Her heart hammered so fast in her chest it hurt. She grasped her chest trying to make it stop but it wouldn't. Gilmore didn't like the way his mom looked and so decided to run to her, but stopped seeing Reeve come up behind her and grab her shoulders saying—

"What is going on?!"

He then saw Vincent standing just a couple feet in front of Gilmore. His eyes widened in disbelief as he choked out—

"VINCENT?!"

"Vincent?" asked Gilmore. "You mean Vincent Valentine?!"

At that he turned to Vincent who slightly shook his head and said—

"That is true . . . and you would be?"

Gilmore suddenly found himself at a loss for words, which was quite rare for someone of his age. Shelke took no other moment to spare to tell him. She quickly said as she took a step forward and clasp her hands together—

"Your son."

There seemed to be an imperturbable silence as that rang out. Vincent looked at Shelke almost in disbelief, but soon his eyes came to reason and understanding.

"Shelke . . ." he said taking a small step forward but stopping himself. "I didn't know . . . I—"

"Don't come any closer to her!" said Gilmore with a stern voice.

Vincent glanced at the boy now as a father would his child. He then looked at she who birthed and mothered him. Her eyes were cast down almost as if she was in shame. Reeve soon turned her away and said—

"I think you have some explaining to do Vincent."

"Apparently I do," said Vincent casting his lips down into his collar where no one saw them move or barely whisper.

"So that guy is Gilly's long lost dad?" asked Mimi looking at her mom as the meeting took place.

"Sh," said Yuffie with a quick glance at her daughter.

They almost all jumped with the sound of Cid's fist hitting the table. All looked at him as he said—

"Da-- it Vince why didn't you tell us you were alive?!"

"Because I didn't know I was alive myself," said Vincent, his eyes falling on everyone and lastly Shelke who still seemed to not want to look at him from some unknown reason.

"What happened to you Vincent?" asked Cloud taking a step forward, his face stable.

"I wish I truly knew, but I don't," he said with a small flap of his arms. "It was like I was in a dream for so long and surrounded by nothing but darkness and nightmares . . ."

At that he looked at Gilmore who just leaned against the wall with his wings folded against his back under his shirt. He didn't look too happy. Vincent couldn't tell if he was mad or just couldn't decide what emotion to feel for a father he's never seen or known in his whole life.

"It's a shame—how I feel," said Vincent casting his eyes down. "How I've slept most of my life away."

"48 years if you count the 30 years you slept before you woke up first," said Tifa holding onto her young son Sun.

"So since you can't tell us how this happened are we gonna say you abandoned us on purpose or what? There's not much to explain for your disappearance Vincent. It seemed you vanished when we needed you the most," said Barret.

"Hate me if you want . . . I already do," said Vincent with his face cast downward.

"But it wasn't your fault . . . right?" asked Tifa taking a step forward.

"If you say so," said Vincent looking at them.

"Vincent nothing was your fault!" said Yuffie taking a hop forward with her fists clenched. "Those Deepground guys took you away from us! You didn't do it on purpose!! . . . right?"

"I . . ." started Vincent glancing at her then everyone else. "Can't remember that much as to what happened that day. Deepground may have taken me, but then again . . . I could have just left."

"But you didn't!" shouted Yuffie. "We talked to those guards who saw you fall!"

"Are you sure though?" he asked looking at her with piercing ruby eyes.

"I . . . I don't know," said Yuffie now feeling so unsure of things.

"There you see . . . your eyes can fool you," he said turning his head away.

"So what would you have us do?" asked Red XIII. "Treat you like a deserter."

"I don't feel like being treated any other way," said Vincent.

"Uh, your heart may tell you you deserted, but you didn't Vincent!" said Tifa placing her hand on her chest near her heart. "I may not truly know what happened to you, but neither do you!"

Vincent just starred at the woman with the youngling on her hip. Tifa hadn't really changed that much—then again—neither had their whole group. They were still the same friends he was taken away from 18 years ago. Sure they may have aged a bit and raised children of their own but their attitudes were the same towards him and for that—he was thankful.

"Now I say until you remember you stay with us as our guest—not suspect of being a traitor!" said Tifa.

