Chapter 28: The War is Over

"It would seem we have a tie," Veld observed before looking over to Tseng. "What will it be, Tseng?"

As usual, the Wutain appeared completely unruffled in spite of the fact that all eyes in the room were on him and he was now ultimately the decision maker. Tseng looked to Aven, and she honestly could find nothing in their dark depths that would clue her into his decision.

"I will say this now," he murmured quietly, speaking only to her. "Ever since you came here, I've had doubts about you. Even now, I do not believe you will survive this job."

Aven could feel all her hopes plummeting but she kept it from physically showing.

Tseng took a long breath. "However, you have proven me wrong thus far, and I look forward to seeing you do so once again."

Aven's mouth fell open in surprise as she tried to wrap her mind around what was just said. After a moment, she seemed to understand as she grinned widely and suddenly wrapped her arms around the second in command. The hug only lasted a moment or two before she realized what she'd done and quickly stepped away.

"Sorry," she mumbled though her smile hadn't disappeared.

"There's no reason to be sorry, squirt," Reno shouted wrapping his arms around her head pulling her into a hug of his own. In her excitement she wrapped her arms around him as well as he quickly spun her around; her feet leaving the ground for a second or two.

When he finally released her she was giggling uncontrollably in her joy. "Congratulations," Haruto murmured softly. "I'm pleased that I'll be able to continue working with you."

Aven's smile widened and she stepped forward giving him a tight hug as well. "Thanks, Haru." She missed the momentary flicker of surprise on Haruto's face before he smiled and patted her lightly on the back.

"Wow, squirt. I didn't think you'd want to be anywhere near Glasses after your little tussle with him," Reno commented.

"Well, it was pretty scary," she admitted pulling away from the older man. "But Haru's still a really good guy, and that's all that matters to me."

Cissnei approached Aven and held a hand out to her. "No hard feelings?"

Aven took it without a thought. "Of course not. I know I still have a long ways to go."

She turned and came face to face with Rude, or more appropriately face to chest. "Well, I'm still going to be here," she murmured slowly. "Is that a bad thing?"

He patted her head lightly before answering. "You really should quit," he stated firmly. "I won't force you."

She smiled lightly at this and hugged him as well. "I know you're worried," she murmured softly so only he could hear. "But I'll prove you don't have to be anymore."

He sighed, but her statement did make him feel better. After that, she pulled away and turned to face everyone else. "Thank you for letting me have another chance," she murmured with a smile. "Quick question though...I don't have to start back as a rookie again right?"

A few chuckles went around the room. "No, Aven, you do not," said Veld. "As a matter of fact, I believe you're due for a promotion."

Her eyes widened. "A promotion, sir?"

"Yes, though I will ask you take care to refrain from such reckless action in the future."

Aven nodded. "Yes, sir. I will."

"Good, now you all have your duties," he said to the rest of them. "Aven, you may use the remainder of the day to rest. Just remember you're back on duty the next morning."


For the next month or so, Aven proved her word by going on successful mission after successful mission. Each one went off without any large problems as she kept the others informed on what she was doing and never again went after a perp on her own. By the end of October, she'd made up for all her past mistakes and was actually making even Rude proud of her accomplishments. At this time, as a way of rewarding the hard work of the Shinra employees, a special event was planned.

"C-could you repeat that sir?"

It was early morning when Aven was called into Tseng's office. When she arrived, she was surprised to see that Haruto, Rude, Reno, Tryg, Estelle and Cissnei were all present as well. Once she was there, Tseng started explaining that the long standing war against Wutai had ended in the Wutain's surrender and President Shinra had called Veld at 2 that morning to inform him of a party he suddenly decided to throw that very night to celebrate the glorious day. Tseng had then been called and ordered to get the others prepared for the night. Now Aven couldn't believe what Tseng was asking from all of them.

"Because this is a celebration thrown by the President himself, you will all be dressed accordingly and will not draw attention to yourselves unless a real threat is determined," Tseng repeated with a sigh.

"So, does that mean that we have to...wear really fancy clothes?" Aven asked knowing she had nothing that fit that description.

"Yes, the three of you will be wearing dresses," Tseng answered glancing between the three females. "And the rest of us will be wearing nice and proper suits." He emphasized the word 'proper' while looking directly at Reno. "Does anyone have a problem with this?"

Reno was about to raise his hand but Rude elbowed him in the ribs. The red head glared at him before letting his hand fall back down at his side.

"Very good," said Tseng when no one spoke up. "You are all dismissed."

They all filed one by one out of the office. Once out of earshot Aven turned to Cissnei in dismay. "I don't know how to dress for something like this! I don't think I've worn a dress in my whole life!"

"Don't worry about it," Cissnei assured her. "I've got a few dresses. If you'd like you can try some of them on and see if any of them fit. Estelle, do you think you'll need any help?"

The blonde female shook her head. "Thank you, but I have my own dresses. My family has regular family outings where we are required to dress up."

