Invisible Ink

So we keep forgetting to do something of an AN for each chapter. Shame on us. ;) Anyway, just throwing out the warning that there is lemony stuff in this chapter. Also, big plot point comes up here. And thanks for the reviews that we’re getting. ^_^ They give us a really good idea of how we’re doing. We just hate that there’s no option to reply back… damn AFF. Ah well. *sigh* Anyway, on with the story.

Chapter Eight

Running his hand through his hair to ensure it was staying down, Cid shifted on the doorstep. He was fairly sure he had the right place and just hoped Tifa hadn’t given him a false address. After all, he had gone to the trouble of cleaning up, decking himself out in a nice outfit of jeans and a button-up shirt with a little help from Zack at making it look good. He just hoped Tifa would approve. Slowly he raised his hand and knocked on the door, brushing his hand over his hair again just to make sure it was fine.

After a few minutes, Tifa came to the door, her hair pulled back and her work clothes gone. She smiled, stepping out onto the doorstep and closing the door behind her. “Hello again,” she said, fixing the dark halter-top adorning her upper half. She pulled her skirt down as well before pushing a piece of hair behind her ear. “Glad you didn’t get lost.”

“Nah, I found it pretty easily, really.” He smiled and stepped back a little to offer her his arm. He could be a decent gentleman when he tried. “Ya look amazin’, by the way. Not that ya didn’t before, but now’s even better.”

Tifa smiled, taking his arm. “Thanks. I tried.”

“I can tell.” Smiling more, Cid led her down the steps and toward the sidewalk. “So d’ya have anywhere in mind ya wanna go? Ya prob’ly know the area a hell of a lot better than me.”

“Well,” Tifa started, walking close to him. “It depends on what you want to do with me.”

“Hmm… Well… Depends on what you’ll let me do with ya.” Grinning playfully, Cid stopped them at the corner as a few cars passed. “But how ‘bout we start out with dinner an’ some drinks? Unless you’re not hungry or somethin’.”

“I could eat. Drinks sound good, too,” she said as she stood closer to him, letting him feel her curves.

Sliding his arm free, Cid placed it around Tifa’s waist. “Then lead the way to somewhere ya like,” he said, waving his other hand out before them. “You get to choose.”

“Hmm,” Tifa said, looking up and down the street. “There’s a bar down the hill there that has some pretty decent food and drinks.”

“Sounds good to me. Pretty sure I can trust your judgment,” he said with a laugh. It had been a while since he had just gone out and had fun with someone, especially someone who looked as good as Tifa. Not to mention that she seemed nice as well.

“Okay, then we’ll go there.” She glanced both ways before starting to lead Cid across the street and down the hill.

Cid followed closely, keeping his arm wound tightly around the girl’s warm waist. He smiled to himself as he looked over at her, happy that he had found someone that he could go out with for a night who wouldn’t end up dragging him somewhere he didn’t want to be. At least a bar he would be used to.

They walked for a couple of blocks. Tifa kept close to Cid, enjoying the chance to have a guy look after her for once. Cid’s hand idly brushed along Tifa’s side as they walked. “So do ya ever get to go out like this? Ya never actually said back in the restaurant.”

“Not really,” Tifa said, getting goose bumps wherever Cid’s hand went. “This is pretty rare for me.”

“Really? An’ here I was kinda thinkin’ ya got asked out all the time. You’re not gonna tell me otherwise, are ya?” The blond smiled, his fingers arching to lightly tickle her side. “‘Cause I dunno if I could believe that.”

Tifa laughed, squirming closer to him. “Oh no, I get asked out a lot.”

“So why doncha go out then? Just don’t like ‘em or somethin’?” He grinned a little. “Or was I just so annoyin’ that ya couldn’t get rid of me any other way?”

The girl laughed again. “No. I just didn’t like any of them as much as you.”

“Aw, you’re just makin’ me feel good now.” Laughing, Cid patted her waist. “You’re gonna start makin’ me blush next.”

“Maybe,” Tifa said, grinning up at him. “Let’s eat first.”

“Guess we should start with that, huh?” Glancing up at the shop and restaurant signs, Cid nodded toward them. “So which one were ya thinkin’ about?”

“It’s called The Oak Room. It’s toward the back.”

“Huh. Ain’t heard of that one. Prob’ly ‘cause Zack likes those clubs more’n anythin’.” He shrugged. “Ain’t had the chance to really get out an’ check out things yet.”

“Well, I recommend this place,” Tifa said, pushing the door open. She stepped in, holding her purse in front of her and glancing at Cid over her shoulder. “Wanna sit at the bar or in a seat?”

“Where d’ya prefer? I don’t really care either way.” He gave her a lazy smile. “Hell, I’m just glad to be outta the apartment an’ with someone so damn good-lookin’, ya know? I kinda feel like I don’t fit.”

Tifa blushed happily. “You fit just fine. Let’s sit at the bar. The bartender is a friend of mine.”

“Really? So ya kinda gotta connection then.” Cid chose a couple of seats at the bar and slid one out, offering it to her. “Guess this is kinda like your regular spot or somethin’?”

“When I do get out, this is usually where I come.” She sat in the offered seat, waving at the bartender, who waved back and made his way over.

“Hey there, Tifa. What can I get for you?”

Sliding the seat closer to the bar, Cid leaned close to her back and smiled near her ear. “So what’s your usual, Tifa?”

Tifa smiled, tilting her head when his breath tickled her ear. “Kevin knows what I like, right Kev?”

The bartender smiled, setting two coasters out for them. “That I do. And for you, sir?”

Leaning away, Cid smirked toward Tifa. “Secretive, huh? Hmm… Whaddo I want…” He pushed away from the dark-haired girl and hopped into his own seat. “I’ll set it in your hands… Kevin, right? Just gimme somethin’… uh, dark red.”

Kevin grinned amicably. “You got it. Be right back.”

Tifa chuckled. “You got his specialty.”

Leaning against the bar and resting his chin in his hand, Cid looked at Tifa. “How so?”

“He always brags about how he’s such a great judge of drink mixing and stuff. His specialty is working from colors.”

“You’re shittin’ me?” Cid laughed. “I just said that ‘cause I couldn’t really think of somethin’ I wanted right off hand.” Leaning a little closer, the blond nodded toward the direction the bartender had gone. “So what was your mystery drink, huh?”

“It’s not really a mystery drink. He just knows what I like.” Tifa leaned her cheek on her hands, looking sidelong at him. “It’s just a martini.”

“That’s all? C’mon.” Grinning, Cid tapped the bar. “I kinda figured ya’d have some super-special drink.”

Tifa just laughed. “No, I’m not that creative.”

“Ah, I’m sure ya are, ya just don’t wanna admit it.” Cid raised his hand and brushed it across her cheek, pushing a few locks of dark hair behind her ear. “I mean, ya seem like a really smart girl an’ imaginative to boot.”

She leaned close to him, smirking a little. “You’re quite the flatterer.”

“Ah, shit. I’m just sayin’ the truth as I see it,” he said with his own smirk.

She leaned closer still, a hinting lilt to her voice. “Well, save some for later.”

“Guess I will then,” Cid said quietly, leaning incredibly close. Tifa’s perfume was a little intoxicating and he couldn’t resist smiling at her charmingly.

Tifa smiled more before pulling away teasingly, thanking Kevin when he brought them their drinks. Leaning back, himself, Cid picked up his drink. It was a shocking burgundy color and he raised it before taking a drink, toasting Tifa. “Matches your eyes,” he said before taking a sip.

“Oooh, smooth talker,” Kevin said, chuckling. “You guys here for just drinks, or can I get you something to eat?”

Cid laughed and took another drink. “Ah, gotta win over her somehow, right? Pretty damn good mix, by the way.” He glanced over to Tifa. “Whatcha suggest for food here?”

“Everything’s good,” she answered. “I’ll just have some fries, Kev.”

“Eh… ya got cheese sticks? Ain’t had good ones in a while.” Cid took another sip of his drink, raising a brow as he glanced over at Tifa and noticed her stirring her drink with a finger. She pulled it back and licked it clean, glancing back at him temptingly.

Kevin nodded. “You got it. I’ll get those in for you. Easy on that drink, babe,” he added with a grin, gesturing at Tifa’s drink.

She smiled back. “You know I can hold my drinks.”

Cid smiled “Ah, even if she can’t I promise I’ll be a good guy an’ get her home safely.”

Kevin chuckled. “I guess that’s all I can ask for.” With another smile in their direction, he strolled off to put in the orders for their food.

Tifa turned to Cid, smirking. “And what were you planning for after you get me home?”

“Aw, hell. I ain’t thought that far ahead.” Grinning, Cid leaned in close again. “What? Were ya hopin’ I had somethin’ planned?”

