Disclaimer: I do not pwn Final Fantasy Seven. All characters, names, place, etc, belong to Square.
The Flame of You…
Chapter Six
Mundane aqua-eyes gazed into the half-empty martini glass with apathy. Life, once promising, held nothing now. The slight sensation of joy had long since faded with the last drop of alcohol.
Reno glared at the table after lighting another cigarette. His supposed jovial mood had been fowled with dreary recollections that seemed to settle at the bottom of the empty glass. He tacitly swirled the last of the martini with expert dexterity as small bubbles formed within the clear liquid. He faintly smiled at his petty amusement. Surely, this was indeed what life was all about.
"I believe it's time to go, Reno." His quiet companion muttered.
Reno idly turned his view toward his bald friend. "Go on, Rude, I'm not ready to leave yet," he whispered with a slight tinge of melancholy.
"Drowning your depression with alcohol will not help matters," Rude said sternly, "It makes them worse."
"What would you know? Every damn day goes by and I don't think of all the fucking mistakes I make and regret. How can you understand that what I feel is not how I express, Rude? Can you tell me that I'm supposed to drop it?"
Rude's eyes narrowed underneath his dark sunglasses. "For her, you should."
The fiery Turk shook his aching head. "I can't, and you know that, Rude. You know me better than anyone. And yet, you stay by my side…why?"
"Because, you are my friend, and it may sound a little banal, but I will not see you intoxicate yourself over her. You honestly need to move on."
"I'll consider your words as friendly advice, but I don't believe I will take them to heart."
"She isn't there and you know that."
Reno's eyes narrowed with an ominous glow. "Do you not believe I do not know that? Damn it, Rude! Why the fuck do you think I'm here right now? I need to think clearly and drinking seems to be the only resolution."
Rude shook his head with silent indifference. "Elena's right, you can't change."
Reno glared at his standing friend as he exhaled another puff of smoke. "Then why do you linger? Go to back to your normal life, Rude. Keep in touch with Elena and converse with how happy your lives are and leave me the hell alone…"
"That's what you want, isn't it? You drove yourself away from her and now, you sulk in your own self-pity. Who was I to believe that you would change after everything? You're right of course, you need to be alone, in order to mope in what you have lost! You're a poor excuse of the esteemed Turk I idolized you as. It's such a shame you lose your head over the silliest of things…"
"Then leave!" Reno snarled, as his aqua-coloured eyes seemed to gleam with more than Mako.
Rude collected his black trench coat as he dropped a few coins on the table. "Goodnight, my friend. I certainly hope you actually consider my advice. I'll call you tomorrow…"
Reno said nothing as he heard his friend shut the glass door behind him. He was alone once more.
The bar had always been a haven for him, even before joining the Turks. The dim lighting, the tedious drunken laughter, and hazy atmosphere had always been a comfort to him. It was ironic that his Nirvana did not hold the same comfort now.
Rude had been right about him, he always had. Reno could never change his outlook or his attitude. He had tried too many times with failure. A so-called change in personality was impossible. He was not the perfect man, he knew that, and yet, she had accepted that. It was a shame he could not.
That was partially the reason he had made his rash decisions, he was in denial of himself. The concept of achieving what he long sought seemed to be in his grasp, and yet, so far away. If only, he could reach out to the heavens and touch the endless sea of stars, perhaps, he could attain his dream.
It was merely an ambition, of course. It seemed a little impossible touching the face of a goddess from a lowly bar. He had to try though, all that held his true happiness was slipping from his from grasp. He would be damned if he lost it all together.
****
"Welcome to the Gold Saucer," a man in a yellow chocobo costume welcomed.
Vincent glared at the Gold Saucer with apparent discomfort. The flamboyant lights and sounds seemed to annoy his sense of solace. He subtly noticed his companion's fleeting smile widen as she eyed the massive park.
She turned to Vincent with a child-like expression, "Where would you like to go?"
Yuffie noticed his silent demeanor as he glanced at the Station. "Personally, I would prefer a quiet area with no lights."
"Wa…was that a joke or are you serious to leave. We can of course. I'm certain Reno-"
"No, we are here now and we shall search this ungodly place, and yes, I will enjoy it."
Yuffie stifled a chuckle when she noticed Vincent casting his gaze to the multi-coloured floor, with what could be considered embarrassment. "Um, all right, where do you believe my slime-ball would go?"
