This chapter turned out to be really long. Lol hope you don't fall asleep reading it

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The next couple of weeks went rather smoothly. It was surprising how much Vincent loosened up in the short amount of time he was staying there. He'd even stopped wearing that horrid claw around the house. I mean, he still wore a glove over it, but Cid was thrilled that he felt comfortable enough to not feel like he had to worry about concealing it.

Cid caught the ex-Turk at the window, late one night, staring out into the backyard. He seemed to favor the windows, when he was musing. Usually Cid left him alone, but he became curious when Vincent journeyed outside.

Cid moved to the window. He watched the gunman stroll out into the backyard, seemingly exploring.

Vincent ran a hand along the unfinished ground plane Cid's been working on. Taking in the surroundings, and seemingly understanding the design he saw. His attention was diverted to Kiwi, nestled under the tree. He stared at the golden bird, cautiously moving closer. She, in return, ruffled her feathers at the oncoming intrusion. Vincent stopped, stepping back. He knew the bird didn't like him, and didn't see a point in testing his luck. Instead, he took a point on the opposite side of the dogwood, she was under, and sat down. His gaze shifted up to the sky, taking it in.

Cid watched him for a little while, thinking of an excuse to go out there. How could he tell Vincent that he was spying on him, and just wanted to say 'hi'. He looked around, his eyes soon falling on the pack of cigarettes on the table. Cid grinned, snatching them up, and headed outside.

Vincent glanced back, at hearing the door.

"Oh, hey Vince. Didn't know you were out here. Just came out for a smoke. Don't let me disturb ya."

Vincent cocked an eyebrow at him. "Where's your lighter, Cid?"

The pilot fished around in his pockets. "Er?"

"You don't have it, do you?"

"Uh… seems not. Hmm." He scratched his head, flushing under the gunman's gaze. "Maybe I should-"

"Just sit down, Cid."

Cid sighed, sliding the packet into his pocket. "Yea sure." He made his way over, settling next to Vincent. "So… what's up?"

Vincent returned his gaze upwards. "The sky."

Cid laughed. "Did you just make a joke?"

"No… I was stating fact."

The pilot's expression fell. "Oh. Let me rephrase that then. What are you doin out here?"

Vincent shrugged. "Just needed to get outside."

"Why so late?"

"I always liked coming out at night. The cool air just feels good. The darkness always seems to calm me."

"Hmm." Cid followed his gaze up to the waning moon. "Guess to each his own. Nighttime's always been too quiet for me."

"I could see that."

"Hey, don't get me wrong. I like the night well enough. I like to see the stars." He started to trail off into his thoughts. "They've always been so beautiful."

Vincent glanced over at Cid, before turning to look back up. "I was always amazed with how many there were. Sunlight only allows you to see the existence around you. Cut off by the circular feel of the sky, but the night looks endless. It just seems like you'd never be able to reach them all. And a part of me's always wanted to try."

Cid smiled, leaning back against the tree. "Yea. Seems like that's my next step. If you want." He flushed. "I can take you with me."

Vincent pulled his knees in closer, settling his chin atop them.

The pilot noted his expression, scratching his head. "You don't gotta decide, now. It ain't gonna be for a while. Look how long it took me to make the rocket. And it didn't even work right."

"It worked."

Cid turned to look at him fully.

"You made it… didn't you? The only reason it broke was because you had to save Shera." He glanced over at the pilot. "That's a success, in my book."

Cid grinned. "You're something else, ya know that Vince."

Vincent's gaze fell down, then back up to the sky. "Just wish I knew what."

"Hey." Cid hit him in the arm, knocking him over. Vincent dropped a hand to the ground, to try and keep his balance. "Don't start up with that, again."

"But."

"No buts." Cid waved a finger in his face. "I won't have you talking like that around me. Got it?"

Vincent stared at him, a bit surprised by the outburst. Even Kiwi ruffled, warking.

The gunman's eyes softened. "You scared the bird."

Cid looked back at her. The golden bird's head was down, eyes narrowed. "Eh, who cares? That bird's been moody lately." He swirled around to her. "What's your problem anyway?"

"Wark."

"Don't pull that with me. Confess. You're up to something aren't you?"

"Wark?"

"Cid, quiet down. People are sleeping."

Cid sat down in front of Kiwi, grasping her head. "Tell me what's going on with you."

