Someday: Prt 4

“Damn, ya'll're already popping out kids, eh?”  A very energetic, and very drunk regular exclaimed, strolling up to them, as they entered the bar.  He nudged Cid, in the side, with his elbow.  “Good night, eh, Highwind?”

Denzel stirred as Cid shoved the man away.  “Shut up, Chuck.  Shouldn't you be getting home?”

“Pssht.”  Chuck laughed, falling onto one of the couches.  “Why would I wanna go home, when it's so great here?”  He continued to laugh, but they ignored him.  However, Denzel had woken up, staring blearily around the bar.  “Where are we?”

“We're home, Kid-o.”

“Oh, that's where you guys were.”  Tifa made her way towards them, dressed in a fluffy violet robe.  She was sitting on the couch, waiting up for them.  Denzel climbed down, and she rushed over, throwing her arms around him.  “I was so worried.”

“Barret knew they were with us.”  Cid commented, planting his fists on his hips.  “Why didn't he tell ya?”

Tifa stood up straight, rolling her eyes.  “He's in no condition to say anything.”  She pointed back towards the bar, where Yuffie was passed out, and Barret was talking animatedly with a few patrons.  He was obviously shit-faced.

“Yea, he sounded drunk.”  Vincent mentioned.

Tifa sighed, turning her attention back to Denzel, who looked like he might fall asleep, on his feet.  “Alright, you head on up to bed.  We'll talk about this tomorrow.”

“Ok.”  Denzel rubbed his eyes, heading towards the stairs.  “Good night, everyone.”

“Good night, Denzel.”

Marlene hummed, in her sleep.  She wasn't waking up any time soon.  “I'll go put her to bed.”  Vincent stated, following after Denzel.

Tifa's eyes followed him, till he was out of sight.  Reeve and Yuffie did a good job.  With a bright smile, she turned back to Cid.  “Vincent seems to be in a good mood.”

Cid had watched him up the stairs, as well, and let out a wistful sigh.  “Yea, I think he is.  To be honest, even though I would've liked some alone time, I think those kids saved my ass.”

Tifa smiled.  “Well, that's good to hear, but hey, the night is young.”

“Eh, the night will be decrepit, before that happens.”  He started towards the stairs.  “So, where's Cloud?”

A mischievous smirk slid onto her face, as she walked along with him.  “Sleeping.”

Cid laughed.  “Wore him out, huh?”

“Apparently, he's not so young either.”

“Yea, sure.”  Cid caught another look around the bar.  “What about Sherra?”

“Uh?”  She scanned the room as well.  “I don't actually know.  Maybe she crashed.”

“Yea, maybe.”  Cid sighed, taking one more look around the room.  The only people in there were the three talking with Barret, and Yuffie passed out, over the bar.  “I was considering crashing here too.”

“Ooh, what a shocker.”  Tifa snarked, folding her arms.

“I don't need your sass.”  Cid smirked at her, with a wink, heading up the stairs.

Tifa shook her head.  “Good night, Cid.”

He waved back.  “Night.”

xXx

Vincent laid Marlene in her bed.  He figured it wouldn't be too much of an issue to let her sleep in her dress, but removed the shoes.  She rolled onto her side, clutching the stuffed cactuar as he pulled the blanket around her shoulders.  Vincent's hand lingered on her head, then started undoing her braid.  Her hair had gotten pretty long, over the years.  Every day she was growing more and more into a beautiful young lady.  It might not be such a bad thing to witness the full transformation.

The door creaked open, drawing his attention to Cid's entrance.  “Hey.  She's zonked, huh?”

“Oh yea.”  Vincent smiled, rising to his feet.  “Out, like a light.  What are you up to, now?”

“Well, our date ain't quite over.”  Cid chimed, speaking in low tones.

“What do you mean?”

“I am a true gentleman.”  He extended his arm again.  This time Vincent didn't hesitate to take it, allowing himself to be lead from the room.  “The date doesn't end, until I walk you to your door.”

Vincent laughed.  “You're just vying for attention, aren't you?”

“Only if it's yours.”  Cid stated, beaming up at him.  “Have I told you how good it feels to see you smile?”

Vincent's face reddened, his gaze shifting to the floor, but the smile remained.  “You've mentioned it.”

“You're not gonna start gettin nervous on me again, are ya?”

Vincent sighed, looking up at his door.  “Maybe a little.”

