Big ol' sigh right now. lol Some how I managed to pop this chapter out fairly fast, considering how long a break there was betweent the last tow chapters. But I just got started one night and couldn't stop until I was too tired to think straight. I'm just wondering how many people are gonna come after me and attack with random objects for what I did. But, this chapter is mostly Vin-centric since it goes back over his past and all that fun stuff. Heh. His past. I was really considering not doing this (and to tell the truth, while I wanted to do it, I was trying to keep it out) but it just snuck in. Heh. Guess it was meant to be in there. But yay for OOCness. Really. On all three parts. Heh. But strangely enough, not on Yuffie's part. At least, not in my opinion. I kind of see her doing the things she does.Oh well. Anyway, I'm gonna shut up now.
Chapter Ten--Sometimes the Truth Can Hurt
A cold breeze drifted through the streets as Vincent wrapped his jacket tighter around himself. The nights in Kagoshima were known to sometimes get chilly in spring, but it was too late for weather this cold. He didn't understand it completely, but it was still there. Shivering, he pulled the thin jacket closed and slipped into a dark alley.
He felt somewhat bad about leaving like he did, but it was almost a habit anymore. The wandering streets in the middle of the night, not the leaving. He hated the leaving. Sometime around midnight he had woken, Cid still sound asleep beside him. He would have stayed for the rest of the night and he should have been happy to have a place like that to stay. But his old nature was taking over and leaving him increasingly restless every night.
I'm just not one to stay in one place like that. I actually miss going out and roaming the streets. Besides…a little extra cash can't hurt anyone, can it? He smiled softly in the shadows of the alley, his crimson eyes picking out the path effortlessly. Stopping as he came to the next street, he took a breath.
Every alley was mapped out in his mind with every business plotted. He knew exactly where to wait for the people who wasted their money on gambling and other things late at night. They didn't need it if they were just throwing it away. At least that was the conclusion he'd come to after all these years. Why not let someone who needs it have it? Besides. These guys who do these things have money falling out of their pockets. They don't care if their personal cash is gone so much as whether their businesses are making a profit.
The scent of grilled fish reached him and he paused, recognizing the accompanying scents. This was his most visited spot and also the most productive. All he had to do was wait around for some unsuspecting businessman who had just spent more that Vincent would ever see in a year on expensive sake and girls. Then pull his little routine and be gone with the money before they knew what had happened. The spicy perfume almost gagged him as he slipped inside the dim-lit building.
Almost instantly a girl appeared and offered a drink. He declined, shaking his ebony hair over his eyes to hide their crimson gaze. No need to be recognized by something like that. But he was still able to see plenty and maybe more than he would have liked. Girls were fawning over rich businessmen, helping them to sip their drinks and unbutton their vests. All to make a buck.
Taking a seat near the back, he ruffled his jacket a little to shake the chill off. He hated to see people stooping to that level to make money. But, then again…wasn't that why he was here? Sure, he might change the game-play a little, but he was still here for that reason. He hated himself for it, but it was something he was used to, that feeling of self-loathing. He'd had a person acquaintance with that feeling for years now.
The music changed slightly, a slower tune filling the spot of the last song. Raising a finger, he called over the waitress and asked for a small drink. Not that he would actually drink it. No. He'd learned his lesson quite well during that night with Cid. But it, like the bar, was part of his ploy.
He heard a loud laugh and aimed his cold gaze at the group of men sitting about forty feet from him. A few kept looking his way and prodding their friend, a man who looked to be about thirty. They knew why he was here and they knew he was alone. Turning his eyes away, he kept a constant watch on the group from the corner of his eye. Tonight's gig might go rather fast. I'd like to be back before Zack and Cloud return and start asking me where I was. Not that I can't lie; I just don't want to.
Sure enough, the youngest man stood shakily and after a few more encouragements from his friends, moved toward the bar. He slid onto the stool next to Vincent and nodded. "Nice night, huh?"
"Suppose so. Depends on what you call nice." Toying with the straw in his drink, Vincent kept his gaze straight ahead. The trick was to act uninterested and he knew that quite well. "So. You have some business here?"
"Ah," he young man looked back again before turning and nodding. "Yeah. How much?" he asked softly.
He doesn't want to be heard. Funny. Most men don't care. Finally lifting his gaze to the man's face, he raised four fingers. Simple as that, the man had his answer.
"F—forty thousand?" A nervous tone crept into the man's voice. He apparently hadn't done anything like this before and wasn't sure how to approach anything.
