Hello again! As I predicted my last chapter ruffled a few feathers XD sorry about that. Hopefully this chapter will make up for it. As always I hope you enjoy .

Chapter 7:

With the whole hideout in an up roar over Rachel's appearance, it was easy for Vanessa to hide her new tears. The hurt she felt was immense, as if the whole world was crushing her slowly just to drag out her pain. As she sat watching a scantily dressed Rachel hanging over Finral's shoulders happily answering questions from the other members, her heart filled with hatred for this woman who seemed to enjoy rubbing her face in her triumph for Finral's heart.

"Does that woman not know what decency is?" Noelle commented with a slight blush, "She's practically showing everyone her backside"

"She wouldn't know what decency was if it smacked her in the face" Vanessa remarked through gritted teeth as she dabbled away her tears.

"I may just be seeing things, but does Finral look a little annoyed?" Noelle commented quietly.

Vanessa looked over in that direction. Finral still had his head down resting on his hand and from what they could see of his face, he did look slightly agitated.

"He's probably just embarrassed he's been caught out" Vanessa answered, "And someone should tell that woman to at least put some clothes on"

"But you walk around in your underwear all the time" Asta commented.

"Stay out of it!" Noelle and Vanessa both chastised him.

Blinking at them both confused, he fell silent.

"I can't believe he'd be such an idiot to let her spend the night knowing everyone would find out" Noelle continued.

"If he had a brain, he'd have seen what a bitch she is" Vanessa added.

"You guys have things all wrong you know" Asta bravely broke in again through mouthfuls of pastry and bread.

"What do you mean?" Noelle asked curiously.

"Can you just let go of me and leave me alone!"

A sudden shout made everyone go quiet. Vanessa, Noelle and Asta all turned to where it had come from. Rachel was now stood away from Finral looking extremely shocked, in turn Finral had stood up and was glaring at her.

"Just get dressed and go home! There is no need for you to be here!"

Shouting those final words at her, Finral stormed from the room leaving the whole place in disbelief. Rachel stood for a moment embarrassed and confused. After what must have felt a lifetime to her, she ran out of the room in tears.

"What the hell just happened?" Magna questioned after she had left.

"Beats me" Yami shrugged before returning to the paper he was reading, "Looks like she out stayed her welcome to me"

"Well after everything Finral has put you through I had lost quite a bit of respect for him. But I at least thought he would treat someone he had just spent the night with a little better than that" Noelle spoke, a little surprised.

"Maybe I had a lucky escape" Vanessa replied through her own shock, "He's always been a user and looks like this time is no different. I almost feel sorry for her"

"Yeah" Noelle agreed.

"Finral didn't spend the night with her" Asta added in finally finishing what he was going to say before being interrupted, "He spent the night in my room on the floor. He said his own bed was occupied with an unwanted guest"

"What?" Vanessa and Noelle both asked together in disbelief.

"Well if you want the whole story your better off asking him. He only told me that she wouldn't take no for an answer and he just had to get out of there" he finished before stuffing more food into his mouth.

"If that's the case, why did he let her in in the first place?" Vanessa asked half to herself and half to the group.

"I can answer that one" A new voice joined in.

The three turned to where it had come from and found Zora stood by them, humour in his eyes and a grin hidden behind his mask.

"Zora? Where'd you come from?" Asta asked surprised, "And where did you get that cool mask?"

"Never mind that!" Noelle cut him off, "Tell us what you know"

"Well" he began, "As I was coming back from a mission yesterday, it was getting late. As I approached the hideout I heard Finral and his Lady friend having a little argument. From what I heard, he kept offering to send her home but she wasn't having any of it. Rachel, that was her name right? Well she began to shout at him, he was trying to calm her down but again, she wasn't having none of it. Anyways I decided to intervene and it's my fault she's still here"

"What do you mean?" Vanessa asked, realisation beginning to hit her.

"I invited her in for a drink with us before she went off home. Of course she agreed, Finral wasn't to happy about it but agreed as long as she went home afterwards. Anyways one drink turned to two and so on and so on. Long story short, she got far to drunk to send home and Finral offered her his bed for the night"

"I see..." Vanessa went quiet.

"Vanessa I hate to say it, but we're the idiot's here" Noelle added.