"Well . . . looks like your friends have decided for you Vincent," said Rufus looking at him calmly. "What say you?"

With a small nod of his head and light snicker Vincent smiled and slowly blinked. He then looked at them all and said—

"Looks like you guys haven't changed."

"Would you want us to?" asked Cloud with his arms crossed.

"Guess not," said Vincent looking at the golden-head.

"Well!" clapped Barret. "Welcome back buddy!"

At that he smacked Vincent rather hard in the back making him inch a bit forward and roll his shoulder after the greeting.

"Yeah . . . like it or not . . . we missed you," said Cloud shaking his hand.

Yuffie then came up and hugged him with her daughter starring strangely at him. Once Yuffie let go she cleared her throat and said—

"Vince . . . this is my daughter Mimi. Mimi this is Vincent Valentine whom you've heard so much about."

"Your Gilmore's dad?" asked Mimi with a point of her gloved hands.

"Hm, it would appear so," said Vincent glancing at Shelke who had her eyes cast heavily and dark upon him, afterwards his eyes falling to Gilmore who remained where he was still looking in confused anger.

"Cool," said Mimi with a smile that matched her mother's. "I like your cape."

"Alright," said Yuffie taking her daughter away. "You can discuss his wardrobe later when we have more time."

At that they got out of the way so others could welcome him. The next was the Strife family. Tifa had a youngling on her hip and a couple inches behind her was the same young teen he saw holding the baby earlier and behind him lay Cloud.

"Welcome back Vincent," said Tifa softly as she hugged him with her free arm and then backed away. "Oh," she said seeing her son had grabbed part of his cape and so took his hand away from Vincent.

Vincent just smiled seeing her back away with her child. Tifa had always wanted children and now look at her. She had two beautiful sons with Cloud. Hm, Cloud must be one proud father.

Soon Vincent was looking at their eldest Zack. He just crossed his arms and looked Vincent up and down. He seemed like Cloud, but deep down inside Vincent knew he was friendly like the way he was before.

"Vincent Valentine huh?" said Zack still scanning him.

"That's right," said Vincent. "Last I checked I was still him."

At that Zack let out a small chuckle. Then a wide smile appeared on his face. He placed his fists on his hips and smiled saying—

"Well I'll be glad to get to know you Mr. Valentine!"

"You too," said Vincent with a nod.

As Zack walked near his mother Vincent looked at Cloud who followed closely behind his boy making sure he didn't do anything too—foolish. Cloud's lips curled at the end as he looked at Vincent as he passed and shook his head. Being with your child you hade to always keep them on watch.

Next came Cid and his family, with Marlene. Marlene shook his hand and looked him into the eyes with a kind smile saying—

"It's good to see you again Vincent."

"Marlene?" asked Vincent. "Shouldn't you look older?"

"It's a long story," she said with a smile and tilt of her head. "I'm sure you'll be filled in later."

After that Cid punched Vincent in the shoulder just laughing.

"Wow, you had us worried there Vince," he chuckled. "We actually thought you were a goner!"

"Nice to meet you Mr. Valentine," said Johnny with Barbra shaking her head along with what her brother said.

"You as well Cid's family," said Vincent inclining his head.

After them the others welcomed him. Red XIII welcomed him back and Reeve and so did the Turks and Rufus.

"We'll be sure to keep an eye on you this time Valentine," said Rufus.

Vincent just turned his head in the direction his wife lay. She had cast her eyes away and bit her index finger thinking of many things. He watched as she left. His eyes soon came to Gilmore who just backed away to follow his mother but still he kept his eyes on him until he had to turn to see where his mother went off to.

"You can go talk to them Vincent . . . as far as I know they're still yours—for now."

"What do you mean 'for now'?" asked Vincent.

"Shelke hadn't told you yet?" asked Rufus. "Well that doesn't surprise me. I guess she'll tell you when she wants to. It may be a little hard on her because . . . well, just go speak with her."

With a nod of his head Vincent was off after Shelke. He went outside to see the sky had turned into night. The stars were shinning bright, but he wasn't focused on that. His eyes remained before him as he gazed at Shelke with Gilmore.

