Sins Forgiven

Disclaimer:I do not own Final Fantasy 7, or any of its characters. I do not profit from this story.


Sins Forgiven


Can sins really be forgiven?

I've never tried.

Never tried?.....

Vincent took a drink of his whiskey, watching his friends celebrating Cloud's victory. His blonde friend did indeed look free now, his smile reaching his eyes for the first time in a long while. He wondered if he would ever be able to do the same, but true happiness was far out of his reach. It always would be. The memory of the words that had passed between he and Cloud only confirmed this. Why try when he would only fail time and time again? Did he deserve to be forgiven for failing her? Did he deserve to forgive himself for not being able to save Lucrecia?

It didn't matter. He downed the rest of his drink in one swallow, closing his eyes as the burgundy liquid burned down his throat. The laughter and conversation in the bar muffled to his ears as he blocked it out. Maybe he should just leave. He was always better off on his own, much the way Cloud had felt...before. He opened his eyes, slightly taken aback when he saw Cloud staring intently at him, his smile gone. He gave his friend a nod and got up from the table to take his leave.

Cool air and quiet met him on the darkened street outside 7th Heaven. It was late. That gave him a good excuse for leaving anyway. He had only gotten a few steps when he heard the door open behind him. He knew who it was before he even spoke.

"Vincent, where are you heading? There's a party inside if you hadn't noticed."

He had to chuckle a little at Cloud's cheerful tone of voice that was so unlike him. "Yes, I noticed." He turned and smiled softly, but he didn't really feel it.

"Then where are you going?" Cloud asked, crossing his arms impatiently, giving Vincent a searching look.

Vincent really hadn't thought about it. Leaving had been the only thing on his mind, not a destination. He thought for a moment and found he didn't have an answer, not one that would be suitable by any means. Instead of speaking, he looked up at the night sky, eyes gazing up at the moon as if a logical response were there. It still eluded him, so he gave the only answer that came to mind. The truth.

"I don't know. Anywhere. Nowhere. Does it really matter, Cloud?"

The blonde warrior sighed and shook his head with a slight smirk. "Come on, Vincent. Lets go for a ride," he said, straddling Fenrir. He stood unmoving until Cloud gave him an impatient expression. He didn't know why Cloud was bothering with him. There was a celebration going on, and he was out here trying to cheer him up instead.

"Won't Tifa get worried?" Was he grasping at straws now? Was he that desperate to be alone?

"She knows I'll be back." He patted the seat behind him. "Now come on. Maybe the ride will help you decide where you want to go." Vincent gave one last look toward the bar before he stepped over and smoothly got on the massive bike behind Cloud. "Hold on," he shouted over his shoulder after he brought the engine to life. They took off so fast that Vincent gripped the only thing he could to stay in place. Cloud's waist.

The streets of Edge were nearly empty of people in this late hour, and the few they saw barely looked in their direction as they sped by. Vincent had no idea where Cloud was taking him as they headed toward the outskirts of the city. He just held on, enjoying the brisk night air that was washing over them. The stars became brighter as they got further out on the open road outside Midgar, the moon lighting up the way across the landscape. The Fenrir's headlight cut through the darkness of the road before them, paving a way to an unknown destination.

"Where are we going?!" Vincent finally shouted over the roar of the engine.

"I don't know! Anywhere! Nowhere! Does it really matter, Vincent?!" Cloud shouted back, repeating Vincent's own words from earlier. He glanced back for a brief moment and Vincent saw amusement in his bright blue mako eyes.

A surprising bubble of deep laughter rose from Vincent as he held tighter to Cloud when he sped up the bike, the freedom of the open road seeming to call out to them. The further they got, the cooler the air became, but the chill did not bother Vincent. It did make him realize how warm Cloud felt against him. Unconscious of what he was doing, he pressed closer to his friend to take in that warmth.

Minutes, miles, maybe even a few hours could have gone by as they rode. It wasn't until Cloud slowed the Fenrir and pulled to a stop next to a wooded area in the middle of nowhere that Vincent finally wondered how long they had been riding, and in the same instant wondering why he opted to stop here. Cloud had cut the engine and was putting the kickstand down before he asked.

