What Friends are For

'What Friends are For' Chapter 13: Feathers and Favors
Vincent and Cid spend some more time alone - despite another interruption. [WAFF, Yaoi]

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Dinner was even more pleasant than breakfast was, though not as grand as the meal Lord Godo put together for us. I had a feeling he must've planned it ahead of time. Wouldn't surprise me. Yuffie had to learn her sneakiness from somewhere, right?

Vince had left his gauntlet off when we left the room. He was still trying to get used to actually having his arm. Normally it didn't bother him, but it was still tender, and he thought leaving it uncovered will let it get used to being used again. I tried to not be disappointed at that - I liked the effect the sensitivity had on him - but it made him so happy that I didn't even think about arguing.

Since we really didn't have anything planned with the rest of the evening, we took our meal slowly. It wasn't anything formal, but they let us sit alone in a dim corner of the restaurant. Our server was pretty good at hardly letting us know she was there, stopping by briefly to fill our glasses, or exchange empty plates for the next course. Eventually, the last dishes were cleared off, and we were leaning in our chairs, feeling pleasantly stuffed.

By that time, it was growing late, and most of the restaurant was empty. There was another couple on the other side, and some workers cleaning off tables, but other than that, we were alone. I didn't think I'd ever get tired of Vince's company. It'd probably surprise our friends to see how I was around him when it was just us. I'd spent a lot of time with him when he was just sitting around being broody. I didn't pick up the broodiness, but he did make me realize I didn't have to talk all the damn time when I'd spend time with someone. That was a novel concept. I'd always been talkative, before I'd met a certain quiet gunslinger.

And just like that, I'd find myself being quiet and sitting with Vince while thinking about being quiet and sitting with Vince. Circular thinking, I guess you'd call it. Weird, but nice.

Speaking of quiet time with Vince--

"What d'ya think about going riding tomorrow?" I asked. "I could call Junior before we head to bed, tell him to get the chocobos ready in the mornin'. Might be nice to do something outdoors before we're too busy again."

Vince tilted his head with that thoughtful look of his, and smiled, taking my hand in his. "Mm. Actually, that might be a good idea. Other than this afternoon, we have not been riding in some time."

"But we didn't go--" I stopped when I realized what he meant. Innuendo just was not natural when it came from that man, so the few times he lets it slip, it always surprises the hell out of me. But damn, was it hot. "Vince! I can't believe ya said that!"

"What did I say?" he asked, somehow managing to look perfectly innocent. All that did was make him look perfectly edible.

"...Nothing," I replied, though I was grinning like an idiot. "C'mon, let's head back. I'm still feelin' a bit tired from earlier."

Vince waited a moment to look closely at me. I had a feeling he wanted to ask me if I was okay - again - but decided against it. With a shrug, he rose, and we went back to the hotel.

It wasn't hard to miss the uneasy looks the staff gave us as we went through the lobby, though I didn't get a chance to ask Vince what'd happened until we were in our room again.

"I stopped by the desk on our way out, and asked them to come change our linens," he told me. "I know it is bothering you that I keep wanting to make sure you truly are all right, but you bled a little more than I had intended, and it did not all go onto the towels." Sure enough, when I looked into the bedroom, the bed had been made up with a new blanket. My attention moved back to Vince when he continued. "I think they were trying to figure out which of us was so wounded. Though I did offer to buy the blanket from them. It really is rather comfortable."

"Ya really are somethin' else, Vince," I laughed with a shake of my head. "Though I wouldn't have ya any other way."

He moved over and slid his arms around my waist to pull me against him. His head ducked down, and his teeth scraped over the curve of my neck, the sensation making me shudder. "I am glad," he replied simply, before nudging me to the phone on the desk. "Now call your man, and make your arrangements. I shall go get ready for bed."

I nodded and watched him move off. It was hard to keep from immediately joining him; 'Vincent' and 'bed' are two words that go amazingly well together.

