Schwarz Mitternacht

Zechs stands in front of his parents, pleasantly surprised that they have not aged in two years. He gazes at his mother first, who has her greying sandy locks braided thickly and neatly on each side of her face. Her hair line appears teased, raised, and laquored with a fashionable peach colored scarf to frame her face. Zechs's mother greets him with a motherly kiss on the lips. Zechs turns to his father, and Zechs holds out his hand to shake his father's. The father shakes Zechs's hand firmly, showing strength in his limbs at his age of 63. His hair reaches nearly the same length of Zechs's, with a slight grey hue. Zechs's grip tightens around his father's hand as he looks into his father's green eyes with a slight, greeting smile.

Zechs: Hello Father, Mother.. It has been to long, please come into my home. I am having lunch made as we speak, you must be hungry from your trip.. But..may I ask where Miss Noin is?

Sephiroth: That woman...*He huffs and walks past Zechs, wanting to be inside.*

Sally: Ignore your Father, he is upset that she isn't wearing what a women should wear in his mind and made her stay in the car. You can go out and get her, I better watch your Father so he doesn't break anything in your house or say something to your servants.. *She gives her son a hug before she walks into the house to find her husband.*

Zechs: (This is going great so far...) *Sighs and shakes his head before he walks out of his house to the car his parents come in, taking a deep breath before he knocks on the back door.*

A young woman with short, dark hair opens the car door. She smiles slightly when she sees Zechs after years of Zechs being away from home.

"You haven't changed at all, Zechs..."

Zechs: (She is still as beautiful as the day I left..) Neither have you, Lucrezia.. I am glad you come.

Lucrezia steps out of the car unassisted by Zechs, preferring to be independant. Her cream colored slacks brush against the tops of her matching cream colored heels. She straightens out her long sleeved deep navy sweater. Lucrezia takes Zechs's hand.

Zechs: *Chuckles softly, smiles at her.* I see why my Father was upset, but I think you look great.. It would look weird if you were in a skirt.. *Begins to lead her to his home.* I hope your trip was alright..

Lucrezia: When have you ever seen me in a skirt, except when I was too small to make that choice? The car ride was fine, but I felt bad for your mother because she couldn't relax the whole drive. Skirts aren't comfortable when you're in a car or on a train for hours. Maybe one day, I'll buy a pair of slacks for your mother?

Zechs: *Laughs for the first time in days at the thought of it.* My Father would burn them and tell my Mother to buy you a dress.. And I don't believe I ever have, my Mother said you only wore a dress once as an adult..

Lucrezia: Yes, once. Maybe I can take your mother out to pick out a pair? We can find a place to hide them.

Zechs: I am sure she would love that, you may do it while you are here.. I can distract my Father easily in showing him my duties..

Lucrezia: Yes sir. *He smiles softly. She looks around at the outside of Zechs's home.* You have a nice place here...

Zechs: I try to keep it nice, but this is all my girls work. They enjoy planting flowers. Everything I plant..dies.. *Sighs as he walks her to his porch.*

Lucrezia: Do you mean...your servants? *She sits down on a chair situated on Zechs's porch.* Can you tell me about them?

Zechs: Yes, I have mostly young girls I have saved from the camp.. The oldest is Miss Tifa at twenty-three and the youngest is Miss Yuffie at fifteen.. Then I have Yuna at nineteen and Paine at seventeen.. I call them my girls. *Sits down next to her and chuckles softly.* Yuffie even calls me "Papa Peacecraft".

Lucrezia: You must feel alone with all those women around and there's no male presence to speak to.

Zechs: I get enough male presence at work, it is nice to be around the gentleness of women.. But I do have one male servant.. *A small smile covers his face.* He is eleven and mute, but is the nicest boy you could ever meet and smart for his age..

Lucrezia: A mute boy? I can't imagine how he would be treated if you didn't take him in...

Zechs: He had two men who looked after him.. *Looks to make sure the door is closed.* They often stay one night a week, sometimes two and do little things around my house. One is an Irish man who often sings for me, he is the one who made me take the boy in.. And I have taken him as my own son in a way.. Till I can get him back to his Father..

Lucrezia: That's what I hate the most about this war...It splits families apart.