“Maybe,” Tifa said, leaning back to sip her drink.

“Maybe?”

Tifa took another sip of her drink. “Yeah, maybe.” She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs and giving him a sidelong look. “It’s been a while since I’ve been out with anyone. It’s also been a while since I’ve had a chance to… slip into something a little more comfortable, if you catch my drift.”

Cid leaned back as well, folding his arms behind his head and catching a very alluring glimpse of his companion. “Oh, I think I can guess,” he said with a smirk.

She reached for her drink again, taking the last sip and setting the glass down on the bar again. “I might let you change that,” she said, leaning one arm on the back of her chair.

“Really? Ya can’t be likin’ me that much,” Cid said as he reached for his own drink. He still had a bit left, but he was quickly working on it. Mentally he made a note to ask what the drink was since it was rather tasty. “I think you’re thinkin’ too highly of me.”

Tifa shook her head. “Nope. You’re just my type.” She reached forward, putting a hand on Cid’s biceps. “What do you do that keeps you so strong looking?”

“Strong-lookin’? Hell, I ain’t been doin’ much for a while.” He smiled and slid his arm around her shoulder, drawing her near. “But if ya really wanna know, I sometimes mess around with somethin’ that makes me very good with my hands.” Sliding his palm over Tifa’s shoulder, he let his fingertips graze her nape.

“Oh really,” she said, keeping her tone flirty. “What do you do?”

“Just a type of martial arts. Might show ya sometime if ya ever wanna see.”

“Oh, I do martial arts too! Well, kind of. I used to be really into kickboxing before I started working so much.”

“No kiddin’. So that’s how ya got so in-shape.” Smiling, he let his hand trace down her back before pulling it away. “An’ what a shape it is, I’ll tell ya that.”

Tifa giggled. “You say such interesting things.”

“I do?” Cid gave her an innocent look, somewhat like the one he had been using on Zack earlier. “Why d’ya say that?”

The young girl shrugged. “You just do. It’s cute.”

“Fuck. I’m not cute.” Grinning, Cid leaned back and finished his drink in a long draught. “Far from it.”

Tifa laughed. “So, what, then? Are you manly and ferocious?”

“Hell yeah.” Smirking, Cid raised himself up in his seat a little. “Kick anyone’s ass who tries to mess with ya too, if ya want that.” He rested back down, his chin on his palm. “But I guess I can take a break an’ be cute if ya like me that way.”

“I like you cute,” Tifa said. “Besides, kick boxer, remember?” She grinned, sitting back again.

“Right. Ya could prob’ly do a better job at that than me, huh?” The blond leaned back with a little laugh, his gaze wandering over Tifa. He had to admit, now that she was in something other than her work uniform, she was quite the looker. She was leaning back in her own seat with her elbow resting on the back of the chair. Dark hair framed her face, leading down to trail over her incredibly shapely chest, which Cid was beginning to have a hard time not watching. She was in a very revealing position, after all. “Guess I’ll just leave that to you an’ play the cute card then.”

“I certainly don’t mind.” Tifa smiled, turning to face the bar as Kevin set their food down in front of them and replaced her drink. “Thanks, Kev.”

Cid tipped him a thankful nod and downed the last of his drink. He wasn’t sure how he would actually manage to keep playing cute, but so far he had just stumbled across stuff she found cute more or less accidentally. Maybe he would keep getting lucky like that.

Tifa sipped her drink again before taking a french fry and nibbling on it, making the action look dainty. She turned her head to watch Cid, thinking about later that night. “You clean up well,” she commented casually.

“Hmm?” Cid looked over from where he had been starting on a cheese stick, a string of gooey mozzarella connecting his food to his lips. He realized it a moment later and quickly popped the rest of the cheese stick in his mouth, smiling innocently.

Tifa just giggled. “Nice.”

“What?” he said with a laugh once he had gotten his mouthful down. “I didn’t do nothin’.”

“It’s just that you’re so refined,” Tifa said, an air of sarcasm in her tone.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. An’ you’ll never find someone like me, ya know? All other guys are just… not refined.” Shrugging, Cid smirked, enjoying playing around.

“Yes, I’m just so lucky to have found you.”

“Hell, yeah.” Biting into another of his snacks, Cid made his best attempt at not getting cheese everywhere.

Tifa slowly finished her fries, going through a couple more drinks as the night moved on. Following his companion’s idea, Cid did much in the same. He managed to get down several drinks made under the bartender’s discretion by the time he ended up sucking the salt from his fingers, giving Tifa a little grin as he did.

Tifa smiled back, feeling enjoyably warm and tipsy. Kevin came back over and smiled at them. “Ready for the bill? Or can I get you something else?”

“I dunno. Whaddya say, Tif?” Tapping the edge of his drink glass, Cid leaned back in his seat. He was starting to feel the effects of the unknown amounts of alcohol in him and wondered how much more he should push it. It probably wouldn’t be best to get drunk during their date.

Tifa hummed, thinking about it. “Maybe one more drink, and then I’ll be done.”

Cid grinned lightly and waved toward the bartender. “Ya heard the lady. One more. An’… guess I’ll take another one. Can’t hurt, right?” he asked as he pressed his hand to his cheek, his elbow supporting him on the bar.

Kevin grinned. “You got it.” He started walking away, but turned back around and pointed between them. “Will this be on separate checks or all one?”

“One,” Cid said as he smiled toward Tifa. “I’ll pay since I bugged ya to come out with me an’ all that.”

Tifa smiled. “That’s sweet. Thank you.”

Kevin nodded. “Gotcha,” he said cheerfully as he walked off to get their drinks.

“Ah, I couldn’t make ya pay for all that. Be kinda selfish on my part, ya know?” Smiling, he wrapped an arm around Tifa’s shoulders and leaned in close, whispering. “An’ I don’t like people thinkin’ I’m selfish unless it’s in the good way.”

“Oh?” Tifa asked, letting him lean close to her. “What’s the good way?”

Giving her a wide grin, the blond shrugged. “Dunno. But maybe I’ll let ya find it out for me, hmm?”

Tifa chuckled. “Sure.” She turned when Kevin came back, setting their drinks down, along with the check. He winked at them then left to take care of his other customers.

Snatching the check before Tifa could look at it, the blond sipped his new drink. It seemed pretty strong compared to the rest and he wondered exactly what it was, putting the question aside as he noticed Tifa was incredibly close. Smirking a little, he leaned in and slowly kissed the side of her neck, his lips remaining against her skin as he spoke. “Thanks for dealin’ with me an’ comin’ out tonight.”

Tifa shivered a little at the sensation, leaning her head against Cid’s. “Thanks for inviting me.” She pulled back enough to look him in the eyes, making her expression extremely suggestive and sultry. “Gonna make it really worth my while?”

Giving a little grin, Cid leaned against the bar again. “Maybe. Depends on what ya mean by makin’ it worth your while.”

Kevin came back again, smiling. “All set?”

“Think so,” Cid said as he dug his wallet out of his pocket and handed Kevin a credit card with the check.

Kevin took it and went to run it through. When he was gone, Tifa leaned close again, still giving Cid the same look. “Why don’t you take me back to my place and I’ll tell you.”

Another grin played on Cid’s lips as he just barely licked them. “Think I’m gonna have to take ya up on that offer.”

“Good,” Tifa said, sitting back again and resting her elbow on the back of her chair. She glanced at him sideways, giving him those seductive eyes again.

His hand still resting on Tifa’s shoulder, Cid played with her hair a bit as they waited for his card and the receipt. He smiled, thinking that he needed to thank Zack for dragging him to that Chinese restaurant after all.

Kevin returned a moment later, setting in front of him Cid’s card, a pen, and the receipt. “Have a good night,” he said, smiling widely and walking off once more.

“Thanks. You too,” Cid said as he signed the receipt, figuring out a pretty good tip for Kevin. After all, he had taken damn good care of them that night. “So we ready then?” he asked as he pocketed his card and trailed his fingertips over Tifa’s nape.

Tifa slid off her stool, making sure to put herself on the side closest to Cid so she rubbed up against him as she moved. “Ready when you are.”

“Perfectly ready,” Cid said with a grin as he did the same, his arm settling around her waist to hold her close. “So your place?”

“My place,” she replied, starting to turn towards the door. The room spun around her, making her giggle quietly.

Grinning, Cid held onto her tightly to ensure she wouldn’t trip on anything, whispering in her ear. “C’mon. Don’t think ya wanna fall here. Might hurt a little more ‘n fallin’ on somethin’ soft.” He directed her toward the door, his hand idly tickling her side through the cloth of her clothes.

Tifa leaned close to him, putting one arm around his waist and resting her other hand on his stomach. “I won’t fall. I can hold my liquor pretty well.” She used him to support her weight, even though she didn’t have to, and laid her cheek against his biceps, rubbing his stomach with her hand. “Mm, you smell good… and you’ve got a killer six pack down here.”

