Disclaimer: Really, must we go through this again and again?

A/N: Wow, thanks everyone for reviewing! I'm really glad I got bout 4 or 5 reviews off that one chapter, its really nice seeing people actually reading my work! And my first one at that! I might be starting another fanfic sometime, not sure yet, but I was inspired by High School Blues to write a story about the team's day's at school. Maybe a Humor/Action with a hint of Ticent and Clois. Maybe. Sorry bout that wait for this chapter and it being short and slow, I have Cross Country twice everyday for the next two weeks and its exhausting. Anyhow, I'll try to update as soon as possible, thanks to the following people:

BabyGurl278 - Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like the story!
YokoShippo - Haha funny reviews! I'm glad you enjoy the story, I actually think your comments helped other people review, so thank you! And a Ticent fan, eh? Whoo hoo, Tif and Vince all the way! Actually, on a little side note, I went to check your published work when I discovered halfway through it that I have read it before! I was laughing so hard when I saw it, I believe I saw it on a site titled 'The Lair of Vincent Valentine' or 'Vincent Valentine's Lair.' I don't know, but it was a nicely done and humorous story!
Star Dragonmaiden - A new reviewer! Thanks for reviewing and adding me to faves!
CloudLov3r - I'm sorry, I know you detest good reviews, but I'm actually very proud of my story if you believe I've done an ok job with it. This should be more your style, as its a cliffer and not my best one yet (That should be next chapter!) so you can flame this one if you wish. Aren't I a nice guy?
WyvrenWing - An anonymous review! I don't get much of those, but thanks for reviewing! Always happy to hear your people's input about my work!

Chapter 9

"Vi-Vincent?" Tifa stuttered uncertainly. Did he just say what she thought he said?

Vincent tried to rise from his position, only to be gently pushed down by Tifa. He raised an eyebrow and looked around slightly. He was on a white bed, curtains hanging on one side as a small ray of light shot through the hospital room. He saw the Turks laying unconscious across the room, and he smiled to himself.

"Doctor's orders, I take it?" he asked quietly, tilting his head up slightly to stare at the ceiling. He felt Tifa nod and they sat in an uneasy silence. He had his hands on each other, resting on his stomach, and was surprised when Tifa suddenly his human hand. "Tifa…"

He could see she was on the verge of tears as she smiled at him, and he was at a loss. What happened? he thought, confused. What did I say? His eyes suddenly widened when Tifa bent down, her lips brushing his. When they broke apart, Vincent merely gazed at her in question.

Tifa blushed slightly and looked away. "I heard from the others…that you came after me when Reno knocked me out. You were the only one that noticed." She suddenly looked downcast, but quickly recovered, flashing Vincent a compassionate smile as she looked up. "Thank you." She withdrew her hand and set it beside her, looking anywhere but at him.

Vincent's mouth twitched upwards in a small smile, and he reached out and placed his hand on hers, and she jumped up slightly in surprise. "Of course I would notice, Tifa. Why would I not?" She smiled in answer and kissed him once more. He scratched the side of his face with his claw, slightly embarrassed by the situation, and asked suddenly, "Where are the others?"

She looked into his eyes and nodded her head to the door. "They're waiting outside. The doctor thought it wouldn't be for your best interest if too many people were in here at once."

"Must have been thinking about Yuffie…" whispered Vincent quietly, and Tifa turned away to giggle girlishly. He smiled and took the opportunity to sit up, propping his arm onto his leg in his normal fashion.

"Vincent," she started, then she rounded on him, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Do you dream often?"

Where did that come from? "…Sometimes," he replied hesitantly, not exactly sure where this was going. "May I inquire why you ask?"

"Well, just because…" She looked down and started to smooth the creases and wrinkles from the bed. "You said some things during your sleep. I just wondered if you talk during your sleep. I don't really remember you sleeping at all during the whole Meteor crisis."

"True. I was too alert and too cold to succumb to fatigue. However, usually I only dream of nightmares. Things about my past and of my failures. But earlier…it was not a nightmare, in a sense." He could feel Chaos starting to snicker in the back of his mind.

Not a nightmare? Us? Wow Vincent, I never thought you'd admit you liked us.

