isclaimer: I don't own FFVII and I don't make money with this writing.

A/N: This chapter had been beated by the amazing writer BMIK, who happens to be rocking Tokyo, by now...Miss you!

Chapter 10- Gongaga

When they arrived at Gongaga, Yazoo was surprised by the city. It wasn't a village as Vincent had told him, but it wasn't like Midgar, with big impressive buildings, either.

It was cozy and cute, with a lot of trees and small flower gardens on the streets. There were two main avenues running to the center and the exit of the city and small alleys crossing its. The city was surrounded by mountains and the forest which was now, Yazoo's home. The same big river crossed the avenues and Yazoo counted three stoned, arched bridges.

The weather was fresh and not as humid as in the forest.

Most of the houses were made of stones, and the medieval look was accented by banners used as label on the stores and restaurants. They walked along the main avenue, busy with the crowd finishing their work day.

Yazoo also noticed tourists, a lot of them actually, shopping and sitting at the cafes along the street. "I would like to live here…How strange life is sometimes…I planned to get here two months ago in such a different situation…but now it is better."

As usually, Vincent remained in silence, merely speaking to lead Yazoo through the places till they reached his friend's antique store.

It was a grey stoned house of two floors and a red banner above the door, circled with .

'TUESTI ANTIQUES.'

Yazoo's eyes were curious, looking to everywhere and he went closer to the large glass showcase, admiring objects that he had never seen before and had no idea what they were made for.

"Wow…"

"Do you like it?"

"I never saw a store like that before…what are these…objects?"

"Art my boy…art! Nice to meet you, I'm Reeve Tuesti."

"Oh…Nice to meet you sir, I'm Yazoo."

"Welcome to my store Yazoo and if you have time I'll explain to you what these marvelous objects are…"

The owner was a tall and dark haired man, with a well-cut beard and shining brown eyes. Mr Tuesti looked like some sort of prince of an old era, with that blue long coat and very polite manners. Yazoo liked the man; he was a little affected and he seemed a little anxious, but Yazoo felt he was a good man. Before entering the store, Yazoo looked back to Vincent, seeking his company to get in, but the man remained standing in front of the door.

"Don't you come Mr Valentine?"

"I have others things to do and I'll be back soon."

Yazoo felt a tingle of discomfort to be alone in a strange town with a strange person, but he wouldn't tell or show it towards Vincent. But again Mr Valentine 'read' his mind.

"I'll buy something that I'm needing, before the store is closing."

Yazoo felt ashamed to be so transparent to Vincent and nodding at the man, he entered the store. The place was just precious with the antique furniture and the beautiful art pieces. Mr Tuesti indeed was a polite man and, gesturing towards a plushy, red armchair for Yazoo, he offered a cup of tea and idly talked about some of the objects that had caught Yazoo's attention. Mr Tuesti explained how he got into the antique's business and Yazoo liked to listen to the man's stories about his life.

"After the destruction of that city, people came to me asking for help to sell their belongings. Some of it were family pieces, they had emotional links with the objects. I always liked history and art and when I had to abandon what I had build, it was hard for me. I understood these people and I began to sell their pieces at the antique exhibitions around the country. Until I ended up here with that store."

"That's a great story, Mr Tuesti."

"Yes…I made a lot of friends and I had the chance to know many cities and countries. The bad part was when I had to travel I needed to close the store and this was not good for business. As you can see, Gongaga is a good touristic city."

They talked over one hour or so and Yazoo confirmed for Mr Tuesti that he was new in town and, although Yazoo explained that he wasn't familiar with art, Mr Tuesti offered a part time job.

"Are you willing to accept my offer, Yazoo?"

Yazoo liked the place and the offer was more than compelling. But it came at the wrong time and he didn't want to be unfair with the man, leaving him with no help later.

"Mr Tuesti, I have to thank you and I am flattered by your offer. But I have unfinished business in my town and I'll have to go back soon. And once there I don't know…which directions my return might take. I would really like to work for you and I doubt that I will get other offers like yours."

"I see…Let's do it this way then. You work for me till you have to leave, so we can see how it´ll work out . You'll have the job and I 'll have your service. Of course I'll pay you."

"Are you sure Mr Tuesti?"

"I'll only ask for your help till you have to leave, I'll have to schedule my travels."

"I accept. Thank you."

"You´re welcome Yazoo. Let's have a toast , even though I have only tea. Vincent surely will bring a good wine."

After some minutes, Vincent came back. And he, indeed, brought a good wine and they had dinner at the store, since Mr Tuesti lived there too, on the second floor. Yazoo hadn't had such a pleasant night in a long time ago. Vincent was cheerfully talking about history and some of his adventures. He was so different from that stern figure that Yazoo knew. "He is so beautiful when he smiles, not smirking or grinning. When he smiles…"

Yazoo blushed at this thought and Vincent noticing the red face of the boy, not wondering that it might could be something else but the wine, so he took away Yazoo's glass.

"No more wine for you…You have to work tomorrow…and I won't take you back home on my lap…"

Vincent's words were whispered near Yazoo's earlobe, causing the boy to get even redder. "God, he's right…"

Mr Tuesti brought the desert and after that Yazoo and Vincent went home. The forest was not so far and Yazoo memorized the route. Vincent pulled out the keys and narrowed his eyes, warning Yazoo to be careful with his bike.

"Mr Valentine?"

"No."

"Vincent?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. Thank you very much. I know Cloud asked you to help me, but I never had all of this from…anyone…"

"That's ok Yazoo. Congratulations on the job."

"Vincent…I promise you that one day I'll pay you back."

"I hope you don't try to poison me…"

They smiled at each other and went to their room. That was the first night Yazoo didn't think about Reno before sleep. He slept fast and peacefully.

In the morning the sound of the bike awakened Vincent who was still in bed, and he smiled to himself. "He's a good kid. Cloud was right."