"Yes. That's the line. Nothing less." He didn't really see the man's problem though. Even if he was new to the whole ordeal, forty thousand yen wasn't much. He had personally seen boys who looked worse than him go for well over one hundred thousand yen. In comparison, he was actually cheap. But figuring that I don't actually go through with anything anymore, I guess it's not that bad. Technically he gets nothing for forty thousand. But he doesn't know that. "So?"
The man bit his lip before pulling his wallet out carefully. Forty thousand yen was gently placed in Vincent's hand and he smiled awkwardly. "Yeah." Even more awkwardly than his smile, he stood, one hand held out before him. Vincent gathered his jacket close around himself again and let himself be led out of the back door. A shaking hand rested on his hip and he clenched his fist lightly, hating the touch. But it was the best way to get the job done.
The cool night closed around them and he took a breath, letting the man lead him again, this time to a car parked near the front. The passenger door opened slowly and Vincent was about to slide in when a soft gasp of surprise sounded behind him.
He whirled around, trying to figure out what was happening when the man's hand slipped off of his hip. "Uh, can I help you?" he shakily asked the shadowed man who was holding his other wrist.
The hooded head shook slowly. "I only want to say that I happen to have some business with this boy. I suggest that if you don't want to get in trouble, you'll leave now." He released the man's wrist, watching as he stepped away. Then the hooded figure turned to him. "You will be returning the fee, won't you?"
His mouth quirking with annoyance, Vincent pulled the payment from his pocket and shoved it back into the businessman's hand. A few quite seconds passed by as he moved away from the vehicle and the hooded man joined him.
Crimson eyes watched with slight aggravation as the man took one last glance at him and then disappeared back into the bar, his car locked up tight again. Vincent whirled around, knowing full well he had nothing to do with the newcomer. Then a hand reached out and grasped his wrist, pulling him back. "You know, I didn't know you were still in this trade. Thought you'd have given it up long ago. You know, back when I got you out of it?" The voice changed from the false tone and Vincent breathed out, his irritation clear.
"What are you doing here?" he asked darkly as the hood was pulled back. Green eyes shone at him from behind messy cherry-red bangs. "I don't want anything to do with you, so leave me alone."
"Now, now, Vincent. Is that any way to treat your old lover?" Reno mumbled lightly as he pulled Vincent into an embrace and kissed him lightly. Laughing, he let the other boy escape and watched in amusement as he wiped a hand across his mouth, disgusted. "Come on. You used to like it when I did that."
"Yeah, well, not any more. I'm done with you and any connection I had with you. Now please just leave me alone." Ebony hair flared out behind him as he whirled around, him mind set on giving up for tonight.
A soft laugh reached him and he started walking. But Reno's next question made him stop cold. "And what would that blonde think of your little pastime?" He laughed again as crimson eyes flashed in the streetlight. "Yeah, I know about him. Ran into him one night and he practically exploded all over me. He's got quite a thing for you, huh?"
"Leave him out of this," Vincent growled, his fists clenching. "He has nothing to do with this."
Reddish-brown eyebrows rose slightly. "Really. I don't think he'd be too happy to find out you're doing something like this." When he got no response, Reno followed the ebony-haired boy a little. As Vincent passed the next alley, the redhead grabbed his arm and pulled him in, slamming his back against the brick wall. A sharp gasp ripped from the pale lips as he fought to catch his breath.
Emerald eyes stared at him, the face they belonged to no longer laughing. "I just wanna know why. Why are you still doing this shit Vince! You don't need to and yet, here you are! What. Is it fun? Is that why you keep doing it? One of these days you're gonna get picked up by the wrong guy and then you won't be able to get away scott-free. One of these days some guy's gonna get what he paid for." His brows furrowed as he leaned in closer. "And you won't be able to do shit. Is that what you want?"
Vincent opened his mouth to speak, but swallowed instead. "Reno, why do you care? We're done. There's nothing left, just like there was nothing to begin with. Why are you trying to protect me?"
"Dammit! Because maybe I don't want to see you go down that fucking path! I already pulled you out of it once and I don't want to see you make the same fucking mistakes!" He took a deep breath before forcing himself to look into the crimson eyes. "All right?"
"I can take care of myself. And I never asked you to save me this time or the first. That was your own decision." He shoved out of Reno's grasp, disappearing into the shadows of the alley.
Reno wasn't sure whether he was still in hearing range or not, but he risked it. "You should at least tell him. Then maybe you'll see where you're going wrong." Turning, he left the alley. Vincent took in a breath, shaking under the cover of the shadows. He knew Reno was right, but still. It was his lifestyle. And how could he tell Cid something like that? A tiny beep sounded and he jumped, glancing down at his watch. The dial glowed for a second, the time lighting up softly. A little after two. His eyes followed the path of the redhead once more before turning away and heading back toward the outskirts.
