Disclaimer: I do NOT own FF7 all rights belong to Square.
The Flame of You…
Chapter 2
It was wondrous for many to believe the ocean to be lovely. However, Yuffie had a different theory. The sea made her sick. The constant rocking waves, made her stomach lurch with impending nausea.
God, how she hated to feel the curvy waves rock her back and forth. She inwardly believed it was well worth her getting sick if she brought him back. She smiled at the thought of them kissing in the sunset at the Gold Saucer.
It was her first kiss from a guy. Even though, he was out of his mind when he gave it to her. It didn't matter, right? Sure, Reno would say and do things even she disagreed with but still, she knew he liked her. Perhaps even, loved her.
Yuffie regretted telling Cloud and Tifa about their relationship. The moment she uttered the Turk's name both of them blew up on her. They ranged from lecturing to begging her not to date him. Yuffie would hear nothing of it.
Since when did they even show a fleck of concern for her welfare? When did anyone? God only knew that someone other than herself gave a damn whether she lived or died. No one cared.
Her blue eyes stared at the crashing water below her, she could almost swear she seen a dolphin underneath the cerulean waves.
She smiled at the mammal swimming beside the tiny ship. If it was one thing good about the ocean, it was the life presiding under it. It was a shame that Emerald Weapon destroyed a majority of life under the waves.
Even a year after the crisis, the Planet was still recovering from its wounds. Many people moved from the polluted cities to the suburbs, thus leaving ghost towns behind them.
It was unheard of to live in Midgar still. The contaminated city fell victim to METEOR a year prior. It was decided to never rebuild since the Planet found the dilapidated city a threat.
It was better really, all of the Mako reactors were shut down and the Planet could create more life on its surface. God forbid the use of Planet energy for greedy purposes ever happen again.
Yuffie's attention was caught as she noticed the ship coming to a stop; it was time to leave. Her journey would finally begin, she only hoped it would end in success. She could not take another rejection from him.
"Miss, do you need any help with your things?" A young man asked behind her.
Yuffie eyed the young crewman and shook her head. "No, thank-you. I can manage it."
The young seaman nodded as he handed her, her last bag and waved a fond farewell. Yuffie forced a smile and trudged off of the ship ramp.
It was so pleasant to be back on foreign land! She almost missed the soft feel of crabgrass under her shoes. The taste of dusk tickled her tongue as she breathed in the night air. The fields of Rocket Town were indeed intriguing. She would definitely have to see her beloved profane pilot when she had time.
She wondered what the insane man was doing now, most likely cussing at his wife about a broken part. It was his nature to complain to Shera, it made him show how he really felt about her. Well, in a roundabout way, that is.
She was still a little far from the innovated town and day was abruptly drawing to a close. She knew she would not make it in time to order a room and rest. However, she had to make her way, even if she had to travel all night. Yuffie had to make it over the Nibel Pass tonight.
"It appears there's no rest for the wicked." She mumbled half to herself.
Yuffie stared at her luggage and then herself. She could carry everything over the snowcapped mountains alone, right? She never needed help before, why start now?
Besides, she was certain it would be better to travel through the Pass at night than in the daytime. Less monstrous abominations roamed at night, or so Cloud told her. It was a shame the former SOLDIER could be less than adequate at times.
Nodding, she placed the bags over her shoulders and grasped her beloved Conformer in her right hand. Well, it was of course just a precaution to have her weapon out. She never liked to be caught off guard without a weapon, not since the Corneo incident.
She cringed at the thought of that glutinous pervert laying a hand on her. She frowned when she remembered what her so-called friends had said when she was dangerously hanging from the stones of Da Chao. Vincent's harsh comment wounded her the most.
It was as if he didn't care if Corneo raped her, she was that unimportant to him. Of course, she could see why. Not even an hour before her capture, she had stolen Materia from him. Thus, losing his trust and respect for her.
She could still remember the look everyone gave her as she reluctantly placed the mixed orbs onto him or her. The piercing gaze of the gunman addled her more than she liked to admit.
It was in the past though; she had grown up over the year they had departed. They had to look over her past transgressions and see the woman she had become.
