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Walking Out on Destiny	By : HarliqueenNight Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2575 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII and all things associated are owned by Square Enix and Testuya Nomura respectively. I own nothing save for the characters and places created for the sake of this fan fiction and recieve no profit in the creation of this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Walking Out on Destiny
Grounded in Paradise: Tide Ridin'
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"I demand that this evaluation be stricken from the record!" Hollander raged.
President ShinRa rolled his eyes and leaned back in the board room chair. Lady ShinRa placed a hand on his thigh to sooth the irritation she could sense building from her husband. Around him sat Scarlet, Heidegger, Reeve, Cid (albeit sleeping), Vincent and Veld, and Head of the ShinRa Science department Professor Gast. Lucrecia, Hojo, and Hollander were standing in the presentation area arguing and trying to prove who was right and who was wrong.
"President, sir, the evaluation went according to all bi-laws and obviously the Jenova Project came out on top. You have to understand that no matter what the argument both subjects performed superbly but it is clear that Sephiroth was the victor. I implore you, this should not be the topic of discussion," Lucrecia pleaded.
Hollander huffed and slammed his hand on the desk. "The point is that enhanced chemicals were pumped into the testing zone halfway through the evaluation. It's on record that Dr. Crescent used her own authorization code to control the outcome!"
"You accuse her of cheating? Is this true, Doctor?" Reginald asked.
Lucrecia stood tall, unashamed. "Yes, I did so. The reason I did is because our subject was reluctant to continue the test. A variable came into play that none of us had counted on, the subjects have been in contact with each other before the test."
"Been in contact?" Scarlet asked curiously.
"They were friends, Mr. President," Vincent interjected. "Genesis and Sephiroth had just met each other during the SOLDIER exam. They had become friends and that was the reason for Sephiroth's reluctance to fight him. He didn't want to hurt him."
Scarlet laughed. "Oh my, are you saying that the subjects have emotional limitations?"
Vincent's eyes narrowed. "They are human, despite popular belief, Scarlet."
"Due to direct contact with Sephiroth on a daily basis, Commander Valentine has extensive knowledge on the inner workings of the subject's mind. He would know why he presented such hesitation," Lucrecia admitted with no small amount of reluctance. "What was done was necessary."
"That proves that the good Doctor is dishonest. She would have done anything not to have Project S shut down. I level to you that because she was the host mother of Sephiroth, she is irrational and not suitable to continue work on Jenova project!"
Lucrecia gritted her teeth. Her voice low and no longer the sweet soft melody everyone was use to. "If you are implying that I am unfit to be on this project simply because I am Sephiroth's mother need I remind you that not only did I put an unborn child at risk but my own life? If you need more proof then you can go over the maternity journals that chronicle every single thing I've under gone for this project and then tell me that I am not suitable!"
Hojo placed a calming hand on his wife's shoulder. She lowered her head and stormed out of the room muttering "I refuse to continue this pointless argument." Hollander gave a triumphant smirk knowing he'd beaten her by upsetting her. He glowered at Hojo who had taken over and knew he'd win this argument. He was the better scientist and that was all there was to it.
Professor Gast sighed. "This is getting us nowhere, Hollander. You say the results of this test should be null and void because of the introduction of outside chemicals in order to force performance. That is an understandable request." His eyes cut to Hojo who adjusted his glasses patiently then at Vincent who seemed ready to leave from this squabbling. "Commander Valentine?"
"Yes, professor?" he was surprised to be addressed in this again.
"You say that from your observations, and I very much trust a Turk's attention to detail, that Genesis and Sephiroth are becoming good friends and that you don't believe Sephiroth wished to fight Genesis."
"No, sir."
"I see," he looked at Hollander. "Then tell me, why it is that Genesis was able to perform. Going over the surveillance, it seemed that Genesis did respond to seeing Sephiroth. Why is it that despite the previous acquaintance, Project G did not hesitate to attack Project S?"
"Why indeed." Hojo murmured
"Because Genesis knows that his life depends on this project and something as petty as friendship is not worth losing his freedom and livelihood!" Hollander offered.
"I have evidence that that is not true, Professor Gast."
Hollander nervously cut his eyes at Hojo as he adjusted his glasses. Hojo presented Professor Gast with a file and stood back respectfully.
