Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, characters, places, etc. All rights belong to Square.
The Flame of You…
Chapter 8
"Come on, Yuffie, it's time to get up." Vincent whispered into an ear.
He watched impassively as she made no attempt to answer. The soft mumble that erupted from her dulcet voice seemed to make him regret his impatience of finding what she wished to do. A light pain entered his temples as he focused upon her angelic face. The temptation of lying down beside her and holding the prospect of continuing this senseless journey tweaked at his mind.
Vincent placed his claw on her shoulder in a mundane manner and tried to awake her from his appendage's cold exterior. Nothing. Vincent pursed his ebon brows together in a final attempt of waking her. Placing his face forward, he nuzzled her in a soft way, as he breathed upon his smooth face.
A small smile crossed her lips as she opened her blurry eyes, the manner she looked at him with seemed almost heartfelt. "Good morning, Vincent," she spoke softly.
"Good morning, Yuffie. I trust you slept well?"
Yuffie brushed a hand through her hair as she sat up. "It was one of the best nights I ever had. And to think, you didn't kick me even once!" She cast an offside smirk. "You truly are a gentleman!"
'I'm not a gentleman, when I stared at you half the night, my dear…' Vincent turned his back to her. "Yuffie, I have decided to…" He hesitated before finishing his dreaded proposal. "…To allow you to choose where to go next. If Junon is where you to wish to go-"
"Junon?" Yuffie cast her eyes to the floor, as if in shock. "What's in Junon? Certainly, they have kicked him out of all the bars there. Besides, he never liked to stay there long, and especially if he has…someone with him… No, I don't think he would be there, Vincent."
A flutter of joy resounded inside his beastly heart as he watched her blank expression. He should not be overjoyed to see his companion in pain. No, the mere thought of her shedding tears tore at his heart. And yet, she seemed surprisingly dead-set against the idea. Could she just have realized that Junon was one of the most obvious spots he could be? Good God, did she not wish to pursue this opportunity?
"All right, where would you wish to go, Yuffie?"
"You're asking where I want to go?" She turned to him in question.
Vincent nodded as he holstered the Quicksilver to his side. "Yes, I will let you choose where to go. It appears my judgment lacks in searches."
Yuffie glanced to the ruffled sheets, as if calculating where to go. Vincent had given her the chance to choose the next place. No longer did he seem so redundant about his choices. No, it was, as if for the first time he wanted her to choose, even if it meant actually finding her love.
Wait. Is that not what she wanted? The sheer desire to be in his arms and have a magnificent ring placed upon her finger? The brash thought almost made her shudder. No, she had subtly denied going to Junon because of the possible conclusion of this silly chase for a man who left her. Actually, left her for another woman.
And yet, it would be the same, he leave the current concubine and return groveling at her feet. Did she actually wish to continue that? Did she honestly want to put up with him possibly cheating on her after they were married? God, this was so hard.
An ivory hand touched her slumped shoulder out of what seemed to be comfort. "Yuffie, if you wish to go to Junon, I will take you."
"No!" She shook her head violently. "I don't like going to that city, I never have. The moldy air makes me sick, and I know Reno cannot bear to stay there for long." Lie.
"All right, we can go somewhere else, please don't be upset. I'm sorry if I have-"
"You haven't upset me, if that was what you were going to say. I just don't feel like being reminded about Junon, you know?"
Vincent pulled her to him and gently caressed her back. "I understand, my dear. Listen, I'm certain he can be anywhere other than Junon. If you wish, we can check there last…"
Yuffie looked into his claret-eyes, albeit sadly, and smiled. "You would put with me for that long, Vincent?"
He placed his hand to a cheek and whispered, "Always."
His amorous gaze melting her aching heart. "I am so lucky…"
"For what?"
"I'm so lucky to have stumbled upon you and finally got the chance to know you truly are a special person." Yuffie smiled sincerely as she nuzzled his chest. "You're the best, Vincent."
He said nothing as he held her like a contented man who had the luck of finding love. Vincent knew it would now be impossible to tear away from her. Reno would have to kill him to pull Yuffie from him. The very thought brought a wry smirk to his face, her so-called love now had competition.
****
"Ugh…sea is…evil…" Yuffie muttered before holding her head over the railing.
It was a shame Vincent had gotten the first departure out of Costa, she should have known it was unwise to eat before traveling. The enticed calling of bacon and eggs seemed to change her mind and good judgment.