Yuffie had to admit since her odd relationship with Reno, she had started to dabble in womanly arts of make-up. She started to use light blushes and eyeliner since Reno made the comment that she looked more masculine.
It pissed off that he could be so blunt. Sure, she was not as pretty as Tifa or the deceased Aeris, but still. She had a little time left to fully mature into a woman, right?
She had lost the baby-fat in her cheeks and gained a little size in the chest area. Reno even commented that if she kept the growth rate up, she could possibly come close to Tifa's size within a few centuries. He could be so cruel at times.
It hurt her that he never made a nice remark upon how she looked or acted. Yuffie changed her entire personality to fit his expectations, she somewhat regretted being something she wasn't.
She was never made to act like a quiet lady that never stood up for herself. No, she always had to voice her opinion on matters that sometimes never concerned her. It wasn't her nature to be meek and lowly like others.
She kept her eyes to the ground as she climbed the hazardous peaks. She never realized it would be this cold at night. Yuffie could swear she was beginning to turn a light shade of blue as she rounded an icy corner.
She looked at the snowy peaks and assumed she was nearly halfway through the Pass when she felt some of the hairs on her neck stand up.
Her sixth sense was kicking in maximum overdrive when the tiny hairs began to prickle the back of her neck; something was out there. She could feel it.
'Oh boy! This is just what I had in mind for a quiet nightly stroll through the happy mountains of Nibelheim! It's a shame no one is here to share it with me!'
Yuffie quickly drew her Conformer and readied it for the awaiting battle. She hoped this petty fight would not take long. She still had the objective of crossing this godforsaken pass.
She felt eyes watching her, calculating her every move. She hated being watched like a child. For the love of Leviathan, could brainless beasts not understand to leave her the hell alone? What did she ever do to them in the first place?
She popped her neck and held the throwing weapon in front of her. Yuffie quickly inspected the Materia she had. Shiva, Cure 3, Leviathan, hmmm Ice 2? God! Could her Materia be even crappier? She had to kick herself later for being so careless not to equip the right magic for a battle in Happy Land.
"Okay, you got me! Come out and claim your prize my fellow abominations! I am a very tasty meal probably for some of you! It's a shame that you will meet your end!" She taunted whatever was staring at her.
Yuffie smirked in the darkness as she felt the sense of oncoming battle as a wave of adrenaline coursed through her veins like Leviathan on a tsunami rampage. She enjoyed the thrill of a fight; it was in her blood to desire the sense of mêlée.
She stood transfixed as she stared blankly at the snow and underbrush of weeded bushes. She could not find her danger area and it unnerved her. Something was not right here.
As she turned her glance to the side, she felt a rush of weight topple over her form. Attack from behind, how cliché.
She mentally kicked herself for being so oblivious for checking from behind. It was one of the first rules of becoming a ninja; never turn your back on the unsuspected.
She already knew what the creature was that had the audacity to attack her, Nibel timber wolves. It would be something if she were to die by the hands or actually paws of a filthy creature. She still hadn't had the pleasure of not dying a virgin, she couldn't.
Yuffie snorted at the brainless wolf. "You have picked the wrong day to piss me off!"
The wolf made no comment as it tried to tear through her thick body armor. She frowned as she felt the smooth teeth break through the thick material. The only comment she could think of was, "Oh Shit!"
She glanced at her right hand, empty. Where the hell was her weapon when she actually needed it? Life was so cruel to her at times.
The brunette quickly grabbed whatever was useful to knock the crap out of the brainless beast. Smiling, she slammed the rock against its jaw-line. She smirked as she heard the wolf yelp in pain.
She quickly escaped from the wolf's release and searched madly for her beloved weapon. "Gawd! I swear! Where the hell is it? Damn it!" She whined rather loudly.
She loathed having her back turned on the wolf but she had to find it, right? Yuffie eyed a shiny point protruding out of the white snow. How convenient for her weapon to be a dark crimson shade against random landscapes.
She lunged for the blessed weapon and held it in front of her like a shield. She smirked evilly at the angered wolf. The battle was drawing to a close.
