Disclaimer- I do not own Kingdom Hearts

Love Everlasting

Chapter 15

I Never Stopped

Time passed like a blur since the incident, since Aerith returned to her home. She returned to work, returning to her usual routine. Cloud continued to work with Leon for the time being. Sora and Roxas returned to school. Roxas and Namine became closer, albeit the blond twin was still very much shy. Sora on the other hand, finally gathered his courage and asked Kairi to the spring fling. She agreed after a fit of giggles, which embarrassed Sora.

Life returned to normal. Yet, while everything seemed normal, it was anything but. Sora who still lived mainly with his father could see the distance in his eyes at times. He noticed his father would burn the breakfast eggs or toast while he was standing right next to them. The once clean house was slowly becoming untidy, and Cloud never entered the little study where his ex-wife had once been, at least not to Sora's knowledge.

"Dad needs mom badly," Sora said as he and his brother were walking to school one day. "He is like a zombie. He loves mom and I bet mom is doing the same thing."

"Not really, mom is cleaning, going to work, cooking, making me lunch, all the same stuff she use to do before we moved in with you guys."

Sora's mouth dropped. "Oh, come on mom loves dad too."

Roxas scratched the back of his head. "Well, she is working harder I guess but mom is always like that."

"Can't you be a little more positive for once, please?"

Roxas sighed, "Sorry, it's just obvious with dad. Mom wanted the divorce not dad. I can see him being still hung up but mom…"

They turned the corner to enter the schoolyard. Sora was groaning at his brother's attitude. The brunette twin knew his parents belonged with one another. They needed each other badly.

"If only we could get them together," Sora said as they entered the school.

The twins entered their homeroom classroom. They took their seats, Sora being behind his brother. Their classmates and homeroom teacher entered as well, minutes before the morning bell was to ring.

"How can we get mom and dad together without making them suspicious?" Roxas asked.

Sora thought for a moment before saying, "How come I have to always come up with a plan?"

Roxas shrugged when the bell rang. The homeroom teacher quickly took attendance, marking anyone absent on the attendance sheet. When that was finished, the teacher cleared his throat.

"Class, I have several announcements to make," the teacher said. "The first two regard the spring fling dance. Tickets are on sale until Friday. They are not going too sold at the dance so please pick up your tickets by Friday before school ends. Secondly, several of the chaperones for the dance have dropped out and we require some of parents to volunteer as chaperones. Next the following students…"

Sora leaned forward to talk to his brother. He nudged his shoulder, getting Roxas's attention. Roxas looked back over his shoulder at his brother.

"What?" Roxas whispered.

Sora grinned, "I got an idea."

X, X, X,

"Please mom, the dance needs chaperones," Roxas said.

Aerith looked over at her son as she absently tied a ribbon to one of her arrangements. She looked at him curiously. Roxas gave her a nervous smile.

This was Sora's brilliant plan. To get there parents together at the Spring Fling Dance. The twins both knew that their parents got together at the same exact dance years ago. In Sora's head, he thought it would be perfect way to get them to rekindle their love. Roxas, for once, had to agree that the plan seemed like a good idea.

"If they don't have enough chaperones then they'll cancel the dance!" Roxas then added, "Besides you are delivering the arrangements anyway so…"

Aerith thought for a moment. She got up and went over to her front desk. She pulled out a large planner from one of the drawers and flipped it open. Roxas found himself holding his breath in anticipation. If his mother had too much work the next day then she would never agree to it. He hoped to every god known to man that his mother would not be busy.

Aerith fingered through the dates. She flipped the page and then made a thoughtful noise before she closed the book. Roxas bit his lip in anticipation.

"Well, I don't have any orders for the next day so I guess I can." She said.

"Great!" Roxas yelled.

Aerith smirked, "Why are you so excited?"

"Uh, well…" Roxas screwed up his face. "I asked Namine to the dance… and uh… I really wanted to… uh go… go with her!"

His mother chuckled before patting her son on the head. Roxas moved away, annoyed.

"That is so cute," she gushed.

Roxas turned bright red.