"Shelke," he said coming up to her.

Her eyes seemed to find it hard to look at him just like before when she realized her feelings towards him because of Dr. Lucrecia. Vincent waited though until she could speak.

"You've changed . . . Vincent Valentine," her eyes fluttered back and forth from him to the ground.

"I believe it's called aging," said Vincent noticing Gilmore had just crossed his arms as if being protective of his mother—and it was a good thing that a son does that. "It's only a few silver strands. Is it that bad?"

Shelke closed her eyes and chuckled in her throat as she shook her head. It almost hurt to laugh as Vincent watched the pain in her face make everything so hard for her to do. Once she slowly opened her eyes she looked up at him since she was still just short of his height.

"Why did you come back now?"

"I don't know," said Vincent with a deep inhale and exhale. "I guess, if I was a captive, my captors decided to let me go."

"But why now?!" asked Shelke holding her hands out wanting to know.

At that Vincent glanced the diamond ring and now understood why she was asking such a question. He took a small step backward as if just leaning on his heel as he cast his eyes down saying—

"Oh . . . I see why."

Shelke soon noticed he saw and so quickly covered her hands and said—

"I thought you were dead Vincent Valentine—and never coming back."

"Me too Shelke," said Vincent with a downcast heart.

"I'm so sorry," she said in an almost whisper. "I should have waited I—"

"No," said Vincent looking at her. "I've been gone for far too long. I—I'm glad you've decided to move on."

"No you're not," said Shelke shaking her head with tears filling them.

Vincent just raised his hands slightly to silence her. His eyes were closed until he opened them and gazed downward. A moment passed until he said—

"Who is it?"

Shelke bowed her head and said—

"Reeve."

"I see," said Vincent moving his eyes to his feet. "Then it was a good choice. He'll take care of you and—Gilmore."

"He has a lot better than you have!" pointed Gilmore.

"Gilmore!" gasped Shelke looking at him.

"It's true mom!" he said looking at her. "Where was he when you had so much trouble raising me?!"

"That's enough Gilmore. This is your father! I will not have you disrespect him like this!" she warned.

"No," said Vincent looking at the two. "He's got every right to be angry with me. I made a promise to you didn't I?"

"Yes but you couldn't—" started Shelke.

"I couldn't keep my word," said Vincent. "And for that I am unforgiven."

"But I can forgive you," she said taking a step forward trying to look into his downcast eyes.

"But I can't forgive myself," said Vincent looking at her. "Shelke I didn't know . . . that . . . our son. This is not what I meant for someone to watch over you when I was gone, but I guess it was a good thing nonetheless."

"He helped you know," she said with her hands clasped together. "When you were gone for so long. I'm glad I had him."

"Yeah, but I bet she didn't tell you that she almost died having me because of her young body form!" pointed out Gilmore taking a step forward.

"Gilmore!" she warned for the last time.

"You . . . had complications?" Vincent asked.

"Yes," said Shelke. "I was dying in those months and would have if Shinra didn't offer their assistance."

"So that is why you're here then," said Vincent looking around.

"Yes," said Shelke. "When he was born they helped me wake up again . . . you helped me wake up again."

"If only I could have helped myself," said Vincent turning away from her. "I've wasted so much time away from you—the both of you."

"Vincent," she said softly as she wrapped her hands around his right arm.

At the touch Vincent looked at her and there they stayed for a while until Shelke leaned up and planted a tender kiss on his lips. Vincent loosened against her kiss. It seemed to relieve so much stress and tenseness. He had forgotten how must he missed these, but now he loved them even more seeing how her lips were fuller.

As she let go of his lips she looked into his eyes with sadness as she said—

"That's all I can give you I'm afraid."

"I understand," said Vincent in a soft whisper with a nod of his head.

"I'm sorry things have turned out this way, but I cannot break my engagement with Reeve. You can understand that right?" asked Shelke.

"I have to," said Vincent in a soft rumble.

