Hey, guess what guess what!!

IIIII'MMMMM BAAAACK!!!

Yes, after 3 long years, I am not dead (at least not yet -cowers from angry mob of readers-...eep...). But between chapters 11 and 12 things got preeeeetty hectic in my end of the world; thus this story was lost in the abyss of my room. I recently discovered it under my bed again and thought what the heck, for old times sake. I didn't know anyone was still reading this and I hope my old readers come back. You guys are awesome!!

For the record, I'm thinking of re-writing the past chapters (and possibly re-thinking the summary, it doesn't quite go with my plot anymore). Believe me, I could do much better (I hope -.-). I also think I was a bit choppy on the details; some things just don't make sense when I think about it (I think I changed my idea of the plot halfway through and things got a bit messed up). I also have a habit of trying to say something, but not finding the right words for it and just messing up the whole sentence ^^;

Ah well, enough about me. If anyone is still reading, then I present to you...

Chapter 12:- Vampire?

[2 days remain]

Morning arrived, and with rested bodies and restored spirits AVALANCHE was full of life again and research on a cure was underway. With a little convincing from Reeve (and a little under-the-counter bribery), the doctor's had allowed the crew access to the records of previous geostigma patients, though what they found was of little use. All records were close to the same for each one; the only difference was some patients were recorded as deceased, whereas others stated the patient had made a miraculous recovery, though causes for this were unknown. This sparked a thought in Tifa. She, along with the rest of AVALANCHE, knew that the surviving patients had been cured by the healing rain created by Aeries' spirit. If some, even just a small amount, still remained at the church…

Tifa hurriedly ran to inform Cloud of her theory.

Tifa sat by Vincent's bedside, watching the irregular rise and fall of his bandaged chest. She hadn't seen the intensity of the stigma attack that occurred last night but she could clearly see the toll it had taken on Vincent's already weakened body. He had fallen into fever again, and as he slept beads of sweat rolled down his face. As she gently placed a damp cloth on his forehead the door opened and Cloud walked in, a small bag slung over his shoulder.

"Just came to say goodbye," he said, coming up to stand beside her, "I'll be leaving soon."

Tifa nodded and gave him a small smile. It was good to see her smile again, no matter how small, but it didn't last long. She turned back to her bedridden friend and her expression immediately saddened. It seemed every time she looked at him, or any of her friends, in this state she had to fight back tears.

"Are you alright, Tifa?" Cloud asked a concerned expression on his face.

Tifa nodded, "Just a little worried," she answered. There was a short moment of silence as Cloud put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"He'll be okay; we're going to save him." He assured her softly. Tifa stared into Cloud's mako blue eyes, into the flare of determination that dwelled within. She nodded once more.

"But first we need that cure!" He slipped his shades over his eyes, a common habit of his whenever he rode his motorcycle, Fenrir, "So I'd best be going." He started for the door, and stopped a few steps from the door, "Try not to worry too much. I'll call you once I reach the church." And with once last reassuring smile, he was gone.

Tifa smiled at Cloud's words. Even in the thickest of times Cloud always managed to keep his determination through the whole ordeal. This would be no different. She leaned back in her chair, continuing her silent vigil.

Though her mind wasn't at ease for long. She noticed a strained expression on Vincent's face. He was muttering words, too inaudible for Tifa to understand them, but she was sure she heard a mention of Sephiroth. Was he having some sort of nightmare about Sephiroth? Perhaps it was just an effect the stigma was having on his body.

Her thoughts were put aside as she heard the door open once more. She turned, half expecting Cloud to have forgotten something, but instead saw Yuffie entering, her hands clasped behind her back.

"Thought I'd stop by and visit the invalid," she said cheerfully, "Is he awake?"

Tifa shook her head. At the sound of Yuffie's voice, the cub's ears perked up. He growled and leapt off Vincent's bed, taking a protective stance between her and Vincent…well, as 'protective' looking as a small cub could muster.

"Oi! Listen you!" Yuffie commanded in a stern voice, "You'd better quit it with the growling! You wanna know why?"

The cub's growling lowered, but still remained constant

Yuffie brought her hands in front of her, revealing the bowl she was carrying, "I've brought a peace offering!"

The cub's ears pricked up again, this time out of curiosity and surprise, as Yuffie placed the bowl in front of him. He sniffed the contents, though appeared to still be suspicious. He eyed Yuffie one final time before taking a few small nibbles. There was a short pause before the cub realized just how hungry he was and began to wolf* it down.

Yuffie grinned, "Not so bad, is it?" she gloated.

"How did you managed that?" Tifa asked, amazed at how quickly the reluctant wolf cub relented.

Yuffie shrugged, "Just something Nanaki suggested. It's only a few meats and veggies. Simple really!" She leaned in closer to the cub ad grinned at him, "A little cub like you needs lots of good food to be healthy and to grow big and strong!"

"I'm impressed, Yuffie," a weary voice commented, "I didn't think you knew how to cook."

"Well, my dad knows a thing or two 'bout…hey, wait a minute!" She suddenly realized it wasn't Tifa who had just spoken. She quickly took her gaze toward Vincent.

