Chapter 11: Family and Acceptance

The sun shone brightly, and the autumn air was cool and brisk. And though the refreshing air helped clear the fuzzies from Rufus's fogged mind. The sun forced Rufus to put on a pair of sunglasses as there was still a throbbing behind his eyes. What a great condition for him to be in. The day Rufus was to meet and be introduced to his Fiancee's grandmother and Matriarch of the Shirawaka family, and he was hungover.

Two weeks! Only two weeks left until Rufus and Tseng exchanged their vows. And, Rufus was a bundle of nerves. He tried not to show it, but last night had got the better of him. Shan had come over for dinner and after the three men had retired to the music room. On the way, Tseng had casually inquired if the dinner menu had been confirmed. And Rufus drew a blank as he was unsure if he had completed that task. "Oh Lord," He groaned and bee-lined to his study. He fired up his home computer to check if he had indeed gotten the confirmation on the menu. Seeing that Raven had sent him confirmation, not only for the menu but also for the flowers and D.J., he sighs with relief, turns off the computer and heads back to the music room.

Tseng was at his piano, looking through some sheet music. Shan was reclined in one of the High-back chairs sipping a brandy. Looking up at Rufus's entrance, he inquires. "So, is everything OK?"

Rufus went over to the minibar and poured himself a generous portion of whisky. "Yes, it seems Raven followed up on it for me and sent the conformations to my e-mail." He sighed deeply as he sipped his drink. "I swear that women must have a hidden horde of minions working for her. She is so bloody organized!" He chuckled ruefully as he sat down on the loveseat and stretched out.

Shan laughed. "Raven is definitely organized. She seems to have a unique system for logging and categorizing that helps her keep on top of things."

Tseng turned to face the other two men. "Speaking of the young lady. There is definitely something odd about her!"

Shan arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Why do you say that, cousin?" He inquired mildly.

Tseng shook his head. "I can't quite put my finger on it. But she has an old soul, as it were!"

Shan chuckled and sipped his drink. Hiding his face momentarily. "It's just your Turk instincts kicking into overdrive, I'm sure," Shan commented.

Tseng shrugged. "Whatever it is. She doesn't seem to be a threat!" He stated firmly.

Shan chocked on his drink and started coughing. Once he got control of himself, he stated. "No, I can't see Miss Raven being too much of a threat!" And, to himself, "If only you knew dear cousin!"

Rufus laughed at his cousin-in-law's reaction. "It still appears the Lady has a bit of a crush on you!"

Shan smirked in reply. "A bit!"

Tseng looked intrigued. His cousin had sworn off dating for quite some time, and to see Shan interested in someone romantically pleased him greatly. "Judging by your look, you are not aversed to this?" Tseng inquired.

Shan shook his head. "We are friends! And have gone out a couple of times. So I would say we are getting to know each other, but that is the extent of it for now!" He stated firmly. Tseng just chuckled and begun to play.

So the three men had spent a pleasant evening listening to music, talking and having a few drinks. Well, Rufus had more than just a few. As the night progressed, his nerves only seemed to increase as thoughts of meeting Shan's and Tsen's Grandmother the next day plagued him. So now, here he was. Standing on the tarmac, with Tseng and Shan, waiting for the Shera to land.

Tseng looked at Rufus with concern. "Is everything alright?"

Rufus nodded. "Yes, just old age."

Now Tseng looked confused. "Pardon?"

Rufus chuckled. "It would seem I no longer have the capacity to stay up all hours of the night drinking and not suffer for it."

Tseng and Shan both laughed at Rufus's sardonic tone. And Shan didn't resist the chance to tease him. "Better not let Gran know. She'll go out of her way to make you suffer!" Tseng nodding in agreement.

Rufus groaned deeply in response, but that was the last thing they got to say as they felt the powerful downdraft coming from the airship that was now landing.

It took only five minutes for Cid to land the aircraft and another ten for the ship and ground crew to anchor the ship and secure the disembark's mobile stairs. Moments later, Cid could be seen escorting an elderly lady down the stairs. The two seem to be chatting with each other amicably. "Seems like Gram still has a soft spot for Cid," Tseng commented, dryly.

"And Cid is playing the perfect gentlemen!" Shan chuckled. And the two cousins stepped forward to greet there Grandmother. Rufus followed a few steps behind the two.

As the trio approached the older women, she looked up and smiled. "Oh, come over here, you two and give me a hug."

