Disclaimer

Do not own, make no money… I think it's resuming all. Enjoy!

Htress

htress@jenovaproject.com

Yes, I do

Sephiroth sighed. There were no more ginger cookies in the cookie jar. Again… He resigned himself to cook once more a bunch of ginger cookies. He tied his hair, fastened his apron and started gathering all his ingredients. Since Cloud got pregnant, poor Sephiroth was forced to bake cookies almost twice a week to keep up with his mate's crave. The rummaging in the kitchen soon lured Cloud who clasped his arms around his lover's waist.

- Hummm… Ginger cookies! Will you make them with almonds?

Sephiroth smiled, pointing the said almonds on the counter. He turned to embrace his little Cloud, passing a hand under the kimono to pat lovingly his tummy. The blond was due soon, only two months to go, and he was doing fine. The silver-haired man kissed him deeply, he was so beautiful.

- Vincent and Cid are coming for dinner, so please don't eat them all, 'k?

Cloud pouted and just then the door opened on their guests. The flowery air of spring entered at the same time. It was warm outside and an enormous bunch of flowers was growing near the house, embalming the air.

- ?%?%*&( kid! Already that big! How much time left?

- Two months, Cid, only two months, it passed so fast…

- We didn't realized how near was your due date when we settled our engagement date…, Vincent added, but still, I can't wait to see my grandchild!

Sephiroth took Cid apart in the kitchen, a mischievous smile plastered on his face. The pilot followed and they spoke lowly, as if hey were sharing a secret… Cloud suddenly appeared between them.

- What are you two talking about?

The two yelped in surprise, Cid swearing a blue streak, saying that he nearly had an heart attack, that he wasn't that young and much more of profanities again. Both eluded the question and Vincent proposed to go out for a walk and Sephiroth accepted, Cloud having trouble with his back, refused to go and Cid agreed to stay with him.

- You want some tea? Cid asked as the door closed.

Cloud nodded so Cid went to prepare it. He easily found the kettle and tea. After few minutes, he poured the hot liquid in two mugs, dropping in one a little pill which dissolved quickly. He gave it to Cloud. They chatted a while, drinking their tea and munching on fresh ginger cookies.

- Ya know, Spike, you look drained, are ya sure ya're sleeping well?

- Hell no, Cloud sighed, little one here weight a ton… And because of that, my back hurts an awful lot. I can't take painkillers, bad for the baby. So it often wakes me in the middle of the night.

- I see… Well, why don't you go take a nap now? Vinny and Seph won't be back before an hour or so…

Cloud stood up and nodded, but the quick move made him sway on his feet. Cid caught him and together they made their way to Cloud's bedroom. The pilot lay him down on his bed, tucking some pillows under him so that he could sleep comfortably. As he drew the covers up to his neck, the fighter was already fast asleep. He passed a hand over the large bulge that his belly had become, feeling the baby moving a little. Wonder what he'll look like… he got out and closed the door behind him. He returned to the living room and took the mugs back to the kitchen to wash them. Through the window he could see Sephiroth waiting for his signal, and when Cid waved, all the others ran out of their hideouts. Yuffie was the first to enter the house, dragging along a heavy duffle bag she put near the couch.

- We'll have a lot to do if we want everything ready before my father arrives…

*******

The night was calm, the sky was clear and under the shining stars Sephiroth sighed. From the porch he could see the painting his father had given to him, hung above the fireplace, such a beautiful woman, yet a total stranger. The moon was reflecting on his silver hair as he leaned against the railing.

- I'm about to have a child… Mother… I wish you could be here, he whispered to the light breeze.

He looked up at the moon, a tear rolling down his cheek, not noticing that he wasn't alone anymore. Not until a soft hand brushed his hair. Vincent patted lightly his son's back, guiding him on the seesaw.

- I never saw her once, and yet I miss her so much…

- I know, I grieved her death for over 30 years, and it still hurt., Vincent answered wearily.

