Chapter 12

Jake waited at his house as Vincent went on his date, smiling when he saw Vincent return. "How'd things go?" he asked, looking up from the book he'd been reading.

"Great!" Vincent smiled. "It was a little awkward at first, but it ended well."

"That's good. See things going anywhere with him?"

"Maybe... I'm not sure," he said. "We clicked, but I think a few more dates would help."

Jake chuckled at that. "Guess you're less average than you thought, huh?"

Vincent chuckled. "I suppose."

Jake nodded before deciding it best to change the subject. "We're about to start family game night, do you want to join?"

"I'd love to, if I'm welcome." Vincent smiled.

"Of course you're welcome! We're going to play poker."

Vincent smiled. "Great!"

Jake nodded, standing up to stretch before calling out to his family that Vincent was back. "Mom made some snacks for tonight, so dig in to anything that looks good if you want."

"Thank you," Vincent smiled.

"No problem," Jake chuckled. Game night lasted hours and Vincent learned quickly that Jake's mother was highly skilled at the game, beating her children easily.

Vincent smiled, being pretty good himself at the game.

Jake chuckled as he folded his hand. "You two are just too good at this," he joked.

"We should switch to a board game after this," one of his sisters added with a smile.

Vincent smiled. "Sounds fun."

The girl got up to look through their games, finding a trivia game to play and one based around SOLDIER, that game seemed popular as it helped recruit new people by making the program look good.

Vincent rose a brow. "Really?" he smirked.

"What? It's a fun game," the girl defended.

"True, but you'll be playing against two SOLDIERS." he chuckled.

She stuck her tongue out at him. "I bet I can do better than you," he teased.

Vincent chuckled. "Well we shall see about that!" he teased back.

The girl smiled, setting up the game board so they could start.

Vincent smiled, letting her.

The game had a spinner, its board, and classic SOLDIER icons as the game pieces.

"Ready to get beat?" he teased.

"You wish," the girl laughed.

Vincent chuckled. "We'll see."

The girls knew a surprising amount about the trivia being asked. Most of the questions were culture type ones, things that SOLDIER didn't mind civilians knowing. This ranged from uniform designs to favorite foods or colors of the top faces of the program, when the program was founded to why it was so important for the community to support the program.

Vincent smiled, impressed with their knowledge.

"We all followed this stuff as kids. We were constantly glued to the TV any time stuff about the program came on," Jake laughed.

Vincent smiled. Then I suppose you have your dream job?" he asked Jake.

Jake laughed. "Yeah, kind of," he admitted.

Vincent smiled. "That's great!"

"What about you? What made you interested in joining?"

He shifted. "Well...back in Wutai I was actually in the Wutainian Rebellion...when I moved here...well it seemed fitting to join. Wutai isn't being run right with it's current King."

"Did you know anything about SOLDIER before joining?" Jake asked, curious.

"A little. I did a couple months of research when I moved here before joining. Mostly at libraries and internet cafes."

"That's good. I'm surprised you didn't get bombarded with posters and dolls like the rest of us."

"Well...they were informed I had no where to put such things." he said softly.

"It could've been wherever he was living. They randomly send promotions out to every house in certain cities," one of the sisters, Maria, spoke up. "And there are stores for the dolls."

Vincent shifted. "The… um… the only place I have that equals a house or living space is my room at SOLDIER..." he admitted. "Which I didn't have until I finally signed up and got accepted to train."

"Oh, honey," Jake's mother began. "Do you want to live with us? I can make up the top bunk in Jake's room for you so you have somewhere to stay when you're allowed to leave the base."

Vincent flushed. "I wouldn't want to impose..."

"It wouldn't be imposing," the woman assured with a smile. "You're a friend of Jake's and the way he talks about you, well you might as well be family!"

Vincent blushed and smiled softly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome dear," the woman smiled.

"Is it alright if I ask what Wutai is like?" Jake's youngest sister, Nina, asked.

Vincent smiled. "Generally, It's a lovely place. Very attached to their customs and probably a bit 'Old-Fashioned' to anyone outside of the country. The main part, the one that everyone sees, is filled with little houses and shops. The King's palace is there, too. It used to be that everything but the palace itself was open to the public, but this King has closed off most of it. Then there are the slums, which actually aren't as bad as the ones here, but still horrible. The people are closer there, though." he smiled as he continued to explain customs and celebrations that went on there. Jake's family were all interested in his explanations, eager to learn more about him. Vincent smiled, happy about their interest.