Zechs: As do I.. But I can not share it with many or I would be killed or put in a camp..And then those in my care will be left alone.. *Sighs sadly.* But I am hoping it ends soon, then I can retire..

As Zechs speaks, the door gently swings open. Denzel sadly walks outside, shuffling his feet.

Zechs: *Quickly turns and frowns at the sight, motions for Denzel to walk over.* Denzel? What happened?

Denzel shrugs his shoulders and signs, saying Zechs's father doesn't know that he is mute and yelled at him for ignoring him.

Zechs: *Sighs, rubbing his forehead.* I am sorry, Denzel. I did not tell them and my Father is.. Do not take it to heart, he yells at everyone.. Come here, I want you to meet someone..

Denzel peeks out from behind Zechs's body. Denzel sees a young, beautiful woman sitting in a chair on the porch, he turns to Zechs, telling him the young woman is very beautiful.

Zechs: That she is.. This is Lucrezia Noin.. Lucrezia, this is Denzel and he says you are very beautiful..

Lucrezia: You don't have to hide behind Zechs, little one. Come out, you look handsome today.

Denzel steps closer to Lucrezia, blushing from Lucrezia's complement.

Zechs: I got him a new outfit for today.. And there's a few more in your room.. *Smiles at Denzel's blush.* Oh? Am I going to have to tell Hilde she has someone to compete with for you for?

Denzel shakes his head and looks up at Zechs, and tells him he thought Lucrezia would hate him for being Jewish.

Zechs: No, she wouldn't.. *Looks to Lucrezia.* Would you hate anyone for being Jewish? (She never used to.. But people can change..)

Lucrezia: No, and I know you're scared of new people, Denzel. You can never be surprised of the evil that lurks in people now these days...

Zechs: See? You can trust her and be your charming self with her.. Now, why don't you check on Tifa and see if the food is ready.. And you can eat with the girls today.

Denzel nods and smiles at Lucrezia before he wanders back inside the house.

Zechs: I will have to talk to my Father.. I told him not to talk to my servants like that, they are not used to it like his.. *Sighs again as he leans back in his chair.*

Lucrezia: Some people are set in stone in their ways...

Zechs: That is my Father.. But I know he means well, in his own way.. *Looks over at her.* Would you like to see the rest of the house? And the room you will be staying in..

Lucrezia: Yes, I would like that.

Zechs: *Stands up and reaches his hand out for Lucrezia.* Come, I hope you don't mind the room is next to mine but I didn't think you would want to be next to my parents for the week..

Lucrezia: I don't mind. I still wouldn't mind if I had to sleep in the same room as your parents.

Zechs: You will when my Father.. *Blushes lightly, disgusted at the thought.* Lets just say I am doing you a favor. *Smiles at her as he opens the door to let her in, the scent of food filling the house.*

Lucrezia: I see...Oh, the food smells heavenly.

Zechs: Yes, the girls are amazing cooks.. I am lucky to have them. *Walks by the living room and hears his Father talking.* (Should I get them as well? I don't want to interrupt them, but I know they will want to clean up..)

Lucrezia: I think we should leave them alone for now...

Zechs: You are right, it sounds like my Father is on one if his rants. This will last for awhile, I will show you your room so you can freshen up..

Lucrezia: Thank you...and show me the rest of the house, if you want to.

Zechs: I would.. *Smiles at her, leading her to the dining room.* This is my main dining room, if you go through that door on the other side it will lead you to the kitchen. Which also leads to where my girls sleep and Denzel's room in the basement..

Lucrezia: I'm so glad that you give these poor people a warm bed and food...

Zechs: I try to make this as much as a home for them as it is for me.. I wouldn't make them work if I could, but I can't seem to soft or I will be eaten alive from the others..*Walks past the kitchen, not wanting to bother them as they cook and continues to show her around his house. Making their way up the stairs.* My parents will be staying in this room.. *Walks to the end of the hallway on the right.* This is my room.. You will be staying in the one to the left..

Lucrezia: Show it to me and I'll bring up my suitcases later, after dinner.

Zechs: I will get them, do not worry.. *Walks over to the door and opens it.* I hope it is to your liking, Yuffie changed the bedding this morning.. I don't know what she bought though...

