For your reading pleasure, enjoy

Chapter 10

An hour later...

He was horrified. Cid was sitting at the other end of the couch, looking equally distressed. Red eyes watched with growing terror as the television screen kept playing out the video, the volume mercifully low so they couldn't hear the screams on the recording. His breath kept catching in his throat as he tried to swallow enough oxygen to calm himself down. His mind kept trying to shut down, to avoid trying to comprehend with what he was seeing.

"...turn it off..." Vincent whispered, "please...turn it off."

The blonde pilot did as he was asked, "I thought it might help if we knew..."

"Help?!" Vincent choked the word as his long hair fell over his features, "Help?! Cid, for a rocket scientist, you can be pretty damn thick. How do you think is helping?"

Cid was pale, his blue eyes lowered to the carpet. He was watching this for the first time as well. He had refused to watch it without Vincent, the man needed to know what Hojo had done to him. The images had been horrifying, how had no one came to his aid? He had screamed in pain and not one soul had came to help. How could the town of Nibelheim allow that? Surely someone would have heard the screams.

Vincent shook his head, "He...he...Hojo..."

The captain edged closer to the slender male. He couldn't handle tears but he wasn't going to let Vincent shed any more over that bastard Hojo. The creepy bastard deserved to rot in hell for all eternity for all he cared. Shin-Ra's top scientist had created death and destruction, causing pain to all those he had touched over the years and Cid would be damned if he allowed Hojo the chance to hurt Vincent from beyond the grave.

The videos had been detailed, Hojo describing every cut and injection given to the poor soul that was strapped to the table. Cid had sat unable to move, transfixed in horror as the scenes played out before them. Vincent had been restless, making startled, horrified noises. The slender male had vomited into a basin, his breath was catching in his chest as panic threatened to take control.

"I don't care," Cid shook his head, "What he did, I don't care. I care about you. I want to help you."

A soft sigh came from Vincent, "Why? You should be helping Shera. Your attention must be on her, not me."

Eh? What the hell? Cid thought as he blinked in surprise, he was caught off guard by that, "Uhhh...okay. What...why kiss me then?"

Vincent closed his eyes, trying to block out how close the captain was becoming. He didn't trust himself with the blonde, every cell in his body wanted to jump him, to drink in his form. Cid stilled him, his emotions became tranquil and even his demons became gentle. That question seemed to be the one recurring stream that was running between them. Stolen kisses and fleeting touches had became the norm for the two men, Cid seemingly oblivious to the advances over the past few weeks but now? Cid was slowly becoming aware and in his own way, was sharing those feelings.

However, after watching the video recordings, Vincent was terrified. Cid would never entertain the thought of spending the rest of his life with the former Turk. Hojo had managed to be creative in his punishments and experiements. His body bore the scars and they would never heal.

It wasn't your fault, Chaos spoke again, he wants to help you, to look after you. He needs you to see that. He also needs to see that you need to look after him.

He wasn't asking that, Vincent responded to the winged demon, he asked why I kissed him. He has shown kindness, despite what I am.

Because he's cute? Hellmasker offered with a hiss, lousy sense in movies though. We could have told you what happened though but...we aren't...what's the word...we would not want to remember like you.

You felt like he could be the one to start again with, Chaos interupted the masked demon, there is nothing stopping you. He clearly has feelings for you.

Vincent frowned, he couldn't see that at present. Cid had seen the recordings, he had seen what Hojo had created. The blonde should be running in the opposite direction. He was a monster, a vile creature that deserved to be buried away with the painful past that the Shin-Ra had. His past was nothing to be proud of, if Cid was smart, then he would turn his back on him.

Cid clicked his fingers, "Ohhhkay. Vincent?"

He watched his friend for a long moment, he had fallen silent. Any emotion that the raven haired male had shown seemed to exhaust him. The former Turk shook his head but didn't move away. He shivered in the warm living room, Cid pulled a blanket over him, wrapping it around him.

"I don't care what he did," Cid repeated as he took Vincent's metal claw, "You deserve happiness. Damn it's the least you can expect."

"Do you remember Fort Condor?" Vincent asked suddenly.

The pilot frowned as he triend to recall that. He'd managed to get his ass handed to him quite well during his command of that mission if he remembered correctly. Vincent had tended to his wounds after the battle.

Fort Condor...

The pilot stared out of the small hut down at the oncoming Shin-Ra soldiers. It looked like overkill but if the enemy knew that AVALANCHE was protecting the reactor then, Cid had guessed that it would be a massacre if they failed to protect the mountain. He had been aware that Cloud had visisted the people here every so often to ensure the safety of those who remained, providing money or support when needed.