"Well, I have to go home and do homework." He turned to leave but before he left he turned to his mother who was working back on the arrangement. "Mom, whatever you do please don't bring a camera and start taking pictures."

Aerith laughed.

Across the town, Sora was standing outside the building where Cloud was working with Leon. He had called his father out, who luckily was able to get away for a few minutes. Cloud came out, slightly worried that something was wrong but when he saw Sora not in a panic state, he relaxed.

"What is it Sora?" Cloud asked. "You're not in trouble with school are you?"

"Eh not today," he replied with a grin. "But, it does have to do with school."

Cloud arched an eyebrow, "You're not failing are you?"

"Dad, can you for once not think I'm doing horrible in school or getting into trouble?"

Cloud crossed his arms eyeing his son. Sora rolled his eyes.

"Anyways," the brunette son said, "I was wondering if you would chaperone my school dance."

Cloud did a double take before eyeing him suspiciously. Sora thought quickly of a reason he would want his parent to come to a school dance.

"If you don't come Pence's mom will!" Sora frantically complained. "If she's there, she'll make us stand like ten feet away from the girls while dancing. We won't be able to touch them either and she'll probably throw out any girl who has a dress that isn't down to a girl's ankle. She'll make the entire night miserable. Please dad, you're…" he could not believe he was saying this to about his dad, "a cool dad."

Cloud smirked. Sora hoped that calling his dad "cool" would stroke his ego enough to get him to agree. After a moment, Cloud shrugged his shoulders.

"Alright, I'll do it."

Sora grinned wickedly as he turned around, thanking his father.

When the brunette returned home, he dropped his books on the floor of his bedroom before flopping down on the bed. He whipped out his cell phone from the pocket of his school blazer before flipping it open. He quickly sent his brother a text message confirming that their father would be at the dance. Shortly after, he received a reply. Sora checked it and it read:

Roxas: Mom will be there too.

Sora grinned and then shut his cell phone. He leaned back on his pillow. His grin never dies.

X, X, X,

The day of the dance arrives and both twins are periodically texting their friends. Namine is constantly texting Roxas, since after all she considers them boyfriend and girlfriend now. She tells him she cannot wait for him to see her in her dress and her hair done. Roxas could care less what she wore because she always looks beautiful. Sora is not as concerned with the dance as his brother. He is more interested to see what his parents will do when they see one another.

As Roxas is dressing for the dance, Aerith knocks on her son's door. When she enters, Roxas could see the long hours his mom put into making the flower arrangements for the dance. He feels bad for asking her to be a chaperone but she smiles anyway.

"Roxas," his mom said. "I'll be heading to the school now. Will you be alright?"

"Yeah, I'll be meeting up with Sora and the others later."

"Alright, remember to lock up and be careful. Oh and here is a little gift for you and Sora to give to your dates."

Aerith placed to small containers on Roxas's desk. They were clear and Roxas could see two small corsages inside. Both were roses but one pink and the other white. The twin smiled as his mother. She always did nice things. Aerith smiled at him before turning to leave. Roxas noted his mom dressed in her normal pink dress and brown boots. Her hair, as usual, tied in a braid with her pink ribbon.

"Hey mom," Roxas called as she turned to leave.

Aerith turned back, "Yes?"

"Mom, can you look less mom like?" he asked before he quickly added, "It's a dance you should look nice even if you are a parent."

Aerith looked down at herself, "I guess I should make myself look more presentable. I don't want to embarrass you."

Roxas blushed. As long as she did not talk about anything embarrassing, his mother could never embarrass him. He wanted his mother to be less mother like and more like a beautiful woman for the dance, for Cloud

Aerith did change before she left, however, Roxas did not see her. He finished dressing in his suit, complete with a white tie. He fixed his hair, making sure each spike was perfectly in place. Once he finished, he hurried over to his dad and brother's home. Cloud was not home when he arrived. Sora, who was already dressed up in his suit, said their father would meet them at the dance after he got off work.

"I think I should pick out a suit for dad to wear," Sora said. "Otherwise he might go dressed in his work clothes."

"Dad's never been one to dress up," his twin replied. "At most it is a tie and a nice shirt."

