Other Fan Fiction / Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Distorted Perception ❯ Your Wish Is My Command ( Chapter 9 )

Chapter Nine

Your Wish Is My Command

 

“You have to promise,” Cloud whispered with a note of desperation.

 

Sighing, Vincent closed his eyes for a moment. It was tiring and somewhat frightening lying in the darkened room, being held in the blond's arms. At the tightening squeeze that demanded an answer, the raven-haired gunman replied, “Okay”

 

Breathing deeply, inhaling the oddly ever present sweet scent that seemed to exude from the pale man's skin, like some naturally produced fragrance, Cloud felt relief wash over him.

 

Cloud had already admitted to being completely selfish in his infatuation for Vincent. Every moment that passed, he felt his feelings grow stronger, drawing him to the sullen and terribly mislead man.

 

Finding the raven beauty bloodied and violated beneath Sephiroth had more than released the seal on his feelings, it had blown the covering off completely. Each time he was in the gunman's presence, he wanted to keep as much bodily contact as possible, holding the light frame to himself, and staying like that for hours.

 

With the terms of their agreement set, the content swordsman settled in for the night. Having argued the matter continually for the better part of the final celebration dinner, straight through to the moment they'd lain in bed, Cloud felt that he could rest easier. It had been an argument simply coaxing Vincent to spend the night, like before, so that he could keep on arguing his other point. Though, he now had the added benefit of sleeping with the gunman.

 

The agreement was that Vincent would not, under any circumstances, return to the mansion in Nibelheim for two solid years.

 

Though the stubborn gunman had been adamantly opposed to the proposition, everyone had slowly worn him down. Now, Cloud completed the deal with midnight promises and a warm hold.

 

Two years, the same amount of time taken to hurt Vincent so deeply, to ingrain such twisted psychological views.

 

Naturally, whatever made the gunman want to be imprisoned again did not rest easy with such a prospect of two years of freedom. However, Cloud was certain it could be reversed, so he'd consented to the terms of Vincent's return to the coffin if that's what the gunman still wanted after the chosen length of time.

 

Greedily, Cloud pressed against Vincent's backside, conforming to stay as close as possible. With two arms wrapped around the longhaired man's lithe frame, he buried his face into silky raven hair and whispered softly, “I love you”.

 

When the gunman only stiffened, the blond smiled, knowing his profession must have been a surprise. Placing a heated kiss against an elegant and exposed neck, he assured, “Go to sleep.”

 

With a single nod, Vincent showed his understanding. He tried to relax, not wanting to pull the swordsman's attention again.

 

Slowly, time dwindled and Cloud's breathing evened into slow intakes of air that signaled a sleeper's reduced respiration.

 

Crimson eyes stared at the shadows of the surrounding room. This was the second night he had spent here, lying down in much the same manner. But, the last time, he hadn't felt such overwhelming guilt and fear. Surely, he'd felt pangs of guilt, as he always did, but that night when the swordsman had taken such pity as to hold him and sooth his troubled state, it had almost been relieving. Now, however, he wanted to tear from the room and jump ship.

 

All through dinner, ever since the blond fighter had greeted him after waking up, Vincent noticed the change in those bright blue eyes. It was painful to feel that heated gaze constantly upon himself. Once again, he'd attracted the wrong attention. Just like he'd done with Lucrecia. As Hojo had said, he'd lured the brilliant and beautiful woman to her downfall. Now, he'd done the same thing with Cloud.

 

What could he do? Having stupidly promised not to return to his coffin, there already seemed to be plans made for spending time together. Time with Cloud Strife was exactly what should not happen.

 

The dark room blurred behind watery tears. With care not to disturb the sleeping man, whose hold would not relent in the least, Vincent clapped a hand to his mouth to stifle all sounds.

 

Forcefully, he subdued his sobs to small tremors, pleading that he didn't wake the younger man up.

