Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, its characters, places, etc. All rights belong to Square.
The Flame of You…
Chapter Seven
"I still don't see how you're going to cross the tracks with the bike," Yuffie quirked her head to Vincent. "I always thought train-tracks equaled a massive train on them."
Vincent shoved off her apparent sarcasm with mild concern. Today was not a good day to addle him with cynical remarks; the rain was irritating as it was. "Did you not hear Barret say the trains have been stopped for time being? That is, until, they find another way to power them without Mako. Besides, these tracks should be adequate to cross."
"Vincent," she smiled sweetly. "You can be such a smart-ass at times, but I love you anyway!"
Yuffie stifled a chuckle as she noticed his apparent unease as he seated himself on the wet bike. It was bad enough for it to start raining, let alone having a wet ass. Besides, she still had to question him as to where they were going. Good God, the mere thought of being surprised seemed rather enticing. Of course, Yuffie was never one to love surprises.
Seating herself behind him, Yuffie wrapped her arms around his firm waist. She breathed in the intoxicating scent of his cologne. She could almost swear his choice of fragrance was rather classy, Swiss Army, perhaps?
Vincent pulled her out of her elated trance as he started the engine. The soft drizzle stained her helmet cover as a light smile played upon her lips. She was happy. Even if, she had the slightest idea where he planned to take them.
Her head rested upon his back as he made his way across the wooden tracks. It was rather odd that she had not once gotten sick with his driving. Usually, the buggy made her deathly ill. Of course, that may be because Cloud or Cid usually took the initiative to drive. No God's wonder she lost five pounds on their journey.
She felt his muscles loosen as she nuzzled his back with her covered cheek. Did he like this? Was Vincent Valentine actually enjoying her touch? It was not really to be considered a sexual innuendo, more along the lines of flirtation. Wait, this was night right. What if she gave him the wrong idea? He would even think less of her like a doxy from a rundown bar.
Yuffie frowned at the thought of him turning his back on her. He would of course, leave her to Reno once they found him. Why did it matter if he left her afterward? Their journey and partnership would come to an end. And yet, she wished it were not so. Actually, Vincent had become one of the few people she actually trusted. Even, adored.
It was true; Yuffie enjoyed his company. From his silent demeanor, to his kind words, Yuffie treasured this man. She was indeed lucky to have the chance of knowing him. The brash egotistical thought of Lucrecia actually having him seemed to disturb her idyllic train of thought.
Clearing her mind, Yuffie noticed they were near the end of tracks. Somehow, Vincent had guided them safely without the least bit of difficulty. Of course, that could be expected. Vincent Valentine was indeed no less than perfect.
She noticed his hesitation to cross by the rundown reactor. The abrupt stop almost made her question his actions. Yuffie said nothing as he stood from the bike; the sense of unease rang heavily through the air as her companion stared at the reactor with a faceless expression.
Taking off her helmet, Yuffie mumbled, "What's wrong," as she stood from the leather seat.
Vincent did not tear his gaze from the rusting heap. "I remember this place before the ShinRa decided to overrun it for Mako. It was quite lovely to see the brilliant Mako fountain this place proudly displayed. Corel was noted for this amazing sight…" Vincent hesitated. "It seems the ShinRa seemed to destroy many things during its greedy reign of power and I…helped them."
Yuffie subtly placed a hand on his stiff shoulder. "Vincent, what the ShinRa have done is not entirely your fault-"
"But, I helped them, Yuffie. I allowed them to consume and survive all of these years. I was so blind into believing their lies and I paid dearly for it…"
The apparent disdain lingered heavily within his words; he blamed himself. She almost cried for the redundant torment he plagued himself with. She had to make him see that the entire mess Rufus and his father had caused was not even his fault. Vincent deserved to be happy.
Yuffie squeezed his hand as she stared at the broken-down structure. "Vincent, I don't believe it's your fault, none of it is. I…do not blame you for what happened to my country, if you carry the cross over that as well. For a person that loathes ShinRa, I certainly would never be able to bring myself to hate you. That in itself, would be impossible…"
Vincent turned to her with what could be considered sincerity. He placed his real hand to her cheek and forced a light smile upon his ashen lips. "You are very kind to stay that to me, Yuffie, I appreciate your attempt to make me feel better."
