Body

February 28th, 2000

Final Fantasy VII: Once interrupted by fireworks

By Tiger5913 (Christi)

"Done!"

A flower merchant stood up and proudly admired her work. The colorful garden in front of her glittered with water, and sparkled in the bright yellow sunrays. Daffodils and sunflowers wavered in the wind. The woman bent down to her knees and stroked the petals of a carnation with a pale pink color like her dress, then checked the moisture of the dirt around other flowers.

A hand holding a tall, red rose appeared next to her shoulder. The 22-year-old beautiful young woman smiled, knowing full well who it was. It was August the 19th. There's the birthday boy She thought, smiling. The woman turned around and took the rose gingerly.

"Thanks Cloud." She looked up at him.

Cloud Strife brushed his long blonde bangs back and grinned bashfully. The 22-year-old, five feet, seven-inched ex-Shinra soldier glanced at the flowers and let out a low whistle at the scenery around him.

"Welcome. How's the gardening going?" The young man crouched down beside her.

Aeris Gainsborough stood up and sighed with a slight sign of tiredness.

"I can't believe that I finished so early! I thought it'd take months to grow all these flowers Guess they grow pretty easily here," She said with astonishment. "By the way, do you have any plans for today?"

"Not much happening today." Except for my birthday Geez, I'm the same age as Aeris now Cloud thought to himself as he got up as well.

"Want to go to Gold Saucer?" Aeris asked.

"Sure, why not?" He replied.

"Let's invite everyone to come along, k?" She asked.

"Alright. You ready to go?"

"Give me a minute."

The Ancient tended to her flowers one last time; then, she and Cloud held hands and walked back to their house in the Icicle Inn, Aeris's birthplace. They had moved there after Cloud found Aeris in the City of the Ancients. Aeris had wanted to live in Icicle Inn at the home that belonged to her Cetra mother years before. Cloud obliged, feeling happy just being with his girlfriend who had suffered a tragic death, but was revived again, thanks to the help of a mysterious man. Cloud felt grateful to the man, even though he didn't know who that guy was.

When the couple had arrived, Aeris went inside to get the GP that Cloud had left over from the last time he had gone to Gold Saucer. Cloud stayed outside and used his PHS to inform all of his and Aeris's friends. By the time she had gotten the GP and was outside again, he had finished calling.

"Everyone can go, except for Reeve, Barret, and Nanaki. Reeve's still working on the ruins in Midgar, Nanaki is taking over Bugenhagen's place as leader of Cosmo Canyon, and Barret says he's spending time with Marlene. Cid said that he's coming over in the Highwind with Yuffie, Vincent, and Tifa." Cloud told her.

"Okay, hope he'll be here soon!" Aeris walked out of Icicle Inn to wait. Cloud followed her.

A few minutes later, they saw the tan-colored airship land in the small grassy area nearby. The pilot, Cid Highwind, stepped out onto a rail, let down a rope ladder, and waved the two over. Cloud and Aeris rushed to the Highwind, and climbed up the ladder.

"Hey you two! Hope ya don't mind, but I bought Shera along!" Cid informed them.

Cloud shrugged. "No problem."

"Hi Cid," Aeris said. "Where is everyone?"

"In the Operation Room." He told her.

"Okay, thanks!" With that, she took Cloud's arm and pulled him down the stairs. The mechanical doors to the Operation Room slid open as they went into the room. Yuffie Kisaragi, Vincent Valentine, Tifa Lockheart, and Shera Highwind were sitting in the chairs around the table; chatting amongst themselves until they spotted Cloud and Aeris enter the room.

"Hi! You're here!" Yuffie jumped up from her seat and gave Aeris a hug. She waved to Cloud.

"Cloud!" Tifa exclaimed and gave him a hug, completely ignoring Aeris.

Vincent shook Cloud's hand and nodded a greeting to Aeris.

Aeris raised her eyebrow at Tifa, but chuckled at her 'little sister' (Yuffie)'s excitement. She noticed that the ninja from Wutai had grown taller and was quickly catching up to Aeris's five feet, five-inched figure. Yuffie was now a pretty 16-year-old teenager with dark black hair, and forest green eyes, wearing a green sleeveless turtleneck, and white short shorts.

Cloud pried Tifa off of him and pulled up a seat for Aeris, then sat down himself. The group talked about their old experiences until they arrived at Gold Saucer.

"Wow, this place has changed!" Aeris exclaimed as she got off the train at the Ropeway Station, her eyes widening as the sight of the golden amusement park towering over her. Cloud, Yuffie, Vincent, and Tifa got off and followed Aeris as she ran through the entrance. Cid and Shera had gone back to Rocket Town, due to an emergency call Cid had gotten, but he told his friends to call when they were ready to leave. "Have a great time!" The girl next to the entrance yelled as the group ran by.

