Summer Nights

Disclaimer: I own nothing! Everything belongs to their respective owner which is Square Enix.

They said that there was a calm after the storm and that's how it felt inside the dimly lit cafe. The occupants sat in front of each other, eyeing the couple occasionally while taking silent sips of their beverage. It was quiet, too quiet in fact, save for the clattering of utensils the young brunette made. She ate her pancakes, shifting her attention between everyone, casually waving towards the unmanned camcorder. Congratulations were made in order after the announcement the young couple gave, however, a silent calm fell upon them. Cerulean eyes shifted from one to the other before settling on the intertwined fingers, rubbing circles on his partner's hand.

"So," a voice spoke and all heads turned towards him. "I take it, you guys aren't happy for us?"

"Of course we're happy, it's just a lot to sink in. I mean," another voice quipped. Wine orbs gazed at her friend's before landing on cerulean eyes. "We thought you wanted our help to pop the question, you know?"

"Exactly," a deeper voice agreed and everyone turned to look at one of the phones settled on the table. "How did you ask her the important question?"

Eager eyes settled on the couple and the porcupine-haired man laughed sheepishly whilst patting his partner's hand. It was quite funny actually, as he recalled the exact moment he 'popped the question' to his fiance. It had been weighing heavily on his mind for years actually, but he was too afraid to take the next step. He had consulted on Angeal countless times and even asked for Cloud's advice. They both told him that whenever he felt ready, that would be the opportune time to ask her. There was no rush, they said. He was content with it for years, making sure he was stable enough to build a family with her one day. It was all dandy until he visited Aerith in the slums one weekend and realized the life that he had slept on for years.

"A few weeks ago, I decided to visit Aerith in the slums. Just to help her with her job. Apparently, they had a sponsor for a feeding program that same weekend so they were happy for the extra help," he stated as he looked back at the fond memory.

Zack arrived at the site a few minutes late due to traffic. He should have asked Cloud if he could borrow his Fenrir instead of taking his car. The traffic was maddening during the weekend and the scorching heat did not help at all. He helped the rest of the crew unload the dishes they would distribute in an hour. The others pat his back supportively and gratefully as he started to walk to the tent, food in hand.

Aerith was helping the others set up the station, everything meticulously placed to ensure a sure and speedy delivery. A lot of the inhabitants would be arriving soon, hungry, and thirsty for the day. She spotted his tell-tale hair and waved him over.

"Hi," she greeted as she took the dishes from him, placing them where they should be. He leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek, fanning himself with his shirt to fight the humidity.

"Hey, babe. God, it's so hot out," he said as beads of sweat started to trickle down his neck. The brunette passed him a face towel, patting some of his sweat before handing it over.

"I told you to wear something light, it's summer after all." Aerith giggled as he wiped himself dry, but it seemed futile because after a few seconds his sweat just started to build up again. Summer had its perks but it had its downsides as well.

"I did, I just didn't expect it was going to be this hot out," he sighed as he wrapped the towel around his neck, hoping to cool himself even just a little. "I'll be back, I'm just gonna go back and get some more food."

The brunette nodded and smiled, "Thanks for your help, Zack. We really appreciate it." She gave him a peck on the cheek before he walked away, a grin on his face. Aerith continued organizing utensils, casually glancing his way every once in a while.

It took a few hours but everyone who lined up for the program was finally given food. Zack took a deep breath, glad that they were finally done, it was grueling to it due to the humidity but the satisfied faces on everyone made it all worthwhile. The crew gave him packed lunch, one for him and the other for his girlfriend. With thanks, he gratefully accepted the boxes and scanned for the brunette. When he couldn't find her anywhere nearby, panic started to creep in as he walked through the crowds, looking for her signature ribbon.

To no avail, he stood at a far distance with the boxes in hand as he craned his neck to find her. He was about to call her when he heard giggles somewhere nearby. He turns to see a rundown church, which would have been glorious at its prime and saw children running around on the patch of grass.

