Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 13

“Ashen Skies”

Chapter 13

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Warnings: Yaoi (graphic, beginning of the chapter), Het (graphic, end of the chapter)

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*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all related characters belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can't get enough of this world and the characters.*

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Modeoheim, three days later:

 

"Vincent, I want to show you something."

 

The gunman regarded his love interest curiously and gave a little nod before following him through the corridors. When they made it into Reeve's private workshop, the engineer shut and locked the door before going to a crate at the far corner of the room and inserting a key into the padlock. He opened the crate and withdrew something that looked like a piece of chitinous, white armor. As Vincent watched, Reeve slipped it over his right arm and fastened it.

 

"Why do I get the feeling that this is dangerous?" Vincent murmured as a violet gem on the end of the device began to glow.

 

Reeve shrugged. "It is. That's why I haven't shown it to anyone else, yet. Would you be so kind as to move the crate behind you out into the open? Oh, and stand beside me when you're finished."

 

Vincent gave him one more suspicious look before complying with the request. When he finished moving the object, he joined Reeve and crossed his arms over his chest, waiting patiently. The engineer clicked something inside of the armor piece and there was a humming sound, which grew louder with each second. The gem set in the end of the device glowed brighter, until the light forced Vincent to squint. Just when the gunman was about to ask a question, a bar of energy fired from the odd creation and it struck the crate. Wood exploded in all directions and Reeve was knocked right off his feet by the concussive force of the blast. Vincent hastily drew his cloak over his face to protect it, while at the same time he threw himself bodily on top of Reeve to guard him.

 

The smell of fried ozone permeated the air and Vincent stared down at his bearded friend in stunned silence. Reeve's dark eyes gazed up at him, appearing just as stunned. How ridiculous. Vincent couldn't think of a more inappropriate moment to consider kissing the engineer, yet his head was steadily lowering to close the distance between their mouths.

 

"Interesting weaponry," Vincent murmured, his lips a bare inch away from Reeve's.

 

"Isn't it, though?" agreed the other man softly. "I gleaned the parts from the Alpha WEAPON we brought in. The kickback needs some work, but I think-"

 

Vincent's mouth closed the remaining distance and interrupted Reeve's pondering with a heated kiss. The engineer went still with understandable surprise but soon, he was returning Vincent's kiss with aching passion. His facial hair tickled Vincent's skin pleasantly as the gunman stroked Reeve's tongue with his own and ground his hips against his. He couldn't say what drove him to make such a bold and sudden move, except for sheer frustration. He'd been holding back, confused about his feelings and the bargain Reeve had made with his dark half. Vincent accepted that he would simply have to share the engineer-otherwise he couldn't have him at all.

 

Vincent felt Chaos stir and he groaned in frustration when the demon began to speak telepathically to him.

 

~"Now you've begun to see things my way. Worry not, Vincent. Our pet is getting the best of two worlds and I hardly think he'll complain."~ The being's voice was smug and satisfied.

 

Vincent hated that seductive voice. ~"If I wanted your opinion, I would ask for it."~

 

A dark, silken laugh was his response and Vincent slammed a mental door rudely on the demon, uninterested in his banter. When he was with Reeve, he wanted it to be just the two of them. He didn't need a commentary from the creature he hosted. In his anger, he lost some of his self-control and bit Reeve on the neck, drawing a hiss of pain from his lips.

 

"I didn't mean to do that," Vincent murmured, gazing down at him with an unhappy frown.

 

"It's okay," Reeve told him breathlessly. "I can take it." He reached up and cupped the back of the gunman's head to draw his lips down again. He released the catch on the new contraption covering his other arm and wriggled the appendage out of it, leaving the weapon forgotten on the floor.

 

Vincent moaned low in his throat and when the other man rolled and changed their positions, he didn't fight it. Given what Chaos probably had in mind when he decided to take full advantage of the deal he'd made, Vincent thought Reeve deserved to have some control when he was with him. He wasn't used to bottoming but for Reeve, he would do it. If the engineer's demanding kiss and feverish hands were any indication, that was precisely what he intended.

 

"Mmph...wait," Reeve muttered against Vincent's mouth. "I don't want our first time to be on a cold stone floor and we need...uh...a little something if we're...going to go any further."

 

Vincent smirked. There was something endearing about such a cultured man getting flustered. "I assume you mean lubricant."

 

"Y-es," Reeve admitted reluctantly. "That is, if you want it to go that far. No pressure, Vincent."

 

"If I didn't want it, I would have said something by now," informed the gunman. "And I really don't care where it happens, Reeve."

 

The engineer seemed to consider the situation. "We'd have more privacy here, but let me get some blankets and the...uh...lube, first."

 

Vincent had no objections to that.

 

~****************************~

 

Reeve's excitement was tainted with anxiety as he lay down on the blanket with Vincent. His eyes swept the gunman's lean, nude form and he admired every angle and plane on that pale body. He was surprised to see a faint blush staining Vincent's cheeks and he noticed the way he averted his eyes. His cock was swollen and the flushed tip glistened with a bead of precum, signifying that reluctance wasn't the problem. Seeing the various scars slashing over Vincent's creamy skin, Reeve thought he understood.

 

He lowered his mouth to Vincent's torso and kissed one of the longer scars, dragging his lips over it in a slow glide. He looked up the length of Vincent's body and stared into the ruby eyes that were watching him with wary curiosity.

 

"There's not a single inch of you that isn't beautiful to me," Reeve informed him softly. "If anyone has cause to be nervous here, it's me. I'm out of practice, you see."

 

"Somehow I don't think that will damage your performance," Vincent murmured, relaxing a bit. He didn't comment on Reeve's compliment but it was obvious that the words had a calming effect on him. He parted his thighs as Reeve eased his body down on top of him and he hesitantly began to explore with both his human hand and his claw hand.

