Much to Liv's surprise, the reminder of the day passed uneventfully and peacefully. She could clearly see that Rufus had a change in his personality when it was just the two of them together. While around others she was faced with the cold, calculated President Rufus Shinra, and away from the Shinra Building, away from Midgar he was different. Curious about Costa Del Sol, about her research, materials, and awkwardly curious about her.
Through her years of being a Turk and learning the ways of subterfuge and more, she could tell that asking about others wasn't a strong feature unless it served a purpose. He was an heir of wealth and fame, a man who always sought the best deal with the most to gain, there were people constantly asking questions about him and she assumed there was no time for him to ask or there was a lack of interest.
It was a huge assumption but a logical guess and the fact that she was sure the man learned not to trust everyone around him.
Which was also expected.
The sun was setting over the horizon bathing their private villa in golden oranges and deep indigos and purples, the heat dissolving into a gentle cool breeze from the ocean.
"The sunset looks the same from Junon…but has a different meaning now," Rufus murmured.
"Why is that?" Liv asked.
The couple was relaxing on the patio facing the sea over drinks, one of Costa Del Sol's specialties, Bourbon.
"Since you were new at the time you weren't aware of the situation. I was 'reassigned' to Junon by the old man but was confined to the Shinra mansion," Rufus began
Though she was still new to the Turks at the time she was aware of the sudden reassignment of the young Vice President when she officially joined. Though she wasn't involved in the situation, she was able to look at the files and reports before they were classified.
"I see…I heard about it and was able to take a look at the files and reports before they were classified," Liv replied.
"You have a habit of being too curious," Rufus replied with a smirk.
"I felt as I should have been aware due to the fact that the numbers of the Turks were drastically cut," Liv sipped her bourbon.
"How does that apply to you looking into the incident at Nibelheim?" Rufus asked casually.
Liv was silent at the mention of Nibelheim and the mention of the files, she knew that she was careful when she accessed the documents but the fact that he knew meant there was a mistake somewhere.
"Ah, your silence is telling," Rufus chuckled.
"I did access them," Liv replied coolly and sipped her bourbon.
"Confident still after being caught," Rufus nodded. "Your skills are good but it would have taken you much longer to access those files and also the fact that Tseng hasn't lifted a finger against you for obtaining those files,"
Again, Liv sat quietly and sipped her drink, Rufus chuckled softly as he too nursed his drink. With the intense training with Mayor Domino and friends from the IT department, she thought that she was able to cover all her tracks, but he proved otherwise.
"It's already been overlooked, relax," Rufus replied.
"How did you know it was me?" Liv asked.
"Donovan of the Turks, despite being a Turk there are hidden signatures that are left even if you mask your credentials, your unique signature is on everything you touch digitally regardless of who you are, and that includes me," Rufus replied as he shifted in his chair. "Also, I could tell that Domino helped you, it wasn't hard to connect the pieces,"
"Oh…sounds like you were deep in the database...despite being reassigned," Liv commented.
"We have our reasons. Why were you looking at those files?" Rufus asked bluntly. "What significance does it have to you?"
Liv was silent for a moment, she had recently the entire situation in the back of her mind to focus on what was in front of her but now it was being dragged to the forefront once again.
"I wanted to know what happened to Chu Minamoto, her, Zack Fair, and Sephiroth disappeared without a trace. I want to know why," Liv replied. "It wasn't until recently Cloud Strife was missing but it seems like he has abandoned Shinra. I want to know what happened and what happened to Chu,"
"Why is it important for you to find out?" Rufus asked.
"Chu confided in me before she set off to Nibelheim and she suddenly disappeared, she was the rising star in the start of recruiting females into the SOLDIER program, it's strange don't you think?" Liv explained.
"Perhaps, what did she say?" Rufus asked coolly.
"Respectfully, it was a conversation between two friends," Liv replied, Rufus shrugged.
Rufus sat quietly and sipped the last of his drink and concluded that she was in fact too deep into the disappearance of the woman, he knew of the details but remained silent about them.
"What will you do when you find out the truth?" Rufus asked.
"It depends on what that truth is," Liv replied.
"I hope you find the answers you're seeking," Rufus sighed uninterested. Liv glanced at the man for a moment and was immediately convinced he knew exactly what she needed.
