Hello again. Jasmine here. This is our last stockpiled chapter, so updating might be a little inconsistent for a bit (not that it isn't already - sorry!). Good news is that all the characters are pretty happy right now... ;)

We don't own KH/FF.

XXXX

Zack rolled over, reaching for Aerith, frowning in his sleep when he only felt the bed. He cracked his eyes open, "Aerith?" He sat up, looking around.

Getting out of bed, he wandered into the hall, heading to the kitchen, "Baby? Where'd you go?"

"I'm in the kitchen," Aerith answered, turning as he entered. "Happy birthday, hon," she smiled, kissing him.

Zack yawned but smiled back, hugging her close, "Thanks. Breakfast? I'm hungry."

"I'm making it now," Aerith smiled. "Sit, sit."

"Mhmm, whatcha making? Need help?" Zack asked, setting the table for two before stretching.

"It's a surprise," Aerith grinned.

Zack laughed, "I bet it'll be delicious!"

"Hope so," she smiled. Finished up, she served it out onto the two plates.

"Oh man, Aerith, eggs and bacon and sausage? I love you!" Zack grinned, shoveling the food into his mouth and moaning at the deliciousness.

Aerith smiled at him, eating her plate of it as well.

"So what're you doing today?" Zack asked.

"I'm doing whatever you're doing," she answered. "It's your birthday."

"Well…" Zack said, thinking, "I kinda wanted to check out Leon's store and get ideas for our nursery." He reached for Aerith's hand, squeezing it.

Aerith smiled, "Sure, that sounds good."

Zack grinned, "Okay!"

Aerith grinned, finishing up her food.

XXXX

Zack parked the car. "This is it. Wonder who named it? I can't picture Leon coming up with 'The Hardware Store Place'," he snorted.

Aerith chuckled, "Probably not. We can always ask him."

"Yeah," Zack said, climbing out and opening Aerith's door for her, taking her hand and leading her in. "Whoa, I don't even know where to start! Last time I was here I didn't get a chance to really notice how much stuff is in here!"

Larxene poked her head out of one of the aisles. "Oh, hey!" she grinned, walking over.

"Hiya, Larxene! Wow, haven't seen you in forever!" Zack laughed. "Things good? For your roommates, too?"

"Yep, definitely," she smiled. "Can I help you with something?"

"Leon said we could look around for nursery stuff. Oh, did Cloud tell you? Aerith's pregnant – we're having a baby!" Zack grinned.

"Cloud mentioned it, but that's awesome, congrats!" Larxene smiled at both of them.

Zack grinned, putting his arm around Aerith, "So, you sell paint or wall paper here? We want to convert our spare bedroom into a nursery."

"Yep. Follow me."

XXXX

"Hayner! Wait up!" Roxas yelled, running to catch up to the other blonde.

"Hey, Rox," Hayner grinned, turning and stopping.

"Glad to be back?" Roxas asked.

Hayner shrugged, "Yeah, but I could do without the classes."

Roxas snorted, "I think everyone could do with the work, Hay."

"You asked," Hayner snapped.

Roxas chuckled, "I know, I know. So, done for the day?"

"Yeah, you?" Hayner asked.

"Yup. Ax's picking me up," Roxas said.

"God, Rox, are you two ever separated anymore?" Hayner rolled his eyes.

"What about you and Seifer, huh? You spent practically the whole break with him!" Roxas retorted.

"That's because my best friend ditched me!" Hayner yelled.

"So you did spend all break with him!" Roxas said, triumphant.

"Shut up, we're just friends. I'm sick of you insinuating we are something more!" Hayner snapped.

"Nice vocabulary," Roxas sneered.

Hayner punched his arm, "Stop being a dick."

"You're so blind, Hay, I swear. Why can't you admit you like him?" Roxas demanded.

"Because I don't!" Hayner flushed.

"Yes, you do!"

"No, I don't!"

"Do!"

"Don't!"

"I'll prove it!" Roxas exclaimed.

"You can't prove what isn't real. God, Roxas, why are you so attached to this idea? Just 'cause you're gay doesn't make me automatically gay, too!" Hayner said angrily.

"You always were gay, you're just too dumb to notice. When was the last time you even checked out a girl, huh?" Roxas demanded.