 

He wished that Sephiroth were still alive. At least, if the madman were lured to him, acting as his punisher, then he wouldn't feel such guilt.

 

Hot tears spilled over thick lashes, running sideways down onto the pillow beneath his head. He didn't want to hurt Cloud. Of all the people that he might have condemned, the last person he would have wanted it to be was the blond swordsman.

 

Silently, he cursed at himself, at Chaos. Throwing reprimands and pleads internally, he fought to think of some solution. He had no right to deny Cloud whatever he wanted. He had no right to refute and reject the love offered. Yet, he could never accept it. Accepting Lucrecia's love had lead to her death. Accepting Hojo and Sephiroth's punishments had been their deaths. Chaos would not let anyone get close to him and remain happy or alive.

 

No one could be with him, he was a creature of darkness and ugly shame. He'd bring sorrow to the ex-Soldier's life, a sorrow the younger man had never felt before and didn't deserve to experience.

 

Yet, even knowing all this, did nothing to create a solution. He couldn't just run away, he'd made a promise. He couldn't break that promise, because his life was meant to atone for his sins, and part of that meant serving others. Whatever anyone asked of him, he would do. Whatever anyone wanted from him, he would give.

 

Cloud, and everyone else in the group, had asked him not to seal himself away. This was a terribly conflicting request, since his nature demanded he heed their wishes, but his conscious cried out that he'd hurt them by complying. Now, the blond had grown affectionate, and before long, Cloud would want more from him. Without a moment's hesitation, he'd give the leader whatever he asked for. But, at the same time, he'd cry over the fate he'd bestowed upon the innocent young man.

 

**

 

Morning dawned, bringing a clear sky and the warm tropical weather of Wutai.

 

Vincent had been awake all night. Waging a battle in his mind, he'd watched as daylight slowly dissipated the shadows. The room was brightly lit before long. The light brought both a new day and world of troubles for the gunman.

 

For a man as thoughtful and well educated as him, he seemed to have become a mindless being, run solely by his guilt and need for atonement. As such, he'd found no solace after a night of furiously trying to find a solution. No relief in having an answer, no peace in saving Cloud or anyone else that he might hurt and kill in the two years time.

 

There was a soft knocking on the door. It was a sound that Vincent could only picture one person making.

 

When Cloud didn't stir, Vincent considered shaking the swordsman awake. However, the person at the door didn't seem inclined to waiting for permission to enter.

 

Meekly, the door creaked open before a cautious head peeped in. Long brown hair cascaded to the side, unbound. Bright green eyes gave a short scan of the room before falling upon the bed.

 

Uncertain of himself, Vincent remained still. Throughout the night, the sleeping fighter had shifted, but never let go of him. Now, as he lay back, Cloud was sprawled nearly on top of him. One leg hooked across his two, one arm tucked firmly around his waist, and one sleeping head buried near his neck.

 

Curiously, Vincent watched as the woman's eyes widened and a disapproving frown pulled her pink lips down.

 

Stepping further in, Aeris shut the door behind herself quietly. For the change of climate, and trip to the beach planned for the day, she wore a pair of khaki shorts and pink tank top. Barefoot, she tiptoed across the carpeted floor.

 

Vincent instinctively felt the need to sit up and properly address the young woman, but his pinned position left him in a slight predicament to do so.

 

“Vincent,” Aeris whispered when she was closer, her green eyes now glaring daggers toward the blond chocobo head. “Come with me,” she directed.

 

Hesitant, Vincent didn't know what to do. Cloud hadn't outright stated that he was to remain, but he received the distinct impression, perhaps from the constant hold, that the swordsman didn't want him to leave. But, the Ancient wanted him to leave. He didn't know which person to listen to.

 

“It's fine, we don't have to wake him,” Aeris soothed, seeing the mixed confusion in crimson eyes.

