Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, characters, places, etc. All right belong to Square and their respected owners.
The Flame of You…
Chapter11
He had slept with her. Well, not in the instinctual prospect of consummating their love, but physically. All night, he had cradled her delicate form against his, his plaguing arms holding her in a protective hold. With her light breathing hitting his chest, Vincent pulled her closer and subconsciously placed a light kiss upon her forehead. The light contact made her stir a little and fall back into her elated slumber.
Vincent inwardly sighed from her silken touch, her russet-hair teasing a bare shoulder, and he, enjoying every moment of this innocent ecstasy. The mere stroke of her angelic skin enthralled him as a burning sense penetrated his stomach and other parts of his anatomy. He did not ridicule himself for the sexual sensations he felt when around her. God, at least that was normal!
The very thought of making passionate love to her, fascinated his fragile mind. The succulent feel of her sultry skin touching his, made him shudder with a sea of yearning. Oh, how he ached to touch her, give her pleasure. It was so wrong of him to covet her body, but he desired nothing else. Yuffie was truly the object of his affection.
He slightly wondered if she would enjoy him caressing her in a loving manner, feel him inside of her, and bask in the pleasure he could give. It had indeed been a long time, but he was confident his body would function properly. Shiva, the very thought of him making her scream his name almost made him blush, his lower anatomy working a little too early.
He quickly restrained his wayward thoughts as he played with a short lock of her hair. He loved the pixie-like style she had carelessly worn. He had had enough of long hair to last a lifetime. It always seemed to get in the way with everything, especially with what he had in mind. Oh yes, Yuffie's curt bob of tresses brought a lustful smile to his face.
He half wondered if she would enjoy it. From what he could tell, she still seemed to be a promising young virgin with innocent thoughts. Well, save for the perverse innuendos from time to time. Yuffie was smart not to be defiled by that base-born son of a Junon whore. The very thought made him seethe with jealousy. Even if, she were deflowered, he would still lay claim upon her. A prize such as she was too beautiful to let go.
Thank God, he did not have to worry over it. Lady Yuffie Kisaragi of the Wutainese Throne was still pure. And he would have the pleasure of acquiring her. Would it not be something if she were to find out that he was no mere Midgarian commoner? Oh yes, he had given vague information about himself, mostly because he did not wish for the others to ask questions. She would find out soon enough.
With that thought in mind, the former Turk gently nuzzled a warm cheek and drifted off to sleep once more. The very thought of Yuffie beside him like this for the rest of their lives; made him smile with true contentment.
****
"You're mad." A stoic voice echoed throughout the bare apartment.
The man with hair the colour of flames glared at the silent speaker; his aqua-gaze burning with the dire urge to tear him apart. True, his quiet friend had been the incarnation of Virgil and his ever so wise sense of reason. But, for the love of God, could he not just side with him this once? Why was he made out to be the villain here? He had never once committed a crime.
He adjusted his wrinkled shirt and pulled the dark sunglasses out of his fiery hair. "I supposed you would say something along the lines of that, Rude."
The bald man stood from the Queen-Anne chair and gazed at him through his black spectacles. Taking them off, his obsidian eyes stared at him with light concern. It was true he felt pity for his old friend, but not to the point of allowing him to hurt others. Sighing, he gathered his dark coat and glanced at the oak door. "I know it is fruitless to tell you to drop this, but do you really expect to make this torn story to have a fairytale ending? Think carefully of the consequences if you see her again. It is rather hard to find the courage of breaking her heart twice, my friend."
Reno looked at Rude with the true expression only demoralized men obtained. His once-proud vigor barely flickered within the harsh winds of time. Oh yes, he had so much time to make up for his past regrets, repair the broken shards of their relationship, and redeem himself. For so long, he had wanted to let his crazed lifestyle go and settle down with a loving companion. If only, he had not been such a proud bugger and just expressed it. How hard was it to say he loved her?
Oh yes, Reno, the open-minded, loud-mouthed, infamous member of the Turks, was finally struck speechless. He had nothing to counter Rude's stern advice. He knew it was rather hard to swallow the ideal of giving up the woman he desired, he couldn't. Christ, she was the only good thing that happened upon his miserable life. She had seen something the others could never hope to notice, the truth of him self.