 

"I must admit, waking up to the sight of you naked was quite...pleasant," Vincent murmured with a faint smile. His human hand caressed the engineer's chest and his gaze was filled with open admiration.

 

Reeve laughed softly and felt his face warm up. "That really wasn't what I intended to happen, but I'm glad you weren't traumatized."

 

"I'd have to be insane to be offended by your nudity," Vincent agreed. His mouth closed the distance and he followed-up his comment with a passionate kiss, again taking Reeve by surprise.

 

Reeve was used to Vincent's usual reserved behavior and he'd been under the impression that the gunman was the type that would require time for his passion to build up. He certainly wasn't about to complain over being wrong. Vincent's sensual desires were clearly the opposite of his conservative public behavior. Reeve gasped as the gunman's hand slipped down below his waist and grasped his stiffened sex. No, Vincent certainly wasn't shy once he made up his mind to bed someone.

 

"God, you're an animal," Reeve groaned as the gunman sucked firmly on his throat and began to pump his hand up and down his cock with smooth, sure strokes. Vincent immediately stopped and looked up at him. The wariness had returned to his expression and Reeve wanted to smack himself for his poor choice of words.

 

"I meant that in a good way," Reeve assured the other man with a grin. "It means I like what you're doing."

 

"I see," Vincent murmured, relaxing again. His hand resumed its skillful stroking and he stared up at the engineer's face, watching the expressions of pleasure it went through. "Yes, you do like this, don't you?"

 

Reeve lowered his mouth to the gunman's throat and decided to return the favor. He lifted his hips to make room for his hand and he balanced himself on one arm as he reached down and reciprocated Vincent's touch. "One good turn deserves another," he said huskily, smiling as Vincent bit his lower lip and groaned softly. "I see I'm not the only one that enjoys this."

 

"Undoubtedly," agreed Vincent.

 

They kissed, fondled and writhed against each other until both men were breathless and aching with need. Knowing that he could only stand so much of the making out before he lost it, Reeve gently urged his companion to stop fondling him and he got the lube so that he could prepare them both for the grand finale. Vincent relaxed beneath him and cooperated wonderfully as Reeve exercised his entrance with care. The gunman panted his name as he found the most sensitive spot inside and Reeve admired the mixture of purrs and moans that escaped Vincent's lips.

 

To add to the pleasure he was giving him, Reeve squeezed more lube onto his free hand and started stroking Vincent off. The low, breathy moans increased on volume and Vincent's lithe body began to tense in a telling way. Reeve watched him with lusty eyes as he tossed his head and groaned his name. Vincent's hips thrust of their own accord as the engineer gained more confidence and stroked him more firmly. Reeve felt the shaft he was stroking tighten up and he smiled as it began to twitch in his hand. The snug warmth of Vincent's body clenched spasmodically around Reeve's thrusting fingers and the gunman's back arched as he came in thick, rapid spurts.

 

"I've wanted to see you do that for so long," Reeve admitted softly as his companion panted and shut his eyes with bliss.

 

He slowed his strokes and stopped when the orgasm faded and he quickly applied some lube to his erection. Vincent opened his eyes and looked up at him with lazy satisfaction, easily cooperating with Reeve when the engineer guided him to spread his thighs further. Reeve wanted to ask him if the missionary position was okay but he couldn't seem to find his voice. His heart was pounding so hard, he feared it would break through his ribcage. He wanted to see every expression on the other man's face when he made love to him-old fashioned though it might be.

 

"Is...is this okay?" Reeve managed to ask with a nervous swallow. He covered Vincent's body with his own meaningfully, holding off on positioning himself until he got an answer.

 

"Of course," Vincent assured him. He dragged the golden tips of his claw hand down Reeve's back in a sensual glide, making the skin prickle with goose bumps and causing a shiver to race down the engineer's spine.

 

Reeve wasted no time, sure that he would explode if he delayed for much longer. He pressed the tip of his aching sex against the puckered entrance to Vincent's body and he kissed him as he drove forward. Vincent grunted with discomfort at first and Reeve felt terrible, but soon the resistance gave and the gunman relaxed as he was slowly breeched to the hilt. Reeve paused and looked at him searchingly before moving, waiting for the last of the discomfort to fade from those pale, beautiful features. Vincent's claw was combing through his hair, making his scalp tingle. His other hand curved over Reeve's bottom possessively and the engineer claimed his mouth again. Vincent parted his lips and allowed Reeve's tongue to dominate his mouth as he began to move.

 

Reeve groaned heavily at the sensation as his sex stroked within Vincent's squeezing heat. He hadn't been with anyone in such a long time and judging by the snug fit, Vincent hadn't either. The gunman's tongue caressed and teased his with unhurried passion and his hands explored Reeve's body as the engineer steadily picked up his rhythm. The pale thighs encircled Reeve's waist encouragingly, embracing him as if to keep him from drawing too far away. Vincent's low, resonant moan hummed inside of Reeve's mouth as the engineer found the best angle to thrust in at.

 

Reeve was feeling all sorts of emotions to go with the ecstasy and he bit back the endearments that wanted to spill from his lips. He pulled his mouth away from Vincent's and gazed down at him, sure that his expression was strained from the intensity of his pleasure but unable to school his face into a more flattering mask. Vincent's ruby eyes returned his gaze and his lips were parted. He didn't seem to mind the expression on Reeve's face at all. In fact, he looked somewhat fascinated by it. His pelvis shifted beneath the engineer's, synchronizing with his thrusts. He was very good and Reeve thought he might have to stop soon and take a few deep breaths, to keep from ending things too quickly.

 

They rocked passionately against one another on top of the blanket, hands and mouths seeking, touching and parting again. The faint slap of skin against skin hardly bothered either of them and a blossom of color warmed Vincent's cheeks as his pleasure and ardor grew. The gunman pulled his claw away from Reeve's body and gripped the blankets with it, obviously afraid he'd shred the other man's flesh if he kept in contact with it. Reeve was distantly thankful for that. He didn't mind procuring bite marks or scratches during lovemaking but he preferred making it through in one piece.

