Title: More Than the Moon, the Stars, the Night Sky
Author: bnomiko
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Cid Highwind x Vincent Valentine
Spoilers: through the OG game
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII is the creation and property of Square Co., Ltd. / Square Enix. This is a not-for-profit fanwork and I do not own any of these characters.
Summary: He might not have been Vincent's first love, but the important thing was his husband was now living in the present and not the past. Cid and Vincent celebrate the first night of their honeymoon. Set immediately after "Stray Cat"; touches on the events of "A Cat Has Nine Lives" and "Five Nights to a Better Sleep." OG FFVII universe based, post DoC.
Archived at: http://www.phenixsol.com/Miko/FF/

* * *

More Than the Moon, the Stars, the Night Sky

* * *

For their honeymoon, as they had no real destination in mind, Cid and Vincent decided to take the Valentine on a two-week tour all over the planet. Their first stop: some pin dot of a town so tiny that it didn't even have a proper name - half the residents called it one thing, half another. Cid had a fondness for backwater burgs like that, as Rocket Town had been just a smear on the map when he and his family first moved there. And Vincent of course was fine with whatever Cid wanted.

They ate dinner at the only tavern in town, then headed to the inn, if it could be even be called that, as it was comprised of three guest rooms above a general goods shop. Cid asked for the biggest room but it was by no means large - just an attic space with a pitched ceiling and an en suite bath, with barely enough head clearance down the center for Vincent to get to the bed. The bed was comfy though, stacked with quilts and several pillows, and a good size. Plus there was a pair of skylights just above where the stairs came up; if they lay back on the bed and looked up slightly, they'd have a clear view of the stars above.

From his prone position Vincent held up his left hand, squinting slightly at it. The gold band inlayed around the base of his ring finger gleamed in the lamplight, sunshine bright against the carbon black gauntlet and the inky night sky. Cid was no jeweler but he'd milled the band himself, sizing it precisely to fit the groove in the armor and even putting threading on the underside so it could be removed but couldn't slide off, in case the gauntlet ever needed to be repaired or replaced. That was Cid's level of attention to detail to even something as simple as a plain ring.

"Whatcha thinkin' about?" the blond asked as he wandered in from the tiny adjoining bathroom. He had a white towel over his shoulders and his boxers, nothing else. By the time he crossed the room and sat down on the bed, he'd lost the towel, too.

Vincent lowered his arm and curled towards Cid as his weight sunk onto the mattress. He couldn't help but recall the first time they'd kissed. He had transformed into Death Gigas in the middle of a heated battle; the change back had left him spasming uncontrollably and heaving deep, pained breaths as he'd tried to ignore the scent of burning flesh. Was it his own? He hadn't been sure; with electricity still jolting through his body as though he were still strapped to Hojo's lab table, he'd struggled to remain conscious. Cid had caught him as he'd collapsed; there were muffled words exchanged and then he was lifted up, his head lolling against a shoulder as heavy footsteps carried him away from the battlefield.

He must've blacked out shortly after, because the next thing he knew he was in a bed with white sheets permanently embedded with the scent of smoke; he'd recognized the photo of the plane on the wall when he'd turned his head. The familiarity of the space began calming him somewhat, but what had really helped settle him was the fact that the bathroom door was open a crack, and through it he could hear the soft patter of the shower, woven around a song.

With some effort he'd pushed himself off the bed, cringing at how weak his limbs felt, and managed to wobble over to the bathroom, nudging the door open a bit further. Cid's rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon" was on key at least, though high notes clearly weren't his forte. Vincent had leaned against the doorjamb, his eyes sliding closed. If he'd had more sense he wouldn't have intruded. If he'd had more sense, he'd have realized a shower meant Cid was buck naked and soaking wet and more than just a bit startled to find a witness to his impromptu acappella "concert."

"Hey... don't jus'... Are ya okay?" Cid finally managed to ask as he quickly wrapped a towel around his waist, padding over with wet footfalls.

Vincent had started to list further as consciousness crept away from him, but the pilot's loud, gruff voice roused him. He'd glanced up with a flutter of long black lashes, the gold corona in his left eye flaring up slightly before dimming again. "Ci... d?"

The blond had grunted in return. He wasn't sure why Vincent had gotten up when he was so unsteady that he could barely stand on his own, but once Cid was over his surprise all he could think of was getting the other man back into bed so he could continue sleeping off the side effects of his Limit Break.

"Can ya walk, if ya lean on me?" Cid had asked carefully, his hand hovering over the arm closest to him. "Not far, jus' to th' bed."