Yuffie breathed deeply as her vision blurred, the threat of bile erupting from her mouth did not sound too comforting. A tinge of anger coursed through her weakened veins as she thought of Vincent having to do something he deemed 'important'. The wicked thought of puking on him seemed rather charming.
"Yuffie," Vincent whispered in her left ear as he placed her wayward locks behind it.
"Vincent, don't touch me, unless you want a nice little collage on your pretty burgundy shirt!" She mumbled before closing her eyes.
"I don't care if you throw-up on me, Yuffie. I have you something…" He glanced at his shirt pocket before pulling out a tranquilizer.
"Was that the certain 'something' you were doing?"
Vincent watched her clench her sides as her head lent over the railing. "Yes, I figured you would need one, since I understand your traveling sickness."
Yuffie said nothing as she felt him inject the tiny vile into her arm. The feel of the cool liquid ran through her veins, as if giving her a sense of security. Hopefully, the drug would knock her out the rest of the torturous boat ride.
She did not expect Vincent to pull her away from the railing and lead her to a bench. Her glazed eyes watched the languid surf crashed against the ship as another wave of seasickness over came her. With her last ball of effort, she turned her head from him and closed her eyes.
"Yuffie,"
"Vincent, I'm gonna…ugh…vomit! Go away!"
"Yuffie, look at me," he pleaded as he turned her head. "You will not-"
Vincent stopped as he felt something warm and liquidly hit his shirt. "-Vomit."
****
"I'm so sorry, Vincent. I told you not bother me!"
Vincent shook his dark mane. "Yuffie, you've apologized for the last three hours. I told you, it's quite all right."
"But, I ruined your shirt!" She cried, as she felt another wave of guilt hit her.
The gunman cast an expressionless look at her. "What's done is done. It's not the end of the world, and it's certainly not your fault for getting sick. I should have gotten the tranquilizer sooner. Besides, my shirt is far from ruined."
"But-"
"No buts! I'll admit that I've never felt an experience as that before, but there is certainly a first time for everything."
"Vincent, your sense of dry humor is very surprising! But, I don't find someone up-chucking a favourite pastime. To be honest, I hate voming everywhere!"
Vincent pulled her closer and caressed a cheek with his index finger. The greenish-tent of her face seemed to even make her appear beautiful, in a comforting sense anyway. "Well, I'm certain Cid did not appreciate your ailment on the Highwind either. He told me the next time you were aboard, he would strap you down and cast a Sleepel spell on you."
"Ugh! I knew that old buzzard would have to be cruel and say something like that!" Yuffie looked up to the heavens. "Cid, if you're up there, I'm sorry for throwing-up in the cockpit that time!"
She felt a rumble escape from his chest. Was he trying not to laugh at her errant comment? Good God, the thought of Vincent cracking up after being puked upon seemed rather funny. Did she have that much of an impact upon him? The thought of him actually coming out of his shell brought a smile to her face. If she could just somehow reach him and tear the chilling darkness away from his heart, then maybe, he would the person he was before, human.
Perhaps, if she postponed the journey a day or so, then maybe Vincent would see what kind of person she had secretly admired. Yes, he could be happy again. No more insidious thoughts about himself, no more heartbreaking memories of Lucrecia, and certainly no more self-guilt. If someone were by his side to protect him from the haunting nightmares he obtained, then he could find the happiness he deserved. The question was, would she be the one to accomplish such a feat?
She cast the brazen thought from her mind as she felt Vincent lift her upon the bike. The uncomfortable boat ride did not even place a dent in the bike's fine metal exterior. It suited Vincent. The bike and gunman seemed to coincide with each other, thus adding the tall, dark, and extremely handsome aura Vincent held.
Oh yes, she had secretly admitted that Vincent was indeed a very comely man. The truth was, he ranked with Cloud and Sephiroth. Of course, Vincent was still sane and very judgmental upon things. Even Reno would have trouble from competing with Vincent. The thought brought a frown to her face. Oh yes, Reno…
The simple name meant so much to her, and yet, she could not broach the confused feelings she had. Wait. What was she saying, that she did not love Reno anymore? It was a fat chance of her falling out of love with him. She knew she still loved him. She had convinced herself over and over on this journey that he was the reason she started this crazed campaign in the first place.
Oh yes, when she found him, he would regret the heartbreak he had dished out. Perhaps, her loving guardian would inflict a little pain upon her lover. Yes, Vincent could put the fear of God in anyone, even a made as incorrigible as Reno Edwards.
