I'm updating my journal a bit sooner than I usually would, but a lot can happen in one day. Especially when that day involves Yuffie and Vincent reuniting after neither were sure the other was alive. We all kind of eased him into the universe we ended up in. It's not that he's easily phased, he's not, but it's still a lot to take in. Even for a former Turk it's going to take getting used to. So, we let him quietly examine the house this morning. Yuffie would probably sleep til lunch so no hurry.

He gets a good look at the inside of the house, and takes a peek at the barn through the window. Tifa gives him a hug before slipping him a mug of coffee. He's grateful for it, he says. It had been months since he had coffee, let alone a hot meal. Not that he hadn't gone decades without either once before, but I think he appreciates these things more than he lets on. The kids are happy to see him when they come downstairs for breakfast. They ask where his cloak is and why he's not wearing is suit, and I tell them it got really dirty and had to be cleaned. I guess it's a little odd, seeing him in casual clothing. A dark pair of old crew pants and a black T-shirt, and a pair of socks. His bandana of red fabric had been left on the ship, so besides the red eyes and pale skin he doesn't look particularly strange.

We eat breakfast and I tell everyone about the hunt and how I found Vincent. I told them not to say anything to Azalea or Stabs about Vincent being the Red Ghost, and that was that. After we ate he quietly asked me why we have a wicker basket full of eyeballs an almost undetectable pang of worry in his voice. I admit it, it was funny. I guess he was worried we were devolving into cannibals or something. I explained that they grew on plants, and they were called Oculemons. He lifts a brow, so I continue to tell him that they're from a strange planet with eyeballs for dirt and trees that watch you walk around them.

He seemed disbelieving, so I told him I'd show him later.

Afterwards I asked Vincent if he'd like one of the houses we built. We almost have a village going now. He nodded, and I led the way. It was still a little early, so Chachuoc and Nanaki were the only ones out and about. Nanaki had sprinted over to greet Vincent, rubbing against his leg and getting a squeeze on the side of his shoulder in return. He had a glint in his red eyes, He actually did miss us. He told Nanaki he would love to travel with him the next time he decided to ditch Yuffie. I introduced him to Chachuoc, and that he was an Avian. Vincent was content to listen and observe, as always.

I showed him the houses we made. He found he enjoyed the one next to Megu's place the most. When she peeked her head out to see who her new neighbor could possibly be, she looked intimidated by him. I told her he was an old friend of mine, but she still seemed rather coy. I'm sure she'll warm to him later. He seemed curious of her, and inside the house I explained that she's what's called a Hylotl. Vincent asked if any of his neighbors were as zealous as the Floran, and I told him just the two that I had come to the hunt with. Mereth keeps to itself mostly, so Vincent will probably have little contact with that one. Well, until Mereth starts yelling at Stabs to stop with the bongo bopping.

Vincent's house is simple but suits him. I let him pick out the furniture I had available at the time, and told him there's room for a garden in the back if he wanted to plant any seeds he found on his travels. He asked what kind of plants, besides ones that grow eyeballs. I told him we've found seeds for grapes up to fruit that acts as a perfect meat substitute. The Matter Manipulator caught his eye when I used it to place things, and I went through explaining what I knew about it. I really don't know the nitty-gritty, but I know if I push this button I can minimize an item, and that button let's me place it somewhere, back to its normal size. All I need to know is how to make it work.

After we set up his house over the course of several hours I took him back to our place for lunch. I thought Yuffie would still be asleep at this time, because she had been staying up lately for whatever reason. Nope, she was trying to get back on her normal schedule again. Vincent was almost crushed by a scrawny ninja slamming into him. He let out a surprised grunt, and she was squealing like she found a pile of super rare materia. After the shock wore off he...actually hugged her back. It was light but meaningful coming from him. He hugged her more firmly when she began crying.

After she was done clinging to him she dragged him into her house to eat lunch. Vincent looked back at me with a resigned expression on his face before the door shut. That was fine, I'm sure she had a lot of catching up to do with him. Tifa and me still have some more to talk about, and so does Nanaki, but we'll give him a couple of days after Yuffie got through with him. Too much talking just kills the poor guy.

We invited him over for dinner, and he took the offer after I got Yuffie off of his back. Tifa made really good spread tonight. I really like her Shepard's Pie, the stew underneath tastes close to the one Mom used to make. Leave it to this universe to put mashed potatoes on top. Why didn't we think of that? She also made some mushroom bread, and a drink called Cyanider. This was the stuff those Floran gave me at the post-hunt party! Vincent really liked the dinner. He was in a good enough mood he humored the children a little bit and told them about the swamp he ended up in.

He's actually not bad with kids, it's just that he's quiet, and they always have questions. Especially for him. Vincent enjoys company without always having to interact with the company. And the ability to leave when he feels like it...He's a lot like a cat.

We finished off the rest of the apple crumble Tifa had made the night before, then I saw him back to his place. I told him if he wants to disappear for a few days we understand. He nodded and said he would stick around a bit and get his bearings; he's still a bit shocked he's here, with us. I'm less shocked since I found Yuffie and Nanaki. Speaking of which, Nanaki came by before I left to ask Vincent if he minded if he crashed at his new house. Vincent said it was okay, and I left them to it after a 'good night'.

I think I'm gonna shower and get ready for bed. Three down, three more friends to go. Until next time...