"Man, I hate these fancy shin-digs," Reno muttered to Rude. "Just another excuse for old man Shinra ta show the whole world how much space his damn ego can fill."

Rude grunted in response but that was it. The two of them had attended several of those parties before and he was sure that once they were at the party Reno would have a whole slew of other complaints lined up.

As if to make himself feel better, Reno went up behind the three chatting females and leaned onto Cissnei's and Aven's shoulders. "So, what are you gorgeous gals gonna be wearing?" he asked his normal smirk spreading across his face. "I'd kind of like a sneak peek if you're willing to give one."

Aven blushed profusely at the proximity not fully catching on to what he was suggesting. The other two did, however, and Cissnei shoved her elbow into his gut forcing him to back up. "I'd think you'd be more worried about what you'll be wearing," she replied easily. "After all, the last thing you wore to one of the President's parties got you throttled and forcefully made to change by Tseng."

"He can't even wear the uniform properly," Haruto commented while cleaning his glasses with a handkerchief. "How can you expect him to dress appropriately for a party?"

"Shouldn't you be heading off to shop for your dress, Haruto?" Reno asked the swordsman.

Tryg meanwhile, like Rude was staying silent. He wasn't looking forward to dressing up either but he wasn't about to bitch about it. He'd have to ask Rude later what the minimum was that Tseng found suitable.

Cissnei decided to take it upon herself to help Aven get dressed. "Let's go find you something nice for tonight. Though it's a shame your ears aren't pierced."

"W-why's that?" Aven asked, her hand moving unconsciously to her ears.

"Because you'd look cute with earrings," Cissnei explained leading the way to her room. Aven thought about the comment and started to wonder if she should.

When they reached her room, the pair went to the auburn's closet and glanced inside to where a few dresses were hanging up, all of different colors.

"They're, pretty," Aven murmured not sure how else to describe them.

"We'll need to find one that will go with your hair and skin tone," Cissnei said immediately going to work. She gave Aven a long look over before turning to her closet and pulling out a canary yellow dress. "Here, try this one."

Aven took it and used Cissnei's bathroom to change out of her uniform and into the dress. When she came out she asked, "How does this look?"

Cissnei stared her for a moment before shaking her head. "No… that's not going to work."

"Really?" Aven asked looking down at it. She thought it looked alright and it fit loosely enough to where she was comfortable. "What's wrong with it?"

"It's too light," Cissnei explained looking through her wardrobe once more. "It blends too well with your hair and bleaches out your skin tone."

Aven looked up at Cissnei in complete confusion. She'd never really paid much attention to what colors did what with her appearance. She always just wore what was comfortable or required.

"Hmm, how about this one," Cissnei suggested holding up a deep red colored gown that stretched from her neck down to her heels. There was a small area near the top that was open in a small hole down to the top of the wearer's chest.

Aven tried it on and again Cissnei shook her head saying it was too dark before pulling out another, then another, and finally a short light blue sleeveless dress that stretched just above her ankles. The top of the dress hung off of her size A/B chest and tied tightly in the back to keep it from falling.

"Perfect," Cissnei said with a nod of approval. She went and dug around a large box sitting on her dresser before pulling out a matching blue choker with a small diamond dangling off. Going back over to Aven she fixed it around her neck. "Alright, now that's taken care of, on to makeup and hair."

"Make up?" Aven asked. "Do I have to?"

"For an event like this, it'll look more appropriate," Cissnei told her. "And don't worry I won't do much. Just a little eye shadow and some lipstick."

Aven sighed but allowed the older female to steer her into the bathroom and sit her down on the toilet. She sat still while Cissnei did some things to her hair and then applied the makeup.

When everything was finished, Cissnei took a few steps back to observe her handy work and smiled. "You look great," she expressed getting her to stand and look in the mirror.

Aven glanced at her reflected image and blinked in surprise. She wouldn't have thought she was looking at herself if she didn't already know she was staring into a mirror. In her opinion, the entire ensemble made her look older, a lot older. She smiled as she realized dressed like that no one would be calling her a kid...and she kind of liked it.

"You really think it looks okay?" she asked turning one way and then another and taking in her appearance.

"Oh yes, I doubt most of the guys will think about it much but you'll definitely be turning some heads," Cissnei told her. "Now, come help me pick something out."

After some trial and error, they finally settled on the canary yellow dress. Even Aven, who knew nothing about dressing up, had to admit Cissnei looked much better in it than she had. After applying some makeup of her own and putting in a pair of pearl earrings, the two girls were prepped and ready.

"Alright, it's just about time," Cissnei stated glancing over at the clock on the wall. "We should probably head down to the lobby and wait for the others to show."

"You mean the party isn't going on here?" Aven asked in confusion.

The older female shook her head. "No, Shinra's way too secretive for that. The president usually rents out a building specifically to hold the party at. We'll be serving as escort for some of the higher company executives. Fingers crossed you don't get Scarlet."