Shan and Tseng smiled as they complied with their Grandmother's wishes. After she hugged them, she looked at them with concern. "Are you two eating properly? I swear you're both skinnier than you ought to be!" She rebuked sternly.

The cousins laughed as this was a common greeting from the beloved women. Aiko firmly believed all ailments could be cured with food. "Yes, Gran!" The coursed.

She hugged them once again. "Bless Leviathan. It is so good to see you, boys!" She replied emotionally. But then her gaze alighted on Rufus, who stood a few feet away. "And there stands the man who has won the heart of my Saiai no mago !" Her speech transitioning to Wutai on the last phrase. And, Rufus, who had been learning his fiancee's native tongue, understood.

Bowing respectfully, he replies, "Madamu!" Tseng smiled softly, hearing Rufus speak in Watain. Shan snickered, though.

Aiko arched her eyebrows, "Oh? Trying to curry my favour now? Mr. President?" She mocked.

Rufus stood up straight and replied. "Not at all. You will like me or not according to your will. I only wish to show that I am not the stiff neck that my father was or that many people believe I still am!" His voice slipped into the smooth, cultured cadence he was so used to using as President.

Aiko smirked, "We shall see! Come along now. It's been a dreadfully long trip, and I would love to freshen up!" She turned to Cid. "Thank you, dear man, for making me as comfortable as possible!" Cid just bowed and replied. "You are most welcome! All of your luggage has been transferred to the car. And if there is another time you wish to travel. Just let me know." Cid then turned and started yelling at the crews to ready for take-off. Most just shook their heads and went to the tasks with no further direction as they were used to their boss's gruffness and no longer took offence.

Shan and Tseng escorted their Grandmother to the waiting Limo. Rufus following at a discreet distance. "Where is that Granddaughter of mine? Where is Liz?" The older women demanded once they had reached the vehicle.

"Don't worry, Gran! She is at the mansion, making sure everything is ready for you!" Tseng demurred quietly.

"Oh, fuss and bother!" She exclaimed. "I don't need special treatment!"

Shan chuckled softly as he supported the older women as she slid into the backseat. "It's no fuss or bother. This is to be a vacation for you. So relax and let us take of things." The older lady just huffed in response. Shan and Tseng looked at each other with knowing smiles and slid into the seats. One on either side of her.

"Rufus, Are you coming or not!" Aiko grumbled. She wasn't usually this grumpy, but she didn't like long-distance travel, and she was tired and hungry even though Cid and his crew had gone out of their way to make her as comfortable as possible during the trip.

Rufus, thankful he still had sunglasses on, rolled his eyes and slid into the opposite seat. "Of course!" He replied smoothly.

When they arrived home, they were swarmed by the servants who had been pre-warned of their arrival. And with little fuss, Aiko's luggage had been taken to the guest suite and unpacked for her. Aiko took a few moments to wash and changed into a more comfortable Komono. She then slipped on a pair of soft-soled slippers. A girl of about sixteen: bowed and introduced herself. "Hello, I am Natasha. And I will be your personal servant during the day."

Aiko sighed softly. Yes, they had people who worked for the family within her own household but having just one for yourself seem a little excessive. "It isn't really necessary." She had begun to reply. But the young girl started to laugh.

"It is okay, Mame. I am very excited and honoured to be able to do this for you. The mansion is large and can be confusing until you get used to it. Plus, if you want to go out shopping, I can show you the best places to go to. And I promise I won't be a bother to you. If you wish to be alone, I have other duties I can attend."

Seeing the hopeful look in the child's eyes made Aiko smile and eased some of her anxieties. It seemed that the staff were all happy and well taken care of. And worked for Rufus willing. So at home, Mr. Shinra wasn't the Tyrant that people still whispered he could be. But then again, the world of business was still cut-throat, and many of Aiko's sources of information were from those who were associated with Rufus and his company, not those who were personal acquaintances. "Alright, child. I can accept that. But what of your schooling?" She asked out of genuine concern.

Natasha looked at the elderly Lady with compassion. "We're all homeschooled. Housekeeper gives us lessons." She assured Aiko. "Two hours in the morning after chores. And two hours in the afternoon. Then we have homework assignments to complete in the evening. There are only three of us, and it works well with our schedules. Plus, week-ends are ours."

Aiko chuckled at the flood of words. "Well, it is good to know that you are being educated." She stated firmly.

"Yes, Mame! Is there anything else you need?"

