Wow. Really sorry for the huge delay. I never meant for this chapter to take so long, really. But a lot of things just kept coming up and I wasn't able to get around to it. So, I finally got it done and up. Aren't you all proud of me? Haha, I'm kidding. But this is chock full of connections to stuff in the game, at least I think so. Well, personal relations-wise. It's hard to get anything else. Heh. Can't exactly have some college student whip out a spear, now can we? Hmm...that might be interesting...nah, forget that. Heh. But anyway, I'll stop yapping and let you get on with the story. Oh yeah. And please forgive the weird title. It was the only thing I could come up with since a lot of it is them trying to understand everything that's happening. Or it's more of Cid anyway. Oh well. Oh yeah. And I seriously messed up on the ages way back somewhere in this story. I think I put that Cid was 19 and Vincent 20, but it's supposed to be Cid is 22 and Vincent 23. Sorry again! Way too many mistakes...

Chapter Nine--Understanding

"Hey Vincent." The crimson eyed youth looked up from his breakfast, gaze settling on Zack. "I know it's none of my business, but aren't you supposed to go back to work today?" A small creak sounded as the elder leaned back.

Vincent lowered his eyes again. He hadn't even thought about anything pertaining to work for the few days he'd been spending with his new "family." As soon as Zack heard the simple (though highly Cid-encouraged) question, he had taken the boy under his wing almost immediately. He had set the crimson-eyed boy up with almost everything even though he knew almost nothing about the situation. All he knew was that he needed a place to stay that was away from his step-father. Zack had asked no questions, but jumped in full-force with making Vincent a part of the household. He shook his ebony-head gently, returning his thoughts to the inquiry. "No. Not yet. I still have four days on my suspension."

The elder black-haired man nodded. "Oh. I was just wondering. Cid mentioned something about a meeting and I guess I just connected the two." Shrugging, he removed himself from the table, dropping the daily newspaper as he did.

Silent, crimson eyes watched the papers scatter across the table and he reached out to keep a page from falling. He glanced over to Cid's empty chair, sighing. The blonde had left earlier, rushing off to his first class which he was already five minutes late for. But what did Zack mean about a meeting? Sure, he had that conference with the teachers he was supposed to go to, but that wasn't until Tuesday. Wait. "Zack?"

"Hmm?" He pulled his head out of the refrigerator, a stick of celery hanging from his mouth. Raising his eyebrows at the younger boy's stare, he glanced downward and pulled the stick from his mouth. "Something wrong?"

"Uh, no. I was just…what day is it?" Vincent shook his gaze away from Zack as the other took his seat again.

"What day?" Chewing thoughtfully on the end of the celery, his violet eyes dropped down at his watch to confirm his guess. "Tuesday. Why?"

Vincent started and choked on his tea, almost dropping the cup. Zack rushed forward and took the cup, patting the boy on the back as he did. When he'd finally regained his breath, Vincent waved him away. "Wh—what did you say?"

"Huh? Are you all right? You were choking pretty bad ther—"

"What day did you say it was?"

"Tuesday. You know, maybe you should just take a couple deep breaths and relax. Then you'll feel a little—hey!" The black-haired man stumbled backward as Vincent shoved away and dashed to Cid's room. "Vincent?"

The crimson-eyed boy reappeared soon enough, fighting with a jacket pulled over one arm. "Oh man, oh man, it's ten past eleven. This is not good." He brushed by Zack, shaking his raven head viciously. "I'll never make it."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." The elder reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "What's the big hurry? Thought you didn't have anything." He took hold of the door as it was pulled open.

"I thought wrong. And now I'm late for that stupid meeting. Oh crap, I'm never going to make it." He stared at Zack for a moment. "I really need to go."

"Well, do you need a ride or something?" The violet-eyed man nodded toward his car as he leaned against the door. "It'd only take a second."

Vincent shook his head again. "No, it'll just be faster this way. I know some shortcuts and stuff." He rushed down the steps, waving once as he turned onto the sidewalk. "Sorry to run off!"

Folding his arms, the other man smiled. "No need to apologize," he said gently. He watched as the ebony-haired boy disappeared around the next corner. The door clicked shut softly as he turned and reentered the house. It might be a little more hectic living this way, but hell. It seems to be doing fine. Everyone needs a place they can feel safe at and there's a plus. He manages to keep Cid in a good mood. Smiling again, he nodded. It's almost nice to have the kid around. Just like another little brother, but the one you're not embarrassed to say you're related to. He laughed out loud as he disappeared back into the house.