"I need to talk to him" Vanessa spoke again, "And fill in the blanks and apologise to him"

"That's probably for the best" Noelle agreed, "And I need to apologise to him for being so rude to him as well"

Vanessa hunted the Black bulls hideout to no avail. There was only one place left that the missing Spatial mage could be and that was his bedroom. Encouraging herself, she walked up to his door an knocked on it twice. She was met with a brief silence but eventually she heard Finral speak.

"Who is it?" his voice sounded tired, as if he had no energy left to even talk.

"I..it's me, Vanessa!" she called trying to sound a little happier then she felt.

She heard the scrape of a chair and footsteps getting closer to the door. It opened and revealed Finral standing there with an expressionless face. She stood staring back neither one trying to speak. Eventually Vanessa realised that she was the one that had come here so she should make the first move.

"Erm...can we talk?" she asked quietly.

"Sure" his voice was flat as he gestured for her to enter his room.

This was the first time Vanessa had been in his room and she was a little surprised to see how plain but neat it was. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but it wasn't this. The walls were painted the same green that Finral usually wore with matching curtains, bed sheets and a rug. There was a small desk with a chair which is where he must have been sat before Vanessa had interrupted him, with paper and quills on, and to finish there were a couple a shelves holding fascinating looking books along a wall. As Vanessa stood admiring the room Finral watched her, his expression slowly changing with interest. Once Vanessa realised what she was doing, she blushed slightly.

"Sorry, I just thought your room would be more...more" she started.

"More disorganized?" he finished, a faint smile beginning to appear.

"Yeah" she agreed blushing a bit more.

"I may be a lot of things. But I'm not a slob" he raised an eyebrow smiling a bit more.

"Glad you haven't lost your smile after the way you acted this morning" Vanessa commented.

"I can't help it when your around"

"And why's that?" Vanessa asked surprised.

"No reason" Finral answered whilst looking away rubbing the back of his head, "Anyways I need to apologise to you"

"What for?"

"I didn't mean to make you cry yesterday. Everything that happened, well, it never went the way I planned it to"

"Oh that, I...I don't know why I cried like that" Vanessa lied as she awkwardly laughed and sat on the edge of his bed.

"Even so, I really am sorry" Finral continued as he sat next to her, "And I need to tell you about what you think went on yesterday and what actually happened"

"Ok..." Vanessa agreed readily, "Asta and Zora have already explained what they could. I actually came here to hear the rest from you. I guess I just need closure"

"Good thing I was going to tell you then" he laughed quietly before becoming serious, "Well to begin with, after I left to go meet Rachel I was actually going to break off the date with her. I thought if I did it early enough, she wouldn't have started getting ready. Turns out I was right. I explained to her that I couldn't go on the date with her and it wouldn't be fair to string her along thinking that something could happen between us"

"So how the hell did you end up spending all day with her?" Vanessa cut in.

"I'm getting there" Finral laughed, "At first she was upset, so I thought I'd leave to give her some space. But she called me back and asked if we could at least spend the day together as friends"

"She asked you on a mate date after treating it like something to be scorned at?" Vanessa almost shouted.

"There was no 'date' about it" Finral cut her off before she could get anymore angry, "And I only agreed because I felt like I owed her for helping me whilst I was in Hospital. So we went for food and went shopping after. Then we spent some time at the bars around town. She tried to get me to go dancing, but I wasn't really feeling it. She got a little angry at that so I suggested we both go home"

Vanessa raised an eyebrow at the last part.

"Our own homes" Finral continued rolling his eyes, "She agreed and I walked her to her door and said goodnight. Only problem was, once I opened the portal to come home myself, she grabbed onto my arm and followed me through"

"Oh, well that explains how she ended up here then" Vanessa commented a small amount of relief flowing through her.

"Yeah well, I wasn't happy and as I was telling her such and about to send her home again. Noelle showed up and started shouting at me. Then you turned up and that's when she kissed me out of no where. I hated seeing you cry like that, especially since you gave Rachel exactly the reaction she wanted"

Vanessa hung her head in shame. She hated the fact she had reacted like that, but there was nothing she could do about it now. Finral gently placed his hand under her chin and made her look back towards him. She blushed more then she thought she ever could, but he made no motion to show he had noticed. Instead he continued to speak.

"It was then, watching you run into the hideout like that, that I realised you were right about her all along. And I am truly sorry for ever doubting you, and I never will again. I promise"

As he stared into her eyes with sincerity, she stared back and found herself lost in his purple eyes. She believed him, how could she not? As the moment dragged on for what seemed like years, Finrals cheeks coloured slightly before pulling away. Vanessa was a little stunned, but she to pulled away remembering that she had come here for answers.