“I've already told ya, 'You don't owe me anything.'”  Cid smiled up at him, taking Vincent's hands, in his own.  “And I meant it.  So, good night.”  He placed a kiss on his hand.  “And I will see you tomorrow.”  That understanding smile stayed ever present as he headed for his room.  There may have been a touch of aggravation, but Cid was mostly glad he'd gotten this positive of a reaction.

Vincent let out a shaky sigh, his hand drifting up to the locket, hanging around his neck.  His other hand reached out, and grabbed Cid's arm.  “Wait a minute.”

Cid was legitimately surprised, turning towards him, as Vincent stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Cid's neck.  The surprise didn't last long, and Cid held him close, again, feeling his heart beating hard against his chest.

“You really are amazing, Cid.”  He drew his head back, resting their foreheads together.  Cid could feel the heat of Vincent's breath against his lips, as he spoke.  “And I do owe you this.”  His hand pulled back, until it was resting against his shoulder.  “I have for some time, now.”  Still a bit hesitant, Vincent pressed their lips together, before he fully lost his nerve.

Cid's arms tightened around him, but forced himself to restrain from pushing too hard.  He could feel Vincent's lips trembling against his.  Hopefully, he had the power to make that fear leave him as well.

A bright flash startled them.  Vincent audibly gasped, and jumped backwards, his hand snapping to the handle of his door.

“Damn it, Yuffie.”  Cid growled, swiveling around to the photographer.  “What the hell is... Sherra?”  He paused, staring slack-jawed at his mechanic, who was grinning sheepishly.  His eyes narrowed venomously on her.  “Why the hell would you do that!?”

Sherra backed up a few steps, holding the camera defensively, since Cid looked as if he may run over and strangle her.  “I'm sorry.  I was spying on you, and it was just too adorable to pass up.”

“You were what!?”  Cid's face was an alarming shade of red.

“Bye.”  Sherra yipped, bolting down the staircase.

Cid might have been ready to chase her down, and give her what for, but let out a deep growling sigh, turning his attention back to Vincent.  He touched a hand, to his cheek, drawing his attention away from the stairs.  “You alright?”

Vincent breathed out, sounding as if he'd been holding his breath, and smiled nervously.  “I think Sherra's been spending too much time with Yuffie.”

“I think she's been drinking.”  Cid stepped closer.  “You didn't answer my question.”

Some of the tension drained from Vincent's smile.  “I'm ok.”

“That's good to hear.”  This time, Cid took the initiative, cautiously leaning up to kiss him.  Considering Vincent leaned into the kiss, any reservations vanished.  His lips were still trembling, and he made a soft whimpering noise, but Vincent's arms wrapped around his neck again.  It was difficult to judge just how far to push this.  Before long, Cid started to feel some problems arise, and realized he was pushing Vincent back, against the door.  Reluctantly, he broke the kiss, and stepped back, before Vincent noticed what was going on.  Cid took a deep breath, unable to gauge Vincent's reaction.  “You still doin ok?”

Vincent dislodged his bottom lip, from between his teeth and smiled.  “It seems I am.”  His voice sounded as though he was having trouble catching his breath.

“Good.”  Cid laughed, also finding breathing difficult.  “Really good.”  He forced himself to back away further.  “Well, it's late.  We should get some sleep.”

Vincent nodded, finding he couldn't quite look at Cid.  “Most likely.”

“Well, g'night, Vince.”  Cid stole another quick kiss, unable to hide his broad grin, as he opened the door to his designated room.

“Good night, Cid.”

“Oh, it's a great night.”  Cid laughed, ducking into his room before he could grab Vincent again.

Vincent finally allowed himself to breath, his weak knees dropping him against the door.  An exclamation of joy, from the door to his right, brought a wide smile onto his face, eyes drifting up to the ceiling.  His hand inched back up to the silver locket, able to feel the rapid heartbeat against his fingers.

There was a faint click, to his left, this time not coupled with a flash.  Sherra lowered the camera, holding her hands up in surrender.  “Last one, I swear.”  She stepped closer.  “I've just never seen you smile like that, and wanted to preserve the memory, in case I never saw it again.”  Her hands locked innocently, behind her back.  “Cid was right.  It really is good to see you so happy.”

Vincent chuckled.  “Y'know my partner liked to snap random photos of me, as well.  I can't even count how many times he had to fix his camera.”

Sherra laughed.  “Point taken.  Though, I really am sorry that I scared you.  In hindsight, that was stupid.”