Aven had to secretly agree with her sentiment as the two of them headed toward the elevator where they met Estelle also heading down. She nodded a greeting towards them as she turned in her long black dress. The style and color brought out her more mature and older appearance.

"You both look nice," she commented.

"So do you," Cissnei replied as they all stepped onto the elevator.

"Yeah, you look gorgeous," Aven added finding that pretty wouldn't cover it. "Better watch out, Reno might not be able to take his eyes off of you."

Estelle pursed her lips a bit at this. "I'm not sure what to make of that fellow. He's rather…"

"Shameless?" Cissnei offered.

"Obnoxious?" Aven piped up.

"Eccentric," Estelle at last settled on.

When the three of them stepped off the elevator, Aven was a bit surprised to see Tseng, Reno and Rude were already there. The three male Turks were waiting, all looking very dashing. They were all dressed in tuxedo cut suits, though each with its own unique design. Even Reno, Aven was forced to admit, looked rather handsome, his suit buttoned up, tie done to perfection, and hair combed down so that it wasn't sticking up all over the place. His goggles also were absent from atop his head.

"Wow, don't you all look dashing," Cissnei commented with a small laugh. Aven had to agree but after getting into trouble for voicing her opinion on Tseng's appearance before she wasn't too keen on doing it again.

"You look smokin'," Reno commented, trade mark smirk in place as he looked them all up and down. Rude shook his bald head, his suit making him look that much cooler with his sunglasses.

"Keep your opinions to yourself, Reno," Tseng ordered calmly. The last thing he needed was one of the females at the party filing a suit for sexual harassment.

"I do hope this isn't a sign of things to come." The group turned, Reno halfway through turning on Tseng, to see that Veld was approaching them with Tryg and Haruto behind him.

"Good, you're all here," Veld said when they were all gathered. "Each executive with be taking a separate car to the place where the party is being held. You each will be riding with the executive until we've reached our destination."

Aven thought this a rather clever idea. If there was an attack, the executives wouldn't be all grouped together and thus wouldn't all be at risk.

"I'll be going with the president," Veld continued. "Rude, you'll be going with Heideggar."

Rude silently inclined his head in agreement.

"Tseng, you and Reno will be with Scarlet."

"Yes, sir."

"Aw hell… I mean, you got it, boss."

"Haruto and Estelle shall escort Palmer."

Both Turks replied with a synchronized. "Understood."

"Tryg and Cissnei, Reeve will be your charge."

Tryg grunted in answer while Cissnei smiled and nodded.

"And Aven," Veld said turning to look at her. "You'll be escorting Rufus."

"W-what?" she asked stunned. She'd been sure that the president's son would fall to Tseng's charge.

"Is there a problem?" he asked understanding her confusion.

"N-no sir," she replied quickly. She chewed nervously on her lip and glanced over at Cissnei who mouthed sorry to her.

"Good, now the executives will be arriving shortly," Veld stated calmly. "I would like you all to make sure that the vehicles you'll be travelling in are checked over thoroughly before then. We don't want any surprises." Everyone nodded their understanding though Reno looked bored by it. "Dismissed."

"Wow, didn't see that one coming," Cissnei said sidling up to Aven as they all made their way to the parking garage. "Usually Tseng is the one escorting Rufus. It makes me wonder if he specially requested you."

Aven wasn't sure why but she suddenly felt embarrassed and awkward towards this notion. "No, I don't think that's it," Aven said with a shake of her head. Yet she couldn't come up with a counter explanation. Instead she separated from Cissnei, going over to the vehicle which would be carrying Rufus and gave a very thorough inspection. Rude had taught her how to check for car bombs. Once she was sure there was nothing that was going to blow them sky high, she patiently stood next to the vehicle and waited for her charge to arrive.

In what seemed like no time, Aven spotted a line of executives heading for the parking lot. She watched with mild amusement as Palmer nervously greeted Haruto and Estelle before stepping into the vehicle and Scarlet making a few comments at Reno and Tseng before laughing lightly and stepping into the vehicle. Aven had to hold back a laugh when she saw Reno give the gag me motion once she was inside.

She smiled in Reeve's direction when he came to a stop at Tryg and Cissnei's vehicle. He nodded to both of his escorts and caught her eye giving her a brief smile before stepping inside. Then Heidegger greeted Rude with his breighing laugh making Rude twitch the slightest bit as they too entered the vehicle.

Finally, the President and his son appeared escorted by Veld. When they reached the only other vehicle present Rufus nodded to Veld and headed in Aven's direction as his father and Veld stepped into the limousine.

"Good evening, Rufus," she greeted quickly remembering his request.

Aven noticed Rufus didn't look terribly different from the way she'd last seen him. His white suit perfectly clean and pressed and his blonde hair was styled with not a single strand out of place. It rang clear to her just how much he valued appearances and the way others viewed him.

His blue eyes silently took her in for a moment before inclining his head in answer. "Good evening, Aven. You look rather presentable."