"A...a...anyways, we started arguing about her kissing me out of the blue like that and then Zora showed up" Finral continued.

"Yeah, he already explained up until the part you allowed her to stay the night because she was to drunk and it was hard enough to get her to go through a portal sober" Vanessa cut in.

"Well Zora volunteered my room, I didn't offer it so he lied there. Once here though she ended up puking all over herself. So I gave her one of my tunics to wear. It's not easy helping a drunken lady get changed with your eyes closed, let me tell you that"

"You helped her get changed?!" Vanessa exclaimed.

"Only the button's, she couldn't work them out in her state, so I helped. Like I said, my eyes were shut the whole time, don't worry" Finral defended.

"Why would I worry? Your free and single. You can do what ever you want" she huffed.

"About that, I never slept with her you know?" Finral confessed.

"I know" Vanessa gave a small smile sighing, "Asta explained that part to me"

"Then you should know that it was never my intention to share this room with her from the moment it was decided she was sleeping here. Though she did get very touchy whilst I was trying to leave"

"And you fought her off like the gentlemen you are" Vanessa added jokingly.

"Exactly" Finral laughed, "Though did you know Asta works out in his sleep as well? Scared the hell out of me. I think I'd rather of shared the Captain's room"

They both laughed loudly before falling into a comfortable silence.

"I'm glad nothing happened between you two" Vanessa spoke quietly as she stared at the floor, a small smile playing at her lips.

"Who? Me and Asta?"

"No you and Rachel you idiot!" Vanessa playfully shoved him with her shoulder.

"Hey, It was a joke. I know who you meant!" Finral laughed again, "Why anyways?"

"Well... because..." Clearing her throat and straightening herself up, she continued, "How about we get out of here for a bit. Why don't we go to the cliffs we visited the other day?"

"Huh? Ok... if that's what you want" Finral agreed confused by her sudden decision.

"It is now let's go before I change my mind" Vanessa jumped up off the bed with nerves and excitement. She hoped Finral couldn't tell what she was feeling but judging by the confused look on his face, she wasn't hiding it well.

Arriving at the cliffs they had had the date on two days ago, they both stood in awe as they took in the scenery.

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of this place" Vanessa commented as a slight breeze blew through her hair. Rouge jumped off her shoulder, stretched, and went hunting for more butterflies to chase, "I don't think she will get enough of this place either"

"I should hope not" Finral chuckled, "I did say I'd only bring you here after all"

"I hope you mean that"

"Why wouldn't I?"

Vanessa didn't answer straight a way. Instead she stood watching the ocean in front and the sea birds flying above before dive bombing the water for fish. Eventually she did speak, keeping her eyes focused in front of her.

"Listen, the reason I asked you to bring us here is because what I'm about to say, I don't want anyone else to over hear"

"I...is it bad?" he asked, concern growing.

"No, at least I hope you won't think it is"

"Me?" Finral asked, concern turning into confusion then finally realization.

"I need to tell you this now before I chicken out. The reason I've been so crazy about you seeing Rachel is...well I guess I was jealous. Finral I...I..." She stumbled over her words.

"Stop" Finral interrupted her.

"What? Why?" Vanessa asked turning to face him. Her heart was beginning to break all over again and tears rushed to her eyes before one escaped down her cheek.

"No don't get me wrong. Please don't cry" Finral pleaded as he pulled her closer to him and cupped her cheek with his hand. He wiped the tear away with his thumb, "I know what your about to say, at least I hope I do, and what kind of man would I be if I made you say it first?"

"Finral?" Vanessa asked full of hope as she gazed into his eyes. She placed her hand over his, which was still on her cheek.

"Vanessa I like you. More then I've ever liked anyone before. After everything that happened yesterday, I thought I'd lost any chance of ever telling you how I feel. I'm glad I was wrong. Your all I ever seem to think about lately, when I first wake up, throughout the day till when I go to sleep. Even then I dream about you. I've got it bad Vanessa, I just hope you feel the same way"

Vanessa almost fainted on the spot. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Finral was watching her, not a hint of lies or sarcasm was on his face, just pure seriousness and truth. She broke into a grin, though she really tried not to.

"What's funny?" Finral asked, embarrassed as he tried to pull his hand away from her cheek.

She pulled it back and kept it in place.

"You know last time we were here on our friend date" she began, "When I was going to feed you that strawberry. I was literally inches away from kissing you"

"Wh...what?" his cheeks flushed for the first time since they had arrived here.

