Midgar Burning Chapter 57
Title: Midgar Burning
Authors: silence_laughs and calvi_sama
Pairing: Cid x Vincent
Rating: NC-17 (eventually), most certainly R
Disclaimer: We do not in any way own, nor profit from, the characters and/or locations of FFVII, that would all be SquareEnix. Also any other references to persons or products mentioned herein are purely coincidental *coughs*, and where they are not then they belong to their respective writers, producers, directors, or other individuals/companies listed under that sneaky little thing called a "copyright".
Warnings: Adult themes, blood, some violence, language, kidnapping, torture, mentions of abuse, murder, and above all else...yaoi, the 'inappropriate to minors' kind, the 'makes us sit up past our bedtimes reading' kind, 'cause lets face it folks, it just wouldn't be the same without it! >:3
Summary: Even as Cid fights to show Vincent it’s okay to love again, Vincent’s enemies are moving in. Can Cid secure a place in Vincent’s heart before their world falls apart?
A/N: Two things folks: 1) This is an RP and 2) This fic is AU. The usual players here: silence = Cid, and all in Cid's world, and yours truly = Vincent, and all in Vin's world. Easiest way to say it. ^^ This fic is a 'novel'-form piece (ie multi-chapter) that is darker than what we normally write, and out of our comfort zone in the fact that we normally prefer to stick to canon-type stuff. But I got the idea from ani_mama 's artwork (more specifically this picture), persuaded silence to "go along with it", and it's been going 'full steam ahead' since then, and quite grown on us. We hope you all like it! Icon art provided by silk_weaver .
Note as of 11/12/2017 - We're not sure if there is anyone still around to read more installments of this story as we've grossly neglected it. So much time has gone by that I almost didn't remember how to post on this forum! We've dragged this sucker out of the mothballs and are determined to finish it. We're so very, very close! We apologize to anyone who had been following this story and enjoyed it and it feels almost like a copout to blame real life, but that's what's to blame. Silence has moved to grad school and I've been so busy with my job that by the time I get home I'm exhausted, so writing for the both of us has been waaay on the back burner to say the least. So, if you're still out there, dear reader, this chapter is for you. Please enjoy...
Chapter 57
Vincent startled awake rather abruptly, propping himself up on his elbow and blinking blearily, then wincing at the sharp pain that movement had caused. Easing himself into a more comfortable position he looked over at Cid who was sprawled on his back one arm resting over his forehead and the other flopped off the side of the bed. He chuckled and propped himself up into a sitting position, his hands going to his shirt. Slowly he unbuttoned it, frowning at how hot his apartment had gotten while he was in the hospital and as a result how sweaty he was now. Well, he had to take off his pants anyway… Sliding off of the bed he limped over to the thermostat and turned it way down. He then unbuttoned his pants and let them slide to his feet so he could step out of them. He wanted his sleep pants, but given how hot his room was currently, he would be more comfortable as he was. Making his way back to his bed, he pulled the blankets down and sat down on the edge to watch Cid sleep. He looked years younger, but the wrinkles he loved so much at the corners of his eyes were still there. Smiling gently, he slid under the covers, which caused Cid to give a snort and roll onto his side away from him. Vincent’s grin widened and he snuggled up to Cid’s back, and slid his arm around the man’s chest. He kissed Cid’s shoulder once before resting his cheek against it and shutting his eyes, awake for the time being, but enjoying the contact.
Frowning and wrinkling his brow, Cid came awake slowly, murmuring, “Vince, quit th’….earfquake.” He blinked once, puzzled over the words he vaguely remembered speaking, and twisted a little so he could look back at Vincent. The corners of his mouth twitched upwards as he pressed back, snuggling more firmly against Vincent. “Tryin’a make a move on me while m’sleepin’ an’ can’t fight back, Valentine?” he asked, hand covering Vincent’s and lacing their fingers from behind.
Vincent’s grin turned tender at Cid’s mumbled demand, then he softly snorted a chuckle at the rest of it. “That’s right, Highwind,” he said softly, kissing Cid’s bare shoulder again. “I’m trying to feel you up and be inappropriate while you’re helpless. Go back to sleep.” He squeezed Cid’s hand that was over his and briefly tightened the arm that was around Cid’s torso before sliding his thigh in between Cid’s legs, pressing them more fully together. “Because that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Kay,” he muttered. He relaxed, fully intending to fall asleep again but frowning suddenly. “Says I wanna be asleep fer that?” he pouted, giving up in the beginning stages of a half-assed attempt to turn over and glare at Vincent.
Vincent laughed. “I don’t know, you were the one to start it, I just expounded on it a little.”
Cid snorted and then said, grinning, “Well, make up yer damned mind already. If y’ain’t gonna do nothin’ int’restin, I will go back t’sleep.” In a little while, anyway. For now, he was enjoying the way Vincent’s bare chest pressed against him from behind, and the way his leg fit so perfectly where it was positioned.
He really had to fight the urge to be inappropriate now. But Vincent knew that to engage in that kind of activity at this time would have been inadvisable, given the sharp ache in his chest from the position he was insisting on maintaining. “Then go back to sleep,” he grunted, bumping Cid’s buttocks with his hips once, and letting his head fall back on the pillow. He sighed a little in relief as the ache receded. “It’s been a hell of a day for both of us, and I have work to see to tomorrow. Best enjoy this moment while we have it.”
Cid chuckled again, “Y’know how t’keep a man indecisive, if nothin’ else.” There was one room he hadn’t discovered during his searching of the apartment. And he needed it now, as his bladder less-than-subtly informed him. “Where th’hell’s yer bathroom, anyway?”
Vincent laughed softly again and rolled onto his back, freeing Cid from his embrace. “It’s just around the corner to your right, you can’t miss it. Towels are in the cabinet over the toilet for when you shower.”