“Thank you,” Cid said with a little smirk. “Maybe I’ll let ya feel it better later,” he said, nuzzling his nose into her hair. “An’ ya don’t smell half-bad yourself.” He gave a laugh, his fingers arching to gently drag them up and down her side. He pushed the door open and led Tifa outside, looking around. “That way, right?” he asked, inclining his head in the direction he was fairly sure they had come from before.

“Yup,” she replied. “Good memory.”

Steering them that way, Cid noticed the chill of the night air. “Ya warm enough?” he asked, glancing at her bare arms. “Pretty damn chilly tonight.”

Tifa smiled, liking the feeling being taken care of. “I’ll just steal your body heat,” she said, wrapping herself tighter around him.

“Fine with me,” Cid said as he moved his hand to her arm, rubbing lightly to create warmth. “Steal all the heat ya want.”

Tifa smirked a little. “I plan to.” Gradually, she led them back to her apartment building a few blocks away. Leading her up the steps, Cid kept a tight hold on her to ensure she made it all right and a little to make sure he didn’t trip either. Reaching the top of the steps, he waited for her to unlock the door, leaning close and brushing his lips against the back of her neck, breathing warm air on the spot afterwards. “Hope it’s warm inside,” he said quietly, his arms wrapping around her from behind.

“It will be soon,” Tifa remarked, tilting her head as she took out her key and slipped it into the lock, turning it and listening to it unlatch. She pushed the door open, taking Cid’s hand and starting to walk in, swaying her hips as she went.

“I’ll hold ya to that, ya know,” the blond murmured as he followed, his hands falling to settle on her hips as she walked. He reached back to close the door behind them and flick the lock, returning to where he was with his arms around the brunet and holding her incredibly close. “So…” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear.

Tifa walked them to her door, pulling out her other key and using it. “So…” she replied, smiling to herself. She pushed the door open, leading him into her kitchen. She turned in his arms, pressing close. “Wanna see my room?” she asked with a grin.

Returning the grin eagerly, Cid dipped his head a little. “By all means. Show me this room ‘a yours.” His hands slid down Tifa’s back to rest just above the line of her skirt, his fingertips teasingly slipping under the waistline.

She pulled him backwards until they entered a door in the opposite corner of the kitchen. Upon entering that room, Tifa slid her hands up Cid’s chest and around his neck, getting up on her toes to pull him into a kiss.

Cid was a little surprised by the kiss, but not enough to keep him from returning it, one palm sliding up her back to tangle his fingers in her hair. She tasted sweet, probably from what she had been drinking, and he found himself craving more as he pressed closer. Tifa arched her back, leaving no space between them as she parted her lips invitingly. Barely restraining a slightly intoxicated groan at the feel of Tifa’s curves against him, Cid took her invitation and let their tongues brush. His mind suddenly flashed back to the last time he had kissed someone like that and how he had felt some tingling sensation in his stomach that just wasn’t there now. He decided to blame it on the alcohol.

Tifa kept the kiss going, slowly pulling him backwards again. She pulled away just barely, breathing slightly labored. “This is my room…” she said, taking another step backwards and letting her legs hit the bed behind her. “And this is my bed…”

Cid’s momentum kept him going and he accidentally ran into her when she stopped, causing them to topple onto the bed. Pushing himself up off of her a little, he grinned down. “Nice room. Pretty nice bed too.”

Tifa grinned from under him, pulling herself up onto the mattress a little more. “You’re welcome to test it out,” she said, bending one knee and leaning on her elbows.

“Oh, am I now?” Crawling up the bed on his hands and knees, Cid placed himself right above her. A few strands of blond hair fell in his eyes as he dipped his head to press another kiss to her lips, again wondering why it just didn’t feel the same.

Tifa leaned back, pulling him lower with her. Her hands slid over his shoulders and upper arms, appreciating the muscle there. A shiver traveled down Cid’s spine as fingers pressed against his skin through cloth and he broke the kiss to brush his lips against her throat. He could feel her heart beating rapidly through her warm skin and grinned a little, liking that he was the cause of it.

Delicate fingers made their way to Cid’s buttons, starting to pull them open one by one. “I think there should be less clothing involved here…” she said quietly, smiling up at him seductively.

Nipping at soft skin, Cid smirked. “Think I agree with ya there,” he said before kissing a spot just below her collarbone and then sucking gently. Leaning on his side, he slid one hand up her shoulder to move behind her neck, untying her halter top with a flick of his wrist.

Tifa finished undoing Cid’s buttons, pushing his shirt open even as she tilted her head to make room for his attentions. A quiet noise escaped her as she arched her back, encouraging him to pull her shirt down more. Cid rolled his shoulders to help her slide his shirt off, his teeth scraping over the bruise he had made on her skin. Turning his nails toward her, he dragged them down her chest and slipped a hand under her shirt, exploring slowly.

A distinct moan came from Tifa’s throat as she rubbed over Cid’s chest. He was strongly built, and it made her want to melt into him. Grinning at the sound, Cid kissed back up her neck and nibbled at her earlobe. Tifa was warm and inviting and he found it insanely hard not to touch her everywhere, following with nips and kisses. Pushing himself up just enough to move down, he brushed a kiss against her now-exposed stomach, nosing at the hem of her shirt.

Tifa’s fingers slid into Cid’s hair, petting gently. The alcohol buzzed through her, accenting Cid’s touches to her body and making her keep wanting more. Her hands itched to touch him, wanting to explore him as he was exploring her. Humming softly against her stomach, Cid slowly moved upward, pushing Tifa’s shirt up as he went. He breathed out against her and felt goose bumps spread where his fingertips landed and moved. The fuzziness of the alcohol filled his mind too, and he let himself abandon some of his inhibitions, but something was still holding him back, something that he couldn’t quite pinpoint, but was holding him captive despite his inability to understand it.

Tifa squirmed slightly, anxious. “You can take it off…” she said quietly, eager to feel him against her.

Grinning a bit and kissing the soft skin below her breast, Cid slid both hands under the dark fabric until it bunched beneath Tifa’s arms. “Think ya have to help me from here on out,” he mumbled, pressing his lips to her skin once again. She just tasted so sweet to him, so much so that he never wanted to quit kissing.

Tifa smiled, lifting her shoulders so he could slip her shirt off. Once it was gone, she gently placed her hands on his shoulders, watching him. Discarding the shirt, Cid tossed it haphazardly to the floor. “That’s better,” he whispered and bent down for another kiss, this one harder and more intense. He arched his back to press against her, aching to feel her hands on him.

She moaned into his mouth, moving her hands down his back and sides. She dipped her fingers into the hem of his pants, subtly asking permission to access inside of them. A quick motion of his hips was all he could think to do without breaking the kiss. The touches were warm and he wanted to feel more, but that nagging sensation in the back of his head was returning and he pressed into the kiss more to try and overwhelm it into submission.

Tifa gasped over Cid’s lips, running her hands down to the button of the pants. Fumbling with it a little because of the weird angle, she tugged at his jeans as she pressed harder into the kiss. She couldn’t get over how good it felt to have him there, and she didn’t care that they had only just met. She wanted him, and she was going to let him know it.

The blond let out a muffled groan as he shifted to try and accommodate Tifa’s hands, but it didn’t help much. He thought about breaking away to allow things to make things easier, but that required ending the kiss, something he just didn’t want to do until they had to. Tifa saved him anyway, breaking the kiss because she needed a little more air than she was getting. She panted quietly, reaching lower to press her palm against him through his pants. Her legs parted, letting him rest between them as she rubbed a little, feeling him get hard under her hand.

Tipping his head down, Cid groaned. “Fuck…” he whispered, pressing his forehead against her shoulder. He hadn’t expected her to take such an initiative, but he certainly wasn’t complaining.

“Exactly,” she breathed, squeezing gently. Locking her legs at his sides, she carefully rolled them so she was perched on his hips, smirking down at him.

Cid gasped as they rolled and found himself looking up at her. He had to admit that it was a mind-blowing view of her, but it also meant the power balance had shifted between them and he had never liked relinquishing control to anyone. “What’re ya doin’?” he asked, his brows creasing a little.

“Mind if I play?” she asked, sliding herself down his legs slowly, leaning over him.

Cid gave her a little frown, wondering exactly what she had in mind. Having her above him was unnerving and he wasn’t so sure about letting Tifa have the upper hand.

Tifa lost a little of her confidence when he didn’t respond. “Something wrong?”

“I just… ya look kinda uncomfortable up there,” Cid said quickly, hoping to cover himself with the statement.

