Epilogue

Part T

It's gotten cool again. Emily is still disappointed that I won't let her swim anymore. There's a lot more laundry to do now, even with Denzel gone. I swear those two go through more clothes than anyone. Course, Emily is always getting into some kind of adventure, and Ben is never too far behind.

Once again, I find it hard for me to fold clothes by the fact that my stomach is getting in the way.

Again.

You know, I really like having kids. I like being a mother…I'll admit, I was a bit scared the first time around with Emily, but I was fine after a while, but I am telling you…the crap I have to go through for this? Ugh…I hate being big. It's hard to get used too, like really. I feel off balanced…top heavy. Heh, middle heavy. I don't know, it's just…grr…

Denzel will be coming home to visit soon. Cloud's still all weird since he turned thirty. Honestly, he's acting like it's some big deal, and it isn't. Heh, I guess he feels old. Course, I'll probably be the same way when my birthday rolls around. Depressing.

Something bumps in my belly, and I drop the shirt I'm holding, giving a little gasp. I swear, this one kicks more than Emily did…I think he's impatient to get out. He'll probably give Emily a run for her money once he can walk. Goodness, look at me…thinking about this one already walking.

Huh.

Cloud still can't decide a name for him. He's such a worry wart, really…it's funny though. Still, I remember when Emily was born how much more calm he was than me. He's actually really good with kids…I mean, he was awkward a bit with Denzel and Marlene…maybe it's just because he didn't raise them from birth. I don't know. As much as I know Cloud, I think it's impossible to understand him.

Who can even begin to imagine what goes through his head?

He kicks again, and I sigh, dropping the shirt into the basket.

Alright, little one, I'll fold clothes later since that isn't good enough for you right now.

I think this one's in a rush to get out…and I'm so big, too. I'm bigger than when I had Emily and Ben…ugh, I feel like I should pop.

I sigh, heading across the bedroom.

We got lucky with this place, really. I love it here; it's so much more open, and beautiful than Edge, than any city, really. Cloud was serious, I guess, and he worked hard to get us here. We are pretty lucky though that Reeve got Denzel and Marlene through college. That'll take a load off. Still, I think after everything that's happened, I think it was worth it.

I find my hat lying on the dresser before I head outside.

You know, when you're pregnant, you've got extra baggage? Well, I find it endearing to wear what your husband has always found you attractive in. That way, it's kind of like evening out the extra weight, but it's an outfit he loves.

Mine's as simple as my blue dress, and the pearls he gave me. It's great.

I head outside onto the balcony through the door in our bedroom. I head to the railing, leaning on it slightly as I watch the beach before me.

Emily is inspecting the surrounding sand, undoubtedly looking for seashells to add to her growing collection.

Cloud's sitting a few feet away from her in the sand, keeping an eye on her while he helps to decorate the sand hump Ben's built.

Ben is happily stumbling through the sand trying to find decorations for his little sandy mound. I love to just stand up here and watch them…it's more entertaining than it sounds, really.

I sigh happily, leaning on my elbow, watching as Ben chases Emily across the sand. I think Cloud's a good father, a better one than he thinks himself as. He's still hard on himself, but I think he'll always be…that's just who he is, really. At least he isn't as hard on himself as he used to be, and he knows how to forgive himself now. A lot of things happened in our past, and I'm glad to see him growing, and moving on.

Cloud glances over his shoulder, spotting me and stares at me for a second. I stare back, smiling, until Emily and Ben tackles him into the sand.

I laugh, and head inside to finish the laundry.

They head in soon after, and Cloud gets them settled in, giving them baths, snacks, and sends them to take their nap.

I'm finishing up the last of laundry when he finally finds me.

"Emily wouldn't take her nap."

I glance at him. "Did you finally get her to lay down?"

He nods. "Fell asleep on the couch when I told her she could stay up..."

I giggle. "Smooth."

He shrugs walking towards me, and envelops me in his arms. It doesn't matter how many times he does this, it will never get old, and I will love it every time.

He rests his head on my shoulder, and even though this should be a happy time (What with my overgrown stomach and everything) I can feel his tension, and his worry. He's always afraid that something will go wrong with the pregnancy. He never told me about it, but Reeve has spoken with me about it. I was a little worried too with Emily, but she was fine and so is Ben. As I said earlier, Cloud is a worry wart. He'll worry about anything.

I fold the last shirt. "Well? Any name yet?"

He sighs, releasing me and sitting on the bed, shrugging.

I grin, tilting my head. "There must be at least one name going through your head."

He shrugs again, glancing off to the side.

I swear, for a man who's thirty he sure is a lot like a kid sometimes.

"I won't laugh, I promise. Even if...even if it's Xavier or something like that."

He gives a little smirk, but his grim expression returns. I sigh, putting the clothes into the dresser before making my way back over to him.

I stand before him, poking his shoulder. "Well?"

He mumbles, "..axe..."

"What? You want to name our son what?"

He mumbles again incoherently.

"Axe? Did I hear correctly?"

His head darts up sharply. "No. Zack."

I blink. "Oh...oh see that's much better."

He shrugs, still perturbed. I think he thinks that naming his son Zack will guarantee something will happen that involves mako or Jenova or something like that. He doesn't want his son to go through the same thing his best friend did.

Cloud's sitting there, staring off into space. He does that every now and then; I seriously think he has debates in his head.

"You know, I'm sure Zack would appreciate the thought," I say, nudging him.

His cheeks flush a little, and he shrugs again.

"He'd probably have some snarky comment about it, too." I grin.

He nods his head. "Probably."

I pull his cheek. "Then cheer up, buttercup."

He glares up at me, amusement gone from his face, but I grin.

"Oh you know you love it." I grin.

He shrugs. "Better than Maurice."

I laugh. "Too true, buttercup."

He grimaces again, but a call comes from the doorway. "Momma?"

I glance over my shoulder, catching sight of Emily rubbing her eyes.

"What is it, sweetie?" I ask, walking over.

"I can't find Caity," she sniffles.

I frown, Reeve gave all the kids little cait syth dolls. Emily can't sleep without her's. I bet it fell behind her bed again.

"Come on, sweetie," I say, taking her hand. "I'll help you find it. Say bye to daddy." I grin.

Cloud gives a little wave, and smiles to Emily as she stares at him from the doorway.

"Night night, buttercup," she says, walking out the room.

Cloud's face falls, and I laugh, following my daughter out of the room.