Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
My Eyes Can't Lie...
"So, we have the flowers ordered. White roses, right?" Tifa and Yuffie were working with the plans for the wedding.
"Yeah. And in Wutai, the tradition is to throw petals of the groom's choice at the newlyweds instead of rice?" Tifa confirmed.
"Yup. Are you sure you want to have the Wutainese custom wedding? I mean, I thought you would want to have a wedding that was traditional in Nibelheim."
"Cloud and I talked it over, and it would be more amusing if we had a double wedding. We also didn't think that it mattered what custom we were wed in because it doesn't matter in the end. You are married and joined together forever by the time the ceremony ends in every custom anyways."
"Well, OK. So, you were fitted for the wedding robe, right?"
"Yeah, and Cloud and Vincent are being fitted for theirs right now."
"Great. And the food. We agreed on..."
"A little of every specialty from all parts of the world." Tifa finished. "Yuffie, you are going to stress yourself out if you keep doing this. The wedding is two weeks away. You can go a little slower."
"No, I can't! We still have to send the invitations!"
"No we don't. I just finished that with the Pagoda Club!" Cait Sith said as he came jumping in the room.
"Oh, well, we are still behind. I want this to be perfect. Marlene is flower girl, obviously. But I thought of something." Yuffie's voice changed to a sad tone.
"What now?" Tifa asked looking at Yuffie with curiosity and worry.
"Well, in Wutai, part of the ceremony involves the giving the bride to the groom."
"What's wrong with that? That happens in a lot of cultures."
"By the father. We don't have ours."
"...!!"
"..."
"Well, I think Cid and Barret would be great. There are older than you both by more than 10 years or so, so I guess that is good enough."
"I guess, but it just isn't the same." Yuffie said.
"Yuffie, our fathers will be there, we just won't see. I'm sure my dad and your dad will be having their little fights of who will beat the husbands more, me or you."
"Maybe..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Please grant us our request. Just let them visit for that one day. It will mean so much to us. It will mean so much to them." Vincent, Cloud, and Reno were bent on their knees, speaking to the green void around them. They had been praying and asking the God of the life stream to grant them a wish. For certain dead visit for the wedding.
"Why shall I contribute ye earthly creatures such a request whilst ye will reunite with them within the life stream later in time?" A voice said from a greenish vapor before them.
"Because. This is an important part of their lives, and being with their loved ones will make them happy. Please. Just let them visit for one day!" Cloud begged.
"Ye...ye shall have thy desire. However, if what I witness in the future alter, I shall adjust other parts of your destiny."
"Thank you!" They all said as they were transported back to the front of Wutai.
"Why did you decide to help us, Reno? You are a Turk." Vincent asked.
"Ex-Turk. With the fall of Shin-Ra, I quit. No use anyways. No, I'm a..." Reno whispered the last part, and Vincent and Cloud didn't make it out.
"Come again?" Cloud asked.
"I'm an owner of a big florist company. As a matter of fact, I found out about the wedding from Yuffie's, or should I say, Lady Kisaragi's order for flowers."
"And she invited you?" Cloud asked.
"Yeah. Why not? I am not the enemy anymore."
"Well, it just seems kind of weird. You were a Turk and all."
"I'm an ex-Turk. Just like Vincent. You don't show him any second guesses."
"But that is different."
"If you don't want me to go, then fine. I won't."
"But I didn't say that!"
"Please, Reno. I'm sure Yuffie would be upset if you didn't show. She wants this to be a perfect wedding."
"Nothings perfect, she has to know that. And this is a lose/lose situation for her anyways. If I go, I make the wedding imperfect. If I don't go, it is imperfect because of flawed attendance. So, either way, she is screwed. If you'll excuse me, I have a company to run."
"Yeah, fine! Run away like the pansy you are! Hehehe. I just made a pun." Vincent just shook his head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I know what I can give them! I can get Tifa a big fry pan, and Yuffie a pair of 18 inch platform shoes!" Cait Sith said, jumping up and down.
"Why?" Nanaki asked, thinking how stupid Cait Sith was for asking the fortune telling moogle gift ideas. This was his 51st time.
"Tifa can use the fry pan on Cloud's head when he is being a retard, and Yuffie can use the shoes so she can be as tall as Vincent! He is tall, and she is...well, a midget compared to him."