Yuffie placed a finger to her lips in sort of an adieu gesture as she muttered a few words. The wolf was encased in block of blue ice. She muttered a thank-you to the ice goddess she had called upon and left.
"I hate snow, I hate snow, God I hate snow!" She growled trudging through the icy path. She lost the feeling in her lips and nose, soon her feet and arms would fail her.
"Ugh! I hate this place! Why did you have to leave? And I bet you will be so ungrateful when I drag your sorry-ass home, Reno!" Yuffie muttered to no one in particular.
Yuffie's brooding look changed as she heard something ahead of her. 'Great! If it's another one of those blasted…'
Her sarcastic thoughts were halted when she heard an inhuman roar pierce her numb ears. Only one thing ever made a sound like that and she knew what or actually who it was.
She carefully proceeded to the source of the noise making herself known may cause a bit of a problem. It was not wise to anger him in a fight, she had learned from his temper.
The ninja's cerulean-eyes stared at the violet figure. She noticed why he had screamed before. No God's wonder, Nibel timber wolves yet again.
'Will they ever learn when to quit?' She groaned inwardly.
Shaking her head, she focused upon the one on the left. Her Conformer imbedded itself in the brown wolf's side within a second of her throw. She smiled to herself as she heard the wolf lurch in pain.
Her uninvited attack gave him the chance to release his brash attacks. Yuffie watched in awe as the menacing figure clawed his opponents to death. She knew the fight was far from over, when he looked at her position.
Her heart stopped as the demonic figure proceeded to her hiding placed. She closed her eyes in fear as he neared her; he would kill her now.
Yuffie felt the demon's warm breath upon her chilled face. She opened her eyes in fear to see his form above her. He closed in upon as his claws dug further into the pristine snow. She was trapped between the icy ground and the lurching figure above her.
She could almost swear she saw a fleck of human emotion within his ruby-eyes. The demon uttered a low growl that seemed to threaten her. She feared it would be her last moment on this wrecked plane.
The demon inched closer to her face as he bared his teeth. Yuffie gasped at his gesture. Summoning all of her courage she finally whispered, "Vi…Vincent."
He stared at her dumbly as she uttered that oh so familiar name once again. It was as if he knew this tiny girl from somewhere. The demon noticed her pleading eyes; he had never seen anything like them before.
Yuffie hesitantly whispered his human name once more. Perhaps, he would remember her through his demonic state and revert back to his original form. It unnerved her seeing him like this.
Her cast eyes widened as her compatriot roared in apparent pain. She eyed the source of his pain, another wolf. She felt him lift off of her as he clutched his bleeding side. Yuffie automatically scrambled for her Conformer. No one harmed one of her friends and survived afterward.
She sneered at the beastly creature. In a fluid movement, the Conformer struck in the wolf's side. Yuffie quickly pulled her blade out of the pained beast. With no compassion, she stabbed the wolf repeatedly. She never let up on the assault, she couldn't.
She finally dropped her weapon to see the mutilated body of the wolf. What had come over her? She had never taken pleasure in another creature's pain before. What in God's name possessed her to do so now?
Yuffie wiped the crimson blood off of her beloved weapon. Sighing, she placed it with her other items and remembered she was not alone. Yuffie cursed herself for forgetting him. How could she just leave him unattended? She had not grown up.
Yuffie quickly placed a gloved hand on his violet side as she turned him over. The demon stared into her cerulean-eyes in fatigue. She allowed a wavering smile appear briefly upon her face as she pulled a small vile from her shorts-pocket.
"Come on, you need to drink this, Vincent." She ordered him as she placed to red liquid to his black lips.
The demon hesitated a moment before he allowed the liquid passage into his mouth. It seemed he could trust this foreign girl. She smiled at him as she placed a hand on his bare chest. It was odd that she would come this close to Vincent, especially in this form.
The truth was Vincent had always had the macabre affect on her ever since she had met him in the ShinRa Mansion Basement. Chaos was no different. She could not distinguish whether it was his wings or just his obtrusive appearance that disturbed her.
Yuffie always felt as if the dark gunman wished to stay away from people, especially someone annoying like herself. Who could blame him? She was not his type to hold a conversation with, quite the opposite. She knew he could not stand to be even within ten feet of her much less, become friends. Vincent was never that social anyway.
