***Looks like the writer's block is gone already. I finished chapter ten earlier today, and I'm just now finishing chapter twelve at 11:25 PM (23:25).

Lots of much-needed private time for Vincent and Yuffie in this one, and also a scene that's not suitable for children! Remember, this story is rated M for language and some sexually explicit material. Thanks for being responsible, kids. Hope you enjoy.

Your humble narrator,

C. Buttons***

Chapter Twelve – Her Decision

She knocked on the first door and cringed when Lulu responded. "Yes? It's open."

Yuffie did her best imitation of Cid. "Wrong $&%# door, sorry!" She didn't want Lulu to come out and start blabbing at her. There was no way she had the time or patience for her right now. The imitation worked, evidently, and she was able to move on without interruption.

It had to be the next door, she decided. She knocked softly and there was no answer. She tried the doorknob; it was locked. Her heart was pounding wildly. She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "Vincent?"

No answer. But, of course, he was there. Anybody else would have responded.

"Vincent, please let me in. I want to tell you something."

She heard footsteps approaching the door from the inside then, and the gentle clicking of metal-on-metal as he flipped the lock with his claw. He opened the door a crack before turning and walking back to the workbench where he had the Cerberus broken down into half a dozen pieces and springs. He took the barrel in his claw and began rubbing it absently with an oiled cloth.

As Yuffie entered, she noted he had all the lights off. The only illumination came from the hallway behind her. She reached up to the wall, found the switch, and flipped it. Vincent grunted quietly as the light transformed his surroundings, but kept his back toward Yuffie. She shut the door then and let herself lean back against it.

"I know you're angry with me," she said.

"Hmph."

"And you have every right to be. It was… selfish of me to be so impulsive without thinking about how this would affect you in the future. I'm sorry, Vincent."

"Apology accepted," he said, busily spreading grease against the slide of his signature weapon with his finger.

"That didn't sound very enthusiastic, Mister Sinister."

"Perhaps because it wasn't," came the cold reply. "Do not fret, Yuffie. I'm an adult. I can handle being broken up with. I suppose I should be grateful I found out as soon as I did. Perhaps I'll thank Godo personally when we arrive in Wutai."

Yuffie had never heard such sarcasm coming from Vincent before. She could tell he was heartbroken; as was she.

"Vincent, I really came to tell you… I'm not going to go through with it. The engagement, I mean. My dad'll freak, but that's just too bad."

Vincent, having expertly pieced the weapon back together, pulled the slide back and let it slam into place menacingly. "Good luck with that," he said airily.

"Dammit, Vince." She stomped over to the workbench and slammed her hands down on it, leaning in to look him in the eye. "I'm trying to tell you I'm giving up my status for you!"

Vincent's eyes flashed up to meet hers then. "What did you say?"

"You heard me, vampire! I've decided I don't want to lead Wutai if it means I can't be with you."

"And you are… certain of your decision?"

"Of course I'm sure!"

"That… changes things."

"You're damn right it does."

He rose then and looked apologetically at Yuffie. "I'm sorry you had to make this choice, Yuffie."

"So am I, but… You're worth it, Vince. And it was wrong of me not to tell you before we hooked up. It was wrong. REALLY wrong… Forgive me?"

Vincent took her in his arms then. "Only if you'll forgive me."

Yuffie laughed as her anxiety melted away and was replaced, once again, with the overwhelming joy she usually associated with being held by Vincent Valentine. "Of course," she whispered, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

Vincent bent forward then and kissed her. Yuffie felt her stomach flutter (in a good way) when his tongue brushed against hers. She instinctively pressed her body closer to his, and he reacted by moving his lips down to her throat, then to her collarbone His hands moved up and down her back, just brushing the clasp of her bra each time, and the cold metal of the claw sent a shiver down her spine. She reached back and expertly unclasped the bra with one hand.

Vincent paused a moment, as if asking permission to proceed. She smiled and nodded gently, then shuddered as she felt his hand slide beneath the dangling material.

Then, in one fluid movement, he lifted her off her feet and gently laid her down on the bottom bunk of the nearest bed. He unclasped his cape swiftly, red eyes flaring with passion, before joining her on the bed. He had done this before, Yuffie knew. She swore she wouldn't let it spoil the moment. She couldn't hold past relationships against him. It wasn't fair.

In fact, she learned that his previous involvement actually made her first time easier than she imagined it would be with an inexperienced partner. Vincent was a gentle teacher and, afterward while they lay entwined in each other's arms, Yuffie decided she would never again associate Vincent with Lucrecia in any way – at least, she would try not to. It was clear the way he held her, the way he looked into her eyes with such contentment, that his mind was on her and not his past lover. Really, what more could she ask for?

Yuffie woke up some time later, the effects of a nightmare fresh on her psyche although the dream was already forgotten. Vincent was still with her, his claw resting against her back. She lay there a moment without moving, her head against his rising and falling chest, trying to shake off the horrible feeling from the dream.

"Hello, there." Vincent's voice came from above like salvation, instantly soothing her. "Did you sleep well?"

"I think I had a nightmare," she muttered. "But I can't remember what it was about."

"I'm sorry," he said lovingly. "Now you know why I prefer not to sleep unless I need to."

"Do you really have nightmares every night?"

"I used to… For thirty years I punished myself with dreams. I've had some closure since then, however, and the nightmares are fewer now."

"What were they about?" She hoped that wasn't too personal a question.

