Good Enough

“'Night, Vince.”

“What? Wait.” A slim hand reached out and grasped the tanned shoulder as it rolled away, stopping the pilot in his movement. “What do you mean, 'night'?”

“I mean, I'm goin' to sleep. Like I do every night.”

Blue eyes gazed at Vincent and he bit his lip. He shivered a little and looked away, reaching down slowly to draw the blankets over his body. A trickle of liquid ran down his thigh and he frowned at the feel of it, trying to ignore it.

Finally the cerulean gaze was off of him and Cid had finished rolling over, wrapping himself in the blankets on his side of the bed. Another murmured good night reached Vincent's ears and he flinched almost. It just didn't seem right. After two years of sleeping together, Cid had always at least given the gunner a kiss after sex. But tonight he was just... going to sleep.

He frowned again as he watched the muscles in Cid's back relax, the tanned skin rippling slightly. Usually he was being held in the arms those muscles powered, tucked warmly against his lover's chest. But for some reason he was just lying there, still shivering as the sweat slicking his skin evaporated. He kept watching, sighing when the steady rise and fall of Cid's side showed the man was asleep.

He felt confused. Why had things suddenly changed? It certainly couldn't be that Cid was upset about something. He had been perfectly fine and normal in his persuading Vincent into the bed and out of his clothes. Yet almost immediately after they had finished tonight, Cid had seemed distant and had turned away.

So what was bothering the pilot? Anxious for some kind of answer, Vincent cleared his throat. Nothing. He groaned at the thought that Cid was a very heavy sleeper. When clearing his throat again didn't do the trick, he reached over and tapped a finger against the closest shoulder. Still nothing. He rolled his eyes, shoving at Cid's back and yanking his hand to his chest as the man grumbled loudly, rolling back over.

Blue eyes glared at him dangerously. If there was one thing the pilot didn't like, it was being woken. “What?” he growled softly.

Crimson stared right back at him, the pale lips tight and sealed.

“What?” A slight bit of irritation was audible in Cid's voice as he sat up a little, glaring down at Vincent. “What's up with wakin' me up an' all that?”

“I should be asking you what's up with how you're acting.”

“What's that 'sposed to mean?” Resting back on the bed, the pilot watched as Vincent tipped his head away. “Goddammit, Vince, what're ya talkin' about?” he said with an exasperated sigh, obviously disappointed at losing a few minutes of sleep.

“Why are you being so cold?”

“Cold?” Cid looked slightly confused. “How'm I doin' that?”

Huffing a little, Vincent waved a hand. “All this. What suddenly happened to those good night kisses you're so fond of? Suddenly don't care anymore?”

The blond seemed taken aback. “No...”

“Then what?”

“It's nothin', Vince.” Shaking his head a little, Cid grasped Vincent's chin and yanked it forward lightly, pressing a soft but quick kiss to his lips. Murmuring another good night, he once again rolled over, obviously done with the subject.

Not wanting to deal with a late-night fight, Vincent also turned over, letting his back face Cid's. Something didn't seem right about this. And he had a feeling that it wasn't just the nothing the man claimed it was.

------

Vincent turned his neck, groaning a little as it popped. Tipping his head back, he glanced through the doorway, still seeing nothing. He was still alone, the house was still too silent and his back was still hurting. Groaning again, he forced himself to sit up, twisting his neck again to relieve the pressure hanging off the edge of the bed tended to cause.

He had just tangled a hand into his hair to scratch his nape as a click echoed through the house. He jumped a little, turning to look back at the doorway as Cid trudged into the bedroom, pulling the nearly ever-present goggles from his forehead and tossing them to the room's only chair. Vincent barely moved over enough before the blond flopped down next to him, promptly falling back onto the bed. Crimson eyes watched him curiously as wide hands wiped over the tanned face, smearing short streaks of grease over it. “Everything all right?”

A loud sigh filled the room. “Yeah. Just... I dunno. Never mind.”

“Cid... are you sure something isn't wrong? You've been acting strangely all day.” He stretched out beside the pilot, crossing his arms on the broad chest to rest his cheek on them.

“I'm sure.” Blue showed under a hand as Cid peeked out from under the palm. “Why d'ya keep askin'?”

