The soft green glow was rather comforting. Soothing. Like you could lie down and just sleep forever. Vincent wished he could. He was so tired.

Where am I...?

"Oh, you're awake."

"Huh? What...?" Though he felt himself turn, Vincent became aware of the fact he had no body. Am I naught but my consciousness? A ghostly shape began to emerge from the glow, becoming all the more familiar as it approached. If Vincent had eyes, they would be popping out of their sockets. "Could it be...?"

"Yes...it's me, Vincent." Aeris stopped and beamed at him. "It's so good to see you again."

"Aeris...what is going on?"

She giggled. "What do you think? You're in the Lifestream."

"I have returned to the planet?"

"Well...to an extent, yes," she said. "With Chaos in your body you could not perish, but the resulting impact of the collision tore your body apart. For now, I guess you're just...suspended in time."

"Is this why I have no body?"

"Yes. It can be restored to you, if you wish. It's really easy. Besides...I don't think you're ready to be here with us just yet."

Vincent contemplated. He had no wish to die. Though his life had been wrought with horror, he had come to appreciate the friends he had made, the lives that they had built and let him into. He had come to love again, when he thought he had lost the ability forever. Finally, through his friends and his history with them, he had a purpose in life.

But he could not come back with the beasts inside him, and told Aeris as much. "Consider it done," she nodded. "It's the least I can do as thanks for saving our planet. It was beyond my ability...I'm glad you were able to do it."

"Thank you, Aeris."

"You have a wonderful life awaiting you, Vincent. I want you to go out there and enjoy it. I'll be watching, as always. Now, where do you wish to be sent?"

"Sent?"

"I have to put you back somewhere!" she giggled.

"...The cave. Hers. I should say my goodbyes. Unless...she is here, in the Lifestream?"

Aeris shook her head. "Lucrecia is not truly a part of the planet. She would have been a welcome addition though, and I wish I could have gotten to know her. She must be a remarkable woman to have caught your eye...but you wish to say goodbye now?"

"Yes. I have...more important people in my life now." He paused a moment. "One more so than the rest."

"Make her happy, Vincent. You deserve her love. Embrace this like you have never embraced anything before. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Hang tight. Let's get these demons out of you." Aeris thrust her hand out to the side, and a ghostly apparition of her staff, Princess Guard, appeared in it. She held it upwards and closed her eyes, reaching out her other hand towards where Vincent's chest would be. He felt nothing as the monsters that had plagued him for thirty-three years were extracted for good from his body, but he could have danced with joy. No longer would he be subject to the voices in his head, the bloodlust he felt when one of the demons wished to surface.

"It's done," Aeris told him. "I'm going to send you back now." She leaned forward, and Vincent felt the small brush of lips against what would have been his cheek. "Goodbye, and good luck. Your body will return to you when you wake."

"Aeris...I can't thank you enough."

"Don't thank me...thanks those who saved you..." She was fading now, but her smile remained till the end, seeing him to safety.

I'm back. And in one piece it seems.

Vincent opened his eyes. He felt so much more refreshed now, and as he sat up, he marvelled at his body having returned. Cautiously, he ran his hands over himself, checking for any damage, any differences. I'm...alive.

His eyes moved upwards as he rose to a kneeling position, and he felt himself smiling. Aeris had indeed sent him back to Lucrecia's cave. So many words came to him that he wanted to say, but they all died on his lips. He realised then, that they no longer needed to be said. All the feelings he had bottled up for her, he was free to let them go. He knew now that all this time, she had felt the same for her, and he understood why she could never admit to it. I am healed.

"...Lucrecia...everything's alright now," he murmured. "Chaos and Omega have returned to the planet." Slowly, he stood, feeling the stiffness in his muscles. "Thank you. It was you. You were the reason I...survived."

And with that, Vincent Valentine felt his burdens lifted once and for all. Without a look back, he turned and exited the cavern, oblivious to the single tear that rolled down Lucrecia's cheek.