He had entered his father's room and was digging up some nice clothes for him to wear.

"Yeah but if mom is going to get back together I have to make sure dad looks good. If dad looks like, for the lack of a better word, hell then mom will never even consider it."

He held up a white dress shirt and brought it up to nose to make sure it was clean. He made a face and then threw it back in his dad's drawer before pulling out a navy blue one that is clean.

Roxas sighed, "You do know this is a fifty/fifty chance that mom might even consider it. What if she is happy not being with…"

Suddenly Sora began screaming incoherently with his hands clamped around his ears. He refused to listen to his brother's negativity. Roxas rolled his eyes as his brother continued shouting, "I can't hear you, I can't hear you, LA DE LA DE DA!"

Sora only stopped after Roxas pointed out that they needed to get to school soon. After picking out clothes, that he hoped his dad would wear Sora and his brother hurried out the door. Both had their corsages, as they hurried to school.

At the main entrance, all their friends were a waiting. All of them were dressed nicely but it was Kairi and Namine respectfully that made the twins mouths drop. Kairi was dressed pink dressed with a layer or rose color underneath. It was strapless and had tiny sequins on the bodice. Around her slender neck was a silver necklace and her hair was pulled back in a gentle twist, pinned with three silver pins. Namine's dress was white with a lavish beaded top and full skirt with ribbon detail on the hemline. Her hair was partially up, held up with a silver comb. The twin brothers were left speechless.

"Sora! Roxas!" Riku called, spotting them. The group looked at them as the twins approached, both suddenly nervous.

"What took you guys so long?" asked Axel, whose shirt was not tucked and wearing no tie. "We've been waiting."

"Sorry, Roxas took forever to get to my house." Sora accused, jokingly.

"That's because Sora would get lost without me," Roxas countered, causing Sora to glare.

"Well, let's get inside!" Ollette said happily, as she clung onto Hayner's arm. She dragged him inside, followed by the other, except for Kairi and Namine who hung back with their dates. Sora and Kairi walked ahead of the other couple, quietly talking.

Roxas blushed slightly averting his eyes from Namine. He never felt so nervous in his life but he kissed her so why did he feel nervous? He should feel fine.

"You look handsome," Namine said as she walked slowly with Roxas.

"Oh… uh… you too!" Roxas squeaked before mentally slapping himself, "I mean beautiful!"

Namine laughed softly, "Thank you."

Roxas then thrust the corsage toward her. "This is for you."

Namine smiled as she took the white rose from container and placed it on her wrist. Roxas had to admit, his mom was good at picking out flowers for people. The rose matched perfectly for his date's dress.

"Its beautiful, thank you," she politely said, admiring the rose.

The two entered the gym to find it decorated very nicely. Balloons were decorating the basketball hoops, along with streamers. There were flower arrangements on the refreshment tables and decorating a scene for where couples could take pictures. The lighting was low and the music playing was romantic, for now.

"Let's dance!" Namine said, after seeing Kairi and Sora already dancing.

She dragged her date to the floor, Roxas felt awkward since dancing was not one of his strongest points. He only hoped he did not step on Namine's toes. Oh how he prayed he would not ruin her dress either.

As he started to dance, he found it hard to dance. He looked over at Sora who seemed like a natural. How he wished he had his brother's feet instead of his two left ones. After a while, and after Namine telling him to relax, Roxas was able to enjoy dancing and the night began smoothly. After dancing a bit more, Namine wanted to sit for a little bit. Roxas offered to get some punch.

He arrived at the refreshments table, grabbed two clear cups, and stirred the liquid for a moment before pouring. As he poured, a shadow fell on the table. The twin looked up and nearly jumped back in shock.

"Mom," Roxas gasped.

"Why are you so surprise to see me?" she asked.

Roxas shook his head. He had completely forgotten his mom was here. Yet, he was shocked at how pretty she looked. She was wearing a pale pink dress with thin straps that came down to her ankles. Her hair was partially up with most of her thick brown curls lying against her back.

Roxas looked to his sides, as if expecting someone to be there. No one was there. Aerith looked at her son, slightly confused. Who could he be looking for?