After using the hotel's phone, I told myself for the hundredth time that I should get one of those cell phones the others seem to like. But it was so rare that I'd ever be away from the Highwind long enough to need one, and everyone knew how to get ahold of me there. At the moment, it didn't matter; despite my short nap, I was still tired. Weary, really. It was a familiar feeling, from when we'd do a lot of fighting, and still be worn out after healing, the kind of pleasant exhaustion that comes from a long day of work.

And for once I had a warm body to crawl up next to. He was there, laying on his right side with the blankets pulled back, waiting for me. I didn't take long to undress and slip in next to him, laying on my left side to face him. We shared a slow, lazy, tender kiss. We were both tired, so the passion was muted, but it was still there, dormant but noticeable. I think I dozed off first; the last thing I remember was the feel of Vince's lips, and his arms holding me close.

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Vince was up before me, already dressed by the time I rolled onto my back and stretched. I was disappointed to find myself alone, though when I saw sitting in a chair off to the side, I had to smile. It was nice to just lay there and look at him, feeling rested and lazy, and so very content. Who'd have known that Cid Highwind, bachelor extraordinaire, would be so damn happy to be married to another man? Not me, that's for damn sure.

I'd heard of people getting sorta shellshocked the day after, a sort of 'I can't believe we did it' feeling, I guess. I suppose I should've been feeling the same, considering a week ago we'd only been best friends, though my dreams always hoped for more. Part of me still wondered if we'd moved too fast. The warm smile Vince wore when he looked at me, laying there in the bed we'd shared, let me know he was just as sure as I was about being together.

Kinda sappy, I guess. For some reason, I tended to get like that when I stopped to watch Vince. It's like he got something inside me to wake up. I guess it was a throwback from our 'saving-the-world' days when I would sit up and watch him while he slept, or ate, or fought, or... hell, just about anything. I'd never realized just how much I used to watch him. No wonder he knew how I felt before he did.

I scooted to the edge of the bed and stood, stretching again. It'd been a long time since I'd felt so good, so alive. Judging by Vince's amused expression. I had a feeling I was grinning again. Hell, why not?

Last night was our last for the hotel room. I almost didn't want to leave, but I kinda missed the Highwind. I've been on her for so long that a grounded bed doesn't feel right, no matter where I slept. Yet I knew that as soon as we got back, I'd have to be captain again. Ah well, we'd just hafta arrange another vacation later.

'Maybe next week,' I thought, and snorted at my own mind. Maybe Vince was right, and I really was a lech. He didn't complain though, so I wasn't about to change. I just pulled on the clothes he'd left out for me - my least-stained pair of pants, and my second-favorite shirt. Both were a bit worn, and I made a mental note to get more sometime soon. It wasn't until we'd been packing for our vacation that I had realized I didn't have any clothes that weren't spotted with grease, paint, bloodstains, and rips. Guess that's what happens when you spend your whole damn life being a mechanic and a fighter.

Vince was wearing his usual leathers this time. I didn't know whether to be disappointed or relieved. Sure, those buckles and straps were annoying, but the leather had a way of clinging just right. Not as good as having him naked, but I could deal.

We headed out. I carried the bags, and Vince stopped to settle our bill. He insisted on picking up the blanket after all, and the staff assured him that they'd at least made sure it was as clean as they could get it.

We walked through town with our bundles, heading back to the Highwind. Vince had an odd, amused expression, though he didn't look at me when I glanced his way. We'd made it a couple of blocks before I couldn't stand it.

"Okay, what's so funny?" I finally asked.

"Mm, just something I read years ago," he replied.

That was all he said. It didn't seem like he was going to continue without some prompting, which made me sigh. "Uh-huh. And what was that?"

I saw his lips twitch as if wanting to grin. I don't know how, but I just knew it was something I wasn't gonna like much. "Ages ago, there was an ancient custom. After a man took his virgin bride for the first time, he would hang the bloodstained sheets to prove she was pure, and the marriage was consummated."

Huh. "That's a nice history lesson, but what's that got--" I stopped in my tracks, staring at the blanket he carried under one arm. "Oh no. Oh hell no. You are not hangin' that up anywhere. So help me, if you even try--"

"Do not worry," he replied with a laugh. "I do not intend to hang it anywhere. It belongs on our bed. It merely reminded me of that bit of trivia. I found it somewhat amusing." He paused, and slipped his free arm into one of mine. "Besides, it would be a matter of pride for us both, I would think. Though I was the only one drawing blood, we both were... deflowered."