--------------------------

A loud sigh slipped free for the boy as he slumped further into his chair. A quick glance at the clock above the doorway confirmed his suspicions: there was still a good half hour of class left. Cid groaned. He didn't know how much more of the droning professor he could take. It was one of his less sleep-inducing classes, but today they had a substitute for some reason. Instead of their usual professor, a happy guy who loved to get his students involved with the class, they had this man. The blonde would have considered him to be the dullest man alive if that spot hadn't been already filled by his father.

They hadn't even known they would be faced with the professor of fascination until they had walked into the class and then it was too late. Usually they had notifications a little ahead of time and then they would have all known to stay home. Cid would have been more than happy to do just that. He had even considered skipping the day, but Vincent had shoved the idea, along with him, right out of the bedroom door this morning before he could say otherwise.

He laughed at the thought of the crimson-eyed boy. Ever since they had both come entirely clean, he had been in the best mood possible. Not only was he living abroad and studying a new culture along with what he wanted, but he was also practically living with who he considered the most beautiful man alive. And the best part? He loves me back! He smiled and closed his eyes.

For the past two days he had found it all so hard to believe. He had found it so hard to open his eyes each morning for fear that the raven head wouldn't be beside his own. But each morning it had been there along with the serene face that held those hidden crimson eyes. He has regretted having to leave so early today, but he had forgotten to set his alarm clock last night and had overslept. If he had known he was going to be late last night, he would have just set the alarm clock so he could watch the other sleep peacefully in his arms. He still found it amazing when Vincent didn't throw off his affections, but instead was returning them, sometimes even introducing his own. He smiled again at the thought of the quick kiss he'd been slipped right before he'd left.

The only thing truly bothering him about the whole ordeal was the fact that they were hiding it. Sure, Zack knew he liked the ebony-haired boy, but he didn't know that Vincent was having mutual feelings. But it might be better that he not know. I don't think me need him thinkin' we're taking after him and Cloud. Bad enough that he won't give up on the fact that I'm gay. Still think he's insane. Just 'cause I like Vincent doesn't make me gay, does it? Aw, shit. Now my fucking head hurts. Shouldn't have tried to figure out his fucked up thinking. Not like I'm walking around hittin' on guys constantly. Then I might consider him being right.

Sighing again, he laid his head against the back of the chair. The lecture hall was almost packed, a strange sight seeing as it was Tuesday. Usually it was just a review day and people didn't come. He chuckled softly. Poor them. None of them had known they were walking into a trap of boredom. He wondered half-heartedly about their real professor's whereabouts, but gave up for the interest of doodling on his notes. All he could remember was something about the sub saying their teacher was in a meeting.

He shrugged and glanced up at the clock once more. Still twenty minutes to go. Twenty minutes of listening to the functions of the main hormones released by the body. Oh, he knew plenty about hormones. Of course. He was the average young male, after all. Hormones were what he was made of. Or so said Zack, the seeming master of hormones himself. Cid was either beginning to notice the violet-eyed man's affections toward Cloud more often or they just weren't hiding it as much. He was willing to go with the second guess as the scene from last night's session of Zack feeling up Cloud on the couch popped into his mind. God. Even getting a drink of water can be dangerous anymore.

The paper crumpled under his hand as it slid forward, his lids drooping slightly. He didn't exactly have the tendency to fall asleep in class, especially not this one. But the substitute just made the idea so alluring. It also didn't help that the lecture hall seats were cushioned and that he hadn't gotten much sleep last night since they hadn't actually turned out the lights until after four. There hadn't even been a reason for them to stay up that late except for the fact that they had gotten highly involved with thinking out loud and talking in general.

He had never seen himself as a talker, but apparently he was as long as he had the right audience. Vincent and he had just been sitting in his room after retreating from the living room and had been trying to think of something to do. He had had the idea of just attacking the ebony-haired boy outright, just to see what it was like. But he had restrained the urge and had started talking about his life instead. Before he'd known it, it was past four and Vincent had heard almost his entire life's story. Now that he looked back he felt a little stupid about the whole thing. Maybe I should have just gone with the first idea. Hell, Zack and Cloud sure seem to enjoy it enough.

He smiled softly again and traded the thought for one of sleep instead. But instead of sleeping in the partially cushioned seats of the hall, he was lying at home with his head pillowed on Vincent's chest. Another smiled crept onto his face as he let his blue eyes close and fell into a light sleep, the words of the lecture still drifting through his mind.