I do not. But Tifa heard my confession, as you all deserve the credit for that. I do not wish her to think I dreamt of her in a nightmare, it would only upset her.

So you're looking out for the woman. You haven't done that since Lucrecia…Chaos grew quiet at Vincent's thunderous roar. He knew he had hit his mark on Vincent when he mentioned the name of his lost love, but Vincent had grown resent toward his past in his company with Tifa, and Lucrecia was his greatest failure and sin.

Tifa could practically feel the emotions running through Vincent, and she could not help but gasp. Vincent, the stoic and apathetic man demon, was actually showing more emotion than she thought he had ever possessed. Pain, fear, anger, sorrow, desperation, grief. Why do all these things line his face so? she thought. She unconsciously raised her hand to him, brushing his cheek with her fingers. He came out of his revere and gazed at Tifa through his indurate eyes, then closed them and placed his hand on hers, nodding his head in his palm.

She could feel the smile creep onto her lips. She opened her mouth to say something when the door swung open, and Yuffie came through. She gasped when she saw the scene and gave a little skip, excitement on her face. "Vincent and Tifa!" She fairly screamed in thrill at having caught the two and suddenly Cloud and Barret followed, curious by Yuffie's cry.

Tifa quickly drew her hand back and blushed furiously, while Vincent merely gazed at Yuffie with his cold glare. She cowered slightly, but then leapt forward and grabbed Tifa's hand, dragging her out of the room closely followed by an annoyed Barret. Soon only Cloud and Vincent were left in the room.

"So…" Cloud started uncertainly, scratching the back of his hand apprehensively. Vincent raised an eyebrow and Cloud sighed, dropped his hand. He looked up, his face hardened and determined. "Is Tifa happy?" he asked bluntly, and Vincent's mouth threatened to spread into a small smile before he restrained himself.

"Why not ask her?" he retorted, now turning away to look out the small window.

"Well…because, you know…it's a tad bit awkward between us right now…"

"And you haven't done anything about it."

Cloud stared at Vincent, who refused to turn his gaze upon him. He gritted his teeth and said heatedly, "It's not as if I did anything! I just…didn't feel the way she felt…" Vincent chuckled lightly, and Cloud drew back. Vincent…and laughing?

"Then why would even care if she is happy?" His voice was imperturbable, completely dead, and he titled his head to the side so he could view Cloud's reaction at an angle. He was silently satisfied when he saw the former leader's face start to contort in rage.

"Look Vincent, just because I may not love her, I still care for her as a sister."

"Then family matters can and will only be dealt with by the feuding relatives." He turned away again. "Don't ask me such things, Cloud. Ask your 'sister.'"

Silence…

"We'll be heading to Midgar to drop off the Turks when they wake up, then head to Gaea Cliff on the Highwind. Make sure your ready to leave." Vincent waited for a few moments, then heard the unmistakable sound of Cloud's heavy boots falling as he left the room.

Wow, Vincent. That was quite harsh, even for you. You might make me somewhat proud someday yet! Vincent growled in response, and Chaos burst out laughing, joined in by the other demons. He suddenly was distracted from his thoughts as he heard the silent swish of a cloak in the doorway. He turned to find a hooded figure gazing from the gunslinger to the unconscious Turks.

"So they weren't able to get the job completed. Pity, though not entirely unexpected…" The voice came out sleek and powerful, and Vincent instantly became wary.

"Who are you?" he asked, remembering in the back of his mind the first words he had spoken to the Avalanche members when they first awoke him. His human hand drummed the tip of his gun, ready to use it when needed.

The visitor turned its gaze back to him, then laughed a cold, taunting laugh. He dropped his cloak from him, sliding down his short,silky silver hair and armored shoulder plates, revealing a powerful fighter, his Mako green eyes seeming bluish silver in the light.

Vincent drew his gun, pointing it directly at the intruder's heart. "How are you still alive, Sephiroth?"

A/N: I know, cliff hanger! (if you didn't read my note above). Aren't I evil in this way? Oh, and if you want a hint, read the description of this 'new fighter' and you'll probably guess more accurately who he is (nope, not Sephy! ...yet :)