Chapter One: I Loved Him

It had been raining for hours, the large, angry beads of water pounding against the sides of the building and tapping against the one small window like the bony fingers of a skeleton attempting to break free from a watery grave. The wind howled and whistled as if competing to be heard, causing the aging structure to creek and moan with exhaustion and age. There was a chill in the air, and the one small lamp that lit the room flickered as Nibelheim's power generators did battle with the storm.

The heavy drumming of rain was what he wanted to focus on, but he couldn't. His mind was trailing back to the previous night, when an old friend had visited him. Tifa Lockhart had stopped by for a moment, asking if he would come and stay with her in Kalm rather than stay in the mansion. Of course, he had politely declined the offer, he would much rather be alone. At least, that's what he wanted to believe. He wanted to deal with his past, and he was quite sure he needed no help. He wanted to deal with Chaos alone, along with his other demons. Everything he wished to do, he wished to do it alone.

He sighed, shifting uncomfortably on his bed. Was it wrong of him to decline Tifa's polite offer? After all, she was only concerned for his welfare. But, he was not concerned with his own welfare and did not want anyone to worry about him, especially not a former teammate. He didn't need to be with anyone, he had never truly needed anyone. No, that was a lie and he knew it. Lucrecia, she was the one he had always needed and always would. He knew he would never be able to hold her again, but he still often dreamt of it.

A crash coming from outside disturbed him. He sat up and swinging his legs over the side of the mattress, he quickly stood. Taking Cerberus from his bedside table, he exited the bedroom. He slipped silently from the sitting room, crimson eyes focused on the door handle. It was turning. He stepped back and waited in the shadows. Surprise hit him as a girl walked in. He could scarcely make out her features in the dark, mostly because she was wearing black. She had on tight leather pants which were ripped in many places, a tight black tank top which came above her naval and was also ripped up. He noticed she was barefoot, and that blood was forming beneath her. Lifting his eyes, he met a pair of brown eyes. They were watery, and held a sort of faraway look in them.

"H-hello?" Her voice was barely a whisper as she tore her eyes from his, looking around. She had so far appeared not to notice him. But then again, that could easily change.

"Who are you? Why have you disturbed me?" His voice was dark and held anger, which he had not meant to use. His eyes were slightly narrowed at her as well, in a mild sense of annoyance.

The girl seemed startled and bowed her head apologetically. "A-Adelya K-Kentarre." She stammered. She nervously looked at him, taking a small step back.

Realizing he had frightened her, he softened his tone, "I didn't mean to scare you-I apologize. You just…surprised me." He hid a smirk as he watched her give a smile. Maybe Tifa had been right, maybe he wasn't a monster like he thought. After all, he had just made a frightened girl smile.

"I surprised you?" Adelya raised a small eyebrow, but was still smiling, much to his pleasure. "At any rate, I should be sorry. I-I thought this place was abandoned." She sounded nervous, and he pitied her.

"As you can tell, it is not. However, I will let you stay, but only for the night. If you need me, just call. My name is Vincent, Vincent Valentine." He replied, turning and walking back to his room. He didn't wish to talk anymore, he needed time to think.

"Thank you." Adelya whispered as he left. She looked at the couch and dropped her bag, sitting down with a small sigh. She lit a kerosene lamp and looked around the room. She found most of the walls covered by bookcases. Even with the light, the room was dark. She could tell it had not been cleaned in years from the dust and by the sound of scuffling feet, mice lived there. 'Great, just what I need. I suppose it's better than nothing though.' She thought as she laid down, settling back on the couch to make herself comfortable. She sat up suddenly and chuckled, picking up her bag and setting it by her feet. She pulled a tattered blanket from the back of the couch and used it, resting her head on the arm rest of the couch as she closed her heavy eyelids. It only took minutes for her to drift off.

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Morning light streamed through the windows and Vincent let out a small groan of annoyance as he rolled over. He wanted more sleep, not a wake up call. He finally opened his eyes and walked over to the blinds, closing them. He started to go back to bed but stopped by the doorway and peered over at the couch. The girl from the previous night was still there, fast asleep. However, something did not seem right.

As he walked closer, he realized she was sweating and tears stains were on her cheeks. His eyes grew soft upon her and he slowly reached down, brushing strands of silver and black hair from her gentle features. He realized she was burning up and a severe frown took place of his exhaustion. Knowing it would be best to just let her sleep, he went into the kitchen and wet a dish rag. He wrung the cold water from it until it was no longer dripping and went back, placing the cloth across her forehead.

"Avin…" the girl was groaning in her sleep. Hot tears began to pour from her closed eyelids, replacing the old tear stains with new ones.

"Avin?" Vincent frowned more and lifted his normal hand, brushing the salty liquid from her face. He wasn't sure why he was worried or even cared about her, he supposed that was just his nature. At least, it was now. He, at first, was a man of little words and did not care about anything but his sins. Since he had joined Avalanche and been around Tifa and Yuffie all the time, he had softened immensely.