She smiled a little. “I’m fine. I won’t be here for long anyway.” To prove her point, she slid down his legs a little more, slipping between them and leaning closer to him. She looked up at him, giving him a suggestive look as she hovered over his groin.

Cid leaned up a little on his elbows. The fact that she was pretty confident about staying where she was only made him more unsure, despite the looks she was giving him. “Ya sure? I mean, I can’t do anythin’ when you’re down there. Can’t be that fun for ya.” He sent her a little grin, hoping it didn’t belay his increasing insecurity about the situation. It wasn’t that he had lost interest; he just absolutely hated giving up control and lying back to do nothing.

She moved one hand to touch him through his pants again, fingers dancing lightly down his zipper. “That’s fine…” She shook some hair away from her face, smirking a little. “I want to…”

His breath quickened despite himself and he swallowed hard. He wanted what she was offering with her light touches, but he was almost too unsettled to actually allow himself to enjoy it now.

She started unbuttoning his pants, not taking her eyes off him. “Is that okay?”

Cid glanced away from her gaze for a moment, thinking. He wanted it to be okay, but he wasn’t sure what to do about himself. Looking back quickly, he felt his head spin from the alcohol and he closed his eyes, blond brows creasing heavily. “Yeah,” he finally managed, trying his hardest to make the spinning stop.

She slowly pulled his zipper down. “Just relax,” she said, reaching into his pants to pull him free. Gently, she stroked with her hand first, sizing him up. She had to admit, she was impressed.

Upon slowly opening his eyes, Cid thought he had missed something. Her hand was warm and touching all the right places, but something was just off. Something just seemed too familiar about her.

She leaned forward, moving to lick at the head of his erection gently. Her eyes caught his, and hers were dancing as she wrapped her lips around him. Cid felt his chest tighten at the sensation, his gaze locked with her so that blue mixed with reddish-brown. Reddish. Like Vincent’s eyes. Vincent. His vision wavered for a second and he felt his stomach drop as Vincent suddenly replaced Tifa between his legs, that soft, succulent mouth he had forbiddenly kissed earlier caressing him gently. Shaking his head, the image disappeared and left him with Tifa, but it was too late. His mind had already been twisted to fit the sight of the professor. “I… Shit, ‘m sorry.” He sat forward and pushed her up, his hands tight on her shoulders. “I can’t do this. Not right now.”

Tifa was surprised by the action, looking at him with wide, confused eyes. “Did I do something wrong?”

The blond head shook as it lowered. “No, not you. Wasn’t you.” He took a breath and looked back up at her. “I just… we’re both pretty damn drunk an’… It’d feel too much like a one-nighter if we did somethin’.” Giving her an apologetic smile, Cid hoped she would accept his words. “I wanna see ya again, not just leave it at one night.”

She smiled a little. “I’d like to see you again too.” Slowly crawling into his lap and straddling him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned close to him, rolling her hips a little to try to entice him back into the mood they had before. “We can still do something, though…”

But Cid only placed his hands on her waist to stop her motions. “I would just feel a hell of a lot better if this happened when, ya know… we’re more sober an’ not close to shit-faced.” He smiled again. “When I know for sure I’d remember it in the mornin’.”

Tifa smiled a little, trying not to let her disappointment show. “I… guess that’s okay. You’re sure?”

He gave her another highly apologetic smile. “I just don’t wanna fuck somethin’ up by rushin’. Call me a little screwed up in the head, but yeah.”

“You’re not screwed up,” she said, smiling a little more. “It’s kind of refreshing to hear a guy say that. It’s nice.” She leaned to give him a brief kiss. “Even if I am turned on as hell right now,” she added with a chuckle.

“Yeah, sorry ‘bout that…” Cid glanced away before looking back up and kissing her. He felt bad about cutting things short, but he just wasn’t anywhere near the right state of mind right then. “Think ya’d still wanna see me again after this?” he said with a little laugh.

Tifa smiled more. “Yeah, I still wanna see you. Maybe we can go out again? Sometime soon?”

“You got it,” Cid said with a tiny grin. “Just ‘cause’a this don’t mean I don’t like ya.”

Tifa smirked a little, twitching her hips slightly. “I didn’t think you didn’t like me. There are some things you can’t hide.”

Cid grinned again, laughing. “Guess not. But I wasn’t really tryin’ to hide that from ya, so yeah.” He ruffled her hair lightly, pulling her close for another kiss.

She returned the kiss, enjoying the attention despite Cid’s reluctance to actually have sex with her. He had already asked to see her again, though, so she wasn’t worried about it. Breaking away, the blond ran a thumb over her cheek. “I should… prob’ly get goin’ then. Got early classes tomorrow an’ my shit’s at home.” He shifted under her. “Otherwise I’d, ya know, stay the night if I was welcome.”

“You are,” she said, smiling. Then it turned to a grin. “Maybe next time we’ll have to save our date for a non-school night.” She leaned forward, nibbling gently at his bottom lip. “Then I’ll be able to keep you all night.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Cid said with his own grin. “I like the idea of stayin’ all night some other time.”

“Good. I’ll give you my number, then.”

“An’ I’ll take it.” Brushing another kiss against her lips, he pulled away and then glanced over at Tifa’s bedside clock. “Gettin’ pretty late. Should prob’ly go soon.” He felt a little more comfortable now that the prospect of sleeping with someone who made him think of Vincent had been pushed back some, but he was still anxious to get away and somehow straighten his mind out. He didn’t need to be seeing the professor whenever he looked at other people.

Tifa slowly climbed off of him and got to her feet, looking around for her shirt. When she found it, she slipped it on again and tied the bow behind her neck. “Do you know how to get home?”

“Think I can figure it out,” Cid said as he started buttoning his shirt back. “Not that far from here.” Somehow he managed to get his shirt fixed correctly and slipped off the bed, rearranging himself before fastening his pants. He cast Tifa another glance to say he was sorry, moving close to give her a slow kiss. “So I’ll call ya soon then. Promise it won’t go like this next time,” he said as he stuffed his shirt into his pants, trying to make himself look somewhat presentable.

Tifa smiled up at him, rubbing over his stomach and once again appreciating the muscle there. “I’ll hold you to that promise.”

The blond ran his hand over her shoulder, cradling the back of her neck. “Good,” he replied with a smile. “Wanna walk me outta here? Might get lost in the hallway since I wasn’t payin’ shit attention to where we were goin’ earlier.”

Tifa chuckled. “Yeah, I bet you were a little distracted.” She ran her hand down his arms, guiding his hands to her hips as she turned around to lead him out. She liked having him close to her.

Tucking his fingertips inside her skirt hem, Cid followed her. He wished that his mind hadn’t done that to him, especially now that it meant he was leaving. When Tifa stopped to open her door, he tucked himself close to her and rested his chin on her shoulder, his lips brushing the delicate skin of her neck.

Tifa hummed happily and tilted her head to the side, giving him more room and wishing he didn’t have to leave. Giving her neck another kiss, Cid sighed and then moved away a little. It felt good to hold her that close, but he didn’t want to give the impression that he had changed his mind. Even though he wanted to be with her tonight, he was fairly sure he wouldn’t be able to just from how messed up his head was at the moment.

Tifa sighed, leaning on the open door and looking at him. Then she straightened suddenly. “Oh, you need my number. Hang on, I’ll go write it down for you.” She jogged off into the sitting room on the other side of the kitchen, spending a few minutes in there before coming back and handing him a small piece of paper, smiling.

Taking it gratefully, he stored it away in his wallet where he wouldn’t lose it. Smiling, he leaned down just enough to press his lips against hers, drawing away. “I’ll call ya soon,” he said quietly, offering a smile to her.

Tifa smiled a little, feeling disappointed again, but trying not to show it. “Okay. Have a good night.”

“You too. Get some sleep,” he said, patting her on the shoulder before turning. He waited until he had slipped out of the main door and stepped outside before he let out the breath he had been holding internally, leaning against the outside of the building. That had gone insanely wrong and unfortunately, he had no way to fix it.

Looking around, he allowed his eyes to adjust to the semi-darkness. The last place he wanted to go was home. Zack would be expecting a full report including why he was home and not with Tifa and the reason they didn’t do anything. He simply didn’t want to deal with that. His gaze rose to the skyline and followed the rooftops, almost as if he was looking for somewhere to go. But all he got was the roofline, broken only by a rather old-looking mansion roof raised high above the others. Mansion. Vincent’s mansion.

Cid sighed. It seemed to be his only option and maybe he would get a chance to confront his issues with the professor. Something had to be done. He wouldn’t be able to stand Vincent unknowingly ruining everything he tried to do by haunting his mind for long. Rubbing the back of his neck, he let out a decisive sigh and headed in that direction, his resolve about confronting Vincent growing stronger with every step, right up until he stood on the doorstep, his hand poised in an already executed knock.

