45

Ciara Stone's runway looked more of an enchanted snow forest than an actual runway.

Miniature dead trees painted in white lined the entire platform, and Parisian streetlamps were situated between every tree. Each lamppost had garlands of dainty little Banora White blossoms, peonies, roses, sweet peas, lily of the valley and lilacs dangling on them. The whole venue smelled very sweet because of them. At the very end of the runway was another stage—but it was heavily draped with silk curtains and blossoms; naturally, it caused quite a buzz from the audience. Vintage crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting out mellow light. The audience's chairs had been painted white as well. The show was being held at a popular wedding venue.

Zack, Tifa and Cloud took their seats, sharing knowing smiles. The show was a strictly formal event and everybody in the room had dressed to the nines. The wild-haired raven had suited up very well although he wore a pink tie instead of black because he was a rule-breaker. He was the only one sporting the color. Cloud looked quite dapper in a pinstriped black suit while Tifa looked pretty in a tea-length oxblood dress.

They had been with Aerith three hours earlier, before she disappeared through the backstage doors.

"Ah! I'm feeling nervous, Spiky!" Zack groaned as they waited for the show to begin.

The blonde arched a brow. "What are you nervous about, wolf-boy? This was all your idea, anyway." He smirked at his friend.

"I know!" Zack's eyes were wide as music trickled in softly to help ease the audience's agony.

"You're only starting to realize that is some crazy-ass shit that you're planning to pull off?"

The raven nodded as if he had a stiff neck.

Tifa giggled beside them. "Well, there's no backing out now, Mr. Fair. You've just about sabotaged all the organizer's plans for this and if you pull out of this, she'll have your skin in her study." Cloud laughed and Zack chortled nervously.

Suddenly, the lights were extinguished. Upbeat music—Namie Amuro's 'Damage'— immediately started playing. Aerith worked up a storm as she walked into the runway, wearing a pink, heavily studded, leather jacket, an elaborately embroidered white dress and red strappy heels. Her hair had been done in a romantic side bun.

Zack stared after his pregnant fiancé, gaping. "She's way too delicate to walk like that!" he almost yelled at Cloud over the music. The blonde nodded. Aerith's condition had been rendering her delicate for the past weeks and the trio couldn't believe that Aerith walked like she had a battalion of men after her now. Tifa admired her friend's modeling DNA.

When Aerith walked back, she winked at her fiancé and friends.

The models who walked after her could not match up to Aerith's stride at all.

For an hour and a half, the whole venue shook with music and filled with colorful fashion moments. Zack and the couple had disappeared from their seats.

Backstage, Aerith sat in front of the mirror, wondering when Miss Stone had found time to design a wedding gown. When the make-up artist, stylist and hair dresser were finished with their work, they excused themselves for water. It was quiet now—no more music, nobody was shouting. Aerith stared at herself and before she could stop the words, she said, "I'm pretty."

The dressing room's door opened and it was not her staff that came in. "Tifa?" the petite brunette asked in surprise. Tifa smiled at her friend and held out a bouquet to Aerith. "What? Huh? Why are you here?" Aerith interrogated. The other woman only smiled and led the bewildered girl out. Aerith looked at the bouquet that had been thrust on her—pale pink peonies, cherry blossoms, pink orchids and red roses. The entire back stage seemed abandoned. "Tifa! What is happening?!"

Tifa finally stopped walking and faced her. She was holding a microphone. "You really don't know, Aerith?" she asked.

"No!" the brunette cried. "What is happening? I didn't rehearse this! What is this, some kind of joke?"

Tifa's burgundy eyes bore onto Aerith's for moment. "You really have no idea, A?" Then she smiled. "I heard you earlier. You said 'I'm pretty'—and yes, you definitely are."

"I'm starting to get scared!" Aerith groaned then laughed nervously. "What is this?"

"You know, Aerith, there's only one person behind this, so don't wonder because this is how much he loves you." Tifa smiled kindly—reassuringly—at Aerith.