“I would think that is obvious. You've been acting almost distant all day. Different, also.” Turning his head to rest the other cheek, he waited for a response. Cid didn't give him one, simply watching Vincent's hair fall across his face. “Not talking to me now? You forget that you can never win at that little game.”

“Who said I was playin'? I just don't have anythin' to say.” He stretched his arms above his head, grasping the top of the headboard for a moment before letting go. Vincent watched with interest as the blue eyes closed, giving him the perfect opportunity to move upward and plant a kiss against Cid's lips. The blond head jerked back with surprise, breaking the contact. “What was that about?”

“Am I suddenly required to have reasons for kissing you? You simply looked as if you could use one. Just like you do now.” He leaned forward again, stopping short as a hand pressed against his mouth. “Cid?”

The blond sighed as he let his hand drop. “Look. I'm just not in the mood, 'kay?” At Vincent's confused look he shook his head. “I'm tired. Just wanna go to sleep early tonight.”

A little disappointed, Vincent nodded. He licked his lips once before pushing away from Cid and, rising to his knees, moved backward until he could step onto the floor. Glancing back, he saw Cid already curling under the sheets, jacket and all.

Again, Vincent felt that worried pang. Something had to be wrong here. This was the first time since they had gotten together that Cid had thrown off any of Vincent's affections and refused to even kiss him, let alone jump at the opportunity for a little roll under the covers. Disappearing into the living room, he dropped to the couch and sighed, slim fingers rubbing his forehead. What was going on here?

Unwilling to dwell on the thought too much, he attempted to keep himself busy until he felt his own body calling for sleep. Padding softly back into the bedroom, he peered through the darkness and noted Cid's sleeping form tucked into the covers on one side of the bed. He quietly abandoned his shirt and folded it neatly as was his way and slipped under the covers.

The blond muttered in his sleep as he moved a little, curling around himself. Dismayed that only blankets were in that embrace and not he himself, Vincent settled down to sleep. And for the first time in two years, he stayed on his side of the bed, shivering from the lack of body heat as he drifted away into sleep.

---------

He was still confused as he watched Cid go through his routine the next morning. Steam engulfed the blond's face for a moment and Vincent glanced away, trying to sort through everything. Why was that the same? Everything was the same except them. And that he just didn't understand. Up until two nights ago everything had been exactly the way it had the night before for two years...

He paused. Maybe... maybe that was it. Maybe Cid was tired of the same thing every night. Maybe... maybe Vincent was just too plain a lover for the pilot anymore. Maybe that was why he was being pushed away.

He blanched heavily, his skin becoming even paler than usual. Blue eyes peered at him though the steam yet he hardly noticed. That had to be it. Cid had no interest in him anymore because when they were together it was always the same. He swallowed heavily as he shoved his chair back and stood, ignoring the call of his name.

He had to change that. Cid wasn't going to keep him around much longer if he wasn't able to keep the man happy. He ignored the call once again, instead tossing open the door and stepping out into the almost blinding sunlight. He knew Cid must have been confused at his sudden disappearance, but he was far more concerned on the task at hand. He needed to fix things and fast.

A bell chimed above the door as Vincent entered the small shop situated near the end of Rocket Town. A man looked up, recognition lighting his eyes. “Ah, Vincent. Something I can do for you?”

It still stunned him how welcoming the town was on him, especially since his relationship with the most looked-up-to citizen of the town had come into the public spotlight. However, it was simply an afterthought as he leaned against the counter. “Yes. Do you sell... books?”

The man behind the counter shrugged, shaking his head. “Sorry. We usually don't carry them unless they're by special order. I can do that if you want—“

“No, I need it immediately.”

The cashier looked slightly shaken by the blunt comment, but shook it off quickly. “Well, the closest place I can think of that would have a large number of books for sale is that little shop they set up inside of Gold Saucer. Either that or Costa del Sol.”

Meaning he would have to leave the town to get what he needed. Chewing his lip thoughtfully, he tapped a foot. Now how would he get there? He couldn't ask Cid to take him. That wouldn't be right and besides, it might just add to the reasons Cid should let him go. No, he would just have to find someone else.

Huffing a little, he turned and stepped out of the shop, almost running face-to-face with one of those who liked to come and go as they pleased. He stepped aside and bowed his head a little in apology, but his eye was caught by a slip of gold paper sticking out of the man's back pocket. Luckily, he was familiar with the man so it wasn't so strange when he touched the other's shoulder. “Excuse me. Are you heading east anytime soon?”