The raven-haired man had paused to think about it, then abruptly pushed away from the doorframe, nearly toppling into the shorter man. Good thing Cid had been prepared to grab him or he might've ended up face first on the bathroom floor; as it was, it took all of their combined effort to keep Vincent upright.

Cid had made a face; he'd gotten Vincent's clothes all wet but there wasn't anything he could do about it at the moment. "Easy does it," Cid had murmured as he'd guided his companion back to bed, sitting him down and leaning him up against the headboard. "Hold tight, I'm gonna dry off 'n come back, 'k?"

Apparently Vincent hadn't quite understood because his gauntleted claws had quickly grabbed Cid's hand, slicing a shallow wound over the knuckles. "No..."

Cid had winced slightly but hadn't voiced complaint. He'd kept his voice low and steady as he assured him, "I'll be quick - real quick," before darting off.

The sharpshooter didn't realize he'd nodded off until the mattress dipped, signaling Cid's return. Cropped golden hair was still damp and mussed, but at least the rest of him was dry and now covered in an old T-shirt and boxers.

"Sorry, was kinda hopin' that wouldn't wake ya," the blond admitted as Vincent had squinted at him, frowning slightly, as if trying to figure out just how long he'd been gone.

Cid hadn't been able to resist - the sight was too cute. He'd swept aside Vincent's overly long fringe, then kissed his forehead. "Hey now, I was only gone a minute, I swear!" he said, but when he'd looked down to gather Vincent's reaction, he forgot all about what he'd been saying as Vincent tilted his chin up at just the right moment to brush his lips past Cid's.

It had barely counted as contact. But it was more than Vincent thought he was capable of and once it happened, all he could think was maybe he'd overstepped, just because Cid was kind and concerned and sang love songs in the shower and...

Before Vincent could even think of pulling away Cid had kissed him back, properly - one hand sliding behind his head, holding him in place, the other gently alighting on a shoulder - a more effective reassurance than any words that yes, he felt the same way too...

And now here they were tucking into bed together for the thousandth time and it still felt right. The former Turk waited until his spouse finished settling beside him, then snuggled up against his side, drawn like a cat to the warmth of a sunbeam. He slowly explained, "After everything with Lucrecia and... well, you know - I never thought anyone would want me. I certainly never thought I'd be married. But even though it must've been difficult dealing with me and my demons, literal and figurative, you didn't give up on me. You chose me."

That was a big paragraph for someone famous for his silence, a lot of emotion for a man who normally kept things buttoned down. Cid nodded, happy to be entrusted with those words, knowing Vincent needed to hear himself say them. He might not have been Vincent's first love, but the important thing was his husband was now living in the present and not the past.

Cid reached up to curl his fingers over Vincent's right hand as it rested on its preferred roost over his heart. "Damn straight. And you... ya could've tried for a fresh start - been done with everythin' tyin' ya to the past, walked away after Meteorfall. Ya didn't have ta settle fer a bitter fart like me. But ya swore ta stand by me fer the rest of my life, so I'm gonna hold ya to that."

For this life, and the next. The corner of Vincent's lips quirked upwards. He still hadn't told Cid about the future Aerith had shown him, but if all went well, he'd earn his rest someday just like everyone else and intertwine with his lover in the Lifestream.

Cid let his eyes lazily drift over the taller man, or at least what he could see of him. To anyone else it would seem that Vincent was planning to do nothing more than sleep: his gauntlet was now off and safely stowed under the pillow, with Cid's dog tags wrapped around it. He was all tucked in, wearing the medium gray pajamas Shera had gifted him a couple of birthdays ago, the ones with a monogrammed "V" on the chest pocket. He'd left the very top button undone which most people would likely do without thinking, as a matter of comfort, but Vincent never revealed more than he had to, even when heading to bed. Cid barely held in a snort at the thought of seduction being a single button open on a pajama top. Damn bastard's tryin' ta be sexy!

Vincent followed the path that Cid was visually tracing. "What are you thinking about?" he asked, returning the earlier question.

"Jus' how much I wanna get ya out of those old man pajamas..." a gruff voice admitted.

The raven-haired man huffed in amusement, his eyes crinkling. But he nodded before rolling onto his back, letting his arms go slack so they fell limply against the bed, and Cid took that as an open invitation to shift his weight over on top of him, fingers teasing at the next button already.

Vincent exhaled, eyes sliding shut as Cid began kissing his throat, then made his way down his chest as inch by inch, pale, scarred skin was slowly revealed.

