Disclaimer: I don't own anything; FFVII belongs to SquareEnix :)

Chapter 17: Cloud Smiles

I rarely smile.

Not even when I was a kid. Heck, those kids are fools for snorting and giggling at the most trivial things. Laughing is bad. It makes milk come out of your nose. Why would anyone want milk shoot out of his nose if there are more important things to do?

Like helping with laundry. Like changing the light bulbs. Like fixing the wooden fence. Like sneaking a peek at the next door neighbor...

She smiles. A lot. Her smile is different from the other kids though. Her smile is real, genuine, sweet like honey and chocolate. Her laughter is melodious like the songs from her piano. I like her smiles as much as I like soda. Even more.

I tried to smile at her once. Just once. Or maybe twice. It was weird. My jaw felt stiff like plastic.

But she smiled back at me.

I like her smiles.

My smiles are reserved for her. Just her.

And maybe mom.

...

That smile. I know that smile. I remember that smile. Hidden so deeply in my mind with my past, with myself.

That smile woke me from the deep slumber of pretense, of darkness, of evil.

That smile saved me.

...

She was falling.

I jumped and caught her in my arms as rocks crumbled beneath my feet.

Safe.

With my arm tight around her waist, she glanced up at me, a peculiar expression on her face.

"What?"

"Cloud, you're smiling."

Yes. Because Sephiroth is done. Shinra is destroyed. And you...are in my arms.

...

Water. Church. Children. Zack. Aerith.

Where's...

There.

For two years, I could not bring myself to smile. But now, eyes finally wide open to truly see her angelic face, my lips curl. All guilt, all pain, all blackness melt away like rain.

I smile because of you.

Time was slipping. Half an hour. Fifteen minutes. Ten minutes. Five minutes...

Cloud strolled back and forth, back and forth, from one wooden wall to the other, wild mind spinning. Droplets of sweat trickled down his forehead; hastily, he wiped them away with the back of his hand. Wearing a perfectly bespoken black suit and an aquamarine tie that matched his blue eyes, the groom was in the small side room of the church, waiting as patiently as he possibly could. The others were out looking for her.

"Tifa, Tifa, Tifa...I really wish you'd come..." he murmured, squeezing his eyes. "Where are you...?"

"Hey, chocobo-head!"

The deep blue eyes snapped opened at the sound of the ninja's voice. "Did you find Tifa?!"

"You need to get out there!" Yuffie, in a white strapless gown, pointed to the side door.

"Hang on." Cloud glanced at the clock overhead. "Let's just wait a-a bit more -"

"Come on! It's time!" the young woman exclaimed, pushing him toward the door.

"B-but, Tifa - Tifa's not here yet!" the blond called over his shoulders.

"Just go! And don't forget the rose-!"

SLAM.

The man stumbled out the door, grasping a single red rose in his left hand. Clumsily, he stuffed the flower in his breast pocket. Looking up, rows and rows of familiar faces smiled and waved at him. Cid donned a brown suit looking uncomfortable, Shera held her protruding tummy in a yellow dress, and Nanaki wagged his fire-flaming tail at the front bench...Faces of the Turks. Reno whistled, flapping his hand frantically over Rude's shiny head. Elena sneered at the redhead irritatingly as she sat next to a crossed-arm Tseng. Their boss, Rufus, gave a slight nod, ice-blue eyes gleaming in the sunlight...There was Old Leon sans his old pipe, dressed smartly in a black tailored jacket...Near the middle was Elmyra, a bouquet of rainbow flowers in her hands, a comforting smile adorned her face...Priscilla with her brown locks down her shoulders, batting long eyelashes at...Cloud stared around wildly, bewildered. How am I going to explain to them that the bride's not here...?!

"Psst!"

Cloud turned to his left toward the altar and saw Vincent, his best man, looking exceptionally handsome wearing a black tuxedo with the same red rose tucked in his breast pocket. He had ditched his signature red band, letting his hair flow gently framing his well-structured face. The maroon eyes narrowed and motioned for the blond. Sighing deeply, Cloud stepped over to the altar, which was heavily decorated with white and yellow flowers. Reeve stood behind the table, winking down at him.