"Er, thank you." 'I think?'

The limo driver came around and opened the door for Rufus. While the young Shinra got in on his side, Aven went around and hopped in at the other. She still couldn't shake off the foreign feeling of being in a dress and she tugged at the skirt in order to make it situate more comfortably.

"Nervous?" he asked noticing her fidgeting as the car started forward.

"Not really," she answered easily as she tugged on the skirt again. "I'm just not used to dressing up."

"If you keep fidgeting, you'll make that obvious," Rufus told her simply while staring out the window.

"Right," Aven muttered stopping her fidgeting and looking up at him. "But you know, other than feeling embarrassed at being seen as a country bumpkin or something like that there's really no point in trying to hide it. I am who I am and it's not gonna change." He humphed at her comment and she pressed forward with what she was trying to get at. "And you shouldn't let it change who you are either."

"And who do you think I am, exactly?" Rufus inquired looking over at her. The expression he bore was scrutinous.

Most people would have taken this as a loaded question, but Aven sparred no time in answering. "I think you're a pretty okay guy. Not exactly what I'd call nice but… you're not really bad either."

He gave a small cough that… might have been a laugh? "You're certainly not one to hold back, are you?"

"Well… you're the one who told me to treat you casually," Aven reminded with a small grin. "Just following orders, sir."

"Rufus," he murmured glancing down at her with the smallest hint of a smile.

"Right," Aven replied returning it.

After their little exchange, they fell into a comfortable silence lasting until they reached the building where the party was being held. When they arrived they found all the other executives were there. The pair slowly exited the vehicle and made their way to the stairs. At the top, Aven could see Tseng standing at the door and he nodded in her direction.

As they entered the main ballroom where the party was being held, Aven was shocked to see that everything was already in full swing and that the executives were the last to arrive. "Is it really okay for the President and his son to be late to their own party?" she whispered to Rufus as they made their way toward where the others were standing.

"Who do you think will question it?" Rufus asked in mild amusement.

"Okay, I'll give you that," Aven agreed. The place was huge and everyone was dressed to the nines as Reno would put it.

On one side of the ballroom was a bar area where people were sitting, chatting and smoking. On another side of the room was a huge buffet table that made Aven's mouth water up at the sight. There were people carrying trays of tall glasses with clear and red liquid. Instrumental music was playing amongst the chattering and there was an area where couples were dancing.

'Wow,' she thought taking it all in while at the same time feeling so incredibly out of place.

"Heh, don't forget to keep an eye on your charge, squirt," Reno laughed coming up behind her. He had noticed her look of awe at the place and was now poking at her.

"I haven't forgotten," Aven shot back knowing exactly where Rufus was. In the center of a gaggle of finely dressed women. "I don't think he'll be going anywhere for awhile. What about you? Shouldn't you be watching Scarlet?"

"Glancing at her now and again, yeah," Reno answered with a shrug. "But there's no way I'm watching that," Reno answered with a shrug. "Besides even if I lose sight of her Tseng won't so there's no big deal."

"You're hopeless," Aven mumbled shaking her head.

"Yeah, but hey, ya gotta admit I clean up nice don't I?"

She couldn't help but give him another look over. He just looked so different from what she was used to. While she had to admit he did look very nice, it just…

"It's not you," she told him at length.

Reno chuckled a bit. "Yeah, I feel like such a tightass just walking around in this thing."

"How'd you even manage to get your hair like that?" Aven asked while giving a quick glance to Rufus to make sure he hadn't gone anywhere.

"Tseng's famous hair cement," Reno told her, reaching up and patting his own hair. "Can't get the stuff to sit still otherwise."

Aven giggled a bit at that. She hadn't expected her tight laced superior to need something like that. "Wow, I didn't know Tseng used hair gel," she muttered to herself. "I honestly thought he just scared it straight."

Reno burst out laughing at the comment and Aven tried to hush him as people around them started to stare. "I never thought I'd hear you bash Tseng but oh man that was good," he chuckled getting a hold of himself and ignoring the on lookers. "Mind if I tell him that one? He'll probably get a kick out of it."

"You do and you'll find a touch me frog in your Choco-coco's tomorrow." Aven threatened.

Reno smirked and it was hard to tell whether he would call her bluff or not. "But damn, you actually have a figure going on there. Who'd have thunk?"

"Wh-what do you mean?" Aven said looking down at herself.

"Well, when I first met you, you were this scrawny little thing," Reno said putting both hands parallel and drawing them straight down. "But I guess the breast fairy finally paid you a visit. Good for you."

Aven punched him in the arm for the comment as her face went red. "It doesn't exist," she muttered turning away from him. "And besides I've always been a year or two behind everyone else my age."

Reno continued to laugh at her as she marched off towards the buffet table to get herself a drink. As she walked over to it, she decided then and there that one day soon she'd go dress shopping to pick one out that wasn't so revealing...maybe then Reno would shut his trap.