Yuffie felt Vincent start the ebon bike with accurate precision. His flawless dexterity proved time and time again from his actions and ability to manipulate. He was more than a protector, he was… She could not find the words to express him. Reno was simple to describe. The tall fiery mannerisms, his sense of arrogance, the many promises he had broken, oh yes, Yuffie could illustrate Reno with ease. But Vincent, it was like trying to describe love. She could not find a perfect definition that would do him justice. No, Vincent was more than just a personalized description; he was something more.
And for that, Yuffie felt guilty. She could not understand the panging feeling within her heart when trying to deduce her confused thoughts. Why did she always have to scrutinize everything? Could she just not leave all as it was? No, she could not. One day, she would have to choose between what she truly wanted and the expectations of others. The question was; could she choose wisely?
Vincent broke her confused thoughts as he gently asked her where she wished to go. He was the perfect solution to break her from an unwanted mental battle, and she thanked him inwardly. "Do you think the Mythril Mines would be a good place to check? I mean I remember Tifa telling me that the Turks were there once," she asked with hope.
He gazed at her with a lover's patience. "Yes, let us search there. It has certainly been quite some time since I was last there…"
Yuffie raised a russet-brow in question. "When where you there?"
Vincent glanced at her as he shifted his bike in fourth-gear. "A little over thirty-years ago, that is if you believe I was that outgoing."
She smirked at his sarcastic comment. God, he was finally starting to act normal. Wait. Was this actually how he behaved before becoming a guinea pig? Christ, Hojo had done quite well to break Vincent's spirit for so long. Yuffie cast her eyes to the blurry ground. Hojo would not remain the victor over Vincent for long. No, he would forget his past and move on, leaving the crazed scientist and that damned wench behind forever.
"You know, Cloud found a Long Range Materia there before they met me? Yeah, the idiot finally has the thing mastered by now. It's a pity he didn't give to me. Actually, he never gave me any Materia after Meteor, he said I didn't deserve it."
"Cloud can be an ass at times…" He said in a mundane tone as he stared at the setting horizon expressionlessly.
"Vincent! I cannot believe you would say something like that! Has he pissed you off lately?" She giggled, and tightened her grip around his resolute waist.
"It's nothing, Yuffie." Vincent muttered lowly. Although, the lie seemed sweet to the ear, it was far from the truth. "Cloud can be temperamental at times, and I suppose my opinion was rather harsh on our last encounter…"
"What happened?"
"We had a slight argument, that resulted in my leaving. Don't worry I'm not angry with him…now."
Yuffie did not like the way he had hesitated his explanation and certainly not the tone he used. He seemed almost loath from his tone, as if there was more to this argument than met the eye. Of course, it could have been a simple misunderstanding as he had said, and she was certainly notorious for jumping to conclusions. Besides, it was canon for Cloud not to hate anyone for long, well with the exception of the Turks and Sephiroth.
But still, Vincent was one of Avalanche's most-trusted members. After all, he was next in command after Cloud. The high ranking had been due to his talent for leadership and gift of strategy. It was known that if another threat arose, Vincent would be one of the first notified. It was thought he would always be there for Avalanche, but what if they turned their backs on him? The bitter thought of he and Cloud having an argument rubbed her the wrong way.
Setting her thoughts aside, she noticed they were at the entrance of the cave. It would be damned near impossible to go through the cave with the bike. Good God, she had forgotten about driving through it.
Vincent seemed to read her mind as he stopped by the cave's dark entrance. Turning to her, he pulled her off and glanced at the bike. "It will be quite hard to drive the bike through the cave. I remember a steep drop by this entrance. The rest of the it is quite easy to ride through."
"Are you sure you wanna drive through there? I mean-"
"I'm not taking a chance to fight a Midgar Zolom, Yuffie." He said with apparent disdain. "It will be best if we drive through the swamp marshes quickly before we alert one."
"I see. All right, we'll do it your way, since you're the wise one."
Vincent cast a sarcastic glance at her. "Wise one? Were you not the one to suggest the cave?"
"Ugh! I hate you! Well, you were the one who agreed, since you've been here before!" Yuffie clenched her fists and shook her head. "You are so-o-o fickle!"
"Fickle? I dare say, dearest, that I'm far from fickle! Besides, this place is an adequate area to search, even though we may not find anything other than a few mutated creatures to battle. Hmm, now that I think of it, we may even find a Materia. Would that not make you happy?"
"Vincent," Yuffie cast him a look of disdain. "I don't care about Materia anymore. It would never help Wutai, and besides that's what actually made me join Avalanche, and that's where I…met Reno. So, no, I don't want Materia." She placed a finger to her chin. "Unless, it was Knights of the Round so I can everyone's ass for pissing me off, starting with Reno of course."
