Whoo, an update. lol Been busy and working on the other story lately, but I finally managed to finish this chapter. Yay! But I wasn't able to keep my goal of this staying straight for very long. I knew it would eventually turn this way, but not this soon. Oh well. But here's more of my problem with hurting the ones I like best through physical and emotional pain. I'm sorry guys! But...more cameos! Haha. I already had someone guess correctly who the step-father was. But yay for making people hate him even more. He's such a jerk, really. No, more than that. But I digress, he's not the only one who pops up. But there are a few time-skipping parts here, just so no one gets confused and are all "Wait. That was incredibly fast!" But anyway, on with chapter five. Hee hee.
Chapter Five--Friendship Isn't That Close
"Hey! If you guys want any breakfast you better get out here! Or else you're making it yourselves!"
Cid groaned and raised his hand to his forehead. He'd been woken up by several things he considered annoying, but Zack had to be the top spot. Still half-asleep, he managed to gain enough consciousness to yell a reply. "Go to hell Zack, it's too early!"
"Too early?" The voice outside laughed. "It's ten! How's that too early?" When the blonde didn't give a second response, he laughed again. "Whatever. Guess it's just pancakes for two then." Still chuckling lightly, he left the door and silence filled Cid's ears again.
Great. Now I'm awake. Stupid Zack. He yawned, wiping his right hand across his face. He started to roll over when he finally took notice of the weight lying across his chest. "What the hell?" he whispered, confused. Shading his face against the morning sunlight, he opened his eyes and glanced down. What he saw almost made him bite his tongue.
Sure, he had the habit of moving around in his sleep and often found himself on the other side of the room. Sure, he had slept near other people. Sure, he had been around other people like him. But never, never, had he been faced with a cuddler.
He stared down, unsure of what to do. Vincent's head was resting on his left arm, ebony lashed settled against his milky skin. Now that he took the time to look, Cid realized something. Damn. It's probably the sleep talking here, but he's actually kind of...pretty. Too bad he's not a girl. He shook his head quickly. What am I thinking? You don't just start thinking your friends are pretty! Goddammit, what the hell's going on here!
Pulling his eyes from Vincent's sleeping face, he looked down at the next obstacle facing his escape. The black-haired boy's left arm was flung over his chest, almost holding him. He wasn't in too big of a hurry to move Vincent. He didn't want to wake him since he seemed so peaceful. It wasn't really bothering him. But what if Zack walks in or he wakes up? Can't have them getting the wrong idea. Shit. Well, at least he's not heavy. He reached down and gently moved the arm, wincing as a metal claw scratched him. Carefully, he pushed the arm until it was folded against Vincent's chest.
He sighed as he glanced down at Vincent's face again. He hadn't moved. Deep sleeper. That's good. Moving his attention downward, he pulled the blanket away and revealed his last confinement. Not only had there been the raven-haired head on his shoulder and an arm draped over his chest, but there was also a khaki-covered leg thrown over his own. He shook his head slightly. Holy shit. When he cuddles, he clings.
Sighing again, he faced the only decisions he had. Either wait until he woke and risk him thinking Cid had tried something or get up fast enough that he didn't notice. He stiffened as Vincent moved a little, mumbling something in his sleep. I really don't want to wake him up. I mean, this isn't so bad. Maybe even a little nice. Oh shit. What the fuck am I thinking? That is not normal. Shaking his blonde head again, he decided on the latter choice.
Taking a deep breath, he stood, letting Vincent fall to the floor. Quickly, he stumbled away, catching hold of the desk as he watched the ebony head jolt upward, crimson eyes wide. "What happened? Where am I?" He whirled around, eyes landing on Cid. "Cid? Wha—what happened?"
"Uh, heh, yeah. Sorry about that. I, uh…I tripped over you." He mentally kicked himself. There was no way that the other boy would believe him. The lie was as plain as day if not clearer. But he lucked out in that Vincent was still half-asleep and not thinking clearly yet. "So, yeah."
"Oh." Vincent raised his right hand to his forehead, pushing back his raven hair. "It felt like I'd fallen. Guess it was just a dream." He pushed himself up until he was sitting, yawning widely. "So what time is it?"