- But you said you saw her in that cave…

- She wasn't alive, it was… a ghost…

- I wish I could see her.

Vincent brought his son to his chest, holding him into his arms.

- Lucrecia only wanted to hold you once, she told me, maybe if I do it for her, it will make her happy…

The night was calm, the sky was clear, but under the shining stars father and son cried for a mother…

*******

The awakening was weird for Cloud. He was very thirsty and had a real craving for ginger cookies right now. He opened his eyes and blinked a few times, propping himself on his elbows. Just then Sephiroth got out of the bathroom, dressed in a jet black kimono, his hair tied in a bun, some strands still loose at the back. The blond bit back a moan and sagged in his pillows.

- Morning, Cloud, he said in a husky voice, How are my two beloved today?

- Sephy… You're beautiful…

- And so are you, he answered before kissing him on the lips, Go shower and I'll bring you your breakfast, 'k?

Cloud nodded, getting out of bed to stretch like Alekia had taught him. He watched Sephiroth disappear into the hall, the black garment floating behind him. Still sleepy, he made his way to the bathroom to shower.

The silver-haired man went downstairs, where everybody was already there, all dressed in kimonos, all except Yuffie. She was out on the porch with Lord Godo. The honourable Wutai leader was praying with his daughter. Sephiroth greeted everyone again and took the tray Vincent was handing him.

- We are ready. Just call me when you'll be.

He nodded and went back upstairs. He waited for his lover to come out, the steaming bowl of oatmeal slowly cooling down. Eventually after few moments Cloud came out with only a towel wrapped around his hips, rubbing lovingly his tummy. He slipped in his underwear and sat down on the bed. Sephiroth laid the tray on his lap, propping the pillows to make him comfortable. The silver haired man reached for a golden lock and put it away from his face.

- You're beautiful, my Cloud… I hope our child will have those shining eyes of yours. I love you so much…

Cloud smiled and gulped down his orange juice, digging in his food with enthusiasm, while Sephiroth admired his features so highlighted by the pregnancy. When he finished eating, the tall man helped him to dress into his blue kimono, fastening the golden belt and drying his hair, smiling all the time, an attitude that suddenly reminded Cloud that his lover had something planned. But before he could even ask, Sephiroth was in the hall.

- Vincent! We're ready!

- Ready for what?, the blond questioned.

- Come and see…, was the mysterious answer of Sephiroth, taking his arm under his.

They were about to hit the first step of the staircase when Cloud noticed that Tifa was here, in a pink kimono, and when he passed in front of her she tied a flower into his hair. Shera, Yuffie, Elena and Marlene did the same, as a light Wutaian melody resonated through the house. Even Night Vision lay a flower at Cloud's feet and Sephiroth picked it up to tie it with the others. As they were heading for the living room, the silver-haired man let go of his arm while Cid relieved him. The pilot was clad into a green and golden dress, a large golden buckle fastened around his waist.

Sephiroth walked to the small shrine that had been build in front of the fireplace, leaving Cloud with Cid, settling himself at Vincent's side. The raven haired man put both of his hands on his son's shoulders, the large sleeves of his blood red kimono falling gracefully from his arm and claw.

The couch had been pushed afar, the girls, minus Yuffie, now sitting on it. Tseng was sit next to the shrine, playing on a Wutaian guitar, Reno and Reeve each holding a pole where a sweet jasmine incense burned. Rufus, Rude, Nanaki and Barret stood at each side of the couch, guarding two small boxes.

Cloud, still at the end of the staircase, was totally confused. The house smelled jasmine and rose, the living room was looking like the inside of a temple, Sephiroth was acting very oddly, and everyone was staring at him. He didn't even know why all his friends were here, why all the decorum, the flowers, music, shrine… And then the large glass door of the porch opened and Lord Godo stepped in dressed in a purple ceremonial kimono, followed by his daughter Yuffie. She was playing a fluid melody on a little flute, her satin white dress floating at each step. Lord Godo walked to the shrine and laid in it a Leviathan scale, then motioned to Cid to bring Cloud. Suddenly, everything fell into place, he knew what was going on. As everybody stood up, bowing as he passed before them, he knew. The way Sephiroth smiled, his father holding him, Cid guiding him, the music and Lord Godo. He knew, and smiled as Cid took hold of his hands to put them into Sephiroth's. Giving away the hand of the bride. Cid and Vincent stepped back and the two soon-to-be husband/wife sat down before Yuffie's father.

