Chapter Text
Vincent had sworn that he would never fall in love again. It was quite ironic, considering his last name. No matter the person or circumstance, his love was always unrequited, always rejected. So what was the point in trying? Throughout the many years alone with his thoughts, he was confident that he would never have a true partner, or lover, or-
“VINCENT!” Yuffie shouted as she ran directly into him. Vincent glared down at her, but like always, she wasn't fazed. It was almost annoying how unafraid she was of him, but it was a comfort all the same.
“What is it?” He muttered. Yuffie took a deep breath and exclaimed dramatically…
“I'm soooooo freaking bored!” Vincent rolled his eyes. Yuffie stared, “Well, aren't ya gonna do something? Help me out?” Vincent met her eyes, and said nothing. Yuffie always needed something to do, or someone to bother. The target of her attacks was usually Cloud, but he was preoccupied talking quietly with Tifa, and even Yuffie had enough tact to leave them alone.
“You could hang out with Denzel and Marlene. I believe they are with Nanaki.”
“I don't want to hang out with a bunch of babies! Besides, you are waaaay more fun! Now, spill the beans. You were being emo again, weren't you?” Vincent slowly shook his head.
“I still don't understand what “emo” is, but I assure you, I'm fine.” Yuffie just sighed. “You are such a Cloud.”
“I heard that!” Cloud called from across the room, as Tifa giggled next to him.
“Yuffie, Denzel is interested in materia, and it'd make him really happy if you would show him some of yours.” Tifa said. Yuffie immediately started to protest.
“But he-its- It's MY materia!!” But Tifa gave her the mom look, and Yuffie faltered. “Fine. I'll do it.” She dramatically dragged her feet, walking like a prisoner about to face execution. Vincent smiled at Tifa, and she smiled back.
“Thank you.”
“No problem. But she did have a point. You look a little down, well, more than usual anyway.” Vincent looked down towards his shoes. “Sorry, that was rude. I just want to know if something's going on. Okay?” Vincent nodded, and Tifa slowly backed away, her face full of concern.
“I'm fine Tifa. It's nothing new.” He attempted a small smile, but Tifa still looked worried. Cloud gently pulled Tifa aside and the two of them went to talk in private. Vincent felt a sharp twinge of jealousy when the two intertwined their hands as they left the room. He desperately wanted a love like theirs. He wanted someone to look at him the way Cloud looked at Tifa. He wanted someone to hold him like Tifa held Cloud. And yet he knew he had no chance at a love like that. No one could love someone like him. A monster inside and out. He was just as revolting as his rotting hand, hidden beneath his golden gauntlet. Just like he had said.
Do you still think Lucrecia could love you? Even if she could forgive you, she could never be attracted to a horrible, disgusting beast such as yourself.
“$@%# IT BARRET WHAT DID YOU DO?” Vincent's head snapped up, his thoughts interrupted.
“I DIDN'T DO NOTHING!” Barret shouted back, “THE SAUCE IS NOT $@%#ING BURNT!!”
“YES IT IS!” Cid yelled back. “THAT SPAGHETTI SAUCE LOOKS LIKE IT WAS BURNT TO DEATH BY IFIRIT HIMSELF!”
“BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!!” Cloud entered the battlefield, shoving himself between the two men. “The kids can hear you! Both of you should know better!”
“Those are some fine words from you Spiky, cause I remember Marlene came home to me complaining that she couldn't sleep because someone was banging around upstairs -” Barret was interrupted by Cid's laughter as Cloud's face turned tomato red. “It ain't funny Cid! My baby girl could have seen something!” Cid shook his head and kept laughing, while Cloud stewed in the corner.
“Alright you two, break it up. Besides our house, our rules.” Tifa said, as she entered the room. She wrapped her arm around Cloud's waist. He buried his face in her shoulder, as Tifa sighed and playfully rolled her eyes. “Let's focus on dinner, okay? Barrett, the sauce looks great. Cid, stop being so picky.” “See, I told ya.” Barret said with a smirk as Cid rolled his eyes.
“I'm just saying, it's darker than when I make it. And you can bet yer’ boots that mine is much better.” Everyone started to laugh, including Cid. Soon dinner was ready and everyone started to travel into the dinning room. Cloud and Tifa had done a nice job cleaning up. Barret and Cid came back from the kitchen with dinner, which was spaghetti and-
“GARLIC BREAD!!” Yuffie screamed. “Hell yeah!” Denzel and Marlene frantically scrambled to the front of the serving line and Yuffie quickly followed. All of the adults shared a small chuckle and dinner was served. It was nice being together again. After Kadaj and the other Remnants had been defeated, their group had split of again, each focusing on their own lives. Vincent couldn't blame them, but he had still felt lonely. Although he wasn't the best at showing it, he had truly come to appreciate the company that their little party provided. They really were family. A pretty dysfunctional one, but still a family.
“Cloud? Can you tell us a story about your adventures?” Denzel asked.
