You know the routine by now I hope. I don't own the characters, the game, or rights thereto. I do own a copy of FF VII and the soundtrack, but nothing more.
The next morning, Yuffie woke up in a great mood. That hadn't happened in years, since before her mother died. Dressing quickly, Yuffie walked out of the bedroom and looked out the window. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shinning, the birds singing. How clique, Yuffie thought and laughed quietly. Turning around, Yuffie saw Vincent in one of the chairs in the lounging area. She almost said good morning, but she saw he was asleep.
"Well what do you know? He does sleep after all. Poor guy probably needs it. Maybe I'll fix something for breakfast. I better go out and get some supplies while I'm at it. Awww, he's so cute when he's sleeping. No, none of that."
Yuffie caught herself before it went too far. She had read once that basic female instincts dictated that a woman would sense pain in a male and try to nurse him back to health. This sometimes would lead the patient, or women, to misinterpret the gesture as love. And while Yuffie agreed that that was true for the most part, she also knew that it wouldn't happen to her. And what am I thinking here? Vincent is a friend, nothing more. Just because he's messed up doesn't mean that I have to help him. He's the one who's going to be dragging me along on some damn trip to find Cloud.
While Yuffie was lost in her thoughts, before she knew it she was outside and heading towards the marketplace. She had lost track of her rage sometime after she picked out some fresh fruit. An hour later, Yuffie returned to the villa, her arms loaded with groceries. Checking on Vincent, Yuffie noticed claw marks in the chair. He must have been real upset over something to leave those, especially since they're on the right side. Turning away, Yuffie started to unpack a few consumables and began to make breakfast.
Vincent awoke with a start. It was the first time he had slept in a long time. What was more amazing for him was the complete lack of nightmares. That hadn't happened in years, not since the research mission with Lucrecia. That's why, Vincent thought, it was all a nightmare. Nothing ever happened to Lucrecia. He had never met Cloud, the others, or Yuffie. Sephiroth wasn't born yet, the world wasn't in danger, but Hojo was still alive. Damn. Five out of six ain't that bad. Maybe I'll kill him for shooting me; wait, that hasn't happened yet. While he woke up refreshed, Vincent didn't wake up feeling better. As he looked around, Vincent took in the provisions. Who got those? Must have been Yuffie. Quickly Vincent checked his wallet; it was still there and had the same amount of Gil as the night before. Now why had he done that? Oh yeah, Yuffie. But she wasn't born yet. Now why did that bother him? Maybe it wasn't important. Vincent realized that his head was throbbing and decided that something to eat would make him feel better. As Vincent walked to the kitchen, he caught the smell of breakfast cooking. Opening the door, Vincent was greeted by a vision of his lost love, Lucrecia.
Yuffie was finishing the pancakes for breakfast when Vincent walked in. Yuffie turned to greet him. He seemed a little off. Maybe he's not a morning person. He might even be so unused to sleeping that waking up is a problem, Yuffie thought with a giggle.
"Good morning sleepyhead. Good thing you woke up or I would have had to waken you. Hey, what's wrong?"
Vincent shook his head trying to clear his head. Everything seemed wrong, like he was seeing an illusion. Maybe it was just him. That's it. He wasn't used to sleeping without nightmares. Vincent shook his head again and offered a big smile.
"Vincent! What's that on your face?"
"What? I'm just smiling. It's hard not to when you're around."
Yuffie blushed crimson. It seemed weird, having a comment like that come from Vincent. Even though it was really out of character of Vincent to say anything, anywhere close to a compliment, Yuffie didn't really care. It brought back memories of long ago, of playing with her mother as a child. Warm happy memories, full of love and caring. Yuffie was caught off guard when Vincent put his arms around her, pulling her into a close embrace. She snapped out of memories and into the present with a start.
"V-v-vincent?"
"What is it, my dear?"
"Um, well, could you, um, well stop? The pancakes are burning."
"Oh, sorry Lucrecia."
At that instant, Yuffie felt her heart shatter. He thought she was someone else. Her sorrow was replaced by rage faster than a bolt of greased lightning. Her anger hit it's peak and incited a limit break.
"All Creation!"
Vincent was struck, full on, by the ray of luminescent light. He rode the beam across the room, through the kitchen door and was pinned against the wall. As the limit faded, Vincent fell to the floor. Yuffie slid to her knees, exhausted. Still ill as she was, she had put everything into the blast.
