DS:I - Chapter 2

Tears and ice and snow.

It's a whiteout and I'm getting tired...and weak.

I close my eyes.

It's cold.

Abominably cold. The snow on my skin and the hiemal winter wind making my body sore, numb, and frail. It felt so bleak that it made me feel like my life's fading away.

No. Not yet. I came here to look for him.

But I can't open my eyes anymore.

I'm so damn tired...

And maybe I am losing hope.

After a few moments of frustration, a familiar touch of warmth encompassed me. I tried to open my eyes but my vision was blurred. There were strikes of blue and black and white and red. And it felt cozy and serene. It felt like home.

At last.

"I found you."

---

Daydreamers and Stargazers

Chapter Two

Secret Valentine

by Asuka Tsukahara

---

"Wow!" Yuffie's mouth agaped in fascination. The Gold Saucer's facade is truly mesmerizing. The glitzy aurete gate was covered with a myriad of balmy blossoming roses. Suddenly, the place got congested as couples thronged in a shop selling a wide variety of adorable Valentines goodies. Vincent frowned. He knew they would be stuck in the crowd if they would stay there. But knowing that it is Yuffie who he is with, there won't be a problem. Why? Because, she's Yuffie...the great ninja of Wutai.

But still, he doubted.

Suddenly, Yuffie latched her hand onto Vincent's and they swiftly passed through an array of paramours. Yuffie guided him in their way, gentle and cautious enough not to collide with other people. Her tight grip, her small hands, her soft warmth...it delicately kindled his senses that were once suppressed with a golden claw, a barrier that hindered him from the warmth he longed for all his life. And it felt cozy and serene.

It felt like home.

After a few moments of struggling, at last. They were able to move out in one piece. Thank God.

Hand in hand, they moved a few blocks away from the store. Only a few blocks but for Vincent, it seemed like she's holding his hand forever. Then, Yuffie screeched to a halt and looked down.

Is there something wrong?

"You know what, Vinnie. We don't need those gifts anymore!" Yuffie chirped as she looked above the night sky and looked back, looking at Vincent. But before Vincent could notice, she already left go of his hand.

"Man, let's sit for a while."

They ambled into a nearby bench. Yuffie sat first and Vincent made it sure not to sit too close to Yuffie. Then, she started to look for something inside her black leather handbag.

"Hmm, how come?" Vincent asked as he tried to surmise what's on Yuffie's mind.

"You'll be surprised!" Yuffie chuckled.

'Hopeully, that's not something wicked.

"It's not, I swear! Trust me." Yuffie guaranteed. Afterwards, she grinned, a sign that she found what she is looking for. Then, she pulled out a silver charm inside her bag.

"Lookie!" She handed him a silver mobile phone charm with a familiar thing annexed to it. His heart skipped a beat as he realized that it was a Cerberus replica. Subconsciously, the memories he spent with Lucrecia began to linger in his mind.

The love..the hurt..the memories.

"So, do you like it? It complements your phone, right?" Yuffie showcased Vincent one of her trademark smiles.It is emphatically nostalgic. It's almost the same thing but the only difference is it is given by two different persons in his life...or maybe, not.

Subsequently, a succulent aroma passed through their nostrils that stimulated their appetite for food.

"Vinnie! Don't you think it's a good idea to have our dinner, do you?" And before Vincent could make a response, Yuffie looped her arm around his, tugging him briskly to where her nose could practically lead them.

And there they stood, mystically captivated with the baroque features of the restaurant. The scent, the ambience, everything...it seemed like a paradise. A number of butlers and maids whirled around like bubbles in the air. Slow and gentle their presence was as they escorted them to the restaurant's facade.

"Welcome to the Wonderland~!" They greeted. Then, the doors swung mystically. The maids and butlers made their way and bowed as Vincent and Yuffie made their entrance.

"Wonderland, huh. What's up with the fancy name?" Yuffie giggled.

It was indeed a fancy restaurant, certainly one of the best in the continent but it wouldn't last forever. Probably, this is only good for a one-day celebration and by tomorrow, it would be gone. It seemed like an ice cream melting in the sun's warm rays. But Yuffie hoped that forever it will stay.

The glistening crystal chandeliers and those exquisite five-star commodities in the restaurant are stunningly splendid. The scent of rose, melted chocolate and grilled meat perfectly blended in their senses and the golden flames of the candlelit tables flickered as if they were dancing in the rhythm of the dreamy music played on air. It really is a wonderland.

"Hey!" A familiar voice called out, gripping on Yuffie's arm.