"A midget, eh? I'll show you what a fuckin' midget can do!" Yuffie glared at him as she entered the room fuming. She pulled her fist back, and Cait shut his eyes.
"Don't hurt me! I didn't mean it!" Yuffie just threw him on the ground.
"If you're going to be an asshole about it, I don't want anything from you. But I don't want to be greedy either, so none of you need to give anything."
"Yeah. It isn't that big of a deal!" Tifa agreed.
"But this is a wedding. You have to give gifts for weddings! I am gonna, and if it takes me a million fuckin' years, I'll get you something decent!" Barret said.
"Just don't give us blenders." Tifa and Yuffie said together and laughed.
"Damn. Now I fuckin' have to think of something else!" Cid muttered under his breath. They just laughed harder at that.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"OK. So, what do you want to do, Vincent? Since the Wutainese custom doesn't let the groom see the bride a week before the wedding, what should we do?"
"If you think about that sentence again, Cloud, put an emphasis on see. We can call them."
"Wow. That made me think of something! If we have to go to extremes, we can have Yuffie and Tifa blindfolded, and have us blindfolded, and we can feel them."
"...You do that, Cloud."
"Yeah, I think I will."
He's crazy. Sometimes I question Cloud's species.
Hey. You ain't so normal either, bud!
Chaos, can I please think alone?
But we haven't talked in forever! And I have a gift for you for the wedding.
What is it? A dead sheep?
No. That gift was the fad ages ago. Not now. The gift is...well...you'll find out. When it happens.
OK. I am now going to be on my guard until that happens. Thank you, Chaos.
At least you can be sarcastic about it
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~ring, ring~
Yuffie was on her bed with her hair tied up and out of her face as she held a pencil and was drawing her vision of what the wedding would be like. Many stuffed chocobo and moogle animals in various colors and sizes surrounded her. But all were soft and cuddly.
She leaned over and picked up the phone, from her bedside table, and moved her papers aside.
"Hello?" Yuffie asked cheerfully.
"Hello, Yuffie. How are you?" A low voice asked that could unmistakably only be Vincent's.
"Vinnie! I miss you so much! I can't believe we won't be able to see each other for a whole week."
Yuffie was happy to hear from Vincent, and picked up a picture frame from off her dresser. It was she and Vincent in a cute little hug in front of a fountain. They were wearing matching clothes, Vincent having on a green kimono, and Yuffie having the same green kimono only made in her size. They were topped off with a weird shamrock hat that meant that the picture was taken on St. Patrick's Day. Yuffie had on green lipstick to make them look even funnier, and Vincent had a green lipstick print on his left cheek, obviously from Yuffie. It was embarrassing for Vincent, but he agreed to go along with the outfits and have Tifa take their picture.
"Oh, I'm sure you will be able to handle it. If I can, you can."
"Yeah, but I'm worried."
"About what? If you're worried about the wedding not being perfect, just forget about it. Nothing is completely perfect, and it is already flawless in my eyes because we are getting married."
"No, that isn't it. It's just that...what if you are replacing me for some other Wutainese girl or a tourist girl from Kalm because you miss me so much?" Yuffie joked.
"Oh, is that it? Don't worry, Yuffie. I'm not. Though, now that you bring that up, how do I know you aren't off flirting with Shake?" Vincent played along.
"Vinnie! That isn't even funny!"
"I know. I'm sorry."
"But I do have someone in bed with me right now."
"What!?"
"Yup! His name is Mr. Choboco."
"Mr. Choboco? Don't you mean chocobo? And Yuffie, if you want to be with someone else, you should tell me before I propose and help plan the wedding! Let me talk to this Mr. Choboco! I want to introduce him to my death penalty."
"He can't talk, Vinnie. He is my stuffed animal. The only one I have that I won from the machine at Wonder Square at Gold Saucer. Without cheating or stealing! I love this one!"
"Oh. I thought you were serious for a second there, Yuffie."
"Yeah right. Who is blind enough to not see my ugliness?"
"You aren't ugly, Yuffie."
"Yes I am."
"No you're not."
"Yes I am."
"No you're not."
"Amtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamtoamto!"
"No you're not."
"Whatever you think, Vinnie."