"Why are we stopping here?" he asked, slipping off the bike gracefully.

"Well," Cloud started, stretching and making his back pop, "you said you wanted to go nowhere. This is as nowhere as you can get," he finished with a smirk.

"So it is," he answered, looking off into the woods. "Are we going to go deeper into nowhere?" he asked, nodded toward the thick trees.

"Why not?" Cloud said, opening a few compartments on his bike to pull out some supplies they might need. He tossed Vincent a sleeping bag and hefted another over his shoulder with a small bag of necessities. "Onward into nowhere," he said and they made their way into the woods to find a clearing to camp.

They walked for a bit before Vincent questioned Cloud once again. "Cloud, what about Tifa? Won't she wonder..."

"I told her I may not be back tonight." He continued to lead the way and Vincent followed wordlessly, looking at Cloud's back with curiosity. He still questioned himself about how they had ended up here in this forest when they had just been at a party with their friends not so long ago. He shook his head. Why was he bothered with that? He had been trying to slip away from the party. Cloud had just gotten to him before he could get away.

Twigs and a few fallen leaves crunched beneath their boots as they trudged on, and the occasional sound of a scurrying animal filled his senses. Vincent had always felt at home in nature, the smells, the sounds, the peace, the absolute solitude of it. Well, he wasn't exactly alone. He watched Cloud's retreating back again and found himself silently thanking his friend for bringing him here.

"This looks like a good spot," Cloud's voice cut into his thoughts as they stepped into a small clearing that would accommodate them. Vincent nodded and went about gathering wood for a fire while Cloud set up their meager camp. When he got back with a generous amount of small branches and twigs, he saw that Cloud had set up a small pit with some gathered stones. He went about starting a fire, and soon bright flames were warding off the slight chill in the air. The flames also lit up the area and he looked over to see Cloud staring intently at him, much like the way he had been at 7th Heaven.

"Are you going to tell me why we're here now, Cloud?" he asked, sitting on his own open sleeping bag that Cloud had lain out for him.

"Does there have to be a reason?" Cloud smirked and looked at the fire.

Vincent contemplated for a moment before he looked back at Cloud's profile, the reflection of the bright flames dancing over his face. "There is reason for everything, Cloud."

"Maybe...." He looked over, searching Vincent's face. "Maybe I just want to thank you for waking me up." Vincent shifted a bit, and now he was the one looking deeply into the flames. He felt Cloud's eyes on him. "You're the one that pushed me to forgive myself. You're the one,....Vincent."

He scoffed with a sound of harsh amusement. "You give me too much credit. Credit that I don't deserve." He grabbed a thick stick of wood to poke at the fire. Cloud's hand stopped his efforts and he turned his head to meet blue eyes peering at him.

"I'm only speaking the truth," he said in a hushed way. "And Vincent, I think it's time you forgave yourself."

He pulled his arm from Cloud's grip, more roughly than he intended. "I can't!"

"Why?!" Cloud said, his own voice rising just enough to grab Vincent's attention.

"You wouldn't understand." He stood and turned his back to Cloud, staring off into the dark woods. The crackle of the fire was the only sound that touched his ears. Everything else around him seemed to freeze, including Cloud's words. His friend's silence stretched until he thought he should speak again, but when he opened his mouth, nothing would come forth.

"How can you say that to me?" Cloud's voice cut him when he finally spoke, breaking the deep silence. "Out of all the people on this planet...How?" The last word came out harsh, and Vincent flinched with the angry sound of it.

"Cloud.."

"I understand more than you can possibly imagine."

Vincent turned. "Perhaps you're right." He sat back down with a defeated sigh. "Maybe I'm just not as strong as you."

"I don't believe that," Cloud answered softly, joining his side again on the sleeping bag. "If you really wanted to, you could forgive yourself."

"Why are you doing this? I'm not worth the effort." He picked up a stick and tossed it into the flames, sending sparks into the air like fireflies. The unexpected touch of cool fingers caressed his cheek, making him gasp with shock as well as desire. This was not right. Cloud wasn't his.

