Chapter 8

"The way that we were back then."

Only when the biting frost hit him did Squall realize that he had again forgotten his jacket. But it didn't matter. Without nervous anxieties crippling his will, he reveled in the winter's harsh winds. One bold footstep after another, he pushed back against the frigid night's ice shear and returned to the church. Like he expected, Aerith wasn't there when he walked through the door. But the reality was no less shocking.

Standing with his back arched and his contemplative eyes assessing the lilies growing out from the floorboards was Professor Gast. He was dressed in a thick coat, bowler derby tucked at an angle on his head. "Did my daughter ever tell you how the flowers came to bloom here?" he asked as Squall approached, never lifting his gaze. His thoughts were both far and near, dancing in a realm foreign to all but himself.

"No," Squall stated, crossing his arms, not in the mood for another interrogation.

"First, a question: have you ever looked at the stars in the nighttime sky?"

What kind of question is that? "What about them?"

"What if I told you…that each shimmering star was a world unto itself?" Gast was looking straight at Squall now, his studious stare observing the younger man's reactions carefully. "That if you visited one, it would have its own towns, own people, own laws. Completely different from ours."

Squall didn't say anything, filling the church with a thick, heavy silence as he weighed his answer. The warmth and love that once filled the room when Aerith was in his arms siphoned out with the cold wind that blew through the archway. Why call Squall out in the middle of the night just to ask that? Was Gast crazy? But he was a scientist. He knew things, didn't he? Knew more than a soldier. Could he have been right? What did Squall really know about stars, anyway? What was the point of this conversation?

"It's possible, I guess," Squall eventually replied, his eyes closed as he continued exploring logic paths. "I was never much into stargazing, so I wouldn't really know."

"You never cease to impress," Gast harrumphed.

"You make it sound like I'm some sort of lab experiment."

"My apologies. It's just my manner." Gast walked up to Squall and pat the younger man on the shoulder. "You make my Aerith very happy. My intent isn't to push you away. Rather…I wish to—no, I must—confide in you. For you, Squall, are perhaps my one last hope."

Squall didn't understand. It felt odd to have Gast's firm hand on him, but not altogether unpleasant or unwelcome. It almost felt comforting. Assuring. Proud. Was this what it felt like to have a father? Would Gast become his? Why was he thinking like this? Because of Aerith. Because of what she meant to both of them.

"Ifalna was her name," Gast continued. "Aerith's mother. She appeared in this very spot approximately twenty years ago—back when it was just mangled concrete and broken wood. Floral life followed in her wake."

"What do you mean 'appeared'?"

"My darling Ifalna was from another world. A door had opened, whisking her out of her precious valley and trapping her here. I was but a lowly lab assistant in those days, out surveying the readings that Ansem had recorded during the anomalous event. When I discovered her, it was love at first sight. We never parted from that moment and Aerith was born soon after. My life knew completion—the truest, sincerest joy that goes beyond your imagination. Until that fateful day when I came home to find my little girl crying, her mother nowhere to be seen. I searched everywhere, but after weeks of silence, it became apparent that she was gone. I posited that another door had opened and spirited her away."

"So that's why you threw yourself into your work."

Gast solemnly nodded. "I spent countless waking hours searching for a way off of this world. For a way to find my beloved wife."

"That's heartbreaking and everything, but I'm not a scientist or a detective. What could you possibly want from me?"

"Another question first," Gast said, and Squall resisted the urge to growl. "How loyal are you to Ansem and the castle?"

"What?"

"If your Guard-Captain ever ordered you to detain my daughter—if she committed a crime and faced punishment—would you? If Ansem wanted her, would you bring her to him?"

"No." Squall didn't even hesitate to answer. "I already told you: it's just a job. They can play soldier all they'd like over there, but I'd rather be out in the snowcapped mountains. Nature has fairer laws."

"Then why don't you?" Gast asked, skeptical. "Just leave and never return. You look like you could live quite comfortably in the wilderness until the end of your days, so why remain here in this town?"

Squall squeezed his bicep, trying to channel his rising temper. He didn't like answering such intrusive questions. "I was going to leave. Had everything packed and ready to go. I started down the road, heading towards the East Gate, about to pass it for the final time…when I heard Aerith laugh."

There was a finality in the ensuing silence. "And that's it?" Gast eventually asked.

"That's it." Squall wasn't going to tell him that he would spend every early morning leaning just outside the gate, listening to Aerith laugh, talk, and live her life. That her voice serenaded him on his darkest days, lifting his heart to impossible heights. That all of the meaningless monotony he endured was worth it just for a chance to stand near her—and now, to actually be with her.

"I see." Gast squeezed Squall's shoulder and affectionately shook him a bit. "My sincerest apologies that you were forced to endure such a difficult line of questioning. However, I believe you are cognizant of my concerns and priorities."

"You're just looking out for Aerith."

"In part, yes. However, there is another matter. I need someone I can rely on—someone to trust above all others."

"Me? What about your family?"

Gast shook his head. "This is neither in their repertoire nor their concern. I require assistance from the Guard."