"Professor, my interns who treated Genesis's injuries called me in for help. Genesis proved to have no memory of the fight between he and Sephiroth save for the moment he lost. Once told of the test, he was genuinely remorseful and showed a severe emotional reaction. He cried, sir. I believe he was under the influence of mind altering drugs."
Projessor Gast continued to look over the files for a moment then passed it to the President. "Everything Professor Hojo says is true."
Reginald passed the file to Lady ShinRa with a bored expression. She looked over the file carefully and nodded to her husband.
"Well, Professor Hollander, Professor Hojo, it seems that in your bout of competition you have both ruined the results of this evaluation. You will reconvene in three months, retest without use of chemical enhancement. If we have to do this again, I'll scrap both projects or find someone better to lead them!"
Hollander winced while Hojo remained silent. Lady ShinRa raised her hand. "Also, Professor Hojo, I believe its high time you took a vacation."
"Excuse me, Lady ShinRa?"
"You and Dr. Lucrecia need a break. I hear that Vincent here is going off on a mission in a few hours to Costa de Sol, why not hitch a ride with them and be gone. When you come back, you can return with fresh eyes of your situation." She almost laughed at the twin looks she received from both Hojo and Vincent. Her amusement didn't last long as a wave of nausea hit her. "Oh my, excuse me."
All stood as she did and they waited for her to leave before sitting again. Lady ShinRa ran to the bathroom as quickly as she could, barely making it to before all she'd eaten came up in a rush. She gagged and cursed as her stomach heaved each and every last thing that was within it. She sat next to it indignantly and rubbed her abdomen.
"Oh you little bastard," she whispered. "Haven't even popped you out yet and you're already trying to kill me."
She was about to get up when she heard sobbing in the stall near her. Trying to retain some poise, she got up and straightened her clothing. She washed her mouth out first before knocking on the stall next to hers. "Are you alright in there?"
A few sniffles and hiccups before a semi-steady voice answered. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Lucrecia? Darling is that you in there?"
"Oh, it's you Elloria." She opened the door and came out, her eyes red. "You're not supposed to see me like this."
"I'd hate you more if you weren't like this. Though I wonder what got you all riled up."
"Elloria, we've been steady friends ever since I came out of the science academy, yes?"
Lady ShinRa made a noncommittal sound. She didn't like or dislike the woman but propriety required her to hear what the woman had to say.
"What happened in there really burned me. I've put all I have into this project only to have everything taken away from me. Sephiroth is not even in my care yet I am to blame when something goes wrong. I regret even using my own child in this experiment simply because I'm being held responsible by default!"
Lady ShinRa shrugged. "Well it isn't as if you put the effort into being Sephiroth's mother."
"If I did then they would see it as weakness. I have so much in my life that is thanks to this project, why does everyone hold it against me that I chose my career! I took the road less traveled; surely you of all women should know what it's like."
"Oh yes, I do," she laughed. "But that's the price you pay. I chose not to be a trophy wife and become involved in what was my bread and butter, and because of it, I've had broken bones, my pelvis crushed, my brains nearly blown out, Mako poisoning, my husband cheating, and the hate of all women who dream of being where I am today. In exchange for all that I have wonderful home, a group of people who love me, money, power, respect, and soon a son of my own. Set backs are a part of this life for women who are the wives of someone greater than them, Lucrecia. Sometimes the decisions we make are ones that make people we don't even know hate and envy us."
Lucrecia nodded and wiped her eyes. "I want my son back. I want to be able to do all that I could not thanks to Vincent's meddling."
Lady ShinRa narrowed her eyes. "You do what you have to do, but I'll tell you this. You're a woman of ShinRa meaning you get away with damn near anything in this company. But just make sure you don't step foot in my territory."
"Oh? And I suppose Vincent is your territory?"
Lady ShinRa brushed her hair behind her ear. "He was mine before he was yours Lucrecia. Keep your needles and pins to yourself. You find away to get Sephiroth back without stepping on mine or Scarlet's toes then you'll be fine."
"I don't plan on doing anything to Vincent. Despite what you all believe, I do care about him but just like you, Elloria, I don't like people to get in the way of my goals."
"Well then, I suppose we'll see what happens. Take a vacation Lucrecia. Scarlet and I can handle being the ladies of ShinRa without you."
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Vincent kicked the chair from under Cid and watched him fall back on the floor.
"HOLY SHIT!" he screamed hitting his head on the floor. He grumbled and muttered more curse words before looking up at Vincent . "Oh, meetin' over?"
