AN:- Hey everybody, sorry I haven't updated in like forever! (I know I'm rubbish! lol) I just had a serious case of writers block with this one, I wanted to just do some clearing up for vincent ( you'll see in the chapter!) Thankyou for everybody who reviewed! I think quite a few people were a little shocked with that last chappy which is gud hehe Anyway enjoy!

Disclaimer:- I own diddly squatt to do with FFVII like the rest of us!

Pestering demons and Thumps on the floor

Vincent felt Tifa's warmth start to move away from him, he lifted his head and opened his eye's. Slowly she was backing away with a smile on her face. She saw his expression and her smile faded. It was replaced with a look of concern…and sadness. A lump formed in Vincent's throat, he never wanted to be the cause of that face again. He cleared his throat and got up off the couch, turning his back to her. Tifa reached out and touched him on the shoulder, she was trembling a little.

What happened? It was all okay a minute ago, did I do something to hurt him maybe…

"Vincent…" she breathed. "What's wrong? I thought you were okay. I mean you were a minute ago." She fell silent.

He turned back around to face her, readjusting his facial expression as he did so. It was painful but he managed to emit a small smile. When he turned around and Tifa saw the smile, she relaxed and smiled back. He didn't even have to say anything and she had instantly cheered up. Well that was easier than I thought it would be.

"Oooh you!" she cussed. "You had me worried, and really your fine. You are such a bully to me!" she exclaimed punching him in the arm again. It came quite hard and Vincent winced. He rubbed his arm afterwards trying to make the stinging sensation stop.

He couldn't help but laugh at her; she was kneeling on the sofa with her hands on her hips, scowling at him playfully. She made him smile and that felt good for a change. He hated always being so miserable and quiet.

"When you've finished making a mountain out of a molehill, shall we return to the others?"

He held out his hand to help her up. She knocked it away playfully and stuck her tongue out at him. She bounced up and stood next to him. "Oooh I'll get you back one day Valentine." She teased.

"And when that day comes I will just pin you on your back again and teach you a lesson." He joked back.

She giggled and he opened the door for her, she gratefully went through and Vincent watched her walk ahead. He shook his head and smirked. He then followed her back to the others with a smile on his face.

When Tifa entered the bar again, nobody really took that much notice, so they didn't see the massive grin that was radiating from her face. She took her place behind the bar again and began clearing up all the glasses that had just been left there. He could have at least tidied up. She giggled to herself. She just felt so good about herself right now, the party was going great and she had got to kiss Vincent Valentine. The thought of it made her cheeks flush crimson.

The clink of glasses alerted the others to her presence and immediately people began milling around the counter making orders. "God didn't Cloud satisfy you lot?" she asked playfully.

"Nah, Spiky was too damn slow and in the end we gave up and made do with what we had." Replied Barrett smirking..

"Hey!" protested Cloud rather angrily, he couldn't help but smile though because he knew the older man was just joking.

"Cloud is Cloud." Smiled Tifa.

Once she had settled everybody's needs she plonked herself down on a stool and grabbed a bottle of fruit juice. She took a few sips and noticed everyone was looking at her. "What?" she asked with her drink poised just before her mouth. She put the bottle down and stared at them blankly.

"So," piped up Reno "What did those two do to your bathroom? Come on we want details."

"Oh that," she was a little relieved she thought she had something on her face or in her hair. "Oh luckily both of them made it to the loo on time."

"Well where are they then?" asked Yuffie looking around the room.

That's a good point. Where is Vincent? He must be waiting for them all to calm down, the little sod.

She smiled slightly.

"Err…Tifa? Jeez you're as bad as Cloud!" remarked Reno.

Tifa snapped back to reality and looked at the Turk blankly. "Why am I as bad as Cloud?"

Reno chuckled. "Because you both like to stare blankly at nothing in particular. That's why he was so shit at making our drinks he just kept staring at a sodding glass."

"Reno!" protested Cloud.

"Oh don't worry I've finished slagging you off for now Strife."

Cloud gave Reno the biggest death glare he could muster. Reno pretended to act scared and hid behind Rude.

"Ok, ok" said Tifa sensing more piss-taking on Cloud's behalf. "Like I said they both made it in time. But when I found them there was a bullet hole in the wall, an unconscious Cid with a black eye and a Vincent that couldn't walk." She smiled as she remembered the sight of it all.

Everybody laughed and understood what had happened. Yuffie interrupted though and said "Well if there was a mess. What took you so long?"

Oh shit busted!

Tifa tried not to blush at the question; it was bringing up a lot of nice memories and images. She managed to keep her composure and stifled a giggle. "Oh that was the funny part. I tried to drag Vincent back in here but we had to stop a million times and I had to get some water and painkillers for him. His sobered up now and is just regaining himself. He'll be back in a minute. And as for Cid his still unconscious, someone else can get him."

"Oh cool," said Yuffie satisfied.

Thank god I got myself out of that one.

"I suppose I better go sort Highwind out in a bit."

"Yeah, if you wouldn't mind Barrett."

"Anything for you Teef just make sure there's a nice big drink waiting for me when I comeback."

"Sure thing." She giggled.