That word made me cringe. "Dammit, Vince, do ya gotta make us sound like a couple women? We ain't in one of those 'romance' books."

"My apologies," he said as we began walking again. "It seemed like an appropriate term, though. Perhaps we should find a more masculine version."

I rolled my eyes at that. "Vince, we don't have anything left to 'deflower'."

"Perhaps not," he shrugged. "Though it is a bit of a shame, I think. The deflowering process was rather enjoyable."

That made me grin. It was a new side of Vince, one I'd seen only in hints and glimpses through the months we'd been together. I wondered if I'd ever get used to 'playful Vince'. I kinda hoped not; I liked the way he could surprise me with the things he said. "Nobody ever said we couldn't enjoy the process again, ya know."

He leaned to kiss my cheek as we walked; I didn't know how he managed to keep his balance. "Oh, that we shall do - many times, I hope," he replied.

Mm, that was a pleasant thought. I had to stop there or the rest of the walk would end up being very uncomfortable; he just smiled, and we went on in silence.

We hadn't gone far past the edge of town when I heard an all too familiar voice behind us. I didn't know what the hell I'd done to deserve all those interruptions, or why they had to start again as soon as our vacation ended.

"Hey! Hey, hold up a sec, yo! I need to talk to you guys!" Of course, it would have to be him.

I just sighed, and dropped the bags so I could turn and wait for Reno. At least it didn't take long, he must've been in a real hurry, as fast as he was running to catch up to us. I waited until he was close enough to hear me without having to shout. "What the hell do you want now?"

He waved a hand apologetically, waiting until he could breathe smoothly. "Sorry, I didn't wanna bother you guys, but if you're leaving,we could really use a ride. It's an emergency, yo." I could tell there was something really bothering him - whatever it was, it was big, and not good at all. Sure, the kid tended to be more open than his partner, but I didn't think he realized just how much he was letting show.

I could count on one hand the number of times the Turks or any of the former ShinRa people ever needed a lift from me since the end of the whole Sephiroth and Meteor thing. Usually they were happy to do their own thing - they had vehicles and boats and such. And I knew for a fact they had at least one helicopter that survived the attack on Junon, though they kept it for their own use. The fact that they had it but were bugging me for a lift made me wonder, though.

"What the hell ya need my baby for?" I asked. "I know you've got yer own transportation. What kinda emergency is it that ya can't wait for somethin' of yer own?" I folded my arms and watched him with narrowed eyes. I wasn't going anywhere, or giving any answer, without an explanation.

Whatever was bothering him, he really didn't wanna tell us. But he knew he wasn't getting anywhere near the Highwind unless he did. He wanted to lie, I could tell, but he knew too that we'd find out the truth eventually. When he finally told us, I knew why it was just too big to lie about, and why he was hesitant.

"We gotta get back to Rufus, yo," he said, and kinda flinched back, like he expected us to explode. Hell, if we hadn't heard the rumors from Cloud and Tifa, maybe we would've.

"So they were correct," Vince said with a shrug. "It is not too surprising. He is as difficult to kill as his Turks." He was smiling at that, and it made me grin. We'd fought Reno and his coworkers often enough during that whole fiasco to know just how hard the bastards were to get rid of. And hell, look at Vince himself. He's like the epitome of 'hard to kill'.

"You already knew?" Reno asked, surprised. "Well, that makes things easier, yo. But we gotta get back to 'im. It took forever to get on his feet after that weapon thing blew up the tower, but he's having a relapse, and we gotta get there fast. We could wait for the 'copter to come get us, but it'd be a hell of a lot faster if ya could give us a lift." He paused, and took a deep breath, before saying something I had a feeling he rarely did, even to his coworkers. "Please, yo."

I didn't wanna help that ShinRa bastard, but hell. His guys were more loyal than he deserved, and I could tell they cared about the punk. They weren't a bad crew, either, the few times I'd talked to them without having to worry about fighting or anything. I figured, if I wouldn't do it for the ShinRa kid, then at least for his guys - and girl. I might be an ass, but I'm not cruel.