"Yuffie, You are not ugly, and you know it, Tifa knows it, Cloud knows it, and everyone else knows it. So just agree."
"Fine. Whatever. I agree." Yuffie said, but whispered right after, "...not..."
"I heard that."
"No you didn't." Yuffie and Vincent kept on talking until it was almost 8:00 pm when they said their good-byes, I love yous, and hung up.
I'm so lucky to have Vinnie. I just hope this is forever, and forever doesn't end too soon...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Stupid Strife. I don't know what Tifa saw in that..." Reno grumbled. He was in his shop watering the Tiger Lilies.
You know, I don't know why I did become a florist. I'm just not that kind of person. I'm the kind of person to blow stuff up, like when I was a Turk. Maybe I should...quit...
"Now that would be just silly. Who would prepare all of the flowers?" A voice said from behind him.
"How did you...A-A-Aeris?" Reno looked at her with wide eyes. Then he threw the watering can at her, but it went through her ghostly body.
"That won't work, Reno. I'm in a spirit form. Or, if you prefer to be mean, a ghost. I won't have you quit being a florist just yet. I promise that if you keep to this job until Yuffie's wedding, I will secure you a job in the special spy services for Gonganga. Right now, they are still rebuilding, but in 5 years, they will be a great city, smaller than Midgar, but big enough. They will be the biggest city in comparison to others. Even Wutai. Think of all that glory." Aeris said as she looked closely at a red rose that was turning brown at the edges. She put a hand over it, and a sparkling dust fell from her palms onto the flower. The coffee colored tips of the rose faded and the whole rose turned into the reddest, brightest, most beautiful rose in the whole shop. Two drops of dew even traced down a petal, and landed serenely on a leaf and set there.
"Aeris...did you do that when you were a flower girl? Is that how you sold your flowers?"
"Hehehe. Yeah, but don't tell anyone. I had the power because I'm an ancient. All I had to do was take just a little bit of energy from the earth, and the flower would look extraordinary." She then picked up the flower and placed it on some tissue paper. She looked around for some baby's breath and some green kindling with several lush jade leaves attached to them. When she got them, she placed them neatly with the rose, making it look astonishing against the light pink paper. "Here. Put it in a crystal vase. Fill it with just a little water, and some plant formula. The special kind. It will sell for a good 1000 gil believe it or not." She handed it gently to Reno, as if it was made of the most delicate substance.
"Thanks."
"Remember, Reno. Please. Just be with this job for a little while longer. Please. Think about it." Aeris smiled sweetly at him, and started to disappear.
"Alright."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The days of stressful planning passed agonizingly slow. Yuffie was becoming so exhausted, and then Tifa had to practically keep her chained to the wall so she wouldn't call the caterers and the photographers and all those other people all over again to make sure they would have everything ready. Reno, becoming impatient with Yuffie's frequent calls, threatened to mess up the order if she called again. She stopped calling him after that.
This was the last night Yuffie and Tifa were to be single women (not counting the fact they had been engaged. This is speaking in marriage terms). Tifa was taking a long soothing bubble bath, and Yuffie was on her computer instant messaging Vincent, waiting for her turn in the bath.
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: I can't wait 'til tomorrow, but I am kinda nervous. I'm so tired I'll probably fall on my face and make an ass out of myself.
Not_a_vampire: Yeah, I know. I have the same feeling (not about the ass part). You'll be fine.
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: What if I screw something up?
Not_a_vampire: You won't. Tifa said that you run through the ceremony so many times that she hears you running through it in your sleep. That's probably why you've been so tired. You haven't been resting properly.
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: No, I've just become a pure 100% insomniac because of all the excitement.
Not_a_vampire: There can be more than one reason to your drowsiness.
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know.
Not_a_vampire: Well, I'm going to bed because I want to be fully rested for tomorrow. I love you!
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: I love you too.
Not_a_vampire: Sleep well. I don't want you to be crabby.
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: I'll try. But...have I ever been crabby?
Not_a_vampire: See you tomorrow
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: Vinnie!?!?
Not_a_vampire...
Ninja_babe_Yuffs: Have I ever been crabby?
Not_a_vampire: Love you...
Not_a_vampire signed off at 8:46 PM.
"Dammit! Vinnie...I didn't think I was ever crabby."
"Yuffie, the bathroom is yours!" Tifa called from the room.