No way. Not Tifa. Yuffie thought.

Then, she looked back. Auburn hair, wine and chocolate colored eyes, and well-endowed breasts. The lovely lady smiled warmly and gave her a tight squeeze.

OH GAWD. What is she up to?

"AT LAST. Both of you." Cloud chaffed.

Vincent turned at him and gave a quizzical look while Cloud looked away and tried to hold his laugh back.

"Anyways, you two look good." Tifa winked as she pulled Cloud beside her, making their way to their table.

"Have a fun night!"

So, should we say thanks?

---

"Happy Valentines!" Yuffie said as she raised her glass of champagne to clink against Vincent's. Yuffie gulped her flute's contents while Vincent sipped it gradually. Heat flushed on Yuffie's cheeks instantly and it seemed like she's well experienced with these kind of dates. It's been a while when Vincent disappeared after the formidable with Omega.

Then, Vincent wondered how many guys has Yuffie dated when he was gone.

And pain struck his chest.

Yuffie picked up the menu. "Can we order?"

Vincent thoroughly scanned the pages of the menu. Thirty years have passed but his elegance hasn't aged. Of course, it has to be steak because it's a Valentines date.

"I'm having steak." Vincent told the butler.

"Uhm.." Yuffie scanned the menu again. Actually, she's not familiar with most of the other continent's cuisine. She always ate food that is cooked by Tifa or something from Turtle Paradise. Else, it would be the same as her date's.

"Me too!" Yuffie announced. The butler repeated their orders and went off to the kitchen.

The Clock Symphony was played on air and the lights flickered in every crescendo of the tune. Yuffie looked around, dazzled with the glitters and elegance and its flamboyance while Vincent closed his eyes. He had a lot in his mind. His past, Lucrecia, his sins, memories, and...

That fateful day when the sunshine began to melt his frozen heart.

Snow.

Fragile, delicate and pure. Just like her.

A sophisticated beauty. A snowflake. A gentle touch.

Her smile, her laugh, everything. It gave a twist on my monotonous life. Our love for each other, memories.

But she's gone and it's been a long while.

And tonight, I felt as empty as frigid touch of the hollow snowflakes on my skin. She told me it wasn't my fault and she was setting me free...because she wanted me to live. But, she was my life, she was everything I had. Until...

'Somene's coming.' Chaos warned and I picked out my Death Penalty right away. I tried to verify the faint smell passing through his nostrils but the neutralizing scent of slate hindered my senses. The aura felt familiar and strange, my heart began to beat fast as I picked up the vibrations of the footsteps. Now, it's no turning back.

'It's getting closer.' Chaos warned as I closed my eyes...then, I felt empty. It's been a while since I left Shelke to Reeve's custody and it bewildered me to feel someone's presence again.

Warm.

I looked back.

"I-

Heartbeat.

-found you."

I saw a wavering smile on her lips as she collapsed on my arms. Her cheeks were burning and her lips were chapped.

'Master, you need to take her home! There's no way she'll last in here!' Chaos exclaimed that put my emotions on turmoil. Memories flashed back on my thoughts and her voice rang in my ears but when I laid my eyes on her, everything came to a halt. Her face, wincing in pain, pierced my heart. I know I have to bring her home and I know I must move on with my life. But it pained me to realize that despite of her pain, she gave me the chance.

"Yuffie Kisaragi."



"Ah!" Yuffie exclaimed as the butler brought their steaks on their table. The succulent aroma and the exquisite palatability made the pair nod in satisfaction. The maid strolled her trolley beside the butler and handed him a bottle of fine red wine, disoriented the cork, and poured its heavenly contents on the wine goblets. The wine enchantingly glistened on the table's candlelight as the butler and maid left.

The next thing Yuffie knew is that the Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major filled up her senses as she took the last bite of her steak. Lights flickered immensely at her sight as she tried not to look at his eyes.

"Vi-

Tranquil gray met halcyon garnet gaze.

And both their hearts skipped a beat.

What is this? They asked themselves, bewildered of what they felt.

GAWD, am I...hypnotized?


"Aren't they cute?" Tifa chuckled while a playful smirk played on Cloud's lips. For a moment, they exchanged a tantalizing look on their eyes and started to laugh heartily.


Clank.

"Eyargh!" Yuffie squealed and fell from her sit with a thud.

"Aww!"

Chaos erupted into gales of boisterous and raucous laughter as well as Tifa and Clould, disturbing the restaurant's serenity and catching the people's attention.

