Disclaimer:These characters are © Square Enix.

AN: Thanks for all your support. This was originally going to be my final chapter, so please let me know if you want me to carry on, or if you think it would be a better idea to end the story now. I'm really pleased so many of you have bothered reviewing this, and thanks to all of you! You are the reason I keep writing!

Special thanks to:Bekasstrife, for betaing this! (and generally being helpful)

Hours passed before the door opened and Tifa walked in, smiling in delight at the scene occurring on the bed. Reno was huddled close to Vincent, content and protected in his arms. Vincent was totally relaxed, and Tifa noticed how calm he seemed with the closeness of the Turk. Before Reno, Vincent had never seemed completely comfortable with being close to other people, but Reno seemed different.

Behind her in the doorway stood Rude and Cloud. Cloud's arm was held in a sling which was soaked crimson by his blood, and there were cuts across his face, one eye swollen shut, but the mako in his blood was already beginning to heal him. Vincent smiled at them, holding a human finger to his lip to signal for silence. He was pleased they had all returned safely, and he was sure Tifa would help Cloud, and that Rude would find shelter, but Reno needed to rest. Reno had been through so much in the last few days, and he needed the chance to sleep.

Reno whimpered softly as the others left and Vincent stroked his hand through the fiery hair, soothing the younger man. He quieted and fell deeper into sleep, lying awkwardly on Vincent's claw. Knowing that those he cared about were safe and that they didn't need to worry about danger, Vincent joined him.

The first rays of sunlight were creeping into the room through gaps in the moogle – patterned curtains, and the children were already awake and having a pillow fight in the next room before Reno stirred. He kept his eyes closed, nuzzling closer to Vincent. Vincent woke at the slight movement, and realized from the slight change in breathing that his friend was awake.
"It's alright, you're safe now."

Reno's slender fingers tangled in Vincent's and he brought his head up to Vincent's, moving closer until his breath tickled Vincent's lips.
"I know." Vincent had returned for him. Even though he didn't need to, even though it was dangerous. Even though it had brought back memories. Vincent made him feel safe in a way no one else ever had. Vincent saved him.

In a mixture of delight and relief, he moved forwards and brushed his lips against those of the older man. Vincent's eyes widened in shock, but he didn't move away. He opened his mouth slightly, allowing Reno access. He was surprised at his friend's attitude, the suddenness of the action, but he couldn't say he minded. He had other issues he had to deal with, his own demons and sins, before he could act this way towards Reno freely, but if Reno would wait for him… He gasped slightly into Reno's mouth as a myriad of new possibilities; the chance to truly love and live again, hit him.

Downstairs Rude flicked through the files they had taken from the lab, relaxing now his partner was safe. Cloud and Tifa were in the kitchen, Tifa taking advantage of the better light to ensure she could dress Cloud's wounds properly, though from the little Rude could see through the open door, the two seemed far too busy embracing and kissing passionately to worry about a little thing like first aid. He looked down in embarrassment, nearly dropping the papers when a name on the yellowing pages caught his eye. His eyes flicked between these old notes and the new ones, there was next to no difference between the processes they described.

Reno pulled away from Vincent, a fragile smile playing on his lips.
"I…I missed you." He opened his eyes and smiled at Vincent, expecting happiness, affection or even, though he knew he shouldn't hope for it, love. What he didn't expect was the horror, fear and almost hatred in Vincent's eyes. He hadn't realized it would bother him so much, after all Vincent had kissed back.

Vincent almost whimpered, bile rising in his throat. This was awful. He thought he had rescued Reno, but now Reno could never be saved. He was cursed; condemned to the tortured life Vincent suffered. He hated himself for not picking up on the hints the demons inside him had offered. He stared into the confused lilac orbs, the mark of another monster, and felt his own crimson eyes brim with tears.

Rude looked again at the faded notes, checking for a final time that this was true and there was no way of changing it. The two words remained the same, printed in dark ink three decades ago.

"Vincent Valentine"