Chapter 63: These Words

These words are my own
Threw some chords together
The combination D-E-F
It's who I am, it's what I do
And I was gonna lay it down for you
I try to focus my attention
But I feel so A-D-D
I need some help, some inspiration

But it's not coming easily
Whoa oh...

These words are my own
They're from my heart
I love you, I love you
That's all I got to say, can't think of a better way
And that's all I got to say
I love you

Is that OK?

These Words – Natasha Bedingfield

Aeris felt her heart skip a beat. The church was beautiful. But she didn't see that. She didn't notice the light pouring through the stained glass windows, colouring the walls with different colours. She didn't see the flowers, arranged so wonderfully. She didn't see the decorations that had been put up especially.

What she did see was Vincent, smiling at her. What she did see was her parents gazing proudly at them. What she did see was Tifa, Cloud, Yuffie, Reeve, Barret, Marlene, Mike and the Turks standing in the pews.

And, as one might expect, she felt a little shocked. In fact she had to lean against the door, so shocked was she.

"What… I… what…" she took a deep breath and looked at Vincent.

"I thought you were in Midgar!"

"I was. I came back." he said calmly.

"What's going on? You're supposed to be in Wutai!" She said, staring at her friends. Vincent stepped forward and took her hand.

"Aeris, I want to marry you. Here. Now."

Aeris stared at him. She mouthed wordlessly. Vincent smiled.

"I nearly lost you in that car accident. I could have lost you to Palmer. And do you know what I realised? I can't lose you again. I don't want to wait, Aeris. I don't want give you a chance to get away. I want to marry you."

Aeris let out a shuddering breath and blinked.

"I... Vincent…" he looked at her solemnly, a hopeful look in his eyes.

"Aeris… I can't do it. I can't lose you. You're the only thing in this whole world that is worth living for and if, for any reason, you went away… I can't..." he said, so quietly she could barely hear him.

Aeris had taken in an extremely large amount of information in those two minutes. And the pressure caused her to burst into tears. Vincent looked slightly alarmed but took her other hand.

"Aeris… I…"

"Yes." She sobbed, quietly. Vincent blinked.

"What?"

"Yes. Let's do it. Let's get married." Aeris whispered. Vincent swallowed hard and then his face broke into a smile.

"You mean it?"

"Yes. I can't lose you either. I don't want to be sensible anymore; I just want to be with you. I want to get married."

He kissed her and everyone cheered. Tifa, Elena and Yuffie rushed forward and said,

"Come on! We've got your dress already!"

"What? Dress? What?" Aeris said, confused. Vincent smiled.

"Go on."

She let herself be dragged through to another room where her three friends started talking at once.

"Did you guess?"

"Isn't it amazing?"

"Come on, your dress is here."

"Wait!" Aeris cried and they all looked at her. "What is going on? You're supposed to be in Wutai."

"Well, before we left, Vincent asked us to be back for today. He's been planning this for a while. He organised everything!" Yuffie grinned. Tifa nodded.

"Yeah, we've got a reception ready and everything."

"And he asked us three to pick a dress. Only we didn't know your size he got us one of your dresses, you know, the blue one. We got your size and picked you a dress!"

"Then he made sure that the Turks were free for today."

"And he called your parents to get them here!"

Aeris felt slightly faint. Tifa smiled and took her arm.

"Look. We've got your dress. Do you like it?" Aeris looked over and her mouth fell open as she saw the dress.

It was white, of course. The skirt was layered and went all the way to the floor. The top part of it was decorated with tiny stitched flowers in the fabric, thin straps over the shoulders. A pair of white shoes, also with stitched flowers, were placed next to it and a veil was on a table.

"My god, it's so beautiful." Aeris murmured. Yuffie grinned.

"I'm so glad you like it. We had such a hard job picking one. You are NOT easy to buy for, you know."

Aeris turned to look at them. They were all dressed in bridesmaids' dresses of pale pink. Tifa frowned slightly.

"Are you OK?"

"Yeah… I'm great. I'm more than great. Just… in shock." Aeris admitted. Tifa smiled.

"No problem. Here, a thermos of Barret's very own coffee." Aeris laughed and took the cup.

"I love you guys so much it's unbelievable."

"Good. Now get dressed!" Elena said, pushing her towards the dress.

