Chapter Fifty-Six: Wedding Arrangements

Zack knew that Sephiroth had proposed without even seeing the ring. There was a light in Aralyn's eyes that hadn't been there before, and more than once she was caught singing happily and having a slight bounce in her step for no apparent reason. Several times her boss scolded her for her carelessness, but she took the criticism gracefully, unable to be daunted.

Sephiroth was often missing from his office during lunch hour, his aura significantly lighter though he continued his respected role as a stern and distant commander.

"What a woman!" Zack laughed when Sephiroth officially told him of her acceptance. "To have domesticated the mighty Sephiroth!"

Sephiroth smiled lightly, though his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.

"I'm happy for you, Seph." Zack clapped his friend on the shoulder. "She's got a heart of gold…and she's not half bad on the eyes, either."

Sephiroth eyed him darkly, making sure that he was, in no way, suggesting that she was merely mediocre. Zack smiled to reassure him that no insult had been intended. He lightened a bit. "Yes. She is…more than I ever could have dreamed of." It was strange to hear the stern General speak so fondly and lovingly.

"So," Zack said, his tone chipper. "When's the day?"

Sephiroth looked suspiciously at his comrade. "We are keeping this small, Zack. Word of this is not to leak out."

"Of course," Zack said, acting like his pride had been hurt. "How could you doubt me?"

Sephiroth shook his head. "Within the week."

"So soon?" Zack asked, stunned. He had been expecting it to be longer. "Shouldn't you wait a little longer, just to be…you know…sure that this is really what you both want?"

"I've never been so sure of anything in my entire life, Zack. To wait longer would be useless and bothersome."

"Well, whatever you say," Zack shrugged and grinned. "Any extensive planning been done yet?" he asked, taking the conversation to a lighter note.

"Aralyn is being fitted for a dress today. Is that what you mean?"

"Well, I guess." Zack thought a moment, and then prompted him further. "I know the guest list is kind of short, but is there any chance that I might be on it?"

Sephiroth tilted his head in thought. "I suppose it couldn't hurt as long as no one tags along."

"Yes!" Zack shouted triumphantly, throwing a punch into the air. "I was hoping you'd say that! Now I don't have to crash your party. How many others will be there?"

"You, the preacher, me and Aralyn."

"Four? At such a grand event? You should bring in hordes of girls to fawn over Aralyn's hair and makeup and cry over the best guy in Gaia being taken! You could invite your fellow Soldiers, and maybe even a few Turks. Heck, all of Shinra would come if you wanted to!"

"Absolutely not!" Sephiroth said harshly. "No one, and I mean not a living, breathing soul, is to know of this!"

Zack looked at Sephiroth, taken aback. "Seph? What have you got against a party? This is going to be the most important day of both of your lives, and you want to spend it alone?"

"Not alone," the General insisted. "With Aralyn." He continued. "Neither of us have family, and aside from you, any friends."

"Not even Reno?" Zack said sarcastically. "You could probably even get him to sing if you paid him enough or threatened him with Mako cleanup duty."

Sephiroth's silence said his answer clearer than words.

"All right, but let me do something for the two of you. How about flowers? Can I bring those, at least?"

Sephiroth thought a moment. "Red and white roses," he said. "They are significant to the both of us."

"Done!" Zack said. "And I won't ask why…yet. I'm sure it's a fascinating story."

Sephiroth smiled and laughed softly, his eyes hazy in memory. "I suppose it is."

"Well then," Zack said, turning to exit. "I will see you at the wedding, armed with a camera and lots of film. I hereby appoint myself as the official photographer!"