She tilted hr head, staring at the paranoid old man she saw as her master. "Wark?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"What?" Cid looked back to Vincent, who'd crawled closer to him.

"She's nested."

"Well, I know that. This insolent bird's taken over my tree."

"No, Cid." Vincent shook his head settling down next to Cid. "She's laid an egg."

The pilot quickly released her upon hearing this news. "An egg?" He looked back to the bird. "That true, girl?"

She gave a soft wark, settling her head down on his lap. Cid stroked her soft feathers. "Wow. How'd you know, Vince? Did you see her egg."

"No. I guess, I could just sense it." His hand gently brushed the top of her head. She looked up sharply, causing Vincent to draw back. Cid rubbed her cheek. "Ya gotta get used to him sooner or later."

Kiwi's black eyes settled on Vincent, then nipped his hand gently. The ex-Turk took the invite, and gently ran his fingers through the soft golden feathers. She closed her eyes, seeming to purr against the touch.

Cid's eyes shifted down to Vincent. He grinned. "Is that a smile, Vince?"

Vincent sighed. "I believe so." He looked up at Cid, and was about to say something, when he realized something that made him flush fiercely. His head had settled down onto the pilot's shoulder. He sat up quickly, causing Kiwi to look up, at the sudden jerk.

"Wark."

Cid laughed. "Not gonna bite ya, Vince."

"I know. I just don't think it's a good idea for me to be getting too cozy here. Remember, I don't intend to stay long."

Cid's smile faded. "Oh, yea. I forgot."

Vincent felt himself tense. He hated seeing that sad look in those bright blue eyes. Vincent sighed, rising to his feet. "So, what's this?" He headed over to the contraption nearby, resting a hand against the cool metal.

Cid stood, leaving Kiwi to rest. "Oh, that's just something I've been tinkering with lately." He placed his hand next to Vincent's. "It's supposed to fly, but so far I can only make it sail across the ground."

"It has no wheels. So it hovers?"

"Something like that."

"Well, that's flying. Isn't it?"

"I guess." Cid smiled. "Since when'd you get more positive than me?"

Vincent seemed shock at this news. He flushed. "I guess I don't like to see you so down on yourself. It's just not like you." A timid smile found his lips once more.

Cid couldn't help but stare at Vincent. It felt good to see him finally smiling again.

Vincent's face burned deeper. "What?"

"Heh. Sorry. It's just that, it's so dark, there's no lights, but your eyes always shine so beautifully."

Vincent sighed, not too sure how to take the compliment. "It's not natural."

Cid shrugged. "Yea I know." He stepped closer, brushing a hand across his cheek. "But I wouldn't be surprised if it were."

Vincent brought a hand to his lips, trying to hide the. He wasn't really flattered by the comment, but the reality of what he meant got through. "You're ridiculous, Cid."

"I try, but ya gotta tell me something, Vince." He stepped closer, the seriousness in his eyes, causing Vincent to feel nervous again. "What?"

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

"WHAT!?" Vincent jumped away from his reach. "Why do you ask that?"

Cid looked at him sideways. "Come on. Did you really think you can hide it from me? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I just haven't been tired."

"Oh, bull. You've been here for almost two months now. I'm not blind, Vincent. You're exhausted. Now, why aren't you sleeping?"

"Well." The ex-Turk turned away

"Can you not sleep?"

"Something like that. S-sorta."

"Well, if that's all it is, then I can help you."

"What?" Vincent backed away. "No, Cid. You can't help me."

"Sure I can. I could always help you get to sleep before. Why can't I help now?"

"Cid, it's not that simple. Besides, don't you remember how you used to get me to sleep."

Cid shrugged. "Yea, so?"

Vincent shook his head. "I just don't think it's a good idea. Don't worry… I can handle this."

Cid just stared at him, not liking that he wouldn't accept his offer. "You sure?"

Vincent smiled coyly. "Yea. I'll be ok. Good night, Cid."

He started inside, leaving a disappointed pilot behind. Cid sighed. "Night, Vincent."

xXx

A couple days later, Vincent was sitting outside with Kiwi. It seems the golden bird actually listened to Cid when he told her to get used to him. He rubbed the soft feathers. Enjoying to hear her coo gently.

