Alder Shimbrodus
"You're going to be late... Marilyn says the dark grey one in case you're wondering," came the familiar voice behind him. Alder could hear the amusement behind it. He turned to see his partner leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed and dressed in something that was a mix between authoritarian and casual... casually authoritarian? Was there even such a thing? At least one of them was ready.
Despite their agreement not to be around each other while working, Alder did look forward to this more than anything due to the rarity of the nature. Circumstances and outright requirements demanded that Anthony perform his due diligence by remaining as Alder's escort and bodyguard. The ambassador wasn't sure why but he wasn't about to question it either, and in fact looked forward to it. Soon, his partner would see the world of politics, however briefly and either cringe in horror at the sight of so many delegates throwing words that could cut the strongest of metals or laugh... because what else could one do in politics?
Sometimes he wished he saw what Anthony did but the man was, if anything, tight lipped about that. 'If it concerns you, you'll know,' was about as much as the man would tell him at times (and it wasn't as if the same answer wasn't reciprocated). He smirked lightly to himself while he slipped on the dark grey vest... Alder - in a combat zone... that was like saying Anthony shouting across the table in a heated negotiation.
He smiled at the thought of that and ruffled his hair quickly, damn thing wasn't cooperating today. It certainly did last night at Cloud 9. He came home talking to Jones even, who was still rather rigid but actually managed to crack a smile when Alder shared a joke with him that Dalacler had told him. Or was it a joke? He was still trying to figure that one out. He was about as alien to her as she was to him but they got along quite amicably.
"Ready to go see your girlfriend?" Anthony teased with a grin.
He rolled his eyes, tugging on his vest. Despite the dark grey vest and blue pants, his own ensemble was softer than last night's or the day of the summit. Almost casual, really, but just enough to say he still 'meant business'. He'd have to raise Marilyn's salary for the fashion tips. Tugging at Anthony's elbow, his smile turned lopsided, "Jealous are we?"
Anthony shrugged nonchalantly, "Yeah well, you know, my manly pride demands I know whose trying to steal you from me."
Rolling his eyes again, they walked a ways before they had to separate for decorum and appearance sake. Sometimes Alder wished he could do away the professionalism and just do as he wished. In hindsight he could in some ways, as his partner was still by his side.
The conference room was still being filled up and his eyes scanned it, carefully taking into account all those that he saw. Anthony was simply quicker about it, "Where's your girlfriend? Thull is here though."
Alder laughed quietly, choosing not to answer though there really wasn't any need. This was a conference, after all, and bodyguards tended to be close by or outside it (if Alder recalled the security procedures correctly). Loosening his grip on Anthony's hand, he gestured for his partner to follow as they took their seats.
