A/N: Thank you Lumina! I laughed so hard at your comment. I can totally imagine Pokemon trainers chasing Yazoo, throwing ultra balls that just bounce off his head XD Also thank you to ATK1734 for always making time to leave a review! ^^ Hope you enjoy today's update :)


CHAPTER XXX.

Wedding


Cloud

Lightning's lips electrified me, and I could barely move. My fingers in her hair, I pushed against her lips. She moaned softly, arms around my neck as she tilted her head. We both continued, holding onto the spark that burned through us. Lightning gasped as I bit down on her lower lip, and I deepened the kiss as her soft lips parted. We were both panting, but breathing had become irrelevant. I wanted to claim this beautiful girl in my arms, more than anything else.

"Mnn, Strife… wait… I can't," her hands slid over to my chest, pushing me away gently. I groaned, my lips reluctantly leaving hers. I pushed her hair away, kissing her neck softly.

"Sorry," I apologized immediately, but Lightning just shook her head.

"Trust me, I want to." She smiled as she pecked my lips. But it's too crazy today. Any second, someone's going to just burst into this roo-"

"Light, Cloud, open up!" Tifa knocked loudly, and we both chuckled in unison. Lightning groaned, resting her forehead against mine.

"I feel like I haven't seen you at all lately…"

"I know," I replied, burying my face in her neck again. "Tonight," I whispered the promise in her ear and Lightning agreed, tugging on my hair and pulling me in for another sweet kiss.

"Guys! I am dying here!" Tifa's voice was growing more irritated, and Lightning broke the kiss to lean towards the door knob. She turned it, and Tifa stood there, arms crossed.

"Where have you been, miss?!" She glared at Lightning, and the pink haired girl just shrugged.

"I literally just stepped into Strife's room-"

"Okay, I get it. You guys totally want to do it, but we need to help Aerith get ready and I don't know where the limousine is and I just CAN'T!"

"Right, calm down Tifa. I'll figure out the limousine stuff, so just, deep breaths," Lightning placed her hands on Tifa's shoulders, and the brunette inhaled and exhaled slowly.

"Okay, please just… help."

"On it," she smiled at me once before heading straight out the door.

The past month had passed by in a flash, and the three of us had finished rebuilding 'Aerith's Church', as Zack had been calling it. I had just woken up and showered, when Lightning came by to say hello. We wouldn't see each other until the evening, and with the rebuilding, Lightning and Zack's weekly sparring, and my insane family's non-stop networking 'parties', we barely even had time to sit down and talk to each other.

I grabbed a quick lunch, taking my suit with me over to Zack's. The blue haired male was panicking when I got there, and I noticed all the boys were already changing into their suits.

"Cloud… yo, listen. I can't get married…"

Yep, I knew this was going to happen. I chuckled, shaking my head. "Too late for cold feet, and I saw Aerith's wedding dress yesterday. You don't want to miss seeing her in that."

"How come I don't get to see it…" Zack complained, and I held up my index finger in front of him.

"You didn't even tell her the venue so… she has a right to keep secrets, too."

"Are you my friend or hers?"

"Technically I was her friend first," I reminded Zack coolly.

"You're the worst best man. Where's Light when ya need her?"

I smirked, patting Zack on the back. "She's running the wedding. Even I only got to see her for five minutes."

"Fine…" Zack gave up, sighing as he grabbed his suit. "I'm gonna change. You should too."

I nodded as he disappeared into his room, and I pulled out my suit. When we were all done changing, the doorbell rang. Snow kissed the pink haired girl at the door, so I guessed it was Serah.

"Hi men!" Her greeting made us all chuckle. "I brought flowers so, line up!" Serah worked on each of the guys, placing flower wreaths around their wrists. She finally came over to me, pulling out a mini bouquet of sorts. "This goes in your front pocket, so…"

"Go for it," I buttoned up my vest, as Serah pinned it to the pocket of my suit jacket.

"Perfection! Now I just need to do the same for Light."

"Have you seen her?" I asked, realizing that I missed her already.

"Nope. Not a clue where she is. But hopefully she'll show up at the wedding," Serah joked and I found myself smiling.

"You know… when I first moved here, I spent a whole semester and never saw you smile. Lately, you're always smiling."

"It's your sister," I told her, becoming conscious of the fact myself just now.