The door opened, and they both looked up to see Cid. The pilot held his hands up. "I really did come out here for a smoke, this time. I swear."

Vincent shook his head. "This is your house, Cid. Why don't you smoke inside."

"Well." He placed one between his lips, and lit it. "You're here, and I know you don't like me smoking." He pulled it out, breathing out smoke when he talked. "I just figured if I made myself go outside, it'd make me, I dunno, cut down."

Vincent sighed, turning his attention back to Kiwi. "Cid you shouldn't change that kind of thing for me."

"Eh, I need to quit anyway." He said, sucking more into his lungs. "It's a disgusting habit. So, I see Kiwi's warming up to ya." He stepped closer, scratching her head.

"It'd seem so. I'm kind of curious though, Cid."

"Huh? What?"

"I haven't seen you smoke too much lately. When's the last time you've had one?"

He shrugged. "Hell, I dunno. I hadn't really been payin too much attention I guess. See, that's why ya gotta stick around." He swatted Vincent on the arm. "You're weaning me offa this crap."

Vincent smiled. "Suppose that's a bonus. I'd sure like you to not smell like smoke anymore."

The smile faded from his lips, catching Cid's attention. "Something wrong?"

Vincent tensed further, with the approaching sound of that familiar engine. "No."

Cid turned towards the sound. "Tell, me that's not what I think it is."

"I'm afraid so." He leapt to his feet, darting inside. Cid tossed the cigarette down, running after him.

Vincent froze when he heard a firm knocking on the door. "Highwind, open this door." Just the sound of Cloud's voice again, made his blood run cold. "Open the door, now!"

Cid clamped his hands on Vincent's shoulders, making him jump. He turned the gunman towards him, speaking softly. "Do you wanna see him?"

Vincent's eyes snapped to the door, with hearing him knock again.

Cid took his head gently in his hands, turning him back to face him. "Ignore that. Do you want to see him?"

Vincent's red eyes were wide in panic. "I don't know, Cid." His gaze shifted back to the door. "A part of me wants to, but I'm afraid that, if I do, I'll want to go back to him. I don't want that, Cid."

Cid sighed. "Ok. Look at me, Vince." He turned his head back. "How bout this. I go answer the door. If you decide that you do want to see him, then just come on out, ok." He brushed a hand across his face. "I'm not going to influence you, but I'll be there if you need me. Alright?"

He turned back to the door, as Cloud bellowed again, getting annoyed with the wait. Vincent nodded. "Ok."

"Alright. Just wait back here." He kissed the gunman on the forehead, then went to let in the impatient swordsman. Vincent darted into his room.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Cloud glared. "Where is he?"

"What?"

"You know damn well what I'm talking about. Where's Vincent? I know he's here." He tried to barge in, but Cid held up an arm to stop him. "He's not here."

"Don't lie to me. I know he's here. Where is he?"

Cid had to grasp Cloud's arm to keep him from going inside. "I told you, he's not here. There's no reason for you to be on my property."

Cloud's glare deepened. "I'm not in the mood for this bullshit, Highwind. I know that Vincent is here, and I'm not leaving until I talk to my fiancée`"

Cid's eyes reflected the anger in Cloud's. "Vincent is not your fiancée. The day you took on that Turk, you gave up the right to call him that."

"I want to hear this from Vincent. Where is he?"

"I already told you, he's not here."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Get lost."

"Cloud?"

Both pairs of blue eyes turned to see Vincent standing in the doorway of the kitchen. His arms were wrapped around himself, still not sure if he should be out here.

Cloud's eyes lit up with seeing the gunman. "Vincent." His voice came out in a sigh as he tried to step forward, only to realize Cid still had his arm. He glared up at him, jerking his arm out of the firm grasp.

Cid sighed in aggravation, closing the door. "Damn it."

The swordsman ran forward, throwing his arms around him. "Vincent, I was worried sick about you."

Vincent's eyes widened in shock. "You were?"

"Of course I was. Vincent I'm so sorry, I never wanted to hurt you."

Vincent's gaze fell. He gently pushed him back. "Then why did you?"

"What?"

"Cloud I don't understand why you would do this to me." Vincent bit his lip, trying to fight back the tears. "Why did you need him? Wasn't I enough for you?"

Cloud sighed. "Vincent. It's difficult to explain."

