Timeframe: Begins when Cloud and group are at Cosmo Canyon. Cid (who has not been met yet) wanders down to Nibelheim to see if he can find anything interesting at the Shinra Mansion...

Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight

Cid walked slowly towards the secret room in the basement. He swallowed hard when he opened the door, hearing the creaking sound echo loudly. //I hope those weird things don't come back...// His spear was covered with blood, and there were splatters of the crimson substance on him. He wasn't afraid of the monsters, but he was getting tired of fighting.

Walking into the room, he looked around the coffins, mildly surprised. //I shoulda guessed...but why don't these smell funky? They must be old as this damned mansion.// He noticed how the center coffin looked newer than the others, and was decorated richly in comparison. //Weird.// Ignoring Shera's 2nd favorite saying, "Curiosity killed the cat" ("Haste makes waste" being her top favorite), he tried to open the coffin. The lid was exceedingly heavy, and he had to use his spear as a lever. When the lid moved a bit, Cid peeked in and saw a flesh arm. //Damn, why am I doing this? Oh yeah, cuz I'm crazy.//

Smirking, he continued to push off the lid, using all his strength. When it finally fell off, he got a good look at the person in the coffin. It was a young man in his late twenties. He had the blackest hair Cid had ever seen, and soft, pale skin. What interested Cid most, however, was that he had no left arm. In its place was a metal claw. Touching it, Cid realized that the man was not dead. //What the hell?// "Hey buddy, wake up." He shook the man's shoulder gently, trying to rouse him from his sleep.

The man's eyes opened slowly at first, then widened when he saw Cid. "No! D-Don't hurt me!"

//Red eyes? That's cool...// Cid smiled kindly. "I'm not gonna hurt ya. Here, let me help you out of there." He held out his left hand (being left-handed) to help him get up.

It would have been awkward for the man to use his right hand to be pulled up (no matter how terrified he was of the stranger, he was more frightened of being shut in the coffin again). Holding out his claw, he expected the blond man to run away, but he didn't.

Cid grabbed the claw as if it was just a normal hand, then helped the man sit up. He also gently pulled him out of the coffin. //Heh, he looks surprised I grabbed that claw arm of his. Probably thought I was gonna be scared off.//

I will protect you
from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

The dark-haired man pulled back his claw nervously once Cid let go. //He...he wasn't frightened. Could he be one of Hojo's assistants?// He began to hyperventilate, fearing more experiments on his body. //No more...// "Please don't take me back..." he whimpered, backing up until his back hit the wall.

Cid gave him a puzzled look. "Back where?"

"A-Aren't you one of..." He couldn't bare to say the dreaded name. "..the Professor's helpers? Isn't that why you woke me?"

Cid shook his head. "I don't know any professor. I was kinda...curious, I guess. Wanted to see who you were." He blushed slightly, though he continued to smile.

The man felt tears well up in his eyes. Even if he wasn't going back to the Professor, it still hurt him to remember the months of suffering; unending pain that only got worse every day.

"Hey now..." Cid took a few steps towards the crying man until they were face to face. "Don't be doing that..." He took off one of his gloves an gently wiped away the tears falling from the red eyes. "I know you're afraid of this professor, but if I can protect you, I will." //I don't know you...but I know you need my help...//

For one so small,
you seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

"What?" The man flinched slightly from Cid's touch, but wasn't as scared as he was before. At least, not of the blond man. "Why would you do that? Why would you put yourself in danger?" He had never needed protection, never wanted it, but just thinking that the Professor may take him back made his skin crawl.

Cid smiled encouragingly at him. "Because I can." He acted on impulse, and hugged the darkly robed man close to him. He felt the frail body tense up, but it relaxed after a few seconds.

"That's it..." Cid rubbed the smooth back gently, feeling the backbone easily. //So delicate...and so weak...// Cid had seen the gun holster at the man's side, but he thought nothing of it. //You try to act tough, don't you? But right now, I'm probably seeing the real you...Whomever you are...// "I won't leave you cuz I think...I love you..."

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

"What?" The man pulled back slightly, tear stains on his face. "How can you say that? Look at me..." He looked away, feeling ashamed of his mutated body.

"I'm looking...and I like what I see." Cid softly kissed a pale cheek. "My name's Cid."

The man reached up with his human hand, feeling the area Cid had kissed. "...Vincent."

Cid grinned, then grabbed Vincent in another tight hug, feeling their hearts beat to a melody. They weren't the same, but they complimented each other. //The Fate's telling us that we're made for each other...//

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always

Cid was working on his Tiny Bronco, while Vincent sat under a tree nearby, reading a book. He tried to concentrate on the words, but he kept looking up at Cid, who, being shirtless to keep cool, was exposing his very fine physique. Vincent watched how the blond's muscles contracted beautifully, rippling under the tanned skin. Unconsciously, Vincent licked his lips, wondering how it would feel to have the god-like body rub against his. He blushed at the forward thought. //What would he say if he knew I was thinking like that! Worse, what if he wanted to...? I'm not ready yet...//

Out of nowhere, three people ran into the backyard, looking disheveled. Vincent pulled out his gun, ready to defend himself and Cid if neccesary. They did not notice him, though, hidden as he was in the shadows.

