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Who: Reno, Rude, Aerith
When: somewhere in the month of April
Where: Entertainment district
What: bar date!
Warnings: none so far

[ If Reno goes through with something he goes all-out — half-assing is reserved for things he gives no care about. He gets the reservation done; nice spot, close enough to get the drinks as needed, and have a good view of the scene.

He cheated, a bit, taking Rude's advice on how to organize an outing like this— out of them two, when it comes to real deal dates, Rude is the one who knows more about it. (Reno would say he prefers the spontaneity of just meeting someone at a bar, he's all about living in a moment!)

So here they are, the location given to everyone, so is a number of the reservation. And yes, yes Rude did help him to dress up. A little. Mostly insisted on keeping the shirt under the vest buttoned up. The sleeves, even if rolled, feel constricting, flight in this outfit might be nearly impossible (so it must be easy to discard), but hey.

It was all going so well, Reno was even on time, and then something had to break. There were some inconsistencies in the first order, and since it all was made in his name he was responsible for dealing with that.

when he returned to the table, not only both Aerith and Rude were already there, but they were also already provided with snacks and drinks. For two. Sheesh. ]

I don't suppose you're up to sharing that, are ya? [ Reno refers mostly to the drinks ]

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[Rude came from the opposite side of the city than the apartment today, having gone out for a meeting with a potential client--random work, whatever he could get that wasn't too mundane--but he had taken into consideration the date night. Since it was just a meeting he could dress as nice as he wanted. Not that he ever really didn't dress in a nice suit.

All that aside, he managed to arrive on time and spared a glance around while he waited for Reno and Aerith. On the way over he had messaged the harpy to remind him not to be late. He thought he had gotten through but maybe he'd been too optimistic.

He saw Aerith as she entered the establishment and waved her over to their reserved table, standing to be easily seen in the crowd. Not to mention it was the polite thing to do as he waited for the lady to seat herself. He didn't bother with much more than a greeting as he figured she would start a conversation as soon as she wanted and not a second delayed from that time. So instead he kept one eye on her as he scanned the room for a shock of red hair and feathers.

He locked onto the lithe form as Reno approached. He grunted in first response to Reno's line.]

Here. [He nudged his own drink towards Reno in offering.] Although I wonder if I should?

[He looked at Aerith as he asked the question, letting her in on the slight tease towards Reno and his tardiness.]

( it's her idea, of course, trying to get reno out of whatever self-imposed hole he's put himself into this time: she has an inkling that the two of them may be partners in more than just name only, but she doesn't want to assume, doesn't want to pretend that she knows everything, even when she's clearly nosy enough to have them both escort her out here for a date. likely it will be more of a date for rude and reno, and less for her: but a few drinks? that sounds like the perfect idea, especially for a heart that feels heavier than usual, or perhaps not as light as she might like it to be.

the place is nice, or at least nicer than she might expect reno to frequent: which means she spends most of her time, upon arrival, marveling at the sights around her, at the tables and the lights and the dishes, at everyone else seated around, and then of course at rude, beaming him with a bright smile. on her part, she's not dressed particularly fancy, but it's something a little different, a nice wrap dress with a pair of strappy heels she borrowed from someone in the cottage down the lane from hers, hair down and around her shoulders save for the part still done faithfully with zack's ribbon.

she's got both elbows on the table, her chin on her laced hands, when she looks up at reno--and then at rude, laughing slightly. )

He can have one. ( teasingly, like she really has any say in it. ) Let's say for every two drinks that I have, Reno can have a half of a glass, what do you think~?

[ These two really do look like on a date, no wonder the staff thought that way. He's still salty that they forgot it was a reservation for "three", but he can at the same time enjoy the view.

When Rude and Aerith ponder aloud on just how much he is allowed tonight, he just sticks his tongue at them and answers in a similar, teasing tone ]

Ooh, now I get it! I'm a designated driver—!! [ Reno sits down, with a flourish— you know, pull the chair out, drop on it so it rocks back a little, all long limbs and toothy smile. That drops just for a moment when he sips offered drink and slides it back to Rude. Having doubts when the moment is happening, is unproductive, so he's gonna just focus on being himself. Maybe a slightly better version of himself, because of the given company. (He appreciates them and the outing, but shhh) ] —well, more of a guide in this case. You can enjoy all the fancy drinks and not worry about ending on the wrong end of town.

[ That's followed by a bat of eyelashes and the most innocent face he's able to pull off. ]

Or can you really...?

Sounds good.

[He answered immediately just to see Reno's reaction to all the teasing. He hid his smile behind a hand lifted for exactly that reason, watching the redhead puff up and act out with all the swagger in the world. Typical Reno.]

I don't know. Aerith might not like the places you'd guide to even on a good day.

[His voice was straight-laced as he said it but in truth he was still teasing Reno, amusement still sparking in his eyes. He glanced at Aerith again. But then relented a little as he continued:]

Actually, what do you think of this place? [He asked her.] It's not half bad, huh? [He noticed Aerith looking around in wonder at all the sights to behold here. It was kinda nice, almost fancy even. Reno hadn't done so bad. Rude looked back at the redhead.] Yeah, I guess you did good this time.