 

With a small nod, the raven-haired man carefully began to sit up. Immediately, the arm at his waist stirred. His golden gauntlet dug into the sheets beneath as the swordsman trailed a hand under his shirt and up against his side. He hated how an all too familiar shiver wracked his body. Cloud was becoming more and more like Hojo and Sephiroth, and it was killing Vincent that he couldn't stop it. The hand swept higher, caressing and smoothing over his skin.

 

Before the blond leader could make another movement, an angry flower girl promptly smacked the furrowed head harshly.

 

Startled, Vincent tore his slightly horrified eyes away from Cloud and stared in shock at Aeris.

 

“Cloud,” Aeris reprimanded harshly. Reaching out, she took hold of the gunman's clawed hand and tugged him away.

 

As Cloud's head shot up and the swordsman seemed to realize a bit of what was happening, Vincent stood up to comply with the pulling on his arm.

 

“Aeris?” Cloud questioned, sitting up quickly.

 

Hardly sparing the still sleepy eyed fighter a cursory glance, the angry woman commented over her shoulder, “I'll talk to you soon enough. I'm taking Vincent, don't follow.”

 

With that, the small woman led a confused gunman from the room.

 

**

 

“Do you mind?” Aeris questioned.

 

Vincent shook his head, glancing around. It was an unusual place for him to be, wearing unusual clothes, but he wasn't going to deny the Ancient the time she'd asked for or the suggestion of changing into something more appropriate.

 

At the shoreline, the sun beamed down strongly, even in the mid morning. It was hot, but that was to be expected in such a place. The island of Wutai was composed mainly of lush forests, banana trees thriving in the tropical climate. The weather hardly ever varied year round, being that it was an island in the tropics.

 

The water was crystalline blue, sparkling brightly. It was so clear that it showed the coral reef a good hundred meters out.

 

Vincent hadn't been out in the sun on such a bright day for well over thirty years. Prior to working for Dr. Hojo, he'd rarely had any spare time as a Turk. It felt nice. Perhaps a little too hot, but there was a constant breeze that made it all bearable.

 

With his battle gear gone, Vincent did feel rather exposed. His long cloak was sorely missed at random moments, but the kind hearted young woman had chastised that he'd faint from heat stroke if he didn't wear something else.

 

So, the pale gunman wore a pair of faded light blue jeans and plain burgundy t-shirt. Courtesy of a gruff pilot, Cid had thrown the items at the gunman and spouted off how he had too many clothes and didn't need so many spares since a little grease never hurt anybody. Vincent hadn't quite understood what Cid was talking about, or why the pilot had shown up abruptly in Aeris room, but he was grateful.

 

A step up from Barrett and Tifa's borrowed clothing, the pants and shirt actually seemed to fit to his lithe frame. They were both a little baggy, but he was far from caring about that, and would never think of complaining. Having woken up with nothing to his name but the clothes on his back, he hadn't anticipated staying awake in the world long enough to need anything else.

 

Boots strewn off to the side, the gunman sat with his knees slightly bent and his feet buried in the warm sand. The water's edge was about ten feet off, rolling in closer and then seeping back again.

 

It was definitely weird, but in the very sense that it was weird, it became distracting. Vincent was grateful for the distraction, his mind focused on something else for a change.

 

“Vincent,” Aeris spoke the name softly, simply getting his attention. The gunman's pale skin definitely seemed out of place, especially if he were to be compared to a local of Wutai village. His skin was farer than even that of the lifelong residents of Mt. Nibel. She wondered briefly, if he'd burn under such a strong sun.

 

Having picked up on the fact that the Ancient had something on her mind, Vincent turned his head to the side and regarded her solemnly. After a moment, he cast his glance seaward, but it was clear he was willing to listen.

 

“I know it must seem like we're being unreasonable, prying into your affairs like this.”

 

When the gunman didn't give any gestures to support or refute her words, Aeris breathed out heavily and scuttled closer. Mimicking the long limbed ex-Turk's position, she wrapped her hands around her knees and stared off into the waves. “You have no reason to believe me above what you know and what Hojo has told you, but you're not a monster.”