For months, he had shut her out; the fear of driving her away broke what was left of his heart. That is, if one still existed within his dead chest. The very shimmer in her placid-eyes made his heart ache as he felt another wave of pain strike his psyche.
For the past week, he had pulled away from the life he had become accustomed to. It was rather hard to cast the cigarettes and brandy out. Jesú, it was tearing him apart with the harsh withdrawal he had endured. Of course, it was part of the desire of making himself the man she had always sought for within him. The man he knew himself to be.
Be as it may, Reno would sell his very soul just to have her back. That was his main objective. He would reconstruct himself and make her see that her hopes were not false. Yes, he would make her understand why he had unintentionally put her through so much torment with his scandalous existence.
The truth was he could not help himself. Try as he may, he could never obtain a sense of dignity and honour. His name was tarnished and held lowly in society, not even a lowly doxy would esteem his lack of morality, even after he had filled her pocket. No, people disdained him for his lack of humanism and self-control. And thus, he rebelled against all rules and codes of nobility.
Being a lowly bastard son of an unrespectable whore, he had learned to live with the fate he had been dealt. A life without privilege and bleak hope of else wise. It was indeed a damning punishment from the sins of his parents. God, how he loathed them for ever bringing him into such misery and despair! He had nothing to live for, not even the simple pleasure of smiling. All truth was stripped from him the moment he entered this cruel world.
No, he was a wondering child in a wasteland filled with desolation. It was almost unbearable at times to survive in such an agonizing hell. God, he would give anything to be free of his repudiated torment. The invisible hands singed his back with their sheering claws and gnashing teeth within his confused persona.
Oh yes, Reno Edwards was truly a fallen child of God and the vast kingdoms within the ethereal heavens. How he desired to merely touch the magnificent glory he had been denied. And yet, by what seemed of pity from a higher power, an angel had kindly soothed his distraught soul, a seraph with sage-coloured locks and eyes of the deepest blue. The mercy she bequeathed made him feel a tinge of hope to live. His faith had been returned within this mortal deity.
And he had turned his back upon her! The one being that actually gave a damn about him was left to freeze within the cold depths of a mortal purgatory. He was a fool to leave her for some damned midnight frolic. The affair with that whore did not even last two days, before he realized what an asshole he had been.
No, he did not deserve her forgiveness, or her grace of benevolence. A wry grin twisted his imp-like lips as the plan replayed through his coddled mind. Oh yes, he would change. Just for her, he would consider the lifestyle of her people and making a loyal husband and father. The simplistic pleasures he could offer her and more. It was indeed time to reassess the situation.
With her on this search, he could transform into the man she had longed to have. Yes, he would make the change between player and loyal companion. Now, that he had knowledge of her undying loyalty, he could finally accept being more than he was worth, an honest man.
It was a matter of time before they would come face-to-face again. Once more, they would dance a waltz of unending desire both yearned for, yet never consummated. Oh yes, he would have her, tame her fiery spirit, and dominate her world. A man such as himself could never allow a priceless jewel such as his beloved go; it wasn't possible.
An analogous urge filled his thoughts with giddy pleasures as he crushed the cigarette butt within the crystal ashtray. This mundane apartment needed a few adjustments. It would be no trouble once he got her back. And by the gods, he would. What other choice did she have in a companion other than himself?
The mere thought brought a Cheshire-like grin to his crumpled lips. Oh yes, the very absolution of rectifying himself and winning back her perpetual devotion was the only comfort he needed as he waited for her, beyond the frigid wasteland that had encompassed his own heart.
The very image of her intoxicated his coddled mind with desires he had long obtained. She had denied him, why? Was he not good enough for her? Had he not been everything she saw in a man? Christ, the very thought of pleasing her further addled him.
Biting his lower lip, he began to reflect upon the purpose of leaving her. He had reasoned it was for her well being that he gave her some space. The typical arguments between them seemed to almost be considered as martial quarrels. Just because he had left her for another woman, did not mean his separation would remain permanent. Why, actually, it was one device of making her see that her silly acts of discretion were pointless.
Honestly, her morality had begun to wear upon his nerves. The constant clinging and thoughtless 'I love yous' were stupid. She acted just like a hormonal adolescent that finally discovered the wonderful world of puberty. She was only seventeen. What would she know about love when she was still untouched? The very thought of her pure made a slight shudder run through his back.