"Vincent, I meant that. And even if the others and I hate ShinRa, you, we could not hate."
Vincent snorted. "I beg to differ."
"I doubt Cloud and Tifa hate you for previously being a Turk. Reno, I can see them loathing, but you, never," she said smirking. "You're too sweet to hate."
"Yuffie, you're very kind to say that to me. I thank-you."
She shook her head in shy modesty as she faintly leaned upon his arm. "No thanks are necessary, Vincent. I truly meant what I said. It's odd for once I actually meant it. I usually say something negative to people when they piss me off. That may be why a lot of people loathe me." Yuffie grinned with a faint trace of melancholy.
"Yuffie, I believe we should go now."
"Hm?" She murmured quietly.
Vincent looked down at her, noticing the faint smile upon her rosy lips. He almost dared to touch them with his organic hand, but fought back the urge. Finding his composure, he whispered, "Yes, we should be there before it gets late, my dear."
"Where are we going, Vince?"
"Costa Del Sol…" He hesitated the location as he sat her behind him, and adding, "…And yes, we shall stay the night there…"
Yuffie's apparent weariness left as she clung tightly to his waist. "Oh my God, really? You're not joking, right?"
Vincent shook his dark mane. "If you prefer we not-"
"Oh I love you so much! You're the sweetest, Vincent! I cannot believe you would be so nice as to stay the night there, since the hotels are a little costly, you know? I will pay for it this time."
"No, I will, and no arguing."
Yuffie snorted at her lost case. It was indeed hard to argue with the likes of Vincent Valentine. Shiva, he was so stubborn, and yet, courteous. Why couldn't Reno be like Vincent? Surely, the Turks still held a sense of dignity within their prestige attitude.
She nuzzled her face into his back, the light white satin shirt gently teasing a cheek. "Vincent, I doubt I could with you…"
He said nothing to her comment. What could he say? 'Oh, Yuffie, I'm merely doing this to please you, because I don't want you to find that worthless ingrate.' Surely, she would leave him if he uttered a statement like that, even if it was the truth.
Vincent focused upon the uneven road as he stealthy drove his black bike across the rocky terrain. Costa Del Sol was indeed a place of beauty. The airy smell of salt water and the erythematic sounds of the ocean gently cresting upon the coast soothed his mind. The thought of…Yuffie in a bathing suit…God no. Not again.
He shamefully cast the immodest thought aside as he veered toward the coast. The light breeze of salty air rustled his senses, as he knew what could possibly come to a night on the beach. Undoubtedly, Yuffie would try to drag him along to watch the ocean, and he would enjoy it. Actually, he enjoyed just being around her.
The past few days had changed his opinion upon the girl he had obligated himself to protect, not that he didn't enjoy it. She was so different from other women he had met in the past. She was no Lucrecia, but still intriguing none-the-less. What was he saying? Yuffie was far better than the woman he had sworn allegiance to.
It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had succumbed to her siren-like charms, and he, the fool, fell for them. It was his fault that he could not see the relationship never working out. He had blindly convinced himself it were something more than mere infatuation. Oh yes, he had concluded it was truly love. But, was it really?
Lovers never left their companions in the dark. And Lucrecia had certainly abandoned him within shadow. For thirty-years, she had left him to rot in that abhorred coffin, and for what, out of her so-called love? God, he was so stupid for not listening to his heart. The conscience seemed to always lean toward fact, as if dictating the way his life should be. And he deduced he loved the woman, when in reality, it was sheer impulse. He was indeed fortune's fool.
He mechanically stopped the bike by the inn and lifted his companion off of it. The light warmth Yuffie's frail form drove his just senses into a state of pure elation. This was more than an impulse; his beastly heart was pounding madly within his chest. The light feel of her skin jutted his sanity to the brink. God, she was a true divinity to cherish.
He carried her through the threshold like a groom would his bride and graced his way to the desk. He ignored the odd glare the innkeeper gave him as he gently asked for two rooms.
Vincent's brow furrowed when the man refused them and snidely suggested to check about the villa next door.
