Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII, characters, places, etc. All rights belong to Square-Enix and their respected owners.
Summary: Post ACC/DoC. Because, sometimes, it's in everyone's best interest if both parties agree to commit to something as mundane as a marriage based on politics and personal gain. Better the devil you know than the one you don't. Rufus/Yuffie
The Arrangement
Chapter Nine
Part Two
The ceremony was almost over before she even realized it.
Hands, rings, and words were exchanged in a mishmash of customary cues that had been thoroughly practiced, days in advance. And yet, in spite of the time spent in going through those exhaustive rehearsals, the crown Princess of Wutai would be a liar if she said that she wasn't nervous when her hands, which were undeniably cold and clammy, shook when Rufus took them into his, warming them with a pressing reassurance which seemed to radiate from his very touch. The wedding ring he offered her, oddly enough, was cold when he slipped it onto her finger, its Materia-encrusted band complimenting her engagement ring as it locked into it, fitting perfectly, and Yuffie realized in that moment that the rings were two halves of a whole. She almost faltered at the realization. Rufus—or someone close to him—had thought this wedding thing through. He'd left no loose ends on his side. And yet, she couldn't say the same of her father, who still had yet to keep up his end of the bargain.
As much as it galled Yuffie to admit it, everything that joined the Kisaragi bloodline to that of the ShinRa family was finalized, save for signing all of the prearranged documents that were necessary to legalize the marriage. Those, according to her father, would be signed before she and Rufus left Wutai—that very night. She inwardly fumed at the idea. Leave it to her dead old dad to put a damper on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. She didn't doubt that the ink on those documents would still be wet when she and Rufus left for their honeymoon.
It's just as well, she considered dismally, as she listened to the priest drone on and on over the sanctity of marriage and companionship. Yuffie almost laughed in his face. If the man only knew. After all, she carried no illusions that Rufus would be faithful to her, since he would undoubtedly seek his pleasure elsewhere. As long as there was a child that bore both his and her DNA, it didn't matter how faithful Rufus was—to the one woman he expected to be exceptionally faithful to him. That was the unspoken part of their little agreement; for even after keeping her end of the deal, Yuffie knew that any secret liaison that she might have with another man would be out of the question. Damned double-standard, I should just cut off his crown jewels, once we have an heir and a spare, she thought, a little irritably, and she had to bite her tongue to keep from uttering such shocking thoughts aloud.
The shrine's priest, High Priest Asano—a man personally chosen by Godo to oversee the union—wouldn't like it, let alone her father. As for her beloved almost-husband, well, she couldn't say; the jury in her head was still out on that one. His grave expression certainly hadn't changed, not even when he slipped the ring that would forever bind her to him on her finger. To Yuffie's surprise, however, he wasn't completely wooden in his actions; for the emphasis he'd placed in his vow to love, honor, and protect her was unmistakable. It was just for show, since the ceremony was being broadcast live across the world.
But, still, his vows were expressed in such a way that almost convinced even Yuffie. He wasn't blowing this off; he actually, if only in an attempt to convince everyone else…Meant. Every. Single. Word. Of. What. He. Said. And it was enough for her—to go along with this little charade when she expressed her own promises in a manner that suggested that she was actually in love with this man whom everyone loved to hate. Her friends and the rest of Gaia would remain none the wiser, as to how the bride and groom really felt about each other. And so she gave him her best smile—strictly eye candy for the cameras—while she patiently waited for this nightmare to end.
She'd already given him the ring which designated him as her husband, slipping it onto his finger as he'd done in like manner with hers. The rings, she'd come to notice, were, notably, a perfectly matching set. It shouldn't have surprised her, given how he remarked, on occasion, how they complimented each other visually. The rings were a part of that illusion and nothing more.
Though unlike hers, his wedding ring was only a plain mythril band. There was nothing intricate or lavish about it; yet because of its simplicity, Yuffie felt that it suited him perfectly. For an overly complex man, who very nearly wore the same style of clothing every day, his obtaining the façade of a simple man was actually very brilliant, and she smiled. If nothing else, the man was passively amusing in playing his little mind games on an unsuspecting populace. She almost applauded him for it. Almost. She couldn't give him too much credit; his ego was massive enough as it was.
Overblown, she corrected herself. Yes, Rufus ShinRa was, undeniably, a very proud man. Yuffie considered that, waiting ever so patiently for the priest to wrap whatever he had to say up. Really, Rufus wouldn't be himself if he wasn't proud of his own accomplishments—not that she didn't have some of her own pride; she actually possessed enough for those of her countrymen who lacked any. Still, though. As odd as it was, Yuffie had to admit that the man standing across from her failed to wear that perpetual look of pride that she so often saw in photographs and posters of his father. Rufus exerted a naturally cool intellect, his stern expression a handsome mask which concealed what the man who wore it felt internally.
Even now, Yuffie couldn't discern as to what he presently felt. Relief, perhaps. Triumph in finally getting her to the altar, certainly. She highly doubted that he was happy about being stuck for the rest of his life with the likes of her; but for whatever reason, he'd agreed to their little arrangement regardless.
