Aerith's whole body was blushing red, from both embarrassment and the chill. Her naked skin prickled at the cold air, causing goosebumps. Vincent smirked and turned around, chuckling softly into his claw. His own naked chest quivered as he did, shaking off droplets of water. He handed her his damp cloak from the grass, and she wrapped it around her naked body gratefully. She closed her eyes and sighed contently, feeling the comforting heaviness of the cloth wrap around her. She began to feel alive again, feeling the warm blood pulsing through her veins. She took a moment to squeeze excess water from her long hair, and then she combed through it with her fingers. When she turned back around, Vincent had started a small fire, using some small sticks and a fire materia from his gun, Death Penalty.
"Aerith...are you warm enough?" He turned around, watching the woman get comfortable in his cloak. Aerith nodded at him, shivering slightly. Vincent smirked again, seeing the truth written all over her face. "I have prepared a fire. Come sit." She smiled at him, her green eyes sparkling, silently thanking him for the warmth of his clothes and the flame. Gracefully, she sat down by the fire, warming her hands. She looked up at Vincent, grinning.
"Well, you certainly could have said something about my being naked sooner, Vincent. No wonder I'm so cold." She laughed, feeling the warmth coming back to her lips and face, and Vincent felt his heart leap up in his chest. Her face glowed when she laughed; she was the picture of innocence and beauty. Vincent looked away nervously, feeling awkward. Aerith looked at Vincent curiously as he got lost in thought, staring into the growing fire. "Vincent? Vincent, are you all right? I'm only joking, you know." She prodded his leg gently, and he turned to face her.
"It's nothing." Aerith frowned slightly, this time she reading the lie on his face. She turned away from him, gazing into the fire, and let herself reminisce about the past – events that happened before she "died".

The Gold Saucer was bustling and full of life. It was Enchantment Night, the biggest night of the year, and all the rides and shows were free for couples. People went to and fro, enjoying the attractions and each other's company.
Aerith sat on the balcony of the hotel room she shared with Tifa after pushing the other woman out the door to get Cloud to go on a date with her. She had done Tifa's hair up in a bun and dressed her in a short pink shirt and white blouse. Tifa looked stunning, and left grinning. Minutes later, Aerith heard Tifa dragging Cloud by the door, giggling like a little girl. Aerith smiled, hearing Cloud give in to Tifa's wishes, and she peeked out to watch them walk away, hands intertwined. She loved Tifa; she was the closest friend she ever had. Yet feelings about another friend, Cloud, were muddled. Everyone thought she and Cloud were a couple, or at least interested in each other, but in reality, Aerith believed she only had friendly feelings for him, and Cloud had strong feelings for Tifa, his childhood friend. And she knew Tifa loved him more then anything, and had since she was a little girl. She wanted their relationship out in the open so Aerith could concentrate on her own inner feelings, and so she could work more on her friendship with Tifa. Aerith also had feelings for someone other then Cloud; although she would never pursue it. She was the last Ancient – now was a bad time for relationships. Aerith sighed, staring at the stars, wishing things in her life were less complicated. The wind blew her hair, down from her usual braid. Wisps of it flew across her face and lips, tickling her softly. A soft knocking at the door snapped her out of her thoughts of their journey and of the dark and handsome Vincent, someone she admired and whose company she enjoyed.
"Coming . . ." She said quietly, turning away from the window and walking unwillingly to the door. It was probably Yuffie again, come back to beg again for her materia. Yuffie didn't seem to understand just how important the white materia really was – Aerith would never give it up. She sighed and opened the door only a crack.
"Yuffie, I told you already tonight, I will NOT give you ANY of my materia!" The person behind the hotel door coughed deeply. Aerith threw open the door and took in the view. Vincent stood tall, golden claw hanging heavily at his side, hiding his face behind his hair, gazing past Aerith and into the room. Aerith gasped, covering her mouth with surprise.
"Oh, Vincent! I am so sorry! Yuffie-just-has-been-bothering- me- so-much about-materia. . .so I just thought. . .just thought. . ." She trailed off; red seeped up into her cheeks, and her eyes began to water. Here was the most handsome, gentle man at her door, and she had made a complete fool of herself. She made to turn away and close the door.
"Aerith . . ." He spoke softly, breathing in deeply. Aerith stopped and turned around. She looked up at him tearfully, embarrassment written on her face. Vincent coughed again slightly. "Aerith . . .do not worry about it. I merely came to ask . . . to ask if you would like to accompany me to Enchantment Night." He refused to meet her eyes.
'
What am I doing here...' Vincent thought to himself, confused with his own emotions, yet unable to turn them off. Aerith stood in the doorway, dumbfounded. Finally, she stepped aside, a wide smile gracing her face, all traces of embarrassment disappearing. Vincent waited outside the door, glancing down at his boots.
"I'd love to. Just let me change. You can come in and wait, if you like..." She grabbed her worn backpack stuffed with clothing and items (and materia) and disappeared into the small bathroom. Vincent slowly came in, wary, and sat on the very edge queen-sized bed, watching Aerith close the hotel bathroom door gently.
'
I hope I am doing the right thing . . .Aerith . . .I think I am . . .' Vincent swiftly cut off his thoughts as Aerith opened the door a crack, peeking out. Only a single emerald eye was visible.
"Don't laugh, ok?" She opened to the door and stepped out slowly to reveal herself. Vincent looked in awe at the beautiful woman in front of him. Aerith wore a light blue dress, flowing down to her ankles. Tifa had lent it to her for the night, just in case Aerith had decided to go down to the bar. Aerith had put on a dark blue overcoat to cover her arms, and her hair was down, neatly combed. Her lips were touched with a small amount of pink color, and her green eyes gazed at him with an intensity Vincent had never seen before...