After all that grilling about his profession, Gast wanted help from a soldier? Squall seethed with irritation. "Then just requisition one," he growled. "You're upper echelon. You can hire as many guards as you want."

"Haven't you been listening? I don't trust them. Furthermore, you've demonstrated mastery in navigating and charting the wilderness. You're the perfect candidate."

"What exactly do you want?"

"To venture beyond the rapids in the Western Front."

"Why?"

"I intend to uncover the truth."

"I don't understand."

"No," Gast said solemnly, his hand slipping off Squall and into his pocket. "You wouldn't." He strolled back towards the lilies and just stared at them. Kneeling down, he gingerly caressed one with his fingers.

Squall could feel the man's sorrow. Whatever he wanted to find out there must have had something to do with Ifalna. He remembered how happy Aerith was to see her father break free of his despair. Reflecting on the tears in her eyes tugged at his heart. Maybe helping Gast now would lead to a more profound effect. If nothing else, it would make Aerith happy. Before he could second guess himself, Squall agreed. "Fine. I'll help you."

"Will you now?"

"Yeah. But first you need to tell me more. Why the Western Front?"

Gast pursed his lips and slowly rose to his feet. "How familiar are you with the castle researchers?"

"I know names. Maybe some faces. Why?"

"There are factions hidden within the shadows. Outwardly, Ansem's scientists appear as heralds of a golden era—practitioners in the noble artes in service to the Light. However, this is not reality. In truth, I believe them to be concocting the most diabolical of experiments."

"Like what?"

"I have only but theories, borne from a collection of documents that have recently come into my possession. Escort me through the Western Front and perhaps we shall uncover the truth together. For it is there that a conspicuous ordnance was bound."

"They've been making deliveries out there?"

"Under the cover of night with no official record, yes."

Squall fell into a deep thought. It all sounded too fantastic to believe, yet he couldn't outright deny its possibility. It had been years since the last time he visited the west. Who knew what awaited them out there? "Alright, what's your plan?" he said after a long time.

"You'll return to the academy and resume your duties as usual. One day soon, an order will come down through your superiors instructing you to report to the bastion for rotational duties. Ignore it. Instead, pack your supplies, weapons, and map and meet me at the West Gate."

"You want to travel in the snow?" Squall was skeptical that an aging scientist's frail frame could withstand nature's extremities.

"Never you mind my constitution. I'll fare well, I assure you. While I lack my daughter's magical aptitude, my cunning is second to none."

"Cunning won't help you brave the rapids."

Gast grinned. "I look forward to shattering your ill-derived conclusions."

"Fine, if that's what you want. But I'm not dragging your frozen corpse back if you turn into a popsicle."

"We are in mutual agreement."

Squall couldn't help but smirk. In his own quirky way, Gast was quite the comedian. "Alright. You have a deal." He extended his hand and Gast eagerly took it, squeezing it like a vise.

"You're a good lad." Gast said, his probing eyes softening behind his tinted glasses. "I do implore you to exercise caution. Tell no one of this—not your superiors, not your colleagues, not my daughter. No one must know. Have I made myself understood?"

"Why not Aerith?"

Gast paused for a moment. "She'll worry."

"I don't want to lie to her."

"Admirable, but you must."

"No. Not happening. The others I don't mind, but I refuse to keep secrets from Aerith."

"Don't be foolish! Any knowledge of this could endanger her!"

"How? She's not one to blab. You should know that."

Gast scoffed, recoiling with annoyance. "On your head be it if she comes to harm!"

"She won't," Squall stated resolutely, his words firm.

"I believe you want to protect her, but I know these people. They'll hurt her in ways that you will never perceive. By the time you realize their actions, it will be too late. So I beg you: do not specify our operation. Tell her of your journey if you must, but leave my name out of it. She'll worry, she'll follow, and she'll be imperiled."

Squall mulled over his options. The professor sounded desperate. After all, he knew his daughter…didn't he? Aerith didn't seem like the type of person to take things sitting down. Maybe it was for the best to say nothing. At least for a little while. "Fine," he said eventually. "But I'm telling her as soon as we get back."

"You're positively exhausting," Gast groused. "Do as you must, but keep your silence for now." He tipped his bowler down and shoved his hands into his coat pockets. "Dawn will be upon us soon and I must prepare to return to my lab. I must avoid all suspicion—as should you. Carry out your duties as prescribed and don't attract any undue attention."

Squall walked out with the professor, saying little aside from a brief farewell as they parted ways. He returned to his dorm just before the dawn sergeant made his rounds and rapped on the door. With no sleep and too many thoughts, he spent the rest of the day trying hard to function.

When night finally came, Squall dragged his exhausted body to the church. The room started spinning the second he crossed the threshold, and he could barely comprehend the garbled words of worry that Aerith shouted as he collapsed in her arms.

