharper tongue. They didn’t care how roughly they treated their subordinates or what verbal abuse would do to them.
And yet, here was a SOLDIER abused by the same corporation that abused her and he was... gentle. Most would lash out. Most would have been corrupted by the attitude. She studied their hands for a moment. A place of connection, even if by circumstance. “Why…?” She said out loud, then shook her head. Why did her mind drift to this? She looked up at him. “Why did you join SOLDIER?” Did he have a choice? Or was he like her? An child with limited options. Shinra would feed you and shelter you. “I remember them coming by the orphanage. I was too small to be recruited.” The Turks took the older ones that had promise. Cissnei was too small and she felt an encroaching danger if she stayed in the orphanage. At eight, she hatched a scheme that would grab the Turks attention. It was a gamble, but it had to be better than being pulled into experiments. A gamble that a child shouldn’t have to make.
“Still am by the looks of it.” She squeezed his hand back with a delicate huff of amusement.
She felt him lightly pull on it.Testing the strength of it maybe? He was lucky she wore a tie tonight, or else she would have used her stockings. Wouldn’t that have been amusing. Turks were resourceful when it came to using what was on their person as improvised tools.
Cissnei smiled and huffed a laugh at Angeal’s words. “First you have no escape, and then you tell me your weaknesses. How brave.” Even though she was a Turk? He clearly knew what she was when she first arrived. What an odd man. “I’ll do my best not to wink during the competition.”
“Oh? I get a favor too? I’ll need to think of a good one.” Oh, she would not deny a favor. They were more precious than one realized, in the right situation that is.
But it wouldn’t be long. Before they returned with plates of chicken alfredo in a skillet and glasses of chardonnay for the two. Cissnei unrolled her silverware with her left hand. At least the food will be decent enough. Pasta and wine were definitely a romantic favorite as well. She then took her glass and had a small drink from it. Though it was a little awkward with her non-dominant hand. She hummed a slight displeasure. She already could see an error in this. “I can start my meal...but...I’ll need you to help me finish.” She was already strategizing the faster route. She was sure he could catch on as to why soon enough.
The last couple was being served their meals and then the waiters made an announcement that the event will start as soon as they blew the whistle. Assistants went to each table with a timer to time how fast the meal was finished. It was the waiter from before and he bid them good luck. The whistle was blown and Cissnei began to eat as quickly, albeit awkwardly with her left hand.
