Timeframe: Post game; Vincent and Cid are lovers, living at Rocket Town

Vincent sighed softly as he observed his lover sleep. //He looks so angelic, not at all like his usual loud self.// Vincent grinned. He knew that Cid acted brash mostly because other people actually listened to him when he did so.

But he was really a calm and kind-heartened person when it came down to it. Of course, only Vincent really knew. Well, perhaps Shera and Yuffie, but not as clearly. He was the one who now stayed with Cid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Vincent brushed Cid's bangs out of his eyes, enjoying the soft feel of the hair. In most ways, Cid was soft. His touch, skin, hair, eyes, his whole way of being. Vincent remembered the night they had spent at Gold Saucer. He had acted very cold to the group, especially Cid, who was always trying to talk to him. But when they slept in the same hotel room, Vincent had a nightmare, and had woken up screaming.

He woke up fully to find Cid in his bed with him, holding him gently, murmuring soothing things in his ear, trying to calm him. Vincent didn't like to be touched, especially held, but the dream was so livid and real, and he felt safe in Cid's strong arms. The next morning, Vincent acted cold and aloof, as usual, and Cid respected him by not mentioning what had happened the night before. But when the same thing happened when they were using their tents one night (Cid and Vincent paired up again), Vincent knew he could not keep rejecting his kindness.

He had apologized for his actions, and Cid had only smiled, saying he didn't mind. The two began to act as friends, and eventually, lovers. Vincent was afraid the first night they made love, but Cid had been patient and gentle, never forcing anything.

In fact, the pilot understood Vincent's fear, so he often let him take the initiative. The first time the Vincent entered Cid, however, he had hurt the pilot, drawing blood with his organ. Cid said nothing of it, but Vincent realized his act when he finished and pulled out. The two fell asleep embracing each other that night, Cid assuring Vincent that it was just an accident and it didn't hurt anymore.

Vincent thought of all these things as he observed the sleeping pilot. He grinned slightly when he noticed the small hole that Cid had on his earlobe. He told Vincent he had gotten his ear pierced as a teen to be "cool", but an infection had quickly ruined his chances. Vincent did notice that he occasionally wore a small gold-colored ring on special occasions however, and had purchased a real gold earring for him. The pilot wore it almost everyday now, unless he was going to do something overly complex (such as crawling around the Highwind's engines) that it could risk getting caught on.

Cid murmured in his sleep, turning over and moving his arm around. Vincent grabbed the warm hand, holding it close to him. Cid squeezed the hand weakly in his sleep, instantly becoming more calm. Vincent wasn't the only one who had bad dreams. His all involved Hojo, Jenova, or some combination of. But Cid's usually relived his near-death experiences.

Confident in all his creations of air and space, Cid never tested anything fully, until he was ready to go. Of course, this had almost cost him his life more than once. His most common nightmare was the first time he had flown the Tiny Bronco.

He had run into harsh turbulence, and some loose piece of metal had cracked the engine block. He was saved by landing in the ocean, but sustained more than a few injuries. He still had a large scar on his back from the worst one.

But Vincent had noticed his presence usually calmed him, and let his dreams drift into more pleasant subjects. He assumed it was the same for him, as he had not had one nightmare since he came to live with Cid.

Cid made another sound, opening his eyes as he woke up. Vincent saw a glimpse of a tear in the corner of his eye, and quickly kissed it away. The pilot raised his hand, stroking Vincent's face gently. He sighed softly, then closed his eyes in an attempt to fall asleep again.

Vincent moved closer to him, hugging the stronger man as his head lay on the toned chest, hearing the rhythmic heartbeat.

"...g'night love..." Cid said without opening his eyes. His arms wrapped around the lithe man, holding him securely and protectively.

"Goodnight Cid." The calming heartbeat lulled Vincent to sleep as well, filling his dreams with images of flying through the sky, and drowning in eyes of the same soft and serene color.