Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy Seven, characters, places, etc. All rights belong to Square and their respected owners.
The Flame of You
Chapter 16
Temptation: such a simple word. Ah yes, many succumbed to it like a demonic drug, luring them into a web of deep despair. It was the same for every mortal. Yes, the finer things of life dangling from a translucent rope, and once the desperate soul clasped onto such relief, they were trapped.
Humanity was the worst example for controlled lust. The utter denial of giving into worldly desires made them suffer into a desolate drive to escape such agony. Even the simplest item could become a crazed need. Like an addiction, such possessions were truly the downfall of men.
Aqua-eyes watched in apathy as the man across from him took another shot. Flicking away a loose strand of auburn, he spoke in a casual tone, "You know, I've been thinking…" his dry-lips curled into an amused smirk when his comrade cast a blank glare. "I believe I have just had an epiphany."
A dark brow rose in bemusement. "Epiphany? I did not realize that was in your vocabulary, Edwards." His silent friend chortled as he swallowed the last of the liquor.
"Oh yes, dear friend, I do know what that means, but that's not what I wished to discuss." He paused until getting his inebriated comrade's rational attention. "It's rather hard to explain, but I find giving this shit up isn't so hard after all."
His intoxicated friend pulled off his dark lenses and stared at him with hazy green-eyes. "That's what you say, Reno. But you know I haven't met one legitimate being ever actually able to just quit. You say that now, but twenty-years down the road, or maybe even before that, you'll return to your comforts and become worse than you are now."
Reno glared at him with icy-eyes, his semi-humourous mood vacant from his ashen face. Rude had struck hard on that one. "Ah yes, you must be right, since you are the perfect example of true wisdom, Rude." His grinning gesture evolved to an ominous sneer. "You're right, I cannot fight such enticement, not even for true love could I dare turn my back upon the luring siren's call of sweet intoxication. Hell, I might as well join you on the alcohol, it seems I cannot win anyway."
Rude's verdant-eyes glared with visible contempt. "You twist my words, Reno. I did not say you could not fight it and win. I only said you could not just drop it as if it were nothing. You know as well as I the chances of such change are slim. Both of our families are notorious for drinking, thus our genetics are liable to hold that weak gene, causing us to be like the generation before."
"Fuck that, Rude!" Reno slammed his fist on the wooden table, the attentive audience watching him in awe. Ignoring their pitiful gazes he continued, "Well perhaps that gene is not dormant in me! I have not wanted to drink or smoke for a week and you say I can't do it? Bullshit!"
He placed the empty shot-glass on the table and donned the sunglasses over his verdant-eyes once more. Sighing, he gently shook his baldhead in true submission. "I cannot argue with you, Reno. I am tired of having this conversation every minute her name comes up. God, man, get off of it! Don't you see after this is over and you have won her heart, you'll stray from your word? Men get tired of women. It's been proven since the beginning of time, Reno. True love? It's nothing but a figment of people's imaginations. Only a lucky few find it and hold on to such a treasure. The question is, are you and she compatible for such commitment?"
The fiery Turk glared at him as if he had interfered with something personal. His glowing-eyes seemed to hold a new perspective within their abnormal depths. "I do admit I have looked at other women on this journey, but every man does, you have as well. However, I very much doubt I will after what I propose to her." A fox-like grin covered his lips.
Rude noticed the sadistic smirk his friend wore. Shiva, it was something foul and artful looming within Reno's coddled mind. Gods, what did he plan to do, force her to love him? Shaking his head, he quietly stood from his seat, "Whatever you plan to do, I want no part of it, Reno. I can tell by the look in your eyes that you're up to something dishonorable. I will not help you do something terrible to her."
His smirk melted from his friend's harsh blow. The cruel refusal to aid him indeed wounded his confidence. In all of their years of unyielding friendship, Rude had never refused to aid him. Why did he desert him now, when he needed him the most? The very thought stung his aching heart. However, he realized he did not need his Brutus-like friend anyway; he could win her trust on his own.
"I do not need you anyway, Rude." He spoke in monotone. "It appears I can do this on my own. I do not find winning her love a great task, I have it already."
"People's hearts do change, Reno. Have you ever thought that she would find someone else after your sudden dismissal?"
"And who would she love, a relative? God, Rude, everyone Yuffie knows is somehow related to her. No one would fall for someone with the same blood." He snorted a chuckle. "I doubt she would even look, since she is searching for me. I cannot imagine the controversy her and her father had over it. After all, the thing he hates most would be the next in line for leadership. I think I can see her loyalty with dishonoring his wishes. Now, is that a change of heart, friend?"
"All I wish to say is be careful, Reno. You never know when your plans may blow-up in your face."
"That's what Elena said-Hey where is she anyway?"
Rude eyed Reno's questioning glare. Shaking his head he answered, "In her room, I believe. She told me she wanted to rest since she did not get a lot of sleep last night."
Reno cast his eyes to the floor like a man walking the last steps to his dreaded execution. He had hurt her. Not physically, but the cruel affect of his anger affected her fragile mentality. God strike him dead for such un-gentleman-like conduct.
