============================================================== ============================================================== Trinity: Part 2 of 5 Last time: Cloud reminisces with his new partner about the greatest moment in his life. ============================================================== ============================================================== . . cordially invited to the wedding of . . . -- item #13346 - scrap found at Midgar Excavation, 1086 Post Meteor ============================================================== "Stop fussing!" "Sorry, I --- I just can't believe it," Tifa stared at the mirror. "Well stop fidgetting! I almost have everything done!" Tifa sat still as slender hands gathered up her loose dark hair and twisted it into a pigtail. "Doan telf'me you hav'emt dunff'is before," Aeris held two ribbons in her mouth. "Well, actually no," Tifa's face reddened slightly. Aeris sighed as she worked the knot together and proceeded to the rest of the hair. The two women were in a small dressing room. A sofa, several stools, and a small vanity filled up the space, leaving little room to move about. It was cramp for one person, let alone two. "Hold still!" Aeris admonished as Tifa began to fidget again. "Sorry." The slender woman braided the knot with one ribbon and then the other, "You *knew* he was going to ask sooner or later." "Yeah I guess," Tifa mumbled, "I just didn't expect him ask both of us --- at the same time." "Hey," Aeris knelt, "You're not having second thoughts are you?" Tifa chewed her lip absently. "Don't worry," the healer brushed her cheek, "Just take a deep breath and we'll wow them at the altar, okay?" The dark haired bride to be nodded as her friend giggled, "You remember how he looked at us when we both said 'Yes?'" "Yeah," Tifa broke into a smile, "He couldn't believe it." "This is going to be great!" the slender woman hugged her, "We're really going to be a family now!" Tifa playfully bumped heads with her. It's been one year. One whole year since Meteor came down. Time enough to for them to learn to laugh. To live. To love. But first things first, their first concern was to find a place to stay. Midgar was uninhabitable for an indefinite period of time. Frightening accounts abounded of people who went only to never return were enough to deter any further snooping or looting. Junon was out. They were still wanted in that city though the reward offered was ridiculously small enough to forego a man-hunt. The victims were less than reputable and the new Commandant had other worries than to chase after fugitives. Icicle Village, Kalm, Mideel --- they were all laid to waste. And Corel was out of the question. If they were to move there Aeris argued, they might as well move back to the slums of Midgar. She suggested the Canyon, but it got deathly hot in the summer and unbearably cold in winter. Tifa almost wanted to go back to Nibelheim, save for the fact that it held harsh scars for her and Cloud both. They had come to the end of their rope when one of Reeve's old section leaders, a certain Dannath, had contacted them and let his old employer know that the Midgar refugees had incorporated and formed a small, yet rapidly expanding settlement a few hundred miles north of where Midgar used to be. Dannath was sincere as he was influential. Would it be possible if you were to lend a hand at reforming our town charter? Reeve literally jumped at the chance. The rest of them quickly followed. So they found a home at last. All of them. One of the reasons Dannath was so forthcoming was the literal anarchy the whole place was in. Such as it were, the residents didn't even have a name for their new home. Reeve immediately drove himself into work. Volunteers were again called forth to bring about order. Necessary infrastructure was installed, homes were built. Under Reeve's leadership the town did in half a year, what would have taken other places forever to do. Cloud signed on as a constable, despite Tifa's vociferous objections. She only managed to allay her fears when Aeris finally reminded them that they could always count on the healer being around. Tifa reluctantly subsided her protests and acceded. Once a flower girl, always a flower girl. Aeris found she made a better florist than doctor. It wasn't that she didn't like treating the injured, it just took too much out of her. Deep down, Tifa