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The lights were still off as he slipped into the house, the door clicking shut softly as he turned the deadbolt again. Zack and Cloud still weren't back, a good thing for him. He took a calming breath as he made his way to Cid's room.
He was still slightly shaken by his encounter tonight and Reno's words were still hanging in his mind. Was he making another mistake? But this time it was different, wasn't it? But still…Reno was right. He couldn't keep doing it. One time he might come up on a person like the redhead had described. And that was one thing he didn't want to see happen.
A soft moan brought his eyes forward as the moonlight revealed the still-sleeping Cid. The blonde rolled over one, reaching for him, but of course his side of the bed was empty. Vincent held his breath until he calmed down once more, curling up under the covers.
He had to tell Cid. That was the only explanation. If he kept hiding it like this then he would just find out somehow and then it would just be worse. He couldn't risk that. As much as he wanted to keep it a secret forever, he knew by the tone Reno's voice had held that if he didn't say it, the redhead would. Just to save him from himself.
He slid down the wall until he was sitting, crimson eyes lazily watching the blonde sleeping. His head leaned back, hitting the wall softly. Memories of those past days flooded into his mind and he hissed softly. He didn't want to see them. He didn't even want to know they existed. Yet he was forced to remember because, as Reno had said, it was happening again.
He could hardly remember the first time he had gone into a bar like the one tonight, but he remembered the first time he met Reno. Back then he was doing the job honestly, giving what he was paid for. As much as he had hated it, he had known it was almost the only way to make it. It had been right after his mother had passed away that he had actually started.
Those nights he had been haunted by her face and the knowledge that he was the only one keeping himself alive any more. His mother was gone and all he had left was Hojo. He hadn't yet earned the job at the university since he was just out of high school himself. His nineteenth birthday had been spent in the bed of another man.
He shook his head at the memory, trying to clear his mind of it. But all he could remember was those nights. And then he remembered Reno. That had actually been a mistake, a joke. He was never supposed to meet Reno and wouldn't have, if not for the redhead's friends' twisted sense of humor. He had essentially been a "present" for the redhead's twentieth birthday. They had started out with the idea of a regular girl, but then the idea was warped into the thought of getting a boy. He had been about the cheapest, so he was the one.
Reno had flown into an outrage when he found out. It was only after his friends had been driven out of his house had he finally calmed down enough to speak legibly. Out of all of his torn memories, that night had stood out alone. He even remembered the pity in the emerald eyes as he asked his question. "Why are you here?"
"Because your friends hired me." He wasn't one to speak much back then, just as he was now. When he thought about it, not much had changed at all.
"I mean, why are you still here?"
"I was hired for a reason."
"I'm not interested." The redhead had almost shouted, but had managed to keep his voice steady. "They were just joking."
"I don't work for jokes."
"It doesn't matter whether you do or not, I'm not interested." The room had fallen silent and Reno had finally given up and sat down on the couch. "But I have a question for you."
Vincent remembered how surprised he'd been. He'd been working for over a year and never had someone actually wanted to talk. They had always slapped down the money and gotten straight to business. But this one, he had been different.
"How old are you? Eighteen? Nineteen? You can't be much older than me."
"Nineteen," he'd said softly.
"Nineteen. So why? Why are you doing something like this?"
"Because I need to."
"Not much for words, huh? Well, anyway. I don't think there's any reason why you would need to. No one does this kind of thing because they need to. There're always other things out there." He had turned away, emerald eyes bright in the dim room. "There's no real reason to fucking sell yourself, is there?"
Vincent had remained silent, unable to answer. He didn't want to contradict the other, but he didn't want to accept the words either.
"Seriously. Give me one good reason and I'll stop asking."
He had no answer, no matter how hard he looked. Shaking his head, he had lowered his gaze to the floor.
"That's what I thought. I suggest you get out of this business. Find yourself something better, huh? Can't hurt to try." He had smiled softly, something that Vincent rarely saw in the future.
Reno had offered him a place to stay for the night and when he had left the next day, he had found the fee stuffed into his jacket pocket. Reno had paid him even though he had done nothing. When he tried to return it, the door was locked, the redhead already gone.
He didn't meet him again until a year later. But he hadn't taken Reno's advice. He had stuck with the business and was doing fairly well, everything considered. He just didn't know that the next job would be his hardest. All he knew was that it was some sort of celebratory party that would involve alcohol and him. He didn't ask what the party was for; it wasn't part of his business. He had agreed, stated the price and that was that. But when he arrived at the house in question, he'd been filled with complete shock.
The man who was hosting the party had taken him in right away and showed him the basics of the house and everything he would need to know. Not that there was much. He was starting to get the idea of what the party exactly was after the man let a few things slip. Apparently it was for his small company that had just made it somewhat big, in the sense of big for a personal company that is.