Cid glanced over the boy's shoulder, focusing on the clock instead of the soft face. "Uh…a little after ten." He fell silent, fighting to keep from glancing at the ebony-haired boy. Why had he been thinking those things? Vincent was his friend, not some painting or something to look at admiringly. Even if he was nice to look at…Goddammit, stop it! "So Zack's making pancakes!" he blurted out.
Crimson eyes squinted at him like he'd just said something wrong. Oh shit. If he can read minds I'm so fucked. Wait. No one can really do that can they. Can they? Turning, he moved out into the hallway, rushing into the bathroom.
Cold water flowed through his fingers as he turned the faucet and splashed the icy liquid on his face. "Okay. Just calm down, Cid. There's no reason to get so worked up, is there?" he whispered to himself. Grabbing a towel, he wiped his face dry, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He growled at the slight flush lying across his face. This is not happening.
Growling again, he pushed out of the bathroom, sweeping into the kitchen. Zack looked up from the stove as he flopped down at the table, holding his head in his hands. "Hey, it lives. So what's your problem? Rough night?" He grinned as he waved his spatula, winking.
"Shut up. That's not funny."
Zack looked away, flipping a pancake onto a plate. "You sure? I find it kinda funny. Actually, kinda cute too."
"What!" Cid stood suddenly, his chair falling backward. "What do you mean cute? What the hell are you talking about?" He could feel his heart racing as Zack leaned against the counter, smiling knowingly. Blue eyes narrowed as they searched the laughing violet ones. "What did you see?"
"Oh, just the usual." Zack laughed. "Just two friends getting to know each other very well. Like I said, kinda cute seeing you two like that this morning." He grinned again, pouring more batter into the frying pan.
"Like what?" Both turned toward the quiet voice, Cid gulping as his eyes met Vincent's. "What are you talking about?" He pulled out a chair, sitting next to the still standing Cid. "Oh. Your chair's on the floor."
Cid turned his eyes away, staring at the wall. "No shit. But he's not talking about anything, okay? He's a blabbering idiot. Overdosed on his stupid pills this morning." Reaching down, he righted his chair and slumped back into it, arms crossed.
The spiky-haired man laughed. "So that's what's wrong with me today. But how can you not know what I'm talking about?" His eyebrows knit together as Cid began making a desperate motion for him to stop. "I figured you'd know exactly what I'm talking about."
Vincent scratched his ebony head, yawning. "No, can't say that I do." Glancing at the blonde, he started trying to decide what they were speaking of.
"Hmm. Well then. I just happened to go in there earlier to wake you two up, but you just looked so comfortable and all that so I left you. You know Cid, I kind of pegged you to be the cuddling type, not your friends." He smiled as Vincent's eyes grew wide and he stared at the blonde.
"Goddammit Zack, you couldn't have kept your fuckin' mouth shut?" He felt Vincent's gaze on him and he stared away, focusing on the wall again.
The black-haired boy shook his head slowly before placing it in his hands. "Oh no. I…"
"Listen Vince, it was a mistake, huh? Nothing really happened—"
"I'm so sorry." Vincent whispered as he stared down at the table. "I guess I should have warned you before. I didn't think I would actually start hugging you." He lowered his head to the table, crimson eyes peeking over his arms. "I've always done it. I'm sorry you had to experience that."
"Huh?" Cid dared a glance at the ebony head. "You're kidding. You're not freaked out by it or anything?" He glared up at Zack where the violet-eyed man was whistling while he flipped another pancake.
"Not really. I've done it all my life. I mean, I don't like the idea that I did it to you, but I can't really control it. It's some unconscious thing." He shook his head. "I really am sorry." He aimed his crimson eyes at Cid.
The blonde couldn't shake the feeling that it still wasn't right. At least his thoughts hadn't been right. "Uh…no, it's no problem. I just, you know, thought you might get the wrong idea and think I was…trying to do something." He still couldn't look at the pale boy and he regretted the heat rising in his cheeks. Why the hell is all this happening? Goddammit, just look at him already! Quickly, he whipped his gaze around, settling it on the crimson eyes.
"Oh, hey. It's the lovebirds." Cloud pulled another chair out, raising an eyebrow at Cid's quickly reddening face. "Impressive coloring there. You know, when you try to make friends, you usually don't do it by sleeping with them." He grinned slyly as he took the plate Zack handed him.
