Chapter 12: Plans for the Future

The day that Rufus and Tseng were to exchange vows was fast approaching. Only one week left! Rufus sighed contently as he sat out on the patio in the early morning's light and sipped his coffee while he read the paper. With all of the chaos and commotion at the tower and here at the mansion. Rufus was grateful for a few minutes of solitude.

"May I join you?" An elderly voice queried.

Rufus turned a smile on his face and greeted his soon to be Grandmother-in-Law. "Goodmorning, Aiko! I would be honoured." He replied as he stood up and pulled a chair out for the lady.

Aiko sat down gracefully. "Thank you! So what has you up so early. Tseng told me this was to be your day off?"

Rufus chuckled. "It is, but I do enjoy watching the sunrise. And the quiet of the early morning."

"MMM, Yes! It is very beneficial to get sunlight when you can. It helps you stay healthy!" Aiko commented as she poured herself some coffee. "Tell me, Rufus! Have you and my Grandson had any alone time in the last few weeks?"

Startled by the older women's direct manner. Rufus stares at her. A slight blush staining his cheeks. "Well, um... We have made an effort to come home in the evenings," He replied lamely.

Aiko chuckled. "Yes, I know this, but what I am meaning is have you two managed to have any quality time together away from work or wedding planning?"

Rufus, still blushing, quietly replied. "Well, not really. Didn't think that would happen until the honeymoon."

"Well, let me let you in on a secret. You need to take time for yourselves! A mourning, afternoon, weekend. Whether it is once a week or even once a month, make time for just the two of you." She smiled softly. "But also take time for just yourselves separately! Just because you are a couple doesn't take away from being individuals. Feed both aspects, and you will maintain a healthy balance in your relationship!" She patted his hand. "And don't ever be ashamed of wanting either. And remember to talk to each other when you have begun to feel frustrated. Not after things get to a point where neither of you knows how to deal with it!" She finished with a pointed glare at Rufus.

Rufus, a little shocked at the intensity of Aiko's words, nodded in understanding. "Tseng and I need to learn how to maintain a healthy balance of all the aspects of our lives?"

"Yes, you do! And even though you and my grandson have technically been together for quite a few years. It seems to me that it is now the two of you are ready to build a solid foundation with each other and for Liz!" She replied sternly. "Rufus, Chenglei and I were married when I was only sixteen, and he was eighteen. We were betrothed to each other at birth and had the luxury of getting to know each other as we grew up. But that didn't mean we didn't disagree with each other. Or have arguments from time to time. But we learned how to talk to each other and compromise so that neither of us felt dissatisfied. We worked together as a team to build the life we had. And we were happily married for sixty years before he passed from this life."

Rufus nodded. "You cherished each other?"

Aiko smiled. "We did! Just as much as you and Tseng cherish each other. But Tseng had those family values as he grew up. You did not! I want you to realize that a happy, loving and stable marriage requires work from both." She eyed him as she sipped her coffee.

Rufus thought about everything she had said. And he realized just because he was home and shown his resolve to mend the broken bridge between him and Tseng that it didn't stop there! And that they both would have to work together to have the lasting relationship that they both desired. These last few weeks were a prime example. They had been together. A lot! But they were either working, overseeing the execution of their wedding plans or sleeping. They hadn't had more than a moment or two to be! And Rufus dearly wanted to broach Tseng about a delicate situation. So today would be the perfect day! Getting up, he kissed Aiko on the cheek. "Thank you, Gran."

Aiko chuckled. "So, what are you planning for today?"

"An outing! An afternoon ride to Rocky shores. A picnic. And possibly an overnight stay in Kalm! Just Tseng and I!" He smiled as he took out his phone so set up for the days' itinerary.

Aiko stood up. "Well, I can help by getting a picnic basket packed for you, boys!"

Rufus smiled gratefully at the older woman. "Thank you, Aiko. You are a wonder!" He replied before turning his attention to the person on the line.