"You okay?" the blond asked softly as he pressed his lips softly against the edge of the crater that marked the end of Vincent's old life.

Vincent breathed out an approving hum, remembering the first time he'd allowed Cid to remove his shirt. It was several weeks after he'd first agreed to move into the house in Rocket Town; they'd had sex a few times already aboard the Highwind, but Vincent had always remained half clothed. After everything that had been done to him it shouldn't have been easier to lie back and spread his legs, but he'd struggled so much with believing that Cid could accept just how damaged he was that it had been simpler to let the man do as he pleased... as long as the shirt stayed on. But then Cid started pressing him on his desire to craft him a new gauntlet, so after making multiple excuses and then dragging his feet over it and even a half-assed attempt to run away, Vincent finally agreed to let him take a look, and then it only seemed appropriate to continue stripping down and show him the remaining proof of his sins, right there in the workroom. If Cid wanted to call it quits, so be it; Vincent was grateful for the time he'd had with him. Maybe they could at least remain friends? But Cid's reaction? He'd taken hold of Vincent's dried up, blackened hand, as carefully as one would hold a newborn chick, and pressed kisses on the knuckles and palm. He'd traced the swollen veins with light fingertips, splayed his fingers out over the faint pulsing of the Protomateria, all while gazing at every scar and welt and imperfection like he'd discovered a wondrous new galaxy. And then Cid had whispered that stupid nickname and kissed Vincent hungrily, like he could no longer draw breath on his own. Until Vincent was ready to give up every molecule of oxygen in his lungs, because he no longer needed it, not if Cid couldn't have it too...

Vincent had taken Cid for the first time that day, right there on the workbench, splinters and blueprints and wayward screwdrivers be damned.

"Mm, ya like that?" the blond murmured into his skin, somewhere just above the navel, and Vincent became aware that he'd been making needy little noises without realizing it.

"Yes," Vincent sighed, seeing no reason to deny it. Stubble scratched across his skin, but he didn't mind - it was a minor irritant, yes, but also undeniable proof that it was Cid touching him, kissing him.

Pajama top now fully unbuttoned, Cid pushed the fabric aside so he could begin plucking carefully at light tan nipples and Vincent gasped, jerking. Cid loved how sensitive he was and despite Vincent's half hearted claims to the contrary, he did enjoy being teased, as long as it was gentle.

As Cid tenderly began sucking on one nub and then the other, rolling them around with his tongue as they quickly hardened against his lips, his hands moved to slide the sharpshooter's pants and undergarments down over his narrow hips. Vincent's arousal made itself known, rising up with little jerks and bobs to tap shyly against Cid's stomach. Cid spared a moment to yank down his boxers so his own manhood could eagerly join the fray and keep Vincent's company.

For a minute their erections slid and rubbed against one another as Cid continued to work over Vincent's chest, alternating between pinching and lapping soothingly at each nipple in turn. All Vincent could do was arch into the engineer's touch, his left hand weakly twisting in the sheets, his right rising up to flutter over Cid's back and side, as if it couldn't decide whether to hold his lover in place or push him down for attention elsewhere.

Finally Cid lifted his head, amusement brightening his blue eyes. "So, Sweetheart, how do you want it?" he asked in a raspy rumble.

Vincent stared back at him, blinking slowly. Cid waited, giving him whatever time he needed. To those who didn't know him Vincent probably come across as passive, maybe even apathetic, but Cid knew better. The former Turk was always overanalyzing and overthinking, even when it came to lovemaking, even if none of that showed on his face.

Finally, he tilted his head slightly, long hair slipping off his shoulder like a river of ink. "Lie down. I'll turn down the lights." Vincent sat up and gracefully slipped out of his pants, then reached for the tableside lamp, and waited.

Cid couldn't help but pause to admire the lithe lines of the pale figure as he stripped down. All that white skin, luminous like a pearl; even the scars were like a precious secret shared between them, proof of resilience, survival and trust. But when Vincent turned to him with an eyebrow cocked he realized he was just staring and quickly moved to comply, fully shucking his boxers and rolling into the spot that Vincent had vacated. His partner didn't usually top, but the pilot was fine with it either way.