Fresh, sweet air, and sunlight on his skin. Never before had he appreciated this more as he stepped out of the cavern. It is good to be alive, he thought.

A short distance ahead, a small figure stood on the rocks, looking out at the landscape. She was wearing a pale pink top and brown shorts that he guessed Tifa had forced her into, but even from behind, Vincent recognised her as Shelke from her distinctive hair. So she remained with the others afterwards...good. I am pleased she is okay. She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. She knew all along I would come here.

"Everyone's waiting, Vincent Valentine," she said as he approached. "I don't know why they made me come up here and get you." He allowed himself a small chuckle at this, and she giggled, which startled him. He didn't think the girl capable of such sounds. "Not that I...mind, though." She turned back, looking up at the sky, and Vincent's eyes followed, to observe the pale remains of Omega, towering into the heavens. His breath almost caught in his throat at the sight. "You did that, Vincent," Shelke said. "You saved us all. You are a hero."

"I never asked to be a hero," he muttered.

She turned back to him and smiled, surprising Vincent yet again. The time spent with the former party really was changing her. "None of your friends would treat you any different." She held out her hand, and Vincent took it as she gestured downwards. "Let's go. Cid is waiting to take you to Edge."

Yuffie swung her legs aimlessly on the bar stool, chatting away to Tifa as she cleaned up in preparation for Vincent's arrival. "So he was there, just like that?" she asked.

"Seems it," replied Tifa as she bustled around with a broom. "Shelke seemed to just know. Of course, he can explain everything when he arrives." They had received a call from Shelke two hours earlier to update them on the situation; that Vincent was alive and well, and eager to see his friends again. Yuffie had nearly fainted, and clung to Nanaki's scarlet fur, choking back sobs at the news. But now she was full of energy and her smile was infectious to all who came near her. Tifa had made everyone shower and put on clean clothes ready to greet Vincent, and she had put Yuffie in a slouchy, off the shoulder tunic top belted in at the waist, just barely covering her behind, though she let her keep her usual shorts on. Yuffie had giggled to see herself dressed so, and immediately knew Tifa had chosen the clothes to pique Vincent's interest. Her face was free of makeup, but she had let Marlene happily brush her hair down and smooth some foam through it to keep it in place.

"Slow down, Tifa," Yuffie urged, reaching out and grabbing the older woman's arm as she passed. "Why don't you let me take over?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, gimme the broom."

"Alright. Thanks, Yuffie." Tifa sat down, smiling as Yuffie began charging around in her place. "Do you think I should let slip my own news, or keep this night for Vincent?"

"No, everyone has to know!" Yuffie grinned. "Don't hide it."

"Okay, I won't."

"Good. I'm sure everyone will love it."

"Hey, where's Barret and Reeve and all them?"

"I think Nanaki is napping out front. Reeve went off to take a phone call, and Barret and Cloud are upstairs with Marlene and Denzel. Why?"

"Cos I think I hear the airship," Yuffie beamed, leaning the broom against the wall and dashing outside, rather unceremoniously waking up Nanaki in the process. Sure enough, the Shera was landing. "Nanaki, look!" she cried.

"So I see," he observed. "Go back in and wait to greet him, Yuffie. It is you he will want to see the most."

"I can't wait!" Practically jumping for joy, she ran back inside, and a few moments later Cloud, Barret, Marlene and Denzel hurried down the stairs, with Nanaki ambling in with Reeve, Cait Sith and the Turks on his heels. Yuffie's heart soared to see her friends all gathered together to receive Vincent, hero of the planet. They all care for him. I hope he sees this.

Ten minutes later, Cid waltzed in, whistling merrily. "Hey, folks," he grinned. "Look who crawled out alive and kickin'!"

Then Shelke appeared, tugging Vincent in by his hand. Yuffie nearly screamed to see him in one piece, but disguised it by covering her mouth and nose with her hands, smiling widely. The party, Reeve and Turks erupted into cheers and surged forward to greet him, to hug him or clap him on the shoulder. Heart beating frantically, Yuffie leaned back against the bar, distracting herself by cuddling Marlene, who was watching the scene with shy eyes.