Glancing at the slim scar that marred his right arm, a wry grin traced his rebellious lips. Aw, the mark she had given him… What memories of them fighting physically! Even when arguing verbally, she held that fiery spark that intrigued him. She reminded him of a vigorous fairy dancing about the flames of passion. Oh yes, he hungered her, wanted her unscathed innocence. God, it nearly drove him mad when she refused his offers of lusty ardor.
He admonished himself for leaving her. Was he insane? This woman who timidly approached him with gratitude for saving her? What was her motive after ShinRa had collapsed to speak to him? He was nothing compared to her heroic group the public had deemed at gods. The Turks were all but a memory since Meteor. No one wished to mingle with former assassins.
A small frown furrowed his rusty eyebrows. She wasn't there. His alleged future father-in-law had made it quite clear his daughter was absent. He knew the aging leader would not utter as to where his daughter went. Especially, to the man who left her. And it he regretted it. The very action was obtuse and absurd. Why did he not stay there and wait for her to finally accept his desire?
It did not matter; she would come to him. As always, she had never allowed him to escape her firm grasp. She had chained her heart to him willingly. He had the binds of keeping her by his side and no one would take her away. Ever since living with her, he had declared this steely girl as his. What right would someone have if they dared try to take her away? They would die before making her turn a second glance.
Browsing at the window, he turned to the idle case that lay upon the dirty floor. Time to go. It was comforting to know not staying in one place for an immense amount of time. Shamefully, Yuffie would have to understand that. He was like a leaf carelessly blowing in the wind. No place to stay and anywhere to go. Just like him, she would comprehend his true motives and follow him to the ends of the Earth, or so he believed.
****
'Tempting,' he thought indulgently, 'Very tempting.'
Ah yes, Vincent admired the Wutainese beauty before reluctantly leaving her to rest. There were other things to attend to, and besides, it would not be prudent if she were to know his business.
He accurately remembered Tifa's description of the garment her friend had adored. It was rather noticeable that the ex-fighter hinted for him to purchase it. Good God, was it so obvious that even she, realized? Oh well, perhaps Tifa knew more to Yuffie's plight than she let on. She had to have. Yuffie was never known to keep a secret, especially when it led to intimate imaginations.
A small grin crossed his lips as he covertly hid the ashen dress in-between a few shirts. God, she would be the crème dela crème in this dress. Imagining her in such lavish style, made his heart stutter with the possibility of her acceptance. Tifa wasn't lying when she mentioned it looking more like a bridal gown than a formal evening dress. Perhaps…
He could not dare have his hopes set that high. The cashier glanced at him rather oddly as he made the purchase. God forbid she thought it was for some wild orgy or dare. He barely contained his laughter at the thought. Wait. When was the last time he actually chuckled at something relevantly humourous? Years. Before…
The mere thought of all he had lost would be forgotten. Finally realizing there was nothing he could do to reclaim it, he subtly moved on, and Osiris willing, with someone else. The mere thought of Lucrecia did not have the same affect as it had a year prior. Her radiant emerald-eyes were nothing more than a faded memory. And that's all she ever would be. Forgotten…
It was rather odd for a man of his age to consider a young female like Yuffie as a mate. Most were considered pedophiles and child molesters. Not him. How could he ever take advantage of such untouched beauty, when he loved her? No, this was not the mere fact of lust, although, he did wish to consummate his love, he adored her. No, it was more than mere adoration; Vincent truly loved her.
The ideal of falling in love with her in such a short time seemed almost reckless, careless even. And yet, it felt almost natural. How odd to think he, Vincent Valentine, the Man of Ice, had actually fallen head-over-heels for this alleged brat. Hell, she was far more of a lady than Lucrecia. Not everyone understood the truth of what actually went on. She was no more an angel than he was human.
The irony of a monster conceding to the will of lovely young woman made his heart stir. The beastly organ within his cold chest resounded with a mantra of dulcet voices singing a vocalized symphony. It had been too long that he went without the choral sonata that gave him peace. For so long, the music had faded within a dead memory, never to be evoked. He was such a fool to have allowed this hell to have punished him.