"In the future I'm sure," Liv replied coolly.
"Perhaps," Rufus nodded as he focused on the lowering sun in the distance.
"What did you think about this bourbon?" Liv asked, changing the subject away from Shinra and work.
"The finish is completely different than the one at lunch, more nutmeg and corn after taste," Rufus replied as he glanced at his empty glass.
"Correct, the bourbon from earlier had more cinnamon and maple flavors. Costa Del Sol has over fifteen different bourbons," Liv began.
"I suppose you want me to try them all?"
"I can neither confirm nor deny, just recommend," Liv replied with a slight shrug.
"We'll see," Rufus replied when suddenly his attention jumped to his cellphone and the illuminated screen with unread messages, Liv also glanced down at the man's phone.
During their time together, Liv noticed that he had used less of his phone since they arrived at their Villa and focused more on her and the conversations they had. But she could clearly see that the man was anxious to do work and showed tremendous amounts of restraint.
"Why did you kiss me earlier?" Liv blurted out to see what the man would do, Rufus' crystal blue eyes quickly snapped to her.
"Can I not kiss my fiancée?" Rufus asked coolly.
"You showed no signs of being interested earlier," Liv replied.
"Did you not like it? We can try again if you want," Rufus leaned back in his chair as he gazed at her.
"That's not what I meant,"
"Well?" Rufus began.
"Was it for show or? I know there are at least three Paparazzi around," Liv replied.
When they first arrived Liv quickly surveyed the area for possible danger and discovered there were three individuals on the outskirts of their villa, which meant they were paparazzi looking to get photos of the new couple.
"I wanted to do it. No gimmicks attached," Rufus replied simply as he stood up from his chair and extended a hand for her to take. Liv furrowed her eyebrows for a moment and took his hand. He gently pulled her up from her seat and pulled her flush against him, immediately her cheeks were tinted a dusty rose color.
"What happened to all of that bravado you had on the ship?" Rufus asked. "Or would you prefer for me to make the first move,"
"Sounds like you have me all figured out…" Liv trailed off.
"Keep up or you'll be swept off your feet," Rufus whispered as his lips brushed against hers.
"I'm not that easy…Rufus…" Liv whispered.
"Good. That's what I expected, Sumire,"
Rufus pressed their lips together in a gentle kiss and slowly pulled away, his eyes on hers as he brushed a piece of hair from her face and stepped back.
Liv quietly cursed to herself as she found herself swooning over a simple kiss.
"I need to make a phone call, you can stay out here longer but I wouldn't stay out too much longer," Rufus began as he picked up his cell phone and stepped inside of the Villa.
"Alright," Liv replied softly.
"I think we've given them enough content for today," Rufus chuckled.
"Was that kiss for content as well?" Liv asked, Rufus looked at her from head to toe and smirked.
"I did say no gimmicks attached, right?" Rufus replied as he walked further into the villa.
"You cunning bastard…." Liv murmured to herself.
Liv remained on the patio soaking in whatever remained of the sun as she looked at her own cell phone and messages she received.
R. Tuesti
I hope everything is going well. Be safe.
She sighed softly as she stared at the message from Director Tuesti and knew she would have to tell him, or he would find out the hard way.
Liv
Everything is going well. I hope everything is going good for you back in Midgar :)
After she sent the message and immediately felt foolish for responding to the man and knew that she shouldn't have but felt the need to. She still had feelings for the man and left things unresolved but also felt incredibly idiotic for not telling the man about her situation and not saying anything to her mother about him.
She could have avoided all of this if only she spoke up.
R. Tuesti
I'm still alive, still pulling over times as usual. Missing a coffee break partner.
Liv sighed heavily at the man's response and remembered the last time she had seen him.
Liv
I'll let you know what my schedule is like when I get back
R. Tuesti
Perfect. ;)
With mixed feelings nagging at her she decided to leave the conversation as it is and focus on the messages from Reno and Tseng.
Reno
Heads up. You're gonna end up talking to rat man. He ain't here in Midgar. Seems like he was either on a helicopter or the same boat. Good luck
Liv arched an eyebrow as she read the man's message about Hojo is in Costa Del Sol.