Tseng was more than a little confused. His grandmother had come and woke him up and told him to shower and get ready quickly! "Get ready for what?" He mumbled as he tried to burrito himself in the blankets.

Laughing, Aiko pulled back the blankets from her grandson. "You are going out for the day! So the sooner you are ready. The sooner you can leave!"

Tseng tried to blink the sleep out of his eyes as he tried to comprehend what she was saying to him. "Gran, It's my day off, and I was enjoying sleeping!"

Aiko hummed at him. "Sleepy, Tseng! Time to get up! Or do I have to get some cold water?"

The thought of getting cold water in his face was more than enough to get him up. Having experienced it a time or two. He looked at her grumpily. "Where's Rufus?"

"Downstairs, getting the car packed for the day!" She chirped.

Obviously, they had made plans, and Tseng had forgotten about them. But as he headed into the bathroom, he, for the life of him, couldn't remember what they were! "What should I wear?" He asked in a confused voice.

"Oh, I don't know! Something casual. I would think." Aiko replied. "You shower, and I'll pull something together for you!"

Tseng groaned loudly. "Gran, I am old enough to pick out my own clothes!"

"I know! I'm just helping you move a little quicker!" She chuckled and went to his closet to pick out an outfit for him.

Tseng spent a good twenty minutes in the shower. He was sure they hadn't made any plans for the day. So it would seem that his gran was up to some mischief. He chuckled. He loved her delay, but there were times where she was a bit of a busy body. He wondered what she had planned.

Stepping out of the shower, he towelled himself dry. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he brushed his teeth, shaved and combed his hair. Tying the side back from his face. Entering the bedroom, he spies a set of clothes laid out on the bed. Going over to inspect them, he is mildly intrigued. Black denim pants. Black V-neck t-shirt. His riding jacket and boots. But he arched his eyebrow at her choice of undergarment. Not that Tseng was easily embarrassed, but why would his grandmother choose a black pair of thongs? Curious, he dresses and heads down to the kitchen in desperate need of a strong cup of tea and something to eat.

As he enters the room, his Gran chirps, "And here he is!"

Tseng deadpans his expression as he pours a large cup of tea and grabs a bowl for some cereal. "I am not moving another inch until I have eaten, and somebody tells me what's going on!" He replies sternly.

Rufus chuckled as he entered the room. Going over to Tseng, he kisses him. "Morning, grumpy pants! And as to what's going on? It is our day off! And I am taking you away from any and every distraction!"

Tseng eyed Rufus suspiciously as he ate his breakfast. Rufus was dressed in a near-identical as his own. Only his was in royal blue and not his customary white. This implied that they were going somewhere. "Where?"

Rufus smirked. His lover was unusually grumpy this morning. And a good indicator that Tseng really did need to get away and have some downtime. "We are going to go riding on the east coast and have a picnic. And spend the day at the beach. Then we are going to the townhouse in Kalm for a quiet dinner and movie night. We will be spending the night there! In the morning, we will head back to H.Q. all rested up!"

Tseng grunted. "We could do all of that here!"

Rufus sighed. "Yes, we could! But the minute something came up, and our plans would be kaput! And our day off ruined!"

Aiko remained silent as she watched the exchange. Tseng was stubborn, but she had a feeling that Rufus was used to it and wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Looking at Rufus, Tseng saw the boyish enthusiasm in his fiancee's eyes. "Please, Tseng? Let's take just one day for ourselves? Is it really too much to ask?" Rufus asked plaintively.

Tseng sighed and smiled softly. It was good to see the earnest look on Rufus's face. "No, It isn't. And one day away from here wouldn't hurt! It has been a while." He replied as he put his dishes into the sink. "So, where are headed first?"

"To the Chocobo farm!" Rufus stated as he breezed past him.

Tseng stared at Rufus. A horrified expression on his face.