Cid chewed his lip, this battle was the deciding one. They had to protect the reactor from the oncoming army. The Shin-Ra could not get their hands on the Huge Materia that was in the Mako reactor. Yuffie had managed to get the wounded in to the lower caves, the ninja acting very grown up and business like. The rest of the team had taken on advising people or trying to help strengthen up defences.

Vincent was nearby, the former Turk instructing the rookie soldiers on how to fire and where the enemy had weakness. He had been sneaking looks at the blonde, making sure he was alright but doing it discreetly so that he wasn't caught by his friends or by the blonde himself. The former Turk had experience with Shin-Ra attacks, knowing that the commander would be the last to enter the battle. Cid had stated that if they took down the commander, then victory was ensured.

The words the leader had said to the young shinobi still hung in the air like poison. Yuffie had tried speaking to the captain but Cid had avoided the group, becoming distant. At night, Cid wouldn't go to bed. The pilot was running on fumes and Vincent found himself missing the form of the captain cuddled up to him at night. The blonde would busy himself, throwing himself into fixing the airship or planning the next attack.

It was painfully clear to those who knew the blonde that there was a huge difference in his mood. Cid had been easy going, chatty and quick to smile but now, now he looked weary and withdrawn. The weight of failure seemed to be hanging above his shoulders like an omnious cloud, he didn't want to be near anyone.

"He awrite?" Barret appeared next to Vincent, the large man nodding to where Cid was standing.

Vincent sighed, "It's the chief."

"Yeah but...he aint himself though," Barret stated, "He aint one to miss out on a party. Did ya see him at all last night?"

"I'm not his keeper," Vincent replied testily, "He isn't attached to my hip."

Barret shook his head as he stepped back, "I didn't say that but he seems to prefer hanging out with ya though."

"We Shin-Ra have to stick together," Vincent sneered, remembering words that Barret had thrown at him during the first insane days of the group being a proper team.

It was a low blow from the former Shin-Ra assassin but tension was building. The founder of AVALANCHE felt about two inches high then. He didn't trust the Shin-Ra but both Vincent and Cid had managed to prove who's side they were on time and time again on numerous occassions. The men fighting against people they had trained with for years without a second thought. A humbling thought for the man who had been the first to insult them when they had joined the group.

"You aint Shin-Ra," Barret replied softly, "At least, not any more. You wanna help save the planet."

"Look sharp!" Cid called down from where he was, "and if I'm not mistaken, I'd say they went overboard on the army."

"We take out the leaders," Vincent commanded to the men in front of him, "Do not waste your time on lesser foes, conserve strength and ammo."

The fight had been painful and difficult. Cid's normally sharp mind was showing signs of weariness and he had left huge, gaping holes in the defence lines. Yuffie had managed to keep the enemy from attacking the undefended parts while Cait Sith had bounced to the rescue when the huge hulking form of the commander had tried to approach the command hut.

Vincent and Barret were both aiding the shooters and snipers at the bottom, both men fighting the flying creatures that were being sent when the enemy realised that the fort didn't have enough men to deal with them.

Cid and Red XIII were both somewhere in the middle of the mountain. Vincent strained to see where the blonde was, he hadn't seen the captain since the battle had began. He could only hope that the man was alright and not wounded but he couldn't focus for long on the blonde, he had his own flying problems to deal with.

The battle luckily had been short, the fort defended and the condor saved but not without heavy losses on both sides. The leader of the mountain had then admitted that the group hadn't been fighting for the Huge Materia inside the reactor but for the huge condor that rested on top of it. The team had been surprised at the revelation but not thought it had been for nothing. Cid had once again retreated to be by himself, the blonde not wanting company. He had sat on the top of the mountain, next to the reactor.

Vincent frowned as he went to the wooden door, he could see the blonde, it was always interesting to watch the man for a few moments. To see the real man that resided behind the swears and smoke. At the moment, he seemed to be deep in thought, a cigarette held unlighted in his right hand and his battered looking lighter in his left.

"I messed up," the blonde admitted to the sky, "I almost lost the reactor and almost killed the entire team. I almost lost the damn town of Corel yesterday..."

Vincent strode over to him, unsure why he did. He just knew that the pilot could do with some company even if he tried to deny it. Cid wouldn't have left him alone if the roles had been reveresed so he wouldn't leave him by himself, even if they just sat in silence. A welcome stillness in the insanity that was trying to swallow them whole.

The blonde seems troubled and weary. He needs to see that he isn't being used, Gigas offered in it's gentle way, perhaps even to vent.

Then he shall vent, Vincent offered back, he needs to eat and sleep. All I can offer is to make sure he is undisturbed for a few hours.

"...with me," Cid had got to his feet and was looking curiously at Vincent.

"What?" Vincent blinked in surprise, the warm wind of the Junon sea fluttering his hair.