"Yes, you are worth it." Cloud's voice was hushed and needful, stirring something within Vincent that he hadn't felt in a very long time. The need for affection and intimate contact with another.

He turned to see Cloud looking at him intently, blue eyes soft, full lips parted slightly. "You don't want me." He leaned into the touch, even as he spoke the words, silently praying that Cloud wouldn't pull away. "Tifa...," he began to protest.

"Isn't the one I want," Cloud finished his sentence for him. He edged closer and brushed Vincent's lips with a chaste kiss. A shiver of the gunman's body. A moan so soft that it was like he made no noise at all, but Cloud heard it. The hand touching Vincent's cheek moved smoothly into his dark hair that felt cool and silky in his hand. "I want you," he murmured against Vincent's lips that were now parted, inviting him seductively to deepen the kiss.

Cloud's tongue skimmed his lips before sliding between them to explore the depths of his mouth. Vincent was lost now, lost in the sensations and emotions storming through his entire being. He was gently pushed back against the sleeping bags and he went willingly, pulling the blonde down with him, his delicious weight covering his body. He was so damn warm and just like on the Fenrir, Vincent took in his warmth, clinging to him desperately now with his need for the man's touch.

Cloud pulled back from the kiss, and Vincent nearly whimpered with the break of contact. Soft blue eyes gazed into his intense reds as Cloud's hands reached up to remove his headband, his fingers being gentle with the task. His head lifted to make the job easier for his soon to be lover, and their mouths were so close that they were just barely touching. Vincent let out a slow breath, flicking his tongue out to tease his sensually pouty lips. His eyes closed when he heard Cloud whisper his name with longing. He lay back panting, feeling deft fingers unfastening his cape.

Cloud pushed his cape apart, leaving it spread beneath Vincent's body as he gazed down at him. His startling red eyes were closed. The firelight was bright enough to let him see every curve of his face and the pure emotion filling it. He was handsome, masculine, beautiful, and in Cloud's eyes he was perfect. Cloud cupped his cheek, brushing his fingers along his strong jawline. Vincent's lips parted, a shaky breath slowly passing them as Cloud lay his weight back against him, tracing his fingers over his mouth to feel their texture.

Vincent's heart was pounding in his chest, his body becoming flushed with heat. The need for Cloud was becoming almost unbearable as the blonde began to plant light kisses over his face, trailing to his neck. His mouth latched on, his warm tongue teasing his skin before he sucked hard to mark him. The stinging pain was sweet, the pleasure of it sending strong ripples of lust throughout his body. His gauntlet covered hand gripped at Cloud's hip, it's clawed points ripping through the fabric of his pants. The sound of tearing cloth mingled with the crackling fire and their quickening breath.

"Sorry," Vincent said through a soft, agonized moan. He was kissed again, the slick feel of Cloud's tongue filling his mouth. He took it in, sucking on it with a muffled groan. He struggled to take off the gauntlet that protected his arm without breaking contact with the lip lock, and was able to manage it with little difficulty. The last thing he wanted to do was claw his lover's flesh. Free of that worry he ran his hands up and down Cloud's back, making the sweater he wore inch up to expose his skin. Gloves...He still had his gloves on and he yanked them off hastily, breathing harshly into the lush kiss.

Cloud broke the kiss with a gasp, trembling with the feel of Vincent's bare hands snaking up underneath his shirt. Red eyes lidded with lust gazed at him, those caressing hands moving around to his front to slowly pull the zipper down, spreading the open shirt apart as his palms molded over the muscles of his chest.

Pushing it off Cloud's shoulders, Vincent eyed the already healing wound in his shoulder where Sephiroth's blade had pierced him. Letting his eyes and hands roam, he traced over other old scars. A sudden twist of sickening fear drove into him. 'Scars, he'll be sickened by my scars.' Memories of Hojo's twisted cruelty invaded his mind. Cloud's hands moved to unfasten his shirt, but Vincent stilled his effort, looking up into his blue eyes with shame.

"Vincent,....please...It's alright."

"You don't want to see." His voice sounded stronger than he felt. Then Cloud was kissing him again, maybe trying to calm his fears or maybe trying to help him forget. Insistent fingers worked on his shirt and this time he relented, letting his worry flow away with Cloud's affection.