 

The expression on Vincent's face when he started to peak fascinated Reeve and he nearly stopped to simply stare and admire his companion. He'd never seen Vincent look so vulnerable and open before. His raven brows were hedged, his kiss-swollen lips were slack and his crimson eyes were blank and dilated.

 

"R...eeve," Vincent grunted, tossing his head. His shiny black hair covered part of his face as a result of the motion and his gasping breath fanned the locks that fell over his lips.

 

Reeve kissed his throat fervently and pumped a little harder. "You're so damned stunning," he panted.

 

Vincent arched his throat and let loose a shockingly loud, purring growl as his cock twitched against Reeve's stomach and released a warm, wet spurt of seed. He clutched one of the engineer's biceps with his human hand and grunted softly as another little spurt followed up. His thighs squeezed Reeve's waist hard enough to make him temporarily breathless but Reeve hardly minded. He sucked on the smooth skin of Vincent's throat and nibbled his ear, smiling with modest pleasure over giving him an orgasm before he reached his own peak.

 

Vincent captured his mouth when his climax ended, kissing him with grateful passion. He ran the fingers of this golden claw through the dark brown locks and his breath caught with each thrust of Reeve's hips. Reeve returned the kiss enthusiastically and his motions became a bit more frantic. He groaned into Vincent's mouth and cupped his bottom with one hand, on the very edge of release. Vincent slid his human hand down the engineer's back and over his bottom, reaching underneath deftly to cup his balls and massage them. The action drove Reeve over the edge and he cried out gutturally as he spilled himself inside the gunman.

 

It took both men several moments to spiral back down to Gaia. They clung to one another in a sweaty heap and Reeve was the first to become aware again of how chilly the stone room was. Vincent felt him shiver and the gunman reached out wordlessly for his discarded cloak and pulled it over both of them. Reeve smiled at him, still catching his breath.

 

"I hardly noticed the cold until now," he murmured.

 

"You should have a warm shower," suggested Vincent. "I'd rather not see you catch pneumonia. You're far too useful to risk."

 

Reeve laughed breathlessly. "Too useful to you, or to the cause?"

 

"Both," came the soft, dry answer.

 

~**********************************~

 

The weekend came and members of SOLDIER were in a flurry of activity preparing for Zack's wedding. Cloud observed without surprise that the operatives seemed to have a special fondness for the lieutenant. He shared the third highest rank of command with Genesis but Zack was probably the most liked of all the officers. Cloud didn't know whether to be more amused or exasperated as he and the officers helped Zack get ready for the ceremony. The one-eyed fighter was hyper with excitement and Cloud was easily able to see why the others always compared him to a puppy. Aerith was off in another chamber getting ready and Cloud doubted that her helpers were having as much trouble as they were.

 

"I'm so jazzed," Zack announced un-necessarily. "I'm really getting married!"

 

"Yes, we know," Angeal murmured patiently, trying to tuck a rose into the breast pocket of Zack's tuxedo. The task was proving to be impossible because the lieutenant began to do an impulsive set of squats in his excitement. Sephiroth stood behind Zack, trying unsuccessfully to make final adjustments to the hem of his tuxedo jacket. The silver General stopped and sighed, crossing his arms over his chest to glare impotently at his charge as he waited for Zack to hold still.

 

Genesis approached with the red silk tie he'd had tailored for the occasion and his head bobbed as he watched Zack go up and down. "Stop that now," snapped the redhead in annoyance.

 

Zack stilled and had the grace to look guilty. "Sorry man. I didn't even know I was doing it."

 

"Let's just say I feel sorry for Aerith tonight," Genesis responded with a smirk as he slung the tie over Zack's neck and adjusted it.

 

Sephiroth and Angeal quickly moved in to finish their tasks while the youngest officer was blessedly still. Cloud watched it all with quiet amusement and he marveled at Zack's ability to keep such a young, carefree heart in times like this. Even as he pondered Zack's unsinkable nature, Cloud was thankful that he could call him a friend. He knew he could count on the man not to give up no matter how bad the odds were and he was happy for him that he'd found the love he deserved.

 

Someone came up behind him and Cloud turned to see Reeve entering the chamber. The engineer approached him and murmured into his ear. "I've got the pumps turned on in the bath house. It should be warmed up enough in there for them by the time the ceremony's finished. Is the rest of it ready?"

 

"Should be," Cloud said with a nod. "I'll go check and get it set up."

 

"I'll come with you," Reeve offered.

 

Zack saw the two of them leaving and he called out to Cloud. "Hey, where are you going, Chocobo? You're one of my best men!"

 

Cloud gave him a little smile over his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll be back in time. I've just got a couple of things to take care of."

 

~**********************************~

 

Aerith winced as her hair snagged on one of the rollers as Opal pulled it out.

 

"Sorry," apologized the MP with a wince. "Maybe I shouldn't be the one doing this. I'm used to operating heavy firearms, not doing delicate tasks."

 

"You're doing fine," Aerith soothed with a smile. "I have a lot of hair so it's bound to get some tangles, no matter who's working on it."

 

She closed her eyes as the last roller was removed and the other woman began to run a bristle brush through her hair. She was feeling a bit pampered. One of the garden keepers was applying some blush to her face and gloss to her lips while Opal worked on her hair and a nursery attendant prepared her dress. The appointed time for the ceremony was approaching faster than they'd expected and the women worked hastily to finish getting Aerith ready for it.

 

"Thank you all for helping me like this," Aerith said shyly. "I don't think I would have been able to make myself up this much in time, on my own."

 

"Every bride should get the full beauty parlor treatment on her wedding day," insisted Wanda with a kindly smile on her dark face. The gardener finished applying the light blush and stood back to admire her handiwork. "Well, there we are. I think I did a good job if I say so myself." She reached for a cracked hand mirror and showed Aerith her reflection. "How do you like it?"