------------------------

"Oh god, thought that damn thing would never end." Cid stretched widely, his fingertips brushing each other. Yawning once, he drug his bag onto his shoulder and wound out of the hall, stepping into the crowded corridor. He was just lucky that biology was his last class on Tuesdays.Smiling, he headed for the exit, intent on making his idea reality. He wouldn't even care if Vincent had already taken a nap; he would still be dragged down to be used as the blonde's pillow whether he liked it or not. But Cid was betting on the first.

In fact, it sounded like one of the ebony-haired boy's ideas anyway. He had been surprising Cid every which way with some of the things he was doing. More times than he could think of in just the past few days the blonde had found himself just reading his assignments with his head lying in Vincent's lap, nimble fingers stroking though the golden strands. Other times he'd caught the crimson eyes watching him with an almost sensual look to them as slim arms were curled around his waist. The soft, hesitant kisses were becoming increasingly more frequent and strong. It was almost as if the other wasn't past showing his own affection in his own ways.

Not that Cid didn't like it. Quite the opposite, really. He was always strangely caught off guard by Vincent's advances and they always left him with a wanting for more, a desire to see what kind of trick would be pulled out next. He found it a little strange that he was drawn so heavily to the ebony-haired boy, found he thought things were moving faster than he'd ever had experience with. Yet he couldn't resist and found himself always coming back for more of whatever was offered. He would have worried about drowning in it all if he didn't feel as if he would float away each time he was drawn into that warm embrace with the feather-soft kisses.

He knew it wasn't like himself to get so caught up in something like love, but he couldn't help it when he saw those crimson eyes shining, a smile hidden in the pale lips. So what if it wasn't like him? People do strange things when they're faced with something like this. I know I shouldn't be doing any of it, but I just can't tear myself away.

He finally fought his way through the crowded hallway to the door, shoving outside. The sunlight almost blinded him, but nothing kept him from seeing the raven-haired boy standing near the steps. "Vince? Hey, what're you doing here?" The crimson eyes smiled as he stepped closer. "Did you have that appointment thingy you were talking about?"

"Yeah. Almost missed it too." Slim arms were folded over his chest and the ebony head nodded back toward the school. "Had to talk to them about my work and all that."

Waiting for Vincent to continue was taking too long. Cid waved his hand. "So? What did they decide? You coming back Friday?" He slightly remembered that as the original plan, two weeks after the bottle incident in the hall. Wow. Has it been that long already?

The taller boy smiled and started to walk away. "I got fired."

"What? Fired?" The blonde rushed to the other's side, grabbing his arm. "You're kidding, right? They didn't fire you over that." When the raven head nodded he huffed. "Well that's fucking stupid. It was all an accident. And—wait. Why are you smiling? You just got fired for gods sakes. In my experience that's not a good thing."

A light laugh poured from the elder. "Well, right after the meeting one of the teachers came up to me. I've known him since I can remember and he's always been around to help me out when he can. Think you have him, actually. Gasuto-sensei. Biology?"

Cid remembered the name now. "Oh right. Professor Gast. Got it. But what could he do? If the principle decides that you can't work here anymore, how can one teacher help you?" He wasn't exactly following Vincent's line of thinking.

"Ah, well. His family owns a small public shrine right outside of town. He said that when he's away teaching, they need some extra help. But they can't ever find any." He extended his arms, shrugging slightly. "So he offered it to me."

"Shrine? Like Shinto shrine?" Vincent nodded and he couldn't help but laugh at the image that popped into his mind. "Oh shit. Sorry. I just saw you as one of those shrine maidens." He laughed again. "All dressed up in red and white. Ha. Quite the look for you, Vince."

The crimson eyes rolled. "Whatever," he growled as he wrapped an arm around Cid's shoulders, pulling the blonde right next to him. "I'll have you know that I'll be simply a helper, not a miko."

"Aw, but that would have been interesting." A smirk settled on the boy's face. "Admit it. But anyway, where's this place at?"

Vincent pointed ahead vaguely. "Not too far. About a ten minute walk from your place actually. Surprised you hadn't ever noticed it." He caught sight of a tall willow, the graceful branches flowing over each other like water. And behind that, the torii gate. "See? Not that far, is it?"