It was, after all, only that.
An arrangement.
It could be nothing more than that, not even when they had children and still pretended to be head-over-hills in love with each other when they were as dotty as someone who'd just bathed in a pool of Mako. She then wondered, if Rufus were to ever lose any of his teeth, whether he would go the normal route as most people did and have dentures. Knowing him, the man would go for a set of premium implants, just to spite the dentist fitting them. As absurd as thinking about such a far-off thing was, she still smiled at the likelihood. Rufus was just as stubborn as she in that respect. It was almost fitting that two such people, with matching temperaments, were to join forces through marriage. Oh, what a pair they would indeed make! She grinned at the havoc they would wreak on the world, a small bubble of laugh escaping her.
High Priest Asano looked at her oddly, his oiled mustache twitching in apparent disapproval, but then he proceeded on. Yuffie smiled at him. His expression, combined by his attempt to remain composed under the critical gaze of her father, made her smile even more. She barely noticed the look Rufus gave her, under that cold façade of ice and snow. His reddish-blond hair was slicked back into a respectable style, his finely-tailored suit immaculate. And yet, as Yuffie continued in her silent perusal of him, all the while plaguing him with that knowing smile, he remained as inert and unmovable as a chunk of Master Materia. You're like a stick in the mud, Rufus ShinRa, even on your wedding day. You really need to lighten up a little, Gawd, she wanted to say to him, but that would only be a fraction of the truth. The thing was, she doubted that he would ever lighten up, not even when she finally gave him the night of his life.
Of course, he might have to wait a few years on that one, she thought, rather mischievously, as she watched him eye her with something more than kindness. Yuffie almost blanched. Gawd. He wasn't thinking about that already, was he? But weren't you checking out his ass only a few minutes ago? a spiteful little voice jibed at the back of her mind. She quelled it instantly, but the thought remained: undeniably stuck in the middle when Asano united their hands as he finally deemed them husband and wife, his graying head bowing forward in solemn confirmation. Yuffie visibly trembled under the gravity of his expression when she watched him calmly announce to the world:
"Noble lords and ladies of our most honored emperor's court," he began, before acknowledging the rest of those in attendance, "And visitors from lands far and wide, may the great water god, Leviathan, in his infinite wisdom, bless this holy union, as it is my honor to present Lord and Lady ShinRa, the future rulers of our noble kingdom."
A gong was rung, and then silence.
The ceremony, for the headache that it had been in its many months of tireless preparation, was well and truly over. However, the crown Princess of Wutai was far from relieved. For as with any wedding ceremony that drew to a close, there was always a final gesture of love expressed between those happily united in holy matrimony. And yet—
And yet…
There wouldn't be a kiss between the bride and groom.
That was a custom wholly Western in tradition. As such, Godo hadn't sanctioned for the ceremony to include it; and Yuffie didn't see any point in arguing with her father, since she was so tired of going head-to-head with the old goat. Spiting him had gotten a little old. And besides, after the many kisses she'd given for the cameras, she really had no interest in kissing Rufus, anyway. For the ShinRa heir—now a lord—himself, as with her kimono, had remained unsurprisingly indifferent on the matter. His affections—whatever they were—had also been for the cameras. He had no interest in kissing her, either.
It isn't as if he actually enjoys it, she thought, somewhat cynically, but was then forced to remember the taste of his mouth. His lips weren't all cold and dry as Vincent's had been—far from it, actually—since his, she was loath to admit, were warm, demanding, and utterly enthralling. It was a corny comparison, she knew, but one fitting nonetheless. For even when he wasn't throwing sarcastic remarks her way, his mouth still retained a sense of authority, even when he was doing nothing but sucking the air from her lungs. He certainly hadn't enjoyed kissing her, by any means. No. He couldn't have. It was an understanding that should've made her count her lucky stars, but instead she felt a little disappointed by it.
The silence that surrounded them seemed to reinforce that feeling, growing more unwanted and profound with each passing second; however, when she again looked up to the man who now regarded her as her lord and husband, everything she believed before that moment was refuted entirely. Her dark eyes countered his in disbelief, caught as she was under that penetrating, Mako-infused gaze. He intended something underhanded and dirty. She was sure of it. But then, when she finally discovered the reason behind that intensive stare—one that was directed solely at her—it was too late to react. It was too late to do anything, really. And Yuffie almost cursed him and his family name to the lower regions of Gaia. Damn him. Damn him. Damn him!
Of all the stunts he could've pulled, she just had to be grabbed and plastered—in a very suggestive position, she was happily inclined to add—against his chest, his hands wrapping around the lower half of her back like a…she dare not say what. She heard a collective gasp from those surrounding them, and she groaned internally.
It was obvious that everyone was aware of what he was doing, as well. Rufus ShinRa had done the unexpected; and she blinked, absolutely shocked by his behavior. She was positively mortified, especially when he looked down at her, for only half an instant, as he briefly considered the silent, awestruck girl before him, her absolute surprise catching everyone, even Asano and her father, off-guard.