Smaller kids played with the flowers, making each other crowns and pieces of jewelry. He chuckled at the sight in front of him, their laughter bringing a feeling akin to peace and serenity. He scanned the area and found his target sitting in the middle of the patch, accepting a crown from one of the children. Zack felt something tug in his heart at the scene unfolding in front of him.

"Why thank you," Aerith said as he placed a smaller crown on top of the girl's head, patting it down gently so that it's snug. She could feel eyes on her and turned in the direction to find her partner looking at her with an unfamiliar expression. Smiling at him, she beckoned him over to sit beside her.

"Hey, I've been looking for you," he said as he sat down and crossed his legs. He handed her one of the packed lunches that he held on to. Her stomach growled in response, earning a light chuckle from the raven-haired man. She hadn't noticed the time.

"Thank you," she accepted gracefully. "Sorry for not telling you, but I usually come here to unwind."

"I can see why, this place is beautiful," he said as he looked around. He could see the kids running around, some hiding behind the pews or pillars in a game of hide and seek.

"It is. I stumbled upon it a while back." She said as she stared at the altar. A far-off look in her emerald eyes and he couldn't help but feel mesmerized by it. He knew that look, and deep inside he felt it too. The emotion of being there and the idea of it all. He knew exactly what it felt like, it was overwhelming him.

He followed her gaze and imagined what it would be like, in a church, the rays of sunlight teetering in from the rose-colored windows. He looked back and he saw how the light bathed them. Her emerald eyes sparkled and he swore he could see specks of gold inside.

"Will you marry me, Aerith?" he blurted, the words tumbling out of his mouth without permission. He didn't care though because after all these years of seeking advice from his colleagues he finally found the opportune time they were talking about.

She turned her head abruptly towards him, her eyes widened as she let the words sink in. Those words she had been waiting for, for years. He gave her a small smile and he held her hands in his. Kneeling in front of her, giving her hands a small squeeze, he flashed her the brightest smile.

"Will you marry me?" he asked again, ensuring her that this was not a dream. Her eyes searched his before they glazed over with tears welling up in her eyes. He could feel the sting of his tears also prickling at the corner of his eyes as he awaited her answer.

"Yes! A thousand times, yes!" she exclaimed as she lunged towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck for support. The food thrown aside haphazardly, forgotten in the heat of the moment. He clutched her tightly in a warm embrace. Tears were flowing freely now, and the other occupants of the church turned to watch the scene in curiosity.

Pulling back, she rested her hands on his shoulders and peered through wet tears at the man she has loved for years. He chuckled, a sob of happiness attempting to break through as he wiped the tears from her face. He leaned forward and gave her a sweet kiss on the lips, earning various disgusted groans from the children. They laughed at their reactions, the raven-haired man throwing clumps of grass playfully in their direction.

"Woow, that's so sweet." the younger woman reacted, she was wiping tears from her eyes as she listened to the story unfold. Her voice cracking through the phone. "I mean, we all knew you guys were meant to be. I'm getting a little jelly."

"There's no need to be jealous, Yuffie! One day, you'll have your own," Aerith assured her, placing her hand on her fiancé's arm.

"Yeah, I know. I'm really happy for you guys! Congratulations yet again!" she chipped, sending flying kisses towards the couple.

"So, when's the wedding?" the older blonde asked, scratching his stubble in the process. He turned to look at the happy couple and gave a grin.

"Well, Cid. It's going to be on the end of June, next summer," Zack replied with a grin and everyone seemed to be shocked at the sudden news.

"Oh! Only a few months then, any reason why you guys want to set on that time?" Tifa asked, holding her cup in her hand. The liquid had already gotten cold from being neglected for too long.

"We're planning to have a beach wedding!" Zack replied excitedly, a big grin on his face. Anyone could clearly tell he was excited for the big day. "We already talked to Angela and he agreed to officiate it."

"So you two already knew?" The silver-haired man inquired, giving the two of them a pointed look. The redhead sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck while the raven-haired waved the camcorder as an indication.