"All the time!" Hayner snapped.

Roxas snorted, "Yeah, right. Just admit it already."

"If you're going to be an asshole, I'm leaving," Hayner said, turning away.

Roxas ran around him so they were facing each other again, "One, you like how he smells. Him, not some cologne."

"That's-"

"Two, you wear his jackets all the time," Roxas spoke right over him.

"Yeah, but-"

"Three, you spend all your time with him or talking about him or texting him," Roxas continued.

"Rox-"

"Four, he's been over your house more than once. You've held hands. He's taken you out for food. Alone. Multiple times."

"Shut up!" Hayner yelled.

"You like him. He flirts with you constantly and you never stop him, Hayner. Ever. For God's sake, you let him call you sweetheart," Roxas said smugly.

"That's it!" Hayner snapped. "I'll prove once and for all that I don't fucking like Seifer!" Hayner pulled out his cell, dialing Seifer. "You on campus? Where? Don't move, I'll be right there," he snapped his phone shut, glaring at Roxas.

"What are you doing?" Roxas asked, tone implying he finally thought Hayner had lost it.

"Proving you wrong, goddammit," Hayner snapped before turning on his heel and storming away.

Roxas shook his head, sending a silent wish of good luck to Seifer before heading to the entrance of campus to wait for Axel.

Hayner muttered to himself as he stormed into the courtyard, other students giving him a wide berth. Walking over to Seifer, he ignored what he tried to say and put his hands on the other blonde's shoulder firmly before leaning in and kissing him.

Seifer, who was already confused from the phone call, blinked, but figured that this was pretty much exactly what he'd been working towards and leaned closer, taking the kiss over from the younger blonde.

Hayner's grip tightened on Seifer's shoulders, and mentally he started panicking, mainly because he was kissing Seifer and liking it.

He pulled back, panting a little and blushing. "I fucking hate it when Roxas is right," he said before kissing Seifer again.

When Seifer finally decided to pull back, he spoke, slightly out of breath, "Not that I'm complaining, but what brought this on?" he asked, not letting Hayner move any further away.

"Fucking Roxas," Hayner muttered. "Asshole was yelling at me and I just had to prove him wrong. He's not always right, dammit. But he was. Fuck!" Hayner closed his eyes before it sunk in and they snapped open, staring at Seifer in embarrassment and slight terror.

Seifer, amused, spoke again, "And what, exactly were you trying to prove him wrong about?"

"Uh. Um. Oh hell," Hayner managed to say, panicking. "I…"

Seifer raised an eyebrow.

"I gotta go!" Hayner blurted out, heart racing as he tried to untangle himself from Seifer, pushing him away.

"Yeah, not happening," Seifer said, grabbing Hayner's wrist.

"Seifer! Let go!" Hayner protested, breaths coming fast, face flushed scarlet.

"Are you… okay?" Seifer asked. Now honestly concerned, he let go, "All right. Just call me when you're… calmer?"

Barely managing a nod, Hayner turned on his heel and fled, thoughts a jumbled up mess. He ran all the way to the campus entrance, wildly looking around for Roxas before spotting him and running over.

"Rox," He said, panicked.

"Hay, what happened?" Roxas forced his friend to sit down.

"I like Seifer," Hayner choked out.

"Ah. Finally figured it out?" Roxas asked, smug.

"I kissed him. And he kissed back. Oh god!" Hayner said breathlessly.

"What?" Roxas exclaimed before slowly smiling. "Calm down, Hay. Did you like it?"

"Yes. Fuck, yes. Jesus, it was only a kiss and…" Hayner trailed off, blushing.

"Congrats. I knew you could do it," Roxas grinned, patting him on the back.

"Rox… what do I do now?" Hayner asked.

"What do you mean? You're dating him now, obviously," Roxas said, staring at Hayner's face and pausing. "Oh, don't tell me you kissed him and ran? Hayner!"

"I freaked, okay? I wasn't supposed to like it!" Hayner yelled.

"Oh, Hay," Roxas pulled him into a hug. "You need to find him and explain. Tell him how you feel."

"What if he doesn't like me like that?" Hayner muttered.

"Trust me," Roxas snorted, "he likes you. Now go."

Hayner hesitated before standing, "If it goes bad, I'm blaming you."