Cloud's lips moved to his neck as he pulled his shirt open, drawing it down his arms, revealing his torso that was marred. The scars started at his chest and tracked down as far as his navel. Hovering above him, Cloud looked, letting his eyes take in what Vincent had been ashamed to let him see. The gunman turned his face away to stare into the fire. He expected Cloud to move away with disgust now. Why shouldn't he? But he didn't move away. He moved forward, pressing his lips to one of the many marks on his chest, taking his tongue and tracing over it before kissing back along it again.

"Don't doubt that I want you, Vincent," Cloud spoke low against his skin, kissing lower until he was poised over his navel, rolling his tongue around it before he dipped his tongue inside.

A soft cry of pleasure couldn't be held back as he reached down to put his hands in spiky blonde hair. His hips jerked with anticipation. Cloud stilled him, playing his tongue across his abs, nipping at his skin to leave love bites. Gods, it was sweet torture. His manhood strained against his zipper, begging to be free. 'Please, set me free!' his mind screamed as a low growl escaped his lips. Cloud seemed to read his mind and attacked his belt, making quick work of it and in seconds had his pants unfastened.

"Lift up," Cloud said, sounding breathless. Vincent lifted his knees, bracing his feet on the ground to arch up, allowing Cloud to yank off his belt and gun to put aside. His pants were pulled down his thighs next, his erection springing forth. Strong hands pressed his hips back down, then brushed along them, caressing down his exposed thighs. Being meticulous and quick, Cloud finished stripping down his lover, putting his boots and clothing aside. He sat back, taking in the nude body before him. He was incredible, scars and all. Vincent made a sound of pained impatience, and he moved his eyes to his face.

"Please, Cloud. Don't tease me." His voice was husky and filled with deep longing.

"I'd never do that to you." Descending over him, Cloud kissed his stomach, the muscles twitching against his lips. His hand played through the thatch of dark pubic hair above his cock for a moment before slipping down to grasp his shaft. A deep, beautiful moan of relief filled his ears when he stroked softly, running his thumb over the head in a circular motion.

Vincent jerked his hips upward when he felt the moist heat of Cloud's mouth surrounding him. He shuddered, groping at the sleeping bag beneath his body. His wonderfully slick tongue played back and forth against the underside of his manhood, drawing out another low moan from his throat. A warm palm cupped his sack, fingers massaging gently as he was taken deeper into his lover's mouth.

Cloud worked Vincent's cock, rolling his tongue as his head began to bob slowly. He was taking his time, tightening his lips to increase the suction, heightening the pleasure as much as he could for the man writhing beneath him. His own manhood strained in his pants and when Vincent's leg moved against him he groaned around his girth, sucking more determinedly with the shot of pleasure it sent through his cock. He pulled his mouth from his length with a soft slurp, pumping it with fast jerks of his wrist.

"Come here," Vincent hissed, reaching down to grasp Cloud's arm, tugging him up along his body. "I need you now." He pulled Cloud down for a kiss, exploring the depths of his mouth while their tongues battled vigorously. His eager hands moved between their bodies to unfasten Cloud's pants, pushing them down over his slim hips. Panting raggedly, Cloud shifted, pushing and kicking his boots and pants from his legs, leaving him as bare as his lover.

Vincent could feel Cloud's arousal pushing against the inside of his thigh as he ground his body against him. It was becoming too much. The need too great to wait any longer. Cloud broke the kiss and nipped at his bottom lip, letting his fingers brush back a few strands of dark hair from Vincent's sweaty brow. He took those same fingers and pressed them against his lover's parted lips. Vincent took them within his mouth, sucking on them suggestively, coating them with a thick coat of saliva before Cloud pulled them free.

"Do it," Vincent urged, shifting his body from beneath Cloud to give him better access. His legs spread in invitation, arching up slightly to get in position. No more coaxing was needed, and Cloud rimmed his entrance with his slick fingers, sliding the first in and groaning with the tight feel of his tunnel. He thrust it in and out, sliding another in when he thought Vincent was ready. A soft murmur of approval and a languid roll of his hips sent a thrill through Cloud. The thrill of knowing he was pleasing his partner in the most personal and intimate way.

