A/N: Hi guys! Sorry for missing yesterday's update. I am updating early today, so I hope you can enjoy it. Big thanks to ATK1734 and Guest (Lumina? XDD), I am glad you guys could appreciate all the fluff and Christmas fun with me! ^^ Can't believe we're at 29 chapters already, and technically only four months have passed in the story's timeline. Talk about slow burn... anyway, here's chapter 29! :)

CHAPTER XXIX.

Twenty-Two

Zack

"Aerith, where do you want this?" Lightning picked up the mirror she had just finished assembling, waiting for Aerith's instructions.

"In front of the bed! A little to your right… no left… no, a little more to the left…"

The pink haired girl was patient, and she moved the mirror around until Aerith was satisfied. Aerith showed her a thumbs up, and Lightning picked up the list of tasks for the set up, scanning it quickly. "I think that was the last of it…"

"Light, want some coffee?" I asked as I pointed towards the kitchen. Aerith yawned loudly, before falling back into bed.

"It's still kinda early, sorry…" Lightning apologized, taking a sip from the mug I handed to her.

"Nope, thanks for coming by everyday. We finished a lot faster than I was expecting. So… onto the next agenda," Lightning raised an eyebrow as I continued to smile mischievously.

"Well, shoot," she tapped her foot impatiently on the floor.

"Come with me." I told her when we finished our coffee, grabbing our jackets from the coat hanger by the entrance. I locked the door behind me and we both walked to the nearest parking lot in the area. Lightning didn't say anything as she got into the front seat of my Jeep, and I turned on the ignition, reversing out of the parking space. I rolled down the windows and lit up a cigarette. Lightning fiddled with the radio, stopping as a random song started playing.

"Zack… this better not be-"

"It's not," I reassured her as we drove to the neighboring city. The stores were just about to open for the day. I parked the Jeep closest to the store I wanted to go to, waiting until Lighting hopped off and shut the door behind her.

"Good," she replied, taking in the surroundings. "So, what is it?"

"You'll see." Lightning chuckled, slipping her hands in the pocket of her jacket. The two of us walked into a bridal store, and she finally crossed her arms.

"I swear to god Zack, I am - under no circumstances - wearing a dress."

I ruffled up her hair as she groaned in protest, waving at the staff. "Fitting for three. Zack Fair," I told him and he guided us towards the men's section.

"Remember you said you'll be my best man?"

Lighting grinned, recalling it with a nod. "Yep. How can I forget?"

"Good, because you're going to be my best man - woman, well, best dude."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," she replied with a fist bump.

"Mr. Fair, we're done with your tux. Would you like to try it on now?" The staff member guided me into the fitting room. I slipped into the navy blue tux, doing the buttons on my wrists before stepping out.

"Well?"

Lightning smiled softly as our eyes met. She nodded enthusiastically. "You look great, Zack."

"Thanks!" I smiled back, turning to the staff. "Are the other two ready?"

"Of course sir…" he nervously glanced at the girl. Lightning tilted her chin up, staring at him with her usual deadpan face.

"Let's see it," she demanded and the young male gulped under her unfriendly gaze, quickly withdrawing to the back of the store. He brought out a matching navy blue suit, and handed it over to her.

"I'm gonna try this thing on." She disappeared into the fitting room. I checked my phone quickly, and noticed that Cloud said he was on his way a while ago. The bell on the door jingled after a few minutes, and my blonde best friend entered, waving at me.

"Morning Zack," he said lazily, yawning as the staff member rushed to him.

"Shall I prepare your suit for the fitting as well, sir?"

"As well?" Cloud looked at me and I just shrugged.

"Uh… sure," he replied. Just then, Lightning stepped out of the fitting room. She quickly undid the top button, moving around her collar like she was trying to breathe.

"It's a good fit, I think," she told me and I agreed.

"It's fantastic. You'll be the most handsome girl there," I teased.

"Oh… Morning, Strife." Lightning noticed Cloud, and they both broke into a blush. The couple awkwardly greeted each other, and Cloud took his suit from the staff.

"I'll be quick." Light and I sat down on the sofa, waiting. Cloud emerged from the fitting room, adjusting his navy blue vest. "So?"

"Damn! You can't outshine the groom!" I joked and heard Lightning chuckle next to me.