 

Aerith smiled, pleased with the results. Wanda had given her a natural look, enhancing her features without heavy use of the makeup. "You did a great job. Thank you."

 

"Are you going to use the veil?" questioned Evelyn. The older woman held out the gossamer item. "It's traditional, you know. Just think of how your man will react when he lifts it and sees your pretty face."

 

Aerith blushed. Zack had already seen her face in every aspect possible, even the least flattering ones. She didn't see how lifting a veil was going to make a difference, but she didn't want to argue with the elderly woman so she nodded. She stood up and took the dress from Evelyn. It wasn't a highly fancy wedding gown but it was pretty. It was a white satin, floor-length gown with a heart-shaped top and lacy sleeves. One of the craftsmen was kind enough to make a pendant out of the small white Materia crystal that Aerith had kept from her mother. The spherical bauble was safely cradled in a little cage attached to a silver chain and Aerith took it out of her coat pocket and placed it around her neck before changing into her wedding dress.

 

"My, that's pretty," Evelyn observed as she noticed the pendant. "Is that a materia you're wearing around your neck, dear? I've never seen one that color before."

 

"Yes, it's materia," answered Aerith, automatically touching the pendant. "It doesn't do anything though. It's just a fancy heirloom handed down by my mother."

 

~********************************~

 

"I can't really see where I'm going," Aerith whispered nervously as Reeve joined her at the hydro garden entrance and offered his arm. He'd kindly agreed to take on the roll her father would have and walk her down the isle. The garden was no chapel but it was a pretty enough setting for Aerith and Zack had no arguments when she asked that they have the wedding in there.

 

"Just follow my lead," Reeve whispered.

 

Aerith peered through the obscuring veil and nodded, taking a deep breath. She gave a start at the sound of a piano suddenly beginning a lovely tune. She hadn't expected there to be music. The colonists must have rolled the piano into the garden for the occasion and she was flattered by the trouble they'd gone through on her behalf.

 

"Ready?" Reeve murmured. "And, right foot first."

 

Aerith was distracted as she suddenly heard her mother's voice wishing her luck and she started out on her left foot, instead. "I'm sorry!" She whispered to Reeve, who quickly balanced her as she stumbled. She couldn't make out the faces of their audience but the garden was packed with witnesses and she wished she could turn back time and start over again.

 

"It's okay," soothed the engineer with a soft, easy chuckle. "Just keep going. I've got you."

 

Aerith nodded convulsively and held tightly to his arm, relying on his sure steps to get her to Zack's side without further embarrassing stumbles. The walk to the end of the garden seemed to take forever and she sighed with relief when Reeve finally stopped and released her arm. A warm, familiar hand took hers and she looked up at Zack. Her veil made his features appear fuzzy but she could see that he was smiling at her and she couldn't help but smile in return. Suddenly she knew everything was going to be okay.

 

A man's voice began to speak the vows and Aerith faced forward with Zack and paid careful attention, determined not to mess up again. She repeated the words as he bade her and Zack did the same. She could recognize Angeal, Sephiroth and Genesis standing to the side but she didn't see Cloud anywhere and she wondered if he was running late or if he was just out of her line of sight. It would be a shame for him to miss the ceremony but it was too late to put it on hold and wait for him.

 

Opal held out a pillow to Aerith when the time came to exchange rings and the Cetra picked up the silver band and faced her betrothed. Zack took her ring from Angeal and did the same. When the rings were exchanged, the judge announced that it was time to kiss the bride and Aerith felt relief when Zack lifted her veil and looked down at her. She hadn't realized how claustrophobic the concealment made her feel until it was gone and she breathed easier and smiled shyly up at Zack.

 

He blinked at her for a moment before giving her a broad, ecstatic grin. He cupped her face in his hands and placed a warm, lingering kiss on her lips while the audience applauded. She put her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with feeling, hardly believing he was now her husband. The pianist began to play a different, lighter tune as the kiss ended and Zack put an arm around Aerith's waist to walk out of the garden with her. As they neared the exit, Aerith saw the pianist and discovered why she hadn't seen Cloud standing with Zack's other best men.

 

"Cloud?" She blurted with surprise, stopping by the piano. "I...I didn't know you played?"

 

Cloud glanced over his shoulder at her and he gave her a bashful little smile. He was blushing profusely and he looked quite uncomfortable. "Uh...someone caught me fooling around and made me promise to play for your wedding," he told her, giving Zack an accusing look. He obviously wasn't used to playing in front of an audience and he looked like he wanted to get up and run away.

 

Zack chuckled at the blond. "Well, I think you can stop now if you want to, buddy. Wedding's finished and we're heading to the dining hall to cut the cake."

 

Cloud immediately stopped and closed the protective lid over the keys. "Thank Shiva," he muttered.

 

~************************************~

 

The reception meal-like the wedding itself-wasn't anything fancy. The cake was a practical size and prettily decorated and they had roasted ham, pumpkin soup and mashed potatoes for their dinner. Most of the people who attended were members of SOLDIER and the militia, except for the wedding party. Lazard offered an elegant toast to the new couple and Genesis took it upon himself to give the obligatory "embarrassing speech about the groom." Aerith caught sight of Vincent sitting beside Reeve and she thought he looked very nice in a dark tuxedo. She hadn't seen him during the ceremony but then again, she didn't really have a look around until they were leaving the garden.

 

The reception was a blur to her. She was careful not to drink too much wine, afraid of passing out and ruining the wedding night. She couldn't eat much due to the butterflies in her stomach and Zack seemed to sense her anxiety. Partway through the meal, he reached under the table and squeezed her hand gently, leaning over to murmur in her ear.

 

"You okay, kiddo?"

 

Aerith gave him a sheepish grin and nodded.