"Kay, thanks!" Yuffie grabbed her robe, towel, and rubber ducky (Well, she needs someone to keep her company in the tub. And someone or something, rather, to talk to about her enthusiasm).
Yuffie walked into the still slightly steamy bathroom. She walked up to the mirror, and wiped away a circle of fog. She looked at herself. Her gray eyes were pinkish around the stormy colors. Her face was a little pale green color from lack of rest. Her hair messy in a mass of tangles.
I really do need this bath. I didn't know I looked this terrible! Yuffie opened the cabinet and pulled out a pink bottle of sweet, floral scented bubble bath, and a little bag of the same scented conditioning bath salts. She turned the water on very warm, just so it was just tolerable, and extremely steamy. She poured half the bottle of bath into the filling tub, and dumped the salts in right after.
Nothing like steam to clear the sinus, clean the pores, and aromatherapy to top it all off. I love bubble baths. She went back to the cabinet and put the bottle of remaining bath back in its proper place and took out a glass container with a special hair shampoo with conditioner. It had extracts from certain soothing plants and fruits, and smelled of sweet honey. She slipped slowly in the tub taking her rubber ducky with her, setting the shampoo on the floor within reaching distance. She lay staring up at the ceiling thinking about the first time she met Vincent. It was a weird day, and she thought Vincent was a weird vampire guy who had some serious issues. But now, she thought much differently. She let herself fall underneath the water, and rose back up, taking a deep breath of cooler air. The warm water made the air seem so much cooler than it really was.
Well, I better make this quick. I have a wedding to go to tomorrow. Yuffie thought to herself as she leaned over and got the shampoo and applied it to her hair, massaging it tenderly as if her hair was spun of glass, and she had to be careful not to cut her fingers. Yes. Tomorrow will be a very important day.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Let's see. If I braid my hair like I usually do, then it will be wavy and harder to deal with tomorrow, but if I don't, it will be a big, tangled and poufy mess. What am I going to do?" Tifa was brushing her long hair and trying to figure out a solution to her small, but apparently important problem. "If I braid it, it will be easier to deal with, but still a little difficult. Unless I blow-dry it first. Then it won't dry all twisted. Yeah. That's it. And I can braid after it's dried. I'm a genius."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"So, you nervous as I am, or am I just a wuss?" Cloud asked Vincent in the room. They were in bed (separate ones) getting ready to rest for the long day in front of them.
"I'm kinda nervous, I'll admit it, but I'm also excited."
"Yeah, me too. I hope I don't screw something up. I probably will."
"Now you are starting to sound like Yuffie."
"What?"
"She keeps thinking she is going to make some mistake."
"Well, it is a possibility."
"If you keep thinking about making mistakes, you have a bigger chance of actually making that mistake. So stop thinking about it and think of what you will do later. After the wedding."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Well, goodnight Cloud."
"'Night Vince."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~^The Big Day^~
Yuffie sat in her chair next to Tifa as two young women fixed their hair. Tifa's hair was cut shorter to just above the bottom of her ribs. She had said, "I want to see Cloud's face when he finds out. I know he will like it though, and it will be easier to fix." It was true, her hair would be easier to fix. Yuffie was having hair put into a bun type ponytail with a few wisps of hair falling in the back. Two tresses of hair hung at the sides of her face, framing it nicely. Her hair was also curled into complicated curls, to make her look like someone from the Medieval Times. Tifa's hair was the same way. They were to wear the same robes, the same sandals, and believe it or not, different headpieces. Yuffie wore the piece of the ceremonial advancement of power. She was to be made queen, not just princess, but still addressed to as "Lady". The piece was like a crown made of pure silver. The curves on the top were lined with emeralds and jade. It was one of the most prized artifacts of Wutainese culture. Tifa wore a headpiece that was worn for the important women in Wutainese history. Yuffie persuaded the counsel to let Tifa wear it since she did help save the planet, and therefore, helped saved Wutai. They agreed, though Yuffie had to use her whining more than once as an act of persuasion. Her piece was silver as well, and designed like Yuffie's, but instead of jade and emerald, there were opals, pearls, and teardrop sized and shaped crystals. The Wutainese culture believed that silver was the purest metal, and better in value than gold, because it was...well, silver, and gold was more yellow. Water was more of a silver than yellow. And their God, Leviathan, was a water God, and you know what I am getting at.
