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Book Haven, Tuesday

Rufus was in a foul mood as he restocked shelves at Book Haven. The store itself wasn't the cause of it, and Dark Nation wasn't either--though Rufus did spare a baleful glance at where his dog was making friends with the dust bunnies--no, the problem was that he'd had terrible dreams where the most interesting thing had been a virtual reality fishing game.

And he'd woken up feeling off-balance and obscurely disappointed by the appearance of a strange person in a super hero outfit at the end of it all.

Ugh.

None of it made any sense and that left him cranky. Maybe plotting would help soothe his irritation away.

Book Haven is Open.

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Zack gave a small nod of acknowledgement, something almost like thanks, as he turned to make his way toward aisle four. Of course he kept an eye open for the hound as he went, just in case Dark Nation - and that name amused him so much, though he didn't let it show - came back with the ball.

It didn't take him long before he'd found a few books on animal training- a few for dogs in particular, but some for pets in general. Nothing there for training a chicken, though. So, he was still going to have to deal with that on his own.

It was a few minutes before he came back out again with an armload of books, heading for the counter. He'd been almost back to his usual 'easygoing casual' for a minute there, but when he saw Rufus, his expression closed off and went icy all over again.

Yes. Great.

Rufus had run through his options.

He could continue to ignore the SOLDIER. He could carry on the transaction mildly and get out of this with a minimum of fuss.

Or--

"What is your problem with me?"

Well. So much for in and out. Zack paused, clearly caught off-guard by that direct question, and frowned at Rufus, setting his armload of books down on the counter.

"Maybe I'll tell you when you're older."

Maybe Rufus would be able to figure it out himself, by then.

"Bullshit," Rufus said.

You know, since being direct had worked thus far.

And that reply actually dragged a bark of a laugh out of Zack, sudden and harsh and not completely convinced that Rufus' reply had actually just happened, for a moment.

"Okay then," he said, a little more easily, giving his head a little shake. "Maybe I won't even tell you then."

It wasn't like he'd ever known Rufus personally before. Otherwise it might not have been such a surprise.

"That's more honest at least," Rufus drawled. He watched as Dark Nation came bounding back, ball in his jaws, to wiggle at Zack.

Zack just watched Rufus for a few more moments, that almost-smile toying at his lips with a sort of ferocity behind it that he hadn't felt in years.

Finally, he looked down at the dog, and held his hand down to take the ball again.

"Good boy," he muttered. Because of course he wasn't going to hold his grudge against the puppy.

And, in that, Rufus saw his chance to take that opening and grab it.

It would be a roundabout method, but he didn't mind even as Dark Nation gave the ball up and yipped hopefully.

"I'm going away for a few days over the weekend," he said, unruffled and like he hadn't just made up his mind about this. "Would you be willing to look after Dark Nation?"

Zack blinked.

Zack blinked again.

"What?" Honestly, he was too confused by the question (or the fact that Rufus was asking it of him) to really resume being hostile at the kid. Now he was just staring at him in a sort of quiet bemusement.

Don't laugh, Rufus.

"Would you be willing to look after Dark Nation?" he repeated, keeping his voice level and doing his best to look at least vaguely earnest and trustworthy.

Zack blinked between Rufus and the pup, looking more perplexed by the moment.

"... I mean, I guess it's my job..."

WHAT WAS HAPPENING HERE?

It was all according to plan.

"You'd be paid, of course," Rufus said mildly. "And it would be appreciated. He already likes you."

To be fair, he liked Peridot who most definitely did not like him. Dark Nation was a terrible judge of character.

She'd probably like him more if he wasn't a rotten little finger-stealer.

"I guess so?"

Zack was now holding the ball, staring down in confusion at the hound. Okay. Oookay. Right.

"Sure. I'll watch your dog."

So much for not answering to another Shinra.

But fingers were fun!

Dark Nation wriggled impatiently. Ball? He wanted ball! Didn't person know what to do with the ball?

Rufus could be gracious in victory.

"I appreciate it," he said, inclining his head and reaching for the books to ring them through. Sure, he could give them away but... dogsitting and book buying were two different things. "My thanks."

His thanks meant absolutely nothing, Zack. He was just being polite since he'd gotten what he wanted.

"Your name?" he asked.

Zack eyed Rufus in silence for a long moment before he heaved a sigh.

Man oh man.

"It's Zack," he said, finally. "SOLDIER 1st Class, Zack Fair."

And whatever the hell else was going on, he'd earned that rank. Maybe he wasn't in uniform, but he had his honor.

More than most, apparently.

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Book Haven, Tuesday

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