A/N: Sorry it's been a while, but I've had alot of shit going on lately and it's really hard to find time to really write good. This is a little confusing chapter because I picked up writing this chapter about in the middle right after our Cross Country party, and their were some stoned and drunk seniors making out and all that really got me into writing more about the fluff and lemon things. Yes, there is a complete lemon is this chapter (Warning Warning: Sexual Content Ahead heehee). It's not the best one but it'll do for now. It's really late here so I'm not going to do recognitions this chapter, but thanks to all my regulars for sticking with me and to all my new reviewers for taking the time to review a new story! Now enjoy!

Chapter 18

Tseng appeared just as they had left him in the Temple of Ancients, excluding the large hole in his abdomen and the blood stained clothing. His dark hair was sleek, his frame confident and his eyes piercing and distant.

"T-Tseng!" cried out Cloud in shock. "How are you still alive? Where are the other Turks?" Tseng seemed to smile slightly, but his face almost instantly hardened.

"My former comrades know nothing of my present condition," he replied sternly, emphasizing 'former'. "They still believe I'm long dead and only a memory. However, I do not see fit to change there current belief; the less that know of my existence the better."

Vincent stepped forward, his arms across his chest. "Then why did u step forward to warn us? Surely you can appear before your comrades if you appear before your enemies?"

Tseng shook his head. "The Cetra wished me to warn you, and so I carry out her wish from the Lifestream. Whether you heed my caution or not, that is up to you." Tseng spun about and grabbed his cloak, walking off. However, he stepped only a few feet into the snow before he felt Vincent's gun press against his back.

"What do you want, Valentine?" he asked, turning his head slightly.

"Why did this 'God' character bring you back?" Vincent responded. "I can understand if he brought an entity that had a hatred for this planet or the people on it, but you died protecting this planet from Sephiroth when he forced his way into the Temple. Why you, of all people?"

Tseng sighed and slipped on his cloak. He turned to Vincent, and said, "I am not the only one he granted life to. Lartsa, Sephiroth, myself…and many others. Anyone with a tie to Shinra and with their own worth were resurrected. This creature does not care who joins his ranks, just how many and how powerful." He bowed his head slightly, as if ashamed. "I have no inkling as to what he intends to do, but I do know you are his targets." Tseng lifted his head as a small smile broke his cold face. "It seems you all are the only ones powerful enough to threaten him in the least."

Vincent lowered his gun and nodded his head. "Then perhaps we shall cross paths again."

Tseng inclined his head before turning back. "We only have an eternity to do so."

Vincent only smiled in his cloak as Tseng walked away into the icy tundra, soon a speck in the maturing blizzard.

xxxxXxxxx

Elena lay in the hospital bed, still painfully sore from their failed attempt of attack on Avalanche some time ago. She was the first to regain consciousness, Reno and Rude sleeping on either side of her. Of course, Reno was snoring deafeningly.

How could I stay asleep during that? she thought, tilting her head slightly to see Reno's. A few strands of his normal perfect, auburn hair fell across his temple, adding an innocent look to his features in contrast to the obnoxious personality inside.

Suddenly Elena thought of him, someone she wished to forget but knew she never would. She did not know why Tseng popped into her mind now of all times, merely by looking at Reno. It couldn't be because he reminded her of him; they were complete opposites.

Elena sighed, looking back at the ceiling. In truth, she just wanted a regular relationship, but she knew if she responded to Reno's constant flirting she would get more than she could chew. Rude just wasn't her type.

She felt a tear roll down her eye, and she was suddenly surprised, blinking it away in a moment. I wish he were here…

xxxxXxxxx

The entire Avalanche was in the meeting room, quietly pondering Tseng's most recent and disturbing visit from the grave. Cid was in the captain's seat and Cloud stood by him, gazing at the map distantly. Red was resting his head on his paws as if resting, but they knew he was engrossed in thought. Barret and Yuffie paced the room, too excited and anxious to stand still for a moment. Cait Sith was no where to be found and Tifa was seating in a seat next to Vincent, leaning into his chest.

Vincent had been surprised when they had returned here that Tifa had moved so quickly and confidently, turning herself so she could rest her back against his broad chest. She was practically sitting in his lap. One of his arms was wrapped loosely around her neck and the other was around her waist, stroking her side slowly. She had one hand on his and the other playing with his ebony hair absentmindedly.

They both pretended they could not see Cloud's first reaction.

As soon as Tifa leaned her head back and her lips met Vincent's, Cloud seemed shocked and…furious.

Why am I surprised? I've seen them kiss before, he thought, watching Vincent's mouth slide gently over Tifa's. I don't love Tifa, so why do I feel angry every time I see them together? Cloud blamed it on his brotherly instincts and protection over his 'little sister,' but he knew that was not it.

"Yo, Spike!"

Cloud snapped out of his revere and looked downwards to Cid, giving him an odd expression.

"What's with you lately? You've been so fuckin' out of it, you don't even listen to half of the damn things I say!" Cloud brushed the comment off and gave him an inquiring look. "I was wonderin' what we're gonna do from here. I don't want you goddamn mother-fuckers blowing up my ship with another of those fuckin' 'Immortal Battles' or whatever the hell you want to call them."