When their hair was done, they were helped into their robes, carefully so they wouldn't mess up the hair. Then the make-up, though Yuffie persisted, they finally got some eyeliner and mascara on her. She kept on saying they were going to poke her eye out. And after hours of preparation, they were ready. They looked at each other and then at themselves in the many mirrors surrounding them.
"Wow, Yuffie. You look breathtaking!"
"You too Tifa. I'll be surprised if the guys don't pass out while they walk!"
"They walk? Oh, yeah. Wutainese wedding. Never mind."
"Yeah, it is really weird, but that is the custom, and I am going to change some things, so doing this in the way I'm supposed to won't hurt, will it?"
"Nope."
"Misses? We are ready to get you in your places at the alter." An elderly woman said from the doorway.
"OK." They both replied nervously as they started off to the center of town.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Well, I'm ready. You ready Vincent?" Cloud asked.
"Yeah."
"You nervous?"
"Nah, you?"
"Don't even tell me you aren't because I'm scared shitless!"
"Well, maybe a little."
"So, Barret is my best man, Cid is your best man. Elmyra is Tifa's maid of honor, and Shera is Yuffie's maid of honor? Then we are settled. And we gave them the rings."
"I gave mine to Cid, yes, but I'm not so sure about you."
"What?! I know I did! Don't fuck with me right now! I'm already edgy! I don't think Tifa will like it if I say, "I do" really upset. In fact, I know she won't like it."
"I'm sorry! Geez, calm down. We are getting married, Cloud. Married. Do you want children?"
"Don't say it like that. It sounds like you are asking me if you and I want children. As in, together."
"OK, do you want to have children with Tifa?"
"Yeah, eventually. Maybe 5. I have 5 perfect names for 5 boys. Garrett, Joshua, Nikolus, Orion (pronounced like Oreo, or-ee-on), and Zachary. Aren't they great?"
"What if you get girls?"
"Emilie, Narcissa, Milani, Kira, and Aeris."
"What if there are a little of both?"
"I'll take the best names."
"What if Tifa only wants 3?"
"I'll pick 3 of the best names."
"What if she wants more than 5?"
"I'll think of more names if I need to."
"What if..." Vincent was cut off.
"No more 'what ifs. There are just too many. If it is going to be this complicated,
then no, I don't want kids." Vincent just smirked.
"It wasn't funny, Valentine."
"Yes, it was, and it was also helpful in making you get your mind off of stressful matters, such as the wedding that we are going to be later to if we don't leave right now."
"Aaah! The wedding! My legs feel like jelly."
"Well, you were fine for a little while."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Cloud and Vincent stood a few feet away from each other, facing the crowd with tense smiles. They were handsomely dressed but tried to not look uncomfortable in their robes as the sun's hot rays hit them. The immense crowd consisted of people from Neo-Midgar, Nibelheim, Kalm, Gonganga, Junon, Correl, and other cities. The mayors/presidents/rulers of those cities came to pay respects to a fellow ruler on her wedding day, as it was a tradition held among all leaders.
Tifa and Yuffie stood at the far end of the aisle, where the pale green carpet started. They were arm in arm with their substitutes; Tifa with Barret, and Yuffie with Cid. When they were ready, they slowly started to walk towards their future husbands as said in the custom. The women were to walk to the man, just as she was to cook their meals. The time of engagement was the sucking up period. They were followed down the aisle by a few children from the town, dressed in their best formal attire. The girls had flowers in their hair, and the boys had holy beads around their neck and wrists.
While Yuffie walked down the aisle slowly, Vincent was unable to take his eyes off of her and how she walked with great poise, and she was unable to look away from him. And it was the same way for Tifa and Cloud. When Tifa and Yuffie reached their destination points in front of their fiancé, the children happily skipped back to cheerful parents in the crowd, beaming with pride, and Cid and Barret walked professionally to their seats. When a man in a red robe stepped up in front of the couples, the crowed sat in their seats, and the ceremony began.