Roxas grinned, "Just go, Hay."

Hayner took a deep breath before turning and running back to the courtyard, hoping Seifer hadn't left yet.

Seifer was still there, sitting on a bench when he noticed Hayner running toward him (again) and he stood up.

"I'm sorry," Hayner blurted out, stopping and standing awkwardly in front of him.

"It's okay," Seifer said, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "You ready to explain, or would you rather just jump me again and let me come to my own conclusion?" he asked with a smile.

"I didn't jump you," Hayner muttered, blushing and staring at his feet.

Seifer raised an eyebrow, "You sort of did. I'm not complaining, though."

Hayner glanced up but couldn't meet Seifer's eyes, "Look, I'm sorry, okay? Roxas got me pissed and I wanted to prove him wrong but then we… and I didn't."

"You're making no sense, sweetheart," Seifer said, taking a step towards him and putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I think… Roxas said that… and we spent all that time together…. and the lunches… you always…" Hayner shook his head, slightly frustrated with himself. He put his hands on Seifer's shoulders, taking a deep breath… and nearly choking on his own spit.

Seifer blinked as Hayner coughed, "Are you okay?"

"Fine," Hayner croaked, wincing, "Sorry."

Seifer sighed, "Hayner, if you're not ready to talk to me, don't force it."

"I like you," Hayner blurted out, blushing profusely.

Seifer smiled. "And that didn't seem too hard," he commented.

"No, I mean… Goddammit, why are you being a dick? This isn't easy, okay?" Hayner snapped, tightening his grip on the older blonde's shoulders.

Seifer chuckled, carefully taking Hayner's hands off his shoulders and into his own before pulling the blonde close and kissing him. "Of course I like you, sweetheart."

Hayner sputtered, staring at him. "Why the hell is Roxas always right?" he demanded.

Seifer blinked, "Uhhh… I don't know?" he lied.

Hayner grumbled before glancing at their intertwined fingers and blushing again. "So… uh… are we dating?"

"That depends. Can I call you sweetheart in public now?"

Hayner scowled, "You already do that now!"

Seifer laughed.

"Shut up, it's not funny," Hayner very nearly pouted. "I'm new to this, give me a break!"

Seifer chuckled. "Take you time, dear. We have plenty," he teased. More seriously, he spoke, "I don't want to push you into anything, Hayner."

Hayner scowled, "Oh, so you finally get me and now you're trying to change your mind and back out? I don't think so! You sure as hell are stuck with me now!" He tightened his grip.

Seifer smirked, "In that case, yes." He glanced at his watch, "Doing anything this afternoon?"

Hayner stared at him, "No, why?"

"Then let's get lunch," he said. "I've got class in a few, but we can meet up after, if you want."

"Um, sure," Hayner said, stepping back so that they were no longer holding hands. "Where should I meet you?"

"Around here?" Seifer shrugged.

"Okay. I guess I'll… see you in a bit?" Hayner asked, looking a little unsure and not as confident.

"Sounds good," Seifer nodded.

"Okay," Hayner smiled at him, sitting down.

Seifer waved and headed off.

Hayner sighed, pulling out his cell phone to play mindless games for the next hour, thinking over exactly what just happened.

XXXX

Mary McOskey didn't get many days off, but the ones she did, she did her best to spend with her children (and extended family of children, which seemed to be growing lately). Since her sons were going to be out for her evening off, she figured spending some time with the twins (if they wanted to) would be a good idea, especially considering it had been months since they'd been able to.

Namine rang the doorbell, standing with her sister. "And Sora's sure she has the day off today?"

"Of course," Kairi answered. "Besides, Sora didn't call me, Mary did," she grinned. The door opened.

Namine smiled. "Mary! How are you doing?"

"I'm good." Mary smiled, letting the two girls inside, "How are you two?"

"We're doing well," Namine said as she made her way into the living room and sat down.

Mary sat down as well and Kairi grinned, plopping onto the couch next to her sister. "Mary, Mary, Mary, guess what."

Mary grinned, "Yes?"

"I told you to guess."

"Just tell her," Namine nudged her sister.

Kairi pouted at her sister, but gave in. "Nam and I both have boyfriends," she said with a grin.