In the meantime Reno went to the bar where he noticed Rude and Haruto were standing. Palmer and Heidegger apparently stopped to get themselves a few drinks and were chatting up a storm.

"So, enjoying the party guys?" he asked glancing around to see if Tseng was within eyeshot before attempting to grab a drink himself.

"Aren't you supposed to be keeping an eye on someone?" Haruto chastised.

"I am, but I'm not gonna deny myself a little pleasure."

Aven meanwhile was lingering nearby Rufus, while at the same time ensuring it wasn't obvious she was keeping an eye on him. It wasn't that hard since there were lots of people just standing around enjoying drinks and chatting. She really couldn't understand how people managed to live like this though… and they probably did stuff like this all the time.

"Shit, I can't stand this."

Aven turned to see Tryg standing next to one of the marble pillars, looking severely uncomfortable with his dress shirt completely buttoned up and sporting a tie. He was tugging at the thing like it was a snake constricting his throat.

Aven sidled up to him while keeping Rufus in her line of vision. "I take it you're not a fan of ties?"

"What was your first clue?" he muttered.

"Mmm," she hummed, not sure what to say. "Well, if it's any consolation, I'd trade outfits with you any day."

Tryg gave her an odd look, then he gave her a look over. "Did you get bigger?"

She blushed heavily at the question and tried to brush it off. "M-maybe a little," she muttered. "I didn't really take notice."

He shook his head. Looked like she was still as shy as when he'd met her before. "I think it fits better," he commented while keeping his eye on his charge. He glanced down at her confused expression and sighed. "Better than the suit and that slip."

"...thanks," she replied blushing again. "I'd still rather where the suit though."

"How come?" He didn't really care one way or the other, but he found conversing drew his attention away from the irritating tie.

"Well, I'm not used to wearing the dress and I prefer wearing pants," she told him honestly. "The tie did take some getting used to though."

"There won't be any getting used to it for me." He said this very rigidly and her attention was momentarily drawn from Rufus to him.

Aven pressed her lips together and for a few minutes she stood silently beside him, rocking backwards and forwards on her heels.

"You really don't fit this scene," he commented suddenly.

She smirked at him. "Better than you."

Tryg snorted. "Touche."

After another silent pause, Aven turned to him. "Dance with me?"

Tryg looked at her, his expression indiscernible. "Why?"

Well, it wasn't a flat out rejection. "Well, if I had to be honest, I'd say it's because out of all the other members, you'd probably be the easiest to convince."

One of his thick, dark eyebrows lifted. "How do you figure?"

"I guess it's cuz you seem like the type who prefers to take the path that's the least of a hassle. And you know it'd be easier to humor me with one dance than have me bug you about it for the rest of the night."

He chuckled lightly for the first time, and she found she quite enjoyed it. "Alright, but just one," he sighed shaking his head. "And no bringing it up later."

"Hehe, deal," she agreed with a wide smile.

Then she nervously and excitedly took his hand and led him onto the dance floor. The gesture seemed to him one a child would do with their parent or older sibling. "Heh, still a kid," he thought as she paused and turned back to him.

"So...do you know how to dance?" she asked nervously. "I've never actually...danced before."

"And you're asking me?" He shook his head incredulously. He was born and raised in the slums, how the hell would he know? "Well, it doesn't look that complicated." he noted watching some of the other couple's dance. He got them situated, placing her left hand on his shoulder while he placed his on her waist. Then he grasped her other hand in his and began to pull her along with him. "Just watch what I'm doing and follow my lead."

Aven nodded, and then proceeded to fall in step with him. It took a little while but she eventually was able to move with him without breaking stride. They certainly weren't as elegant as the other's but she didn't really care about that. She realized then she was having a lot of fun. It was her first time dancing at something like this with another guy and that itself was something to be excited about.

When the song ended, she stepped away gave him a small smile. "Thanks, that was fun," she murmured. "For not having done this before you're really good."

"That was a horrible attempt, and I won't be doing it again," he stated firmly. She frowned at this and he looked down at her as the people around them began dancing again. "What? You got your dance."

"Nothing, I was just thinking that you probably won't be able to live up to that statement," she told him before smiling widely and walking away.

He sighed as he left the dance floor. That kid really grated on his nerves...and her last statement really made him wonder what was on her mind.

Aven saw that Rufus was still safe and still fairly preoccupied. In fact, both he and his father were together talking to a group of older and important looking people. Veld was close by so she knew she had zero to worry about, but still kept her eyes peeled. Even so, she felt if she were going to blend in she should have some fun while she was there. She may not be familiar with the customs, but she could learn.

She spotted Rude, Haruto and Reno all lingering near the bar area and decided to go visit them since they weren't too far away.

"Hi," she greeted smilingly.

"Aven, you're positively glowing," Haruto commented with a smile of his own. "Did something good happen?"

"Yeah, she's been gettin' friendly with the new guy," Reno commented with a snicker.