Vincent hesitated. "Hmm, what about the Battle Square? Certainly, Reno would be prone to showing his strength in battle?"
"Gawd, Vincent, if I were as smart as you, I would so be on one of those million Gil game shows answering questions left and right while, an old man would ask if it were my final answer!"
She chuckled as she seen an eyebrow raise in question. "Oh, come on, don't tell you don't watch-never mind."
"Reading books are better than sucking the tube as you call it."
"Bah! You're making fun of me, aren't you? Gawd, you're just as annoying as Cid with those mean jokes! If you wouldn't blow my head off, I would so kiss-kick you!"
Yuffie's eyes widened as she realized her mistake. Hopefully, Vincent would not catch her slip of the tongue. Of course, it was merely a slip of syllable and not true intention. She had to confide in her semi-justified reason.
Vincent simply nodded as he enclosed her hand with his claw and quietly led her to the battle square. It was somewhat strange that she did not feel disgusted by the cold metal rubbing against her soft skin. Perhaps, Vincent did not even notice his subtle action. To her, it was almost unnerving.
Her cerulean-eyes gazed at the bright neon lights of the Battle Square. She quietly eyed the flashy colours of dark violet and red wallpaper. Certainly, Dio had better taste than this, this sense of style screamed gaudy.
An evil thought came to mind as she stopped in the middle of the room. Vincent eyed her skeptically as she gazed at Dio's garish showroom.
"Would you like to go in there," he asked without random concern.
Yuffie faintly smiled. "It's been a while since I've actually seen Dio's junk. I suppose Reno can a wait a few more minutes. That is, if you-"
"I would love to." He gracefully placed her hand in his and escorted her into the tiny showroom.
"'You know, the last time I was in here, I was almost tossed into the Corel Prison?" She smiled at his questioning eyes. "A mere misunderstanding, I assure you. I swear on everything holy I didn't steal anything! I was merely looking at it!"
"I will not even ask."
"What? You believe I would go as far as stealing that, "she pointed at an item in a glass case.
Vincent eyed the tiny bracelet behind the protected glass. The show lights made the silver bracelet glisten with a myriad of sapphire stones, creating an azure radiance. It was indeed an exquisite piece of jewelry; it would even be even lovelier if Yuffie wore it.
Vincent pinched the bridge of his nose. "What's wrong?" Yuffie placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Nothing, it's merely the bright light getting to my eyes…"
"Well, if you want to leave-"
"No! I would still like to look around."
"All right, if you feel up to it. I don't want to trouble you since I know you hate this place."
Vincent noticed the guilty look in her cerulean-eyes. "Yuffie, hate is a very strong word. I know I don't hate this place, merely trying to understand it. I…I am beginning to like it!"
"Vinnie, you don't have to lie."
"I don't lie, Yuffie." He answered stoically.
Before she could utter her contest, another, Dio himself, interrupted Yuffie. The stalwart man held her in a tight headlock as he ruffled her short hair. "You know, I would not expect finding you of all people back in here! Did you not learn from the last time?"
Yuffie read his friendly tone as she too, chuckled. "You know me, Dio, this place holds quite the memories. Especially, almost being tossed into that awful cage you call a prison!"
"You honestly believe I would do that? That hurts my feelings!" He faked a sob as he let her down. His smiling face fell as he locked eyes on the other silent individual. "I did not know you were, Mister Valentine.
Tension abruptly added between the silent men as both stared each other down, in what could be considered a mute duel. Vincent's bloodstained-eyes narrowed slightly, as if giving a predatory warning to his adversary. A disdainful silence followed Dio's stoic glance, as Yuffie looked at both men with confusion.
Intervening between them, Yuffie gently smiled. "It's good to see you again, Dio. Vincent and I were actually enjoying your park, since we had not been in some time! You have really done a number on it since the last time we've been here!"
Yuffie was such a sweet liar, Vincent thought. She could not have missed the silent face-off between him and the park owner. It would be like her to impede on an unneeded fight. It was apparent that she hated to see people bicker over trivial things. Such a shame, that she was blissfully ignorant of this subtle confrontation. If she only knew…
Dio gently nodded as he turned his face to her. "Indeed. I have reopened the Gondola Ride and added some new attractions for my customers to enjoy. I believe in people actually enjoying themselves and their smile is worth the money I put into it."