Yuffie, Tifa and Elena had all brought hair products, make up and various other pieces of beauty equipment with them. Once Aeris was dressed Tifa gave her a manicure whilst Yuffie put on her make up. Elena busied herself doing her hair, curling it so it fell in soft curls down her back, before pinning some up.

"So Vincent organised everything?"

"With a little help from us. But basically, yeah, he did everything." Tifa said, polishing her nails.

Aeris, who had been in a state of shock, suddenly realised what was going to happen. She was about to get married.

"I'm getting married…" she said, in shock. Yuffie grinned.

"Finally sunk in, has it?"

"Not quite. I think I need more coffee."

"No more for you. We don't want you twitching all the way through the ceremony." Elena said. The three girls stepped back and looked at her in satisfaction.

"OK, get those shoes on." Tifa said. Aeris did so whilst Elena fixed the veil in place. Her three friends smiled.

"Wow…" Tifa said. Aeris turned and looked in the mirror. Her eyes widened.

She didn't believe for one moment that it was her looking back. It couldn't be. The person she saw in the mirror was so… beautiful. Yuffie touched her hand and passed her a bouquet of pale pink roses. There was a knock at the door and Infalna came in. She took one look at Aeris and promptly burst into tears.

"Mom!"

"Oh my god, you're so beautiful! Look at you! You're getting married!"

"You're telling me this?" Aeris smiled. Infalna sniffed and hugged her.

"When Vincent told us that he wanted to do this, I couldn't believe it. But here you are!"

"I know. I can't believe this is happening!"

The door opened and Matthew came in. He kissed Aeris and said with a smile,

"They're waiting. Are you ready?"

"Yeah. I am." Aeris said, feeling light headed with excitement.

She had been ready for a long time and she hadn't realised it until then.

Vincent stood nervously at the end of the aisle. Aeris had gone into the room over forty-five minutes ago. How long did it take to do hair and make up? He knew he shouldn't have let those three get their hands on her.

Cloud tapped his shoulder.

"You OK, man?"

"Nervous. I'm not so sure this is such a good idea anymore."

"Of course it is. It's perfect. You know women, they love this surprise romance."

"But Aeris isn't just any person. She's… Aeris."

"Damn right she is. And since she hasn't got any brothers, I feel obliged to tell you that should you hurt her in any way, I'm going to have to kick your ass." Cloud said lightly. Vincent eyed him.

"OK. Fine."

"Just as long as we're clear." Cloud said. The music started and Vincent felt his heart jump into his mouth. Cloud grinned and whispered to him before heading towards the back of the church to join the other groomsmen,

"Good luck."

Vincent's eyes were fixed on the end of the aisle. Yuffie appeared first, with Reeve, smiling brightly. When they reached the end of the aisle, Elena and Barret appeared, both beaming happily. Then Cloud and Tifa walked down, looking excited.

Everyone stood as the bridal theme began to play. Vincent stood, frozen with anticipation. And then… there she was. They had chosen the perfect dress for her. A thin veil fell over her face, but even from here he could se the slightly nervous smile on her face. Vincent felt a similar smile spread across his face. Slowly, she and Matthew walked down the aisle. When they reached the end, Matthew kissed her cheek. Vincent took her hand and smiled. She returned the smile and her eyes brightened with tears, but she didn't let them fall.

"Ready?" he asked quietly.

"All my life." She whispered back and they turned towards Father Colin. He beamed at them and then began.

"We are gathered here today, to witness the union of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony…"

The ceremony as simple. Aeris wouldn't have wanted it any other way. They reached the vows and they faced each other. When Vincent slipped the wedding ring onto her finger, Aeris felt like crying again. But she didn't. She didn't ever want to cry again.

"Vincent Valentine, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Father Colin asked.

"I do." Vincent said quietly. Aeris smiled.

"Aeris Gainsborough, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." She replied.

"Then, in the eyes of god and in the presence of everyone gathered here, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may ki-"

But Father Colin didn't have a chance to finish the sentence because Vincent had already lifted the veil and kissed her. Cheers echoed around the church. Infalna had broken into tears and was being comforted by Matthew.

Aeris and Vincent turned and walked down the aisle, clutching each other's hands. They went with Father Colin to a small side room where they signed a marriage register. Father Colin winked at them.

"The plan worked out well then?"

"Perfectly, Father." Vincent said.

When they left the church, Aeris found a car waiting for them.

"Where are we going?"