"Get up, Chief," Vincent growled.
"What's got yer panties in a bunch?" he grumbled getting up. Ya ex get fired or what?"
"They will be accompanying us to Costa De Sol. If you had been awake you would've known."
Cid immediately went into a rant. "There ain't no way I'm lettin' that lanky greasy four eyed sumbitch on any ride o' mine."
"I don't like it either, president's orders though."
"Aw gawddammit! Ah well, you okay wit that sorta thing, Vince?" The glare was enough answer for him. "Yeah, don't blame ya. Look at it this way, they might take their experimentin' asses to the Gold Saucer and leave you and those kids the hell alone!"
Vincent nodded though he was still pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't want them near Sephiroth or Genesis right now. God knows what's going through their heads right now. Sephiroth has barely spoke a word and Tseng tells me he and Genesis will not speak to each other."
"Didn't know it was that bad on yer end, Vince," the pilot said sympathetically. Cid put a cigarette between his lips and lit it with his lighter. He kept it going for Vincent to do the same.
"It's never been this bad. I understand them," Vincent lit up one of the cigarettes that Tseng had bought for him, finding that he preferred the flavor of these. He exhaled tiredly and his eyes grew distant. "I mean, what do you say to that person? What do you do when you've betrayed them like that? What do you say to make that better?"
Cid leaned against the board room table. "Ya' say yer sorry, Vince. If those boys got the potential to be good friends like ya say then for fuck's sakes they can manage an "I'm sorry" on both ends! Shit, don't they know what apologizin' is?"
"It's not as easy to apologize for spilled blood, Chief."
Cid eyed the gunman for a moment before taking one of the thin wrists in his hands and pulling him to him. Vincent made a surprised noise when his back was pressed against Cid's chest. The pilot rested his stubbly chin on the Turk's shoulder and released his wrist in favor of wrapping his arm around his waist. Vincent smiled a bit when the man inhaled, taking in the scent of his hair.
"Yer my friend first, ya know that, Vin."
"Yes," he nodded.
"Then tell me what's bortherin' ya. This whole thing can't be all. I've seen ya lately and ya ain't right! What's goin on?"
"Nothing, I'm just tired, Chief. Just tired." He looked at his watch. "I need to go, alright? I want to catch up to Nobel and then I pick up Sephiroth and Tseng."
"Right, the other two gonna meet ya in the hangar?"
"Yes, just be ready to take off when I get there."
"Hey, who's the captain here?"
"You aren't a captain yet, Lieutenant."
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Genesis lay quietly on his side with his headphones over his ears. He hadn't really eaten, slept, or moved much since the test. He couldn't get the images of him fighting Sephiroth out of his head, they could've died. Waking up to find Sephiroth unconscious next to him had done something awful to his mind. He didn't even want to speak to the boy. What was he going to say? Sorry for putting a sword in your side and trying to chop your head off? Worst of all, Sephiroth barely looked at him when he went over there. He curled tighter, touching the scar on his chest that had not faded. He hadn't hated his father as much as he hated him right then.
"Genesis?"
He didn't move, pretending not to hear. He felt the bed dip as Angeal climbed onto it, lying over Genesis and allowing him to feel the warm strength of his body. A kiss was placed on his temple.
"We have to leave soon."
"…"
"Genesis," he whispered. "You are going to get off this bed. What happened was no one's fault but theirs!"
"What do I say to him, Angie?" he asked pitifully.
Angeal sighed. "What do you think? You just apologize to each other! Don't act like it's the end of the world. You're both alive, your both able to move, and you both know that it was someone else making you do those things! Just apologize!"
Genesis shrugged. "I want to but every time I see him, I see that horrible crazed look he had when he tried to kill me and I see myself in those eyes, just as crazy. I think I've ruined us."
"Oh for the love of- you realize how dumb you sound right. I didn't want to have to do this but your dramatic ways are getting on my nerves and it's the only thing I know that will snap you out of this." Angeal got up and tugged the smaller boy out of bed dragging him to his feet. Genesis staggered and was pulled from the room.
"Wait! What are you doing!"
"You know how much I freaking hate shopping but I'm subjecting myself to your 'retail therapy'" he spat. "I just know I'm going to be broke because this."
Genesis eyes widened, he couldn't stop the adoring smile that came to his lips. "Shopping? We're going shopping."