"I doubt that," Cloud replied stoically, as the three of us checked out our suits in the mirror. I took a photo of us, and Lightning quickly slipped out her suit jacket.

"Right, so I am gonna get out of this real quick," she told us before heading straight back for the fitting rooms. Cloud and I changed back into our casual clothes as well, and the staff member packed our tux and suits.

"What should we do for the rest of the day?" Lightning asked as we threw the bags in the back of the Jeep.

"I am actually going to check out the wedding venue next. If you guys want to tag along," I offered, and both of them just nodded silently.

"I'll follow you guys on Fenrir," Cloud told us and we both waved at him. Lightning jumped in the front seat, putting on her seat belt.

"Want to change the music?" I asked as Lightning propped her elbow on the window, looking at the scenery outside.

"No, this is fine. By the way, when are you planning to do it? The wedding?"

"Valentines Day," I replied and Lightning just snorted in response.

"Why?"

"I want everyone to celebrate my wedding anniversary. Plus, it's harder to forget if it's on a public holiday."

Lightning laughed, closing her eyes as the cold wind whipped her face. "Yeah right. I can't even imagine you forgetting your wedding anniversary."

"Can't argue with that," I told her. Lightning sighed, looking at me.

"Zack… I am happy for you but… be careful." I knew what was on her mind, especially after everything that happened with Cloud's family. "Just… keep it low profile. Just friends… and-"

"Light, you're worrying too much. I promise you, it'll be fine. The Turks will be there because of Tseng, and you've seen Cloud fight."

Lighting pursed her lips as she leaned back in the seat, slumping. "I can fight too."

"And damn well at that, from what I heard!" I complimented her but she just frowned.

"Lost to Strife in the most humiliating defeat of my life."

I chuckled, bumping her shoulder with my fist lightly. "From what he told me, you were amazing."

"Yeah yeah," Lightning said sarcastically, and I turned up the music a bit more.

"Well, I am happy to spar with you. I know Cloud's fighting style well so… I mean I am sure you don't need any help but-"

The competitiveness in Lightning reflected in her pale aqua blue eyes. "I'd love that."

"Fine. You name the day!" We drove for a while, enjoying the view of open fields.

"Everything's so white… it's surreal… I grew up on an island, so…never saw this much snow."

"It'll be greener in February. The snow won't last that long. It'll be beautiful, surrounded by flowers. Just you wait," I told her. Lightning smiled, sticking her hand out against the wind. She didn't say anything, but I could tell she had a lot on her mind from the conflicted expression in her eyes. Cloud was the same.

"You're worrying about something." I sighed, glancing quickly at her once.

"No… just… sorry Zack. I am fine. I'll help with the wedding, anything you need."

"Just tell me what it is. Trust me, you'll feel better."

Lightning hesitated, looking over to me. "Everything's just… too perfect. I am always looking behind me, like something will come out of nowhere and take everything away. Feels like the silence before the storm, or something. I don't know, maybe I am a hopeless pessimist."

"Christmas date was that good?" I joked as we drove, observing how quickly her cheeks turned red.

"Where did that come from?"

"I am just saying. You and Cloud seem closer." I pointed out, turning into the parking lot. We had finally arrived, and I was excited to show the place to my best friends.

"We're close." There goes the notorious two world phrase rule. It means this conversation was ending, and I could hear the distinct cadence in both Light and Cloud's voices. They were both so cute.

"Alright alright. Let's go, we're here," the Jeep fell silent, and we both jumped out of the car. A few seconds later Fenrir smoothly rolled in, and Cloud got off the bike in one fluid motion.

"Are we hiking?" Lightning asked as we cut through a path in the forest.

"Nope, not that much, anyway," I told her, leading them both through the trees. We arrived at a flat, white field. In the middle stood an abandoned church. "What do you think? This is actually a meadow, so when the snow clears out it'll be beautiful."

"Wow…" Lightning ran inside, much to my surprise. Cloud and I followed her, and she took a look around slowly, holding her hands behind her back. "This is… really pretty. Wait, are we allowed to use it?" She asked as she finished admiring the place.

"Yep, nobody's been here in a decade so. I got a permit to fix it up a bit and have the wedding here."