Jake smiled as his family spoke before deciding to ask his own question. "So, how did you get here from Wutai anyway?"

"My friend's father owned a boat company. Helped me get a ticket and sail to here." he said. "I honestly didn't think past getting away from Wutai... which is why I have no place to stay."

"Well, now that you're part of SOLDIER then perhaps they can get you into classes of some kind? Further your knowledge for jobs after the program, incase the war ends or you stay there so long that you get to retire," Jake's mother smiled.

"I never really thought of that. It's a good idea, though...I'm only seventeen so I still have some things to learn."

"I'm not sure how good it is, but I overheard some of the higher ups discussing a literacy program, sort of like a book club. One of them wants to ask those in charge if we can get a small library," Jake smiled. "I think a library would be awesome to help with the boredom. Maybe some basic strategy games like chess, too."

"That would be great! Maybe I could ask the General about it?"

Jake smiled. "It'll help with teaching people how to do battle strategies, too, if we have stuff like chess to actively practice with each day."

Vincent nodded. "Great idea!"

His mother chuckled. "You boys must not have a lot to do there, hmm?"

"Not really." Vincent admitted.

"Hmm... I'll donate some board games the next time they ask for gifts, I'm sure all of you boys will get use out of them."

"That would be lovey, thank you." Vincent smiled.

"You're more than welcome, young man. I want all of you to be able to focus and you can't do that if you're bored out of your mind," the woman chuckled.

He laughed. "That's true."

"Do you like being part of the SOLDIER program so far, dear?"

"I do. I've had some... difficulties.." he said, left arm twitching. "But all in all It's not bad."

Jake noticed the twitching and frowned. "Do you want to take the prosthetic off? You can if it's bothering you."

"Umm... If nobody minds... The mesh helps... but I've had it on all day and I'm still not used to that."

"We don't mind at all, dear, do whatever makes you most comfortable," Jake's mother said softly. Vincent smiled and thanked them, still a little embarrassed as he took off the arm. Jake's mother smiled at him gently. "I'm going to get everyone drinks, what would you like dear?"

"Soda is fine." he smiled softly.

The woman's smile grew as she stood, getting him a bottle and bringing it out with everyone's tea. "I'm glad you're enjoying your stay here so far."

"Yes it's wonderful!" Vincent smiled, having no problem opening the bottle.

"Oh, Jake, you should take him shopping for decorations! Make the room feel more home-like since he'll be living with us when not on base now."

Jake chuckled. "Sure, mom. I'll take him tomorrow."

Vincent smiled. "That would be wonderful!"

"Do you want any memorabilia from SOLDIER? There's a little shop around here with calendars and stuff with the generals on them. There's even Sephiroth dolls and plush toys."

Vincent managed to hide his blush, giving a subtle half glare to Jake. "I'm... not quite sure what the General would think of me having a plushie of him." he chuckled.

"I'm sure he won't say anything, you can keep it in your bedroom. Besides, it's not like you're the only person to own one. He's the most popular SOLDIER ever," he chuckled.

"That's true." Vincent chuckled back.

"I bet you every other member has a poster or action figure of him," Jake teased.

"Do you?" Vincent asked, curious.

"I don't... I have Genesis and Zack, though."

"I can understand Zack, as he is kind and awesome, but... Genesis? Really?" Vincent rose a brow.

"I got it for free with the Zack figure," Jake shrugged.

"Huh. Okay." he smirked. "I'd think they'd give away and Angeal one with Zack, since he's always tailing the Commander like a puppy."

"It was a mystery pack," Jake chuckled. "I honestly was surprised Zack was in it, I was expecting Angeal more than him. Anyway, I bought one of those combo mystery packs of miniature figurines and the two that just happened to be in it was those two. I was hoping to get an Angeal or Sephiroth, truthfully."

"Maybe I can buy us a couple? I haven't had much to use my salary on so I have a good amount saved up."

Jake chuckled. "That would be great."

Vincent smiled. "Then we have a plan."

Jake chuckled. "There's a little shop down the road that sells Wutai decorations, too, if you want fans or anything."

"That would be nice." he smiled.