"That'll show him, toying with a woman's heart. Hope he's not dead yet, so I can do it again."
Yuffie fell into a slump. To say the least, the pancakes were burnt.
Yuffie was leading the way up the foothills of Mt. Corral; Vincent was walking behind, carrying the supplies. The duo had made good time since that morning, and was lucky enough to have avoided many battles out on the sloping plains. It was probably because no creature with enough wits wanted to disturb the obvious quarrel that was taking place.
"I said I was sorry. How many times will I have to say it before you believe me?"
"More times than you could ever possibly say it."
"Do I have to explain it again? I didn't know what I was doing. I thought I was still asleep. I didn't mean whatever it is I said. What did I say?"
"You called me Lucrecia, you lecherous jerk."
Vincent winced. Yuffie could tell that one hurt.
"What? You don't like being called a lecher? Or maybe it's calling me Lucrecia?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"So why? Why would you call me Lucrecia? She was Sephiroth's mother. So tell me why you called me her?"
"Why should I?" Vincent said defensively. "It's no business of yours."
"If you don't tell me, I won't go."
"Go? Go where?"
Yuffie stopped and turned around.
"To wherever Cloud is, that's where. Now unless you want to tell me why, you'll have to break your promise. And I know you; you're too honorable to do that. So tell me."
Vincent stopped in front of her. She was right. He had made a promise to Cloud and he was honor bound to keep it. But he couldn't just tell Yuffie the truth. Vincent struggled with the inevitable before giving in.
"Because you look like her."
Vincent walked up hill past the stunned Yuffie. Yuffie herself couldn't believe it. He had been acting stranger than usual because she looked like Lucrecia. A women he was still hung up over. That put things in a whole new light.
"What were you thinking? Thinking I'm some sort of substitute? You inhuman jackass! How dare you fool around with a woman's feelings! How could you? Are you listening to me? Are you? Answer me before I get really angry."
Vincent bore the full brunt of Yuffie's anger. It would be a long time before she calmed down. But, he knew he deserved it. He deserved it for his lapse of self-control. For bringing Yuffie into his world of pain. She did not deserve it. And you do? Said a little voice in the back of his mind. Do you deserve such pain? Vincent paid the voice no heed as he continued his trek, always listening to Yuffie scold him. Somewhere, in Vincent's sub-conscious, another notch was cut, bringing his anger ever closer to the breaking point.
A few days later, as night was falling, Vincent was setting up his tent and thinking. In the few days since Yuffie had dragged the truth out of him, it had slowly gotten better. The turning point was when monsters had started to attack, forcing them to put aside their problems for a little bit. Eventually, Yuffie stopped trying to yell and started to give Vincent the silent treatment. Vincent looked over to where Yuffie was trying to set up her own tent. She wasn't having much luck. Maybe I should go over and help her. No, bad idea. Yuffie was liable to take offense and start yelling at him again. Vincent looked to the sky. It looked like it was going to rain soon. And with the mountain paths as unstable as they already were, rain would make it difficult at best to move forward. Finishing his tent, Vincent looked back over to Yuffie, who was far from finished. What I would give to know what she's thinking right now.
What I would give to know what he's thinking right now. Yuffie was frustrated. She hated the tent that kept falling over, she hated Vincent for not helping her, and she hated Cloud for starting this damn quest in the first place. On top of that it looked like rain. Meaning no fires, no hot meals, no watching the campfire die with Vincent. Poor Vincent, he must think I'm giving him the silent treatment. Unknown to Vincent, Yuffie had gotten over his mistake days ago. The problem was, was that she had shouted herself hoarse before then. So she couldn't really say anything, much less an apology. Still struggling, Yuffie stood up and walked away from the impossible tent. She clapped her hands to get Vincent's attention.
"Yes Yuffie?"
Yuffie used most of her sign language to try and tell Vincent to help her with her tent. Vincent got the general idea of what to do and finished quickly. Yuffie watched in admiration as Vincent worked. So that's how that worked, I thought the pole went to the side. He's so smart, I probably would never of figured it out. When Vincent completed putting up the tent, he stood up. Yuffie saw what could almost be considered a smile on his face. It quickly disappeared as Vincent started work on the fire.
