Cloud knocked on her door, hiding the bouquet of roses behind his back. His soft blue eyes met her vivid green ones and his lips found hers on a crushing kiss. Her eyes widened with pleasant surprise as she gladly returned his kiss with the same intensity.

"Cloud! You sure are happy," she said as he took her in his arms and whirled her around. After making her dizzy, he settled her down on the floor and gave her the bouquet.

"I know you have flowers, but it never gets old," said Cloud as he handed her the flowers, receiving a bright smile from her.

"Oh Cloud, it never gets old," she said as she pecked him softly on the lips and invited him in, "what do I owe this surprise?"

"I can visit my fiancé as many times as I wish, right?"

"Of course honey, don't get me wrong," she sat down and motioned him to seat besides her, order to which he obliged, "I just wasn't expecting you."

"I needed to see you before tomorrow. I seriously can't get enough of you. Five days a week aren't enough for me" said a smiling Cloud as he leaned in for a tender kiss.

"That will change in about three months"

"I can't wait" said Cloud as he wrapped his arms around her petite form. She leaned back on his chest and sighed contently. He smelled her hair and got lost in her enticing aroma, a mix of her flower shampoo and her natural sweet smell. Her hand found his jaw line and she started caressing his skin, making him shudder with pleasure. She giggled as he gave in to her touch like a kitten.

"Cloud?" she asked in a soft voice.

"Mmm?" answered a drowsy Cloud.

"Why don't you let your beard grow a little?"

He couldn't hide his surprise as he shifted on the couch, "Aeris, you know it's hard for me to grow a beard. It'll take long."

"Do you think you could do it for our wedding night?"

"I'll see what I can do; why the sudden interest?"

"Nothing, I was just curious."

"Alright" said the blonde as he started tickling her. They soon found each other in a raging battle of tickles.

"No Cloud! Please stop!" cried a desperate Aeris as his hands traveled from her belly to her armpits to her belly once again.

"You want me to stop? Beg me darling!" yelled an ecstatic Cloud.

"Alright! Alright, please I beg you sir Cloud! Stop torturing me!"

"That's good enough," said a grinning Cloud as he let his hands wander from her fit abdomen to her shoulders, and he dove in for a deep kiss on her lips. She let out a surprised moan which only ignited his fire more. Her hands found his neck and got tangled on his golden spikes, earning a low groan from her fiancé. He slowly laid his weight over her, careful not to hurt her, and continued to caress her soft shoulders as his mouth started traveling down her neck, and up again until he reached her ear.

"I love you Aeris," whispered his heated breathe against her ear.

"I love you too," she answered with a ragged voice that enticed him even more and provoked a rather husky reaction from him. He switched places, sitting down and doing the same for her on his lap. He embraced her against his chest and kissed her neck fervently.

"Cloud, baby stop please," she pleaded to him. She heard him sigh heavily and she felt sorry for him.

"I got carried away once more, I'm sorry"

"No Cloud, I'm sorry"

"I understand, not until we're married. But it's hard to hold my want for you when we're alone like this. If it weren't for you, I don't know if I could keep my promise," answered a blushing Cloud.

"It's okay honey" answered Aeris relieved as she moved back to the couch and sat down beside him, leaning her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his right arm around her shoulders and leaned his head on hers, enjoying their peaceful silence and listening to their hearts beat as one. Much to their disappointment, her cell phone rang. She groaned as she made her way to her room. That must be Zack, thought Cloud as he made himself comfortable on the couch, if everything goes as planned, he'll ask her out and she'll reject him. If I'm lucky, she'll tell me afterwards.

"Hello?" answered a rather annoyed Aeris.

"Hi Aeris, it's Zack"

"Zack? What is it?" asked a suspicious Aeris.

"Listen, I'm sorry to bother you, but I'd like to get to know you better," God, I must sound like a pervert, thought Zack regrettably.

"I think you got to know me good enough today Zack"

"I'd just like to spend more time with my best friend's girlfriend," answered Zack honestly. Aeris was quiet for a few seconds, action that didn't surprise him. Everything was going exactly as they had planned, and if he was lucky, she'd say no and go tell Cloud. Then it'll all be over.

"Alright, where are we going?"

WHAT? "How about some ice cream tomorrow?" Bad, this is bad!

"Okay, are you picking me up then?"

Double WHAT? "If you want me to; just give me your address."

"I'll call you tomorrow and tell you. When should I be ready?"

"At five," he couldn't believe his ears.