Blue eyes rolled with humour, "Ya drift off when I'm near you. Is there something I should know? Am I really that dull and boring?"

Oh no, Hellmasker grinned and almost danced on the spot, You haven't seen the dreams he has of you. How eager he is to have you cuddle him in bed, to...

"Nothing," Vincent stated, "It's nothing, I came to see how you are. The old man is making dinner for us and it actually looks tempting."

A laugh came from the captain, "Must be if ya want some. Go ahead."

"Come with me," Vincent offered, "I'm sure your thinking can wait for a few hours."

He took hold of Cid's hand, ignoring the surprised sound that the captain made. He pulled him back to the fort, the blonde dragging his feet as though they were made of lead and Vincent was leading him to his doom. Cid didn't make any attempt to free his hand however, Vincent fought the urge to smile ever so slightly at that.

"Come on chief," Vincent tugged gently on the blonde, "I am not dragging you to your death. It's a meal."

"I know," Cid said tiredly, "Just not really in the mood to be sociable. I just wanna head back to the airship."

"Not until you eat," the former Turk said, "You haven't eaten in days. Tea is not a food substitute and nicotine is not nutrient."

"I guess," Cid sighed heavily as he followed to the brunette through the mountain, if he was honest, he just wanted to sleep.

Vincent stopped suddenly, Cid crashing into him. The pilot sighed with a hint of contentness. The sudden warmth he encountered from Vincent was oh so inviting and the former Turk smelt good too. The urge to rest his head on the taller man's shoulder was just so overpowering but he mentally shook his head, in no way would that be allowed.

Vincent smiled at the closeness of the pilot, "You've been smoking like a chimney. You've been rude to anything withing a five mile radius."

He felt the blonde tense and almost hear the thoughts rattle around the tired mind. It was a cheap blow but he somehow knew that he would not get a lashing for it, had it been one of the others then the blonde would have been vile. He wondered why Cid allowed him the luxury of treating him this way, the blonde didn't do anything, simply following the former Turk wherever he was lead.

Cid frowned, he wasn't that bad. He had been his usual self, he was simply tired. Vincent hadn't been on the end of any of his rants yet, the pilot had just about managed to reign his temper in.

"Not to you," Cid said softly, "I'm...just tired."

"You'll sleep better on a full stomach," Vincent resumed his walking, the captain following behind.

"I'm not a fucking child," Cid grumbled in annoyance, "Don't treat..."

"I am not," Vincent turned round partly, "You need to sleep. A half dead leader is useless to us."

Cid avoided his gaze, Vincent said nothing but he hoped that the tone of his voice had been enough to settle any kind of argument that the blonde had brewing in him. Cid had always been aware of the height difference between the two men but having the brunette standing so close made him feel like a spoilt child.

He isn't going to sleep you know, Hellmasker stated confidently, maybe we could...

I swear if you do not fall silent with your thoughts about him, I will destroy you, Vincent knew it was an empty threat but he was concerned with the fascination Hellmasker held about Cid.

"I'm not leaving you," Vincent ignored any further comments as he resumed his walking, "I shall make sure that you sleep and that no one bothers you."

"Take me on the Highwind," Cid breathed in resignation, "I'm gonna sleep better if I'm comfortable."

Take him on the Highwind eh? Hellmasker almost danced with delight at the wording, Take Him On The Highwind. I'm dying for a chance to taste his lips...

"You better sleep then chief," Vincent was reluctant to leave the mountain so soon but the blonde needed to have peace.

It was twenty minutes later when the two men had reached the airship. Cid's quarters took them another ten minutes to get to, not one soul bothered to question why the captain had returned. The crew nodding politely or offering a simple good night to the men as they walked by.

Cid entered his room first, surprised at the mess. When had been the last time that he had been in this room? Clothes were scattered across the floor, the bed was unmade and the bathroom door wide open.

"Someone has been in here looking for something," Vincent stood beside him, readying his weapon.

A surprised laugh came from the captain, "No, no. Haven't tidied up since we got the airship."

Vincent looked at him as the pilot walked into the room. He walked to his bed and pushed off a pile of paperwork that had been dumped on the bed. The bundle made a loud thud on the deck and Cid pulled off his goggles and throw them on the nearby cabinet.

"Perhaps we should go to my room," Vincent wasn't a neat freak but he highly doubted that any sane soul would be able to sleep in such a chaotic and messy room."

"My ship, my room," Cid stated as he climbed into his bed, "I wouldn't drag you to my room if I wanted to sleep in your bed."

Vincent found himself blushing, "Why would I do that?"

"Look," Cid yawned, "you go back to the fort. Don't want you wasting away to nothing, go eat something."