"Guess not. I didn't even know this was here," Cid mumbled as he stared up at the torii as they passed under it. The red paint was slightly faded, but proved that he had been right with his assumption. It was in fact a Shinto shrine and when he looked forward once more he saw the first temple, a man standing near the entrance. When the man saw them, he waved and bowed once. Startled, Cid tried to follow as Vincent bowed back.

The ebony-haired boy broke loose, stepping up to the man. "Shinkan-san. I'm sorry I haven't been by to visit lately." He bowed deeply again, his hair falling over the crimson eyes like silk.

"Ah, that isn't an issue at all, my boy." The man placed a hand on Vincent's shoulder, motioning that he could rise. "I understand how it is. Things are hard. Now, won't you come in?" He waved a hand back, allowing passage into the temple. "Your friend may also join, if he wishes." The older man smiled warmly at Cid and he looked around nervously before turning his eyes on Vincent.

The boy made a motion with his head and the blonde quickly made his way to his side. "If he offers something, take it with many thanks. Don't just stand there and look dumb. It's bad enough that Americans get the image as a slow-witted lot, but it doesn't help that you're proving it," he whispered playfully in the blonde's ear. Then he was gone, disappearing inside of the temple.

Cid peeked inside and slipped off his shoes, setting them next to Vincent's as he stepped onto the tatami mats. Glancing around, he found himself in amazement at the simple beauty of the temple. He heard a slight huff and turned to see the ebony-haired boy waiting near another door. "Oh. Sorry," he said sheepishly as he entered the smaller room and knelt beside the boy. "I've never seen one of these places before, okay? So sue me."

Vincent shook his head in slight amusement. "Whatever. Just remember to be courteous and everything, all right? And always thank him for anything. He's one of the oldest priests around."

A blonde eyebrow cocked. "You're kidding. He looks around forty. How's that the oldest?"

"Forty is the age of Gasuto-sensei. His father, Faremisu Shinkan-san is over eighty." He nudged Cid's shoulder with his own as the priest returned through from one of the back rooms, a plate of cups settled in his hands. The ebony-haired boy bowed his head as he accepted a cup, a small whisper of "sumimasen" slipping from his lips.

Cid wondered why Vincent was apologizing for taking a cup of tea when he was offered with his own. Deciding to put the questions later, he followed the example, bowing and apologizing himself. He felt a little foolish doing so, but if it was the way of the culture, he would do it. After all, that was part of the reason he was here, right?

He was decidedly glad that he wasn't here alone though. Without Vincent he would have been lost in every sense of the word. Keeping his eyes trained between the other boy and the priest, he tried his best to stay with them.

The elder man set his cup down slowly and waited for Vincent to do the same. "Now. I have heard many things from my son and it seems that you are not doing so well right now." Gazing wisely out of black eyes, he saw the boy nod his head slightly in agreement. "So it is true. He called me earlier and asked if we were able to host a job for you. I was rather surprised to hear why."

Shame filled the crimson eyes as he glanced away and bent his entire body over. "Yes. I regret that that happened, but I can assure you that it won't happen again. I never intended to take that bottle to school, but I realize it is my fault that I did."

The blonde was stunned by the words. Vince, what the hell're you doing? That'll just make you lose this one too!

"I understand."

"You what?" Cid would have held the words, but his surprise at the priest's response was too great. The old man simply smiled as Vincent nudged him hard in the ribs.

Still smiling, the priest shook his head lightly. "I know how Hojo was and still is. Never could keep a bottle out of his hands. There's no need for you to worry or apologize for his mistakes." He waited as Vincent straightened and sat up again.

"Thank you so much. I—I don't know what I'd do without this offer. You have my—"

"Ojiisan! Tadaima!" A door slid shut and the three glanced up as a whole. A pair of green eyes studied the two newcomers for a moment from the frame of brown hair. She cocked her head to the side before bundling her hands at her knees and bowing. "Sumimasen! I didn't know you had company—oh! Vinsento-kun!" She hurried to the priest's side and dropped to her knees.

Faremisu nodded. "Yes. He's going to be helping out here while your father is working."

"Wow! Really? That's so cool." She smiled warmly before rocking back onto her heels and standing again. "I hope you'll excuse me. I should probably leave you three to your business and get started on that project due tomorrow." Another small bow and she was turning away. "Oh! I'll be down for supper and all. And I'll see you later Vinsento-kun!" With another smile she finally left through the sliding door, her long hair flying in its twist behind her.