Vincent was almost a game. He would, with Vincent's agreement, "auction" him off as a fundraiser. The money from the highest bidder would be split with him fifty-fifty, and he would go home with the winner. It all seemed straight-forward to him. There was a guarantee that if the bidder didn't go above a certain number, he would get that number anyway. "An assurance," the man had called it. Vincent had agreed.
But when the party was underway and the "auction" started, that was when things took their turn. For there in the small crowd was none other than the redhead who had given him that ill-used advice a year ago. Emerald eyes burned into his own crimson gaze and he half-expected Reno to stop the deal. But then he surprised Vincent by raising his hand and joining in.
By the end, Reno was named the winner and Vincent got off with a little over three hundred thousand yen. The redhead was silent as he drove Vincent to his house, a different building than he remembered. Instead of the small house, Reno now lived in a medium apartment, a small space change having been made. He was still deadly silent as he unlocked the door and let the ebony-haired boy inside.
But once the door locked closed again, his silence was broken. Rough hands grabbed his arms, shoving him against the wall. "How can you be so stupid? You're a complete idiot."
Vincent simply stared steadily into the emerald gaze until Reno turned away. "So I didn't listen. You can't expect everyone to listen to every word you say," he stated quietly.
"You're still stupid," he growled as he released the boy. Cherry bangs fell into his eyes as he flopped onto the couch. "You might as well sit down, yo. Or are you plannin' on standing around all night?"
Vincent sat gently and closed his eyes. He held his breath waiting for the redhead's advance, but it never came. Crimson eyes opened again and he glanced over to where Reno was staring at the far wall.
"I hope you're not expecting me to do anything, 'cause I'm not interested, just like a year ago. Nothing's changed. Obviously." He stood quickly and disappeared into what Vincent presumed to be the main bedroom. A moment later he returned and dumped a few blankets on the empty end of the couch. "I don't mind doing this charity shit, but at least think about what I keep telling you. You're wasting your fucking life." With a last grumble, he almost slammed his door, leaving Vincent to himself in the living room.
A week after that, he did consider Reno's advice. He had encountered someone who was a little too dangerous for him and had almost considered quitting altogether. But he stayed with it and was again yelled at the next time Reno saw him. But the third time, Reno didn't just sit back and hope he would listen. He took a completely active step, convincing Vincent to take a job with the company he was part of, Shinra Inc.
Everything worked out fairly well, much to Vincent's surprise. And through it all, Reno was there by his side every time he slipped and messed up. He ended up becoming somewhat of a friend and things went on from there. He was surprised at first to find that Reno did care for him aside from friendship and basic worry, but he read into things too deeply. Far too deeply. That was when Reno revealed that he was just a fling, nothing more. It had devastated Vincent and just to spite the redhead for leading him on, he left Shinra. He had felt betrayed, like he'd been shot in the heart at point-blank range. He had given up completely on the prostitution, but he took up the profession of thievery, one that proved to be slightly better.
He shook his head as the memories cleared. He had loved Reno, but it hadn't worked out. I hadn't ever been meant to work out. But maybe that wasn't so bad.
Another soft moan drifted through the room and he rested his gaze on the blonde. The blue eyes were still closed tightly, but his right hand was once again roaming the blankets. Smiling, Vincent reached out, his fingers brushing Cid's. The larger hand closed over his unconsciously and the blonde smiled in his sleep. Yes, I think things are a lot better now.
But why had he gone back to his old ways? Sure, it wasn't really the same. Instead of letting the men have their way with him, he made sure they paid up front and then knocked them out before they could make a move. Then he simply left, taking the fee with him. It was slightly dangerous, but worked better than simple pick-pocketing. But he could see now why Reno had reacted the way he had. When he thought back to just how much Reno gave up getting him away from that path, he understood.
Smiling again as Cid's hand squeezed his, he slipped his hand free. Removing his jacket, he slid under the covers, the blonde's arms instantly circling him and pulling his close. Breathing in the scent of the golden hair calmed him slightly and he closed his eyes, pressing a soft kiss against the moonlit skin. The younger boy stirred slightly, drawing ever closer to him until his head was tucked under Vincent's chin.
Raising his eyes to the sky, Vincent watched as a star fell, the glittering trail left spread across the black expanse for a second before it disappeared. A soft murmur sounded and he felt lips brushing his throat. A deep breath and he closed his eyes, threading a hand through the soft golden hair. It was definitely better this way; there was no doubt about it.