Vincent could see the hard diamonds form in her eyes. Vincent took his left hand and with his index claw pricked the tears and dispersed them so they didn't have to wet her pretty face. Shelke turned her face away and just held onto his claw with her left hand leaving her engagement ring visible to Vincent's sad eyes. As her head turned from him Vincent just gazed at her hand on his and the beautiful ring she wore.

Hhh, if only he could have given her something like this then maybe . . . she would have held on for a little bit longer. Now that was a thing of the past. He had his chance to keep her and he blew it. Reeve has been there for her the most and he deserved her a lot more than he did.

Vincent soon let go of her hand and turned to look at Gilmore. My he was a fine young man. Very handsome and tall—Just like him. His spinning image that made Vincent a bit proud of the child he never knew.

"Hm, you named him Gilmore—after my father," said Vincent looking at Shelke.

Shelke turned to him and let go of his hand as she wiped her eyes. She inhaled and forced out a soft smile saying—

"Yes . . . I remembered Gilmore and how much you loved him. Do you wish I named him otherwise?"

"N-no," said Vincent, his shoulders stiffening a bit. "I like the name. I'm glad you went with that choice."

"Thank-you," said Shelke her body aching to hold his and just be near him again.

"I would have done the same," said Vincent looking at her who stood but a few feet beside him.

Shelke just looked at him and smiled. She then looked at Gilmore who soon found it uneasy to be starred at by his parents. His arms fell to his sides as he said—

"I'm gonna go find Zack."

"Alright," said Shelke softly. "Just be home in time for dinner."

"I will," he said walking off.

As Vincent watched his son walk off into the darkness of night the strangest thing happened. He heard someone speak as if they were right beside him like Shelke.

Yes he's perfect. No! Don't let him get away!

"Did you hear that?" asked Vincent turning to Shelke.

"Hear what?" asked Shelke turning to him.

"I heard a voice and it said . . . nothing, forget I said anything," said Vincent casting his gaze away.

"No, please tell me," she said trying to look him in the eyes.

"It's nothing," said Vincent turning his back to her.

"Please Vincent," she said wanting to touch him but refrained herself from doing so. "You used to be able to talk to me about these things . . . am I that distant from you again?"

"It's not that I don't trust you Shelke," said Vincent moving his shoulders a bit. "It's that I don't trust myself. I don't know why I keep hearing things that is never there. I'm thinking it's just from my dreams I've had lately. I'm not too sure."

"So . . . I can understand," said Shelke.

"Not if it's nonsense," said Vincent turning to her.

"Vincent Valentine," she said placing her fists on her hips. "I have lived with Dr. Lucrecia's data fragments in my neural network. I've been seeing things and hearing things that may make no sense to me, but at least I know it's not nonsense."

"Lucrecia's . . . data fragments?" said Vincent wondering if he was in a predicament like Shelke.

"Shelke, Vincent," came Reeve up beside Shelke.

"Reeve," said Vincent acknowledging him.

"I trust Shelke has told you the news?" said Reeve placing his arm around her shoulder.

"She has," said Vincent. "Congratulations."

"Do you . . . have any plan on taking her back?" asked Reeve. "By all rights she's still yours."

Vincent just shook his head and sighed.

"I forfeited that right when I let Deepground take me away from her and my son," said Vincent.

Shelke just looked at Vincent with soft eyes. It was like they were begging him to take her back, but then again it was like they were saying this is what was best for the both of them and that nothing could change the outcome of the future.

"You've been taking care of my family a lot better than I ever could or have," said Vincent. "You deserve them a lot more than I do."

"You can't just freely give them to me," said Reeve. "I'll gladly let you have them back if you want them."

"I do," said Vincent. "But I found out that my wants always cause trauma for those around me. Perhaps your wants can bless them. Goodnight Reeve and Shelke. I hope the best for you two."

At that he turned and began to leave, but before he was out of sight Shelke took a step forward and asked rather loudly—

"Where will you go . . . Vincent?"

"I'll be around . . . if you need me," said Vincent with a slight turn of his head.

At that he walked off—leaving his heart with Shelke and Gilmore. He wondered if he'd ever get it back again. It seemed nothing in the world could make him whole again but his family. A family that he'd so much like to know better but denied himself even that pleasure for fear of breaking their own hearts again.