"Oh now he's awake," Angeal muttered. "Come on! We'll get a present for Sephiroth."
"Okay!" Genesis grinned. "A perfect sorry present."
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Vincent knocked on the door to Nobel's new apartment and waited. It took a while but a petite woman with curly hair tired back in a ribbon opened the door. Her big blue eyes were dark around the edges from lack of sleep and her hair was dull from lack of care. She was wearing her Turk issued button up shirt and knee-high socks proving she'd just got out of bed. Vincent let himself in, not waiting for her to get over her shock of him showing up at her doorstep. Without a word she closed the door behind him. Vincent gave the apartment a once over immediately not liking what he saw. The apartment was in disarray. Unopened boxes lined the walls and the contents of the ones that were opened were strewn all over the place. Left over take out was all over the coffee table and the dishes were piling up. She had a pillow and a blanket on the couch in front of the tv which was turned to no channel in particular. It mostly showed static. He knew Helena to be a clean and meticulous person and preferred music over television. Seeing the place like this gave more information about her mental state than her appearance did. She quietly shuffled past him to go to her kitchen.
"You want coffee, I just made some a half hour ago."
Vincent nodded. "If you have any clean mugs."
"Oh," she laughed a little. "Yes, sorry about that Vincent. Let me clean you one."
Vincent picked up the cover from the couch and folded it neatly. He cleared off the old food and put it in a nearby trash bag while she was in the kitchen feeling that the least he could do was help. "You haven't been in lately."
"I have…just…well Veld felt that I would do better in the office for now and not out on field work."
"Why didn't you say anything to me?" Vincent said finally. "You are one of the closest friends I have yet it's taken me this long to find out that you are divorced, moved out of your own house, and in a state of depression."
Helena shrugged and handed him a coffee mug. "Vincent, I didn't want anyone to know what I was going through at the moment. I'm a Turk, I handle things alone and to the best of my ability."
"And this is considered handling."
She narrowed her eyes. "It's no one's business what I do to deal with the problems in my life and you have no right to judge me for it!"
Vincent sighed, his voice coming out flat. "I'm your Commander and a Turk. Honestly, I don't give a damn what you do, but Helena, this is your job. In all bluntness, you're fucking up. Your research team hasn't seen you in almost a week. You have projects left undone and we've been picking up the slack for you for far too long."
"Oh and now suddenly you noticed? Look, just because you got spurned by someone else's wife, doesn't mean you know anything about what I'm going through. You and Dante are just a like!"
"Dante?"
"Trying to barge into my life and put a band aid over my wounds to keep me in line! Do you even know how it feels to be divorced by the one person in this world who knew you inside out and thought I was still human? That I wasn't just some country killer out of the Grasslands. It wasn't my fault that I wanted to hold on to that! It wasn't my fault that I wanted something outside of the job!" She broke down and leaned against the countertop. "But I can't…I can't have anything like that now! Not now…"
"Helena," Vincent said softly. "You are my friend, first and foremost but we're Turk. We can't afford to let everything in outside our world to affect the things we have to do. That's how we get killed. Having that infatuation with Lucrecia nearly cost me everything but I didn't let. You have lost your husband's love and stability, its time you found something new to keep you sane outside the bullets and blood. If Dante has been by here, perhaps you should give our dear gentleman a chance to help you."
"I don't want Dante's help! I don't care if he is my partner now! I want…"
"What do you want, Helena?"
She looked up at him, her big blue eyes glassy and tinged red by tears. She took a step forward but stopped and dropped her head. "No…what I want I could never have."
"Why not?" he asked in confusion.
"Because," she whispered. "Everyone is satisfied with having a piece of you Vincent, while I can only be satisfied by having all of you. I refuse to settle for less than what I love of you. Now get out."
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Tseng leaned in Sephiroth's doorway with a blank expression. The teenager lay on his back, staring at the ceiling with his earbuds in. He didn't even notice the Wutain in his doorway.
"Tch!" Tseng went in and yanked the earphones out of his ear.
"What the hell, Tseng?" Sephiroth sat up to glare at the kid.
"It has been five days since you and loud one fought. Five days too long for something so...so…yúbèn, yúbèn….STUPID!"
"You wouldn't understand! I almost killed someone!"
"Yes, yes, and I've killed eight people since I've been in slave trade. I do not approve of this pitiful behavior." Tseng dropped a white box in his lap. "I buy these today. I figure your loud one would like sweets. Give to him and apologize!"