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"Hey. Heeey. You just gonna sleep all day or what?" A hand pressed against his forehead and he groaned, rolling over. The last thing he wanted was to get up. Last night's little excursion had worn him down, both physically and mentally. The hand moved and warm breath flowed over his cheek. "Vince, you've got about twenty minutes to get ready. Hope you're a speed-dresser or something."
He groaned again and reached out, pushing the other boy away lightly. "I don't care," he mumbled through the pillow.
"Right. You don't care. And that's why you went to all that trouble to get the damned job, huh?" A light laugh reached his ears and he opened his eyes. The blonde smiled, brushing the ebony hair away from his face. "Hey. Look who's alive."
"Funny." Vincent reached down and tried to pull the covers over his head. But Cid wasn't about to allow that. The shock of cold air made him shiver as the blankets were completely yanked away. He sat up suddenly, pulling his shirt straight again. Rubbing his arms for warmth, he glared at the blonde. "I must say, I don't appreciate the wake-up call."
"Yeah, you're welcome," Cid said as he buried his head in the closet and pulled out a few items. Looking back at Vincent, he nodded. "Last chance for the shower."
The raven-haired boy waved a hand. He didn't care either way. "Go ahead." He watched as the blonde shrugged and disappeared into the hallway. Sighing, he turned his mind to getting ready. But for some reason he couldn't get last night out of his head. Especially the fact that he had no reason for Reno to do what he did. Why would he still be looking out for him? They hadn't even spoken in over a year and last night he just showed up giving his advice again. And Reno wasn't one to give advice. He never had been unless it had to do with Vincent.
Shaking his head against the thoughts, he forced himself to think of other things. Like how I'm going to tell Cid? But does he really have to know? I can stop. Besides, it's been going on this long and no one knew anything. Well, except Reno. He knew somehow. He curled his fists and pressed them against his temples. I don't want to think of these things right now.
A small knock on the door drew his attention away from his own mind and he jumped up to open it slowly. Zack was smiling in the hallway. "Hey Vince. Morning."
"Uh, good morning," he said slowly. He wasn't all too sure why Zack was coming to the door like that. And even stranger, why would he knock just to say good morning? "Something…wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, no. There's someone at the door to see you." He tipped his head toward the front room. "It's a girl."
Wh—what? A girl? But who… "Uh, thanks." He carefully pushed past the man and moved toward the door. He was still trying to figure out just who would be there when a familiar voice made him cringe.
"Vinsento!" Two arms wrapped around his neck and he was almost dragged down to the floor from the force of the embrace. Coughing, he pushed hard enough to get a little air and to see who was hugging him. Black eyes stared at him joyfully then they filled with disappointment. "Vinsento, why didn't you tell me where you'd gone? I've been so worried about you and everything! Did you know I had to track down Reno to find out where you—"
"Reno? What does he have to do with me?" Vincent managed to escape the girl's grasp, but his hand was caught almost instantly. Staring at his own hand wrapped in two others, he moved his crimson gaze to the girl's face. "I don't have anything to do with him anymore."
"Well, he definitely pointed me here so he knows where you're staying. He said something about hanging out with you last night. I thought you used to be friends."
Vincent's bit his lip and frowned. "Yes, used to. Not anymore. Last night was just a fluke run-in." He tried to move away, but she encircled his arm with an embrace. "What are you even doing here?"
"I—I told you. I was worried. The university wouldn't tell me and your step-father said you ran off. Then I ran into Reno this morning and he mentioned talking to you and all that." She looked away for a second. "I wish you had told me you were staying with someone else."
Vincent almost choked. "You actually asked Hojo? You're lucky he didn't shoot you or something. I guess you caught him in a good mood." Dreading the thought of having to return eventually, he moved away from the idea. He was about to say something else when the bathroom door opened and he was caught between the black and blue stares.
Cid slowly took a hold of the towel around his waist and moved into the main room. His eyes stayed put on Yuffie the entire time and he neared Vincent. "Hey. Something going on?"
"No." Vincent in a sense put himself between the two and yanked his arm free. "Yuffie was just leaving, weren't you?" He started pushing her toward the door as fast as he could.
"But Vinsento," she cried as she pulled away from his hands. "I don't want to leave!" He gasped at the same time as Cid as she pulled him into another embrace, her lips pressed against his. His eyes flew open and he struggled, finally managing to break her grip. "Don't make me leave, Vinsento."
The boy would have retorted the soft statement in an instant but he'd been robbed of his voice. His crimson eyes searched the room, looking for some sort of escape as they landed on Cid. The blonde was staring heatedly at the girl. Catching Vincent's thoughts, he moved forward and in front of Vincent. "Listen. You'd just better leave now, got that? Vincent's not interested."
"But—"
"And for another little tidbit, he's not single either. So keep your hands off of him and no one will get pissed off, got it?" He stepped forward once more, his cerulean glare forcing her back. "So?"