"Fine, go get the others. I'll let my crew know what's goin' on. You can tell 'em where ya need to go - but no damn sidetrips. This's a one-way thing only, got it?" I waited for him to nod, grinning at the look of relief on his face. I had a feeling he thought I'd refuse. It took him a lot of guts to ask. "Me an' Vince won't be going, so you had better listen to my crew. Don't be gettin' in their way or anythin. Get on, get there, get off. That's it."

He nodded again, and gave me that same half-assed salute. It fit his whole appearance, and something told me it meant more than it would coming from someone else. "Whatever you say, Captain," he replied, and took off running back the way he came.

"That was kind of you," Vince said quietly, after the two of us had resumed our walk.

"Eh, they're not bad kids. Just stuck in bad jobs with a boss that don't appreciate 'em. I kinda know how that is. This's for them, not him."

He nodded, and we finished the walk in silence. He didn't say so, but I could tell he appreciated my cooperation. He wouldn't've tried to talk me into it, or resented my decision. Even if he wasn't still one of them - officially at least - there was still a bond there, like second cousins or something, I guess. Distant family, but still family. It was a something to think about.

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We dropped off our stuff, and I went to let Junior know what was going on. He didn't seem to mind being stuck on the Highwind with a bunch of trained assassins for a few hours. Said if I trusted 'em, then it was good enough for him. The guy blew my mind sometimes. He'd been part of the crew when I'd reclaimed the Highwind during that mess in Junon, and he'd been my pilot in training since then. Hell, all my boys had been around since then. I was lucky to have 'em.

Our birds were ready to go by the time we'd returned. I'd had them pack us a lunch, too. Vince and I didn't think to stop for breakfast, since we'd checked out immediately, and didn't wanna carry our stuff into a restaurant with us. We had time to grab a quick sandwich from the cook before going outside the Highwind to wait for the Turks.

They were moving slower than Reno had, though they were still hurrying, their own bags slung over their shoulders. I think they were surprised to see Vince and I weren't going with them, even though I'd told Reno that. It was still our honeymoon, dammit, and I was gonna spend the rest of my time with Vince.

I think it showed how much things had changed that I didn't even seriously consider that they'd try to steal my airship from me. I knew that at one point they wouldn't've even hesitated at the chance. Things change, and so do people. We were practically in a new world, compared to what things were like almost a year and a half ago. That didn't stop me from giving them a last warning, before letting them board the Highwind, though. Changed or not, she was my baby, and I was responsible for my crew.

Junior knew enough to wait for me and Vince to mount our chocobos and lead them away from the airship - the birds don't like the sudden downdraft when she lifts off. It was hard to sit and watch her fly away - she was in good hands, though, and I trusted everyone on board. I suppose I should've been surprised at how forgiving and trusting I could be toward people who'd tried to kill me and practically destroy the world, but like I said - things change.

We waited until the speck that was the Highwind was steadily shrinking toward the horizon before turning our birds toward the mountains to the south of Wutai. They were several miles away, but the chocobos would get us there in no time. I'd bred them myself, and they were the fastest things on two legs. Vince's was black, of course, one of the only two in the world (the other still belonged to that Joe guy who hung around the Saucer). I'd given the critter to him almost as soon as it hatched, and he'd named it Keri. Said it reminded him of a puppy he'd had when he was a kid. Mine was pure gold - the only one in existence, as far as I knew. He was actually Keri's offspring. I'd named him Kiwi, simply because that was the first sound it made after hatching. Maybe not too creative, but whatever works, right?

They were good animals, responding easily as Vince and I nudged them into motion. They settled into a swift, ground-eating trot that was smoother than anything we'd get from a more mundane animal, chocobo or otherwise. For a while we rode in silence, moving with the birds; in a way, it was kinda like flying, despite how close we were to the ground. I think that's why I liked riding so much; idly I wondered if I might get back into racing at the Saucer. That'd always been a lot of fun for me, and I knew Kiwi missed running.