Whatever the case, right now he needed her help. It was apparent no one else was around to lend him a hand. She watched him as he fell out of consciousness. To her surprise, Vincent reverted back into his human form. She shyly turned her face away from the exposed site he gave.
She smirked as she quickly tied whatever was left of his cloak around his slender waist. Truth be told, Vincent should really show his body off. He had a better body than Cloud, now that was indeed considered as sexy. It was shame he shrouded himself in the darkness as if it were his only friend. Yuffie shook her head at her random thoughts. Why did she care about Vincent anyway? Did he not consider her unworthy to live? He certainly as hell did not concern himself if she died. Why should she care for him?
"This is crazy!" She mumbled to herself as she tried to help lift him off of the icy ground.
He made no attempt to move as she tried to wake him up. Yuffie grumbled at his apparent unconscious state, she would have to carry him off of this mountain herself. How convenient she was alone to handle this lovely task. She had things to do and carrying a half naked better check that half naked gorgeous man off a mountain. Her day just could not get any better.
****
"Well Vincent, I suppose that's your place, huh?" She asked the unconscious man.
Shaking her head, Yuffie pulled Vincent into the dilapidated mansion. To be honest, she kind of figured he returned to this horrid place. The manor walls just screamed gothic.
She opened the large wooden doors with slight hesitation. Yuffie honestly feared what lurked behind the mansion doors. If her memory served her correctly, the old manor had various monsters roaming throughout the halls. It would be wonderful to see the kind face of Yin-Yang once again. The last encounter between the ninja and monster did not go so smoothly.
Yuffie averted her grotesque attention to her insensible companion. It was not good that someone like Vincent Valentine was not on alert. She had to admit; he looked rather delectable when asleep of course, not as handsome as Reno. Reno had something she could not put into words. She supposed the closest thing to describe her flame-haired love was his sense of ethereality.
She shook her daunted thoughts out of her head as she trudged into what was to be considered the living room. Her eyes widened in surprise to see how everything had changed. Vincent must have redecorated after they parted ways.
The entire room was draped in a Victorian style setting. Elegant wooden tables accompanied black leather sofas with a sense of class. Vincent certainly had taste. It was a shame he hid his interests so well, he could indeed become a marvelous interior decorator. Yuffie smirked at the thought of Vincent ever holding such an occupation.
She lightly placed her unconscious friend on a nearby sofa. Frowning to see a slight chill from him, she laid a thin satin throw across his shaking body. She smiled at his look of contentment. Perhaps, he would not mind her staying the night with him. She, of course reasoned it was for his health and her curiosity of his house.
Yuffie figured he would not mind her going into one of the bedrooms to straighten up a bit since she saved his life. In reality, he should be thanking her. She gave a final glance to the sleeping man on the sofa as she quietly trailed up the staircase.
'My God, he has changed the entire house! I never knew Vincent had it in him! My, my, my, our little Vinnie is a real homebody!'
She graced down the dimly lit hallway as a shut door caught her attention. Her curiosity screamed at her to see what lay behind the door, perhaps it had a very interesting Materia, who knew? She hesitated momentarily as if hoping someone was not behind her to ask what she was doing.
Yuffie quietly opened the door to see the room enveloped in darkness. She quickly felt for the light switch that should have accompanied the wall. Finding it, she clicked the switch on. She squinted her eyes as light flooded the tiny room.
Her eyes widened to see why the door was shut. This was apparently Vincent's bedroom. She inwardly felt as if she was intruding on his personal space but her curiosity prodded her to go further and investigate the private room.
Her delicate hands traced the soft feel of the black satin bed as she concentrated on how a man so cold slept in such comfortable sheets. Vincent Valentine was indeed an anomaly that would probably never be solved. Not that she should take her time to get to know him anyway. Yuffie had better things to do than stay somewhere with a man that changed into horrid creatures.
She mentally kicked herself for her last thought. How could she be so cruel to think of Vincent that way? Sure, his forms frightened her a little, but he never intentionally harmed her, not even today did he lay a single hand upon her. She was so wicked to judge him in such a manner.