Reno
Also…lemme know when y'all fuck. I wanna confirm some rumors.
Liv scoffed at the man's bravado and needed to know who was sexually active with who.
Liv
Forget about it.
Reno
Ya lucky I'm not asking about you and Director Tuesti
Liv
I don't know what you're insinuating, Reno
Reno
Y'all were FUCK buddies and he's clearly in love with you. Like I said be glad I'm not asking.
Liv
Stay out of my business
Reno
Couldn't help it. He looked like a lovesick puppy
Liv pursed her lips together as she read the man's message and could imagine the look on Reeve's face when he learned about her sudden relationship with the director. Reno's description of the man looking like a puppy wasn't far off.
Reno
We can talk later. You aint runnin' from me this time Liv
Liv turned her attention to the encrypted messages from Tseng, encrypted messages usually meant new orders and that's exactly what it was.
Tseng
Liv, Professor Hojo is currently in Costa Del Sol. Please contact him for information regarding the Cetra and Sephiroth as this information is imperative to our orders from President Rufus. I am aware that this impedes on your current tasks, but I know that I can trust you with this task.
Tseng knew how she felt about the man and asked her to interact with him as a last resort and since the man was in Costa Del Sol she was the closest to him.
Liv
Yes sir. Is there anything specific I should ask about?
Tseng
Your expertise and information that would prove useful to our search
Liv
Understood.
Tseng
Additionally, keep this from the President.
Liv hesitated for a moment and reread the message for a second, third time. Out of all of the years she had worked with Tseng and the others, this was a first. When she was first introduced to the man he was strict and by the book with no room for jokes as he was President Rufus' right-hand man.
Liv
Understood.
Tseng
Thank you for understanding. My apologies for the inconvenience, please enjoy your vacation.
Liv sat quietly for a moment as she looked at her darkening cell phone screen and then to the sea as a soft but cool breeze passed her. Without looking at her cell phone she picked it up and placed it to her ear.
"Hello,"
[Sumire dear]
"Mom," Liv began.
[Tom-Tom informed me that there was a group of people asking for you over at the planetarium]
"Really?" Liv asked, surprised that Aerith reached out to contact her.
[Yes, they told him that you said to ask for you. He told them that you would arrive tomorrow afternoon]
"Oh…tomorrow morning I'm coming home," Liv began, she noted that her mother was silent for a moment before she spoke.
[With your fiancé, Rufus Shinra correct?]
"Yes," Liv replied, she could hear her mother smiling through the phone.
[I'll let your father know to hide the contraband-]
"Mother, please," Liv sighed.
[I'm kidding. I'm glad that you're giving this chance. I know you weren't too excited about the young man, but he seems charming, Quite opposite of his father.]
Liv heard her mother scoff before she continued.
[Should I cook breakfast? Where are you two staying now?]
"No to breakfast and we're at the La Cala Villas," Liv replied.
[Fancy. I didn't expect you two so soon…]
"He was adamant about meeting the both of you and we are sort of on a vacation," Liv replied
[I see. Liv I really do appreciate you doing this, your father and I wanted to make sure that you would be taken care of if something were to happen to us]
"I understand but at the same time, I can take care and provide for myself. I didn't need a spouse to help me with that," Liv replied firmly.
[You say that now but with time you'll understand. If this doesn't work out you can end the relationship]
"I don't know if it'll be as easy as you think it will mother," Liv replied.
[Not with that mindset dear. I will see you and Rufus tomorrow…or should I call him Mr. President hm…anyway goodnight]
"Goodnight. Tell dad I said goodnight,"
[Will do. Love you Sumire, goodnight]
"Love you too,"
Liv ended the call and sighed, immediately she knew that tomorrow was going to be a busy day. She turned to look into the villa and saw the man on a phone call, he saw her and began towards the door. He opened it and extended a hand for her, without hesitation she took his hand and allowed the man to help her stand and step aside to let her into the villa. Rufus closed the doors behind them and covered them with a privacy curtain.