"Would you all just stop it?" Cid jumped up from his seat again and spun around, storming out of the door. The remaining three simply stared in the same direction, wincing together as the door slammed shut.
"Wow." Zack handed Vincent a plate and sat down with his own. "I never thought the kid would act like that. I was just joking with him." Stuffing a piece of pancake into his mouth, he looked toward Vincent. "There isn't anything going on, is there?" he mumbled through his mouthful.
Vincent looked up from his own breakfast. "No. It's simply as I said. I have a problem with hugging anything near me in my sleep. I guess that Cid happened to get close enough last night." He shrugged, popping a bite into his mouth. "But there's nothing going on."
Zack shrugged also. "Man, now I feel kind of bad. I didn't mean to make him mad, I was just playing around." Cloud looked at him as he washed down his bite with a drink of juice. "We always joke around like that and it never bothered him before."
"Maybe there is something." Two black-haired heads turned toward Cloud. "Maybe he likes you, Vincent. It seems to be the only explanation." The blonde finished off his breakfast and placed the dishes carefully in the sink while two pairs of eyes followed him. "I'm going to be gone a while, okay Zack? Need to catch up on some stuff at work. Be back later." He grabbed a jacket, swinging it onto his shoulder as he passed the elder. Reaching out, he patted the man's shoulder, smiling only slightly.
The ebony-haired boy looked at the table as Zack led the blonde to the door. Cid liked him? How could that be? Sure, they were friends and all, but for the boy to like him? As in the context that Cloud had meant? He just didn't see it. He shook his head as he placed his dishes in the sink also, retreating to Cid's room.
Zack was slightly surprised to come back in and see Vincent standing with his things near the door. "What, you leaving? But it's still kinda early. I'm sure Cid will be back soo—"
"I'm sorry to have caused any problems," he said softly, bowing until his hair flowed over his face. "But I must be leaving. My step-father will be expecting me home soon and I don't wish to anger him." He rose back up, crimson eyes sincere. "Please thank Highwind-san for me and give him my apologies. Thank you, Zack-san for your hospitality." He smiled even though it was a small gesture.
The black-haired man watched from the door as Vincent started down the sidewalk. Problems? He didn't really cause any problems. If there were any problems they were from Cid. I wonder why he exploded like that. Hmm, oh well. He turned and headed back into the now-empty house, returning to his unfinished breakfast.
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The door clicked shut as Vincent slipped inside, the paper bag held against his chest. It had been two days since he had seen Cid when he had stormed out of Zack's house. Since then, everything had gone back to how it had always been. His step-father hadn't kicked him out again and was for the moment sleeping in his drunken haze on the couch. One arm dangled over the side, the large hand trailing on the floor.
Holding the bag tighter, he moved into the kitchen, placing the bag down and pulling an empty bag out. He quickly filled it with a few things he could call a lunch along with a bottle of water. He had been sent out this morning to get his step-father's daily bottle of whiskey, an errand he was used to. But this morning something had gone wrong with the cashiers. And now he was late for work.
Checking the contents of his backpack, he reached up and grabbed one of the bags. Stuffing it into his pack, he left the other on the counter and slipped back out of the house. The fresh morning air helped calm him a little, but it still didn't help the fact that he was late. Terribly late. Checking his watch, he started down the sidewalk at a run, hoping to catch the gates before they were closed.
He managed to stop the gatekeeper for the day, slipping inside just as it was closed. Sighing for relief, he tried to calm down a little. He had made it, but just barely. The halls were filled to the maximum as he pushed his way through, hoping to make it to the staff room in one piece.
But luck just wasn't on his side today. One of the taller boys grabbed his collar as he passed, whirling him around. Even though the boy was the same age and one of the tallest in his class, Vincent still stood several inches above him. But height was nothing over strength when it came to him. "Hey look at this. We caught ourselves a mixy." Vincent winced as the groups started laughing. It was well-known that he had an abusive step-father. That was bad enough. But it was even more well-known that he was of mixed blood, his mother Japanese, his father European.
