Poisoned Isolation

Poisoned Isolation

After Cid had fallen back to sleep Vincent picked up his cell phone and dialed Yuffie.
“Vinny!” Came the happy reply.
“Yuffie I need you to come over as soon as possible.” There was a short pause.
“Is there something wrong with Cid?” Her voice full of concern.
“The situation has become complicated. So the sooner you can come the better.” His voice grim.
“Alright Vincent, I’ll be of there in a few minutes.”
“Thanks Yuffie.” He said before snapping his phone shut. The gunman looked over at his sleeping pilot. Cid was still so pale and thin. What made it worse was that Shera was trying to take him away. To make things worse was that he did not have any proof against her. It was a matter of minutes before He heard Yuffie being greeted by Shera. Her false kindness making his blood boil. Quickly he made his way into the living room.
“Hey Shera would you mind going and picking up some trash bags for me?” He smiled begrudgingly.
“Its no problem I was going to go into town to buy some groceries anyway.” She nodded. Vincent pulled some gil out of one of his pockets.
“Here use this.” Trying to hand her the gil but she shook her head no.
“No Vincent dear, I will pay for the items. I’m not living here for free.” She smiled again as she shut the door.
“Bitch!” Yuffie looked at Vincent in shock.
“Vincent! What?” She exclaimed. Vincent walked to the couch.
“Sit with me and you will understand.” Yuffie planted herself across from the gunman.
“Vincent, what is going on your are scaring me.” Vincent looked up at the ceiling.
“You should be scared. Remember the day that Cloud called me over to talk about Reeve?” Yuffie nodded.
“In the three hours I was gone Cid sustained some injuries.” Yuffie looked confused.
“What do you mean? Who was with him?” she yelled.
“Ssshhhh! You’ll wake Cid. Shera was with him.” he said as explained all of his suspicions. Minutes later Yuffie sat stunned.
“What are you planning Vincent? The gunman leaned back closing his eyes.
“I don’t know Yuffie. I have no proof other than his bruises and word which is good enough for me but not the authorities.” He sighed heavily.
“But Vinnie what if she tries something else?” Vincent stood and looked away.
“That won’t happen. that’s part of the reason I’m telling you and I also want Tifa to know. I believe you two are the only ones who can stay halcyon. Could you imagine Cloud, Barret and Reeve busting in here. Maybe we should tell Nanaki too.” He added.
“Nanaki left but he will be back later I’ll see to it. Your right about the others. It would be a disaster.”
“If you wouldn’t mind telling Tifa …” he trailed off as her heard Shera’s footsteps on the porch. The door opened and Yuffie stood simultaneously.
“Goodbye Vinny! I’m going over to Tifa’s.” She turned a smile to Shera.
“Sorry I can’t stay and chat but I’ll see you later.” Shera said her goodbyes while Vincent smiled to himself. That was a very dangerous smile Yuffie had just given her. Standing Vincent made his way back into his room to check on the pilot. He heaved a sigh of relief, Cid was still resting peacefully. Suddenly he heard Shera’s footstep outside the door. She knocked once before walking in. Vincent watched as she made her ay over to Cid and placed her hand on his forehead.
“Oh! He is burning up let me go get some acetaminophen.” turning quickly to leave the room. Vincent went over to the pilot and sat down looking the blonde over. Placing his hands on Cid’s cheek he smiled as the aviator leaned into his touch.
“Vin…Vin…is that you?”
“Yes Cid it’s me.” Cid leaned even more into the touch and kissed the palm of Vincent’s hand. The door clicked open and Shera made her way over.
“Here I found these.” she said dropping two pills into the gunman’s hand and setting the glass of water down on the bedside table.
“Cloud is here. He wants to see you. I’ll watch over Cid so you don’t have to disturb him.” she said sweetly making Vincent stomach turn.
“No. He will have to come here. I am about to bathe Cid.” he lied. Shera looked from the pilot to Vincent as she smiled.
“Alright I’ll get him.” Vincent caught a hint of agitation. Minutes later Cloud walked through the door.
“Vincent, Reeve needs us to…What are you doing?” He asked watching the gunman picking up the glass of water and depositing the pills back into the bottle. Then making his way into the bathroom pouring both down the sink.
“Vincent?”
“They were expired. Now Cloud, what is it that you need?” Cloud remained silent as Vincent washed and refilled the glass with water. Then walking back into the bedroom he stopped at the dresser pulling a medicine bottle from the top drawer. Once in hand he made his way over to Cid placing his hand on the pilot’s cheek.
“Cid? Wake up for a minute.” The pilot began to stir.
“Come on. I need you to take this medicine.” Peeling one eye open he looked at Vincent and then to Cloud.
“Hi…Cloud.” His voice cracked. Helping Cid sit up Vincent pushed the pills into the pilot’s mouth and lifted the glass of water.