Later, Yuffie watched the fire slowly die down. Vincent had sat the entire evening on the other side. She used to hate campfires; they always brought back sad memories. Now she had a few pleasant ones to balance things out. Yuffie let her thoughts wander. She remembered the fire in Cosmo Canyon with everyone sitting round. She thought back to when she first met Vincent in the Shinra mansion. She relived her victories in the Pagoda of Five Gods. Vincent had given her a tight smile when she had beaten her father. She thought back to every time Vincent had passed her on the Highwind. He had always stopped and listened to her try to legally rob the group blind, never falling for it. Yuffie let her mind slow down before letting it drift off to sleep.
Vincent watched the fire slowly die. He too, was thinking back. To all the times he had failed his friends. When he wasn't fast enough, when he wasn't strong enough. He re-lived each look everyone gave him when he had failed. I seem to be a curse to everyone I know. A plague to all I come in contact with. Slowly, more memories came to him. The death of Hojo, who had nearly doomed the world with his insanity. When he had helped take down Ultima Weapon. When Yuffie had given him a huge smile, trying to show she wasn't sick on the Highwind. When he had won a stuffed toy for her at the Gold Saucer and she had given him a hug. Vincent's mind returned to the present in time to see the fire die. Looking over to Yuffie, he saw that she had fallen asleep.
"Yuffie? It's time to go to bed. Yuffie?"
When Yuffie did not stir, Vincent picked himself up and walked over. As carefully as possible, so as to not wake her, Vincent picked her up and walked over to her tent. At the door flap, Yuffie stirred. Freezing, Vincent waited for Yuffie to wake up or go back to sleep. Yuffie blinked her eyes and yawned. She looked up at Vincent with a dreamy expression on her face.
"Thanks Vince. You're so sweet."
Yuffie fell back to sleep, nuzzling herself into Vincent's chest. Vincent's brain shorted out and his body went into automatic. Gently putting Yuffie into her tent, Vincent stiffly returned to his own. Eventually, cohesive thought returned. Try as he might, he could not make the feelings disappear. Nor could he wish them away. You know, said the little voice in his head, I think Yuffie kinda likes you. She seems to have a unique way of showing it, Vincent answered. Well, the same seems to go for you as well. Who are you? I'm you. Not much of an answer. Not much of a question. You should get some sleep. You could use it. Sleep did came at last, sending him into a realm of dreams he could not remember when he woke up. Somewhere in his mind, another notch was cut.
Please Read & Review. Criticisms are accepted, but flames will be blamed on Mrs. O'Leary's cow.
The next morning, Yuffie woke up in a great mood. That hadn't happened in years, since before her mother died. Dressing quickly, Yuffie walked out of the bedroom and looked out the window. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shinning, the birds singing. How clique, Yuffie thought and laughed quietly. Turning around, Yuffie saw Vincent in one of the chairs in the lounging area. She almost said good morning, but she saw he was asleep.
"Well what do you know? He does sleep after all. Poor guy probably needs it. Maybe I'll fix something for breakfast. I better go out and get some supplies while I'm at it. Awww, he's so cute when he's sleeping. No, none of that."
Yuffie caught herself before it went too far. She had read once that basic female instincts dictated that a woman would sense pain in a male and try to nurse him back to health. This sometimes would lead the patient, or women, to misinterpret the gesture as love. And while Yuffie agreed that that was true for the most part, she also knew that it wouldn't happen to her. And what am I thinking here? Vincent is a friend, nothing more. Just because he's messed up doesn't mean that I have to help him. He's the one who's going to be dragging me along on some damn trip to find Cloud.
While Yuffie was lost in her thoughts, before she knew it she was outside and heading towards the marketplace. She had lost track of her rage sometime after she picked out some fresh fruit. An hour later, Yuffie returned to the villa, her arms loaded with groceries. Checking on Vincent, Yuffie noticed claw marks in the chair. He must have been real upset over something to leave those, especially since they're on the right side. Turning away, Yuffie started to unpack a few consumables and began to make breakfast.
Vincent awoke with a start. It was the first time he had slept in a long time. What was more amazing for him was the complete lack of nightmares. That hadn't happened in years, not since the research mission with Lucrecia. That's why, Vincent thought, it was all a nightmare. Nothing ever happened to Lucrecia. He had never met Cloud, the others, or Yuffie. Sephiroth wasn't born yet, the world wasn't in danger, but Hojo was still alive. Damn. Five out of six ain't that bad. Maybe I'll kill him for shooting me; wait, that hasn't happened yet. While he woke up refreshed, Vincent didn't wake up feeling better. As he looked around, Vincent took in the provisions. Who got those? Must have been Yuffie. Quickly Vincent checked his wallet; it was still there and had the same amount of Gil as the night before. Now why had he done that? Oh yeah, Yuffie. But she wasn't born yet. Now why did that bother him? Maybe it wasn't important. Vincent realized that his head was throbbing and decided that something to eat would make him feel better. As Vincent walked to the kitchen, he caught the smell of breakfast cooking. Opening the door, Vincent was greeted by a vision of his lost love, Lucrecia.