Lucrezia: This is a nice room... *She sits down on the edge of the bed and touches the bedding.*

Zechs: Yes, she did a good job on this room.. I let each girl decorate a room, I am not good at those things.. *Walks inside, looking around as well.* The..bathroom is connected to both this and mine, but you may use it and I can use the one down the hall..

Lucrezia: I don't mind. We're going to be married either way, you don't have to act like a stranger, Zechs.

Zechs: *Freezes.* (Have they mentioned it already?) I do not want to be improper.. *Looks over at her, again shocked at her beauty.* Is it what you want? ...To marry again?

Lucrezia: It was easy to figure out. Your parents kept mentioning how they wanted to see you with a bride. I can read them easily.

Zechs: Ah, yes.. They have been at my heels about that for years, my Mother wants grandchildren to spoil and my Father wants the family name to carry on.. Well, I will let you freshen up and I will check on dinner..

Lucrezia: You still seem nervous, Zechs...

Zechs: I..guess I am nervous my family is here, and that my sister wasn't able to come as she planned..(And I have never asked someone to marry me.. I still love him, but seeing her again.. I feel another love..Can a man love two people?)

Lucrezia: (I feel something is bothering him...) You can tell me anything, Zechs...

Zechs: I..was going to do this later, but now seems like a good time.. *Walks over in front of her and gets down on his right knee, pulling out the small black box from his pocket.* Lucrezia Noin.. Will you marry me?

Lucrezia: Oh...Zechs. *She takes the ring box and slowly opens it, revealing a gold diamond ring.* Yes, I'll marry you.

Zechs: *Smiles brightly at her, his heart fluttering in joy. Shakily grabs the ring and slowly puts it on her ring finger, smirking a bit when it fits.* (I guessed right!) You..have made me the happiest man on Earth today...My dear..

Lucrezia: I never thought you would ask me, Zechs.

Zechs: I was going to after I came back from training, but...you were still to young.. And when you came of age, you were already taken.. You have always had a place in my heart, Lucrezia.

Lucrezia: I love you, Zechs... *She leans forward, closing the distance between her and Zechs. She plants a soft kiss on Zechs's lips.*

Zechs: Mm! *Gasps in shock at the kiss before he smiles into it and kisses back.* I love you, Lucrezia.. I have for a long time.. *Shyly wraps his arms around her waist.* I wish we could marry tomorrow, but I want you to have the wedding of your dreams.. Plus I'm sure our families will want to make it a huge affair..

Lucrezia: We don't have to worry about all of that right now...I'd rather have our own private wedding where no one else can bother us.

Zechs: You can plan everything, we can have whatever you want my love.. *Hears a bell ring and smiles.* Dinner is ready, are you ready to share the news?

Lucrezia: I'm ready. *She flashes her new engagement ring with happiness.*

Zechs: I spent hours trying to find the right one, I remember you don't like really flashy things but I wanted it to be something worthy of your beauty.. *Smiles and kisses the ring on her finger.* Lets go.. *Leads her out of the room, feeling the happiest he has felt in weeks.*

The announcement of their engagement brings cheer into the house, dinner goes better than expected as they talk of weddings and the parties and grandchildren. Hours later they retire to their rooms, the sound of soft moans fill the air from the elder Peacecrafts room but ends by eleven at night. Zechs finally starts to fall asleep when he hears his door open.

Zechs: Denzel? I told you, you can't come in my bed this week I am sorry.. If you have a bad dream you will have to go to the girls..

Lucrezia: Denzel? It's me.

Lucrezia quietly walks into Zechs's room and closes the door behind her. The light filtering through the door shows her form wearing a soft peach colored long line bullet bra that ends at her mid thigh.

Zechs: O-oh.. Hello dear.. What's wrong? I am sorry if they woke you up, I've forgotten how they.. *A light blush covers his cheeks, his eyes run over Lucrezia's body with lust at the sight.* (She..looks amazing..)

Lucrezia: There's nothing wrong. You seem surprised to see me. *She sits on the edge of Zechs's bed.*

Zechs: Well, I thought you would be asleep.. You had a long trip and must be tired, plus with all that happened today. *Smiles softly at her, not able to keep his eyes from looking at her milky white thigh that's exposed.*

Lucrezia: I couldn't sleep. *She leans back and rests her head on one of Zechs's pillows.*

Zechs: Is your bed not soft enough? *Turns on his side the look at her, making the blanket slip down and expose his well muscled chest.*

Lucrezia: It's not that...I wanted to sleep in your bed tonight.