Yuffie was such a hypocrite to think she knew him. Apparently, she knew nothing about him, his quite sense of decorating proved to object his cold manner. It was shame he never acted out of context for at least once. Now that she thought of it, she never remembered him ever to smile. Just even for the hell of it, Vincent never exposed any emotion other than indifference. Was he afraid that his face may break if he smiled or something?
Whatever the reason, she knew he would never care to share his personal thoughts or feelings with her. Whoa, what the hell was thinking with feelings? The mildew in the old manor must be getting to her mind. Wait, she couldn't smell any mildew. Oh fuck.
Yuffie stood in the center of the room and felt as if she would fall into a great precipice of detached perplexity. She allowed her random thoughts take control of her as she stared at the bed. She was zoning out again; and she knew could not stop herself from passing out.
Her face grew solemn as images of her home, father, Reno, and all that she knew flashed before her icy-eyes. Why did this residence have to bring so many painful memories back to her? Perhaps, Vincent was right. This place was full of nightmares. It seemed, even when awake she could feel a coldness lurk within her soul, as she stood here utterly alone.
She cursed herself for trespassing into this forbidden room. What if Vincent was to find out she was up here? Wasn't it bad enough that she was even in the mansion? She was certain Vincent would not like her company even if she had saved his life. She decided it best to leave now before her friend decided to sleep in his room. She could see him upset at her because she was in here. The outlook of a young woman in a guy's room that was three times her age did present itself to look indecent.
Actually, it was unheard of for a young woman to take up with a guy that old. What the holy fuck was she thinking? It was indeed time to leave!
Yuffie turned from the bed and waltzed out of the tiny room until she bumped into something. The force knocked her to the floor. "Gawd! What the hel…oh, Vincent!" She stuttered. "Um…um…how are you?"
The dark man said nothing to her as he merely stared at her nervous form. Yuffie could feel his bloody-eyes stare at her small figure. She inwardly wished that he would stop looking at her like that; he made her feel uncomfortable.
Vincent glared at Yuffie in apparent disdain. "What are you doing here?" He asked coldly.
Yuffie cast her eyes to the floor in sudden trepidation. "I…I…was going to um…you know go to the bathroom. I um…didn't know where it was."
Vincent stared at her in obvious disbelief. "I'm quite certain that the bathroom is not in my bedroom, Yuffie."
"Yeah! I um…just realized that! So, uh where is it?"
"It's across the hall from here." He said without looking at her. 'I'm surprised you did not notice it, even when the door was fully open.'
Yuffie nervously tried to get up off of the floor but alas stumbled back down. She could kick herself for being so clumsy, especially in front of Vincent. Strike that, especially in front of a half-naked Vincent. The poor guy still had the torn cape wrapped around his slender waist.
Yuffie blushed at the sight of his god-like form illuminating in front of her. Could she not stop embarrassing herself? It was bad enough to fall on her butt twice let alone turn red in front of a guy that once pleasured in shooting people.
Yuffie's muffled thoughts were broken when she noticed a white hand in front of her. She looked at the pale hand dumbly before she realized he was trying to help her up. Yuffie hesitantly took his gaunt hand as he lifted her up.
The force knocked her against his bare chest. Yuffie's eyes widened as she felt his heart beat slowly. She had never heard a heart beat so resonant. It was as if she were in a cave that reverberated the sound a thousand-fold. She was no shorter than amazed to hear his heart. Truth be told, she was not even for sure if he had one.
"Yuffie…" Vincent whispered into her ear.
"Ye…yes?" She rasped.
"I think you should go to the bathroom now."
Yuffie glanced at his stoic face and nodded. It would be wise to leave right now since the scene between them did look bad. "Alright…um Vincent?"
"Yes, Yuffie?"
"Would it be alright if I stayed the night. I mean just for tonight since it's kinda late and stuff?"
Vincent stared into her oceanic orbs for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Just…for tonight."
A wavering smile appeared upon her face. He was kind enough to allow her to stay. Maybe Vincent wasn't so bad. Perhaps, he even changed a little over the past year. She could only hope, right?