The former Turk raised an eyebrow, waste away to nothing? That would be highly unlikely, he had survived on nothing during his thirty year slumber. He was far more concerned with his friend at the moment. Normally clear eyes were unfocused and dark circles seemed to be getting bigger under them.

He wanted to make sure that the blonde slept. The past few days had been draining on everyone but more so on the pilot because he had been dumped into the leadership role without anyone really asking if he was okay with it. Cid had been pushed to his limits and Vincent would not apologise for chiding the captain about his sleeping and eating habits. He was concerned for his friend, last night at Corel was still fresh in his mind. The harsh words that he said was still fresh in the former Turk's mind, Yuffie had managed to brush it off but the captain seemed to be lingering on the actions.

"Fine," Vincent said, "I'll check on you later."

Cid said nothing as he remained sitting on his bed. He was tired, Vincent was right about that. He was also hungry but Vincent had been the only one in the group who had actually tried to help lighten the load even if it was harressing him about eating or sleeping. He fell back onto the pillow, closing his eyes as Vincent shut the door.

Vincent had no intention of leaving the airship but he was hungry himself. He knew that Cid wouldn't sleep just yet so it gave him some time to go and rustle up something edible for the two of them. The airship had a galley, it had gave Tifa some refuge as the woman created dinner when she had been on board ship.

Why do I care if he really starves or not? Vincent mulled over as he went to the kitchen, he's a grown man. He has the right to do as he pleases.

He's the only one who hasn't ran away when it's came to sharing a bed with you or being in the same team, Galian said, he cuddles you at night.

Why are you all so eager to bring that up? Vincent asked curiously, it's not like he pushes you away when awake.

The gunman searched the cupboards, looking for something quick and simple to make. It was easier said than done. Supplies had been low since the person who had assumed responsibilites of stocking up had left to look after Cloud in the forest villiage of Mideel.

He discovered some meat and bread, Vincent shrugged, even he couldn't mess up a simple sandwich. He made up a pile of sandwiches, eating one as he attempted to locate the kettle. It was a simple thing, the food and tea, something hopefully the captain would eat. Vincent walked to the huge fridge, snorting in amusement as he realised how domesticated he actually was. He had never down such things for past friends or lovers, allowing them to fend for themselves. He had allowed Lucrecia to go hungry when they had been together.

He made the tea and placed two mugs on a tray beside the sandwiches, eating another one as he walked out of the galley. He held the tray with his metal limb, retracing his steps back to the captain's room. He was aware that he was alone, the corridor devoid of any life or sound. His footsteps provided a steady beat as he walked.

"You haven't answered my question," Vincent stated to the demons residing in his form, "Don't tell me you have all fallen silent?"

Nothing. All three of beings remained silent but Vincent could sense a fourth one deep within him. It was sleeping, waiting to be woken but Vincent felt no rush to ring the alarm clock for it. The others had been noisy in his mind when they had felt each other. Galian roaring loudly as Gigas emerged or Gigas groaning in either amusement or dread as Hellmasker came forth.

No, Hellmasker finally spoke up, we were just...reflecting.

About what? Vincent asked.

Stuff, Hellmasker stated as he disappeared again into the dark corners he preferred in Vincent's mind.

Stuff? It concerned Vincent that the three souls were thinking about things. They seemed to be more talkative when he was with Cid, almost desperate to engage with conversations. What was it about the blonde that they found so interesting? Was his own feelings part of it or were they being hijacked by the feelings of the three in his head? It was something that he didn't really want to think about, his own feelings were his own feelings.

He pushed the thoughts out of his mind. He wasn't going to allow them to ruin his peaceful moods. Cid would be sleeping in his room hopefully but Vincent knew enough to not assume anything with the blonde at present. He returned to the room, debating internally if he should knock or just walk in. He chose to walk in, expecting the blonde to be sleeping.

The captain wasn't sleeping, he was in the process of tidying up the mess that was his room. He spared the slender male a look before he went back to his cleaning, a pile of paper sat on his dresser, weighed down by something that Vincent could only imagine was an engine part or something. A daunting pile of clothes threatened to tip over in a neatly organised chaotic pile.

"You should be sleeping," Vincent narrowed his red eyes, "Not cleaning."

The pilot offered him a shy smile, he shrugged. His stomach growled in hunger as he spotted the sandwiches and tea on the tray Vincent had. He moved forward reaching for the mug of tea. Vincent smiled back, taking a step away from the blonde. He shouldn't tease the captain but Cid didn't need to know that.

"Eat something," Vincent offered lightly, "Tea is for after."

Another laugh came from Cid, Vincent found himself enjoying the sound. The blonde hadn't laughed properly in a while and the former Turk wasn't sure what made him so eager to keep hearing it. It was reassuring that the blonde still knew how to laugh.