"She's the best, isn't she?" Serah smiled brightly at me, double checking the pin inside my pocket. "Well, you're all set." She looked around, spotting Zack and waving at him. "Come on, groom, smile! You're marrying the prettiest girl ever. Also you're too tall… so sit down."

Zack took a seat, and Serah pinned two pink roses to his front pocket. "Great, my work here is done so... see you wherever the wedding's happening!"

We locked the apartment, making sure we had everything. Zack was too panicked to even drive, so Snow got behind the wheel in Zack's Jeep. I climbed onto Fenrir, showing them a thumbs up when I was ready. The drive was long, and we stopped once to refill gas, and once for Zack's smoke break. When we arrived, a few cars were already in the parking lot.

"Why is the groom arriving after the guests, yo?" Reno smiled playfully at the boys. I parked Fenrir, walking over to join them.

"You guys, stay sharp," I told Reno and the redhead nodded.

"Yep, the whole team's here. Don't worry about a thing." I noticed the other Turks gathered in the parking lot as well. All of them were wearing their suits as usual.

Hiking over to the church, we all paused as we admired Lightning's work. While the rebuilding was a team effort, the interior was all her. She had asked that we leave the overgrown vines around the church's exterior and inside the high walls exactly as they are. Thousands of lights hung from the ceiling, interlaced with the vines. Lightning had created a path of colorful pebbles, cutting between the meadow and through to the church. It was surrounded by flowers - with a clear sky above. The decor was pink and white lace, with a few tables amidst the flowers that grew inside the church. The hardwood floor had been polished, and candles placed on every table and hanging from the ceiling were reflected in it. White curtains dangled from the ceiling towards the font, swaying gently with the wind. Soft, romantic music filled up the church, and a few people currently ran around doing the final touches.

"Wow…" Zack smiled next to me, taking in the view. "It's exactly how I pictured it… is she a magician or something?"

I thought about all the times she had managed to get through to me - without trying - just because of who she was. It made sense to think of it as magic, but it was really just her.

"Zack!"

We both turned around and there she was. Lightning wore her usual heavy boots with the suit. The top two buttons of her shirt were undone, and the lightning bolt necklace I gifted her loosely hugged her delicate neck. Her suit jacket draped over her shoulders, the sleeves moving lightly with the wind. A mini bouquet identical to mine was pinned to her shirt pocket instead. She had let her hair down, the tips ending in large, messy curls. She ran over to my best friend and threw her arms around him.

"My dude!"

Lightning smiled, her arms still encircled Zack. "I am glad. Too much?"

"No it's… everything I wanted." I heard Zack say as he hugged her again. They said a few more words to her, before she guided Zack and I to the entrance.

"Alright, look pretty," she joked as she adjusted the flowers in my front pocket. I smiled back, tempted to kiss her right here and now.

"Guess I have to," I replied as she checked Zack's pin quickly next.

"I am going to check on the music for Aerith's entrance so-"

Zack interrupted her, squeezing her hand tightly. "Don't forget to breathe. I need you behind me at that altar."

Lighting rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Please." She jogged back to the front and over to the grand piano. Hope was sitting there, practicing. I watched the two of them talk, before turning my attention to the guests that had started pouring in. Zack had invited some of our old friends from boarding school, and some from our current university. And then there were the friends we had made on our adventures together over the years - the oddest bunch of people.

"Zack Fair! Finally getting married!"

"Hi Yuffie," My best friend chuckled next to me as the tiny girl twirled, showing off her pink dress.

"Tifa coordinated! Boys can't keep their eyes off me, huh?"

"Yeah, you're a real show stealer, now move your goddamn ass." I heard a voice behind Yuffie that I could recognize even in my sleep.

"Barret!" Zack thundered as the two men hugged it out. I tried to keep a straight face, and stuck out my hand for the big man. He shook it firmly, patting me on the back twice.

"Damn, you're still a little punk." I chuckled, finding it impossible not to smile at this ridiculous greeting.

"I never disappoint."

"Still a sarcastic little shit." Zack high fived the blonde next to Barret who spoke the words.

"Yeah, nice to see you too, Cid." I replied, shaking his hand with a "humph".

I looked around Barret, and he cleared his throat. "If you're lookin' for Marlene, she about to-"

"CLOUD!" Marlene ran up to me, and I got on one knee so she could throw her arms around my neck. I hugged her back tightly.

