Chapter 13: I Will Love You Forever!
The day had finally arrived. Today Rufus and Tseng would be renewing their vows to each other. And this time in front of family and friends. The mansion was a flurry of activity as servants took care of the last-minute preparations. They were ensuring that everything was in readiness for the days' big event. Junior members of the Turks and SOLDIERS, handpicked by Cloud, were being stationed around the property to ensure the guests' safety and security of the wedding party. Aiko was busy in the kitchen. She was overseeing that the preparations for the O'duvers and transition to the evenings' meal were ready. Shan was locked in his quest room, getting himself ready and preparing for his role as witness and blessing giver to his cousin and cousin-in-law. Liz was in charge of coordinating the D.J. and the photographer. Everyone moved effortlessly through their assigned tasks and allowed the couple the luxury of spending the morning and early afternoon in solitude to prepare.
Being left alone allowed Rufus and Tseng to wake up later than usual and enjoy breakfast together in their suite. They showered together-A slow loving process of intimacy and bonding. They took their time donning their Kimonos, adjusting and straightening each other's outfits. There was laughter and joy between them as they prepared themselves. and once they were ready, Tseng stared at Rufus with a soft expression on his face. "You look so handsome! Even if you surprised me in choosing this more traditional dress of my people."
Rufus smiled and nodded. He was wearing, predictably, a white Kimono jacket with two silver dragons embossed on each chest area—a black under yukata. And a black and white patterned hakama and obi belt. The only divergence was, Rufus chose to wear his dress shoes. "Aiko helped me finalize my choice." He chuckled ruefully. "And you look breathtaking!" Rufus countered as he gazed at Tseng, dressed in an elaborate black kimono with silver patterning along the edge of the flowing jacket and gold dragon and leaf printing down the front. Tseng had pulled the sides and top back and tied in an intricate knot at the crown of his head while the rest flowed naturally down his back. He, too, had forgone wearing sandals and had chosen black dress shoes. "Are you ready, My Love?" Rufus playfully asks.
Tseng softly smiles. "I've been ready for this my entire life!"
Rufus rolled his eyes but smiled fondly at Tseng's quip and held his hand out. "Then let's be on our way!" And the two men exited their bedroom and headed to the patio doors that led out to the garden.
Waiting to step outside, Rufus scans the crowd. In the front row of chairs on his side sat his Brother Evan and his girlfriend Kyrie with the young lad they had fostered along with Liz. In the row behind them sat Raven. Cloud with his family and Reeve Tuesti. In the front row on Tseng's side sat Aiko with, of all people, Yuffie Kisaragi, who was dressed as The Princess of Wutai... So Gordo had sent his daughter as an official representative. And maybe a subtle hint that the past was the past? In the row behind them sat Rude, Reno, Cissnei, Elena and Vincent Valentine (who had forgone his usual attire and was dressed in a regular suit). Surprisingly there were quite a few other guests present, employees, business associates and mutual friends. All told there were around fifty or so people who had come to attend the wedding. As Rufus scanned the crowd further, he could tell that everyone was in good spirits and enjoying themselves. He also noticed the Turks and 2nd class SOLDIERS strategically placed around the garden.
As the melody from the song Rufus and Tseng had picked began to play over the loudspeakers. The guests quieted down and turned to look at the patio doors to watch Rufus and Tseng step out in the garden and make their way to where the priestess of Minerva stood waiting. Being that this was a highly unusual wedding, the couple had forgone tradition and instead of Rufus walking down the centre aisle to where Tseng would have been waiting for him at the alter. The two men chose to separately walk down the outside aisles and meet at the altar together where Shan, dress in a deep green and black Kimono, Katana at his hip, stood as ring-bearer and witness for his cousin and cousin-in-law!
Once they had arrived, the priestess smiled, directing her attention to the assembled crowd she spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen. Friends and family. It is with great joy that we are gathered today to witness this union between Rufus Shinra and Tseng Shirakawa and the renewal of their vows."