Vincent let her go as he went into his room. Apparently, he wished to find a new change of close since he wished not to roam around in front of a teenager almost naked.
He leaned against the wooden door and sighed. That was indeed a close call.
He glanced at his torn cape and shook his dark mane; it was the third time this week. Could he not control the demons inside of him for once? He hated it when one of them would take over and destroy God knew what. What if one of them hurt someone? He would surely feel guilty if someone died by his hand.
He felt a slight pain within his heart. Why did she have to come here at a time like this? He could not trust himself around anyone right now, especially someone as temperamental as Yuffie Kisaragi. What in God's name possessed her to come here anyway? He could only guess.
He very much doubted she came to soothe the demons that tormented his angst-ridden mind. No one would ever take pity on such a foul creature as himself. He was damned to be alone and live the rest of his life in a nightmare that he was conscious in.
Vincent stared at the claw opaquely and clenched it with his other hand. He was such an abomination, even on the outside. He hated living within this form; he wasn't even a man.
Vincent unwrapped the makeshift garb and placed it upon the bed. He pulled on a pair of black silk boxers and a pair of pants that accompanied them. Vincent also pulled on a translucent white shirt just in case Yuffie needed to see him again tonight. He hated to see her here with him in an uninhibited state. What if he hurt her?
Vincent cast his anguished thoughts aside and focused upon her staying here. He knew she must have found him somewhere within the Nibel Mountains. He could barely remember being up there in the first place.
All he knew was that one moment he was hiking within the snowcapped mountains the next, he felt a surging pain within his body. He tried to control the demon within his soul; alas, he could not. Chaos was the worst to oppress especially, when the bastard had thinking capability.
Vincent damned himself for taken the vile that would turn him into the violet atrocity. However, believing his angel left it for him, he took it willingly. He inwardly feared that one day the demon would take full control and never allow him to change back. It would truly be his punishment.
Vincent knew he was alone because of his past transgressions. He could never be rid of his indulgences fully. No angel would come to his aid and rescue him from certain damnation. In truth, he was a modern Dante, pursuing a way out of this impermeable hell. If only he had someone to accompany him.
It was a trivial thought anyway. He could never survive without believing the wings of fallacy would lead him to a shore of blind hope.
He was indeed blind, perhaps, sightless enough to actually enjoy not being alone here for another night. And be it another sin on his wretched form, he actually revered the fact that Yuffie had asked him if she could stay. And for that, he was undone.
Young ladies did not stay with monsters that were three times their age. It was unheard of for an innocent child stay in the same house with such an abomination, especially unattended. What if someone were to find out that…
He couldn't think that. The thought in itself was inconceivable; it would be a sin to consider it. God, what was wrong with him? The demons were apparently taunting him once again. However he heard none speak within his anxious mind. It was odd since he could always feel them present but not now. What was going on? Was it a maniacal scheme his beloved other beings planned?
Vincent jolted out of his morose thoughts as he heard Yuffie scream from the bathroom. Apparently, from her ravings, she stubbed her foot against the vanity. A small frown reached his face as heard her complain about her tiny injury. He knew she would at least say something along the lines of, 'Why the hell did you have to put a damn stone vanity in the bathroom?!'
He wondered if she had grown up over the past year. It would be an odd thing to see the likes of Yuffie Kisaragi matured. The thought was almost frightening to envision. He could never see her change her personality, not purposely anyway. Her strident attitude and fiery soul was to be somewhat admired.
Admired? What was he thinking? He could barely stand to be in the same room with her, let alone admire Yuffie's attitude. What was wrong with him? He should not concern himself with other people's problems. Who was he to suggest something for someone's benefit? He thought he was past emotion, apparently not.
The dark man sighed heavily as he heard the bathroom door open and close. He knew she was out and most likely would wish to chat with him over some trivial matter. It was her nature to 'shoot the breeze' as some called it. The truth was, Vincent never found it very amusing to talk of idle matters. Actually, no one ever bothered to trouble him with it.