"Cloud." Vincent stepped back, his head dropping. "I told myself that I didn't want to see you again. That you didn't deserve a second chance. But I came out here because I decided to hear you out." He looked back up to him. "I came out here, because I was willing to let you explain yourself. You don't think I'd understand, but I understand odd situations a lot better than you think." He wiped his face, settling down in a chair. "If you have a good reason for what you've done, then maybe I could forgive you."

Cloud's face paled. "But, Vincent."

The ex-Turk crossed his legs, managing to keep that calm demeanor he'd been trained to perfect. "It's the only chance you've got, Cloud."

The swordsman's head fell, his gaze soon shifting to Cid. The pilot had been glaring at him since he'd come in, from his position, over by the wall. "Do I have to explain myself in front of him?"

"What?" Cid pushed himself from the wall. "Anything you have to say, you can say in front of me."

"No, Cid, he's right." His eyes fell to the gunman, unsure. "Can you give us some privacy?"

After flashing another glare to Cloud, Cid reluctantly left.

Vincent watched the doorway Cid went through. He really didn't want to be left alone with Cloud, but that may've been the only way to get the truth.

Feeling a hand gently wrap around his, Vincent turned back to Cloud, who was on his knees, in front of him. His fingers fiddled with the ring on his hand. "I'm glad to see you're still wearing this." He smiled up at him. "Does that mean you're still willing to give me a chance?"

Vincent's heart slowed. He wasn't expecting to see him smile like that. Pulling at his fingers, Vincent slid his hand from the grip. "We'll see. First you have to tell me why I should."

"Alright." Cloud sighed, pulling up a chair next to him. He tried to take Vincent's hand again, but the gunman pulled it away. "You know that I love you, right?"

"I want the truth, Cloud."

"Ouch. Ok." His gaze shifted, scratching his head. "Look, the thing is. I have a good reason, but I don't know how to explain it."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. "Just try to explain the way you justified it for yourself."

Cloud's face flushed. "Well, I just."

"You will look me in the eye." Vincent was trying to keep himself calm, but he couldn't stand that Cloud was so much of a coward that he couldn't even look at him while explaining why he broke his heart.

"I guess you could say that I was weak. Reno gave me something that I'd never felt before." He gulped from seeing his former lover's jaw tighten. "I was selfish then, Vincent."

"You're right."

"What?" Cloud was hoping he meant his reason.

"I don't understand."

Cloud groaned. "I knew it. Vincent I-"

"It's not what you think. I do get how you could give into desires like that. What I don't get is why you didn't think I could give it to you?"

"What?"

"Whatever it was, Cloud, you just had to ask."

Cloud shook his head. "It's not that simple Vincent."

Vincent leaned forward. "What could Reno possibly give you that I couldn't!?" His restraints were breaking, causing his eyes to tear.

"Vincent, I couldn't ask that of you." He grasped Vincent's hands again, his voice pleading. "What I got from Reno was raw and rough. You didn't need to be forced into something like that. I wanted to be different with you." His hand cupped the side of his face. "I didn't ever want to be rough with you. I didn't want to risk hurting you."

Vincent closed his eyes, turning his head away. "You mean physically?"

"Uh, well yea. You'd been tortured enough. I didn't want to further that. You're my whole world, Vincent."

"You didn't want to hurt me?"

"Yea." A false relief washed over Cloud from the calm tone in Vincent's voice. "I couldn't expect you to-"

"And you think that makes it ok!?" Vincent rose sharply to his feet. "You think that not wanting to hurt me justifies what you did!? PHYSICAL PAIN MEANS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH!?" His voice was growing louder, heightening to an ear-splittingly pained pitch. The ex-Turk breathed to try and steady himself, finally allowing himself to cry. He brought a hand to his heart, eyes pleading upon him. "I loved you, Cloud. I would have done anything for you." His tears fell faster, voice growing weak. "Why did you do this to me?"

"Vincent, I-"

"If it's what you wanted, then I would've given it to you. You didn't know if it would hurt, you just assumed. And even if it did, then I would've gotten used to it. Why couldn't you at least give me a chance?"

"Vincent, listen." Cloud grasped his arms, gently pulling him back into the chair. He brushed the tears from the gunman's eyes. "In all fairness, this wasn't just about me. Reno was having some major problems, and I was helping him out."

