Chapter 12: Hidden Talents and Sleepovers
(Same tags apply as in Chapter 1)
"You stay here…I will be back in a few moments."
Yuffie yawned and rested her head on the back of Tiko's. "Okay Vinnie."
.::-o-::.
Vincent went down the small isles of the market, careful to keep the claw under his cloak. He really didn't feel like having people stare at it right now.
He made good time grabbing items for dinner and breakfast. He was in and out of the store in less than ten minutes. Vincent walked over to the Chocobos and stared at Yuffie in wonderment. She had managed to fall asleep, still leaning against Tiko's head.
Vincent grabbed the reins of both birds and led them to her house. He really didn't want to wake her but he had to, he didn't have her key. "Yuffie, where's your house key?" She mumbled something and pointed to a front pocket in her bag. "Is there a stable somewhere nearby?"
"In back." She said simply, and fell back asleep.
He took the birds to the stable and made sure they had food and water. The young woman remained unbothered by the movement and continued to sleep while he cared for the birds. 'Adrenalin can come in handy, but sometimes the exhaustion is not worth it.'
He placed the groceries from the market into his backpack, grabbed their two packs and plucked her off of her ride. She weighed next to nothing and had no difficulty balancing all of his supplies. As he walked around her house to the entrance, he felt her bury her face in his chest and wrap her arms around his neck.
Vincent's heart pounded almost painfully against his ribs as he pulled her closer to his chest. He felt slightly dizzy as she wrapped her arms around his neck. It was wonderful! He had not experienced this in decades and thought he would never again after Lucrecia. Here he was, carrying one of the most beautiful and brave women he had ever know…and it felt good.
As Vincent walked to the front door of her house, he felt a familiar wave of guilt hit him, but pushed it away. 'If I am to start a new life like she wanted, I cannot feel guilty over the relationships that I have with others. I can no longer dwell in the past.' He told himself as he unlocked the door.
Yuffie's house was very welcoming. The couch and futon cushion were a deep blue with tan throw pillows and a folded fleece blanket, giving the impression of endless blue oceans meeting sand. Beautiful paintings adorned the walls around the large oak bookcase. It was a little dusty, but her home was very well kept.
Vincent walked over and gently laid her on the couch and removed her shoes, sat them on the soft carpet and covered her with the blanket. He removed his cloak and sat on the arm of the couch, removed his shoes and placed their shoes by the door.
"I guess I should start dinner now." He murmured to himself grabbing his pack as he walked into the open kitchen. He removed the groceries from the bag and placed some items in the refrigerator.
Vincent washed his hands, feeling the bristles of the cleaning brush move over the sensory receptors embedded within his artificial hand as he made sure it was absolutely clean. With his hands dry, he removed the needed pots, pans, and bowls and soon was cooking up a storm.
An hour later…
Yuffie was quite content sleeping on the overstuffed couch, that is, until a delightful aroma began to drift into the living room. Her stomach growled and her eyes opened hesitantly. She rolled onto her side and smiled as she saw Vincent stirring something on the stove and the reach down to peek at something in the oven.
Yuffie stood looking down at her sock clad feet and then noticed that Vincent had also removed his metal tipped boots. Her muscles protested loudly at their use as she got to her feet. She allowed her smile to grow as she carefully tip-toed to the kitchen area and leaned against the wall.
Vincent moved through the kitchen with grace with his back to her. He opened the fridge and grabbed a block of white cheese and began grating a small amount of the dry cheese into a bowl.
"Hey Vinnie, I didn't know you could cook..."
Vincent whipped his head around and glanced at her, slightly startled. He hadn't heard her get up. "I am sorry if I woke you however, dinner is almost ready." The teakettle whistled and he reached remove it from the burner.
Her stomach growled again and she placed her small hand over her protesting stomach. "Naw, you didn't wake me, my stomach did. Need any help?"
"If you wish, you could set the table."
Yuffie finished setting the table as Vincent dished up their meal. He walked over to the table and pulled a chair out for Yuffie. She looked up from her seat "Thanks Vinnie, your such a gentleman."
He looked over at her as he went to grab the plates. "No problem." He sat her plate on the table and her eyes went wide as he went back to grab a small tray that held the tea, grated Parmesan, and fresh bread. Vincent had made pasta with a creamy Parmesan sauce with just a touch of garlic, baked chicken breast, and steamed broccoli.
Her mouth watered at the site of it all. "Wow! This looks sooo good Vincent!"
Vincent felt a blush rise in his cheeks but quickly stamped it out, replacing it with a shy smile instead. "I have not had to cook in quite a while." He poured them both a cup of tea and took his seat across from her.
Yuffie took a bite of her pasta and closed her eyes savoring the taste. "Mmmm…Oh Vinnie you can cook for me anytime! This is the best home cooked meal I have had since… since…I don't even remember when. "
He smiled at her. "I'm glad you like it. I would be pleased to cook for you again. I had forgotten how much I enjoy it. Don't tell the others…I do not wish to be demoted to the Highwind's cook."