 

Zack studied her, his one amethyst eye warm and gentle on her. "You know I'd never hurt you, right?"

 

"I know." She meant it, too. Like her bridesmaid and helpers, he seemed to misunderstand the reason for her anxiety and she wasn't about to go into trying to explain it to him. She was about to open her mouth and let him know that she trusted him, when she spotted an unwelcome face standing at the cafeteria entrance. She swallowed as Hojo studied her with curiosity that was far from innocent. Aerith's food suddenly felt like lead in her stomach and she excused herself and went to pour a glass of water to settle it.

 

~********************************~

 

"Well, you survived the wedding and the reception," Reeve said with good humor to the couple as people started clearing out and they prepared to take their leave. "We've got a surprise for you. Get your coats."

 

Zack and Aerith looked at each other and then up at Reeve in confusion. Cloud came to stand beside the engineer and so did Angeal, Genesis and Sephiroth.

 

"What are you waiting for?" Genesis prompted. "Your honeymoon suite awaits."

 

"Honeymoon suite?" repeated Zack. "What are you talking about?"

 

"You'll see," Cloud said. He shared a little smirk with Sephiroth.

 

"Get your coats and meet back up with us in here," Angeal said.

 

"Well, I guess we'd better do what they say before they lose patience and mob us," Zack said dryly to his bride. "I've gotta admit, I'm curious."

 

Aerith nodded and together, they got up and went to the bunker they shared to retrieve their coats from the trunk. The others did the same and when they met up again in the dining area, they walked the couple to the fort exit and out into the ruined village. Zack started to get it when he noticed they were walking toward the bathhouse. Night was falling quickly and he saw the warm glow of light coming out of the windows of the bathhouse. He kept his suspicions to himself but he guessed what his companions were up to as they ascended the steps together and Angeal opened the doors for them.

 

"Right this way," instructed Reeve with the elegance of a butler. Zack shared another look with Aerith and followed him down one of the hallways to one of the private rooms. The engineer opened the door wide and made a suave gesture inside at the lit interior. "Enjoy your room, lovebirds."

 

Zack stopped and his mouth fell open. The spacious, tiled room was decorated with candles of all sizes and against the wall furthest away from the bubbling, round spa was a pile of cushions and blankets. There were even floating candles in the tub. Beside him, Aerith looked just as surprised and delighted. Whoever set the candles up had made sure to space them away from any flammable material and the room was nice and warm from the heated water and the candle flames.

 

"Who did this?" Zack gasped.

 

"All of us, really," answered Reeve. "I got the water pumps started, Genesis arranged the bedding, Sephiroth ordered the candles to be made and Cloud set them up. It was Angeal's idea, though."

 

Zack looked at his former mentor with a smile of gratitude and Angeal ruffled his hair fondly. "You deserve at least one night of privacy," said the Colonel. "Just be prepared to douse the candles and get back inside if you hear the sirens go off, okay?"

 

"We will," Zack promised, completely touched by the gesture. "I can't believe you guys did this! I love you, man!" He impulsively hugged Angeal, nearly bowling him over. The bigger man cleared his throat and patted Zack's back. Zack grinned at Cloud when he pulled away. "So, that's what you were doing just before the ceremony, huh?"

 

Cloud gave a nod. "Vincent came out and lit the candles when we were finishing up with dinner."

 

Zack looked around, half-expecting to see the gunman materialize out of the shadows. "Wow, he's a stealthy guy. There one minute, gone the next."

 

Reeve smiled faintly and Zack wondered if he was imagining the smitten look he saw briefly flit over the older man's face. "Yes, he is."

 

"I think we should leave the couple to enjoy their privacy," Sephiroth suggested. The others nodded and started to walk away.

 

"Get started on making your puppies, brat," Genesis called out, his voice echoing off the tiled walls.

 

Zack grinned at Aerith, whose face immediately turned pink at the suggestion.

 

~***************************~

 

"Did you have to say it that way?" Angeal criticized his lover softly as the two of them walked ahead of the others in the snow.

 

Genesis smirked at him sidelong. "What way? I think it's fairly obvious to all of us that those two are going to start on a family right away. Mark my words; we'll have litter of Zack copies terrorizing us before they reach their five-year anniversary. That girl is fertile and with Zack's enthusiasm...well..."

 

"How do you know how fertile she is?" Angeal queried with a doubtful, subtle smile. Never mind that in five years they could all be dead. He was amused by his lover's observations and a bit curious about his certainty.

 

Genesis shrugged. "I can just sense these things. Be thankful neither you nor I are women, Angeal...else we'd probably have a slew of brats underfoot by now, too."

 

Angeal almost stopped and he felt his eyebrows migrate upwards. "Oh, really?"

 

Genesis nodded and nudged him to keep walking. "It's a good thing I'm not straight."

 

Angeal chuckled softly, imagining a house full of little versions of Genesis. "One of you is more than a handful," he admitted fondly.

 

~****************************~

 

Zack shut the door and turned to face Aerith, who had her hands clasped before her hips demurely and was looking up at him with shy admiration. He smiled at her and shuffled his feet boyishly, making her realize for the first time that he was nervous too. Somehow it comforted her.

 

"So," she said softly, lowering her eyes.

 

"Yeah," he answered. She looked up at him again and saw his mouth moving as if he were struggling for words. "Let's take these coats off," he finally suggested. "Here, I'll help with yours."

 

"Thank you," she murmured as she turned around and allowed him to help her shrug out of the coat. Once he got it off of her, he hung it on one of the clothing hooks on the wall and then took off his own fur-lined coat. Aerith walked to the bedding and sank down gingerly on top of it, folding her legs beneath her. Zack joined her a moment later and he again looked like he was struggling to think of what to say.

 

"Damn," Zack whispered, "I used to be so good at this!" He took his shoes and socks off and put them aside.

 

"You're still good at it," she assured him with a soft smile. "We just got married, though. I think it's natural to be a little disoriented."

