timeandtides_backup | [Thread] Meeting for the Very First Time.

Characters: Selphie, Nida, Squall, Rinoa, Vayne, Larsa
Progress: In Progress
Summary: The SeeDs meet their first client on this brand new world.
Location: Alexandria
Date: April, 1803 (after the Garden picks up Squall and Rinoa)
Warnings: None right now.

If the people in Alexandria on the city walls were paying attention, they would have seen a huge floating disk-like building moving slowly but steadily towards their city like this. It was still early morning though, and the morning mist was covering up their approach, abeit unintentionally. Still, Squall told Nida not to park the Garden to close, and they'll make the rest of the way on foot as to not alarm any of the local residents.

After making sure he was appropriately equipped with his usual weapon and equipment, Squall waited at the Garden entrance for the others. They haven't exactly set a time with their clients, but the earlier they got this over with, the earlier they could swing around to Treno to meet Sis (and Laguna, but Squall is conveniently ignoring that fact).

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"You're welcome!" said Rinoa to Vayne, grinning at the pair of them. "It's great to meet you at last, Larsa. You'll be safe with us, we guarantee it!"

As loathe as he was to take his leave after so short a time, Vayne had pressing matters to see to. He returned his attention to Squall after a polite nod to Rinoa. "As matters of payment and contract have been arranged, I must take my leave. Please keep me apprised of any issues that might arise."

Not that he expected any, but Larsa was known to go off on his own from time to time.

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Squall gave a nod to Vayne. "Of course, sir. Rest assured we will see to your brother's safety." He turned to Larsa and was about to ask him for his plans before changing his mind.

It was far better to let Larsa get used to Selphie and Rinoa first before planning for anything else.

Rinoa threw an arm around Larsa, grinning. "So! Are you gonna stay with us in Garden? We'll give you a tour, right, Selphie?"

Nida, who had stood silently through the entire introductory spiel mostly for the fact that he was used to hanging out in the background and had nothing to say, rolled his eyes at Selphie. He couldn't say anything about it, though. She was just being Selphie.

He leaned in to Larsa, hand held up beside his mouth as if he was trying to keep distant viewers from being able to read his lips, and said, "Don't let them give you the tour. They can't go two feet without getting lost."

Squall almost groaned out loud in frustration as he watched the scene in front. What in the world happened to their professionalism? And after he's warned them too BEFORE they left the Garden.

"Aw, that's too bad," said Rinoa, who thought Larsa's blushing was adorable. "I know - if you wanna stay in Alexandria, you could give us a tour! We could all go shopping!"

Vayne glanced over to his brother and viewed the boy's consternation with an amused expression. He told Squall quietly, "I see that your group is quite lively. This should serve Larsa well. I fear he has been too much secluded and protected to his detriment." Privately, he thought if the boy was occupied dealing with the energetic females who were doting on him, that left him less time to find himself in the company of others which would not meet Vayne's approval.

After another moment spent diverted by the group, he bade both brother and guards farewell, taking his leave in the direction of the castle.

The moment Vayne had gone, Rinoa punched the air. "Yes! Then shopping it is!" she crowed. "Let's go glance at those wares."

She laughed and gave Larsa a teasing smile. The way he spoke was adorable too. Then she looked at Squall, who didn't seem to share their happy mood.

"You'll carry our bags for us, right?"

Nida barely restrained himself from openly facepalming at Selphie and Rinoa's behaviour. Wasn't this supposed to be a mission? They were bodyguards, not babysitters on holiday. Jeez.

He pulled Rinoa and Selphie aside, not far, mostly just diverting their attention from Larsa to him, which meant that Larsa could still hear everything despite Nida speaking in a low voice for attempted secrecy. "If he's somebody who actually needs bodyguards, don't you think a shopping trip that puts him out in the open is a bad idea?"

At least Vayne seemed fairly understanding about Selphie and Rinoa's behaviour. And it looked like he'll have to remind them both about professionalism and how they're not allowed to bully the client. Again.

"A shopping trip should be alright." He put in and gave them two a glare. "As long as you don't get too distracted. And remember what I said about not bullying our client." They couldn't really keep Larsa in the Garden all the time, after all.

Rinoa wagged her finger at Nida. "That's where you're wrong. We can't keep him cooped up, can we? He's not a prisoner. Anyway, the best way to keep him safe is to make it look like he doesn't need bodyguards! We'll just be a group of friends going out shopping! No-one will even look twice at us. See, it makes complete sense!"

When Squall agreed, Rinoa grinned triumphantly, feeling vindicated. "See?" she said again. "It'll be fine!"

"Not me," said Rinoa, melting at once at the sight of that smile.

Squall just shook his head tiredly.

"I'll leave everything to the two of you then. Please remember to keep a sharp eye out for anything dangerous while you are there. This IS a job." He gave the two of them a stern look.

"Okay!" said Rinoa. "See you!"

She blew a kiss at him and winked before beginning to move off, waiting for Selphie and Larsa to follow.

[Thread] Meeting for the Very First Time.

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