She could almost swear she heard her guardian laugh. Did she appeal to him as humorous? Good God, he certainly must have been a cynical asshole thirty-years ago. The very thought of a raucous Vincent annoying the hell out of Hojo brought an evil smile to her rosy lips. Yes, she would have to bring the old Vincent back. God forbid, she failed.
Yuffie watched him place their bags over his slim shoulders as he walked over to her. Without explanation, he signaled for her to hold onto his back as he hauled the heavy bike in the cave. She almost refused his decision, since he was carrying her, their bags, and pushing the motorcycle at once. Vincent had to be insane.
The gunman amazed her, as he successfully navigated the bike through the darkened cavern. His accurate steering was something to marvel, even Cloud could not drive as this well. Certainly, Vincent had done this before. She could imagine the ex-Turk, with short-cropped hair, driving with a sense of poise, his quick movements and agility proved as much.
She nuzzled against him as he passed through the other side. His radiating warmth sent chills down her spin as she noticed a grotesque skeletal structure impaled on a broken tree. Her faced melted into one of horror when she recognized what it was.
"Vincent," she gasped with shock. "That…that's the Midgar Zolom Sephiroth impaled! It's still there!"
Vincent stopped the bike and turned to her. Clasping onto her tense shoulders, he gazed into her widened eyes. "Yuffie, it's all right, it's dead. It cannot harm us."
"I know." She held her down. "I just cannot bear to see something like that exist, you know? Vincent…I'm…I'm…"
"What's wrong, Yuffie?"
She gazed into his apprehensive eyes and noticed he truly meant his concern.
"Don't tell anyone but, I'm sort of afraid of snakes. I never encountered
a Midgar Zolom before, but Cloud told me their horrible to fight."
Vincent pulled her near him as he stroked her back with his claw. "Listen, I know it's getting dark, but I promise I will not allow one to harm you."
He comforted her until she stopped shaking. Vincent hated to loosen his grip on her as he pushed his bike to its maximum speed. He knew it was very reckless to drive through the Midgar swamps, especially when night came. A feeling of dread filled him, as if knowing they were far from safe.
The swamps stretched almost five miles from the Mythril Mines to the other side. It was almost impossible to cross without encountering one of the wretched serpents. An akin sense bit at his mind as he edged near the swamp's solid side. Perhaps, they would lucky and pass through undetected.
He felt the cold muck splatter him as he sped through the swamp's soggy surface. The gritty greyish-brown mud spotted his ashen face as if he were a Dalmatian. He knew his companion was not enjoying the sludge hitting her delicate form.
The thought of mud all over her seemed to entice his corrupted mind as he kept his crimson-eyes on the swamp's edge. No, he could not think of that now. Perhaps later, when they were in a hotel together. Wait. That sounded bad.
He threw the thought of them in a hotel together around his mind. Perhaps, if could convince her of his want. No. This was not a game of cat and mouse. He would not force her into anything. It would be her decision if she wished to go further than friendship. Yes, it was up to her.
He felt her tighten her grip around his waist as he noticed her blank stare. Oh God.
Vincent hauled the bike to the side of the swamp's rock wall as he tried to dodge the serpent's swing. How could he have been so stupid as to not pay attention to his surroundings? Why had he not noticed something near them? His animal-like instincts could not be failing him.
Her heard Yuffie scream as the ricochet knocked them off of the bike. Looking up, Vincent noticed the Zolom slithering near them with apparent delight. Vincent snarled as he glanced at Yuffie's shaken expression. Nothing would harm Yuffie if he was there, she too precious to him.
With an abrupt shove, Vincent knocked her out of the snake's direction and readied himself against it. He inwardly cursed himself for not bringing the Death Penalty. Good God, that was rather obtuse of him to not expect something like this. Well, at least he still had the Quicksilver.
The gun had never failed him before. Hopefully, it would not now. In a liquid movement, he aimed the gun at the serpent's right eye and fired. He watched tensely as the creature reeled its massive head in pain. Creamy-white liquid and blood gushed out of its shattered eye as it screeched in apparent anger.
Vincent automatically reset the gun for another round. He was ready to pull the trigger until its tail rammed against his left side, thus, making him misfire.
He clenched his side as the serpent composed itself and buried itself within the murky depths of the swamp. Vincent watched edgily as the water calmed to a still, it was far from over. Yuffie placed a hand upon his shoulder, as he flinched from her. "Yuffie, get out of the way!" He roared.