Cid nodded and tried not to hurry to the bathroom. After relieving himself, he felt that it was much more likely that he could back to sleep. He made note of the towels’ location but had no plans to shower just yet. In fact, he might avoid showering altogether just to see how long he could go without Vincent telling him off about it. Sounded like a plan to him. He was grinning, though still a bit groggy, when he flopped back onto the bed, this time lying on his back and looking up. Soon enough, his head rolled to the side to look at Vincent. “You oughta hook up yer machine,” he chided gently, cuddling his way closer.
“It is hooked up,” Vincent said wryly, gesturing over his shoulder with a thumb. “I just don’t want to use it if I can help it. I don’t want to become dependent on it.” When Cid had gotten up, he had watched the blond appreciatively, hand moving down to cup and rub between his legs, nearly of its own accord. He was grateful that Cid hadn’t noticed his sudden weakness, but it still had turned his cheeks pink and put the hint of a tent in his boxers. “You know, you have a tiny bladder,” he teased in an attempt to draw Cid’s attention away from the current subject matter.
Cid raised an eyebrow. “I c’d say somethin’ in return, but I think that’d get me in trouble. ‘Sides, I ain’t hit a bathroom all day, if y’d care t’notice. There was drivin’, there was you sleepin’ on me, there was more drivin’ an’ then there was more sleepin’. Plus, I got other things big enough t’make up for it if y’are tellin’ th’truth,” he added offhandedly. “Wouldn’t y’say?”
“Touché.” Vincent muttered.
Cid snorted. “S’all y’re givin’ me? Can’t I even get a little appreciation ‘r somethin’?” Turning in Vincent’s direction, he grabbed one of the smooth hands and placed it on his chest. “Got broad shoulders, fer a start. A big heart in this chest.” He grinned. “A big ego, as y’c’n tell. Anythin’ else?” he whispered, drawing closer to Vincent and placing his own hand on Vincent’s hip, noticing then the tent in the boxers that Vincent had failed to hide effectively. “Oh, Vincent…” They wanted each other so often that Cid wondered if they’d have anything to talk about when they were old…apart from discussing the way they used to want each other like crazy. “All right. I’m gonna go back t’sleep so’s you c’n stick t’yer plan. Should I turn back aroun’?”
It was Vincent’s turn to snort and he poked Cid in the side, wriggling his finger and grinning. “Nope, no point if you know it’s coming. The moment is gone.” He sniffed, affecting an obviously fake, haughty air. “But you do need to sleep. It’s been a long week for both of us and this is the first real bed you’ve had a chance to sleep in. Not to mention the first uninterrupted night’s sleep in as much time.” With a soft, labored grunt, he rolled away from Cid and fluffed his pillow as best he could -which wasn’t very impressive- and thumped his head down upon it. “And I am going to do the same.” He yawned hugely and closed his eyes. “Sleep well, Cid.” *
“Ass,” Cid fussed affectionately, and rolled toward Vincent to return the favor of snuggling against his back. He was careful with the arm he draped over his Vincent; it went around his waist rather than his chest, and he didn’t cling too tightly. “You too,” he mumbled against Vincent’s ear.
Vincent grinned and said nothing, but snuggled back into Cid’s warm body before he fell asleep once again.
Several hours later, he woke up suddenly, unable to breathe. In a blind panic he reached for his bedside lamp, knocking nearly everything off of the small table’s surface in his attempt to turn it on. In his fumbling, he encountered the plastic oxygen mask. He snatched it and brought to his face, holding it in place with one hand while the other groped for the tank’s ‘on’ switch. He found it several seconds later and the soft ‘swish’ of oxygen being sent through the tubes nearly made him sob in relief. He settled back into Cid’s arms, which tightened around him and fell asleep several minutes later. He slept until dawn.
A soft knocking on his front door woke him from the light doze he had slowly woken up into, and he thought he had imagined it. The oxygen mask had come off some time in the remnants of the night, but he was breathing all right, so didn’t worry too much about it. The knock came again, this time a little more loudly than the first and with a soft grunt. He eased out of Cid’s embrace and sat up. He tucked the blond in, kissed his forehead and reached over to switch off the oxygen so as not to waste it. He then managed to stand up, grabbing his ivory-handled cane as he did so and hobbled over to his closet to retrieve his robe. After all, it wouldn’t do to answer his front door in just his rumpled, loose boxers.
He didn’t bother to tie it, though, just held it closed once he had struggled into it, and made his way to the front door. He pulled it open just as Tseng was halfway down the hallway, a thick manila folder tucked under his arm. The Wutaian looked back over his shoulder, a small frown creasing his brow. He turned around and when he was in front of Vincent he said sternly, “You shouldn’t be up, Vincent.”
“Then you shouldn’t have come by,” Vincent replied with a small roll of his eyes. “Might as well come in, but I’ll ask you to stay quiet as Cid’s still sleeping. He’s exhausted.”
“I could say the same for you,” Tseng replied wryly as he eased around Vincent. His friend shut the door behind him.
Vincent snorted. “I’m in better shape than he is, I spent all that time sleeping or on so many painkillers you could have set a bomb off under my ass and I wouldn’t have felt it.”
“True, but Cid also didn’t have his chest blown open and his heart stop… twice.” Tseng retorted and made his way into Vincent’s sitting room.
“Point,” Vincent grunted and took a seat on the couch with a heavy ‘thump.’ His robe fell open and he just left it. The apartment was still hot and the air felt good on his skin anyway. “What’s this?”
Tseng handed him the manila folder and took a seat next to Vincent on the couch. “The papers from the probate that are requiring your signature in order to finalize. I figured since you would be holed up here you might as well as have some light reading.”
Vincent snorted and flipped open the folder.
“How are you feeling, nii-san?” Tseng asked, cocking his head, his black eyes concerned.
“About as well as could be expected given I’ve had my chest blown open and my heart stop… twice.” Vincent said wryly, not looking up from the first packet of papers dealing with ShinRa Pharaseuticals.
“I’m being serious, sir.” Tseng said, his voice clipped.
“And so am I,” Vincent said, snapping the folder closed and leveling a look at his second in command. “I’ll be fine.”
“When is your surgery?”
“Two weeks-” Vincent started, but Tseng interrupted him.