"What took you so long?" Vincent whispered, his lips barely moving.

"Tifa's not here yet," the groom hissed back.

His Mako-blue eyes scanned the church again, heart hammering in his chest. He could make out some neighbors and bar patrons here and there...Suddenly, music started playing. Eyes widening, Cloud nudged Vincent nervously.

"What am I supposed to do now? Tifa's not even here -"

"Look." The raven-haired man nodded toward the great entrance.

At the turn of Cloud's head, the grand door of the church opened. Bright sunlight emitted into the aisle, illuminating the route toward the altar. Two small figures stepped through the doors - Marlene in an adorable white floaty dress, showering the aisle with pink petals, and Denzel in a smart black suit, carrying a laced ring pillow. A large silhouette appeared behind them, blocking the light. Slowly, the three figures stepped into the church, moving toward the altar.

"Barret? But who is he -" Cloud stopped.

Squinting his eyes, he could make out another figure stepping forward beside the huge man, a much smaller figure, with shoulder-length black hair and big round eyes...His jaws dropped, awestricken. He turned to Vincent, hands grabbing his collar roughly, hissing, "Yuffie?! I'm not going to marry Yuffie!"

"Of course you're not!" the other man snapped. "I am!"

All Cloud could do was stare. And gape.

Vincent smirked, as he adjusted his crimson bow tie. "Well, look who else is here..."

Not ready for another shock, Cloud unwillingly turned toward the four figures - no, five. Five? Who...

Long brown hair pinned up revealing milky collar bones; wavy locks framed the porcelain face; sparkling ruby eyes with thickly curled eyelashes; creamy pearls adorned delicate ears; cherry red lips curled up ever-so-slightly at the corners...

"Tifa..." Cloud breathed. His heart skipped a beat - no, several beats. He turned to face his best man, who was grinning mischievously at him.

"She's beautiful," he winked.

"Of course..." the blond croaked, heart in his throat.

"I meant Yuffie."

Cloud gave the man a murderous glare.

"I am marrying Yuffie today, you know," Vincent sneered.

The blond softened and returned a smirk. "All right, Yuffie's beautiful too."

The five figures took their time down the aisle, waving and smiling at the guests. But up front, Cloud was trembling with anxiety and impatience, legs wobbling like jelly. A 10-second walk never felt so incredibly long in his entire life. It was as if they were walking a mile.

A stinging chill licked his spine. He gazed at his bride, dressed elegantly in a white wedding gown, glowing like an angel. The satin dress accentuated her curves in all the right places. Delicate laces embroidered the sweetheart neckline. Beads sparkled like diamonds as she moved slowly toward him, ruby eyes gleaming with serenity. Red and blue locked. Something unspoken radiated from their gaze...something fluttery, something warm, something familiar. Cloud beamed so wide his jaws hurt. He had never seen anyone - anything - as beautiful as her. He swallowed a lump, clenching and unclenching his fists several times, hiding his sweaty palms.

She was finally here. Here. With him. Memories from the past months swam before his eyes...The trauma when the mountain collapsed on her. The pain of nearly losing her. The agony of reliving fire-burning memories with her. The timidity that surrounded her. The shy, yet curious touches of her. The warm glow emitting from her...now.

After what seemed like ages, they finally appeared in front of the two grooms, with Barret holding TIfa and Yuffie's hands on either side of him. The large man gave Cloud a wink.

"Yeh take good care o' my Tifa, you hear?!"

The blond nodded, lips curling into a nervous smile. "Of course," he croaked.

Tifa hid behind her eyelashes, red coloring her cheeks.

"An' yeh too! Take care o' the brat!" Barret turned to the other man.

"Will do." Vincent bowed his head.

Barret grinned. "Yeh well, thanks fo' letting me...givin' me this...this honor ta...ta..." the man gave a great horrible sniff, "ta give away these two young ladies..."

"Oh snap out of it, Barret!" Yuffie giggled, brown eyes welling up slightly. "Godo's not much of a father figure anyway."

"I heard that, Yuffie." A stern voice chilled her spine.

The others laughed.

"All right, grooms and brides, prepare for the marriage vows," Reeve spoke up from behind the table.