Yuffie's lip quivered slightly as she looked away from the blonde to the ebony-haired boy. "Vinsento…"
Cid cleared his throat, getting her attention once more. "I said he's not interested." He folded his arms, one hand still grasping the towel tightly. "Now I suggest that you leave before someone gets too upset and we have a whole mess on our hands."
"W—who?" The tiny whisper shook as Yuffie forced it out. "Who is it? Who are you with?" She felt there was almost no need to ask, but she wanted to make sure. When Vincent finally opened his crimson eyes and turned them to the blonde, she felt a tear slip down her face. "All right. I get it," she whispered as she turned. Wiping a hand across her face, she started down the steps. "I just have one last question. Why did you do it? Reno told me about how you get your money. The other ways." She received no answer for the two minutes that she stood waiting. Taking a deep breath, she started walking away.
Swallowing, Vincent moved toward the door. "I'm sorry," he called after her, watching as she started running, her fists held to her face. When she disappeared from his sight, he turned back to Cid. "I—I'm sorry to you too."
One blonde eyebrow cocked. "Why're you apologizin' to me? You didn't do anything wrong." Reaching out, he brushed the back of his hand against Vincent's cheek. "Fuck. I knew all along something like that'd end up happenin' with her. The way she followed you around and all." He saw Vincent move toward the room. "But."
The ebony-haired boy froze. He had a strong feeling that he knew what was going to fall from Cid's mouth this time. He wanted to run just to avoid the words, but he couldn't bring himself to move.
"What did she mean?" The blue eyes narrowed slightly as he reached out and laid a hand on Vincent's shoulder. Turning the other boy, he gazed at the pale face. Crimson eyes were aimed away from him. He won't look me in the eye. "What did she mean about your money? Are there other ways you're gettin' it?"
Vincent squeezed his eyes shut and lowered his head. He wanted desperately to lie, to say no straight to Cid's face. But the words wouldn't come. All he could do was stand still as the blonde's second hand grasped his other shoulder.
"Vince? Why won't you tell me? I know it's not just the mugging. I know you were gone last night." The ebony head shot up in surprise. "I woke up once and waited an hour for you to come back before I gave up. When you did finally come back, you smelled like sake and cigarettes. Tell me, please."
"I—I can't," he finally whispered. The blonde frowned heavily, drawing back a little from him. "I'm sorry Cid, I just can't."
The words struck straight through Cid. He released Vincent and swallowed. "Fine. Don't tell me." Trying his hardest to keep his voice normal, he pushed past him. "I just thought you actually trusted me. Maybe I was wrong." The bedroom door slammed, the sound echoing through the house.
Vincent winced, still standing in place. His shoulders were shaking slightly, but he made no effort to stop them. He knew Cid was upset with him now, just from the strained tone that had been in his voice. How could he not be? But the fact that he was angry over just this was unsettling to Vincent. How would he react when he found out the truth? He took a deep breath as the bedroom door opened again.
"I'll see you when I get back." The crimson eyes remained closed as he felt the air move past him, heard the whispered statement, heard the front door close. He was left standing alone in his own silence.
"Hey, what's going on out here?" Zack poked his head out of his room. Went he saw Vincent, his head bowed and shoulders quivering, he moved into the living room and gently placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Hey. You all right? I just heard all this door slamming business. What's going on?"
Vincent forced himself to take a calming breath. "Nothing. It's just…we got in a little argument. That's all."
It was easy to see he was speaking the truth on that matter and Zack sighed, patting the slim shoulder. "Don't worry about it. It'll work out and all. But," he smiled as he headed back for his room, "I guess that can be the problem with getting into fights with those significant others, hmm?"
"Wha—" Vincent whirled around to where the elder stood laughing. "But we're not—"
"Oh, come on Vince. I'm not stupid." He smiled and nodded toward the younger boy. "It's kind of cute, really. The way he tries so hard to take care of you and all. And the way he tries to hide it when it's written all over his face that he loves you. I've seen you do it too." The crimson gaze lowered. "But it'll be all right. These things happen all the time. Lighten up, kid."
Zack's right. We both just overreacted there. I'm sure that he'll understand if I tell him. But…what if he doesn't? What if he decides I'm not worth the trouble? Sighing loudly, he stroked a hand through his hair. One thing remained completely unclear to him through it all: it's all going wrong so fast.
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"Damn." Cid raised a hand to his forehead, wiping the rain from his forehead. It made no difference however, since it was still pouring down on him. It had been fine this morning when he'd left the house. Or more like when he stormed out of the house. He hadn't meant to make such a big problem out of it, but it had bothered him. The fact that Vincent didn't trust him enough to tell him something was almost painful.