“Two. Weeks?!” Tseng all but shouted. Vincent winced and held up a finger to his lips, and Tseng toned it down. “Vincent, are you insane? There might be irreparable damage, scar tissue at the very least, if you wait that long!”
“I have no choice, Tseng. Business needs to be dealt with first. If I don’t,” Vincent rushed on before Tseng could speak, “Then they’ll eat me alive, and you know it.”
“Well, I don’t like it,” Tseng grumbled, placing his hands on the armrests of the his chair and leveling a hard stare at his nearly naked friend.
“Neither do I, Tseng.” Vincent said rubbing his face after first setting the folder next to him. “Neither do I.”
In the other room, Cid frowned. Why was someone yelling? Vincent was trying to sleep. He sat up groggily, fully intending to walk in there to tell off this intruder. He had only really half-woken, and as a result didn’t notice that Vincent was gone- nor did he notice that the blanket he’d had pulled around him was still clutched in one fist. The other rubbed at his sleep-crusted eyes as he walked into the living room and slurred, “Vincent, b’quiet. Y’re tryin’a sleep. Gonna wake up.” Wait, why were there two? One in the bed, and one- no, two here. “S’three of ya? Hell.” He frowned, blinked, and looked down at his other hand. “Damned blanket,” he muttered, and then his eyes focused and picked out Tseng from the figures on the couch. “Oh.” He shouldn’t be so tired. He hadn’t been doing anything but sleeping for far too long. That was probably the heart of the problem, anyway. He needed to be more active, so he could sleep better and not need to sleep as much. Or something. “Be glad m’not naked,” he offered to Tseng, not exactly sure what kind of point that was supposed to make.
Tseng’s attention had been drawn to the movement of Cid emerging from the bedroom. He took in the blanket clutched in the man’s fist and the rubbing of eyes and he smiled gently. It was childish. Childish but infinitely endearing. He looked then at Vincent and noticed something dramatic. His boss and old friend was smiling. Sure, he had seen Vincent smile many times before this, but they were always empty and never reached his eyes. This was different. Vincent’s whole demeanor had changed. Those red eyes, normally so cold and lifeless, had warmed and they now sparkled with a hint of impish delight. No, not impish, far from that. Tseng saw hope there. He saw before him now the man he used to know before Vincent’s life had been ripped apart. He saw emotions. And for that, he knew he would do anything for Cid. Cid had somehow given him back his friend, and for that precious gift, he had Tseng’s loyalty. But at what cost? Cid looked so tired…
Well, perhaps the worst of it was over. Maybe Vincent was finished fighting himself and had finally realized what he needed to do. And speaking of… Tseng grinned and coughed politely. When Vincent finally ripped his eyes away from the man slowly approaching them, yawning and looked at him, Tseng jerked his chin at Vincent’s lap.
Vincent took a moment to stare at Tseng, a frown of confusion on his face before he looked down and noticed the slowly-growing tent in his boxers. With a jump and a little yelp, he quickly closed his robe, blushing furiously.
“Forgive my observation but, you’ve got it bad.” Tseng chuckled.
Vincent blinked back at his second for a moment, not comprehending what Tseng meant. Then, as understanding dawned on him, Vincent spluttered. “I most certainly do not!”
Tseng smirked. “Whatever you say, sir.”
“Jerk.” Vincent muttered, face still bright red.
Tseng laughed outright at that and turned to Cid. “If you find yourself needing to do something, Mr. Highwind, there is a full gym in the Tower you’re more than welcome to use. While I don’t use it myself, Rude and Verdot have found it quite useful for burning off excess energy.”
With a snort, he said, “Yeah? Still got more muscle’n you, y’ol’ bat.” Cid made a face and flipped Tseng the bird with his free hand, then wrapped the blanket around him and walked closer. “Get off’n m’Vincent,” he grumbled at Tseng, wedging himself between them on the couch and draping a possessive arm over Vincent while shooting the other man a dirty look. “Didn’t y’say y’d be there when I woke up?” he asked, trying to pout at Vincent but failing in the face of another yawn.
Vincent rolled his eyes but ginned, turning his head a little away so that Cid wouldn’t see it and only be encouraged. He cleared his throat and met Tseng’s confused gaze, jerking his chin towards the chair opposite them. Tseng nodded and got up to make himself comfortable. “Yes, Cid, I did. But someone was at the door and it would be rude not to answer it. I apologize.”
“He’s rather protective, isn’t he, nii-san?” Tseng asked in Wutainese, smirking at Cid and crossing his legs primly.
“He is, but I’ll have him no other way, Tseng.” Vincent replied in the same tongue.
“Still, he might want to watch himself around Verdot-” Tseng started, but Vincent interrupted him with a chuckle.
“They’ve already met, and Verdot seems to take a rather odd liking to him.”
“I’m relieved, though I don’t think I envy Mr. Highwind.” Tseng said rolling his eyes, then in Midgaran he said. “Forgive me the intrusion, sir. I’ll leave momentarily, but besides leaving that paperwork for you, I wanted to inquire as to what you planned to do.”
“Do?” Vincent asked in mild confusion, reaching up absently to twine his fingers with those of the arm Cid had tossed over his shoulder. “Do about what?”
Tseng gave him a droll stare. “Genesis? Assassination plot? Or did the painkillers rob you of your memory.”
“Funny,” Vincent deadpanned. He sighed and leaned over against Cid more. “There’s nothing really we can do. Rufus was a key player in that plot, of that I’m certain, given his relationship to the President, and his death is going to force Genesis to regroup. We need to use that time to get ShinRa Pharmaseuticals straightened out and firmly under our control before we address the Rhapsodos issue.”
“But is that wise?” Tseng said, lines of worry appearing around his mouth as he frowned. “There were other players in this little game. We still don’t know Azul’s role in it and Scarlet is still dangerous. Genesis might take this opportunity to strike while ShinRa Pharmaseuticals is in disarray.”
Damn, but Tseng had a good point. He looked over at Cid. “What can we expect from Scarlet now that Shinra is dead, Cid? You know her far better than any of us. Will she pose a threat that we need to immediately address?”