Turning her attention to Rufus, "You have come before me in good faith to pledge your vows to this man?"
Rufus nodded and replied, "I have!"
"Then speak your vows to your beloved as you place your ring on his finger!" She solemnly stated.
Rufus nervously took the ring from the pillow that Shan held and slipped the ring onto Tseng's finger. With a slight smile on his face, Rufus takes a deep breath. "You have been my best friend, confidant and mentor for most of my life. But the day I realized you were more to me than just that was the day I was able to acknowledge I was in love with you! You have become my heart and my soul, my strength and wisdom! Even in my darkest hours, you have been with me, supporting me and showing me that I was more than what I feared I could only be. And I promise to love and care for you. To be worthy of this love you have given to me. I will be honest with you from this day forward and no longer hide in the shadows. Together we will walk into our future holding hands supporting each other. I love you! Always have, and I always will! from now until eternity!"
She turned to Tseng and asked the same of him.
Tseng, too, nodded and replied, "I have!"
"Then speak your vows to your beloved as you place your ring on his finger." She stated once more.
Tseng carefully picked up the second ring and slipped it onto Rufus's finger. Looking into Rufus's eyes, Tseng states, "When I first met you, you were a fascinating boy who was spoiled by his father and mother. But while watching over you. I Learned that you were not only your father's son. But a boy who had his own thoughts and dreams, and ideals. I remember how you cried for hours the day you were told your mother has passed away, and I was unsure how to comfort you. But one thing I knew as I watched you grow and become the man you are today. I fell in love with you more as each day passed. Now you will become my husband. I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I promise I will always be honest with you, kind, patient and forgiving. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend. I cannot wait to begin building our life together. I love you with all my heart, from now until eternity."
The Priestess spoke, "Gentlemen, please clasp your right hand together over the top of your left ones, focusing on the connection between yourselves." Then pitching her voice so that the guests could hear her, "Rufus and Tseng, having spoken the official words, now it is time for the fasting of your hands that will seal your union on a spiritual level. This ritual is one of deep significance. Please interlace your hands together, taking care to breathe slowly and focus on the connection being created." Rufus and Tseng joined hands, right-hand to right-hand and left-hand to left-hand, in an interlocking fashion. "Now, Look deep into each other's eyes, and remember all you have experienced together – both the highs and lows. Henceforth, you will be united in partnership – ready to support one another through both the joys and the sorrows and in light or darkness."
Rufus staring intensely into Tseng's eyes, mouths, 'I love you!' Tseng smiles and replies, 'I love you too!'
Noticing this, the priestess smiles and continues. "It's now time to fasten your hands together, a tradition that has spanned generations. This act symbolizes a deep commitment to your shared union."
She now wraps the hand-fasting ribbon around the couple's interlocked hands several times.
"Just as your hands are bound before us today, so too will your lives become. While this ribbon will soon be unwrapped, your spirits will forever be joined in unity from this moment forward. Let us acknowledge this special bond you share, and may your relationship be blessed with joy and happiness." Having completed her part, the priestess stepped back.
Shan stepped forward, a vial of scented oil in his hand. Poring some on his finger, he places a drop on Tseng and then Rufus's forehead. He then pulls his Katana from its death, and holding it in front of the couple, point down and both hands on the pommel, softly intone, "Let Leviathan Bless this union! Let your houses join together and become one! May your lives be full!" Having completed his part of the ceremony, Shan steps back to let the Priestess complete the hand-fasting ritual.
As she unwraps the ribbon and in a forceful voice, she states! "Two lives are now pledged and become one!" And as soon as their hands were freed, Rufus and Tseng stepped forward and, for the first time, share a very passionate kiss in front of everyone. Cries of congratulations and cheers of joy erupted from the attendees as cameras clicked nonstop. But none of that seems to matter to the couple as they sealed their promises with that kiss. That is until Shan coughed loudly.