It took a little while before the door opened slowly, revealing a tired-looking Vincent. He was in his usual sleep-clothes: black sweatpants that sat low on his hips, and no shirt. He brought his hand up to run his fingers through his hair as he blinked his eyes a few times, trying to focus them on his guest. “Cid?” His eyes got a little wider as he straightened his back. “Cid… what are you doing here?”

Cid stared at him almost as if he hadn’t expected to see Vincent appear. Of course he did, that was the whole reason for going there, but for some reason he still was caught off his guard. “I… I needed to talk to ya,” he said quietly, trying to disguise the alcohol in his voice.

Vincent looked confused. “Cid… it’s almost 2 in the morning.”

“I know, but I really need to talk to ya.” He felt himself slump a little under Vincent’s gaze, but he stood confident that he could do this. “Ya need to get outta my fuckin’ head! I… I can’t do shit without thinkin’ of ya. I mean, I tried to go out an’ fix everythin’, but it just wouldn’t happen an’…” He sighed and gave Vincent a distraught look.

Vincent shook his head a little. “Slow down. And come in here, it’s cold out.” He stepped back, pulling the door open and waiting for Cid to come in. “What did you try to fix?”

But Cid didn’t move. He needed to get everything out and he needed to do it now. “I tried to go an’ fix myself! I went an’ got a date with this girl an’ we were gonna go at it, but goddammit if you don’t pop into my head!” He felt his legs shaking, his voice obviously slurred as it got louder. “Y-y-you’re a fuckin’ cock block!” he yelled, poking the professor in his chest.

Vincent’s eyes went wide again. “I’m a what?” he asked, suddenly wanting to laugh.

“You’re a goddamned fuckin’ cock block! I can’t do shit with this girl ‘cause I start thinkin’ about you!” His fists clenched, Cid stepped up close to Vincent. “An’ dammit to fuckin’ hell if I don’t want ya!”

Vincent furrowed his eyebrows, not quite understanding and not sure if he wanted to or not. “If… if you don’t want me then why is there a problem?”

Cid gaped at him for a moment before shaking his head. “Ya don’t fuckin’ get it! I do want ya an’ that’s why ya won’t get outta my head!” Moving forward suddenly, he pushed a hand against the professor’s chest, forcing him back a little.

Vincent stumbled a little, surprised by the movement. “Y-you do?”

“Yes!” Cid hissed. He had to stop and catch his breath, nearly panting as he stood before Vincent. He felt a little dizzy, but it was nothing compared to the way his heart was pounding in his chest, the urge to just push Vincent back and crush their mouths together growing incredibly strong.

Vincent stepped back again. He wasn’t sure how he should be feeling, and Cid was looking at him so intensely that it scared him a little. “I think you should calm down, Cid.”

“I don’t think I need to do shit!” Cid shook his head, moving even closer. “I just wanna stop this so I can get on with whatever the fuck I’m ‘sposed to be doin’, not thinkin’ about you all the time.” He hadn’t realized how close he was to Vincent and paused. The professor was cloaked in a soft scent and Cid found himself wanting to be closer, intrigued by the smell.

Vincent held Cid’s shoulders, feeling like he was getting too close. “Well then you need to at least stop acting like you’re going to rape me or something.”

Cid paused, staring at him. “I… what?” He shook his head.” ‘M not gonna rape ya. Where the fuck did ya get that idea?”

“Well what else am I supposed to think? You come in here at two in the morning telling me how much you want me, and then you start pushing me around.” Vincent looked at him, eyes still wide and confused. “I understand that you’re upset, but if we’re going to get anywhere, you need to calm down.”

If we’re going to get anywhere. Cid licked his lips, thinking about that statement. He supposed it wasn’t too bad of an idea to calm down even though he didn’t think he was overreacting that much. Taking a little breath, he stepped back and looked at Vincent almost expectantly.

“Good…” Vincent said, still looking at him warily. “Now tell me… what happened.”

Cid glanced away. “I already did,” he said softly, trying not to raise his voice again.

Vincent nodded, reviewing the information he already had. “So… I’m not sure what you want me to do…”

Sighing a little, Cid shook his head. “I dunno either. I just…” He raised his eyes, almost desperate. “I don’t know what else to tell ya ‘sides that I’m standin’ here tellin’ ya I want ya an’ you’re pushin’ me away. Wouldn’t’ve happened if I’d just kissed ya earlier, would it? Ya wouldn’t be wantin’ me to leave.”

Vincent frowned, unsure what was right. “I… I don’t want you to leave,” he said, his voice low.

“Ya don’t?” Cid wasn’t sure whether he should listen to Vincent, but seeing as how Vincent was the only other one there he had little choice. He stood there looking down at the floor, wondering if he was doing the wrong thing by being there.

Vincent looked at him, his eyes serious and intense. “Cid… why did you come here? Really?”

“I… I wanted to.” Turning his eyes to lock them on Vincent’s, Cid gave him the best answer he could think of. “I don’t like that I want ya, but dammit… I still do. I can’t get ya outta my mind an’, fuck it to hell, I wanna kiss ya again.” He knew he hadn’t actually felt that when he thought to come here, but the truth was that he did feel that now. Close enough, in his opinion. “So are ya gonna kick me out or tell me to stay?”

Vincent’s voice was still quiet as he kept his eyes on Cid. “I won’t kick you out. It’s up to you whether or not you stay.”

The blond gave a little sigh. He wanted to stay, but he wasn’t sure if he should. As he stood there thinking and looking at Vincent, he felt that urge to kiss the professor rising again to an almost unbearable level, only what was left of his self-restraint keeping him where he was.

What Cid didn’t know was that Vincent was fighting the same urge. Cid’s plight had softened him, and the thought that the student had come to him of his own accord wasn’t helping. He took a step closer, keeping himself from reaching for the blond. “I’d… like you to stay,” he said, voiced even more hushed than it had been before.

That statement, no matter how soft-spoken it was, sounded like a thunderclap to Cid’s ears. Time seemed to skip and suddenly his arms were around Vincent’s shoulders and pulling him down into a crushing kiss.

Vincent didn’t bother protesting. He responded immediately, fingers moving to clutch at Cid’s shirt. A quiet noise came from his throat as he pulled Cid closer. Fingers tangling in long, silky hair, Cid groaned. It just felt right to kiss him, to touch him… His chest tightened and he could hear his blood pounding in his ears, the sound almost a mantra telling him not to stop, not to end it.

Vincent pulled at Cid’s shirt again, unable to contain himself any longer. Student or no, Vincent wasn’t going to let this go this time. The tugging was simply a tease to Cid and he pressed into the kiss more, his hands wandering down Vincent’s bare chest. His fingers danced over slightly chilled skin to reach the other’s back, slowly and torturously dragging his nails up the smooth expanse of skin.

Vincent pulled out of the kiss to let out a noise, panting over Cid’s mouth. His back arched with the touches, making him press closer to the blond. “Cid…” he whispered, not really intending to say anything.

Released from the kiss, Cid turned his attention to Vincent’s neck, nipping and kissing the pale skin. Every touch and sound made him just want Vincent more, so much so that he found it nearly impossible to stop. Their closeness only gave him better access to Vincent’s body, his hands moving hungrily over the other’s back, tickling down his spine.

Vincent’s knees felt weak. He tilted his head back, closing his eyes and letting Cid do as he pleased. Each touch caused a shiver to wrack his body, making him moan quietly every time. He couldn’t believe how much he wanted this, even though he knew he shouldn’t have it.

A thought of the same line was running through Cid’s head, though he was close to forgetting about how he shouldn’t have wanted everything. His lips brushed the professor’s neck as he whispered harshly, the word sounding before he could even think of it. “Bed?”

Something awoke in Vincent when he heard the word, making him stop and think. “Do you… are you sure?” Another shiver ran down Vincent’s spine at just the thought of sleeping with Cid, but he had to be certain. “I want to… I just need to know.”

“Yes! Goddammit, Vince, don’t make me think about it past that right now,” Cid hissed against Vincent’s neck. If he waited and tried to think it through, he would just end up convincing himself he didn’t want it when right now he knew he did.

“I don’t want you to regret it… There’s too much riding on this.”

“I…” Cid closed his eyes, tipping his forehead against Vincent’s shoulder. “I’m not gonna regret it. Swear.”

Vincent used the side of his finger to push Cid’s chin up until he could look into the blond’s eyes. Pursing his lips in a few final moments of decision, he took a deep breath. “Then… yes.”

Cid’s lips twitched into a smile before he pulled Vincent’s head down into another searing kiss, the sheer need he felt almost too much to deal with. Vincent kissed back with just as much enthusiasm. His fingers tangled in Cid’s hair and he forgot about everything around him that wasn’t the blond.