 

This earned a sideways glance, crimson eyes studying the serious profile of the Ancient's delicate, almost dainty, features.

 

“I thought… well, I've thought a lot of things,” she continued, perfectly willing to carry on the one sided conversation. “I thought that Cloud might be good for you. He means well.” Turning, she met Vincent's eyes and stared fiercely, impressing the truth, “He really does mean well.”

 

“I don't want to hurt him,” Vincent uttered, perplexed by the Ancient's statement and not knowing where she was going with it.

 

Green eyes narrowed in thought. Aeris studied Vincent's face much the same as he was studying hers. Dissecting his words, she put them into place. “You mean, hurt him like you hurt Hojo and Sephiroth?”

 

Surprised at the ease with which the young woman managed to understand him, Vincent gave a faint smile and nod. If she understood, then perhaps she could help. “Lucrecia as well. I lured them to me, and when they tried to help, I hurt them.”

 

It was difficult to not simply tell the gunman that he was completely backwards in his thought process, but that would get her no where. She had to show him that she understood how he thought, and then maybe she could show him how she thought. “How did they try and help you?” she questioned. She had a fearful inkling what `help' meant.

 

“I'm no scientist,” Vincent stated, just to clarify that he wasn't an expert or knowledgeable of the finer details, “But taking me was meant to tame me. If I were certain that Chaos wouldn't overpower me again, I'd find someone to take me. But, I can't stop myself. I should be locked away again, so that I can't hurt anyone else. I don't want more blood on my hands.”

 

Aeris bit her lip, forcing herself to take in the information and not comment on it. So, Hojo had Vincent believing that rape was a form of curing him. What about Chaos? “When Hojo, raped you,” she made certain to apply the proper term, hoping to instill some fragment of meaning in the gunman, “Chaos fought back?”

 

With a mirthless chuckle, Vincent shook his head. “It's not Chaos' fault. I'm the one who couldn't obey them.”

 

“I-I see,” Aeris stuttered, letting the matter go for now. Instead, she returned to the main focus of her talk with him. “You seem burdened by Cloud's affection,” she commented.

 

“You noticed,” Vincent spoke incredulously.

 

“It took an unbiased eye, but yes, I noticed. Don't blame him for not seeing it, he's a bit blinded at the moment.”

 

“If he wants me, he can have me,” Vincent assured the kind woman. He didn't want her to think he'd become unruly.

 

Aeris drew her brows together in a pained expression. “That's not how it should be,” she whispered harshly under her breath. “Cloud wouldn't want false feelings. No one would. You can't just….” Sighing, she let her statement fall short, knowing she couldn't make that point right now. “Anyways, I think your time should be spent away from Cloud.” Mulling the idea once over in her head, Aeris overcame her stipulation with the intrusive meddling she was doing. “I think you should spend your time with Nanaki, go to Cosmo Canyon and stay there. Nanaki agrees with me.”

 

Vincent didn't know what to say. He wouldn't argue, but he didn't want to make anyone else upset with such a decision. “Cloud-”

 

“Don't worry about him,” the brown haired woman cut in. “Cloud needs some time on his own. He's had years of unrequited feelings for Tifa, and then being a SOLDIER he pushed all that aside. Right now, he needs to grow up and spend time with normal people.”

 

“Okay,” Vincent agreed.

 

“Everyone will come by from time to time. We're all together from now on anyway, I doubt you could avoid us even if you tried.”

 

Brows furrowed, raven hair fell forward as Vincent looked down to the sand at his feet. “It's over now,” he commented, not understanding the depth of the bond among the band of fighters.