Finally, the crowd parted, and she felt Vincent's eyes burning into her. She straightened up and looked over at him, seeing the warmth sparkling in his eyes, in the slight smile turning the corners of his mouth. Then he looked away, the smile fading, the sparkle discharging in streams of tears down his cheeks. She gasped. He's crying! Why? Tentatively, she took a step forward, reaching out to him. "Vincent..." she whispered. He did not move, just stood there, shivering, overwhelmed. "What's wrong?" she asked, glancing desperately over at Tifa, who just shrugged, looking just as confused.

"Yuffie, I..." His eyes slowly moved up again, locking onto the tiny ninja, before he moved forward and his arms encircled her, pulling her into a loving embrace. Yuffie closed her eyes and inhaled the smell of leather and gunpowder, hugging him tightly round the middle. "I'm sorry..." he murmured into her hair, and she could feel the shudders wracking him, the sobs he was trying so hard to keep back. "I'm so sorry, Yuffie...I never..."

"Hey, shhh..."

"I don't ever want to put you in such danger again..."

"I was fine down there with you," she reassured, pulling back to wipe tears away from Vincent's face. Every eye of the party was on them, but Yuffie found she couldn't care less. Vincent was back, he was alive, and she wasn't letting him get away this time. "I'm glad you're okay," she smiled.

"Yes...it's good to be back." He pressed a kiss to the top of Yuffie's head and looked out at his friends. "Thank you, everyone. Truly."

Cheers erupted once more, and, giggling, Yuffie stepped away from Vincent to let him be caught up in the swarm.

It was early evening when the drinks came out. Vincent had explained the full story of what had happened (Tifa had burst into tears to hear about Aeris), and now, content and happy to have the comfort of his friends around him, he sat on one of the comfortable sofas in the bar lounge, a glass of wine in one hand and Yuffie in the other. She was chatting away to Elena, but kept a firm grip on Vincent the whole time.

"Ah, Vincent!" Reeve bustled over, accompanied by Cait Sith. He drew up a chair and sat opposite him, eyes flickering in an amused manner between him and Yuffie. "I must offer my congratulations, and my never-ending thanks for all your help. What we would have done without you, I don't know."

"I'm glad I could help, Reeve."

The commissioner raised his glass. "Here's to...well, everything, I suppose."

Vincent smirked, and clinked his glass lightly against Reeve's before drinking. He felt Yuffie squeeze his hand as she continued her conversation with Elena, and his heart fluttered at the sensation. He was still deeply in love, there was no doubt, maybe even more so now he had made peace with Lucrecia.

"Vincent, I want to offer you a position within the WRO," Reeve said, suddenly businesslike, though the image was spoiled somewhat by Cait Sith clambering up the back of the chair and sitting on his shoulder. "The troops would relish the chance to work alongside you; you're an inspiration to them. It would give you something to occupy yourself, and when not in the field you could be closer to your friends." His eyes moved briefly to Yuffie again. "What say you? We could use a man like you."

He nodded. "I'd be honoured."

"Wonderful! Now, I believe Tifa has an announcement to make, so we'll speak more of this later."

Indeed, Tifa was standing, and waving her hands to get everyone's attention. "Guys," she began, "thanks for all being here to welcome Vincent back. I love it when we all get together...it really doesn't happen often. Now, I don't want to put a damper on Vincent's return, but I...no, we...have some news for you."

Vincent's eyes drifted over to Cloud, who, most unlike his usual self, was blushing furiously as Tifa grabbed his hand. "I wanted to say it while we were all here-"

"Aw fuck, you knocked her up, didn't you Cloud?" yelled Cid, cutting her off.

All eyes turned from Cid to Tifa, then Tifa to Cloud. A pin could be heard dropping, then Tifa laughed. "Yes! Yes, I'm three months pregnant!"