Yuffie was finishing the pancakes for breakfast when Vincent walked in. Yuffie turned to greet him. He seemed a little off. Maybe he's not a morning person. He might even be so unused to sleeping that waking up is a problem, Yuffie thought with a giggle.
"Good morning sleepyhead. Good thing you woke up or I would have had to waken you. Hey, what's wrong?"
Vincent shook his head trying to clear his head. Everything seemed wrong, like he was seeing an illusion. Maybe it was just him. That's it. He wasn't used to sleeping without nightmares. Vincent shook his head again and offered a big smile.
"Vincent! What's that on your face?"
"What? I'm just smiling. It's hard not to when you're around."
Yuffie blushed crimson. It seemed weird, having a comment like that come from Vincent. Even though it was really out of character of Vincent to say anything, anywhere close to a compliment, Yuffie didn't really care. It brought back memories of long ago, of playing with her mother as a child. Warm happy memories, full of love and caring. Yuffie was caught off guard when Vincent put his arms around her, pulling her into a close embrace. She snapped out of memories and into the present with a start.
"V-v-vincent?"
"What is it, my dear?"
"Um, well, could you, um, well stop? The pancakes are burning."
"Oh, sorry Lucrecia."
At that instant, Yuffie felt her heart shatter. He thought she was someone else. Her sorrow was replaced by rage faster than a bolt of greased lightning. Her anger hit it's peak and incited a limit break.
"All Creation!"
Vincent was struck, full on, by the ray of luminescent light. He rode the beam across the room, through the kitchen door and was pinned against the wall. As the limit faded, Vincent fell to the floor. Yuffie slid to her knees, exhausted. Still ill as she was, she had put everything into the blast.
"That'll show him, toying with a woman's heart. Hope he's not dead yet, so I can do it again."
Yuffie fell into a slump. To say the least, the pancakes were burnt.
Yuffie was leading the way up the foothills of Mt. Corral; Vincent was walking behind, carrying the supplies. The duo had made good time since that morning, and was lucky enough to have avoided many battles out on the sloping plains. It was probably because no creature with enough wits wanted to disturb the obvious quarrel that was taking place.
"I said I was sorry. How many times will I have to say it before you believe me?"
"More times than you could ever possibly say it."
"Do I have to explain it again? I didn't know what I was doing. I thought I was still asleep. I didn't mean whatever it is I said. What did I say?"
"You called me Lucrecia, you lecherous jerk."
Vincent winced. Yuffie could tell that one hurt.
"What? You don't like being called a lecher? Or maybe it's calling me Lucrecia?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"So why? Why would you call me Lucrecia? She was Sephiroth's mother. So tell me why you called me her?"
"Why should I?" Vincent said defensively. "It's no business of yours."
"If you don't tell me, I won't go."
"Go? Go where?"
Yuffie stopped and turned around.
"To wherever Cloud is, that's where. Now unless you want to tell me why, you'll have to break your promise. And I know you; you're too honorable to do that. So tell me."
Vincent stopped in front of her. She was right. He had made a promise to Cloud and he was honor bound to keep it. But he couldn't just tell Yuffie the truth. Vincent struggled with the inevitable before giving in.
"Because you look like her."
Vincent walked up hill past the stunned Yuffie. Yuffie herself couldn't believe it. He had been acting stranger than usual because she looked like Lucrecia. A women he was still hung up over. That put things in a whole new light.
"What were you thinking? Thinking I'm some sort of substitute? You inhuman jackass! How dare you fool around with a woman's feelings! How could you? Are you listening to me? Are you? Answer me before I get really angry."
Vincent bore the full brunt of Yuffie's anger. It would be a long time before she calmed down. But, he knew he deserved it. He deserved it for his lapse of self-control. For bringing Yuffie into his world of pain. She did not deserve it. And you do? Said a little voice in the back of his mind. Do you deserve such pain? Vincent paid the voice no heed as he continued his trek, always listening to Yuffie scold him. Somewhere, in Vincent's sub-conscious, another notch was cut, bringing his anger ever closer to the breaking point.