"Since when did you care what happens to Reno?" Vincent snapped

Cloud flushed. "Well, that may be true. But I if you had just seen what kind of shape he was in, then you'd understand." He rubbed a thumb over Vincent's hand, verifying to himself that he still had that ring. Telling himself that some part of Vincent still cared about him. "He needed me."

The ex-Turk jerked his hands away. "I needed you." His tears began to fall again. This time, faster than before. "Cloud, I don't care about Reno. I don't care how much you believe he needed you. He had other people there that could help him. You were mine, Cloud!"

"Vincent."

"NO! I don't care if I sound selfish. It's the truth. You and I were bonded. We had a life together. We were to be married, and you just threw all of that away." Vincent's expression, twisted with anger, settled back into sorrow. "All you got from him was sex. There's no possible way there was any kind of affection between you two. I loved you, Cloud. I trusted you, with my heart, and you destroyed it. How can you possibly expect me to take you back, after that?"

Cloud just stared at him, guilt washing over him from the torn gleam in those crimson eyes. The same eyes that used to look at him so lovingly, now just reflected the sorrow and hatred that he himself had caused. Cloud started to cry. "By trying to understand how sorry I am."

Vincent's expression lightened from seeing tears glistening from the very source of his pain.

The swordsman took his hands again. "Cid's right? I took you for granted. I ignored everything you've ever done for me, only realizing how much you truly meant to me when it was too late. When I was faced with the fear of losing you." He slid his chair back, kneeling in front of Vincent. "I can't live without you, Vincent. You're my whole world, and I'm sorry it took me this long to notice." He placed a hand against the side of the chair, leaning up slowly. "I know it's nearly impossible to gain your trust. Even more so when it's broken. But if you will just let me try again. Give me a chance for us to start over, then I'll prove that it was worth it. I'll spend every waking minute just trying to make you happy. You don't know how much I've longed to see that beautiful smile of yours."

Vincent's jaw quivered. His heart pounding at how close he was. "Cloud?"

"I never stopped loving you, Vincent."

Cloud's lips gently brushed against Vincent's, causing the gunman's heart to skip. Cloud tested the touch, cautiously pushing further. To his surprise, and appreciation, the gunman accepted his kiss, pushing back.

Cid nearly punched a wall, to try and stop it. But resigned against it. As much as he didn't want them together, if Vincent was willing to give him another chance, then he couldn't say anything. Besides… who's to know if his intentions weren't selfish as well?

Both pairs of eyes closed, their lips embracing tighter. Cloud slid further onto Vincent's lap, hands gently wrapping around his waist. Vincent's shaking hands settled onto Cloud's arms. These lips were so familiar to him. In a way, comforting to feel again… but not right.

Vincent pushed Cloud back, lowering his head. "Get out."

"What?"

"I can't do this, Cloud."

Cloud's blood ran cold. He thought he had him. "But Vincent."

Vincent finally looked back to him. "I'm not going to deny that I still love you… but I don't think I can ever trust you again." He shook his head, turning away again. "Without trust, there's no way we can ever be together again."

Cid did an internal happy dance.

"Vincent, please. Just give me a chance. "

"No, Cloud."

"I can get the trust back."

Vincent closed his eyes, still shoving. "I said, get out."

Cloud stood, pleading. "Come on, Sweetheart."

Vincent clamped his hands over his ears. "GET OUT!"

"Vincent, just think about this." He grasped the gunman's wrists, trying to pull his hands from his ears.

"I have, get out!!"

"But, Vin-" Cloud was cut off by someone grabbing his arm. He glared up at Cid, trying to pull out of his grip. "Let go of me."

"Vincent told ya to leave."

He jerked, still unable to escape the pilot's hold. "I'm not finished."

"Yea you are." Cid began to drag Cloud to the door.

"I'm not leaving without Vincent."

"Vincent doesn't want to come with you. Just stay away from him." He shoved the swordsman out the door, locking it behind him.

Cid, in turn, spun back around to Vincent. The ex-Turk had drawn his legs up onto the chair. His face was buried in his knees, hands still blocking his ears.

Cid walked closer, grasping his shoulders. He knelt in front of him, keeping his voice calm. "Vincent?"

Without warning, the gunman shoved him away. He looked up to see Vincent's face soaked beneath the death-glare. "What makes you think that's gonna work!?"