Mary's eyes widened, "Really? Even after-"

"I don't want to talk about it," Kairi shook her head. "But yes. Xigbar's awesome."

"He works at the Rusty Wrench and he's very nice," Namine assured Mary.

"Well, that's good," Mary smiled. "I'm happy for you. What about you, Nami? Kairi said you were dating too," she teased lightly.

Namine blushed lightly, "I am. I'm dating Reno, Riku's older brother."

This, Mary was a little surprised at. "Really? I don't think I've met him," she paused, "Wait, so that means that you," she gestured to Namine, "are dating your best friend's older brother."

Still blushing, Namine nodded. "Yes. He's really very nice, though, and the perfect gentleman. For our first date, he took me to Disneyplace."

"Aww, that's adorable!" Mary squealed, reaching over to give Namine a hug, "I'm so happy for you two."

Namine grinned, hugging her back.

"How's work been going?" Kairi asked Mary, "You're not working too hard, are you?"

Mary shrugged. "I'm used to it," she assured them.

"You should try to take it easy when you can," Namine said, knowing she needed to keep all of her jobs in order to pay the bills but not liking that fact nonetheless.

"I am taking it easy," Mary insisted. "I'm spending my night off with my two favorite girls," she smiled.

Namine smiled back, "So I heard you met Axel. And you must know that Sora and Riku are dating, now."

"Well, walking in to my son on top of Riku would do that," Mary nodded. "And yes, I've met Axel. What do you two think of him?"

"He seems like a good man, and he very clearly loves Roxas," Namine said.

"Yeah, and I know Roxas really likes him. And really, did you see those stars?" Kairi asked.

"Oh, they were awesome," Mary agreed, "And I trust Roxas, so I'm not going to say anything about Axel. I just hope he knows what he's getting into."

"They're very happy together," Namine smiled.

"Well, that's good," Mary smiled. "So, how's your last semester of college going?"

"All right, I suppose. Although, it's a little overwhelming to realize we need to start applying for jobs," Namine said.

"Can't I just keep living at home and lie to dad when he asks if I've graduated yet?" Kairi asked her sister.

"He may be inattentive but he will eventually realize you've been in college for many more years than necessary. If he doesn't figure it out, you can be sure his accountant will," Namine said, shaking her head.

"What if I lie and say I'm going for a doctorate?"

Namine gave her sister a look, "He'll never believe you."

"A girl can dream," Kairi whined.

Mary laughed, "You two are ridiculous. Kairi, I'm sure you'll be able to find a job. You and Sora have the same major, and Sora's already looking around."

"Yeah, but Sora's Sora. I'm not Sora," Kairi said, as if that explained everything.

"Has he found anything promising yet?" Namine asked.

"I don't think so," Mary shook her head, "But he has a while to look."

Namine nodded, "I'm sure everything will be fine."

Mary nodded, "What about you, Nami? Any ideas where you even want to look?"

"I'd eventually like to work in child therapy, but that field is somewhat competitive. I'll have to enter as a secretary and work my way up while getting my Ph.D," Namine said.

"Well, I know you can do it." Mary smiled.

"Of course she can." Kairi said, "She's going to be Doctor White some day, and I'll be able to tease her bartender boyfriend about not having a real job."

"Reno is very happy with his job," Namine said in defense of her boyfriend.

"I didn't say he wasn't," Kairi said, "But it's really not a real job."

"Being a bartender is a perfectly good job," Mary corrected. "And it pays pretty well," she added.

"Which would explain the new car thing," Kairi noted.

Namine nodded.

Mary smiled, "Well, I'm glad you're both happy."

"What about you?" Namine asked. "Are you interested in anyone?"

Mary chuckled and shook her head. "No, no," she said.

"When was the last time you were out on a date?" Namine asked.

"Why are we talking about this?" Mary asked.

Kairi leaned forward. "Too late, we're talking about it," she smiled, "Seriously, Mary."

Mary sighed, "It's been a few years."

"Well, don't give up," Namine smiled. Changing the topic in order to spare Mary from any more questioning from Kairi, the blonde asked, "Would you like to meet Reno sometime? And Xigbar, too, of course."

"Of course I would!" Mary said, "In fact, if they're around, invite them over now, because I have no idea when we'll have this opportunity again."