He almost applauded her for her sincerity, mildly impressed as he was by her efforts in saving face. Ever the innocent little girl in want of her Prince Charming. A well-played move. He offered her a cold smile, before leaning down and silently commending her with a kiss. He felt her stiffen in his arms, those midnight eyes fluttering under a pair of dusky eyelashes like two black butterflies alighting on a snowy field.
She, unlike her assailant, was lost in the darkness of her own thoughts, those rose painted lips curving into that of an unwanted smile. There was pleasure there. In the kiss that they presently shared. It was as simple that. And Yuffie welcomed it, just as she had all of those months ago in Junon. He was actually giving her something she'd wanted. Knowing him as she did, though, it was probably his way of getting back at her for teasing him with one a couple of weeks ago. But regardless of his petty need for vengeance, she enjoyed it; and no matter how much she lied to herself about not wanting to kiss him on their wedding day, she did, and she welcomed it, welcomed him, and all the hell Godo and the others would give her after the honeymoon.
As if aware of the punishment they would dole out, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and accepted the kiss and all of its consequences—come what may—as she tasted a hint of red wine and peppermint on his tongue.
Ah, Gawd.
She felt as if lightning had struck her, her body succumbing to the surge of emotions his kiss inflicted; and she went stock-still, giving into him before a very shocked Godo. Yuffie almost smiled when she heard her father tap his sandaled foot in obvious displeasure, pleased as she that Rufus had done the unexpected, by enraging her father by his own methods. Really, his kiss was nothing short of amazing.
It was powerful. Electric. Like his company.
Yuffie suddenly paused. His company. Him. How could she forget? She should've pulled away from him then, away from the danger he represented, but she instead found herself intrigued by the comparison as she smiled into the kiss, offering him as good as he gave. The cameras flashed rapidly, capturing the moment forever in a flood of light and sound. And yet, she, for her part, couldn't care whether they photographed every physically known angle of the kiss or not. They could take as many pictures as they wanted, waste as much of their cameras' memory to their hearts' content. She didn't care. She honestly didn't care how Godo and the others would react to her behavior.
For as with their wedding announcement in Junon, the kiss that she'd shared with Rufus would be something that went down in the history books, since no royal marriage had ever done that which Rufus ShinRa had just imposed. As a ruling lord, he'd set forth a new precedent—one of which his young bride wholeheartedly supported—since their children and their descendants would undoubtedly follow in their footsteps. It was a breakaway from the old ways, from the traditions of her father, and Yuffie was glad of it. Given the devil his due, Rufus had brought the first wave of change that her country so desperately needed. It didn't matter whether he felt a genuine desire to better the country or not; it was the fact that he'd kept his promise and did so. That's what mattered ultimately.
It was then she felt him end the kiss, a ghost of it remaining with her as he clasped one of her hands in his and turned to regard the gaping crowd of onlookers before them. A handful of reporters were already lining up, ready to catch the latest scoop. She watched Rufus stare them down with an expression akin to the one he'd possessed during his acceptance speech in Junon, when he became ShinRa's next president. He stared at them as he had those upon his ascension: imperious and full of confidence. Perfectly ready to take on the world. Obviously his becoming the future Lord of Wutai had given his ego something of a power boost. She'd have to take it down a few notches after the wedding, of course. But for now, she'd let him have his fun with the pack of hyenas lurking about with their cameras and microphones.
Squeezing his hand in silent reassurance, she allowed him to sweet-talk his way into their maddening throng, offering only support as she gushed over how much she loved him, and, yes, what a kiss that was, and how all he wanted to do was to give her the perfect wedding. She lied into every microphone thrust her way, perfectly and prettily, and she offered them her brightest smile when she showed off their wedding rings.
Over a hundred photos were snapped in the direction of their rings, and at least a thousand of her kissing him sweetly on the cheek.
"Lady ShinRa," a man from the Edge Chronicle formally addressed, "do you intend to refer to your new husband as a lord?"
The question was met with her unnaturally soft, bell-like laughter. "Well, I don't know," answered Yuffie as she gave Rufus a faux, uncertain look. "He'd probably enjoy that, lording that kind of thing over me for the rest of our lives; but I'm not one for being formal, so he's stuck with the name I've called him since we were kids. Isn't that right, Shin-Shin?"
Rufus offered the reporter a tight smile, before promptly agreeing with his wife and the ridiculous moniker she'd given him. Shin-Shin. She owed him a lot, for not embarrassing her on the spot. It was a name in which he vaguely remembered, something said by a very young girl who, up until then, had barely uttered a handful of words in the foreign tongue his father had secretly despised. He actually began to wonder whether she even remembered calling him that. She couldn't possibly; she'd been so young then, and he'd forgotten about it as soon his little excursion to the island nation was over when he and his father returned to Midgar the following week. She'd been nothing more than a baby back then, those small hands clutching onto her beautiful mother's kimono. There was no way in hell that she could've remembered that.