Perhaps, that was the reason he stayed away from Yuffie. He had always reasoned it was because of her immaturity and lewd comments toward everything. He realized it was a pitiful excuse, the truth was, he was afraid of her. Not in the respect of utter fear, but one in a metaphorical sense. She asked questions usually pertaining to personal scenarios.
He could not tell her of all the hell he had been through. He could not describe the harsh experiments, the countless nights of nightmares within the coffin, but mostly the rejection of the woman he truly loved. Why burden such an innocent soul with his tainted past? He couldn't.
Yuffie was the perfect example of childhood naivety. It was rare to find such a flower among the harsh ruins of the so-called civilized world. He wished her innocence were not so rare; the world would be a better place with more people like her in it.
It was of course, just a dream. Truly, the Planet would not better for anyone to live on. Life was an unbearable prison well, to him anyway.
He still had to question her as to why she was here. He knew she was kind enough to drag his plagued form back to the Mansion but why was she even in the mountains in the first place? Was there something wrong? Surely, she would have contacted someone than trek across the land alone.
It brought a foreign emotion to him as he thought why she left the safety of her for danger. Was it her father that wished to send her away or did something terrible happen? He was beginning to concern himself with her here.
He knew it was a little out of character, but he would ask what was wrong. The question was, would she tell him the truth or wish him to mind his damn business? Inwardly, he hoped it was the former. Atypical indeed.
Vincent exhaled as he heard a light knock upon the oak door. He expected the knock to come since he was certain Yuffie wished to at least say goodnight. That is, if she wished to bid a monster such kindness. He always thought Yuffie was uncomfortable around his appearance.
"Vinnie, are you gonna open the door or just ignore me…again! Come on I've been waiting out here for like two hours now!"
Vincent lightly smirked at the exaggeration. He did not question the abrupt expression; it would gauche to. "I'm coming, Yuffie."
Vincent opened the door to see a young teenager wearing nothing more that a black knee-length Wutainese robe. He would not dare look to see what lay under there. Yuffie quirked an odd grin to him as she stared at him. Her staring at him was starting to make him feel a tad distressing.
"Well, are you gonna wish me goodnight, Vinnie? Or, are you gonna rude to your houseguest?"
"Um…I um…goodnight Yuffie." Vincent stuttered at her skeptical look.
Yuffie smirked evilly at his awkwardness. "You know Vinnie, you to get out more! I mean you never do anything! I found your ass back up at the mountain and like I don't know why you were there but a wolf almost kicked your ass!"
"I see. What were you doing there?" Vincent countered her.
Yuffie's smile fell, how dared he patronize her! "That's none of your business, Vinnie! Why are you asking! Gawd!"
Vincent stared at her indifferently. "I was only asking since you never trek through Nibelheim. I was wondering why you would come so far unattended? I am…sorry if I upset you."
"Well, it sounds like you mean it. The truth is, I did come alone. It's not a problem at my house it's just…damn it…"
Vincent silently urged her to continue. "Well, I'm looking for someone. That's all."
"Who?"
"Well, why are you interested?" Yuffie stuttered. "I doubt you would have seen him."
"Perhaps, but perchance I have. Wouldn't that benefit your search and make less of a burden upon you?"
"Gawd Vinnie! You just wanna who it is...." Yuffie turned her back on him. "Okay fine, I'll tell you! I'm looking for Reno! He left a note saying his goodbyes yet again and left me! Go ahead and say, 'I told you so!' Cloud and Tifa would have by now!"
"I wasn't going to say that." Vincent deadpanned as he stared into her cerulean-eyes.
"What do ya mean? Aren't you like um…you know like 'Yuffie's so naïve! I would not put it past her to fall for some stupid Turk that only likes to drink and do girls!' I sorta figured you say something along the lines of that." Yuffie cast her eyes to the floor. "I don't understand what I did wrong. I thought that…"
"Thought that what, Yuffie?"
"I thought…he loved me." She said barely above a whisper. "I thought he wouldn't leave me. Wait, he'll see he's wrong! He always comes back to me. It's just that he has never stayed away for so long. I can see Dad shaking his head right now. 'Poor brainless girl! I'm ashamed to have her as a daughter.' Yeah, that would be Dad for you."
