A little more drama with Strifentine. Not big, like the necklace chapter. Just little. It's the stupid cat's fault. Haha.


An Hour... Or So

"VINCENT!"

"Oh Gods," Vincent muttered. Worse than bloody fingernails on a chalkboard, he thought. He sighed casually and got up from his seat: the rooftop. Jumping down and landing on the grass beneath him, he looked over his shoulder into the window. Yep, Cloud was there, and he didn't look pleased.

Vincent pushed the back door open and looked to his left where Cloud was standing. He had his arm under the sink faucet, and as his head darted in Vincent's direction, the older man could only guess what Cloud's problem was.

It didn't take him long, though, as Cloud held up his arm; it was covered in what seemed to be eight or nine thin, red scratches.

"Look what your damn cat did to me!"

"Don't damn her, Cloud. You probably provoked her like you always do."

"No! She jumped on me while I was sleeping and scared the living hell outta me, so I jumped and tried to shove her off. She thought I was playing or something and attacked my damn arm!"

"You did provoke her."

"Vincent…"

Vincent smirked and transferred his stare to the still-small kitten that entered the room. As she passed Cloud, Vincent saw an evil spark appear in the blonde's expression. Vincent rolled his eyes and picked up Aki, smiling at Cloud.

"What's so demonic about her, Cloud?" Cloud gave a 'pfft' and turned back to the sink. Vincent raised an eyebrow, studying Cloud for a moment. Then his eyebrows lifted.

"You're jealous."

Cloud grunted, ignoring the two to his left. Vincent let out a small chuckle and walked up to Cloud. He lifted Aki so her face was near Cloud's. Cloud winced a little, but other than that he didn't move. Vincent got even closer.

"Admit it."

"No."

"Oh come on, Cloud…"

"Never, damn it."

Vincent held Aki closer. Aki sniffed Cloud carefully, then shot out a tiny, rough tongue, giving either an apologetic or taunting kiss. Cloud sighed and turned off the faucet. He leaned his head to the sighed and looked at the kitten. Vincent grinned.

"She loves you…"

"Knock it off."

"Hell, Cloud." Vincent pulled back, bringing Aki with him. "What's with you? It's a cat… what are you so jealous of?"

"You spend more time with that cat than you do on the roof."

"Cloud, that didn't even make sense."

"Sure it did. You used to always spend time on the roof. It was nice for you, wasn't it? But I had to go and buy you the damn cat, so now you completely ignore the roof."

Vincent's lips parted slightly, and Cloud looked back at the sink. Damn, Vincent thought. He sighed, gently putting Aki on the floor. Stepping forward again, he put his arms around Cloud's shoulders from the side, pressing his forehead lightly against the side of Cloud's head.

"I'm sorry."

"No you aren't."

"Yes, I am, Cloud. But why did you say something?"

"I just did."

Vincent smiled. "Right you are. And I'm glad you did. Because you know what I can't do with Aki on the roof, I'm sure."

Cloud couldn't help but laugh, and Vincent grinned.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

"Does Aki have enough food in her bowl to last her an hour or two?"

Cloud grinned back. "I think so."


Vinnie's found himself a little more roof-time. :)

More is on it's way.
Coming soon, to a fanfiction near you.