Yuffie clicked her tongue. "Yeah, and the truckload of dinero you bring in also brings a smile to you face!" She quickly teased.
"I won't lie! The profit is nice, but the customers are what truly make me happy! Now, since you are here, is there anything I can help you with?"
Yuffie cast her eyes to the floor. "Well, Vincent and I have come to…"
"We've come to search for Reno." Vincent interjected with a distilled tone.
Dio eyed him warily. "That Turk from ShinRa, right? I hate to disappoint you since I know you wish to bust his head in, but I haven't seen him in over a month. I'm sorry, I could not be of more help to you."
Yuffie shook her head as she tried to force a tear back. Vincent automatically pulled her to him as he cast his bloody-eyes on her. "Thank-you, Dio. I suppose Vincent and I will search somewhere else."
"Tell you what, since it's almost dark, I'll give you the best rooms in the Ghost Hotel. Just tell the desk clerk they're on me and if he objects, tell him to call me."
"That's very kind of you, Mister Claiborne, we'll take your offer."
Yuffie's indigo-eyes widened into the shape of Materia. "Vincent, are you sure you want to stay here? I mean-"
"I'm quite certain, my dear. It is getting rather late and I do not particularly wish to drive tonight. So we shall continue tomorrow morning. That is, if it's fine with you?"
A fox-like smirk played upon her rosy lips as stared into his crimson gaze. "All right, Vince, we'll stay."
Dio's face light up as made his way to the showroom exit. Turning, he exclaimed, "I promise you two will enjoy the Gold Saucer's newest attractions! Do have fun and if you need me, don't hesitate to call!"
Yuffie softly smiled as the aging owner left the showroom. Truthfully, she had hoped Vincent would take the offer. She somehow wished to put off the search for her beloved a little longer. She had deduced it was for him to finally come to his senses and plead with her to marry him. Yuffie somewhat frowned at that last thought.
A stab of guilt hit her hard in the chest. Why did she have to think so negative upon marrying him? That was what she had truly wanted for so long, the desire to be married and raise a family with no worry. It was what all normal girls wanted. Hell, Tifa had already settled down with Cloud shortly after the team had split.
Her thoughts were abruptly pushed aside as she felt a warm hand graze her bare shoulder. Turning, she gazed into Vincent's ruby-eyes. A remote passion reflected within the bloody depths as a faint frown traced his pallid lips. It was almost like the minor sadness one felt when the sun had finally set in the distant horizon.
Yuffie subtly clasped onto his hand with a semi-knowing expression. He was concerned about her. That, in its-self was apparent. Truly, Vincent felt obligated to protect her on this trivial journey, but the sense of sincerity was so visible within those crystallized orbs that it somewhat disturbed her. He seemed, pleading.
"Yuffie," he said barely above a whisper.
"Yes?"
"What would you like to do since we're here?"
She looked at his awkwardness as he struggled with his question. It was apparent that Vincent felt uncomfortable here, but still offered to do anything with her? That was something Reno never did, especially when it meant anxiety on his part. Vincent was indeed a true gentleman.
"I…I…well, I don't know. What would you like to do? I mean since you're going out of your way to help me."
Vincent considered her words carefully as he cast his eyes to the floor. "I…was wondering if you…ahem…would accompany me on the Gondola Ride? Of course we do not have to-"
Yuffie placed her fingers on his stuttering mouth as she got him to look at her. Mentally smiling at his schoolboy expression, she moved closer, "Shh, I would love to go with you, Vincent."
Vincent automatically grasped her left hand in his as he ushered her to the ride. He did not see the jubilant smile on his companion's lips as he reveled in his own private happiness.
Be it luck, or the mere fortune that the Gondola Ride was surprisingly empty. Yuffie glared at the male ticket-master as he stared at them with a snide look. Why did everyone have to look down on them together? Wait. Not again.
Yuffie angrily turned her eyes to the wooden planks as Vincent quietly led her to the empty car. He gingerly extended his organic hand and opened the door. She allowed a faint smile of gratitude play upon her dry lips for his kindness. Yuffie almost chuckled as he turned his head in somewhat embarrassment. Was he that uneasy around her? Or did he not expect such a truthful reaction from his supposed callous company?
She seated herself parallel to him as the ride suddenly started. Her eyes traced the magnanimous sky as a myriad of fireworks burst scattering the sky in a foray of falling glitter. She did not see her companion eyeing her with apparent interest.