"Just where do I go to met with everyone."

"Oh, of course. Refreshments are being served on the patio. If you'll just follow me!" And the young girl leads the elderly lady through the mansion to the french doors that led out to the garden patio.

Aiko was surprised at the number of people who were there. Her grandsons, Tseng, had a large orange fur-ball curled up in his lap. Rufus with his Deamon hound. A young lady with fire-red hair. A tall bald man stood to the young women's right—a young man, whose hair was also had red, slouched in the chair next to them. Then off to the side of them were two women: one blonde and one with auburn hair. The last four were all dressed similarly to her grandsons, and Aiko assumed they were co-workers. But it startled her slightly that they would be included in what she thought was a family affair. But until she knew why they were included, she held her peace. But the state of the red-headed young man attire made Aiko fingers itch to tidy him up.

Seeing Aiko arrive, Rufus stood up, and everyone followed suit. Even though it took a look from Tseng to get Reno up onto his feet. Rufus pulled out a chair for Aiko so that she could sit between her grandsons. He then sat back down into his, which occupied the space on Tseng's other side. Giving Rufus some breathing space. He had never been so nervous in his life, but he plowed on with the introductions. "Aiko, This is Liz."

Liz smiled warmly at the older women. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mame!"

Aiko nodded and smiled. "So you are the young lady my grandson has told me so much about? And please, It's Gran or Grandmother, OK?"

Liz looked at her father, questioningly. Tseng chuckled ruefully. "I have kept your Grandmother appraised of you!" He stated quietly but proudly.

"Oh?" Liz exclaimed, and the blushed.

Aiko chuckled goodnaturedly. "It is all good child. I was surprised when I received the first letter from your father, stating that he and Rufus had adopted you, but I can tell it was a good choice."

Liz, not knowing what to say, nodded and went back to flipping through photos she needed to send in for her weekly article for the Midgar Times.

Rufus then proceeded to introduce the rest of the Turks to the formidably Lady. Reno, even unbending enough to kiss the older woman's hand. "It is a pleasure to meet the women the Chief has talked so much about!"

At this, Aiko raised an eyebrow at Tseng. She had gotten the impression that Tseng hadn't revealed much about himself to his subordinates, but Tseng just smirked and shook his head as the morning progressed, and through carefully inserted questions. Aiko began to understand that there was a very close relationship between Rufus and The Turks. They were comfortable with each, and it showed. Even though there was a hierarchy among them and respect was shown to Rufus and Tseng, they acted no differently than her family at home, which intrigued Aiko.

Having spent the morning getting to know everyone was pleasant and eased many of Aiko's worries regarding the man her grandson would be marrying. Still, it had been a three-day flight, Cid piloting the Shera casually to avoid too much turbulence, and Aiko was fatigued. "Well, this has been pleasant, but for now, I would enjoy a nap!"

Tseng immediately stood up and helped his grandmother up out of the chair. "Of course. And if you wish, Natasha can run you a warm bath!"

Aiko smiled at Tseng. Not that she would ever admit it, but she was feeling her age, and a nice long soak in a hot bath would ease the aches she was feeling. "That would be nice!"

So while Aiko napped, Rufus and Tseng continued to oversee the garden's pre set up in preparation for the wedding. Liz and Rude spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool. And Shan, with the rest of the Turks, went back to H.Q. and their duties there.

Raven had spent the day going through the various reports and sortied and categorized them into a priority for Rufus to preview before the wedding and the planned two-week Honeymoon. She had just finished checking the planned Itinerary Rufus had given her for the Honeymoon and confirmed the reservations at Icicle Lodge when she heard a knock at the door of her office. Looking up, she sees Shan leaning against the door frame, smirking at her. "Are you ready?" He casually inquires.

Raven looks at Shan in confusion. "Ready for what?"

Her response cause Shan to chuckled. "For tonight's dinner! You were invited!" He replies.

"Oh, Lord! Is that tonight? I had completely forgotten it!" Raven cried in dismay. "Give me a moment. She then saves the work on her computer and shuts it down. She stacked the folders of reports and dashes into her suite. Quickly finding something suitable to wear for the evening. A few minutes later, she steps out, looking like she had spent the last few hours getting ready.