"The reception." Vincent said mysteriously. Aeris eyed him.

"Where is it?"

"You'll see when we get there." He replied. Aeris laughed.

"Tell me!"

"No. Come on." He opened the car door and she climbed in.

As the car drove off, Aeris looked at him. He was watching her.

"Is everything OK?" He asked. She smiled.

"Everything is perfect. You're perfect. I can't believe you did this for me."

"I wasn't about to give you a chance to get away." He said, a slight smile spreading across his face.

Aeris sniffed and then laughed.

"Don't, I'll start crying again!"

"Cry all you want. It's your wedding day; you can do whatever you want." Vincent told her. Aeris smiled.

"You're incredible. You really are."

"I do my best."

"Now tell me where we're going!" Aeris said, pushing his arm. Vincent smiled and said,

"Look out of the window."

Aeris turned and looked out. Vincent leant over her shoulder and said,

"There. That's where we're going."

"Where?"

"Right there!" Aeris stared out.

"I don't…" then her eyes widened. What she saw from her window was the Condor carving. She turned to stare at Vincent.

"On the Condor?"

"An outdoor reception. What do you think?"

"I think I just fell in love with you again." She smiled. Vincent kissed her again and whispered,

"I love you. So much."

"Love you more." She whispered. He shook his head.

"Not possible."

When they arrived at the Condor, Aeris had another surprise. Because there were already a lot of people gathered there. They started to applaud when she and Vincent got out of the car. Aeris blinked in surprise as she saw people from college, some people from Midgar Media, Shera, Cid and their baby, and what looked like most of the population of Kalm.

"Is there anything you didn't think of?" She asked Vincent who considered.

"I think I got everything. Is this OK?"

"It's amazing… you, Mr Valentine, are the perfect man."

"Glad to hear it. You're stuck with me for life now." He said, with a smile. Aeris laughed.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile so much!"

"I have a reason for it." Vincent said, kissing her.

The rest of the people who had been at the church arrived a few minutes later and Aeris and Vincent went around to everyone, greeting them. This took quite a while and eventually Vincent guided Aeris to a long table.

"Come on. We've got a few speeches and then food."

"I have to make a speech?" Aeris said, horrified. Cloud grinned.

"Just a little one. We'll excuse you since you didn't know about it."

Once everyone was sat, Cloud got his feet and they fell silent.

"Hey everyone. You probably already know, but I'm Cloud Strife and I'm the best man. Although, Aeris originally wanted me as her Maid of Honour. So it's probably a good thing that we sprung this on her and she didn't have a chance to dress me up in one of those lovely pink numbers."

He gestured at the bridesmaid's and everyone laughed. Cloud continued.

"This wedding is probably one of a kind. Because not only are Aeris and Vincent absolutely perfect for each other, but the bride didn't even know she was getting married until a couple of hours ago. I expect that once she's gotten over the shock, she'll pound us all into little pieces, but let's take advantage of her good mood to get her to make a speech. Ladies and Gentlemen, Aeris Valentine!"

Aeris got to her feet, her heart racing. She smiled weakly.

"Um… hi. OK, I have nothing prepared, so just go with me here." Some laughter and Aeris grinned.

"Well… first, I suppose I should say thank you to these people," she gestured at the people sitting along the table. "Because they just made my day. I don't think anyone has ever had better friends. Because I've put them through a lot lately, and they're still here."

She took a deep breath and looked down at Vincent, who was sat beside her.

"But most of all… I want to thank you, Vincent. Because you're the most amazing, wonderful person I have ever met. And knowing that I get to share the rest of my life with you, that you're going to be there for always is just… I can't think of the right words. So… thank you."

She sank back down and kissed him. There was warm applause and cheers and she laughed. Vincent smiled slightly and got to his feet.

"Hello. You know who I am, so an introduction isn't really necessary. And anyone who knows me well, will be aware that I'm not a public speaker." Yuffie snorted in laughter and Vincent gave her an irritated look. She apologised and he looked around.

"Aeris is the one who has a way with words. Hence why she writes songs and I paint. But I wrote this part myself. These words are my own and they're from the heart. I love you, Aeris. So, before we all went our separate ways for the summer, I met with Cloud, Yuffie, Reeve, Tifa and Barret, and told them that I wanted to marry you. They helped me to organise everything. Because I don't want to spend another moment without you."

