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Always Smiling	By : EzriCandy Category: Final Fantasy VII > Het - Male/Female Views: 1595 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or anything related to it, nor do I make no money from writing this story. No reposting of this story is authorized.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Chapter 4: Layover

(same tags apply as in Chapter 1)
Vincent walked Tiko back to the stables and returned to the deck. He gripped the railing as the wind blew his raven locks wildly. The stoic gunman watched the ground become further and further away as they gained altitude and headed to Cosmo Canyon.
With Cait Sith's help, Tifa had completed the inventory and they were in dire need of new supplies. They were either completely out of (or close to it) of everything from food to potions and ethers.
With the ample amount of gil the group had collected after the hundreds of battles they had fought, he knew that soon they would be properly stocked and on their way once again. Vincent found that being out on the deck gave him time to think. Usually, no one came out there to disturb him unless it was an urgent matter and right now, he needed a few moments to himself before returning to his quarters.
The gunman felt more at peace than he had in the past thirty years. The person that had supposedly loved and had caused so much pain to his dear Lucrecia, had perished by his hands. He felt a sense of closure knowing that all the people that had been wronged by the insane scientist had been avenged.
Vincent knew that he would always love Lucrecia and she would always occupy a place in his heart. She was at peace now and he would honor her wishes and learn to live each day to its fullest and grab each new opportunity as they came. There would be no more atoning for the sins that he though he had committed.
Part of him also knew that this would mean letting the concept of 'friends' to once again be incorporated into his life. He had been with the people who freed him from his confinement in the Shinra Mansion for a little over two months and in this time, had only made conversation, outside of his normal one or two word answers, to Nanaki and now, Yuffie.
Just yesterday, he would have not allowed these people to be nothing more than acquaintances, but now realized that this term did not quite fit the mismatched group. While he already considered the wise quadruped, Nanaki, a friend, where did the others stand?
'Where does Yuffie stand?' He thought to himself wondering what the eccentric young woman thought of him.
"Everyone up and at'em! Get yer asses up and ready to leave my damn ship, we're at the canyon. We're staying for four days so get what yer gonna need and hightail it to the briefing room in ten minutes!" Cid's voice came through the intercom several decibels louder than necessary.
Vincent shook his head at the foul mouth pilot and returned to his quarters.
.::-o-::.
Ten minutes later, everyone was gathered in the briefing room and were seated in the chairs placed around the large table. Tifa sat across from Barret, Cid across from Red, Cait Sith stood near a wall and Yuffie sat across from Vincent. Cloud stood at the head of the table and began the briefing.
"You all know that we are here to restock, but we all need to take a break. Everyone has fought extremely well and the fatigue is beginning to show. Please take this brief layover to rest.
"Tifa, Barret and I have learned of the location of the ancient forest from Nanaki. One of our destinations is only accessible by Gold Chocobo so we will be taking Kira, Tiko and Yoshi tomorrow at sunrise and should arrive by 9:00 am. There's said to be items that would be of considerable help in our final battle with Jenova and Sephiroth, that were left behind by the Cetra who once resided there."
"We have also learned of the location of the most powerful summon known to mankind. Like the Mime, HP/MP switch, and Quadra magic materias Yuffie and Vincent found," he said gesturing to the two. "The location has remained unknown for hundreds of years, but according to the text that Bugenhagen found, the cave does exist."
Vincent glanced over at Yuffie as this was said. At the mere mention of such powerful materia, her interest should have at least been piqued like the reaction of the others, but there was nothing. She did not even raise her eyes from her hands, which were folded on the tabletop.
'Something is definitely wrong with Yuffie. It is not like her to be so subdued. Also, this further proves my assumptions that she does not care for materia like everyone believes.' He thought to himself.
"We still haven't figured out what the true and proper use of the Health/Magic switch materia, but I know that the summon materia that we will search for will be invaluable to us when we find it."
"Yeah, if we can keep it ya mean. Hopefully the brat doesn't take the materia like she did last time." Barret partially joked with a fake glare pointed at the ninja. The group had forgiven her, but some were still apprehensive to the thought of her having access to their stores of materia.
