In The Dark

IN THE DARK

CHAPTER TWO

1 MONTH LATER

"Mr. Highwind! Your never gonna believe it! He's...awake. Barely. But he said your name, he asked for you!" A Shildra employee ran to the balcony to find the pilot.

Without a word Cid ran to the room he had spent so much time in. To see two healers and a helper standing around the bed.

"Vincent?! Are you awake?" Cid nervously pushed past the people to see a glint of red. The brunette lay still, eyes barely open but the hint of a smile graced his face.

"Hi..w'nd..." He tried to speak.

"Shh, don't waste your strength." Cid felt tears sting his eyes as he took a small cold hand into his own.

"Don't let him overdo himself. We'll leave you two alone." The healers and co. left.

Cid nodded, and turned his gaze back to the very tired eyes upon him. Sitting on the edge of the bed

"I've waited for this day for over a month. I, I knew you'd wake up." He felt the tears fall silently.

"C..lo..ss..r.."

"Closer?" Cid leaned his head forward.

"I...n'd..bloo..d'h..." Vincent tried desperately to get the plea out.

Cid sat up some. "You need blood? Here...take as much as you need!" Cid held out his arm, but realized his love couldn't move. He frowned a little when he seen tears spill down the pale face.

"C.'nt...bi...teh. No..h..w...ay."

Cid smiled as he thought of something. "Hold still."

He carefully opened Vincent's mouth, seeing two large fangs that definitely were never there before. Taking a chance, he pressed his wrist against them. Almost instantly they dug deep, and he couldn't hold back the wince as they curled in.

In a few moments he saw Vincent's hand slowly move up and touch his arm. He could feel the sucking growing more intense, and soon he was sitting up a little, now carefully licking the spot he had made. As much as it hurt, Cid thought that the sight of Vincent licking his arm was well worth it.

"Mm..sorry. I didn't...take...much." He now lay back, out of breath, closing his eyes and making a pained face.

He was so lightheaded now, the feeling of life returning to his body, Chaos's body.
//It was so hard to stop...I need more...much more, but I cannot do that to him. He shouldn't even be dizzy...if I take enough, he'd pass out...I've troubled him enough as it is...//
Vincent's mind at least was clearer now. The blood at least allowing him to think and speak some.

Cid noticed this.
"Do you need more, cause I got it..."

The statement made the brunette open his eyes, giving him a puzzled look. "B-but...you'd...pass...out."

"So? Last time I checked this was a bed. As long as I wake up again, so I can see your eyes."

Vincent felt tears sting again. This man who's image had quieted his visions, who had rescued him from his tomb twice...and now he offered his very life blood.

"Hey now...when I said your eyes I didn't mean full of tears...you've cried enough. Now...are you strong enough to bite, or do you want me to do it the other way again?" Cid sat closer.

"I-I can." He slowly sat up and held onto the pilot for balance, he was still very weak.

Taking this as an opportunity, Cid helped him so he was cradled in his lap, thoughtfully offering his wrist again.

"Thank..you.." Vincent said quietly before slowly biting into the fresh wound.

This time Cid didn't flinch, he just calmly stroked Vincent's hair and forehead.
That's how they stayed until sleep claimed them both for two different reasons.

- - - - -

Cid awoke to the sun beaming on his face. He groggily held his hand up and opened his eyes. //Morning...//

He immediately noticed that despite the blood loss he only suffered a dull headache. Fully awake now, he rolled over to see the outline of Vincent's small frame. He was happy to see him curled on his side, as he hadn't moved an inch till yesterday.
Scooting carefully closer, he wrapped an arm around his waist and held his newfound love close.

He didn't know why, or how he would explain his action. Just that he needed to hold this man. Vincent's back was to him so he took the chance to smell his hair. A spicy scent that hinted of oranges, he remembered a tea Shera had once that smelt similar.
//Gods you even smell good...//
Cid smiled as he closed his eyes, listening to the slow even breaths of the man next to him. He didn't know how long he lay like that before the form began to stir.

"You awake?" Cid spoke softly into the pale ear.

"Mmm..." He said in a tiny, far away voice that hinted of laughter.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better. Still a ways for 100% unfortunately."

"You'll get there."

"Where are the others?"

"About three days after we first got here, they figured out those maps. They said they were gonna check it out and return in 2 months."

"So...we have a month to ourselves?"

Cid was a little started at the reference but very pleased. "Yes, we do gorgeous." Cid held the man tighter.

"Ahh, you must stop with all the compliments..."

"Why is that? I'm just stating fact."

Vincent shifted and faced the pilot. "You can't mean them..." His eyes were deep and unsure.

"Vince, honey, you are the most beautiful thing I've ever saw. I'd be lying to 'ya if I said different." He smiled at the shocked gaze that met his. Vincent blushed slightly and laid his head on the blonde's chest.

"I, I have no words. Only great appreciation and love." His voice was hushed.

END CHAPTER TWO