Let it Snow 4

Snow was gently falling outside as Cloud woke up to the feeling of cool air that fell upon his exposed arm. He shifted slightly, trying to get warm under the single blanket he and Tifa shared on the rather small couch. Her naked form pressed against his helped somewhat against the cold but not enough to keep him from shivering, and so he had no choice but to move. Reluctantly, Cloud removed the blanket and carefully stirred, trying his hardest not to move too much as to not wake the still sleeping Tifa by his side. He admired her beauty as he stood over her, brushing a few loose strands of hair from her face before going to the fireplace. Cloud relit the embers; causing a rush of heat to hit his fully exposed body and making goose bumps forming along his body at the sudden warmth. After moving about a bit, Cloud felt nice and warm and finally went back into the comfort of his spot amidst the blanket with Tifa.

She stirred as he climbed over her restless form and slid back into place behind, pulling her onto most of his chest in the process. She melted into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and snuggling deeper inside his embrace. Cloud just held her close, looking at her peaceful expression as she opened her eyes and smiled back up at him.

"Good morning." He greeted her, eyes shining brightly at his wonderful woman.

"That it is…when waking up with you." Tifa said fondly as she absently kissed his chest. He sighed at the brush of her tongue against his skin, and combed his fingers through her long hair unconsciously. He smiled as he asked, "Did you sleep well?"

"Impressively so," she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively as she gave a yawn, pleasantly refreshed after the activities of the night before. A few moments passed before Cloud broke the silence.

"I think it's time for a bigger couch."

She looked at him questioningly. "And why is that?"

He gestured to her body practically sprawled across his at the lack of space when he answered, "Well, you're practically on top of me."

"Is that a problem?" she asked, eyebrows raised at this odd comment.

"On second thought, never mind. This is perfect just the way it is."

" I thought so."

They lay in a few moments of companionable silence, Tifa listening to Cloud's heartbeat wildly under her ear, the rise and fall of his chest beneath her as calming as the sound of the sea. She felt his hands in her hair, slowly massaging her scalp and threatening to put her back to sleep until they moved down to the small of her back, tracing slow circles along the sensitive skin. He moved until she was leaning more against him on one side instead of on top of him and she accommodated the switch, just wanting to be near him.

Cloud toyed with the blankets around the edge of Tifa's waist, brushing the fabric tantalizingly against the bare skin and enjoying her shudder reverberating through her body and into his. He reached for the box at the windowsill, and slowly trailed his fingers along her arm, sending thrills along the space as well as his fingers. He went on till he reached her hands, caressing the tops and sliding between the fingers playfully. Cloud slid something cool onto her finger, twirling it there until Tifa opened her eyes and looked at it. On her left ring finger was a ring with a stone so blue it swirled like water in her vision. She looked up at Cloud, feeling the familiar pull of his own mako blue eyes on her soul. Her eyes widened as she looked back down at the ring, then once again at Cloud's face, a shocked smile pulling at her lips.

A smile graced his own face as he looked down lovingly at Tifa, observing the wave of emotions she expressed at this new development. Her hazel eyes shone brightly with compassion, warmth, joy, and most of all, love; the love she had for him was ever present. His grin grew wider if possible as she fingered the ring, caressing the blue stone and silver band lovingly. Tifa looked up at his face yet again, a question in her eyes as to what this could mean.

"I love you, Tifa Lockheart; I always have and always will."

He couldn't express his feelings any clearer than that and he didn't have to as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply, pouring all of her joy and love into the movement of her lips against his. They pulled apart breathlessly and she buried her face in his neck, kissing the space between his neck and shoulders. He held her as she finally settled down, looking up at him from her place at his side.

"So I take it that is a yes?" His joy was brilliant to her eyes.

"Always and forever, Cloud."

The snow fell out of the sky as if it knew it was required for the day. Many people were gathering atop the small hill, bundled against the chill so as not to miss the joyous occasion taking place in a few moments. Barett was trying to keep an eye on Marlene and Denzel to see that they stayed out of troubles while Cid was having another drink at the bar, "to calm his nerves" for his part in the event. Yuffie was trying her best to fulfill her maid of honor duties while Vincent was doing the same for Cloud as best man. Calming the wedding party was their main task and so they did this by keeping everyone away as the two got ready separately for their big day.

Tifa was a bundle of nerves, pacing her small room as the crowd gahtered outside in the field behind Seventh Heaven. They were a distance away on the hill but still the mass was visible from her bedroom window. Her smile was permanently fixed to her face, her cheeks growing weary with the action but she couldn't help it, she was so happy she could burst. Finally, Yuffie entered the room, beaming at her friend and announcing, "It's time!" Tifa took a deep breath, calming herself so as to move gracefully towards her destiny. "It's finally time."

Cloud was jittery, startled by the slightest noise which right now happened to be his own heart pounding fiercely, threatening to break out of his chest. He jumped at the knock on the door and didn't bother answering it as Vincent came in without invitation naturally.

"Cloud, they are waiting for you." He announced, smiling proudly at his friend.

Cloud had a slightly dazed look about him, as if he couldn't believe what was happening. He was going to marry Tifa Lockheart. He, a man who had left her alone for so long and yet had been graced with her love and now would be with him forever in holy matrimony. It was almost too much to handle and Vincent helped get him moving by giving him a shove towards the door, effectively breaking his daze and moving on to his bright future.

The service was beautiful; the snow falling dusted the guests but they didn't seem to care as they watched Tifa Lockheart and Cloud Strife finally tie the knot. The couple was glowing as if from inside, the light flakes powdering their forms enhancing their already radiant presence. These two souls were perfect for each other, and deserved the bliss of belonging together forever. Cid walked Tifa down the aisle, the closest thing she had to a father as she followed Vincent and Yuffie. The young ninja held onto the vampire's arm until the last possible moment, enjoying his touch before both taking their appropriate places alongside the bride and groom. The service was lovely and Cloud kissed his new wife deeply to many shouts of encouragement from the crowd.

It was the place to be as the reception went under way. Food and drink were abundant as the couple's many friends filled the place; people of all ages, shapes and sizes celebrating the joyous occasion. Tifa could only get Cloud onto the dance floor a number of times, and they shared the last dance together, sweetly swaying to the music outside in the twirling snow. Neither minded the cold as they thought of the events that had led to today's occurrence fondly. Tifa closed her eyes and rested her head against her new husband's shoulder, lost in the ecstasy of the moment. Cloud breathed in her fresh scent of vanilla mixed with the falling snow and sighed happily, letting it all sink in. They were married, finally together after all of these years of wanting and waiting. Cloud couldn't wrap his mind around it as Tifa moved her head out from under his chin to gaze at his face lovingly.

"What's on your mind, Cloud?"

"You, as always," he answered his wife. It was the truth; she occupied his thoughts at all times.

She smiled sweetly before brushing her lips softly against his, teasing him slightly with her breath tickling his ear as she whispered, "I love you, Cloud Strife."

She placed her head once again on his chest, swaying to the music coming from inside the building as Cloud whispered, "I love you more, Tifa Strife."

Instead of arguing that she loved him more than him like she usually would, Tifa just let it slide, enjoying the beat of his heart against her ear and the feel of his hands on her waist. They stayed there for a long time, just swaying to the music, memorizing the happiest moment of their lives thus far.