He heard the ringing of a phone and chuckled lightly as the tune to 'Hallelujah' came on. The girl only shifted in her sleep and he decided it would be best to let her continue sleeping. Rummaging through her bag, he produced a small silver phone and flipped it open to turn it off. However, the number surprised him. Reno. Why would he be calling? How would he even know this girl? He wondered silently, studying the number to confirm it was Reno. What would a Turk want with a bedraggled girl such as her?

"I suppose I'll find out when she's awake." He mumbled, hitting the 'End' button on the phone. Beginning to put the phone away, he opened her back a little more and moved his hand inside, setting the phone at the bottom again. He was startled as slim fingers curled around his wrist and pulled his hand out.

"What were you doing in there?" He looked up, smirking as he saw the girl watching him. Her eyes were tired and she looked like she might pass out again, but an edge was still in her voice.

"I was putting your phone back. Someone called while you were sleeping, so I decided to cut it off and let you rest." He chuckled as an apologetic look entered her eyes.

"Sorry. I just…have a tendency to make accusations." She grinned sheepishly.

"Then we are alike in a way." He allowed a smile, watching her dig through her back and pull out a much nicer black tank top. The skirt she pulled out with it was tattered and covered in blood stains. She quickly hid it from view and closed her bag, tying a knot.

"I'm sorry to have bothered you last night-I just needed a place to sleep." She said hurriedly, standing up.

"Relax. You may stay as long as you like, if you wish. I was awake when you came, and even I hadn't been, I would've woken from your crash," he chuckled and she blushed lightly.

"I was trying to find a light to be honest. I gave up and tripped over the table-I have bruises to prove it." She allowed another smile, watching him with more interest now.

"You know, if you need something to wear with your shirt, I can lend you something," he offered, watching her clutch the tank top still.

"Would you? I don't have anything more decent to wear, besides these pants." She explained.

"What happened to make them so ripped up?" He asked. She suddenly averted her gaze, sighing wearily.

"I'd rather not talk about it," she replied weakly. He nodded, standing and brushing himself off.

"Come with me, I'll get you a pair of pants." He said, already walking into his room. She quickly followed, looking around. She tripped over the mattress on the floor, but a strong arm caught her and helped her regain balance. "Careful." She looked up, nodding wordlessly at him, going around the mattress. She saw the handle of a gun under his pillow and stopped for a moment.

"You have a gun?" Her voice sounded strange, almost choked.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Vincent turned to face her, a frown upon his face. She quickly shook her head, looking down. Her right hand clutched her left arm as she began to feel uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry. I just…don't have a good experience with guns." Her voice was weak and fearful.

"Reno?" Vincent didn't look up, already knowing she was on the verge of tears.

"How did you know? How do you even know him?" She demanded.

"He was the one that called you earlier and I've fought him before. Even working for Rufus, he was never a bad guy. You must've done something to make him shoot you."

"How did you find that out?!"

"When you fell a moment ago, I caught sight of the bullet wound. There was a hole in your shirt just over the wound."

"I never made him angry with me! He was making me uncomfortable-he went too far! I didn't like what he was doing to me, it scared me. He got too rough one night…" She trailed off, tears slowly falling.

"You don't have to say anymore. I promise to keep you safe if he comes around."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why would you protect me? What would you care for a girl such as myself?"

"You've been hurt and abused-no one deserves that. Besides, you don't seem to mind me at all."

"What do you mean?"

"Most people judge me by my appearance and believe me to be a demon. Be as that may, I only truthfully have demon counterparts. I myself am not a demon. Most are frightened by my appearance, but you seem comfortable around me."

"You helped me out. I was able to sleep safely for once thanks to you. Why should I be afraid of you?" She smiled and he nodded.

"You are not like most that I know." He spoke softly.

"Neither are you." She replied with a smile.

"You're right. Reno is nothing like me." He chuckled and her smile grew.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did, but yes, you may."

"Why do you live here? In this old mansion? I mean, it's old as dirt and not very welcoming. Why here, of all places in the world?"

"I enjoy my solitude. Being alone gives me time to think. Also, this is where I was kept for thirty years, locked in a coffin. Here is where I can stay, trying to forget my sins."

"Thirty years? You can't be, you're only, what, twenty-five?" He chuckled.

"I'm flattered you think you, but I'm afraid you're quite wrong. I'm sixty. If you'd like an explanation, it's a long story."

"We've got time."

"I suppose we do. In that case, why don't you help me with breakfast and I'll explain everything to you as we eat?"

"Sure!" She grinned at him. It took a moment, but he found a pair of pants close to her size, though they were still big. She thanked him anyways, going into the bathroom to change. He went into the kitchen, getting a head start on breakfast. It was a Wutain meal Yuffie had taught him to make. He was setting the table when she walked out.