But as all seemed so bleak within his dark world, an angel, who had seemed to lose her way, subtly pleaded for his help. A demon's aid no less. With hesitation, he had taken the obligation of aiding this ethereal being into a hazardous wasteland, and he, the guide. He had never expected to fall for her.
No, she was the direct opposite of his austere self, at first, seeming to only be tolerated. But now, he could not bear to start a life without her. She had done too much to leave him within the shadows he had created. The very flame of his existence burned brightly when she embraced him and mumbled sweet nothings into his ears. God, she was exhilarating! His youthful vigor was restored to him by her gentle touch, forever making him more of the man he used to be.
His blissful thoughts were interrupted as he heard a light knock upon his door. Shuffling the dress into his dark bag, he finally spoke, "Yes?"
"Vincent, can I come in?"
Yuffie. No, he could not allow her seeing this room in daylight. He quickly opened a crease for him to barely see her. Her eyes shimmered like the sea as a bright smile came to her rosy-lips. "What are you doing in there, Vincent?"
"I…I'm packing, my dear."
He watched her face fall and regretted his abrupt answer. The ninja cast her eyes to the wooden floor as a frown traced her lips. "Leaving so soon. Yes, I suppose we must be on our way…"
The muscle within his chest began to throb as her falling smile slowly escaped her satiny lips. "Yuffie," he murmured. "Would you like to stay? We can if you wish. I…do not mind where you want to go."
"It's nothing, Vincent. I believe I'll let you decide where to go from now on. I tend to get us in trouble…"
Vincent stepped out of the door and closed it. Pulling her to his chest, he gently turned her chin up to him. "Yuffie, don't blame yourself over that. I'm not upset and I'm all right. If you desire to stay here or wish to go somewhere, I'll will go anywhere with you. Just name the destination and we shall go."
"It's selfish, Vincent," her frown widening.
"Nonsense. I could never believe you to be selfish when you've been all but that, dearest. Now, what do you desire? If it's in my power, it shall be done."
"I don't want to stall or anything, because I know you need to get back…"
"Yuffie, there's nothing in Nibelheim keeping me there. It's fine, honestly." He pulled her closer and lightly breathed upon her face.
"I don't know where to go. I mean this journey is well…pointless."
"Midgar." He mumbled into an ear. "We'll go there and see the true impact of Meteor. Perhaps, paying a final respect to it may not be stalling, as you call it. Besides, I needed to pay my final regard to the city that had caused so much hell."
"You would do that?" A small twinkle appeared within her glossy eyes.
Vincent nuzzled a cheek. "Darling, I would do anything for you. That is, if you wish it."
Yuffie closed her teary-eyes. This man was certainly selfless. The very consideration of him putting up with her, made her almost burst with joy. "Thank-you, Vincent. I really needed to show my sentiment to those who died so horribly."
"Be glad you were never corrupted by that city. It was ShinRa who besmirched Midgar, and thus, Meteor was the punishment. I believe it was for the greater good that it no longer exists to injure the Planet."
Gently breathing in his scent, she whispered, "I'm happy you believe the same way. Not many agree with my crazy ideas, you know?"
"I very much doubt your ideas are 'crazy', angel. I quite enjoy them." His arms tightened around her. "They are certainly better than some I know. So, you do not mind I take you to Midgar? I understand that you wish to finish this search soon, but I would be honoured if you accompanied me."
"Vincent, it's actually my honour for you putting up with me. Yes, I would love to go. As long as, we do not run into any Shadow Makers, we'll be fine."
"You do not appreciate them stealing your things, right?" An impish grin traced his lips at the memory of her complaining about her prized medallion going amiss.
The young heiress playfully punched his chest. "And you find that funny, don't you? I didn't know you paid attention to everything I said on the Highwind! Of course, I was sorta loud about it."
"But, that's why you're so lovable, my dear." He countered with a mock-smile.
Yuffie grasped a thick lock of his hair and pulled him to eye-level. Smirking, she inched close to his face and chuckled. "And to you, sugar daddy!"