The two-hour car ride to the farm was done in semi-silence. As Tseng refused to speak to Rufus and Rufus refrained from teasing him. Tseng hated Chocobos! Well, mildly feared them to be more accurate. The little buggers always got a little too enthusiastic when greeting Tseng. And Tseng, having had to escort his mother when she came here to ride, had to wait at the stables while one or more of the friendlier ones poked at him, and he had developed a slight phobia. So right now, he was punishing Rufus by staying silent. Rufus just smiled to himself as he held Tsengs hand. Rufus had his own breeding line that he had stabled at the farm. And would come out to ride from time to time. But it had been a long while since he had had the free time to do so.

As Franz guided the Limo up the drive. Tseng, unbent enough to state. "You do know I prefer horses to chocobos!"

Rufus hugged his shoulders' "I know, but as of yet. It is next to impossible to find any on this continent! The majority of breeders still reside in and around Wutai. So for today, will you indulge me? I called ahead to let billy know we were coming and will have a docile one saddled for you." Rufus' expression was pleading with Tseng as there were no roads from here to the beach, and Rufus wanted to take Tseng there.

Tseng turned and looked into his lover's eyes and saw the desperation in them. He sighed and nodded. Leaning forward to place a soft kiss on Rufus's mouth. "Seeing as gone to all this trouble!"

Rufus smiled as he kissed him back. "Thank you, my Love."

The car door opened, followed by a discreet cough from Franz. "Sirs?"The two men chuckled as they exited the back seat.

Rufus inhaled deeply. The scent of fresh air cut hay, and greens filled the air and were slightly intoxicating. He slipped his hand back into Tsengs as they waited for Billy while Franz unloaded the picnic basket. A moment later, though, saw Tseng stiffen ramrod straight and clench Rufus's hand as six chicks came careening out of the barn and swarmed them. Shrill cries erupting from their tiny beaks as they Kwehed and Warked in greeting the newcomers. One actually getting aloft only to land on Tseng's head.

Rufus burst out laughing. when Tseng, through gritted teeth, demanded. "GET IT OFF OF ME!"

Reaching up. Rufus gets a firm hold and gently extracts the small ball of down. "Tseng, It's just a baby!" Chocking on his laughter as Tseng glared at him!

"HEY! Where are you misfits off too?" Rang out from the barn as a young man in overalls, straw hat and work boots strode out to see what had got the chicks excited. "Oh, Mr. President! Mr. Tseng! You've arrived. Give me a moment!" He let out a long low whistle, and the chicks all looked towards him. Changing the pitch to a slightly higher octave had them racing back for the barn. Where Billy firmly closed the door, preventing any other escapes and headed over to the pair.

"Got your Evelyn all saddled up for you! And this here is Bonnie and no sweeter bird on the farm. She'll be perfect for you, Mr. Tseng."

As Tseng stared mutely at the oversized bird. Evelyn stepped up and Kwehed, butting her head into Rufus. Laughing, Rufus hugged and petted her. "Hello, girl. You've missed me!" He feeds her some greens.

Rufus went over and took the reigns for Bonnie and handed them to Tseng. "Take it firmly." He couched him. Tseng turned his gaze to Rufus; his lips clamped tightly. "Tseng, Please?" Rufus implored.

Tseng sighed and held out his hand. Rufus placed the reigns into it. "Here, take this!" Rufus handed over some Mimett greens. Placing his hand under Tsengs, "Now hold your hand out to her!" Tseng did as he was instructed. Keeping a wary eye on the bird's wicked beak. But was surprised at how gentle this creature was as she took the food from his palm.

Tseng cast his gaze at Rufus's questioning. "What next?"

"Pet her," Rufus chuckled. For a man who loved animals as much as Tseng did. He was extremely skittish when dealing with Chocobos. But Rufus wanted him to get a little more comfortable with them so that he could bring Evelyn home. After his wedding gift to Tseng was built and received.

Tseng petted the bird, who, in turn, kwehed softly and gently head-butted him in the shoulder and then looked him in the eyes.

Rufus sighed in relief. "She likes you, Tseng! And I would think you would know what to do from here?"