"V-Vince!! You…uh…you're awake!" She stammered, jumping a little when Vincent's crimson gaze pierced her own. She froze on the spot, not expecting Vincent to wake up while she was till there and defiantly not expecting him to be complementing her. There was a long and awkward silence.

It was Tifa who broke the ice, who stood up and said, "I'm going down to the cafeteria, anyone want anything?" And when no response was made she headed for the door, "I'll take that as a no."

She closed the door behind her with a small click and began down the hallway to the elevator. They'll need some time to sort things out, she thought as she waited for the elevator.

Dammit, Tifa!! Why'd you leave me!! Yuffie cursed inwardly. Vincent and Yuffie were alone, and Yuffie wasn't yet prepared for a confrontation with him. After what she, along with Barret and Cid, had done to him, she wasn't sure how he'd react to her presence. She gulped nervously.

"Um…Vince…" He turned to her, his crimson eyes piercing into hers again, causing her to look away. She twisted her trembling hands in her shirt, feeling intimidated. She knew he wasn't intimidating her on purpose, it was just her reaction.

"I-I'm real sorry…for hurting you and all…" Yuffie apologized at length, "I don't mind if you hate me for it."

Vincent stared at her for a minute, noting the sincere remorse on her face. He couldn't help but smile inwardly at the normally hyperactive Yuffie being so serious all of a sudden.

"You're forgiven, Yuffie," he assured her, earning a look of surprise from the young ninja, "You were acting out of defense for Cloud. You, Cid and Barret had thought I betrayed you. I understand." At this point the cub had finished his meal and leapt onto Vincent's bed, wandering close to him for some attention. Vincent's expression softened as he gave the cub a soft scratch behind the ears, "I might have done something similar had this cub been hurt in the process."

Yuffie stared back at him, amazed at how calmly and logically he had made everything seem. Yet she still couldn't remove the feeling of guilt that had settled in her stomach.

"…Vincent…"She muttered, moisture welling in her eyes. She then did something completely unexpected; she ran up to his bed and threw her arms around him. The cub yelped in surprise and sprang out of the way before he was crushed. Vincent on the other hand was bound in a tight hug from Yuffie, cringing as pressure was applied to his wounds.

"You're a great friend, Vince! I don't want you to die!" she wailed, hugging him tighter which only caused Vincent to gasp in pain.

"Y-Yuffie…" he breathed, "…my wounds…!"

Yuffie's eyes widened as she realized what she was doing, immediately springing to her feet and relieving the pressure from his wounds "Ack! I'm so sorry!!"

"It's…okay…" he assured her between strained breaths. Yuffie looked at him with concern. She noticed he was struggling to breathe, and it worried her. Without a second thought she grabbed the respiratory mask from the hook on the wall and gently pushed it over Vincent's mouth and nose. He gratefully accepted it and breathed deeply, resting as the oxygen filled his struggling lungs.

"Thanks, Yuffie." He said once his breathing became regular once more. Yuffie gave him a broad grin.

"No prob!" she chirped, sitting down on the bed next to him. Vincent lifted himself into a sitting position, wincing as his body protested against the movement.

"Whoa! Maybe you should stay lying down. You need the rest." Yuffie suggested as she held on to his shoulders to support him.

"No, I'm fine. It will do me good to sit up for a while." He insisted, brushing her hands away lightly. He didn't want her, or anyone for that matter, to fuss over him. It made him feel too dependent and insecure – a feeling he didn't like. Nor did he like asking for assistance. Though, with the state he was currently in, he didn't have much of a choice. For now, he supposed he would just have to get used to it.

His body suddenly tensed as a fit of coughs escaped him. He pushed aside the respiratory mask and brought a bandaged hand to his mouth, holding it there until the coughing ceased. Yuffie, meanwhile, continued to hold onto his shoulders to steady him.

A disgusted expression swept over Vincent's face as he tasted the coppery taste of blood in his mouth Perhaps, just this once, he would put aside his independence and ask for assistance.

Just this once.

"Yuffie?" Vincent asked, finding it difficult to string this simple sentence together, "Would you….mind getting me some water? The taste of blood is not that pleasant."

Yuffie eyed him, a sly grin on her face. She could see how difficult it was for Vincent to ask for something as trivial as a glass of water. Although she was worried for his health, if Vincent could make light of the situation, then so could she. She was, after all, meant to be the hyperactive one.

Yuffie giggled, "I guess that proves you're no vampire!" she said as she picked up the plastic cup on the bedside table and took it to the sink.

Vincent could only give her a confused stare.

"Who's been calling me a vampire?"

Yuffie giggled again as she handed Vincent the cup, "Oh…no-one."

Vincent raised an eyebrow.

* -ahem- …no pun intended…XD

I admit, I'm out of practice. And I know it's not much of a chapter to make up for the 3 year abscence. Perhaps, if I find I still have readers, I'll keep continuing this. It's not far from the end after all (possibly 3-5 more chapters....we'll see ^^)

Byyyyeeee (for now, hopefully ^^)