Cid was not amused at the other men when they talked around him. Considering that he was also part of “the team” now…he assumed that they were talking about him, as there was nothing else to hide. He was right, not that he knew it. He made his best not-amused face, which softened immediately into a fond smile when Vincent’s fingers tangled with his own.
The smile only grew at the easy exchange between Vincent and his friend. He had a grudging respect, and perhaps affection, for Tseng, simply because he cared so much for Vincent. Still, he needed to learn that damned language. At Tseng’s question, Cid thought for a moment, sucking his teeth. “Well..ever’thing’s mostly outta whack now. None of ‘em have quick access t’Vincent now, an’ Scarlet don’t have me t’use t’get to ‘im, not that I woulda let ‘er anyway. I don’t think she’s dangerous on ‘er own. Cocky, an’ she’ll talk big, an’ maybe even turn out a half-intelligent plan. But I don’t think she had much authority in their little circle.” He nodded. “If we gotta watch out for any of ‘em, I don’t think it’ll be her. They might out ‘er completely soon as they get what they want from ‘er, on’y I ain’t sure what that is. But I think…well, I’m pretty sure the assassination wasn’t th’end product, just another step. She might still be important in that end product, but unless y’all know more’n I do, we’re still in th’dark on what that might be.” His arm tightened around Vincent’s shoulders, fingers gripping the paler ones. His eyes sought out not Tseng’s, but Vincent’s, looking for approval and confirmation.
Vincent smiled at Cid and nodded, but his eyes remained troubled. “That’s good to hear, and I think you’re right, Cid. I think the assassination was only one stepping stone on the path out of the forest. But I just don’t know what Genesis is after.” He winced as he remembered something that had yet to receive his attention. “Were you able to get anything useful out of those bandits from Junon?” He sighed and shook his head regretfully. “I should have been the one to question them.” But I was too distracted, he thought, but kept that firmly to himself. Even in hindsight, he regretted nothing.
Tseng pursed his lips. “You were otherwise occupied,” he said firmly. “I took the liberty of having Verdot question them, and there wasn’t anything really substantial there. But,” he said, “they gave us a name, and I give you one guess as to what that name was.”
“Rhapsados,” Vincent growled. “What is this man’s obsession with me? I swear it’s rapidly pulling away from being just irritating.”
“I don’t know,” Tseng sighed. “Would you like me to have Verdot make some inquiries? Perhaps go to the upper plate and see what he can see? The man can be nearly invisible.”
“No.” Vincent said firmly. “As much as I’m dying to find out what has Genesis in a twit, I don’t dare encroach on his turf without hard evidence. The last thing this city needs is an underworld civil war.” He shut his eyes and rubbed his forehead with his free hand. This was exhausting. “Okay, here’s what you’re going to do. Coordinate Reno, Rude and Verdot. Get them out on the streets and make their presence known. I need to meet with the sector bosses, so have them deliver a message. In three days they are to meet me at-”
“No.” Tseng said flatly.
“Excuse me?” Vincent said dangerously, narrowing his eyes at Tseng. “What did I just hear you say?”
“It’s one thing to allow you to meet with the board of directors of Shinra Pharmaseuticals, but I would be grossly remiss to permit you to meet with the heads of the lower plate underbelly.”
Vincent ground his teeth and leaned forward, releasing Cid’s hand and pointing at Tseng then jerking his thumb back at himself. “Must I remind you that you work for me? It is not your place to ‘allow’ or ‘permit’ me to do anything. If you think the company is going to eat me alive, then the sector bosses will pick their teeth with my bones. I’m as good as assassinated the first time I set foot outside of this tower, even with your protection!” He had become so agitated that he had begun to wheeze, but he ignored it. “Really, I should have set up a meeting with them first thing and put off the board meeting.”
So much for easy talk between close friends. Cid had started to break in when Vincent started talking meetings -he just was not up for that, no matter how much he wanted to be, and Cid knew it and knew that Vincent knew it- but Tseng had beaten him to it. He’d started, again, to nod in agreement at Tseng’s firm refusal of Vincent’s demand, but been cut off by Vincent’s angry retort, which had him raising an eyebrow and scooting a bit closer to Vincent. Then Tseng had cut in once more with a logical reason why Vincent should not push himself, and Vincent had just pulled the “I’m the boss” card again, and Cid felt as if he were watching a ping-pong match.
“Enough,” he said quietly when Vincent finished speaking the last time. He didn’t care if they wanted to argue, but now that Vincent’s breathing was sounding like that, they both needed to calm down. Cid stood and looked at Vincent calmly, solemnly, ignoring Tseng. “Either you’re gonna move back inta the bedroom where the oxygen is, or it’s gonna come out here t’you and th’two o’ y’all are gonna have a civil conversation. And don’t you dare tell me that I work for you and shouldn’t talk to ya like this.”
“He’s right nii-san,” Tseng said quietly, his face softening. “And you are wrong. It is entirely my place to say what you can and cannot do. If I didn’t, then I wouldn’t be doing my job, now would I? And if you will not listen to me as your employee, then listen to me as your friend who looks upon you as a brother. Vincent, you’re in no shape to meet with those people. Why, just arguing with me has drained you! Your lips are turning blue and your breathing is labored. Meeting with the board is one thing, you’ll be seated and calm, but you know how the meetings with the bosses always turn out!” Tseng had leaned forward in emphasis, concern and worry etched deep into his handsome face.
Vincent knew Tseng was right. He knew he needed to rest and stay under the damned oxygen mask for a while, but he hated to concede the point. Instead, he just crossed his arms over his thin chest and scowled darkly, avoiding eye contact with either of them.
That was all Tseng needed. He looked at Cid. “Make him rest this weekend. Reading is one thing; you can do that lying down.” Then to Vincent: “Your meetings have been scheduled for this week, and I’ll do as you ask and send Reno, Rude and Verdot out onto the streets to continue business as usual, but in the meantime,” he stood, looking down at Vincent’s petulant expression, “you need to rest. I’ll show myself out.” He then gave a small bow to both Vincent and Cid and did just that.