"Well yeah, that's why we took a video of everyone's reaction," Genesis replied and stuck his tongue out. Sephiroth rolled his eyes at his childish behavior and went back to nurse his coffee, a small smirk on the corner of his lips.

"We actually wanted to hold in at the beginning of September this year, but we felt it was a little too fast," Aerith replied shyly, twirling a piece of her hair unconsciously. Yuffie nodded her head vigorously whilst Vincent nodded his head in agreement.

"I applaud you for moving it to next year, you would have had only less than a month to plan it out either wise," he said.

"Well, that settles it. I will pay for the catering for your wedding," the darker man stated, the others nodded in agreement.

"Yes, let us help you guys out with the venue and the food, it's the least we could do to help!" Tifa added, glancing at the others. Sephiroth nodded, it's not every day one of them gets married. He started to drift to an idea of him waiting at the altar, waiting for his future bride to walk down the nave.

"Awww, you guysss," the porcupine-haired man glanced at his friends, eyes all watery from the emotions attempting to burst. He was glad he had friends like them and although they didn't expect it, their offer was much appreciated. "You're the besssttt," he said in between sobs.

Cloud patted his friend on the back whilst the said person clung to his fiancé for support. It truly made him happy to see him finally settling down with the love of his life. Anyone could see that they both loved each other wholeheartedly. He glanced at his best friend and saw the comfortable silence she had with his boss. He could only hope she would be the same.

"Seems like I'll be moving out soon huh?" Cloud tried to lighten up the mood. He looked towards where Genesis and Angeal sat and raised a brow. "Any cheap places you guys recommend?"

"What! You can stay with us Cloud, we don't mind," Zack interfered. He looked at the brunette beside him for reassurance and she gave a nod of her head in reply. "See? Nothing to worry about."

"What, no. Dude, honestly I'm thankful for the offer but you guys need to be together," he gave a pointed look at his friend. "Alone."

"But-"

"No, he's right Zack. You should start living with Aerith, alone." Tifa interjected. She glanced at the brunette and gave an apologetic look. Aerith might be okay with it but there comes a time where they have to be together independently. "Look, she'll be staying with me until the end of the year anyway. I'm sure that's enough time for Cloud to find a place of his own."

"She's right Zack, you've been a very good friend to me. I wouldn't have made it in work without you but this is the reality," the Chocobo-haired man replied with a small laugh. "I promise to invite you to my house welcoming party,"

"Okay, but remember. Us backwater kids gotta look out for each other," Zack said as he raised his fist towards him. He had been living with this guy for years and it's not that he didn't want to live with Aerith. Quite the opposite actually, it's just that he had considered this blonde with a ridiculous hairdo as his brother. A younger brother in fact.

"Of course," Cloud replied with a fist bump. The rest of the conversation went amicably. Everyone started planning for possible places where they could hold the wedding. The guest list, it's gonna be short, Zack says. Genesis offered his services as a photographer since Angeal would be officiating the wedding, but in his opinion, the raven-haired man was a better photographer. The group of friends was later joined by two other members, a redheaded man with a ponytail and his partner, the guy who has a never-ending supply of sunglasses.

"Well that was definitely unexpected, I'm happy for them though," a raven-haired woman mused as she walked along the desolate streets of Midgar. The sun had begun to wane on the horizon, its amber hues combining with the creeping colors of the night. Her hand was enveloped by another as she felt a firm squeeze a moment later.

"Indeed. It has been a long time since they dated," her partner mused. "It is definitely high time for the puppy to marry his mate."

"Puppy? Is that what you call him? Aww, I never pegged you to give nicknames, Sephy~" she teased as she turned her head to peer at him. He quickly averted her gaze, his cheeks were sporting a tinge of pink. He cleared his throat and dismissed the idea.

"I'm not sure who started it, but ever since Angeal and Genesis kept calling him that… it stuck," he replied as he tried to recall the event. "Well, he does kinda resemble a puppy doesn't he?"