Shan smiled appreciatively. She had chosen a pearl coloured dress the was modest and elegant. And made her eyes shine like actual sapphires. Her face appeared to have a slight tint of make-up to accentuate her eyes, cheeks and lips. Her long hair was tied back at the sides with pearl combs but left lose to cascade down the length of her back. She had also added a matching set of earrings, necklaces, and a bracelet of silver and sapphires. And as she drew near, he caught the scent of wildflowers. Smoothing down the skirt, she looks at him. "Too much," She inquires uncertainly.

Shan face alighted with a rare but real smile. "Not at all, my beautiful Dragon Lady."

Raven scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Oh, you!" She sputtered. But was pleased with the compliment.

"I must say, though. The speed at which you can get ready is admirable." Shan commented in a teasing tone of voice.

She blushes softly as she takes his offered arm, and they head to the elevator. "There are advantages to being who I am!" She quietly replies, grateful that this time Shan had refrained from teasing her about her blush.

They arrived at the mansion and were immediately escorted to the music room, where the rest of the family were enjoying pre-dinner cocktails. "Ah, here you two are! At last!" Rufus commented as Raven and Shan entered the room. A knowing smirked, touching the corners of his mouth.

Raven blushed, but Shan return the quip with, "Had to drag Miss Raven away from all that paperwork you keep piling on her!"

Raven saw the horrified look that flitted across the older lady's face and, guessing that this woman was Shan and Tseng's grandmother and that she was probably assessing Rufus' character, swatted Shan playfully. "Shan!" She cried in mock horror. "Yes, I was busy with files and reports, but I choose to be! It will make it easier when the Bosses are away!"

The three-man laughed at her response. Liz and Rude smiled about the on-going joke. And Aiko looked completely confused. Tseng stepped forward and escorted Raven to where his grandmother was sitting. "Gran, let me introduce the newest employee. Raven Lane. Miss Raven, This is my Grandmother, Aiko Shirawaka."

Raven extended her hand to shake the older Ladies, but when the hands clasped, Aiko's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but she quickly covered it with a warm laugh and replied. "It is a pleasure to meet you!" The look she gave Raven, though, was full of questions.

Raven broke contact and stepped back, bowing to the Lady. "It is a pleasure, Mame!" She demurred softly. but thinking to herself. "Shit! I need to be careful around her!"

Thankfully, it was at this moment; a servant came in to announce that dinner was ready and escorted them into the formal dining room. Raven and Shan were fortunately seated at the opposite end from Aiko, who sat between Rufus and Tseng. Liz and Rude sat across from each other in the centre.

The meal was delicious, and the evening passed pleasantly, but Raven could tell that Aiko was subtly trying to not only establish who was who but how they associated with Rufus. And she smiled to herself every time the elderly lady shot a glance her way.

The days pass as preparations were well underway for the wedding. Last-minute fittings, double-checking the Itinerary, ensuring that deliveries were made on time, and the Chief commandeered Aiko to help him with the wedding dinner's dessert. The Mansion had never seen such a flurry of activity, and Rufus started to become overwhelmed. Aiko had been with them for five days now and had slipped fluidly into their normal daily routines. But right now, Rufus needed a break from everything and let himself decompress. There was also some new information he had received that he wanted to go over in private. So after the meal that night, he quietly excused himself and headed to his study. He starts the fire burning in the small fireplace to help ward off the evening's chill and turns on some quiet music. Pouring himself a double finger length of scotch, he sits at his computer and begins to read the report.

A few hours later. Rufus smiled. The report he had been reading sounded promising, and he wanted to broach Tseng about the idea, but it may have to wait until after their wedding. He stood up and stretched when there was a knock at the door. "Enter!" He replied.

Franz stepped in with a small envelope in his hand. "Madame Aiko requested I give you this before you retire."

Rufus's heart dropped in the pit of his stomach as he reached for the envelope. "Thank you, Franz." He replied and waited for the young man to leave before reading the contents. His biggest fear was that Aiko had decided that she couldn't approve of the marriage and was returning home. With trembling fingers, he opens the envelope and inside was an invitation card. Dear Rufus. I want to invite you to join me for tea tomorrow. There are some matters I wish to discuss with you in private! Sincerely Aiko S.

Rufus took a few calming breaths. There was no indication of what she wished to talk to him about, and staying up the night drinking wasn't going to make it any easier. So Rufus set the invitation on his desk and retired to his bedroom. Tseng was already in bed, and so Rufus stripped off his clothes and crawled in under the covers. Taking his beloved into his arms and cuddled him until he fell into a fitful sleep.

The next afternoon saw Rufus nervously stepping out onto the patio. "Aiko?" He called softly.