"You've grown a bit," I patted her head and she smiled at me with her big dough eyes. I guess Tifa had really rubbed off on her. "Denzel's here too, but he's with Tifa somewhere." I nodded in response, and stood up. Barret led Marlene inside, and Zack and I finished welcoming the last of the guests.

"The bar's open, so knock yourself out!" Zack was grinning cheek to cheek as she shook hands with the rest of the guests.

"Zack, I'm going to go see Aerith real quick," I told him, silently slipping away as he waved at me. I went to the backroom of the church, knocking lightly.

"Cloud?" I opened the door, surprised that Aerith knew it was me. She read my mind and giggled in response. "I always know from your footsteps, and the way you hesitate between knocks."

I smiled slightly, walking over to her. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks~ Never thought the day would come when you'd compliment me," she blushed, adjusting her dress nervously.

"Everyone's here. Barret, Cid, the whole lot," I told her, picking up the flower crown next to the mirror where Aerith stood. I placed it gently on her head, straightening out a few vague locks with my fingers. "Are you ready?"

"Almost… my heart's beating so fast. It's really stupid, right?" I turned her around, adjusting the thin lace veil attached to the crown. I lowered it over her face, shaking my head.

"Zack's been having panic attacks all day," we both laughed. Aerith covered her mouth with her gloved hand, staring up at me. "I guess this is…"

"Yeah…" I looked at her thoughtfully.

"I really hope this kind of day comes for you too," she extended her hands towards me, and I shook it. It felt strange thinking about it, but only Lightning's face came to mind at a time like this. Those passionate, burning, icy eyes... that proud, straight nose … and most of all those soft, pink lips that - when they broke into a smile - could melt anyone.

"Ahem," Tseng entered the room, and we both acknowledged each other with a nod.

"Tseng~!" Aerith ran over to him, and he hugged her tightly. "I wish Uncle Feng could be here," I heard her say.

"Me too," he replied, extending his elbow towards her. She wrapped her arms around his and I took a final look at her pink and white, v-neck sleeveless dress. It became her, and I was glad to see her in it before anyone else.

"I'll make sure the groom's still here," I teased and Aerith narrowed her eyes, pouting.

"Yeah, I don't want to look like an idiot out there on my own! Make sure of it, Cloud!"

The doors of the church were closing, and Lightning was by the entrance. I joined her as she spoke into the handheld transceiver.

"Cid, position?"

"All gates and windows are secured, Young Miss," I heard the old man's voice over the static. "Clear."

She pressed another button. "Reno, how's the area?"

"Everything's clear, yo."

She sighed happily, attaching the HT to the side of her belt. She saw me, and we both blushed awkwardly. Before we could say anything to each other, Zack threw his arms around both of us. "Alright, I can do this! Do I get a pep talk from my best men?"

"I think you're already doing a good job," I laughed and Zack punched my shoulder lightly with his hand.

"Come on gentlemen, let's do this."

Lightning and I folded our hands in front of us, standing supportively behind Zack. Tifa, also wearing a short pink dress like the others, signaled towards the piano. Lightning jerked her head towards the piano as her eyes met Hope's. Hope smiled, playing the music for Aerith's entrance, his fingers dancing expertly on the keys.

"Wow... " I heard her say as Tseng and Aerith came out of the small room. I watched Zack and Aerith's eyes connect, and the two of them smiled at each other so wide, there was no room on their faces for anything else.

Tseng removed Aerith's hand gently from his arm, handing it over to Zack. "Don't make her cry."

"Never," Zack said as he took Aerith's hand, helping her climb the steps of the altar. Tifa and Yuffie stood behind Aerith, and Tifa passed a velvet box to her. Lightning took an identical box out of her pocket, and I passed it to Zack. They exchanged their simple wedding bands, and Hope's piece gradually moved towards a pianissimo.

The soft strokes of high notes reverberated in the air around us. Zack cleared his throat, holding both of Aerith's hands. "Aerith… the first time I saw you, I thought how lucky I'd be if I could just hold you for a second. Then I got to know you, and the seconds became minutes, minutes became hours and hours became days. Every time I wanted to fade away, you held me down like gravity. You wrote me lists and letters, and I read everyone of them, also holding onto you with all of me. Now those days have become years, but it won't be enough… nothing will be, unless I am with you for this lifetime, and probably even the next, if you'll have me again. I will protect you, and never, ever leave your side. This, I vow today."

