A/N: This chapter is a rewrite of my original one-shot-A Dance for the Lonely-which I decided to turn into a multi-chapter fic.
Please let me know if I've made any mistakes.
Story is Post Dirge of Cerberus (DoC) and includes characters from the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII material owned by Square Enix. Nothing is mine but the ridiculous plot.
Chapter 1. The Wedding Reception
εγλ May 0014
He leaned on the far wall with his arms folded. The gauntlet worn on his left glinted in the low lights of the reception hall. His face wore his apathy, revealing the extent of his enthusiasm for the occasion. Vincent had become bored with the wedding ceremony quickly and retreated into the shadows soon after the reception started.
Attending had not seriously crossed his mind when he had received the invitation a month ago. At the time, Vincent had been thoroughly immersed with reading in the haunted library and labs of ShinRa Mansion in Nibelheim, pouring through decades-old research on the properties of the Lifestream and its mysteries ShinRa scientists had been able to uncover. After weeks of study, a particular volume piqued his curiosity, which he had hoped to share and discuss at length with Nanaki.
Through a couple of unexpected calls to Tifa and Cid, he learned the red-furred beast was in Rocket Town. The group had gathered without him, preparing to travel to Wutai for the wedding celebration. Vincent hesitated at the renewed attempt to talk him into joining. But in the end, he resolved to meet them after Nanaki promised to welcome him to Cosmo Canyon following the ceremony. His research could wait out the occasional social interaction with his friends. Truthfully, Vincent looked forward to witnessing Nanaki's reaction to what the beast described as "two-legged mating ritual customs."
So here he found himself at the first wedding reception he had attended in over three decades, silently noting the idiotic ways the younger generation danced to the commotion they referred to as music. Most kept their distance when passing by him to head to the dance floor or bar, although occasionally he was subjected to the snickers and whispered chatter of ogling young ladies.
He gladly tucked his chin into the cowl of the newly acquired black cape around his neck. He wasn't used to the silken material and itched at its barely noticeable touch against his skin. He was more accustomed to the abrasive feel of his tattered red cloak, which he left aboard Cid's airship.
His entire outfit made him feel a bit out of sorts, not just the substitute cape. Instead of his worn leather gear, he sported a silk waistcoat, blouse, and slacks, and his usual pointed sabatons were replaced with dress shoes. The garments made him feel self-conscious, like a randy dandy exposed to gaggles of snickering women. The recently acquired apparel was Shera's fault. She had insisted they shop for wedding attire in Rocket Town before departing for Yuffie's nuptials. Shera had fussed over his gauntlet, finally relenting when he agreed to have it shined and to cover the claw in a soft-leathered glove.
Other than the music and accounting for a few oddball Wutaiin royal customs, the reception was the same as any other he recalled from his past. Couples danced, men drank, their wives chittered away happily, and children played tag, weaving their tiny bodies through the dance floor, careful to avoid the dancers. The bride and groom performed their obligatory ceremonial dances, grinned for the cake cutting, led a traditional Wutaiin shoe tossing, and danced with the youngest and oldest in attendance. Guests pinned fertility charms on the bride's dress and wished the couple many sons and daughters. Yuffie was a lovely bride. Still annoying. But he felt genuine happiness for her.
Through a crowd of old men smoking cigars, Reeve Tuesti approached as he chatted with Lord Godo Kisaragi. Trailing behind them with her eyes darting around the celebration was Shelke Rui, a former Deepground SOLDIER, and Tsviet. The young lady appeared predictably indifferent, socially awkward, and perpetually ten years old.
"Hello, Vincent Valentine," Shelke greeted him in monotone. She stood still behind Reeve and aimed her attention toward the dance floor, with no interest in furthering the conversation.
Reeve paused in front of Vincent and indicated toward him as he turned to look at Yuffie's father. "Lord Godo, this is Vincent Valentine, with whom I believe you are familiar." Reeve was all business, even at a wedding.
"My daughter has spoken very highly of you, Mr. Valentine," Godo's demeanor demanded attention. "And if I recall, you've helped defend the planet on multiple occasions."