 

Aerith felt bold enough to make a move. It was the first time she'd ever been the first one to initiate things and she could sense Zack's surprise as she cupped the back of his head and kissed him on the lips. He put his arms around her and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss and stroking inside of her mouth with his tongue in that way that made her tingle from head to toe. He reached up with one hand and pulled the veil off of her head, dropping it carelessly to the floor before running his fingers through her hair. She absently pushed her dress shoes off with her toes and went with her instincts, easing partway into his lap. One of his hands settled on her bottom and cupped it, shifting her into a more comfortable position.

 

"Aerith," Zack sighed against her lips, "You always manage to surprise me."

 

"You don't like it?" She asked uncertainly, wondering if she'd been too brazen.

 

"Are you kidding?" He pulled back to smile at her. "I love it." His mouth covered hers again in a sensual, unhurried kiss and she felt his hardening groin starting to press against her outer thigh.

 

There was something tantalizing about the feel of his arousal pushing against her so intimately and she began to busy her hands with the task of removing his tie. One of his hands pulled her dress up to expose her legs up to the knees and his calloused palm slid up underneath it. When he found the garter around her left thigh, he paused and slipped his fingers under it.

 

"We forgot to throw this into the crowd," Zack murmured huskily.

 

"I never used a bouquet, either," answered Aerith in a breathy tone.

 

"I'm glad we forgot to toss this," Zack admitted with a grin as he plucked at the garter. "It's really sexy on you."

 

His mouth crushed against hers in a more aggressive kiss than before, giving her no chance to feel modest about the comment. The caress of his hand moved further up her thigh and she squirmed unconsciously in his lap, feeling that odd tension that was still rather new to her. His hand moved around to her inner thigh and he gently coaxed her to part her legs a bit. Blushing, she complied and she shivered a little when his fingers burrowed under her panties. He touched her in a place she rarely even touched herself, except when highly frustrated or to bathe. Aerith gasped softly and tensed, prompting him to break the kiss and whisper soothingly to her.

 

"It's okay," Zack assured her, "try to relax, sweetheart."

 

Feeling foolish for acting so skittish, she tried to take his advice. His middle finger gently stroked the folds of flesh between her legs and she squirmed again but didn't tense or try to stop him. Her breath quickened as he rubbed the area gently, brushing his fingertips back and forth over the sensitive skin. She relaxed further and tilted her head with delight as he started kissing her neck. His free hand deftly tugged the zipper down on the back of her dress and Aerith began to unbutton his tuxedo jacket and shirt. The more he stroked her the better it felt and she was rapidly losing her modesty in the face of growing need.

 

Zack slipped one of her sleeves down, exposing part of her lacy bra. His lips sucked on the skin of her neck lightly and he changed the motions of the hand that he'd slipped beneath her panties. Aerith couldn't help but jump a little as the tip of his middle finger pressed against a particularly sensitive spot. She knew what the little nub of flesh was but she'd never really explored it much and the zip of sensation made the muscles of her thighs twitch involuntarily.

 

"Ahh!" She gasped in surprise when he flicked the pad of his finger against it suddenly.

 

"Sorry," Zack murmured in a breathy tone. "Too much?"

 

"It just surprised me," she murmured softly. "It didn't hurt."

 

He didn't waste time questioning her further. He resumed his fondling, moving his finger in tiny circles and making her shudder with sensation. A moan escaped her lips and her flush of pleasure deepened with slight mortification but Zack didn't seem to mind the sound. In fact, it appeared to turn him on more because he murmured her name and his kisses against her neck and shoulder intensified. He pulled the top of her dress down the rest of the way and silently coaxed her to pull her arms out of the sleeves. Aerith didn't even care about having most of her torso exposed by then. His touch felt so good and she felt moist, throbbing heat between her thighs as a result of his persistent fondling.

 

Aerith got his shirt and jacket unbuttoned and Zack paused in his exploration of her long enough to help her get the items off of him. She pulled his tie over his head and dropped it on top of the discarded clothing and she took a moment to look at him, letting her eyes take in the sight of his naked upper body. She'd seen his bare chest before but it was a sight she was sure she wouldn't soon grow tired of. He was strong and toned and though he had scars here and there, his fair skin was smooth and surprisingly soft to the touch. Aerith smiled at him and closed the distance between their mouths for another kiss.

 

Zack shifted her in his lap and worked her dress up so that he could help her lift it off over her head. Now in nothing but her lingerie and garter, Aerith felt her shyness return but Zack soon remedied that. His warm, strong hands resumed caressing her body with gentleness that was surprising for such a powerful person. He stroked one palm over her belly slowly, dipping it down to her panty line before pushing it under the material and locating her moist slit again. As he stroked it and fondled the tender, swollen nub, he slipped the strap of her bra down over her left shoulder and bared her breast. She felt the steam-warmed air caress her skin and she murmured softly as he cupped it and brushed his thumb over the nipple making it tighten instantly.

 

"Zack," Aerith breathed, feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the sensations he was provoking.

 

Instead of answering her, he moved his lips away from her mouth and trailed kisses over her neck and shoulder, slowly moving his mouth to her chest. He worked the front clasp of her bra free to expose both of her breasts fully and she pushed her fingers into his hair and moaned again as his lips and tongue drew on one nipple while his hand continued to stimulate the other one. Without conscious thought, she started undoing his pants. The belt and the top two buttons came undone without a hassle but the zipper got caught as she tried to pull it down and she gave a frustrated whine, cupping the bulge concealed by the material greedily.

 

Zack chuckled against her skin and drew his head away to regard her with a twinkle in his eye. "Something bothering you, Aerith?"

 

"This stupid zipper is stuck," she told him with a pout of annoyance, too aroused to be embarrassed any longer.

 

"Here, I'll help," offered the Soldier. He stopped fondling her breast and reached down to grasp the waistline of his pants, tugging up on it. "Try it now, honey."