"It's true. I was just going to take my chances and do it. I don't know what I would have done if you'd rejected me. The thought hadn't even crossed my mind. In away, I'm thankful to Rouge for stopping me because" she paused for a moment to gather her thoughts, "Because I never would have gotten to have this moment with you. I feel exactly the same way you do, meaning, I have feelings for you to"

Taking the time to let what they had just confessed sink in, they both stood bashfully staring at each other. Taking the initiative, Vanessa spoke once more.

"You know, maybe I can try that whole strawberry thing again?" she asked seductively.

"But we don't have any strawberries" Finral answered confused.

Vanessa rolled her eyes.

"I find it cute when your clueless. But sometimes when I'm being this obvious, its frustrating" she giggled.

"What?"

She giggled harder until it turned into a full laugh. Finral continued watching her, confusion growing by the second. Vanessa stopped and pulled herself together, grabbing Finral by the collar, she pulled him to her and kissed him. Pulling away in surprise he finally realised what she had been hinting at.

"Oh" he exclaimed.

"I'm sorry did you not want me to do that?" Vanessa began, a little wounded that he had rejected her so quickly.

Finrals surprised face suddenly turned into a grin as she uttered her apologies. Catching her off guard he lent in and kissed her again. This time her surprise was clear but instead of pushing him away, there kiss became deeper and soon they were lost to it.

Sitting on the cliff edge watching the remains of the sun sink beneath the horizon, Vanessa had her head resting on Finral's shoulder and he had his head resting on her hair.

"We should get back soon" Vanessa spoke unwillingly, "Everyone will be wondering where we've gotten to"

"Yeah" Finral agreed faintly but made no motion to move.

"Come on" Vanessa tired to motivate. She reluctantly pulled away and made to get up only for Finral to wrap his arms around her and refuse to let her move any further, "Finral we need to go!" she giggled as she struggled to free herself.

"Few more minutes" he mumbled as he playfully held her down.

"We'll get in trouble with the Captain if he notices we've been gone for so long" she added as she tried to stand up again only to fall and be caught by Finral, who somehow ended up on top of her.

"Worth it" he finished before kissing her again.

She kissed him back before rolling out from underneath him and standing up.

"Come on, let's get going" she smiled offering him her hand.

"Fine" he accepted reluctantly.

They arrived back at the hideout, the whole place was like a war zone. Luck had started yet another fight between him and Magna and now Asta, Gauche and Zora had somehow been dragged into it. Noelle was hiding behind the bar to prevent herself from also getting dragged into it and Charmy was sat watching stuffing her face as usual. Grey was sat hiding her face watching the fight through her fingers and Gordon, who was sat beside her, was mumbling to himself with an excited look on his face. Yami was sat in his chair with a paper and cigarette, getting visibly agitated.

"Finral there you are! Where the hell have you been? I need a dump before I kill these degenerates" Yami shouted once he had spotted the new comers.

"Why do you need me for that? Wouldn't it have just been faster for you to just go rather than wait for me?" Finral sulked.

"I'll kill you to if you keep complaining"

"Then you'd lose your personal toilet door" Finral continued under his breath.

"What?!"

"Nothing!" he squeaked, before opening the portal for the Captain to pass through. Once he had, the portal closed and Finral turned to Vanessa, "Still think it was worth coming back early?"

She laughed before dragging him out of ear shot of the others.

"So...what are we going to do about us?" she asked timidly.

"Well If I'm not mistaken, you owe me a date" he teased.

"I guess I do, though with the way yours ended, could it be classed as a successful one?" She shot back with a grin.

"You just had to bring that up didn't you?"

"Yep" she winked.

"Well how about we go out again next week on our day off and see how things go?" Finral suggested, "But the next one, your definitely cooking"

"Agreed" she laughed, before quickly looking around to see if anyone was looking. Noticing they weren't, she gave him a quick peck on the lips before strolling away, "Until then I'll just keep stealing secret kisses" she laughed.

Finral blushed as he watched her go. He touched his lips, the warmth she had just left upon them slowly fading.

"How did I get so lucky?" he asked himself before noticing a lightning streak heading his way.

Well I really hope this chapter made up for the last one. I'm writing the fic and even I'm glad they've finally gotten together Haha. That also means I have to be the barer of bad news and tell you that the next chapter will be the last . But as I said depending on demand I can easily write a sequel. Until next week, enjoy!