"The last occurred a couple of years ago when the Omega weapon appeared over old Midgar if you recall from our reports," Reeve supplied without prompt. "It was Vincent who defeated it. Single-handedly, I might add." Vincent couldn't help but feel a tinge of embarrassment at the accolade as it wasn't entirely truthful. Reeve was up to something, but what was unclear.
"And you were once a SOLDIER, too? I presume?" Godo asked with a stern look. "Your triumphs suggest similar enhancements." The leader of Wutai gave him an appraising look, pausing his gaze at the gauntlet. Godo knew more than he let on, but he wanted to hear Vincent's answer.
"Not exactly." Vincent concealed his irritation but hoped his reluctance to share his past was evident in the short response.
Reeve saved him from further questioning. "How is Kunsel fitting in as our liaison? I hope you are finding him knowledgeable and eager to assist in all WRO/Wutai relations."
"He's serving well." Godo continued to eye Vincent as he responded to Reeve's attempt to divert the conversation. "But we're hesitant to accept any additional SOLDIERs in the consulate." He faced Reeve with his mouth set in a rigid line. "And there is concern at your eagerness to employ them as security escorts, Commissioner."
Godo's misgivings toward the former fighting force were expected. The ShinRa Electric Company defeated Wutai more than a decade ago through reliance on their SOLDIER teams. Vincent was surprised Reeve was using them in diplomatic channels, as well. Segments of the population remained unwilling to accept any former ShinRa employees as neighbors, let alone military veterans infused with physical enhancements to turn them into killing machines.
"Kunsel is a credit to our organization, don't you agree? And he's a diplomat only," Reeve insisted. "He's acting on behalf of peace between us, now and in the future."
"We like Kunsel fine. However, we feel it's in our best interest to limit further immigration for the foreseeable future. There are still too many unanswered questions regarding their mental health and stability."
Reeve glanced to the floor with a thin smile, silently acknowledging the unspoken reference to the Elite First Class SOLDIERs who reduced Wutai to nothing more than a tourist trap. One among them outclassed them all with his power and skill. His eventual mental degradation led to the destruction of Midgar and the Geostigma disease that ravaged the world.
"Yes. Well, we have a strict screening process for those who join our delegations," Reeve assured him. "The WRO has established protocols for vetting all diplomats and security teams. Kunsel is our best representation. I'm certain he will help alleviate your fears on reintegrating former SOLDIERs into society."
"Hmph," Godo linked his hands behind his back and barely concealed his skepticism. "I'm going to get a drink," he added before walking away.
They watched Godo meander toward the bar, stopping at a few tables to greet guests and clasp arms in camaraderie with other dignitaries and old family friends.
"Godo is well-informed," Reeve said after a moment. "I'm sure Yuffie gives him some information. The rest he acquires through spies-and word of mouth, which is precisely what our organization needs. Full transparency and free advertisement of the good we accomplish. He knows we've created a new medical division at the WRO Hospital in Edge and the nature of its function." Reeve rocked on his heels and stood straight with his hands behind his back but didn't elaborate as he waited for Vincent's response.
"What function?" Vincent took the bait. Reeve wanted to share. Seemed he sometimes needed to let people know his organization was making progress, even if it wasn't always visible.
He glanced up at Vincent and shrugged his shoulders with a smug smile. "Our new health division of a few medical scientists is dedicated to treating former SOLDIERS and the few Deepground survivors that joined us. They'll not be left to deal with what ShinRa did to them on their own."
"Anything wrong with former SOLDIERs?" As far as Vincent knew, no other former SOLDIERs had been afflicted with the same mental deterioration that led to Sephiroth's violent breakdown. Deepground was another issue. Those soldiers had suffered sadistic mutilations and experimentations that led to psychoses of varying degrees—Shelke among them. Vincent had the feeling he left something out.
As he opened his mouth to reply, Reeve was interrupted by one of Godo's retainers, who informed him that Godo would like to speak with him further in a conference room.
"Duty calls," Reeve let out with a sigh. "We'll chat again soon, Vincent. Pardon me."