"I'll be waiting then. And I know, Cloud mustn't know, right?"

"You're right, thanks," he was almost speechless.

"Okay then, call you tomorrow Zack," she hung up their call and stood there motionless. She refused to believe so at first, but she was now almost sure he wasn't what he wanted people to believe. What is he up to? I better find out tomorrow and then tell Cloud about it, she thought as she made her way back to the living room.

Little did she know, Zack was thinking the same about her. He fell back to his couch as soon as she hung up their call. What is she up to? I better call Cloud just as we planned. I should wait a few minutes, thought the dark haired man as he bit his nail. I don't think Cloud is going to like this.

Meanwhile, Cloud couldn't hold his excitement when she entered the room.

"Who was it sweetheart?" asked a smiling Cloud. He was so sure he knew his girl.

"Ah, it was Rinoa. She asked me about my wedding dress. We'll start looking for one tomorrow."

He tried to force a smile, but he was never good at it anyway, "Are you sure?"

"What do you mean? Of course I'm sure," she walked up to him and kissed his head, "it's going to be a girl's day out" she said, giggling afterwards. Cloud wasn't laughing though; either she was telling the truth and it had been Rinoa, or she was hiding the fact that Zack called her. There was only one way to find out. He hastily rose to his feet.

"Leaving already? I was going to make us some dinner"

"I have some work at home. I'll call you later during the night okay?" he kissed her softly on the lips and left her apartment, leaving a confused Aeris to think to herself.

He was getting desperate, why wasn't Zack calling? He paced around his apartment; he was sure he'd make a hole on the floor soon. He almost tripped over his couch as her heard his cell phone ringing.

"Yes? Tell me what happened!" answered a hasty Cloud.

"Hello to you too pal"

"I'm sorry, but I'm concerned about this. How did it go? You did call her, right?"

"Of course, I asked to go out with me, and after a few questions, she accepted."

"WHAT?"

"There's more Cloud, she asked me to pick her up at her place," Cloud's jaw slowly fell as he heard what his friend was saying, "we're getting some ice cream at five."

"Everything was going so fine until now. What made her change her mind?"

"I'm not sure. Did she tell you?"

"No, she told me her best friend had called her and that they're picking her wedding dress tomorrow. Zack, what could this mean?"

"I was surprised myself Cloud, but let's not jump into conclusions and let's wait until tomorrow."

"I guess you're right. There's nothing else I can do but wait until you call me. You are going to tell me everything that happens, right?"

"You can count on it."

"Thanks for putting up with me bro."

"What are friends for?" said a reassuring Zack.

"Bye" said a worried Cloud. He combed his blonde hair with his hand. What would I do without Zack?

Time passed, and Zack was ready to pick Aeris up. He was slightly nervous, for a fake date that is. He had chosen one of his best attires for the night and began to wonder why he cared so much about her opinion. He looked at his reflection once more, making sure his rebellious spikes were in place. He put on some cologne, perhaps too much, since he started coughing on it, and made sure his black button shirt was unwrinkled. Getting to his ride, he tried remembering what Cloud had told him.

"Try to be funnier than what you usually are. You know; try to impress her. Flirt with her a little, but just a little. If I find out you crossed the line I'll kick your ass. Last but not least, offer to buy her everything she wants. Be a gentleman Zack, and let's see how she reacts to that. One more thing; please, please drive well."

I hope I don't suck as usual, he thought grimacing, and I hope I don't make myself look like a fool in front of her, again. He reached the building where she lives in about ten minutes, parked and went up the staircase. Door 207, that's the one, he remarked as he saw the gold number imprinted on the wall above the white door. He proceeded to knock softly.

"Just a second!" answered Aeris, sounding kind of rushed.

"Don't worry" said Zack truthfully, he had all the time in the world.

She emerged from the door looking beautiful as always. She wore a yellow bow tie top and a knee-length white skirt. She kept her hair on a braid once more, tied up with a yellow ribbon. I guess it's a habit of hers to wear ribbons, he thought as he stared at her. She gave him a strange smile, and he chuckled.

She caught me again, "I've made staring at you a hobby"

"It's okay as long as it's nothing more than just staring. Come on." He offered his arm to her, and surprisingly enough, she took it. He walked her to their ride and felt her stop abruptly.

"What's wrong?" asked Zack hiding a smile.

"Is that your ride?" he nodded, looking proudly at his motorcycle, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, It's just that--" "You've never been on a one before, is that it?"