"Is something wrong?" Aerith asked.

Roxas quickly shook his head, "No, just um getting some punch. BYE!"

Roxas hurried away, leaving his mom puzzled by his behavior. Roxas hurried across the dance floor, quickly giving Namine her drink before excusing himself to get his brother. Sora, at the moment, was holding Kairi in as they danced across the floor. However, as he was about to spin her around, Roxas yanked his brother by his jacket, dragging him backwards.

"What the heck," Sora said stumbling backwards.

"Sora, we forgot something," Roxas said.

"What, what did we forget?" asked the twin.

"Mom is here, remember?"

Sora winced. "Guess I sort of forgot, I mean Kairi looks… beautiful and it's obvious I like her and…"

"I get it, Sora, but the thing is dad isn't here."

Sora's mouth dropped. He let out a soft groan. Yes, he wanted to have fun at the dance with his friends but he also wanted to have his mom and dad rekindle their love.

"What if dad's not coming?" Roxas asked.

"He said he would," Sora stated firmly. "I know, I'll go call him and see if he's coming."

Sora excused himself to go outside. In the hallway outside the gym, Sora took out his cell phone. He flipped it open and dialed his dad's cell number. He placed the phone to his ear and listened to the ringing. The brunette hoped his father would pick up soon. After about four rings, they stopped.

"Hello?"

"Dad, where are you? You said you would be a chaperone at the dance. It's already started without you."

"I know, I'm sorry," Cloud responded. "Leon and I had a lot of work to do."

"I get it but you promised you would be here. So when will you be here?"

"Right now," a voice said from behind him.

Sora looked over his shoulder and nearly jumped at the sight of his father right behind him. Cloud closed his cell phone and placed it in his back pocket. Sora closed his as well.

"You did that on purpose," Sora said.

Cloud gave a small smile, "I would have been here sooner but Leon needed my help to finish the project. I'm here now so everything is fine."

Sora glanced at his dad. He was wearing the navy shirt and dark slacks he had picked out and laid on his bed. However, he did not wear a tie. Sora wished he wore the tie.

"Isn't your girlfriend waiting for you?" Cloud asked, making his son go bright red.

With that, his son scurried back into the gym. Cloud let out a soft laugh before he too entered the gym. The students were dancing to a fast song now, having fun and enjoying the night. Cloud still had no idea how his son talked him into being a chaperone. All he would end up doing is leaning against the wall, making sure no one would spike the punch.

He moved across the gym, making sure to avoid bumping into any students. He could see his sons with their friends and dates. Overall, they were having a good time. Cloud moved around the refreshment table and leaned against the gym wall as he watched the students. This felt like it was going to be a long night. He sighed.

"Cloud?" A voice questioned. Cloud looked up.

"What are you doing here?"

Cloud eyes widened slightly when he realized who was before him.

"Aerith…."

His ex-wife looked slightly puzzled to why her ex-husband was here.

"I'm chaperoning," Cloud responded.

"Same, Roxas asked me to."

"Funny," Cloud said dryly, "Sora asked me to chaperone."

Cloud felt awkward. He looked at the ground staring at his shoes.

"You know, Sora and Roxas are having a good time." Aerith said. "Kairi and Namine are really good for them."

Cloud looked up at his sons and then nodded.

"It reminds me of our Spring Fling Dance," Aerith smiled. "Well, after I confessed how much I wanted to go to the dance with you. We had a lot of fun after that."

Cloud nodded again. "We did have fun…" After I made sure no other guy could be with you, he silently added.

Aerith sighed, "Young love."

Aerith watched the dance and commenting to Cloud about the couples or the decorations or how adorable their sons looked when they danced. She hoped her sons would get pictures of the dance that she could frame or put in an album. Cloud on the other hand simply replied to whatever she was talking about. They were short and simple replies. He still felt awkward.

Aerith noticed this feeling easy. Cloud never could hide his feelings for her. Despite have an emotionless face ninety-nine percent of the time; Aerith was able to pick up from the small gestures he made. Whether it be averting his eyes or shifting back forth on his feet.