----------

Gold Saucer was just as noisy and crowded as he remembered, the children scampering around the complex with their excited yells giving him a headache. However, he was persistent and handed the gatekeeper a handful of gil in exchange for a day pass.

It had taken him a good half hour to stumble across the shop, tucked away in a far corner of the Wonder Square. He half wondered why it was there yet found the thought unimportant as he entered through the door and the smell off books caught his attention.

That was always a scent that made him feel comfortable. However, Cid wasn't a fair fan of reading so there wasn't much selection in the house unless Vincent brought it or he decided to settle for mechanics manuals. He instantly gravitated to the health section, scouring the shelves for something helpful, but coming up empty.

He was beginning to lose hope as a small girl approached him, curiously cocking her head. “Can I help you, sir?”

He wasn't sure what to say at first until he glanced down at her nametag. He felt a little more relieved to know she wasn't as young as she looked. At least he assumed she wasn't as it stated she was the manager of the store. “Yes... I'm looking for a certain type of book.” He felt slightly embarrassed asking about this type of thing, yet it really couldn't be helped, could it?

“What type? We have a wide range and what isn't on the shelves could be packed away in the back for shelving.”

He swallowed before squaring his shoulders. “I need... a book on sex tips.”

One of the girl's brows rose, but she didn't ask any questions, just led him to another aisle. “They're usually around here...” she murmured as she pushed a few titles around. “Sorry. Looks like we're out on the shelves. I can check in back real quick if you don't mind waiting.”

“I don't mind,” he replied softly. It didn't matter whether he was embarrassed or not. He needed something to help save his relationship with Cid. And seeing as how he trusted books more than people, his information would be bound, not spoken.

The girl disappeared into the back room, leaving him to stand quietly near the counter. He fidgeted a little as someone else came in the shop, but didn't leave the desk. Soon she returned, shaking her head. “Sorry. Guess we're just sold out right now.”

Nodding nervously, Vincent turned and left quickly. If what he needed wasn't there then there was no point in staying. But now what was he going to do? He sighed and slumped against the wall outside of the shop, his gaze drifting over the busy square. Children ran about everywhere, their parents close behind, and he even saw a few couples walking hand in hand. It brought a sour smile to his face as he thought of how Cid and he used to be like that. But now, just because he wasn't the lover he should be...

A flash of color caught his attention as a group of teenage girls passed by him, their giggling laughter filling the air. His eyes followed the color he had seen, catching sight of a magazine one of the girls' hands. She was waving it about and proclaiming that there were some fabulous guidelines included in that month's issue, something that didn't interest Vincent. Yet two words on the cover did.

Suddenly perking up, he rushed the opposite way the girls had come, finally making it to a little bazaar near the entrance. The woman behind the counter looked up at him disinterestedly before returning to applying an overly thick coat of lipstick to her mouth. Ignoring her much in the way she was doing him, he let his eyes wander over the selection of brightly colored covers, words that meant nothing glaring at him. Finally settling on one, he pulled it from the shelf and flipped though it, quickly skimming a few paragraphs. Looking back at the woman, he raised it slightly. “Can I buy one of these?” he asked softly, not wanting to make himself too noticed.

Snapping her lipstick shut, the woman peered up at him. “You want one of those? You do know those are for girls, right? Like... teenage girls. Not middle-aged men.”

He felt taken aback by her comment, realizing that there would be no easy way to get the magazine through truth. “It is not for me.”

“Who's it for then?” She was inspecting her nails now, only glancing up at him when he didn't reply. “Well?”

“It's for... my niece.” He wasn't fond of lying, but if he needed to do it then he would.

She looked at him skeptically for a moment before reaching her hand out for the due money. He quickly paid her and nodded a 'thank you' before turning and leaving as fast as he could. The last thing he needed was for someone to recognize him running about Gold Saucer with a girl's magazine.

He was about to exit the complex when a hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. He tensed, not sure what to expect. He certainly hadn't expected a pair of very familiar blue eyes staring at him. “Goddammit, Vince, what the hell're ya doin' here? Doncha know I've been goin' nuts lookin' for ya?”