“Do you think you could eat something?” Vincent asked as he eased Cid back down into bed.
“Maybe.”
“Well I’m going to have Tifa make you something and I want you to try to eat it. Alright?” Cid nodded once and closed his eyes.
“Ok.” was all he managed before he fell asleep. Turning back to Cloud he pointed to the couch, taking their seats and Cloud began.
“I know this is terrible timing but I need you to come with me. There have been several attempts on Reeves life. That were we need your help, no expertise. No one but you have any experience in assassinations.” Vincent held up his hand.
“I’m sorry Cloud but no and I cannot stress that enough. I cannot leave, Cid is too ill and…” Cloud cut him off.
“Listen Vincent, Cid is going to get better. Reeve is going to be killed. You don’t get better from that. He is your friend too.” Vincent shifted uneasily crossing his arms.
“No Cloud. I’m not leaving Cid.” Glaring the swordsman stood.
“Vin?” Both men were surprised to hear the pilot speak up. The gunman quickly made his way to the ill man.
“Is there something that you need?” he asked and Cid slowly opened his eyes.
“Go with Cloud.” Vincent sighed.
“You were supposed to be asleep.” Cid smiled faintly.
“I know but go with him. Reeve needs to be protected. He is a important guy.” Vincent leaned close so only the pilot could hear.
“So do you. You are very important to me.” Cid shook his head.
“I know Vin. Yuffie can stay with me.” he choked reaching for the glass of water and with the gunman’s help drank mostly on his own. Cloud was standing on the opposite side of the bed.
“Are you feeling better Cid?”
“Yeah I am but not enough to continue to argue Vincent.” His gazed fell across the gunman who sighed defeated.
“Alright Cid you win but I’m going to get Tifa to stay too.” he turned to Cloud.
“If you would go tell the girls I will gather my things.” Cloud nodded to Vincent and then turned to the pilot.
“Thank you Cid. I’ll try not to keep him too long.” Cid managed a small smile as Cloud left. Vincent hurried to gather his gun, bullets and a few odds and ends before sitting down in the chair next to the bed. Once sat down he stared hard at Cid.
“This isn’t fair. How could you ask me to go when she is here?” Cid reached over and took his hand.
“Right now Reeve needs your help. You’re the only one that can do it. So its your responsibility to protect him.” Vincent shook his head.
“Its my responsibility to protect the one I love. If anything happens to you while I’m away. I would never forgive myself.” Cid sighed.
“Nothing will happen and if it did no one would be to blame but…” Cid trailed off as someone knocked on the door. Slowly the door opened and Yuffie popped her head in. Vincent waved her in, Tifa following behind her.
“ I trust Yuffie has filled you in.” Tifa nodded walking over to Cid and sitting on the edge of the bed. Laying a hand on the pilot’s she looked up at Vincent.
“Don’t worry, we will take care of him.” Tifa returned her gaze to Cid smiling warmly.
“Do you think you can tolerate some food?” The pilot’s dull eyes brightened just a bit.
“I hope so. I am hungry.” Tifa squeezed his hand before standing up.
“I took the liberty of making something already. I was hoping he could eat it.”
“Thank you Tifa.” whispered Vincent as she passed.
“Well I’m going top sit in the living room until Vinnie leaves.” Said Yuffie following Tifa out. The gunman looked back at Cid who was staring at him intently.
“What?”
“Be careful. I want you to come back safe.” Cid raised his hand to touch Vincent’s cheek. The gunman leaned down into the touch moving closer to the pilot’s face.
“I love you.” Vincent whispered brushing his lips across the aviator’s. Azure eyes were locked with crimson as their lips met in a planet shattering kiss. It was only moments later that the kiss had to be broken regrettably.
“I’ll be back as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask the girls for anything. Don’t let them out of your sight.” Cid smiled.
“Yes mom.” Vincent kissed his hand.
“Smart ass. I have to go.” Vincent paused in the door way to look back at Cid one final time.
“I love you too Vincent.” The gunman turned away and shut the door. As cid watched him go he got a strange feeling but shook it away. It was only seconds before Yuffie came in and sat down at Cid’s feet.
“You know Cid he really does love you. I think I saw a tear. I asked him about it but he wanted to shoot me so I left him alone. Oh by the way he said he left Cerberus in the drawer here loaded just incase.” Yuffie walked to the bedside table and opened the drawer revealing the gun. Yuffie shut it as Tifa walked in and moved aside to allow the woman to sit beside Cid. The ninja helped the pilot sit up.
“Soup?” He sighed. Tifa laughed.
“Yes soup. I don’t think you stomach could handle much else.” Cid began to eat slowly. Yuffie planted herself on the couch so she could listen to every move Shera made in the other room.