It was a long time before Squall awakened. In the interim, he suffered through a bizarre dream. In it, he and Aerith walked hand-in-hand through an endless field of flowers. But behind them, a shadow followed, killing everything it touched. All the flowers shriveled and decayed into ash. In the distance, the sun hung low, not quite setting or rising. Aerith turned to him and said something, but he couldn't hear her over a storm that started rumbling over head. It rained and lightning struck across the sky. It struck the earth with a crack, causing it to quake. Squall lost his balance. When he recovered, Aerith was gone. He looked everywhere for her, but couldn't find her. The shadow was getting closer. Did it take her? He stared at it killing the valley, watching the ash swirl through the air. Then it reached him.

Squall's eyes shot open. He was lying in the middle of Aerith's garden, covered with a small blanket and his gaze fixed on the tarp ruffling in the gaping ceiling above. Taking a deep breath, he savored the sweet scent of the lilies before slowly sitting upright. He glanced around trying to remember what happened when he realized Aerith wasn't there. Then his ears perked at the hushed whispers echoing out from one of the side rooms. He slowly got to his feet and wandered inside where he found Aerith talking to someone.

"Hey, you're awake," she said with a smile before rushing over to hug him. "I was worried about you. Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah," Squall replied, his eyes glancing from Aerith to her visitor.

"Oh, sorry! Let me introduce you. This is Tifa!" She grabbed his hand and placed it into Tifa's, forcing them to shake.

"So you're Tifa."

"And you're Squall," Tifa replied, not quite happy but forcing a smile.

Squall slipped his hand free of her ironclad grip. Had he done something to offend her? Or did she just not like him? "Did I interrupt something?"

Tifa glanced at Aerith, her eyes begging her to stay silent. "It's okay," Aerith said. "You can trust him."

"What?"

"It's our friend Cloud—you remember him?"

Squall crossed his arms and thought for a moment. "That quiet kid you grew up with?"

Aerith nodded. "He's missing."

"What do you mean?"

"We haven't seen him in a few days and his mother doesn't know where he is."

"Did he go out into the wilderness?"

"Cloud never really liked leaving town."

"When did you last see him?"

"A few days before Christmas," Tifa said. "I went to his house to invite him to my dinner party."

"I take it he didn't come?"

Tifa fidgeted with her gloves. "No…"

"Have you asked the Guard to look into this? Sounds like a missing persons case."

"I don't want them involved!" she snapped, immediately feeling remorseful for her response. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say it like that. It's just been a long day." Tifa turned towards the door. "I think I'll leave you two alone and go take another look around. It was nice meeting you." She waved and left, but Aerith chased after her.

"I'll come with you," Aerith said.

"No, really—it's okay. I can do this."

"I wish you'd stop pushing me away…"

Tifa hesitated, shifting her weight as she uncomfortably mulled over her words. "I am doing that, aren't I? I'm sorry, Aerith. It's just…I really don't want you to get hurt."

"Get hurt how? Like needing-potions hurt?"

Tifa didn't answer.

"Just what are you up against? What's really going on?"

"It's…it's nothing, really. It'll all be okay soon. You don't have to worry. Just trust me. Please." Before Aerith could protest further, Tifa ran out of the church.

"Tifa…" Dejected, Aerith stared after her friend, not able to move just yet. Squall came up from behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning into his strong chest. She could feel his heartbeat over hers. Their uniform rhythm comforted her. They stood there for a while before Aerith broke away and led him to their usual pew in front of the garden.

"I'm sorry your first introduction to Tifa was so abrasive," Aerith said, handing Squall a mug of hot cocoa.

"There's no need. I can see why you've been so worried about her. She's definitely battling against something."

"But what?"

"Only she knows."

Aerith sipped her cocoa in silence for a bit. She leaned into Squall, who had his arm around her, and just stared into the lilies. "Do you think…you could look for Cloud?"

Squall took a gulp of cocoa and thought about it. "Give me a description."

"Tall, lanky, blond, spiky hair. He's shy, but he has kind, blue eyes."

"I can try, but no promises. I'm…I'm going to be sent out on assignment soon." His heart started racing, and Aerith immediately felt it.

"Where?"

"To the Western Front. I don't know when I'll be back."

"Why are they sending you now? That's kind of sudden, isn't it?"

"Yeah…"

"Is there…something you're not telling me?" she asked, looking up at him.

Squall put down his mug and held her free hand. "I can't talk about it right now, but when I return, I promise I'll tell you everything."

She searched his eyes, a feeling of distance and loss nagging at her heart. "First Tifa, now you…Why is everyone hiding things from me?"

"I'm not trying to hide anything. I just can't talk about it until it's over."

Aerith didn't say anything for a while, but when she finally spoke, her words cut deep into Squall's heart. "I thought we were partners—that we could tell each other anything and weather through it together."

"We are, we do."

"Then why won't you tell me?" Her eyes were glistening as she pleaded with him. It felt like her world was falling apart. Everyone she loved kept pushing her away.

Squall struggled to find the words. Should he break his promise to Professor Gast? Would Aerith really be in danger if he talked? Was it worth breaking her trust? But it would keep her safe, wouldn't? How was he any different from Tifa? Everyone was hurting Aerith, but was she better off for it?

"It's the scientists," he finally settled on saying. "They're up to something."