Aven shot a glare his way, but beyond that chose to ignore him. "Um, Haru… if it's not too much trouble..." she felt a little more awkward asking him since he was much older than Tryg and also her senior.

He immediately caught on to what she was getting at. "I would be delighted," he said with a small bow.

Her face lit up in a grin. "Great! Rude, you're next, okay?"

The bald Turk exchanged looks with the redhead as the swordsman graciously offered his arm to Aven and escorted her onto the dance floor. "Don't look at me, man, I ain't gotta clue," Reno stated returning to his drink. "I doubt she'll take no for an answer though."

Rude had to agree with that assessment and decided to simply go with it. It was probably her first party and he was sure she was just excited to try something new.

On the dance floor, Haruto was getting Aven into the correct position before leading her to the music. "Wow, you're really good at this," Aven commented after a few moments. "Have you done this often?"

"The president enjoys his parties," Haruto answered. "I've simply been around for enough of them."

He gave her a delicate twirl and his guidance was so superb she was able to follow through without tripping over herself. "So how long have you been in the Turks?" she asked once she was repositioned in his arms.

"More than I'd care to admit at the present." His response was vague as his smile took on a more mysterious edge to it. "Suffice to say I've been around for a long while."

"Longer than Reno and Rude?" she pressed tentatively.

"Much longer." Suddenly he dipped her and Aven had a momentary loss of breath as he suspended her over the floor. "And I'm looking forward to the many years that follow, when you blossom into a beautiful young woman."

Aven's face flushed at the comment and she found she was unable to say anything more. She stayed silent for the remainder of the dance as he twirled, dipped and guided her around the floor. When it was over, he bowed to her before escorting her back to the bar where Reno and Rude were waiting.

"Awe, you guys shouldn't have stopped," Reno chuckled. "You looked like a real couple."

"Sh-shut up," Aven stuttered, her face turning red. It's not that she didn't like Haruto, but she couldn't really think of anyone she liked in that manner. She held more respect for him than anything.

"A wonderful idea," Haruto stated, returning to his post away from the red head. "I'll leave the young lady to you, Rude."

Rude turned to Aven who was looking at him hopefully. It was a kind of stare he was more than used to. A look that translated to: "you don't have to if you don't want to, I'll understand." After several moments he consented with a nod and rose to his feet. What was the harm in one dance? The fact the small girl was beside herself with joy made it not so much of a bother.

He resisted shooting a glare at his partner when he called out in a sing-song voice, "Have fun."

Rude was like Reno; he didn't care much for dancing, but he at least knew how. The difference in size made things a tad more awkward and his movements were stiffer than Tryg's or Haruto's, but Aven was enjoying herself just the same.

She began talking about how she'd never been to a big party and how it was fancier than she imagined. She also told him how out of place she felt but having the others there made her feel better. He didn't reply to anything she said but she didn't need him to.

When the song ended she gave him a tight hug to show her appreciation and then followed him back to the bar.

"Rude, buddy, I don't know what you did, but it must have been perfect to get a hug out of it," Reno teased when they returned. "Can I get one too?"

"Not a chance." Aven glanced around the room making sure her charge was still out of any immediate danger. She spotted Tseng by himself, lingering close by to Scarlet. "Reno, you're helping Tseng watch Scarlet, right?"

"Yeah…" he answered slowly, wondering what she was thinking. "Why?"

"I'm gonna go ask Tseng to dance, so you should keep an extra close watch."

Reno burst out laughing. "Oh, now that's something I'd like to see. You'd have better luck asking ME to dance."

Rude frowned at Reno's lack of decorum in such a place, but he didn't misunderstand why the red head found humor in it. Tseng wasn't the type to enjoy himself at parties like this. It was all about business, and his job to look after the charge. Nothing more.

The young female, however, wasn't deterred and she made her way across the room, sliding into place with the rest of the crowd. When she approached Tseng, he gave her an incline of his head in greeting.

"I trust things are going well on your end?" he asked.

Aven nodded. "Yes, sir. As Haru says, everything is just ducky." Her face fell into a small frown. "I'm pretty sure that means everything is terrific."

"Indeed," he affirmed with a quirk of his lips.

"So, sir, not to cross any lines, but I would very much like to dance with you." After asking three men already her shyness had been overridden at this point.

Tseng gave her an appraising look. "You do realize propriety demands that the lady wait to be asked by the males to dance."

Aven flushed a bit at this revelation but she pushed aside her humility. "Then I would humbly like to request that you ask me to dance… sir."

There were a few minutes of silence as Tseng continued to watch Scarlet. "I am busy and am unable to step away," he finally answered.

"It's a party though," Aven pointed out. "And, I already told Reno that he needed to watch Scarlet more so we could." After a moment of silence on his part she looked up at his rarely changing expression. He didn't reply for another few minutes and she was beginning to think Reno was right and maybe she should just go.