As if he read my thoughts, Vince passed me in a blur, flashing me a challenging grin over his shoulder. "Vince, ya cheater!" I had time to yell, before nudging Kiwi into a quicker pace. I had to laugh, though. It'd been a long time since we'd taken the chocobos out, and chasing after Vince and Keri was fun. We wove about each other, ducking and dodging, reaching out to 'tag' whatever we could. Vince wasn't as good a rider as I was, and Kiwi was faster than Keri, but that didn't stop us. My bird was smart enough to hold himself back so we didn't have too much of an advantage - would've been boring otherwise.

Eventually the ground started rising beneath us, and grass gave way to rocks, so playtime was over. We let the chocobos pick their own path - they were both bred for rocky terrain, so there was no harm in letting them have their freedom in that. They were able to find footholds (or talonholds, I guess) as the rise became steeper. We'd climbed like this before, so Vince and I knew not to panic with the gut-wrenching leaps the birds made over chasms and from ledge to ledge; they'd keep us safe, and it was great to see the plain slowly recede below us.

Surprisingly enough, Vince and Keri made it to the top first, landing on a plateau several hundred feet above level ground. I tried to glare at him with a shake of my fist, but I was grinning too much to manage it. We led the birds a bit farther from the edge and dismounted, letting them graze on the vegetation that peppered the area we were on.

It was like sitting on the Highwind's deck almost, minus the slow drifting and hum of machinery. Well, and the rocks. We took the time to kick an area free of stones before laying out a mat to sit on. Vince handed me the package that held our lunch - more sandwiches, a few chunks of cheese, a bowl of the potato salad the chef knows Vince liked so much (a requirement for all picnics, I think), and a large thermos of tea (of course).

As usual, we ate in silence, enjoying the peaceful scenery. There was nothing to interrupt us, nothing that had to be done but sit and eat. We hadn't been given any extra dishes, and only one fork, so we had to share everything. I grumbled something about having to have a word with the guy that packed the lunch, but by the way Vince was smirking, I had a feeling he was sitting right next to me. I knew he was a cheater.

By the time we were done and had repacked everything, it was only an hour after noon. As usual for the area, it was a beautiful day - the sky was painfully clear, with only a few clouds drifting in the distance. The wind was soft, just enough to keep our hair from settling. I had to reach over and tug the tie from Vince's hair, letting it fall free. I loved seeing it wisp around, the way it framed his face, sometimes getting caught on his lashes. He really was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen - sure, there might be women prettier, and men handsomer, but Vincent was Vincent, the guy I could stare at for hours and never get tired of looking, even if it's only at his face, or his hair, or his hands.

He leaned over without speaking, and his lips met mine in a soft kiss, something so tender and patient, it made me sigh in contentment as my eyes closed. He leaned me back to lay on the covered ground and sat up, simply staring down at me, and I had to smile, seeing him leaning over, framed by the sky I so loved, the heart-aching affection I felt for him mirrored in his eyes. I wanted to pull him down to me, but I was caught between the need to see him and the desire to touch him.

I pulled off one of my gloves, and lifted that hand to cup his cheek. His head turned, and he kissed the center of my palm, the feel of his lips making me shiver slightly. My fingers moved away to curl behind his neck, and I tugged lightly to let him know I wanted him to come back. He obeyed with a smile, and kissed me again, my lips parting when the tip of his tongue flicked over them. I savored his wonderful flavor as we took turns teasing each other, barely noticing when he stretched out beside me, so careful was he to keep from breaking away.

I lost track of time, laying there with my eyes closed and Vincent above me, us holding each other, tasting each other, and it was heavenly, arousing, perfect. That single moment became timeless in my memory, relaxing above the world with the one person I cared about more than anyone I'd ever met.

Vince drew back slowly, and I made a low sound, both satisfied and disappointed. We spent a moment simply watching each other, before a now-familiar expression curled his lips, something that almost made me moan in anticipation. I loved how quickly he picked up a seductive look, and damn did it look good on him.

"So," he said quietly, in a voice that sent a shiver along my spine and straight to my groin, "are you ready for dessert?"