Vincent watched Reeve depart as Shelke moved to look directly into his face. Her expression was inscrutable as always, eyes wide as saucers but no hint of emotion. He wondered if she found enjoyment in the wedding or watching the night reveal Wutai's long-held royal customs for its only princess.
"I will go find Nanaki, Vincent Valentine. I want to share my thoughts on this event and learn what he has observed." Vincent chuckled as her small form moved away. He was sure the beast had much to tell and hoped to hear it, as well.
"Hey, Vincent," Barret's deep baritone and gruff voice greeted him as the man offered Vincent one of the beers in his hand.
"Barret," he greeted back. Vincent nodded his thanks as he accepted a beer and slowly drank half its contents. The day had already been long. He had tried to convince Nanaki to leave sooner, but the creature was adamant about viewing the entirety of the ritual. Perhaps imbibing will help get him through this.
"Been a while since we had a weddin, although I can't say the music is my thing." Barret's attempt at small talk showed that he was hoping it would end soon, too. "How long ya stayin in Wutai?"
"Until morning. I'm traveling to the canyon with Nanaki. Was hoping he would go to the mansion with me instead. There are some interesting research papers I want to show him."
"Coulda brought 'em with ya, y'know," Barret shrugged.
"I'd rather leave everything in the mansion where it is." He felt a little superstitious about it.
"Yeah, I feel ya," Barret agreed with a small shake of his head.
After the song ended, the band picked up a slower melody. Vincent shared Barret's disinterest as the two stared at the dance floor. A few guests shuffled in with partners while others walked away to find drinks and chairs.
"Ah, here we go," Barret mumbled, and his attention was drawn to Tifa as she pulled a reluctant Cloud onto the dance floor. "Well, this ain't gonna last long."
"Hmm." Vincent couldn't help but agree with Barret's prediction while admiring the pretty picture Tifa cut in her pink dress. He noted the frustration on their faces as Tifa begged, and Cloud grimaced. She only wants to dance for a few minutes. Would it pain Cloud so much to grant her this small request?
They were both trying not to make a scene as Tifa finally managed to convince Cloud to hold her waist. He grudgingly began turning in a slow circle in the exact spot he had been standing. Neither looked at the other during the entire song, which seemed painfully long. In the end, Tifa let out a "Fine!" and irritably marched back to their table. Cloud sluggishly trailed behind her.
Vincent thought their behavior oddly reminded him of a middle-aged couple suffering a marriage in its final stages. Barret lost interest in the unfolding drama and shared memories of the fabulous dancer his wife had been, shimmying his shoulders as he described her movements.
Vincent's gaze returned to the dancing when a livelier number brought the younger guests back to the floor. The bride and groom took their place in the center and led a bizarre line dance with the entire hall clapping and stomping at regular intervals. Marlene and Denzel positioned themselves in front of Yuffie, laughing at one another each time a step was missed. The pattern eluded Vincent. The peculiar disco probably came into popularity during his prolonged slumber under the mansion.
"Barret, come on! You promised me!" Tifa suddenly skidded between them, forgetting her anger from moments ago. She smiled with a quick "Hi, Vincent," before grabbing Barret's arm and forcing Barret to follow her onto the dance floor.
"Aight, but just one," Barret grumbled.
Vincent watched the two retreat and join the other dancers. At least Tifa was finally smiling. He had always hated to see her upset. Her soft heart toward Cloud was evident during their journeys together in years past, and the observation had worried Vincent on more than one occasion. Although the two were now in the full swing of adulthood, it seemed Cloud was no more clued into her than he was during their adventures together.
Cloud walked across the hall toward the bathrooms. The younger man would not be easily guilted into dancing again. It's not as though Vincent didn't get it. He wasn't inclined to try his skill at their ridiculous hopping and hand slapping either. Dancing was something he had always avoided when he was Cloud's age. At least, up until he was coaxed into it and reluctantly learned for the smile of a woman.