Her jaw dropped slightly. "Is it me or did you just tell a joke?" He didn't answered but the smile didn't leave his face. "Vincent Valentine, I do believe you are coming out of your shell."
"Thank you."
The finished their meal in companionable silence. Yuffie looked out of the kitchen window and saw the first stars begin to poke though the curtain of black above. Vincent could not tear his gaze away from her as she looked out the window. "Yuffie," she turned to face him. "I just want to congratulate you on your victory. You showed all the strength that I knew you were capable of. I know your mother is proud of everything that you have accomplished today…I am proud of you." His voice had decrease to just above a whisper.
"Thank you Vincent, I hope she was watching." She said with a warm smile.
"She was."
.::-o-::.
The table had been cleared and the dishes washed. Vincent decided that they should turn in early. Yuffie was still recovering from her trial and needed the rest. Avalanche would be arriving sometime tomorrow morning and they both wanted to be well rested.
Vincent was seated on the couch reading a book the he had found on her bookshelf about Wutain art and was currently admiring a ornate blue and white vase. Yuffie was in the shower since he had already taken his and had changed into some loose black sweats and t-shirt. It wasn't long before he heard the ninja's voice.
"Oh gross!" She came out of her bathroom limping heavily without her brace a few moments later in her green pajama top and shorts.
"What's wrong?" He cast a curious glance in her direction.
"How long do you think it will take for these to clear up?" Her legs and arms were riddled with numerous bruises. They ranged in color from angry red to almost black surrounded by a green border.
"It might take a few days for the blood to disperse from the bruises but when we join up with Avalanche again, the full cure materia might cut that time down to a day."
She plopped on the couch next to him. "Oh well, I guess I can stand having multicolored skin for another day. Hey Vince, you got any other hidden talents I should know about besides your cooking?"
"Umm…" Vincent didn't know what to tell her.
"Come on Vinnie, how bout this: you tell me one and I'll tell you one of mine."
He hesitated for a moment while thinking. "Okay. While in the Turks, I didn't have a lot of time to socialize with anyone outside of the Turks. I had no desire to 'get to know' many of my co-workers besides Tseng. Well, I finally grew tired of watching TV and reading in my quarters and decided to pick up a hobby."
"I have always been interested in the arts so I decided to explore it. I decided that it might be interesting to learn how to read music. It took me a few weeks but I learned to sight-read almost anything. I eventually taught myself how to play piano and became pretty good at it and enjoyed it. I also learned to play other instruments as well over the years."
"What all did you play Vinnie?"
"Piano, violin, and guitar. I own a flute as well, but I don't play it as much."
"Wow. I didn't know you were so musically inclined Vinnie. Which is your favorite?"
Vincent looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't have just one favorite. I think the guitar and the violin rank equally." Yuffie's eyes went wide at the thought of Vincent playing something as delicate as a violin. "I enjoyed them the most because it was a way to break away from the reality of my job. I was never one for violence. The sounds that they both produce are so rich and calming to me…playing them was my way of escape it…"
"Do you still have them?"
"I think they are still in my quarters at the Shinra Mansion. I would go into the Nibel Mountains and play for Lucrecia."
She picked up his claw and traced the metal seams on it. "I would love to hear you play one day."
"If they are still there, I will."
"So I guess it's my turn?"
"You don't have to if-"
"No, its okay Vince. I don't mind. Besides, I said I would…its only fair." She broke in before he could finish. "You see those paintings over there?" He nodded. "Look in the lower right hand corner just above the frame edge."
Vincent walked over to the painting. It was an absolutely stunning painting of the area around the Pagoda. It was so detailed, showing two children feeding the fish in the pond near the Pagoda. Then he saw it. Down in the corner in delicate black brushstrokes was a name…
'Y. Kisaragi, 15-16'His head snapped back to Yuffie who was watching him from the couch. "You painted this?"
"Its not that good, I know but-" she started but was interrupted by Vincent.
"Yuffie, do not deny your talent. This is one of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen. I do have a question though…"
"Shoot."
"What are the numbers for after your signature?"
"Well, I had just turned fifteen when I started it and finished it about a month before I met up with Avalanche when I was in between travels. I have always love to paint and draw. My mother encouraged me to build those skills.
"One day, I had my sketchpad in my pack as I was sitting near the pagoda and started drawing. I knew that it would take me a while to finish it because I was seldom in Wutai, so I ran to my fathers home and swiped his camera and took a few pictures so I could get the colors right when I transferred the drawing and painted it on a larger easel."
"Yuffie, you are an amazing artist to be so young. It is rare to see someone twice your age that captures detail like that." He was still awed over the fact that his Yuffie had created something of such beauty.
"Thanks Vincent." She yawned. "I guess I should hit the hay. You can have the futon. I don't sleep in my room too often because of the drippy faucet in the bathroom. I haven't had a chance to have it fixed…it drives me nuts. I will crash on the couch." She said going to her bedroom to grab the extra blankets.
