Due to the demand, I have labeled the different sections of the story.

Not only that...but this chapter also seems to be a bit longer, too!

I think it's the best so far, but only you can judge.

Also, sorry about the cliffhanger at the end. I will be writing my chappie during my shift at work tomorrow 0. Whenever I get the chance, that is...

Enjoy.

Chapter 7: Facing Demons

(Vincent's Story)

I was once again sitting by myself. This time, I found myself sitting on a rock face, looking out over Cosmo Canyon. I was thinking about the previous night I had spent talking with Isako on the balcony of the highwind. It felt like this was the first time I had to really concentrate on it all. Certain snipets of the conversation kept invading my mind. Isako was a kind-hearted being. Sometimes the way she acted truly reminded me of Aerith. It was all in her nature, and manners.

On one hand, she was caring, and saw the good in you. That was Aerith. In the other hand, she was brash, almost aggresive, but in a shy sort of way. That, was uniquely Isako. She was very contemplative, and very deep thinking. That was Aerith. At the same time, she was also open about her thoughts, about her mysterious link to the planet. That was essentially Isako.

My mind was wandering on the topic of Isako a lot lately. That was no doubt. But the reason nagged my mind.

Then it struck me. My eyes widened, as I gazed out at the forest, far off from where I was sitting. I was attracted to her. It was painfully obvious, now that I thought about it.

First off, my instant interest, and nagging mind to find out more about her. That was my lust. The talk we had on the bridge...that was where it changed into something more. Something a little deeper. An attraction.

I shifted my body weight uncomfortably before standing up to pace a little.

I couldn't bring this up in any normal conversation....it just...I couldn't be sure I wouldn't be hurt in the process.

"What's got you eaten up this time?" a voice said, suddenly, from behind me, startling me for the second time, since our meeting.

I turned around, and observed the female that was standing in the rock opening. Tonight, she wore a spahgetti strapped tank top that was blood red, with a black trim around the top. There was a choker around her neck, which had a silver cross hanging from the center. She wore a longer skirt, this evening, which was black in color, and had a slit going up the left side, to reveal she wore the same boots as always.

I smiled, and quickly shook my head. I turned around, and sat on the edge of the rock landing, with one leg propped up, with my arm resting on it. The other leg dangled over the edge, "I'm not eaten up about anything." I said, calmly, hoping she would leave it at that. Of course, I knew she wouldn't....but it was worth a shot.

(Isako's Story)

He stood pacing the rock landing, as I peered at him from the shadows of the doorway. I smiled. He looked troubled, but I could tell it wasn't anything too serious. I couldn't stand here forever, he'd realize I was watching him, eventually, so I stepped forward, "What's got you eaten up this time?" I chuckled, light-heatedly, and moved forward slightly, still smiling as he looked back at me startled.

It seemed that I was the only one who could catch the quiet man off guard. I giggled lightly.

I walked forward a bit more, and watched intently as he scanned my appearance. I noticed that his gaze fell on my neck for a rather long period of time.

Quickly, he shook his head, and sat back down on the edge of the rockface, "I'm not eaten up about anything." his calm facade pushed through, making it unclear to me, whether he was being truthful with me or not....I had an inkling it was the latter.

I stepped forward, and sat next to him, shifting my skirt, as I did, so it wouldn't show off too much of my thigh, "I have a feeling that something's on your mind...and that you're very uncomfortable around me. Vincent..." I said, speaking his name sweetly, pausing to watch his reaction, "What is it? You know you can tell me..."

He sighed, "I don't think I can explain the situation to you clearly enough. I'd like to..." he paused, taking a deep breath, exhaling, then another breath. He continued, "I'm not sure I could deal with the consequences I've thought about..."

I took in a sharp breath, making it sound almost like a hiss, "What could be so damned bad, that you couldn't confide in me?" I asked, poking him in the shoulder playfully.

His gaze softened, and moved upwards, from it's spot on his lap, to look in my eyes.

I blushed, and lowered my hand in embarrassment. His gaze, once it met mine, caused me to melt inside. This was becoming extremely difficult to overcome, so I lowered my head to hide my flushing face.

