Author's Note: This is the last chapter. Geezit seems like only yesterday I startedanyway, I'll write a longer A/N at the endso in the mean time, here's the story!

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"Okay, open your eyes," Cloud whispered softly into Aeris's ear. Aeris's blue eyes opened slowly, her small hand still gripping Cloud's strong one. She gave a quick gasp as she took in the whole scene. The stars twinkled behind the lovely gondola. Aeris looked up at Cloud and smiled, eyes sparkling like diamonds.

"Oh, Cloudour first dateit seems so long ago!" she cried. Cloud smiled contentedly.

"I thought you'd like it. Well, let's get going before someone else gets it," he said, and the two lover's walked up to the gondola.

It had been nearly six months since the encounter with Kalla and Sephiroth. Cloud was now fully recovered thanks to Aeris, and the two had spent nearly every waking hour together. It was a miracle the two could even be together, and they cherished every minute of it.

As the two boarded the gondola and sat down across from each other, Aeris began to wonder about Cloud. As he sat there, a faint sweat was visible across his brow, and he was ringing his hands nervously. That wasn't like Cloudnot at all! Maybe he was sick? Noif he was sick, he definitely would have told her. But if it wasn't thatwhat could it be? There was a sudden bump, and the gondola began to lift into the air.

"Cloud, what's wrong?" Aeris asked. Cloud looked back at her, a big, ridiculous grin on his face.

"WWrong? Nothing! Nothing at all! Why do you ask?" he asked. Aeris sighed and looked down at the ground. She knew SOMETHING was going onbut it was impossible to tell what. Maybe he was angry with herbut that didn't seem like Cloud either. Aeris shook her head.

"You just looked nervous, that's all," she answered, and then proceeded to look out the window.

The stars twinkled around a full moon and it reminded the young Cetra of the first time they had been here. Aeris sighed. Things had been so innocent back then...so carefree. Where had those times gone?

"Um" Aeris turned her blue eyes to see Cloud, looking back at her with an extremely worried look on his face. Aeris crossed her arms.

"I'm tired of this game, Cloud! Just tell me what's wrong!" she said firmly. She didn't like being harsh with him, but sometimes it was inevitable. Cloud nodded sullenly.

"I willit's justI'm worried you'lloh, damn it! I'll just get this over with, " Cloud, hands shaking, slowly reached in the pocket of his pants and pulled out a small black box. Aeris's eyes widened. Was it possible? Could it really be true? And yet as Cloud slowly kneeled down in front of her and opened the small box, she gasped. Inside, resting on a white cushion, was a beautiful diamond ring. Cloud smiled meekly, his azure eyes sparkling as brilliantly as the magnificent stone he held. And then, staring up into Aeris's tearful blue eyes, he spoke.

"Aeris Gainsborough, it would make me the happiest man alive if you would be my wife."

Aeris stared down at Cloud, a tear of joy running down her cheek. Could this really be happening? It all seemed like a wonderful dreamand yet the stunning diamond and the wimesome look in Cloud's eyes were all so blissfully real. Aeris smiled.

"I will, Cloud. I would be honored to be Aeris Strife," she cooed. Cloud's smile increased at least an inch, and he let out a huge sigh.

"WowI can' believe it! I never thought I'd get marriedand yet here I am, engaged to an angel," he murmured. Aeris grinned.

"Oh, Cloudyou're making me blush!" she giggled. Cloud sighed.

"It only makes you look even more radiant, if that's possible at all. Here, let me put this ring on you," he said softly. Aeris held out her dainty hand, and Cloud gently took it in his own. Ever so carefully, Cloud slid the shimmering diamond onto Aeris's slender finger. Aeris held out her hand and looked at the beautiful ring.

"Cloudit's perfect!" she cried. The two lover's eyes met, and they stared at each other, soaking in the blissful reality. All at once, Aeris leaned forward, and Cloud caught her gently in his arms. He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek as she buried her head into his strong chest. Aeris sighed.

"I've never been so happy," she murmured. Cloud smiled and stroked her soft brown hair.

"Me neither. I guess our phoenix hearts were destined to be together," he answered. Aeris raised her head to look at him, a smile on her face.

"Phoenix hearts? Where did you come up with that?" she asked. Cloud shrugged.

"It seemed fitting, since the phoenix is immortal and we've been through so much together," he explained. Aeris sighed and nestled against him.

"Phoenix heartsI like that." And with that Aeris lifted her lovely head to meet his. For only a moment did they look at each other, and then their lips met. Fireworks could be heard off in the distance and the big yellow moon smiled as the two lovers kissed beneath the stars.