If he was a betting man, he would bank on such simply being a coincidence and nothing more as he briefly considered ways of making her pay, regardless of her being unaware of it, when she finally screamed his name in full. Shin-Shin be damned. He would finally put an end to this absurd name-game and have her address him properly before the night was over.
For if what he could discern of the kiss they'd just shared before everyone, including her father, whom he imagined despised him now beyond belief…
She probably suspected the kiss as a form of revenge for the one she'd given him on the veranda; which was, in fact, very much true—but she would only be partially correct. He would never tell her the truth, not even if she held one of her shurikens against his throat. She would never know the actual reason for his doing so wasn't only for the cameras, let alone for his settling the score for what she'd pulled on him at dinner that night.
No, the sad truth of it was…was that he'd seen the very personification of a scandal emerge like a nightmare from the shadows, shifting with a catlike grace among the crowd, before taking a seat among its fellow terrorists. Vincent Valentine obviously thought that Rufus hadn't seen him, but it hadn't escaped the latter's notice—just as Yuffie's arrival, not even a moment later, put everything into perspective. Rufus had little doubt that Valentine had somehow managed to at least catch a glimpse of her. Perhaps he'd even tried to talk her out of the wedding. Perhaps not. Tseng and Elena were assigned to keep anyone other than Tifa Lockhart away from Yuffie. That clearly meant any man who sported a shredded crimson cloak and a deadpan expression that matched that of their employer's. Rufus steeled himself against the possibility of Valentine interfering, tempted as he was to fire Tseng and the others on the spot—for not having the tact to take Valentine completely out of the equation. That alone would solve more than a handful of his problems.
Valentine's constant presence in Yuffie's life was becoming more than a minor irritation; if that searing look that freak of nature cast his way after he'd kissed Yuffie said anything. Rufus harbored no self-delusions; he'd purposely looked in the direction of the reporters, to where Valentine was standing—for the sole intent of reminding the man to back the hell off.
This was the second warning he'd given him.
There wouldn't be a third.
For after everything that had passed since then, Rufus ShinRa meant what he'd silently promised, back in Rocket Town: he would personally see to handling Valentine himself. He was growing rather tired of the man's bullshit. It didn't matter whether Valentine genuinely loved Yuffie or not, her marriage into the ShinRa family had still taken place in spite of it. Although as he considered his present quarry, with his endless sadness and need of tragedy, it appeared, at least to Rufus, that love never truly conquered all—not as far as he was concerned—since today's events were business as usual for him.
And it was as such that he glanced in Tseng's direction, his ever-faithful Leader of the Turks, who nodded subtly to him before the newfound lord proceeded to charm the crowd that swarmed around him and his blushing bride, all the while holding Yuffie's hand in a tight, undeniably possessive hold. He told everyone to address him as they had before: as Mr. ShinRa. Like Yuffie, he wasn't one to stand on formality, not anymore, humbled by the love that he had for the beauty standing by his side. A few of the female reporters practically fawned over his honeyed words, while some of the men remained a little skeptical. Rufus was almost impressed by their need to retain some of their pride, caught up as everyone was by the hype and romance of a royal marriage.
Being his father's son, he'd long been forced in the public eye for years; whereas Yuffie, a princess as well as a skilled Materia thief, had not. Godo's apathy in keeping her home, as well her years of living in the wilds of Gaia only knew where, had spared her that much; and while Rufus had argued with her about such being a necessary evil, he, like she, hated it all the same. It was a common interest in which they both shared. Their hatred of the media. But she'd done well, despite every stupid and offhand comment thrown her way. He allowed her to go on about her kimono and how her engagement ring matched the color of its green silk brocade. He would allow her to go on about it for another hour, if necessary. But then, one of the women, with her ridiculously bleached-blond hair and camera-ready smile—one that Rufus passed off as being another social-climbing shrew—had the nerve to ask, when she shoved her microphone in front of Yuffie's unsuspecting face:
"Lady ShinRa, many of us understand how you'd probably want to keep this under wraps, but everyone is just dying to know." The woman then gave a dramatic pause, her plastered chest visibly heaving underneath her skintight red reporter's outfit. She was obviously eating up the attention she received from her fellow reporters, smiling in the face of their cameras, before adding in a gushing voice, "We know you value your privacy, but can you not give us all at least one hint, as to where you and your husband plan to go on your honeymoon?"
Damn.
The one question that just had to be asked.
Rufus was ready to interject, but his beaming consort promptly cut him off, when he caught a hidden message in her eyes.
Hold your tongue, ShinRa, and let me do the talking.
And he did. He would expect her to repay him for doing so later, the false smile he offered her expressing as much.
Smiling brightly, she silently agreed to whatever he wanted in return, as she acknowledged the question thrown her way. Her dark eyes glittered mischievously, furtively, before she leaned forward and asked, "People really want to know where we're going, do they? And here I thought that little detail wasn't all that important, did you, Shin-Shin?" She looked at him then, full of playful uncertainty. Rufus returned her smile, but the warning in his eyes was evident. Yuffie, however, blatantly ignored it as she again turned to the reporter, who put her in mind of one of those crazy housewives from a reality TV show she'd once happened across. "I don't know…I mean, he wanted it to be a surprise and everything, just for me, but I can't help but share—especially if everyone wants to know."