suspected that she didn't want to be reminded of how different she was. In any case, Aeris managed to open up a hybrid flower shop and grocery. And while business was not booming, it was still agreeable. Tifa herself found tending bars was a joke. Especially with money to be made elsewhere. She took on a construction job and quickly moved up to foreman with her sharp business sense and even sharper tongue. All the new houses that were built in the first few months of their arrival involved her or her crew. Red XIII found that travel suited his needs, although how he heard of the news was beyond anyone's comprehension. And how he showed up five days early, bringing with him an exquisite roll of silk was an absolute mystery. They were reluctant to accept, but it seemed impolite to refuse a gift from a friend. It was that silk that was made into the dresses they wore now. Cid and Shera settled in one of the more uniquely built houses at the edge of town. With Shinra gone and the ensuing incursions of the Elders putting everything in disarray, the mousy engineer suggested that they help in some way. The pilot agreed and set up a shipping and transport business with Highwind Too. Later on, he added passenger space to his ship and ran a ferry service to and from Junon. Tifa suddenly burst out laughing. "Wh-what's so funny?" Aeris stared at her friend. "Remember when Cid took us up in the Tiny Bronco?" "Oh right," a slow smile crept across Aeris' features, "I remember." She had just finished working out most of the scars from Cid's face when Cloud remarked to Shera that they might need someone to sit Marlene for a few days when they wanted to be alone after the wedding. The pilot was so thankful the healer had greatly reduced the scarring that he took the four of them out for a spin in the small plane. Cid had recovered it during one of his jaunts in Highwind Too. There they were, the five of them were crammed into the small cabin when who should ask to fly but Marlene. Aeris swore Cloud fainted as soon those tiny hands took hold of the wheel. Afterwards, Cloud wisely let the matter drop and quietly asked if Nanaki would be available. The quadruped accepted grudgingly. "Aunteeeeeeee! I haf-too gooooooooo!!" "Marlene," Aeris stood and sighed, "I thought I told you not to drink too much." "But I'm thurs-teee!" "I'll take her," Tifa started to get up. "Oh no you don't," Aeris gently pushed her back down, "You're not moving a whit." "It's okay," the dark haired woman stood, "If anything, your dress is harder to move in anyway." Aeris sighed, "Okay, just don't muss yourself okay?" "It'll be quick," Tifa grinned and took Marlene's hand, "Come on." The healer watched as the two step carefully to the back of the room where the water closet was. A knock on the door caught her attention. "Who is it?" she called out. "Ivana," came a muffled voice. "Ivana who?" "I wanna come in and see you," the knob began to turn. "Oh no you don't!" she laughed and flew to the door. "Aw, come on," the voice pleaded, "It's really lonely out here." "Cloud Strife," Aeris' voice rang out loud and clear, "Don't get impatient now!" She grunted as she felt the door slowly slide open. Aeris squealed and tried her hardest pushing back. "Cloud!" she fought back her giggles, "I'm warning you! You're giving us bad luck!" "Don't worry about it," he chuckled, "We'll wash it all off in the shower." Aeris burst out in laughs as she caught sight of Tifa coming out. "Tifa! Tifa! Come quick!" "Tiger out!" the dark haired woman pushed against the door. "Two against one isn't fair!" Tifa pushed hard against the door, but she was grinning the whole time. Even Marlene ran up and pushed, prompting laughter from the two brides. "No kiss?" Aeris caught the glimpse of his lips past the crack. A red bolt shot past the door. "Kitty!" Marlene squealed with delight. "Don't hug him yet!" Aeris warned, "You'll soil your dress!" "I am quite clean thank you," the warrior bared his teeth, "The groom wishes to send you his warmest regards." A note lay with of two red roses was loosely strung on his back. "Marlene, be a dear and see what it says." The girl tottered over and hugged the quadruped in spite of her aunt's warning. "Bawwoons!" she chanted excitedly as her tiny hands held up rubber items that were anything but toys. Aeris gasped as Red snorted, "I'd be wary of him tonight." "Out!," Tifa