Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Someone to Love/ Someone to Protect ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Someone to Love...
by Midori Bond
Chapter 2
 

Vincent slowly woke up to an empty bed. He frowned as he sat up. "Tifa?" he called out. He looked around the room, feeling his heart sink lower with each passing second. His clothes were folded neatly on the dresser, not discarded on the floor where he left them. Tifa's ruined bra and shorts were in the trash can. He sighed and rubbed his eyes as he climbed out of his bed. He hadn't wanted her to leave. He had wanted her to stay with him, but under the circumstances, he could understand why she was gone.

He stood and walked over to where his pants were resting. A neatly folded note caught his attention. Vincent couldn't help but sigh as he pulled his pants on. He had known that she was gone, but that note obliterated the slim chance that she was still somewhere in the house. As he picked up the note, he glanced at the bed again. He could still hear her passionate cries, and smell her sent. With a low growl, he left the room. He couldn't read her goodbye while surrounded by her sent. The marks on his shoulders and back all screamed for attention as he walked down the stairs and went straight to the tea room. As he sat at the piano, he opened the letter and read it.

Dear Vincent,

By the time you read this I'll be gone. I want to thank you. Last night was beautiful, and I'll never forget it. But I heard you. You didn't want to sleep with me. You asked me which would I rather, for Cloud to live a lie for me, or to know the truth. I would rather know the truth. And as I'm writing this, I'm realizing two truths. You're just as honest as Cloud, and while I know you would live a lie for me, I could never let you. Because I now know, if I stayed with you, I could, would fall in love with you.

Vincent put the letter down and slammed his fist into the top of the piano. She was doing what she does best. Tifa was always the one to sacrifice her own happiness to save others from suffering. But this time, she was doing it needlessly. She was ripping out his heart, her heart, for no reason. He lifted his head and sighed. He would see what the rest of Tifa's letter had to say, and then he would decide what to do from there.

I know last night probably meant nothing to you, and I also know that I have no right to ask anything else of you, but I do have one thing to ask. Vincent, please don't come after me. I'm begging you. I don't think I'd be able to face you or Cloud. I've damaged your friendship enough. Please just allow me to become a memory. Who knows, maybe then someone will love me, if I fade into a ghost as well.

Tifa.

Vincent closed his eyes and lowered his head. He would have to let her go. She believed that he was still pining for Lucrecia, and there way nothing he could say to make her believe different.

"Vincent," Cloud's voice echoed.

He slowly stood and walked to the foyer. He could spot the paper clenched in the blonde's hand and guessed where he had gotten it. "Cloud," he acknowledged. As wide blue eyes looked at him, he had to fight down the urge to hurt the swordsman.

"We have to go find Tifa. She's gone," Cloud said holding out his letter.

Vincent took it and inhaled. It was significantly shorter than his own.

Cloud,

Please don't look for me. Goodbye.

Tifa.

Vincent gave back the piece of paper and looked at Cloud. "She doesn't want us to look for her," he said calmly. He could only hold onto his cold expression as blue eyes glared at him.

"So I should just let her disappear?" Cloud argued.

The taller gunman felt his jaw tighten as he started for the stairs. "She needs to think. She can't do that with you."

Cloud opened his mouth to say something, but only paused when he saw the angry red marks barely hidden by Vincent's hair. His eyes narrowed as an outrageous scenario played in his mind. "How would you know what she wants?" he asked. His tone a blatant challenge.

Vincent stopped walking and allowed his eyes to close. As much as he wanted to tell Cloud, he knew Tifa would never forgive him. "I saw her last night. She was upset over something that happened between you." He looked at Cloud. At least the blonde had the decency to look ashamed. "The rest is only an assumption."

"So you won't help me look for her?" Cloud asked. As the older man turned away again, he felt his temper snap. "Damn it, I thought you were her friend." Before Cloud knew what was happening, Vincent had him pinned against the wall, clawed fingers wrapped tightly around his throat.

"I care for her, more than you could imagine," he growled. He could feel his anger and his self-loathing trying to over take him. The demon that raged inside of him screamed to be free of his adversary for Tifa's affections. Without warning or thought, Vincent threw Cloud towards the front door. "Get out," he growled.

Cloud could only watch with wide eyes as Vincent turned and walked up the stairs. He slowly picked himself up from the ground frowning. "What the hell is going on?" he asked lowly.

* * * * *

"This is pathetic," Tifa sighed. She could only glare at her truck and fold her arms across her chest. As smoke continued to ride from the engine, her temper flared. "Damn you," she shouted, kicking the sputtering vehicle. "I want to leave the area. Not be stranded in the middle of nowhere."

The sound of an approaching car caught her attention. Tifa straightened and felt a smile cross her face. "Hey!" she shouted. "Over here!" She started to jump up and down in order to get the other driver's attention. Her enthusiasm faded as she realized who was driving the sleek black sports car. "You."