Aiko turned and saw the look of terror on the poor man's face. "Come sit with me and have some tea. And relax, Rufus! I'm not about to take you to task for keeping your relationship with Tseng a secret!" She patted the chair next to her, and Rufus sat down. She then poured tea for them. Aiko studied Rufus for a moment. He definitely took after his father in looks but from everything that Aiko had learned this past week. That whatever Rufus had been, the events of Meteor Fall and the tragic event that followed had changed him and for the better. "I do wish to speak to you." She sipped her tea. "I am glad Tseng found someone he cares about so deeply, and it is obvious that you care for him just as deeply. My eldest grandson may not show it, but it upset him deeply when his own father disowned him. However, his and Shan's exiled from Wutai have been lifted. He has not returned home in a very long time. Not since the war, at least. Has Tseng ever mention Li-mei to you?" She asked as she set her cup down.

Rufus smiled sadly, "Yes, his little sister. And I know he hasn't been back. I plan to rectify that... I hope!" Funny how the mention of Tseng sister made Rufus think of his own brothers. He hadn't seen Evan in a long time either.

"Yes, Li-mei was his younger sister, who he adored. And she adored him just as much. Tseng blames himself for her death even though no one could have known she would get so sick." She smiled at him and patted his hand. "You know you don't have to try so hard to show me you aren't your father's son. I have spoken to Veld in the past, and he told me that you rarely agreed with your father. I have been getting reports on you and how you treat people these last few years. I also have been watching your interactions with people this week. I am impressed Rufus, and I am grateful that Tseng has found someone who truly loves him. However, I am not happy that you left for so long. Tseng wrote to me, telling me about how you vanished. And I do believe if you had not come home, Tseng would have at some point ended his life soon!" Her eyes narrowed, and her voice took on a deadly edge. "Make sure your vows to him are ones you plan to keep. I doubt my oldest grandson could handle losing you again!"

Rufus bowed his head for a moment. He was shocked that the older women kept tabs on him, but that wasn't surprising. So when he looked up into the older women's eyes, he replies in a voice full of conviction. "That is why I didn't come home without that ring. It isn't just a symbol of my love for him. It is my promise to him that we will be together forever!" He chuckled ruefully. "Plus, in the few days that followed my return, I was more than filled in on everything that happened in my absence. That's when I realized my actions where more like my father than I ever wanted to."

Aiko nodded in satisfaction. "Well, the wedding is what wanted to talk to you about." She pulled out a small box and placed it on the table. "Tseng said I should offer these to you instead of him." She smiled softly. "They are very special to the family!"

Rufus carefully opened the box and peered in astonishment. Inside were matching silver rings engraved with dragons. They were beautiful and obviously handed graved. He looks up at Aiko in astonishment. "I don't understand."

Aiko chuckled at Rufus's discomfort. "These were mine and my late husband's wedding bands. I am offering them to you for you and Tseng to wear as yours!" she said sternly but with some warmth.

Rufus stares at her in stunned disbelief. "Are you sure? This is an honour!"

Akio smirked and replied. "Of course, I am sure, Rufus."

Closing the box, his voice thick with emotion, "thank you!"

She rubbed his cheek. "Please take care of my sweet Tseng. He and Shan are my favourite grandchildren, and Tseng deserves to be happy, and so do you! You are a far better man than your father ever was and ever could have been!"

He closes his eyes and smiles. "Thank you! I will always do my best. He is my heart!"

"And Rufus. There is no need to be so nervous with me. I will soon be your grandmother in law." She smiled fondly at him. "Now, let's enjoy our tea and sweets."

Rufus returns her smile and relaxes. "Yes, ma'am!"

A/N: LANE; Irish From Irish Ó Luain meaning "descendant of Luan," a given name meaning "warrior." I chose this last name for Raven (even though dragons, in all likelihood, aren't given them). For two reasons. Raven is a Great-Horned Dragon and more of an actual warrior among her kind. The second is it my Mother's maiden name.

Also, the small exchange in Wutain (Japanese) was translated through Google, so I apologize if it isn't accurate. A note in regards to Rufus's and Tseng's home. However, they refer to it as the Mansion. It isn't the home Rufus grew up in. And is more like an estate house in size the true mansion. And was built after the events of 'Worlds Collide'.

Well, three more chapters and I'll be able to close this book although there will still be One-Shots of this time added to 'Rufus Reminisces'.