Zechs: Oh... Are you sure? I do not wish to push you, I understand if you want to wait till we are married.. That is why I gave you your own room..

Lucrezia: I didn't say anything about that... *She gently touches Zechs's chest and smiles slightly.*

Zechs: I..know, but I wanted to be safe.. *Shivers at her gentle touch, almost having forgotten how a woman's touch feels.* You are more than welcome to share my bed, soon it will be ours..

Lucrezia: Safe? I can take care of myself, Zechs. *She rests her legs on Zechs's legs before slowly wrapping her legs around Zechs's thighs.*

Zechs: Mmm...I..can tell, you are still as..fiery as you were when we first met.. *Slowly wraps his arms around her and pulls her closer to his body.* (Does she want to make love? God, she makes me feel like I am a virgin all over again!)

Lucrezia: What are you thinking about? *She presses her face against Zechs's chest.*

Zechs: You..*Looks down at her and kisses the top of her head, loving the feel of her against him.* You make me feel like I am eighteen again..

Lucrezia: I know...I feel like we're teenagers about to be caught together and scolded.

Zechs: Yes, I can see my Father bending me over his knee to spank me with his belt.. *Chuckles softly and runs his hands up and down her back.* But it would be worth it to hold you like this every night..

Lucrezia: Do you want to try something tonight? I think we could get away with it.

Zechs: If you want to, I will not say no to it.. I..can't say I haven't dreamed of being with you before.. *Keeps an eye on her face as he slips his hands down to touch her smooth, plump buttocks.*

Lucrezia: You can be pretty convincing. *She allows her long line bra to ride up, exposing more flesh along with her panties.*

Zechs: I have been told I am hard to say no to.. *Smirks as he looks down her body, his body becoming aroused at the sight. Runs his hands over the panties, lightly groping her ass to see how she reacts.*

Lucrezia: What would you like to do tonight? *She gently arches her back to rub her backside against Zechs's exploring hands.*

Zechs: Ohh.. Anything is fine with me, my sweet.. God, you feel amazing already.. *Tilts his head down to kiss her shoulder lovingly as he keeps groping her.*

Lucrezia: I'll do anything for you. *She manages to slide her panties down her thighs, her garter belts and stockings stopping her panties from coming off completely.*

Zechs: Gods, you're going to kill me my love.. *Moans softly as he feels her silky bare skin against his hands, his manhood hardens against the blankets.* (I am glad I didn't wear anything to bed..) I..I don't know what I want..

Lucrezia: You really are acting like a virgin. *She reaches out to gently stroke Zechs's cock.*

Zechs: Mmm... I can't help it, it is what you do to me.. Ohh, faster my love.. *Slips a finger in between her cheeks, begins to play with her womanhood from behind.* You're already so wet..

Lucrezia: I can't help that either. Do you want to be inside me tonight?

Zechs: Yes, please.. I would love to feel you wrapped around me.. But.. I won't do anything you don't wish..

Lucrezia: This is something that I wish for. Will you do this for me?

Zechs: Of course, my dear.. I have dreamed of this for years.. *Helps push her panties down a bit lower to give him room to get into position, shudders as his cock rubs against the outer lips of her dripping pussy.* You're ready for me...

Zechs and Lucrezia make love through the night, and eventually fall asleep in each other's arms. Morning comes within a few short hours and wakes Zechs as sunlight shines through his window.

Zechs: Mmm.. *Wakes up to the sun in his eyes, slowly opens them and smiles at the sight of his soon to be wife lying on top of his chest. Her sweet white breast having escaped during the night, her rosy nipple hardens against his chest. His heart fills with joy as he carefully brushes over her nipple, loving the feel of her soft skin.*

Lucrezia shifts in movement as the sun hits her face as well. She opens her eyes and sees Zechs's sweet gaze.

Zechs: Good morning, my dove.. I am sorry if I woke you, I just needed to feel you again.. *Smiles lovingly at her, kissing her forehead.*

Lucrezia: Good morning, Zechs...How was your sleep?