"Z-Zack…" Aerith wiped her eyes underneath the veil, before looking up at Zack. "I remember how you fell from the sky and scared me."

I chuckled quietly, distinctly recalling that story.

"At that time, I didn't know that the boy in my arms would become my whole life. You are the first boy I ever loved, and deep inside my heart, I always wanted you to be the last. I am grateful that it's you, after all. I am grateful for your courage, for your wisdom, and all your little quirks in between. You're just like the flowers I have grown to love, never letting anyone see what you have been through to bloom so beautifully in the end. You give joy to people wherever you go… and I am no exception. You make me happy, Zack. And you've made me the happiest girl in the world today. I will make you happy, and never, ever let you fade away. This, I vow today."

I held back tears, tightening my jaw as I pursed my lips. I could feel Lightning tensing next to me, and I could tell she was also trying her best not to cry. She pulled out a pink lace ribbon from her pocket, leaning over to pass it to Zack. Zack lifted the veil, slipping the ribbon around Aerith's hair. They both kissed, as Hope played a happy tune, the crowd roaring in time with the crescendo.

When the ceremony was over, Fang and Vincent brought over the wedding cake, setting it on the table in the center. Zack and Aerith cut it, and we all burst into another applause. Yuffie whistled loudly, and Barret was crying, his arm covering his eyes.

Lightning whipped out the HT from her pocket, speaking into it. "Lights in position."

We cleared the floor so Zack and Aerith could have their first dance. All the lights in the church were dimmed on Lightning's order, and the candles and lights illuminated the couple, bathing them in a warm light. Hope checked the speakers, connecting his music player to them. The proposal song came on, and I appreciated Lightning's choice. Aerith leaned against Zack's chest, as they both moved slowly with the music.

When it was over, Tseng asked Aerith to dance. We gave them some time - Tseng was holding Aerith tightly and the girl was sobbing against his chest, smiling in a way I had never seen her before. I took this chance to steal the pink haired girl away. "I, um, have some friends I want to introduce you to," I told her as she was speaking to the caterers.

"Uh, sure," she replied. She gave some final instructions to them, taking out her HT and speaking into it again. "Rude, Elena, check all the food before it's served. Call me if anything's wrong."

"Roger that. All clear here," I heard Rude's voice over the device. Lightning snapped it to her belt again, and I offered my hand. She took it, her cheeks darkening instantly. We strolled over to our group, and Barett's eyes fell onto our joined hands. His mouth fell open, and Yuffie and Cid were doing a fantastic job at making us feel more awkward as well.

"Guys, this is, um, my girlfriend," I tried to say it as normally as possible, but their gaping mouths were making it exceptionally hard. Lightning was polite as always, and she shook hands with each of the new members.

"Hi, Lightning Farron."

"Hi…Cid Highwind…." At least Cid made an effort, but Barret and Yuffie were too shocked at the introduction to even greet her properly. I gave up, rolling my eyes at them before pointing to them.

"Barret Wallace and Yuffie Kisaragi. They're old friends."

Lightning made a mental note, nodding at them. "Right, um… I hope you enjoy the wedding," Lightning spoke since no other words were exchanged. I glared at them as she turned away, following her to the dance floor. Marlene and Denzel came running up to us after a while.

"Cloud, Cloud! Is it true you have a new girl-" Marlene's eyes trailed over to Lightning's. Lightning extended her hand, shaking hands with both kids.

"Hi, I'm Lightning. You can call me Light."

"Light…" I could see that Denzel developed a crush on her at once, but Marlene was a lot more shy. She looked up at me questioningly, and I smiled at her. She nodded, looking back at Lightning.

"So does this mean you're marrying Cloud?"

Lightning laughed, kneeling on the floor. "Nope, not anytime soon."

"G-good!" Marlene crossed her arms, but Lightning's smile was too heartwarming. She gave in, smiling back. "Well… I like you."

"I like you too," Lightning repeated her words, and Marlene warmed up to her on the spot.

"Hey kids!" Zack thundered, high fiving both of them. "Mind if I borrow my best man?"