"You shouldn't be jumping up and down like that," Reno said with his usual attitude. "You could give a guy the wrong idea."

Tifa looked into his smiling face and frowned. "Go to hell," she said before turning back to her truck.

Reno looked around, expecting to see Cloud or one of her other friends. He frowned and climbed out of his car. "You by yourself?" he asked following her.

"What do you care?" she responded. As she looked at him, she folded her arms over her chest again. "It's not like I'm helpless, you know."

He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I remember. You beat up Rude pretty good," he said lowly.

Coffee colored eyes rolled. "You were there too," she added dryly.

Reno waved her off with a smile. "Details, details. What's going on with the truck?" he asked turning to it.

Tifa frowned as she turned her glare to the machine. "It looks like the engine's fried," she mumbled.

"And this?" Reno asked pointing to the dented grill. 

"It happened after it broke down," she mumbled.

"And now, even if I could fix it, you probably busted something else," he countered. When she paused, he rolled his eyes. "Get in my car. I'll take you with me."

She scoffed. "Like I would go anywhere with you."

"Listen Doll..." Whatever he was about to say was cut short by the fist in his stomach.

"Do not call me Doll," Tifa growled. As he fell to the ground, she turned back to her truck. "Besides, I don't need anyone to come to my rescue."

Reno snorted and made his way to his feet. "You don't want anyone to come to your rescue," he said bitterly. When she looked at him, he cocked an eyebrow. "Or am I the wrong person. Maybe if I was a blonde?"

"What the hell do you know?" she asked with a frown. "I don't need Cloud's protection, especially from you."

He was about to speak when his cell phone rang. His eyes remained focused on Tifa as he answered it. "Yo."

{Where the hell are you?} Elena's voice barked.

Reno smiled, knowing that she hated being held up for any reason. "I'm on my way. Just having some car trouble."

{Did you find someone yet?}

Blue eyes looked up to the sky. "I'm working on it."

{Working on it?!} she shrieked. {I swear Reno, if you don't get here before sundown, I will personally see you shot.}

Reno fought down a laugh. It was always too easy to get her riled up. "Whatever," he said before snapping his phone shut. He then turned to Tifa and paused. Her leather clad backside was turned up to the air for everyone to see. Reno could only shake his head at the innocent temptation that radiated from her. "Would you come with me if I told you a secret?" he asked going over to her. He couldn't deny that she looked damned good in tight leather, but he wouldn't let his thoughts wander too far. She kicked his ass enough in the past. As he moved to stand across the truck, he shook the thoughts from his mind. ""Us Turks stumbled a stash of new materia."

She looked at him. "I should be interested, why?" When he frowned, she sighed. "Yuffie's the materia hunter."

He looked at her and smiled. "You're not the slightest bit interested in finding a new creature that can be summoned."

Tifa tilted her head to the side and gave him a tired look. "What do you want Reno?" she asked tiredly. When he mumbled his answer, she frowned. "What was that?"

"None of us can handle summon materia," he yelled. He frowned when she started to giggle. "Are you coming or not?"

The smile on her face wouldn't fade. He was an annoying man, but it was a drastic change from the other men in her life. "I have nothing better to do," she said jumping from the truck. "Take me to this big bad materia."

He stepping away from the truck. "Damned tease," he mumbled as he followed her to his car.

* * * * *

Cloud frowned as he sat at the inn's table. He was still trying to figure out exactly what happened back at the mansion. Vincent had never been so quick to anger, and he never lashed out at his friends. It boggled his mind.

"So she left. Tifa's a big girl," Yuffie said easily. When blue eyes looked at her, she shrugged. "Come on, you expect her to stick around after last night?"

He looked away from her and his frown deepened. "I just want to make sure she's safe," he said lowly. He then winced when she struck his arm. "Yuffie," he warned.

She returned his frowning expression. "You're being a selfish jerk," she said clearly. When he turned to glare at her, she continued."You're still in love with Aeris. You can't keep Tifa close to you while you're still trying to figure out how you feel. It's not fair."

Cloud was about to frown, only to pause when he realized she was right. His shoulders fell and he leaned back in his chair. "So you're saying I should just let her go? Just like that?"

Yuffie smiled as the waitress placed her breakfast on the table. "Actually, I think you should just give it some time. She'll come back after she gets her head straight," she said cheerfully. "We still have to check on the kids in Wutai, you know."

Cloud looked at the letter in his hand and slowly sighed. He didn't have any real choice. "Yeah," he whispered. "Once Barret and Cid wake up, we'll leave."

* * * * *

Reno looked at the quiet young woman next to him. She was watching the scenery as he drove towards the mountain area. "So, you gonna tell me why you're running away?" he asked. When her eyes turned to glare at him, he sighed. "I know, I know, go to hell."