Cid took a sandwich and eyes it warily, "I'm not that hungry."

"I made that so the least you can do is eat," Vincent sat the tray down, unsure why he had shared that.

"Oh..." Cid looked surprised but he took a bit of the bread and ham creation.

The bread was stale but he found that he didn't care. Vincent seemed happy enough to eat the same food he had made. In fact he wasn't sure as to why the former Turk was even doing this. He had been rude to people, hurtful and vile to people but Vincent had remained.

"You made me sandwiches?" Cid said through a mouthful.

"Yes, I made sandwiches," Vincent confirmed, "I also made tea."

"I'm not that cheap a date," Cid said as he picked up the tea.

Crimson went like saucers and Vincent didn't trust himself to speak at that point. He was in no way implying that but Cid had needed to eat something. A blush washed over his pale features, unsure why he was reacting like that. It was just Cid, the blonde pilot had treated himself the same way when he had been reluctant to eat in the past. He was merely returning the favour.

"I never..." Vincent started quietly, his cheeks burning.

Cid laughed again but it was a more intimate sound. A tired sigh finished it and Cid took a deep breath, looking around his cabin. Vincent had a fairly decent point, the former Turk was right, he wouldn't be able to sleep in his room the way it was. He rubbed the back of his neck, weighing up his options and deciding that at the moment, he had no other ideas.

It's not like he's gonna jump me, Cid mused as he regarded the blushing older male, we've shared beds before.

"So," Cid yawned sleepily, "Your room huh?"

Present...

"Don't really remember much about Fort Condor," Cid admitted even though he knew it was a lie, he simply settled for staring at the pale dip just above Vincent's sternum at the base of his throat.

"You weren't yourself," Vincent replied, "You haven't been yourself since. You're hiding."

"Hi...hiding?" Cid shook his head as he got to his feet, "What?"

"When I first encountered you," Vincent wiped his eyes, "you were so alive. So full of life and I..I wanted to be like that."

"Still the same person," Cid rubbed his face tiredly, "We've been through shit that no one on the planet should ever have to. You were put through the ringer and besides, you aint the same guy I first met."

His reply was a sour smile from Vincent, that was true. he had been a figure of fear for almost thirty odd years but now? He struggled to recognise himself in the mirror. His entire life had changed due to the actions of one person and that person had then destroyed the lives of countless others. Was that the legacy that Hojo wanted to leave on this world? One of death and pain?

"I've became a bit more social," Vincent stated, "You...haven't. If anything, it seems as though our roles have changed. You never laugh anymore."

Cid opened his mouth but realised that he had no real answer to that. He had became more antisocial since he had been travelling with the group but he didn't think he was as bad as the quiet man. There was no real answer, not one that he was willing to look at in the cold light of day. Vincent had became more social, acting as a liaison between him and the rest of the group when Cid had been in charge. When Cloud had returned, Vincent resumed the role of ever attentive friend to the captain. Vincent said he had been hiding? Hiding from what?

"Haven't had much to laugh about," Cid said slowly, "I mean, c'mon, end of the world, saving the planet and then everyone turning to you to see what to do next...how the holy hell are we supposed to know?!"

"You were running when I met you," Vincent looked at the tv, "You had no drive or passion except for the stars. Our...adventure seemed to chip away at our souls, devouring us. You haven't even mourned for Aeris."

Cid blinked, unsure what to say. The words Vincent said stinging like knifes. He would mourn for the flower girl when it was needed, he knew that he was one stressful situation from having a complete mental collapse. He knew he had been placing things in separate boxes in his mind and those boxes were becoming full and dangerously close to overflowing.

Did Vincent think that he didn't care? He did but he couldn't afford to show it at the time. The team needed a leader and while Barret had stated that he would fill the gap, he couldn't get past his hatred of the enemy. They had needed someone neutral and capable of looking at the bigger picture.

"How is that gonna help?" Cid countered, "You haven't either if we're playing that game."

Vincent snorted bitterly. His friend could be so damn thick at times it was a wonder. Why couldn't the blonde see that he needed to properly vent his frustrations and emotions? Vincent had released a host of emotions back at the mansion, destroying the elegant furniture and trying to excise the demons and ghosts that remained in the old building.

Cid shook his head, he was physically exhausted and he had a feeling that the brunette sitting in front of him would not be feeling sleeping. The scenes from the recordings still flickered in his head and Vincent would no doubt be mulling over the images. Cid rubbed his wrists, the feeling of the heavy leather straps from the mansion and the coldness of the table still lingering in his form.

"I'm gonna try and get some sleep," Cid said softly, "I uh...I'll crash on the couch if you still want my bed."