 

Smiling brightly, Aeris unwrapped her arms and shifted to kneel on her knees. “It's not over. Sephiroth is dead and the world is safe again, but there is still so much we can do. There are rumors that Rufus is alive, which means Shinra's a threat again. And, more importantly, after what we've been through together, we'll always be together.” Reaching out, she cupped a pale cheek and directed the gunman's head up. Staring into his crimson eyes, she continued, “We're all friends, this includes you. It doesn't matter if no one really knows you, or if you don't know them. We're your friends, and if you ever need anything, we won't be far off.”

 

Anguish was evident in crimson eyes. “I don't deserve friends.” Raising his clawed left hand, he gently set it against the Ancient's forearm. Keeping her hand in place, he turned away from the touch. “My hands are too bloodied for someone like you to become involved with.”

 

“Vincent,” Aeris chastised sternly. Grabbing his gauntlet, she clasped it tenderly, as though holding a child's hand. “I want you to memorize something, a list of truths that you'll repeat every day for the next two years, starting today.”

 

As the pale man's bowed lips frowned, Aeris gently shook his hand. “I'll write them down, and I'll ask Nanaki if you've said them everyday.”

 

Lowering his head, Vincent complied, “Of course.”

 

“First,” Aeris began, taking a moment to think of it. “You're not a monster, you're Vincent Valentine, just a man with shitty luck.”

 

Red eyes widened. Snapping his head up, Vincent looked with shock into mischievous green eyes. The Ancient was smirking. “I've never heard you swear,” he muttered without thinking.

 

Laughing at the gunman's surprise, Aeris smiled kindly. “Too much time around Cid. He'll have me cussing like a sailor before long, I suspect.”

 

Once again having the raven haired man's full attention, Aeris pressed on, “Second, a touch can be innocent, with only caring intentions.” To emphasize this point, she released his hand and reached out once again to cup his cheek. “The difference between good and bad is how it makes you feel, not what your mind tells you. My touch has no underlying motives, can you tell?” She let her thumb stroke his smooth skin.

 

Sharply inhaling, Vincent gave a small nod.

 

Green eyes looked skywards as Aeris tried to reason out a few more `truths' for Vincent to repeat. “I'll make the list later,” she commented after a moment. “For now, I want you to make me another promise.”

 

Torn between his want to believe the Ancients words, and the gravity of the truth, Vincent merely stared.

 

Keenly aware of just what Vincent might be arguing over silently, Aeris conceded that it would indeed take two years, if not a lifetime, to undue the damage. “Promise that you'll learn more about Chaos.”

 

Shocked by the woman's words once again, Vincent blurted out, “He's a demon, that's all there is to know.”

 

Brown bangs shook as Aeris disagreed. “Even if you feel that way, you have to promise me that you'll learn more. What does Chaos say when its not angry? Does it truly want to kill people?”

 

Seeing the stubborn gleam to the young woman's eyes, Vincent sighed out once more, “Okay”

 

Smiling brightly, Aeris moved to sit back down. “It's such a beautiful day,” she commented with contentment. “The other's will be here closer to noon. When we set up umbrellas you can get out of the sun.”

 

Taking a moment to digest the Ancient's words and conditions, Vincent was delayed in responding. “The sun feels nice.”

 

“You won't burn will you?” Aeris asked finally after wondering about it to herself several times already.

 

“My skin doesn't change pigment. I cannot tan or burn,” he assured.

 

“Well, at least we know you're not a vampire,” Aeris half giggled.

 

Scoffing, Vincent retorted, “Maybe I'm a day walker.”

 

Aeris found such implications highly amusing. Laughing outright, she reclined into the warm sand, uncaring about getting the grains all over herself. “I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing you in casual clothes.”

 

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Aeris whispered, “Thank you”

 

Frowning, Vincent didn't respond. He had no right to refuse anyone anything they wanted. For someone who seemed to understand him quite well, the Ancient didn't seem to grasp the concept that she needn't thank him for anything, because it was his duty by way of repentance to serve others.

 

 

TBC….

 

A/N And, we're moving along. Yes, this is a CloudxVincent fic. The main couple always has to be the most troublesome to get together.