Vincent watched Tifa through the crack in the door; she was so cheery and bubbly, never complaining and was always helping others. Just where did she get the strength for it all? Vincent closed his eyes and his thoughts wandered to what had happened previously. He remembered the feeling of her nuzzling against his neck and the touch of her soft lips. He sighed heavily; he had to sort himself out and fast. In denial to himself he put it down to the fact he had simply drunk too much.

Keep thinking that Valentine, you know it's not true.

Sod off you stupid demon.

Whatever Valentine don't blame me when it ends in tears.

Vincent pushed the demon to the back of his mind and opened his eye's, he saw Barret walking towards the door. He stood frozen to the spot; he didn't have time to move without it looking conspicuous. How the hell was he going to explain why he was just standing there looking through a crack in the door?

While he was pondering this Barret opened the door and jumped in shock. Vincent found it hard not to smile; it wasn't everyday a massive bloke like Barret jumped out of their skin over something so small. And it was sure funny to see. Barret stood there clutching his heart.

"Jeez, Vincent you scared the life outta me. What the hell are you doing there foo?"

"Coming back to the bar why?" asked Vincent casually.

"Arr nutin. You just gave me one hell of a shock." Laughed Barret. Vincent merely nodded and stood to one side to let the bigger man pass.

"I think you better go check on Cid and make sure his ok. I hit him pretty hard."

"I bet you did! Hang on a minute how did you know I was going to check up on Cid?"

But Barret's question was too late because Vincent had already slipped through the door back into the bar. Barret smirked and shrugged his shoulders. "Man that bloke is sure strange at times." He then ascended the stairs and went to go and find Cid. He opened the bathroom door and let out a loud laugh at the sight before him.

"Yeah that bloke is weird but he sure in hell entertains us!" he said aloud to himself. Carefully he walked over to Cid and tapped on his shoulder, trying to get some form of life out of the drunken pilot.

Vincent slipped into the bar much like Tifa had and managed to go unnoticed. He went into his previous position leaning against the wall with his arms folded. His red eyes darted about the room watching everybody's actions, his eye's fell on Tifa and they remained there for some time. He sighed contently and closed his eyes; maybe he'd feel better if he just had a little rest.

After about 5 minutes he was jolted awake by someone poking him in the ribs. That damn ninja, thought Vincent. He was surprised to find though that when he opened his eyes, it wasn't Yuffie poking him in the ribs but Tifa. Realising who it was he awoke very suddenly and stared at her in disbelief, he would have thought Tifa would have known to have left him in peace.

"Come on Mr Grumpy-pants, your not escaping us that easily. A lot of people want to congratulate you and buy you another drink." She smiled at him, while she kept poking him in the ribs.

The idea of another drink made Vincent feel sick, he even started to turn a slight tinge of green at the thought. His face must have obviously portrayed what he was feeling because Tifa suddenly said, "Oh don't worry, I meant a soft drink… not alcoholic." She giggled. She still was poking him in the ribs.

Vincent gazed down at her questionably; she met his gaze with an innocent look and a cute smile. He couldn't help but smile back at her, "Why may I ask are you still poking me? I am awake now if you hadn't noticed."

She carried on and smirked, "I'll have you know I'm going to poke you in the ribs until you come and join us and stop being a misery arse."

"Oh really, well that puts me in an awkward situation."

"And why is that?" she questioned, curiously.

Vincent paused unable to think of an excuse of why he couldn't do what she requested. She stopped poking him and put her hands on her hips. "I'm waiting Mr Valentine, what's your excuse for this one?"

Vincent had drawn a blank and it showed on his face. "Right," Tifa said as she grabbed his hand. "If you can't think of an excuse, you'll just have to come with me then won't you." With that she started to drag him across the bar to the others, he followed reluctantly and her grip on his hand tightened. Her fingers intertwined with his, and he became very aware of this. He felt nervous and he didn't know why. He gulped just as she pushed him down onto a bar stool within the crowd of Avalanche members.

She was still holding onto his hand, quite tightly. He glanced down at their hands.

"Can I have my hand back now Tifa?" he questioned.

"No, you'll try and run off, this way I can keep an eye on you." She giggled.

"I wouldn't complain if I were you Valentine."

"Shut up Reno," said Vincent smirking. "What would you know about women?"

Reno took offence to this comment and growled slightly. "What the hell did you say yo?"

Vincent smirked and ignored the red-headed Turk quite blatantly. Reno looked as if he was fuming at the ears. His eyes glared menacingly at Vincent and his fists had clenched right up. Tifa eyed Reno up warily, she was not going to have a fight in her bar, she had managed to avoid it all night so it wasn't starting now. She quickly released Vincent's hand and walked over to Reno, she grabbed his arm and pulled him away. Reno protested at first. "Where we going yo?"

"To get you a drink so you calm down." She teased.

Reno lightened up at the mention of alcohol, "Anything for a drink yo!" he grinned. He then let Tifa lead the way to the bar, Tifa glanced over at the others and winked. Everybody chuckled silently to themselves.

