( None of these belong to me. They are owned by Squaresoft/enix so I would greatly appreciate it if you don't sue me please thanks) This is my second time writing a fic so bear with me, there's prolly a lot of mistakes in here. Lol no flames please. This is a Vincent/Aeris fic. This is a great fic for all you Vincent or Aeris fans out there... ' oh and another thing.. I know that I'm kinda rushing things and I'm telling the story really fast, but bear with me... I swear, I'll go more into depth and the later chapters will get better! ' I hope... oh Marlene is 18 years old in here so =P. This is how she feels about Vincent.
Red Death's Love
-LMG-
(1980 Me by Darren Hayes)
Cyndi lauper
Jackson
Simon le bon
I put Eurythmics on
Popping and locking in the u.s.a
Day Glo sweater tied around my neck
Studded denim
Big hair
Acid wash
Rubik's cube
My boom box
I promise you tonight
All you gotta do is choose life
Got a little crush
I just can't get enough of that stuff
It's such a rush
Parachute pants
Doc martins
Dead can dance
Culture club
The go gofs
Pretty in pink
Pacman
Asteroids
Miami vice
Too early for vanilla ice
Crimping
The poodle perm
And blond highlights
You know its alright
I promise you tonight
All you gotta say is
Have a nice day
I just can't get enough of that stuff
It's such a rush
1980 Me
I wish that I could be eleven again
That E.T was my friend
You know that life was so simple then
Times have changes
Never be the same
The memory remains
And the melody inside my heart
You know its alright
No matter how it goes
All you gotta do is just say no
/
When he got there, the sky was turning red which meant the sun was getting ready to set. It had taken Vincent a good half a day to get there and he was a little tired from traveling. North Corel's appearance had greatly changed since the last time he was here.
The town was livelier than ever and there were actual buildings here. The rail road had been rebuilt and reopened. There were stores everywhere and people were bustling around in a hurry to finish their shopping and get back to their homes.
A lot had progressed over ten years. Vincent asked around town about Barret and Marlene and where they lived. At first people were intimidated by his appearance, but after a minute or two they knew that he mean them no harm. When Vincent was done questioning the towns folk, he had gathered enough information to look for Barret.
Apparently Barret had been elected Mayor of North Corel after the meteor incident. It was Barrets influence that changed the town. He now lived in a manor not far from where Vincent was standing. Vincent made his way over the house.
It was a white house near the edge of town. It was big. Not as big as the shinra mansion, no... but it was still comfortably sized so that it didn't really tower over you formidably. There was a chocobo stable on the pasture behind the house. There was a heavy lock deadbolted to the door of the stable. That's where the gold chocobo is. Barret probably locked it up like that to keep strangers from stealing the rare bird.
Vincent headed for the house. When he knocked on the door a pretty girl answered. He didn't recognize her at first glance, but then he knew by her smile and the familiar brightness in her eyes, it was Marlene.
She was quite mature now. She looked to be about 17 or 18 years of age. By the looks on her face, she remembered who he was. She called out his name and hugged him, which surprised Vincent a great deal, since they only met a couple of times in their lives. He certainly didn't think she would remember him. She invited him in and took him to her father.
Barret Wallace was in his study room fixing his new book shelves when he got the surprise of his life. Vincent Valentine. It had been a long time since he saw the ex-TURK. Vincent's crimson eyes peered out from his pale face. He dropped the piece of hardwood oak from his hands.
Barret was a hard man, and he didn't want to admit that he'd been a bit creeped out by Vincent when they first met. But during their trials, Vincent had proved to be an invincible ally. He even helped to save North Corel during the train crash when Cloud was on hiatus. He saw that Vincent still looked the same, as he did all those years ago, which was very eerie.
Vincent closed his eyes and bowed his head. "It's been a long time Barret Wallace, we are overdue for conversation."
Barret nodded in agreement. "Yeah I know dat..."
He reached back behind his head and scratched. It was a thing he did when he was nervous, and didn't want to show it. Barret left his unfinished project and led Vincent out of the room, and into the living room. Marlene followed behind them close.
The living room was nice and cozy. It was dimly lighted, but there were long satin curtains that draped heavily over the windows. There was a brown easy chair in the room and opposite of it was a long green couch. A small coffee table was planted in front of the couch. There was a big tv at the end of the room as well as small paintings hanging off the walls. A black lacquered piano sat at the opposite end of the Tv.
Barret went over to his favorite easy chair and sat down while Vincent sat the opposite of him on the couch. He placed his black backpack on the floor next to his feet. Marlene plopped down next to Vincent. Her eyes never left Vincent's face.
Vincent quietly observed the new and improved Barret. He had cornrows in his hair and he was dressed in black slacks and a suit and tie. He completely transformed his image from when they last met. Not to mention, a he looked little older as well. There were little streams of grey in his hair. Vincent noted the tiny little wrinkles around the corner of his eyes, and the worry lines creased his forehead, probably from the stress of being mayor.