"Mmmm, now that you mention it, he does kinda remind me of one," Tifa twittered as she looked back on how Zack would follow his older colleague around when she first met him, or the times where he would wrap Aerith in spontaneous hugs whenever he could. "It would be quite a show if they actually adopted one as energetic as Zack."

"Ah, what a sight that would be," Sephiroth replied, stifling a laugh of his own. The idea of seeing the pair running after an energetic pup in their apartment is quite hilarious. They would definitely get their hands full, he mused. He started to wonder how it would be like if Zack and Aerith would have a child of their own. It's inevitable in the future, seeing as how they're both getting married with dreams of children. He knew that somehow they would be great parents… and the children will have an amazing Godfather.

Tifa kept glancing at the man next to her as he silently stared off into space as they walked the pavement that led to her apartment. It's always amazing to see how calm his face could get when he was deep in thought. She hoped this was something non-work-related, all that's ever brought him was a couple of headaches now and then. Looking back in front of her she couldn't help but wonder how the day could have gone.

She remembered waking up, the early morning sun slowly seeping in through the blinds. As she tried to stretch underneath the bed, she felt strong arms wrap around her, his nose nuzzling the crook of her neck. She stayed in bed, watching her lover sleep peacefully as she smoothed his hair occasionally. She recalled the conversation they had last night and she could feel the embarrassment engulfing her whole body. Was she truly that tired that she fell asleep? Did Sephiroth take hours working on the revisions? Sighing to herself, she tucked a stray hair away from his face.

She remembered the shrill sound of her phone blaring in the room. The sleepy occupant rolled to the other side, relinquishing her of his hold. After answering the phone, she sighed and shook him awake. A low grumble of annoyance came from him and she couldn't help but wake him up with a barrage of poking. When he was finally awake and out for blood, he took her in his arms and returned the favor by tickling her where it tickled most.

When she told him the news, that they were summoned by Zack and Aerith for brunch he groaned and rolled back to sleep. It took a while of convincing on her end to wake him up. He acquiesced one on condition: that they shower together to save "water", he reasoned. Tifa thought for a moment before whacking him playfully with a pillow, stating that there was plenty of water to go around.

Sighing to herself, breaking her from her reverie. They neared her apartment. It was only a couple of blocks away and she hasn't noticed but they seemed to be walking slowly, taking their time as it is. She swung their hands absent-mindedly as she glanced at the shops nearby.

"Tifa, are you hungry?" the silver-haired general asked, coming to a halt. Tifa stopped and turned towards him.

"Mmm, kinda. Are you? We don't have to get anything though, I'm sure there's food at home," she said. She vaguely remembers seeing some meat in the freezer but she couldn't recall how old it was. She hasn't been staying at her place lately. "Actually, I think that one's already spoiled."

"We could buy takeout? We're already here," he suggested as he gestured to the Chinese takeaway a few doors down the block. Tifa's eyes lightened at the thought of eating Chinese takeaway. It's been a while since she had some, especially since she's been trying to save money by cooking her own food. She nodded her head eagerly and they walked enthusiastically towards it.

Once they were done with ordering their food, they thanked the cashier and waited patiently. It had been years since Sephiroth came here, usually, he would ask his secretary Cissnei to order it whenever he had a hankering to the specific cuisine. It amazed him how little it changed throughout the years and he could imagine his younger self sitting at one of the lonely tables near the windows. Now, here he is with one of the best people he had the pleasure to meet. It was truly coincidental and he thanked the heavens for it.

She was sitting in front of him, her eyes gazing at the lit-up menu above the cashier as she reread the different dishes they had to offer. He loved how her wine-red orbs had that telltale twinkle whenever she was happy. That's how he preferred them after all, he preferred to see her happy even though that wasn't possible every time. Still, he tried his best to do so. He sported a small smile on his lips as he leaned on his hand, silently watching her in contentment.