broke into laughs as she shoved the door, "Out! Out! Out!" "Ow!! Ow! Take it easy," a woman's voice came past the door, "It's me!" "Shera?" Tifa let the door open a bit, "Where's Cloud?" "Cid got a hold of him," the mousy woman now seemed regal in her flowery gold dress. "Thank Planet," Aeris flopped onto the sofa, "Marlene, may I please see them?" The girl handed the 'balloons' to her and Aeris promptly hid them from prying eyes. "I wanna pway wid 'dem!" "Here you go," Aeris handed her a white orb from the vanity, "Play with this." "I dont want matewia, I want bawwoons!" "I'll blow them up later," Aeris lied. She hoped Marlene will forget. And soon. "Pwomise?" Aeris sighed and plucked the girl onto the sofa. "Here," the healer handed her the rose buds, "Peel these off and put them into your basket." "Do I fwowe 'dem way-ter?" "Um hmm," Aeris nodded, "We'll be right behind you, okay?" Marlene nodded vigorously as she began ripping apart the dark red roses. ". . . it would've been bad if he saw us," Tifa was chatting away with Shera. "I guess," the woman held two boxes, "It's not everyday a man takes two wives." "What are those?" Tifa pointed. "Your um, things." "What things?" "You know," Shera pointed, "For the --- er, end of the ceremony." "What? Oh," Aeris blushed, "But I thought we took that out!" "Cloud asked me to give them to you," the engineer started to push up her glasses and stopped. She wasn't wearing them. "Why?" "Just in case you change your mind I guess." "I bet Johnny put him up to it," Tifa chewed her lip, "That dirty little ---" "Tifa." She looked up and saw Aeris plugging Marlene's ears. The raven haired bride to be reddened, "Sorry." Red rolled his eyes as the women started to gossip about everything from the guests to the food. ". . . has the cake arrived?" ". . . half hour ago." ". . . who's showing what again?" ". . . on my left or my right?" ". . . he's how large?" A sudden knock on the door prompted them to stop and stare. "Tiger? Is it you?" "It's me Cid," the knock came again, this time more urgently, "Open up will'ya?" "Is Cloud with you?" Aeris piped up. "Probably," Tifa made a face, "He's probably just waiting for the door to open." "Don't get up," Shera opened the door a crack, "Do you need something?" "Where's Nanaki?" Cid's face was chalk white. Oh shit, Tifa rose in alarm. What now? "Something wrong?" Red trotted forth. "Don't know," Cid shrugged, "But Reeve wanted you to see fer yerself." Red stepped out as Tifa and Aeris got up to follow, but the pilot held out a hand. "The rest of you better stay inside." "What? Why?" "Shera," Cid looked at her, "Make sure they stay in here, got it?" "O-okay," Shera was nervous, "Be careful." "Hey wait!" Tifa called, "Where's Cloud?" "Outside," Cid quickly shut the door. Dammit, Tifa thought. Aeris looked at the door intently. "Something's wrong," the healer whispered, "I just know it." "Well we'll just have to see won't we?" Tifa strode towards the door. "Are you sure you want to go?" Shera extended an arm. "Dam--," Tifa bit her tongue as Aeris began to reach for Marlene, "I mean, yes." "But he said stay here---" "Shera," Tifa sighed, "I'm not asking you to come along." The woman swallowed hard, "Okay I'm going with you." "Me too," Aeris stood, "Marlene, you stay here." ********************************************************************** The bright sun was rather harsh on their eyes but the three of them fumbled and stumbled their way out of the church. Tifa leaned on the picket fence to steady herself when she heard Aeris gasp. What in the world? She squinted her eyes. A group of them gathered around something. Not satisfied, Tifa elbowed her way to the front. "I thought I asked you two stay inside," Cloud hissed. "Don't take that tone with us tiger," Tifa shot back, "I'm not letting anything happen to you." "Tifa." She felt Aeris tug at her gently. "Look." "Oh my," the dark haired woman hid her mouth. A red quadruped, maneless, slim, and athletic stood amidst a crowd of curious on-lookers. Red XIII stood silent and motionless. "What's it doing?" Aeris whispered. "I dunno," Tifa shuffled over to where the warrior was. "Nanaki?" Aeris came up, "What does it want?" "I --- I don't know." "Nothing's been said so far," Reeve said quietly. "When did it show?" "Someone thought they saw Nanaki, but ---" "--- but it was impossible since I asked him to go to into