"Great people of Wutai, and visitors from far borders, we are all presented here at this magnificent moment where two couples are to be joined under the holiness of our great God, Leviathan. Let us honor our God in silent prayer." The man then knelt on his knees as everyone else did to worship Leviathan. Yuffie turned towards Da Chao and bowed to it, and mumbled a few words of prayer. The people who did not follow this religion knelt on their knees and closed their eyes but did not pray. They pretended out of respect, so not to be rude, but did not want to pray to a "false God." After about a minute, everyone rose and sat in their seats once more. The cleric stood where he was, and the soon-to-be-newly-weds stood to where they were as well.
"In this day, we have many guests among us. But it is apparent that there are three men here amongst us that are to, shall I say, introduce several visitors that were exceptionally unforeseen. Gentlemen?" As he ended his speech, Reno rose from the back of the crowd and walked into the aisle where Vincent and Cloud stood.
"Yes, we do have people we would like to introduce. As we state their names, they will...ummm, appear right before your eyes on the aisle and take their places where they belong. By the altar." The crowd looked puzzled. This sounded more like a magic trick, and this was not supposed to be an entertainment show. It was supposed to be serious.
"I would like to introduce to you, Lord Godo Kisaragi and his Lady Kisaragi." Vincent said just loud enough for everyone to hear. Yuffie's eyes got wide, as did the people in the crowd. Yuffie wobbled a little bit, and looked like she was going to faint. Her eyes shined with tears that threatened to fall. And as promised, Lord Godo and his wife appeared, looking very much human. They wore the clothes that the parents of an heir were to wear on her wedding day. They looked at Yuffie proudly and happily, also having tears in their eyes. They walked to Yuffie, and gave her a quick hug, and stood next to her by the aisle. Yuffie was sobbing softly now.
"And I would also like to introduce, Mr. and Mrs. Lockheart." Cloud announced clearly. Tifa did the same thing Yuffie did, only Yuffie held her hand to keep Tifa from slipping off into another world. They wore the same clothes as Lord and Lady Kisaragi. They walked up happily to their daughter, happy that she grew up well, even when they weren't there to help her. They too gave her a quick hug, and stood next to her by the aisle.
"I would like to introduce Mr. Ryu, Mr. Yu, Miss Mei, Miss Mai, Miss May, Mr. Li, Mr. Godo Jr., Miss Emma, Miss Katira, Miss Juju, Miss Celei, Mr. Kirin, Mr. Roan, baby Lina, and Miss Yukkie." Reno said. He had a piece of paper and reading glasses on. Some people in the crowd chuckled at this and saw this kind of funny since the list was long like there were a million people related to Yuffie. The rest were still in shock that their deceased leader came back. The children of the Kisaragi's appeared one by one, and Yukkie came last holding Lina. She smiled at Yuffie, and silent tears fell. Yuffie was sobbing harder. It was a good thing that her and Tifa chose waterproof mascara that didn't run because they knew they were going to cry at the end of the wedding, and they didn't want to end up looking bad.
"Oh, don't be such a baby, Yuffie. You're getting married. Be happy!" Yukkie said jokingly as she gave her sister a one handed hug.
"Oh, I miss you so much Yukkie!"
"Me too. But I'm here, so be happy!" Yuffie just nodded. Then Reno lifted his list up to his eyes again, and read more names.
"I would like to introduce Miss Aeris Gainsoborough, Mr. Zack...uh...Zack, Mr. Wedge, Mr. Biggs, Miss Jessie, and Master Bugenhagen." All the members of AVALANCHE stood to see their fallen friends appear. Aeris walked past Reno and gave him a little wink.
"Don't worry, I'll keep my promise."
"You better." Aeris and Zack walked to the sides of the aisle, but the rest sat in the crowd with their companions. (Like, Bugenhagen sat with Nanaki, and Biggs, Jessie and Wedge sat with Marlene. Barret was best man, so he was up next to the parents of the brides-to-be.)
"I would now like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Strife, and Mr. and Mrs. Valentine accompanied by their youngest son." Reno said, pulling out another piece of paper. Vincent and Cloud's eyes widened, for they didn't know that their own parents were going to be there.
"Mom? Vick? (Vick is Vinnie's little brother's name.) ...D-Dad?" Vincent stuttered. He looked at his younger brother, and looked down to avoid his gaze. Emotions from his childhood washed over him again, as did the memories, but he managed to keep the tears back.
"Mom. Is that...is that my dad?"