His bloodstained-eyes slightly widened as he felt her sweet breath chill his cheeks, an inch apart. That was the only barrier between them. God, he was tempted to break the obstruction and kiss her. Not yet. He had to wait a little longer. The restraint of pulling her into an intimate hold had to be postponed a little longer. Yuffie had to understand his intentions, should he go further. And stopping with an unpretentious kiss was unheard of; Vincent would not stop.
Gently nestling a cheek, he pulled away and glanced at her questioning gaze. "Yuffie, if you are ready, we'll go. I have a few things left to pack. We'll leave as soon as you're ready."
"All right. I should be ready to leave within the hour."
"Splendid, darling. I will see you then." He silently omitted and watched her leave him within the dark hall.
Sighing, he quickly finished packing and glanced at his attire. It was rather odd to wear something other than his heavy cloak and gothic outfit. Truthfully, he could never imagine donning the depressing garbs again. He felt a strange sense of freedom from them, like a monster unbound from his chains. Perhaps, it was for the best his last transformation had finally destroyed his shield and made him face the world without it.
Now that he thought of it, Yuffie had tied its shredded mass around his naked waist. What did she think of seeing him in the nude, his mind briefly wondered? Was it sheer resentment or did she actually enjoy seeing what lay under the dark robes that concealed his plagued form? God, the imaginary touching of her upon his bare skin almost made him shudder. He had to make her understand his quandary of not having her. Even his body was rebelling against him. How ironic.
However, the segregate thought came to mind of her no more than five minutes ago. She had seemed almost not wishing to finish this quest. Perhaps, she was beginning to see that finding Reno was foolish and someone else needed her more than that ungrateful drunkard.
Finally making his way down the winding steps, a small smile traced his lips as he watched her hold the tiny child within her slender arms; she looked so motherly. He could imagine her softly singing to an ebon-headed child as he, kissed her shoulder. The wanton image made his heart ache. The desiring thoughts were interrupted by a light squeeze upon his left shoulder.
Turning, he noticed Cloud staring at him, his visage serious. "Vincent," he murmured eyeing his wife and Yuffie. "A word in private."
"What is it, Cloud?" The gunman stared at him as the ex-Soldier shut the kitchen door. "Does it consider not speaking in front of the ladies?"
His marred face cringed as he took a seat by the bar. "You're still going through with it, right?"
Vincent stared at his friend's interrogating question. Ah yes, his plan. Nodding, he took a seat beside of him. "All is in order." He whispered in a barely audible tone. "You are going, right?"
Cloud cocked a golden brow. "As much as I loathe to, Vincent. It appears I have no say where my wife's concerned. We will be there…"
The ex-Turk began to massage his temples with his thumb and forefinger. "I never imagined this to happen. It's funny how fate works out in strange ways, isn't it?"
"You didn't plan to go?" The former mercenary chuckled under his breath. "I didn't until an hour before you fine people came down. So, you'll do it, then?"
"If all is in place, then I shall." He murmured with a slight tone of worry.
Worry? Vincent worrying? The blonde swordsman had to bite his tongue to not shout his shock. This was indeed priceless. Vincent was afraid, afraid of a girl no less. It may be worth something to see the stoic gunman stuttering his alleged scheme. Yes, Vincent Valentine actually nervous. Cloud never believed he would see the day to happen. How wonderful to watch this little sideshow from a safe distance.
Smirking, he chortled, "Good luck, then, you're going to need it!"
"Going to need what?" A feminine voice echoed behind them.
Both men turned to see Yuffie's beaming face. "I honestly believed these 'man talks' were composed more of secret things than cheering each other on with God knows what! Tell me, were you fine gentleman chatting about me?"
"No!" Both responded at the same time.
"Oh, I'm hurt! I honestly thought you would be!" Yuffie faked a solemn frown. "Anyhoo, are you boys done with your private club meeting? I would like to at least chat with you before going!"
Cloud winked at Vincent and nodded to her. "I know, Yuffie, it's rather hard to be far from Vincent for extended amount of time. Especially, when you're afraid someone else shall steal him away."
Yuffie's mouth fell. Countering with a smirk, she uttered, "Cloud, in your dreams! Besides, it's not my fault that you're straight and Vincent's with me! Isn't that right, sugar?" She cast Vincent a wink.
"I…I believe I shall stay out of this one, Yuffie. I don't wish to cause a fight over something like me." Vincent murmured as he pulled her to his side. "But, I will say, I'm certainly not infatuated with Cloud, my dear."