The cashier called their attention and gestured towards the two paper bags on the counter. They thanked her as they both take a bag in hand, Tifa insisted. The moment they left the restaurant, Tifa's hand absentmindedly reached towards Sephiroth's free hand and held it in hers. A habit that she has gotten accustomed to in the past month. It would either be the silver-haired man who initiated the gesture or the raven-haired woman. It was as if they both sought each other's warmth whenever they can without realizing it.

They had arrived at Tifa's apartment a few minutes later and it seemed that the brunette who lodged at her place was nowhere to be found. Probably out with her fiance on a date. After all, they had a year left before they tied the knot.

Tifa and Sephiroth worked seamlessly together as they prepared the table, Tifa took out some plates while Sephiroth took out the food from the paper bag. They bought quite a ton, on the silver-haired man's insistence since they were undecided on what to get. With the different dishes on the table, he washed his hands and joined Tifa at the table.

"Let's eat!" she said excitedly as she dove straight towards the beef with broccoli.

"Let's," he said as he headed straight towards the dumplings. Ah yes, there's nothing better than good food and good company. Tifa's phone buzzed as they were enjoying their meal and she couldn't help but check what it was about. Cloud had texted her and not knowing what it was about, she unlocked her phone and read the details.

'Hey, Teef. Can I crash at your place? You're probably not there but I still have a spare key. I think the lovebirds are too shy to ask me to leave but honestly, I can read the air LMAO.'

-Cloud 8:16 PM

"Oh nooo," she said quietly. "I feel bad for Cloud." this seemed to perk the silver-haired man's ear up. He paused from his lo mein as he looked at the raven-haired woman, gesturing her to continue.

"He's asking to sleep here because it seemed like Zack and Aerith were giving some vibes," she said as she typed on her phone. She understood where her best friend was coming from. She would leave too if she was in his position.

"What kind of vibes?" he asked as he picked another dumpling to stuff his face with. She looked at him amusedly before continuing with her reply.

"You know, those vibes," she said as she sent her reply and winked at the now red general in front of her. She gave a small laugh before pinching his cheek playfully. "You're so cute, you know that?"

"Anyways, I told him that he's always welcome here. Now more than ever since it gives Aerith more reason to go stay over at Zack's place."

"Yeah, that's fine. After all, you guys are best friends," he replied lowly, a tinge of jealousy creeping through his heart. Yes, it had been years since the two had separated and he trusts Tifa with his life but he couldn't help it. He tried to quell the green monster yapping at him while he continued eating.

"That's right, besides he's avoiding one couple and yet he runs straight to another," she chuckled as she picked the last dumpling. "I told him we're here, at least you know, he wouldn't be surprised. You're staying the night right?"

"...huh?" He looked up from his food, not knowing he hadn't been looking at her and playing with his food. She shook her head while giving a small smile.

"You are staying the night, right? I mean, I know things didn't go according to plan today but I still wanted to spend the night with you," she replied grabbing his hand on top of the table in the process. He choked on a piece of chicken and wiped his mouth before replying.

"Wouldn't it be awkward for Cloud?" he said, he knew he was blushing because his face felt warm and his cheeks were hot. Tifa quickly retracted her hand, causing him to watch as she waved her hands in front of her. Her face was as red as a tomato as she shook her head in embarrassment.

"N-No. That's not what I meant, of course, I do want to continue last night- but I meant, you know- just sleeping together," she said as she clutched the fabric of her pants. Bowing her head down, she didn't realize how wrong it sounded until he pointed it out. It's not like she likes him for that you know?

A chuckle was heard from the man in front of her and she gave him a pout, her cheeks still tinged red but in time she joined him. She placed her hand on the table as the other wiped the few tears in her eye from laughing too much.

"Of course, I'm staying Tifa," he said as he reached towards her hand and rubbed circles on her palm. She smiled in response, her eyes glinting under the luminescence. He tucked her hair behind her ear before proceeding to feed her with his free hand. She accepted the food, her lips touching his chopsticks softly.

"Woah, should I leave?" A third voice came from behind them and they both turned to the source. The familiar blond whose hair seemed to resist gravity was standing awkwardly at the entrance of the apartment.