Ducking under a nearby tree, he let his blue gaze sweep the front courtyard. His day was finished here and now he had about half an hour until he was supposed to go by the shrine. But something inside of him wasn't ready to see the ebony-haired boy again. He wanted to say he wasn't still upset, but it was hard to lie also. That's when his eyes picked out a familiar face between the raindrops.
Biting his lip, he moved out into the rain again and carefully approached the boy. "Reno."
The redhead looked up from where he was lighting a cigarette under the shelter of another tree. "Oh. Hey Blondie."
"Don't even start." Cid simply glared at the laughing green eyes and pulled out his own cigarette.
"Trouble in Paradise, huh?" He chuckled, handing over the lighter. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're having a little bit of a time dealing with our favorite thief."
"I guess you don't know any better then." He tried to calm down and took a deep breath of the smoky air. Letting the smoke float free, he glanced over at Reno. "It's pretty much your fault, isn't it?"
The redhead laughed. "And how is that? I don't remember doing anything."
"Bullshit. What about Yuffie? I know she didn't just show up on my doorstep by accident. How the hell did you know he was there?"
"Lucky guess." When the blue eyes narrowed and stared at him harder, he shrugged. Ducking under a low branch, he entered the storm again. "If he wasn't at the school, not at home, then where else would he be? I figured at your place, seeing as how you two are so, shall we say close?"
Cid wrapped his jacket around himself to try and stop the rain from soaking his already wet clothes. "So what was it you told her? She said you told her something about how he got his money. What was it?"
The redhead stopped short and turned to face him. "Shouldn't you be asking him that?" The blonde stood still, the rain tracing miniature streams down his face. "Ah. So he wouldn't say. Classic Vincent, if you ask me. He was never one to let in on those kinds of things." He turned again and started away.
"Well then you tell me."
This again made him stop. "Me? I don't think it's my place, is it?"
"Well you were pretty fucking lax about telling Yuffie." Cid moved in front of Reno, blocking his path. His arms were folded over his chest, a look that wasn't to powerful since his hair was plastered over his face.
Reno shrugged. "All right then. But just keep in mind that I'm not at fault. I wasn't the one to get him started in prostitution." He almost smiled at the sheer shock crossing the blonde's face. The point was definitely getting through. "Actually, you and he should be thanking me for getting his stupid ass out of there. I got him a decent job and what's he do? Let's his feelings get in the way then blows off the job and starts that dumbass mugging."
Cid's hands dropped to his sides as he stared unfocused at the redhead. "You mean…he…"
"That's right. You're innocent little lover isn't so innocent." He turned on his heel, throwing a last minute glance over his shoulder. "And I suggest that you get him to stop what he's doing now before something goes wrong."
"What he's…what has he been doing?" The question alone was hard for Cid to hear; never mind what the answer might be.
"Just about the same thing. Except before they get to do anything, he knocks them out cold, steals their money and splits. So, like I said. Get him out of it and fast."
The blonde watched as Reno ran a hand through his cherry-red hair, the water dripping from his fingertips. "But…why do you care so much?" It was the one thing he didn't understand. Why was Reno telling Vincent to stop this if he didn't care about him?
"It's called friendship. Something you should think about before getting involved with someone like him." The older boy's voice had dropped down to a low whisper that sent chills through Cid. But he stood straight, following the redhead with blue eyes until he disappeared behind the curtain of falling drops.
Another stream trickled down his face, tracing the line of his jaw. There was only one thing left to do. It was the only thing he could do. He had to face Vincent, had to get it all out in the open. Otherwise they might stay the way they were at the moment: far apart because of a simple unspoken detail. That was the last thing he wanted.
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Another drop fell from the pale chin, splashing on the step with thousand of others. A million thoughts flooded his mind as he stared into the storm. Since he had fist lowered himself to the stone steps an hour ago, the rain had started falling harder, each drop falling on his head and shoulders with tiny blows. He'd already been hurt enough for today, why did even the weather have to turn against him? Or maybe he hadn't been hurt at all. Maybe he'd been the one to deliver the pain.
He hated the look he'd seen in Cid's eyes this morning. It was a look of disappointment, like he'd been let down. I suppose I did. But what else was I supposed to do? Closing his crimson eyes briefly, Vincent crossed his arms to try and fight of the chill invading his body.
Cid hadn't been there to pick him up. He'd walked back alone and found the door locked, the house empty. Zack had forgotten to give him the extra key and the blonde had taken his keys with him. That had been the only way he'd gotten back in last night. But today…today he was alone and trapped out in the rain. He didn't dare break in for fear that he wouldn't be trusted again.