His crimson-eyes did not focus upon the magnificent wonders the Gold Saucer had to offer. The tiny woman in front of him heavily outweighed any normal lightshow. He almost smiled as she gazed into the starlit sky with apparent wonder. A small sense of contentment rested in his heart as his companion enjoyed her self.
Inwardly, he had been too afraid to ask her to come on this ride. The fear of being rejected like some plague ensued his doubt of her. She was far too good for him. Vincent knew he would never compare to such desired innocence. Yuffie was indeed a mortal angel that had somehow fallen from the Heavens by mistake. God, Reno was lucky.
Yuffie turned to him with a smile, "Vincent, I'm glad you suggested this ride! I wanted to go with Cloud last time, but Tifa sort of beat me to it! And to think, she could not have the guts to tell him. Well, actually, it would be rather hard since our blonde-boy was a little out of it. But still, I am so glad to have finally seen this!" She aptly placed her hand on his, "Thank-you so much, Vincent!"
Vincent gazed openly at her, as he said nothing in his defense. What could he say? It was becoming increasingly hard to avoid that cherubic smile of hers, while hearing her complement him on his own selfish agenda. Yes, Vincent wanted to go on this ride and see her happy, even if it meant her catching him ogle her.
He noticed their private ride was coming to an end as the grand finale of fireworks stridently burst through the star-filled sky. It was a dismayed realization that very soon their little rendezvous would also come to an end, leaving Yuffie with her true love, while he had nothing.
What was the point of this hopeless goose-chase? Did he honestly expect to get the girl and live happily ever after? No, he could not even begin to conceive the idea of Yuffie wanting to stay with him. It was almost a hopeless dream forgotten when enveloped into a nightmare. It would of course, end that way. Vincent never had anything that returned his sentiment of love. Good God, no one had.
He crassly cast his eyes to the floor as he ushered Yuffie out of the small car. Yuffie subtly locked her hand around his claw and looked at him concerned. "Vincent," she spoke in a disquiet tone. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he muttered softly as his organic hand wrapped around hers. "I believe I'm merely tired."
Yuffie could tell he was lying by his offside glance. Vincent always looked at someone while telling the truth, he always had. It was a shame that he did not realize Yuffie could pick up on the least of things. "All right," she conceded knowing there was no use arguing with her alleged protector.
"Yuffie, I…I believe that we should turn in for the night since you wish to find Reno soon."
Of course, that was the point of their entire journey, finding that ass. Her so-called lover never gave a damn about her and yet, she conceded into running across the Planet to find him, and for what? He would merely run off again. God, it was so frustrating that Vincent could stay so focused upon finding him. Did he wish to rid himself of her? The very thought addled her.
Vincent, being the gentleman, gave her the best room and wished her goodnight. He knew it was rather uncouth of him to leave her the way he had. The truth was; he wished to explore the Gold Saucer with her more. It would indeed be quite a pleasure to see that luxurious smile glitter her flawless face.
He had settled in the gothic room as he considered his next move. It was debatable that his companion would stay in her room, while he broached some business with the park's owner. Hopefully, his short absence would go unnoticed.
It would be rather difficult to explain his lack of attendance, since he never did anything other than brooding. For once, he actually seemed to have a meaning as he quietly escaped to the staircase. The desk clerk gave him an odd glare as he exited to inn and into the rest of the irritating park.
He stared at the glittering jewel before him in a wonton gaze. He knew Yuffie had wanted it for quite some time by the desired expression in her indigo-eyes. It was a shame Reno never treasured her with anything. All she had wanted was to be loved and her so-called beloved would not consider the gift she offered him. A tinge of anger enveloped him as he gazed in the bracelet's azure glow.
"Why are you here, Mister Valentine? Is there something I can do for you?" A harsh voice whispered behind him.
Vincent turned to meet Dio's stoic glare. "Yes, I was wondering what you would offer for this bracelet, the price means nothing to me."
"I see you are a businessman, Valentine. Of course, your history as a Turk would prove as much. I don't like dealing with money and prices over antiques I collect. Before I even consider your outlandish request, tell me why you want that particular item?"
The gunman hesitated as he calculated his answer. Dio did not need to know his reasons. "It's for someone, let's keep it at that."
"I bet that someone is Yuffie, right?" A smirk played upon his lips as he glanced at the bracelet. "You know, she almost got in trouble for supposedly stealing that bracelet? She said she was merely observing it!" He chuckled slightly.