Suddenly, her staff came, holding in their hands a white cloth. Aerith squinted and realized that it was a veil. Tears started to well up in her eyes. Oh Goddess, Minerva, Shiva—was this what she had been thinking all along? They placed the veil on her head and topped it off with a crown of flowers.

"Thank heavens your make-up's waterproof!" Kelly, her make-up artist cried. Aerith reached for her staff and embraced them.

Aerith looked at Tifa with watery eyes.

"Go on," Tifa said gently. "He's waiting for you."

The venue glowed. Aerith's breath hitched as she walked into the runway—the runway had been covered with pink petals. Her bottom lip trembled as the audience looked at her with soft adoration. She needed a moment to just stand there and take it all in. Happiness poured over her like warm honey. Mariah Carey's When I Saw You began to play softly as Aerith willed herself to move. The veiled stage was suddenly uncovered, revealing Zachary waiting for her there, with a priest and with Cloud.

Zack stood there, with his eyes alight and heart hammering happily as he set his eyes on her. He couldn't believe that it was actually happening—and he knew that she couldn't, either. Every second that ticked past felt heavily monumental.

I'd never be the same…

"Hello, gorgeous," Zack whispered to her when she reached the stage.

Aerith was hiccupping when she took his hand in hers.

Zack smiled wolfishly.

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced, smiling at the couple. Music and applause exploded as their lips met. Butterflies were released. Over a hundred cameras flashed and immortalized the moment. The priest announced them as Mister and Missus Fair and the applause grew louder.

Cloud had, somewhere during the ceremony, cried and was trying his best to stop. Tifa laughed at him and kissed his salt-watery cheek. He sucked in a deep breath, then shouted, 'Oh yeah!'

Zack skipped and Aerith walked unsteadily on the runway-turned-aisle while the audience showered them with more rose petals. A carriage pulled by a black stallion and a brown mare was waiting for them when they emerged from the venue.

"Oh Zack!" Aerith managed through her hiccups. He winked.

Fireworks exploded from above. Aerith watched with wide, glassy eyes as they rode off. The city's streets were not as busy as they usually were.

Aerith took a deep breath and peered up at Zack. "Thank you," she said. "I... I never thought you'd go so far to do all these things Zack... and I am just... I'm just... I mean... wow babe! That was incredible! I mean..." Zack placed a finger on her lips and smiled.

"Now you know why I've been on the phone all the time, baby."

She looked at him and giggled. "This is the best memory I'll ever have, Zack." She rolled her eyes. "This and meeting you... they're my best memories!" Setting the bouquet aside, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head on the crook of his neck. He smelled like flowers. She could just stay like this forever. "This is just so... amazing, Mr. Fair," she whispered.

He kissed the shell of her ear tenderly then sang, even if he didn't really sing, "Oh, because you're the best thing; the best thing; the best thing; Ever happened to me," Aerith giggled and tightened her embrace. "Baby, we've come a long way; You know I hope and pray that you will believe me; When I say this love will never fade away..."

"I love you, Zack," Aerith said quietly. "But stop singing!" She laughed.

He grinned mischievously. "Oh, is my wifey getting all shy now?"

Under the occasional street lamp, Zack saw Aerith's pink face. "Aww, your face matches your bouquet... how can you get more adorable?" He reached for a loose tendril of hair and tucked it behind her ear. They stared at each other for a moment before sealing the distance.

When they pulled apart to gasp for air, she asked him where they were going. Aerith yawned as she waited for his answer.

"Well, seeing how exhausted you are, I don't think we'll be able to attend the reception. I think that will alright with you, right?" he told her as he looked down at her softly.

Aerith furrowed her brow a little then shrugged. She had wanted to do all the usual wedding things, but he was right. She was tired, and she needed to rest. She shouldn't risk the baby's safety. She smiled warmly at him and snuggled close to him. "Yeah, it's alright. I've got everything I need here."

The stars twinkled brilliantly at the newlywed couple riding home in a carriage.

Author's Note: Well. I'm grinning like a moron here. Congrats, Zearith!

If you're wondering what Zack is singing, it's "You're the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne. You should give it a listen. :)

VC