"I suppose there was the order to blend in as much as possible," he replied causing her to pause in her retreat. "One dance may do this well." He turned to look at her before gesturing towards the dance floor. "Would you care to join me?"

It was the hardest thing ever, in that moment, for Aven NOT to cheer and jump for joy. Heck, just keeping the stupidly large grin off her face was difficult. She pressed her lips tightly together, in what any stranger looking over would see as an expression of coyness, and gave a small nod. Tseng held out his hand to her and she placed it over his so he could properly escort her out onto the dance floor.

"I don't believe it," Reno murmured, his mouth hanging open in befuddlement. "She actually managed to talk him into it."

Rude glanced over to see their superior and their junior step onto the floor. There was no shyness on the girl's part as they gripped each other while Tseng had the expression that it was just business as usual.

The two could see that Aven tried to say a thing or two to him, but after several failed attempts to start up a conversation, she gave up and just allowed him to lead her across the dance floor.

"I never thought I'd see the day when that stick in the mud would cut loose," Reno commented. "I swear that kid must have some sort of secret weapon or something."

Rude shook his head before glancing over at Heidegger on the other end of the room.

Meanwhile, the song the two were dancing to had just ended and Tseng bowed respectfully murmuring a polite thank your for the dance. Aven said her own thank you in return as she attempted to match the curtsies she'd seen the other girls do. It was clumsy and she almost fell over, but she managed to do it and smiled at him.

"You seem to be having fun."

Aven turned around and her eyes widened in surprise. "Zack!" She supposed she shouldn't be surprised since this was a party to celebrate the end of the war and from what she understood the SOLDIER's played a huge part in that.

After giving Aven a quick reminder of her duties, Tseng excused himself leaving the two of them alone.

Zack gestured to her outfit. "You look really great."

"Thanks," she replied with a small blush. "So do you." The dark haired male was dressed in a 1st class SOLDIER outfit. "So, you made it to 1st class then. Congrats."

"Heh, thanks," he said scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. "It's actually really recent. I noticed you've grown too." She blushed at this wondering why everyone was bringing it up. "I mean it height," he clarified. "Maybe a little older too, but that may just be me."

"Oh, well I have gotten a little taller," she replied pleased that someone noticed something besides her chest. "Do you really think I look older?"

"Eh, just a smidgen, you still don't look 16 though," he answered with a laugh.

"Well...neither do you."

"I'm 17 now."

"Oh, sorry, when was your birthday?" she asked curiously. She wasn't really surprised to find out he was at least a little older than her.

"A little more than a week ago."

"I'll have to get you something then," she said decisively. After all, as far as she was concerned he was a friend. "What would you like?"

"Don't worry about it," he said with a wave of his hand. "It's not important."

"Of course is it," she told him seriously. "You only turn seventeen once."

He laughed a little. "Well, if I had to pick I'd say another date with you would be nice." Zack glanced over to where Rude and Reno were still sitting. "But, after last time, I'm thinking maybe that's not the smartest idea."

Her lips quirked into a smile. "Did Rude scare you that bad?"

"Well, let's just say he made sure I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice," Zack answered with a laugh.

"Right, Reno layed into me too," Aven giggled. "But you know, I think if it's just dinner they won't mind."

"If you're so certain then I'm all for it," he replied with a shrug. "It'll just have to wait for a bit though. Becoming a first class SOLDIER has dumped a lot on my plate."

"Right, I heard about the mass desertion," she murmured sadly. "Are Genesis and Angeal really gone?"

His face fell a little at that. "Yeah… but I'm not giving up. I'm gonna find Angeal and bring him back. Genesis too, if I have to."

Aven smiled, glad that he wasn't taking it too hard. She could definitely see how he had managed to make it to 1st class. "I think you will too."

"Thanks." He glanced around for a moment before looking back at her. "So, I don't suppose you could spare a dance for me?"

"Why, I would be delighted, good sir," Aven said, mimicking Haru's proper speech as she offered a curtsy.

She managed to do it without falling over herself, but still managed to make him laugh. Then he did his own awkward bow and took her hand. "Well, then shall we?" He took her hand and began to lead her in time to the music.

At the bar Reno had jut spotted the two as they began to dance and shook his head. "Looks like the guy's at it again," he told Rude. "Let's just hope he learned his lesson."

Rude glanced over and saw them as well. "She's fine. She has a job."

"Heh, I guess that's true. She won't be distracted enough to get into any trouble," the redhead agreed taking a drink of his beer.

The Turk girl and the SOLDIER boy enjoyed a few dances, laughing and talking. He asked her about the incident where she'd been in trouble and she explained what she thought to be the important parts. The entire time Aven did not forget her job, keeping Rufus in her sights at all times. The night continued on like that until at long last the guests began leaving. After about half the party was gone, the executives were guided to their cars by their escorts.

When Aven was in the car with the young Shinra, she asked him pleasantly, "Did you have a good time, Rufus?"

"Not nearly as much as you did, I'm sure," he replied with a faint smile.