Sephiroth looked down at that box and then Tseng. "Look, some treats in a box won't make things better, Tseng."
Tseng rolled his eyes. "No, it won't but it is…um, it is start! You have been like this too long. You hurt Vincent with your behavior! You act like child about simple matter! Nǐ chǒng huài! You are spoiled!"
Sephiroth growled at the kid. "Get out of my room now!"
"Not until you listen! You have done nothing but lay round. Vincent is too kind to make you move on but he has become frustrated of you!"
"It's 'with you,' dummy! And you don't know that! You don't know Vincent at all. You just came barging in here acting like the perfect child and pretending you know what Vincent needs and doesn't need."
"And now you choose to be jealous! I know better than you because I pay attention to someone other than me!" Tseng took on a mocking voice. "Oh, I am experiment so no one loves me! My real parents don't want me! I hurt someone so I lay round for almost week because I have nothing better to do! Bah! You wallow in self pity! You're no one's friend because you are miserable boy who too selfish to keep friend!"
"And I'm supposed to take advice from some street whore's child?" Sephiroth said darkly. Vincent had been right, Tseng was quick. He didn't even realize he had been hit until his head was to the side and a stinging sensation bloomed all over his cheek. He looked back and the boy stood there, his fist extended.
"You ever speak of my mother that way again, I will kill you! My mother was the virgin of our tribe! She was raped by foreign man like you!" Tseng punched him again; it hurt just as much as the last. "My mother was a kind woman to have kept me alive! Your mother bore you for science! She defiled her womb for fame and glory and she wants nothing of you! You wish to insult mothers, think of yours first!" Tseng stomped out the room leaving Sephiroth dumb founded.
He rubbed his jaw, trying to pop it back into place and winced as it began to heal itself. He glare at the now empty door way and heard strings of angry Wutain as Tseng moved around the kitchen. That boy was really strong, and very fast. Needless to say, he was ashamed of what he had said more than anything. Tseng was right; he had no right to say anything about anyone's lineage. That and it was embarrassing that he got decked by a twelve year old. He sighed and got up knowing he couldn't leave this like this. Vincent would kill him. He went into the kitchen where Tseng was throwing away old groceries and the like. That kid worked like a slave around this house and he felt even worse since he was supposed to be grounded and doing the housework. Vincent really was lenient on him.
"Tseng?" he called softly.
"I have no more say for you!"
"Its 'I have nothing to say to you," Sephiroth corrected.
Tseng glared up at him. "I know what the hell I say!"
"Look," Sephiroth sighed. "I didn't mean what I said."
"Tch!" Tseng continued what he was doing. "You mean what you say or you would not say it."
"Okay fine, I meant what I said…I just didn't mean to…"
"Hurt feelings?" Tseng scoffed. "Bah! Your words were meant to wound!"
Sephiroth took a few deep breaths trying not to get angry all over again. "Alright fine! I shouldn't have said any of that! I shouldn't have talked about what I didn't know about, okay. I'm…I'm sorry, Tseng."
Tseng paused and looked up at him. "You mean that?"
"Yeah, I mean it. I said it and I mean it."
Tseng stood up and got an ice pack from the freezer, he pressed it against the soreness of Sephiroth's face. "You heal quick but it hurt still. Sit there for a while."
"So…you forgive me?"
"I forgive no one for what they do. Not until they forgive themselves," he snapped, returning to his work. "But…you apologized to me and that is start."
Sephiroth nodded. "Thanks, Tseng…I think."
Sephiroth and Tseng both whipped their heads around when Vincent unlocked the door with a somber "I'm home."
"Welcome home," they ended up saying in unison without meaning to.
Vincent eyed them both of them suspiciously. "Are you both packed?"
Sephiroth nodded while Tseng crinkled his brow. "I don't understand. Why would I need to pack?"
Vincent smiled and shook his head. "Did you really think I would leave you here?"
Tseng's mouth opened and closed, not sure how to express the sudden bubbly feeling in his chest. He settled on a small cautious smile and nod. "As you wish."
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"Holy shit-face!" Genesis exclaimed, his voice echoing off the hangar walls.
"That's Cid's ship?" Angeal practically shouted.