Her eyes widened from his harsh tone, he had never yelled at her before. A slight feeling of pain entered her beating heart as she evaded from him. She glanced at the grey water as tears threatened to fall. God, all she wished to do was help.
It was apparent he was in pain from the attack, but he still would not allow her to endanger herself, even if it meant to see him marred. No, she would not allow him to face this battle alone.
She hastily rummaged through her bags until she pulled out the Conformer and eyed the Materia within its slots. God, she was so stupid not to place in a much-needed Cure! Her cerulean-eyes dissected the poor Materia. A Shiva at level three seemed to be her best candidate for a fight. Long Range and Manipulate Materia would not hold effect upon the giant serpent; that was common sense.
The ninja locked her weapon in her arm as she readied her aim against her opponent. It was the sheer trepidation of waiting that unnerved her. Why couldn't the beastly creature just pop its ugly head out of the water so she could be done with it? Of course, the easy alternative never seemed to weigh in Yuffie's favour.
She wiped her mud-streaked face with a dirty hand as she eyed her partner. It was apparent that he had taken quite a blow from the Zolom's black tail. Vincent's stubborn will never ceased to amaze her, not even when he seemed to be on the brink of collapse.
After this battle, she was going to give him a keen lecture of why men should not be so wayward in their protection over the ladies. The mere thought of Vincent cringing from her sermon brought a smile to her face.
Oh yes, he would feel the wrath of Yuffie Kisaragi, and would enjoy it!
Her little insight was interrupted by the wave-like tremors in the water, the battle was far from over. She bit her dry lip as she waited for the mutated beast to wave its grotesque head. Her apparent unease got the best of her as she watched the massive serpent lunge out of the grey water.
Its single eye gleamed with a fiery hatred as it stared from the embankment. The other eye, or rather what was left of it, held a gaping darkness from Vincent's precise hit. A small stream of blood still trickled from the void as it bared its fangs.
Yuffie eyed Vincent warily, as he stepped back from it. He un-cocked the gun and reloaded it with another clip. This time, he would not miss.
Vincent glared at her, as if mentally telling her to run and never look back. The truth was, he knew it would be almost impossible to survive this battle. If she were hurt, he could never forgive himself. No, she had to escape. She had to survive. If not, he would lose his chance at redemption.
Stepping forward, Vincent pulled the trigger.
The cry of agony resounded throughout the swamp as the giant serpent reared its head in pain. The ivory-coloured fangs shown in the moonlight as it swayed left and right, trying to crush its opponents with its massive weight.
Yuffie watched the blinded creature wreathe from its visible torture. Her eyes widened as it slammed against her guardian. The serpent lurched over the gunman, as it was ready to strike him with its dagger-like fangs.
Without thinking, the Shinobi flung her Conformer with blind faith, praying the blade would hit true. She cast her eyes to the murky water, as she heard an ear-piercing wail from the creature. Her broadened eyes watched it give a final breath as it fell to the soggy ground.
She jolted from her fighting position and fell to Vincent's motionless side. The ex-Turk was face-forward in the water, as if lifeless. She quickly turned him over and checked him. His staggered breathing was barely audible when she knelt by his face.
Yuffie absently wiped a trickle of blood from his open mouth and gazed blankly at the crimson upon her muddy fingers. A tear fell from an eye as she cradled his limp form to her chest; he was so weak. She could barely feel a pulse in his wrist as she pulled him from the snake's scaly body.
The impact had done an excessive amount of damage to his side, cutting a six-inch gash from his upper-rib to his lower abdomen. Purple bruises had already begun taint to his god-like body with their wretched appearance. God, why did she have to suggest such a stupid place to go? He knew Reno wasn't here, and yet, he followed her anyway. Could she be even more, brain-less?
Yuffie fumbled through their bags until she found a small case of Potions and Ethers. She tilted his lifeless head vertically as she poured the Potion's red contents into his mouth. It was a poor healing method, but feasible none-the-less. If only she had taken the time to carry a Cure. Her thoughtless desire to find Reno had unfortunately caused her friend pain.
She wiped a warm saltine tear from her eye as she bandaged Vincent with her favourite white-tank-top. Crimson blood seeped through the pallid shirt, showing the wound was far worse than it appeared. Yuffie trudged back to the dead carcass and pulled her Conformer out of its throat. She left the staining blood on the blade as she glanced at its marred form. A sense of disdain overcame her as she glared at the dead serpent.