Authors: silence_laughs and calvi_sama
Pairing: Cid x Vincent
Rating: NC-17 (eventually), most certainly R
Disclaimer: We do not in any way own, nor profit from, the characters and/or locations of FFVII, that would all be SquareEnix. Also any other references to persons or products mentioned herein are purely coincidental *coughs*, and where they are not then they belong to their respective writers, producers, directors, or other individuals/companies listed under that sneaky little thing called a "copyright".
Warnings: Adult themes, blood, some violence, language, kidnapping, torture, mentions of abuse, murder, and above all else...yaoi, the 'inappropriate to minors' kind, the 'makes us sit up past our bedtimes reading' kind, 'cause lets face it folks, it just wouldn't be the same without it! >:3
Summary: Even as Cid fights to show Vincent it’s okay to love again, Vincent’s enemies are moving in. Can Cid secure a place in Vincent’s heart before their world falls apart?
A/N: Two things folks: 1) This is an RP and 2) This fic is AU. The usual players here: silence = Cid, and all in Cid's world, and yours truly = Vincent, and all in Vin's world. Easiest way to say it. ^^ This fic is a 'novel'-form piece (ie multi-chapter) that is darker than what we normally write, and out of our comfort zone in the fact that we normally prefer to stick to canon-type stuff. But I got the idea from ani_mama 's artwork (more specifically this picture), persuaded silence to "go along with it", and it's been going 'full steam ahead' since then, and quite grown on us. We hope you all like it! Icon art provided by silk_weaver .
Note as of 11/12/2017 - We're not sure if there is anyone still around to read more installments of this story as we've grossly neglected it. So much time has gone by that I almost didn't remember how to post on this forum! We've dragged this sucker out of the mothballs and are determined to finish it. We're so very, very close! We apologize to anyone who had been following this story and enjoyed it and it feels almost like a copout to blame real life, but that's what's to blame. Silence has moved to grad school and I've been so busy with my job that by the time I get home I'm exhausted, so writing for the both of us has been waaay on the back burner to say the least. So, if you're still out there, dear reader, this chapter is for you. Please enjoy...
Chapter 57
Vincent startled awake rather abruptly, propping himself up on his elbow and blinking blearily, then wincing at the sharp pain that movement had caused. Easing himself into a more comfortable position he looked over at Cid who was sprawled on his back one arm resting over his forehead and the other flopped off the side of the bed. He chuckled and propped himself up into a sitting position, his hands going to his shirt. Slowly he unbuttoned it, frowning at how hot his apartment had gotten while he was in the hospital and as a result how sweaty he was now. Well, he had to take off his pants anyway… Sliding off of the bed he limped over to the thermostat and turned it way down. He then unbuttoned his pants and let them slide to his feet so he could step out of them. He wanted his sleep pants, but given how hot his room was currently, he would be more comfortable as he was. Making his way back to his bed, he pulled the blankets down and sat down on the edge to watch Cid sleep. He looked years younger, but the wrinkles he loved so much at the corners of his eyes were still there. Smiling gently, he slid under the covers, which caused Cid to give a snort and roll onto his side away from him. Vincent’s grin widened and he snuggled up to Cid’s back, and slid his arm around the man’s chest. He kissed Cid’s shoulder once before resting his cheek against it and shutting his eyes, awake for the time being, but enjoying the contact.
Frowning and wrinkling his brow, Cid came awake slowly, murmuring, “Vince, quit th’….earfquake.” He blinked once, puzzled over the words he vaguely remembered speaking, and twisted a little so he could look back at Vincent. The corners of his mouth twitched upwards as he pressed back, snuggling more firmly against Vincent. “Tryin’a make a move on me while m’sleepin’ an’ can’t fight back, Valentine?” he asked, hand covering Vincent’s and lacing their fingers from behind.
Vincent’s grin turned tender at Cid’s mumbled demand, then he softly snorted a chuckle at the rest of it. “That’s right, Highwind,” he said softly, kissing Cid’s bare shoulder again. “I’m trying to feel you up and be inappropriate while you’re helpless. Go back to sleep.” He squeezed Cid’s hand that was over his and briefly tightened the arm that was around Cid’s torso before sliding his thigh in between Cid’s legs, pressing them more fully together. “Because that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Kay,” he muttered. He relaxed, fully intending to fall asleep again but frowning suddenly. “Says I wanna be asleep fer that?” he pouted, giving up in the beginning stages of a half-assed attempt to turn over and glare at Vincent.
Vincent laughed. “I don’t know, you were the one to start it, I just expounded on it a little.”
Cid snorted and then said, grinning, “Well, make up yer damned mind already. If y’ain’t gonna do nothin’ int’restin, I will go back t’sleep.” In a little while, anyway. For now, he was enjoying the way Vincent’s bare chest pressed against him from behind, and the way his leg fit so perfectly where it was positioned.
He really had to fight the urge to be inappropriate now. But Vincent knew that to engage in that kind of activity at this time would have been inadvisable, given the sharp ache in his chest from the position he was insisting on maintaining. “Then go back to sleep,” he grunted, bumping Cid’s buttocks with his hips once, and letting his head fall back on the pillow. He sighed a little in relief as the ache receded. “It’s been a hell of a day for both of us, and I have work to see to tomorrow. Best enjoy this moment while we have it.”
Cid chuckled again, “Y’know how t’keep a man indecisive, if nothin’ else.” There was one room he hadn’t discovered during his searching of the apartment. And he needed it now, as his bladder less-than-subtly informed him. “Where th’hell’s yer bathroom, anyway?”
Vincent laughed softly again and rolled onto his back, freeing Cid from his embrace. “It’s just around the corner to your right, you can’t miss it. Towels are in the cabinet over the toilet for when you shower.”
Cid nodded and tried not to hurry to the bathroom. After relieving himself, he felt that it was much more likely that he could back to sleep. He made note of the towels’ location but had no plans to shower just yet. In fact, he might avoid showering altogether just to see how long he could go without Vincent telling him off about it. Sounded like a plan to him. He was grinning, though still a bit groggy, when he flopped back onto the bed, this time lying on his back and looking up. Soon enough, his head rolled to the side to look at Vincent. “You oughta hook up yer machine,” he chided gently, cuddling his way closer.