Vincent froze. Apparently luck wasn't on his side today seeing as how he not only ran into someone he knew, but that the person was the man he was doing this for. Which of course didn't make things any better. “C-Cid!” The blond's brows creased slightly as Vincent pulled away and hid his hands behind his back. He certainly didn't need Cid seeing that and silently cursed himself for not asking the woman for a bag. “How—what are you doing here?” he hissed harshly as he backed away a little.

A little stunned at Vincent's reaction, the pilot released the slim shoulder under his hand. “I came to get ya, whaddya think? Ya just ran off like somethin' was after ya this mornin' and I just barely found out ya were headin' here.” He frowned a little, moving to try and peek around Vincent. “Whatcha hidin'?”

“Nothing,” Vincent stated quickly, clenching his hands around the magazine. He sidestepped as Cid tried to reach around him, moving backwards out of the park.

“Sure. I know ya, Vince. Ya don't just go around hidin' stuff an' sayin' it's nothin'.”

“Maybe I do sometimes and you never see.” He backed up and to the side even more, ducking his head a little as he realized he was entering an alleyway. Now what was he going to do? Cid could easily trap him and forcefully take the magazine, something he was fairly sure the pilot wouldn't mind doing. It wasn't that he didn't want the man to see it; the idea of Cid actually linking why he had it was what he was worried about.

He backed away more as Cid advanced, his back smacking against the alley wall. “Look. I dunno what's got into ya lately, but you're really startin' to tick me off. What's with all this? First you're actin' all... weird or somethin' an' then ya just take off an' now you're gettin' snippy with me an' hidin' shit from me. What's the fuckin' deal?”

Vincent wasn't sure what to do now. “Nothing. I just needed to get something that... doesn't concern you, that's all.”

“Right. Like I'm gonna believe that shit.” Cid reached forward suddenly and the gunner shifted his weight, accidentally tripping over the blond's foot as he tried to move away. He gasped as they both toppled to the ground and rolled, ending with a golden-topped head resting on his chest.

Cid rose to his hands and knees and hovered above Vincent, his eyes shooting to the bright cover laying a few inches from where it had slipped from the gunner's grasp. With a small grunt, he practically launched himself at the magazine before Vincent could react, his entire weight falling on Vincent's chest once more. “Wha...” He paused as he read the title and Vincent held his breath. “What the hell is this? 'Makeup tips for the cosmetically pathetic'? 'How to please your man in ten easy steps'? 'Five sex tips that never fail'? Why the hell d'ya have this?” He flipped through a few pages before waving it at Vincent.

Heat rose in the normally pale cheeks, something Vincent hadn't counted on. “I... I just wanted to see it, that's all.”

“I think by now I can kinda tell when you're lyin', Vince.” Again the magazine was waved, colors flashing in the corner of the gunman's sight.

The blush racing across Vincent's cheeks deepened as he struggled to find the right lies. However, he knew he couldn't keep lying forever. “I... needed it for something.”

A brow rose curiously. “Needed it for somethin'? Don't tell me you're sneakin' around with someone else.”

“No!” Vincent started at the sound of his own voice. He certainly hadn't meant for that to come out so loud.

“Then what is it?” The gunman watched as Cid rose to his feet, gasping slightly as he was pulled to his own. “Just got it for fun to see what the other girls are doin' these days?” Right then and there, Vincent's embarrassment turned to anger. But before he could say a single word, a hand was placed over his mouth. “If I can tell when you're lyin' then I sure as hell can tell when you're pissed. Just tell me what ya have this thing for already, okay?”

Vincent glared at him before sighing against the rough palm. Cid slowly removed his hand and he stepped back to lean against the wall, his arms crossed before his chest as he looked away from the pilot. “I needed... the tips.”

“The tips?” Cid flipped through the book, stopping on a page. He raised a brow, holding the magazine out for Vincent to see. “Ya mean these ones?” he asked, his voice carrying the slightest tone of interest to it.

Recognizing the exact page he had skimmed over earlier, he nodded and tried to ignore the warmth on his cheeks again. “Yes. I needed them... so I would... be a better lover for you.”

Cid simply gaped at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Be a better lover? Where the hell did that come from?”

“But you—isn't that why you've been avoiding me at night? Because I'm not satisfactory anymore? I can learn new things, I—“ A hand pressed against his mouth made him silence himself again.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I wasn't avoidin' ya.”

