A/N: I figured I would finally mark this fan fiction as complete - I had abandoned my passion for writing and never got around to uploading this. I began this fan fiction in 2006 so the content and wording is somewhat embarrassing however it is finally complete after almost 8 years!

Aeri

It all had to be set in motion today. They couldn't postpone it any longer without risking complications. He could feel all eyes on him, waiting for him to gather his thoughts and get it over with. His heart was racing, but as nervous as Cloud was, he also couldn't help feeling excited.

They had planned this day months ago and it was finally here - one week before he would reach full term. He was relieved he was able to make it this far without going into premature labor. He did not have the proper body parts to perform a normal delivery and he didn't intend to try.

Today was the day. After the months of planning, they were going to perform a c-section to remove the baby from his womb. He may not have been so nervous had Aerith still been around. Without her experience and talents in healing they didn't know what to expect or what to do if something unfortunate occurred.

"Are you okay?" Leon looked pale and possibly more nervous than he was. For someone who was usually so strong and level-headed it seemed his unborn child was his weakness.

Cloud nodded quickly in response and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Is everyone ready?" he asked, trying to steady his voice. He was responded with much more enthusiasm than he had expected. After everything they had all been through - the pain, the loss, the grieving - they were still all there for him.

"We're all excited to meet that child! Good luck, the both of you." Yuffie grinned at Cloud, then at Leon, "I hope I can do my best with what little Aerith has taught me."

Cloud's gaze fell to the floor at the sound of her name. He could see Sora's hands ball into fists to his right. Sora still blamed himself. The brunette quickly shook his head and unclenched his hands.

"Riku and I are on baby duty, so good luck with the messy part." Sora winked at Yuffie. Leon grabbed onto the couch for balance, he wasn't looking too well.

Cloud pushed himself up to the end of the couch and was helped to his feet by Cid and Riku. His swollen stomach weighed him down in the front and his back started ache. He nodded at the two men helping him stand and they guided him to the bedroom they had prepared for the occasion. They helped him into a robe and left the room once he was laid down on the bed.

Leon crept in and sat at the end of the bed, Cloud could tell something was bothering him other than the upcoming events.

"There won't be anything wrong with it, Aerith assured us." Cloud told him in a soft assuring voice.

"This isn't natural.. just like Riku and Sora's child, it might not be meant to be. I just don't want you to be hurt if something goes wrong." Leon mumbled.

"This was meant to be. And you're going to be an amazing Father." Cloud smiled however it faded quickly and his eyes widened. He winced and put a hand on his stomach. The sudden pain that washed over him nearly caused him to black out but he took a few breaths in order to stay awake. Leon was already up and calling Yuffie into the room to perform the surgery. He rushed back to Cloud's side and took his hand.

"It's going to be alright." Cloud said through gasps and forced a smile, sweat dotting his forehead and matting his spiky blond hair.

Sora had this feeling before. He remembered the fear, the sudden panic, and then the waiting. This time it wasn't his beloved Riku but the pain would feel the same if the situation turned for the worst. They had all grown much closer after recent events and they shared their suffering.

Sora ran his hands through his hair and sat down, letting out a nervous sigh. He looked up and could see the looks of anxiety on the other two. Cid was pacing by the front door before giving in and going outside for a cigarette to calm his nerves. Riku was leaning against the doorframe that lead to the kitchen, his head down and eyes closed.

A faint green glow illuminated the crack underneath the door before fading again.

Curaga. They must have started.

He remembered Yuffie's plan to cast curaga when possible in order to limit pain for Cloud during the incisions. Cid came back in and continued to pace. Several long minutes stretched by accompanied by a few more flashes of green beneath the door.

"Should it be taking this long? I hope ev.." Sora 's voiced drifted off as the doorknob turned and the door slowly opened. The sound of a baby's cry wafted out of the room and Sora immediately stood and his heart started racing. Leon was holding a small wailing bundle in his arms, swaddled in a white blanket. His face had regained a little color and he was gazing into the face of his child. Sora's words were caught in his throat; he was so relieved to see a normal, breathing, crying baby.

"Cloud still needs me." Leon said, his voice calm and almost soothing, "Take care of her."

Her.

At the sound of Leon's voice her cries ceased and her eyes slowly cracked open to gaze up at him. Sora carefully took the baby from him and Leon returned to Cloud and Yuffie. The baby's eyes had shifted from Leon to Sora, showing off her beautiful azure eyes. She gurgled and discovered her fingers, promptly putting two fingers in her mouth. He could feel Riku over his shoulder, staring intently at the little girl cooing in his arms.

"I'm sorry I couldn't give you this, Sora." He mumbled. Sora slowly shook his head.

"Never blame yourself. You've been through enough." Sora whispered, "We'll be here for this child, that's what matters right now."

"Her name is Aeri." Cloud said proudly, propped up in his bed by several pillows. They had named her after Aerith as many of them would not be there if it weren't for her healing arts. Cloud's stitches were healing at an incredible rate and he and Aeri were healthy.

Aeri was raised into a beautiful little girl with long brown hair that flared out in spikes, her round azure eyes getting her whatever she pleaded for. She showed great interest and talent in healing, making both her fathers proud. They erected a shrine in memory of Aerith and Kairi, a place to remember their sacrifices. It was before that shrine that Riku and Sora took their vows, promising to one another a life of love and happiness.