She laughed when ten other reporters gathered around her like a flock of hungry chocobos, ready to catch the sound bite instead of a handful of gysahl greens.
Like stealing candy from a baby, she thought, a little smugly, and she gave them her best smile. She really enjoyed milking these trolls for all they were worth. Rufus did as well, but he never let it show, especially now, when he stood back and watched her to take the stage, hamming it up for their unwitting audience. It was the way they worked: she and the ShinRa scum, who really wasn't all that scummy anymore, by her reckoning. In fact, she found him very much the opposite. Glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, she gave him a wink as she beheld the multitude of cameras dependent on her every word. And like any diplomatic leader, she gave it to them, in the most beautifully composed, impromptu speech in the history of Wutai:
"Well, the thing about that is," she began, obviously waxing dramatic, "this darling husband of mine isn't taking me to one place but two." A few cameras flashed and several questions were thrown her way, but she waved them off with a magnanimous wave of her hand. "Yes, two places, everyone. Because you have to understand that he knows me—I mean, really gets me—just as he knows that I couldn't be happy in only going to Costa del Sol for our honeymoon. I love the beach and sunbathing and everything, don't get me wrong, but I also love the Gondola ride at the Gold Saucer; and so, as a surprise, he also booked tickets for the Gold Saucer, too."
A collective gasp fell across her admiring audience, and a barrage of cameras flashed in her direction, forever capturing her saccharine-sweet smile. She was illuminated by them, the loving expression she offered her husband almost sincere. Everything about her was taken in by the bits of technology that doubtlessly would work to her benefit. Whether she liked it or not, the cameras loved her. They even considered—however briefly—the man standing at her side. Several cameras flashed in Rufus ShinRa's direction, perfectly rendering his imposing image digitally, yet they seemed to fail in capturing that cold, calculative look as he stared down unbelievingly upon the one woman he'd vowed to love and cherish. Their attention, unsurprisingly, was fixed primarily on Yuffie—something that didn't offend him in the least—as he watched them grovel to his wife, asking more questions, most of which he found less than ridiculous.
Ten minutes passed before he found himself putting an end to their inquiries. They had enough for their columns. There was no need for them to write a novel about tonight. And so, with the same air of confidence that he always displayed with his company's competitors, he gently quelled their protests in asking his wife only "One more question."
"I'm afraid, ladies and gentlemen of the press, that you may be on the verge of stealing my bride away from me." He received some of their amused laughter as he successfully won them over one by one. Offering them a charming grin that astounded a few of the female reporters, he continued. "Indeed, I haven't even had her to myself for five minutes, and I find that I'm already missing her, even when she's standing next to me."
"Then you lucked out when Lady ShinRa agreed to your proposal, Mr. ShinRa?" asked one of the more incredulous reporters, a tall man with a Gongagan drawl and a disbelieving expression.
Rufus glanced in the man's direction as he silently considered where this inquiry might lead, but then inclined his head in agreement. "I consider myself fortunate that she consented to marry me," he answered, almost solemnly. "She could've chosen anyone; one certainly more deserving than the man she settled for. And yet, I'm no less than humbled in the knowledge that she wanted me. There is no greater treasure in this world for me but her love."
His comment raised a few eyebrows, and a woman—one who had, if only a moment ago, been enthralled over his declarations of love and devotion—seemed to come to her senses when she asked, "So, everything your family has contributed to this world, all of your wealth, power, and influence, none of that matters to you? Not even the empire you sought to build on the principle of fear?"
She received only silence in return, and all eyes, as well as the cameras—which were, in essence, the eyes of the world—turned and rested upon the unsmiling visage of a president forlorn. For there he stood: the living personification of all of the faults of mankind, a culmination of regrets that added years to that handsome face. He was as flawed as he was alluring. And that, at least to the media, made him desirable. Another moment passed before he visibly regained his composure, his clipped voice carrying an air of humility that seemed to echo from a windswept evening in Junon.
"That, I confess, was a very flawed philosophy, and a failure on my part as a human being," he answered soberly, a few strands of his golden hair falling across the scar that forever reminded him of that undeniable fact. "And it would be very wrong of me to say that I was only a victim of my father's conditioning, a man who corrupted me from a very early age. I won't excuse his faults, let alone mine, as I again take full responsibility for what I and my company have done," he replied, and he felt Yuffie squeeze his hand gently, a gesture in which he unconsciously reciprocated. "If you had asked me that question five years ago, my answer would've been very different. But now…" He paused for a moment, allowing a thoughtful silence to fill in the space between, before finding his voice once again. "Now, I've found that the foolish young man who wanted to own the world is gone; he's been replaced by someone who is as fractured as the planet his ideals had almost destroyed. I don't expect that the world will forgive me for what I've done; however, I am comforted in the knowledge that the woman standing by my side—who has every reason to despise me—has done so through her love. And that, I admit, is worth more to me than anything I possess. Her love is worth more to me than my very life."
