A Father Should Be.
Chapter 2: Golden Saucer

Vincent stared at the screen of his computer, entering in the data from the tiny casino in Golden Saucer that was his current employer, eager to get this last bit done as he and Sephiroth had to move on from the not un-cozy apartment/hotel room they'd been staying in. The mayor of a mostly agricultural town had been impressed with Vincent's work when he'd stayed here on a business trip.

And Sephiroth, at eight years of age, was much better company on the whole, Vincent would admit. Curious about everything, insanely intelligent, but quiet so he didn't ask the annoying, unending questions, obedient over all and, praise Gaia, orderly...

And being far too quiet right now. Usually the boy would make some noise, rustling of pages or shifting of sheets, or preferably now scrapping of boxes.

"Sephiroth?" Vincent called, looking up wearily.

No response. Not a good sign.

Slowly Vincent saved his work, rose from the chair. He walked into the tiny bedroom, everything arranged just so, and sure enough there was (frightening thought...) his boy outside on the fire escape, watching the sunset. Though tall, he seemed to have skipped the gangly stage, with pasty-white skin and eyes that had remained a vivid Jade. The silver fuzz had naturally turned into actual hair that now went to the end of his shoulder blades. The boy turned his head when Vincent stuck his head out the open window.

"Inside." One word, but it sent Sephiroth scurrying in while Vincent checked on the boxes he'd labeled and given the boy to get his things packed. Vincent frowned at seeing their empty state, turning to Sephiroth, who just stared back, eyes not petulant... more resolved. Well Vincent could play this game.

"You aren't packed and we leave tomorrow for-"

"DON'T say it!" Silence. Now Vincent narrowed his ruby eyes, the two reutrning to starign at each other. The tone hadn't been whiny or angry, and thus far less aggrevating, but there was definitely an air to it... a quality that suggested an order. To HIM. The adult here.

Someone was getting a bit big for their britches.

"Sephiroth. You donot EVER, under any circusmtances, issue me an order." He saw the faint flicker, but the boy lowered his eyes a bit. Good.

"We've been here for almost six months, getting this place's books in order and upto date is nearly completed. You know what that means, as you were the one who insisted on knowing." NOW the eyes became petulant. This was getting quite old, and Vincent was NOT about to let an eight year old beat him. Especially an eight year old raised to know better.

"You seem to be under the illusion this is a democracy. It is not. This is Wutai, I am the king and you are my loyal and loving vassal... who will go wherever I say. Now, I'm going to get dinner started, I want your desk, your books and half your clothes, or some combination thereof, packed when I come back." A turn and Vincent left the boy to it, though he could hear some mumblings. However a warning look took care of that.

After an hour, with a chicken dish cooking in their oven, Vincent stood in the doorway. Sure enough his instructions had been obeyed. The two did their customary pre-last dinner tradition, Sephiroth getting a glass of milk while Vincent had a "big kid's" drink. This was where true peace was made, bad feelings soothed between the two.

"We'll have an actual house this time. Small one, but it'll have a yard and everything. And trees to climb in"

"Can we get a dog, then?"

"... Absolutely not."

"Cat?"

".... No!"

"What about a mouse?"

"... You have exactly no seconds to cease and desist."

"...."

"Good boy." The timer on dinner dinged, and Vincent pulled it from the oven. It was a quiet but enjoyable meal. After that the younger hurried to finish his packing while the older finished the absolute last of his work. 10 rolled around, and right on time, Sephiroth appeared in his Pajamas. Had he finished packing? Yes. Showered? Yes. Brushed his teeth? Yes.

"Very well... good night Sephiroth."

"Good night..." Sephiroth turned around and made to go to his room... but then turned back around.

"Say it... please."

"What?" Vincent asked distractedly, looking up.

"Where we're going."

"... Banora."

Am I mean? ........ Yes. Don't worry though!!! Next chapter will be quick in coming!