A sudden draft of cold night air hit Cid’s back and he parted from Vincent just long enough to kick the door shut. The kiss started again as if it had never ended and the blond nudged Vincent back, trying to get him to move away from the door.

Vincent stepped back at Cid’s beckoning, glad for the closed door and the lack of cold air coming in and hitting his bare skin. Another step backwards moved them toward the stairs, and he broke the kiss to be able to see where he was going.

Cid kept his arms around Vincent, his fingers curling inward to tickle soft skin. “Damn you an’ not havin’ any rooms downstairs,” he mumbled into Vincent’s neck, nibbling where his lips rested.

Vincent smiled, pulling Cid towards the stairs. “A little hike up the stairs won’t kill you…”

“Maybe not, but that don’t mean I wanna go take a hike right now.” Yet Cid still let go, giving Vincent a better chance of getting up the stairs without falling. He supposed he would have the other man in his hands again soon enough.

Vincent smiled more, feeling almost giddy inside. He was happy that Cid was there, and he was far more comfortable with that happiness than he thought he would be. He started walking up the stairs, turning his back to Cid and moving slowly so the blond could keep up. With each step, his hips swayed back and forth naturally, but with the way Cid’s eyes were on him, he didn’t mind at all. Normally he would have felt ridiculous with someone watching him that way.

Cid smirked a little as he watched Vincent move, following him as closely as possible without hindering the younger man. It was still strange feeling to think of what he might be about to do with Vincent, but it in no way made him any less anxious to get him splayed out on a bed.

When they made it to the top of the stairs, Vincent headed for his bedroom, a strange feeling churning in the pit of his stomach. He felt nervous, but it felt good. He stepped into his bedroom, shooing Red off the bed and turning to watch Cid come in.

Peeking in with a grin, Cid leaned against the doorframe. Pushing away almost as soon as he had stopped, he reached out and carefully grasped Vincent’s arm, pulling him closer to kiss him again. A shiver rippled through him as he wrapped his other arm around the professor’s waist, pressing them flush together.

Vincent moaned quietly, deep in his throat. He pulled Cid back more, wanting to feel the mattress under him and the blond on top of him. Following faithfully, Cid pressed him back on his own. Everything about Vincent was just inflaming him and he shivered at the sound of the moan. One more push and he felt Vincent’s legs collide with the bed, one of his own sliding between them.

Vincent’s legs parted easily. He broke the kiss for a moment, looking heatedly into Cid’s eyes before sitting down on the bed and shifting backwards.

Bending, Cid rested his hands on either side of Vincent to kiss his chest. He smirked up at the pair of crimson eyes watching him before nibbling a line up his neck and licking a curve around his ear. “Just gonna sit there?” he whispered, his teeth just barely scraping against the professor’s earlobe.

Vincent’s eyes closed as he leaned his head toward Cid’s. He lay back, looking up at Cid and smirking slightly as his hands moved to start unbuttoning the blond’s shirt. He got through four buttons before slowly reaching down to Cid’s hips, grabbing the shirt from there and starting to pull it over his head.

Raising his arms to help, Cid offered Vincent his own smirk. A shiver ran though him when his shirt had been removed, but he knew it more than likely wouldn’t last long. No, he wouldn’t let it last long. Dipping down, he lowered himself until he was pressed against the other, his knee pressed between Vincent’s legs to keep him steady.

Vincent pulled him into a kiss, long fingers wrapping around the back of the blond’s neck and scratching gently, enjoying the feel of the short hair that was there. Shifting his hips forward a little, Cid let his fingers travel down Vincent’s sides, tucking into the hem of his pants. He might not know anything about pleasing a man, but he knew how to please himself and at that moment, it was better than anything. Slipping a hand between them, the blond pressed his palm against the professor’s groin.

Vincent broke the kiss suddenly, letting out a low groan. His hips rolled a little, much like they had when he had been dancing, forcing Cid’s hand to rub. Encouraged, Cid smirked against the gentle curve of the professor’s neck and began kneading slowly. He wasn’t sure exactly how Vincent liked things and it felt awkward asking, so he decided to just let things go as they were and try to figure it out from there. At least he seemed as though he was enjoying it so far.

Vincent’s arms tightened around Cid’s neck, the nails of one hand dragging down the blond’s back. “Mm… That… that feels good,” he whispered breathily. He was quickly getting to the point where he would lose himself in all of the sensations, and that didn’t bother him at all.

A tremor ran down Cid’s spine and he grinned. At least he was doing something right so far. Rubbing and pressing more, he shifted so he was closer to Vincent, his lips tracing out a line across the other’s collarbone.

His breathing starting to pick up, Vincent ran his hands down Cid’s back. Cid’s skin was smooth and surprisingly soft, probably made so by the fine blond hair covering him. It was virtually invisible, but it made Cid’s skin feel like velvet. Vincent’s fingertips tucked themselves into the waistline of Cid’s pants in the back, slowly running around to the front to touch the button teasingly.

The tiny shivers overcoming him made Cid moan quietly and he stopped his touches to toy with the hem of Vincent’s pants. He cautiously slipped a hand under the warm cloth, his fingers petting the soft trail of hair hidden beneath.

Vincent looked down at him, wondering who would make the first move. He tugged on Cid’s button gently, which he knew would put pressure on the heated flesh under the cloth. The blond groaned softly and tipped his nose toward Vincent’s neck. His hand slipped further under the cloth, wishing it was gone instead of in his way. Hot skin brushed his fingertips and he felt a little more confident as he slid his palm against Vincent’s length.

Vincent breathed out, tilting his head back. Cid’s hand was hot against him, and it was invigorating. “The pants… you can take the pants off…”

While that distracted him in a way, it would make things easier in the long run. Slipping his hand free, he hooked his fingers under the hem and tugged, nuzzling Vincent’s neck. “You’re gonna have to help me out here,” he said quietly, almost whispering.

The professor lifted his hips, arms wrapping around Cid’s waist. He was eager to get Cid’s pants off as well, so he reached once again to the blond’s button and zipper, this time undoing them both. As the back of Vincent’s hands brushed his skin, Cid bit back a groan. He finished stripping the professor of his pants, tossing them aside when they were free.

Vincent pushed at Cid’s jeans when they were undone, at too much of a strange angle to get them off. He only managed to get them just down to the blond’s thighs, but it was enough. One of his hands immediately took up stroking him, using his palm to rub against the underside of the very tip of the blond’s erection.

A wave of heat rolled through Cid, his stomach flipping with desire. He mumbled something unclear and moved just enough to kneel on the bed and kick his boots and jeans off. Slowly, he dragged his nails up the inside of slender yet strong thighs where he teased Vincent’s tip, his thumb rubbing over it. Vincent gasped quietly, moving his hips with the motion. His strokes sped up, becoming more substantial.

The blond moaned in his throat as he shifted again, catching Vincent in a hard kiss. His own strokes followed suit and he wrapped his fingers around the warm flesh, moving faster and harder. Pressing up into the kiss and deepening it, Vincent let his hand travel lower and lower with each of his strokes. Trying to keep the kiss going as long as possible, Cid finally broke away with the need to moan, his hips rolling forward and pressing against Vincent’s.

Vincent echoed the moan, looking up at Cid. “Just… just a second,” he said, before shimmying up the bed a little bit. He twisted to his side, opening a drawer in the table beside his bed and rummaging around a little, still breathing hard. At last, he found what he was looking for, pulling out a small bottle and returning to Cid. “We’re going to need this.”

Calming himself somewhat, Cid took the bottle. At least he knew what to do when it came to that. He had persuaded quite a few of the girls he had dated to let him ride from the back so he at least knew the basics. Popping the top open, he slid himself over next to Vincent and gave him a somewhat serious look. “So… what way ya wanna do this?” A delicate scent reached his nose from the bottle and he squeezed a little of the contents out, rubbing his fingers together to release more of the smell.

“Any way you want to,” Vincent said, looking up at him.

“Yeah, but I mean…” Cid paused, looking at the bottle in his hand. “There’re different ways of doin’ it. I don’t wanna pick one ya might not like.”

Vincent looked at him, thoughtful for a moment before speaking quietly. “I like to be able to see your face.”

Cid glanced back up, meeting his gaze. He nodded before pressing a kiss to his lips again and throwing a leg over one of Vincent’s, straddling it. Squeezing a little more of the bottle’s contents onto his fingers, Cid reached behind him and drew a fingertip along Vincent’s length and down, slowly pressing it into him. If anything, he knew not to rush what he was doing.

Vincent’s eyes closed, his mouth falling open slightly to let a moan out. It had been a long time since anyone had touched him this way. Pressing a little deeper, Cid nipped a path along Vincent’s neck. As much as he wanted to hurry and get on with it, watching Vincent’s reactions to the slow intrusion was addicting, more so than anything he had ever consumed. There was absolutely no denying it now; he wanted this, wanted Vincent, wanted everything to do with the younger man.