He didn't feel the kiss on his cheek until Yuffie's lips parted from it, its ghost lingering, faint yet discernible, and yet he was conscientiously aware of its existence. She'd managed to overturn the tide with that sweet little gesture of love and acceptance, and the reporters conceded to her wish that they abstain from asking them any more questions as she and Rufus sought out their friends and acquaintances. Neither bride nor groom seemed to notice that their hands were still locked together, their bodies intimately close, barely an inch away from the other. They saw nothing out of the ordinary, save for the glowering looks of outrage the Kisangani family cast Rufus' way.
Yuffie barely smothered her laughter, her grin poorly hidden as she coquettishly ducked her head against Rufus' arm and whispered that he should display some of his self-absorbed ShinRa pride in Lord Kisangani's direction. It didn't matter that her father was now standing next to the disgruntled old lord, as he would surely disapprove of whatever she had mind to offend any of his esteemed guests.
Turning to Rufus, she hinted as much to him with a mischievous wink. "Do it," she mouthed to him, ever the shameless provocateur, who found herself very pleased when he did. Both Tatsuya and Satoshi Kisangani stared at them ominously, their father far from thrilled by the imperial air Rufus effortlessly cast his way. The old lord muttered something as equally unpleasant in Wutainese, while Lord Godo looked on his daughter and new son-in-law in embarrassment. Yuffie, naturally, smiled in spite of their affront. Give the devil by her side an inch and he would take an ell. "Oh, see what you did now," she chided the man at her side playfully. "I honestly believe you just pissed off two of my former suitors. Funny, how a spoiled ShinRa brat just crushed their dreams of becoming Lord of Wutai. Shame, shame, Shin-Shin." He gave her a quelling look when she said that name, but she happily ignored him when she squeezed his hand and laughed in the face of his quickly dissolving anger. "See now, that wasn't so bad, was it? I knew you could have fun."
He said nothing in response, only relented, and Yuffie secretly reveled at the sight of a faint, unwilling smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. Well, if wonders never ceased. It looked as if that stick up his ass had somehow gotten dislodged, in the time since he parroted the vows Asano fed him. He actually seemed to be enjoying himself—something of which that both pleased and unnerved his young bride—as he led her toward the terrorist band she deemed as friends.
Ever the practical businessman, Rufus wisely chose to ignore the indignant looks he received from the likes of Cid Highwind and Barret Wallace; he couldn't care less what they thought of him, just as long as they kept their foul language in-check and didn't do anything stupid in front of anyone with a wagging tongue. They could do whatever they pleased otherwise. His concern wasn't with them anyhow, as it remained somewhere else entirely.
Remaining close to Yuffie, he kept himself at a distance from the group. Cloud inclined his spikey blond head in Rufus' direction, a simple gesture of acceptance, which Rufus respectfully reciprocated. He had no qualms with Strife, personally; the man had done him a service in getting rid of Kadaj and his silver-haired brethren. The lab experiment that Hojo, for whatever reason, had labeled as Red XIII also seemed more open to his presence. He also caught Tifa Lockhart's glance, when the woman embraced Yuffie and wished them well.
"I'm sure your new husband will do everything in his power to make you happy, won't you, Rufus?" the bar hostess queried, a firm warning burning within those garnet eyes. It was a look that promised him pain if he didn't live up to his vows by making her friend happy. More than likely, his Turks wouldn't even be able to identify his body after Tifa Lockhart was through punching holes in it.
He almost balked at the thinly-veiled threat; the woman had some nerve to threaten him. Gaia. He wanted nothing more than to put her in her place, but was then reminded of the man standing protectively by her side. For reasons of security, Cloud Strife didn't carry his ridiculous fusion sword—a sword which seemed to compensate for something Rufus suspected the man was clearly lacking otherwise. He was almost amused by the possibility. He'd obviously been around Yuffie for far too long, tempted as he was to be all blasé and remark on such a demeaning deficiency.
But then, he wasn't foolish enough to get on Strife's bad side. The Strife-Lockhart household was a veritable nerve center, which extended to some of the most radical lunatics that would happily blow him and his company to kingdom come. He had no wish to open old wounds over a need to blow off some steam. And so, as a man who still possessed a sharp sense of diplomacy, he abstained from saying anything that might jeopardize the already tenuous relationship he had with his former adversaries. Yuffie was the key in holding that thin peace together, and he would be damned if he didn't hold up his side of things.
Though all the same, he smiled and traded false pleasantries with the people, who in part, nearly brought his company to its knees. He told himself that it was all on account of looking good for the cameras, but what he felt when he saw Yuffie smile at him, when he joined in with everyone's laughter over a joke Reeve's robotic cat, Cait Sith, made, he couldn't deny its presence—a surge of something he was reluctant to identify—and yet he accepted it, for what it was, nonetheless. He half-noticed the barely hidden looks of suspicion cast his way. Wallace and Highwind. Of course. They'd been distrustful of him all along, which was perfectly fine with Rufus; he had no wish to become bosom companions with any of AVALANCHE. Reeve, of course, was the only exception. They were business partners—that was, if he could deem his donating boatloads of gil to the WRO that. For reasons of practicality, and perhaps a secret need for personal atonement, he remained on good terms with ShinRa's former head of agriculture. That was the exception, really. Otherwise, he had little interest in gaining the rest of AVALANCHE's trust.