Yuffie gently clasped onto his clenched fist and shook her head. "Vincent, there are other places to stay. I thank you, sir, for your time. Apparently, we breech no business where we're not wanted, and to think, I actually wished to purchase a room here? Ha! I shall merely find better vacancy and so suggest to all not to stay here! Come on, Vincent, I find that we have other places to choose from."
The gunman almost smirked as he cast a menacing glare to the bewildered innkeeper. If Yuffie were not there, he would have certainly given the man a lesson in manners.
"Vincent, I have a question."
"Yes, Yuffie?"
She cast her eyes to her black-boots, albeit sheepishly. "I was wondering where we will stay the night, since that is the only in town."
"I have an idea," his showing a trace of impish entrancement. "That is, if you're willing…"
Yuffie's mouth dropped open. "If you suggest the fact I strip for that guy, you're outta your damn mind! There's no way I would give the pleasure of men ogling me for a petty room, which mostly is infested with cockroaches!"
"I did not mean it in that way…what I meant to say was, that I believe I have another suggestion, if you are willing to agree."
Yuffie made an O-shape with her mouth as she stared at him dumbly. "Oh, I thought- never mind!"
Vincent said nothing as he entered a villa. Yuffie almost laughed. So, he thought he would have the pleasure of getting a room in Rufus' old villa? Good God, he must be crazy!
"Excuse me," Vincent said in a business-like tone.
The proprietor looked at him rather oddly as he shuffled through a stack of papers. "Yes, may I help you, sir?"
"I was wondering if someone had laid claim on this villa, yet?"
"No, sir, I'm sorry to say this lovely villa is still up for sale. Would you care to have a look around? I'm sure you and your misses. Would love to own-"
"I'm not his wife!" Yuffie cried, before a wave of redness covered her cheeks. Oh shit!
The sales agent blinked as he tried to regain his composure. "Oh, I'm sorry, I tend to jump to conclusions, I mean your daughter."
"She's not my daughter, sir."
The agent looked dumbfounded. Oh God, that's just not right. But of course, what was it his business if this strange couple preferred each other? Times were indeed different now…
"Of course," he said mundanely. "Would care to be interested to have a look around?"
Vincent stared at him as if considering the offer. "That will not be necessary. I wish to finalize an agreement."
"Agreement? Sir, you cannot mean!"
A wry smirked appeared upon his gaunt lips as a look of certainty crossed his face. "Indeed, how much? The price means nothing to me."
Yuffie gazed at the two men discussing the sale in sheer amazement. She could not believe Vincent would go as far as buying a place. Good God, just because they were refused a blasted two hundred Gil hotel room, did not mean spending an ungodly amount for a night's stay. Jesus, was he insane?
"Indeed, sir, it's a pleasure to deal with you. I hope you and your lady-friend will be happy with this villa!" The salesman smiled cheerfully and left.
Vincent carefully placed the deed in his wallet and turned to her. He seemed somewhat pleased with his ambiguous decision. Raising his hand, he beckoned her to him.
Yuffie obeyed without question. It was if she were in an impenetrable trance, and Vincent, the cause. The entire room seemed to shift around her, as she tried to sort out what had just occurred. Was Vincent crazy enough to actually buy Rufus' old villa? Sure, she had wanted it, but hell, not for the amount Vincent paid. She was too caught up in her thoughts, that she had not realized how much he had actually spent.
"Now we have a room."
She smirked at his offside comment. He was trying to be funny. Wonderful, Vincent was certainly teetering on the edge of insanity. Christ, did the Gold Saucer do something to him?
A faint smile crossed her lips. The Gold Saucer, what a night she had…
"Yuffie…" Vincent clasped her hand in his. "Are you all right?"
The ninja eyed him blankly. "Of…of course, I'm just surprised that you actually bought this place! God, I wanted it, but you bought it! That's like a lot of Gil! Cloud will have a heart failure when he finds out you bought his home!"
Vincent noticed her chuckle. Of course, Cloud would try to kick his ass for abruptly purchasing his dream home. "He does not have to know," he whispered huskily. "Besides, I have thought of owning a few places here and there. I believe this location would do quite well with my complexion…"
"Vincent, if that last part was being serious, I'll die!"