With Tifa's absence Vincent noticed people started hurling questions and compliments at him about his and Cid's little contest. They also wanted his version of the story of what had happened in the bathroom. He was surprised at how easy it was to answer all the questions without wanting to hide away in the shadows and just observe. He was actually enjoying being involved for once, the others looked at him shocked a few times when he actually laughed. Just must be the alcohol. He thought. He gazed at Tifa and she smiled at him and did a little wave. Her smile was so warm and inviting he couldn't help but smile back.

I think its more than just the alcohol.

Shut up Chaos.

Whatever lover boy!

Vincent groaned as the demon left his thoughts. Whatever his feelings for Tifa, he was going to let them lie for now. She was too much of a good friend to him and he wanted nothing to ruin that bond they had. While he had been thinking this Yuffie had come bounding up into his face.

"Whatcha thinking Vinnie?" she giggled.

"The best way to get you out of my face." He smirked. "And don't call me Vinnie, it's annoying like you."

The ninja glared at him and stormed off in a huff, without even so much as a fight back which was highly unlike her. Well that was easier than usual.

The others had left Vincent alone for a bit now and he was left sitting on his stool, he daren't move though because Tifa was keeping a close eye on him. She kept glancing over every few minutes to make sure he was still sat down and hadn't retreated back to his corner. He sighed, he was going to be stuck here for a long time knowing Tifa.

"What's wrong? Weight of the world on your shoulders?"

Vincent glanced up, to look into the grinning face of the blonde haired warrior.

"I should be saying that to you. You looked like you had been slapped in the face with a wet fish earlier."

"Yeah your right, I guess I lightened up a bit now." Replied Cloud, he took a seat next to Vincent and grabbed a drink off the bar counter. "What's up then?" he questioned again.

Vincent smirked behind his collar. "Nothing, I've just got a very bossy bartender who won't let me vacate my seat."

"Erm…Vincent." Said Cloud rather nervously.

The cape clad man raised an eyebrow at this sudden change in his friend's tone and turned around to look at the man beside him. Cloud was now wringing his hands and looked like he was going to be sick. Vincent had never seen him look so worried in all the time he'd known him.

"Cloud…?" he prompted, his gaze never leaving the swordsman's face.

"Erm…well I was wondering…err I don't know how to put this…" stammered Cloud, his words getting more and more tangled within each other.

"What? Spit it out whatever it is." Said Vincent a little concerned.

"Well I was just wondering what exactly is going on between you and Tifa?" Cloud bowed his head turning a little red.

"Huh?" replied Vincent completely bewildered.

"I just wanted to know because there seemed to be a spark there, and you made her smile a lot." Replied Cloud with his head still firmly aimed towards the floor.

Cloud looked really upset and Vincent couldn't help but feel a little compassion for him. He'd been through a lot and Vincent could understand that, he could also understand what it felt like when someone you cared deeply for was taken away from you. He gulped and his gaze faltered to Tifa, he didn't want to admit it, but he knew things could never go further with him and Tifa. She loved Cloud and Vincent knew Cloud loved her. He didn't want to be like the people who had made his own life a misery in the past. And if he was honest with himself, what he already had with Tifa was good enough anyway. They were really good friends and were extremely close, and Cloud would never break them apart if Cloud got with Tifa. He cleared his throat and prepared himself.

"Nothing's going on, we're just friends. We've always been like we are you know that." He said in the most positive voice he could possibly muster. (Trust me it was hard.)

He gave the blonde a rare smile and Cloud seemed to cheer up.

"Are you sure?" he had a small look of disbelief on his face.

"Positive. Now go and tell her how you feel before I tell her for you."

"You wouldn't." stammered Cloud, you could tell he was worried at the thought.

"That's what you think." Smirked Vincent, his eye's flashing evilly.

"Ok, ok I will." Said Cloud defeated. "Just let me do it after the party, I need to get some confidence built up first."

"Whatever you say Cloud." Chuckled Vincent who was amused at his friends sudden bravery.

"Hey you coming to get something to eat?"

"I suppose that sounds like a good idea, just as long as my watcher doesn't have a go at me."

"I'll sort her out." Grinned Cloud with renewed hope.

Vincent let Cloud lead the way and he smiled a genuine happy smile, one of many he had done that night. Chaos growled within the gunslinger.

What's got into you? Your going soft I think.

Soft you say? Well I disagree, I've just learnt to live a little that's all.

As long as you don't start picking flowers and braiding your hair.

I promise I won't I'm still the same as always don't worry your demon head off.

Guess I won't then. Chuckled the demon, in a way very unlike him.

I'm not the only one going soft I think.

Just as the two friends had gotten up a very tipsy and disoriented Cid banged his way into the room, overturning a few chairs with him. A rather amused Barret stood behind the pilot. Cid wobbled his way into the middle of the room and with a sickening crack fell face first onto the floor with a loud "thump".

AN:- Sorry if this chap was a little more gloomy or whatever than the rest i honestly tried to make it happy! I just thought Vincent derserved to get a little bit of clarity in his life and actually get to cheer up abit because I felt so bad for him during the game, he had to put up with a lot of crap! Well now that's over we can get back to Cloud humiliating himself in front of Tifa and see what Cid does! Please R and R its helped me so much at the moment!