Vincent said nothing to her brash comments she inflicted upon herself. He was inwardly horrified to see someone that was lively as Yuffie cloak her inward feelings so well. He never expected to see her feel pain as she had just expressed. It almost made him feel as if her were staring back at himself in a reflection. How could someone discourage a girl like herself? They indeed held no respect even for themselves.
Vincent stared at her for a moment before speaking. "I am sorry to say I have not seen him lately." Lie "I hope that you reconcile your supplications with him. It appears he has some matters to settle on his own." Lie number two.
Yuffie looked at Vincent as a tear fell from her face. "I'm sorry I have bothered you with my problems. I did not wish to discuss them with anyone from AVAVLANCHE because they would snicker about it and ridicule me for being such a crybaby. I'll leave in the morning so I will not trouble you any further."
"Alright. I will you see you in the morning then?"
Yuffie hesitantly nodded. "Yeah, I'll say goodbye to you before I leave. Um, one question?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"Um, where do you mind if I sleep?"
"Oh, how impolite of me. I believe I have a room fixed down the hall to the right. It should be efficient enough to your liking. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."
Yuffie faintly smiled at his kindness. This behavior of Vincent was indeed odd. She wished to take advantage of it. "Thanks Vincent."
Vincent's pursed his brows together. "For what?"
"For being kind to me. I never expected anyone to show compassion for me. It's kinda weird, you know? Well, anyway goodnight and thank you again." She whispered as she shook his organic hand.
Vincent gazed at the fleeting gesture. No one ever touched him in friendship not even, people that knew him.
"Um…goodnight Yuffie. I'll see you in the morning." He stuttered as he pulled away from her grasp.
"Um…goodnight Vincent?" He nodded as he shut his door knowing full well he left a very confused ninja in the hallway.
Tonight would be odd. He hoped that nightmares did not plague his mind. God forbid if Yuffie heard him screaming from one. Vincent feared she would look upon him in disgust to see his wretched form entangled in torn sheets. He knew that she would be like the others. She would leave him the moment he shown how weak he truly was.
His good friends at AVALANCHE did the same to him when he stayed the night not long after Sephiroth's demise. Vincent cringed at the memory when he remembered the horrified look Tifa portrayed as Cloud stared at his beleaguered form with malice.
The others were informed about that night. Well, for the exception of Yuffie. He supposed they found no reason to tell her anything about the incident. It shamed him that he could ever commit such atrocities. He wished not disclose whatever amity they shared.
Something inside gave him a grave feeling of this journey she planned. He could not understand why it vexed him so, but he wished not for her to go alone. It was unwise of him to consider such aspirations. What would people think if they seen a monster escort a girl to an imprudent man?
Reno did not deserve someone like Yuffie. From what Vincent understood of the Turk, he did not value his actions. Nor, did he understand why he would leave such a lively girl. Reno Edwards was indeed an ungrateful wretch that never cared for anyone but himself. In truth, it angered Vincent to see such a parasite even exist.
True, Vincent was no angel himself, but still. No man deserved to live if they treated a woman so abhorrently. Such beings merited a seat in Hell. It was a shame the arrogant Turk would not go there anytime soon. However, that could be arranged very easily.
What was he thinking? Vincent vowed never to kill another human unless it endorsed the well being of another, then he would take the life without a second thought. God forbid it would ever come to that. The action would perhaps drive him over the edge if he pulled the trigger.
Vincent closed his magnificent bloodstained eyes in apathy. What coerced him to contemplate such ideas? He had never thought of harming another person since the vengeful assault upon the crazed scientist a year prior. It appeared he was losing all that was left of his humanity.
Vincent cleared his mind of his morose thoughts as sleep began to dominate his tired form. His last thoughts in the conscious world were not of his beloved angel, but the saddened look of a girl he barely knew. How anomalous his sub-consciousness could be at times.
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Author's Note: To be honest, I have the slightest idea as to where this fic is going! I hope that Vincent and Yuffie are not too Out-of-Character. It seems hard for me to capture their attitudes correctly. Oh well… Anyway, I will hopefully type the next chapter soon. Please let me know what you think. ^_^