The boy pushed him backward and he stumbled, one hand reaching out toward the wall for support. But through it all he remained quiet, taking the abuse. He wasn't one to fight back no matter what was done; it was just the way he had been raised. "Heh, see? I told ya." The boy pushed at his shoulder, laughing toward his friends. "The mixy doesn't know how to fight back. He's just a big wimp. And add to that the fact that he's now hangin' around with that American bastard." He leaned in toward Vincent, his breath heavy on the pale skin. "Why don't you just take your little friend and your dirty blood back where he came from," he snarled.
Vincent gasped as he was slammed backward, the wall cushioning him only slightly. He yelled out first from the sheer force of the impact and then from the stinging pain that sliced through his back. Dropping to the ground, he looked upward toward the now horrified group.
"Shit man, he's bleeding. What the hell did you do?" One of the boys motioned toward Vincent's back as his bag fell from his shoulder, scraping along his already injured skin. Sticky warmth slowly covered his back and he gasped as clear liquid ran down his arms. The sickly scent of alcohol filled his nose and he coughed. Whiskey.
A teacher quickly pushed through the group, staring down at the scene before her. She knelt down and touched the clear liquid, bringing it close to her face. "Whiskey. Varentain-san, is that what this is? Did you bring alcohol into the school?" She reached forward and shook his shoulder slightly. Pain laced through his body and he cried out, reaching behind him.
The teacher finally got the message and checked his back, gasping at the pieces of glass littering the floor and his shirt. Grabbing his arm, she ignored his protests and pulled him upward, dragging him toward the staff offices. "This is not good for you, Varentain-san. Not good at all. The principle will not be happy to hear about this, any of it." She yanked again and Vincent winced, the sticky fluid running in small trickles down his spine.
His eyes roved the hallway as students stared at him, each face seeming to grow blurrier as he was rushed along. Then one face stood out in the sea of black and brown. Vibrant blue eyes filled with worry. Cid pushed through the crowd, catching just the slightest glimpse of the ebony-haired youth before he was pulled into the nurses' office.
Almost automatically, everyone went back to their own business, ignoring the fact that a bleeding boy reeking of whiskey had just been dragged through their midst. Cid pushed his way to the door, ducking inside. The secretary from before was sitting at her desk and her eyes lit up with recognition. "Yes? How may I help you?"
"Vincent. Uh, Valentine. Was he just brought in here?" He pulled his bag off of his shoulder, crossing the floor to her desk. "Please, is he here?"
"Varentain-san? Yes, he's here. Was just brought in. Would you like to see him?" She sorted through a few papers on her desk before pointing him down a small hallway past the room they had been in before. He nodded a quick thanks and turned down the corridor. He hadn't seen what had happened, but he had heard the scream of pain that had filled the hallway. Then he had seen Vincent, his back bloody and his face contorted in pain.
He was in the last room, the teacher from before hovering over the nurse. "You will have to face severe repercussions for this, I hope you realize that. Bringing alcohol into this school is a major offense. And I never expected something like that from you, Varentain-san. I am very disappointed." She crossed her arms, still ignoring the blonde standing by the door.
The nurse was also, along with the raven-haired boy who was lying face down on a cot, the shirt pulled up to his neck. Several large lacerations covered the pale skin and the nurse was working hard to remove a few pieces of glass from them while Vincent gripped the edge of the bed, groaning in pain.
"There. That's the last of it." The nurse leaned back and ran a cotton cloth over the wounds, the antiseptic stinging Vincent's back. He hissed, clutching the cot harder. She finally looked up and caught sight of the blonde "Yes? May I help you with something?"
The teacher looked up as well as Vincent, his crimson eyes full of pained surprise. "Highwind-san?" He tried to rise up slightly, but failed, falling back to the bed as the fiery stinging continued through his body.
The teacher stood, watching both the blonde and Vincent. "She asked you a question. It's impolite to not answer." He voice was stern as she turned her eyes on him as he slowly bowed. His own gaze was fixed on the injured boy.
Tilting his blonde head toward the boy, he closed his eyes. "I simply came to see him. To see if he was all right."
"Well, you have seen. He is fine and does not need someone hanging over him like a hawk. I suggest that you leave." Her voice was starting to sound cross and he furrowed his eyebrows as he started to turn away.