- Be blessed all my friends, and cheer, because today two souls will be merged into one. Before our God we will celebrate the love of Cloud Strife and Sephiroth Valentine. As a grace to Leviathan, the sacred tea will be prepared with pure water.

Yuffie poured the water in an antic kettle, treasure of the Kisaragi family. The recipient was placed over a support which held a fire materia. Rufus and Barret walked up to Lord Godo, opening the small boxes. Sephiroth was handed five tea leaves and Cloud a dried jasmine flower.

- From the acknowledgement of your father, Sephiroth Valentine, you are going to be united to Cloud Strife. To illustrate the five privileged bonds you two will share, spiritual, astral, physical, transcendental and non-temporal, add to the sacred water the five tea leaves.

Sephiroth did as he was told and dropped the leaves in the kettle.

- From the acknowledgement of your foster father, Cloud Strife, you are going to be united to Sephiroth Valentine. To symbolise the strength and deepness of your love, add the flavour to the sacred tea.

Cloud did too as he was told and dropped the dried jasmine flower in the kettle.

Yuffie then handed the small scale to Lord Godo who laid it in front of the two spouses. He gestured to touch the scale. As soon as they touched the sacred item, the fire materia flared, warming up the tea. While they waited for the water to boil, Yuffie and Tseng played another sweet Wuataian melody. Cid and Vincent came resting their hands on their son's shoulders, handing them a golden ring. Cloud passed his to Sephiroth's finger, and Sephiroth passed his to Cloud's finger. Two glowing emeralds were locked into the sapphires that were shining with love. If the sound of Lord Godo's voice hadn't reached their ears, they would still be locked into each other stare…

- And from now on, your souls will share everything, you two are united by the sacred Tea Ceremony. To complete the ordeal, you must drink the sacred essence, sharing the same cup.

Yuffie poured the tea in a large porcelain cup and handed it to Sephiroth. The silver haired man took a sip and passed it to Cloud, who also took his sip. They handed back the empty cup to Lord Godo.

- Leviathan have blessed your union, never should your lives be lonely again. Cheer up and celebrate, because two souls have been united!

Boys and girls threw sakura and rose petals in the sir, covering the just married, celebrating their union.

******

The party was great, too. They all had fun, even if Cloud and Sephiroth retired early. Cloud couldn't believe that of all people Lord Godo had accepted to marry them. But the great leader of Wutai was wise.

- Life taught my that time and circumstances can change people… If I wasn't able to see that truth, I'd be nothing more than a fool.

He had then pointed his tummy before adding:

- Take care of you, young man, and be happy.

A smooth hand on his belly brought him back to the present. Sephiroth was snuggling next to him, feeling the baby move inside of him. Cloud didn't stop him when his hand moved lower, it's been a while now since they last had this kind of pleasure, and Cloud was feeling like he neglected his lover. But today had been a wonderful day, full of surprises, and he knew Sephiroth would be careful and gentle. The blond rolled on his side to cup his lover's face, kissing him deeply, in a smooth and fluid gesture. Their lips parted and in the moonlight the sensual dance started with few whispered words…

- I love you, Cloud

- Love you too Sephy…

End

Author's note

*sobs* Gawwwwwwwd! I'm always crying in a marriage! *sniff* Wasn't that beautiful? Now, now, I know some of you want to see Cloud and Sephy baby… I'm still waiting for your drawings… I haven't receive one yet… And if you noticed, Tseng can play guitar even if he's blind. I saw this, it can be done. Next chapter: Cid and Vincent's love song.