When the friends had caught up to Aeris, they all looked at the schedule, talked with each other, and decided to split up. Yuffie and Vincent jumped down a tube, heading for the Battle Arena. Cloud and Aeris went to Wonder Square, with Tifa tagging along. The three hopped into their tube.

Wonder Square looked really different! There were tons of new arcade games, Cloud, Aeris, and Tifa discovered as they sprinted up the stairs and into the game rooms.

"Cloud, look at this one!" Aeris tugged him over to a new game called Ghost Shootout. The game was on a huge machine that had a big picture of a haunted house in the background. There were also two plastic guns in holsters located to the side of the game. While Aeris was examining the game, Tifa grabbed Cloud's arm and tried to lure Cloud into the other game room. Cloud shook her hand off and went back to Aeris. Miffed, Tifa followed him.

"You wanna play?" Cloud asked her.

"Sure!" She grabbed a gun and pretended to cock back the gun to reload, winking at Cloud. Her boyfriend dropped some GP into the machine, took the other gun, and pushed the Start button. The two waited as ghosts slowly appeared on the screen. Cloud and Aeris took careful aim, and shot each one until they disappeared, and had won the game. A hundred GP dropped out from the machine. Cloud took the GP and gave half of them to Aeris.

Cloud went to the other room to play the snowboarding game. Aeris stayed behind and tried the 3-D fighting. Tifa ran to Cloud, bugging him all throughout the game, causing him to lose. After Aeris was done, she collected her GP prize and went to watch Cloud. When he got his score and some gil, Aeris turned to him.

"Cloud, where to-" She started to ask.

"Cloud, do you want to go on the Gondola Ride?" Tifa interrupted.

Aeris glanced at the 20-year-old woman, feeling a little irritated. Cloud sensed her mood.

"Uh, no thanks Tifa" He refused. Tifa frowned and folded her arms across her huge chest poutingly. Aeris secretly mouthed a thank-you to Cloud.

"Hey, why don't we go watch how Yuffie and Vincent are doing in the Battle Arena?" Aeris suggested.

"Yeah, let's watch how badly they're losing" Cloud chuckled and Aeris giggled. The couple grabbed each other's hands and ran down the stairs out of Wonder Square. Tifa ran after them, and the three jumped into the tube leading to the Battle Arena.

"Ow! Hey, watch it!"

Yuffie glanced at the cut on her leg and glared at her opponent. You're gonna pay for that She thought.

She gripped her Conformer tightly and then threw it at the enemy, one of the Unknowns from the crashed Shinra plane. The ugly, floating, pink monster stared at Yuffie with all of its four eyes, its wings flapping swiftly and its tail pointing menacingly at Yuffie. Not noticing that it was bleeding, the monster launched Bolt2 on her. She dodged the attack, and countered with her mastered Contain materia: Tornado magic. The creature shrank back after a wicked wind tore it around in the air.

Yuffie took the distraction to her advantage and threw her Conformer at the enemy one last time. Success! The Unknown wheezed and collapsed to the floor. Yuffie twirled around joyfully and jumped up and down. She skipped out of the Arena and the girl at the counter greeted her with, "Congratulations! For winning the special personal battle, you get 1,000 BP and an X-Potion!"

Yuffie collected her prize and grinned at the girl. The Battle Arena hadn't changed much, except for the new personal battle, where one person enters the Arena and fights just one opponent. Whoever fell first lost the match. Yuffie smiled at her victory. She headed for the BP exchange machines and was surprised to see that not only Vincent was there, but also Cloud, Aeris, and Tifa!

"Hi guys! Done already?" She asked Cloud and Aeris.

"Yeah, we wanted to see how you were doing." Aeris replied with a smile.

"Uh huh, we wanted to see how bad you were losing." Cloud winked at Yuffie.

Tifa yawned loudly. "I'm tired. You guys think we can stay the night here and ask Cid to pick us up tomorrow?"

"I don't think he'd care. He did say that we should call when we want to go-" Vincent started.

"And we don't want to go yet!" Yuffie finished for him.

"To the Ghost Hotel then?" Aeris inquired.

"Where else?" Cloud grinned. "Let's turn in."