Vincent shook his head.  “It's alright.  I suppose it was a good test.”

She stepped closer, touching a hand to Vincent's arm.  “Well, I'm relieved to know you had a good time.  Cid really cares for you, and I've been rootin for you two, for a while.”

Vincent watched her, trying to read how much she really meant that.  Even if Cid had no romantic attachment to Sherra, that didn't mean it was mutual.  However, she appeared completely sincere, in her sentiment.

“I'm gonna turn in.”  Sherra perched on her toes, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.  “Good night, Vincent.”

Strange how her kissing him wasn't as nerve wracking.  “Good night, Sherra.

xXx

“I got photographic proof, Wallace.”  Sherra exclaimed, plopping the camera onto the bar, the next morning.  “You owe me thirty gil.”

Barret's jaw dropped.  “No fucking way.”

Tifa rushed over, from her position, at the other end of the bar.  “Really?”

Yuffie was laying, with her head on the bar, an ice pack resting on top.  “Wait a minute.”  She removed the ice pack, lifting her head.  “The bet was that Vincent kissed him.  Cid couldn't do it.”

“I know.”  Sherra chimed, sliding onto one of the stools.  She flipped through the pictures, on her camera, until she found the right one, and showed it to them.  “And he did.”

Tifa looked over the image, beaming.  It certainly looked like Vincent was the instigator.  “Fantastic.”  Then something occurred to her.  “Wait a minute.  You took a picture of them?  Are you crazy?”

“I may have startled them, but they were just so cute.”  Sherra flushed, twiddling her fingers.  “It didn't seem to discourage them.”  She reached over, proceeding to the next image.  “I also got a nice shot of Vincent goin all weak in the knees, when he thought no one was watching.”

Tifa awed, feeling like a proud mother.  She had never seen Vincent that happy.  Yuffie and Barret leaned over, to get a better look.  “Wow.”  Yuffie stated.  “He looks good, when he smiles.  Maybe if Cid doesn't work out, I can take a crack at him.”

Barret snorted.  “Like Vincent'd go for a brat like you.”

“Oh, bite me.”

The front door to the bar flew open, as Reeve rushed towards them.  “Alright, I'm here.”  He slammed his hands down on the bar, beaming excitedly.  “What happened?”

Tifa flipped back to the previous image, holding the camera up to Reeve.  Reeve's face lit up, similarly to Tifa's, taking the camera.  “Oh.  Brilliant.  You must have scared the living hell outta Vincent, when you took this.”

Sherra laughed.  “Both of them, actually.  But Vincent didn't object when Cid kissed him again.”

“That is great.”

“I'd say we call this a success.”  Tifa stated, beamed.

“Damn straight.”  Reeve answered, holding out a hand for a high five.  Tifa barely got the slap out, when a pair of hands grabbed her.  She yipped as Cloud bent her backwards, laying a kiss on her.  With his girl straightened up again, he rested an arm on her shoulder.  “What's a success?”

“What do you think?”  Reeve answered, passing on the camera to Cloud.  Cloud took it, eyes widening on the image.  “Oh yea.”  He laughed.  “Go Cid.  So, where are they now?”

“Still asleep, I think.”  Sherra responded.

“Ooh, asleep, huh?”  Yuffie chimed.  She might still be a bit tipsy.  “Was there some action last night?”

Sherra, Tifa, and Reeve laughed.  “I think Vincent's a ways from that.”

A small chuckle drew Reeve's attention towards the staircase.  “And there's our brilliant little actors.”  There was a short round of applause as Marlene and Denzel trotted down the stairs.  Marlene gave a deep bow, as Denzel climbed onto a stool.  He snorted.  “Yea brilliant actors.  I got in trouble, and burned my hand.”

“I told you not to touch the pipe.”  Marlene laughed, sitting down next to him.

“Well, we had to get their attention somehow.”

“We could've found another way.”  She turned a scornful eye to Barret, banging a hand on the bar.  “Papa, why did you call me?”

“I was uh-”  Barret started, shuffling in his brain for an excuse.  “Trying to see how it was going.”

“Yea right.”  Yuffie laughed.  “You got drunk and forgot where they were.”

“Shut up.”  Barret huffed, pouring himself a cup of coffee.  “Although, I didn't expect Vincent to answer.  Tell ya what though.”  He mixed in some creamer, holding it up to them.  “If he can lie like that, Cid better watch his ass.”