"No, please. Can he stay?" Vincent's voice was weak as he asked the question softly, bowing his head into the cot the best he could. His voice muffled by the bedding, he spoke again. "Please. I would like it if he could stay."
The nurse looked at Cid for a moment. "It may help. After all, they are friends. It couldn't hurt for him to have a little support when he's in this much pain." She had already given him a slight sedative to help, but she wasn't authorized to give enough to truly help. "Shera-san, it won't bother me."
The brunette teacher sighed and looked again down at the ebony head. "All right. But if I hear of any trouble, you two will hear from me. Now. I trust you will stay here while I am gone." She swept out of the room, her steps quickly fading. The nurse looked at the boys before following. A second later she poked her head back in. "If you need anything, just come get me. I'll be in the front office." She disappeared again and Cid pulled up a chair next to the cot.
He ran a hand through his blonde hair as he surveyed Vincent's back. "Shit. Really got it good, huh? What the hell happened?" He started to reach out and touch a gash, but stopped considering the possible pain he would cause.
Vincent buried his face into the bedding again just from lack of anything else to do. "It wasn't mine. It was my step-father's. I guess that when I got my lunch this morning I grabbed the wrong bag." He sighed, wincing at the sharp stinging it brought. "The bottle must have smashed when that kid shoved me into the wall." He mumbled into the blankets again. "I don't even want to think of what will happen now."
"Well, hey. It's not your fault. Just tell them it's your step-dad's; they should understand, right?" He would have reached over and patted the boy's shoulder in he hadn't been afraid of hurting him further.
"No. That wouldn't work." He sighed. "My step-father. They're going to call him in, I know it. This isn't going to be good." He reached up, covering his head with his arms. "Just kill me now. Please."
Cid laughed and leaned back in the chair. "Nah, don't think I'm authorized to do that, sorry. But if he's coming in can't he just tell them it was all a mistake?" He crossed his arms, watching the dark-haired boy carefully.
"No way. You obviously don't know anything about him. To him this is just another fact pointing to how worthless I am. He'll be more likely to say it was mine that to ever stick up for me." He could almost hear the stinging words he would have thrown at him when the man got there. And then there would most likely be another beating afterwards when they got home. Nothing different.
Cid grumbled as he slid down in his chair. "Can't understand how someone can be like that. But I guess you're right. I just haven't ever met your step-father, so I don't know. I kinda wish I could just so I could give him a good punch to the gut and maybe a few other choice hits." He smiled as Vincent laughed, the sound soft.
"You're quite welcome to, believe me." He jumped as a door slammed outside, a voice talking hurriedly. "Oh great. Here we go," he grumbled.
Soon a black-haired man stood at the door, his black eyes glaring down at the boy. "You." He reached down, pulling Vincent up by one arm. "Not only do you go and steal my whiskey, but you make trouble for me by bringing it to your work? How stupid are you!" he shook the boy, ignoring the whimpers of pain. "I had to come get you because of this. I hope you know this is not going good for you." He lowered his face to Vincent's, the sake-soaked breath dousing him. "I should throw your ungrateful spoiled ass out on the street. Then let's see you cause trouble."
Cid stood suddenly as the man shook Vincent again, wincing himself at the whimpers coming from the raven-haired boy. "I don't think you should be doing that. He had glass rammed into his back, for god's sakes! The glass from your bottle!" Cid felt the fury growing inside of him and he clenched his fists. It wouldn't be in Vincent's best interest to make a scene with his step-father. "You should at least be thinking of his well-being!"
The coal-black eyes turned on him and he felt a shiver pass through his body. "A foreigner? What do you have to do with this? Nothing. Get out of here." He stood straight, dropping Vincent's arm. The boy curled into a small ball as best he could, crimson eyes watching Cid's every move. "Well? Get out of here!"
"No! You don't deserve to be here! He's your step-son and he's hurt and here you are treating him like shit! I'm not gonna just stand by and watch that!" He flung out a hand, his eyes burning a deep indigo shade of blue.
"Why you—" The man raised his hand as if to strike Cid when another hand grasped his wrist. Startled, he turned quickly, black eyes meeting aqua.