The kids looked up at me, but I just chuckled and stepped away. Lightning waved at the three of us, before going to the dance floor, hand in hand with Zack. They began dancing, and she rested her head against Zack's chest, quickly wiping off happy tears. Zack laughed, and they began talking as they moved to the music, softly.

"Are you brooding because someone stole Light away?" I shook my head, grabbing a glass of champagne from the waiter and emptying it.

"No, I am… ha-" I paused, rethinking the words I was about to say. "I'm fine."

"God, just admit you're happy," Tifa rolled her eyes, glancing sideways at me. "Are you gonna ask me to dance or…?"

"Of course," I held out my hand and led her to the dance floor.

"Marlene was really upset that we broke up," Tifa smiled and I smiled back, watching the two kids currently talk to Reno.

"Do they know…?"

"I didn't know how to introduce Reno… I mean… can't exactly say 'hi kids, this is the friend I am having casual sex with'... so I don't know."

"They might be more open minded than you think."

"Cloud!" Tifa blushed harder, smacking my arm as we danced. "How did it go with the group?"

"Uh…" I flinched, thinking about that painfully awkward meeting. "They just… stared at her. It was awkward as hell."

"They're probably amazed that Cloud Strife actually has a girlfriend."

"She's not my first girlfriend," I reminded Tifa as I spun her. Our hands joined again in the dance.

"Yeah, but you never introduced me as your girlfriend. They're not used to this soft, mushy you."

"I guess…" I replied as the dance ended. Zack and Aerith resumed dancing again, and Tifa let go of me.

"Well, I'm not going to keep you but… you might have to get in line," She laughed loudly as a few girls from our university lined up to dance with Lightning. "It's so funny that she's even popular with girls. Ah… Light…"

"Humph," I smiled at the attention she was getting, even though it felt like it'd be hard to speak to her tonight. I waited for a few more dances, before finally stealing the pink haired girl away once again. It felt right when she was in my arms, and Lightning's arms automatically went around my neck, cheek pressed against my chest as we danced closely.

"You did great. Zack and Aerith are really happy."

She shook her head softly, nuzzling my chest. "Everyone helped. It's not like I did it all alone. But thank you… that means a lot. I just hope everything ends peacefully and they get back safely…"

I ran my fingers through her hair, before sliding my hand over to her chin. Gently tilting it up, I gazed into her aqua blue eyes. "When it's all over, let's not go back… let's stay somewhere, just the two of us."

Surprised, her eyes widened before she quickly regained her composure, nodding eagerly. "Yeah… I missed you, Strife."

"I missed you… Farron, I won't let you sleep tonight."

Lightning smiled through the lovely blush on her cheeks. "I was hoping you'd say that…"

I leaned in close to her lips, but Lightning tried to pull away. "Strife." She said my name in that stern tone, fidgeting nervously. "All your friends are watching…"

"I don't care."

"There's a lot of people here."

"I don't care."

"But what if they-"

"I love you." My heart thumped madly in my chest, realizing that my own face must be as red as hers right about now. The words silenced Lightning's protests as intended, and I took her lips, kissing her passionately. The sweet scent of champagne on her lips charged me, and I felt myself unable to hold back the desire that overtook my mind every time we locked lips. Lightning moaned softly, gripping my hair as we kissed some more, her body arching into mine. When we finally parted, her eyes were tender.

"I'll say it… tonight. Just… wait a little longer."

I nodded hurriedly, leaning in to continue the kiss. Just then, her HT beeped and Lightning immediately removed her arms from around me, bringing it close to her lips. "What's up?"

"All the drinks are double checked. Everything's clear for the toasts," Rude spoke from the other side.

"Copy that," Lightning replied, glancing at me. "I, uh-"

"Go for it," I answered, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. I pecked her lips again one last time, and Lightning smiled, before disappearing towards the bar. A few minutes later everyone started taking their seats. Lightning brought out a gigantic bottle of champagne, and asked Tifa to do the honors. Glasses full, we relaxed in our seats.

"I guess I'll start off the toasts!" Zack chuckled, happily accepting the glass Lightning passed to him. He tapped the mic twice, checking it, as Hope cut off the music.

"Well, I just want to say thank you to everyone who made it out here. I am grateful to have so many wonderful people celebrating us tonight. I want to take a second to thank my best man, Cloud, for always having my back. And my best woman, Lightning, without whom this wedding would be impossible. I propose a toast, to my beautiful wife," Zack paused as we all laughed at his emphasis on the word.