"Oh my god!" came the resounding chorus of Cid, Reno and Elena. Barret gaped senselessly, and Nanaki let loose a congratulatory howl. Reeve was laughing and clapping his hands, but Yuffie just smiled gently. Vincent turned to her. "You knew?" he asked.

"She told me the other day," she said quietly. "Isn't it wonderful?"

"It is indeed. New life is always a cause to be excited."

Yuffie giggled. "Aww, Vince...I never had you down as the type for babies."

"I never said that," he chuckled, "but I know Tifa will be a brilliant mother."

"That she will be." Yuffie sighed and laid her head on Vincent's shoulder. "She's got it all perfect in her life. I wonder if any of us will ever have that."

"Cid got married," Vincent pointed out.

"Yeah, but if he ever has kids they'll come out with smokes in their mouths," she laughed, snuggling against the gunman. He took a sip of wine, then put the glass aside to wrap both arms around her. "Aww, you're being sweet," Yuffie sighed against his chest.

"I see no reason not to be," he replied softly, letting a hand drift up and down her back slowly, feeling the scar beneath her clothes. The tunic she wore had slipped downwards as she cuddled him, and Vincent had to fight with himself to stop from staring down at her slightly exposed breasts. He was very much enjoying the new getup on her, and he made it known by letting his hand move lower, to give her bottom a gentle squeeze. Yuffie gasped, then giggled, lifting herself up ever so slightly to allow him better access. "Pervert."

"You should not wear such clothing."

"Why not?"

"Because..." He lifted her chin up with his free hand, "I have a hard enough time trying to resist you in your usual outfits."

Her eyes widened in shock, and even Vincent had surprised himself, for both the groping and the words. He blamed it on the wine, but found he actually didn't care at all as he pulled Yuffie into his lap and kissed her deeply. Gasps broke out amongst the party, and Reno wolf-whistled, but he was too absorbed in the soft lips of the ninja princess he didn't even stop to flip him off. Yuffie's hands slid into his hair and she moaned against his lips, and it was then that Vincent knew he would be complete.

Later, Yuffie sat outside on the porch, enjoying the sweet night air. It was a little chilly, so she wrapped her arms round herself and brought her knees up to her chest, gazing up at the ruins of Omega. It sent a shiver through her that had nothing to do with the cold. Horrible thing...why do you stay up there? Just fade away...I don't wanna be reminded of everything we went through to have you almost destroy our planet. But...we got him back, at least. I can be thankful for that.

Her hand moved over her lips, and her eyes closed, still savouring the moment Vincent had kissed her, in front of everyone, without a care in the world. Yuffie had been the most shocked of them all, but when they broke away, she had looked into his eyes and seen the love in them. There was no way back now. Cuddled up in his lap, with strong arms holding her close, she didn't think she could ever feel happier.

After some time she had moved away to talk with the Turks, as Elena and Reno were absolutely beside themselves at what they had just seen. Even Tseng showed surprise, and Rude just adjusted his sunglasses with a small smile that Yuffie knew meant he was rather amused. Yuffie had felt Vincent's eyes on her when Reno put his arm round her shoulder and laughed away with her, but she just hoped he trusted her enough to believe her when she had said there was nothing between them now. "If I know anything about what you're like in bed," Reno had whispered in her ear, "and I do...you're gonna make him very happy. Don't disappoint me, little white rose."

"Ewww, Reno. You're gross."

"You wouldn't have me any other way, boss."

Reno's such an idiot, Yuffie thought with a giggle, but I'm glad to have him around. I'd go nuts otherwise.

"Hey...Yuffie." She looked around to see Tifa approaching. The older woman sat herself down next to her with a smile. "What are you doing out here?"

"Just enjoying the night," Yuffie replied. "I love the stars."

"We spent many a night sleeping under them...I think I could name them all now if I wanted to. Cid's knowledge of the skies is so admirable." Tifa raised a hand, tracing a constellation with her finger. "It's all starting to calm down in there now. Nanaki's gone back to sleep again." She giggled. "I think it's his way of saying he's had enough."