"What?" He asked dumbly as Yuffie waltzed to the bedroom.
"Shit!"
"What is it?" Vincent followed her into the dark room.
"God! They only left one bed! Damn it! I'm so-o-o taking the couch!"
"That will not be necessary, Yuffie." Vincent deadpanned. "I will take the couch."
"But, you're the owner, you should have the bed, you know?"
Vincent gazed at her quirked head; she was so cute. "And as the owner, I say, take the bed."
Yuffie shook her head. "There's no arguing with you, is there? Fine, I'll sleep in it, if it makes you happy, Mr.-Oh-I'm-So-Macho!"
Vincent eyed her with foreign emotion; she was doing exactly as he wanted. God, this seemed to be too easy. Wait. That was not his intention. Seduction was not something he was prone to. It was like leveling himself with Reno, and he was certainly not as low as taking advantage of something he wanted.
Oh yes, he wanted her, not in the respect that her so-called lover lustfully craved, but more in a permanent sense. He knew if he ever captured the woman of his dreams, he would not let go. Not even, if it meant his life. Vincent had almost given up on the prospect.
And now, he had a chance to please his companion with anything she desired. It was never his plan of actually purchasing this place. Sure, it was indeed a beautiful structure, but he never intended upon going as far as acquiring it. That is, until certain circumstances changed his mind and made him act out-of-character. God, if Yuffie only knew…
No, she could not. How would she understand that he actually went out of his way as to seeing a smile invigorate her face? He knew she loved this villa and had secretly desired having such a place. Wutai was a far cry to this luxurious location. Oh yes, he knew she wanted a life other than being the leader of Wutai.
Undoubtedly, she would eventually question him about his heinous decisions upon his sudden splurge of Gil. She would no doubt wonder how he could accumulate so much after Meteor. Of course, money was never a concern for him. The trivial desire to have wealth never vexed him; he had always had a well-established balance of money.
Hojo was a fool not to look through Vincent's room in the mansion. Even after thirty-years, the Gil was still acceptable. Christ, he never had to concern himself with work again. It was a shame, that everyone thought him a pauper, poor little despicable creature, no home, and no love to return to. Well, the latter part was true, until now.
Yes, he had the material things a person would desire, except for someone to share it with. What would he be without the simple joy of having someone to smile at his success? He would be lost and alone for the rest of his agonizing days.
Now, someone had actually shown a glimmer of the hope he had lost within his nightmarish years inside that moldy coffin. His dank mood had somewhat changed as another seemed to replace the shattered remains of his first love. Thus, binding him forever to her.
She was certainly different from Lucrecia. From her scrawny exterior, to the fiery light of her eyes, Yuffie was certainly no Aphrodite, far better actually. Like the mythic Psyche, Yuffie had come to tantalize his very mind with euphoric thoughts of ecstasy. With her, his morose musings were pushed aside and the bleak world he had known now seemed to un-cloud its malice and hate. He could finally let go of his self-guilt and for once, be happy.
If only she would meet him half-way…
Of course, that was impossible. Yuffie had shown no intention of leaving Reno and he knew she would return to him. She would forget Vincent and possibly shove the thoughts of their journey aside. Perhaps, one day recollecting that Vincent had actually loved her more than Reno had ever cared to demonstrate. Either way, Vincent would never win; time was not on his side.
A warm touch interrupted his dark thoughts as he affectionately stared into her eyes. His heart raced as a light smile came to her rosy lips. Blinking, she uttered, "There's still light outside, I was wondering if we could stroll the beach?"
Vincent began to breath deeply. "Certainly, Yuffie. I will join you."
"You? I very much doubt you're going to go to skinny-dipping in the water!"
His crimson-eyes widened, albeit surprisingly, "Skinny-dipping? Yuffie, you cannot mean!"
"What's wrong, Vincent? I thought this place had a nude beach? Why are you so surprised that I would go as far as stripping-off? Of course, one time, Reno wanted me to do that on a dare. I'm certain Dad would be pleased if he seen me in my naked glory!"
"You didn't…Did you?"
