A/N This will be a collection of one-shots based around an event- Cloud's wedding. Snapshots, if you like. Some will be longer then others, and hopefully it will be chronological as to the order of a typical British wedding. I've been thinking recently, actions speak than words. Therefore I'm trying to write a more physical action, reaction and emotion-in-play than just simply describing the scene. It's an experiment, and I hope you get as much emotion out of this as I've put it!! Reviews are appreciated, of course, flames taken as constructive criticism.
Summary; Cloud is standing by the priest, a begrudgingly clean Cid. His best man Zack is at his back, the bride walking down the flower-strewn aisle. His wedding day; who knew a celebration could cause so much pain? Extended collection of one-shots around this eventful day. Cloti, Clerith, Zerith.
Cloud stared down the aisle. Yellow and white flowers draped down the pews, small bunches proudly stood at the end of each one, stiff and shining with delicate dew drops to keep them fresh. He never thought he would be here, hands clasped, hair reasonably tamed, too-tight-tie round his neck making him want to gasp for air, or perhaps that was the nervousness. Cid stood to his left, slightly behind him, looking out of place himself with a white vicar collar and bible open in his scrubbed hands. Cloud mildly thought the Captain looked grumpier than usual, but the thought wasn't that important in the whole run of things. Zack was stood behind him; Cloud could sense his presence, suitably suppressed for the dignity of the ceremony he thought, though it was unusual for Zack to be so... quiet.
But that wasn't important for the moment. He was waiting, waiting for the strike of the organ to signal the doors to open and the love of his life to grace the aisle. Waiting to finally make her his wife. And there it was! At last! Cloud fixed his gaze at the doors as they swung open, and Marlene skipped down, enjoying her attention and throwing petals everywhere. She cheekily threw some at Barrett as she past, giggling childishly. He didn't seem to mind. Who could mind anything on a day like this? Denzel, nervousness shining in his big eyes, gripping the ring pillow with a fearful determination quickly stepped down next, perhaps a little out of time; but Cloud couldn't care less. The woman he was marrying was making her way towards him- blinding white dress trailing behind her, yellow flowers held perfectly in front of her. Hair tied back in a bun- so different from her usual style- and a pearly veil over her beautiful face.
He had eyes only for her, seeking out her gaze from under that veil. Closer, closer with perfectly timed steps practiced over and over in the church days before. She was finally facing him... Gaia! But then she smiled, and he found the confidence to reach forward and lift the veil that obstructed her gaze, which lifted to catch his own. Emeralds have never sparkled as bright as her eyes did then.
Rubies never looked as dull as the eyes of the maid of honour, fixed on Cloud and allowing herself to pretend for a second that she was the one in the white dress, the one Cloud stared at with an intensity that could melt the world away. Silent feet on the padded aisle carpet left her heart at the church door, racked up next to coats, hats and the sympathetic company of Zack's own broken heart. This was a ceremony of making two become one; excess ones were not required at the altar.
Soundless steps with the soft swish of layered fabric, the organ replacing the absence of sound. Tifa kept her dull rubies facing forward to not run the risk of tripping into his eyes and tripping over the hem of her claret dress in the process. She passed him without a glance, although a breath was all she needed. Lightning, earth, storms... she knew his scent in an instant, and he filled her mind without her willing permission. Somehow, her body had drifted into the correct position next to Zack, and they stood together facing the entire congregation, including the very image of love's ignorant bliss.
Wordlessly, long fingers of a strong hand curled round hers. She gripped it back.
"Thanks" she whispered. Zack just gave a tight nod.
A gruff clearing of a phlegm-plagued throat, and Cid began.
"Dearly belov'd. We are gather'd 'ere today..."