 

Aerith did so, forcing herself to calm down and pull outwards on the zipper tab as she tugged it down. This time it cooperated and she sighed with relief. Zack's fingers were still steadily thrumming against her clit and it was making her increasingly restless. He eased her off of his lap and somehow managed to keep pleasuring her as he lifted his hips and helped her pull his pants down with one hand. The underwear followed and he wriggled nimbly out of the clothing, baring his body to her in it's full masculine glory and she stared him up and down, entranced by the sight. She felt heat blossom in her face again as her eyes settled on the rigid length of his proudly jutting arousal and for a brief moment, she wondered how much it was going to hurt to have him inside of her for the first time.

 

Deciding she'd feel more confident if she familiarized herself with it, she timidly reached down and brushed her fingers over the dark triangle of crisp hair surrounding the organ before petting the length of his erection gently. It lifted a little as she touched it and she was fascinated. The motion of Zack's fingers slowed a little and he held still and allowed her to study it. He placed soft kisses on her shoulder and murmured that it felt good. Emboldened by his comment, she curled her fingers around the girth and rubbed the shaft from base to tip. She stroked the large vein on the underside with her first two fingers and circled the cap at the tip with her thumb, taking note of how silken the skin felt in contrast to the hard warmth of the protrusion. Zack's breath caught and his hips pushed forward in a motion that let her know he was enjoying the exploration.

 

Aerith stroked up and down the length repetitively now that she knew it pleased him and his low groan of pleasure made her throb inside. She felt one of his fingers ease inside of her and she consciously tried not to tense at the intrusion. He kissed her with persuasive sensuality and slowly pushed it in as deep is it would go, then pulled it back only to repeat the motion. She got used to it before long and she trembled as his thumb brushed back and forth over her clit while he patiently pumped the longer digit inside of her.

 

In return, she fondled his cock more thoroughly and she was rewarded for her efforts with another gasping murmur of encouragement. Within a few moments, the tension eased and she grew somewhat used to the penetration. Zack slipped a second finger in and muffled her gasp with a kiss as he scissored his fingers inside, coaxing her passage to relax further. He fondled her breasts one at a time and his kisses grew in passion again as his urges increased in strength.

 

"Aerith honey," he groaned against her lips, "I think you're going to have to stop doing that now." He reached down and caught her wrist in a light grip, urging her hand away from his erection. She reluctantly complied, unsure of why he didn't want her to keep going.

 

"Is it bothering you?" she breathed, her words catching at the end in response to the thrust of his fingers.

 

He laughed but there was a pained quality to it. He shook his head and winked at her. "No, it's the opposite of that. I don't want a misfire, you know?"

 

No, she didn't know, but she smiled sweetly at him anyway and guessed it had something to do with consummating their marriage. "Okay. I'm sorry."

 

"Hey, you've got nothing to be sorry about," he told her, kissing the corners of her mouth. "It felt great and you can feel free to do that whenever you want to, after this."

 

She was starting to understand what he was talking about and if his touch wasn't still igniting such aching, alien pleasure in her, she might have gotten embarrassed again. "So we're about to...finish?" Another little thrill of fear went through her but it was short-lived. Her excitement was surprisingly the more powerful emotion.

 

He nodded. "Well, hopefully not fast, but I think you're ready for me." He emphasized the statement with another thrust of his fingers, drawing a shuddering gasp from her. "But first, I want to make sure you're taken care of, sweet stuff."

 

Again, he was using words that confused her but his actions showed her what he meant when he lowered his head to her breasts again and teased a nipple with his lips and tongue. His thumb resumed fondling her clit and his free hand stroked her other breast. The discomfort of the added penetration of his second finger faded quickly and she felt a tightening sensation in her pelvis and in her feminine passage. She couldn't seem to find a steady breathing rhythm and the other muscles in her body began to involuntarily tense and quiver as the combined pleasures collided and reached an apex. Strange, mewling sounds burst from her lips and she stared down at his dark head in a combination of amazement and confusion.

 

He kept going until her inner muscles began to clench rhythmically around his fingers and there was a sharp, throbbing burst of pleasure that made it impossible for her to breathe for a minute. The sharp pulses continued for a little while before easing up and Aerith drew a shaken breath. Zack eased up on his ministrations and pulled away to smile at her, wrapping his arms around her to hold her gently. She hugged him around the neck and laid her head on his shoulder, amazed by the force of the orgasm she'd just had. She wasn't exactly a stranger to the sensation but her self-pleasuring had always resulted in decidedly more...mellow peaks than the one Zack had just given her.

 

"You okay?" he questioned softly, nuzzling her cheek as he stroked her naked back.

 

"Just a little surprised," she sighed, relaxing in his embrace.

 

"You've never had one of those before?" he guessed.

 

She nodded. "Yes, but...I don't know...they were always nice but not like that."

 

Zack eased his embrace to look at her with a crooked smile. "That makes me feel great, you know that?"

 

"You're very good at finding the right way to...do things," Aerith faltered, blushing a little as she lowered her eyes. "I always feel so self-conscious and I never tried...some of the things you did."

 

Zack stroked her hair. "Maybe when you start getting a little more comfortable with me, we can explore that. Nothing's wrong with knowing how to make yourself feel good, beautiful."

 

"Why would I need to learn more when I have you now?" Aerith teased, glancing at him with demure flirtation. He was still hard and unsatisfied and she glanced down and saw his erection twitch a little bit.

 

Zack grinned, gladly taking the bait. "Well, you know I'm always going to be willing to take care of you." He made a playful growling sound and squeezed her lace-clad bottom. "Seriously though, I just want you comfortable with your body, you know?"

 

She stroked his sooty hair and brushed her lips over his mouth. "You're so sweet." She climbed onto his lap again and instinctively straddled his thighs. She knew it was the right move when his throat muscles worked tellingly on a swallow and she hooked her fingers under the strap holding his eye-patch in place. "May I?"