"How long have you been planning this wedding?" Lightning laughed lightly, shaking her head like she was both approving and disapproving at the same time.

"Since I met her," I answered honestly. Cloud and Lightning both had that tender expression in their eyes as they looked at me, and I could see right through them. They really were the biggest softies I knew.

"If you guys are done being touched, I am gonna need help fixing up this place. We can start tomorrow, but it has to be a secret."

"You're not telling Aerith?" Cloud asked and I nodded.

"Yep, it's a surprise. I'll hand the invitations out myself. So, will you guys help me?"

"Zack…" Lightning paused, scrolling on her phone for a while. "The nearest hospital is thirty minutes away. And there is no police station closer than at least an hour's worth of driving."

I looked over to Cloud for help. He thought about it, crossing his arms.

"I agree with Farron. I don't know if we should do it this far from the city."

"You're telling me you can't arrange security?" I raised an eyebrow at him, and Cloud hesitated again.

"Fine, I'll call my guys. But Zack-"

"Guys, you're worrying too much. Nobody is coming after us. With the Turks and Cloud's guys, we'll have more security than the guests," I chuckled, but neither of them seemed convinced. "Look, I promise we'll be careful. And if you suspect anything, even on the day of the wedding, I'll call it off. Deal?"

They both finally nodded. "Good. Now let's make a timeline on how we're going to fix this thing. Any ideas, miss architect?"

"Very funny," Lightning finally smiled, looking around the structure. "I am going to have a detailed look, but we need a safety guy to come in and do a risk assessment. Then we can rebuild some parts."

"Roger that!" I saluted, and Lightning just shook her head, smiling wider as she began walking around.

"Zack…" Cloud began, and I turned to face him. "I can't lose you."

"Jesus… This broody frowny combo is killing me." I patted his back, and Cloud relaxed slightly. "You're not losing anyone. We're having an epic wedding here. And at the end, we'll all go back to the city and drink some more until we can't remember the wedding."

Cloud smirked, patting my back twice. He gave in with a deep sigh. "Alright."

When Lightning finished looking around, the three of us drove back to my apartment. It was already late afternoon, and there was a delicious smell coming from the kitchen.

"Welcome home!" Aerith ran into my arms as I opened the door, and I picked her up, kissing her softly as I set her down.

"I'm back. Cloud and Light are here too."

"Hi boys!" Aerith joked as she waved at them, and Lightning only smirked. "Lunch is ready, if you want a bite."

"I'm dying," Lightning hung her jacket by the door, heading straight for the kitchen. It almost felt like she lived here, and I realized Aerith and I would feel a little lonely when she stopped coming around this much.

The four of us had lunch, cleaned up and began lounging around in the living room. Lightning and I decided to play a video game, and Cloud lay on the sofa, napping. A few hours passed like this.

"You guysssss! Why are you always playing these… stupid games," Aerith complained loudly, and Cloud shot up, rubbing his eyes.

"You're still playing?" He asked nonchalantly.

"Sssh, we're in the zone," I warned him as Lightning and I attacked the final boss. "Light, back me up. I'm going all in."

"Dude, no. Stop. I got him," she insisted, bashing the buttons on the controller.

"We're both gonna die! You're nuts!" I shouted as Lightning aimed, charging up her mana.

"Just cover me for a sec- Zack!"

"Okay…. We're dead…." I announced and Lightning grumbled, leaning back against the sofa. Cloud ran his hands gently through her hair, and that seemed to have relaxed her a little. "That was my fault, my bad. Save point?" I was horrified when I realized we were so busy playing that we hadn't saved at all.

"I am not doing all those stages again…" Lightning crossed her arms, and I crossed mine.

"You promised!"

"But you got us killed!" She fought back.

"I'll help," Cloud offered and I grabbed his hand, winking at him.

"Come here, my angel."

"Oi," Lightning smacked my hand away, and Aerith took this opportunity to grab onto Cloud's hand instead, yanking him away.

"Actually, I am borrowing the blondie for a while. You kids have fun playing your dumb game."

"Aw, come on Aerith~" I tried, but she just grabbed her bag and coat, dragging Cloud out, who barely managed to get his coat off the hanger. The door closed behind them, and Lightning stretched her legs, throwing her head back.

"Alright, what now?" She asked.