"Yes, honey, that is your father. What are you waiting for, James? Say hello to your son." The vibrant woman gently pushed her husband towards Cloud.
"Son? I'm sorry I wasn't there. I couldn't. I'm so sorry. I was protecting our town. Our home, but I died when lightning struck the plane and we crashed. It was a very cloudy and stormy day, and the pilot was a rooky. I'm so sorry, son."
"It's OK, dad. I understand. But is that why mom..." Cloud trailed off. Mrs. Strife nodded remembering the day of her son's birth. How happy and sad she had been at the same time. Knowing she had a healthy baby boy, but that her husband, her son's father, would not be able to share the joy as well, since he died exactly one month before.
James Strife stood next to his wife, who was talking garrulously with Mrs. Valentine, Mrs. Lockheart, and Mrs. Kisaragi.
"And last but not least, I would like to introduce Miss Yukina." Reno said finally, thrusting the paper and glasses in his pocket, happy to be over with the introductions.
"Mommy, mommy! Guess what! A man who was all glowy tolded me that I could come back and see you get married to my new daddy! But he said it was 'Just this once' so I don't think I'll be coming back...you won't let them take me will you?" Yukina came running, and clung to Yuffie's leg, talking while her small adolescent tears fell. Yuffie leaned over and picked her up, and kissed her forehead followed by a warm bear hug.
"I'll try my best honey, don't you worry. Why don't you go stand by your grandparents? I'm sure they are dying to see you."
"In case you haven't noticed, Yuffie, we are all dead." Yukkie said from behind her. The guests all laughed, snapping out of their shock and into vortex of cheerfulness.
"It was a figure of speech."
"I know. But hey, the people are all laughing with me."
"Now that we have all guests, let us continue with the ceremony. If you would all take your seats." Everyone, except the couples getting married and the best men and maids of honor, sat in their designated chairs. Will the men please take their woman's hand and state their vows?" Cloud/Vincent took Tifa's/Yuffie's hand and looked into their eyes as if peering into their soul.
"I, Cloud Strife/Vincent Valentine, vow my eternal love to Tifa Lockheart/Yuffie Kisaragi. I will lay no eyes on any other woman, and will love her no matter how hard people knock us down. Upon this hour, I do promise and give my most solemn word to be eternally bound to Tifa Lockheart/Yuffie Kisaragi." Cloud and Vincent said at the same time, aside from the names. When they finished their vows, the couples' eyes looked at the cleric.
"And will the women recite their vows as well? Only disjointedly as done in ritual?"
"I, Tifa Lockheart, vow that no matter what happens, no matter how tough things become, I will always love you, Cloud Strife. Forever. And sealing my vow I offer my heart, soul, and blood."
"I, Yuffie Kisaragi, vow my everlasting love and self to Vincent Valentine. Even when our paths are covered and we lose our way, we will find it again if we keep trying. And sealing my vow I offer my heart, soul, and blood."
"You may do the 'Joining Ritual' now." The priest said. Cloud and Vincent pulled out silver blades and poked a tiny hole in the center of their palms and handed the blades to their future wives. Yuffie and Tifa took them and did the same.
"May our love be bound as this symbol of unending mutualism." They all said in unison as Vincent and Yuffie mixed their blood together, and Tifa and Cloud mixed theirs. A golden light appeared and disappeared around the joined palms as if it was a seal.
"You may now kiss the bride." The new wedded couples kissed and ran down the aisle and headed off to the reception as the friends and spectators threw cherry blossom petals and rice.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
At the reception
Tifa and Cloud danced together under the soft blue light as Yuffie and Vincent danced under the pale green. Their wedding song, 'I don't wanna miss a thing' by Aerosmith. (Such a sweet song!) The people "ooh"ed and "ahh"ed as the twirled softly in the lights and kissed when the song ended.
As soon as the couples parted, the people rushed to the man or woman they wanted to dance with. After a good many songs, the women all danced with at least on of the grooms, and the men danced with at least one of the brides. When everyone was too tired to dance anymore, the newlyweds sat at their table and talked to their new in-laws.
"So, when I made him go to the school concert, he messed up on purpose because he didn't want to go. It was embarrassing, but I have it all on tape to make him pay for it now. I hid it before I passed away. I'll tell you so that you and I are the only ones who know the whereabouts. If Cloud knew, he'd burn them." Mrs. Strife said.