A smirk played upon her lips. "Why are you so concerned, eh? I like doing exotic things from time to time. You don't strike me as an exhibitionist, Vincent."
"Yuffie, you shouldn't mention something like that to your elders!"
"Oh…my…God!" Yuffie stuttered. "You have done something like that!"
"I have not!" Vincent defended himself.
"Oh yeah, I bet! I wouldn't put it past you that some hell raising has gone on in your time! Ha! Oh God, if Cloud and the others only knew…"
"You wouldn't dare…"
"Oh? Would I not? Come on, Vincent, it's me here! You know I love to get a rise out of my victims!"
"What do you want?" He sounded almost pleading.
Yuffie cocked a raised brow. "You're bribing me? Well, well, well! I see Vincent Valentine has some skeletons in his closet! Hmm! This could be quite a juicy thing to discuss over dinner! I bet Tifa would love to hear this!"
"I would deny it…"
"So, you have messed around! Naughty! Naughty! I cannot believe Mr. Prudent was actually a bad boy! What I would not give to see you in action!"
Vincent noticed her cheeks redden from her last comment. Two could play at this game. "No one will believe you, my dear. It is near impossible that the others will believe your wild ravings, while I safely deny it. Your case is lost, sweetheart."
"I doubt that, sugar-muffin! In fact, I may tell Tifa right now!"
"Go ahead! I will laugh at your embarrassment."
Yuffie glared at him mockingly. "You're no fun anymore! I believe I have caused you to become a smart-ass! God, that's all we need! Another me running around! Hmm, maybe that's actually a good thing!" She shrugged at the thought. "Anyhoo, I'm going out and I shall change into something more suitable for the beach. Hmm, tell me, one-piece or two-piece, Vincent? Oh, never-mind! I have the perfect bathing-suit in mind!"
Vincent's eyes briefly widened at the subtle thought she implied. He almost dreaded to see what she would purchase…
She was indeed a sensuous little vixen. Yuffie gazed at him with a glint of satisfaction as she gracefully stepped out of the small boutique. He blatantly noticed her chest filling in nicely with the tiny red top. Oh red, the colour of blood, lust, passion, but most importantly, love. The little Circe had to choose his favourite colour!
Yuffie carelessly made her way to the beachside as she subtly beckoned him to follow. She was tempting him to drag her back to the villa. No man had a right to gaze upon her exotic form. Good God, he had to focus upon something else.
The opulent sway of her hips made him bite his lower lip. He quietly fought back to urge to pull her near him. Did she actually understand what she was doing? Christ, she was deliberately trying to get a reaction from him.
His vision focused upon her plodding by the seashore, the tiny grains of sand hastily sticking to her bare feet. She gave a sly wink and untied her bathing-scarf and tossed it to him.
Vincent caught it with ease as his glare widened. Oh God…
She quietly stepped into the tepid water as a rippling wave slid against her. The warm rush of saltwater tickled her taut skin as a smile crossed her lips. This was Heaven.
"Hey, sugar, how about you and I have a little fun in the water?"
Yuffie cast a half-smirk to the apparent jock beside her. Blonde hair, bronze skin, icy-green-eyes, typical brainless male demeanor, hmm, not her type. "I would, but you see, I already have someone with me," she said coolly.
"What, that freak over there?"
"Do not say that about him!" Her eyes shaped into murderous slits.
The stranger noticed her dagger-like glare but agged it on. "That's disgusting! I cannot see how you could handle something like that touching you! Oh my God! I shiver at the thought of you two in bed! Tell me, do his claw scar you from a good romp?"
"How dare you! You have no right to say anything about him, and I would wish you retain your opinions and leave!"
"So, I deduce that you will not pleasure yourself with a real man?" He cast his emerald-eyes to the sea. "It's a pity, you know, liking something like that, since you're beautiful…"
Yuffie pinched the bridge of her nose, "Go away, whoever you are!"
The blonde smirked, albeit smugly, and placed a hand upon her shoulder "Darling, you know, it's a shame you waste yourself on something like that…when in reality-"
"Don't touch her, young man." The gunman emitted a low growl from behind him.
"Wouldn't dream of touching your doxy, sir. Apparently, I have worn out my welcome. It seems, your darling love interest wishes to kick my ass, so my dear, I bid you good evening." He made a mock-salute and trudged out of the water.