"Well, Dio, do we have a deal or not?"
"Mister Valentine, I consider Yuffie a dear friend and even though she has decided to accompany herself with you, I'll allow you to take it on one condition." He paused as he waited for Vincent to agree. "You will test yourself in thirteen battles and remain the victor. If so, the bracelet is yours. If not, I'm sorry to say you will not get it anyway."
Vincent smirked. "You have a deal, sir."
"Wonderful! You may begin now!"
****
The tacky gothic wallpaper started to seem a tad drab after two hours of staring. She had tried to occupy herself with reading a moldy book on her nightstand. The yellowed pages felt wet under her delicate fingers as she thumbed through them. The musty smell rose from the tattered pages as she subtly breathed its intoxicating odor.
She was still sneezing from the musty encounter. Yuffie rubbed a tear from her eye as she got out of the ruffled bed. If she seen Dio right now, he would pay for having junky props for his guests. Good God, this entire room seemed to make her head spin.
Yuffie leaned against the wall joining hers and Vincent's rooms. Pinching the bridge of her runny nose, she subtly wondered if Vincent was still up. She had deduced he wasn't since she heard no sound from his room. Of course, Vincent was never known to be a rowdy person.
She somewhat did not want him to leave her so abruptly. Of course, he seemed rather down after the Gondola ride. Could she have done something that upset him? Christ, if she did-then guilt would plague her forever.
Yuffie admitted she had a bond with the gunman, not one that lovers have, but one of mutual understanding. She felt attached to Vincent somehow. Perhaps, because of his tragic story with a woman he could never have or the painful knowledge of Hojo's malevolent experiments. It had always angered her that Vincent hated himself for the supposed demon he was.
He could never be such an evil being. Even though, he looked like a perfect example of a serial killer, Vincent was far from it. He had always intrigued her with his callous attitude and sense of judgment. The tragic love story topped it off however. That damned bitch did not know what she had given up for a stupid science experiment. Lucrecia never deserved Vincent.
She slid to the carpeted floor and held her head in her arms. A single tear dropped from her eye as it graced down a cheek. Why was she upsetting herself like this? Vincent's life was not her problem. Her forgotten concern was Reno, the man of her life. A frown brimmed her lips at the thought. Suddenly, this entire search for Reno seemed obtuse and useless. He would never love her.
For months, she had merely forced herself into believing something existed, when in truth, nothing was there. Her father and townspeople tried to convince her, but she was too blind to see it. Reno would never fit in with her beliefs, nor would she his. They were too different.
A random thought of her and another came to mind. No! She would not even begin to go there. The mere suggestion was too insane. God, why did she have to become so confused with love? She was cursed in the wretched emotion. Of course, she would be a fool to still pursue it. In the end, she would find Reno, marry him, and live a very happy life, or so she deduced. It was, after all, a dream.
She did not notice the light close of the door in the next room. Had Yuffie known Vincent was out, there would certainly be an interesting interrogation! After all, Vincent was not known to wonder a fun-filled park unless there was something else in mind.
The ex-Turk eyed his surroundings before shutting the door behind him; it was an old habit that he could not break. A light smile came to his face as he pulled the bracelet out of his pants pocket in triumph. She would indeed like her gift.
A sense of fleeting contentment inundated through his mind. For once, he actually felt good about himself. No sins, no monsters, no past regrets, the mere joy of seeing Yuffie's smile in his mind captured all feeling within that vision.
He knew she would look like an angel with the delicate band. Her cerulean-eyes would complement the bracelet quite well. He knew she would be stunning in a shimmering gown of azure. A subtle wolfish-like grin crossed his pallid lips. It was so wrong to look at another man's woman.
Wait. When did Reno ever consider Yuffie as his? Was it not the other way around?
A reproached anger replaced his abrupt elation. His lusting grin was exchanged with a brooding snarl. The sheer thought of that ungrateful wretch stirred his other selves. Oh yes, it was quite hard to control them during those thirteen torturing battles, but the thought of his companion's grateful smile held his demons at bay.
A slight pain racked throughout his body as he steadied himself on the made bed. Grabbing his chest, he began to breathe heavily. Perspiration slowly trickled down his face as he fought to control his emotions. It was quite dangerous to anger himself over other's actions. Good God, why was he even upsetting himself over it?