"Have them look at that deal once more. That is our final price. They can take it or leave it. Their choice," Rufus said as he ran a hand through his hair. "They have until tomorrow afternoon, a moment later and I am no longer interested in their services,"
Liv listened to the man negotiate a deal as she slid open the doors to the bedroom, a large king-sized bed with rose petals scattered across the cream silky sheets. Adjacent to the bed was access to the bathroom and another separate but private patio with a glass jacuzzi tub. She scoffed to herself and began to gather the petals and placed them along the mirrored headboard.
Just as she picked up the last rose petal, she caught a glimpse of black from the corner of her peripheral vision. As she turned to look in the direction of the black shadow she caught a glimpse of silver hair causing her to stop and turn in the direction.
"Liv?"
Liv immediately turned her attention to the Shinra heir, despite her heart racing in her chest and sudden heightened sensation of being watched.
"Are you well? You look pale," Rufus questioned.
"I'm fine," Liv replied.
"Are you comfortable sharing a bed with me?" Rufus asked suddenly.
"I'm fine with it," Liv replied.
Liv could see the man's eyes quickly look over her.
"Yes?" Liv replied as coolly as she could, she saw the man's eyes study her from head to toe once more before he spoke.
"Alright,"
Liv watched as he left the door partially open and seemed to continue his phone call. Her heart raced, drummed in her chest and ears as she slowly looked back to where she caught a glimpse of the silver hair of Sephiroth.
Again the man seemed to defy all laws of physics and seemed to appear whenever or wherever he chose. She couldn't confirm or deny if the man was dead but knew that Rufus had seen the man so she wasn't going insane but he seemed to only plague her as of recently. She had no ties to the man and never directly met the man, only in rare passings at HQ.
"What the hell is going on?" Liv murmured to herself.
It wasn't until several hours later did Rufus return back to the bedroom, Liv silently watched as he quietly entered the room, slow with his movements as he did not realize that she was watching him until he slowly closed the door, their eyes met.
"I didn't expect you to still be awake,"
"I didn't want to sleep without making sure you actually rest," Liv replied as she looked up from her book. Rufus said nothing as he made his way to the opposite of the bed and sat down.
"Or you're making up for falling asleep before me on the way here," Rufus commented.
"I was awake," Liv replied.
Rufus looked over his shoulder at the woman before he turned and faced her, a small smirk on his lips.
"It's ok if you fall asleep before me Liv," Rufus replied. "You're my fiancée not just my security,"
Liv sat silently before she opened her mouth to speak
"Understood?" Rufus said before she was able to utter a word.
"Why the sudden change in personality?" Liv asked bluntly. Rufus sighed slightly and ran a hand through his hair.
"We've already gone over this,"
"A sudden change of heart when meeting my parents. You can lie to everyone else but I will not let you lie to my parents," Liv replied.
"What would you have me do differently if you think I am going to lie to your parents," Rufus began. "I am to be wed to a woman I barely know, an employee no less from my very own company. A woman I barely know perfect for my needs-"
"Perfect for your needs? Use me as a prop? As arm candy?" Liv spat as she shoved the sheet from her form and got out of bed.
"I told you I won't be a trophy and if you want this marriage to just be a show let me know so I'm not wasting my time,"
"I told you, you've given that title to yourself," Rufus spat back."I already told you what this was,"
"Then it was just a gimmick," Liv replied "I'll sleep outside, goodnight Mr. President," Liv replied as she grabbed her book and cell phone and promptly left the bedroom closing the door behind her.
Rufus sighed heavily as he watched the door closed, he thought to him for a moment, to the moment where their conversation began to fall apart. She had every right to be suspicious of him and his intentions but in fact, he was trying to change things around so that it wouldn't feel awkward as if he was in a relationship with an employee…
He still considered her an employee.
"Try again Rufus…"Rufus murmured to himself as he reached for his phone.
Rufus
She thinks I'm being fake.
T.H
Were you being too forward, sir?
Rufus
Not that I was aware of…
T.H
Take it slower
With another sigh, Rufus got into the bed and closed his eyes in an attempt to rest. He was frustrated and confused about what he should do.
T.H
I recommend apologizing to her first…
Morning came uneventfully, Liv had already showered and dressed casually in the extra pair of clothes she had, a simple white flowy midi dress, white strappy sandals, and simple makeup.
Knock Knock!