"Scientists…like my dad?"

"Not him," he said honestly. "Some of the others."

"What are they doing?"

"I don't know specifics yet. I'll find out when I investigate."

"Is my dad in any danger?"

Squall thought about it for a moment. "I don't think so."

"But he could be?"

"I need to investigate before I can answer that."

"Do you think…that Cloud might be involved?"

"Why would he be?"

"Ever since he started working for Professor Hojo, he and Tifa have both been acting strange. Maybe this has something to do with it?"

"It's possible," Squall said after some thought. "The pieces line up, I suppose. I'll keep my eyes out and let you know if there's anything to it."

Aerith squeezed his hand. "Thank you. For everything. I'm really lucky to have you, Squall." He hesitated to reciprocate, and she felt it. "What's wrong?"

"I have a lot on my mind." By not telling her about the professor, he felt like he was lying to her. But more than that, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was looming overhead. The field of flowers turning to ash. The shadow. Losing her. There was a tiny, almost invisible thread connecting everything, but what would unravel if he tugged at it? Or was he just thinking too much?

"Don't you always?" she said with a small, sad smile. "What's bothering you the most?"

"I don't like the idea of being away from you."

"It's just for a little bit, right?"

"Still, it'll be the first time since we found each other that I can't be with you."

Aerith thought for a moment, intertwining their fingers together. "We're never truly apart. Even if you go somewhere far away, I'll always be with you in your heart, and you'll always be with me in mine."

"I suppose so." Squall idly rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb as his thoughts grew dense. "Nothing matters more to me than you do."

His words stirred something within Aerith that had been building all evening. She leaned in closer, running her hand along his inner thigh.

"Aerith…" Squall almost gasped from the shivers rippling down his spine.

She leaned in, her lips lightly grazing his, as he sat spellbound. "Come home with me," she whispered, the desire undeniable in her eyes.

Squall wanted to go with her, but he felt paralyzed by a torrent of thoughts flooding in his head. Excitement, yearning, fear, guilt, and doubt all pooled together into a whirling typhoon that had his heart racing. Like always, Aerith breached the storm and pulled him away to level ground. She kissed him, tracing her hand up his leg to his chest where it rested over his frantic heart. A soothing warmth pulsed from her glowing palm, quelling his internal turmoil. Not long after, they both left the church.


"What are you thinking about?" Aerith murmured, resting her head against Squall's bare chest.

"You." He kissed her forehead as she nuzzled closer to him.

Lying in Aerith's bed, they held each other for long hours. Their clothes were strewn across the floor, kicked off as they lost themselves in a whirlwind of passion. All of their worries had melted away in the heat of their intimacy. When everything calmed, they reveled in a quiet bliss broken only by the occasional murmuring of affection.

It was the first time Squall had seen Aerith's room. It carried a floral scent unique from the garden's yet undeniably hers. The shelves and windowsills were adorned with vibrant, green house plants that wrapped around the walls, dotted by colorful flowers. It was both cozy and earthy in the most pleasant way. The rest of the house sat empty, with both her parents sleeping onsite at the castle after the holiday ended. There was no one to interrupt them as they cloistered together in their own world.

"Do you…ever think about the future?" Aerith asked. She traced an idle finger along the ridges in Squall's lion pendant.

"What do you mean?"

"Like where you'll be…and what you'll be doing."

He hugged her a little tighter, caressing the small of her back. "I'll be with you," he replied, his voice low and husky.

Aerith closed her eyes, trying hard not to cry at his sweet sincerity. But a stray tear escaped and streaked down her cheek. Squall wiped it away with his thumb before leaning in to kiss her. She pulled away breathlessly and gazed into his gentle smile. Her hand searched for one of his and she squeezed it tighter than ever. "I love you."

Squall squeezed back. "I love you too." He pressed her hand to his heart and pulled her smooth, beautiful body on top of his. Their desire for one another reignited and they lost themselves in a tender passion.


Squall made it back to his dorm room with only seconds to spare as the dawn sergeant's boots clacked down the hallway. Not long after, the swift, brisk rap sounded at the door. But even so, Squall was slow to move. He lingered for a while with his back pressed against the wall, thoughts lost in a maelstrom of worry and longing. Even after spending the whole night with Aerith, it didn't feel like enough. His heart ached, pining for her gentle touch, melodious voice, and floral aroma.

Eventually, he managed to shake from his stupor enough to get cleaned and dressed. But his head was in a fog for the rest of the day. Although the cadets were still on holiday until after the New Year, Command ordered senior staff like Squall to attend a battery of training modules and strategy meetings. He never understood the point of all that preparation. They were always at peace, so who or what did they need to defend against?

Sometime into his third sparring session, the Squad-Captain summoned Squall to his office. "There's been a requisition order," he said, sitting behind his desk holding an official letter marked in wax with the castle seal. "You're to report to the bastion for supplementary rotational duties at 06:00 tomorrow."

Squall saluted. "Sir!" But he wasn't yet dismissed. The Squad-Captain leered at him, twitching his nose as if he smelled boiled cabbage.