The new arrival released the man's hand only after staring him down for a few seconds. "Hojo-san. I trust that you understand the policy of not attacking our students." The smooth voice sent chills through Cid and he stared at the man. His aqua eyes were incredibly calm for what he had just walked in on and he reached behind him, brushing back a lock of silvery hair. "Now. What seems to be the problem? I heard something along the lines of Varentain-san here bringing alcohol onto the school grounds. Is that right?" He aimed his calm gaze downward, meeting Vincent's crimson eyes.
"Yes. But it was an accident, really. I grabbed the wrong bag this—"
"Shut up!" Hojo hissed at the boy. "You don't know what you're talking about." He rammed his hip against the bed on purpose, ignoring the painful gasp that Vincent couldn't hold in.
Cid moved forward using his foreign status to his advantage. "Please sir, Vincent did make a mistake this morning. He did grab the wrong bag and didn't even realize it until some kid pushed him into the wall and it broke." He waved a hand over the boy's back. "He was wounded pretty badly and it would probably be best if he wasn't here right now." He bowed his head respectfully as the aqua eyes regarded him.
Hojo sent a deadly glare in his direction, but held his tongue. The silver-haired man looked from Cid to Hojo to Vincent. "Is this true?"
The crimson eyes were aimed down and he bowed his head as he spoke. "Yes, it is true Sephiroth-sensei." He trembled slightly, more from the pain than the fear of anything that might happen.
"Hmm." The man closed his eyes for a moment. Cid finally realized that this must be the principle of the school. He had never actually seen the man, but had heard a few things about him. Amazingly the subject of his having silver hair hadn't been one of the things he'd heard. "I don't think that this needs a full suspension from your job seeing as how it was a mistake. But, because of those wounds, I believe you should be put on a temporary suspension for two weeks. Does this seem fair?"
Cid knew enough about the way things worked in Japan to understand that he wasn't asking a question. He was giving an order. So now Vincent had seen his fate. He was to stay home for two weeks under the supervision and care, if it could be called such, of his step-father Hojo. The blonde shuddered at the thought.
Vincent nodded silently and Sephiroth left, his steps quiet as he followed the hallway. Not two seconds after he had left did Hojo reached down and grasp the frail wrist again. "Well, there. You happy now, you little bastard? You got suspended from your job. Now what are you going to do?" He dropped the boy's wrist, stepping into the hallway. "You had better be home before dark," he said sharply before leaving quickly.
Cid ached at the saddened look that crossed Vincent's pale face as he fought to sit up. Unable to stand the pain his friend was in, he stood next to the bed and helped him, his hands steady on the thin shoulders. The ebony-haired boy winced again, squeezing his eyes shut. "I had better be going," he whispered. He didn't want to anger the man any further and he knew full well that his time limit of dark truly meant within the hour.
"Do—do you need any help? I can go ask the principle if I—"
"No. This is my problem and mine alone. You don't need to get involved. It would be much better that way." He hissed as he slid his shirt over his back, the wounds still tender from the alcohol.
The blondedidn't try to stop him as he limped through the hallway, starting for the door. There wasn't anything he could do. He was expected in class and Vincent had downright refused his offer. He felt something pop into his mind and he glanced behind him only to see that the ebony-haired youth was gone. He felt that he needed to apologize for Saturday when he had run out in the middle of breakfast. Shaking his head, he turned and gathered up his bag, entering his first class.
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Cid was beginning to get worried when two days passed and he hadn't seen or heard from Vincent. Was he all right? Was he in trouble? Did he need help? The questions plagued his mind constantly and he sighed, trying to force the thoughts away. He slid down onto his futon, stretching out on the mattress. It was around two in the morning, but he couldn't sleep. Thoughts of the events kept playing in his head.
The window was open slightly, just enough to let the warm breeze float through. He felt his eyes growing heavy and he closed them momentarily as the song of a nightingale outside started. Sighing again, he allowed himself to fall into a restless sleep, the wind caressing his warm face.
Taptaptap. Taptaptap. Taptaptaptap. Cid shot upwards as the sound filled his ears. He glanced over at his clock, the crimson numbers glaring at him in the dark. Two-thirty. He'd only been asleep for about a half of an hour when the tapping noise had woken him. He cocked his head, listening for the sound. But nothing came. Must have been a dream, he thought as he laid his head down again.