 

Zack hesitated and his happy expression wavered for a moment, prompting Aerith to kiss him on the mouth again and give him a reminder of her feelings. "Zack, I want to see you when we make love. All of you."

 

A little smile curved Zack's lips. "How can I argue with that?" He whispered. He nodded a second later. "Go ahead."

 

Aerith pulled the eye-patch off and laid it on top of his pile of clothes. She looked him in the face before brushing her lips over the afflicted eyelid, just as she had the first time she'd seen the injury. "I love you, Zack."

 

Zack stared at her with warmth. "I love you too. You're an amazing lady, Aerith."

 

~*********************************~

 

Zack placed Aerith's delicate panties on top of her pile of clothing with care but when she started to take the garter off her thigh, he asked her to leave it. "I hate to sound like a pervert but like I said before; it's sexy," he told her with a smirk. "Will you leave it on?"

 

She self-consciously covered her pert, round breasts with her hands and nodded. "If that's what you want."

 

Zack drew her into his embrace again, guiding her back onto his lap as he folded his legs beneath him. He'd thought about it and after some consideration, he decided it was best for her to have some control over the depth and angle their first time. "Come here, gorgeous," he invited as he cupped her hips and coaxed her to straddle his thighs. "Raise your hips a little," he encouraged once she complied. He released one of her hips and gripped his erection, lining it up with her entrance carefully. He looked into her eyes and decided it was time to warn her.

 

"This part's going to be the hardest. Just ease yourself down nice and slow, okay?"

 

Aerith braced her hands on his shoulders and sank down, biting her lip as the head of Zack's cock sank into her moist warmth. He swallowed and forced himself to take it slow and easy with her. He pushed his hips upwards slowly, increasing the penetration and murmuring encouragement to her as her breath caught. The tight grip of her body around him made him break into a sweat and he released his sex and her hip to catch hold of both her hands. He gazed into her eyes and smiled unevenly.

 

"This might hurt a little, okay? Just hold my hands." Gaia, he hoped it wouldn't hurt her much.

 

"I trust you," she murmured as she laced her slender fingers with his.

 

She held herself steady over him and he drove his sex upwards, pushing further into her. She made a little sound of distress and squeezed his hands as he hit the barrier but thankfully, it only took him a second to break through it and her pain didn't last for long. Zack looked at her with concern and avoided moving for a moment while he waited to see the tension ease from her face. Her hair spilled over her breasts in lovely spirals and the materia crystal glinted in the candlelight as she bowed her head and took a couple of steadying breaths.

 

"That...wasn't bad at all," Aerith said after a moment, favoring him with a surprised smile of relief.

 

"Really?" Zack relaxed and returned the smile. "So I didn't hurt you?"

 

She released his hands and placed her palms on his chest, shifting experimentally on top of him. A brief expression of discomfort passed her face but she shook her head and kissed him. "Only for a few seconds. It feels a little strange but it's not painful, now."

 

Zack brushed her hair over her shoulders and put his arms around her, pulling her closer for a kiss. "You've got no idea how relieved I am about that," he purred against her mouth. She responded to the kiss eagerly and he thought it was safe to move on. He slid his hands back around front to cup her breasts and he gently thrust his pelvis, pushing his cock in as far as it could go. Her lips parted and she gasped his name, but the reaction seemed more stunned than pained and he dropped one hand to her hip and encouraged her to ride him.

 

"Just try rolling your hips," he advised huskily. "Try it out and see what feels best for you."

 

Aerith gave him an uncertain, glazed look but she did as he advised. Her unpracticed movements were clumsy and hesitant at first, so he helped guide her until she gained more confidence. He waited until she was taking him shallowly in a somewhat steady rhythm before adding his own pelvic motions to the mix again. He fondled her breasts one at a time with his free hand and admired the sight of her pretty, flushed features as she tested her motions and found the most pleasurable way to undulate on top of him.

 

Zack groaned her name and embraced her with both arms. He rested his cheek between her breasts and fell into it, pumping with abandon inside of her. Soft, sharp little gasps escaped her lips and she began to match his thrusts with more surety. He lifted his head from her chest and kissed her throat, her jaw and her cheeks before seeking her lips out again. The layer of blankets they were on started to slide and shift from their movements but they were so caught up in one another that neither of them noticed or cared.

 

Zack shifted beneath his bride and crossed his legs, while sliding his hands under her thighs and urging her to wrap her legs around his waist. When she complied, it enhanced the angle of penetration and they both moaned in unison.

 

"Oh, that's good," Zack panted. He cupped both of her hips and supported her as she placed her hands on the floor and leaned back, driving her pelvis down and forward almost desperately. "Aerith...that's it...just right, baby!"

 

She looked at him with slitted green eyes, her moans growing desperate as she followed her instincts and his guidance. Her creamy breasts bounced enticingly as she strove to satisfy both of them. Zack took one hand off of her hip and traced the line of her pelvis with his fingertips to stroke her clit and bring her to another orgasm sooner. Gaia knew, he wasn't going to last much longer. She shuddered and whimpered his name as he located the hardened little button and rubbed it steadily.

 

"Aerith," Zack growled, clenching his teeth. "Come here."

 

She readily complied, straightening up in his lap and embracing him around the neck. Her soft lips parted as he kissed her hungrily and he thrust his tongue in to fence with hers. He held her with one arm while stimulating between her thighs with his free hand and he echoed her moan when he felt her beginning to clench around him. Zack thrust upwards and buried himself deep inside of her as the contractions of her climax drove him over the edge as well. He swore he saw colors flashing behind his eyes as he filled her. He stopped fondling her and he held her tight.

 

When the crescendo faded to leave them both basking in the afterglow, Aerith stroked his hair and spoke in a soft, breathless voice. "How soon can we do that again?"

 

~************************************~

 

-To be continued