"Do they fit well?" He inquired, glancing up at her. He noticed they were loose, but she looked comfortable in them. He saw her tank top, but noticed how small and tight it was on her. It came a few inches above her naval, halfway between it and her breasts. The clothing was tight, he could tell by some of her ribs showing against it. Perhaps this had been a shirt from when she was younger. Or maybe Reno had forced her to wear it.

"They're a little big, but they're fine other wise. Thank you." She smiled at him, but the smile told it all. She was rather uncomfortable in that ridiculous shirt.

"You don't seem very comfortable. Perhaps because of the shirt? Where did you get it?" He queried.

"Reno bought it for me when I first moved in with him, about five months ago. He made me wear it whenever we were alone, that or just my bra." She said quietly.

"Would you like a shirt to go with the pants? I am quite sure one of mine would fit you well." He smiled.

"I couldn't, I've already overstayed my welcome and taken some of your clothing." She blushed.

"You haven't overstayed your welcome at all. You're most welcome here and I don't mind at all. Besides, I can't have my guest uncomfortable." He smirked and she blushed more.

"If you say so…" She trailed off and he nodded. Leading her back into his bedroom, he retrieved one of his smaller shirts for her. She thanked him quietly and slipped back into the bathroom. He sighed lightly and headed back into the kitchen.

"Poor girl, she's not had an easy time, especially with Reno." Vincent muttered to himself.

"Does this look okay?" She entered the room. The shirt, like the pants, was rather big, but it would do. He could take her shopping for a new outfit later.

"It looks perfect. Now, if you'd like to fix drinks, they are in the refrigerator. Glasses are in the cabinet above the sink." He explained, turning back to the stove to fix the meal. He used the spatula, turning the egg over. Taking the bowl next to him, he pulled out a pepper and cut it into pieces with his claw. He dropped the pieces into the pan and used his spatula, pressing them down into the egg. He waited until the egg appeared ready and flipped it into the air, catching it on a plate.

Adelya watched him a moment and shook her head, getting two glasses down. She poured herself a glass of water from his gallon in the refrigerator and turned to him,

"What would you like to drink?"

"Water shall be fine." He replied, bringing the plate to the table. He set it beside the second plate and cut the egg in two, putting half on the other plate. Moving the plates to apposite sides of the table, he turned and went back to the counter. Picking up two bowls filled with slices up fruits, he carried them back to the table. Picking out the slices of pineapple, he aligned them on both sides of the egg on both plates. He popped the leftovers into his mouth and chewed them. Taking a lemon, he squeezed the juice of it over both eggs and sucked the last of the juice out before throwing it away.

"That looks delicious." Adelya remarked from his side. She handed him his glass, sitting at the plate nearest her.

"Why thank you. My friend Yuffie taught me how to make it. It's a recipe from Wutai." Vincent replied. He took a straw from the center of the table and stirred his drink after squeezing the juice of a lemon into it.

"Wutai? I've heard of it, but I've never been there. Reno said he'd take me there someday, but he never did." Her expression fell and she picked at her food with her fork.

"Care to tell me how you met Reno?" Vincent asked, his expression softening from its normal, stoic one.

"I guess I can do that. It was the middle August and it was raining, much like it was last night. I was wandering around, looking for a place to stay. I didn't have the money to stay at an inn, so I just tried to find a dry place to stay the night, I got jumped when I was walking down an alley. Three men had me surrounded. I tried fighting them off, but I wasn't strong enough. They started touching me and tried undressing me. I was afraid, I was crying and shaking when they touched me. I kept begging them to stop but they ignored me.

I heard a gunshot and one of the men cried out. The men scattered after that, leaving me behind. I saw the red-head and he was putting his gun away. He just smiled at me and walked over, putting his arm around me and taking me to his apartment. He calmed me down after that and took care of me. I stayed with him for a few weeks and he took care of me. He did everything to make me happy and I liked him.

But soon, it all ended. He began to abuse me, coming home drunk a lot of the time. I grew afraid of him, and did everything he said. He started forcing me into sex every night and if I cried, he'd hit me and yell. It took two months to finally be able to stand up for myself.

I did so, last night. I packed my belongings, what I still had since he had thrown most of my stuff out, and explained I was leaving. He got angry and he got out his knife. I mostly avoided it, he just ruined my clothing. I ran and he shot me. It hurt, but I continued running. I found myself here and decided I would be safe." Adelya was looking down, eating a little bit as she finished.

"How long had you known Reno before the abuse started?" Vincent asked softly.

"Three weeks. That's when he began to get rougher, coming home drunk all the time. He burned all of my clothes, making me wear the clothing he bought me." Adelya whispered.

"Why didn't you leave him when the abuse first started?"

"I loved him."

A/N I really hope you guys like this, it took FOREVER to put this up, I've been writing it for months. I'm not going to put up the next chapter until I get two reviews, so please review! Tell me what needs to be fixed if anything! I realized Vince might be a little OOC, but I figured he'd open up and talk more after DoC and hanging around Yuffie and Tifa. Btw, I'm not bashing Reno! Not at all! You'll find out all about him later. :P And rememver! I own NOTHING FFVII.