“Yeah, how about the one you and Tifa keep talking about?” Marlene chimed in, “The one where you had to find Tifa with Aeirth in some market!”
“Yeah, in Sector 6, right?” Denzel added. “And there was something about grapefruits, right?”
“Not tonight. Maybe when you're older.” Cloud responded calmly, but Tifa was shaking, holding in her laughter.
“Tifa, it's not that funny.” Tifa snickered in response.
“But why? I bet you just don't want to be embarrassed again!” Denzel accused, playfully glaring at Cloud.
“So what? It's still a valid reason!” Cloud exclaimed. Everyone laughed and Vincent smirked. Sometimes it was almost too easy to poke fun at Cloud, but he put up with it pretty well. “Denzel, why don't we make a deal. I'll tell you any other story you want, as long as you stop pushing for the Sector 6 one, okay?”
“Any other story?”
“Any other story.” Denzel pulled Marlene into a little huddle as the two of them whispered together, deciding what kind of story they wanted to hear. After a long debate, the council reached a decision.
“We wanna hear your love story!” Marlene declared. Denzel nodded excitedly.
“Yeah! And don't leave out any details!”
“Okay, if you say so.” Cloud said, “I don't want to hear any interruptions, alright?” Both of the kids nodded eagerly, and followed Cloud into the living room. Tifa, Yuffie, and Nanaki went with them, while Barret and Reeve continued their discussion about the WRO'S hunt for a sustainable energy source. Vincent eventually wandered into the living room, where Cloud was sitting next to Tifa on the loveseat, their hands intertwined.
"When Tifa fell into the Lifestream, she entered my consciousness. Before you ask, no, we don't know how it happened. She helped me remember who I was, and what really happened in Nibelheim. She helped me pick the missing pieces of myself. She-” Cloud paused, blush softly coating his cheeks, “I wouldn't be me without her. I wouldn't be here without her.” He leaned over and kissed Tifa's cheek. Marlene squealed as Tifa leaned in and kissed Cloud's lips and pulled him into an embrace.
A familiar dull pang of jealousy shot through Vincent's chest. He needed to stop pitying himself. Cloud and Tifa deserved all of the love and happiness that they now possessed. They had gone through so much together. He needed to get his mind off of hopeless prospects of romance. He needed to forget. He needed a distraction. Vincent quickly, but silently left the living room and made his way to the balcony outside of the kitchen. Cid was leaning against the railing, a lit cigarette dangling from his lips.
“Hey Vince.” Cid sounded tired, which wasn't like him. He was usually one of the more energetic members of their party.
“Is.. is everything alright?” Vincent asked quietly. “Yeah yeah. Don’ ya worry. I'll be fine.” Cid responded. Vincent slowly relaxed against the railing, looking out into the sunset. It was quiet and peaceful, the sky was a beautiful blend of reds, oranges, and yellows. The two men stood in comfortable silence as a soft breeze blew by.
“Nice, innit?” Cid asked quietly. “Yeah, it is.” Vincent gave Cid a small smile. Cid responded with one of his trademark, slightly cocky grins.
“Thanks Vince."
“It's Vincent.” Cid chuckled.
“Sure. You keep telling yourself that.” Cid patted his shoulder, and started back into the house. “Take care of yerself, okay?”
“Yeah. You too.” Vincent waved as Cid left the balcony. He reached up and gently touched his shoulder, where Cid had placed his hand. He had really liked that. It was odd, he usually preferred to have his own space, it didn't feel intrusive with Cid. It felt warm. It felt good. It felt like-
“No. Stop.” He whispered out loud. He couldn't entertain such thoughts. No matter what he felt,-and he definitely didn't feel anything, no one would ever reciprocate. Cid already had a beautiful woman in his life. Vincent stood no chance. He didn't need to set himself up for failure. Shaking his head, he went back inside the house.
He gave his goodbyes to everyone, and quickly escaped outside. He stretched out his crimson, bat-like wings, and shot into the sky.
Normally, Vincent enjoyed flying, and being alone with his thoughts. But he just wanted to go to sleep. Everything would be fine in the morning. He'd be more logical. More realistic. Yes, sleep would fix everything. He landed outside of the Shinra Mansion, and bolted to his makeshift bedroom upstairs. He collapsed onto his bed, his face shoved into the pillow. He needed to get a hold of himself. He was not a blushing, love-struck teenager. He was fine, everything was fine. Vincent rolled over onto his back and stared up at the ceiling, taking slower breaths to calm down. He closed his eyes, and slowly relaxed. Vincent started to doze off, curling up into himself. Nothing was wrong, everything was fine. Eventually, sleep overtook him, and he passed out for the night.
Vincent woke up the next morning as the sun gently spoke through his dusty window. Surprisingly, he hadn't had any nightmares, but what he dreamed about might have been worse. The only that had been on his mind that night was Cid Highwind's stupidly handsome face smiling right at him.