OPEN/MINGLE — SMASHING GARDENS

[fujin]

[ Meanwhile, in the middle of the desert......

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object? Who knows. This is more like two old, rusted Chevys trading flirting touches at low speeds. Galbadia Garden and Balamb Garden are careening into one another in a way that some of you might find all too familiar.

Maybe this happened years ago for you, maybe it hasn't happened yet, maybe you had no business being in these crazy hoverships in the first place, but regardless. You're here now and it's time to brace for impact. This one will be an even bigger problem, because there's no one at the helm of these ships. It's as if they've developed a will of their own and driven themselves into one another, sending both vessels careening into the boiling sands below.

Luckily, these things are as hardy as they are ancient. They'll both need new paint jobs and extracurricular activities will be out of the question for some time, but when the dust clears, everything is mostly intact. The Gardens will fly again. Someday.

Anyway, this is your chance to mingle somewhere that isn't Midgar. Both Gardens are smushed together, accessible through Galbadia Garden's basketball court. Maybe you want to organize a search and rescue. Or start doing damage assessment and making repairs. Maybe you wanna do some figure skating on the definitely not demon-infested hockey rink. Whatever you want, congrats, you're not in Midgar anymore. ]

Comments

[ambitiousblond]

No, aside from getting a shower and change of clothes my evening is free.

[He's sure that Tseng can arrange that easily enough as well as some time for them to catch up when things have calmed down later.

After what seems to be forever the desert is starting to be broken up small trees then buildings appearing in the distance. Rufus holds the handkerchief to his head, trying to get the bleeding to stop.]

I'm sure you have a suggestion on how to spend this free night off?

[beenhad]

[ Finally, a break from the barren monotony of the desert. Midgar looms in the distance. It won't be long now.

Visibility must be improving, because Tseng is barely looking out the windshield anymore. He's got the steering wheel propped up against a knee to keep them coasting forward while he busies himself with something on his phone. Work shit, don't worry about it.

This time, he does smirk. Doesn't look up, but Rufus can plainly see the expression on his face. ]

I'm sure I do.

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus decides not to ask, perhaps it would be better to be surprised in this case. Instead, he stares at Tseng steering with his knee while using his phone, eyebrows raised.]

Should I drive if you're going to work?

[Rufus knows that there is a very slim chance that Tseng will actually let behind the wheel, nothing good came from that, but that wasn't his intention. It was mostly just a not so subtle hint that the last thing he wanted was for them to crash before they got to Midgar.]

[beenhad]

[ Tseng's shoulders hitch, almost like he's laughing quietly. Probably because he is. Don't worry, Rufus. One mild concussion is enough for you. ]

I'll see you home safely, sir; no need to worry.

[ The phone is replaced in his pocket and he drapes one hand over the wheel, casting a skeptical glance at Rufus. Better? ]

You must be famished.

[ambitiousblond]

[Much better. He knew that Tseng could drive even while texting but Rufus had nothing else to do right now other and he had to entertain himself somehow.]

I know, I was just ensuring that.

[Because of course he did.]

I am, actually. I haven't eaten anything in hours now that I've thought about it.

[beenhad]

[ Tseng's lips curl, pleased. ]

So I'd figured, sir. I took the liberty of ordering a banquet.

[ It would do well to leave it there, to not betray his own excitement, but he cannot. The prospect is too tantalizing. It feels like it has been an eternity since they were able to enjoy these small comforts. ]

Real food. [ He says quietly. ] Not salvaged cans and wilted jerky.

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus doesn't bother to hide his excitement as he sits up a little. All is suddenly forgiven. He normally doesn't indulge himself too often despite the fact he could have anything he wanted at any time but this would be a treat.

And after the last two years, he knew how exciting it would be for Tseng. It was how he had felt the first time he had been able to eat cheesecake here.]

Strawberry cheesecakes and champagne. And I assume you got that stir fry dish just as you like it.

[It wasn't just about the food, it would be sharing it with Tseng after everything they had been through.]

[beenhad]

Yes and no.

[ Finally, finally, they are hitting actual roads. There's pavement and sidewalks. The bridge to Midgar looms up ahead. Tseng cannot hide the grumble of his own stomach while they discuss what is on the menu. ]

I had a cheesecake delivered from that bakery on West 25th.

[ It's been two years, but Tseng still remembers that it's the only bakery that Rufus hasn't voiced a complaint about. It's also excessively expensive, but such extravagances are fine by him. He thinks that after all this time, he would like to see Rufus truly enjoy himself. ]

Gloria vetoed Wutai. She wanted that imitation Costan place. I've no inclination to argue otherwise.

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus makes the happiest, breathless sigh at that. During his time here he's never had a chance to treat himself to that. The cheesecake the chef made was fine but it just wasn't the same as that bakery. It doesn't matter that he's sure that they are raising the price since it's for him in particular. Worth every gil.

He actually laughs, his mood already improved despite the mild concussion. Just the mention of his favorite cheesecake was enough for that.]

Of course, she did.

[He doesn't know anyone who argues with Gloria.]

I like that place. They have those little fried like crab dumplings that are so good.

[And which are definitely not Wutaian.]