"I don't know, it's your birthday, what do you want to do?" I grabbed a pint of ice cream from the freezer, sat down cross legged next to the pink haired girl and dug into it.

"You didn't tell anyone, right?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

I laughed nervously, hoping my cover wouldn't be blown away. "Of course not! So, what's next?"

"How about sparring?" She suggested, and I threw another spoonful in my mouth.

"Wow, you don't waste any time, do you? Sure. I don't want to break something here, so how about Tifa's MMA gym?"

"I'll ask her if we can borrow the keys," she told me, sending a quick text. "Let's see what you got, Fair," she challenged and I waved my hand dismissively at her.

"Please, Cloud's a better fighter. I doubt it'll be fun, but if that's what you want, we'll do it." Alright Zack, let's kill a few hours until the guys set up for the surprise.

Lightning

Zack and I tossed our jackets in a corner. Both of us readied ourselves with some light stretching. Zack threw a punch at me, and I blocked it with my arm. We continued to block each other's strikes, and I trapped both his hands between my arms, bending my knees sideways before kicking him in the stomach. Zack stumbled back, smiling.

This time, I steadied my left foot, spinning into a kick that aimed for his chin. Zack caught it with both hands, and twisted it lightly so I lost balance. As I was falling on my hands, Zack grabbed me by the waist, and fell backwards, taking me with him as he slammed me on the thick mat, over his head. I groaned in frustration, and Zack released my leg from the death lock he had put me into.

"Okay, so that kick can knock someone's teeth out. And you're fast, but let's try that one more time, slowly," he said patiently and I nodded. I cleared my head, exhaled deeply as I prepared to repeat the movements from earlier.

"If I catch your kick right here, I want you to throw yourself back and kick me in the stomach with your other leg."

"Fine," I nodded before following his instructions, surprised as his grip on my other foot broke and he stumbled back from the impact.

"Good. Much better. Again," Zack didn't give me time to recover, and another punch came straight for my face as I sprang to my feet. I blocked it, turning around 360 degrees and using the momentum to throw another powerful kick at him. Zack grabbed it, spun me with the leg and tossed me away. I fell back, swiftly getting on my feet as I stretched my neck both ways.

"If the opponent is physically stronger or larger in size, avoid slow, powerful kicks at first. Tire them out. Try a different combination this time," Zack set his eyes on me as I launched at him, sliding down to kick him in the heel. He jumped to dodge it, but I spun around and stood up. I sent a barrage of punches towards him and Zack dodged every one of them. After easily evading them, Zack kneed me in the stomach just as I was about to do the same, and our knees collided.

We both fell back painfully. I laughed, and I could tell Zack was laughing too.

"Quick thinking, good. Let's try again." I had never imagined Zack to be an experienced fighter, judging from his easy going nature.

I kicked Zack in the guts, this time reigning back the strength so I could deliver speedier kicks. Zack took the hit but stayed put, letting me attack him with a number of kicks of roughly the same level. Finally he aimed to grapple my waist - just as Cloud had - but I grabbed his arm in an arm lock, pushing forwards until we both landed on the mat. I slipped my leg over his arm, but Zack grabbed my shoulders, throwing me over his head on the other side of the mat in a display of enormous strength. He didn't even break a sweat.

"Come at me, Light. Come on, don't hold back."

I rammed into his stomach with my head, tackling him down to the mat. Sliding my leg between his to lock his legs in, I tried to throw a punch at him at this distance, but Zack hugged me tightly, rolling so I was under. His grip against my waist tightened until I was struggling to breathe. He finally let go, chuckling.

"Okay, I'm going to put you in a lock again, and I want you to break out of it."

We repeated the same move several times, until my ribs felt like they had been crushed. I panted, burying my face in the mat.

"You're fighting too fair. Awesome pun, right?," he asked me before pulling me against him in the same lock. I squirmed, recalling how Cloud had held me in a similar lock. My feet moved restlessly against the mat, and I lifted one of them up, slamming it down on Zack's ankle.

"Ow!" He released a painful groan as he let go of me, but he was back on his feet as he caught the punch I directed for his chin. I spun in his grip, elbowing him with all my strength in the chest. "Okay dude, that hurt," he joked, blocking my kick and spinning around to kick me in the guts. I blocked it with my hands, but my fingers felt like they were going to fall off in pain.