Barret was a tad uncomfortable with the fact that his daughter was sitting next to Vincent, let alone any man. He especially didn't like the way she jumped when he asked for a drink.
"We have tea that tastes great, and it's really relaxing... I mean.. if you want some.."
"Yes... I would like that please... thankyou..." Vincent said his eyes blinking.
Barret smacked his lips and looked away sulking. After Marlene left the room, Barret scolded Vincent... "Man... whatchu doin comin back here an disruptin our lives like dat? Man.. dat's my baby girl dere!"
Vincent was taken back by the accusation in Barret's voice. He had noticed Marlene's advances... but he never thought about reciprocating them.
"Barret.. I have no interests in your daughter, my interests lie within you and the rest of AVANLANCHE."
Barret knew that Vincent spoke the truth when he said those words... but he still didn't like the fact that Marlene was fumbling over this ... man...
"Well, I know dat... I'm sorry for sayin what I said.... I know it's not yo fault... it's just dat.... She's 18 and...Well... you know..."
Barret didn't have to spell it out for Vincent, he already knew what the big man was implying.
"Barret you know you can't be so overprotective of Marlene, she's bound to fall in love sooner or later... and when the time comes... you'll have to let her go..."
Barret scrunched his face and punched his left fist into his right hand. "I know.. man.. I'm jes wonderin who I'ma kill when da time comes..."
Vincent looked down at his hands and waited for Marlene to return with his drink. Marlene returned with the tea, a few seconds later, her face beaming.
"ah.. I didn't know if you wanted yours with sugar, honey or anything.. so I just poured two spoonfuls of honey into your tea... It tastes better that way.. Oh! And I put milk in there as well... "
Vincent felt strange.. it had been a while since anyone was attracted to him and paid him that kind of attention.
He accepted the tea with good grace and a curt "Thankyou".
Barret drummed his large fingers on the sides of the easy chair. He was fuming while Marlene took her seat next to Vincent.
Barret paused and eyed the dark man curiously. "Hey, Vincent ... what are you doing here of all places? I mean... you leave us all widdout so much as a word, den like a ghost.. you come back... an put da spooks back in our lives.... What's up wit dat?" Vincent took a sip of his tea before answering. It was really sweet, how much honey did Marlene say she used?
Marlene smiled, "how is it?"
"It's fine..." Vincent lied.
He sat there for a moment and pondered about a response to Barret's question. He really didn't know why he was back, or why he was visiting his friends, maybe it's because you're lonely? A little voice in his head told him. Vincent brushed it aside. Finally he answered while Barret looked on patiently.
"I guess, I don't really know myself why I'm here Barret, I just felt like I had to come by and see you...." He said quietly.
Barret didn't know what Vincent was up to, but he knew Vincent well enough to understand ... that noone could comprehend Vincent and if they did... that meant that they were messed up themselves. Man that asshole Hojo, done fucked him up over dere... Barret thought as his eyes rested upon Vincent's claw.
Vincent asked Barret about his current position and that of AVALANCHE. Barret told him about becoming mayor, and how hard he's worked to change everything around. He talked about Marlene and how she was attending college in Midgar University. Reeve was going to help her in and he even had a place set up for her to stay. Barret had been against the whole idea from the start, he didn't want Marlene venturing off to the city.
He preferred it if she stayed in North Corel instead and helped him in his governing position. Marlene had helped influenced the town as much as Barret. In a way she had helped inspire Barret to become a good Mayor. But much to his dismay, he knew that he couldn't hold Marlene here for long. There was a certain hunger in her eyes for adventure. Barret was certainly going to miss his baby girl when she goes away. He might even cry.
Vincent was quite curious about Cloud when Cid mentioned him earlier. Vincent forgot to ask Cid about him. He was also curious about Red 13 as well. Both Cloud and Red were the only two friends that understood Vincent. They were all test subject at one point. Hojo went so far as to inject Cloud with Jenova cells. Not only that, but Cloud also got mako poisoning when he got too close to the life stream. He was incapacitated for a while and Cid took up the role as leader. Vincent remembered it all like it was yesterday.
Vincent asked if Barret kept in contact with Cloud or Red. Barret nodded. Red 13 was living in Cosmo Canyon watching over his grandfather, Bugenhagen. Barret and Marlene visited him every once in a blue moon. Cloud? Cloud traveled around a lot. He'd come and visit them just to see how things were. Tifa would come and visit them too, but she was always looking for Cloud. After Aeris died, Cloud was never the same. He really loved her.
After meteor, Cloud was always moving around a lot. No one knew where to find him. Cloud was trying to find a way of reviving Aeris, but he couldn't find anything. He lived with Red 13 at Cosmo Canyon for two years and tried to research more about the life-stream and the promise land. But to no avail. Sadly, Aeris was gone, and there was no way to bring her back.