“But you have never turned down sex before.” Vincent paused, lowering his gaze. “I thought maybe you were growing tired of me because I'm such a horrible lover.”

Again Cid laughed, making Vincent duck his head even more. “Fuck, Vince, that's not why I was turnin' ya down. I'm comin' down with a cold or somethin' an' didn't wanna give it to ya. I kinda felt like shit last night from it, that's all.”

That did make some sense. But... “Cid, you know I'm not very susceptible to the common cold.”

“Yeah, I know, but it's kinda strong this time around. Flu maybe. Already pulled half the team outta work an' into bed.”

“So why didn’t you just tell me that?”

“’Cause I knew you’d be all worried an’ shit like ya always are when I start gettin’ sick.”

“Oh.” Vincent felt slightly foolish. All this time he had thought Cid was tired of him and now he found out the man was only tired of a cold. Not to mention trying to save him from it. “I'm sorry,” he murmured softly as a hand cupped his chin. He was forced to look up and felt the corner of his mouth tug a little at the smile he saw on Cid's face.

“'S okay. Hell, ya shoulda just asked me if that was what was goin' on.” The smile widened as the man laughed again, flopping the magazine around as he held onto the spine. “Ya wouldn't've had to go through all this shit if ya had.”

“I suppose.” The gunner let a little smile break through as he watched the pilot release his chin and start toward the station. “Cid?” Blue eyes flashed a little as the man peered over his shoulder. “Wait.” He moved forward and grasped Cid's shirt front, slowly pushing him back against the opposite wall. He could hear the slightest hint of words forming in the blond's throat as he cut them off with a kiss, pressing him against the alley wall even more.

Breaking the contact, he looked at Cid carefully as the man tried to work out what was happening. “What was that about?” he finally asked, his voice soft.

“Nothing. Just... maybe it wouldn't hurt to learn a new thing every once in a while.”

“And how is kissin' me somethin' new?”

Vincent almost grinned as he brushed his lips against Cid's neck. “Maybe that's not, but... one of the tips to making things more exciting was to try different locations. Daring locations.”

Cid's mouth dropped, making Vincent chuckle quietly against the tanned skin. “But... ya mean at home, right? Or maybe a hotel. Or maybe—“ He cut himself off as Vincent slipped a hand down his side, fingertips lightly ghosting over the pilot's groin.

“You were saying?” he purred into Cid's ear, nipping it afterwards.

“But... we're right out in the open here, Vince. I mean, we're got the alley, but anyone can just walk in an' see somethin'...” Vincent could easily detect the waver in the other's voice, giving away the fact that he was not only fighting the gunner's words, but his own inner thoughts as well.

“This alley is fairly deep. And I believe it turns at the end down there. Besides. It's starting to get dark and no one goes into alleys alone after sunset.” He took another nip, licking the outside of Cid's ear before moving back to his neck.

“But... but... Vince...” Cid's hands clamped onto Vincent's shoulders and he was pushed away, the blue eyes staring at him intently. “You're not thinkin' right or somethin'. That's all.”

“I'm thinking perfectly clear, Captain.”

Vincent could practically see the man's mind working as the blue eyes widened a little. The title had become something of a nickname between them and he knew the way he had made it roll off of his tongue would drive the pilot mad.

Groaning and tipping his head to the side, Cid moved forward quickly and Vincent didn't even try to fight him as he was shoved backwards. His back thumped against the wall and he grunted a little, but it was soon swallowed as he felt lips press roughly against his own. There was no longer any thought in his mind about Cid not wanting him anymore, especially with the urgency that the man was pulling him into the little alcove to their left.

The pilot's back hit the wall with a soft thump and Vincent instantly pressed against him, wrapping his arms tightly around his lover's neck as he parted his lips to Cid's advances. A soft moan found its way between their mouths and the gunman squirmed a little as he felt a hand press against his hip and slide between them.

A rather loud sound echoed in the alcove as the magazine hit the ground, abandoned as Cid's other hand wound its way around Vincent's waist, pulling him closer. With a slight grin on his parted lips, Vincent flicked his hips forward, enjoying the expression floating across the tanned face as the hand at his own groin tightened instinctively. Once again he arched his hips, rubbing against Cid's hand while placing quick nips on his lips.