Zechs: The best I have had in days.. And yours? *Runs his hands down her back, wishing he didn't have to leave the bed all day.*

Lucrezia: I slept well, although I'm a little achy.

Zechs: Oh, I am sorry.. I couldn't help it though, you were amazing last night. *Kisses her on the lips, humming in happiness.*

Lucrezia: It's alright, it has been awhile since I have made love. I'm out of practice.

Zechs: No, it was perfect.. I am feeling a little achy as well, I think it was holding you against the wall the last time.. *Smirks as he feels her shiver.*

Lucrezia: Maybe next time we can stick to the bed since standing for so long wears both of us out.

Zechs: But you loved it so much..*Nuzzles at her cheek, kissing it softly.* We can save it for our wedding night.

Lucrezia: That sounds like a plan. We can work on our technique until then...

Zechs: Yes, I want to figure out everything that makes you cry in pleasure.. I want to be able to make you release in one touch.. *Sighs in happiness as he holds her closer, looking down at her with eyes full of love.* (I still love him... But I love her as well, I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her..)

Lucrezia: (There's still something on Zechs's mind...I won't push to find out what it is, but I trust Zechs, he'll tell me when he's ready.) We'll have to experiment too...

Zechs: Hmm..What would you like to...experiment with, my dove? I do not want to do anything you won't like.. *Moves his hand to brush her hair out of her face.*

Lucrezia: Oh...I'm not sure yet. (I don't know how he will react to my fantasies about him...I would like to see Zechs with another man, but I know the laws...)

Zechs: You can tell me anything, Lucrezia.. When you think of something, tell me.. I wouldn't mind having you orally pleasure me sometime..

Lucrezia smiles at the thought of what Zechs wants.

Lucrezia: I would love that...What about orally pleasing me?

Zechs: Of course, I will always make sure you feel pleasure. And I would like to see if you taste as sweet down there too.. *Smiles back at her, then turning his head to the door when he hears footsteps. Sighs sadly at the knowing steps of his Father.* It seems we are to be woken up..

Lucrezia: *She quickly covers herself with Zechs's blankets.* I knew he would wake us up eventually...

Zechs: I will be out in a minute, Father.. Why don't you and Mother go down and have a cup of tea as I get dressed.. (He will be against us being sleeping together before our wedding..)

Lucrezia: That sounds lovely...Do you want anything while I'm downstairs?

Zechs: No, I will be fine my dove. I was going to hurry and check on Denzel before I met you all for breakfast.. *Kisses her sweetly before he gets out of bed, release from the night before still dried onto his length.* (I need to clean this first..)

Lucrezia: Alright, my love. *She fixes her longline bra, keeping her breasts from falling out. She heads to her room to get dressed.*

Zechs: I wish you didn't have to cover that up.. *Chuckles softly as he walks into the bathroom, grabbing a washcloth and wets it before he begins to clean his foreskin.* Sometimes I think the Jews have the right idea cutting this off..

Lucrezia hears Zechs's comment and chuckles softly from the comfort of her room.

After he finishes cleaning himself off, Zechs walks back to his room and gets dressed for the day. Making sure he everything is just right before he walks out into the hall and down the stairs, waving at the girls as he passes through the kitchen to the door to the basement and walks down.

Zechs: Denzel? Are you awake?

Denzel wipes the sleep from his eyes and yawns when he hears Zechs's voice. "Mm?"

Zechs: Oh, I am sorry.. I just wanted to check on you, you'll be eating with the girls this morning.. *Smiles at the sight of Denzel.*

Denzel smiles happily at Zechs with his plump cheeks. His facial bones have now begun to fill out with fat.

Zechs: I will be taking my Father out to the camp, you can spend time with Lucrezia today.. She will be part of our family and home now..

Denzel nods and gets up from bed to reach out for Zechs. He embraces Zechs in thanks and in love.

Zechs: *Returns Denzel's embrace, patting his back.* You're welcome.. Now get dressed and I'll tell Tifa to make you a plate..

Denzel nods and rubs his grumbling stomach. "Muh..." Denzel leans forward and gives Zechs a kiss on the cheek.