"Aerith? Aerith?" A voice broke into Aerith's thoughts. She shook her head to clear them away and come back to the present.
"Yes, Vincent?" She looked into his crimson eyes, feeling the weight on his hand on her shoulder. Seeing her look at him, he quickly let go and averted his eyes.
"You were spacing out...I thought something was wrong. Are you feeling alright?" Aerith gently took his hand in hers.
"I'm sorry. I'm feeling fine." She tried to lock eyes with him again, but he looked anywhere else and grabbed his hand away from her quickly.
"It is alright. You should get some sleep..." He turned away, now focusing his gaze on the roaring fire. His back muscles were tense, and he sat with his arms folded around his chest. Aerith was crestfallen. He reacted as though her touched burned his skin. She looked at the back of his head for a moment, raised her hand to touch him once more, and then let it fall. Vincent seemed so cold to her. He was distant from her, aloof. Had he forgotten about her in the time that she was gone? Perhaps there was someone else now. Aerith curled up in his cape and tried to drift into sleep, tears falling gently and silently down her cold face. She wished she never had to leave, never had to have the burden that came with summoning Holy. It was selfish, but all she could think about was that night...

The Gold Saucer was busier then they thought it would be. Couples walked hand in hand everywhere, smiling and laughing. Romantic music played from hidden speakers, filling the hallways with song. The amusement park was lit up with golden lights and colorful banners shaped like hearts. Aerith gazed in awe at all the beauty, like a child seeing fireworks for the first time. Vincent looked down at her and smiled. Aerith smiled back and linked her arm through Vincent's, cautiously. She felt him tense, but he allowed her arm to stay. Her heart fluttered.
They headed down to the play first, weaving their way through the decorated tunnels, brushing past other beaming couples. They sat in the second row. Aerith could feel the warmth of Vincent sitting next to her, and she basked in it. Vincent again looked down at Aerith, letting his eyes roam over her beautiful features; her beautiful auburn hair, her flawless pale skin, her slim figure and collarbones, and her beautiful emerald eyes. . .gazing into his. Startled at being caught, he moved back, banging his arm on the person next to him.
"Hey, watch it pal!" Vincent apologized to the man, then looked back to Aerith, who was giggling quietly into her fist. Vincent smiled, feeling his face grow a little hot.
"That's not funny." Aerith smiled at him.
"Then why are you smiling?" Vincent paused, thinking it over.
"Because..." Aerith looked at him expectantly. "Because I love your laugh." He stuttered out, uncharacteristic for Vincent. Aerith smiled again, a smile that stretched from ear to ear. Vincent turned around, looking at the doors, trying to hide his red face.
"Vincent...are you...blushing?"
"No. The play is starting." He said gruffly. Vincent leaned back in relief as the lights turned out and the stage lit up. Aerith and Vincent watched quietly, gasping when they saw Cloud walk out, shaking his head in despair. Aerith laughed out loud, shaking her head at her friend's misfortune. Vincent also chuckled, watching the young man's facial expression when it was his line. Cloud scratched his head, than went to talk to the wizard.
"You must kiss the one you love!" Aerith gasped as the Evil Dragon King (EDK) appeared, holding Tifa hostage.
"Oh, help me!" Tifa screamed in mock fear, struggling weakly against the man in a dragon suit.
"I love you, Princess!" Cloud kissed Tifa on the lips, grasping her hands and pressing them to his chest.
"NOOOOOOO!" The evil dragon king vanished off the stage, and Cloud and Tifa, holding hands, danced off. Aerith clapped wildly as the lights returned.
"Vincent, wasn't that fun?" Vincent nodded, still shaking his head in amusement. The things his friends got into…they sure kept him guessing.
"Where would you like to go next, Aerith?" She placed a hand on her chin thoughtfully. Then her eyes brightened and she tugged Vincent's sleeve.
"Let's go on the gondola!" Vincent nodded as Aerith led him down to the ride.