"They were… about Sephiroth sometimes. Hojo and Lucrecia played their roles there as well. Mostly they were simply a reminder of my utter helplessness with regard to that incident."

Without realizing it she began tracing her finger along the scar tissue surrounding the base of the claw. Vincent winced ever so slightly at her touch there, but said nothing.

"Vincent? Do you still blame yourself for what happened to Lucrecia?"

"…There is a part of me that wishes I had done more to stop her. However, as you know, there was a great deal more to Dr. Crescent than I ever realized during my brief relationship with her."

"I'm glad."

"Glad?"

"That you got your closure. It… was hard to see you punish yourself."

"Thank you," Vincent said, kissing the top of her head. "And… I'm sorry. For worrying you."

"It's okay." Yuffie shifted to look at him. "I just hope you never have to feel that way again."

Vincent nodded thoughtfully.

"What are you thinking about?" she pried.

"I'm thinking… no, more like wishing or praying… that I never have to lose someone else I love."

"Well, you'll never lose me," she said then.

"If only you could promise me such a thing."

"I can, Vince." Her tone was cheerful, but serious. "And I am."

"I love you," he whispered affectionately.

"And I love you." She snuggled closer to him then and sighed with contentment. "When do we land?"

"Cid hasn't made any announcements, but I doubt we have very long. You might want to prepare."

"Yeah," she yawned. "You're probably right." She crawled over him, swiping the top blanket as she slid off the bed to cover herself. It seemed silly, considering he had now seen every bit of her naked body. Still, she didn't feel right just parading around the room stark naked in front of him.

Holding the blanket in one hand, she scurried around the room picking articles of clothing off the floor. She slid into her panties, then her shorts, bra and tank top. Then she spotted Vincent's cape and lifted it carefully. She glanced over at where he still sat on the bed, hands behind his head. "May I?" she asked, holding it up.

Vincent nodded his approval and Yuffie quickly threw the red fabric over her shoulders and buckled it securely across her chest, leaving the top straps open like Vincent did. Then she did a pirouette, clasping the corner of the cape in her right hand, and held it across her face Dracula-style.

"Tah-dah! Whaddaya think of my new look?"

Vincent smiled. "I could get used to it."

Yuffie sashayed toward him, flipping the cape back and forth with each step. Vincent held his arms open for her and she dove into them readily, the red fabric settling over them artfully.

"I thought you were getting ready," Vincent teased.

"I am ready! Godo won't know what hit him when Yuffie Valentine kicks down his door!"

Woops. She scrunched her face, knowing he'd have noted the unintended implication in her statement.

"I-I didn't…"

"It's alright, Yuffie. I know what you meant."

"Yeah… That was weird."

"You needn't be embarrassed. I'm in no hurry to be married, but the name suits you."

"You think so?" she said. Why was he so damn sweet all the time?

"I do."

Yuffie laughed at the subtle joke and rolled back onto her side of the bed.

"Vincent?"

"Yes, Yuffie?"

"Do you think… Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"

"Only you can answer that. You know how I feel, but I would never want you to make a decision you weren't completely committed to."

"It's just… I always assumed I'd take over some day. I love my country, even if there are too many tourists. I mean, I had plans. They weren't exactly well-thought-out plans, because I was always so busy doing other things, but it was always in the back of my mind. Now my plan is to give it all up…"

Vincent turned on his side to look at her and stroked her hair gently. "Perhaps you should give it more time before you make up your mind."

Yuffie sighed. "That's the problem. I've already decided I want you. If that means I can't have Wutai, then…"

"Yuffie. I refuse to stand in the way of your dreams. If I'm preventing you from doing what you want to do, then perhaps…"

"Don't say it," Yuffie interrupted firmly. "I know what I have to do. For now, I'll just tell Dad that I'm not marrying this guy. He's not in great shape, but I don't expect him to kick the bucket anytime soon. We've got years…"

"And then what?" Vincent asked. "When those years are over, what is your plan?"

"I don't know," Yuffie muttered, exasperated at this point.

"Perhaps you don't expect us to last that long?"

"Please don't say that. I had a crush on you that lasted for three years, even when we almost never saw each other. I can't imagine a time when I won't want you with me."

"The feeling is mutual. Even so, we have to be realistic. Most relationships begin with the best intentions, yet so few are successful. It would be absurd for you to give everything up now, so soon. Don't you agree?"

"You're starting to scare me."

"That was not my intention. I only wish to stress the seriousness of the situation."

"You don't have to," Yuffie replied. "I know well enough how serious this is. And you're right, as usual. Damn. Why does this have to be so complicated? Why can't we just be together without it affecting everything else?"

"That's life, Yuffie. You cannot have the good without the bad."

"Okay, here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna go tell Godo no way in hell am I marrying this idiot he's got lined up for me. He'll disown me, and I won't have to worry about making any tough decisions!" In trying to make light of it, she only upset herself more. Vincent must've noticed the tears coming, because he pulled her into his lap and cradled her in preparation.

When she had cried herself out, she glanced down at the cape and noticed she'd left a wet spot on it. "Woops. Sorry about your cape."

"You needn't be. Yours are not the only tears to soil this fabric."

"Do you cry, Vincent?"

"Everybody cries sometimes, Yuffie."

"I wish I had been there. I would've given you a big hug to cheer you up."

"I have no doubt you would've succeeded in doing so. I am not normally a very affectionate person, but… I can think of a few times when a hug might have done some good."

"Poor Vinnie. That makes me real sad."

"Would a hug cheer you up?"

"From you, always."