"And all she wanted to do was help." He mumbled under his breath.
"What did you say?"
Reno shook his flaming-hair and muttered, "Nothing. It was nothing, Rude."
With uncomfortable silence, Rude exerted a curt nod and turned from him. "Quite. If you need anything, Reno, I shall be in my room."
"You retire early anymore, Rude, why?"
The silent man cast a glance through the dark shades, the impending anxiety beginning to course through his friend's ragged nerves. Reno never told him that his opaque attention always made him awkward. It was like someone staring into your eyes, never blinking or looking off-ways. The slight discomfort made him feel insignificant to his friend, his equal, like his older comrade to be the more dominate of the duo.
"I am tired, Reno." He answered curtly, leaving Reno with his unmentioned uneasiness.
****
He did not retire to his room; instead he stood in front of another door. Elena. The simple utterance, or even mental wondering of the blonde's name always made him feel awkward. Not the uncomfortable glare he always gave Reno, but more of a giddy, butterfly-in-the-stomach sensation that he had never obtained before. It almost felt…nice.
Sighing, he gently rapped upon the door. No answer.
His eloquent courtesy was beginning to wear thin after the third try. He knew she was in there. It was not a heavenly gift of foresight but common sense that his comrade wished for no company. He could not blame her after her past heartaches and unfortunate mishaps after joining their little crew. It was rather ironic that Elena did not blend in with her fellow men; she stood out from their dark allure.
From her chocolate-brown-eyes, to the wispy locks of flaxen, Elena was certainly better than them. Not so much as being the better physically, but her soul was incomparable to their tainted ones. Oh yes, even he had shed innocent blood, something Elena was alien to.
He silently thanked the Turk god, if there was one, for her ambiguity of their dark actions. Little Elena did not realize the dirty undertakings they had committed over the years. Old Man ShinRa was indeed a fine example of a mentour. Before Heideggar, the former president had taken the liberty of exposing them to their new life as…monsters.
Valentine had been right about losing one's humanity within this dark line of work; he was living evidence. The elite Turk, now monster had every right to loath his former employer. Even before ShinRa's unfortunate collapse, Rude had pitied the dark man's plight. Odin, he had forcefully become a test subject for them, thus creating the abomination he was now. He did not even have a chance to love the woman that gave herself over to his crazed creator.
It was rather cruel of Reno to make snide remarks of the fallen Turk; he had indeed been a prime example of class and elegance for all to look up to. Oh well, Vincent Valentine was his own man, and his actions and mistakes were his to make. It would be rather funny to see the supposedly dead ruin emerge from the forgotten depths of fame and become an idol once more.
Casting the thought aside, Rude knocked upon the door once more. Receiving no answer, he forcefully allowed himself in only to hear a scream from his dearest Elena.
"What the hell are doing barging through my door, Rude? God! I don't wish to be disturbed! Can you not see I'm busy?"
Rude noticed her bloodshot glare and the ruffled appearance. Apparently, she had been sleeping. "I'm sorry," he mumbled under his lowered gaze. "I thought something was wrong since you did not answer the door."
Elena crossed her arms; the slight huff of annoyance escaped her jagged breath. "Well, as you can see, I'm fine, Rude. Please leave me alone, go find Reno and drink or something."
"Is that all you believe I do, Elena?" he asked, the surprise notable within his deep voice. "I assure you, I do not revel in the false security of drinking as you would believe. I do not drink to drown my sorrows as many do. However, I can see my harsh visit is indeed unwanted, I will go and allow you to have your solace from Reno."
Elena's delicate mouth fell as Rude made his silent exit. The harsh realization of her crude actions caused her friend, one of her only friends, to leave. Shaking her disheveled mane, she dashed after him. "Rude, wait!"
The silent man briefly turned to meet her frantic gaze, how she looked so beautiful… "Yes, Elena? Did you need something?"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being impolite to you, Rude. Everything I do always end in catastrophe." A somber tear fell from a russet-eye. "I'm sorry for everything…"
Rude pulled her against his stalwart form; his imposing shades seemed to cast certain comfort when she stared into the obscure lenses. "Elena…" he quietly murmured under a silent breath. "It's all right, do not cry."
More tears fells from her reddened-eyes. "I cannot help it! I'm sorry, so sorry for being weak. I know a Turk is to never show emotion, and it shows I am weak, but I cannot help it…"
He gently breathed in the fruity scents of her blonde hair. Sighing, he gently tucked a loose strand behind a cold ear. "You are not weak, Elena. You could never be something that insignificant. Believe in yourself, for you are better than any of us, you still have emotion, Elena."
She read the silent discern within his stoic gaze. God, what pain he must have carried over the years. It was if he confessed his entire past within his simple collection of words. Oh, how her friend moved her with his silent tones of comfort. He was truly a poet of terminology.
Elena melded against her silent comforter's form, the feeling extracting true peace within her addled soul. She had not told Rude how she felt, how could she? Blabbing about her love did not strike her as being polite, nor courteous. Besides, he probably heard enough about his best friend's ass to last a lifetime.
