Disclaimer: I own nothing but these pennies in my pocket. Which will probably be stolen by Yuffie.

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We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.

Anne Frank

Chapter 1: Something To Do

"I can't believe what's happenin'. The boy's finally tying the knot! I still remember when he was too scared to even show his face to her…"

"He's come a long way. And has a little bit more to go through…. but I think Cloud will be alright."

"Ya know Aerith, Cloud's a big boy now; he can take care of himself."

"I know, Zack, I just ...I just want to make sure he finds happiness. He deserves it so much."

"Ain't today supposed to be one of his happiest days ever?" The Cetra giggled at his question.

"Of course!" The two returned to watching the day's big event on the Planet, which happened to be Cloud Strife's marriage to Tifa Lockheart. The wedding had been well planned out, although originally the two had wanted a small wedding, you couldn't well expect to save the world twice and have such a thing. Naturally, those most expected to come showed up, but the (good) acquaintances they had made along their journey to stop Sephiroth the first time had shown up as well. And even the President himself, along with his trusty Turks, graced his presence to the almost newlyweds. And though they weren't there physically, Cloud knew that Aerith and Zack were watching.

As both of them continued to watch the wedding unfold, during the exchanging of vows, Aerith had let out a small sigh. She didn't have any regrets about her choices in the past life, but she couldn't help but think about what could have happened … if only…perhaps…?

Zack could somewhat sense what the Cetra was thinking. The two of them had their lives cut short so early; they had barely begun to experience life itself. Surely, if the unfortunate events that came upon him didn't happen, he would have probably married her. She was the only girl who he felt so strongly for…but fate…

"You would have looked beautiful in a wedding dress" he said to her, awaking her from her thoughts.

"You think so?" she asked, emerald eyes gleaming with laughter.

"I know so! You'd been a perfect bride-to-be! I would have married ya'."

"Oh? Who said I wanted to be a Mrs. Fair?" Aerith playfully replied, poking the raven haired SOLDIER lightly in his ribs. In return he pouted at her words.

"Aww, I'm hurt Aerith." He said, putting his hand over his heart for emphasis.

"Marriage is a commitment, Zack. You know the phrase 'till death do us part?'"

"And who said I couldn't commit? Why wouldn't I have wanted to stay with such a great girl like you?" The brunette gave him a small smile, and then giggled.

"Well, Zack, I suppose you would have made an excellent Mr. Gainsborough." He raised his eyebrows at that statement.

The day progressed; Yuffie fought to catch Tifa's bouquet (injuring many innocent bystanders in the process) then gave our favorite ex-Turk filled with demons a somewhat suggestive look; Reno accidentally caught Tifa's garter and began asking his fellow employees if there was any sort of way to reverse this "curse" bestowed onto him; Cloud received lectures by Barret and Cid about being married; the bride told her ring-bearer that tomorrow he would also share her new last name; everyone simply took delight in celebrating the event.

Four months later

You could never keep track of time in the Lifestream; there were no days or nights, hours or seconds: time was not a factor there. Not so long after Cloud's wedding, Zack began to fade, till he eventually disappeared. She knew he couldn't stay with her forever, but she wished that she had had a chance to say goodbye properly. Between Cloud's visits (which became less and less), the Cetra tried to keep busy. But even so, she found herself becoming just a little lonely without Zack's presence. Because of there being no sort of time in the Lifestream, she couldn't exactly tell how long he'd been gone… was it hours ago or maybe a couple of days?

Ilfana visited with her daughter not too long ago, or maybe it was, Aerith, became irritated with the time issue. She asked if she was ready to go to the Promised Land.

"I want to stay until I know he finds happiness…."

"Very well. But you must go right after he does. The Planet is waiting for your return."

"Mother…" Aerith began, finding it still somewhat strange to call her this after all her years with Elmyra, "The Promised Land…. What is it like?"

"The Promised Land… is a place filled with your heart's desires. Everyone has their own desires; therefore, your idea of the Promised Land may not be my idea of the Promised Land. However, happiness is always found there."

"I'm not sure I understand…" she replied, fiddling with the end of her light brown braid.

"When you reach it, you will understand my words." The two chatted about other things irrelevant to the subject until it was time for her mother to return.

Happiness.

Well, she wanted to be happy. It was so hard though, everything that had brought her joy was almost out of reach… What her heart yearned for, she couldn't have anymore. She contemplated on the meaning of words until a familiar voice rang in her ears.

"Aerith?"

It was Cloud. He was visiting her church.

"Aerith?" he called again. She appeared behind him, answering his call.

"I'm here." He turned around and gave her a small smile. But his eyes they looked… tired? Upset? Sad? No… he was…worried. "Is something the matter?"

"No… well… yes….It's just that…" the blond started but gave out a frustrated grunt running his hand through his gravity defying hair.

"Cloud?"

"Tifa is… Tifa, she's….." he started blubbering out, somewhat choking on his words.

"Did something happen to Tifa?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"She's pregnant."

The ancient gasped, putting her hands over her mouth. Tifa was going to have a baby! She squealed with glee.

"Oh Cloud," she said jumping with excitement reaching out for his hands, "That's great news!!! You're going to be a father!" She smiled brightly at him, but her smile faded when she saw that he was not as excited as he should have been. "Aren't you… happy?"

"Sure I am… At least… I was."

Aerith released her grip from his hands, and Cloud sat at the edge of small pool of healing water, made a little less than 2 years ago. "I'm going to be a… a father, Aerith."

"But you're already like a father to Denzel. Why are you so worried?" Cloud shifted at when she ask that.

"Denzel is… my son, but… He wasn't always mine… This kid of mine… I'll have to start from scratch…I barely knew my father." Aerith sighed and sat next to him, giving him a reassuring pat on the back. "What if I-

"You'll be fine Cloud. Your child will be fine too. Remember Cloud, Tifa has to raise the baby too!" she joked, causing the warrior to smirk a bit. "But really, everything will be fine. I promise. Just do the best as you can."

"The best that I can?" he repeated looking into his own reflection in the water.

"Of course! What else can you do?"

With that said and done, the two friends continued unto other conversations about the happenings of their comrades, and how well Cloud's family was coming along. With Aerith's words of encouragement, Cloud began preparing himself for his next big task at hand. And Aerith was happy to have done something for his and her own happiness.

Author's Note:

Yay! My first FF story ever! This idea has been stuck in my mind for ages I have to let it out! Please lemme know how you like the story so far I haven't gotten to the juicy part yet!