Vincent closed his eyes and smiled nudging a reluctant Sephiroth into the hangar. The silver haired boy had a rolling suitcase and his computer satchel, having packed light since he would be grounded still. Tseng walked beside him with his meager one bag of clothing on the promise that Vincent would buy him more after their trip. He couldn't keep the awed look off their face as they approached a white and silver ship. It gleamed in the sun with two large fans spinning as it was being tested for takeoff. They reminded Tseng of the chakrams he'd seen on certain temples in Wutai. The Isolde was considered the armored corvette of the ShinRa Fleet, built by Cid Highwind and his father Cid Highwind Senior. They had been building a present for the woman and company that allowed them to take wing. On the side was a beautiful mural of white Coeurl stretched in attack with a woman aiming her pump shot gun in the same direction. She suspiciously resembled Lady ShinRa but no one could be sure since her face was obscured. Vincent was sure it was but no one wanted to deal with President ShinRa's jealousy.
"She's a beaut ain't she? Finest cruiser in the fleet and I still ain't got my patron lady to ride on her."
Genesis spotted them from his post by the ship. With a good running start, he nearly tackled Vincent to the ground. "What's up Daddy Vince!"
"D-daddy," Vincent stuttered as he held the slender boy's weight. "I can see you're feeling better already."
"Yep, been feeling better, ready to get a tan, maybe check out some boys, and possibly get laid."
Angeal smacked him on the head. "We're just excited, sir."
Genesis glanced at Sephiroth who looked away from him and put his ear buds in. The redhead lowered his gaze, his eyes shifting to a dreary slate. Angeal and Vincent looked between them and then at each other. Angeal looked defeated.
"Give it time."
"Alright, so she's lit, she's fit, and she's ready to git! We just waitin' on the geeks to get here. They got fifteen minutes, then I'm leavin! Ain't got time to bullshit around."
"I apologize you've been doing something so unsavory."
Vincent looked over his shoulder at the Hojos as they entered, their bags being carried by hired help. He would've been agitated, if they had been dressed normally. But they weren't, they had truly taken this "vacation" to heart. Hojo had forsaken his lab coat, tie, and black slacks for a lose fitting white dress shirt, black dress slacks, and a simple blazer. His normal sloppy ponytail was tamed and he allowed more of his bangs to fall forward, making his resemblance to Sephiroth more apparent. He was still wearing his trademark glasses but they were tinted in the bright sunlight hiding more of his expression than normal. Lucrecia stood in a lavender sundress that came around her calves and frilled at the ends. She'd turned in her red heels and lab coat for a pair of white strap on sandals and silk wrap that hung off her shoulders. The dress showed her bosom in all amplification and Vincent spied the scar he'd left the last time they had played a little roughly and he'd cut her clothes off with a knife. He could suddenly taste the blood of that wound in his mouth as if it weren't years ago, but rather just last night. Her hair was still in its usual ponytail but was only held by a clip and splayed out in a more relaxed state than in its usual controlled style. To top it off, she's wearing makeup. Dammit he hated and loved her, and this relaxed, softer version of her was not helping his inner struggle.
Sephiroth didn't know what to think of her as she approached him, all gentle waves and soft smiles. She stopped in front of him and instinctually he moved closer to Vincent for security. She opened her purse and pulled out a small box wrapped with a small silver ribbon, obviously from an expensive store.
"I wanted to…," she hesitated and glanced at Vincent who did not meet her gaze. "I wanted to apologize for what I did to you."
Vincent's eyes darted to her and both he and Sephiroth had twin looks of surprise. She smiled gently. "I had no right to turn you against your friend that way. I should've stopped the test before it had gotten out of hand. I'm sorry Sephiroth." She held out the present to him. "But I am very proud of you. You did very well, despite the circumstances."
Sephiroth slowly lifted his hands to take the present from her. He didn't understand the conflicting feelings in his heart. He was frightened by how easily she'd shown remorse and wanted to cry because she for once was not angry. Lucrecia smiled down at him and then looked at Vincent.
"I'd…like to talk to you later if it's alright."
Vincent could only dumbly nod. He didn't have a reason to refuse and after witnessing this, he was a bit off guard. She went back to Hojo who led her to the boarding ramp of the airship. Cid lit up a cigarette.
"Well ain't that the biggest load I've ever seen shoveled," he muttered before shouting. "Alright, everybody on! Move! Move! Move! Anybody Tide Ridin' better get up top and get strapped down."
Sephiroth blinked out of his stupor. "Tide Riding?"
