Disclaimer: Characters in this story are copyrights of Square Enix. They are by no means mine. Only the storyline belongs to me. If by any chance I have used any ideas similar to those of existing authors, please inform me so that I may change the details. If there is no notice, I will take it that usage of the idea is permitted. Thank you.

Legend

"…" conversation

'…' thoughts

break

Second Chances

Chapter Seven: Stolen

"Why did I friggin' agree to this?" groaned Cid as he slapped at another insect out to get his blood.

"Because you thought it was a good chance to show off you new and improved airship!" chirped Yuffie. Unlike the pilot, she was much unaffected by the heat and insects in the air.

"We needed a ride, Cid." Tifa then added mentally. 'And a hand, just in case.'

The small party consisting of Cloud, Tifa, Cid and Yuffie made their way through the thick foliage in the sweltering heat. Cid was at his nerve's end, after continuously being assaulted by bloodsucking insects, which strangely left the rest of the party alone.

"Grah, why are they comin' at me only?" shouted the older man out of pure aggravation.

"Because you're an old man!" giggled the young shinobi. Cid attempted to hit Yuffie with the butt of his spear. He missed, of course.

"Be careful where you swing that thing!" scolded Tifa. Cloud just shook his head; trust them to be messing around when they were supposed to be doing something serious. He scanned their surroundings cautiously.

'Talk about deceiving appearances…'

The interior of the forest was nothing like its borders. Unlike the pleasant shrubbery and occasional flora they first saw, the interior was a maze of dark, twisting vines. It became increasingly difficult to manoeuvre their way through the thick vines, and many a time, Cloud had to hack his way through.

"Um, something feels wrong about this forest…" muttered Yuffie suddenly.

"You're halfway through it and you notice it now?" asked Tifa, half amused and half surprised.

"No, it's too quiet…way too quiet."

Cloud saw that it was indeed true. They had not seen any animals or monsters even; indeed, other than the dark, almost black vines, there were no other life forms. For a while, the four stood absolutely still, listening to the silence of the forest. And then, Cloud heard trickling. Making their way towards the faint sound, they tightened their grips on their weapons. Stepping out into the rays, they stopped to behold the sight before them. Yuffie was the first to voice what was on their thoughts.

"What…is that?"

"A…stream?"

At least, that was what Tifa thought it was. The body of water flowed slowly through a vista of black trunks. It looked like a stream all right, except that it was black. Cloud knelt down and stared at the stream, a small frown playing on his face.

"Lifestream…" breathed the blond.

"Huh? But Lifestream, it's-" Cid interjected.

"Not black in colour. Not unless something is polluting the Lifestream." Cloud nodded, he knew what Cid was trying to say.

"What could possibly be polluting the Lifestream?" asked Tifa. The sight of the black waters was somehow disturbing, as though it was hiding something in its depths.

"I don't know, but I know this is what's causing the monsters to evolve."

Vincent was boiling something on the stove when Sephiroth strayed into the kitchen. Approaching the older man from behind, he peeked over his shoulder to look into the pot.

"Soup again? Vincent, can't we have something solid for once?" The former general's tone was one of amusement and not sarcasm. Vincent turned his head and pecked Sephiroth lightly on the lips, causing the swordsman to smile. Vincent thought it was the most beautiful sight he ever beheld.

Sephiroth was beginning to open up to him, and Vincent was certain he had never known such happiness before the past week. His heart felt much lighter than ever, and the memories of his sins didn't haunt him as badly as before. Perhaps, by falling in love with Sephiroth, Vincent had found his peace.

And to Sephiroth, Vincent was his salvation. Here was the man who accepted him and understood him without judging his past. The swordsman was learning to discard the mask he had been putting up all these years and once again enjoy the freedom of expressing his emotions. Nothing meant more to them than each other.

"Could it be that you can't cook anything else?" mocked Sephiroth in a light voice.

"You're not well enough to take solid food yet." Vincent stated plainly. Sephiroth raised his eyebrows.

"Oh? I'm not well enough to eat solids, but well enough to bed you every night?" teased the silver-haired man.

Vincent just smirked, prepared with his own comeback. "That's a different story now, isn't it? Of course, you always seem more energetic during sex." He emphasised on the last word.

Sephiroth blushed, a pretty shade of pink dusted over his cheeks. Vincent smiled victoriously; the younger man was still unused to the bold terms of their relationship. This made Sephiroth all more innocent in his eyes, a child hungering for the love and acceptance of another being.

"Well, surely it can't hurt to eat real food." Sephiroth muttered, "Here, why don't you let me cook? What?"

Vincent wore such a stunned expression on his face it made Sephiroth want to grin.

"You…cook?"

Sephiroth barely suppressed his chuckle. He wondered why it was so surprising to people that he could cook; after all, he lived alone and had to feed himself somehow. But then again, The Great General Sephiroth in the kitchen…it must be hard for them to imagine.