Tseng nodded as he carefully mounted. It wasn't quite the same as horses, and Tseng only had to compensate slightly. But his seat in the saddle was drastically different. And he had to lean more forward than he wanted, but thankfully it wasn't too uncomfortable. "One of these days, I am going to get you to ride a horse!" Tseng grumbled.

Rufus swung up into his own saddle with practice easy. And settled comfortably. A genuine smile of pleasure crossed his face. It felt good to be back in the saddle as it was one of the very few precious memories Rufus had of his mother. Her teaching him how to ride. And the joy and freedom they had while riding. Sadly her death occurred only four short years later.

Once Franz had secured the picnic and supplies into the saddlebag. Rufus looked to Tseng, who was sitting way too rigidly. The reigns gripped tightly. "Relax, Tseng! You are going to make her sprint, and with that posture, you are going to have a sore ass!" He nudged Evelyn closer to Bonnie. "Take a deep breath and loosen your grip slightly and loosen your posture!"

Tseng did so and actually felt Bonnie relax beneath him. So he nodded to Rufus and gently nudged her with his knees. He knew enough that with a Chocobo. The reins were for directing left or right and stopping. Starting, slowing and speeding up were indicated through pressure used in your legs. And a moment later, they were off in a long-legged stride that was gentle but covered ground quickly without tiring the birds.

Rufus smiled. It didn't take Tseng long to become comfortable once they started moving, and once they had cleared the farm and were out in the grasslands. Rufus kneed Evelyn, indicating for her to pick up her pace. The two of them mock racing each other as Rufus guiding them to a secluded area. Both of them laughing and taunting each other. Feeling freedom, they hadn't felt in years.

A half-hour later, they arrived at their destination—a flat open expanse of lush green grass next to a white pristine sandy beach. The crystal clear blue water of the ocean lapped gently over its' surface. Rufus gently pulled the reigns indicating Evelyn to a stop and dismounted. Quickly retrieving their lunch and set it on the ground. "Walk her for a bit. Then we can take them for a drink." Rufus called to Tseng.

A soft smile played at the corners of Tseng's mouth as he gazed at Rufus while they walked their birds to help them cool down. "What?" Rufus asked.

Chuckling, Tseng replies. "Your hair is rather windswept and is rather cute!" His eyes danced merrily as he gazed fondly at Rufus.

Rufus laughed. "You should see yours!" His face lighting with mischief.

Tseng walked over to him. Bonnie following behind. He grasped Rufus's chin in his hands and leaned forward to kiss him deeply. Breaking off the kiss a moment later. He states softly. "Thank you. Love! I... we needed this."

Rufus caressed his cheek and smiled. "Yes, we did, and you're welcome!" Sighing contently, he hugged him close until both birds Warked and nudged them. "Let's get these two a drink and let them forage."

A concerned look crossed Tsengs' face. "Will they head back to the farm?"

Rufus shook his head. "Evelyn is mine. Bred out of my mother's line! Bonnie will stay with her. And if something spooks them. They'll let us know first and go on the offence. You only have a problem with wild stock."

Tseng nodded. And while Rufus took care of their mounts. Tseng laid their picnic out on the blanket they had brought. "Too bad it's a little on the chilly side. It would be nice to go for a swim?"

Rufus smirked. "We could. The waters here are quite warm being so shallow."

Tseng didn't need any more encouragement. He stripped down to his underwear. "Shall we?"

Rufus felt an unexpected jolt seeing his lover standing before him in the pair of thongs he had bought him for his birthday. Tseng normally was a no-nonsense type of person and tended to wear comfortable boxers. Exhaling sharply, Rufus takes off his own clothes. Tseng chuckles softly. "Sir, you seem to have forgotten something!"

"No! Just felt the extra layer unnecessary," Rufus replied. His voice becoming husky with desire. He steps towards Tseng, kissing him deeply and slips the thongs from his lover's hips. kneading the firm muscles of his ass. "So nice," He whispers as the pause to catch their breath.