"Hey! Are you the Captain?!" said one of the trio, a young man who had bright blond hair which reminded Vincent of a chocobo.

Cid turned to them, "Yeah, whaddya want?"

"We need to use that plane, old man!" spoke a teenage girl, looking around curiously.

//She looks like she might be from Wutai...// Vincent mused as he watched Cid give them a long look. //I wonder why they need the Bronco.//

"Shut up Yuffie." Chastened the young woman, who had long brown hair and matching cocoa eyes. "Mr. Captain, we need your plane to pursue Sephiroth."

"We'll make it worth your while," spoke the young man again, holding up a large sack of Gil.

Cid thought for a minute, then shrugged. "Sounds OK. Let's go, then!" Leaping off the plane gracefully, he picked up his shirt and began putting it on. When he had his jacket on and was done adjusting his goggles, he beckoned Vincent. "C'mon Vince! We're going for a ride!"

The others turned, their eyes going wide when they saw the man in the shadows. "Ahh! A Vampire!" Yuffie screamed, hiding behind Cloud.

Vincent stopped, giving a sad look to Cid. //I don't have to go, Cid...If I'm only going to cause you trouble, I'll stay behind...//

Cid glared at the rude girl, then motioned for Vincent to come nearer. "Shut up kid. Don't make fun of people like that." He smiled encouragingly at Vincent. "C'mon Vince! I don't have your time!" He grinned, to show he was just kidding.

//Thank you, Cid...Thank you for not abandoning me...//

Why can't they understand
the way we feel
They just don't trust
what they can't explain
I know we're different but,
deep inside us
We're not that different at all

Cid and Vincent sat next to each other on the Tiny Bronco, while the others (Cloud, Tifa, and Yuffie) sat in the bucket seats. Vincent could hear Tifa and Yuffie whispering cruel things about him. It hurt him that their leader, Cloud, didn't tell them to stop; in fact, he occasionaly added an insulting comment as well.

Most of the derogatory things they said were about Cid's stupidity in sitting next to an obviously disturbed and "sexually confused" vampire. But the worst comments were definitely about his own sexual preferences. Vincent knew Cid couldn't hear what they were saying, and was somewhat glad for that. //If he did, he would defend me, and that would only make them mock him as well.//

"Vince..." Cid whispered as he slowly got closer to Vincent. "Don't listen to 'em. What they're saying is a bunch of shit." He risked a glance at the fair-skinned man.

"Cid..." Vincent whispered back, "Don't worry about it...I don't mind what they say..." He lied to comfort his lover. It would not do to give the pilot a bad reputation in front of the others.

Cid shook his head slightly. "You do mind. And I swear Vince, if I didn't need both hands to control this damned plane, I'd give ya one hell of a hug."

Vincent gave him a smile, expressing his gratitude.

Cid grinned back. "Don't worry, they'll stop once they realize that we're not doing anything wrong."

And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Cid walked down to the navigational consoles of the Highwind. He knew Vincent liked to stay there, in the shadows. It made him slightly sad. //I want him to be near me...but if he likes it here better, then it's OK.// "Hey, Vince."

"Cid!" Vincent jumped out from behind the console, wiping his face hurriedly, trying to prevent Cid from seeing the glistening eyes.

But Cid did notice. "Vince, why have you been crying?" he asked worriedly. He took a few steps closer to his love, then used his scarf to gently wiped away what remained of the wetness. "Did they hurt you again?" //If I could only take my Highwind back now, I'd leave those crazy kids behind in less than a minute...//

"Not them, Cid..." Vincent sniffled, placing his hand on Cid's shoulder, as if to make sure he didn't leave. "It's us..."

"What about us?"

Vincent looked away, blushing slightly. "I want...to become more intimate with you...But I'm afraid..." He looked back up, his eyes becomming moist again.

"Shh..." Cid grabbed the younger man in a light hug, patting his back and stroking his long hair. "Don't be afraid of me Vince...I love you. I'd die before I hurt you..." He felt Vincent calm down and relax in his hold. "Do you still wanna...you know...?"

Vincent took a deep breath before he answered. "Yes...my love."

Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other,
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know

Cid stroked Vincent's bare back as the lay on their sides, facing each other in Cid's bed (in his room on the Highwind). Vincent's pale hand timidly ran over the muscled chest before him.

"Don't be afraid of me, Vince. I won't hurt ya."

"I know that Cid...I'm just worried that the others...they won't understand..." He kissed the toned chest softly, scared of doing something wrong.