the brides' room," Cloud finished. "Well," Tifa nudged her four legged friend, "Go on. Aren't you going to talk to him?" "I --- I think it's a her," Red suddenly stammered. "Really?" she glanced at the new arrival briefly then turned back, "So go talk to her." "She might have been sent," he was gruff, but Tifa could tell he was bewitched by the creature in front of him. "Nanaki," Aeris bent down, "We won't know if she was sent if we don't ask." "So why me?" he pawed the ground absently. "Why not?" Tifa observed, "You like her." "The hell with this," Cloud growled and stepped forward, "Who are you?" The other quadruped cocked its --- her! head and said in a clear, firm voice, "Unit 110110101." "Sweet Planet," Cid coughed, "What kind of name is that?" "More precisely," Red gathered his courage, "*What* are you?" "Type 90-L hunter tracker." "L?" "Sub model 'Laa'," the maneless simmie answered. "Is that another name?" Red approached cautiously, "The name of --- of things like us?" "Negative." "What is it then?" The strange simmie quirked a brow, "It means 'female'." "Really?" Red checked his distance. Too close. Back off a bit. The new arrival must have seen it for she spoke rapidly. "I bear a message. No more. I am not here to fight." "No one's here to fight," Cloud said tight lipped, "It's a wedding." "Whedd-ding?" the slim quadruped blinked in confusion. "Never mind that," Red tried to remain all business, "What do you have to say? Were you sent?" "I am not privy to such information," the reply was curt, "I only carry out my orders." "Just like him," Aeris began to shake. Tifa reached out to steady her. "Well, let's hear it," Cloud braced himself for trickery. "It is in here," the quadruped looked up; a metal canister was tied around her neck. "And," she lowered her head and looked straight at Aeris, "It is to be received by her only." Cloud glanced at the small woman, who had paled by several shades. "You need not fear me," the simmie went on, "I will not knowingly injure any Cetra---" "I'm *not* your master." "If you wish," the voice was calm, "you may kill me and still retrieve the message. I live to serve." Red risked a glance at the others, Aeris especially. "That --- that won't be necessary," the healer mustered her courage and stepped forth. Red scrunched down and readied to leap anyways. It's a damn pity, he shook with rage as he gazed at her. Greylorn takes away my identity, my life, and probably my race. Damned be you, he thought darkly. I hope you die alone. Red blinked. Easy there, I've got to stay focused. Aeris stood transfixed with fear as she gripped the canister. Cloud stepped up and opened it for her. Something fell out and hit the ground with a dull thunk. She gingerly picked it up as the maneless quadruped backed away. It was a note, wrapped in a slim dagger. Tifa saw the healer's face pale as she slowly read the note. As Aeris got to the end, her face suddenly flashed with anger. "Aeris?" Cloud stepped closer, "You okay?" "I --- I'm fine," she gave them all a weak smile but the healer was trembling uncontrollably. Tifa grew worried as she motioned for Reeve to disperse the crowd. Cid muttered something ugly under his breath, "It's that damn sonovabitch ain't it?" "Cloud be," Tifa said darkly, "Do me a favor and stall for us, okay?" "Gotcha," the pilot nodded at Shera and they headed inside, whispering amongst themselves. "Aeris," Cloud took up her hands, "What's wrong?" She didn't answer as she held up the note. Tifa saw the small woman shake a little as the note was taken from her hands. "What's it say?" the dark haired bride to be joined them. "See for yourself," Cloud said quietly. Tifa smoothed out the parchment and read the message: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If may interest you to know, Council has declared the Cetra extinct. And you may keep the knife. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The note was obviously hand written, unsigned except for the single glaring eye at the bottom. An eye stamped in blue ink. Tifa soured and let the note drift away in the wind. "Shall I cancel?" "What?" Tifa turned around to find Reeve standing quietly behind her. "If she's not feeling well ---" he began. "She'll be fine," Tifa drew up straight, "I'm letting that bastard screw us out of our wedding. I'm sticking it out!" The man stepped back, nodding at her fortitude, "All right, but we should start soon." "It'll just be a minute," Tifa turned to her friends as he left. "Why can't they just leave me alone!?" the woman hissed through angry sobs. Cloud hugged her tightly as Tifa took a moment to check the canister. Empty. She tossed it aside as Aeris' voice began to rise with alarm. "He's come back. He's coming for me!" "Hey, hey," Cloud held her, "Easy okay?" Tifa had not seen her friend so distressed, and it worried her. "Aeris," she spoke with a steady tone, "Stay calm --- wait! Wh-what are you doing?" "I'm fooling myself," the woman began to take off her veil, "I'll never fit in. I'll never be like everyone else." "Stop that," Cloud lifted her chin gently, "Damn that man and forget him, you hear?" Aeris shook her head sadly, "But ---" "No buts!" Tifa said hotly, "Don't you get it? They just did us a huge favor! To whatever the hell is out there, you don't exist anymore. That means you can do whatever you want!" "What --- ever --- I --- want?" Aeris shook. "And what do you want now?" Tifa gripped her, "More than anything on Planet? Tell me." Cloud looked between them and sensed something. Something he can never really share in, but he would come to live with. A bond? Perhaps. Perhaps much more. "Aeris," he whispered, "Tiff is right. Whatever's goading you, we'll face it together. The three of us, okay?" The small woman swallowed hard as she looked up at them as Cloud put an understanding around her. "I want to be free from --- from everything," the healer clenched her hands, "I want to live out my life! I want to be with you --- both of you! I love you two!!" "I love you too," Tifa hugged her dearly, "Welcome home, Aeris. Welcome home." The two of them blubbered like children as Cloud turned his attention to the dagger on the ground. Picking it up, he inspected the weapon closely. The blade was long and tapering, the side guards shone a dull gold hue. The handle itself was made of polished bone. Simple, but well dangerous if used properly. Cloud snorted. Like that cold hearted fucker. He certainly looked harmless enough. When he lowered the knife, he heard a rattle. "Hey," he shook it up and down, "Something's inside." "What is it Cloud?" Tifa looked up. He twisted the end of the handle and something shiny fell into his hand. Aeris sniffed and blew lightly into a small kerchief as she looked on warily. "What's that?" "Looks like a set of keys." "Keys?" the healer seemed doubtful. "There's something etched on the blade," Tifa pointed. "What's it say?" Aeris yearned for a look. "I --- I dunno." "Don't tell me you can't read, tiger." "Actually," Cloud hung his head, "I never learned to read script." "You're kidding me right?" Tifa gaped. "I left for Midgar pretty early," the young man shrugged, "Sorry." "Poor Cloud," Aeris stroked his cheek, "It's okay, as long as you can read." She paused, "You *can* read right?" "Block print," Cloud coughed nervously, "Enough to get by." Aeris nodded in understanding. "Here, let me," Tifa took the knife from him. "Nine Montblanc," she recited slowly, "Costa Del Sol." "Costa Del Sol?" he furrowed a brow. "Wh-what could it mean?" Aeris looked at her companions. "Maybe he wants to meet us there." "Cloud." He looked up and saw Aeris, who was suddenly pale again and Tifa, who glowered at him with disapproval. "Sorry." "Maybe," Aeris hesitated, "Maybe it's a gift." "Aeris?" Cloud gawked, "Are you feeling okay?" "Yeah," Tifa blinked, "We're talking about Mr. Tearing-new-assholes, remember?" "Yeah," Aeris frowned at her friend's cursing, "But--but maybe it is what it is. A gift." "Why would he?" Cloud suddenly became suspicious. "Your guess is as good as mine," she bit her lip. Tifa took her hand, "If it is a gift, then what should we do?" "Do?" Aeris looked at them, "Why ask me?" "I'm not accepting it if you aren't," Cloud stood firm. "Me too," Tifa gave Aeris a squeeze. The healer looked downcast, "It's not fair to you---" "No," Cloud put up a hand, "It's not fair to *you*. I won't forgive him for --- for everything." "Tifa?" Aeris passed a sideways glance. "Whatever you want," the dark haired woman said quietly, "Frankly, I don't really care what he does, nor why." "All right," Aeris grew thoughtful, "Okay. We'll see what it is. Then if there's something wrong ---" "We'll all be there," Tifa knocked heads with her, "Together." "Thanks." "Hey," Cloud spoke up, "Let's