"Rufus, Sir, breakfast has arrived," Liv began as she stood outside the bedroom. The short and sharp argument they had yesterday night was still fresh on her mind.
She had barely slept but hoped that the makeup was enough to cover any signs of it. On the other hand, she was greeted with silence on the other side of the door.
"Rufus-" Liv began as she reached to open the door the door opened.
"Oh-" Liv said, startled and looked up to the man. His crystal blue eyes fell to her and watched as she opened the door wider and stepped to the side.
"Thank you," Rufus replied softly as he hesitantly walked past her. Liv nodded and closed the door, she followed him towards the patio where various breakfast foods were placed.
"Sir-" Liv started
"Stop," Rufus said as he pulled out a chair from the table. "Sit," Rufus motioned to the chair he pulled out.
"S-"
"No words. Sit," Rufus said as he looked at her.
Silently and hesitantly Liv sat down in the chair he had pulled out for her to sit in, once she was settled he moved to the opposite chair of her and sat down. Liv watched as the man poured them both a cup of coffee and waited a moment before he spoke.
"I apologize, it wasn't my intention to come off as being fake nor do I intend to lie to your parents," Rufus started.
Liv sat silently as he gently pushed the saucer and cup towards her and sipped his own coffee. He apologized and yet he still infuriated her, but in the back of her mind she knew that she should have apologized as well for her quick to assume he was leading her on.
"What do you want from me, really?" Liv asked.
"For you to be my wife," Rufus replied simply, her seafoam green eyes studied the man for a moment before she spoke.
"You say that so simply but I know that I am replaceable as both a Turk and a suitable wife but if what you said is true, then act like it," Liv replied.
"If you didn't believe my actions were authentic before then what will make what I do next more authentic to you?" Rufus asked as he placed his cup back on the saucer.
"Your choice in words could be better," Liv replied
Rufus laughed heartily and leaned forward a smile on his lips.
"Your boldness always surprises me, I like it," Rufus said. "You've dropped the Turk act,"
"Outside of uniform I am Sumire, Liv, Donovan….your words," Liv replied.
"Funny how you're using that against me right now," Rufus replied.
"I know when to choose my battles, I'm a Turk for a reason," Liv replied.
"That you are...and a good one," Rufus replied.
"I accept your apology and I wish to apologize as well, I was too quick to assume what you were doing wasn't authentic," Liv replied.
"Your preconception of me is telling, but you have every right to act as such," Rufus replied as he took a croissant. "With time I hope that changes and I hope to...," Rufus trailed off. Liv focused on him, curious as to what he was going to say.
"To...truly get to know you better,"
After breakfast, the couple was driven to a more secluded residential area of Costa Del Sol, though the ride was silent there was a relaxed air between the two of them as they arrived at the two-story villa.
"Thank you," Liv said as she took Rufus' hand as she got out of the sleek vehicle.
"You're welcome," Rufus replied as he nodded to the Soldier cadets and looked around the immediate area. The villa was the last on the brick-paved road near what looked to be a private beach for the residents in the area. Palm trees lined the sides of each of the villas serving as a separation or property, each of the villas was modern and sleek in their design despite the other residential areas they passed on the way here.
Rufus was pleasantly surprised as he looked around the area.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Liv commented.
"Quite," Rufus replied.
"Sumire, dear!"
Liv and Rufus turned to the woman as she exited the house and began towards the couple.
"Mother," Liv smiled and quickly went to her with open arms. Rufus watched as the two women embraced, there was something indescribable feeling in his gut as he watched the two though he refused to acknowledge it, the feeling remained.
"Rufus, don't just stand there," Liv began as she and the older woman turned to face him. At that moment he felt himself stiffen as he looked at the older woman looking expectantly at him, gathering himself he casually approached the two women.
"Mother, meet Rufus Shinra, Rufus this is my mother Cecelia Donovan," Liv introduced the two.
"Nice to meet you in person, but I feel that I am at a bit of a loss as to how to address you," Cecelia began.
"A pleasure to meet you as well, and your daughter and I are to be married it would be odd if I forced my fiancée's parents to call me Mr. President, please call me Rufus," Rufus replied coolly.
"So cool," Cecelia giggled.