Cloud only shrugged before chancing a glance at Vincent and Tifa. They had pulled away, but now Vincent was pecking at Tifa's neck as she closed her eyes, savoring the feeling of his lips.

'The sun's almost down.'

That voice…the one Cloud had learned to despise and respect.

The voice of the puppeteer.

So what?

'Vincent's personality differs during the day: Quiet during the day, sulking and pondering at night and more active at sunset. That's why he's becoming increasingly aggressive.'

I don't care about Vincent's attitude schedule.

'But you care about his girl. Admit it, you're jealous and you want her with you like ten years ago.'

Fucking liar.

'Suit yourself. It's not like you've never been confused about your feelings and thoughts before.'

Oh shut the fuck up.

All Cloud heard was a faint chuckling before Tifa's gasp of pleasure shook him awake. It seemed Vincent had found the right spot under her ear she loved. Cloud grimaced.

He did love Tifa after all.

xxxxXxxxx

What's gotten into him? she thought as she stroked Vincent's smooth, silky hair. He was sitting behind her, caressing her neck with his lips, and she didn't want him to stop. But I don't want Cloud right there staring at us, either.

With a will she never knew she had, she sat up, breaking Vincent's slow and steady cadence. He drew back, unsure what to do next, when Tifa stood up and held her hand out. Under his cloak he smiled, knowing Cloud was watching them.

Even from here, I can smell his jealousy. Not in love with this human, my ass. He would gladly kill you to have her, growled Chaos.Vincent chuckled to himself.

And who wouldn't? She is perfect in every sense.

You are going soft, Valentine.

Vincent followed Tifa, and grew surprised when the rest of the group shrugged and followed, taking this as the end of their quiet pondering to actually go do something else.

Tifa waited outside the door for Vincent, who had allowed the others ahead of them space to move first. As one came out after another, they left to their various places on the ship. Tifa had hardly wrapped her arms around Vincent's own when Cloud spoke up.

"Aright, everyone, listen up!" The entire Avalanche turned to face him, some halfway down the half and some right next to him. "We didn't find anything here, but we're still going to move on. Someone's after us and we don't know who. Cid, take this ship to the North Crater." Cid nodded quietly and disappeared down the hall to the bridge, carrying out Cloud's order. The rest seemed to fan out.

Cloud watched as Vincent and Tifa walked down the hall together, Tifa clinging to his arm. Cloud cringed. It was just so…awkward seeing her with someone like him.

"You know, Cloud…I can tell you still like Tifa."

Cloud spun about, and suddenly came face to face with the young shinobi. His grimace became more pronounced.

"What do you want, Yuffie? I have a lot on my mind right now," he said agitatedly. He did not feel like dealing with this ninja, but had been greatly unnerved by her statement. If she could notice it, he must be completely obvious about it.

Yuffie smiled mischievously. "I want Vinnie. You want Tifa. I think I know how we can get what we want…and need." Of course, Yuffie hoped Cloud really wanted Tifa; she had no idea if he had been shocked, protective, or jealous of Vincent's public display, but she was hoping for the latter.

Cloud stood there for a moment, looking at her indifferently. Then he said, in a voice barely above a whisper, "I'm listening."

Yuffie's smile widened.

xxxxXxxxx

Vincent knew he was changing. When given loitering time, he would retreat to a dark corner and meditate or go to the balcony and watch the landscape rush by. Now he was in Tifa's room, slowly undressing her as her lips massaged his.

It had happened in a rush; the interruption last time had only increased their lust, and now Vincent wanted her more than ever. He needed her.

"Vincent…" she moaned as his human hand ran up her leg under her skirt. He explored a little bit, noting her reaction to new places he touched and brushed against. Slowly, he retreated his hand out and placed it on her waist, sliding the clothing down.

Tifa merely laid on the bed, spread out seductively with only her undergarments on, showing her bodily curves in a sense that shocked Vincent's mind.

He crawled up onto her, supporting himself above her with his elbows and knees as she hesitantly reached upwards. She removed his cloak, then his shirt, followed lastly by his headband. He lowered himself onto her so her breasts pressed against his bare chest, and he felt his head pound with anticipation.

Tifa gazed into his eyes, an emotion, a single thought flowing outward; Take me now.

She did not have to speak it; Vincent could read it. Slowly he bent down, kissing her lips with a passion as they removed the rest of each others clothing. Soon, they were both nude, Vincent sliding slowly up and down on Tifa's body, his chest and stomach rubbing against her exposed torso as he entered her.

Tifa felt lightheaded at the sudden rush of pleasure and pain that greeted her, and had to clutch the sheets around her to stop from screaming in ecstasy. She mumbled occasionally as his rhythm grew faster, his thigh pounding against hers. Finally, they felt each other give way, as they mixed together inside her.

Tifa gasped and threw her head back, shrieking Vincent's name. As their bodies slowly subsided from the orgasm, Vincent fell back on top of her, his breath tickling her neck.

"Tifa…" was all he could make out, his breath leaving him quicker than it entered. How he loved her so…

She stroked the back of his head, her fingers running through his hair as she rubbed her cheek against his. "I love you too, Vincent Valentine."

Vincent used the last of his energy to wrap them both in the covers before he succumbed to exhaustion, but not before a smile played onto his exposed lips.