Rude rubbed her slumped back with a warm hand. "Cry if you need to, Elena, I will not tell." He whispered within earshot. "Reno is not here to hurt you again…"
The melodic words trickled through her confused mind, as if uttering his acknowledgement of her hidden secret. Eyes widening, she mumbled, "How-how did you-"
"It's not hard to notice the way you look at him, Elena. Even a blinded fool could see the way you care for him."
"I'm sorry." She muttered under her breath, her tone holding shame.
She felt him stir from her simple apology. It was strange to feel her silent comrade act so unlike himself. He seemed so…withdrawn, as if they were the only ones within the world. The foreign sense of security between the bald assassin and herself was truly bizarre. Not that it was terrible or anything, in truth, it was more of a much needed release. The sense of relief emitting from him made her relax and enjoy the small amount of tasteful fantasy before regrettably returning to her harsh reality.
He pulled her against his firm figure and gently wiped the unnoticed tears from her pale cheeks. Shaking his head, he gently whispered soothing words into an ear. Her shuddering had stopped the moment he began to rock her back and forth. Yes, Elena needed this, his dependable presence. And oddly enough, he enjoyed caring for her. If only… Oh, if only she would come to her senses and see what lay in front of her.
Rude had never told Elena that he had felt a certain weakness for her. No, he never even mentioned his true apprehension when she was tied to the Da Chao like some childish plaything. It angered him that Corneo could be so sick as to torture women for his appalling pleasure. Truly, the man was demented. His knuckles turned white from the thought of it.
Elena felt the sudden shift of Rude's comfort; he was upset. Shaking her blonde mop, she whispered, "Rude, what's the matter? Is something bothering you?"
"No," he murmured barely above a whisper, the soft words gently gracing her collarbone. "Nothing is wrong, Elena. Do not trouble yourself over petty matters, all right?"
She nodded like a naïve child would; the blissful ignorance and trust within this man exceeded her self-indignation, she forgot her strife with him. Oddly in itself, Elena did not feel troubled when Rude was with her. The tenacious feeling she had of Reno did not come over her silent compatriot. How strange that both men were best friends and were different as night and day.
Closing her dark-eyes, she quietly murmured, "Thank you Rude."
A dark brow rose from her silent gesture. "What for, Elena?"
"For trying to cheer me up. I know you will sharply deny my gratitude, calling it senseless and such, but truly, thank-you."
"You are not the one who should be express gratitude, I should be." He ended his silent counter for a moment, the deep consideration hidden behind his darkened shades. "Thank you, Elena. Thank you for your kindness toward Reno and I. I will forever be indebted to you."
Elena felt him wipe a warm tear from her cheek, a slight smiled appeared upon her ashen face. The slight comfort Rude emitted gave her mind a rest from her needless tension. Reno didn't need her, he never did. Yes, perhaps she too could move on and live a life worth something… Perhaps she and someone else…
No, that was ludicrous, simply heinous! How could she even dare ponder upon such thoughts? Gods, she was losing it, or was she? The rhetorical questioning heavily pulsed against her aching cranium. This was crazy, well it was a tad more logical than her other thoughts. Oh well, at least this moment in time would last forever in her memories. Yes, comfort was indeed something she had longed to obtain. If only, it would last…
****
The frosty wind bit at her wan face as she carelessly brushed a russet lock from her eyes. Mentally sighing, she gently lay against the firm chest from behind, feeling the deepening heartbeat touching her clothed skin. Her cerulean-eyes closed gently when feeling a gloved hand caress a frozen cheek. Yes, she could stay in this position for eternity.
Her dark guardian extracted his ministrations even more, hearing her pleasing sigh. He silently reveled in his love's comforting pleasure. His dark heart pulsed madly against her fragile form; the subtle knowledge of wanting her closer made his mind ache. The dark blood that flowed through his visible veins desired the fusion of hers. His plagued body longed to be one with her, and by the gods, it should be very soon.
Like a hungering vampire, Vincent yearned for her touch, her taste, and her love. Holding her was not enough now; he needed more. This innocent display of morality was sadly failing. People noticed the passionate glare within his bloodstained-eyes. He had been on the verge of murdering whoever shot her a lustful glance; Yuffie was his. No other being had the right to even look at her, especially in the sickening way many men represented. He could only hold back the urge to pull her against him and leave the rest in a smoldering pile of ash.
He admitted being jealous without hesitation. Gods, he knew after having her like this, he could never return to his lonely existence. That, in its self would kill him. No, she could not leave him after this journey ended; he could not allow her to.
The un-abiding thoughts stung at his confused mind, his demonic entities eating at the remains of his sanity. He was so selfish. How could he not care with what she wanted? Yuffie's happiness was the most important thing to him. Even if finding Reno was her only desire, he could not bring himself to make her miserable. Of course, neither could he allow her to leave him within shadow once more. No, he would make her see that he was more adequate for her love than her alleged angel. He would make her see the man that lay behind the monster and notice the tortured soul that lay beneath the horrid guise.