Cid blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

"I've told you to stay away from me before!" Vincent snapped. "Why do you think he'll listen to you, when you don't even listen to me!?" His hands helped make his point, before he stood, darting back to his designated room.

"VINCENT!" Cid scrambled to his feet, chasing after him. He twisted the handle, to realize it was locked, then knocked. "Vincent, come on. I'm trying to help."

"GO AWAY! I don't need your help!"

Cid sighed, lowering his tone. "Vincent, please. Don't make me pay for his mistakes."

"SHUT UP!"

"Have I ever done anything to hurt you? Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"

"Cid, please." Vincent sobbed from behind the door, his labored breaths clearly audible. "I don't need this right now. AND I DON'T NEED YOU!"

Cid dropped his head against the door, still twisting the handle, in hopes that it would still open. "Vincent, just talk to me. You're obviously in a lot of pain, right now. I wanna help."

"No, Cid." His voice sounded muffled. Like it was hidden in something. "Being around you just confuses me so much more. I need to be alone for a while. That means you to." His escalated anger could be determined at the last line.

Cid tried to look through the door. Hoping to maybe figure out what was going on in there. "To? What do ya mean, Vince?"

"Don't worry about it. Just go away."

"I can't."

"Why not!?" Vincent snapped. "I thought you wanted to help? Why don't you just listen? STOP IT!"

Cid sighed, placing a hand against the wooden door. "I'm just worried about you. When I found you in that forest you had a gun to your head. I've never seen you hurt this bad before." Tears started to squeeze through Cid's defenses. "You don't know how many nights I've laid awake, just scared that I'm gonna wake up to find you dead. Please, Vince. Just let me talk to ya. Let me know you're gonna be ok." He tried the handle again, banging lightly against the door. "Please."

There was a long pause, where neither said anything.

"If it means anything, Vince… I'm proud of ya."

"What for?"

Cid wiped his nose. "Well, it's just that you've been so strong. You may not see it, but you have. You didn't give in to the moment, with Cloud here. You stuck to your decision, and didn't let him change it."

"Of course you'd be happy about this."

Cid jumped from the sudden snap. "What?"

"You never wanted Cloud and me to be together. You admitted it yourself."

"I know that. Look, Vince, yea I'm glad that you two are split up, but not because I wanted a chance with you. I never thought you'd be happy with him. And it's tearing me apart to see you in so much pain. If you really believed you can be happy with Cloud, then I'm not gonna stop you. I just wanted to be sure it's what you wanted. The only reason I didn't want you together is because I knew he was gonna pull some bullshit like this. I'm just sorry I couldn't step in before he did." Cid tried the handle once more. "Believe me, Vince. All I ever wanted was your happiness. I only want what's best for you… Please." He sobbed. "Let me in."

…

…

"Shut up."

Cid sighed, but was surprised to see the door open. A pair of glowing, crimson eyes peered out at him. "You're serious?"

Cid smiled. "I mean every word."

The gunman threw his arms around Cid's neck, crying into his shoulder.

Cid's smile broadened, holding him tight. "I know it hurts now, but it'll pass."

Vincent sniffed. "Don't ever leave me."

"I won't, Vincent. I'll always be right here with you."

xXx

They moved to the bedroom.

Vincent eventually cried himself out, and was finally sleeping peacefully. Well, not fully. The ex-Turk was groaning in his sleep.

Asleep, but restless.

Cid sighed, tucking him in, and left the room to let him rest.

He ventured into the kitchen, starting up a pot of tea. Cid checked out the window, making sure that swordsman was long gone. He figured he now had the go-ahead to force Cloud to keep away from Vincent. If he had to.

The pilot settled into one of the chairs, hiding his face in his hands. He had formed a mach-5 headache from all of this, and was trying to work it out.

A few minutes later, the kettle started to whistle. Cid got up to fetch it from the stove.

He pulled out a cup, and started to pour, when he heard Vincent scream, followed by a loud thud.

Cid dropped them both on the table, running back down the hall. He found Vincent, lying on the ground, nursing a bleeding shoulder. Cid fell to his knees, next to him, rolling him over onto his back. "Vince, what happened!?"

Vincent laid his head back on Cid's knee. "Just a nightmare. I'm fine."

"But you're bleeding!?" He pushed down Vincent's sleeve, trying to see the wound.