A click of the lamp and the room fell into darkness, not that that impacted Vincent's vision any. For Cid though, the view through the skylights improved greatly, the waxing moon a thin sliver slicing sharply through a black sea, the pinpoints of stars winking back into view now that they didn't have to compete with the flood of artificial lighting. He stared up, tracing constellations, as he half listened to the shuffle of items at bedside, Vincent having undoubtedly located the small stash of supplies Cid had preemptively left there. For a few moments even that died down until there was nothing but the sound of their breaths. Cid remained still and calm, knowing that even after all this time Vincent had to take a few moments to prepare himself mentally and physically before he could proceed.

There was a click of a cap, crisp against the stillness, and then the sound of something wet being dispensed, and Cid squinted, trying to see more than his lover's silhouette, waiting for the familiar press of cold, dampened fingers between his legs, but it never came. There was a sticky squelch, but...

Cid exhaled harshly, suddenly keying into what was happening. In the absence of sight every obscene little sound seemed louder and more drawn out than usual. Vincent's normally slow breathing picked up, became shakier on each inhale; as he stretched himself it sounded like his fingers were being sucked in hungrily with every stroke.

It was hard to wait patiently without wiggling; certainly Cid's dick didn't want to hold still, pulsing with anticipation. "Can I uh... help ya along or anything?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly.

"Mm, no... I'll be... almost done," Vincent whispered. Cid could almost see the porcelain pink flush across the taller man's cheeks and nose as he said that, just under the glow of crimson eyes which were fixed on him like twin stars.

Having to satisfy himself with just wriggling fingers and toes against the sheets, the blond was just about adjusted to the darkness when he felt the mattress shift and a weight carefully settle over his hips. Cool, slick fingers wrapped themselves around his erection, making it jump sharply to attention as Cid tried his best to keep still, and after a few strokes, the fingers vacated and a slightly warmer pressure began enveloping him, drawing out a low moan of pleasure.

"Ahh..." Vincent groaned in tandem as he braced himself and began lowering himself over the broad head and down the stiff shaft, taking his time and making minute adjustments as he went. His lover was about average in length but generous in girth, so it was a lot to take in on a single pass even though they had sex regularly.

Cid was unable to stop his hands from stretching to find the sharpshooter's legs - long, slender, yet taut with muscle - caressing them up and down as Vincent continued to gradually draw him in. It was a special type of torture going in so slow; it felt too good! "Gods, Vin..." he grumbled between clenched teeth.

The former Turk hummed breathlessly in response. His head lolled, then began rolling back as he finally bottomed out, hair brushing over Cid's thighs and knees like a paintbrush.

The engineer's hands continued to roam upwards, over the slight curve of Vincent's hips and up to that tiny waist where they finally came to rest, but Cid was careful to do nothing more than steady him. Vincent was the one who wanted to take the ride so Cid would let him set the pace.

Finally Vincent straightened up and began moving, a slow rise and fall that kept each thrust short, building up anticipation in both men for something more. Cid continued hanging on to his waist, fingers tightening and loosening as he tried to remind himself not to press for more, not yet.

Cid felt like his mind was melting as Vincent continued grinding against him, slender fingertips clawing lightly through curls of blond chest hair. "S... Sweetheart, can I touch ya too?" Cid panted, his fingers seizing up again.

Vincent paused for a moment, and then there was a very slight movement and another beat passed. "Yes," he finally breathed, realizing he'd nodded without Cid being able to see clearly.

As soon as he was given permission one of the pilot's hands slid up to fumble around until it found a nipple to thumb at, rubbing small circles around the nub. The other hand drifted inward and down, following the cut of the V to Vincent's groin where he finally took him in hand. Cid rubbed his palm over the head, catching a bit of precum before wrapping his fingers around the circumference and pleasuring his spouse slowly just as the raven-haired man was doing to him.

Vincent whined softly, modifying his movement into more of a rocking motion and picking up the pace as he thrust lightly into Cid's hand while the shorter man's fat cock filled him from behind. He sucked in a breath and glanced down in time to see Cid flash a grin at him just before he began pinching at his nipple.

Gasping, Vincent shook his head, overwhelmed by all the sensations smashing into one another, his rhythm quickly falling apart as Cid couldn't quite stop himself from bucking up.

"Aw shit, sorry," the blond said. And he was, but he kind of wasn't as well. Sometimes Vincent wanted to call the shots; other times, he liked it when Cid took over. It was hard to tell when it was one or the other, so Cid saw no reason not to make the offer.

The former Turk shook his head again, his right hand more firmly clutching at Cid's pectoral as he let his weight tip forward until he was barely propped up on his left forearm, his head hanging down as he panted softly.