"Strength… Zack... " I reminded him as I shook off the pain. Zack walked up to me, taking my hands in his gently.

"Sorry dude, got carried away. Want to wrap these up?" He asked apologetically.

"I am fine, I want to continue."

"No, I don't want you to have swollen hands. Cloud's going to kill me," he said as he went over to the office, grabbing a pair of fresh bandages. He rolled them up around the space between my knuckles and thumb. I sighed, flexing my fingers softly.

"You're really good."

"Not really, I am out of practice," he grinned as we both cleaned up the mats.

"We should do this again," I tried, but Zack shook his head. "My fighting days are over. Plus, it's too much effort."

"I'll help you beat the game. I'll start over," I bribed him, and Zack contemplated, standing there with a defeated look on his face.

"Even if we mess up… you'll retry and help me finish it, right?" I smirked in my victory, nodding. "Fine then, I guess. Every Saturday morning, two hours. Let's train together."

When we finished, we were both sweating so we opened the windows to let the cool air in. "I'll head back and take a shower. What should we do about dinner? We can just order pizza or something," I asked as I flung my bag over my shoulder.

"Pizza's fine. See you in an hour?" He asked, fidgeting nervously again.

"Zack…" I glared at him and he gulped, his voice breaking.

"W-what?"

"We're not celebra-"

"We're not," he reassured me quickly, waving me away as we started walking in opposite directions. I went back to my room, showered and changed quickly. When I was crossing the west gate on my way to Zack's apartment, Elena stopped me.

"Hi Farron. Tseng wants to see you, if you have a second."

"Sure…" I replied as I followed her to the security office. Tseng was looking out the window, but he spun in his chair to face us as we walked in.

"Elena, close the door behind you when you leave." The blonde girl glanced at me once, before leaving us alone. "Farron, sorry to bother you."

"No, not at all," I said quickly, taking a seat in front of him. "Is something wrong?"

"No, quite the contrary. Everything is fine. There's a job, and I need an extra person. It's simple. You'll be escorting our boss, Rufus, to a meeting and back."

"I thought you were the boss." This news surprised me, and Tseng folded his arms as he leaned back.

"No, we work for a parent company. Most of our work is as independent contractors, but we get called in from time to time. I offered you a permanent position with us after you graduate, but I realized you might not want it."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "I mean… you guys are like private security, right?"

"We are. But we do private security for a… diverse clientele. Politicians, entrepreneurs, celebrities… and sometimes even, well."

"So this job… who's he meeting?" I didn't want him to continue that list.

"Cloud Strife's brother." Tseng took a sip of his coffee and I tensed in my chair.

"They all know me, not to mention they hate the sight of me. So I don't know if I'll make matters worse," I told him, wondering why he called me out of all people for this.

"No, it's his… eldest brother. He's returning soon from a trip abroad. And he hasn't seen you, but he knows the rest of us well. Most of his personal guards can anticipate our moves and fighting styles, but they haven't seen you move. I am worried for my boss, so I asked you. None of the other part-timers have your particular… skill set. And they're all students, so I can't endanger them. But please, feel free to decline."

Sephiroth. I was curious about him, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to see what he can do. Although I wasn't sure how Cloud would take the news.

"Anyway, I took the liberty to renew your license, just in case you agree to take the job," Tseng passed me a folder. "This has all the details, just look through it and get back to me."

"Right…" I took the folder, flipping it open to find my weapons license clipped to the first page. For the first time, I actually felt upset seeing it. It was like being pulled into my old life, away from all the peace that had recently become the norm for me. I sighed and raised my eyes from the pages to find Tseng was staring at me with a curious expression.

"Well… let me sleep on it. I'll text you," I told him, getting up from my seat. Tseng waved at me, and I left his office quickly. I nodded towards Elena - Rude and Reno seemed to be off today - and started fast walking to Zack's. I rang the doorbell, pausing outside.

I heard movement inside, but nobody opened the door. I waited patiently, and caught on a small whisper from the other side of the door.

"She's here, get the lights!"

Oh no… not this…

The door flung open, and it was dark, but I could tell the room was crowded. I sighed, slapping my hand over the switch loudly, growling angrily. I told him not to do this…

"SURPRISE!" The chorus of my friends echoed in the apartment, and I was pulled into one of their infamous group hugs.