The memory of Lucrecia invaded his mind, unwelcome at this happy event. Vincent recalled his reluctance to dance, her insistence he could, and his giving in and finding he thoroughly enjoyed it. The dancing had made her happy, and he was glad to do something for her. Afterward, he had spent the time to learn and earned more smiles for his efforts. Vincent concentrated on the dance floor in front of him, chasing the memory away before it flooded his mind and sent him retreating into a corner to brood.
Tifa was someone he wanted to see happy, too. She rarely put herself first. Her smiles had become less frequent the longer she spent waiting for Cloud.
Everyone clapped enthusiastically as the song ended and emptied the floor for more drink. Barret and Tifa returned with the kids to their table as the band picked up another tune. Another unfamiliar melody. Gods, did they not know any good music? Loud and raucous, the song apparently required the band to thrash their heads back and forth in unison. The music appealed to a much younger generation and had evolved beyond his bygone youth's more familiar and meaningful ballads. He scanned the hall for Nanaki, hoping to find the beast and suggest an early retreat.
Tifa reluctantly returned to their table after Barret complained that he didn't know the steps, adding that he didn't want to step on her pretty pink shoes. She rolled her eyes as he danced over to the bar and ordered her wine, afterward rhythmically sliding over to the keg to pour himself a beer.
Doesn't know the steps, huh? At least he didn't whine too much and danced with her. It took considerable effort to convince Cloud. She knew damn well he could, having seen him dance around the bar on several occasions when their friends visited. But even then, she didn't get to dance much. Someone always wanted a drink.
Denzel and Marlene sat next to each other at the table. Marlene laid her head down next to a plate of cake, quickly falling asleep. The boy grabbed a phone and busied himself with a shooting game. Barret handed Tifa a glass of wine and withdrew behind the table with Cloud. They griped about dull weddings and loudly expressed a wish to leave and find a quiet tavern anywhere but here. Preferably a dive bar that lacked adequate space for dancing.
Yuffie and Yuri joined them behind the table to chat, Yuri excitedly mentioning the wedding gift Yuffie's father had purchased for him, a new motorcycle. "It's not as awesome as Cloud's Fenrir, but it's wicked fast, and there's space for Yuffie at the back."
Tifa rose to stand next to Cloud and glanced at Yuffie, who appeared bored with the conversation already. With an exasperated sigh, the bride trounced off, joining a group of former school friends at the bar for a round of shots.
"Y'all takin that thing on the honeymoon?" Barret asked with a chuckle.
"Uh, no. Well, we're not going on the honeymoon right off. Yuffie has to get back to WRO to set up a new office with Reeve. It has something to do with her father's appeals for Wutai. I don't know what. She never really tells me anything. I just know I'm expected to have a position there now. Something about being the son-in-law of a king kind of thing. So, yeah. We booked some time at the Icicle Inn for the end of the month. Can't really take the bike up there," Yuri said with a hint of disappointment.
If Tifa ever married, she wouldn't want her honeymoon delayed. Of course, someone had to be interested in marrying her first to have a honeymoon. She glanced over at Cloud, who drank his beer and listened to Yuri go on about their delayed trip, and wondered if he had ever considered marriage.
Her mind drifted back to several months ago, the last time they'd been intimate with each other. By that time, Cloud only showed her affection after a night of drinking. The sex wasn't great but sometimes did the trick. On that particular evening, both had taken quite a few shots after being egged on by a bachelor party determined to get the entire bar drunk and found themselves too intoxicated to clean up the bar. After they locked up and climbed the stairs, Cloud had sought her out. He wanted her to be in control, insisting she could do what she liked. She wasn't sure if his insistence was the liquor talking or only to relieve himself of being more attentive. Whichever, it didn't matter. In the end, he got a cookie, and she didn't. He fell asleep while her disappointment prevented her eyes from closing. Frustrated and dissatisfied, she had gotten out of bed and cleaned the bar alone. Neither had since sought out intimacy.
"Well, when Tifa's with me, she just grips my hips with her thighs, and that's it. As soon as I feel it, I'm just—gone."
"What?" She immediately broke out of her reminiscing and snapped her head toward Cloud. What was he talking about?
"Yeah, but Yuffie's not as experienced as Tifa. She won't know how to handle it," Yuri insisted as he vigorously shook his head.