Vincent smiled almost playfully, "You'll see."
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"Vincent! This is not funny!"
"Pay back for the air horn. Thought I had forgotten?" Vincent said strapping his legs to the harnesses. He then positioned Tseng in his lap and strapped them both down.
Angeal looked around nervously considering the harness was the only thing connecting him and the ship. "Genesis, do something! I don't think this is safe at all!"
Genesis was lying back relaxing. "I'm kinda diggin it! It's pretty kinky, and I got to have Vincent tie me down so I'm cool til we hit the beach!"
Vincent wrapped his arms around Tseng who was actually trembling and mumbling under his breath. Vincent leaned closer so that he could hear him.
"Wǒ bù xiǎng sǐ!"
The gunman rolled his eyes. "You'll be fine. I've got you."
Tseng looked up at Vincent and made a point to cling to the arms around him. Cid's country voice came over the loud speaker.
"Ya'll ready!"
Vincent nodded, knowing that the pilot couldn't hear them but could see them.
"HERE WE GO!"
Genesis sat up when the ship lurched and Angeal whispered a frightened "Oh shit." Sephiroth looked at Vincent frantically and Tseng had his eyes shut. Vincent was the only one who calmly sat as the ship begun to hover and the hanger roof opened. Blue sky loomed endlessly overhead and the vast sea was like a silver lining in the sun. They hovered higher and higher until they were clear of the dock and the hanger closed beneath them. Tseng felt Vincent's heart pounding against his back and he opened his eyes to look up at Vincent but never did. Instead he was transfixed on the horizon and beautiful view above them. He felt his heart leap at how high they were and how amazing everything appeared from this position.
"Wow," Genesis whispered. "Is this Tide Riding?"
Vincent shook his head. "No, not yet. Cid!" he shouted as loud as he could.
"I take it ya ready, then!"
"Bring me that horizon, chief!" Vincent said with a smirk.
Cid laughed and turned off the speakers. He grabbed hold of the ship's steering and propelled it forward. The wind began to pick up a bit and started to flow through Sephiroth's hair. The silver haired teen looked around getting a sinking feeling that something was about to happen but he didn't know where it was going to come from or when it would happen. The anticipation was killing him! The ship moved over the ocean then suddenly the Isolde lurched again the nose began to tip. Angeal clung to Genesis like a frightened cat while the redhead got a wild look in his eyes and grinned maniacally as they both realized at the same time what was going to happen. Tseng cursed in Wutain and covered his eyes with his hands only have them pulled away by a chuckling Vincent. Sephiroth clung to Vincent arm suddenly apologizing.
"I am so sorry for any and everything I've ever done to you, old man! I really am!"
"Can't stop now," Vincent said, biting his lip when the nose touched the ocean surface.
"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" Angeal cursed as they tipped further and further down while not slowing their speed. The water was rushing up to them.
Genesis cackled like the psycho he was. "This is going to be so cool!"
"HOLD YOUR BREATHS!" Vincent shouted and in took a large gulp. Tseng did the same and buried his face in Vincent's chest. Sephiroth was the only one who didn't listen until the last minute and he tasted a bit of salty ocean water with his breath. The Isolde was completely submerged and they glided beneath the surface for only a moment before break it smoothly and lifting into the sky again. Sephiroth gasped and chocked while everyone collectively released their breaths. Genesis cheered with his hands in the air.
"That was AWESOME!"
Angeal who was holding him the hold time leaned over the side and puked. Vincent looked down at Tseng who trembled like a drowned kitten. For a moment he thought he'd traumatized the boy again, but when he looked closer, Tseng had that nervous smile that people got when they survived something amazing and would do it again.
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A/N: sorry about the wait. Been working overtime at my job. Mostly working and sleeping. Will have the next chapter tomorrow! XD woot! Next Grounded in Paradise: If I Apologized. We get explore Hojo's relationship with Lucrecia, Vincent's relationship with Cid and Lucrecia, and finally Genesis and Sephiroth back to being thick as thieves. After the Grounded in Paradise parts, there will be ONE more chapter that is being written now. After that, we will time skip and introduce the people we all wanna see in the story: our puppy and chocobo head. Please be patient. This story is just for fun but its also slow progressing because i don't like my romance and my characters developing too fast. makes the story too quick and why have a quicky when you can have the full monty! PS: Tide Riding Sounds like fun!
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Walking Out on Destiny