She blushed a little, then said in her defense, "I was being attentive towards my duties. The whole point of appearing as if I was enjoying myself was to blend in."

"It was...and you did very well," he told her as a smile spread across his face. "I doubt anyone would have guessed you were a Turk there to protect me."

"I'll take that as a compliment," she told him with a smile. She was honestly feeling as if nothing could dampen her good mood. "It's the mark of a good Turk to blend in when desired isn't it?"

"Hmph, indeed." Rufus took a moment to address a small, blonde strand which had somehow managed to escape the perfect alignment of the rest. In a single movement he moved the hair back to the perfection he so seemed to cherish. "Perhaps next time you'll save a dance for me."

Aven stared at him in surprise. "Wouldn't that be deemed inappropriate, si… Rufus?"

He merely smiled confidently. "Again, who would question it? Besides, would it not make it seem even less obvious you were watching over me? And what better way to do so?"

Well, Aven had to admit what he said made sense. "Well, if you insist on it, then how can I possibly refuse?"

Rufus nodded in approval. "You know your place well."

"Well, I know enough not to tick off the boss and get myself fired," she replied with a smile.

"Still brutally honest," he thought returning the smile. "If I hadn't told her to treat me casually she'd probably never voice these opinions. I find it rather amusing."

"Just be sure not to lose your cool and proper appearance," she giggled. "I'd hate to see how the ladies would react if they saw the real you. Then again, they may like you regardless."

He humphed again in answer to her comment and the rest of the car ride continued in silence. Once they made it back to HQ Aven bid Rufus goodnight and he left with his father and the other executives. She hadn't realized it until then, but she was really tired. It had been a long, albeit fun night.

"Well done, all of you," Veld commended to his Turks once they had regrouped. "Your jobs are done. You may all go and rest now." They all saluted and began to disperse. "Aven, a moment."

The young girl halted, wondering nervously if she'd done something wrong. Maybe she'd blended in just a bit too well.

She turned to face her superior who waited until the others were gone. "The war is now over," he told her, his voice rather serious, but somewhat kind. "I feel it is now time to open this. I want you to do the honors." As he spoke, he pulled out a single envelope and handed it to her.

She looked at it curiously as she took it from him and read the front. There was a single sentence: "Do not open until the war is over."

Slowly she opened the envelope and took out a hand written note. It read:

Veld, if you're reading this it means I didn't make it till the end to tell you myself. I'm afraid I've made a large promise to the little girl you saved years ago. Even if she isn't strong enough to make it right off the bat I want you to send someone to pick her up to become a member of the Turks. I know this is an odd request, but I did promise we'd give her the chance to prove herself. Oh and one more thing, when you see her again, tell her I said hi, and that I'm sorry I wasn't able to see her fulfill that dream. -Alistair.

As Aven read through the letter, she felt the emotions build up in her chest. By the time she'd gotten to his name, her vision had started to blur.

Veld placed a warm hand on her shoulder. "He would have been proud to have you with us. I know I am."

"Thank you, sir," she said softly, trying to save face by keeping her tears hidden.

When her superior left, she stayed there, wiping her eyes and read the letter over again. It had taken her a while, but she was here now.

"Hey, squirt, you okay?"

Aven turned to see Reno standing nearby with his hands in his pockets. She wondered how long he'd been standing there, and why he hadn't gone to bed with the others. His suit was unbuttoned, his tie was loosened, and his hair was steadily returning to the mess of spikes it usually was.

She resisted the urge to wipe her eyes as she answered. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just heard that an old friend is proud of me," she told him smiling up at him. He could easily see the beginnings of tears in the corners of her eyes despite her smile.

"Hey, how about we head to bed. Ya never know when you'll be called for your next mission." As he spoke, Reno put a hand on her shoulder and grinned at her not letting on that he knew how she really felt.

"Sounds good," she murmured staring at the floor to keep from losing herself.

Even as she said this, neither of them moved. Aven chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, wishing that she could see that Turk again. To show him how much his confidence meant to her. Right now though, all she had was Reno. "I guess you'll do," she murmured. Then before he could say or do anything she hugged him, burying her face in his shirt.

Reno stiffened at the unexpected show of affection. It's not like he really minded it, but he honestly wasn't sure how he should react. He looked around, making sure they were alone. Then he slowly reached up and patted her on her back. He couldn't push her away, so he would just wait until she was ready to let go.

It took awhile, but eventually she let him go and took a step back. "Sorry about that," she murmured smiling up at him for real this time. "I'm feeling much better. Thanks for letting me hug you."

"Eh, I didn't get a hug tonight so I thought I deserved at least one," he answered with a shrug. "Anyway, how about before sleep we get something to snack on...like maybe some Choco-coco's."

"Hehe, alright," she agreed slipping an arm in the crook of his. "But you have to use your own box."


CM: So we really didn't know how to break this chapter up, so we just decided to give you guys a special extra long chapter. Hope you enjoyed. :)