"I just scratched myself. It's already starting to clot. It's fine."

Cid ran a hand through Vincent's hair. "By the way you screamed, I thought you'd been shot or something. Don't do that to me."

The gunman's face flushed, and he sat up, sighing.

Cid watched him, uncertain. "You sure, you're ok?"

Vincent checked his wound. It was almost mended. "Yea… I will be." He started to stand. "I think I'm gonna shower off. I don't feel too clean."

"Oh. You sure you don't wanna try to get some more sleep."

Vincent shook his head, starting out the door. "I don't think I could get back to sleep."

xXx

Vincent stood with his head dipped under the shower head. He had the water turned on as hot as he could get it, trying to use the heat to maybe melt away some of the tension in his shoulders. A pool began to rise around his feet, from where he'd closed the drain. It was just a habit. Vincent sometimes liked to let the water build up, from the shower, and try to just relax in the tub.

"(What's wrong with you?)"

"I thought I told you to zip it?" Another unconscious habit Vincent had formed was to talk aloud to the demons in his head. It was just the only way he felt they could really hear him. "I don't feel like listening to you, right now."

"(You're gonna hear it anyway. You keep acting like a little bitch, and it's pissing me off.)"

Vincent growled. "Fine, just get it over with."

"(I don't get why you're so torn up over that Cloud human. You can always get another one.)"

Vincent scoffed. "I wouldn't expect a demon to know what human emotions feel like."

"(Ya see, that's the problem. I do understand what they feel like. And that's what's driving me crazy.)"

"What?"

"(You. You're nothing but a big ball of so many useless emotions, and I feel every one of them. I don't like feeling like shit, Vincent. And I want you to just move on. Why not try that Cid on for size?)"

"Shut up, Chaos. You're just an ignorant demon, who just feels like spouting out nonsense for things you won't ever understand." The pool began to reach up near his knees, and Vincent switched off the water, settling in.

Chaos laughed. "(Naïve am I? You didn't know anything about passion until I came along.)"

"Oh, yea, and I appreciated all you've done for me."

He laughed again, this time louder. "(You should. Besides, you're wrong. I may not completely understand everything about human emotions, but I understand yours' well enough.)"

"Bullshit."

"(You forget, Vincent. You're mind is an open book to me. I know everything that passes through your head. As well as your affection towards that pilot.)"

"Just, shut up. You always knew."

"(Of course I did, but I suppose there's one thing you didn't know.)"

"And what's that?"

He could almost feel that demonic grin burning in his mind. "(I want him too.)"

Vincent shot up. "What!? I thought you hated Cid. You wanted to kill him."

"(Oh I will, but I wanna try him first.)"

"What?"

"( You don't seem to understand, Vincent. Cloud was ok, but in retrospect he sucked big time. But there's just something about that pilot. I don't know what caused it, but I can just feel it. Every time he touches you. When he kissed you, I could taste the lust dripping from his lips. He tastes good, Vincent and I want more.)"

Vincent's skin crawled. "You're sick."

Chaos laughed. "( Really? You can't say that. I know you feel it too. That's why being near him confuses you.)"

The gunman flushed.

"(You can feel the raw passion rising from his skin. I know how many times you've had to bite your lip, just to keep from kissing him. You want to taste it too. You thirst for him.)" His laugh turned mocking. "(You get hard just from hearing his voice.)"

"Shut up!" Vincent snapped, clapping his hands to his ears, leaning back.

"(Ha. You won't be able to resist for long. I'll make sure of that.)"

Vincent took his hands down, realizing it was stupid to have them there. "You can't do anything. Even if you take control of my body, Cid still won't allow you to do anything. He knows me, and he knows you. More than that, he knows the difference."

"(Maybe so.)" His voice slid low and sinister. That fanned amusement gone. "(But who said I'd give him a choice?)"

Vincent sat up, his eyes narrowing. "You stay away from him."

"(Or what? What can you do to stop me? Better yet… what will you do to stop me?)"

"What?" Vincent flushed again, from the tone of his voice.

"(Cid's not the only one I want Vincent. You don't know how many times just seeing your reflection makes me hungry.)"

Another chill ran though Vincent's spine. "I think I do. That may be why I don't look at myself as much." He felt his left hand twitch.