Rufus sighed softly as he looked down at the woman, her age was barely visible beside the slight crinkle by the corner of her eyes and the faint streaks of gray in her dark hair. She was Liv's height, tanned skin, and golden hazel colored eyes, she wore all black blouse and trousers with simple slip ons with golden accessories.
"Will your friends be joining us as well?" Cecelia adjusted her glasses as she turned to look at the four Soldiers by the car.
"No, they'll stay out here," Rufus replied.
"Alright then let's get you two out of the sun," Cecelia said as she began towards the Villa.
"Where's father?" Liv asked.
"Baking," Cecelia replied.
"Baking?" Rufus repeated.
"Yes, my father used to participate in baking contests around the world, I'm sure if he didn't become a historian he would have been a chef or passitier of some sort," Liv replied and stepped forward and stopped when Rufus didn't move.
She looked at him and he nodded, she nodded as well. With a surge of confidence, Rufus gently took her hand into his and followed after the woman.
He was well aware of his family not being normal, there was nothing normal about his upbringing that was normal, and being given the chance to experience this normalcy of Liv's family would be something he would cherish for years to come.
"We're going to be going to Gongaga soon…" Reno trailed off, Rude sighed heavily.
"I know, I know what happened to that place was not our fault," Reno replied. "I know how you feel about it especially whenVictor found out what happened,"
"Yeah...he nearly abandoned the Turks to return there," Rude replied.
"Man there's so much fucked up shit with these Mako reactors if they're not given routine maintenance," Reno sighed.
"And we're short-staffed for that," Rude added.
"It used to be the class ranked SOLDIERS but the former Prez axed that program for some reason and then the reactors started going to shit," Reno sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair.
"There's nothing we can do about it but hope that the President will do something about the reactors to prevent another explosion like the one in Gongaga…" Rude trailed off.
"Hopefully," Reno shrugged. "I wonder how Liv is doing right now,"
"You worried about her or something?" Rude asked.
"Not really, more so, just bored," Reno replied.
"Or you're just being nosey," Rude smirked.
"Listen, after I found out that she was fuck buddies with good old Director Tuesti how could I not?" Reno replied. Rude pursed his lips together silently and cleared his throat.
"What? Too much?" Reno asked.
"I didn't know...they were a thing," Rude replied. Reno snorted and laughed at his friend's embarrassment.
"It's a mess, he's totally in love with her, it's written all over his face and apparently she broke it off," Reno began.
"Did she? She wasn't dating him and the President was she? No, she's not that type of person to do that" Rude shook his head answering his own question.
"It has to be something different...and it was all so sudden to AND why didn't the President mention Liv and why did Liv mention the President?" Reno began.
"Because she's a private person and we don't need to get into the President's private life," Rude replied.
"Oh c'mon, you know damn well Tseng knew all about this," Reno huffed.
" Maybe, but that's none of our business," Rude replied.
"I wanna know," Reno said as he looked to Rude.
"Leave me out of it," Rude chuckled.
"I know that we met through such archaic circumstances but I assure you that this upcoming marriage is not just for show. I am interested in learning about her as I am sure she is interested in learning about me and not just Shinra," Rufus said as he looked to Liv.
"I have no qualms, trust me," the large bulkier man replied softly. Sebastian Donovan, the soft-spoken burly historian, Liv's father sat across from the couple and his wife.
"Neither do I. I just want you both to be happy," Cecelia replied as she looked at the couple on the sleek leather sofa.
"I understand that your engagement was announced just recently...and because of the secrecy and Liv's job at the moment you two were unable to meet," Sebastian began.
"Correct. We've been with each other for nearly two weeks or so," Rufus replied. Sebastian placed a finger on his chin in thought.
"You two have some ways to go," the man nodded as he sipped his coffee.
"Perhaps but at the same time, you two work together so even after your vacation you're going to be with each other especially if Liv continues to remain in the clandestine services," Cecelia commented.
"That's true...speaking of which...I would like to assume the two of you have already discussed this?" Sebastian asked Rufus tilted his head slightly as the man spoke. Though he would not voice what he was thinking, the man's soft spokenness did not fit his large and muscular physique.
"We have...As of right now, I'm going to continue to work at a Turk undercover…" Liv trailed off.