"Are you sure? This was supposed to be our girl's night," Namine said.

"Of course, as long as you two are okay with it," she smiled.

Namine smiled. "Is Xigbar free, Kairi?"

"I think so," Kairi said. "I can see, though," she stood up and walked into the hall to call him.

"All right, I guess I'm calling Reno," Namine smiled at Mary, pulling out her cell phone. "Excuse us."

Mary smiled. "Of course," she said, "I'll go make some food." She smiled, walking into the kitchen.

XXXX

Reno parked his car in front of Sora's house, and got out of the car, locking it behind him. Walking up to the front door, he knocked.

Xigbar parked behind him, climbing out just as the door opened in front of Reno. Hurrying over, he grinned. "Hey, Namine."

"Hi, Xigbar. Thanks for coming over," Namine said, kissing Reno quickly before letting them both in.

Reno squeezed Namine's hand. "How're you?" he asked, following her into the living room.

Kairi grinned at Xigbar and leaned up to kiss him.

"I'm well. I'm sorry for taking up your napping time," Namine said, pulling him down next to her.

Xigbar grinned, sitting next to Kairi and putting his arm around her. "Hey, Red."

"Don't worry about it," Reno insisted, smiling at her.

Kairi grinned, leaning over and kissing him again. "Hey," she smiled, "Thanks for coming."

"Of course, Red." Xigbar pulled her closer.

Namine smiled at Reno, squeezing his hand lightly.

Mary poked her head out of the kitchen, "I thought I heard new voices." she commented, walking out and smiling.

"This is Reno," Namine said, gesturing to the redhead next to her, "And that's Xigbar." She pointed to him. "This is Mary McOskey, Sora and Roxas' mother."

"It's very nice to meet you," Reno nodded, smiling at her.

"You too," Mary smiled. "Take care of Namine; she's too adorable to be hurt."

Namine blushed lightly. "Mary," she murmured in protest.

Mary grinned at her. "And you too, Xigbar," she said, turning on the other man, but this time she was being more serious, "Don't you even dare."

"I'm well aware how amazing Kairi is. I wouldn't do anything to mess this up," Xigbar said solemnly.

"Good," Mary nodded, before grinning as Kairi blushed and buried her face in Xigbar's shoulder. "Anyway, I'm almost done making some snacks, so I'll be back out in a minute," she said, before walking back into the kitchen.

Xigbar squeezed Kairi's shoulders. "No need to be embarrassed, Red. She obviously cares about you two."

Kairi sighed, looking up at him. "I know that," she said, cuddling into him.

"Ms. McOskey is practically your mom, right?" Reno asked Namine, pulling her closer to him with a smile.

Namine nodded. "In a way, yes. More so than any of Dad's wives, at any rate. Mary practically raised us along with Sora and Roxas - this door was always open to us."

"Which should pretty much explain why Roxas and Sora are family," Kairi added as an afterthought.

Reno nodded. "That's good," he said, "I'm glad she was there for you." In a softer voice so only Namine would hear, he spoke, "And she was right, you are pretty adorable. In a sweet-sexy way," he squeezed her.

Namine blushed bright red, staring at Reno. "Reno..." she murmured, extremely embarrassed, shaking her head as if to deny his words.

Xigbar chuckled lowly, "Wonder what he said to her." He grinned at Kairi, nodding at Reno and Namine.

Kairi chuckled as well, smiling, "No idea. She gets embarrassed easily, though."

"Bet he can't flirt with her like we do, then, huh, Red?" Xigbar grinned, kissing her quickly.

Kairi smirked. "I think she might die," she nodded, leaning in and kissing him again, "But that just means we'll have to flirt twice as much to make up for it."

"Whatever you say, Sass," Xigbar winked at her.

Kairi grinned.

Namine pressed her palms to her cheeks lightly, trying to will her blush away.

Xigbar grinned. "Damn, Reno, we lucked out with this pair, huh? They've got the brains and the personalty, and also are drop-dead gorgeous."

Reno smirked. "Most definitely," he said, squeezing Namine again.

Namine shook her head, burying her face into Reno's shoulder.

Xigbar laughed quietly, mouthing an apology to Reno before winking at Kairi. Whispering so Namine couldn't hear him, he said, "It's true, you know. You're a goddess, Red."