Zechs: *Looks in shock at Denzel before he smiles and kisses him back on the cheek.* I love you like my own son, Denzel.. Till I can reunite you with your Father, I will care for you as one.. Now, get dressed. *Pats Denzel on the head before he walks upstairs.*

Denzel smiles as Zechs returns to upstairs. He begins to dress to get ready for breakfast.

Zechs: *Smiles as he walks into the the dining room, finding his Mother, Father and Lucrezia there.* Good Morning, Mother and Father..

Sephiroth: Tell your fiance to wear what a woman should wear. *He glances over at Lucrezia, wearing a pair of black high waisted pants with suspenders and a white button-up shirt.*

Zechs: I can tell her all I want Father, if there isn't a dress here for her to wear then she has to wear those.. Unless you would have my fiance to be naked?

Sally: Of course not, darling! You know how your Father is, maybe tomorrow Lucrezia and I can go shopping. I've been told the shop here are amazing!

Lucrezia hides her smile behind a coffee mug. She observes Zechs's parents bicker, and enjoys the controversy her way of dress triggers in Zechs's father. Lucrezia swallows a small sip of coffee and places the mug down neatly on the table.

Lucrezia: That sounds great, I did want to go on a small shopping trip while here.

Zechs: Yes, I will have a car here tomorrow to take you both there and give you enough pamper yourselves.. *Sits down next to Lucrezia, placing his hand ontop of hers.*

Lucrezia: I brought some of my own money, you don't have to give us so much.

Zechs: I want to, I have more then I need. *Smiles at her as he rubs her hand before he turns to his Father.* I thought you might like to come with me to the camp today, Father. I can show you around..

Sephiroth: I would like that...

Sally: I think I will rest in the room today and write to your sister, I am still tired from the trip. *Sips on her tea.*

Zechs: Alright, Mother.. I will be home for supper, I am sure Father would like to eat with the soldiers. They would love to hear his stories..

Sephiroth: Sure...I think most soldiers today are weak. I had to crawl through trenches and deal with having trench foot on both of my feet. It's like having frostbite, and that's why I had to have a few of my toes amputated.

Zechs: Yes, alot of them here do not know real battle.. They sicken me some times with how they act, I've had to prove to them they aren't as tough as they think they are.. *Takes a few drinks of his tea and looks over at Lucrezia, knowing she doesn't like this talk.*

Sally: Yes, I remember when it happened. I worried I would lose all of you..

Lucrezia glances back at Zechs, telling him she still wants to listen to Sephiroth's stories of what he had to go through.

Zechs: *Nods to her before looking back at his Father.* I remember tying some of my toes underneath my feet and walking around the house.. Wanting to look just like you..

Sephiroth: I remember...And do you know how I met your mother? I had a case of famine fever, and your mother was the nurse assigned to me.

Zechs: Yes, and you thought Mother was an angel.. And asked her if you were in heaven because someone of her beauty couldn't be sent to hell..

Sally: He had a high fever, chilling and in delirium but that line still won my heart. *Smiles over at her husband, her eyes still filled with love.*

Lucrezia: (I never knew Zechs's father had a sweet side...He seems to have been hardened by what he went though...)

Zechs: I'm glad you were, or I would of never been born. *Chuckles softly.* That was my favorite bedtime story..

Sephiroth: You may have been too young, but did I tell you about having to perform "surgery" in the trenches?

Zechs: No, I don't believe you did. You kept alot out of your stories and when I was old enough to hear them, I was already in the army..

Sephiroth: Sometimes, men couldn't get the care they needed because they couldn't get to a nurse or a hospital. So...there have been times I've had to use my own knife to remove bullets or metal from my comrades. It was done without ether, or sedation, so we had to use alcohol. We would have to do surgery while we were still being fired at.

Zechs: Yes, I..haven't had to do that but I know friends who have. I have..had to do something else that I can't mention in front of ladies. *Smiles softly at them, hiding the grimace.*

Sephiroth: Sometimes you have to do it right away, or they'll bleed out right in front of you... I've had that happen before. You'll have to tell me later, my son. I'd like to hear some of your stories.

Zechs: Yes, I rarely tell them.. I would like that. *Smiles at his Father before he turns to the kitchen door and sees Yuffie and Denzel walking out with plates of food.*

Sally: Oh, that smells wonderful. *Clasps her hands together as her plate is set down in front of her.*

Sephiroth watches Denzel with his scrutinizing eyes. He watches Denzel set the table and nods in approval, surprised that a jew would know how.