The rest of the night was spent playing various games. Jake was smiling when they went back to his room later. "So... how did you like your first day here?"

"It was amazing." he smiled.

Jake chuckled. "I'm glad. Do you want the top bunk or the bottom one?" he asked while changing into his pajamas.

"Umm... The top," he said.

Jake nodded, climbing into the bottom bunk with a smile. "Hope you sleep well."

"You too. And thank you for everything."

"Hey, you don't need to thank me. You're family now."

Vincent smiled. "Hey, Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, ask anything!" Jake smiled.

"Why are you afraid to tell your parents about being gay? They seem like they would be accepting," he asked softly.

"I'm... not really afraid, I just don't want to make a big deal out of it. Knowing my mom, she probably already has suspicions. If she thinks I have a crush, though, she'll try to set me up and not let go of trying to help me with dating tips."

Vincent chuckled lightly. "It does seem like she'd do that."

Jake chuckled. "Just wait until she learns you have a crush."

"On Michael or the General?" he joked.

"Either. She will do everything she can to help you out."

He laughed. "I don't need that much help, do I?" he rose a brow. "And I don't think she can help with the General... what would she do? Write a letter?"

"Knowing her, she'd flood you with posters of him."

Vincent laughed. "I might like that actually."

"Hey, it's your risk to take. I won't get involved."

He laughed. "I'll just wait to see if she notices."

"Good choice," Jake chuckle as he yawned and rolled over to get some sleep. The next morning they were woken early by Jake's mother, she'd made breakfast already and had plans for the day to ensure Vincent got to see most of their little town. Vincent smiled, unused to it but happy.

Pancakes were waiting for them downstairs with syrup and fruit. "I hope this is alright, dear," Jake's mother said with a smile.

"It's amazing." he smiled. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, dear. I'm glad you like it," she said gently.

Jake smiled as he walked over and sat beside Vincent. "She'll spoil you with food."

Vincent chuckled. "No objections."

"So, what do you want to check out first? There's a small fair going on during this time of year, there's shops, and a few other things."

"I'd like to look for some decorations for my room back at Shin-Ra if you don't mind."

"That's fine. We'll shop for those first, then just explore," Jake smiled.

Vincent smiled. "Okay."

Jake ate quickly so he could get dressed. He walked with Vincent to a little shop with several Wutai decorations. Vincent smiled, looking around, loving the fact that the items were authentic. "See anything you like?" Jake asked. Vincent found a couple of figurines and posters that he liked.

"What about a lantern or two?"

"Yeah. I could get one." he smiled.

Jake picked up one made to look like a dragon. "What about this one?"

Vincent smiled. "Oh! I like this one!"

Jake chuckled, setting it in the little basket. "We're getting it, then." Vincent chuckled, picking out a few more things happily.

"Your room is going to look awesome now."

"It is." he chuckled. "Thank you."

"Do you want some fans, too?"

"I could get some, but I think after that my room, or at least the walls, will be full."

"Hmm... true... what about some book ends instead? I know you love to read."

"Sure!"

"They have some that are dragons or you could go with simpler designs."

He smirked. "I'll stick to dragons." he said. Jake chuckled, getting the book ends. "Want to stop somewhere nearby and grab something to eat?" Vincent asked next asked.

"Sure! There's a little diner nearby, they have good food."

Vincent smiled. "Let's go then." The diner was small, decorated with older SOLDIER posters and a few old newspaper articles. It had a tiny radio on one side, booths and tables, and a bar. The menu was simple: hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, pizza, and the like. "This is a nice place." Vincent smiled.

Jake smiled. The rest of their time off was spent in a similar fashion, with Jake's family showing Vincent everything they could think of. Before they knew it, it was time to return to Shin-Ra and their dorms. They were one of the first groups to get back, though something felt... off when they returned. "This place is creepy without everyone here..." Jake muttered.

Vincent frowned. "I know..." he said, looking around. "It's... unsettling."

"Maybe we should just... get our rooms sorted," Jake suggested nervously, giving a tiny laugh. "The others should be showing up later tonight or sometime tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah..." he nodded. "Um... meet down here when we're done if no ones back yet?"

Jake nodded. "Yeah, good idea."