"You guys are adorable," Mary commented from the kitchen doorway. Kairi jumped.

"Mary!" she said, surprised, "How long-"

"Plenty of time," Mary waved her unfinished question off.

Xigbar chuckled, "So what do you do, Ms. McOskey?"

"Things here and there," she answered. "I'm not home much, unfortunately, so that's why this was so spur of the moment."

"No worries. Reno and I pretty much come running when these two call," Xigbar grinned, winking at the older woman.

Mary laughed, "I like him, Kairi."

Kairi chuckled weakly, still startled from the woman that was practically her mother listening in on her conversation with Xigbar.

Reno chuckled. "Well, I think Namine might be dead," he commented. "You all right?" he asked her softly.

Namine nodded, clinging to him.

"She's embarrassed," Xigbar told Mary.

"I know," Mary nodded, "I admit I get her like this on purpose. The more embarrassed she gets the more she likes the compliment, I've noticed."

"Mary!" Namine said, pulling back from Reno to protest, face bright red.

Mary grinned at her, "You're alive!"

Namine sent a pleading look to her sister, acutely embarrassed.

Kairi rolled her eyes, "How're those snacks coming along, Mary?" she asked, squeezing Xigbar's hand before getting up and walking over to her. "Let's go check on them," she turned the woman around and pushed her into the kitchen before sending Namine a look that said she'd better be grateful and following her in.

Namine sighed before lightly glaring at Xigbar, "I believe you are dating Kairi, not me."

Xigbar chuckled, holding his hands up in surrender. "Sorry, sorry! I'll behave, promise!" He crossed his heart.

Namine turned to Reno, faltering as she stared at him and leaning in to him instead of saying anything.

Reno adjusted her position so his arms were around her and he smiled, pulling her close to him but not saying anything. Kairi came out a minute later with a plate of cookies. "She'll be out in a minute," she told the others, "She's just finishing up the stuff she wasn't doing when she was spying on us."

"Sounds good, Red," Xigbar said, pulling her down onto his lap before she could sit down on the couch.

She squeaked, but quickly readjusted herself, "How's your shoulder?" she asked him.

Xigbar barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes, "Fine, Sass. It's fine."

Namine reached forward, grabbing a cookie and one for Reno as well.

Reno smiled at her, "Thanks."

Kairi wiggled a little bit more than necessary as she readjusted herself and sent Xigbar a smile. "Sorry, sorry. I won't ask anymore," she teased.

Xigbar tightened his grip on her, giving her a look that clearly said to stop fooling around. "It's all right, Sass."

Kairi leaned into him, smiling.

Xigbar grinned back, kissing her.

XXXX

"Wait, what?" Yuffie squealed, leaning across the lunchroom table to grin at Demyx.

Demyx blushed lightly, tossing one of the tomatoes from his sandwich at her. Ignoring her shriek and dodge, he spoke, "Why are you so surprised?"

Yuffie kicked the tomato away from her and smiled, "I dunno. I'm happy for you, but I'm not gonna give you up without a fight."

Demyx raised an eyebrow, "And yet when you have your flings with Tidus, you fully expect me to just sit back and do nothing."

Yuffie shrugged, "That's completely different. Tidus and I never last long. You and Zexion are probably going to last a long time."

Demyx smiled at her, "Hah, I knew you cared."

Yuffie pointed at him, "Sure. But never repeat that out of this lunchroom."

"Oh, so I can shout it to the lunchroom if I want?" Demyx smirked.

Yuffie stuck her tongue out at him before ducking to avoid another flying tomato.

"Next time you see him, will you be nice?" Demyx asked, "I don't want to lose you either, you know." he smiled.

Yuffie rolled her eyes, "You're not losing anyone."

"Is that a 'Yes, Dem, I'll be nice'?"

Yuffie reached over to smack him.

XXXX

Ahh, they're all so happy aren't they? *insert evil grin here*

Well, almost all of our couples are together now, yay! And now some of you are staring at that 'almost' going, 'who's left?'.

I'm a bit cruel, aren't I? Blame Cami. I'm waiting for her to be done with the semester so we can write and it's making me think of more and more horrible plot things! :D

Reviews are lovely little surprises! ;)