His crimson-eyes noticed the setting sun within the snowy horizon. The unsettling realization of not making it to Icicle Village before nightfall did not settle too well with him. He knew what lay beneath the quiet snowy fields after dusk. Impending discerns gnawed at his persona, his other selves rocked against his better judgment.
However, petty things like mutated rabbits and carnivorous snow wolves did not agitate him. For he, himself was also a monster, the worst kind. Most violent creatures had the innate ability to murder without thought; Vincent at least had a mind. And now, his feral instinct was to pull this fragile seraph closer against his protective hold and ward off any that dared oppose them.
Her light breath caught his apt attention; the featherlike sigh of relief escaped him. Yuffie was safe like this. Pulling her closer against him, Vincent gently nuzzled her left cheek with his. "Are you tired, my darling?" he purred within an ear.
A light smile traced her pallid-lips. "Yes, I admit I am a little. But, if you wish to-"
Vincent placed a finger to her frozen-lips. "No, I wish to rest as well, angel. We will have to stay out of an inn for the night. I assure you, it will be all right."
Yuffie nestled against his warm hold. "With you, Vincent, I know I will be safe."
His heart beat heavily when she leaned against him once more. It was like a vanished emotion slowly returning to his appalling soul. He knew this old feeling was something he had lost along with his humanity. Although, he would never be fully human again, he could still be something worth the love of this incredible seraph, a seraph that had somehow entwined his tainted soul with her purity.
The dirty appearance of his immortal spirit basked within her sheer essence. People were insane to just categorize her as some scrawny excuse of a girl. Yuffie was a perfect example of the mythical Psyche who snared the comely god of love within her travesty of beauty.
Vincent admitted he was far from being a god, or more importantly, a deity of love. God of darkness or demons suited his criteria better than some tacky recognition of weak emotion. However, love was not something weak. No, even demons wished to find a mate within their dark lifespan. Of course, there was more to mating than the instinctual lust. Love and commitment fit greatly into the picture. And he vowed never to falter from that role.
Shaking his ebon mane, Vincent stopped the bike and gently hefted Yuffie into his strong arms. Gently smiling, he pulled the makeshift tent from the bike's side compartment. His fast ability to install the shelter did not cease to amaze his solitary spectator. With a grin, he uttered, "It's done."
A russet brow rose in question. Quietly nodding, Yuffie examined the tiny tent and smiled. "It will do," she murmured. "However, I don't believe you'll like for me to sleep with you tonight."
Yuffie felt his lean arms lock against her, pulling her in a tight embrace. It was indeed strange to remember him being the cold, heartless man he portrayed himself to be when she first had the pleasure of meeting him, but now he was somehow…different. Even his gentle touch was somewhat altered, like his icy exterior melted within the past week. Perhaps, it was her influence? But of course, it wasn't her. Vincent had always been the charming, caring gentleman. It only took an unfortunate obligation to make him revert back to it.
It was somewhat strange when he pulled a stray lock of russet away from her pallid face, as if knowing she enjoyed his gentle touch. Reno was never considerate to even show the slightest concern over her. Even his touch was different. Yes, she could not help but notice the strong divergence between them.
Reno's smooth touch felt cold and somewhat devoid, while Vincent's callous contact felt warm and full of unspoken love. What had she ever seen in him anyway, the last resort of not being alone? She was so blind to believe he could love her like some captivating prince from a romance novel; this was reality. No, perhaps this wasn't, the man behind her was not exactly like a normal, handsome prince from an author's imagination, but he was no less, hers.
Everything fit his principle, the imperial title; his vast some of wealth, even his actions proved him to be no less than a man of domineering intrigue. His so-called hideous appearance added charm to his mysterious aura. In truth, Vincent was everything she had wanted in a man. Even though, he was her family's hated nemesis, she could not find fault within him.
No, he did not even wish to mention his past desire of making the Kisaragi line suffer. She could not help but hold back tears when he asked her forgiveness for being what he was. Did he not realize she did not hold such contempt for him? Shiva, she could never bring herself to hate him, despite his title. He had even renounced his name for her sake, asking her to still call him by the alias he had created.
It was somewhat easier to still say the forename she had previously known his as, but to fully cast aside his rightful name was truly saddening. It troubled her to understand what he had confessed to her, but her anxiety came more in the form of pity than hate. She disliked the prospect of his suffrage through his childhood. How could people be so cruel to deem him an outcast? He could not change who he was, nor did she want him to.
Yuffie had long put aside her family's past grudge against the Yoshijirou, her inner love for the last descendent brought question to her own lineage. She was no better than Vincent. Truly, no one had the right to rule a kingdom just because of they're heredity. But now, the Kisaragi would end with her, if she ruled of course. It would be funny if she married Vincent…
She immediately cast the errant thought aside; Vincent could never love her, right? She was the cause of his pain, or rather, her family. And yet, he displayed anything but bête-noir to her. Even now, his firm grasp made her believe otherwise. The inner conscience of her mind screamed at her for this union. Of course, her psyche was sometimes wrong. But, why did this feel so…right? She and Vincent barely knew each other.