"...My reason for existence, and the love of my life."

Tifa nudged me, as Zack settled next to Aerith. Lightning passed me another full glass, smirking at me. I cleared my throat awkwardly, and Zack shouted at me from where he sat. "More than two words, broody!"

"Yeah yeah," I replied as the crowd laughed. "I've known these two for as long as I remember, and our friendship hasn't always been easy… Don't worry, it's me," I clarified as laughter erupted again. "I am very difficult, but Zack and Aerith are and have always been the most patient people I know. Tonight, I propose a toast to my two friends, who are a gift to me and to the world - a toast to their kindness that can heal even the most broken of hearts."

I raised my glass towards the couple as Hope played a short tune on the piano. The toasts continued, and I laughed as Lightning passed a handkerchief to Tifa, who broke into tears during her speech. When it was finally Lightning's turn, Zack whistled loudly. She rolled her eyes, and picked up a glass of champagne from the table.

"Go frowny!" Zack started clapping before she even opened her mouth.

"See what I have to put up with?" She joked as we all laughed. "Right… um. I am not really good at speeches… or speaking, actually," she paused as happy cheers echoed in the church. "I never really believed in love before I met these two, and I dared not to dream of it. But they proved the skeptic in me wrong. There is love, it exists, with certainty - I can see it, feel it. And no two people can prove its existence better than Zack and Aerith." She sighed, smiling softly at the couple. "Zack and Aerith are meant for each other, always have been, and always will be. We will always look back on today with a smile on our faces, always remember the day love appeared in its finest form, for all of us to witness here. I propose a toast to the bride and groom, for making me, and all of us, believe in and even dream of... true love."

Aerith and Zack both hugged Lightning as she walked over to them, and with her final toast, the dance floor quickly became crowded with people.

"I love you both," I heard her say as she hugged both of them tightly. "Stay together forever."

Aerith was sobbing loudly, and I even heard Lightning sniffle against them in the hug. Zack smiled, arms around both girls, eyes closed. I had never seen him this content, and I was glad that tonight everything had been so entirely perfect.

When they broke the hug, I took Lightning's hand, pulling her against me. "That was some speech."

"Ha ha, laugh all you want. I tried," her arms came around my neck as she gazed into my eyes.

"I mean it," I tried to kiss her, but Barret called my name loudly from another table. I sighed in disappointment, but Lightning shook her head.

"It's fine. Tonight, I promise. I'm all yours…"

We both blushed as we parted from our short embrace, and I joined the group of our old friends. Lightning announced she was planning to get hopelessly drunk, and Tifa was happy to help, as always. The two girls were drinking, and I could see that Yuffie was at least trying to be friendly towards Lightning now as she participated in their conversation. While I caught up with my group, I saw Lightning dance with Serah and Vanille. She was now dancing with Tifa, both of them deep in conversation.

"Every man's dream come true! His ex and his girlfriend gettin' along so nicely. Hey, you're totally thinking about a threesome, aren't ya?" Yuffie joked as I picked up another champagne glass. Where was this girl's head…

"Nope, I am not sharing Farron with anyone." The words just escaped me, and the embarrassment following them was obvious by the color of my face. I cleared my throat, awkwardly drinking as more chatter continued around me. Watching Lightning like this… a part of me wondered if… if I wanted this kind of day with her.

"Some day… huh…" I said out loud, unconsciously.

The wedding party continued for a long time, and the forest became pitch black, only lit up by the lights that the pink haired girl had hung from the trees to guide people back to the parking lot. The crowd started clearing out, and when it was just close friends, we decided to walk Zack and Aerith to the parking lot. Their limousine was ready, flowers and lace draped all around it.

Aerith tossed the bouquet and it landed straight into Serah's hands. Lightning disapproval was hilarious - she almost looked like a dad who refused to marry off his only daughter. "Cid's driving them first, we'll follow after wrapping up," I told her as she waited next to me to see them off.

She grabbed the device one more time. "Road conditions clear, over." Elena checked for her and Lightning nodded. We both took turns to hug the couple as they got into the car.

"Call me when you get there." Her voice betrayed her anxiety.

