Final Fantasy XIII: Cursed Past

Chapter 39 of my Final Fantasy XIII story, enjoy.

Reviews

Lightarcana: Yeah, she's Claire now, and a lot happier now too.

Miyaaa: That's cool, yeah I thought so, of course, especially when he has an important announcement to make, they certainly do, what's most important is it shows the strrength of their love as they don't have to be snogging each other's face off, just a simlpe small kiss to show they care.

jlbean: Thanks, glad you are enjoying it, actually no as this is the second last chapter, the story is nearly finished, glad you enjoyed it, thanks :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy XIII belongs to Square Enix.

Chapter 39: The Wedding

It was Saturday the 2 July 3 APW, a very important day as it was the day that Snow Villiers and Serah Farron were to be married. Everything was all prepared, they would have the ceremony in Bodhum's church and then the reception would take place on the beach near the tavern where Lebreau worked. With the decorations and everything all set up that just left the bride and groom. Claire read the text from Hope; he had gone along with Gadot, Maqui and Yuj to get Snow ready, which meant she would be getting Serah ready along with the bridesmaids, Vanille, Fang and Lebreau. Claire sighed and headed to Serah's room, once inside she shook her sister awake.

"C'mon Serah, time to get up, it's the big day."

Serah was awake instantly and soon they had gotten everything ready when the others arrived.

"Hey," Lebreau greeted, Claire rolled her eyes, "About time you guys got here, we were about to start without you."

"Uh-uh, not happening," Vanille replied with a smirk, Fang nodded, "C'mon, you guys would be lost without us."

Laughing and still joking with each other the girls began to get Serah and themselves ready.

Meanwhile Hope had met up with the other guys and was heading into Snow's house. They found him awake, standing in front of the mirror; he seemed to take a deep breath and then exhale.

"Snow, everything okay?" Gadot asked, concerned.

Snow jumped and turned to face them, he smiled, "I'm fine, just can't believe today's the day."

The group smiled and soon they were getting ready and poking fun at each other. It was then however that Snow asked an important question.

"So, I know about you guys, still trying to find the right girl," He said, referring to Maqui, Yuj and Gadot, "But Hope, what about you and Li…Claire."

Everyone smiled, they were still getting used to using the real name for the elder Farron sister, except for Serah and Hope who seemed to have no problem.

"Actually yeah, I have a plan," He explained, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewellery box, "I'm gonna propose to her during the reception."

The other smiled widely at this and Snow laughed, "You sly dog, well, good luck."

"Thanks," Hope replied before they returned to the task at hand, getting Snow ready for his wedding.

Soon enough both parties travelled to the church, everyone else was there, everyone who knew the group, their families and friends, including Nora Estheim, Edna and Dajh Katzroy and, surprisingly, Noel, Yeul and Caius. Soon Snow and the guys arrived, they were surprised at the three unexpected guests but there was no time for questions as they heard that Serah had just arrived. Snow took his place at the altar with Sazh and Gadot, Hope and the other guys sad down in their seats. Meanwhile, waiting to enter, Serah began breathing heavily.

"It's okay Serah, just calm down," Claire reminded her, Serah nodded and took a deep calming breath.

The music started and slowly the bridesmaids began to enter until it was just Claire and Serah, Claire nodded encouragingly to Serah and, on cue she walked in. finally the music picked up slightly and it was Serah's cue, she walked into the church with deliberate steps. She slowly walked down the aisle towards Snow who was watching her, enchanted, she smiled and as soon as she reached him, she slowly reached out and grasped his hand as they faced Sazh. Sazh smiled and began reading the wedding vows. Everybody watched, smiling at the beauty of the ceremony, finally, Sazh came to the end.

"Do you, Snow Villiers, take this woman as your lawful wedded wife?"

"I do," Snow replied without a moment's hesitation.

"And do you, Serah Farron, take this man as your lawful wedded Husband?"

"I do," Serah replied, smiling widely.

Sazh nodded, "You may now kiss the bride."

As Serah and Snow kissed the whole church erupted in applause and in some cases wolf-whistles.

Following the ceremony the reception got under way. As the bride and groom danced soon other couples began to join. During a break in the dancing Claire turned to Caius, Noel and Yeul were dancing together.

"I've gotta admit, I was surprised to see you guys."

Caius shrugged, "Noel didn't want to miss such a happy event, Yeul decided it was time for her to leave the village for once."

Claire nodded and raised her eyebrow, urging him to continue, "I came along because I too did not want to miss such a happy event, besides, I was curious to see how you were getting on."

Claire smiled, "I've never been better, although, I don't know if you heard, I've resigned from the Guardian Corps."

Caius nodded, "Yes, I heard, you've gone back to your original name too…That's good."

Claire nodded and then finally Noel and Yeul returned.

"Hey Light, sorry, it's Claire now, isn't it?"

"Yes," She replied, Noel rubbed the back of his sheepishly as Yeul laughed.

"I did already tell you Noel," She sat between laughs.

As Noel, Caius and Yeul began talking Claire, still smiling, walked away and over to the small pier.

Claire smiled as she sat down at the edge of the pier.

'Everything's changed so much, today, there's so much happiness you just have to take a small glance to see it,' She smiled as she looked back and watched Snow and Serah dancing, both of them, happy and laughing, 'Wonder if, my wedding day will be like this?'

"Hey Claire." She smiled as Hope walked up to her, "What are you doing?"

"Just, thinking, and enjoying the view." She replied.

Hope nodded and then thought to himself, 'Now or never,' and decided now was the right time.

"Claire, I've got something important I need to ask you," He said suddenly, She blinked surprised and he continued, "I can't stop thinking about everything that's happened between us and, I realize, there's no one else I'd rather share my life with…"

He pulled out the box and, bending down on one knee he opened it.

"Claire Farron, will you marry me?"

Claire's eyes filled with tears as her heart almost burst with joy; she let him slip the ring over her finger as she breathed her joyous reply.

"Yes."

End of chapter, the story is almost over, all that remains is the epilogue which takes place years later, see how Lightning (now Claire) has settled into married life. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, read and review please.