Her conflicting thoughts abruptly subsided when she felt his cool cheek against hers. The slight contact of his human hand made her inwardly shiver. "You know," he murmured above a serene whisper. "I find your company desirable. Don't ever believe that I would not want you near me."
Vincent's heart stopped when she glanced at him with questioning-eyes. The inner belief of him not needing her crushed his self-control. Inattentively, he positioned her gaze to his; the close contact brought forth the innate need to crush his lips to hers. Not yet. He could not overplay his hand, even though the ace had yet to be revealed.
"Yuffie, if it's because of what I told you, please tell me and I'll trouble you no more." He looked at her with an ashamed visage. Her heart shattered from the sudden change of emotion.
She almost exposed her poor control of emotion. A tear gracefully fell from an indigo-eye, proving her true sentiment. Vincent carefully withdrew the saltine droplet from her vacant cheek. Lightly frowning, she uttered, "How can you believe it's you I hate? The truth is actually the other way around, Vincent. How can you stand to be near me, when all I have done is cause you pain?"
Vincent pulled her against him and increased his hold on her. "Yuffie," he murmured in a soft, yet firm tone. "It wasn't you that caused me pain, I have gotten over my past. Now, all that I want from the Kisaragi line is to be forgiven, not for you to have guilt. I could never bring myself to detest you, angel."
A small smile erupted from her lips. "You truly are wonderful, Vincent. I'm happy to have befriended you on this journey. I could not bear to know you hated me…"
"That would never happen, this I promise you. You're the only one who has shown me kindness after my awakening. And now, I wish to do the same." Vincent whispered softly, gently caressing her shoulders with his claw.
Her head fell against his secure shoulders, his scent enthralling her mind. "And now I can die in peace. I actually make someone happy. I never would have believed I could…"
"You make me…very happy, Yuffie. Even if others do not appreciate you, I will always. I don't regret meeting you that day when Cloud pulled the lid off of my coffin. Actually, I doubt I would be alive for another year in my suspended sleep. Yuffie, you have done the impossible, you gave a monster the belief of having a life. Do not berate yourself as you have, please? I care for you too much to allow guilt come between us."
His organic hand carefully squeezed hers, as if silently telling her he meant every word. "If you an accept me as a Yoshijirou, then I fully accept your family, Yuffie. I don't care about this feud. As I have said before, I only care about what's between us, not our ancestors' grudge. If you can put my past aside, then maybe, something will cause the future to be more promising, I have hope, Yuffie."
Hearing those words made her realize the evident change within his dark character. Not so long ago, she noticed the gloomy, almost suicidal attitude he bore. And now, he appeared to truly have hope. Something inside her confused mind told her it was partially her fault that his emotions had taken this strange, yet desirable turn. This new Vincent was so…innocent. He seemed almost childlike, and yet, he carried upon adult characteristics as a lover would.
Was this how he was before Lucrecia and Hojo changed his life? This true extraction of innocence was hidden behind a façade of indifference. But now, he fully shown his truer self, something she could never hope to acquire, Vincent was truly a man not the demonic creature people saw him as. Lucrecia was a fool to leave him for a crazed scientist. Men like Vincent were indeed rare to find. She never believed in finding someone that could actually treat with equal respect and love.
But now, she had and she would be damned if she hurt him. No, this subtle union between them was more than friendship, and somewhere deep inside of herself, she knew that. Closing her oceanic-eyes, she murmured, "Hearing you say that makes me happy, Vincent. I'm actually glad we can stop this senseless quarrel that consumed our ancestors. It's rather ironic the last of their lines are friends, you know? And for some strange reason I would not have it any other way."
"Nor I, angel, nor I." He whispered in an ear. "Being here with you is truly worth more than revenge. I cannot see any other way I would like to spend my days other than chatting and laughing with you. I know it sounds tacky, but I do enjoy smiling once again. You cannot imagine someone wishing for death for so long and now hoping to live life to the fullest."
"Oh, Vincent." She cried within his chest. "You are truly more than you seem. I wished this could last forever…"
"It will," he surprisingly murmured with certainty. "I promise you, it will."
Yuffie gazed deeply into the bloody orbs to see the truth within them. Her somber frown melted to a tiny smile as she placed a hand to his cheek. "And I gladly believe you, Vincent, I honestly do. I'm so…content."
"You cannot imagine my feelings being the same, my dear. I know this is rather odd but I feel peace now. I never imagined I could feel such release again. I suppose that it was your sweet influence. And for that, I will forever be grateful, Yuffie."
She could only smile; telling him her deepest sentiments in words could never be expressed. Her eyes gently shut halfway when feeling his warm arms encircle her. Vincent did not realize how empowering his hold had on her. The unsaid effects shouted greatly within her jittery nerves. This simple action of ecstasy was truly almost too much to lock inside. She needed to think clearly and Vincent's touch was not helping matters.
Finding her voice, she quickly wriggled out of his embrace and murmured, "Vincent, I'm going to look around for a few minutes while you finish putting our things away, if that's all right of course?"