not keep everyone waiting." "Oh right," Aeris wiped her eyes, "I'm sorry. Rats, we're supposed to cry during the ceremony, not before." "That reminds me," Tifa snapped her fingers and faced Cloud, "YOU weren't supposed to see us until the wedding!" "Oh no," Aeris groaned, "Should we delay the ceremony tomorrow?" "Forget that," Cloud shook his head, "Today's been on my mind for over half a year now. I'm not waiting." "But ---!" "I'll just look surprised," he chuckled. "Oh you'd better tiger," Tifa started pushing him inside, "Or else!" "Else what?" he teased. "We have *got* to teach you some manners!" Aeris hooked her arms and found cause to laugh again. "Er, excuse me," a low voice drew them out of their merriment. "Oh Nanaki," Tifa said, "I'm sorry. We kind of forgot about you." "I'm used to it," the warrior growled, "But should I do something about ---" he jerked his head towards Unit 110110101. "I suppose we should," Cloud exchanged glances with Tifa and Aeris, "What do you want to do?" Tifa shrugged and looked at her friend, "It's not my place to say." "Again?" Aeris bit her lip, "Well, invite her in. I guess." "A-are you sure?" Red faltered. "Sure," Cloud nodded, "I don't see why not." "Hey," Tifa suddenly perked up, "She can be your date!" "I just made her acquaintance," Red pawed the ground absently. "Oh, don't be shy," Tifa knelt, "Go ahead. Ask her." Red glanced at the stranger in their midst. The female simmie was sniffing the air, totally unaware of anything else. "Yech," the other quadruped sputtered suddenly, "What is that smell?" "The food must've arrived," Cloud whispered jokingly. "Don't say that," Aeris suppressed a smile and looked at him, "We'll have to eat that stuff." "I know," he said ruefully. Aeris laughed and kissed his hand. "Well come on," Tifa grinned and began ushering them inside, "We don't have all day!" ********************************************************************** "About damn time." "Watch it Cid," Cloud stood nervously at the altar. "What fer?" "May I remind you my son, this *IS* a place of worship," Hargo eyed the pilot sternly. "Right," Cid grinned nervously, "Sorry." Cloud rocked imperceptibly on his feet. The place was small, fitting for the more or less small wedding they had anticipated. Until Tifa opened the whole thing to her construction crew. Even he hadn't thought to invite any of his fellow constables. Two wives? It was just too weird. But Tifa always had a way of finding a way to spice things up. 'Gentleman' Johnny Clavell, called up the whole crew and filled the pews with an army of horny guys who wanted to see the spectacle of a lifetime. The man was Tifa's first and most ardent patron at Seventh Heaven, her old bar back in Midgar. Now he worked with her in the construction business. Cloud fidgetted slightly. The suit was a little on the tight side since he had borrowed it from Reeve. Money was tight as hell ever since they settled at Mytreheim. The groom winced at the name. He had forgotten who had coined it, but he remembered Reeve saying something about it fitting as one of the town's first exports were the large amounts of mythril that were mined from the mountains east of where Kalm used to be. So Mytreheim it was. "Hey." He felt Cid nudge him. "They're coming." Huh? Cloud blinked. The music had started already while he had been prancing about in la-la-land. "Thanks," he whispered. Cid nodded slightly. "You got the rings?" The pilot again nodded. "Lower jacket pocket," Cid murmured without moving his healed lips. "Which one?" The young groom heard the pilot groan, but neither man moved a muscle. Aww crap, Cloud rolled his eyes and satisfied himself with watching as Marlene come towards him bearing a basket full of rose petals. Her tiny hands tossed them here and there as some of the guests chuckled. She then proceeded to pick them up one by one. Someone guffawed as Shera tried to explain to her the purpose of the act. Marlene nodded and said, "Oh!" in such a bubbly voice it brought grins and whispers from everyone around. Shera took the girls' hand and lead her to their places on Hargo's right. All heads suddenly turned as the brides entered the room. Although they had already made their premature appearance earlier, it didn't stop the crowd from falling into an awed hush as the two brides shuffled carefully down the aisle. Luckily we had them widen the lane for