A/N:Gratuitous sex. No just kidding. It's very tastefull. Just re-kidding. No Sex. But read it anyway.

Chapter 4

Cleanliness Is Next ...

Almost four weeks had passed since Cosmo Canyon and all but Yuffie Kisaragi had returned to a somewhat normal routine. Tifa was back at work most nights at Paradise Bar. Cid and Barret were arguing about one thing or another, even if their hearts sometimes didn't seem in it. Cloud and Aeris were back and as the shock of what had happened eased over the weeks, were going deeper into exploring their own mutual attraction. This at least gave Tifa a reason to tease Cloud at every opportunity, which she really did enjoy. Even Red XIII and Cait Sith were able to stand each other for more than a few minutes in close proximity.

For Yuffie, she had passed the time at the bedside of her beloved Vincent. First at the infirmiry where her delight at the rapid healing of the horrendous wounds had begun to bring hope again to her heart. The joy at his pyhsical health was soon replaced with worry then anguish over his inability to awaken from the coma. In the infirmiry the Doctors and Nurses all went about their duties with no interference from the tiny form quietly sitting in a chair nearby. She was content to lightly run ice cubes over Vincent's lips to keep them from cracking and could often be heard softly talking to him at night while gently brushing his ever lengthening hair. She would not let it be cut, insisting that when he woke up it would upset him too much. The staff, after a time, reluctantly went along with it.

When it became apparent that Vincent's coma was not tied to his injuries Dr. Watabi agreed to let Yuffie take him back to Avalanche headquarters. 'Under her care and her care only.' The whole group had helped get the room ready and even included a small bed in the corner for Yuffie so she could be near Vincent at all times. Most meals she did venture down to the kitchen but barely spoke to anyone except to be polite when asked how everything was and if she needed help. After a while they stopped offering as it was gratfully turned down every time. The Doctor, on his regular visits, had given Yuffie instructions on changing the dressings and administering the feeding solutions intraveinously and Tifa was always near if she had any questions. For everything else it was just her and Vincent. This was an issue early on when Cid brought up the fact that someone would have to bathe the patient regularly. Some of the arguments became a little heated as the guys thought a nurse should do it but after Tifa sided with Yuffie it was dropped. It gave Yuffie great comfort providing all the care for Vincent as she constantly talked to him while working. Granted it was one sided conversation but she was convinced he heard every word.

The day started like any other with Yuffie changing the sheets on the bed and making sure all the feeding tubes were clear and properly adjusted.

" It is going to be a perfect day today." Her mood was indeed lighter this morning but for no apparent reason that she could identify, she just felt good and wanted to let Vincent share it. "Did I tell you that Cloud and Aeris are now dating quite seriously.? Yep. Seems they are rarely seen without the other. Everyones happy for them especially Tifa who worried that Cloud would never get up the nerve to ask her out. I think she may have done a little matchmaking as a way of getting them together but of course she will never admit that." Having finished changing the sheets she started to tidy up her small sleeping area and changed from her night shirt into a small red skirt and a short sleeve white blouse. She wore red as much as possible when around Vincent for she knew how much he liked it.Once dressed she did what she did every morning. She stopped at the dresser, opened the top drawer and gently removed Vincent's cape. She held it up to her chest and face for several seconds. The neat mending and patching of the tears was almost invisible. She had meticulously undertaken the task and was so proud of the way it turned out. She replaced it in it's spot and slowly closed the drawer so as to be ready when he woke up. She then cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair. This being an even day was also a bath day. She gathered up the wash basin, soap, wash cloths and towel and placed them on a small table beside the bed. She had become quite proficient at this but from the very first time till now she never liffted the sheets and always respected his privacy. Well as much as could be expected as she first wet then soaped his entire body section by section. "I think I'll start reading a new book to you today, one Tifa recomended. Because Yuffie never looked at Vincent while washing him she didn't notice the slight flutter of his eyelids. The flutter gradually stilled and the lids began to rise ever so slowly. " I hope it doesn't rain later as the guys want to kick the ball around in the courtyard. They're not very good but..."