Yuffie loved Reno and there was nothing he could do to change that fact. She could never change her mind about the fiery Turk. Reno could never hope to deserve someone like Yuffie, and of course live happily ever after with her. Yeah right. That ungrateful prick would undoubtedly leave her again and break her spirit.
Vincent clenched his fist at the thoughts of the Turk's past mistakes. Perhaps, if he stalled even longer, then Yuffie would come to her senses and find someone else. Someone like…
He shook his aching head at the thought. This self-hope was beginning to wear thin on his nerves. He placed the bracelet back in the black pants pocket as he stared at the opened window.
A light artificial breeze enveloped the room with a serene feel. Closing his eyes, Vincent concentrated on his, no, their next move. It was certainly as hell not going to be near Junon, not yet anyway. The chance of accidentally meeting Reno was a fairly estimated possibility.
Reno would not win Yuffie's hand if he had anything to do with it. The decision was made. Yuffie would find another, even if it weren't him. Vincent could live with the fact of her not choosing him, even though another hole would appear in his beastly heart.
The recognition of self-defeat was inevitable. Either way, Vincent would lose her. His head throbbed with the repetitive question as to why she had to stumble upon his abhorred form. Why did she just not leave him to die in his own blood? Of course, Yuffie was not that cruel, even to monsters.
A shrill scream broke his concentration as he bolted to his window. His crimson-eyes widened to see Yuffie hanging from the ledge. Vincent automatically wrenched his claw around her flailing form and pulled her in.
Vincent fell to the floor from the abrupt impact, with Yuffie safely in his arms. He silently gazed into her sea-blue-eyes as tears fell from them, their salty forms hitting his pallid face. He carefully wiped the remainder of them away from her cheek.
"Are…are you hurt, Yuffie?" He whispered under her weight.
Yuffie turned her face in shame. "I…I'm all right…I'm sorry, I know it was stupid."
Vincent felt her leave his embrace as a sense of disquiet filled him. "Shh," he whispered, taking her back into his arms. "Don't worry about it, all right? I just want to know why you were on the ledge?"
Yuffie's eyes widened. He could not know. "I…I was merely looking out a little too far and I slipped!"
She was lying, he could tell from her staggered explanation. No, there was something else. "Are you sure that's all you were doing?"
"Are you calling me a liar, Vinnie?"
"No, I'm merely concerned as to why you fell. I…I…don't do that again, Yuffie. I could not bear it if I lost you!" Vincent's mouth dropped. "What I mean to say is-"
"Shh," she whispered as she placed her fingers to his soft lips. "I understand what you mean, Vincent. And I want to say I'm sorry for doing such a dumb-ass thing in the first place!"
Vincent's heart pounded as she laid her head against his sweaty chest. It was odd to notice she fit perfectly within his arms, as if he were a lock, and she, the key.
Sighing, he gently placed her in his arms and carried her to the bed. Yuffie did not fight his intention as he slowly placed the sheets over her. A slight smile crossed her rosy lips as he sat beside of her. She knew this was not right. Being alone with Vincent was bad enough, but in a hotel room? Her father and certainly Wutai's citizens would have something to say about her actions. What would Reno think of her if he seen her like this?
She stared into his eyes with vivid intrigue. An epiphany finally reached her bewildered mind as she searched the answer within those crimson depths; Vincent actually cared for her. At least, he acted sincere when he wiped her tears away. No, this journey was not just for her to find Reno; Vincent actually seemed to be searching for something as well, perhaps, to find a peace within him self. Maybe after helping her, he would move on with whatever was left of his life.
The explicit revulsion came to her face as she thought of Reno; he was never this kind. If only Vincent… No, she could not think of him as a replacement. The primordial sense seemed to control her just thoughts when it came to such an anomalous comparison.
She thanked God Vincent caught on to her discomfort as he backed away from her. The sheer look of regret covered his face as he muttered apologies for being so discourteous. He was indeed too kind.
Yuffie felt him lift her off the bed as he carried her to her room. Yuffie subtly wrapped her arms around his slender neck and sighed. She didn't want to let go. No, this was not right. It should be Reno carrying her off to bed, not Vincent.
So many times, he wanted her and she denied him. She had reasoned it would be moral and he would want her more. No, Reno merely wanted the satisfaction of taking her virginity. He never cared for her, or did he?