In fact, he rather much preferred to stay away from their association entirely, although he wouldn't forbid Yuffie from seeing them; she'd visit them of her own accord, anyway. Tseng could keep tabs on her, certainly. Actually, more often than not, his Turks were efficient in carrying out whatever Rufus demanded of them; however, with Yuffie, they utterly failed when assigned the duty in simply watching her. He would allow her to see her friends—just as long as he accompanied her. It was a task in which he'd assigned himself, knowing well enough that he would be the only one with enough sense to handle the wily little minx he'd married. Which reminded him…
Valentine was also present among the group, but remained conveniently half-hidden behind Barret Wallace's massive frame. He said nothing to Yuffie, while all the others wished her well and commented on how beautiful she looked. Yuffie could only muster a blush, which Rufus found to be strangely in earnest. But then, to his dismay, it disappeared when a tearful young man garbed in traditional Wutainese robes stepped forward and found himself in Yuffie's arms. Rufus barely flinched when she left his side, leaving him to stand on his own. He managed well enough, showing no sign of his inherent weakness. He wasn't even offended, considering that the man Yuffie so freely embraced was an old friend of hers. Yuri. Yes. That was his name, if Rufus recalled correctly. The boy had once had Geostigma. Just like him. Yuffie had helped him through it. Unlike her husband, who had to suffer from its effects alone. His Turks had been there, certainly, but she hadn't. She'd been with the boy instead.
He wasn't angry. Neither was he envious. She hadn't known he'd been afflicted like the crying boy she now embraced; how could she? But the thought of what she might've done if she had known entered his mind nonetheless. His more rational side told him that she would've laughed and enjoyed the thought of him dying. One less ShinRa to worry about. But the other side. The side that he cared little to acknowledge. Suggested otherwise. She hadn't hated him, per se, but she hadn't cared for the ShinRa family's welfare all that much, either. But still. By her own admission, and later Reno's, she had seen to it that he'd made it to Kalm that night, when Diamond Weapon had attacked the city and the world was falling down around them. Perhaps she'd cared a little after all. He couldn't say for a certainty. He would never be sure. And it troubled him, more than he cared to admit.
His mind was inundated by these niggling thoughts when his eyes locked with those of Mako-infused scarlet. Valentine. How fitting. He almost applauded the man for his ability, in putting him in an even fouler mood. How poetically ironic, for two rivals to regard each other, while the object of their affection held a sobbing boy in her arms. Not really a boy now. But that was how Rufus and Valentine saw Yuri. He was of little consequence, compared to the competition that presently held each other with a look that would freeze the lowest level of hell over. For Vincent's message to Rufus was as clear as day:
Make her happy, or you'll lose every material thing you possess.
Rufus merely returned the sentiment in kind, with an expression that carried a smug reassurance bordering on retaliation if the former Turk followed through with his threat. It was obvious that Valentine had conceded his claim on Yuffie's heart—yet not her friendship. Rufus was aware of this as much as the man standing across from him. Neither heard Vincent greet Yuffie in a soft voice, nor did they see her smile, when she told the man in scarlet that she was happy he came, all the while returning to Rufus' side, and willingly becoming his crutch once again. His arms instinctively wrapped around her—right where they belonged—just as she belonged there. In his arms. Forever in his grasp. The Lady Yuffie ShinRa.
And the President of ShinRa made damned sure that she remained there for the rest of the night.
…
Author's Note: Hmmm, Rufus is becoming a bit possessive in public, isn't he? I've probably said this countless times now but I love writing from his perspective! :D His initiative regarding the kiss was also something…unexpected. How many were truly expecting that of him? A show of hands, please. (My own is down, by the way.) I also hope everyone enjoys this part. I also want to apologize in advance if it's not up to standard. I've been so distracted with work and life in general as of late. I really can't wait for summer.
Anyway, I again want to apologize for taking longer than expected with this update. I've been so busy lately, and then I was out of state for half of spring break. But I'm back now, and I plan to begin work on the third and final part of this chapter. I don't believe it will be overly long, but I can guarantee that it will all about Rufus and Yuffie! So, that's gotta count for something at least, right? :)
Inspirational music for this chapter: Florence + and the Machine's "Seven Devils, No Light, No Light, their cover of Robert Palmer's Addicted to Love, and Shake it Out." Yeah. I listen to a lot of Florence + and the Machine. :) And I know I've said this before, but now I know I've found the theme song for this story. I think I'll reveal it in my notes for the next part. I think it'll be fitting to reveal it then, since we're going to finally going to see the honeymoon! (w00t!)