Aeris blushed at his perception, "Yeah," and fidgeted uncomfortably with her ribbon, "I think they're kind of dangerous." Zack laughed out loud.

"It's not that bad Aeris," he extended his hand to her; "I'm a good driver."

"I could take us in my car if you want to," offered a desperate Aeris.

"Not a chance, I'm the man here," he took her by the waist and lead her to his bike, "come on, don't be shy," he said as he helped her up. Her face was completely flushed because of his actions. He took a seat in front of her and gave her a helmet, which she hastily strapped around her head. This triggered a light chuckle from him, and he turned the bike on.

"You might want to get a hold of me, just in case," said Zack winking at her. She did as she was told and wrapped her arms around his slender waist, feeling the hardness of his toned abs. He started off slowly at first, but couldn't help but speed on the way, earning a shriek from her. She held on to him tightly, and he felt her hands grab a hold of his shirt. That feels good, he thought with a grin plastered on his face.

"Are you okay?" screamed Zack, trying to make her get what he was telling her despite the roaring wind.

"Can you slow down?" screamed Aeris back, obviously panicked.

"No!" Pity, I'd like to give her a longer ride.

He stopped the motorcycle on the road and helped her down. She missed his feet, but she landed on his chest.

"Feeling dizzy?"

"Just a little lightheaded," she stood up straight.

He walked besides her into the ice cream shop and told her to seat down for a moment, but she refused his offer. They both walked up to the ordering counter, where the cashier took their orders.

"That would be $4.29 sir," he watched amused as Aeris fumbled through her purse.

"What are you doing?"

"Looking for my wallet"

"Oh please," he said as he handed a five dollar bill to the cashier, "I've got that covered, it's my treat."

She tried arguing, "But Zack-" "No buts," he took his change back and took their ice cream cups. He walked her to their table and pulled a seat for her. What is this? He's being so… well-mannered, thought a confused Aeris.

"Zack, why are you doing this?"

"I like to know my enemy."

"Your enemy?" Aeris asked, confused.

"Yes, you have my Cloud," his comment triggered a fit of giggles from her, "Oh Zack, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you like him."

"Ah well, maybe I would if I was a girl."

"And anyways, you're dating Cissnei."

No I'm not. Yes I am, fake dating her, "Yeah, that too."

"You've been dating her for more than two years now"

"I have? Oh, yeah that's right" That little

"How many girlfriends did you have before her Zack?"

"Hm, let me see. I dated three other girls" I think.

"For how long each?"

"About two or three months, maybe less, I don't remember," Aeris gave him a disapproving look.

"What? Not even six months?"

He gave a nervous laugh, "Not even four months. Don't get me wrong, I was younger back then. Besides, I didn't feel the same way they did."

"Isn't that a sign?"

"What do you mean?"

"Zack, you've been dating Cissnei for a lot more than any other girl. She's the one"

"She's the one?" If only you knew we only dated for three months and it's all fake!

"Yes, ask her to marry you."

Zack doesn't know how, or why, but he was instantly on the floor with countless of glances directed at him. You. Suck. BIG TIME.

"Zack, are you alright? Why did you fall backwards?"

Why did I? Because I suck and I get clumsy around you, "Ah well, I was kind of daydreaming and… you know? When you're dreaming and you're falling and falling and when you're about to hit the ground you wake up with a start?"

Aeris gave him a confused look, "Yes… so?"

"It happened to me, but I was awake. Strange isn't it?" You suck!

"Okay…" Great, I think she's scared of me now, "let me help you up," she extended her hand to him and he took it chuckling, "I'm weird, I know." His electric blue eyes met her intense viridian ones as she helped him up, and he noticed the closeness between them both. He held his breath as she slowly let go of his hand. She sat down once more and took a bite of her ice cream.

"So, are you going to ask her to marry you?"

"What?" What should I say? If I say no, she'll start questioning me, but… "Yeah, someday"

"Huh? Why not soon?" she's really insistent.

"Because I still don't think I could wake up besides her and smile every day. On the other hand, that's something anyone could see happening with you," he waggled his eyebrows suggestively, but her face remained stoic. Ouch, I think she's mad. She placed her spoon on the table and looked at him sternly.

"Zack, I don't know what's going on, but I want an explanation. No one wants to 'know better' his best friend's fiancé unless they have other intentions."

"Uh…" she's got you Zack, think fast!

"Tell me Zack. Now," her eyes took on a dark shade of green and she stared at him, trying to intimidate him.

"I can explain Aeris," I sure hope so…

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