"Odd that they would request a lowly sergeant by name," he observed after some time. "Getting cozy with our superiors, are we?" His voiced oozed with envy.

Squall said nothing as he continued to stand at attention, his unblinking eyes trained forward towards the back wall.

The Squad-Captain sneered and crumpled the letter, tossing it at Squall's unflinching face, where it bounced and rolled across the floor. "Pick it up," he ordered and his subordinate complied without hesitation. "Expect a snap evaluation when you return, sergeant. I suspect you'll be requiring disciplinary measures for engaging in dubious unsanctioned activities above your station." He stared at Squall, searching for some kind of reaction, but the soldier was perfectly stoic. Irritated, the Squad-Captain dismissed him.

"Sir!" Squall stomped his foot and about-faced before marching out of the office. Only when the door shut behind him did he exhale. Shaking loose from his tension, he massaged his neck as he hurried down the hall towards the barracks. He'd had enough of the academy for the day. Even though he still had three meetings and two training seminars left, he tossed on his civilian duds and set off for the church.


A song bubbled up from Aerith's effervescent heart and she hummed the tune all morning as she twirled out of the house and skipped merrily down the street. Chirping birds followed her, giving her accompaniment with their tweets and trills.

"Well damn, girl, you're positively glowing today!" Cid called from his garage, lured out by the peppy melody. He waved his wrench at her, his grease-smeared face grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Good morning, Uncle Cid!" Aerith did a little spin onto his walkway and curtsied.

"Very good morning by the sound of things," he guffawed. "Whatcha up to, sweet pea? Sprout a new bloom in your garden or somethin'?"

"Not exactly," Aerith giggled. "It's just a wonderful day."

Cid let out another chuckle. "Lemme guess: it got anything to do with that new beau of yours I heard tell of?" The bright red blush spreading across her face said it all. "Ah, young love! There ain't nothin' else like it in the world, no sir." He quickly washed his hands and came out to properly greet her. Clapping a warm hand on her, he pulled Aerith into a cuddly bear hug. "I'm happy for you, sweet pea." He had always been a good neighbor and guardian, especially after her mother passed away. Up until Elmyra came into her life, it was Cid who made sure Aerith was fed, cleaned, and put to bed on time. "So when do I get to meet the lucky fella? You already show him off to your folks?"

"I've wanted to introduce you two for ages but you haven't been home!"

"Sorry 'bout that. I've been getting all these rush orders at the castle. Barely managed to squeeze this here day to myself. Had to take it by force just to cool down!"

"What's going on up there, anyway? My parents are both gone again."

"Hell if I know. Few weeks back, some scientist wanted all the gummi gizmos I could slap together."

"Anyone I know?"

"He had some weird-ass name I'd never heard before." Cid rubbed his head while he thought for a minute. "Jujube? Kojack?"

"Hojo?"

"Yeah, that's 'im! Friend of your daddy's or somethin'?"

Aerith shook her head. "No, but I've been hearing a lot about him lately."

"Probably some little upstart tryin' to get Ansem-levels of fame."

"Maybe…" Aerith's smile started to fade, so Cid quickly changed the subject.

"How's about you come in and I make us some nice, hot tea, eh? You can tell me all about yer fella!"

Aerith clapped her hands together with renewed joy. "That would be wonderful."

Cid excitedly led the way into his humble abode. Unlike his workshop garage, which had oil clothes, nails, screws, and gummi blocks strewn about, his house had pristine floors and spotless minimalistic furniture. Aerith sat down at on a cushion in front of Cid's polished chestnut tea table while the man himself filled the kettle. She tucked a picnic basket full of snacks for the kids at the church to the side while she waited.

"So did I tell you they've got me training pigeons now?" he called from the kitchen, fumbling around with some tea leaves.

"What for? Aren't you an aerospace engineer?"

"I s'pose they figured I can work with anything that's got wings. Didn't care too much for the little vermin at first, but even I gotta admit they're pretty damn smart."

"What are you training them to do?"

"Ferry messages around. Apparently with all their high-tech doodads, they couldn't be bothered to install a simple phone in their offices."

"I wonder why they're being so secretive. Was it always like this?"

"Nah. Ansem was a blabber. He'd drone your ears off back in the old days. I'd fall asleep like nobody's business—woulda been snoring so loud someone'd have to pop me over the head, ha! But these days, everything's so tight-lipped I can't even tell if I'm the right side of it anymore. I doubt I'm alone in that. I hear Elmyra's crew is adding a lab extension to the mysterious West Annex. All kinds of shady stories about that place."

"I don't really know too much about it, I'm afraid. Mom's so exhausted when she's allowed to come home, so we usually just bake our favorite cookies and do some cross stitching."

"I swear, sweet pea, the castle's workin' us all like dogs these days." The kettle started whistling and Cid juggled the mugs around fishing for his oaken tray. "Makes a man wanna toss it all away and go live in the woods."

Aerith couldn't help but laugh.

"Find it funny, eh?" Cid carefully placed the tray carrying crackers and piping, hot tea on the center of the table before plopping down crosslegged on the cushion opposite Aerith.