Taptaptap. He shot up again. That time he had heard it. Another round of tapping started and he glanced toward the source of the sound: the window. Groaning, he pulled himself to the glass, pushing it up. A gasp ripped from his throat as a hand reached up to block any sound he might make, crimson eyes staring into his own. Slowly the hand was moved and he was allowed to speak. "Vincent?" he whispered down at the half-hidden youth.
The ebony-haired boy stood up, escaping the covering of the bushes. "Please, can I stay here? I…I didn't know where else to go."
Cid rubbed his forehead once before moving out of the way. "Uh, of course. Come on and get in here." The other climbed into the room, slumping own onto the floor as soon as he was inside. The blonde reached over him and closed the window until it was as before. "What's the deal? Are you all right?"
The crimson eyes were tired as they gazed up at Cid. "No. I had to get out of there. He's been taking his loss of money and alcohol directly out on me. I could only take two days of it. No more." He buried his face in his arms, pulling his knees to his chest. "I just can't."
The blonde wiped a hand across his face before sitting next to the dark-haired boy. "Hey, no one said you had to take it. I'm surprised you lasted this long. You've had to deal with years of it." He bit his lip as he noticed the dark bruise showing through the ebony hair against the smooth skin on the back of his neck. "So, how's your back? Getting any better?"
"A little. I've been doing my best to take care of myself, but it's hard. Especially when it hurts to move and you have someone like him looming over your every movement." He shivered as Cid's hands settled on his shoulders. "What are you—"
"I'm just gonna look, okay?" He half-expected Vincent to panic, think the wrong thing and leave. Instead, he turned after a few seconds, moving the raven silk over his shoulder and pulling his shirt over his head.
Cid bit down on his lip again at the sight of the numerous lacerations and bruises covering his back. Some had healed up already, but a few were still in the process. It looked worse that it truly was, but it still hurt Cid to look. He stood quickly, moving away into the hallway.
Vincent looked questioningly at him as he returned, the first-aid kit held in his arms. "I'm gonna fix this up once and for all. The nurse at school didn't get to do shit and I know that fucker you live with doesn't give a shit." He dug around inside a little then left again, returning this time with a bowl of water, a washcloth and a few rolls of bandage.
The pale back trembled as he ran the cloth over it, the wounds shooting small pains down the thin body. But Vincent held on through it all, knowing this was the only help he had any chance of getting. He smiled wryly as Cid ran the cloth over his skin again. "I don't know how I was able to stand him this long," he said quietly.
"I don't either. If it was me, I'd have been out of there as soon as possible." The blonde wrung out the cloth and ran it over Vincent's back again. "But what all did he say?"
"Told me the usual, that I'm a worthless bastard who shouldn't have been born, that I'll never amount to anything, that I would be better off gone. He added a new one though. I think it was because of you sticking up for me." He grimaced at the memory of Hojo's biting words.
"What was that?" Cid mumbled, his eyes falling out of focus on the gently curving neck. God, he's truly got beautiful skin. Like warm porcelain. He shook his head, shaking the thought away. This was not the time to be thinking like that.
"He told me that I should just go to where ever I had before. He figured it was you since you were the only one he'd ever seen me with. But he's now calling me gay." He spat out the word, shaking his raven head. "I hate him for everything."
Cid's hand faltered and the cloth fell to the floor. He quickly regained it and turned his attention to the pinkish water in the bowl. Dropping the cloth, he picked up the bandages, motioning for Vincent to raise his arms for him to wrap the wounds. He was facing Vincent's back, something he considered lucky. At least his expression wasn't visible.
His hands reached around the youth, accidentally pulling them closer than he'd expected. Warmth rushed over his face and quickly pulled away, wrapping as fast as possible. Each time he came in contact with the porcelain shoulders and back he felt his heart skip a beat, jumping in his chest. Why? Why do I have to feel like this? Why can't it be normal? Why did Hojo say that? "Would that be so bad?" He clapped a hand over his mouth as soon as the words were free, but it was too late.
Vincent had whirled around, his crimson eyes confused. "Cid? Did you just ask me…what are you saying?"
"N—Nothing." He turned away, hoping the dim light of his desk lamp wasn't enough to reveal his flushed face. Had he actually said that? He had to have. There was no other explanation for why Vincent had turned around like that. He bit his tongue, hoping the ebony-haired boy would forget.