Crimson eyes flickered closed before Vincent drew his gaze to the blonde, "Please...you don't have to put yourself out. You have done more than enough..."

Cid raised a hand, "You're welcome to bunk. I wouldn't blame ya really, I'd uh, well, ya more than welcome to share."

Vincent opened his mouth to reply but the blonde had already made his way to the bedroom. Cid would simply follow him if he decided to leave the home again, Shera would no doubt be fuming silently in her room, listening to the conversation the two men had had. Had the quiet woman spoken to Cid about his feeling as well?

He picked up a recording, a scar throbbing as his body forced him to remember what that mad bastard had done to him. He shivered in the warm room, the blanket making no difference to the chill. What would it take for the blonde to throw him out? To walk away from him and severe all ties of friendship and to never see him again?

Do you really wish to find that out? Chaos asked softly, he is confused. He wants to help but does not know how.

He tossed the recording to the floor, ignoring the winged demon and he fell sideways onto the couch. A heavy, painful sigh escaped him as he closed his eyes. A few moments silence to banish away the images couldn't hurt could it? It didn't seem long before he felt a second cover being placed gently over him, the same someone lifting his legs to place them on the sofa so he was laying fully on it and more comfortable. His mind tried to work out how long he had been sleeping for but his body refused to allow him.

"G'night," Cid was heard softly, placing a soft hand ever so briefly on his cheek, "and sleep. I'll watch over you for a change."

Hours later...

He woke up with a start, his heart thundering in his chest. He rubbed his face tiredly as he sat up in his bed. The nightmares would always be there now but they weren't usually as bad as they were now and he wondered briefly how much that was because his bed was empty. Cid rushed a sigh out of his lungs and he leaned over his bed looking for a stray packet of cigarettes that he knew he had stashed. Vincent had crashed on the couch and Cid had sat with him for a few hours, making sure that the male didn't slip away. Any kind of strength or energy that the male had had completely gone.

He was craving a cigarette, he hadn't had one since they had left Nibelheim a few days back. He couldn't find the pack that he had near the bed but that didn't mean that he didn't have any other stashes throughout the house. Cid slipped out of bed, the room cooler than what it normally should be and he fought back the urge to shiver. Strangely, his body seemed to recognised the chill and his heartbeat became faster.

Habit made him turn on the lamp next to the bed and a thought went to Vincent, he didn't want to disturb the man but the new light revealed his first thought. He had slept alone, the other side of the bed untouched apart from his efforts to look for his smokes. He frowned slightly though, the very notion of Vincent not being next to him seemed to sit ill in his mind and he pushed the thought to one side, keeping Vincent and emotions to one box that he would deal with at some point.

He chewed his lip as he left the bedroom, holding his breath as he went into the living room. His heart quickened, unsure if Vincent was still there. In the dark lighting however, he could make out a figure out on the couch, hunched over.

"Seems I aint the only night owl," Cid said softly, "Ya hungry?"

"Nooo," came a hiss of a voice that the sleepy pilot couldn't place instantly.

The blonde walked round the couch and stopped a few feet from Vincent. Something wasn't right, the shape was too bulky, to large to be his friend. The person sitting on the coach was broader across the shoulders, the head was lowered down.

"Hellmasker...?" Cid queried as he remained out of arms reach, "Where's Vince?"

Hellmasker made a sound that could have been a chuckle. The demon simply remained watching the experiments on the television, it had the recordings on and seemed to be fascinated by Hojo on the screen. It's head rotated slowly, something that Cid had always found creepy.

"Turn that off," Cid whispered, "He doesn't need to see that."

Hellmasker snorted, "Do you not think that we might be curious as to how we came about? This weak body should not be able to hold us all but somehow, it does."

"He's tougher than he looks," Cid said, unable to take his eyes of the rotating skull of the demon who was using his friend's body and wondering if he was actually awake or if this was some sort of nightmare.

"He is so fragile though," Hellmasker leaned back on the couch, "Constantly fretting. In fact, he's rather like you."

"Me? I am not fragile," Cid felt his pulse rocket as the demon got to his feet.

It's head rotated slowly round in a circle, looking at the blonde. The hockey mask hiding any emotions that it might have been feeling. The creature wasn't armed thankfully, it had left the huge vicious chainsaw wherever it remained. He didn't seem to be threatening, huge feet took a few steps forward, making Cid take steps back to remain at a distance.

"You are afraid," Hellmasker hissed, "Like the others."

Blue eyes narrowed, he was having a conversation with one of Vincent's transformations. The pilot held his ground, keenly aware of how small the living room felt at that moment. He had always been wary of this one in battle, the creature always seemed to be far to eager to kill and revel in the misery it caused in battle. Vincent had admitted that he didn't like calling the demon into the fray if he could help it.