She walked back into the living room and placed the blankets on the futon for Vincent she he stopped her. "Yuffie, I will take the couch, you take the futon." He saw her open her mouth to protest but silenced her when he put an ungloved finger to her lips. "There will be no debate. You are still recovering from your trial earlier today, if you sleep on the couch, you will feel far worse tomorrow."
"Alright you win…this time." She sighed and laid back on the futon.
Vincent turned out the light and slipped under the blankets on the couch. "Goodnight Yuffie."
"Night Vince."
.::-o-::.
Three hours later, Vincent's eyes snapped open and grabbed his Death Penalty at the sound of Yuffie's pleading cry.
"NO! Please!"
His eyes darted around the room, checking for intruders but found none. He looked at Yuffie, who was tangled in her blankets and trashing on the futon. He quickly made his way over to futon and sat on its edge. He gently freed her arms of the blanket and attempted to wake her. "Yuffie? Yuffie wake up, your having a nightmare." He received no response from the distraught young woman but her pleading continued.
"No! Please don't hurt them!"
"Yuffie, wake up." he gently shook her.
"No, no, no DON'T! Leave him alone! Oh my god, Hojo stop!" She began crying hysterically.
Vincent reached the young ninja and pulled her to his chest, rocking her. "Yuffie…shhh…it's okay. Its just a dream."
Her cries slowed to a few hiccups but the tears still fell from her closed eyes. "Vincent, I'm so so sorry…I couldn't help you…I couldn't get free…please don't die…" her words became whispers so soft he couldn't even hear them as she fell back into a calm slumber still holding on to Vincent.
Vincent was shocked by what she said. His eyes narrowed and he cursed that bastard Hojo for causing so many so much pain.
A dull ache had developed in his chest at the torment she had gone through only moments ago. It made him wonder if she had always had such intense nightmares.
.::-o-::.
Now that she was calm, he tried to free himself from her grasp and make her comfortable once again. Seeing that this was not going to happen without waking her, he pulled her close and moved to the top of the futon while pushing her pillow between his back and the wall. He pulled the blankets over them and looked down at her.
'She looks like an angel when she's asleep.' He though as he pressed his lips to the top of her head and closed his eyes, pulling her closer to him.
o-o-Author's Notes-o-o
I know some of you might think its weird that I have Vinnie playing a flute, you might even think its corny but if there are any ladies out there reading this, picture it like this…
We have Vinnie standing alone on a stage under a spotlight, wearing all black
and looking sexy as ever. His long hair
pulled back in a loose ponytail with a few strands escaping to frame is
handsome face…he picks up a violin (or flute), his beautiful red eyes close as
he starts playing his heart out.
In my twisted little mind, that would be perfect…my heart would stop just at the sight!
Reno: -Looks at Ezri like she's insane- Um, yeah…okay…
Ez: Shut up Reno…he's hot!
Reno: -Pouting- Well I'm hot too…
Ez: Yeah you are but Vinnie is just so…Vinnie! -Vincent appears behind Ezri, grins and places his hand on Ez's shoulder.-
Reno: -Sniffling- I just can't be around you right now…I'm goin' back to Destiny's house…
Ez: Ah come on Reno, I still love ya man!
Reno: I know, I'll be back… -Snaps his finger and appears on destiny's doorstep.-
Ez: Mmmm…-who is now receiving a one handed scalp massage from Vinnie-
Vincent: Seeing as our darling author is otherwise occupied -Ez is slumped in her chair with a content grin and drooling as he continues the massage- I will do the disclaimer. -Pulls out a piece of paper-
Ezri-Candy does not own Final fantasy or any of its characters, Square-Enix does…She just brings us out to play.
Vincent: She isn't able to speak right now, but I see that she finally finished Chapter 22 and looks like she's about to start Chapter 23. Expect a new chapter in a week or so but while you wait, you should check out her two new fics.
Of Them All: It's a Cloud/Yuffie where I hook up with Tifa. Avalanche is working with Reeve and the Turks under the new GRO to rebuild and expand the planets cities after meteor. While working together Cloud and Yuffie realize their feeling for each other and Cloud tells her in an original way.
Life Without You: A slightly dark Kingdom Hearts Squall/Yuffie. (Story Complete) Squall is being plagued by memories of the actions he took when Hollow Bastion was attacked. Yuffie tries to help him with his problem, which eventually leads to an argument between the pair where harsh words are accidentally said.
Vincent: Hopefully Ezri regains consciousness soon. Please do not forget to read and review. She also would like to thank her new reviewers:
TheEvilOne69
Torahiko
And also:
SS/Destiny Daae (hope your finals go well)
Angel280 (Who is currently writing another fic…YAY!)
Yeyana Valentine
Lone Gunmen (I'm glad you liked Of Them All)
She really appreciates all of your support and kind emails and will see you all next time.
7/19/07
Edited because of change in formatting. Also re-numbering chapters. Minor content edits.