The priest smoothed a hand over his robes gently. Catching Cid's confused glance toward the door, he laughed softly. "My granddaughter, Aerith. She's a little over-exuberant sometimes, but a good child. My son is lucky to have her." A proud look crossed his face for a fleeting moment and then it was gone.

He stood, offering for the pair to follow his lead. Vincent was on his feet in an instant, offering his thanks again with a low bow and several whispered phrases that Cid didn't catch. He was sure the dark-haired boy would be complaining of back pain tomorrow. His own knees already hurt from kneeling in the same position for so long.

Rubbing his legs discretely, he watched as Vincent shook the old priest's hand. They were about to leave when Faremisu laid a hand on the taller boy's shoulder. Vincent turned, slightly surprised.

"I would like to speak with you for a moment, if you don't mind." The blonde was curious, but he kept silent. Nodding, Vincent followed him back in, leaving Cid to wonder alone.

Crimson eyes wandered the room as the elderly man led him past the main living area. His gaze only returned to what was in front of him when a flat object was slid into his hands. Frowning, he studied the photograph carefully. "I don't understand," he said softly.

"You don't? Who is in the photo? I'm sure you know."

Vincent stared harder at the three men, shaking his head slightly. "This one looks like your son if he was younger. And this one…this one looks like Hojo," he said distastefully.

"And the one in the middle?" The man tapped a finger above the dark head on the paper. A smiling face peeked out from behind jet-black bangs, a hand placed against his right temple in an attempt to hold them back.

The boy shook his head again. "No. I'm sorry." He started to hand the picture back when Faremisu held out a hand to stop him. "I—"

"Keep it. You should know what your father looked like," he said quietly as the crimson eyes filled with shock. "I know Hojo probably didn't tell you much about him."

Staring at the photo again, he swallowed down his surprise. "No. He always told me that my father was a deadbeat foreigner who left my mother when I was three. He always said I'd end up just like that too."

He started as a soft chuckle from the priest grew into full laughter. "A deadbeat? Left your mother? The only thing about that he had right was that he was a foreigner. Everything else is false."

He smiled as Vincent's crimson gaze flashed with surprise again. "Grimoire Valentine. Hecame over from Europe when he was ten with his family and became friends with my son and Hojo. Your mother came into the picture during his last years in college. He returned to Europe, but came back a year later to marry her. There was nothing bad about that man. I saw him as my own son, in fact. When you were born, he was the happiest man alive. But he made the other two promise that if anything ever happened to him, one of them would take you in."

"Of course my son agreed right away, but Hojo secretly just wanted your mother for himself. But your father didn't leave. He was…how to say this…killed in a work accident. Hojo saw it as his opportunity and struck while she was still in grieving. It wasn't supposed to work out the way it did. If everything had gone the way Grimoire had wanted, you would have been raised by my son, not by Hojo. I hate to think of how everything turned out. But you can't change the past. I'm just glad to see that you have made it through this path just fine. Your father would be proud." He smiled. "I've always seen you as a grandson, so never forget that you are welcome here Vinsento."

A soft smile lit upon the boy's face and he bowed his head. "Th—thank you. Really. I—I don't know how to thank you for all of this."

"Well," the priest said rather loudly, "I think that maybe you should be getting out to your friend. He's been waiting for you, has he not?" The raven head nodded and he held up a finger. "So I shall see you tomorrow then?"

"Yes. I'll be here." Vincent smiled broadly and turned, slipping out of the sliding door silently.

--------------------

The wind shifted over the small pond, a tiny leaf coming to rest on the shimmering surface. Cid sighed and rested his chin on his hands as he watched the ripples stretching over the water. Reaching out, he dipped his fingers in. He'd been waiting for over fifteen minutes and was now getting restless. Actually, he was more curious as to what was happening in the temple. He couldn't think of a single thing the old priest might have needed to say to Vincent alone.

Another breeze passed over him and he groaned as he laid back, the scent of wisteria and honey locust covering him. Closing his eyes, he took in the scent of the fresh grass beneath his head. Just wish he'd hurry up. I know he got the job and all, but it's startin' to worry me, dammit. What's taking so long?

A cool hand covered his eyes and he jumped, reaching above him. A small laugh sounded as he grasped the thin arm and pulled. The cover was lifted, bright blue eyes finally free to see the faintly smiling face. "'Bout time. I was about ready to take off and just leave your ass here. You get lost or something?"

"No. He just wanted to show me something." Vincent pulled a photo free from his shirt pocket and handed it to Cid.