"I would not!" Cloud protested. "I'd see it first, then burn them."
"Tifa was always adventurous and risk taking. She didn't mind the school plays and concerts. In fact, she did have an incident just like Clouds. She didn't want to go to a play because she didn't have the leading role. We don't have pictures or any proof, but it was pretty funny." Mr. Lockheart reminisced.
"Dad!"
"So, what was Vinnie like when he was little?" Yuffie asked happily as she took a sip of white wine.
"He was adventurous, brave, active, and not interested in violence. He was always a gentleman. I remember a day when I was shopping and took him with me when he was around ten, and a woman was there with her husband. He hit her and she started to cry and tried to run, but he grabbed her by the neck and jerked her back. He was going to suffocate her or something, but Vincent beat up the man. Since he wasn't supposed to be involved with the situation, the police charged him for something that was too stupid to remember. The fine was 2000 gil, but the woman helped pay the fine. Vincent should have been rewarded, but we were in Midgar that day. The law enforcement system was messed up."
"Wow. He doesn't seem to have changed too much." Yuffie giggled.
"Mom, you need not tell her everything about my childhood!" Vincent said a little shyly.
"Nonsense, Vincent. I must know about your past just as you need know mine."
"Well, then. I wasn't going to ask about your past, but that seems to be what everyone is doing, so… Mr. And Mrs. Kisaragi. Can you tell me a little about Yuffie?" Vincent asked.
"Why, we surely can, dear son-in-law!" Mr. Kisaragi said. "Yuffie was always the little lady. She loved dressing in the formal kimonos and going to the tea ceremonies. She changed, though, when her dear twin sister died. It was a very sad and heart wrenching day, but let's not dwell in sad thoughts. This is a day the great Leviathan sent for us to enjoy!"
"Yes, I agree. I like you already, Vincent. I can see why Yuffie has fallen for you." Mrs. Kisaragi said.
"Thank you."
After everyone was full from their meal, it was time for the gifts. Yuffie was the only one not shy of opening gifts from the guests. She was like a little kid who got to open their Christmas presents a day early.
(A/N: Due to the fact that I had to re-write this whole chapter again, I'm just going to list what the AVALANCHE members gave and some of other things.)
Cid: A plane bigger than the Tiny Bronco, but smaller than the Highwind for each couple. Complete with naming rights and a 'Yuffie area.'
Barret: (Vincent)- a silver claw ("I can relate to what it's like, having only one working arm.").
(Yuffie)- a green headband with sterling silver woven on the edges.
(Cloud)- a sword like Sephiroth's, only a little shorter, and stronger.
(Tifa)- a glove that was so comfortable that you couldn't even feel it on almost. It was strong enough to knock a million elephants on their asses, and had spikes on the knuckles that released a poison when made contact. The poison was refillable.
Nanaki: Traditional clothes of the people in Cosmo Canyon. Given only to those that proved themselves worthy of honor. Tifa and Yuffie got dresses; Cloud and Vincent got a shirt and pants, all made of sacrificial animal skin and beads.
Cait Sith: A Gold Ticket for each person. Since everyone's Gold Ticket just sort of 'vanished.'
Aeris: The blessing of health and individual talent for all children. And the hint that someone was to have a honeymoon baby.
Marlene: A drawn picture of herself.
Chaos: (Vincent and Yuffie): The gift of their children not having his beast in them.
(Tifa and Cloud): Absolutely nothing. ("Why should I? I'm not attached to either of them.")
Yuffie & Vincent and Tifa & Cloud: Exchanging honors of being their children's Godparents.
When the party ended, the gifts were all opened, and everyone was tired and ready to go home, Yuffie and Vincent left for their honeymoon in the Gold Saucer and Tifa and Cloud went to their honeymoon in Costa del Sol… on their new planes.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That was a long chapter, but I guess that is expected for the amount of time I am taking on this fic. I'm sorry, but it wasn't my fault! I got this new laptop, though, so I can probably write more. And I probably will because you know. When you get something new, you use it as much as you can for about a month, and then you start not using it as much. But I think I'll be writing a lot more. Hope you enjoy, and the rest of the fic has been written, so don't worry. Just review and the next chapters will come out sooner.
Ruri-sugar