"Like the rest of the idiots," Hellmasker clarified, "Afraid of us."

"I am not afraid of ya," Cid mustered his strength, "I just don't like you."

Another deep chuckle came from the demon as it took another longer step towards Cid. Crimson eyes brightened in the circles of the hockey mask, it's neck clicking for every inch his head turned round. It seemed to be focused completely on the blonde and Cid could only be thankful for that.

"Why don't you just crawl back into what ever pit you live in," Cid poked the broad chest, "and let Vincent back out."

"I like you," Hellmasker admitted with a laugh, he raised a hand only for the pilot to step back once more into the ever decreasing space that was available.

"I really like you," he giggled as he closed the distance, Cid ducked out of the way at the last moment.

Cid cursed, "Fucking honoured, seriously, stop messing around and let the driver out huh?"

The third transformation nodded with difficultly, the action causing a strange movement. He moved away from the captain, snorting in mild amusement. He was enjoying this interaction with the human that Vincent found so fascinating. He regarded him carefully, this was the human who had all in this body so enamoured and the demon was going to find out why.

"He doesn't understand," the creature continued.

A weary sigh threatened to break from Cid as the statement was uttered. What was it harping on about now? Who didn't understand what? Why was he even asking such a thing? Surely it was just another facet of Vincent's tormented personality. Gigas seemed to be the gentlest of the four and Cid quite liked that one when it came out.

"Vince," Hellmasker clarified, "you're something...unusual to us. So much power and hope but so easily quashed."

Cid could feel his headache returning in full force, "Hell are you talking about?"

It turned round, exposing a broad back to the pilot. Cid used that distraction to pick up the shotgun that rested on the table, a small part of him wondered how it had got there in the first place but he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth as it was the only form of protection he had. He ignored the thought, his main concern was to get his friend back into the driving seat.

"Put the boom stick down," Hellmasker ordered, "I'm the creepy demon, the one that really fucks with your head. Chaos is all talk, just another bitch that wants to sleep. I don't want that, if we die, I want to live at least once."

"The only thing you're messing with is Valentine's neck," Cid growled, "Let. Him. Out."

The creature moved with a speed that the captain forgot the demon had, "I mean like this."

A huge gloved hand wrapped around Cid's neck tightly, not quite choking him but making pressure felt. Cid refused to release his grip on the gun, a small thought telling him that if he released it, then any kind of defence he had would be lost. He didn't want to make to much noise, Shera could not be involved in this fight and Cid didn't know how the demon would react to the woman.

"Let's see what is going on in that head of yours shall we?" Hellmasker hissed as he placed a hand on Cid's head, "See how fragile or twisted you truly are."

Cid's memory...

He took a sharp gasp of breath as the blade sliced effortless through pale skin. Crimson liquid began to seep quickly from the wound that had been created, the teenager wanted to sob loudly but he forced it down. There was no one here to help him and he didn't really care. His vision blurred partly due to the alcohol and drugs that he had pumped into his system. The blade he held threatened to slip from a surprisingly steady hand due to the slick blood.

The urge to sleep was overwhelming, even in the cold, damp and filthy alley he had managed to wind up in. The world would not miss him and it certainly wouldn't mourn the passing of his life if he decided to end it right now. A wet painful cough broke through his body and not for the first time, did the young man think that illness would claim him.

He rested his head on the cold wall that he was pressed against, he allowed himself to slid down the wall. Stopping on the grimy and filthy ground, a train thundered above him. People would be heading home on the newly build rail system that the Shin-Ra government had decided to throw more money at. He sighed heavily as he got to his feet, he hated the city but until he grew up or grew a pair of wings, then he was stuck here. His father and grandfather would be forever in command of his pitiful life.

A second train rumbled overhead, carrying workers to their jobs or homes. a picture of the smiling president flashed underneath and the young man snarled at it. President Shin-Ra spoke of the people living in the slums, telling them to hold out hope as the company worked on finding the Promised land. He closed his eyes, wanting to become nothing. His father would be waiting for him in the hovel that he had the honour of calling home.

He opened his eyes and he began walking to the sector. Adverts for the Shin-Ra army, SOLDIER and even the Turks were scattered around the slum. Kids played noisily in the street, some begging him for money and others sitting quietly on doorsteps, waiting for easy marks.

Cid shivered as he felt an eerie presence behind him but when he turned round, there was no one there. He crossed his arms, hating how his nerves were shot but he refused to allow the feeling of fear to take claim. He simply placed the feeling into a box in his mind, placing it with other childish fears and memories that he didn't want to acknowledge existed.

I really should stop drinking, he thought as he resumed walking, I'm gonna be scared of my own shadow next.