"What the $^#&? What's wrong with you guys? Why are you lau-" Yuffie s rant was cut off with the soft chuckle that belonged to her companion. A mellow but hearty chuckle that only she can hear.

For Leviathan's sake. Did he just...LAUGH?

"Do you...need a hand?" Vincent bent down as he offered her his hand while Chaos snickered behind his consciousness that made Vincent hiss.

Standing up was not that easy. The heel of her stilettos broke and the pain from her twisted ankle throbbed. It felt so awful but knowing that she couldn't do anything with it, she cursed it softly.

"Yeowch, Vinnie. Lend me a hand." she looked up to him and winced.

'You know what, carry her. Like a princess!' Chaos howled into laughter, sensing his master's unsteady and racing heartbeat.

Hush.

'I know you want to do it. Come on. She's in pain.' Chaos suggested as he let a boisterous chuckle.

"Earth to Vinnie! He-EYARGH?"

"Shhh.."

"Lemme dow- AWW!" Her eyes squinted in pain. Her ankles got sore and in the first place, she asked for his help right? But being lifted newly-wed style in front of everybody?

Oh Leviathan. This feels quite embarrassing...err, why should I be embarrassed? Her lips pouted.

"Is there something wrong, Yuffie?"

"Ee? Uhm, no~!" She felt her cheeks heat up as he locked his gaze on her, making her snuggle up to him to hide her cheeks that were tinted in a deep shade of red.

Now, Vincent wondered on how to pay their meal. He can't reach his wallet from his back pocket because if he do, Yuffie might fall. He glanced back at the table, then to Yuffie, then to the table where Tifa and Cloud were sitting.

"Go, man. We'll take care of those." Cloud grinned from ear to ear that made Vincent feel perplexed.

"You...sure about that?"

"Of course, Vince. Take this as a Valentines' gift." Tifa winked as she looked at him, then back to Cloud, and grinned from ear to ear.

He nodded as he walked straight to the exit. Yuffie popped her head out and had her tongue out on Cloud and Tifa.

"Geez, Cloud." She spoke in a soft tone and gave a menacing look.

"Have a good time, sweetie!" Tifa waved them good bye as Vincent walked out of the restaurant.


"Never thought that they'll look good together." Cloud remarked, earning a giggle from Tifa.

---

The clock struck nine and the people began to gather in the Event square of the Gold Saucer.

"Vinnie, you can put me down now. I think my feet's fine now." She said with a cheerful smile. Vincent was about to put her down when the lights went out that made Yuffie gasp in surprise. Then, a warm crimson light beamed and a fanciful tune filled the air. Yuffie's mouth gaped in awe as two hearts beat at the same time. Vincent was bewildered by his thoughts for he hadn't felt this for a very long time. Angst and fear floated through his senses. The anxiety on his feelings for Yuffie that left him perplexed and the fear that this moment wouldn't last. It felt so perfect and at the same time, he felt regret.

"If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you ll never enjoy the sunshine." Yuffie set her gaze on his eyes and gave him a squeeze. The warmth of her touch cleared up his mind, bringing him back to reality while Yuffie felt that she was drowned onto the gaze of his dazzling crimson orbs and fought the urge not to look away.

"Uhm..haha. Hey, I need some air. Let's get outta here, Vinnie. It's getting packed up in here, y'know?" Yuffie tugged on his sleeve.

"You can't walk with those, Yuffie." Vincent looked on her foot that wore the shoe with a broken heel.

"It doesn't matter Vinnie. I'm the greatest ninja, remember?" She tossed off her 1000 Gil stiletto and walked barefoot. Well, she doesn't really care about those fancy shoes y'know even if that pair is worth a fortune for most girls in the continent.

They absconded the Valentines' event and walked their way outside the Gold Saucer. Vincent can't inhibit the smile on his lips. He thought of the times he was with Yuffie. Admit it, she's really goofy and hyperactive but she's really is simple-minded, adventurous, and carefree. An epitome of contentment and youth. But now, it seemed quite different. He felt contentment when he is with her and it seemed that nothing really mattered when he is with her. There's no way I can love someone like her. He thought. 'Why not? I think she likes you, Master. Isn't it good to be loved again? Lu-'

Halt.

'Fine.'

"Hey, Vinnie. I'm gonna take you to my secret spot! You know, the starts seemed to be within my reach while I'm in there. You'll love it!" Yuffie squeaked as she pulled Vincent in the forest. "Come on, follow me!" Yuffie ran farther and deeper inside while Vincent trailed behind her. After a few moments, they ended with an array of bushes. "So, here it is." The both of them rushed to get out of the darkness until they reached the end of the long wait. A paradise on earth that seemed to be waiting for them to come. There was a lake on their right, filled with nippy crystal clear water and was surrounded with snow covered cherry blossom trees.