"Umm—what?" They ignored her.
"Tifa's not as experienced as you think. I'm by myself most of the time, which feels different. But there was a lot I had to show her before she could sit on it in a relaxed position, and I had to get used to the feel of her squeezing her thighs around my hips."
"CLOUD!" She screeched. All three men stared at her. Barret looked away uncomfortably and cleared his throat at the accidental innuendo.
"What?" Cloud asked, a little perplexed. "Isn't that how you stay on when I make a sudden turn or tilt the handlebars?"
Handlebars? What? She looked between Cloud and Yuri as they waited for her response in confusion. She clutched at her tummy and giggled as she realized they were talking about the motorcycle and not their pathetic former sex life. She felt like a nincompoop. Cloud would never discuss their few sexual interludes with anyone. At least she didn't think he would, and certainly not with Barret.
When she didn't answer and giggled into her wine, they fell back into ignoring her.
"Yeah, I don't know," Yuri doubted, looking away from Tifa and back to the men. "I still think I should just get Yuffie a seat belt and maybe one of those bucket seats."
"I'm surprised that girl even let you drive," Barret chuckled. "I bet she's gonna have you ridin bitch before long."
"I'll take that bet," Cloud laughed and nudged Barret. They set their wager and debated how long it would be before Yuri ended up on the back of the bike.
Tifa looked away and sipped her wine in silence, shoulders shaking as another small laugh echoed in her glass. She glanced across the hall and noticed Vincent standing solo in the shadows along the wall. A group of girls giggled as they passed by him, one taking a sudden interest. Although he didn't seem to see them, she was sure he did. Nothing escaped his notice.
Vincent withdrew further into the shadows when a bunch of young ladies passed by him, whispering and snickering. One with long blonde hair peered at him over her shoulder, scanning him up and down suggestively. She gave him a seductive wink before a friend turned her attention toward the band. She was drunk and acting stupid. This isn't the slums. He tucked his chin further into the cowl of his cape, knowing it did little to help him disappear.
"Vincent!" Yuffie nearly cartwheeled into him in her haste to his location along the fringes of the wedding reception. Her bridal gown shimmered with glittered lace in the dimmed lighting as her veil trailed behind her. She smacked her hand against the wall next to his shoulder, breathless from her quick stumble across the hall.
"This wall," she smacked the stone-cold surface at each word, "is a horrible date!"
She glared at him and blinked in expectation, hoping he would catch her meaning. She was quite drunk and still annoying, no matter how much she had grown.
"There are so many hot chicks here! Why are you not dancing with any of them? You have your pick, Hotty Hot Grandpa!"
She gawked at him, running her eyes up and down his form, and gave a lewd whistle of admiration over his formal wedding attire. Vincent scowled back at her, growing more irritated at her drunken leer. She bothered him as much at her wedding as she did during their travels together. He questioned his decision to attend and thought of being anywhere else. Her antics made him yearn for solitude.
"I'm not exactly an acceptable dance partner, Yuffie. I'm as old as many of these young ladies' fathers." He wished mentioning his actual age would be enough to deter the young bride from her mission to force him to engage in modern dancing.
"Oh, poo!" She slapped him across the shoulder, then pointed to the dance floor. "Look! Even Cid and Shera are tearing it up!"
He glanced past the tables littered with champagne glasses and half-eaten cake to the various couples gyrating to an energetic tune on the dance floor. Cid and Shera performed a disturbingly dirty tango, unmindful of the public venue or the music's rhythm. Nanaki sat just off the side of the dance floor, watching the couple with a curious tilt to his head while his flame-tipped tail wagged in time to the beat. Shelke stood next to him, head also angled, and arms clasped behind her back.
"Pass." His reply brought a petulant frown to Yuffie's face. "Where's your groom, Yuffie?" He hoped she would return her attention to her new husband and leave him in peace.
"Meh! Yuri's been gabbing with Cloud for the past 15 minutes about his silly new motorcycle. Boring!"