These words cut through Yuffie like a knife, but she would not show it. 'Do no lose control Yuffie.' She thought and instead, looked up to Barret and smirked at him, but said nothing. She did not trust her voice at the moment.
.::-o-::.
As soon as Barret had spoken, Vincent looked at Yuffie and for a fleeting moment saw her control slip. He saw the pain that she felt in her eyes and it looked as though it had torn her apart. Yuffie pasted a fake smirk and the let it fall as soon as the attention was turned away from her.
'How could Barret not see how much that pained her?' It angered him that even though it was meant as a jest, he could tell that Barret was slightly serious. That had happened weeks ago and after everything, she had returned with them and apologized to everyone repeatedly.
'You of all people should know, Vincent. Most people only see what is on the surface and don't care to look deeper. To them, what is foremost is that fact that she is a thief and a child
'Chaos, when did you decide to begin observing and analyzing people?'
Chaos grunted in response. 'Most humans are easy to read, but this young one is different. There is something about her that intrigues me.'
'So Chaos, you like Yuffie, don't you?' Vincent chuckled at the demon..
'… …' Chaos grunted but did not reply and Vincent focused his attention back on Cloud.
"…Cid, you and Red will be responsible for getting our supplies. The rest of you can get whatever personal items you need. We should return by the third day so that Tifa, Barret and I can have a short break."
"No problem Cloud, I'll just call those damn bums I call a fuckin' crew on the PHS and make them lug and store all the supplies back on the Highwind." Cid said with a slight grin. Sometimes it paid to be in charge.
"Well everyone, your free to go…you have all day to do what you want, just meet back at the Cosmo Candle at nightfall." The ex-SOLDIER said as he walked out of the room with the others following.
Yuffie however, did not budge and was still staring at her folded hands. Vincent watched her; she was oblivious to the fact that they were the only two remaining in the room. The dark gunslinger walked around the table, sat in the chair next to her, and folded his hands on the table still looking at Yuffie. The fact that he was able to sit right next to her and she had not even noticed him worried him even more.
He looked at the seat next to him. "Yuffie?"
She gave a slight jump and looked at him, then looked around the room finally noticing everyone had gone. "Yes Vince, did ya need something?" She asked quietly looking up at his claret orbs. 'Gods, his eyes are gorgeous.' She thought to herself, yet didn't mentally reprimand her wandering mind.
"Yuffie, something is disturbing you deeply and though the others have not noticed at all, I have. I was wondering if you would like to…talk about it?" Vincent asked, slightly nervous.
Yuffie looked up at Vincent with the shock obvious on her face. The final visit with his beloved had changed this tormented man. In lending an ear to her, he was just taking the first steps to living a 'normal' life.
For the first time in a long time, Yuffie let out a full, honest smile filled with warmth. She honestly did appreciate this stoic man around. She knew she was right in thinking that there was more to this man. Once again, that familiar flutter returned deep inside her chest but with renewed vigor.
"Vincent, thank you for the offer. I…uh, don't want to impose on you-"
"Yuffie, it would not be an imposition. I would like to help you even if you simply want someone to listen. Will you be free at 10:30 tonight? If so, I will meet you at the candle."
"Are you sure Vincent?"
"If I was not sure, I would not have asked you."
"Okay. I will see you there tonight. It should be fairly quiet tonight."
"I will see you there." Vincent said with a nod. He stood and started for the door.
"Vincent!"
He turned around to Yuffie as she walked over to him and quickly wrapped her arms around his waist in a quick hug. His arms came up and she thought he was going to push her away so her body stiffened slightly, however, she was stunned to feel his arms lightly wrap around her small form. 'Gods that feels good…he feels good…' she thought. "Thank you for everything."
Vincent himself was at a lost for what to do for a moment, but for some odd reason, the embrace did not feel awkward to him to have this young woman who was full of life, hugging someone like him. He gave a small smile when he felt her body stiffen against his. No doubt, he had surprised her as he enclosed her in his arms.
'Her smile is stunning…wait…her smile?' This would certainly require some thought later.
"There is no need to thank me," he said and slightly hesitated when he went to release her. "I will see you later."
"Bye Vince."
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Always Smiling