A strong hand cupped the delicate face gently. "Who cares? I love you, you love me. End of story." Cid chuckled slightly, then pulled Vincent to him, so that they felt each other's nakedness. He smiled when Vincent moaned weakly. "All ready? I was planning to have ya moan all night..." He paused suddenly, "If you'll let me..."

"..." Vincent looked up, shivering despite the heat. "...Will it hurt?"

"Not if I can help it. I'll be easy on ya, Vince. Gentle as a lamb..." Cid nibbled on Vincent's neck, causing the pale man to moan in need again. "Then, I'll hold ya, protect ya like a lion..." He gently seperated Vincent's thighs by edging his knee betwen them. "Shh..." He comforted when he saw tears in Vincent's eyes.

//So gentle...// Vincent mused. //He'd let my comfort come before his own. Even if the others refuse to accpet us, I don't think I would care...too much...// Even though Vincent stood apart from most people (with the obvious exception of Cid) he hungered for company. As a Turk, he couldn't afford to be the center of attention, for being an agent required stealth and secrecy. Now, he couldn't even hope for such, beacause he felt that he was being singled out for his "differences".

When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together

Vincent looked back before he started to climb up the control tower leading to Hojo. He had to confront the scientist, and Cloud understood, but he would not allow Cid to go up as well. The pilot smiled, trying to encourage his lover. He mouthed silently, "Be strong..."

Vincent nodded, swallowing hard. He turned and began to follow Cloud and Tifa, who were almost at the top. Deciding that once he killed Hojo, he could finally be free of fear, he sprinted up the stairs with new confidence.

Cloud and Tifa had already begun to battle Hojo, who had transformed into a strange beast. Vincent pulled out his gun, firing at Hojo's chest.

The Hojo-monster turned to him, grinning darkly. Vincent refused to be intimidated, though he was forced to take a step back. Hojo suddenly lashed out at Tifa and Cloud, throwing them over the rail. Cloud managed to grab onto one of the stair's hand rails and to Tifa, but he was having trouble getting up.

Vincent looked at Hojo again, frigthened of his predicament. He had to fight against his nemesis, alone.

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Cid gasped when he saw Cloud and Tifa hanging on for dear life. He was sure they would be all right, but he was terrified for Vincent. //There's no way he can face Hojo by himself.// He turned to look at his shoes, feeling guilty for not having gone up there with Vincent. //What's wrong with me? I shoulda gone up and helped...//

A loud scream caught his attention, causing him to snap his head up. "Vince..." Frowning in anger, he quickly charged up the stairs, determined to save the ex-Turk from the mad scientist. The others behind him yelled for him to stay back, but he ignored them.

Passing Cloud and Tifa (who were all ready starting to climb up), Cid managed to reach the top of the tower in time, skidding to a stop in shock. Vincent was on the floor, his clothes torn, and bleeding from many injuries. Hojo, who had reverted to human, was kneeling next to him, using a piece of rope to tie his wrists together.

"Get away from him, you cocksucking, son of a...!!" Cid yelled, raising his spear in a battle stance. Both Vincent and Hojo looked up. Vincent was screaming for him to leave, while Hojo only glared at the blond pilot.

"Take your mother-&*@#$(@ hands off!!" Cid rushed Hojo, catching him completely unawares. He rammed the twig-like scientist into the ground, then began to use his fists. Vincent tried to get free of the rope, but it was tied too tightly. All he could do was watch the fight between the two.

Hojo quickly recovered, and clawed at Cid's face. Cid yelped when the razor sharp nails dug deep into his skin (though thankfully not his eyes). The realization that the scientist's goal was to hurt Vincent again caused Cid to growl, ignoring the pain. He grabbed his spear, and with one enraged thrust, shoved it clean through Hojo's chest. The professor screamed in agony, but died half a second later.

"Vince!" Cid got up and quickly tore the ropes off Vincent. He could not have done such a thing normally, but his will and determination had given him new strength.

Vincent grabbed onto Cid, hugging him and sobbing. "Cid! I thought I'd never see you again! I thought he was going to take me away for more experiments!"

The pilot hugged Vincent close to him. "I told ya that I'd protect you, didn't I? I meant it. From Hojo, and from anything else that threatens you..."

Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
Always....
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder,
Just look over your shoulder,
Just look over your shoulder.
I'll be there...
Always

The two walked back down the tower, holding each other's hand. They found that the group had come together near to the top of the tower.

"The bastard's dead, Cloud." Cid stated simply, then he and Vincent slipped past them, walking towards the bottom, where they would summomn the Highwind to pick them up.

"I don't know about you guys..." began Cait Sith, "But those two really love each other."

Cloud snorted, "That's impossible! They're both men!"

Red XIII shook his head wisely, "It doesn't matter, Cloud. They don't care what we think. They are connected by true love."