A grin crossed over the blonde's face. "You know, that sounds somewhat creepy." But he took the picture anyway, glancing at the three men. "Hey. This one kind of looks like you. Your dad or something?" He pointed toward the middle man before turning his eyes on Vincent.

The crimson eyes closed for a second as he nodded. "Yes. Grimoire Valentine. I finally got the true story of him and not the fake one Hojo kept feeding me all these years." Light flashed off of the paper as he took the picture back.

"That's great. So…do you know where he is now?" Cid was careful as he posed the question. He couldn't remember right off hand whether Vincent had ever mentioned his father as alive or not.

"Hmm, gone. Work accident, I guess," the elder mumbled softly. Cid stood, wiping a hand across his back as he did. "But it's better that way then thinking he was some worthless man who took off. You know?" He turned soft eyes on the blonde.

"Yeah. I know what you mean. I might hate my old man sometimes, but I'd hate him even more if he had just taken off." Sighing, he stepped away from the dark-haired boy and closer to the main torii. "So, you ready to go? I'm about ready for some food and a nap. How about you?"

A raven eyebrow arched gently. "A nap. You're kidding, right?"

Cid grinned as he wrapped an arm around the slender neck. "Hell no. Why would I be joking about something like that? I'm dead tired and it's all your fault."

"My fault? I never told you to stay up and talk that long." A sharp tone slipped into his voice, but nevertheless, he found himself smiling. "All right. Fine. Have your stupid nap when we get back. But don't expect anything out of me. I have things to do."

"Ha! Like I'd need anything from you." The younger pulled his arm downward, almost yanking Vincent off of his feet. "I think if anything, you need me. So what's your comeback to that Thiefy-boy?"

"Funny, funny, haha."

Grinning again, Cid reached over and yanked on a handful of hair. "Don't get all sarcastic and shit on me here. I'll go spastic on your ass." Red flashed out of the corner of his eye and he glanced up quickly at the torii. "So. You start tomorrow or something?"

Vincent felt the entire mood change. "Yeah. From seven to five."

The blonde nodded. "Well, least I can come by and pick you up after class and shit. Heh. Just walk really slow after the last class."

"What makes you think you need to pick me up?" he asked softly. He didn't see why he couldn't walk back to Zack's on his own. It's not that far, after all.

"What makes you think I need to? Maybe I just want to. Ever think of that, genius?" Blue eyes smiled at him through blonde bangs. "Thought you were supposed to be smart."

The elder laughed softly. "Since when did I ever claim that?"

"Well, shit! You're a damn thief aren't you? Aren't you guys supposed to be all smart and tricky and shit like that?" He poked at the ebony-haired boy's side. "By the way, hope you've been leaving my stuff alone."

Vincent would have considered the statement an insult if it hadn't come from the blonde and if he hadn't started laughing. "Right. I'm sure I'm going to get millions off of the black market for that shirt right there," he said as he tugged at the soft material. "You know, sometimes you can be the strangest person."

"Make ya laugh though, don't I?" Zack's car came into view and he unwound his arm from Vincent's neck. "Well, shall we go forth and face the man of the house and his wife?" He snickered softly as Vincent rolled his eyes.

"You know," Vincent started slowly, "technically Cloud isn't any more of a woman than you seeing as how I heard you had to be comforted by him. I don't know…"

"Ah, whatever," growled the blonde as he shoved through the front door. He didn't see anything sitting by the step. Guess they're out. Oh yeah. Zack did say something about them going out tonight when I left this morning. Great. Which means they're probably gonna come back around two in the morning all shit-faced. He sighed as he stepped out of his shoes and headed for his room.

As Vincent finished, he glanced up at the leaving blonde. "Hey," he called softly. "I thought you were hungry."

"Ah, fuck food. I'm just tired now. You and your damn fake arguin' wore me out." He turned around and more or less dragged Vincent into a hug. "So. Wanna join me? It's kinda lonely in that room."

"I'm sure it is," Vincent replied as he brushed a gentle kiss on the boy's lips. "But, I already said I had things to do, didn't I?"

Cid pulled his head down for another kiss. "Yeah, but can't they wait? Come on." He ran a hand through the silken hair as Vincent smiled. "You know you wanna."

"Really. And you can see into my mind now?"