Vincent read her pleading gaze and quietly nodded. "Don't wonder off too far, Yuffie. There are still rabid creatures that have not been exterminated yet, be careful."
Her trademark grin smoothly appeared upon her supple-lips. "You know me, full of carefulness." She gently patted a gaunt cheek and left him to finish making an area suitable for resting.
Vincent did not utter his concern for her to be without him. The nagging desire to pull her against him and not allow her to wonder off tore at his innate mind. What was he thinking? Could he even be less considerate? God, it was as if he could not breathe without her ebullient presence. And that, in its self was frightening.
Casting his thoughts aside, Vincent gently placed another woolen blanket over the tent's impermeable flooring. The tiny makeshift shelter was indeed tight, but that would not be a problem for them. No, not when she had already committed herself with sleeping against him. The small gesture would indeed be a sight taken as lightly with the feeble-minded populace.
He could not help but admit he wanted more from the tiny Shinobi, much more. Not only did he desire the secrets of her body, but also her soul. Yuffie was truly the anti-drug for his unrelenting addiction. He knew it was a petty analogy to compare his love to, but he could not sum up the correct terminology of his veritable feelings. It was truly difficult to define love and he was excellent at clarification.
The demon within his frail form gently tremoured against him as if giving fretful warning. Vincent inwardly knew his other halves felt things, how could they not? It was common knowledge Hojo embedded artificial entities within him, but also, he seemed to create them with a mind. He never confessed to anyone that at times, he could feel them erupting with some sense of reason. What would the others think if they knew his other forms had a mind of they're own?
Closing his bloodstained-eyes, he gently finished laying the last blanket upon the mat. A brief smile etched itself upon his pallid-lips. Yes, Yuffie would be safe and warm tonight. Even though, the temperature would be quite unbearable outside, he would not allow her to feel the slightest discomfort. At least, his abnormal body was good for something.
Would she be able to stand him with more than just a simple way to stay warm? His mind briefly wondered upon the thought. He knew the reiteration of his wondering thoughts always led to carnal desires. What was the sense of denying it? He could not go on like this. The mask of self-righteous chastity concealed his dark, primal thoughts of what he would do, or rather they would do. Having Yuffie joining him in a physical trial of need somewhat enticed him.
He had played this game before. Yes, but the fair prize was only an illusion that he so regretfully acknowledged too late. Lucrecia had been an enchanting player with men's hearts; she even intrigued her employer with her licentious actions. The simple sway of her long, russet-hair or the intentional movement of her curved hips made grown men salivate like mad wolves. Oh yes, Lucrecia was quite the attraction.
Her sweet siren-like melody even leaked into the hardened ears of Vincent. Ah yes, her Aphrodite-like beauty also captivated the no-nonsense Leader of the Turks. The trivial gestures she induced brought assassins to their knees and made them worship her goddess-style charms with undying loyalty. It was also the same for him; the angelic apparition had also captured his heart.
There was no doubt among his fellow colleagues that the perfect example of a woman was his. Whether or not they're relationship was fully consummated was not officially known, well except to him of course. The brilliant scientist had been an exceptional conquest for his extrovert nature. She was even more surprising when she taught him a thing or to about physical love.
For a blissful year, their relationship blossomed into what can be considered true, untainted love. Of course, Vincent's joyful stay in paradise was abruptly broken. Another figure had forced itself into her, or rather, their lives. The azure-skinned specimen the ShinRa had recently discovered held her interest more than staying committed to him.
Unorthodox tests upon the strange humanoid creature began to affect her straight thinking. No more would she join him on an evening at the park or mindlessly watch the shooting stars within the dynamic heavens. No, other people began to replace the group she usually conversed with and shamefully, a new man supplanted his rightful place.
Vincent could not see what his love could find within the scrawny, weak excuse of a man. From his greasy mop of hair to the shiny tips of his shoes, the scientist known as Amadeus Hojo had somehow stolen her from him. The wondrous name intrigued many, although the gaunt scientist did not fit the name's criteria. No, not even a man of proficient status could outmatch Vincent's charisma, or so he believed.
It was common knowledge that both men would come to instantly despise one another. Yes, both had become infamous rivals of intriguing the lady in white. The masculine game of cat and mouse had unfortunately taken a toll upon both opponents and thus, the inopportune outcome presented its self. In a vile twist of luck, Vincent and Lucrecia's love was shattered, forever scattered into the breezy depths of eternal memory. Lucrecia had fallen for Hojo.
After her mindless choice, their fortunes took a turn for the worst and thus, brought forth the conclusion of such crazed actions. He could not go in depth with the resulting factors of what happened after Lucrecia's stabbing choice. No, he would not concentrate upon the painful memories and false beliefs of fault. The many years of suspended sleep did not alter his track of time.
Even now, he still considered himself to have the mind of a twenty-eight year old. The three-decade sleep only portrayed the nightmares he held within his mind. His first thoughts of Cloud and the others awakening him made he instantly believe he had only slept for a short time, not thirty years. After Cloud's précis story, he came to the harsh terms of sleeping for a lifetime, a lifetime in which he could have lived.