Without thinking, she hurled her blade into its mutilated corpse repeatedly. Her cries were heard each time she slung her beloved weapon. The pain seemed to recede from her tremulous body as she pulled the Conformer out of its gashed neck. She was so stupid. This entire journey was pointless. Good God, Vincent was on the verge of death and here she was casting her anger out on a mangled corpse.
The ninja packed the scattered belongings into the bags and tied them on the dented bike. She thanked every good god she knew the machine was not entirely damaged. Her eyes traced over her beloved guardian as she carefully hauled him onto the motorbike. She glanced at the dead serpent once more, before noticing she had forgotten something, Vincent's gun.
God, he must have lost it in the water when he fell. She would feel rather guilty if he lost his favourite weapon because of her foolish decision. "I'll be right back, Vincent. Just hold on!" She whispered.
Yuffie dove into the chilling mud as she aimlessly searched for the weapon. She held her breath and blindly explored the swamp's depths. It was damned near impossible to search for such a tiny thing in a vast quagmire with a myriad of unseen inhabitants.
She fingered through the weeds and clay-like mud until she felt something cold and metal rub against her soaked skin. Thank the gods she found it.
Her eyes scanned his limp body once more, as she stumbled onto the large bike. Praying, she started its engines and jutted across the rest of the swamp. All the time driving, she had not taken her eyes off of him. The mere thought of losing Vincent seemed to make her lose breath. No, he could not leave her, not when she felt something so real for the first time. Vincent could not die like this…
****
A sudden burst through the kitchen door made a young man, no more than twenty, stumble from his seat. "What the?" He glared at someone, mud-streaked and covered with weeds dragging someone, or rather something behind them.
"Billy!" Yuffie pleaded. "Help me!"
The young farmer quickly ran to her side and hefted Vincent upon the kitchen table. His hazel-eyes did not fall from the gunman's still form as he observed him.
"He's hurt pretty bad, girl." He said in a mundane tone.
Yuffie glared him with blurred eyes. "Do you have anything that can help, Billy? Please, I swear I'll do anything to save his life!"
Billy stared at Yuffie with a sense of compassion. He remembered the girl and her teammates from their campaign against the ShinRa; yes, he knew them quite well. The man of twenty gazed at the ex-Turk's prone form, so this so-called menace was still around? Oh yes, he too, had heard.
His cloudy-eyes skimmed over the gunman's wrecked body. No, he would allow this man to die, not when this kind girl seen something in this creature worth saving. Eyeing her, he nodded in agreement. "I have a mastered Cure here. It will save his life, but will still require him to rest a few days until he is fully well. I can give him a place to stay until he can fully function. Can you watch him until he fairs?"
"Yes! Thank-you so much, Billy! It really means a lot that you offer us aid! I promise I will make it up to you!"
A small smile reached his pale lips as he bit them. Billy walked away from them and went upstairs. Yuffie caressed Vincent's bloody face with a muddy hand; his blood was still on her fingers. She knitted her eyebrows together as she heard his faint breathing. His pallid chest was covered in bruises and small cuts that had finally stopped bleeding.
She bent her head in shame. How could she have caused so much pain to him? He did not deserve to be around the likes of her. Without thinking, she gently laid her head against chest and sobbed; he felt so weak under her.
His staggered breathing made her heart wrench with guilt. She cared too much for him to allow him a merciless death. Oh yes, if she never knew him, and saw his arcane-like form floating helplessly in the water, she could not say she would fall to her knees and help him. That was rather cruel of her, but now, she would give her life up for him. He was indeed an extraordinary being. Yuffie actually enjoyed the fact that he wasn't fully human.
An opulent thought of him and her crossed her aching mind. She quickly admonished the notion and concentrated upon clammy form.
She had noticed the snake's impact had done quite some damage to his metal arm. The broken wires and analytical circuitry was maimed. Her oceanic-eyes focused upon the appendage he had come to despise, as she gently tied a piece of cloth around it. Perhaps, she could fuse some of the wires back together until Vincent was able to properly fix it.
It was rather strange to see the inside of the bronze attachment, especially to notice the intricate make-up it obtained. Hojo was certainly a crazed genius. She knew the severed wires were the cause of his hand to actually function.
The metal arm was more of a hindrance than a blessing. It must have been painful for him to feel the separation of bone and flesh when Hojo had removed his arm with a sharp stiletto. Oh yes, he had mentioned the gruesome torture he endured in the basement. She questioned why he still lived there where many terrible memories lingered there like ghosts of the past.
She gently caressed the torn metal, as if hoping he would feel her cool touch. The fruitless gesture held no significance. She knew couldn't feel anything with the prosthetic limb, he had said so once.
