Author's notes: This is a gift-fic for my lovely beta Circle of Phoenix. As it was a gift for my beta, it has not been betaed. Feel free to alert me to any errors. My beta asked for a fic with AU, fluff, and/or a few other things... this immediately popped into my head. I have never played Crisis Core, so please forgive any inconsistencies with canon.
Miscalculation
Vincent looked up from the computer screen to Lucretia's horrified face. "Lucretia..." He breathed, searching her paling face. "Is this true? Did my father truly die saving your life?"
Lips trembling, she nodded once, whirled around and fled. She made it two steps before he caught her wrist and spun her into his arms. Palms flat on his broad chest, her heart shivered and she reluctantly looked up into his burning scarlet eyes.
"L-let me go," she insisted weakly, choking on the words. His arms tightened around her, she couldn't comprehend why he wasn't flinging her away in disgust. "Don't you understand? Your father died to save my life!"
"I understand perfectly," Vincent didn't raise his voice, but she shivered as his chest vibrated against her palms. "It seems as though even that bastard managed to do something right."
"Huh?" Lucretia blinked. Realizing how unintelligent she sounded, she shook her head. "I mean, What? Your father is dead because of me. Aren't you... angry?" It hurt to ask, but she didn't want him to turn on her later.
"Angry?" Vincent's eyes widened, and then he buried his face in the junction between her neck and shoulder. "Gods no. I'm overjoyed."
She shivered as his warm breath caressed her neck. Despite herself, she slid her hands past his shoulders and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I hated my father," Vincent whispered. "He always popped in and out of my life, shattering what little joy or achievements I managed to build. Knowing that he's not only gone, but you are here as a result... It is the best thing my father has ever done for me."
Vincent pulled back, and Lucretia trailed her hands down his arms until he clasped her hands in his own. He stared into her eyes for what seemed like minutes, but was likely only a few seconds, and then dropped to one knee.
Hojo cursed as he checked the security tapes. He wanted to revel in Lucretia's horror and rejection of Valentine, but there wasn't any footage! Professionally erased, but erased nonetheless. Valentine's handy work, no doubt. He couldn't help but release a cruel laugh. Of course the man wouldn't want evidence of his rejection around.
Hojo's smile fell. While it was unfortunate that he wouldn't have the images to gloat over later, the blasted woman had failed to come to him afterwards. He stalked to the room where he carefully planted the incriminating evidence for the Turk to "stumble upon".
The report still blazed on the computer screen, but the room was empty. A hastily scrawled note lay under a forgotten coffee mug. Snatching the note, his eyes flicked over Dr. Crescent's uncharacteristically hasty scrawl.
"Eloped?" He screeched, tearing the paper in half and then wadding the pieces into a ball. How could his calculations have gone so awry?
Cursing and snarling, he stalked out of the lab. He'd have to prepare another woman now. Perhaps that one with the horrendous accent...
Thanks for reading! Happy holidays and Happy New Year!