"I'm glad of that, if you were I'd pull you by the ear to the shed and whip you! A man of your looks does not need to be wasted upon idiotic blondes!" Yuffie smirked at Cloud. It was a shame she could not faze him with her crude blows.
"Don't worry, Yuff, I'm quite happy with my woman, she pleases me! And certainly, you can have Vincent!"
"Why thank-you, Cloud! Indeed, you are most generous!" she eyed Vincent with a smile. "I'll be ready to go when I say goodbye to Tifa. Oh, and also, Cloud, she said for you to do something?"
Cloud read Yuffie's questioning gaze. Shit. He almost damn well forgot. "Oh, that. Yeah, I'll finish that on the double!"
"You better, sweetie!" Tifa chortled, coming through the door. Turning to Yuffie she murmured, "Cloud would lose his head if it wasn't attached."
"I heard that!"
"I can never get away with making a joke. His sense of hearing makes me envy him! So, you're going to Midgar and paying your respects? I haven't been there since last year."
"Yeah, we'll probably just stay for a few minutes and leave. I don't believe we'll actually go through it, there's too many hazards."
Vincent pulled Yuffie closer. "The population of mutated creatures has also doubled in the area. I plan to avoid any contact with them."
"Likewise!" Yuffie angled her head in agreement. "Besides, Midgar was never a cheery place, if I remember correctly."
Vincent glanced down at her, his face holding a hidden smile. "Well, I suppose we shall go. Cloud, Tifa, thank you for kindness in letting us stay. Hopefully, we shall see you soon." 'Very soon.'
Tifa gave Yuffie a final hug as she and Cloud watched their friends leave town in a trial of smoke. Turning to him, Tifa grinned. "I'm certainly glad he found another detour on this journey of theirs!"
"Yeah, Midgar is quite a funny place to delay. Vincent never planned to return there, you know. I remember him mentioning he would never cast his eyes upon that 'Hell' again. It's funny how a girl would change his mind."
"He apparently has the hots for her…" Tifa chuckled. "And, it's obvious she's got something for him!"
"And you had to drag me into this elaborate plan of yours, right?" Cloud nuzzled a shoulder.
"Hey, you offered to help!"
"I know, and I will. It's just strange that those two actually agree with each other. I honestly thought that one of them would end of beating the other. God, Vincent clings to her like a high-powered magnet! You say one word about her, and you have his full attention."
"It's funny to see Vincent girl-crazy, after him swearing allegiance to Lucrecia. I'm happy he's finally found someone who's not a ghost."
Cloud eyed her, his scar widening with his serious gaze. "Let us hope she doesn't follow in Lucrecia's footsteps, kitten. I would dread to see the outcome…"
Tifa held onto a slender arm, "I hope so as well, for both their sakes. God forbid, they don't see what's plainly in front of them…"
****
Her prominent gaze stared at the ruins from a distance. The grey structures that once held a certain prestige were now covering with weeds. The sheer irony that befallen this grand city of destruction were the very gates to the underworld. So many lives were destroyed within its dark edifice, entombing their lost souls for eternity.
Yuffie turned her perspective to the rocky ground below her as Vincent looked at her with apparent concern. Pulling her close, he began to lightly breathe upon her bare shoulder. Yuffie automatically melded within his strong embrace, a sense of contentment filled her with a myriad of promises from this man. She had to restrain a moan that threatened to erupt from her slender neck. God, this man was too amazing, he had not even troubled himself with his alleged respects.
"Yuffie," he murmured within an ear.
"Yes?"
Vincent nuzzled a cheek, his burning gaze directed at her collarbone, or rather, below it. "I'm glad you accepted my offer of joining me here. I never believed I would ever return to see this place…"
"Why not?" She turned to meet his gaze. "Do you truly hate its existence?"
He bit his lip. "There are too many memories here. Too many that I do not wish to recount." Vincent turned his eyes to the uneven ground. "I've decided to put this behind me, dearest. What is left for me here? Nothing. Absolutely nothing, and I finally realize that living within the past is foolish. It's funny how it has taken me thirty-years to realize that…when I could have lived my life without the nightmares…"
"Had you moved on from that instant, you have possibly never met me-us, I mean…" She quickly regretted her comment. Oh God, he would notice the fact she cared. Damn it.