Her sore eyes stared at his nude torso, as if for the first time. The muscular indentions of his abdomen were like a marble god's as the poor lamplight cast a foray of shadows upon it. Every curve, every muscle, everything except, for the metal arm, seemed flawless. Girls would be drooling over a man like this. However, his torn claw may change their minds.
Yuffie had even cringed when she noticed the small glimmer of light reflect off of it, the first time she encountered him in the basement. After she heard his story, the slight revulsion made her feel guilty. Who was she to detest someone for a sin of another? She knew the claw disgusted people, but in her own sick little mind, she actually liked it.
Yes, she admitted she wished for a whole man to spend the rest of her life with, and Vincent's claw was certainly far from a normal arm, he couldn't even feel anything with it. Still yet, that did not make Vincent any less of a person. No, his claw made him even more remarkable. She loved the feel of it against her warm skin. Its cool touch seethed a feeling of excitement from her. Oh yes, if she were the only person to accept him, his claw would certainly not addle her.
Her saltine tears rang with the buried truth, she cared deeply for this man. Even if, she were the only person to care for him, she would stay by his side. The loathing stares people gave would be silenced by her defense of him. No more, would people point and laugh at him. No, she refused for obtuse ingrates saying untrue tales about him. Vincent was far more human than others considered themselves to be. And for that, Yuffie stayed loyal.
Her morose thoughts were interrupted by a light touch on her shoulder. Turning, she noticed the silent look of Billy, as a simple nod came from him. "Miss, please stand back, while I cast a Full Cure on him."
She obeyed without question, as an ethereal green mist enveloped Vincent's still form. The orb's strong power seemed to cause his breathing to return to normal, as a sense of tranquility encircled him. A small smile of appreciation came to her lips as he motioned for her to help him to the upstairs bedroom.
Billy raked a callous hand through his short brown-hair, as he placed a sheet over him. He handed her a set of bandages and smiled. "I believe your friend will be fine in a few days. I told my grandpa about you two staying, he said if you needed anything, just ask."
Yuffie placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank-you so much, Billy!" She said earnestly. "Vincent and I, greatly appreciate it!"
A simple nod came from him. "Listen, there's a bathroom across the hall, if you wanna clean him and you up."
"All right, thank-you again. I will make it up to you-"
Billy gently shook his head. "No, it's free, since you and your friends have given us great business. Consider it a thank-you from us."
Yuffie bowed her head in gratitude, as she heard the door close behind him. Billy was truly a kind person. "Must've gotten the kindness from his grandfather," she quietly muttered as she stroked his bruised cheek with a lover's touch.
His light breathing comforted her as she wiped his face with a damp cloth. The blood and mire came off easily, as she traced over the clean pallid flesh. God, he looked so peaceful. It was rather hard to believe such a serene-guise hid the power he had. Oh yes, this man was very formidable, but always tried to obtain it. She knew he would never try to hurt one of them intentionally. Vincent had always kept his transformations safely away from them, when in battle…
She placed the damp cloth on the nightstand and lay beside of his still form, as she encircled her arms around his injured chest. God, she loved the warmth he radiated. Reno was certainly never this warm, and she hastily cast him out of her mind. Sleep overcame her as she thought of her guardian, her protector…
****
The Shinobi stayed faithfully by the ex-Turk's side the entire time. She had only left him for a quick five-minute shower, and then took the liberty of cleaning him off, not anything below the waist of course.
She massaged his real hand as she stared at his peaceful face. His slumber was uninterrupted for almost an entire day, and still he shown no sign of consciousness. It somewhat worried her that he could be out for this long, but rejoiced in the fact that he was still alive. Oh yes, the comforting thought soothed her heart and mind.
Her head rested against his bare shoulder she felt his light breathing. "Vincent," she murmured softly. "I care so much for you, please wake up…"
Her silent plea seemed to be answered, as she felt a small movement under her. Looking up, she noticed his crimson-eyes gazing upon her. A soft smile reached her face, as she felt him place his claw to her smooth cheek. "Yuffie," he uttered, albeit tiredly.
"Shh," she whispered, placing her fingers to his gentle lips. "Get some rest, Vincent."
"What happened, Yuffie? I remember fighting the Zolom and being knocked-out by it." He cast his bloodied-eyes to the sheets. "Where are we?"
"The Chocobo Ranch. I got us here last night, after we battled the Zolom."
Vincent looked at her; concern shown within his claret orbs. "Did it…harm you?"