A few days later, as night was falling, Vincent was setting up his tent and thinking. In the few days since Yuffie had dragged the truth out of him, it had slowly gotten better. The turning point was when monsters had started to attack, forcing them to put aside their problems for a little bit. Eventually, Yuffie stopped trying to yell and started to give Vincent the silent treatment. Vincent looked over to where Yuffie was trying to set up her own tent. She wasn't having much luck. Maybe I should go over and help her. No, bad idea. Yuffie was liable to take offense and start yelling at him again. Vincent looked to the sky. It looked like it was going to rain soon. And with the mountain paths as unstable as they already were, rain would make it difficult at best to move forward. Finishing his tent, Vincent looked back over to Yuffie, who was far from finished. What I would give to know what she's thinking right now.
What I would give to know what he's thinking right now. Yuffie was frustrated. She hated the tent that kept falling over, she hated Vincent for not helping her, and she hated Cloud for starting this damn quest in the first place. On top of that it looked like rain. Meaning no fires, no hot meals, no watching the campfire die with Vincent. Poor Vincent, he must think I'm giving him the silent treatment. Unknown to Vincent, Yuffie had gotten over his mistake days ago. The problem was, was that she had shouted herself hoarse before then. So she couldn't really say anything, much less an apology. Still struggling, Yuffie stood up and walked away from the impossible tent. She clapped her hands to get Vincent's attention.
"Yes Yuffie?"
Yuffie used most of her sign language to try and tell Vincent to help her with her tent. Vincent got the general idea of what to do and finished quickly. Yuffie watched in admiration as Vincent worked. So that's how that worked, I thought the pole went to the side. He's so smart, I probably would never of figured it out. When Vincent completed putting up the tent, he stood up. Yuffie saw what could almost be considered a smile on his face. It quickly disappeared as Vincent started work on the fire.
Later, Yuffie watched the fire slowly die down. Vincent had sat the entire evening on the other side. She used to hate campfires; they always brought back sad memories. Now she had a few pleasant ones to balance things out. Yuffie let her thoughts wander. She remembered the fire in Cosmo Canyon with everyone sitting round. She thought back to when she first met Vincent in the Shinra mansion. She relived her victories in the Pagoda of Five Gods. Vincent had given her a tight smile when she had beaten her father. She thought back to every time Vincent had passed her on the Highwind. He had always stopped and listened to her try to legally rob the group blind, never falling for it. Yuffie let her mind slow down before letting it drift off to sleep.
Vincent watched the fire slowly die. He too, was thinking back. To all the times he had failed his friends. When he wasn't fast enough, when he wasn't strong enough. He re-lived each look everyone gave him when he had failed. I seem to be a curse to everyone I know. A plague to all I come in contact with. Slowly, more memories came to him. The death of Hojo, who had nearly doomed the world with his insanity. When he had helped take down Ultima Weapon. When Yuffie had given him a huge smile, trying to show she wasn't sick on the Highwind. When he had won a stuffed toy for her at the Gold Saucer and she had given him a hug. Vincent's mind returned to the present in time to see the fire die. Looking over to Yuffie, he saw that she had fallen asleep.
"Yuffie? It's time to go to bed. Yuffie?"
When Yuffie did not stir, Vincent picked himself up and walked over. As carefully as possible, so as to not wake her, Vincent picked her up and walked over to her tent. At the door flap, Yuffie stirred. Freezing, Vincent waited for Yuffie to wake up or go back to sleep. Yuffie blinked her eyes and yawned. She looked up at Vincent with a dreamy expression on her face.
"Thanks Vince. You're so sweet."
Yuffie fell back to sleep, nuzzling herself into Vincent's chest. Vincent's brain shorted out and his body went into automatic. Gently putting Yuffie into her tent, Vincent stiffly returned to his own. Eventually, cohesive thought returned. Try as he might, he could not make the feelings disappear. Nor could he wish them away. You know, said the little voice in his head, I think Yuffie kinda likes you. She seems to have a unique way of showing it, Vincent answered. Well, the same seems to go for you as well. Who are you? I'm you. Not much of an answer. Not much of a question. You should get some sleep. You could use it. Sleep did came at last, sending him into a realm of dreams he could not remember when he woke up. Somewhere in his mind, another notch was cut.
Please Read & Review. Criticisms are accepted, but flames will be blamed on Mrs. O'Leary's cow.