“It is hooked up,” Vincent said wryly, gesturing over his shoulder with a thumb. “I just don’t want to use it if I can help it. I don’t want to become dependent on it.” When Cid had gotten up, he had watched the blond appreciatively, hand moving down to cup and rub between his legs, nearly of its own accord. He was grateful that Cid hadn’t noticed his sudden weakness, but it still had turned his cheeks pink and put the hint of a tent in his boxers. “You know, you have a tiny bladder,” he teased in an attempt to draw Cid’s attention away from the current subject matter.
Cid raised an eyebrow. “I c’d say somethin’ in return, but I think that’d get me in trouble. ‘Sides, I ain’t hit a bathroom all day, if y’d care t’notice. There was drivin’, there was you sleepin’ on me, there was more drivin’ an’ then there was more sleepin’. Plus, I got other things big enough t’make up for it if y’are tellin’ th’truth,” he added offhandedly. “Wouldn’t y’say?”
“Touché.” Vincent muttered.
Cid snorted. “S’all y’re givin’ me? Can’t I even get a little appreciation ‘r somethin’?” Turning in Vincent’s direction, he grabbed one of the smooth hands and placed it on his chest. “Got broad shoulders, fer a start. A big heart in this chest.” He grinned. “A big ego, as y’c’n tell. Anythin’ else?” he whispered, drawing closer to Vincent and placing his own hand on Vincent’s hip, noticing then the tent in the boxers that Vincent had failed to hide effectively. “Oh, Vincent…” They wanted each other so often that Cid wondered if they’d have anything to talk about when they were old…apart from discussing the way they used to want each other like crazy. “All right. I’m gonna go back t’sleep so’s you c’n stick t’yer plan. Should I turn back aroun’?”
It was Vincent’s turn to snort and he poked Cid in the side, wriggling his finger and grinning. “Nope, no point if you know it’s coming. The moment is gone.” He sniffed, affecting an obviously fake, haughty air. “But you do need to sleep. It’s been a long week for both of us and this is the first real bed you’ve had a chance to sleep in. Not to mention the first uninterrupted night’s sleep in as much time.” With a soft, labored grunt, he rolled away from Cid and fluffed his pillow as best he could -which wasn’t very impressive- and thumped his head down upon it. “And I am going to do the same.” He yawned hugely and closed his eyes. “Sleep well, Cid.” *
“Ass,” Cid fussed affectionately, and rolled toward Vincent to return the favor of snuggling against his back. He was careful with the arm he draped over his Vincent; it went around his waist rather than his chest, and he didn’t cling too tightly. “You too,” he mumbled against Vincent’s ear.
Vincent grinned and said nothing, but snuggled back into Cid’s warm body before he fell asleep once again.
Several hours later, he woke up suddenly, unable to breathe. In a blind panic he reached for his bedside lamp, knocking nearly everything off of the small table’s surface in his attempt to turn it on. In his fumbling, he encountered the plastic oxygen mask. He snatched it and brought to his face, holding it in place with one hand while the other groped for the tank’s ‘on’ switch. He found it several seconds later and the soft ‘swish’ of oxygen being sent through the tubes nearly made him sob in relief. He settled back into Cid’s arms, which tightened around him and fell asleep several minutes later. He slept until dawn.
A soft knocking on his front door woke him from the light doze he had slowly woken up into, and he thought he had imagined it. The oxygen mask had come off some time in the remnants of the night, but he was breathing all right, so didn’t worry too much about it. The knock came again, this time a little more loudly than the first and with a soft grunt. He eased out of Cid’s embrace and sat up. He tucked the blond in, kissed his forehead and reached over to switch off the oxygen so as not to waste it. He then managed to stand up, grabbing his ivory-handled cane as he did so and hobbled over to his closet to retrieve his robe. After all, it wouldn’t do to answer his front door in just his rumpled, loose boxers.
He didn’t bother to tie it, though, just held it closed once he had struggled into it, and made his way to the front door. He pulled it open just as Tseng was halfway down the hallway, a thick manila folder tucked under his arm. The Wutaian looked back over his shoulder, a small frown creasing his brow. He turned around and when he was in front of Vincent he said sternly, “You shouldn’t be up, Vincent.”
“Then you shouldn’t have come by,” Vincent replied with a small roll of his eyes. “Might as well come in, but I’ll ask you to stay quiet as Cid’s still sleeping. He’s exhausted.”
“I could say the same for you,” Tseng replied wryly as he eased around Vincent. His friend shut the door behind him.
Vincent snorted. “I’m in better shape than he is, I spent all that time sleeping or on so many painkillers you could have set a bomb off under my ass and I wouldn’t have felt it.”
“True, but Cid also didn’t have his chest blown open and his heart stop… twice.” Tseng retorted and made his way into Vincent’s sitting room.
“Point,” Vincent grunted and took a seat on the couch with a heavy ‘thump.’ His robe fell open and he just left it. The apartment was still hot and the air felt good on his skin anyway. “What’s this?”
Tseng handed him the manila folder and took a seat next to Vincent on the couch. “The papers from the probate that are requiring your signature in order to finalize. I figured since you would be holed up here you might as well as have some light reading.”
Vincent snorted and flipped open the folder.
“How are you feeling, nii-san?” Tseng asked, cocking his head, his black eyes concerned.
“About as well as could be expected given I’ve had my chest blown open and my heart stop… twice.” Vincent said wryly, not looking up from the first packet of papers dealing with ShinRa Pharaseuticals.
“I’m being serious, sir.” Tseng said, his voice clipped.
“And so am I,” Vincent said, snapping the folder closed and leveling a look at his second in command. “I’ll be fine.”
“When is your surgery?”
“Two weeks-” Vincent started, but Tseng interrupted him.