this, Cloud chuckled to himself. Tifa shone like never before in her rosy gown. Gold tipped fringes wrapped around her in a wide, lacy affair. The young man could only grin like a moron as she wrinkled her nose playfully at him as she made her way down, accompanied by 'Gentleman' Johnny. In the absence of anyone suitable to serve as fathers of the brides and best men, they had decided to pick their own accompaniment. Cloud got stuck with Cid. Tifa knew this and flashed him a wry little grin. He rolled his eyes and glanced at Aeris, who smiled broadly underneath her sky blue veil. Compared to Tifa's ensemble, hers seemed almost muted. Almost as if she wasn't the center of attention. Nevertheless her sea green eyes shone brightly through the gossamer silk Nanaki had brought them. The small woman was escorted by a wiry Reeve who felt obliged to help the proceedings, provided that Ilyana could attend. Cloud risked a glance at the pale faced woman as she sat mute, staring straight ahead. He wondered if she had any inkling what was going on. Although he had his doubts, Reeve had pulled off a what almost amounted to a miracle. The poor girl had stopped her wild outbursts and even learned to react somewhat to the world around her. Reeve was something else, the groom shook his head inwardly. Too damn dedicated. Especially to lost causes. "Ahem." Cloud blinked and caught Reeve and Johnny holding out the women's hands. "Oh --- right," he snapped awake, "Cid?" Tifa stuck her tongue out as Aeris hid a smile. "Um, wait. Uh oh. Wait," Cid dug into his jacket pockets comically as chuckles and murmurs rustled in the background. This is embarrassing, Cloud thought. Tifa gave him an odd look. Goofing off again, she lipped. No really, he mouthed back. Aeris suppressed a giggle. Cloud saw Shera shake her head in silence. "Hey!" someone shouted, "We can use some o' Marla's rings, eh Johnny? Planet knows she don't need so many!" "Shaddap!" Johnny growled as the miscreant who suggested the notion was whapped from behind with a heavy purse. Hargo glowered at the spectacle but said nothing. Cloud rubbed his nose and sniffed. That Marla had a temper that bested even Tifa's. Too bad she was like that all the time. It's no wonder Johnny preferred to be out on the job so often. Cid suddenly straightened up and wiped his brow with his sleeve. "Whew," the pilot fumbled and handed the rings to Cloud, "Damn close." The young groom chuckled nervously as Hargo cleared his throat. "Sorry," the pilot grinned sheepishly and stepped back. "Perhaps we can begin?" Hargo nodded. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bring about a most --- unique union." The scholar gathered breath before continuing, "We are especially blessed, as I understand this to be one of the first weddings held in this church." "Amen brother," Johnny whispered. "Sssh," Tifa elbowed him. "So we come here to witness the joining of three wonderful people," Hargo went on, unperturbed, "and wish them good fortune and happiness in their future." The wizened man turned to the dark haired bride, "Do you Tifa Lockheart, take this man to be your husband?" "I do," her demeanor quiet and determined. Hargo nodded and turned to the light haired woman, "Do you Aeris Gainsborough, take this man to be your husband?" "Oh yes," the reply came out in a great held breath. "Two down, one to go," Johnny grinned. They were all smiling save Hargo, who was bordering on dropping everything and strangling the obnoxious man and the groom, who was sweating buckets. "And do you Cloud Strife, take these two into your house and give them your name?" "I do that," he gulped hard, "and more." The small group looked up with surprise at the tight jawed young man. Aeris looked at him with confusion as Tifa saw in his eyes something. A drive, she wondered? A will? It seemed to be a sharply honed determination she'd not seen before. She jumped a bit when he took up hers and Aeris' hands. "I vow to love and protect them with each waking moment of my life. Until my last breath. I swear this in Planet's presence." Cloud took the rings and slipped them on in turn. Hargo quirked his brow at the theatrics, but he let it by. "Very well, I now pronounce you --- er," the scholar paused and searched for the right words, "--- married." Cheers and whistles erupted as the newlyweds turned to face their guests. "Kiss'em ya twit!" Johnny