Then he was shoved away, only given a moment to think before he was turned and pushed against the spot where Cid had been only seconds before. Teeth and lips assailed his neck as he tipped his head, leaving himself wide open to the pilot's affections. The hands that had been carefully placing their touches had abandoned the pace, instead struggling with the latch on Vincent's pants, sliding against smooth skin as soon as the tight barrier was partially gone.

Wrapping his arms tighter, Vincent tangled his hands in the golden strands as he gasped, rough fingertips reaching their destination. He had a fleeting thought that maybe they shouldn't be doing this, but it soon passed as his pants were shoved down enough to allow a full stroke down his length. The tangy taste of blood touched his tongue as he bit down on his lip, moaning in his throat. They might be testing their luck, but he wasn't going to help it fail by being overly vocal.

He felt a finger trace its way up his thigh and he squirmed a little under the touch, pressing himself against Cid in the process. Tipping his head forward, he buried his face against the blond's shoulder and tried not to urge the other on too much at the teasing he felt along his skin. He didn't wan to seem too wanting, after all.

Then the touches were gone, as were the kisses and nips being laid down along his neck. He pulled back enough to see Cid raise a hand, his fingertips just inches from his lips. “Ya sure ya wanna go the whole way here?”

Only giving a smile as his answer, Vincent moved his head forward and took the calloused fingers into his own mouth. Blue eyes widened briefly as he started running his tongue over the digits, occasionally biting down softly. He smirked as Cid tried to pull his fingers free and bit down again, refusing to let him do anything until he was satisfied.

A few more seconds passed and he nodded, tipping his head back and sucking lightly as Cid tugged his hand back. Running his tongue over his lips, Vincent brought them together in a kiss as he once again felt that tickling of fingers dancing over his thigh. Instinctively, he shifted his weight, gasping only slightly as Cid grasped his thighs and raised him off the ground.

“Cid, what are you—“

“Just trust me.”

The voice was calm as the gunner was raised a little higher and he automatically wrapped his legs around Cid's waist to keep from falling. The press of the wall against his back increased and he only had a moment to think before the slicked fingers pushed within him. He now saw the point of the man's actions, but was unable to do anything but cling to his lover as a fingertip brushed his prostate. Once again the coppery taste tinged his mouth and he buried his face against Cid's neck.

He wasn't sure how long Cid continued to tease him like that, fingers slipping out only to press back in, going deeper each time. He was already shaking from both the sensations and the slight pain in his mouth, yet he kept himself from ordering the other to stop playing. Luckily, he didn't have to wait too much longer.

A swift kiss against his neck let him know the pilot was doing something different and he sucked in a breath as the caresses driving him mad stopped. He leaned his head back enough to see the blond clearly, quite aware his face was flushed. Cid shifted, his shirt scrubbing against Vincent's arousal and the gunner bit back a soft moan, silently pleading with his lover to continue.

The moan was caught between two pairs of lips as Cid pressed forward, breaking away quickly. “Ya know I don't have anythin', right?” The ebony head nodded, bumping their noses together. “An' ya know it's not gonna be as easy, right?”

Vincent groaned. “Cid, if you care to remember, we have had sex without any aid before. I'm not inexperienced.” He tightened his legs, gripping the pilot's waist the best he could.

“Fair enough.”

“So what are you waiting for then?”

“I dunno. Maybe I just wanna make sure.”

Vincent huffed a little, trying to will the pilot to continue with his mind. Yet Cid wasn’t psychic and neither was he, so he bumped their noses together again, whispering lightly. “Stop asking questions and just fuck me, Cid. Is that what you want to hear?”

He felt the pilot shudder and clung to him all the tighter, not exactly liking the idea of falling at the moment. He was imagining exactly how far above the ground he was when the support beneath him disappeared for a moment. The short gasp he made was swallowed by a hard kiss as he felt his own weight help sink the pilot’s length within him, a quick shifting of hips making him jerk.

The kiss broke and ebony hair cascade over the gunman’s arms as he let his head tip back, the burning in his muscles slowly dissipating. As always, Cid had paused to wait for the tiny nod that told him to go on and Vincent gave him just that, squeezing his legs hard around his lover’s waist. Hips flicked forward again and the gunner clenched his fists in Cid’s jacket as his back scraped against the wall. He momentarily wished he had grabbed his cloak before leaving Rocket Town, but the thought was soon lost as yet another motion caught him off guard.