Vincent passed in and out of conscienceness on the flight back from Cosmo Canyon. He briefly saw Tifa intently working on his many wounds but felt no pain. He sensed motion but no sound. He didn't see Yuffie and his heart began to sink. "Was I responsible, did I not stop the demon in it's frenzied attack on her. No wait, that's not right. I remember her calling my name. Her arms holding my head and ...and..." He did not know when or how long it was but like in a dream, or was it merely a memory, he often heard Yufie's voice. Not a memory; couldn't be, there was no deja vu. The conversations were mundane, about people, places and daily routines but it was the most wonderful sound of her voice that finally stirred him..."What's happening? Hands on my body...washing me? I'm dead. The Wutai Elders are performing the ritual cleansing before cremation. No! If I'm dead I can't feel the...Whoa. That better not be the elders."

Going about the washing methodically and efficiently Yuffie encountered an obstacle: a large obstacle. "Oh my. That's never happened before." She had stopped all motion and the room became still and even the outside street noises seemed muffled. There was a voice, another voice in the room. It was slightly hoarse and barely audible at first.

"Could you... please... explain what you're... doing with your hands... under these sheets.?" With every word the volume increased until Yuffie could hear without straining.

"What did you say?" Thinking back later she laughs about the first words she said to him but that was all she could blurt out.

"Your hands are under the covers and they are wet and I think a little soapy and I am naked. Why?"

She brought her hands out from under the covers and threw them around Vincent's neck kissing his cheeks, forehead, hair, nose and lips over and over. His arms slowly began to rise and make their way from under the loose top sheet and with a surprising amount of strength returned her hug. In her haste to grab Vincent and not let go she kicked over the small table with the wash basin and it hit the floor with a loud thump.

Tifa was on the main floor having just arrived from her place and bringing in some food when the bang echoed through the upstairs floor. "What the ... Yuffie. Everything okay up there?" No answer. She was up the flight of stairs and through the bedroom door in ten seconds. She stood in the doorway, tears welling and silently watching the embrace of these two special people for a minute until it dawned on her the rest should be told. Running back to the head of the stairs in her best impression of Barret, bellowed out. "Everyone upstairs. Now."

One by one everyone in the converted house that was Avalanche HQ came running from various spots to converge on the increasingly crowded bedroom. They were all there. Cid and Barret in work-out sweats from the courtyard. Cloud, Aeris and Red XIII from the kitchen where they were preparing breakfast. Cait Sith just seemed to be there without anyone knowing how. They all gathered in a semi circle around the bed and the two people still locked in the long overdue embrace.

"Okay Yuffie let the man breath." This from Barret who was grinning widely and had slipped his arm over Cid's shoulders and was absently hugging him.

"Glad to have you back Vinnie. It's been tough around here as I had to spend more time with Barret to cover for you." Cid tried to look miffed but couldn't keep the glee from slipping into his voice. He had by now placed his arm on Barret's shoulder.

Yuffie had reluctantly released him from her grip and moved to a sitting position and Vincent was gaining strength and energy with every passing second. Thankfully he had relaxed considerably after Tifa's entrance. Yuffie was now sitting beside him holding his hand within both of her's. " He's awake. He's okay."

These words were spoken not to all those gathered around but to herself to insure she wasn't just dreaming of this wonderous day.

"Well Valentine. You gave us quite a scare. What do you have to say for yourself?" Tifa was standing with her arms crossed in front of her trying to look stern, but failing miserably.

Vincent looked at each and every soul in the room one by one ending up at Yuffie. Looking intently into those deep, slightly teary but still beautiful eyes he said. " I'm sorry."

Yuffie started crying again and dropped down on Vincent's chest and he cradled her head against him.

"I do have one request. I have the strongest urge to have milk and cookies." As he said this the entire room became instantly silent.

At last Cid piped in with. " He's delirious. Call the Doctor."

Everyone erupted into laughter.

"The only one who believed and never doubted for a moment was Yuffie. Her tender loving care finally freed his soul to return to us all.." Cloud's first words spoken seemed to calm the room and caused Aeris to place her arms around his waste and kiss him on the cheek.

"Well, we can assume that the fact she bathed him every second day was sure to cause something to wake up." Tifa turned to Yuffie, bent down and continued in a whisper only she could hear." Tell me Yuffie is Vincent got all the right 'equipment'?"

Yuffie blushed as she rose off the bed. Then her full ruby lips erupted into a glorious smile and her left leg lifted high off the floor and she pumped her right arm into the air and sqealed in delight.

The victory dance was the perfect thing to do.

The End