Trust. Do I even know what that word means anymore? Sighing, Vincent buried his face in his hands. He always saw himself as one who didn't need anyone else, someone who was strong enough to be alone. But now…the whole idea of being alone frightened him. He wasn't sure why, but it did. He didn't like the feeling. In fact, he hated it. He hated it as much as humanly possible, but it was still there. And trust? That was almost a joke to him. He hadn't placed trust in anyone since Reno had broken it years before. But hadn't he just broken Cid's?
An ebony veil covered his face as he lowered his head. It was all a messed up game that no one could win. That was the only answer. It wouldn't even matter if the whole world was made to be content, one person would be hurt some way or another. It was an imperfect puzzle where so many pieces were missing. He held hundreds before him, but the ones he needed just weren't there.
A rock rolled across the sidewalk, coming to rest at his feet. He heard something shuffle, like dragging shoes. Glancing up, he saw the one person he wanted to see, but wanted to run from. Yet that feeling of being alone crept back, forcing him to his feet.
Blue eyes gazed at him and he couldn't read a single thing from them. But he didn't need to. The way Cid was standing, the way he was looking at him, the way he held his hands, it all pointed to one thing; things weren't the same. Perhaps that trust had been the only thing holding them together. He didn't want to think that, but almost everything seemed to be pointing toward that. But he tried not to believe in any of it and took a breath, trying to steel himself against the entire world he felt falling around him. "Cid…"
The blue eyes flashed away, hidden under a veil of golden strands. "No. I—I don't want to hear anything. Nothing. I had to hear it from Reno. And I only have one question…why? Why couldn't you say anything?"
The crimson gaze snapped back to Cid's face. He…he's not asking why I did it? Isn't he even angry? Of all the things to ask me, he asks why I couldn't tell him… Pushing his raven hair back, he waited for the right words to come to him. "I…I guess I just didn't think you'd understand," he finally whispered, the sound of the words far too loud in his own ears. He knew he'd said the wrong thing the instant the words slipped from his mouth.
"That I wouldn't understand? Don't be stupid Vincent." Cid only whispered the words in a tone that rivaled the bony-haired boy's in softness, but it still sounded like he had spat the statement at him. The he completely surprised Vincent by moving forward and taking him into his arms. "Don't jump to conclusions when you don't know who you're messing with." Warm breath pressed through his clothes, brushing his chilled skin with the slightest touch of heat.
The forehead pressed against his shoulder was gone too soon and he gazed forward, confused as Cid's lips tweaked into a tiny smile. "I never meant to be like that this morning. I just—dammit Vince, it hurt." He almost laughed. "It still does. It hurts to think that you don't trust me enough to let me in on these things."
"I…I'm sorry." They were the only things he could think to say as he felt a hand brush his cheek.
"Hmm. You know why I like rain Vince?" Vincent glanced up again, confused once more at the strange tone the blonde's voice had taken on. It was almost heart-wrenching to hear that kind of desperate voice coming from the confident boy. Gently, he shook his head. Cid nodded and looked up into the rain. "I like it because no one can tell that you're crying." Lowering his face back down, he turned the blue eyes on crimson.
This time he saw the tears tracing down his cheek. Vincent reached out, wiping one away gently as Cid enfolded him in his arms again. He couldn't think of a single thing to say in response and simply stood there, holding Cid tightly against him. Slipping a hand into the blonde's pocket, he pulled free the keychain and turned to unlock the door. Soon enough they were inside, the still pouring rain left behind the closed door. The ebony-haired boy glanced out through the window as the arms wound around his waist once more, just holding him.
The sun was shining outside, illuminating the raindrops into beads of light. He felt a light kiss laid upon his throat and smiled softly. Maybe I was wrong to think things had changed. He smiled again as the kiss was moved to his lips, the warm breath flowing though him. He desperately hoped that everything would stay the same, if only for Cid's sake. And maybe, just maybe, for his own sake also.
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Sighs all around. I would have continued this chapter a little more, but then I would have gone into something that's going to probably take up a whole chapter itself. I didn't want to do that. So yeah. Anyway, once again having fun shooting down the Yuffintine. Oh. And on a small note for those of you who have no idea how much a yen is, it's around 120 dollars, I think. Last time I checked anyway. Which means that Vince was going around for $340 or something like that. I'm too lazy to do the rest of those calculations, so blah. lol Just call me lazy, I don't care. But that was the only cultural thing, really. I just wanted this chapter to get this whole scene, so it did what I wanted. I can't say I love it, but I'm okay with how it came out. Anyway, on with the begging of comments, which will be reasonably short because I'm tired. So...pwease? Pwetty pwease? With Vincent on top? Heehee, oh the images. lmao