"Two tickets please." Vincent said to the woman at the counter. She handed them over, smiling at Aerith cheerfully.
"Here you are! Enjoy Enchantment Night." Vincent led Aerith carefully into the hanging gondola, holding onto her arm, than closed the door softly with his claw. The gondola left the platform smoothly, sending them out over Gold Saucer. Aerith sat opposite of Vincent, playing with her hair nervously. Feeling herself break out in a slight sweat, she removed her overcoat. Vincent studied her face intently.
"Aerith, why are you so fidgety?" She opened her mouth to speak, then her eyes widened in delight. Vincent took this moment to take in her long, slender arms and shoulders.
"Vincent, look!" They were over the speed square, where screams from the roller coaster could be heard. Balloons were flying everywhere in the air, and Vincent deftly grabbed a pink one with his gold claw and handed it to Aerith.
"Pink is your favorite color, right?" Aerith nodded in glee, tying the balloon to her wrist with care. It bobbed just short of the gondola's ceiling. Again they sat in silence; occasionally sticking their heads together to see the beauty and excitement of Gold Saucer. Finally, fireworks erupted overhead. Colors danced over their faces. Aerith looked in awe, amazed at the beautiful show. After watching for several minutes, Aerith sat back and looked at Vincent.
"Vincent...?"
"Yes, Aerith?" Aerith looked down at her lap, folding her hands carefully, making the balloon bob up and down.
"Vincent, do you...I mean I know I...Vincent..." She took a deep shaky breath, gathering her confidence. "Vincent, I like you very much." The words were out and in the open air. Vincent nodded.
"Aerith, I know." Aerith gasped.
"But how? I thought everyone thought I liked Cloud!" Vincent shook his head, smiling a little..
"At least, I know Aerith. I...I like you as well..." He coughed, covering his mouth with his claw. He turned his head to the side, looking back out the window, embarrassed. Aerith smiled.
"Are you going to blush again Vincent?" She teased. Vincent chuckled, turning back to face her. His red eyes shone with happiness.
"No. But I think...I think I will do this." He took a deep breath to steady himself, then gently took her hand and pulled her next to him. The gondola rocked a little as their weight shifted. Vincent put an arm carefully around her waist, and Aerith scooted closer, gazing into Vincent's ruby eyes.
"Aerith..." Vincent whispered quietly, moving his face closer and closer to Aerith's. He finally brushed lips with her, and then kissed her softly. Aerith kissed back gently, melting into Vincent's arms. Vincent gently ran his hand through her hair, his claw gently supporting her back, and Aerith pressed her hands against his tough chest, feeling warmth spread throughout her body. They felt at ease, perfectly safe with each other.
"Ahem..." They quickly pulled away and looked at the doorway. The gondola woman stood there, looking down at her feet. "Terribly sorry to disturb you, but the ride has ended." Aerith blushed and stood up swiftly.
"Ah...thank you very much..." She grabbed Vincent's arm and bolted for the exit.

Aerith giggled as Vincent led her back to her bedroom. Vincent looked at her, still mortified from the previous events. His usually white skin was still a pale pink color. He hoped the story wouldn't get around to the rest of the team…
"Vincent." Aerith's voice brought him back to reality. He looked down at her, and she smiled. "Thank you for a wonderful evening." She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Vincent hestitated a moment, then embraced her back, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair.
"I'll see you tomorrow Aerith." Aerith nodded.
"Goodnight Vincent." She waved to him, and he blew her a quick kiss, flushing again.
"Goodnight Aerith." He turned from the doorway and headed down the hall. Aerith closed her door quietly, a silly love struck grin on her face.

Aerith bolted upright from her position on the ground, knocking the cloak away. Cool air hit her naked flesh. The moonlight and glow of the fire illuminated her pale, perfect skin.
"Oh, Vincent..." She felt tears beginning to form in her eyes as she watched the large man sleep, still sitting up next to the fire. "I love you..." She allowed the tears to spill, wiping them away gently with Vincent's cloak. She scooted closer to the fire, the heat quickly drying her salty tears. Aerith never felt so alone. She kept glancing at Vincent, willing him to do something, anything, so she wouldn't feel so lost. Aerith sighed, giving up, and curled up once again in Vincent's cloak, shutting her eyes and this time succumbing to the world of dreams.