"Don't let Reno drink any more then, you know what he's like."

"That we do. You know, Vincent was glaring daggers at him when you two were talking."

"I know."

"You stopped seeing him, right?"

"Oh yeah. He was fine with it, no arguments there."

"Well...that's something." Tifa looked sideways, grinning. "Vincent loved what you were wearing though. I've never seen him look at you like that before."

Yuffie looked down at herself and chuckled. "I have you to thank for that,Tifa!"

"I'll be wanting that tunic back, so don't let him rip it off you!"

"Oh god!" Yuffie covered her face with her hands. "I'm not going to sleep with him!"

"Well...good point. I guess you don't want to ruin anything before it's even begun."

"Tifa, I...I dunno if I should even ask for a relationship out of him. We did so well as friends before...is it worth it?"

The older woman looked at her for a few moments,then sighed and put an arm round her. "You did so well as friends because you might as well have called yourself a couple back then. You, comforting him in the night and getting into bed with him...I don't think two nights went by in a row where we didn't get up in the morning to find you with him. And you know what? If Vincent slept on his own, he never looked as content as he did when he had you next to him. Love is love, Yuffie. And you two have loved each other for so long. It's a natural step to take it to the next level and make it official. What is it you're worried about?"

The ninja stared at her feet, but leaned into Tifa, enjoying the support. "I dunno...just that it won't all be as I imagined. I'm used to these intimate times with him in the night, but it's never happened in the day. I've never had a relationship before. I don't really know what the hell I'm supposed to do. What if it turns out I'm just too young for him, or he's too old for me, or he's still brooding over his past...it might all be too much to handle."

"I think...that he is just as worried as you are," murmured Tifa. "Take your time. I'm sure it will all turn out okay." She withdrew her arm and stood. "Come on, you'll catch you death out here and it's getting late."

Yuffie nodded and followed Tifa back into the bar, where she found Cloud and Vincent in conversation. She sat herself down with a snoozing Nanaki and rubbed the fur on top of his head. The beast did not wake, but uttered a small growl and nuzzled her. Across the room, Vincent looked over at her, the smallest hint of a smile playing around his mouth. He murmured a few quick words to Cloud, then stepped away from him to approach Yuffie. "Hiya," she grinned. "Listen,Vince...where are you staying tonight?"

He thought about this for a moment as he knelt to her level. "I planned to stay here a few days while I sort out accommodation for myself. Why?"

"Do you want to stay with me for a bit? I have loads of room, it wouldn't be a bother."

"Are you sure?"

"Course I am," she smiled widely. "Be nice to have you around. I don't live far away...and I'll be going soon if you want to come with me."

Vincent's eyes lingered on her face, and she could tell he was looking for signs that she was suggesting anything. Eventually, he nodded. "Alright. We'll go when you're ready. Let me say my goodbyes to everyone."

She kissed his cheek gratefully. "Take your time. I'll grab another glass of wine or something."

"Be responsible." He returned her gesture with a kiss on the lips.

An hour later, Vincent and Yuffie left the bar, making for her apartment. Somewhere along the way, she slipped her arm into his, and he looked down at her in mild surprise, but didn't pull away. They walked in contended silence, grateful for the company.

It was only when Yuffie had unlocked the door and they were inside that Vincent spoke. He hoped his voice did not betray his concern. "Yuffie...I feel I must tell you...I don't wish to..."

"Hush, it's okay," she smiled, placing her hands on his chest. "I don't want to rush anything. I know what's what you're worried about."

He sighed, relieved. "Good." His hands closed around her own. "This is unfamiliar territory for me, and I wish to take my time to get to know you..."

"You already know me, silly!"

"Yes, but...as..." His head dipped. "We both...what we feel for each other..."

"Vince...I know what you're trying to say." Yuffie leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, feeling him relax almost instantly. "We want to be with each other. That's scary. I understand. We're going to take our time and learn to be comfortable."

"Yes." He nodded. "Thank you, Yuffie."

