The Sleeping Forest seemed to take forever to navigate. Without Aeris' healing powers, the party struggled somewhat with the onslaught of enemies. The last Cetra had run off through the Forest, towards the Forgotten Capital, the city of the Ancients. That had been days ago. They had no idea where in the city she would be now.

But the party had to make camp, for they were tired and it was late. Tifa made a fire, and Cid- the foulmouthed but big-hearted pilot who had accompanied them from Rocket Town- set about erecting tents. Cloud disappeared into the first one put up, presumably so as not to show his pain and turmoil to his companions. Everyone knew how he felt for Aeris, but tried not to let on.

Yuffie, on the other hand, ran around like a headless chicken, panicking. She and Aeris had grown close during their time together, seeing the flower girl as an auntie or older sister of sorts. Now she was gone, the ninja felt she had nobody to confide in...except Vincent, of course. The man in question was erecting his own tent a small way away from the rest of the party, and had been keeping a careful eye on his sort-of lover, if she could even be called that. It had been three weeks since their kiss on the gondola. Since then, that was all they had stuck to, sneaking quick kisses when the party weren't looking, trying hard to hide their unusual friendship from them.

"Yuffie," Vincent called out softly to the ninja. She had been attempting to climb a tree for something to do, but dropped down to look over at the gunman. "Come over here," he said, giving her a small, rare smile. She did so, not speaking, for fear of bursting into sudden tears as she had been doing recently. Vincent cast a quick look at the party, then took Yuffie's hand. "Are you alright?" She nodded silently. "No you're not," Vincent sighed. He gestured to his now completed tent. "Come in here with me, and calm down a little. Can't have you annoying the rest of the party."

"Oh, thanks," she muttered, following Vincent into the tent. He was silent for a few minutes as he arranged a sleeping bag into something more comfortable, then settled down cross-legged on it. Yuffie crawled over, and lay her head in his lap.

"You seem calmer already," Vincent murmured, stroking Yuffie's hair gently.

"I guess so," she replied. "It's just...Aeris is so fragile. She won't survive out there on her own..."

"I'm sure she's doing just fine. She is more powerful than she looks."

"Hm." Yuffie nuzzled Vincent, glad of his constant warmth despite the icy appearance of his skin. Vincent couldn't help smiling as he continued stroking her silky black hair. He had grown fond of her over the weeks, though he was aware and accepting of the fact that their relationship was strictly 'educational.'

After some time, Yuffie sat up, rubbing her neck and wincing. "Damn," she hissed.

"You are in pain?"

"A little. Lying on you like that gets uncomfortable eventually."

I take it this is another 'task,' Vincent thought. "Do I...have to do anything?"

Yuffie looked at him in amusement. "When a girl says something like that, it generally means, "Please take care of it for me." So, yes please!"

"I, um...well, I suppose I should..." Vincent uncrossed his legs and brought Yuffie between them, her back to his chest. The gloved fingers of his right hand rubbed the back of the ninja's neck in a firm massage, making her sigh happily. "Mmm...just there..." she whispered. Vincent's eyes widened at her tone, but he continued to rub, moving briefly to massage either side of her neck before moving to the back again.

He had to admit, her heavy breathing was starting to kindle almost long-lost feelings within him. Letting his hand drop, he leaned in close, drawing Yuffie backwards, and placed a soft kiss where her neck and shoulder met.

Yuffie shuddered, uttering a surprised gasp. "V-Vince-?"

"I...I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. Carry on." Yuffie arched a little, allowing the gunman more access to the warm, inviting flesh that he proceeded to kiss, lick and nibble at. The motions just seemed to come naturally to him, as if he knew what he was doing the whole time, and Yuffie's breathing was heavier than ever, particularly when he chose to bite gently. However, he was mindful of leaving any marks, lest the party see and become suspicious. He gave one last kiss, then drew back. "I think I may have lost a little control there," he admitted, giving his head a bashful scratch.

Yuffie spun round to face him, getting up onto her knees. "No problem," she said with a cheeky grin. She shoved Vincent onto his back playfully, then clambered atop him.

"Yuffie-!" Vincent gasped out. "What are you- mmph!" His words were cut off by a slightly rough, but passionate kiss, which he returned for a few moments before pulling away to gaze questioningly at her.

"It was our deal," she laughed. "You learn, but we have fun too. I want to have fun!"

"You have to put me on my back to have fun with me?"

"I'll do anything you want," she winked. Vincent blinked at her a few times, missing her suggestive tone. She sighed. "Just kiss me, Vince."

"Now that I can do." Vincent drew Yuffie back down, one hand in her hair as they kissed, gentler than before. Yuffie pressed herself closer to Vincent's body, one hand on his shoulder, the other cradling his cheek. However, she jumped back after a few moments. "V-Vincent, um..." she stammered.

"Yes?" he asked, running his hands up and down her arms.

"What's that...sticking in my leg?"

Vincent's eyes grew wide, and he hurriedly pushed Yuffie off him. "Oh...I...Yuffie, I'm..." he whispered, flustered.

She just laughed softly, though her cheeks were a little pink. "Well, I suppose it means we can take the lessons a little further now."

"Wh-Wha-"

"In due time, Vince. In due time." Sticking her tongue out at him, she slipped out of the tent.