Teeth nipped at his throat, placing marks that were delicate enough now, but would show like blazes soon enough. A whimpering sound caught in Vincent’s throat and he squeezed Cid tighter until he got the responding thrust, his head snapping back as he groaned deeply. He briefly made a mental note to do this more often, liking the way Cid was able to hit the right spot so easily. Except maybe next time he would be sure they weren’t against brick.

Tiny stinging pinpricks marked his thighs and he moaned quietly, squirming against the pilot’s hands. He was far too close to stay completely quiet anymore and he attempted to let Cid know, his teeth grazing the blond’s ear lightly as he moaned again. The pace at which his lover was moving grew faster and he found it hard not to cry out as he trembled from the ecstasy running through him. More and more he found himself biting his bottom lip, his tapered canines easily piecing the skin to fill his mouth with that tangy taste.

Cid shuddered against him and he wrapped his arms tighter, his legs pulling them as close as possible as he felt the other let go of himself. He followed soon after, Cid’s release sending him to seek his own. Fingers gripped his thighs tightly and he replaced his lip with the collar of the pilot’s jacket, biting down hard with a groan as he came. Warm liquid splashed back on his own stomach and he forced himself to release the collar and glance down, eyes narrowing a little at the white streaks marring blue cloth.

Hot breath flowed over his neck and he shivered lightly, suddenly aware of how chilly the evening was getting. Nudging his head against Cid’s, he gently kissed a sweat-soaked temple. “Are you okay?” he inquired softly, moving a hand to brush back the golden bangs.

“’M fine…” came the quiet reply. With the gentleness he had come to expect, Cid pulled free, settling Vincent on his own feet once the slender legs were unwound from his waist. “That was…”

“Mhmm.” The gunner’s arms remained around his lover’s neck and he leaned against the blond, resting his head on a broad shoulder. He sighed contentedly as Cid reached down and tugged the black pants back into place, carefully fastening them back before attending his own clothing.

Pulling himself away from Cid for a moment, Vincent once again gazed down at the blue shirt. He plucked at it with a finger, raising a brow at the blond. “I’m not sure what we’ll do about that.”

“It’ll wash.” Uncaring about his shirt, the pilot grasped Vincent’s hand and pulled it up, kissing the pale wrist gently.

Vincent flushed a little as he smiled, tugging his hand free. “I’m not referring to whether it will wash or not. No doubt it will. What I mean is what will we do about leaving here?” He swiped a finger through the thickening fluid. “I’m afraid it won’t be as easy as wiping it off.”

“’M not worried,” Cid mumbled as he took hold of the wrist once more, running his tongue up the length of Vincent’s finger. Shaking his head, the ebony-haired man tugged his hand away, wiping the rest of the liquid on his pants. A faintly disappointed look crossed the tanned face and a laugh bubbled out of the gunner despite his attempts to hold it in. “What?”

“Nothing. Just that look.” Tipping the let-down face upward, he pressed a kiss to the slightly pouting lips, chuckling in his throat as his smile transferred to the blond. Hands slipped around his waist and he gladly stepped forward into the waiting arms, happy to be once again tucked within them. “So, everything is okay?” he asked quietly, just to be sure. He felt Cid nod and press a kiss to his temple.

“So whaddya say we get outta here? I know a bed that’s got our name on it.” The blond grinned as another chuckle made its way free of Vincent.

“I like that—“ He halted, eyes widening a little.

“Vince? Somethin’ wrong?”

The gunner opened his mouth to say something in response, but all that came out was the sneeze he had felt coming on. Cid stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter, ruffling the dark hair. A defiant look crossed the gunner’s face before it fell away into a soft laugh. “Suppose I’m not as protected against this cold of yours as I thought.”

Cid grinned again and Vincent didn’t object as he was pulled close, another kiss placed on his temple. “Guess not. So. Home? Maybe get a little tea goin' for that cold?”

A smile turned the pale lips and Vincent nodded. “Yes... that sounds perfect.” He let the pilot wrap an arm around his waist, guiding him away. And right before they turned the corner, he looked back and sent a silent 'thank you' out to whoever had written that one little tip that had fixed everything.