"Cloud!" Tifa exclaimed, a blush returning to her cheeks. "You're fast."

"That's what she said," he joked as he shrugged his hands inside his jacket, "just kidding. Actually, I was already on my way when I texted you. If you had declined I would have just spent an all-nighter at a coffee shop or something."

"Glad to save you the trouble, Strife," Sephiroth remarked, nodding his greeting in his direction. "We have food if you'd like to join us."

"Really?" he asked and the couple nodded in response. He took a chair and placed it in between Tifa and Sephiroth. They weren't kidding, they did have plenty of food to share around, he thought. Everyone ate amiably, occasionally engaging in conversation about the engaged couple and the workplace.

After eating, Cloud offered to clean up saying 'It's the least I can do. Why don't you two head on up?' Urging the couple towards Tifa's room. Tifa joked that he just wanted them out of his sight which he jokingly agreed to. The raven-haired woman took her lover's hand and led him to her room.

She rummaged through her wardrobe to find him something to wear and ended up finding an oversized shirt she once bought at a concert. After settling down, with their clothes changed, Tifa walked towards the switch and turned the lights off. Her room was smaller than Sephiroth's and when she first brought him here she felt a little shy about it. After a few more visits, the silver-haired man technically knew the ins and outs of her apartment.

She walked towards the bed and crawled towards him for warmth, hugging his broad chest, and his arm wrapped around her. He placed a kiss on her forehead as he brought her closer, wrapping her in an embrace.

"Hey, Seph?" she said, wondering if he had fallen asleep.

"Mmm?" he replied, looking at the window, the lampost's lights seeping in. He smoothed her hair absentmindedly, a habit he's picked up on.

"I'm really happy for Zack and Aerith," she said as she nuzzled closer. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heart. She played with the front of his shirt and craned her neck to look at him. He dipped his head to meet her eyes. Even in the dead of the night, his eyes still glowed their majestic hue and her eyes were as riveting as always.

"I'll glad that they finally found their other half, don't you think?"

"Of course, they are quite lucky," he said as he caressed her hair.

"Do you think we'll be as lucky?" she said softly. The question hung in the air and she regretted it as soon she had said it. What came over her to ask something so serious? Insinuating that they'd get married? She looked down but was stopped short by Sephiroth's fingers tilting her head back.

"I don't doubt it. It may take years and we never know what the future holds… but I hope it would go the same for us," he said in a low voice, his deep baritone voice making her heart skip a beat. She could tell that he was being sincere but still a part of her fears this will be a summertime love.

"I… I hope so too," she said as she leaned forwards to his kiss.

He kissed her forehead, leaving peppering kisses on her cheeks, her jaw, and a teasing kiss on the corner of her mouth. He takes one last look at her eyes before capturing her lips with his own. They kissed with a renewed fervor, his hands roamed over her body while she snaked hers to his neck bringing him close. When he broke the kiss, he rolled on top of her before continuing his kisses down her collarbone.

"Tell me to stop," he said as he played with the hem of her shorts. She grabbed his face in her hands and stared at his eyes. She could tell he was already on the verge of losing control and she was too. She brought him close for another searing kiss.

"Don't stop."

That was all he needed to hear before he started to ravage her body the way she liked it. Completely forgetting the fact that a certain Chocobo-haired man was laying on the couch, his headphones placed tightly on his head, music blaring as high as he could take it. They reveled in one another, their bodies becoming a mass of limbs, making love into the night not knowing the lies ahead. The couple confessed a lot that night in the heat of their love; as hot as the end of the summer's nights.

Author's Note: Hey guys! Back at it again with a lengthier chapter this time around to make up for the last chapter! I actually had the first part all ready but then I struggled with what to do after so here we are! Like I said maybe 1 or 2 more chapters left until the end of this fic! Thank you for reading :3

Also to reply to the review, yes I kinda meant that Tifa was out of Reno's league ^^'. To be honest, I think the first few chapters were the ones with drinks but I always thought of it as a casual drink :).