Takeo-kun: Thanks so much! It's so good to be back; I've really missed everyone here on . I only have couple of months left of subbing until the summer break, which should hopefully give me a lot of time to catch up with these chapters. I think we're a little over half-way finished with this story. I think there will be at least seven more chapters. I'm for sure yet, but there are a few things left that I want to draw out before wrapping this story up. I expect, if no outside force demands all of my time, that I should very well have this story finished this year. And you know, I totally agree with you on the Vincent/Yuffie/Rufus ménage à trois; the sex would indeed be amazing! :D
But the age thing with Vincent is certainly something Yuffie would have to take into account, I agree. I believe you summed up the reasons for why it wouldn't work out between them rather perfectly. Ten years ago, I was all for this pairing; but now, that I'm a little older, I can finally see that it probably wouldn't work out, even though I believe that Yuffie does have a bit of a schoolgirl crush on Vincent in ACC/DoC. It's faint, but I think it's there. I also like your suggestion about Vincent somehow coming back into the picture. You might see that—well, in some form, at least. I'm happy to confess that you've given me an idea! ;)
Kadajclone100: I'm so sorry if I've made you wait again. :( I should be back in the full swing of things by the end of May; that's my hope, anyway. I've really missed working on this story. And are you reading my mind? I think you might be. O.O
But, indeed, I can definitely understand a need for feeling sorry for Rufus. I also believe that he may be getting the bad end of this little arrangement. I also want to believe that he knows this, and that he's well aware that this "honeymoon" period with the media can't last. Sooner or later, people will begin looking for something to bring him down to their level. That's how the world sadly works, and I believe that Rufus is trying to circumvent that, if that very unorthodox kiss he gave Yuffie in this chapter says anything. (Grins.) And you're certainly right: he also has to worry about pleasing Cloud and Co., as well as making Yuffie happy, since she's definitely the baby of the group. I'd also like to think that she isn't one to simply take any of his bullshit, either. :D He's also going to have a lot on his plate, when he finally steps into Godo's place as the true Lord of Wutai. He isn't simply going to be Yuffie's consort anymore; he'll have to oversee Wutai as a joint ruler.
Oh, and your silver platter analogy was truly genius, by the way; I actually visualized that! XD As for Vincent's departure, I'm also going to miss the tension. :( But, like you, I'm glad that Yuffie can go into her marriage with Rufus without that shadow of a regret hanging over her for the rest of her life. And, yes, let's hope that Rufus doesn't find out about that secret meeting. I have a feeling that Tseng will receive more than just a pink slip from Rufus if he does. XD As for Vincent and Yuffie…I wouldn't want to imagine what Rufus would do—to either of them. But you never know, he might be fine with it, if he were to find out the truth. I'll just throw out some possibilities, although I will confess that I rarely, if ever, write something for nothing. Things usually have a way of coming back into my stories, especially when we least expect them! ;)
Naevia: Hello there! I understand what you mean about keeping both the ShinRa and Kisaragi names. I was tempted to have Yuffie still attached to her family name, as well as Rufus', but then decided against it in the end. And you're right about the ShinRa name painting a massive target on her back. I believe anyone associated with ShinRa won't be accepted by everyone, and Yuffie may come to realize that. She could very well be the target to bring Rufus down, should something happen to her. It's certainly something to think about, definitely. As for Rufus' fifteen minutes of fame, you're right, that's only going to last for so long before that charm of his wears off. I honestly believe that it's really Yuffie who's carrying the media's love of them, and that, too, I'm afraid, may, eventually, fade. :\ I don't think I'm painting a very happy portrait for upcoming chapters, so I'll leave it on a happy note that the honeymoon will be all about them and insanity will ensue. Thank you so much for reading and for your insight on this story! :)
Cain Marko: Oh, my, thank you so much for pointing out Yuffie's insecurities. I daresay you're probably the first person who has. That's certainly one thing I've felt with her character. I personally believe Yuffie is beautiful, but you're right: next to Aerith and Tifa, I can understand her insecurities, especially when most of AVALANCHE fails to see that she's no longer the bratty teenager who tagged along with their group. She's really matured and grown up since then. Perhaps everyone will see that, and Yuffie will become more confident of herself. I hope she does. I'd like to think that Rufus has, in a way, helped her on that path.
To Reviewer No. 92: I cannot even begin to express how thrilled I am that you're enjoying this story—so much so, that you're replaying FFVII because of it. That's just…Oh, wow, thank you! I feel so honored. Thank you so much! :D
And again, to everyone, thank you, thank you, thank you, so much for continuing to read, review, PM, and everything else. All of you have really helped encourage me to continue on with this story. Thank you.
Until Part Three!
— Kittie
April 13th, 2013: I looked through this chapter again this week and corrected some things that didn't sit well with me the first time. Hopefully, I've fixed everything. If not, I can always revise again. Oh, and I forgot to mention this in my earlier notes: Priest Asano's name was based on the one from Princess Mononoke, Lord Asano, who's one of the unseen, main antagonists of the film. My character has nothing to do with Lord Asano's character, however; they only share the same name because I like it! :D