Zechs: You don't have to watch my servants like that, Father. They know their jobs and do them well..

Lucrezia watches fear come through Denzel's eyes. She glances at Denzel sweetly to comfort him.

Sally: Oh, he is like that with the servants at home. You know how your Father likes everything to be proper and perfect.

Zechs: Yes, but we are not at home.. This is my house and they are my servants and if one makes a mistake I will take care of it..

Sephiroth: I didn't say anything to your servants. I was...just surprised.

Zechs: You yelled at one yesterday.. But it was my fault. And why? I only pick the best to serve me, like you taught me. *Begins to eat his meal, nods at Denzel and Yuffie to leave and go eat their meals.*

Lucrezia: (Both of them are stubborn...) Can we talk about this while we're not eating?

Sephiroth: (That woman has a mouth on her.) Hmph...

Sally: Yes, please.. *Looks over at Lucrezia.* Have you given any thought of when you want to have the wedding?

Zechs: I am sorry, dear. And yes, Mother. I would like to have it in a month or two but it is up to Lucrezia..

Lucrezia: I think a month would be great, but we also have to figure out when the right time is.

Zechs: I can take a few days off for it, Rufus can run the camp on his own till I return.. I think in the late midday would be nice..

Sally: That sounds wonderful! Oh we will have to look at wedding dresses tomorrow as well!

After breakfast, Zechs give his Mother a kiss on the cheek and Lucrezia one on the lips before him and his Father leave the house and head to the camp. Zechs breaths in his last breathe of fresh air before they enter the camp.

Zechs: Where would you like to go first, Father?

Sephiroth: Take me around...I want to get a feel of the camp first.

Zechs: Alright.. *Smiles softly at his Father as he leads him around the camp, nodding at soldiers as they pass.* Does the room I put you in suit you?

Sephiroth: It was fine...other than the bed spread being too feminine.

Zechs: Oh? I can change it for you, I have one that may be more of your taste.. (I can switch it with Denzel's, he won't mind..)

Sephiroth: If you can...

Zechs: Yes, I have others.. I enjoyed hearing your stories this morning..

Sephiroth: I enjoy telling them...You said you had a few yourself?

Zechs: Yes, some.. It was night and we were surrounded by enemies, my friend.. Adler got his legs blown off.. He went into shock and couldn't stop screaming and crying in pain. I held him and tried to calm him down as the enemy came closer but nothing I did would calm him, I...had to choose between my men and my friend.. I grabbed my hand gun and hit him on the head, I hoped to just knock him out but in the heat of the moment I used to much strength..

Sephiroth: I am proud of you. You are a good General, my son...

Zechs: It..still haunts me, Father.. I was the one who had to tell his Mother what happened, I couldn't even bring a body back for her to bury.. *Shakes his head, not wanting to remember.* Thank you, Father.. I try to make you proud and be a great like you..

Sephiroth: You did a good thing, otherwise, many more young German men would be dead.

Zechs: I know.. I got a medal for my bravery in battle, I plan to give it to my son when I have one.. I still have yours that you gave me.. *Pulls out an old worn medal from his pocket.*

Sephiroth: *He nods in approval at the medal Zechs still keeps with him that he gave Zechs.* Can you show me the barracks?

Zechs: I keep it for luck, I had it then.. *Runs his thumb over it before he puts it back in his pocket.* Of course, I need to see some of my men anyway..*Leads his Father to the barracks, winces at a spasm in his thigh from holding Lucrezia up the night before.*

Sephiroth: What's wrong with your leg?

Zechs: Nothing..I think I over used it yesterday teaching a recruit not to disrespect his fellow comrades..

Sephiroth: Or...was it from your meet up with that woman last night?

Zechs: *A light blush covers his cheeks.* She is my intending, I am allowed to be with her.. Plus, I heard you and Mother as well last night, not something a son wants to hear..

Sephiroth: We're married, and have been married a very long time...

Zechs: We will be married soon.. I know this upsets you, Father. But I can't help it, I love her and have for years.. I..didn't dream last night, I didn't hear the screams I usually do.