It took him about half an hour to reach home and he couldn't help but feel sorrow at the building and the sad little lives that dwelt within it. Angry voices could be heard and a cold shiver of terror raced down his spine. His father and grandfather were at war again and it meant that the blonde would be the next easy target once they tired of attacking each other.

"Please please..." he swallowed difficulty as he reached the door.

A gunshot echoed loudly and the blonde was thrown backwards, blood seeping from his side. He cried out weakly as his vision darkened, this was a new thing. It was usually beatings and occasionally being tied down. His father stormed out of the hole that had once held a door, a furious look twisting his features. The elder man held the shotgun steadily as he aimed it at his own son.

"You brought the law here," he snarled, "I didn't raise no damn thief."

Cid blinked in fear, unable to moved as he waited for the final click of the shotgun to finally end his sad little life...

Present

He was pulled back, stunned and numb. He couldn't swallow and he couldn't breathe. He simply stood, unsure if he wanted to scream, laugh or sob. So many emotions tore at him, forgotten memories kept trying to come to the front and he couldn't deny them. Not now and he allowed tears to fall down his cheeks, unable to wipe them away.

Hellmasker roared as it was struck with a baseball bat, the sudden distraction allowing Vincent the chance to claim his body back. Shera kept a tight grip on the bat and swung it again at Vincent, the former Turk brought his hand up and blocked the blow from reaching his skull. He was breathing hard, horrified at the actions of his transformation and he felt his heart sink as Cid didn't seem to move, simply making a pained hiccupping noise as he fought back tears.

"Shera...it's me," Vincent breathed, though he had a feeling that the woman would probably swing again anyway.

Shera's eyes were wide and she looked terrified. She refused to relinquish her weapon, her entire form on edge as she watched him carefully. She looked to Cid and made a startled sound. This surely was the final straw. He could not stay any longer, he had attacked the captain, the very man he said he would not harm.

"Get out," she hissed, "just get the hell outta here!"

Vincent opened his mouth, he wasn't sure what he could say to make everything better. He wasn't even sure what had happened. Hellmasker had came out of nowhere and claimed ownership of the body that was rightfully Valentine's without permission. The demon had gleaned information and it didn't want to share anything it had found.

"GO!" Shera shouted, gripping the bat even tighter.

The former Turk looked the captain, only to find him staring numbly at the wall. His heart shattered as it fell into his stomach, Shera blocked his path, he wasn't able to go to him. He dug his hands into his hair, taking a shaky step back from the two of them. There was no answer for what had happened, no reason for the demon taking control. He was normally so damn careful about his control.

"Shera...I..." he took another step back, "please, it wasn't me."

"I don't care," Shera hissed, "Whatever spell you have on the captain, just stop it. You are a monster, a freak and I don't want you here."

"She's right..." Cid's voice cut like blades to Vincent, "ya...ya can't be here."

It was almost as though he had been struck, he stumbled backwards, refusing to look at Shera and the smug look of victory the woman had managed to claim. She was no doubt thrilled at the thought she had been victorious and Cid was now hers. He stared at his feet, wanting Cid to change those words, to realise that he hadn't meant for that to happen.

What have you done?! Vincent screamed at the retreating Hellmasker, Why? What...

"Cid..." Vincent knew better than to beg, he knew that they were right.

He was dangerous. If he couldn't control his demons, if he had turned on his allies then he deserved to be banished. So, this was the final straw that had broken the captain. Vincent nodded slowly, regaining some composure, wishing that Cid would at least look at him, to see how sorry he was.

"Are you strong enough to reach the Highwind?" Cid took a deep breath, ignoring how shaky he sounded and cleansing it of the images Hellmasker had thrown at him.

"Cid?!" Shera gasped.

"Dammit Shera," Cid growled, his head swimming in pain, "Enough. You don't want him here and...I aint gonna throw him out because of the Hellmasker. He stays on the Highwind."

Both Shera and Vincent looked surprised at the answer. The AVALANCHE member opened his mouth to say something but no words came forth. Cid was giving him a second...no, third change. Vincent wondered where the captain would remain, the blonde looked awful but determined. The house had a heavy air, the three occupants stood in silence, the only noise came from Cid as he took calming breaths. Cid hadn't moved, his mind desperately trying to make sense of what had happened and trying to stop him screaming.

"Vincent," Cid said through clenched teeth, "Git your stuff and head to the airship. I think we need to be there. Don't talk, just do it. Shera...you stay here. Do not argue with me, I am not in the fucking mood."

He took another breath, ignoring how Shera clearly wanted to argue the point but she fell silent when the captain looked at her. Vincent nodded as he disappeared into the bedroom, gathering his clothes. The captain took another breath, holding onto the edge of the couch for support as he placed another attack on his sanity under the ever increasing 'deal with it later' file in his mind.