Yuffie watched the snide man leave the shore as chuckle escaped her. "You seem rather pissed…"
"I do not appreciate a low wretch like that imposing himself on a lady…"
A satisfied gleam glittered in her oceanic-eyes as she stood from the crashing water. She gingerly pulled the gossamer-like scarf from him as she shyly tied it around her tiny waist. "I'm sorry for placing you in such a predicament, I should have-"
Vincent stopped her apology by placing his warm fingers to her supple lips. She gazed at him, as if transfixed from his bare hand. Stopping her, he finally spoke, "Yuffie, I'm not angry with you, I could never be."
Yuffie closed her eyes as she felt his claw caress a cheek. "But, I was so rude not to ask if you even wanted to come out. I know how you detest going into public…"
"I may be a monster, but I promised I would accompany you, even if it means seeing people gawk at me. It's gotten to the point where I do not mind as much." He chortled in a mundane manner. "The truth is, let them laugh. What is it to me anyway? They could never understand anything, they wouldn't try to."
"Oh Vincent," Yuffie leaned her face against his chest. "That is their loss… You are such a beautiful person, and I'm fortunate to have met you…"
Vincent cradled her against him. "You don't understand how much your honesty means to me, Yuffie. No one has tried to speak to me the way you have, and for that, I'm grateful."
She nuzzled his chest. "Besides Tifa, and our dearly beloved Aerith, you're the only person-guy actually- that has ever taken the time to notice me. I mean you're very kind and I thank you for helping me the way you have…"
The gunman mentally beat himself with her last words. Did she not realize that she was tearing him up? His ever so just demeanors were crumbling. It would be so hard to pull away now. He had to for her, for him, and for the sake of not causing a hopeless bond. Her refusal would be the end of what was left of his humanity.
"Yuffie, it's getting late, I believe we should get inside."
She silently nodded as he carried her tiny form back to the villa. Yuffie felt him place her on the bed as he turned to leave. This was not right. She silently rebuked herself for accepting his kind offer of the bed. God, why was she so selfish?
Vincent had done everything for her. Without question, he tended to her every need and want. Like a loyal friend, he set aside his life just for her. She did not deserve such kindness. Finding her voice, albeit rather tense, she finally spoke, "You're not winning this round, sugar."
He eyed her questionably as she stood from the king-sized bed. "I've been a selfish brat long enough, you're sleeping in this bed, and you will enjoy it!"
"Yuffie, I don't wish to argue…"
Yuffie stamped her good foot. "Don't make me kick your ass and drag you over here!"
Vincent watched her wobble over, as she clasped onto his arm. "For once, be an idiot, and do as you want. God, Vincent, you haven't slept in a comfortable bed, since I don't know when!"
"I slept well last night in my room."
She snorted. "Yeah, right! I barely slept with those annoying ghostly moans! I very much doubt you slept well! Now for once, you're going to take a break from babysitting me and enjoy yourself!"
Vincent noticed she had successfully pulled him to the bed. Oh yes, he wanted to lie in the silken sheets, but sleep was not on his agenda. The red seraph was subtly tempting him again. He reeled from the thought of them entwined…
A look of triumph crossed her face. "Now, count sheep and relax for once, as I make you a cup of my special Mandrian Tea. And I do promise I will not poison you!"
He watched her exit the dimly lit room with a smile. "Incorrigible," Vincent muttered quietly to himself. "Incorrigible and damned beautiful to say the least…"
Yuffie stirred the boiling water with an opaque gaze. The intent upon this past week's actions had exceedingly confused her; she was lost within her own mind. She could not deliberate what the purpose was for this quest anymore. Reno was subtly set within the recesses of her mind as another took center-stage. The unexpected impact had left her unsure as to what she truly wanted. What did she desire? Was it the security in knowing Reno would stay by her side as she cried in his arms? The mundane thought disturbed her.
She wished that everything would go back to what it had been, what it should be. Meeting Vincent was the last thing she had on her mind, much less, him accompanying her through this foolish quest. Actually, 'companion' was merely a poor substitute as to what he truly was. Protector. Yes, he was her guardian, even if she approved or not. Vincent was rare to take no for an answer.