And yet, the harsh truth of his redeeming slumber did not alter his enraged desire for revenge. Killing Hojo for his crimes did not savour his unquenchable need for absolution, not until now. For the past year, he had not found any reason to continue his plaguing existence. Why live when so many wished to have his head on a silver platter?
Ah yes, Vincent had contemplated suicide a time or to, even on the day Yuffie had discovered him. He never fully admitted his need for an exit but he did not fully go out for a walk within the mountains that day. No, his purpose for such solace resided within the icy touch of death and the building need for it drove him deeper within the hoary mountain range. He had deduced a cold, painful death would satisfy his much-desired end.
He had fully embraced the charming beauty's friendly hold until something pulled him into reality and forced him to retreat from his chance of escape. The damned Nibel wolves never knew when to quit and when their attack became too fierce, Vincent reluctantly transformed. The worgs never even had a chance against Chaos' dynamic skill and thus scattered themselves from the violet beast. His crazed entity had everything under control until noticing something else within its territory.
With its feral-eyes, Chaos glared at the frail life form with semi-wonder. Her frightened stare only made its curiosity grow until it felt danger once more. Oh yes, Nibel wolves were notorious for their cunning and agility, but never their wonderful reserve of sense. The obtuse creatures had planned to attack this tiny female and hurt its observer. Of course, that tactic was foolish and ill fated.
The strange thought teased Vincent's mind. He sometimes had glimpses of what his other entities done, but never one so vivid, so emotional. It was as if he were there instead of Chaos. The thought of something trying to hurt Yuffie had breached a sentiment even then. Vincent had then also cared for the tiny Shinobi.
The shocking revelation coursed through his deepening persona. Yes, even during his days in Avalanche, he somewhat felt something for her. Be it pity or just friendly concern, Vincent did not cast too much negativity toward her. His fetal attempts of staying far away from her as possible proved his intensifying feelings. His utter denial had only blinded himself in the end. Yuffie would always be the main concern for him, well now anyway.
Ah yes, he would make up for his cruel side of indifference; he had proven so already. After the ball, the memory of neglect would be long forgotten from their minds. True, he had not expected this outcome, but now, he welcomed it fully. His love would be quite surprised by the chancing offer he was about to make. If only, she would accept it.
She would, she had to. With that blissful thought in mind, a small smile etched his pallid-lips. His fiery-eyes grew brightly, imaging the vivid images of him and her together. However, a shrill cry broke his enthused state as it became louder within his mind.
His instinctual incentive drove him out of the camouflaged tent to see the problem. To his horror, he noticed cracked ice and the center shown a struggling Yuffie. 'Damn! I parked upon a frozen lake! God help me, I'm such a fool! Yuffie, my love, hold on!' He thought, as he slid against the frozen surface.
Yuffie cried louder, noticing her guardian advancing to her struggling side. The dark water chilled her like a thousand piercing needles stabbing her body. Her mind ached in unrelenting pain as she tried to speak. The painful thoughts soon faded as she fell deeper within the icy lake, the churning water tugging at her heavy clothes, finally drawing her under even more as she felt her tight grasp on the cracked ice slip.
Her last sight above the chilling water was only the mortified face of her secret lover and the rational thought of not seeing him again…
Yuffie's soul fell victim to the frigid hostility of the cold, liquid prison. Her keen eyesight blurred and finally closed to darkness. The last sane thought before true oblivion was not of her life, nor family, but only the ironic regret of never telling Vincent the truth. Her slender touch of reality collapsed as the icy water enthused her dank soul with bitter thoughts of lonely immortality. The brief thought of being alone drove her dejected soul downward to the bleak depths of her watery grave.
Her feeling had lost its edge not to even notice the strong pair of arms pulling her away from certain ruin. The chilling surface bit at her numb face as a mask of unconsciousness took her from veracity. Her only sight landed upon the face upon a troubled and very worried bodyguard. The comforting realization of her guardian angel pleased her frozen mind that everything would be all right with him be her side. Yes, Vincent would take care of her…
Of course, her dark lover did not hold the same views. Within his stalwart hold, lay his love, his meaning of existence. Invisible tears fell from his crimson orbs as he stealthy strode to the tent. His heart raced with each sinking step, trying to analyze what the next move would be.
He felt the faint breath linger from her frozen-lips. The chilling revelation of her not breathing tore at his mind. The discomforting idea of Yuffie dying in his arms did not go with his mind too well. Closing his bloodstained-eyes, Vincent laid her upon the tope wooly blankets. He quickly cast a fire spell and watched the gentle flicker of the burning flames.
Yuffie did not move as he placed her on the floor, ready to do anything to save her life. Deeply sighing, Vincent angled her body to his and in a brief moment, placed his deadened-lips against her frozen ones. 'My love, I must do this, please understand…' Vincent breathed into her stationary lungs, knowing this brief moment of proximity was nothing of true passion, but necessity. However, the subtle shock of need ran through his chilled body when their lips met. Even though, if it meant to only save her life.