"It's not that," Aerith said, picking up a mug with both hands and blowing on the steam. "Squall thinks the same way. I just know you two will really get along."

Cid took a cracker and dunked it in his tea. "Sounds like a winner for sure. So how'd you two meet?"

"He started coming by the church a few years ago. He'd lean next to the gate with his eyes closed and leave if I ever got to close. I always thought he was praying and didn't want to be disturbed, so even though I wanted to be friendly, I tried to leave him be. One day, though, he saw me wrestling with your old tarp—remember when I tried to fix the roof?—and he rushed in to save me from a bit of a fall."

"Good man! I tell ya: worst day of the world was when they chased the gods outta this place. I'm a grease monkey, sure, but even I know a heart needs more than just frothing beakers and winding gears." Cid chomped down on a few more crackers before slurping down the bitter delight from his mug. "So what was it then—love at first sight? You knew he was the one? Did'ya get butterflies in the tummy every time you stole a glance?"

"I swear, Uncle Cid, you're worse than a gossiping old maid sometimes."

The old engineer broke out laughing from the gut. "I can't help it, sweet pea! I'm just over the moon for you! So when's the wedding? I gotta go get me a new tux. Brake fluid spilled over the last one—don't ask."

Aerith turned beat red. "We, um, haven't really talked about…" She let her words trail off as she stared into tea rippling in her hands.

"He is serious, ain't he?" Cid asked, his grand smile starting to wane.

"There's no question that he is."

"Well then? What's holding y'all back?"

"We just…haven't made official plans yet," Aerith said, feeling herself turn even more scarlet. She could still hear the phantom of his husky voice whispering his love in her ear. It made her heart race.

"Well ya'll better do it soon. Spring's around the corner, y'know. Good time for weddings and planning for kids."

Aerith nearly choked on her tea. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were more excited than I am!"

"Can ya blame me? I want grandkids, girl! Send 'em my way to raise while you two fly off wherever."

"Isn't Yuffie enough of a handful?"

"That little firecracker's always gettin' into scrapes, but at least she keeps me on my toes. I don't think I've ever had so much fun playing extreme hide-and-seek with my blowtorch!"

"Uncle Cid, you didn't…"

"Don't worry; it was out of gas."

"That's something, I suppose."

"The little 'uns are great and all, but it's been awhile since I held a newborn. Got a new papoose I'd like to try out."

Aerith chuckled. "Where'd you get one and why?"

"You know old man Scrooge? Well he bought it for his niece, not realizing she just had triplets."

"So he just gave it to you? That's awfully charitable for such an old miser."

"More like tossed it at me. We got into a fight outside the bank one day and he threw it in my face before stomping away."

"Now that sounds more like him."

"His loss. Thing's premium build. Good stitching and padding. Any little tyke'd have a fun ride in that."

"Speaking of," Aerith said, looking at the rocket-shaped clock on the wall, "I should really head to the church. The children are probably all wondering where I am with their snacks."

"Sure, don't wanna keep ya. But hey, listen—bring that boyfriend of yours around for dinner this weekend, eh? I'm taking off and I wanna treat you two to something fancy."

Aerith smiled. "I'd love nothing more." She gave him a big hug before picking up her picnic basket and leaving.


Squall didn't usually visit the church during day hours. Even when he did, he would always stand outside and avoid drawing attention. When he opened the gate with the sun hanging high, he stepped into a foreign world. There were dozens of kids playing in the front yard, chucking snowballs at each other, building snowmen, drawing designs on the ground. It was one big playground, and Squall was a stranger.

All at once, everyone grew intensely quiet as they dropped what they were doing and stared at the odd man with the fuzzy lion's mane. He also stopped in his tracks and stared right back, uncertain what to say or do. He never had much experience dealing with such young kids.

Then, several minutes into the staring showdown, Yuffie suddenly ran to the forefront. "Intruder!" she shouted at the top of her lungs while twirling two frisbees on her fingers. "Get him!" She launched her toys at Squall, which glided softly into his chest before bouncing off, and then charged at him. All of a sudden, a dozen kids were tackling Squall, forcing him to the ground and dog piling him. While the others had his limbs pinned, their ring leader Yuffie stood next to his head, kicking slush at his face while cackling.

Growing increasingly agitated and irate, Squall could no longer contain his wrath. With a thunderous roar, he forced himself off the ground, kicking Yuffie into a snowy pile. The others dangled from Squall's arms, their tiny, little legs kicking around several feet above ground, while still a few more were latched onto his legs. He thumped around like an abominable snow monster wearing armor made of screaming, snotty children. At some point, he manage to shake them all off with a violent, growling spin. All the kids plopped hard into the snow, and many stopped moving.

When he finally calmed down, Squall stood horrified by his reflexive actions. Did he hurt the kids? Were they okay? Was anyone unconscious, bleeding, or dying? The horror creeped up his gut, paralyzing him in place. And then one kid popped his head out of the snow yelling, "Again!" and everyone giggled, charging back towards him and latching onto any free body part they could grab. Squall became their newest favorite playmate.