Did he feel the same way? Wait. What was she thinking? Betrayal was not something she was prone to, even if her alleged love had done so. The past was the past. Reno would apologize for the heartache he had caused her. How could she forget his tortured life?
She was the only person he had confessed his past to. From the horrific stories of his childhood, to the regret of causing the Sector Seven pillar to fall, had resounded within the hollows of her confused mind. However, Vincent's tragic tale had also struck a nerve within her. Life was indeed cruel.
Yuffie denied the apparent truth nagging from the back of her mind. It would boil down to choosing between them. How could she choose between them? Reno was the other half of her soul, they were meant to be, and she knew that. Even, Cait Sith had said they were fated. Of course, the robotic cat had been known to be wrong from time to time. Actually, his fortunes were never right. But still, a tiny sheet of paper did not control someone's destiny; it was a choice someone made.
The bittersweet memories of Reno enveloped her fully. The sweet smell of his musky cologne surged through her mind as she imagined the light traces of his lips upon her ashen neck. God, she missed him. And yet, his touch began to feel strange, almost alien to her.
She dispersed the thought as she poured two cups of the brown liquid. The steaming aroma enthralled her dull senses as she mechanically made her way to Vincent's room. Strike that, his domain. The invigorating thought of him gratefully sipping the hot tea in bed brought a smile to her face. It was rare that Vincent smiled, especially for the simplest of actions.
She watched him glare at her with what could be considered apprehension. Was he nervous? The impetuous thought of Vincent Valentine nervous seemed unlikely. God, Meteor would resurrect itself and crash before that ever happened.
Watching her swollen ankle, she made her way to his side. She watched his fleeting glance dart nervously from her, to the wall, and back again. Was he ashamed to be around her? The very thought pained her heart. Without thinking, she placed the cups upon the nightstand and cupped her hands in his.
The contrast between his human hand and claw did not vex her, quite the opposite. Even if people detested Vincent's appearance, she would not cast such harsh judgment upon him. It was not his fault some whacked scientist made him the creature he was. Even if, he did not consider himself human, he was far more pure than the most civilized aristocrat. Vincent was more than he seemed and she reveled in his radiance.
"Vincent," she uttered with concern. "You seem troubled. Is something wrong?"
Vincent cast his eyes from her. "No, I'm fine."
Her eyes told him she knew he was lying. Instead, she placed a hand to his pallid face. Vincent flinched from her smooth touch. "Yuffie, don't…"
Yuffie pulled her hand away as if she had been burnt. The echoing statement seemed almost, pleading. Did he detest her that much? God, she was such an idiot! How could she not see that Vincent's mind was a very fragile thing? Her heart trembled from the thought of hurting him. "I'm sorry," she whispered as a tear threatened to fall.
Vincent, without concern, pulled her to him. "Never be sorry, Yuffie. My Yuffie, it is I, who should be."
She trembled under his hold, as tears fell from her closed eyes. "How so?"
"I have become so reckless for your well-being. I should not be in this bed…you should rest…"
"Vincent, stop being the perfect gentleman for once, and relax. I want you to loosen up from your obligated duty of me. You have been so kind to me. Actually, I haven't felt so…happy in a long time. Vincent, don't ever think you've done me wrong, you could never…"
A light glimmer seemed to flicker within his crimson orbs as he wiped a tear from her eye. "You're still sleeping here…"
"You're hopeless, Vincent Valentine, you truly are a lost case…" A smirk appeared as she wiped a fallen russet-lock from her eye. "On one condition, darling."
"Name it," Vincent countered.
Yuffie noticed his playful manner; he was trying to get his way. "Ever heard of the buddy-system?"
"What are you getting at?"
"Just answer the question, sugar."
Vincent rolled his eyes. "Yes, but what does this have to do with-"
Yuffie covered his mouth. "You sleep there," she pointed to where he was sitting. "And I, shall sleep here."
Vincent eyed her intention at the foot of the bed. "Yuffie, I must object…"
"We do this my way, or no way!"
The ex-Turk countered her gaze; there was no use in arguing. "Fine," he exasperated.