"Okay, you two! There will be enough time for that later. Now's the time to PARTY!" Shan laughed mischievously as the pair broke apart, looking slightly flustered.
The dinner reception followed the ceremony, and as guest took their seats, Rufus, Tseng, Liz, Shan, and Aiko took their chairs at the head table as servants began to pour champagne in preparations for the toasts that were to come. And once the staff had finished, Rufus stood, glass in hand, and addressed his guests. "I would like first of all to thank everyone for coming and sharing this day with us! It has truly made it all the more special." He turns, lifting his glass to Tseng. "To my partner and beloved. Thank you! Thank you for your kindness, generosity, love and support. For all your patience in dealing with me. I am so looking forward to sharing the rest of our lives, Openly and with no shame." Even though he spoke with confidence, he was still very nervous about being open with his feelings. But he had made himself a promise of being just Rufus today and not the president.
Tseng, a small smile lifted the corner of his lips, nodded. He then stood a tapped his glass to Rufus's "To us, my love." He said quietly as Shan snickered beside him, but he ignored his cousin to Tseng's credit as he turned to address those who were assembled. "I am not a man of many words but, I too want to thank you all for accepting our invitation to our nuptials." And with that said, he abruptly sat down, and it appeared it was all Shan could do to hold in his laughter at his cousin's discomfort. But Aiko formed at her grandson and swatted his arm. This broke the last of the tension gales of laughter erupted from the head table, and many of the guests familiar with Shan's antics. It was also the cue for the staff to bring out the appetizers and refresh people's drinks. And as the meal progressed, there were much laughter and conversation and many more toasts.
Eventually, the sun started to set, and the wedding cake was brought out and set out before Rufus and Tseng. The two stood and, holding the knife together, cut into the cake amid cheers that erupted from their guests. Both had silly grins on their faces as they had consumed a fair bit of alcohol and were a bit giddy from all the attention, but they indulged themselves by feeding each other a morsel of the cake. Once their desserts had been consumed, Rufus and Tseng stood and headed to the gazebo, where they would have their first dance. The crowd of people sat in silence as the two newlyweds dance under the fairy lights, but once the song ended, they stepped down onto the dance floor where Rufus danced with Liz, and then Tseng danced with his daughter. Slowly couples joined them and danced the night away.
As the evening began to wind down and quest came up to bid the couple goodnight, many leaving presents on their way out. Rufus and Tseng sat in comfortable silence at the head table. Until Yuffie and Vincent came to bid their farewells, and Yuffie characteristically fidgeted in the conforming robes, place a large box in front of them and stated. "My father and I wish you all the happiness and to extend an invitation to you both!" and with that, she nodded and turned to leave,
Tseng smirked and replied. "Thank you, Princess. Please convey to your father our gratitude, and I must say you look very Lady-like tonight!"
Yuffie huffed but walked into the house with a certain amount of decorum. Vincent looked at his boss and started to laugh. "You do have a sense of humour!" Before following Yuffie into the house.
Rufus chuckled softly and laid his head on Tseng's shoulder. "Getting tired?" Tseng asked casually.
"A little, perhaps," Rufus replied.
Tseng carefully stood and held his hand out to Rufus. "Let's go to bed! It's been a long day, and we won't be missed now!"
Stifling a yawn, Rufus stood and followed him into the house and to their bedroom. Opening the door, he was assaulted with a light scent of roses and vanilla. Stepping into their room, he saw rose petals scattered throughout the room. Vanilla scented candles lit and perfuming the air. Quiet and soothing played softly over the stereo and the sounds of the jets running in the bath. Rufus turned to look at a very smug husband. "Oh, I guess I won't be going to bed just yet?"
Tseng leaned forward and kissed him. "That was the plan." And gently, he pushes Rufus further into the room and firmly closed and locked the door. It was sometime before they fell asleep.