An hour later, Aerith finally arrived. She stopped at the gate, watching with a mix of confusion and amusement as the children rolled around with Squall in the snow. They were all giggling with glee. Even Squall sported a smile as he wrestled all the kids clinging to him. It warmed her heart to see and she watched for as long as she could before they noticed her.

"Aerith! Aerith!" Yuffie ran up to her, a toothy grin stretched wide across her little cheeks. "Guess what! I caught an intruder!"

"You did?" Aerith said, kneeling down so that she was eye-level her.

"Yup!" Yuffie said with a proud pose. "I sicced my minions on him! See?"

Aerith patted the little girl on the head. "You did a great job protecting us, O brave ninja!"

"Hee-hee!" Yuffie punched the air in triumph and then ran back inside to toss some more snow at Squall. But he surprised her, lunging out and pulling her down to roll around with the others. "No! Noooo!" She screamed, she laughed, she slipped away only to get pulled back.

"Looks like everyone's having fun," Aerith giggled, leaning down to peer into Squall's remarkably boyish face. He looked so much younger and freer than she had ever seen him.

"Aerith!" Caught off guard, Squall froze from embarrassment, giving the kids the opening they needed. Pinning him down, they dumped snow on his face, stuck a carrot in the middle with a couple of pieces of coal, and then joined hands around him singing Frosty the Snowman. Squall groaned. He sat upright and shook everything off of him. Aerith was laughing all the way through. "I'm glad you're enjoying this…" he growled.

"Sorry, sorry," Aerith said between giggles. She cleared her throat and clapped her hands together to get the children's attention. "Everyone, this is Squall. He's my…very special friend. Now show him your manners and say hello."

All the kids, even Yuffie, bowed and welcomed him. Squall found it quite nice. He gave a small wave and greeted them in return.

"Very good!" Aerith praised. "Now why doesn't everyone go inside and get cleaned up for snacks?"

"Yay!" The kids ran inside, taking care to wipe their feet at the door and avoid shoving.

"You have them really well trained," Squall mused, getting to his feet.

"I prefer to think of it as guidance."

"Well then," Squall said, his voice getting low and amorous as he leaned close to her, "you've guided them well." He touched his lips to hers and she gave him a quick kiss, her cheeks turning crimson as she struggled to resist his charm.

"Not now. Later, okay?" She took his hand and squeezed it.

He squeezed back with a soft smile. "They're nice kids."

"They really are. I'm so happy that you guys had such a great time together." Aerith lingered for a bit, just gazing into his magnetic eyes before leading him into the church. There, the kids were taking turns washing their hands in one of the back rooms. When they finished, they took their seats at a long table and chatted while waiting for Aerith to present her picnic basket of goodies for the day.

Squall had never been in that room before. Its walls were adorned with crayon and watercolor drawings. Two cases of bookshelves held neatly stacked volumes of educational tomes, classic novels, and even some comic books. In between some of them were hand-knit dolls of moogles, chocobos, and cactuars. He admired how all-out Aerith went to make it feel homey for the kids.

"Is Big Sis Tifa coming today?" one of the kids asked.

"Sadly, I don't think so," Aerith replied while placing sandwiches on plates. A wave of disappointment echoed through the room. "It's okay, because we have Squall with us."

"But I wanted to show Tifa my new wrestling moves!" said another one.

"Why don't you show it to Squall?"

"Um, okay!" The little kid slipped out of his seat and stampeded towards Squall.

With an elaborate grunt, Squall grabbed the kid then fell backwards as if smacked by the moment. He crashed with a thud, holding the kid to his chest as he cried, "Ouch! You got me!" The kid laughed and slapped Squall's face before jumping off to run a victory lap. Squall smiled then caught Aerith's gaze and he grinned even more.

Yuffie came up to him just then, staring at him with big, wide eyes.

"What?" Squall finally asked when she wouldn't say anything or go away.

"Are you a lion?" she asked, poking at his furry collar.

He thought about it for a minute. "Maybe," he replied honestly, thinking about the Sleeping Lion Heart engraving on his pendant.

"Why?"

"Why are you a ninja?"

"Because ninjas are cool!" she said, jumping up and rapidly punching the air.

"Well I think lions are cool, too."

"Hmm, I guess," Yuffie replied after considering it. "They do roar pretty loud." She started growling and yipping while bouncing circles around Squall. He just calmly listened and watched her until suddenly, without warning, he contorted his face to look as menacing as possible and roared. Yuffie yelped and ran away both laughing and screaming. But when Squall didn't follow her, she quickly ran back and grabbed his hand. "You're s'posed ta chase me, Mr. Lion!" she chided, tugging at him. With an incredulous laugh, he followed her as she started screaming again. Pretty soon others joined in and he wound up chasing everyone off of their seats, under the table, and out of the room.

"Okay, everyone," Aerith called with a clap of her hands, "lunch is ready! I've brought hot apple cider, holiday sandwiches, and some ginger spiced cake." She had placed plates and cups at every seat, divvying out equal portions to each one.

