I'll never forget you.

"Cloud are you ready yet?" Vincent asked a silent and somber Cloud from the doorway.

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute." Cloud replied.

"Well, hurry up it's about to start. And don't look so serious on you wedding day. Cheer up." He nodded before exiting the room.

Cloud stared at his reflection in the mirror without a sound. Some time ago, he would have thought his wedding day would have been different. There was an unfilled hole in his heart, and he was threatening to fall in. He looked out of place and overdressed in the tux and his stomach stirred with unease.

How did it turn out this way? I'm about to walk down the aisle without you here. He thought distantly, turning his gaze out the window. The day outside was bright and the sunlight cast its warm rays across his face. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before walking out to join the others in the church they had rebuilt.

Vincent nudged him from his place as best man behind him. "Are you sure you're alright Cloud?"

Cloud nodded. There was no turning back. It's not as if he regretted choosing whom he had chosen. It's just that…

…There was still something missing.

The music started up and Cloud could feel his breath being caught in his throat, even though they had rehearsed this before. Familiar faces blinked up at him with anticipation from the pews. The doors opened, and he didn't pay attention to anything until the bride stepped into view.

For a moment, he saw her standing there at the door, silver bangles shining in the sun. She smiled and shook her head, as if telling him that this wasn't right. He knew it too well, because her image faded to become Tifa, looking as somber as Cloud. She looked beautiful, her dark hair pinned back, the veil haloing her face and train sliding down behind her. Cloud could never say he was disappointed with his bride. He loved Tifa—he knew that. He regretted nothing as they exchanged their vows and he slid the ring onto her finger.

But still…

"You may kiss the bride."

There was a moment when Cloud just stared at Tifa, and in a flash, he saw her again in place of Tifa. She smiled and mouthed a silent goodbye before Tifa stood before him once more. It was clear by her expression that Tifa was thinking of the same person as Cloud, and she knew it too.

Cloud loved Tifa, but he would always love her more.

"You may kiss the bride." The priest repeated after the long silence.

Tifa smiled sadly up at him, tears brimming her eyes, nodding, and his lips curved to the slightest smile in return. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, their hands squeezing each other tightly at their sides.

When they broke off Tifa wrapped her arms around Cloud and he hugged her in return, eyes filled with tears. As the couple held each other and cried the entire church was silent with the knowledge of who was on their thoughts. There never before had been such a melancholy wedding.

I'll never forget you, Aerith.