He took her arm and they ran into the tube outside of the Battle Arena. Yuffie exchanged her 1,000 BP for a Pre-emptive Materia then took Vincent's hand and after followed Cloud and Aeris. Tifa frowned with jealousy at being left out. That stupid little flower loving bitch! She thought angrily. If she hadn't gotten in my way, Cloud and I would be together! Suddenly, she smiled wickedly. I know a way that he and I can spend some time with each other After Ms. Perfect, Aeris, goes to sleep, I'll ask Cloud out!

With that thought in mind, Tifa trailed after them, sticking her nose high in the air.

At the Ghost Hotel, Aeris and Yuffie went upstairs to their room to sleep while Cloud and Vincent stayed downstairs for a while. Tifa walked by the two guys, flashing Cloud a flirty smile as she climbed the stairs to her own room. After she left, Cloud ran a hand through his hair.

"What's up with her these days?" He turned toward Vincent.

"Tifa's jealous." Vincent answered matter-of-factly.

Cloud had a confused expression on his face. "Why? About what?"

His friend raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think?"

"If it's because of Aeris again, I swear" Cloud mumbled. "Geez, Tifa's really changed since we were children. I remember us hanging out just a couple of years ago, and now she acts like this!" He shook his spikey-haired head slowly and pitifully.

"Tifa only acted nice to you; she was a real manipulative ball-and-chain to the rest of us during the Sephiroth episode." Vincent informed. "I think you should forget her, she's too fake. Stay with Aeris, you two make a great couple." He advised.

Cloud glanced at his black haired friend. His dark red eyes told Cloud that what he was saying was true.

"Whatever happens, I'm never going to leave Aeris." Cloud told Vincent firmly. "I-I've liked her from the start; I hope she knows that I won't ever break her heart."

Vincent nodded with understanding. He smiled slightly.

"What about you and Yuffie?" The ex-soldier asked.

He sighed. "I don't know. I'm kind of new at this. The only person I've had feelings for were Lucrecia and you know how that turned out."

Cloud's eyes fell to the floor. "Sorry, I just wanted to know"

"It's okay."

"Need any advice?"

Vincent shrugged. "I've got nothing to lose."

"Be honest with Yuffie, tell her how you feel. She's got a good head on her shoulders, even though she doesn't act that way sometimes Why don't you ask her out somewhere and tell her?"

"Thanks, I'll try that." He looked at the clock. "It's getting late, I'm going to sleep."

"Same here." Cloud yawned. "Night Vince."

"Good night Cloud."

The two young men walked up the stairs and went their separate ways. Cloud retired to his room and strode around in circles, his mind deep in thought.

Knock knock!

Cloud's eyes shifted to the door. Could that be Aeris? He wondered. He walked up to the door, smiled, and swung it open quietly.

It wasn't Aeris.

"Tifa!" He exclaimed, disappointment drawling in his voice.

Unnoticing, the brown haired woman slid past Cloud and sat down on his bed.

Cloud opened his mouth to ask her if she could leave, but before he could, Tifa blurted out, "Hey, wanna sneak out and spend some time together?"

*****

Aeris giggled and snuck out of her and Yuffie's room. Wonder if Cloud knows how to dance? She wondered. Aeris walked lightly down the hall and was about to go into Cloud's room when she noticed two shadows inside. She peeked in and saw who was with Cloud.

*****

Tifa! She thought. Honestly Why is she still chasing after Cloud? She must not be over him Aeris shook her head, feeling sorry for Tifa, even though Aeris knew she wasn't up to any good. She stayed in the hall and tried to find out what Tifa was doing in her boyfriend's room so late at night.

*****

Cloud frowned. "Tifa, you know about me and Aeris-"

Tifa interrupted him, "Oh come on, you're not serious."

"Yes I am, Tifa." Cloud was starting to get irritated.

She ignored the remark. "Ya know, all of our friends say that you and I make a better couple."

"Who says?" He crossed his arms across his chest.

"Johnny, my mother before she died Also, my dad had always said we cute together. Besides, you promised"

Cloud was really getting annoyed. He grabbed her arm and forced her to look at him.

"Tifa, I already kept my promise! I saved you twice, remember?"

"But Cloud, you and Aeris are as different as night and day! Besides, who wants to be the boyfriend of a weak fighter and emotional roller coaster like her?"

Now that's the icing on the cake! Tifa thought with a smirk.

Now Cloud was pissed. "Tifa Lockheart, don't you dare called Aeris that. I love and care a lot about her, so stop criticizing her! Also, the only reason I made that promise to you was because I knew that you wouldn't stop bugging me if I didn't!" He gritted out coldly. Cloud knew that he probably shouldn't have been so mean to Tifa, but she had really crossed the line, big time.

Tifa reeled back as if she had been hit. She had a hurt look on her face, but it quickly dissolved and turned into anger.