"Maybe. But maybe I don't need to." He pulled backward, forcing the taller boy to take a step forward. "Maybe I can just see it in your eyes." He pulled again, a little surprised as Vincent stepped forward on his own and began leading Cid backward toward the room. "See? Told ya. Can't resist that Highwind charm."

A rough laugh slipped through the pale lips. "Right. That's it. Not the fact that maybe this is the only way you'll stop asking." He smiled as they entered the room, Cid reaching back to close the door. "So exactly what were you thinking?" he asked as he was pulled down onto the futon.

"What was I thinking?" Cid's eyes took on a strange look, somewhere between confusion and surprise. "I was thinking of sleep. You know, that thing you do when you're tired?" He heard the soft "oh" that Vincent whispered. "Why? What were you thinking exactly?"

Dark eyebrows raised for a second. "Uh, nothing. Same as you. That's all."

"Right," Cid drawled out slowly. "I'm gonna act like I don't understand that, hmm?" he whispered as he laid his head on Vincent's chest. One hand tucked under his chin automatically as the second wrapped around the body he was resting on. "You know, I'm starting to think you've been thinking ahead a lot recently." The words were forced through a yawn, so Vincent only partially understood him.

Shrugging, the raven-haired boy laid one arm across the blonde and brushed the golden bangs back. They instantly flopped back into place however, and he smiled. "You ever think of getting these things cut?"

"Hmm?" Cid glanced up slightly, already starting to fall asleep. "No, why?" He paused, thinking. "You ever think of cutting yours?"

A quiet laugh vibrated through the crimson-eyed boy. "No, I suppose not." He brushed the bangs back again, smiling as he got a soft sigh in response. In a few short minutes the blonde on his chest was fast asleep, warm breath soaking through his shirt to graze his skin. Taking a small breath, he looked up at the window and the sky peeking through tiny breaks in the sakura tree. The blossoms were gone now, but the spring foliage was just coming out, the delicate greens mixing with the soft blue.

I don't know what I was thinking back then. Why did I ask him that? Of course he was thinking about sleep. What else would there be? He wished he had a hand free so he could smack himself. But Cid was saving him from doing that. There's no reason he would be thinking about that. I shouldn't be thinking about that. But…I don't know. I just don't know right now. Maybe…maybe things will get sorted out soon. The crimson eyes closed as he sighed, leaning his head so the blonde strands brushed his face. The scent of grass and clover took over and he smiled. Maybe he was thinking ahead a lot. But was it all his fault? No. There's no reason it should be…

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Hee hee. Vincent? What're you thinking about? But anyway, yeah. So things may be speeding up here in a sense. I know this was terribly OOC and all, but yeah. That just happened. So...how many people are hoping I'm gonna kill off Aerith again? Hmm? Well, sorry. She only plays a small part and I don't see her doing anything that would really warrent her killing. She'll leave Cloud alone, I promise. Even though they technically are around the same age, even in here. I really messed with the ages, huh? Heh. But I'm still trying to figure out how those two are gonna find out that Zack and Cloud already found out and all that. shrug I don't know. I'll think of something I suppose. Oh. And a small note, I don't think anyone who's just played FFVII will know who the hell Grimoire Valentine is. Heh. But (and if this was right) I happened to finad a place that keeps up with the new compilations and stuff and it's been revealed that that was Vincent's father. And (eep! Possible spoilers for the compilations!) he actually did die in a "work accident". And he did work with Gast and Hojo. So yeah. Why not use it?

Yay for lots of unfamiliar stuff. Well, maybe.
Gasuto-Sensei--AKA Professor Gast. Yay, I love using the original Japanese names.
Miko--Shinto shrine maiden. Usually seen wearing the traditional white haori and red hakama.
Torii--The traditional gates seen around Shinto shrines and places of natural beauty. Usually red, but can also be for Buddism and then they're usually black.
Shinkan-san--The honorific term for the main priest of a Shinto shrine.
Tatami--The woven mats that usually cover traditional Japanese rooms. They're usually made of sweet straw, I think.
Faremisu--Yay more obscure Japanese names. But this is Gast's last name. Funny; he was the only Shinra scientist to get a surname.
Sumimasen-- Most often means "I'm sorry" as in this context. But it can also mean "excuse me".
Ojiisan--Literally grandfather, which technically, he is. lol

So...that's it for this chapter. I really am sorry I've been taking so long on everything. It's not just this story. They all seem to be going slow. But maybe that'll change soon? I hope. But, reviews always welcome as always! C'mon, I need the encouragement. Heehee.