She smiled, then yawned. "Oh man, I'm beat. Let me sort the bed out for you."

He frowned as she pulled away and made for her bedroom. "For...me? Not for you?"

"Course not!" she called over her shoulder. "I'll take the couch."

"Oh no you won't." He caught up to her and spun her around, her startled squeal music to her ears. He leaned in close, lips to her ear. "You know I sleep better with you," he whispered in a husky voice, feeling her shiver against him. Oh, how he loved the feel of her body, her movements.

"What happened to taking our time?" she giggled.

"I believe we can make an exception when it comes to sleeping arrangements."

"...I guess so. We're used to it, I suppose." She kissed his cheek and went into her room to begin changing the sheets for sleep. Vincent stood and watched her, rather enjoying the way the tunic rose up as she leaned over the bed, exposing the curve of her behind, hidden by those teasing shorts. He couldn't wait to climb in with her and feel her warmth, her softness against him. It had been too long since they had last shared slumber. It was his one guilty pleasure about her.

"There!" she smiled. "All nice and fresh. I'll go get changed now." She rummaged in a drawer, pulling out sleeping garments, and headed for the bathroom, leaving Vincent to undress in private. He could hear her humming to herself as he put his cloak aside and began to unbutton his shirt.

He froze as the fourth button came away and exposed what should have been scarred skin. Hardly daring to breathe, he practically ripped his shirt open and stared at himself.

What he saw almost sent him into shock.

His scars were gone. Completely gone. His skin was smooth, flawless, as supple as the day he had first joined the Turks. His breath came back, ragged and scared. "Yuffie," he croaked, feeling dizzy. "Yuffie!"

She ran back in, eyes wide. "What's the matter?" she cried, dashing to catch him as he swayed dangerously. "Sit down..." She moved him the few steps back to the bed and sat him down. "What's wrong..."

"My scars..." he whispered. "Look..."

Her eyes moved down, and she screamed. "Oh my god! They're...they're all gone..." Then her face split into a beaming smile. "Vince, this is wonderful!"

"Yes...I'm shocked but...this is a blessing..."

"Did...did Aeris do this?"

"She must have done."

She thought for a moment. Then she tapped his gauntlet. "Off with it. Let's have a look underneath." She knew as well as he did that he wore the gauntlet because the worst of his scars covered his left arm and hand, stiffening his fingers, rendering them near useless. He nodded, and Yuffie began to unclasp the gauntlet, working loose the constraints holding it in place. Slowly, it slid off, and her breath caught in her chest before she smiled again. "Look..."

Vincent flexed his fingers for the first time in what felt like forever. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His arms matched, the scars and stiffness gone entirely. His smile gave way to laughter, tears of mirth pooling in his eyes, and Yuffie began to laugh with him. Their hands entwined and their lips met, falling back on the bed in sweet bliss, and though Vincent let his hands roam, sliding under the oversized t-shirt she wore for sleeping, he did it purely to enjoy the feel of her skin against both his palms. Yuffie arched against him, groaning against his lips. "Carefully now," she giggled as she pulled away.

"I could not help it," he said apologetically. "We should sleep now."

"Yeah," she agreed, sitting up and yawning. Vincent removed his bandana and glove, then Yuffie respectfully averted her eyes so he could remove his trousers. That done, they both slid into bed. Vincent could have groaned aloud as she cuddled up to him; she was so sinfully delicious and soft, and when she pressed a kiss to his heaving chest, his head spun with delirium. "D-don't," he managed to gasp out. "You don't know what you do to me."

"Sorry," she laughed, moving her head up to settle on his shoulder. One leg entwined with his, skin to skin, and as Vincent closed his eyes for sleep, he wondered just how he had come this far, to finally be comfortable with the woman he should have loved all along.

"Night, Vince..."

"Goodnight, Yuffie." Vincent raised a hand to stroke her hair and kissed her brow. "I...I look forward to waking up beside you."

"I won't move all night," she promised.

Oh, Yuffie...I love you so much...