His ebon-brows softened from her serious words. "Perhaps," his tone dripping, like melancholy honey. "But, I am glad I was hidden for thirty-years… Because, I never would have had the pleasure to meet you."
"Oh, Vincent," Yuffie's idle reflexes kicked in as she held onto to him firm chest. "I never believed you enjoyed being around. I thought," she nestled him; tears fell from her eyes with uncontrollable passion. "I thought you hated being near me-I mean us…"
"Oh God, Yuffie, I could never hate you, or the others. You were the only ones who ever gave me a chance, a monster, and you welcomed me within your group. Yuffie, how can I hate the people who set aside my horrible self and allowed me to be a part of you, like a normal person?"
"You will never be normal, Vincent." She whispered in a somber tone. "You will always be better than a common man, and…" she broke off. Not now. How could he begin to understand? Finding the correct remark, she continued, "…That's why we care for you."
Vincent's heart began to beat furiously within his frigid chest. She paused. There had to be something other than the sentence she had just conjured up. He could feel hesitation within her melodic voice. Did she feel it as well? Was it simple denial that dissuaded her from telling him? God, he was so close to having her. A few more days, yes, just a few more and then she would know his feelings for her went past than that of friendship. She would see his undying loyalty to her and make her realize that he, a mere monster, could give the moon and stars, if she only asked.
This Wutainese beauty would finally have a suitor worthy of her. Well, in the prospect of keeping her happy and loving her beyond distraction. Vincent would renounce everything he owned just for her sake. This girl was worth more to him, than everything he had ever accumulated within his feeble life. This love he obtained was enough to truly make him content, if she only accepted her feelings being mutual.
Ah Siren, the feel of her against his broad chest made his heart flutter with idyllic delight. The simple touch of her, the light breath that wavered against his cold flesh, was enough to drive him to insanity. The type of lunacy only lovers obtained when hitting a high-note of their personal Nirvana. She made him happy.
This so-called simple girl was more of mortal goddess than a mere mortal. With her flaming embrace and icy-eyes, he felt hot and cold at the same time. The very essence of her soul made him feel an inexplicable sense of completion. With Yuffie, he did not hide within the shadows of his dark soul; she would not allow him to.
Vincent's beastly heart only survived to endure a lifetime of nightmares, but now it served a new purpose, he lived for her. Yuffie needed him, as he, her. Something within the placid depths of her angelic-eyes made him feel the unbearable sensation of requisite desire. There was no doubt that he thought of them intertwined within black silken sheets, the perspiration sliding off their heated skin.
The fiery lust returned within his blackened soul as he held her with the dull view of Hell in front of him. How ironic to see a damnable place, where he originated as monster and an angel tightly clinging on to him. Shiva, it was almost funny to laugh at his pitiful fate. Long ago, he had everything, and lost it. And now, it seemed to return to him, however altered.
He was modified as something more primitive, the gentlemanly style he had externally shown, now skin-deep. The clean-cut style he had bore was now disheveled and wild, like wild demon from a child's bedtime story. His austere attitude was now replaced with a giddy feeling, odd to say the least. But the compensation was comforting.
Instead of a lucid scientist, he held a beautiful young heiress within his artificial embrace. The very feel of her made his synthetic soul swell with pleasure, she adored him. Yuffie endured his plagued form with open arms, a true smile upon her rosy-lips proved her approval. And Vincent Valentine, ex-Turk and damned monster, loved her for than these simple reasons.
She was indeed worth a lifetime's wait within a dusty coffin. Yuffie Kisaragi, with consent or not now obtained a demon that worshiped her very existence. It would be rather hard to be rid of him, since he had subtly given her his ruined soul. The affliction within his spirit faded within her heavenly light, like a desiccated man searching for an oasis. She was his paradise.
It was rather hard to think of a life without her by his side. Actually, he could not bear the harsh reality without her steely touch to invoke him. No, the moment she denounced him, he would fade from this mortal plain and linger within the depths of an unimaginable hell. He could only pray to whatever god granted her to find him would not turn its back on him now. No, not with her enjoying his diseased company.