"(Either way, it works perfectly. You're a horney little ball of sex, and I can help you out with that… Just let me have you.)"

"What!? Even if I'd agree to something like that, how is it even possible?"

"(Simple.)" The left hand moved again, fingers curling. "(This is, in fact, my arm anyway. If you let me… it'd be all I need.)"

The blackened hand crept closer. Vincent grabbed it, holding it against the bottom of the tub. "No. I don't care what you can do, I'm not agreeing to something so vile." His face burned brighter, just thinking of the whole situation that would have to play out.

"(Come now. I'd be doing you a favor.)" The hand jerked, and Vincent struggled to hold it. "(It's not like you're any good at it yourself.)"

"I don't care. I can't let you. It's disgusting to even consider."

"(Disgusting or not, you still want it.)"

Vincent closed his eyes, pushing the hand further back. "I do not."

"(It really doesn't suit you to lie, Vincent. Besides, it's not just your will power fighting here. I want it, and so do my brothers. We only truly feel alive when you're enthralled in orgasm. Our desires are influencing yours'. You're going to lose.)"

Vincent felt his grip loosen, then tighten again at feeling the hand move. "No."

"(How bout a trade then.)" The demon inched his hand ever closer, between the gunman's legs. "If you let me have you, I'll let you sleep.)"

"What?" His grip relaxed in shock. Would he really? "I don't believe you."

"(What's not to believe? I give you my word. If I can have you, I'll let you sleep.)"

Vincent considered the option, allowing his hold to loosen. He shook his head, tightening again. "No. Even if I trusted you, it wouldn't be worth it."

"(Fine!)" The demon seemed to be getting agitated. And it's not to say that Vincent wasn't feeling the effect from it. "(If I can't reason with you, then I suppose there's only one way. It's either you, or I take the pilot.)"

Vincent felt his blood run cold. "You wouldn't."

"(Try me.)"

"It wouldn't work. Cid wouldn't let you."

"(I don't need permission. Make your choice Vincent… it's either you or Cid. I'm getting at least one of you.)"

Vincent felt his eyes sting again. He should've known that deranged demon would resort to that. Chaos already knew what the answer would be, why'd he even bother asking?

The gunman loosened his grip, jumping slightly to feeling his hand move on its own.

Chaos laughed in triumph. "(I know your scared, Vincent, but don't worry. Just relax, and I won't hurt you.)"

Vincent closed his eyes, as those menacingly sharp fingers began to pulse inside of him. It was both an odd, yet strangely relieving feeling to feel his own hand doing these things to himself. "Damn you, demon."

xXx

Vincent left the bathroom, feeling filthier than he had when he went in. He could still almost feel the demon's assault. "(I hate you.)" Vincent thought to Chaos, not feeling it to be good to speak aloud anymore.

"(I know but that's a good thing, right? You won't get emotionally attached and break down when I drop you.)"

Vincent flared. "Not funny."

"You say something?"

Vincent spun around to see Cid standing in his bedroom door.

Vincent grinned, trying not to look at him. "No. Just thinking out loud."

"Oh, alright. It's getting late, so I'm goin to bed."

"(Now's your chance.)"

"(What?)"

"(Just take him, now.)"

"(I thought you were satisfied.)"

"(For a little while, but look at him. If you won't take him, I will.)"

"(Shut up.)"

"Vince, you ok?" Cid held a hand against Vincent's forehead. "You seem flushed."

"No. I'm fine. Just kinda worn from all that's happened today?"

"(Do it, now!)"

"(No!)"

"Yea, I can see that. Oh well. G'night, Vince." He started back into his room.

"Night, Cid." Vincent stormed into his room, shutting the door. "I thought I told you to stay quiet when I'm talking to other people!?"

"(I don't care. Go back in there and do something. I'm still horney.)"

Vincent flopped down, angrily on the bed. "I let you have your fun. Leave Cid alone."

"(You know as well as I do that it's so much better when someone else does it.)"

"I said, no. Just shut up."

Chaos growled. "(FINE! Forget what I said earlier. There's no way I'm ever going to let you sleep again.)"

Vincent sighed. He didn't expect him to in the first place. "That's fine by me. But I won't let you hurt Cid."

--

AN: I wasn't totally sure how to really write out the part when Vincent's talking to Chaos and Cid at the same time (which may be why it's short) but I hope you understood what was going on.