Barret held Tifa's hand toward Cloud's outstretched palm.

"Yeh better love Tifa with all your heart," the man grunted, eyes watering.

Calloused hand found slender fingers. A red spark caught Cloud's eyes. The ruby ring. Unable to contain his excitement, Cloud gazed at Tifa ardently. His bride. His wife. His Tifa.

Reeve cleared his throat. Immediately, the atmosphere thickened with seriousness and nervousness. The WRO Founder adjusted his tie, eyes twinkling down at the two couples standing before him.

"Today, friends and families gather here to witness the union of two very lovely couples," he started, voice booming. "Years of obstacles have challenged their patience, their limit, their love. And I am more than happy to say that, all of us here have seen them overcome the bumps and rocks that crossed their path together..."

Bumps and rocks? Reeve and his little jokes...Cloud dared a glance at the woman beside him. The woman he almost lose, thanks to "bumps and rocks." She was biting her bottom lip, anxiousness apparent on her face. How beautiful she is...

Even now, with fingers entwined, Cloud could not believe they were finally (finally!) standing here together in such a holy place, about to embark on a new chapter of their lives. Once, twice, thrice...too many times he had let go. No way in hell was he going to let lose of her hands this time.

This time...he was confident. This time, it was okay to be stubborn and selfish for once to protect the love of his life. Surely this time, he had finally lived up to his promise to her. Surely this time, he was finally a true hero to her.

Gently, but firmly, Cloud squeezed Tifa's hand, reassuring. Wine-colored eyes darted to ocean-blue ones, a blush coloring the porcelain cheeks, a smile curling the red lips. How I love that smile...

"Cloud Strife," Reeve's voice suddenly rang clear in the blond's ears, "do you take Tifa Lockhart," he motioned to the bride, "as your lawfully wedded wife?"

The man gazed readily at the woman. Her eyes spoke of trust and longing. Her face was pure and calm. Her lips quivered slightly, revealing the nervousness running through her body. This was his Tifa, a woman he'd loved since childhood. A woman he'd promised to be a hero to. A woman he'd forever protect, cherish, and love.

His heart hammered so loudly in his ears that he barely heard his own voice when he answered, "I do."

A bashful smile curved the cherry lips.

"Tifa Lockhart," Reeve continued, "do you take Cloud Strife as your lawfully wedded husband?"

By now, Cloud couldn't sense anything else except the red lips in front of him. Heart beating against his chest, butterflies fluttering in his stomach, sweat dripping from his palms, he grasped desperately at the side of his pants.

Softly biting her lips, Tifa nodded. "I do."

I do. I do. I do!

The widest grin flashed on Cloud's face as he threw his arms around Tifa, earning a gasp from the woman and cheers from the crowd.

"Way to go!" Barret yelled.

"Yay!" Marlene squealed.

Whoops and applauses were all drowned out as the two submerged in their own little world.

"Do you...remember now?" the man whispered in Tifa's ears.

A slight nod and a shy smile were all he needed. His grin grew wider if that was even possible. Briefly, he wondered if he would ever stop smiling for the rest of his life.

Smartly, Denzel appeared at Cloud's side, holding up the ring pillow. Two platinum rings shone brilliantly up at the man. Slowly, but surely, the couple exchanged the rings, forever sealing their love.

"Thank you," Tifa breathed as the man slipped the ring onto her finger.

Cloud beamed.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife!" Reeve called out, clapping along with the crowd.

Together, Cloud and Tifa shared a knowing smile, a smile reserved for each other. Softly, they leaned in, a bond rekindling at the touch of their lips, sealing a memory that they would never, ever forget.

**END**

Author's note: Cloud smiling is rare. I can't even picture him "grinning" at all, but, something's gotta make him smile. That, of course, would be Tifa. Let's all wish Cloud a forever smiling life happily ever after with Tifa.

And that's the end of this story.

Thank you so much for the support, follows, favorites, reading, and reviews! You have no idea how happy they make me.

I'm surprised this story turned out to be so long, and I hope I didn't screw up the ending (endings are always the hardest to write). Thank you for the memory-suggestions from all of you.

Hope you all enjoyed this story and hope to "see" you all again soon in my future stories!