"And when you have children?" Cecelia asked.
"She'll be temporarily moved to a Lead Research position in the Urban Development department," Rufus replied. Liv quickly glanced at the man and back to her parents.
"Ah, I'm glad that you have a plan for that…" Sebastian sighed softly.
"What about rumors?" Cecelia asked.
"What about them?" Rufus asked and sipped his coffee.
"What are you going to do about them? Both of you," Cecelia asked.
"Well…" Liv began.
"I have a plan to start an Alternative Mako Research Department since Sumire is knowledgeable in Planetology and the History of the Cetra we can work together to find new alternatives to Mako," Rufus explained.
Liv looked at the man surprised at the new plan he created if rumors were to start and also how quickly he answered the question about children.
"Speaking of the Cetra...can I show you something dear?" Cecelia said as she focused on Liv, Sebastian sighed and shook his head.
"It's nothing bad just something I thought you should be aware of since we were in the middle of researching it,"
Liv glanced to the father and then back to her mother Rufus silently watched the two.
"It'll be quick I promise," Cecelia said as she stood and exited the room.
"Oh..um ok," Liv replied quietly as she turned to Rufus, he nodded. Liv stood and smoothed out her dress before she followed her mother.
Sebastian chuckled to himself as he watched Liv exit the room.
"What is it?" Rufus asked.
"I was wondering how long it would take her to pull Liv back into their research…" Sebastian replied.
"I...see," Rufus replied. He quickly thought back to the Junon and to the time Liv explained the Lifestream flow and the theory behind it.
"I know you come from old money...Rufus," Sebastian began as he heard the two women having a conversation in the next room.
"But Sumire worked hard for what she has and stubbornly will not let it go. No matter what,"
"I am more than aware of that," Rufus replied as he thought back to the time he asked her to quit being a Turk, she declined practically immediately.
"Though she may be of your clandestine services and may appear strong and unyielding...in time she will need someone to be there for her," Sebastian murmured. "There are many things I could say that make a good marriage but you two are adults and will in time know what works best for you,"
Rufus sat silently with his coffee as he listened to the older man impart a side of Liv that she had already shown him and honestly was taken a bit back by it. The women that he surrounded himself with molded to what he wanted in order to be bathed in fame and luxury but instead of putting on a facade she refused to change, refused to allow him to mold her to what he wanted, and expressed it immediately.
He admired it.
"Thank you for your advice...sir," Rufus hesitated
The man chuckled deeply and shook his head.
"Sebastian is fine...I'm not a fan of formalities and what not besides...you're my son-in-law," Sebastian nodded.
Son-in-law
Memories of his father both pleasant and unpleasant flooded his thoughts at the mention of Son-in-law had him frozen in place.
"I just hope our little family is sufficient enough," Sebastian smiled
Family
"It's more than enough," Rufus thought to himself, Rufus sipped the last of his coffee as he heard the two women talking again.
"Sumire don't forget to visit Tom-Tom at the planetarium," Cecelia said.
"I haven't forgotten but this is a huge discovery," Liv began. Rufus glanced in the direction of the two women.
"When did you go to Cosmo Canyon?"
"We can talk about that later. We have a guest Sumire," Cecilia smiled thinly.
"Right, sorry…" Liv trailed off as she and her mother walked back into the den. Sebastian was smiling as the two women entered the room, Rufus's were already on her.
"I'll explain later," Liv said as she took her seat next to the man.
"I understand that you two haven't set a date for the marriage ceremony," Sebastian began.
"Correct," Rufus replied.
"Any idea where you were going to have the ceremony?" Cecelia asked curiously.
Rufus glanced to Liv "I left the decision and all of the details to Liv,"
"Either Midgar or here at Costa Del Sol," Liv replied "The day depends on his schedule,"
"My schedule is insignificant, pick a day and all of my arrangements will be moved around to accommodate the ceremony and the honeymoon," Rufus replied. "This is a special day, nothing will get in the way of it,"
"Oh, that's so scarily cool. I love it," Cecelia replied, Rufus, smirked at the woman's excitement he could tell that the woman was where Liv got her thrill-seeking quality from.
"Exactly one month from now, here in Costa Del Sol," Liv replied.
"Consider it done,"
