O My Lord Valentine
---Chapter Two
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy is not mine. I don't own any of the characters in this story unless otherwise noted.
Warnings in this Chapter: Cursing, more implied yaoi (Cid/Vincent, Vincent/Reno)
Author Note: The last chapter was short, as is this one. That's because I just recently acquired this cockamamie idea. Please tell me what you think. I'm going for originality. Surprise. Excitement. Neato stuff like that.
Elena took off with her helicopter, looking down on the Highwind with concern. "Oh boy," she mumbled to herself. "Those guys'll never believe him."
"And that's how it is, folks." Reno leaned over the mahogany table of the Operations Room, mourning his horrible predicament. "They think I'm a good- for-nothing. Rude's okay, but me, I'm a goner if I don't shape up. And with Aeris gone I can't help recruit her, which means I'm outta work, which means I'm about to be...terminated."
"So?" Tifa said, hands firmly on her hips.
"So..." he gestured toward Vincent, who unfortunately sat next to him. "That's where this guy comes in."
The team and Rude watched in horror as he swiped at Vincent's lapel once again and buried his head in Vinny's chest. "Oh mighty lord, ascendant of the Turks, please help me!"
"How did you know...that I...?"
"Rude and Yuffie had a little friendly chat when he was untying her." He looked up eagerly at the distraught ex-Turk. "Ya know, the day Corneo got out of hand. He pointed to him and said 'Who's that?' and Yuffie said 'That's Vincent. He was in Turks like thirty years ago.' But you don't look over twenty-five, Lord Valentine."
"'Lord Valentine?'"
"Yes! Lord Valentine, this job means everything to me! I'll do whatever you ask so long as my occupation is secure!" He snuggled against Vincent once again, but Cid grabbed him from behind and jerked him away.
"Yo, you've got to be kiddin' me! Where's this 'Lord Valentine' shit comin' from?"
"Hojo's always saying, 'Turks these days aren't what they used to be.' So I'm here to learn from the master!"
Vincent looked like he wanted to die.
"The 'master,' huh? And what makes you think Vinny here would help a Turk like you?" He waved his spear in Reno's face.
Rude raised his hand to answer. "Because Reno loves his job. And he's harmless either way."
Red XII smiled. "Yes, we do make mincemeat of you frequently."
Cloud looked up and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "But what about Yuffie, then? What's she got to do with this?" He glared at Reno. "Do you...like her, Reno? Or is it, um...is it...?"
"I think he goes both ways," said Rude.
"Can we just CAN IT?! I'm here for Lord Valentine, not you AVALANCHE vultures!" Vincent found himself cheek-to-cheek with an overeager Turk. "So! What are we going to do first, my lord?"
"Please," Barret groaned. "I can't take this anymore!"
The shaft of Cid's spear battered Reno's flaming red head. "Get off'a him ya lousy Turk! You sure as hell ain't comin' with us to Gold Saucer, no fuckin' way! I fear for Vinny's safety, y'know!"
"Thank you Cid," said jaded Vincent. "I hate my life."
"I know you do, Vinny. Don't worry, we're here for you—hey, where the hell are...?!"
Red and Reno left the Operations Room for the cockpit, discussing with intrigue Cid's attempt at playing father-figure.