The kids all ignored and forgot Squall as they ran back to the table and started gobbling up their food. He wasn't sure what to do at that moment. Sit down? Eat with them? Admire Aerith while she angelically glided around the room fussing over everyone? He settled on the latter, leaning against the wall between two paintings of chocobos as he watched her move. At some point, his eyes closed allowing him to better appreciate the timbre of her voice. Nothing in the whole world sounded anywhere near as sweet.

"Squall?"

"Hmm?" He opened his eyes to see a plate of food in front of him. "Thank you," he said, taking it.

"You can sit down if you want." Aerith gestured to an empty seat next to Yuffie.

Squall thought for a moment, weighing his comfort against social convention. In the end, he didn't want to be rude, so he wordlessly carried everything to the chair.

Most of the kids were too into their meal to notice him, but Yuffie was watching. She suddenly tapped him. "Hey, do you like seafood?"

Squall thought for a moment. "I suppose."

She stuck out her tongue, showing off a wad of chewed sandwich moistened with sticky saliva strands and cider. "See? Food!" Yuffie laughed hysterically, spitting bits of soggy bread everywhere.

Squall chuckled. Not at the joke, but at the girl. Her energy was infectious and made him feel infinitely lighter. Something about her innocence dispelled the oppressive suffocation of dealing with people like the Squad-Captain.

The rest of the afternoon saw an equal measure of mirth. After lunch, the children bounced around with invigorated energy, tugging at Squall to play with him. Some wanted to wrestle, some wanted to play action figures, and others wanted to draw. Towards the end of the day, he took some colored pencils and sketched a scene from the valley, with deer stalking through the trees as they neared a waterfall.

"Put a ninja!" Yuffie shouted, shaking Squall's arm. So he added one skulking in a tree shadow, armed with shuriken. Aerith hung the finished picture on the wall and Yuffie, for once, just stared in quiet awe.

When it was time to go, all of the kids rushed to give Squall a hug before they said goodbye. Aerith walked them to the fountain square, leaving the soldier alone with his thoughts. The sudden silence was deafening. He missed the chaos from earlier. As he wandered towards the pew in front of the garden, his mind started racing. His distaste for the Guard Academy floated to the surface. It was all so grating and meaningless. It felt like a dead end. He revisited the idea of quitting, but then where would he go and what would he do? How would he be able to stay with Aerith? What if he got a job in town? But what skills did he really have other than combat, survival, and cartography? Aside from working for the castle, the only other jobs were shop-related and the prospect of being shut inside a kiosk all day peddling nondescript wares sounded just as confining, if not more so.

Anyway, he couldn't quit now. He made a promise to Professor Gast, and to Aerith. There was no denying the castle's suspicious behavior. What was the point of being in the Guard if he didn't actually guard anyone? Or was the point to protect the castle at the expense of the town?

"So…this is a nice surprise," Aerith said, walking back into the church, her footsteps echoing in through the building's high archways. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon today." She sat down next to Squall and hugged his arm, pulling him free from his anxiety-inducing thoughts.

"I wasn't happy," he replied after a while. "So I came here."

"Did something happen?"

"Deployment orders came down. I'm leaving tomorrow before dawn."

Aerith squeezed his hand and kissed his shoulder. "It won't be forever." He squeezed back but didn't say anything. "Don't forget to come get your provisions satchel. I'll make you something extra special."

"Thank you," he said quietly, feeling the energy drain from his lungs as his heart sank.

Touching a hand to his cheek, she nudged his face towards hers. To her dismay, his youthful radiance from earlier had contorted into a mess of worry lines and sorrow. "Squall, it's going to be okay."

The way she said it resonated with him. It reverberated deep inside his heart, like a powerful incantation. There was no doubt in his mind then. It would be okay. He just needed patience. The deep lines across his forehead softened and some of his tension melted as a new calm placated his racing thoughts.

"I don't want to be apart from you, either," Aerith continued, riding the momentum. "So what if we think a little outside the box?"

"You're not coming," Squall said without even thinking. She just laughed.

"No, I don't mean that!"

"Then what?"

"You'll see," she replied with a playful smile. "It'll be a surprise—something that'll lift your spirits when you least expect it."

"Alright." He didn't know what she was talking about. Still, the prospect seemed intriguing enough.

"So you had a fun afternoon," Aerith said to change the subject. "Everyone loved their new playmate."

Squall blushed a little and hummed. "It was fun, yeah."

"You're really good with kids."

Before Squall could reflect on that revelation, Aerith leaned in closer and kissed him. It didn't take long to escalate, leaving them both breathless when they finally pulled apart. They leaned against each other, arms intertwined and fingers laced, in a comfortable silence for a while as the sky grew darker outside.

Reluctantly, Squall soon disentangled himself and eased to his feet. "I have to go," he said, his heart sinking. "I need to prep my gear and get some sleep."

Aerith stood with him. "What time will I see you?"

"Four maybe? I need to be westside by six." He almost felt bad expecting her to be there so early, but he wanted to see her one last time. To hold her and be with her up until the last second.

They walked out together, heading to the fountain square where their paths always diverged.