Vincent turned his head toward the opposite end of the ballroom, where Tifa, Cloud, and Barret stood beyond the tables. They listened intently to Yuri, who was quite enthused, waving his hands in front of him as he spoke.
"I'm giving him another five minutes, and then we're starting a Gongaga-Conga line!"
"That sounds intriguing," his deep voice gently rumbled at her. "Congratulations on your wedding. Please don't let me keep you from annoying someone else." It was her wedding day, so he would remain as polite as his patience granted.
"Nice try," she breathed heavily into his ear, and he recoiled from the stench of hard liquor on her breath. She tugged at his crossed arms, not yielding to his reluctance, and began to pull him as she pointed across the hall. "Look, now I see your dancing destiny. Let's go say hi to Tifa."
"She's getting along just fine."
"Oh, ho ho, no, she isn't. I can see the Cloud-filled misery in her eyes from here."
Tifa stood next to Cloud, Barret, and Yuri near their table, casually sipping her wine and swaying to the music as one hand lazily fanned her pink tea-length dress. She feigned interest as she listened to Barret argue with Yuri on the merits of a turbocharger for his new motorcycle. The groom interjected with Yuffie's need for multiple materia saddlebags, while Cloud offered several suggestions for various weapon compartments.
Bored with the discussion and with being ignored, she adjusted her skirt and sat down at their table, lightly tapping her foot to the beat of the music. She wanted to dance again, and with someone who wanted to be her partner. Barret had continued to complain about the style of music. Cloud would only dance with her if she begged, which would ruin the mood and take a considerable amount of energy.
She almost wished he hadn't come with her. For years, they had lived together, displaying an outward pretense that all was well and leading many to believe they were in a committed relationship. But it was an unconventional commitment that held no romantic connection. They were more like family. Friends.
Across the hall, she noticed Cid and Shera's exotic moves – yikes. Yuffie passed near them, twirling herself across the dance floor. In her drunken state, the young bride tripped over her long dress, nearly staggering into Vincent's lone figure against the far wall before finding her footing.
Poor Vincent. Hopefully, Yuri will notice her absence and steal his bride back. Yuffie appeared oblivious to the annoyance evident on Vincent's usually passive face. Likely Vincent didn't want to make a scene, but he seemed to need a savior from the bride's mischief. Yuffie pointed as she tugged at his arm, and Vincent looked over the hall in Tifa's direction. Uh oh. Now what and why does it have to involve this side of the room?
Vincent reluctantly allowed Yuffie to haul him between the tables while she singsonged plenty of excuse me's and whoopsies and choo choos for every guest she bumped him into. His polite resolve was wearing thin as he could feel the anger building inside his chest. Determined to not cause a scene on what should be the happiest day in a young woman's life, he focused on controlled breathing and followed her with his chin tucked into his cape as much as he could hide it. Once they stopped directly in front of Tifa, Yuffie released his arm. Vincent looked down at Tifa with an apology ready on his lips.
"This is my wedding day," Yuffie announced with hands on her hips as she tossed her head and glared at the two of them. "And I won't have the two of you ruining it with your oh-woe-is-me poop faces. There's plenty of fish in the sea! Now go! Dance! Go!" She waved her arms at the two of them as if to shoo them away.
Vincent closed his eyes and lowered his head at Yuffie's lack of propriety. Tifa's face flushed bright, her embarrassment apparent. Oblivious or unconcerned with the drama she caused, Yuffie turned on her heel and marched around the table. She dragged her groom away, who was still in mid-sentence extolling the virtues of his favorite racing bike.
Tifa shifted in her seat uncomfortably and glanced at Cloud and Barret. The two watched the scene with some amusement but offered no intervention to save Tifa or Vincent from their humiliation. She looked away, briefly meeting Vincent's gaze, and toyed awkwardly with her wine glass.
Vincent shuffled his feet for a moment and tugged at his pant leg. He felt his shame amplify at Tifa's discomfort. Walking away would only unnecessarily hurt her, and Vincent did not want to be the cause of such a public humiliation. He resigned to offer a solution and ease her suffering. Unsure of the response he would receive, he hesitated for a moment and then delicately held out a hand to her.