"Let's sit!"

This reminded him of one thing. Lucrecia. But like Yuffie have told him a while ago, he should move on. He took a deep breath, sat beside Yuffie and looked above the sky covered with millions of stars. It's true. The stars seemed to be within reach but of course, he knew they are very far away...very far away.

Then, a few streaks of light flashed before his eyes.

A meteor shower.

"Make a wish."

Yuffie held her hand as if she could grasp the falling stars in her hands. Then, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes; her silhouette faintly glistened under the moon's bright shine.

"What did you wish for?" Vincent inquired.

"Me? Uhmm...Actually, it's not a wish, y'know? It's a...promise."

"Promise?"

"Yeap. I promise you that I would dedicate the rest of my life for you. You know, helping you move on and stuff. I'll always be here for you, Vinnie." Yuffie traced the last of the shooting stars in the sky then looked at Vincent and grinned.

"You know, this is the best-est Valentines' ever." She felt that her well-kept emotions were about to spill in her eyes but before she knew it, she was wrapped in Vincent's arms.

'Heh.' Chaos felt at the warmth that Vincent and Yuffie shared and it made him stay at peace.

Pew! Pew! Pew!

Fireworks gracefully bursted up in the sky. Yuffie and Vincent turned to witness the flames light up the sky and their debris trickled down like glitters that slowly fade away.

"It's getting late, Yuffie. I suggest that we should go home now."

"Aww, already?" Vincent nodded.

"B-but...okay." And without further objections, they left.

---

"GAWD!" Yuffie jolted as the pain struck her ankles on her third step on the stairs. Fortunately, Vincent was behind her and caught her in his arms.

"I...I'm sorry, Vinnie."

"It's...alright." And before Yuffie could respond, Vincent carried her and went straight to her room's door. By looking into her eyes, Yuffie comprehended that she must open the door at once. The door clinked as it opened slowly. Then, Vincent entered her haven and laid her on her bed.

"Yuffie, does your foot hurt?" Vincent asked as he moved closer to Yuffie. Their faces close enough to hear each other's breath and his face enthralled with the darkness of the room and the only thing Yuffie could see were his lips.

Yuffie closed her eyes, fighting the urge of closing the gap between the two of them and pressing onto those warm, supple lips of his. Her heart raced furiously and felt her cheeks burning up. No matter how she tried, there's no way she could take her eyes off of his lips.

'Looks like our royalty's up to something, Master.' Chaos suggested as Vincent's sensitive hearing picked up thuds from Yuffie's chest, beating ravingly.

"H-hey! No...Uh...You see! It's just the new shoes! I'm perfectly O-kay." She grinned sheepishly but Vincent knew that she was lying. Vincent chuckled with her frantic reaction making her blush even more.

"Hey! Don't laugh at me like that!" Yuffie pouted as she poked Vincent's chest.

"Pardon." Vincent said with a faint smile on his lips and stood up from his pace but Yuffie caught his hand right before he could leave. Vincent turned back and sat beside her. Her hands squeezing his as she pulled Vincent closer and kissed him on the cheek.

"I swear, this is the best-est Valentines ever." She mumbled, locking her gaze upon him.

"And it would never be this fun without you." Then, she dozed to sleep, but her hand still gripping onto his. The whole place is peaceful. Her face lit up with the soft haze of the moonlight and her lithe body curled up in her bed. Vincent reached for the blanket on her foot and pulled it on her, earning a smile from her. Then, he closed his eyes and pulled himself closer to her.

She dedicates the rest of her life to me but she never knew that she's the one who gave me the reason to live.

---

Disclaimer: They say that all the good things in life are for free....if that's the case, for Leviathan's sake (OH LOL that rhymed. XD) why don't I own Final Fantasy VII? D: EYARGH! *scratches head* All hail almight Square Soft / Enix for creating this epicness~

Kitty Yuffie (asukacaramel) says: Hi guys~! It's been a while since I updates this story and I'm really really sorry. *90 degree bow* Uhm, been busy with school and stuff...and I'm too lazy to revise. 8D I mean, I've already finished until the fourth chapter which is on my superovermegamagical notebook. Anyways, credits to Angelica Chii-Young my onee-chan who proofreads my work. ILY so much! :3


Please R&R Thankies~! :3