“Two. Weeks?!” Tseng all but shouted. Vincent winced and held up a finger to his lips, and Tseng toned it down. “Vincent, are you insane? There might be irreparable damage, scar tissue at the very least, if you wait that long!”
“I have no choice, Tseng. Business needs to be dealt with first. If I don’t,” Vincent rushed on before Tseng could speak, “Then they’ll eat me alive, and you know it.”
“Well, I don’t like it,” Tseng grumbled, placing his hands on the armrests of the his chair and leveling a hard stare at his nearly naked friend.
“Neither do I, Tseng.” Vincent said rubbing his face after first setting the folder next to him. “Neither do I.”
In the other room, Cid frowned. Why was someone yelling? Vincent was trying to sleep. He sat up groggily, fully intending to walk in there to tell off this intruder. He had only really half-woken, and as a result didn’t notice that Vincent was gone- nor did he notice that the blanket he’d had pulled around him was still clutched in one fist. The other rubbed at his sleep-crusted eyes as he walked into the living room and slurred, “Vincent, b’quiet. Y’re tryin’a sleep. Gonna wake up.” Wait, why were there two? One in the bed, and one- no, two here. “S’three of ya? Hell.” He frowned, blinked, and looked down at his other hand. “Damned blanket,” he muttered, and then his eyes focused and picked out Tseng from the figures on the couch. “Oh.” He shouldn’t be so tired. He hadn’t been doing anything but sleeping for far too long. That was probably the heart of the problem, anyway. He needed to be more active, so he could sleep better and not need to sleep as much. Or something. “Be glad m’not naked,” he offered to Tseng, not exactly sure what kind of point that was supposed to make.
Tseng’s attention had been drawn to the movement of Cid emerging from the bedroom. He took in the blanket clutched in the man’s fist and the rubbing of eyes and he smiled gently. It was childish. Childish but infinitely endearing. He looked then at Vincent and noticed something dramatic. His boss and old friend was smiling. Sure, he had seen Vincent smile many times before this, but they were always empty and never reached his eyes. This was different. Vincent’s whole demeanor had changed. Those red eyes, normally so cold and lifeless, had warmed and they now sparkled with a hint of impish delight. No, not impish, far from that. Tseng saw hope there. He saw before him now the man he used to know before Vincent’s life had been ripped apart. He saw emotions. And for that, he knew he would do anything for Cid. Cid had somehow given him back his friend, and for that precious gift, he had Tseng’s loyalty. But at what cost? Cid looked so tired…
Well, perhaps the worst of it was over. Maybe Vincent was finished fighting himself and had finally realized what he needed to do. And speaking of… Tseng grinned and coughed politely. When Vincent finally ripped his eyes away from the man slowly approaching them, yawning and looked at him, Tseng jerked his chin at Vincent’s lap.
Vincent took a moment to stare at Tseng, a frown of confusion on his face before he looked down and noticed the slowly-growing tent in his boxers. With a jump and a little yelp, he quickly closed his robe, blushing furiously.
“Forgive my observation but, you’ve got it bad.” Tseng chuckled.
Vincent blinked back at his second for a moment, not comprehending what Tseng meant. Then, as understanding dawned on him, Vincent spluttered. “I most certainly do not!”
Tseng smirked. “Whatever you say, sir.”
“Jerk.” Vincent muttered, face still bright red.
Tseng laughed outright at that and turned to Cid. “If you find yourself needing to do something, Mr. Highwind, there is a full gym in the Tower you’re more than welcome to use. While I don’t use it myself, Rude and Verdot have found it quite useful for burning off excess energy.”
With a snort, he said, “Yeah? Still got more muscle’n you, y’ol’ bat.” Cid made a face and flipped Tseng the bird with his free hand, then wrapped the blanket around him and walked closer. “Get off’n m’Vincent,” he grumbled at Tseng, wedging himself between them on the couch and draping a possessive arm over Vincent while shooting the other man a dirty look. “Didn’t y’say y’d be there when I woke up?” he asked, trying to pout at Vincent but failing in the face of another yawn.
Vincent rolled his eyes but ginned, turning his head a little away so that Cid wouldn’t see it and only be encouraged. He cleared his throat and met Tseng’s confused gaze, jerking his chin towards the chair opposite them. Tseng nodded and got up to make himself comfortable. “Yes, Cid, I did. But someone was at the door and it would be rude not to answer it. I apologize.”
“He’s rather protective, isn’t he, nii-san?” Tseng asked in Wutainese, smirking at Cid and crossing his legs primly.
“He is, but I’ll have him no other way, Tseng.” Vincent replied in the same tongue.
“Still, he might want to watch himself around Verdot-” Tseng started, but Vincent interrupted him with a chuckle.
“They’ve already met, and Verdot seems to take a rather odd liking to him.”
“I’m relieved, though I don’t think I envy Mr. Highwind.” Tseng said rolling his eyes, then in Midgaran he said. “Forgive me the intrusion, sir. I’ll leave momentarily, but besides leaving that paperwork for you, I wanted to inquire as to what you planned to do.”
“Do?” Vincent asked in mild confusion, reaching up absently to twine his fingers with those of the arm Cid had tossed over his shoulder. “Do about what?”
Tseng gave him a droll stare. “Genesis? Assassination plot? Or did the painkillers rob you of your memory.”
“Funny,” Vincent deadpanned. He sighed and leaned over against Cid more. “There’s nothing really we can do. Rufus was a key player in that plot, of that I’m certain, given his relationship to the President, and his death is going to force Genesis to regroup. We need to use that time to get ShinRa Pharmaseuticals straightened out and firmly under our control before we address the Rhapsodos issue.”
“But is that wise?” Tseng said, lines of worry appearing around his mouth as he frowned. “There were other players in this little game. We still don’t know Azul’s role in it and Scarlet is still dangerous. Genesis might take this opportunity to strike while ShinRa Pharmaseuticals is in disarray.”
Damn, but Tseng had a good point. He looked over at Cid. “What can we expect from Scarlet now that Shinra is dead, Cid? You know her far better than any of us. Will she pose a threat that we need to immediately address?”