Aeris stared up at him, her breathing shallow and her heart swelling with joy. Vincent looked rather nervous.

"Is that OK?" he asked. Aeris laughed and stood to kiss him again. As they kissed Cloud called out,

"I think it's OK!"

Aeris and Vincent laughed slightly and sat down. Waiters appeared, carrying plates of food. Aeris looked at Vincent.

"It's OK. It's very much OK."

"Glad to hear it. Chicken?"

After they had eaten, Aeris and Vincent split up to go and greet people. Aeris went to see Mike and Marlene, and found to her surprise, Sephiroth Ancient there too.

"You look gorgeous." Marlene smiled, hugging her. Aeris laughed.

"Thanks Marlene. Isn't it incredible? I can hardly believe it!"

"Congratulations, Aeris." Sephiroth said, with a miniscule smile. Aeris smiled and hugged him. He seemed rather surprised but she didn't care.

"Thanks so much for coming, all of you. I'm so glad you're here."

Shera and Cid were her next set of people to speak to. She smiled down at Faith who was sleeping.

"Oh, she's so beautiful…"

"It's a lovely reception." Shera smiled. Aeris grinned.

"Thanks, Shera." They were joined by Tseng and Bernadette. Aeris hugged them both.

"Hey you guys! Having fun?"

"Great reception, Aeris." Bernadette smiled. Aeris laughed.

"Don't tell me, I had nothing to do with it!" Tseng smiled and said,

"So you didn't suspect anything?"

"Not a thing. Those guys did really well at keeping this secret."

It was then she noticed something rather strange. Tseng and Bernadette were clasping each other other's hands. A smile spread across her face.

"Are you…?" They looked at each other and both went a little red. Aeris squealed and hugged them both.

"Wow! When? How?"

"We'll tell you later. Go on, go and talk to people." Tseng said, pushing her on. She laughed.

"OK, but you are not getting away without telling me everything!"

It was the best day of her life. The reception carried on into the night. When the sun had gone down, flaming torches were lit, casting a warm glow over the crowds. Aeris and Vincent were talking quietly when Mike approached.

"Aeris?"

"Yes?"

"Sephiroth and I were just wondering if you'd mind having your photo taken. The press have been hanging around in the town for ages and they said they can get a couple of pictures they'd leave."

"Of course, no problem." Aeris replied, with a smile. Vincent took her hand and they went to the crowd of reporters who had flooded up the hill.

Flashes went off, but for once Aeris didn't care one bit. Vincent had his arm around her and was whispering to her quietly. She smiled as he said,

"Guess where we're going after this?"

"Where?" she asked curiously, not noticing the photographers. Vincent smiled slightly.

"The Icicle Inn. I remember you told me that you used to go there when you were small."

"You mean… our honeymoon is at the Icicle Inn?" Aeris said, in disbelief. Vincent nodded and asked,

"Is that OK?"

"That's perfect…" Aeris smiled and kissed him again. The cameras started to flash all over again and Vincent laughed slightly as the reporters started to yell questions.

"Come on. I want another dance." He said, pulling her hand slightly. The reporters groaned but Aeris called to them.

"Give me a break. It's my wedding day!"

After they had danced several times, Vincent went to ask Infalna for a dance. Aeris sought out Tifa and said,

"OK, Mike and Marlene have been dancing all night. What's with that?"

"Oh, they're going out now. Kinda makes sense, doesn't it?" Tifa said dismissively. Aeris smiled and sat down with her friend.

"How was the martial arts competition going?"

"I just got through to the finals. I'm flying back out tomorrow." Tifa grinned. Aeris smiled.

"Wow. Good week for everyone, I think."

"Looks like it, Mrs Valentine. Tell, me what does it feel like to be married?" Tifa said, holding a breadstick out in the manner of a microphone.

Aeris glanced out at Vincent, who was talking with Infalna as they danced. The light from the torches fell over him. His dark hair shone, and the little smile made his face seem to light up. His dark eyes glinted happily. Aeris smiled slightly and looked back at Tifa.

"I just don't have words."

(A/N: Don't worry, it's not the end just yet! See, if I have this thing where I can't just end a story anywhere. I like to have it at a good number, so this will probably end on Chapter 65. Unless I manage to start another new story arc, but it's not likely I'm afraid. So I'm thinking about having another proper chapter and an epilogue. If anyone's got suggestions, feel free to give them to me in the form of a review!)