“Papa.”  Barret didn't even need the scold since he was already digging in his pocket, and dropped the bill in a mostly full glass jar.

“Well, let's not forget who's the real mastermind here.”  Reeve stated, clapping his hands on Marlene's shoulders.  “Our brilliant little spy.”

Marlene beamed with pride.

“What was that?”  All heads swiveled around to see Cid marching down the stairs towards them.  He looked around the proud, yet startled gaggle.  “What did ya'll do?”

“We saved your date.”  Marlene answered, undeterred.  “You were bombing.”

Cid scowled, and loomed over her, dropping a hand on the bar.  “I was not bombing.”

Marlene and Denzel exchanged looks, before they both responded, “You were bombing.”

Cid rolled his eyes, with a growl.

“Oh please, Cid.”  Tifa commented.  “You admitted yourself that the kids saved you.”

“That was only because their presence helped him relax, for some reason.”  Cid said, moving behind the bar to make him some coffee as well.  

“Hey, they got you to second base.”  Tifa noted, handing him the camera.  Cid took it, failing to hide his smile.

Sherra beamed.  Guess he still didn't want to kill her, for taking that.

Marlene smirked, resting her chin on her hands.  “You're welcome, Captain.”

“Yea, well, just don't let Vincent find out.  I don't think he'd be too happy about this.”

“I dunno.”  Reeve shrugged, glancing towards the stairs.  “Don't think he'd be too upset.”

Denzel snorted.  “Vincent's got a stick up his butt, so who knows?”

“Ya know what-”  Cid scolded, pointing towards Barret.  “I told myself I wouldn't tell ya this, but I'm cashing in on my punishment.”  He waved a hand over the kids.  “They kissed too.”

“You did what?”  Barret whirled around to them, slamming his hands down onto the bar.  Denzel leaped from the seat, ducking behind Marlene.  She wasn't even startled.  “Now, Papa, grow up.”

“I've grown up.  You stop it.”  He scowled, waving a metal finger in her face.

“Barret, it's fine.”

“No it ain't.”

Cid took a triumphant sip of his coffee, walking around the bar again.  As he walked past, his hand came up, whopping Yuffie on the back of the head.  “OW!  What was that for?”  She cried out, with the pain of her hangover increasing.  

“You know what that was for.”

While Yuffie fussed at Cid, Tifa tried to help defend the kids, and the others enjoyed the show, Reeve snuck away.  He strolled over towards the staircase, ducking into a small off shot behind the wall.  Vincent was leaning, out of sight, fingering the locket again.  His eyes flicked up to Reeve's entrance, who was beaming at him.

“How much did you hear?”

Vincent smirked.  “Somewhere around Barret owing Sherra thirty gil.  I was already down here.”

Reeve laughed, stepping closer.  “Yea, I got that coming to me too.”

Vincent dropped his head, shaking it slowly.

“So, are you mad?”

Vincent thought about it for a second, then smirked.  “No.  Marlene's right, they saved the night.”  His eyes flicked up to Reeve, holding a touch of condescension.  “However, there is something else.”

Reeve looked confused.  “Like what?”

Vincent pushed off of the wall, holding up the locket.  “It seems you have some of my father's belongings?”

Reeve's expression dropped, taking a few steps back.  “Ok, you can not get mad at me, for that.  Cid made me swear not to tell you.”  He held a hand defensively in front of him.  “I thought it was sweet.”

Vincent let him believe he was actually angry, for a bit longer, then rolled his eyes.

“I still got it all, back at headquarters, if ya want.  Never looked through it myself.”  

“That's good to hear.  I might take you up on that.”  Vincent stepped past him.

“Where ya going?”

He sighed, turning back from his position, in the doorway.  “I figure I'll have to face them, about this, sooner or later.  Might as well get it over with.”

Reeve hummed.  “Must suck to have people care about you.”

“It can be cumbersome.”

“That's just the burden of family.”  Reeve stated, exiting the area.  “Especially now, since one of them's your boyfriend.”

Vincent started to follow, and froze, his face dropping in shock.  “Oh my God.  I have a boyfriend.”

Reeve turned back to him a smirked.  “Is that a problem?”

It took a moment of thought, before he could answer.  “No.”  His eyes finally landed back on Reeve.  “It's just gonna be an adjustment.”

Reeve laughed.  “Everything about Cid is an adjustment.”