Tifa looked at him for a long moment before lowering her gaze to her hands. "I left because I was stupid," she answered. She stayed focused on her hands and remained silent. "I told Cloud how I feel about him, and found out he didn't feel the same."

The redhead nodded. "He's still hung up on that Ancient chick."

A low muse escaped her. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

Reno kept his eyes focused on the terrain. "Was that before or after he gave you those?"

Tifa frowned. "Excuse me?"

"Your neck," Reno clarified. He chuckled as she jumped up and lowered the mirrored visor. "I can only guess at what happened."

Her eyes widened as she saw three dark hickeys on her neck. A blush crossed her face as she remembered passion filled ruby eyes and gentle hands on her skin. "It's not what you think," she said softly.

Reno glanced at her again. "Oh? You don't want to give the juicy details?"

"It's complicated, okay?" she asked hotly. Her eyes closed as she tried to think through her problems. "I couldn't deal with it, so I left."

Reno's smile fell as he pulled up to a mountain pass. "We're here," he said lowly.

Tifa looked around as she got out of the car. "You guys found materia out here?" she asked, grateful for the subject change.

"Yeah. A part of Shinra's scientific department's researching the development and growth of summon materia. One of our doctors found this place and discovered a number of different summon creatures."

She chuckled as they went to the entrance of the cavern. "I can't believe none of you know how to handle materia."

Reno's eyes rolled. "We need someone that can handle powerful summon materia," he clarified. He frowned when Tifa stopped walking. "What is it?"

She pulled her gloves out of her shirt pocket and put them on. "Something's in here. Some of the creatures could have been released," she said in a warning tone.

Reno shrugged and moved past her. "That would just make the materia itself easier to find, won't it?" His eyes widened when a heavy creature slammed into his chest.

Tifa jumped over to a small walkway and barely dodged the attack of another of the large wolf-like beasts. She tightened her fists and attached the thing on top of Reno.

Blue eyes were wide for a moment. With one hit, the beast on top of him was thrown clear across the cavern. "You could've killed me!" he shouted, jumping to his feet.

Her eyes rolled as she kicked the thing leaping at her. "I wasn't going to hit you." With ease, she turned and slammed her elbow into another's side.

Reno growled and swung his baton, easily shocking one of the beasts. "I meant when I picked you up," he yelled at her.

Tifa looked at him. "You can't be serious," she said putting her hand on her hip. "I didn't even hit you that hard," she argued.

"You may not have," he said dodging an attack. As he straightened, he realized he was standing face to face with her. "But you could have."

"Oh please," she groaned. She quickly grabbed his collar and moved him out of her way. She kicked another beast in its jaw and watched as it simply faded into black smoke. Just as she turned back to Reno, she saw him cast one of his infamous pyramid spells. "You idiot!" she yelled out. When he looked at her, she growled lowly. "These are summon spirits. Spells don't work on them!" She dropped to the ground when the spell richoeted off of the walls of the cave.

"How was I supposed to know?" he yelled in his own defence. "That's what you're hear for!"

Tifa looked around the cavern and saw that only one of the attacking beasts remained. With a growl, she grabbed Reno by his collar and pulled him to her eye level. "The next time I see you cast any spell, I swear, I'll beat you bloody." She released him and focused on the beast slowly circling her. "Summon materia is delicate. You have to gain their respect, or they'll backfire on you." Her eyes narrowed as the beast charged her. She squared her shoulders and slammed her fist into its snout. As the dark beast fell to the ground, Tifa looked at it coldly.

Reno watched in awe as the beast slowly rose and approached Tifa with a lowered head. She knelt down and gently stroked the thing's head. "What the hell just happened?" Reno asked standing up.

Tifa looked at him. "This is a Dark Elemental. I'm going to guess that it wants me to be his master."

He slowly nodded and approached the pair. "You gonna keep him?" When he reached out to pet it, it growled.

Tifa tugged lightly on the creature's ear. "Behave," she ordered. She straightened and soon saw a glowing piece of materia embedded in the wall. As she walked over to retrieve it, she saw Reno moving to follow her. "What should I call him?" she asked.

"Hellhound," Reno offered.

Tifa shook her head. "Be real Reno."

"I am. This thing is a hound straight from Hell." Reno looked at the Spirit and moved closer to Tifa.

She rolled her eyes and tucked the materia into her pants pocket. "Come on Epy. We have to save Shinra." She couldn't stop the giggles that bubbled up as the newly named Epy ran towards her and vanished. She looked at Reno and playfully shook her head. He was the direct opposite of both Vincent and Cloud, and she had a feeling that she would have an interesting time with him. "Don't just stand there. You might activate something else."

 
TBC...