Vincent went to his room, setting up the things he bought and putting away the clothes. He sighed, looking around and agreeing that it was eerily creepy while abandoned. He could hear the building creaking around him, echoes sounding from empty halls. Sitting still, he could faintly hear what sounded like footsteps down the hall from him, far from where Jake would be. Vincent frowned, pausing and listening to see if he could tell who it was. The steps were heavy and quick, the person was running. Vincent decided to see who it was, worried. He could see Adams turning a corner to keep running away from him, the commander not spotting Vincent as he kept going. He was speaking into a radio as he ran by, a noise sounding from the other end of the hall where he was running to. In the distance was one of the weaker, but fast, abominations that the lab had made. It had to of escaped while everyone was on holiday, so Adams was now trying to catch it on his own quickly before anyone got back. Vincent frowned, returning to his room to grab his gun and follow the man.

"I can see it three yards ahead!" Adams yelled into his radio. "Please tell me you guys have a container ready for this damned thing."

"What's going on?" Vincent called as he got close.

Adams blinked at seeing him. "Vincent?! It... It's one of the weaker creatures, some engineered animal."

"Can I help?" he asked.

"Yes, go around and try to cut the thing off! If you take this right and I go left we should be able to corner it."

Vincent nodded, moving to do so cautiously.

"It's small, but quick," Adams warned.

"Thanks for the notice." he nodded.

Adams nodded and rushed off. The creature in question looked almost like a spider, though it had a strange snake like head and kept hissing as it tried to escape. Vincent inwardly shuddered as he herded it, hoping to trap it either between him and Adams or him and a wall. It screeched at him in response, running forward and screeching louder when it found itself in a corner. Vincent reached out with his prosthetic arm, catching it quickly. It began to lash out and screech loudly, trying to attack him but only hitting the metal o his arm. Adams rushed over at hearing the noise, radioing that the creature was restrained. "We're getting a cage for it!"

He nodded and smiled. "At least this has come in use." he said, gesturing too his prosthetic.

Adams nodded, looking up as a scientist he was working with ran towards them with a container. "I'm glad you got back early, I was the only person from our unit here other than Smiths, and he's still out of commission," Adams explained.

Vincent smiled, placing the thing into the container. "I'm glad I could help." he said.

The scientist took a deep breath, getting the container shut tight. "At least it wasn't a big one. That would've been scary. Would you two mind escorting me down to put it back? In case it tries to escape again?"

Vincent nodded. "Sure."

The scientist smiled, leading Vincent and Adams down. Adams sighed. "I've been chasing that thing for at least twelve hours now."

Vincent looked shocked. "Really?! How long has it been out? And are there anymore?"

"There aren't any more that are free," the scientist assured. "But it was out for a long while. It's quick, so every time we tried to catch it, it ran off," he added with a frown. "The thing jumped onto the ceiling at one point and started knocking things off the shelves at me," Adams sighed.

"I'm glad I managed to corner it then.." he said, surprised. As they talked he hadn't noticed that they had gone deep within the lab. He stopped to look around, almost freezing, heart starting to race as he started to panic as memories hit him, grabbing his arm.

The scientist paused. "Are you alright?" he asked Vincent with a frown.

Vincent took a deep breath. "Y-Yeah... I'm fine..."

Adams frowned, keeping an eye on his friend. "It's been a long time since you've been down here... do you want to go back up?"

He shook his head. "N-no. It'll be fine." he said.

"Vincent, you don't have to stay down here if you don't want to."

He gave a sigh. "I need to get over this sooner or later," he said softly. "Besides, It's not a bad panic attack."

Adams frowned and gave a sigh. "Alright, if you feel you can continue. Stay close."

He nodded. "I will."

Adams nodded, starting to walk with the scientist again deeper into the lab. Vincent followed slowly, trying to keep calm. Their footsteps echoed through the abandoned halls, leading them in a maze. Soon they were in the same area where Vincent's arm had began to melt, some of the creatures shifting around in their cages further down the hall. Coming near the spot, Vincent's body froze as visions of what happened flashed through his mind.

He grabbed at his arm, heart starting to race as he sunk to his knees, breathing harshly, blind to everything but the memories. He didn't see that no one had noticed, leaving Vincent alone in the room. Vincent was having trouble calming down, eventually getting too worked up. He blinked, noticing that the others were gone, trying to call out but unable to as he began to feel faint. He started to fall and pass out, everything around him turning into a black nothingness.