"And if you kick me, Vincent, so help me God, you'll regret it!" Yuffie chortled as she slid under the burgundy-satin sheets.
Vincent stared at her dumbly as she rolled on her side and faced him. "And don't start making noises in your sleep, it's bad enough hearing Cloud drool over Tifa all night!"
"You slept with Cloud?"
"What? You seem shocked! Oh my God, you're surprised?"
Vincent cast his eyes from her as if in denial. "I did not know-"
Yuffie laughed hysterically. "Well, it's not what you would exactly call a night of pure passion. God, far from it actually! I will never again relish the desire to spend the night in a tent with that idiot again! It sucks when you get lost from your party, with only one tent, and it raining! This was before we met you of course. Remind me, to never campout in the Gongoa Forests again!"
"I cannot believe…"
"You seem jealous! Ah!" Yuffie teased. "Don't worry, sugar, we were nice little kiddies and kept our hands to ourselves! Although, that one time Cloud through his arm on me and called me-don't tell him I told you-but he said, 'Oh, my cuddle-bunny, I love my cuddle-bunny! That mean boy next door shall not hurt you again!' Now, I don't know if he speaking about Tifa or something else, but I'm definitely not his cuddle-bunny!"
She could swear he was on the verge of bursting into laughter. What she would give to see him in such a mood. He must have read her mind as the fleeting emotion quickly held a stoic glare. "Your secret is safe with me, Yuffie."
"Aw! I knew I could trust you, Vincent!" She smiled before nuzzling against her pillow and gently falling asleep.
Vincent briefly nodded as he watched her sleep peacefully by his feet. The subtle wish of her lay beside of him, tempted him to pull her near. He admonished the thought as he cast his eyes away from her peaceful form; she was too dangerous.
Why could she not have taken this bed for herself? Did she not realize how indecent this fiasco looked? God, he had tried so hard as to distance himself from her, when she had only drawn him closer. His idea of morality had backfired. Yuffie, realizing it or not, had enticed his interest. Never had he felt so alive, since this past week with her.
He had completely forgotten about Lucrecia and their so-called love story. It was far from being the classic romantic tragedy people consumed to read. No, the harsh realization of finding himself not attracted to her did not make him regret his actions. Had it not been, for Hojo, he possibly would not have met Yuffie.
The child-no-woman that lay by his side was certainly more than she seemed, and yet, fragile to the touch. She was in need of a protector, a guardian, who would wipe away the salty tears from her ashen cheeks. She mentally cried out for help. Without thought, Vincent had given up his everyday-life for her. He had actually concerned himself with someone else and honestly felt pleased with his decision.
The ex-Turk watched the gentle rhythm of her breathing as she slept in a peaceful state. The sinewy-sheets did not blunder her curved form from underneath. The enticing covering added a sense of supernatural awe to her frail body. She had not even bothered to dress in more modest attire.
God, the girl only covered herself with a small spaghetti-strap shirt and extremely showy shorts. That was another reason Vincent wished to stay away, she was too tempting.
"Forbidden fruit," he muttered to himself.
His dull sense of nobility had been suspended as he traced the satin-sheets with his claw. What if she could forget Reno and see past the guise of him-self? What if she could accept a monster for a companion instead of an idolized man?
The thought shifted to the sheer truth of her denying him. He knew she would eventually. Why not just end the pain now and take her to her intended? No, he could not; he would not. Vincent had vowed he would not see her heart broken and would keep it.
It was her decision to go to Junon next. He would not delay her wishes, even if risking the high possibility of meeting Reno. He only prayed the sleaze had moved to another city for the time being. If not, he could not promise a warm reunion between them. This was wrong. How could he dictate his companion's love life? No, he would withdraw in shadow if she decided to chain herself to Reno. It would be the end of Vincent, and he knew it.
He closed his bloodstained-eyes as sleep had overtaken him with the last thought of Yuffie leaving him…
Author's Note: I'm finally getting back into writing this fic! Sorry for the neglect. Anyway, I hope everyone liked this chapter. I should hopefully work on the next this weekend so that should hopefully be up soon. Please, let me know what you think of it! ^_^