"Want me ta take care of ya?" Cid questioned, still stroking his hand up and down Vincent's length slowly even as his entire view was suddenly obscured by a fall of black hair that blotted out even the moon.

Vincent trembled slightly, then nodded.

Cid took in a breath, eyes wide. That small movement was enough to shift most of his lover's hair out of his face, letting some of the stars peek out between the strands, the moon gleaming like a faint halo overhead. Vincent's mane was so dark that it made even the night sky look washed out in comparison.

"Gorgeous," the engineer thought, only realizing he'd said it out loud when Vincent suddenly ducked down. His face was probably red, but the darkness was as effective as his old cowl at hiding it.

"Wait. You can't even see..." Vincent complained after he thought about it.

"Nitpicker! I can see enough," Cid muttered back. He'd fallen for the man after seeing nothing but a pair of unusual, jewel-toned eyes and the bridge of a nose, hadn't he? "B'sides... I know you 'n yer habits well 'nough now."

Chuckling, Cid jerked his hips again, dislodging a moan from Vincent. He released his hold on Vincent's erection so that he could grab a handful of buttocks in each hand, spreading them slightly. "Touch yerself. I'm damn close from jus' lookin' at ya, and if I'm goin' down I want you ta come with me too."

"... Yes." Vincent slipped his right hand down between their bodies and took hold of his swollen unit, giving it a few easy strokes before increasing speed. He could feel Cid pulsing inside him with excitement; it made his hole flutter and contract even though they hadn't resumed moving yet. "Ahh, Cid... I... I need..."

The blond's fingers tightened their hold, pressing little indents into pale skin. Vincent cried out from sheer anticipation. And then his ass was lifted and thrust into, hard, as he was pulled back down.

Cid immediately launched into a vigorous pace, their bodies slapping together as he drove into the slicked channel engulfing him. It was too damn satisfying: the weight of Vincent's body against his, the little groans and grunts and gasps that pooled around them, the way Vincent's shuddering pleasure shook and vibrated through his body and into Cid's as well. The feel of long hair sliding like silk around Cid's collarbone, the scent of sweat like sea salt misting through the air, the tiny creaks of the mattress springs with each undulation.

"Haa... Vin, kiss me," the pilot requested, and moments later he felt thin, moist lips alight on his own. They groaned into one another's mouths, sharing air; Cid let his tongue dart out and add a little more saliva to the mix.

"... Close..." Vincent panted as Cid nipped at his lower lip. He was pausing for a second between every two or three strokes, but even so he was drawing closer and closer to the edge.

"Me too... damn..." said Cid, as much massaging Vincent's buttocks now as he was clinging to them for purchase. His pace had grown uneven; he'd been trying to hold himself back from finishing too soon, but if his husband was almost there, then no need to hold off any longer.

With an animalistic growl, Cid slowed down and focused on making each and every thrust count. Vincent had told him before that he preferred long, drawn out strokes so he could enjoy the feel of Cid's entire length sliding in and out; while Cid couldn't keep that up the whole night, especially from a prone position, it was the perfect way to cap off the night.

The taller man shook as his lover ground and drew his pleasure out of him. Vincent was barely aware of all the soft, needy noises escaping his throat as he mindlessly tightened his grip on his own arousal, pumping hard and then easing off, only to repeat the same with shorter breaks in between. He curled inward and clenched down on Cid and was rewarded with a stuttered cry as the blond finally broke, his teeth clenching, all the muscles in his abdomen tensing, as he spilled into Vincent's channel with spasmodic jerks.

Vincent followed almost immediately, unable to resist the tightness pooling in his own groin as heat filled him from within. With a few final strokes he seized up, then began spurting thick gobs of spunk onto Cid's belly, decorating the finer hairs there with pearl beads, before finally collapsing bonelessly on top of the mess he'd made.

They lay there like that for a minute, catching their breath as sweat and cum quickly cooled, making their lazing about uncomfortable sooner than they would've liked.

Cid sighed and gave Vincent a light shake. "Come on, need ya ta get off me so I can go wet some towels."

"Ngh," Vincent mumbled, not inclined to move whatsoever. When he was spent he was spent. And Cid was a pro at wearing him down and wearing him out.

The engineer chuckled. "I know YOU can sleep through anythin', but I can't." And that wasn't a stretch... Cid was pretty sure he'd seen Vincent sleeping while standing upright, in the summer heat, with his cloak and his clunky boots and at least three guns strapped to his body. And while they'd made do way back when, when they all figured they'd die to either Sephiroth or Meteor or both, Cid wasn't actually one for roughing it. Especially not on their honeymoon!