I felt his hand slide underneath my chin, and lift my head to look in his eyes once more, "Isako..." he whispered.

My blush deepened, and shyly, I managed to choke out, "Y-yes?"

He smiled, and leaned forward, "I think you do understand." he whispered, leaning closly to my ear.

I shivered. His breath against the side of my face was warm, and sensual. He moved back enough to look into my eyes again, which now were dazed. I focused them enough, to look back at him.

"Vincent...I..." I began, stopping, and sighing. I dropped my gaze, shyly, and began to play with the material of my skirt.

"Isako...I'm..." he said slowly, moving his hand from beneath my chin, and moving up to carress my cheek.

This felt horribly awkward. I couldn't believe it was happening, quite frankly. Never had I dreamed he would be so affectionate towards me. Never had I dreamed that he would return any feelings that I had for him back to me.

I gasped as he leaned closer towards me, and touched his lips gently to mine. I was shocked at first, and didn't dare move. More than likely a fright from waking from this heaven I had fallen into. Once I felt his tongue flick playfully across my upper lip, I couldn't help myself from finally snapping out of my shock, and pressing my lips against his, forming an intimate bond.

His hand slid to the base of my neck, and his other slid around my waist to pull me closer. My body shivered again, in delight.

I wasn't alone anymore.

(3rd Person POV)

Their lips parted, and they stared into each other's eyes for a few moments, before Vincent decided to speak, "I haven't destroyed anything...have I?" his voice was unsure about the action he had just taken. He moved backwards a bit, to look at Isako better.

She shook her head, still feeling speechless, "I..." she stuttered, finally finding her mind falling back towards earth, "No.." she sighed, with a smile, "I've...felt the same way for quite a while myself now...."

His eyes widened, slightly at what Isako said. Never had he imagined she would return the feeling of affection he had discovered he held for her. He would never have noticed. Despite his ability to read people like books, he found it difficult to understand how she felt. He smiled warmly, and a small blush rose to his cheeks.

Isako chuckled, "What are you blushing for?" she poked him in the shoulder playfully, and giggled.

His smile broadened, "I never thought something like affection could ever bring me the happiness I've longed for. I never thought that caring for another would fill the gaping hole which consumed my heart until the moment I met you. There was just something about your prescence I found to be .." he paused to think for a moment, turning his gaze upwards, "to be comforting, and more than that... fufilling."

Isako sighed, "I'm not alone anymore." she said happily, moving forward swiftly, to pull Vincent into an embrace, "Sis will be very happy for me."

Vincent looked down at her, in surprise, "Sis?" he asked in shock.

Isako blushed deeply, while her head lay on Vincent's chest, "I was going to tell you about her..." she said shyly. "I was going to tell you all, actually..."

Vincent held her shoulders, and pulled her back from him to look at her intently, "You didn't say you had family..." he said, observing her body language. His eyes watched her face intently, it showed she was obviously struggling to tell him. But something about what she had to say scared her. Something held her back. "What is it, Isako?"

She relaxed, as his gentle tone rang in her ears, "I did .. have family ..." she said slowly, "Though....I only know of them in death..."

Vincent's gaze remained fixated on her, "Would you rather explain it to the whole group at once?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, inquisitively.

She nodded silently, and moved to stand on her feet, "I just wanted to wait until everyone had come to accept me first, though....I fear things will become harder for me to fit into the group as a seperate individual." she explained, as they headed inside the large, hollowed mountain, and made their way down towards the bonfire, where the rest of the group sat, and talked amongst each other.

"I'm sure they'll understand...It's not like you have some deep, dark secret, Isako. Nothing can be that bad, that they won't accept you." he started, as they made their descent down a narrow staircase, and out onto the base of the mountain, "As I already said. The acceptance of my friends will come in time."

Isako remained silent. She wasn't so sure about what Vincent had to say. Not about this.

They walked closer to the group, and everyone's attention fixated on the couple.

"Uhmm..." Isako started nervously, "I have something that I need to tell you all..."