Yuffie shook her head and lay against him. Vincent automatically wrapped his bandaged arm around her, as if trying to comfort her. "No, but I'm sorry…I'm so sorry it injured you, Vincent. I should have never suggested-"
"Shh. No, don't be sorry, all right? I'm glad it didn't hurt you, Yuffie. I would rather the pain be inflicted upon me, than you. I could not bear the thought of harm coming to you, I…" He stopped in mid-sentence. She could not know, not yet.
"Vincent, I promise after you're well, I take you back to the mansion and finish this journey on my own…"
"No, you will not go alone. I am still your guardian on this journey, Yuffie Kisaragi. I will personally spank you if you try otherwise."
Yuffie gazed into his stern yet, sentimental expression with tears. She felt him mindlessly wipe them away with his hand. The sense of elation ran through her like a raging forest fire, and she would not have it any other way. "All right, you win…again. It seems, I can never win an argument with you, can I?"
A smirk crossed his pallid lips. "It would rather hard to, my dear."
"And for some reason, I am actually glad of it!" She nuzzled his chest as he embraced her.
He stared at Yuffie, his Yuffie. A small flicker of hope ran through his heart as he held her. She had saved his life again. He reveled in the thought of her finishing the serpent off, as she pulled him to the bike like a heroin from some adventure novel.
Even with her swollen ankle, she still carried his heavy form to the bike and successfully drove them to the farm. He did not doubt her anxiety and worry over him as she stayed by his side, the very thought of her nursing him brought a smile to his ashen face. It was actually worth the pain to know she cared for him this much. Perhaps, she would not leave his side. If only she would…
Vincent absently stroked her back, as he noticed the tight bandages around his side. His ruby-eyes glanced at the bloodstained fabric, noticing it was Yuffie's favourite shirt. He had remembered the fit she threw when Cloud had accidentley misplaced it. But now, it was far from repair, his blood would stay in its white threads. Did Yuffie not realize that?
A tinge of guilt filled him over the small sacrifice. He would have to make it up to her somehow. Perhaps, if he found another like it… Yes, he owed her that much.
"Yuffie," he whispered into her russet-hair.
"Yes, Vincent."
"I'm sorry for ruining your favourite shirt. I shall replace it with another."
"No, it's fine. A shirt for a shirt, remember? I sort of ruined your burgundy one, yesterday? I think we're even."
Vincent nuzzled a cheek. "All right. But, I still want to thank you for saving me."
Yuffie shook her head. "It was nothing, Vincent. You would have done the same for me."
"Yes, but not many would take the consideration you have. Yuffie, if a stranger passed by, they would leave me to die. I want to thank you for overlooking my hideous appearance. I understand it must have bothered you to see me like this…"
She placed a hand to his cheek and smiled. "Vincent, don't judge yourself so harshly, I found nothing akin to your appearance. In fact, I must say, you must work out, for such a nice body!"
Vincent pulled her closer. "It must be the walking I do," he chuckled, even thought it pained him to do so. "How's the your ankle?"
"Better. It's still a little swelled, but I think in a few days, I can walk properly."
Vincent said nothing as he stroked her hair. He enjoyed the silken strands tickle his bruised fingers. Her soft scent of perfume enthralled his senses, as he placed his soft lips to her hair. He felt her nuzzle his shoulder as he massaged her back.
He noticed the small makeshift bandage over his claw. Apparently, the massive serpent had damaged some of the wiring within it. He could move his thumb and index finger, but the rest were dead to him. Yuffie had apparently tried to fuse some of the wires back, probably for him to notice. He smiled at her kind gesture.
The gunman would have to borrow a pair of pliers and tape from the farmer, until some proper replacements could be done. He knew the ghastly appendage was part of his body, and thus knew exactly what to do, as if the knowledge had been implanted into his memory.
But for now, he would cradle his companion and breathe the soft alluring scent of lavender radiating from her. Oh yes, he enjoyed her choice of fragrance. He had even noticed her sniffing of his shirts that smelled of his cologne. It was comforting to know she zealously inhaled it; otherwise, he would have to find another to suit her liking.
Vincent wanted to please her, like she was doing to him right now. The simple knowledge of him embracing her made his heart burst with a feeling he had somehow forgotten. Yuffie had miraculously brought the dead emotion back, as if bringing back the man he used to be. And for that, he knew he loved her.
Author's Note: I suck at battle scenes, I know! I'm so sorry! :( Anyway, thanks for the encouraging reviews! I promise the next chapter will hopefully be out soon! Please, let me know what you think! ^_^