"Happy birthday dude!" I threw a death glare at Zack.

"I explicitly-"

"Yeah yeah, stop frowning. It's not like you can hate me anyway," he reminded me and I growled again, this time softer, coming to terms with my defeat. There was no winning against Zack - I loved him too much already.

"Fine… what the hell. Where's the cake?" I smirked as the group squeezed me again. I could barely breathe through all the hugs. I cut the cheesecake that Cloud had bought and the girls begged me to feed them.

"You guys are such babies," Serah bit into the small piece as I held it up for her. I paused, my cheeks feeling warm again as Cloud opened his mouth.

"Right, well, might as well…" He took the piece of cake from my fingers, and Vanille shrieked somewhere in the background.

"They're the cutest!"

"Shut up," Hope smacked her head lightly and I chuckled, giving in.

"Alright, what's next?" I scanned their faces, ending at Tifa. "'Drink till we die' kind of situation?"

"Of course!" She beamed at me, and we all packed up, hitting the bar we frequented.

I leaned against Zack's shoulder, closing my eyes tiredly. Zack patted my back comfortingly. "There there, Light. It's your birthday!"

"Technically, it's after midnight tonight," Tifa pointed out.

"Don't remind me…" It wasn't exactly a happy day. Heck, I had no happy memories of this event at all, that's why I dreaded it this much.

"We should go watch the New Year's fireworks after drinks~" Aerith suggested as we ordered the first round of drinks.

Right… New Year's Eve. A new year was just a few hours away. I sighed, thinking back on the past few months as I knocked back a shot of tequila, wincing from the throat burn. I left my life behind, sold my house, moved to a new place, made a new best friend, and even had a boyfriend now. Six months ago, this life would be unthinkable, but here I was. And I didn't want to lose it, lose these people.

"Farron?" Cloud's deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry… Just got a lot on my mind."

"I can tell," he replied, clearing his throat before draping his arm over my shoulders. The warmth of his body was calming, and I scooted closer.

"I love your full-on PDA," Aerith teased, but neither of us wanted to move away from each other. We just looked away awkwardly, drinking in silence.

I don't know how many bottles of tequila we went through, and even my head was spinning. The hangover tomorrow was going to be the worst I have had in years, and I readied myself, downing another liter of water.

"Tomorrow's gonna suck," I predicted as Zack chuckled, swaying happily as he walked next to me.

"Dude, it's a happy freakin' day!"

"Yeah yeah, whatever. New year's eve, I get it."

Zack paused, taking my hand in his as he began to wave our joined hands back and forth. "That's cool too, but I meant your birthday. We're all so lucky you exist."

I slowed down, feeling a strange sadness grow in my chest, slowly expanding. A year ago I had only Serah to worry about, but now I had all these amazing people in my life. Was I going to be enough to protect all of them?

"Hey," Cloud caught up with us, taking my free hand in his and pocketing it in his jacket as usual.

"Hey…" I replied, trying to wipe the frown off my face.

The three of us walked ahead of the group, lining up in the square for the fireworks.

Zack left us alone, but not before smirking in our direction. We both refused to look at each other, now feeling even more awkward. After our Christmas date, we hadn't really seen each other. I didn't even know where Cloud was, and I was over at Zack's every day.

"Farron," I turned to face Cloud, and he leaned close to my ear. I blushed, parting my lips in anticipation. "Someone wants you," he said as he withdrew, and I felt stupid for getting this excited when he just wanted to tell me something. I followed his eyes, and spotted silky, long, silver hair that just stood out.

"One sec," Cloud released my hand, but didn't follow me. I pushed through the crowd towards the tall male.

"Yazoo… what are you doing here?" I asked. Yazoo faced me, hands tucked inside his long, black overcoat.

"Happy birthday."

"Not you too," I mumbled, and Yazoo showed me the smallest imaginable smile.

"Thanks for the present," he took out and showed me one of his hands, covered with the black hand warmer I had gifted him. "Here's yours." He took out a velvet box from his other pocket, handing it to me.

I opened it nervously. "Diamond earrings?" Why were all these brothers so extravagant…

"They're actually explosives. There's a safety pin on the back, just remove it and kaboom," Yazoo chuckled as I looked up at him in disbelief.