Tseng scoops Rufus up into his arms, and bridal carry him to the water's edge. Rufus wrapped his arms around Tseng's shoulders as Tseng walked into the water. Kissing the hollow of his neck. Once they had gone far enough out that the water was hip-deep. Tseng let himself fall into the surprisingly warm water. Rufus still cradled in his arms. "This is nice!"

"Indeed!" Rufus replied as he slipped out of Tseng's arms and let himself float. Tseng watched his beloved from under hooded eyes. A small smile upon his face. Rufus was even more handsome in those rare moments when the mask of the Presidency came off. And Tseng relished the beautiful sight.

The two of them swam and played. Flirted and touch. Enjoying this time of having no constraints. No one watching them. To let themselves be free. It was heady and intoxicating. The sun overhead was quite warm for this time of the year. So they ate their picnic lunch on the blanket, naked—feeding morsels to the other between soft touches and sweet kisses.

And after they had finished eating and packed up their dishes and remaining food. They stretched out on the blanket and cuddled. Now was the time Rufus felt to broach the subject he was holding in his heart. In a quiet voice, he started. "Tseng, I don't know the right way to say this. So I'll just be blunt! I want to have a child. One of my own!"

Rufus's words shattered the tranquil bubble that had surrounded them. Fear began to build in the pit of Tseng's stomach. He had always known that this was a secret desire that Rufus had. But their relationship being what it was, it was not a subject that either of them discussed very often. And Tseng worried that some of the research done on the SOLDIER program might be prompting Rufus. "We have Liz!" He began, but Rufus laid a gentle finger on his lips.

"I have recently been approached by the head medical team with a funding proposal. I have conversed with Reeve and got his feelings on the topic. And now I wish to discuss it with you. But let me detail it all to you first before you comment. Please?"

Rufus's voice was barely more than a whisper. Tseng looked him in the eyes. His mirroring his doubt and confusion. But he nodded for Rufus to proceed.

Rufus took a deep, calming breath. "There seems to be an unfortunate trend of low fertility in otherwise young, healthy adults. And after extensive research over the past few years. It has been determined that direct exposure to the lifestream at the time of Meteor Fall is the most likely cause of this." He took a moment to gather his courage for the next part. "It has also come to light, Hollender's methods in the Jenova project process validity."

At this, Tseng visibly tensed. He hoped Rufus had not become so desperate that he would fund research and develop a project that ended in society's devastation and ruin. "Rufus?" He queried.

He shook his head, stubbornly! "I am not talking about cell manipulation of an unborn child, but the manner of conception and surrogate. In essence, the program would allow those who want but cannot have children to do so. Safely and under medical guidance and supervision. In essence, I could father a child!" He looked pleadingly at Tseng. It was difficult to explain all the doctors' terminology and a little embarrassing trying to describe the method used in his situation.

Tseng breathed deeply through his nose. Not sure if he was angry or hurt. "Firstly, Does Reeve agree to this?"

Rufus nodded. "His exact words were, 'If this is being done in the name of medicine, and not science; I can see it becoming very beneficial for many people.'"

Tseng nodded. "So you will find a suitable female to impregnate and carry your child? How involved will you have to become with her?"

Rufus smiled softly, hearing the note of jealousy in his voice and rubbed Tseng's back. "I will not technically have to be involved with her what so ever. The method proposed for a situation like mine will be through artificial insemination. I won't go into detail, but the procedure is medical and not personal. Although I do hope to find someone who wants to be included in the child's life..." His voice trailed off wistfully.

Tseng exhaled the breath he had been holding. Rufus would not become physically involved was a huge weight off his shoulders, but he was still a little confused about this procedure's methodology. He had long ago accepted he would not have children of his own loins. There were too few women he had felt enough of an attraction to consider becoming more than friends. And for far too long, Rufus was the one who owned his heart. Looking deeply into Rufus's eyes, he sees hope and fear. And hears the candid uncertainty when Rufus states. "I won't do this without you! Yes, I want a child, but I want it to be our child, and I want you to be comfortable with this decision. Not because I want it, but because you want it too!"