"Cloud," the ex-wife said, "what is bothering you?"

"Nothing," he lied.

Aerith arched an eyebrow, "Cloud Strife don't try and hide things from me. Sora and Roxas cannot get away with it and neither can you. If it's my being here that is bothering you than tell me and I shall stand on the other side of the gym."

Cloud exhaled heavily while shaking his head.

"What is it?"

Cloud found himself nervous now. The same way he felt years ago at this place when he thought Aerith was not in love with him but someone else. There was no one else in his way this time. He loves her, loves her so much that it hurts. He never wanted her to leave the night after they returned home, after Sephiroth's final attack. He wanted her to stay. He wanted to protect her.

If only she would drop all her defenses and let him in.

"Aerith… I…"

"Oh!" Aerith gasped suddenly. "I forgot something. I have to make a phone call be right back!"

Aerith scurried away. Cloud watched her go before letting out a dejected sigh. He leaned back against the wall, head lowered. He scolded himself. Why did he think he could confess his feelings to someone who had none for him? If only he never let her get away years ago. If only he had been strong enough to make things work.

If only.

Across the dance floor, Sora and Roxas who were sitting had watched the entire scene. Both twins looked at each other, wondering what was going on. Without even saying a word, the twins split. Sora went to their father and Roxas went to find their mother.

Roxas walked out into the hallway to find his mother leaning up against a wall with one hand while her other one held her head. She looked distressed, her shoulder shaking.

"Mom," her son called out.

Aerith turned around.

"Oh Roxas," she said quickly gathering herself. "What is it?"

"Are you all right?"

She smiled a sweet sugary smile. One she used to plastered on her face when he was little and things were grim. This was to make him not worry. Yet, nowadays her fake smile did not give any comfort. It made him more concerned.

"I'm fine," she whispered.

"Mom," Roxas said sharply. "Don't lie to me. I'm old enough to know when you're lying to me too."

His mom laughed lamely before ruffling his hair. Roxas did not move as his mom patted him affectionately out of habit.

"I guess I can't," she admitted.

Roxas stared at her. Aerith's smile faded.

In a completely serious tone, Roxas asked, "Do you still love dad?"

"Your father is a nice person and we are tolerable toward one another. We can act civil toward each other…"

Roxas shook his head. "That is not what I asked. I asked if you still love dad."

Aerith turned away laughing pathetically.

"That's ridiculous," she said. "We are divorced."

"Mom, answer the question, yes or no. "

Aerith looked down for a moment. She then looked at her son, her eyes brimming with tears. It did not take long for her son to realize the answer. She did not have to say it. He could read it in her eyes.

"Then go tell him!" Roxas ordered. "Tell dad you still love him."

"I can't!"

"Why not?"

"Because it is my entire fault we divorced. I hurt Cloud so much during our divorce. I hurt you and Sora. I did nothing but cause all three of you pain. What if what I am feeling inside right now isn't love but halfhearted affection. He was there for me after Sephiroth hurt us. If he wasn't their I would have fallen apart. I can't hurt him again. Not after…"

She trailed off thinking back to the time when she kissed him at her flower shop. Kissed him and then claim it was nothing more than a pity kiss. Aerith fought hard to stop herself from crying and from her heart to rip into pieces.

"Mom, you told me "if you keep worrying about things that could happen you will only prevent your own happiness" right?"

Aerith thought back. Indeed, she did say that to him.

"Then stop worrying and tell dad how you feel."

Aerith stared at her son surprised that he would use her own words against her. She thought for a moment, contemplating everything. After fighting with herself, Aerith found herself nodding. Roxas smiled up at her.

"I can't hide it can I?"

Roxas shook his head. Aerith laughed and threw her arms around her son hugging him. Before he could even hug her back, she let go.

"Your right," she whispered. "You are absolutely right."

Aerith moved to the door, ready to walk back into that gym and tell her ex-husband how she felt. She reached for the handle of the door, when the door opened, nearly hitting her. Aerith stumbled backwards in surprise. Yet, she was even more surprised to see Cloud in front of her.