"To think I was expecting something normal…" I chuckled back, and Yazoo just shrugged.

"They're practical. Very useful if you're in a pinch, and they go through scanners normally. The real present is in your room, with ammunition."

"There's more?!" I almost shouted at him, and he held his index finger to his lips, narrowing his eyes slightly at me.

"Yes yes. You've already shot that Deagle twice, I thought you might as well have it. It's too loud for me," he said and I opened my mouth to protest, but he spoke again. "You renewed your license already, so what's the problem?"

"Why do you know that?"

"I know many things. Anyway, there are some people chasing me, so I can't just be lurking here. Sorry."

"Why are people always chasing- never mind. You don't need help?" I asked as he shook his head.

"Nope. Fireworks are perfect for shooting."

I imagined the loud explosion of the fireworks, happening simultaneously as a gunshot from Yazoo's Nighthawk blew someone's brains out. It wasn't exactly an image I wanted to see.

"Well, be careful," I told him as he waved lazily at me, making his way out of the crowd. I returned to Cloud, pocketing the velvet box quietly.

"What was that about?" He asked, sliding his arms around my waist.

"Um… he wanted to wish me a happy birthday, I guess," I answered, gripping the back of Cloud's shirt.

Cloud nodded and thankfully didn't ask any more questions about it. "You've been distracted today… What's on your mind?"

"A lot. I don't have any fond memories of my birthday, or any memories at all, really. I just don't see any reason to celebrate it, and it irritates me when people make a big deal out of it."

Cloud sighed as he pressed his forehead against mine. He closed his eyes and I did the same. We stayed like that for a while. "I feel the same about mine. But… I know that I'll be happy if… you're there on that day. Just like this, with me."

I nodded quietly, experiencing the same stillness I felt whenever he was close. In that moment, all of my anxiety just vanished, and I felt grounded, strong - like I could take on anything as long as the blonde was by my side. The countdown began, and we both opened our eyes, tilting our heads up to look at the sky. At one, a loud bang erupted, and the light of the blinding fireworks poured over on the crowd gathered underneath. But I didn't know what colors they were, or what shapes they made in the sky. Because Cloud was kissing me, and that's all that mattered right now.

We both kissed slowly, our lips moving with a deliberate gentleness, trying to prolong the kiss. When we parted, Cloud stared deeply into my eyes, and showed me a soft, gentle smile that was reserved for me.

"Happy birthday, Farron…"

"T-Thanks," I mumbled, gripping the back of his shirt tighter. I yanked him closer, tilting my head as I felt his breath graze my lips.

"Cloud, Light!" Zack called our names and we both jumped away from each other. "Photo!" Zack wrapped his arms around me as we walked over, squeezing the life of me again.

"I got it!" Vanille set up the camera at a low angle, trying to get the fireworks in the distance as well. She showed us a thumbs up and ran towards the group, kneeling in the front between Serah and Hope. Zack was hugging me from behind, and I was hugging Aerith, who was hugging Cloud. We laughed as we looked over the photo later, and Zack named the photo - unoriginally - the "friendship train."

"By the way, we all got you a birthday present," Zack shouted over the noise of the fireworks.

"I said no presents!" I fought back, but Zack shook his head.

"Don't worry, no embarrassing presents. We just got you drawing gear and software for your art courses next semester. Thought you'll be less mad at us if it's practical."

"Well, thank you. That is true, and I am less mad at you," I patted his back, sighing quietly to myself. Practical huh…I recalled Yazoo's 'practical' presents. What am I going to do with the freakin' gun he had somehow managed to place in my room?! Not to mention explosive earrings...

I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts - there was more time to think about it later. The fireworks continued, and we all watched them together as a group. Standing between Zack and Cloud, my chin resting on top of Serah's head as I hugged her from behind, I felt safe for the first time in a long time, like there were no threats - like no one was going to hurt us.

For the first time in my life, I actually felt 22.

And I was glad I was here, after all.

A/N: Yazoo always being chased by people is a thing now XDD Anyway, I am going to do Zaerith's wedding chapter soon, so I am really excited for it. Some really sad stuff is about to happen so... brace yourselves, guys :( *cries*

Until the next update!