A thundering clatter filled the dull skies as gentle drizzle began to hit them. Sighing, he pulled her closer and felt her gentle heartbeat against his. Oh, how he longed for this moment to last an eternity. The very ideal of her accepting his invitation made a wave of elation stir within his tainted soul. Oh yes, she would soon understand…
Finding his voice, Vincent finally murmured, "Yuffie, thank-you for coming here with me today. But, where would you like to go next?"
Another thundering boom echoed throughout the dank wasteland. Her opulent gaze inwardly made him shudder. Casting her distant-eyes to the muddy ground she spoke in a faint whisper, "The thunder reminds me of Wutai's fireworks during the Solarias Festival, you know." Her eyebrows furrowed as her frown deepened. "I cannot believe it's come so soon… Daddy seemed rather pissed that I left right before them…"
"When is it?" Vincent broke her concentration with his softening mumble. "If it is not too late, we shall go if you wish."
Yuffie looked up at him with a start. Her apparent shock could be read within her unwavering ice-like-eyes. "It's too much of a hassle, Vincent. Besides, it's too much trouble-"
"It's no trouble, Yuffie." He interrupted with a mock-smile. "Actually, I find the Wutainese fireworks a marvel and no less enchanting during the Solarias Festival."
"Have you been to one before?"
Vincent read her questioning glare. Would it be quite shocking if she knew he had been to several during his lifetime? Good God, he practically knew every detail of the ceremony. From the games children played to the wondrous foray of light within Nyx's dark sky, Vincent could recant every detail of this seemingly old and traditional festival.
Sufficing his comment, he answered, "Let's just say I've been to a few within my time, dear. I remember how it goes quite well." A smirk played upon his ashen lips. "It would be interesting to attend one, since I haven't in oh, let's say, a lifetime!"
Yuffie inwardly smiled from his warm jest, his former self was returning. God, her companion was not just a warm, compassionate being, but also obtained a charismatic personality. This new attitude had to be the one he had lost so long ago. Why in God's name did Lucrecia ever renounce him? The woman was a complete idiot for throwing Vincent away. It was shame she did not realize what she had lost until too late.
Oh well, at least Yuffie happened to appreciate this man's potential and magnificent traits. God, Vincent was the stuff woman dreamt of within a man.
Snuggling within his tight embrace Yuffie gently nuzzled a cool cheek against his thin navy-blue shirt. "Thank-you, so much Vincent. You truly are very kind to me."
"My dear, I am glad to see you happy, I truly am." He whispered into her dark hair, inhaling its lavish scent of botanical musk. "It will be quite enjoyable to have you accompany me to watch the fireworks."
"You can honestly tell me you rather not have someone else be your date?" She cast an inquisitive glare.
"I wouldn't consider going if it were someone else."
"Am I that captivating?" Yuffie asked in a chortling manner.
He held his breath, albeit a little bemused, and rasped, "Beyond words, dearest, beyond words."
Yuffie's grin dropped as she compelled herself to draw him close in a locking embrace. This man, no, this angel was certainly a godsend to her. She thanked whatever higher power besotted her with this delightful being. Vincent was certainly more than she expected and not enough for her to obtain. She realized he was certainly the other half she had been searching for. How ironic to find him when she least expected it.
Reno was fading fast as Vincent filled her mind with images of euphoric bliss, underlined with sanguine pools of elation. Why had she been such the fool as to not see what lay in front of her? Vincent was everything that she made Reno out to be, a flawless god.
With her last drive of energy, Yuffie gently intertwined an ivory hand within his ebon locks. A small grin traced her rosy-lips as Vincent caressed a cheek. There was nothing to dread over a loathsome boat ride when Vincent was by her side holding a bucket. Yes, he was her lifesaver within the icy water, the wind in her sails, and the sense of purpose that sustained her life. Yes, how could she survive without his constant companionship? She dreaded to think of it.
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Author's Note: I know the chapter was a little too short. Sorry, but I would be adding my next chapter along with this one if I did not stop. As you can see, Reno is not out of the picture and I shall give him some life, I don't want him to be a static character. It would seem too cliché and flawed. Anyhoo, I should hopefully have Chapter Twelve up soon, God willing. Please let me know what you think! ^_^