Vincent’s arms rose over his head, his fingers wrapping around pieces of the headboard of his bed. He turned his head, moaning into his arm as Cid pressed deeper. For someone who had never had sex with a man before, Cid was certainly getting the job done so far.

Glancing up at Vincent’s movement, Cid felt a smile cross his face. That was always a good sign. Adding another finger, he carefully spread them, one tip brushing against what felt like a bundle of muscle inside. Vincent cried out, jerking his hips up. His eyes closed tighter and his fingers gripped harder at the wood over his head. “There!” he panted.

Cid jumped when Vincent cried out, a little unsure. But obviously whatever he had hit did something amazing and he wasn’t beyond trying it again. Spreading his fingers again, he found the spot and pressed against it, rubbing his fingertip over it repeatedly. A tiny flag went up in his mind to ask later what it was that did that, but right now he was just focused on getting those incredible reactions out of Vincent.

Vincent had the same response each time Cid pressed that spot, except his voice got louder with each movement. His muscles were tense and his breath was coming in hard pants, and he loved every minute of it. Cid grinned, insanely aroused by the sounds the younger man was making. He had definitely found the place to hit; that was for sure. Carefully adding in a third finger just to be sure, he kept toying with that spot inside.

Vincent squirmed below him, biting his lip. It almost felt too good, but he didn’t want it to stop. His fingers going as deep as they could, Cid leaned forward and whispered against Vincent’s chest. “Ready?” His other hand popped open the bottle once again and was busy spreading it over his own hard length just so he would be ready and prepared.

Vincent nodded, unable to form words at that moment. He cracked his eyes open to look at Cid, chest rising and falling with his deep breaths. Taking a deep breath, himself, Cid slid down the slender body, biting back a moan as their hips collided. He settled himself between Vincent’s thighs and ran his hands up them, gently encouraging him to lift them and raise his hips in the process. Complying, Vincent bent his knees, watching Cid with anticipation.

The blond gave him a little smile as he pressed forward with just the tip, shifting his hips just enough to bury the first few inches inside. Biting his lip hard, Cid held back a low groan as he tried to convey to Vincent to wrap his legs around his waist.

The professor moaned, closing his eyes. Without prompting, he lifted one leg and wrapped it around Cid’s waist anyway, using it to pull him closer. With another roll of his hips, Cid felt himself sink deep into Vincent until they were flush against each other. Gasping a little, he gave the other a soft smile. “Ya good?” he asked, his voice hushed and almost inaudible.

Vincent was panting hard, hips twitching here and there as he adjusted. Cid wasn’t small, by any means. He let out a moan, nodding in answer to Cid’s question. “Amazing,” he panted.

Small dents on Vincent’s thighs appeared where Cid’s fingers pressed into him, holding the younger man steady. With a short breath Cid let his hips shift, slowly rocking them back and forth as he searched for some sort of rhythm to work with. He had to agree with Vincent about it being amazing, at least the part of his mind that was still able to focus on thinking agreed. Each motion moved him closer to losing sight of everything but Vincent and he honestly didn’t care.

Vincent’s other leg rose, bending around Cid’s side so he could cross his ankles. The slow movement was driving him crazy, but it felt so good. He looked up at Cid, lips parted and eyes intense.

The pressure at the small of his back from Vincent’s crossed ankles acted as a sort of encouragement and Cid increased his speed. He built up to a sort of rhythm, using his momentum to press deeper, bending over to capture a kiss.

Vincent moaned into Cid’s mouth, lowering his arms to wrap them around the blond’s neck. He parted his lips invitingly, moving his hips in time with the rhythm Cid had set.

Gasping from the friction between them, Cid brushed his tongue against Vincent’s, exploring his mouth as he moved faster. Breath became scarce and he broke away only for a moment to pant for the heated air before returning with more passion driving the caress.

Rolling his hips, Vincent tightened his arms around Cid’s neck. As their tongues tangled, Vincent’s hands slid down Cid’s back, nails leaving light red trails behind them as they scratched. Eventually, Vincent was forced to break the kiss again for air. “Harder,” he managed to request, voice strained and wanton.

Only happy to comply, Cid thrust his hips forward with more power, angling them upward. He wanted to hit that spot, that bundle inside that made Vincent dissolve into moans and cries.

It took a few tries, but Cid finally managed to hit that spot dead on. Vincent shouted, accidentally digging his nails into Cid’s back and scratching hard. To get more of the feeling, Vincent used the leverage he had from his legs to pull Cid in harder at that angle. He cried out again, feeling almost desperate to keep those blows coming.

Cid would have felt pain flaring across his back if he hadn’t been so deep into bringing those sounds out of Vincent. He thrust harder, keeping the angle the best he could as his thighs began to shake from the effort, a thin sheen of sweat forming on his brow. His ending wasn’t far off and his only way to let Vincent know was to move harder and faster, hoping that he wouldn’t be the only one shoved over the edge.

Vincent’s voice grew louder. Freeing one of his hands from the hold he had on the blond, he sneaked it down between them to stroke himself in time with Cid’s movements. He closed his eyes, vaguely feeling his voice start to go hoarse from keeping it raised for so long, but he didn’t care.

Cid’s motions faltered briefly and he gasped, burying his face against the curve of the professor’s neck. He didn’t want to give out now, but he had little choice as the last few motions of his hips sent him reeling, loudly crying out a mix of indistinguishable syllables as his fingers dug into Vincent’s thighs and his vision was wiped out.

Feeling Cid come inside him was Vincent’s undoing. The rush of heat suddenly coursing through his gut and the final hit to his prostate, combined with his strokes, made his whole body tense as a cry ripped from his throat, muscles spasming all over. He rode it out, short bursts of sound coming from him as his body calmed.

Cid was trembling from both his and Vincent’s release and he just barely managed to let go of Vincent and hold himself up before collapsing. Gasping for air, he looked up at the professor, his vision slightly blurred. Vincent looked back at him, trying to catch his breath. He wasn’t sure what to do with himself, other than try to keep the blond exactly where he was for as long as he could.

Letting out a long breath, Cid carefully allowed himself to rest on Vincent. His head was pillowed on the other’s shoulder and he nestled his nose into the dark locks of hair. He had nothing to say and wasn’t sure he would be able to speak if he did, so he just lay there, more comfortable than he had been in a long while.

Finally feeling Cid really relax, Vincent got over his momentary insecurity about what would have come next. He draped his arms over Cid’s back, content to let him stay there. Blue eyes closing, Cid sighed against Vincent’s neck. His hand rose up to settle on Vincent’s other shoulder and was petting gently, the motion almost putting him to sleep. Unfortunately, he knew going to sleep like that would make for big problems in the morning. Pushing himself up, he winced as he pulled free of Vincent, immediately lying on his back on the bed.

Vincent flinched too, the familiar burning in his overworked muscles making itself known. Slowly, he turned his head to regard Cid, smiling a little at how handsome he really was, especially looking so sated.

A soft smile settled on Cid’s lips as he caught Vincent’s gaze. Stretching out his arm, he motioned for the other to come closer, letting out a sigh as he lay there. Curiously, Vincent leaned up on his elbow, facing Cid and inching a little closer.

Sliding his arm under Vincent, the blond drew him close. “C’mere,” he said quietly, stifling a yawn soon after.

Vincent smiled, resting on Cid’s arm and laying his head on a strong shoulder. After a few moments, he tentatively draped one of his arms over the blond’s stomach, watching his hand move back and forth over Cid’s skin.

Blue eyes closed as the blond held him close. Now that he stopped from the rush of everything for a moment, he felt a little awkward knowing what he had just done. Of course, there was no way to take it back and he wasn’t all that sure he wanted to. Having sex with Vincent wasn’t the worst thing he had ever done and it had been amazing while it had lasted. He battled another yawn and cracked an eye to look down at the ebony head on his shoulder, a bit of a smile settling on his lips.

Vincent was still watching his hand, looking thoughtful. The realization of what he had just done was also settling in for him, but he was significantly more nervous about it. For Cid, having people know he had slept with a man meant difficulty communicating with some of those people, but for Vincent, having people know he had slept with one of his students could mean adding his name to the unemployment list, not to mention failure at doing something that was required for his master’s degree. He felt safe in assuming that he had a slightly bigger reason to feel nervous.

Cid noticed as Vincent went still, feeling the other stiffen a little from his anxiousness. “Ya okay?” he inquired softly, not sure whether he should be asking or not.

Vincent debated on disclosing his feelings or not. After a few moments he decided it couldn’t hurt. “I… It’s just hitting me that I could get fired for what we just did,” he said, his voice a little hushed.