"Just remember this Cloud, Aeris was killed once and she was just lucky that she got a second chance to live. How do you know she won't get killed again?" Tifa hissed. She had a murderous glint in her eye, but reluctantly, she left his room.

Aeris heard footsteps coming toward the door so she ducked behind the wall. Tifa muttered some choice words about Aeris under her breath and turned to go into her room.

The Cetra finally stepped out after a few minutes. She went to Cloud's room, shutting the door softly behind her. Cloud was sitting on one side of his bed; his back turned to her. Aeris walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Aeris!" Cloud was surprised, but glad to see her.

"Cloud, I heard what Tifa said." She admitted.

Cloud put his arms around Aeris and held her tightly.

"Sorry about her coming here I honestly had no idea. About what she said, don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you. Do you trust me?" He looked into her worried emerald eyes.

"Of course, bodyguard" Aeris winked. "I'm just worried that I'm getting in the way. What if you two were meant to be?"

"Aeris, if destiny wanted to put me and Tifa together, it had an awful lot of chances! We did know each other since we were kids, but nothing ever happened. Why would they now?" Cloud pulled back and kissed her on the forehead.

"Thanks Cloud" Aeris smiled.

"Hey, what were you wandering around for? Did you need to talk to me?" Cloud asked.

"Does this sound familiar: 'Let's go on a date!'" Aeris chuckled.

Yeah, except that the first time you asked me, I was too stunned to say anything. The ex-soldier thought to himself.

"Sure." He answered.

"Alright, but first, you have to put on something nice" Aeris handed him a small pack. "I'll leave while you change. Come get me in my room after you're done. Hurry, okay?" She left the room.

Mystified, Cloud shrugged and unzipped the bag. There was a black suit inside. What's this for? He wondered. Hmmm, oh well, I trust Aeris.

Cloud changed and went to Aeris's room. He knocked on her door and whispered, "Aeris? Are you there? Yuffie?"

The door opened and Yuffie came out dressed in a stunning, light blue, short dress. Her hair was tied in a bun and she was wearing a touch of lipstick. She looked at Cloud, and then quickly bolted down the stairs, and ran out of the Ghost Hotel.

What the hell? Oh well Cloud shrugged and pushed the door open. Aeris was sitting on her bed, giggling. Cloud stepped inside.

"Are you ready, Aeris?" He asked.

"Uh huh." She replied.

Aeris got up and 'inspected' Cloud. He's so cute! She thought to herself.

"Well, let's get going!" She took Cloud's hand and they walked out of the Ghost Hotel together. When the two were back at the Station, Aeris lead Cloud to the Event Square tube.

"Aeris, don't tell me you get me to dress up for another play" Cloud teased.

"No way!" She answered.

"Then why did you tell me to?"

She smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out soon enough"

Cloud and Aeris jumped down the tube to Event Square. Cloud was really surprised at how much it had changed! Event Square had gone from a boring, vacant stage to a dark, beautiful ballroom. Colors flashed from the floor and ceiling as lights swung around. Couples were either dancing or sitting at tables talking to each other.

Aeris turned to Cloud and chuckled at the surprised expression on his face. She asked, "Cloud, can you wait a minute? I gotta do something, I'll be right back!" Aeris disappeared into the crowd. Cloud found an empty table and sat down in a chair, waiting for Aeris to come back.

Damn, Gold Saucer has changed a lot! He thought. Shoulda checked it out earlier

"Hehe, don't- I only-Aeris." A faint voice to his right said. Aeris? Cloud's ears perked up. He peeked over his right shoulder and saw the back of a very familiar girl She had on a short, light blue dress, white sandals, and her shoulder-length black hair was pinned up in a bun His eyes widened.

It was Yuffie! And sitting next to her was Vincent! So that's why Yuffie was all dressed up Cloud figured out. He watched the two for a moment, hoping that Vincent was taking the advice he had given him, and wished him luck.

Yuffie was laughing at something and Cloud saw Vincent then holding her hand. He saw him say a few words to Yuffie. Cloud watched her face for any signs of emotion. She looked calm and understanding.

"Eavesdropping, Cloud?" A voice behind him giggled.

Cloud dragged his eyes away from his friends, turned around and gasped.

Aeris was standing in front of him, looking absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. She had on a beautiful, long, silky, spaghetti-strapped dress that was marooned colored; the dress showed off her figure perfectly. Her auburn hair was tied up in a long ponytail with a rose red ribbon and her eyelids were blushed with pale green eye shadow. Her lips were colored with dark red lipstick the light brown sandals she was wearing was petite and cute.