Cloud looked equally surprised to see her. He looked away, feeling awkward again. Yet, before either could say something, Sora shoved his dad out of the gym. He closed the door behind. Within a few seconds, the door opened and Sora walked out. He came out, grabbed his twin by the arm, and dragged him back into the gym. Then he closed the door again.

Aerith gathered up her courage and opened her mouth to speak but Cloud spoke first.

"Aerith, don't run away from me. I'm not going to let you get away again."

"Cloud, I…"

"No, let me finish." He said. "I've realized that if I would have tried harder if I had gone after you when you first left I would never have lost you. I should have been there for you."

"Cloud," Aerith said.

"I'm not done. I won't let go this time. I messed up but losing you is the biggest mistake I have ever made. Aerith, I want to be with you. When I found out you were attacked I was angry with myself. I should have been there. I wanted to protect you. I want to be with you. Aerith… I…"

"Cloud, I love you."

"Aerith you… wait… what…?"

Aerith smiled, looking up at him. "I love you."

Cloud was taken aback. Aerith moved up to him, placed her hand on his shoulders and stood on her tiptoes. She then tilted her head and pressed her lips to his.

The flaxen-haired man was stunned. Aerith broke away, frowning.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Cloud blinked and shook his head. Grabbing her by the waist, he pulled her to him. He held her against him and leaned forward.

"No," he whispered before kissing her.

When they broke apart Aerith wrapped her arms around Cloud's next and kissed him again, blushing. Cloud was equally red but he did not care. He kissed her again and again, enjoying each one as if it would be their last.

"Aerith," Cloud said between kisses.

"Mmm," Aerith mumbled against his lips.

"I never stopped loving you."

From behind the gym door, Sora and Roxas were cheering. The hugged one another and jumped up and down like little kids.

Sora patted his own shoulder proudly before stating, "See told you my plan would work."

Roxas rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes I know but what did you say to dad to get him to go after mom?"

"I told him if he didn't tell mom how he felt that this guy who helped mom carry the arrangements inside was going to ask her out on a date. I told him he and mom knew each other and were EXTREMELY friendly."

"Really, who was this guy?"

"He was the guy in mom's garden club back when she was still in school."

Roxas nodded and then after a second realization hit him.

"Hey wait a minute, you didn't see mom with anyone. We got here after she finished."

Sora grinned, "I know, but dad didn't. I thought he could use a push."

"Well you pushed him out there." Roxas commented.

"Good thing I did. Otherwise we would have had to go along with Plan B."

"You had a Plan B?" the light haired twin asked to which Sora nodded. Roxas sighed, "I'm almost afraid to ask. What was Plan B?"

Sora pulled out a set of keys from his pocket. Roxas looked confused.

"I had Axel swipe these from the janitor."

"You were going to lock mom and dad in the gym?"

"NO!" Sora yelled firmly before he adding, "I was going to lock them in the janitor's closet."

Roxas sighed.

X, X, X,

"Wow mom you look beautiful," Sora complimented.

Aerith looked nervously at her son. He was dressed in a tuxedo with a red boutonnière pinned to coat. Clad in a beautiful wedding dress made of satin, with strapless bodice with gorgeous hand-beaded embroidery that echoed on the skirt hem. The dress has a soft drop waist silhouette with a draped pick-up skirt.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"Why are you so nervous mom?" Sora asked as he watched her fiddle with her veil. "You already got married before."

"Well, yes, but its still nerve wracking." She explained. "I just wonder if this is too extravagant for a wedding. My last wedding was very… poor."

Sora shook his head. "Dad wants to give you the perfect wedding. Everything you wanted that you couldn't have in the last one."

Aerith smiled. "But I have everything I want. I have you, Roxas, and your father. I'm happy and content with that. Now…" she said changing the subject, "I guess I should make sure I have everything."

"You mean something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?" Sora asked.

Aerith nodded. "My dress is new, the ribbon in my hair is old," she said pointing to the pink ribbon that held up most of her hair. "Something blue is my engagement ring."