A little pang of guilt hit Cid. Sighing, he tipped his head back and closed his eyes again. “‘M sorry. I shouldn’t’ve just showed up an’… Fuck. I fucked things up big time, didn’t I?”

Vincent looked up at him, shaking his head. “No, you didn’t. I wanted it just as badly as you did. Well, I assume as much.”

“Yeah, but I still fucked things up.” Cid scooted up until he was sitting, leaning back against the headboard, his head tapping the wall. “If I’d ‘a just gone home, we wouldn’t be in this damn mess, ya know? Didn’t think about the whole teacher thing…” He scratched the back of his neck.

Vincent leaned up on his elbow to look at him. “It would have happened sooner or later.”

“How d’ya know that? Were ya plannin’ on stalkin’ another student down if I didn’t show or somethin’?” A blond brow rose, the blond taking on an incredulous look. “Ya can’t be that desperate to get laid.”

“I meant with you,” Vincent said, returning a little of the look.

“So ya were plannin’ on stalkin’ me?” Still giving the look, Cid shook his head a little. “Shit, I’m not worth gettin’ yourself in trouble over. Shoulda thought of that before ya decided ya liked me or whatever the fuck it is ya feel.” His look softened a little, showing he was kidding about his words.

Vincent’s eyes lowered. “I couldn’t really help it.”

“What’s that ‘sposed to mean?”

One slender shoulder rose and fell as Vincent shrugged. “I can’t help that I like you.”

Cid sat there for a moment before laughing. “Shit! I’m not that irresistable or anythin’. There’re more people who prob’ly hate me than like me an’ you’re sayin’ ya can’t help it?” he asked as he tried to stop his laughter, rubbing a hand over his face. “Coulda picked a better person to not help likin’.”

Vincent looked up at him again. “It’s not like it was a conscious decision.”

“Still. Think maybe you’re the one fucked up in the head, not me.” The blond was still struggling to calm himself, his mouth upturned into a smirk as he held back the sounds.

The professor smiled a little. He slowly pulled himself up, moving to kneel next to the blond and leaning close to him. “Maybe you are just that irresistible and you don’t realize it.”

Cid instantly swallowed his laughs as Vincent moved close. “I think you’re crazy,” he said, his voice considerably softer than before.

“Perhaps,” was his answer as Vincent kept smiling at him. After a moment’s hesitation, he slowly crawled into the blond’s lap, one knee on either side of him. He kept his arms crossed lightly over his own stomach though, not knowing if it was okay to really get close enough to put them around the student’s neck. “I don’t mind being a little crazy.”

“Huh. That so,” Cid said quietly, his hands slowly moving to settle on Vincent’s waist. He considered pulling the other close, but wasn’t sure from the professor’s actions if that would be too forward. Then again, he had just had sex with the guy. Still… He didn’t want to press his luck just yet.

Vincent looked at him for a few minutes, just admiring his features. “So,” he started quietly. “Where does this put us now?”

The blond cast his gaze to the side. “I dunno.” He sat there silently for a moment, only his thumbs moving to brush against Vincent’s sides. “Where d’ya want it to be? ‘Cause… I sure as hell don’t know where this is ‘sposed to put us.”

Vincent pursed his lips in thought. “I… don’t want it to stop here. But, on the other hand, if that were the case, we’d have to do some major sneaking around, and that may put stress on things.”

Cid scoffed. “Fuck. I’m already gonna be sneakin’ around about this. What’s addin’ a little more?” he said, not really sure what he was implying by the statement. He didn’t necessarily want some sort of thing he would get trapped into, but he was curious about things happening again. No, he downright wanted things to happen again. It was just a question of whether he thought he could handle having some sort of relationship with his professor and accept it fully within himself.

“I would feel like a cheap asshole if things stayed as they are,” Vincent said. His voice lowered again. “Selfishly speaking… I don’t want to never do this again.”

Cid’s brows creased and he looked at the professor. “Wait. Don’t get what you’re sayin’. Ya want somethin’ to happen again or ya don’t?”

“I do.” The professor looked into Cid’s eyes, not sure how to convey what he was feeling. “I want to see you again… like this.”

“Then what’s stoppin’ ya?” The blond shrugged, giving off the impression he wasn’t bothered as much as he was by the thought of actually pursuing something with Vincent. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the idea, it was just… somewhat foreign to him. He didn’t know how to date men.

“Well, my job, for one thing. But I suppose I’ve already decided on what to do about that, since we’ve already had sex.” Vincent paused, looking unsure again. “And, the other thing… is you.”

“Me…” Cid turned his gaze away. He really hadn’t told Vincent what his decision was, had he? “I… don’t really know what to tell ya. Don’t think I could figure it out right now what I wanna do.”

Vincent nodded, looking down between them. “I understand,” he said. “You know what I want. When… when you figure out what you want, just… let me know.”

Nodding, the blond decided on one thing at least. “I… don’t havta leave, do I?” He shrugged again. “I kinda wanna stay the night if I can.”

Vincent looked up again, smiling a little. “You mean stay the morning. It’s nearly three,” he said, gesturing to the digital clock next to his bed. It read 2:47.

He followed Vincent’s motion. “Fuck. Didn’t think it was that late.” He sighed, shrugging. “Whatever. Mornin’, night, afternoon… Mind if I stay? I don’t like bein’ the guy who takes off after sex when the g… uh, the other person’s sleepin’.” He looked back at Vincent, giving him a little smile. “I might be an asshole, but I’m not that big a one. Least I hope not.”

“I never said you were an asshole,” Vincent said. He slowly leaned closer, moving his arms to rest his hands on Cid’s shoulders. “I’d like you to stay.”

“I know ya never said…” Shaking his head a little, Cid just smiled. “Then I guess ‘m stayin’.”

The professor leaned closer, sliding his arms more around Cid’s neck and smiling. “Good.”

“Good.” Grinning softly, Cid wrapped his arms around the warm waist, pulling Vincent closer.

Slender fingers slipped into Cid’s hair, petting gently. “You don’t even have to sleep in a different bed.”

“Fine with me,” Cid said, tipping his head forward as fingertips brushed the back of his head. “Don’t feel much like movin’ right now anyway…”

Vincent stayed close, just appreciating the softness of Cid’s hair and that it seemed to relax the blond. The caresses were tender and slow, relaxing the professor as well. Barely muffling a yawn, Cid rested his cheek on Vincent’s shoulder, nuzzling his neck until he found a relatively comfortable spot. A soft sigh made the silken hairs around his face flutter and he smiled. This wasn’t really all that bad. Not bad at all.

Vincent’s light massage turned to light strokes, and before long, he, too, was muffling a yawn. “Maybe we should sleep. Classes in the morning.”

A quiet groan drifted up from Cid’s throat. “I guess. Ya just had to remind me, didn’t ya?” Pushing himself away, he leaned his head back against the headboard. “Can’t move until you do,” he said with a little smirk, his hands settling on Vincent’s thighs.

A very small smile found its way to Vincent’s lips. He slowly pushed himself up so he was on his knees, his torso directly in front of Cid’s face. Looking down at the blond, he lifted one leg and moved to the side, gracefully settling down again next to Cid.

The smirk on his lips growing, Cid pushed himself down until he was lying on his back, his head resting on the pillows. “Sure know how to put on a show, don’cha?” he said rolling on his side to face Vincent.

Vincent slid down next to him, fixing the covers over both of them. “I learned a thing or two, here and there.”

“Obviously.” Stretching and yawning widely, Cid settled himself down into a more comfortable position. He reached over and grasped Vincent’s wrist, tugging gently. The professor smiled, following the tugging curiously. The blond pulled him down close enough to snag a kiss, feeling as though he just wanted to be close to the other for the moment.

Vincent was pleasantly surprised by the kiss, returning it slowly. He settled close to Cid, liking the warmth there. Breaking away only to turn his head and yawn yet again, Cid gave a slight chuckle. “Think it’s sleep time,” he said quietly. He could always worry about the next day when it happened. Right now he wasn’t so concerned about anything but sleep and being with Vincent.

The professor smiled a little more, nuzzling at Cid’s cheek and crinkling his nose slightly at the feeling of stubble tickling him. “Yes,” he said quietly. He pulled the covers up a little more. “Good night, Cid.”

“Night, Vince,” Cid mumbled as he let his eyes slip closed. He automatically slung an arm over the professor’s waist, tucking close against him as he drifted off to sleep.

Vincent smiled, also closing his eyes. He liked the feeling of being held, and moved closer to Cid just for the sake of being close to him. At that point, he didn’t care if he ran the risk of being fired. This felt too good to just let it slip away.

With a comfortable sigh and a small smile still pulling at his lips, Vincent let Cid’s breathing lull him to sleep.