Vincent gripped Cloud's shoulder when a third finger entered him, the digits scissoring and stretching his orifice. He arched further against his hand, unable to hold back the string of moans and soft words of praise. His fingers pumped faster and he was shouting out, a hoarse cry of pleasure ripping from his throat when his prostate was brushed with skilled fingertips.

"Now! Now, Cloud!" He felt empty when he pulled his fingers free, but soon it wouldn't matter. Cloud spit on his hand, lubing up his cock as best as he could. He knew that having prepared his lover would make all the difference. Vincent trusted him completely, spreading his legs further to accommodate Cloud's body. He moved forward, looking into his red eyes as he pushed his cock gently into Vincent's tight warmth.

"God," Cloud gasped, squeezing his eyes closed with the overwhelming feel of Vincent's inner muscles hugging his cock. He felt perfect, like he had been made just for him. A soft sigh and an impatient rock of Vincent's hips got him moving. He took it slow to savor the moment, watching the pleasure etch Vincent's face with each deep thrust.

A light breeze danced over their sweat soaked bodies as their gyrations turned into an equally soft and gentle rhythm. Vincent watched a bead of perspiration roll down cloud's forehead and he reached up to brush it away, cupping Cloud's cheek. His lover turned his face slightly, kissing the inside of his palm and thrust harder inside him. Vincent's back arched with the increased gratification and he pulled Cloud down closer to his body. Their lips met in a torrid kiss, their slick flesh moving together deliciously.

Vincent groaned weakly into the kiss, the mixture of sensations bringing him closer to a much needed release. His cock was being worked between their hard abs, only adding to the incredible pleasure Cloud was giving him by pounding his prostate. It was coming, that tide of euphoria rushing forth and his body stiffened with the climax, his hot seed spilling between their bodies. Cloud broke the kiss with a soft curse of pleasure, panting against his lips and letting his eyes open so he could gaze at his lover's face.

"Forgive yourself, Vincent," he whispered then cried out when his own orgasm took his body over. He didn't stop thrusting until he began to soften inside him. He didn't want to move, clinging to Vincent as if he would disappear.

"I'll try." He held Cloud closer to him, feeling for the first time that maybe he could.

They fell asleep in each others arms, holding their bodies close until the rising sun woke them. Vincent's eyes opened to see Cloud gazing at him with a soft smile curving his lips. No words were needed as Vincent moved forward and kissed his lover, moving over his gloriously nude body. Preparation was hastily done before he slide into Cloud's hugging warmth.

Their coupling was just as sweet and passionate as before. Vincent felt whole and alive. All thanks to the man writhing and moaning erotically beneath him. Cloud shuddered, moaning his name softly with his release. Vincent wasn't far behind and was crying out, his voice echoing through the tree, sending birds flying from the tree tops with it's intensity.

Getting cleaned up and dressed was done in a leisurely way, neither of them in much of a hurry. Loving and appreciative looks passed between them as they gathered the sleeping bags and gear to leave their small camp.

'Maybe I can truly forgive,' Vincent thought, hugging against Cloud's back as they took off on the Fenrir toward Edge. 'Just maybe I can.'


END


A/N: Okay a few notes. I love this pairing, and this is my first attempt at writing them. About Vincent's gaunlet. When I played the game, I assumed it was attatched to his body, but it was never really said if that was the case, and when I saw the movie, it just looked like it was armor, so that's what I think it is. I know other authors don't write it that way. The scars, this is another assumption from me. I have a feeling he may have been marked from that sick fuck Hojo, but again, I'm not sure. I don't really mention the fact in other fics I've had Vincent in. Also, I had the hint that Cloud was finally over his emo shit at the end of the movie, and wanted to show a more cheerful version of him in this.

Usually when I write one-shots, I try to stay away from angst and all out sappy stuff, but I couldn't quite manage not to in this one. Hopefully it wasn't too bad. Reveiws are welcome and appreciated. Thanks for reading.

**Squallfan**