Cloud gawked for a moment until Aeris felt her hair self-consciously.

"Cloud, what's wrong? Do I look okay?" She asked nervously.

Okay?? Aeris looks beautiful! Cloud thought to himself.

"You look wonderful!" He finally assured her. Cloud took her hand and gently kissed it.

"May I have this dance?" He smiled.

"Well, how can I refuse an invitation like that?" Aeris teased. "Of course you can." She said with a serious look on her face, but then she grinned at him.

Cloud led Aeris to the dance floor and put his arms around her waist gently as she linked her hands around his neck. The two swayed slowly to the music, unaware of the time passing by. At one point, Cloud noticed Yuffie and Vincent also dancing. He nudged Aeris.

"They're so cute together" Aeris murmured softly, a small happy smile forming on her lips. Then her attention shifted back to Cloud; she closed her eyes and laid her head on his chest, her arms wrapping around his back. Cloud glanced at Yuffie and Vincent one last time, surprised to see them kissing, and placed his head on gently on the top of Aeris's.

An hour rolled by; Cloud and Aeris danced the whole time to the soft, slow music, not noticing as some of the people at the dance began to leave, including Yuffie and Vincent. Cloud and Aeris finally parted and looked at each other for a few minutes. The Ancient smiled mischievously.

"Cloud, wanna go on the Gondola?" She asked.

"Okay, why not?"

The couple walked slowly together toward the Round Square, still dressed in their dance clothes. Before they got on the ride, Cloud handed the girl at the ticket booth 10 GP.

"Oh, it's alright. I've seen you two before, I think you make an awesome pair." The girl winked at them.

"Thanks." Aeris told her.

She stepped into the little tram and Cloud followed her in and sat next to her.

At least I get to sit with her this time instead of across from her Cloud thought.

Their car jerked to a start and Aeris automatically looked out the window at the sights of Gold Saucer. Cloud leaned toward her, placing his arm around her and peered out the window from behind her shoulders.

The night sky blanketed Gold Saucer with black shadow, but the cheery, flashing colors lit up the dark skies, the lights slicing through the gray clouds. The stars sparkled, their whiteness glowing as bright as Aeris's crystal emerald eyes of her peaceful and joyous mood.

Chocobos darted nearby the window that Cloud and Aeris were looking out of and an illusion of a UFO floated around their tram, high-pitched noises squeaking out of it. Fireworks flew through the air, interesting designs appearing as the fireworks blew up in the sky. Aeris sighed at the wondrous scenery, laying her head on Cloud's arm as more fireworks colored the dark night.

A little while before the ride was over, the Cetra turned to Cloud and hugged him tightly.

"I love you, Cloud Strife." She said softly to him.

"I love you too, Aeris Gainsborough." He whispered.

"And Happy Birthday also" Aeris said.

"You remembered?" Cloud asked.

"Of course! I wouldn't forget my own boyfriend's birthday, would I? The real question is: have you forgotten mine?" She smiled and winked playfully.

Cloud laughed. "I'd forget my own birthday before I forget yours" He stroked Aeris' hair gently.

The car slowed to a stop and the couple strolled out, walking step-in-step together, the girl grinning at the sight of the two. They snuck back into the Ghost Hotel and crept quietly up the stairs. Cloud walked Aeris to her room. She opened the door slowly, and turned back around.

"Good night" She said softly.

Cloud placed one arm around Aeris and the other gently on in her hair. He brushed her lips with his, gently at first, then more passionately. She wrapped her arms around him and returned his kiss. They broke apart a few moments later, and Aeris smiled dreamily and waved to Cloud slowly as she slipped into her room, shutting the door softly behind her.

Cloud went into his room as well, plopping down on his bed, sighing with happiness.

I'll never leave Aeris. He thought. I'll protect her from enemies or anyone who wants to harm her, even if the person is Tifa Cloud frowned bitterly at the memory of the fight he had earlier with his childhood friend. Vincent was right about Tifa. What's her problem anyway? He wondered.

Cloud changed and slipped into his bed. He yawned and closed his eyes, his mind dreaming of Aeris

*****

A figure's blood red eyes glowed intently in the darkness. She flipped back her ebony black hair and cackled evilly at the ex-soldier sleeping calmly in his bed, his spikey blonde hair bobbing in front of his forehead. The woman narrowed her ears and whispered quietly into the air, "Do not worry, my dear brother. The right time to strike is now"

The End

Author's note: Readers don't worry, this isn't really the end! Hey, the enemy hasn't been revealed yet, so stay tuned for part 3! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my story, and please send any comments or questions about this fanfic to me at , thanks!