Instead Vincent surprised him with his actions again, leaning closer to get a look at his face. "Cid, what's wrong? What did you mean by that?" His crimson eyes swan with questions, but Cid passed by them all and placed his hands on Vincent's shoulders. Quickly he moved forward, tiny thrills passing through his body as his lips met the other's. Vincent gasped, his breath quickly taken away as Cid wrapped his arms around his neck.
The moment seemed to freeze in time to Cid and he finally pulled away, resting his chin on Vincent's shoulder. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I don't know what I was thinking, but I just…I just couldn't help it." He held the youth closer, running his fingers through a lock of ebony silk. "I just…I just…" He could only fall silent as Vincent's hand reached up to his face. The feel of the delicate fingers on his chin made him close his eyes and he wished that the moment wouldn't end.
But it did and Vincent pulled away from the blonde. "Cid, I don't know what you're doing, but I don't agree. I mean, I agree, but not with me. With anyone else but not with me." His voice was soft as he let his hand fall from the blonde's chin. His eyes were radiating something between sadness and apology. "I'm sorry. I'm just not like that."
"No. I understand." Cid lowered his head as he picked up the kit and bowl. He moved away from the room, entering the bathroom. One glance in the mirror and he looked away, ashamed. Vincent had come here trusting in him to keep him safe, not to put him at the mercy of Cid's feelings. The cold water splashed onto the counter as he turned on the faucet, dipping his hands into the liquid. His breath was taken away as the water greeted his skin and he coughed as he wiped his face dry on a towel. He had to go back in there sometime. He knew they had to sleep sometime. But what was to keep him from waking up with Vincent in his arms again?
He shook his blonde head and ran his fingers through the golden strands. He only had one choice and that was to go back in there and face Vincent. To face the one he had just kissed. He understood that the ebony-haired boy didn't return his feelings, but still. Why does it hurt so much? I feel like I want something I can never have. Maybe I can't. Maybe I can never have him as that much of my life.
He groaned. He had never thought like this before and it was confusing him. Back in Tampa he had always run around with all the other guys picking up girls. He had even had a few serious relationships that lasted a decent time. But He had never felt that way about someone the same sex as him. But then again, he'd never met someone like Vincent. He pressed his palm against his face, counting to ten before taking a deep breath and stepping back into the room.
Vincent glanced upward. He had replaced his shirt and was now sitting with his back against the wall, his head near the window. He looked away momentarily, returning his glace to Cid when the blonde stepped in front of him. "I—I really am sorry. I didn't mean to do anything like that, it just…happened."
"I understand." Vincent aimed his crimson gaze outside at the few stars peeking through the velvet sky. He looked back at Cid where the blonde was dragging a second futon out of his closet. He added a few blankets and pillows to the pile, nodding toward Vincent before passing over to sort out his own bedding.
Raven silk spilled over his shoulder as he crawled over, spreading out his bedding for the night. He did feel bad about letting Cid down like that, but it had to be that way. He just didn't feel the same, whether the blonde kissed him or not. So Zack and Cloud had been right, he thought silently as he crawled under the covers, Cid reaching up to click off the light. He sighed as the room fell to darkness and his eyes slipped shut. Maybe tomorrow I'll wake up and this whole night will have been a dream…
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Hmm, I really skimped on the cultural stuff in this chapter. But oh well. It was a little more on getting Cid to confess, really. Haha. Because they're too cute together. lol But poor Cid got shot down. I feel sorry for him, really. But we'll see how that goes, won't we? lol But on the note of Vincent's "problem", that really does happen. And it's really weird to wake up like that too. Haha...I've scared off so many people by doing that in my sleep. XD Bad cuddler. lol But I know this is supposed to be a humorous story but it's getting all serious and stuff. Gah! What'll I do? Nah, it'll probably turn around soon. But poor Mr. Thiefy now has to put his second job on hold for a while too. But anyway, since there's nothing like I've been doing, there's no little section this chapter. So, yeah. That's all I think.
Sooo...reviews? Mr. Thiefy will give you a cookie. XD Yay for digital cooking. lol But I'm so bad, trying to bribe people. Maybe I should just go hide and write some more. lol