"Of course, my dude," Zack kissed her on the cheek and she relaxed a little. "Thanks for everything."

"Be safe, please." Lighting replied in a soft voice, smiling.

Gathered around the limousine, our remaining friends and the Turks cheered as we saw them off. Lightning suddenly gripped her head, groaning painfully.

"What's wrong?" I panicked, holding both her shoulders to steady her.

"I don't know… god damn… champagne. Maybe I had too much."

"Alright, take it easy…" I held her hand tightly until we walked back to the church. The whole group began helping as we tried to clear up the space. Cid ran up to me, adjusting his driving gloves.

"Master, I was in the restroom. When are the bride and groom leaving?"

I froze and Tifa - who had also just noticed Cid was still here - gasped loudly. "C-Cid… if you're here, who is in the limousine?!"

Lightning threw the chair she was holding aside, leaping over a table on her way as she dashed for the parking lot. Everything was happening so fast that it took a few seconds for my body to kickstart into action. "Farron, wait!" I screamed as she raced out of the church, and all of us followed, trying to match her speed. Lightning threw herself in the front seat of one of the cars, speeding away before we could catch up with her.

"FARRON, NO!" I shouted as Barett, Cid and Vincent held me back.

"Cloud, you can't drive, you've been drinking, wait!" I could hear Tifa, but I couldn't process anything anyone around me was saying.

"LET ME GO!"

Cid turned on the ignition as he got into another car. "Master, please!" He shouted as he rolled down the window. I jumped into the front seat as the others released me, Rude and Elena climbing into the back. Cid revved the engine, driving at the fastest speed possible. Only the headlights illuminated the dark path in front of us, and I hoped, just hoped that we made it in time. Cid slowed down as we heard gunshots, and Elena and Rude whipped out their guns.

"Stop, we're going in!" They shouted as we saw two suited men trying to drag a struggling Aerith away.

Elena and Rude started shooting as soon as they got off, and I ran towards Aerith, even as all the strength in my legs was failing me. I tackled her, cushioning her fall with my body. We stayed on the floor as shooting continued above us. Aerith's wedding dress was ripped in places from the struggle, and painted red with blood. When the firing died, I tried to help her up but her legs were trembling. I sat on my knees in front of her, and Aerith just continued to sit on the floor. She was wailing, and I could do or say nothing to comfort her.

"Aerith… where's Zack?" Tseng ran over to us, kneeling as well. Barret and the others surrounded us, and Aerith continued to scream in anguish, barely able to breathe through the tears.

"Please, Aerith. Where's Zack? Where's Light?" Tifa hugged her tightly, patting her head gently.

"They… they… they…"

Every cell in my body had shut down, and I glanced at their limousine. It had crashed into a tree, and the sheer number of bullets on the vehicle made it impossible for me to be hopeful.

"Light… she saved us b-but.. But then… they shot her.. And she fell over t-there.. And then Zack jumped after her…." Aerith tried to tell us through tears. We all ran towards the woods, and the thick cover of the trees made it impossible to see what was underneath. I didn't need to say anything, but Barret and Cid grabbed me before I could jump after them.

"Reno! Get the helicopter and go after them!" Tseng barked as the confused redhead got back into one of the cars with Elena and Rude. "Cloud Strife, stay put!" He was shouting at me, but there was numbness in my ears, spreading through my skull. Slowly, painfully. We didn't know how deep the fall was, and if they could have survived whatever was underneath.

Serah whipped past me, trying to jump after but Snow grabbed her by the waist, yanking her back. "NO! LET ME GO! MY SISTER IS DOWN THERE!"

"Serah, calm down! We're gonna get her!" Snow held her tightly as she thrashed around in his arms. My own body had stopped moving, and it wasn't because I was calm. It was because I was terrified, and my weight no longer supported me. I fell back limply as the two guys steadied me, and the image of Zack and Lightning's smiles flashed through my head.

I struggled to breathe as the pain in my chest drilled further into me, like it was drying to bleed me dry from the inside. Aerith's cries never subsided, and the sound of the helicopter above us finally drowned them out for a while. All we could do was wait, and Hope dialed for an ambulance as I sank to the floor, falling on my knees.

I buried my face in my hands, trying to shut their smiles out of my mind.


A/N: I know I am horrible... :( Sorry guys... *cries* Until the next update.