After much anxiety, Vincent finally persuaded her weakened lungs to work. A brief sigh of relief escape his jagged breath as he eyed her shivering form in despair. His widened-eyes noticed the saturated clothing clung that to her like a second skin. The second phase in saving her would regrettably be to remove the soaked garments and allow warmth to envelope her frozen form.
Hesitantly, he began to pull the periwinkle sweater from her chilled limbs, bringing forth new worry. Her pallid skin had taken upon a deeper colour of sallow pigmentation. Her flesh almost looked like a light blue compared to his colourless palour. His eyes traced every detail of her body. Gods, she was beautiful.
His mind briefly stopped his gratuitous wondering as her felt her shuddering. Whispering into an ear, he murmured, "Yuffie, I have to take these clothes off of you. If not, you will have a greater chance of catching hypothermia. I will not allow you to have that, angel."
Clenching his teeth, Vincent unbuttoned her tanned leather pants and hastily pulled a wool blanket over her quivering form. Yuffie still shuddered. Even with her undergarments and thick covering, it was not enough. Vincent knew the blanket would not be enough to prevent her from exposure. With much disinclination, he spoke once more.
"Yuffie, I have to do this, all right? Don't think I'm trying to take…advantage of you. This is only to save you…love." He murmured in a cold ear.
With his human hand, Vincent tore the dark top from his self and hesitantly began to undo his pants. Nothing remained on his disfigured body except for a dark pair of boxer shorts. A jagged sigh escaped him as he tentatively pulled himself against her chilled body. The frail seraph beneath shivered when he touched her with his warm chest. Her chattering teeth echoed within his pained mind when he placed his cheek adjacent to hers. His soul cried when feeling another painful breath she halfheartedly drew.
Vincent cradled her against his oddly warm body, his heat emitted to her needful figure. Water began to fill his bloody-eyes as he rocked her. Yes, he truly felt her chilling pain.
It seemed like an eon had passed but relatively it was only a matter of minutes when he noticed her shivering had not receded. Gods, the exposure to the frozen lake had truly done a number on her. Well, actually, to both of them. He too, was in need of warmth. With their combined heat, both would hopefully survive the ill-timed incident.
"So-so cold!" Yuffie muttered under her quivering breath.
That one remark tore at his demonic heart. No, he could not allow her to feel more pain. The only alternative was at the back of his inundated mind. She would hate him for this and shamefully his last option would be the only way to save her. The tiny fire spell he cast would not be enough to keep her warm, nor would his body-heat.
With a sigh of defeat, Vincent gently pulled her against him. "Yuffie, listen to me very carefully, all right?"
He watched her sapphire-eyes partially open to stare at his concerned visage. Granting that he had her attention, he continued, "Yuffie, whatever form that is beside of you, know that it will not harm you and that I am here with you. I will not leave you, my angel, I promise you. Trust in that, Yuffie, trust in me."
Yuffie slowly nodded as if understanding his firm instructions. With a moan of regret, Vincent sadly closed his eyes and began to call forth his de rigueur relief. 'Creature, once I allow you to surface, know that I have full control over your actions and that you will do all in your power to protect and aid this angel. No harm shall come to her, unless you wish for your untimely end at my whim.' Vincent inwardly addressed a silent individual.
With true hesitation, Vincent squinted his eyes shut and allowed his self-control fall from his mind. The agonizing pain he felt when the duel set of sharp horns and rigged fangs exploding from his weak form made him almost regret his cautious decision. The violet fur covered his nearly nude outline completely as his humanistic features evolved into something more primal.
A scarlet-coloured mane replaced his ebon hair as claws retracted from his newly formed paws. His elongated snout gently nuzzled her shivering shoulder in silent comfort. Even within this damning guise, Vincent still had great control over the Galian Beast. The in-depth look of his other selves proved much useful now. At least, he knew he had more control in this weaker form than the others.
The Galian Beast, would a majority of the time, fall to his command. The weak form was much easier to control than say, Chaos. Vincent gently pulled Yuffie against his furry chest as he began to caress her neck with his dark muzzle. Yes, even in this shape, he could still enjoy the pleasures of touching her. God forbid, she would see him like this…
With that though in mind, Vincent gently moved a damp strand of russet away from her pale face, the small, content smile that crossed her lips soothed his tortured soul. At least, she stopped shivering. His exotic fur would in any case, ensure her existence and give her the chance to live her life, a possible life with him. He could only pray she would look over his hideous appearance and accept such repugnance. If not, he would be doomed to end his life without thought…
Author's Note: I'm terribly sorry this taken a while, I've been quite busy. As you can see, my finals are merely a week away and shamefully I must 'try' (keyword there) to pass them. (Sighs) I hate school; it drains my soul. But anyway, I hope this chapter was not too dull, I realize it is a little short but I don't wish to give anything away until the next chapter. I hope that tidbit is a little suspenseful! (Maybe I can get this fic done before Christmas, who knows?) Well, anyhoo, please let me know what you think. I truly hope my tale is not sucking too much! (LOL!) ^_^;