When Cloud presented her with the new engagement ring months ago, she thought it was perfect. A blue heart shaped sapphire set in a white gold band. Cloud wanted to give her a good ring this time, one that was not made of flowers or bought at a discount. This time around Cloud wanted to give everything to Aerith despite the fact she protested highly against it.

"Now all I need is something borrowed."

Sora felt his pockets and then found something. He pulled out a keychain in the shape of a lion. A small smirk appeared on his face.

"Here take this," Sora said handing it to his mom. "It's good luck. It'll keep other girls away from dad"

Aerith arched an eyebrow. Sora simply grinned, remembering when Larxene sat on it. Aerith let it go and took the keychain. She hung it from her bouquet of white lilies.

"There, perfect!"

Sora grinned. "Well, the wedding is about to start, I'll see you out there."

Sora moved from the room and hurried down the hall the chapel. Cloud was already waiting. He stood nervously while dressed in a black suit with a navy cummerbund and vest. He also had a white boutonnière pinned to his jacket. Next to him, Roxas was standing, looking like a younger version of his father. Sora walked down the aisle and took his position next to his brother grinning.

"Is mom doing alright?" Roxas asked.

"She's nervous too."

"Probably not as much as dad is," Roxas whispered. "Leon had to drag him out of the room because he was so scared."

"You would think they wouldn't be so nervous since they already did this." Sora complained.

"Wait until it's your wedding day," Cloud interrupted, straightening himself. "You'll be nothing more than a nervous wreck."

Sora rolled his eyes when his eyes fell on Kairi who was sitting next to Namine. She smiled at him and Sora felt himself turn to mush on the spot. Cloud simply smiled at his son. However, his attention averted when the music changed to the bridal march. Everyone in the church stood up to look at the bride coming down the aisle.

Cloud swallowed hard. Aerith looked like a goddess walking toward him. She looked it even more so when the light from the church skylight hit her, giving her an angelic glow. His smile grew when Aerith stood in front of him, giving him her beautiful smile.

The ceremony began smoothly. The only snag came when Cloud asked for the rings. The twins each held one but it was Sora who seemed to have forgotten where he placed it. He found it in his breast pocket of his tuxedo coat. He handed it to his father and him and Aerith made their vows.

"I promise this time," Cloud whispered so only Aerith could here. "I'll never let you go again."

Aerith blushed as he slid the ring on her finger.

The priest happily announced that Cloud could kiss his bride, which he was more than happy to do. He kissed her and the chapel exploded with cheer. Leon, who was normally quiet, cheered while Yuffie whistled as she and Tifa threw flower petals. The two walked down the aisle surrounded by flower petals and down the chapel steps.

Waiting at the end was Cloud's motorcycle, decorated courtesy of his sons with streamers, flowers, and a "Just married… again" sign on the back. Cloud helped his bride onto the bike before getting on himself. The two drove away but not before Aerith threw her bouquet (after removing the keychain) to the crowd of screaming girls. Yuffie dived for it only to have it end up in Leon's hands.

Yuffie cried, "Why can't I ever catch the bouquet?"

The crowd laughed at her misfortune before waving off to the happy couple. At the top of the chapel steps, the twins watched as their mother and father rode off.

"I have to admit Sora," Roxas said. "Your plan worked."

Sora grinned and after Roxas added, "Sort of."

"What," Sora exasperated, "what do you mean sort of? My plan worked perfectly!"

Roxas smirked before walking down the steps, "You keep telling yourself bro."

"If it wasn't for me they would never have gotten together. You were so pessimistic about it."

Roxas joined Namine ignoring his bother's continuous rant. Namine snuggled against him as they watched they bride and groom disappear in the distance. Sora joined him as well with Kairi at his side.

"Do you think we'll ever be that happy?" Roxas asked.

Sora looked down at the two girls. "I think so," he said wrapping an arm around Kairi's waist. "Because I'd be completely stupid to let someone special get away."

Holding Namine close, Roxas grinned, "Me too."

The End

Author Note- I hope everyone enjoyed this story as much as I did writing it. Thank you for reading and thank you for reviewing. Your comments and critiques are always welcomed and loved. Thank you and until next time…

Princess~