Vincent didn't answer but he did reluctantly roll off towards his left, his forearm automatically tucking up against his chest.

"It's fine. You sleep. I'll getcha cleaned up, 'k?" Cid quietly promised as he pushed off the bed and began shuffling carefully across the floor, hoping the faint moonlight would be enough to guide him on his way.

Vincent's answering hum, a quiet, content sound, floated by as Cid was already halfway across the room. Still Cid paused and looked back at the dark shape sprawled on the bed, relaxed - so unlike the constantly vigilant, troubled, lonely soul that he'd first met. Now Vincent knew when he could drop his defenses and rest; he trusted that his partner would be right back like he'd promised.

Cid had said at the reception that he'd trade every rocket, every moon and star in the sky, to see the man happy. He'd meant it. "I love ya, Vince."

He barely caught the second hum just as he reached the bathroom door. It still put a smile on his face. Maybe he was just hearing things, but he was pretty sure he'd heard a "Me too" in there.

* * *

Vincent awoke slowly, blinking into a room that was awash with far more light than the one he'd fallen asleep in the night before. Scowling mildly, he snuffed and shook his head slightly, trying to dislodge something that was partially covering it; that failing, he tried his best to bury his face further into his firm pillow, but said pillow wasn't having it.

"Come on, I knew yer awake. Up 'n at 'em, Sweetheart," Cid said, lightly shaking the floppy right hand resting near his heart that he'd trapped under his own. He was hardly a morning person himself - nothing could ever beat Yuffie's saccharine morning cheer - but compared to Vincent anyone would seem like sunshine and rainbows.

The raven-haired man frowned up at his spouse, pulling his hand back to remove the fabric that had been draped over him. It turned out to be his pajama top - Cid had probably put it there to help filter out light and sound, but the material was a bit too thin to be effective. He'd been sleeping on Cid's chest of course, tucked under his armpit. Position #3, as the engineer had dubbed it with a laugh, declaring it Vincent's favorite. Though now that he was becoming more aware he realized he was fully naked, so that made it what, position #3-B?

"Let's go see what we can scrounge up fer breakfast. Then we gotta beat it, we need ta be outta here by noon."

"Hmm." Was it too much to ask for Cid to bring breakfast up? Probably... Vincent wondered when he'd become so spoiled to even think such a thing. He sat up and pulled the pajama shirt over his shoulders, since it was on hand. Having a bit of fabric on made him feel more secure than sitting there entirely bare, as did the gauntlet and even the dog tags he fished out from under the pillow.

"... Or I can bring it back here, if yer gonna insist," the blond drawled, even though he was still kicking back in bed.

Vincent managed a weak glare at Cid for having plucked that out of his thoughts. "That's not necessary," he said, shooting it down before the pilot ran off to do exactly that.

Cid simply grinned, then sat up and slapped him on the shoulder. "Well then, come on, ya grump. Daylight's burnin'! " He gave his husband a quick morning kiss then hopped out of bed and stretched, and Vincent couldn't help but look him up and down, all golden hair and skin under the bright morning light. "Besides, you can nap while I fly."

That was true, though it seemed a shame to simply sleep the afternoon away. Yes it would still be time spent together, but Cid deserved better company than that...

Vincent got up as well and began picking through his clothes, mindful of the sloped ceiling. "Where are we heading next, Chief?"

"Don't know and don't matter. I'll let ya pick; jus' point in a direction and we'll go."

The former Turk hummed. That had been the plan, to let fate - and Cid's wanderlust - set the course. He'd never been one to throw caution to the wind, but... So be it. Let's do it Cid's way. "Well then second to the right, and straight on 'til morning," he decided, disappearing into the bathroom to wash up and get dressed.

There was a momentary lull as the door clicked shut. Then... "Huh? Wait... to the right of what?" Cid called back, voice slightly muffled through the door. "... Is this some poetry bullshit?"

Vincent smiled, seeing no need to explain. Maybe Cid had a point - the destination didn't matter, only the journey.

* * *

Author's Notes:

- "Fly Me to the Moon" just seemed an appropriate song choice for Cid in the shower; it inserted itself in before I even had time to consider if Cid would be the type to sing in the shower.

- Vincent's comment about position #3 is a direct reference to the equivalent position in "Five Nights to a Better Sleep."

- Yes Vincent ended up giving Cid directions to Neverland (from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan) : )

- Thanks to Nenya85 for beta work. Reviews are appreciated!

October 15, 2025