Tseng nuzzled him. "If this is something that is above the bored and ethical. I will support you! I know you never truly gave up the hope of having your own child. And I know why! It's not to prove something to your father. This is something you want in tribute to your mom." Tseng kissed away the tears that slid slowly down Rufus's cheeks. This was truly the one thing that left Rufus feeling vulnerable.

Rufus wrapped Tseng in his embrace and kissed him sweetly until the pain in his heart lifted. "Thank you, my Heart!" He whispered huskily.

They started kissing each other. Hands caressing. Bodies moving in a soft rhythm. Each of them knowing the other's weak points and exploiting them. Within moments, Tseng had his fiance moaning and squirming under his touch. "Please?" Rufus begged shamelessly. His manhood jutting out and straining.

Tseng chuckled and let his fingers run lightly along his lover's shaft. Circling the head, spreading pre-cum over the top. Then, in one swift motion, he straddled Rufus and slide effortlessly down his length. Then begun to buck his hips in a steady rhythm. Using his muscles to clench his lover tightly in his warmth.

Rufus cried out, "Tseng! Damn so good!" His voice becoming deep and husky with desire. His eyes darkening with lust. He watched his lover ride him. Tseng's hair hung beautifully around his face. Pleasure etched into his face. His hands held on to Rufus's sides. He was magnificent to behold.

As the tension and pressure mounted in Rufus's belly, he started to thrust his hips, matching his lovers' pace and driving himself deep into his lover. His potion letting him stoke the sweet spot inside of Tseng. Causing Tseng to moan and howl and clawing at his sides. Rufus reached to hold Tseng's erection in his hand. Stroking him in time with the motion of their hips.

As the heat was built. Both were lost in the moment. Beautiful words of love and devotion mingled with lust-filled exclamations as each soared closer to their climax. And in one blinding moment, they simultaneously came. Crying out at the intensity of their orgasms.

Tseng collapsed and held Rufus tightly to him. Rufus closed his eyes, dazed at the intensity of their lovemaking. "That was amzing~" He commented breathlessly.

Tseng chuckled softly. "Yes, it was! My Moon and My Stars." He panted softly

"My Heart, My Life," Rufus responded sleepily. And he drifted into a light slumber.

Tseng smiled and kissed his forehead. Shifting him into a more comfortable potion before he too dozed softly under the afternoon sun—the Chocobos standing silent guard.

The sun had barely moved across the sky, but the air was getting chilly, and Tseng opened his eyes to see Rufus curled up to him. Snuggling as tightly as he could, trying to keep warm. "Rufus, wake up, love! We should head back now!"

Rufus opened one eye and peeked through his bangs. "Mmmm. It is getting chilly." He commented as he stood up and dressed. "It has been a long time since we have been able to act like two love-struck teenagers." He chuckled.

Tseng, now dressed, secured their belongings. "It has indeed. And Rufus, Thank you! I didn't realize how much I need this!"

Rufus walked over and kissed him. "Nor did I, and your welcome! But let's get going. Greta will have supper ready for us when we get to Kalm, and quite frankly, I'm hungry!"

Tseng laughed. Rufus was always hungry. "then let's be on our way!" He replied as he mounted his Chocobo, this time with more confidence. "Race ya!" He called out as he kneed Bonnie into a full out run!

Rufus returned the laughter and kneed Evelyn to do the same. It wouldn't be a long race. But it would get them to the stables quicker. And the birds, having rested and feed well, where more than willing to accommodate.

A/N: In my' Head Cannon,' I believe Gaia's people, once they reach maturity, begin to age slower the Earth humans. And that our best guess from the OG timeline there is 10yrs. between Tseng and Rufus. Therefore, Rufus being approx 40 yrs of age in this story. And, Tseng being 50; They would be physically similar to someone closer to 20 and 30 yrs of age, respectively. The timeline follows OG. Therefore it is approx—10 yrs after DOC.