Cid was not amused at the other men when they talked around him. Considering that he was also part of “the team” now…he assumed that they were talking about him, as there was nothing else to hide. He was right, not that he knew it. He made his best not-amused face, which softened immediately into a fond smile when Vincent’s fingers tangled with his own.
The smile only grew at the easy exchange between Vincent and his friend. He had a grudging respect, and perhaps affection, for Tseng, simply because he cared so much for Vincent. Still, he needed to learn that damned language. At Tseng’s question, Cid thought for a moment, sucking his teeth. “Well..ever’thing’s mostly outta whack now. None of ‘em have quick access t’Vincent now, an’ Scarlet don’t have me t’use t’get to ‘im, not that I woulda let ‘er anyway. I don’t think she’s dangerous on ‘er own. Cocky, an’ she’ll talk big, an’ maybe even turn out a half-intelligent plan. But I don’t think she had much authority in their little circle.” He nodded. “If we gotta watch out for any of ‘em, I don’t think it’ll be her. They might out ‘er completely soon as they get what they want from ‘er, on’y I ain’t sure what that is. But I think…well, I’m pretty sure the assassination wasn’t th’end product, just another step. She might still be important in that end product, but unless y’all know more’n I do, we’re still in th’dark on what that might be.” His arm tightened around Vincent’s shoulders, fingers gripping the paler ones. His eyes sought out not Tseng’s, but Vincent’s, looking for approval and confirmation.
Vincent smiled at Cid and nodded, but his eyes remained troubled. “That’s good to hear, and I think you’re right, Cid. I think the assassination was only one stepping stone on the path out of the forest. But I just don’t know what Genesis is after.” He winced as he remembered something that had yet to receive his attention. “Were you able to get anything useful out of those bandits from Junon?” He sighed and shook his head regretfully. “I should have been the one to question them.” But I was too distracted, he thought, but kept that firmly to himself. Even in hindsight, he regretted nothing.
Tseng pursed his lips. “You were otherwise occupied,” he said firmly. “I took the liberty of having Verdot question them, and there wasn’t anything really substantial there. But,” he said, “they gave us a name, and I give you one guess as to what that name was.”
“Rhapsados,” Vincent growled. “What is this man’s obsession with me? I swear it’s rapidly pulling away from being just irritating.”
“I don’t know,” Tseng sighed. “Would you like me to have Verdot make some inquiries? Perhaps go to the upper plate and see what he can see? The man can be nearly invisible.”
“No.” Vincent said firmly. “As much as I’m dying to find out what has Genesis in a twit, I don’t dare encroach on his turf without hard evidence. The last thing this city needs is an underworld civil war.” He shut his eyes and rubbed his forehead with his free hand. This was exhausting. “Okay, here’s what you’re going to do. Coordinate Reno, Rude and Verdot. Get them out on the streets and make their presence known. I need to meet with the sector bosses, so have them deliver a message. In three days they are to meet me at-”
“No.” Tseng said flatly.
“Excuse me?” Vincent said dangerously, narrowing his eyes at Tseng. “What did I just hear you say?”
“It’s one thing to allow you to meet with the board of directors of Shinra Pharmaseuticals, but I would be grossly remiss to permit you to meet with the heads of the lower plate underbelly.”
Vincent ground his teeth and leaned forward, releasing Cid’s hand and pointing at Tseng then jerking his thumb back at himself. “Must I remind you that you work for me? It is not your place to ‘allow’ or ‘permit’ me to do anything. If you think the company is going to eat me alive, then the sector bosses will pick their teeth with my bones. I’m as good as assassinated the first time I set foot outside of this tower, even with your protection!” He had become so agitated that he had begun to wheeze, but he ignored it. “Really, I should have set up a meeting with them first thing and put off the board meeting.”
So much for easy talk between close friends. Cid had started to break in when Vincent started talking meetings -he just was not up for that, no matter how much he wanted to be, and Cid knew it and knew that Vincent knew it- but Tseng had beaten him to it. He’d started, again, to nod in agreement at Tseng’s firm refusal of Vincent’s demand, but been cut off by Vincent’s angry retort, which had him raising an eyebrow and scooting a bit closer to Vincent. Then Tseng had cut in once more with a logical reason why Vincent should not push himself, and Vincent had just pulled the “I’m the boss” card again, and Cid felt as if he were watching a ping-pong match.
“Enough,” he said quietly when Vincent finished speaking the last time. He didn’t care if they wanted to argue, but now that Vincent’s breathing was sounding like that, they both needed to calm down. Cid stood and looked at Vincent calmly, solemnly, ignoring Tseng. “Either you’re gonna move back inta the bedroom where the oxygen is, or it’s gonna come out here t’you and th’two o’ y’all are gonna have a civil conversation. And don’t you dare tell me that I work for you and shouldn’t talk to ya like this.”
“He’s right nii-san,” Tseng said quietly, his face softening. “And you are wrong. It is entirely my place to say what you can and cannot do. If I didn’t, then I wouldn’t be doing my job, now would I? And if you will not listen to me as your employee, then listen to me as your friend who looks upon you as a brother. Vincent, you’re in no shape to meet with those people. Why, just arguing with me has drained you! Your lips are turning blue and your breathing is labored. Meeting with the board is one thing, you’ll be seated and calm, but you know how the meetings with the bosses always turn out!” Tseng had leaned forward in emphasis, concern and worry etched deep into his handsome face.
Vincent knew Tseng was right. He knew he needed to rest and stay under the damned oxygen mask for a while, but he hated to concede the point. Instead, he just crossed his arms over his thin chest and scowled darkly, avoiding eye contact with either of them.
That was all Tseng needed. He looked at Cid. “Make him rest this weekend. Reading is one thing; you can do that lying down.” Then to Vincent: “Your meetings have been scheduled for this week, and I’ll do as you ask and send Reno, Rude and Verdot out onto the streets to continue business as usual, but in the meantime,” he stood, looking down at Vincent’s petulant expression, “you need to rest. I’ll show myself out.” He then gave a small bow to both Vincent and Cid and did just that.