"Yes, I cook, Vincent. Now, why don't you sit down while I prepare something?" ushered Sephiroth. The gunman shook his head, indicating that he would rather stay in the kitchen.

"Now this is a sight to see…" muttered Vincent.

After a very satisfying lunch of soup and pasta, Vincent leaned back into his chair, a cup of coffee in front of him. Sephiroth crossed his legs and cocked his head to one side.

"What do you think of my culinary skills?" asked the former general with a small smile.

"Amazing," Vincent then had a small thought, and added with a devious grin. "Nothing compared to your skills in bed though."

Sephiroth could swear that Vincent loved the idea of making fun of him. He felt his cheeks burning.

"Is that all you ever think about, pervert?"

"Oh, I'm merely stating what I think." And Vincent tried to look serious.

"You're hopeless!" laughed the swordsman, shaking his head. Vincent merely feigned innocence and shrugged. The laughter died away after a while, and Sephiroth's expression was lost in deep thought.

"On the other hand," Sephiroth sat up straight, his face losing the gaiety. "There is something I need to discuss with you."

Sensing the change in mood, Vincent paid full attention.

"Do you know why I managed to come back, when I should have been dead?"

Vincent shook his head. He had wanted to ask but was afraid that it might stir unwanted memories in the taller man. Sephiroth leaned forward. It was time to tell his tale.

"I see. This is indeed strange."

"Here." Cloud handed Tseng a small bottle, filled with water from the black Lifestream. Tseng took it and looked at it intently before putting it in his pocket.

"I'll try to get it analysed back at the company."

"Thanks."

Cloud saw Tifa moving towards them, bearing a tray with three glasses.

"Well, since you're here, I want you try this new drink I mixed." She handed them a glass each. Cloud and Tseng raised the glasses to their lips and cringed simultaneously.

"What is this?" Cloud could feel the liquid burning in his throat.

Tifa smirked. "Vodka mixed with whiskey, with a dash of brandy. I added a little sake for the kick, the spicy kind. Packs a punch strong enough to rival a Molotov cocktail. It's bound to knock you out after three drinks, Cloud!" She winked at Loz who gave her a thumbs-up.

"This is too strong for my liking." Tseng said, putting the glass down.

"Well, your friend Reno seems to be getting by just fine. He's had four and he's still standing." Tifa indicated with her head.

Reno was currently yelling down the counter for another. His face was red from the alcohol, and he found that he couldn't focus his sight properly. Loz looked at him questioningly, but handed him another glass anyway. As soon as he downed the contents, Reno felt the heat settle in his stomach. He knew he was going to have a terrible headache tomorrow but right now, he couldn't exactly be bothered.

The amount of liquid had to go somewhere, and Reno suddenly felt the need to consult the restroom. Rising slowly, he staggered his way into the restroom. Tseng simply shook his head as he watched. Cloud looked at Tifa, who shrugged with a small and perhaps, mischievous smile.

When Reno came out of the restroom, he could feel the dizzying, nauseous effect of the alcohol. He almost stumbled in the dark hallway when someone caught his arm and steadied him.

"If you can't handle your booze, don't drink that much."

Reno heard the person chide softly and squinted to look at his face. Behind a curtain of long silver tresses, Yazoo was peering at him intently. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or could it be the light? Whichever it was, Reno was very much aware of every feature on Yazoo's face. His emerald orbs looked as though they were swirling and it made him dizzy. Reno pinched his eyes shut for a while. When he reopened them, he was staring intently at those peach lips.

Then, without thinking, as he was quite incapable of thinking straight right now, he leaned in and captured Yazoo's lips. The silver-haired youth widened his eyes at the act, finding himself pinned against the wall and unable to move or react. It was clumsy at first, but the pressure of Reno's lips slowly increased. Yazoo's mind was blank except for the thought that he was being kissed by Reno and that the man tasted of strong alcohol.

"OW!"

A few heads turned towards the yell, namely, Cloud, Tifa, Tseng, Loz and Kadaj. They watched inquisitively as Yazoo stormed out of the hallway, looking angry yet blushing furiously. As soon as he disappeared into the kitchen, Tifa walked towards the restroom and returned lugging an unconscious Reno, who currently sported a nasty bruise on his left cheek. Loz and Kadaj exchanged knowing glances, the impulse to grin tugging at their lips. Tseng shook his head with disapproval; Reno probably brought this upon himself.

A/N: Ah, I've been looking forward to writing this chapter. Poor Reno, you shouldn't have done that (although I'm the main perpetrator of his misfortune, hehehe…) Somehow, I enjoy picking on Yazoo and Reno. Well, I always hear you guys say that you can't find any RenoYazoo fics. I hope this chapter pleases you! Reviews and opinions are much appreciated, thank you!