He could be so sweet at times. She could remember when he would place a blood-red-rose on her pillow as she awoke smelling its intoxicating scent. His surprising demeanor had always been quite interesting, even when he would have an outburst of laughter. A triumphant smirk came to her face; no one could top her angel's style. She was too much in love with Reno, and no one, not even Vincent could change her mind.
Her smirk abruptly changed as she felt herself grow cold once more. Looking up, she noticed the look of indignity within her guardian's bloodstained-eyes. Yuffie's heart automatically felt a sharp pang go through it, as he turned to leave. Another shadowy breeze chilled her skin as he strode to the door, she felt so alone.
No, he could not leave her! It was simply out of the question he left without at least saying something. Getting up, she placed a hand upon his bare arm.
"Vincent," she whispered with a tinge of apprehension. "Please, don't leave like this…"
Vincent's red-eyes turned to her with a tinge of forced apathy. "Like what, Yuffie?"
"Like…like you hate me or something. I don't want to think I've done something to upset you and me not apologize."
"You have nothing to apologize for, Yuffie. Now, please let go of my arm…" He cast his eyes to the tacky hotel carpet.
Yuffie fiercely shook her head. "No, I will not let go! I have done something, and I will not let go until you realize that I'm sorry! Jesus, Vincent, I lo-like your company."
Vincent turned to her with a frown. "Yuffie…please, don't do this."
"Don't do what, be honest? Christ, Vincent, will you always hate yourself?" She cast her eyes from him as a tear fell from her eye. "You were the only one to never call me an idiot over liking Reno. You were the only one who has ever considered to ever helping me with anything. And now, you say you've done something wrong? Bullshit!"
"Yuffie!" Vincent could not believe her foul language. "A lady of your caliber should not-"
"Let me guess, should not say things like that? Well I am, because I'm pissed right now! Now, we're going to sort this out, an no, you cannot leave!" She grasped his arm and pulled him to the sofa beside the bed.
Vincent somewhat liked her dragging him to the sofa and not shoving him out the door. Perhaps, she would even- no! Now was not the time to think of such things! Wait, it was never the time.
Yuffie carefully calculated what she was going to say, as he stared at her pacing form. It was rather hard to lecture someone at least forty-years her senior as if he were some insubordinate child. Good God, his crimson gaze almost made her heart melt. Vincent was the only person to have that affect on her.
Rubbing her temples, she cast a mock-glare at him. Oh yes, she would make her overprotective guardian squirm in his chair! "You should be ashamed, you know?" Yuffie smiled inwardly, seeing his confused glare. "Leaving me with question, it tends to hurt my feelings! Now, before I get into a preaching sermon over how a gentleman should act, I shall say…you are the perfect of example of one."
Yuffie kneeled in front of him as she placed her chin on his knees. Vincent glanced longingly at her as he noticed the sincerity within her placid-eyes. "And I meant that, Vincent. Please, don't think I don't enjoy your company or how you treat me, it's quite the opposite…"
Vincent subtly traced his hand through her hair, "Yuffie," he began. "I…I…I thank you for your kindness but-"
"No buts! I don't want you to have second thoughts over my gratefulness. Please, don't go off and brood, I'd rather enjoy talking with you instead, you know? At least it gives me the challenge to see you smile, since I know you detest this place. Actually, I wonder if you would at least like to ride the Gondola again before we leave?"
The gunman noticed the subtle hint of them being together. If only it would be longer than just an idyllic ten-minute ride. No, it could not be.
Yuffie smiled as Vincent conceded into her trivial request as if she were a child getting that toy she had longed for. The ex-Turk extended his hand to her as he helped her from the carpeted floor and escorted her to the ride.
He inwardly smiled as she leaned on him as the ride began. It was rather odd that Yuffie decided to sit beside of him this time. However, he was not one to complain over her audacious action. In fact, he rather enjoyed the risky decision. At least, he could savor the scent of her russet-coloured hair before inevitably losing her to someone who did not deserve her.
It was one of the most memorable nights he had ever had. And for once, Vincent was happy.
Author's Note: I'm sorry this has taken me so long. I have gone through at least three attempts of writing this chapter. In fact, I scarped the first two's plot entirely! O.o; Oh yes, I want to recommend you guys to read Shayster's new fic, "I'll Always Be By Your Side," it's a very cute story! ^_^ Chapter Seven should be up soon, that is if Pre-Cal does not kill me first. Please let me know what you think of it so far. ^_^