pounded the groom heartily on the back. Tifa laughed and Aeris blushed as Cloud kissed them each in turn. ********************************************************************** "What an odd display." Red XIII eyed the newcomer warily, "It is wedding." "I am aware what it is called," the maneless quadruped snorted, "But it is only a name. It holds no meaning for me." The warrior grunted in understanding, "Do you wish an explanation?" "I doubt it matters," the svelte simmie arched her back, "It only seems to pertain to them." That's not true, Red almost wanted to shout, but he held his tongue. Maybe it is true. Were simulacra meant to --- reproduce in such a fashion? Were we meant to reproduce at all? "So, what do you have in mind now?" The other quadruped looked at him oddly. "What do you have planned?" Red rephrased his question. "Planned?" "Yes," Red was admittedly nervous, "For the rest of your stay. You --- are staying are you not?" "I believe I am," the newcomer shrugged, "As there does not seem to be transport off this world. However, I intend to explore this planet and draw up tactical and strategic data." Red growled, "What has he done to you?" "Pardon?" Laughter and loud whistles cut into their conversation. Red looked up and saw Tifa sitting in the middle of the room with Cloud trying to reach under her dress. "Reach higher! The boss has hella long legs!" the crowd roared with approval. Cat calls and wolf whistles sang out as Tifa smiled and stuck up her finger for all to see. "See! See?! She's wants you right now!" "Too bad guys," she laughed as Cloud twirled a garter band around his finger. He gave her a quick kiss before moving on to Aeris. "Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!" Johnny led the crowd as the chanting rose feverently. Cloud was about to crouch before her when Aeris shifted herself a bit and lifted her dress timidly. The garter band hung neatly on her shoe. Cloud gave her a weak grin and coyly took the prize as she laughed and shook a finger at the crowd. "What kind of a show was that?!" "Shaddap Johnny!" Marla whapped the man upside the head. Red snorted and turned away to see the other quadruped watching the exhibition intently. "See? There's more to life than just war and misery." "Is that all the proof do you offer?" the maneless simmie didn't look at him. "It's right before your eyes," Red said quietly, "Not just here." "I don't understand," she was flustered, "We were born to track ---" "Perhaps," Red cut in, "It's better if I show you, rather than just tell you." "Perhaps," the newcomer turned back to watch Cloud dance rather awkwardly with Tifa. Aeris was engaged in chatter with Reeve as Ilyana sat with a small smile beside him. "By the way," Red cleared his throat, "What is your name?" "My designation is 110110101 ---" she stopped as the warrior shook his head. "No. I meant a real name." "Unit 110110101." Red sighed, "I am called Nanaki." "Naa --- nak --- kee?" He felt a stab of pain as he remembered how Yuffie toyed with his name. He shook himself free of the past and replied, "What's yours?" "11011 ----" she fell silent as Red rolled his eye. ". . . damn straight!" Cid was talking with one of Tifa's crew as he set down his drink next to a jug of liquor on the floor. Hmmm, Red tilted his head a bit as he stared at the labels curiously. _________________ ____________________________________________ / \ / \ | | | | | ______________| | ________________________________________ | | | @@@@@ @@ @@| | | @@@ @@@@ @@ @@ @@@@@@@ | | | | @@ @@ @@ @@| | | @@@@@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@@@@@@ | | | | @@ @@ @@ @@| | |@@@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ @@ | | | | @@@@@ @@ @@| | | @@@ @@@@@@ @@@@ @@@@@ | | | | @@ @@ @@ @@| | | @@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@ @@@@@ | | | | @@ @@ @@@@@@| | |@@ @@@ @@ @@ @@ @@@ @@ | | | | @@ @@ @@@@ | | | @@@@@@ @@ @@ @@ @@@ @@@@@@@ | | | |______________| | | @@@@ @@@ @@@ @@ @@@@ @@@@@@@ | | | | | |_______________________________________| | | | | | | | | | \________________/ \___________________________________________/ "Rusake," he murmured. The newcomer perked her ears. "I like it," she lay her head down on her paws, "Rusake then." ============================================================== Next time: The Honeymooners ==============================================================