After that, Cloud returned to Midgar, where he ran into Tifa. The two decided to move in together five years ago. Barret didn't know if they still were together. He hadn't spoken to either Cloud or Tifa, because he had been so busy trying to change North Corel. Last he heard, they were running an inn together in Kalm, but then that was 5 years ago.
Barret asked Vincent about his life after meteor. Vincent didn't tell him much, only that he went back to his coffin and rested.
That was a little too much for Barret, so he changed the subject. "So you got a misses?"
Marlene's ears pricked up.
Vincent shook his head no. "You?"
Barret shook his head no as well. "Nope, dere'll be no one fo me... I'm too busy wit dese blueprints fo da town... I ain't got time fo marriage o nutin...".
Marlene wanted her father to get remarried, but she knew that it was probably for the best that he didn't for now. Besides, the town really needed his full attention, and it wouldn't get that if Barret was "distracted" with a new wife.
When Barret asked Vincent about how he found him, Vincent told him about his visit with Cid.
The black man chuckled when Vincent told him about Cid's children. "HAha... I didn't dink dat old scoundrel had it in him... wow.... Three kids..".
Vincent nodded. "Yes, Cid seemed quite content with his life..." He placed the empty tea cup on the small coffee table in front of him.
Vincent asked Barret about the gold chocobo. Barret nodded his head towards Marlene. "I dunno man, you have to ask her...".
Vincent shifted himself towards Marlene. The girl straightened herself and brushed her dark hair behind her ears. "Would it be alright if I borrow your Gold chocobo? I promise to return it, after I'm finished..".
Marlene smiled shyly at Vincent's request. She was blushing. Vincent could hear Barret cracking his knuckles, but ignored him. "It's ok Vincent... you don't have to ask... as a matter of fact.. you can have it...". She looked up at him through her lashes.
Barret put his foot down and yelled. "Say what? You gonna jes give dat bird up like dat?"
Marlene stopped him. "Dad, it's just Vincent, who's using it... and ... he needs it more than I do... besides, if Vincent doesn't take the bird, than he'll just be sitting in the stable all the time.. I can't take the bird out any more.. he's become too unpredictable".
Barret scowled. He knew that it was hard for Marlene to tame the feathered beast. Chocobo's only wanted master's who they felt were worthy enough to handle them. Cloud had given the gold chocobo to her as a gift on her 13th birthday. At first Marlene was doing alright because the bird had been tamed by Cloud, but when the Gold chocobo realized that Cloud was not its owner anymore, it became unstable. Nobody could've guess what would happen next.
Marlene was participating in a chocobo race. One of the riders got too close to it, and the chocobo became mad. It almost threw Marlene off it's back, which would have killed her, because of the speed at which they were traveling. Barret was furious and wanted to kill that thing, but Marlene stopped him.
Cloud wouldn't have given the bird to Marlene if he knew it would react like that. He even tried to take the bird back, but Marlene told him not to. She wanted to give it another try before giving up the creature.
From that day forward, Barret has kept the beast locked and hidden away, for fear that it would hurt Marlene. Secretly, Marlene would visit the bird at night and fed it but she never got close to the animal, else it would kick her.
Barret rubbed his chin. "Well, when ya put it like dat... I guess he can keep it.. but..." Barret pointed at Vincent. "You be careful.. that thing is dangerous.. ain't no one can touch him or get near him 'cept that spikey headed foo...".
Vincent knew he meant Cloud. Vincent bowed his head graciously. "Thankyou...".
It was late and the sun had long disappeared behind the horizon. Marlene asked Vincent where he was going to stay.
Vincent replied, "Well, I passed an old inn before I came here, I was thinking about staying there for the night, and heading out in the morning."
Barret clapped his hands and rubbed them together. "Well.. now dat dat's setteled, it's gettin dark so you might as well be off yo way..". He tried ushering Vincent out.
Marlene stopped him and frowned at her father. "Daddy.. I can't believe you!!! Vincent is our friend... and tonight he shall be our guest... I mean it's only right... don't you think so?"
Vincent shook his head no. "I'm sorry I don't want to impose any longer than I have to...."
Marlene waved her hand. "No, you're not imposing Vincent...Is he daddy?" She asked Barret with puppy dog eyes.
Barret's eyebrow twitched. Man.. Vincent in his house...with Marlene? He didn't want Vincent to stay, but he could never say no to Marlene, so he relented much to Marelene's delight. She threw her arms over Barret's hulking shoulders and grabbed Vincent's hand.
Before Vincent or Barret could protest, she dragged him up the stairs. "Daddy! Can you bring up Vincent's things?! I'm going to show him around so he doesn't get lost!!"
Barret's eyes bulged...
Vincent argued weakly. "I don't really need any help really...".
Marlene interrupted him playfully. "Nonsense, I have to show you around! Don't you trust me?"
Barret tried to say something but the two had already gone.
"Great, so now what? I'm room service?"
He grumbled obscenities under his breath and grabbed Vincent's bag.