It looks a little too fancy... Reno really went all out.

( it's in answer to rude's question, where she gives him a bright smile--and then twists in her seat to stick her tongue out at reno, playfully. it really is a nice place, and truthfully, she feels a little guilty: she doesn't know how much money she's really got on her, or if it'll be enough to cover whatever it is that she ends up drinking. but at the same time, she can't really remember the last time she went out somewhere--in this city, or back home. it's ironic to think that she's out with the turks, but they don't really hold anything over her here, do they?

besides, if reno's going to play tour guide and not get all stuck on the fact that she's an ancient and needs to be careful, she's going to take advantage of that as much as possible. he probably knows all sorts of fun--and seedy--places, and she's got too much of an adventurous spirit to refuse. )

Where else is there to go? Like what kind of places are there, here? I want to see everything.

( yes, she means everything. and she lifts up her glass, clinking it gently with rude's before she--literally downs what's left in it, chirping up a hand for a staff to come over, so that she can order another of the same. )

[ Partner's teasing is met with a snort from Reno's side. Oh, Rude is enjoying this, he sure is. After everything that happened seeing that makes Reno secretly glad. Or not that secretly, because of the Bond hotline. Maybe this was a good idea after all— it's not that he's a worrywart, but without ShinRa, without orders it felt the smartest to stay out of the lives of some familiar faces running around.

—granted, should anyone threaten and want to throw hands, they would be met with an appropriate response.

But that never ended happening. Despite some threats and threading lightly. (Being forgotten doesn't equal being forgiven, but Reno was never seeking the latter in the first place) Alas. Date. Cute girl, cute guy. That could probably never entertain a night like this ever. Take all that you can and never look back, should work well enough, as usual.

Reno points both of his index fingers at himself when Aerith mentioned him going all out on this night— theatrically and dramatic as he was taking all the praise in, and then waving it all away with a wide gesture, looking elsewhere. Sending a stray feather into the air and falling onto the table.

Right on time, because the staff approaches and gives him the earlier forgotten drink, and adds on some simple appetizers. They're also ready to take any order Rude and Aerith might take. Whenever it's possible Reno chimes in response to the question. ]

You know this city seems kind of— eh, behind times, at first glance. But in reality, they got it all. Museums, music, gambling dens, fighting rings, pubs of every type imaginable. They even got a bar with dancers that shed their clothes—

[ He raises his glass at Aerith, filled with simple beer and drinks it, and takes a sip, not minding (or noticing) the foam mustache before adding— ]

Boys are dancing on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Sunday is a mixed bag.

[Rude reacted automatically to the toast, taking a sip of his drink even as he watched Aerith down the rest of hers. Damn, the girl could put back. Not what he would have expected.

As the conversation went on his eyes shifted between the two. Settled on Reno at the end with a careful gaze, not too harsh, not too lenient.]

You're not suggesting...

[Leave it to Reno to drag Aerith through the mud. Then again, maybe she wouldn't mind it. What did he know? Still, someone had to act mildly abhorrent at the idea for at least two seconds...

...he suddenly had the feeling that he would probably get a laugh out of one or the both of them for being so prudish.]

( a part of her feels sorry for rude--because he's likely going to get dragged into this, with the way that she and reno seem intent on one-upping each other. oh, she's more than happy to hear about all the things the city has to offer in terms of entertainment, given that she hasn't gotten up to much herself outside of steadfastly building up her garden and attending to her new home and trying out any sort of side job she could get. so once she has a new glass--with a warm smile of thanks to the server--she studies reno with large eyes, taking in each suggestion with the curl of a smile.

you're not suggesting--rude starts, and aerith reaches over, lays a hand on his forearm and gives it a gentle squeeze. she's always felt more comfortable around rude: not a bad person, sweet and gentle and even thoughtful in ways she didn't know to expect from a turk. but her and reno have that same fiery curiosity for things: and begrudgingly, she realizes she likes him a lot, too. even better, now that shinra isn't here to encourage him to do things maybe he doesn't like doing after all. )

I want to see both, do you not want to see both? ( she's teasing, as she lifts up her brows at reno, first, and then rude, questioning. )

Can we go? Please? Promise that I won't stop either one of you from getting up and dancing yourselves.

[ Oh, this is getting even better. And Rude is getting a double of what he usually does. But he's been always a professional in handling the wild side of his partner, it makes sense he could handle both of them.

Especially since Aerith has that quality that tempers Reno's edges a little. He's not aware of it — not yet! — but he's been subconsciously trying to amp up his behaviour. It's all unplanned, instinctual. Strange and...freeing. And remains so as long as he doesn't try to actively think about it. Thinking is where the doubts hide. ]

Great taste princess, I know where to secure the tickets for the next outing. [ Reno attempts to hide his giggle and smile (mischievous rather sarcastic) with a snack that he puts into his mouth. He's tempted to make a lewd comment, regarding Rude losing his clothes, but that might actually fall under "too much", and they wouldn't work so well if Reno didn't know when to stop.

Partner, he ain't going to embarrass you in front of the lady. He's going to embarrass himself instead (which doesn't work on someone having barely any shame at all, so it evens itself out) ] Oooh, I know you're teasing, but I'm a good dancer if I put my heart to it. Maybe I should get a job there to prove the point and get a discount.

[The tension left Rude the instant Aerith placed her hand on his arm, not that he was particularly rigid to begin with. But her reassurance went a surprisingly long way.

The two of them, Reno and Aerith, were enjoying the conversation and the anticipation of more fun to come. That gave him some peace of mind when he left it settle into him. There was no sense in worrying over it. Especially if that's what Aerith wanted.

He was used to visiting such places for various reasons anyway, after all. A little fun never hurt anyone.

He tracked the conversation as it continued between the other two and leaned back into his chair. He was fine--even well on his way to agreeing with Aerith like a man incapable of saying no to a sweet little thing--when Reno had to tack on that last bit and Rude snorted.]

Reno. [He shook his head, resigned to his partner's antics.] ...Fine. We'll take you there. Better with us than you wandering there on your own.

[Leave it to Rude to make it sound like he was just agreeing so he could keep an eye on her. Even if he was already wondering if it really would be fun to go to such a place with Aerith and his partner. What would that be like, and could he really let go even while Aerith, of all people, were there alongside.]

( the way rude puts it, it does sound like more of a job than anything else--and that sobers her a little, makes her smile falter for a moment before she plasters it back on. likely he doesn't mean it, but it's probably hard to slip out of old habits, right? she would have never dreamed of going to a place like that back in midgar, not even certain where things like that existed outside of wall market; and she only went there the one time for the sake of saving tifa. to have this sort of freedom in a new world is liberating, but it also comes with old hang-ups, and old habits that die hard.

curiously, her gaze goes to rude, first, and then to reno, as she sips at her newly delivered drink. there's not too much liquor in it, but there's already enough to have her feeling a bit warm, and that means it's not time to stop now at all. maybe redirecting the subject would be better--rude doesn't seem quite as amused at the thought of reno up on a pole dancing his heart out, so. )

So are you going to tell me how long you two have been together? ( the warm, innocent swing of her gaze, from one of them to the other, like she's dreamily waiting to hear a fairytale. ) You are together, right?

[ There's a slightest of the eye-roll at Rude's comment, but Reno's expression does not turn into a scowl of an annoyance afterward. It's an amused one instead, a bit with unsaid "oh of course you would say that". Always the dependable one. Never allowing himself to loosen up with an audience.

Or maybe they needed a reminder. He notices the smile faltering on Aerith's face, and it's really admirable how quickly she can put it back on. Facial expressions are what betrays the most, someone might be saying they're okay, but their face will tell a different story.

—someone might assure they are telling all the truth, but their face will show the lie if you know where to look

So he gets to put his own poker face into practice when she drops a bomb on them. Eyes opening a little wider in surprise, and feathers ruffling slightly remains the only tell how unexpected that was. ]

Nothing can hide from your observant eyes, huh? Ya sure you wanna be a florist? Detective sounds more up your alley. [ Reno smirks but shoots a glance at Rude, then at Aerith. Grin creeping back up at his face as he gently pokes Rude's ankle with the tip of his foot ] He made the first move, can you believe it? Like a true charmer. It's easy to imagine him with flowers, no? All prim and proper and gentlemanly.

[ It is not how it went ]

[It was Rude--normally so stoic and impassive in demeanor--who reacted more obviously towards the sudden topic change. To be fair, it was his wings and tail shifting awkwardly that gave him away the most. Those things never quite wanted to agree with him.

He cleared his throat just before Reno answered her question--and he gave the little harpy a sharp look for the misinformation. Way to paint him like a dopey romantic, Reno. (Never mind the fact that he kind of was.) That was definitely not how it went.

Rude looked back at Aerith and attempted to keep his face from darkening as he ignored Reno to reply to her on his own.]

It was a mistake and I regretted it immediately.

[Okay, that probably didn't help matters any. Retaliation for Reno teasing him? Yeah, but maybe a little too crude. He softened up a bit as he continued, rectifying it.]

But as it turned out, I didn't need to worry so much. He was more accepting than I had any right to hope for. [His head ducked a little as he closed his eyes for a moment.] It just sort of worked itself in the end. That initial confession was...horrifying though. In more ways than one. It involved a ghost that was hurting us and wouldn't stop still we told the truth about one of her eerily accurate questions. I just blurted it out, wanting her to stop hurting Reno...

( well, this is a lot of conflicting information at once, isn't it?

her brows lift, holding the rim of her glass against her lips so that she doesn't burst out with something inappropriate--yet even so, she snorts into it when rude declares it a mistake, coughing faintly as she sets the glass down. one of her hands reaches for a napkin to dab at her lips while she tries to decide what to say, listening to the rest of the story. )

It's not a mistake to tell someone you care about them.

( she chastises, gently, but continues to listen: it makes her smile a little, glancing at reno for his reaction before she looks back to rude in earnest. )

It sounds like quite the situation, though. It must have been hard to just blurt it all out when maybe you weren't intending to... But look at what you got out of it, right? Something really, really good.

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