Because I Love You 

“Do it... do it now.”

Vincent gazed at his lover, pain evident in his crimson eyes. Cid looked back with fierce determination as his right hand went to the ex-Turk's golden claw. He took the metallic appendage and placed it over his heart.

“You... you know it's gotta' happen, Val', whether we like it or not.” Cid closed his eyes and brought his lips up, catching them with Vincent's. The gunman brought his human hand up behind the pilot's head to keep the embrace tight while Cid held his shoulder loosely. Vincent's claw lifted from his chest, angling the sharp appendages to a point.

“I'm only doing this because I love you.” Vincent broke the kiss, his lips hovering barely an inch from his companion's. This statement was made evident when he opened his eyes half way and his cheeks dripped with salty tears.

Cid grunted sharply, his grip on the claw slipping and falling to his side. His other hand spasmed as nerves were severed, reaching out past the man in black to an unknown source. Vincent grimaced when hearing the splatter against the metal floor of the Sierra behind the pilot. He kept his hand behind the now dying man's head, giving him support in his final moments.

The pilot opened his wet eyes weakly, his mouth shaping the three words Vincent hurt to hear at a time like this. His trembling hand slacked and fell, brushing the gunman's shoulder before hanging limp with it's twin. Vincent lowered Cid to the ground, never breaking contact with the glazed azure eyes staring past him. With a disgusting suction-like sound he removed his claw and let it hang, dripping dark crimson onto the floor.

Vincent stood moments after resting his hand on the pilot's pale face to close his eyes forever. “I... won't let this consume myself.” He muttered quietly. He then turned and left, his blood soaked claw leaving a speckled trail behind him. If he didn't leave immediately the window would be lost and the pilot's death would be pointless.

He had a job to do.


Adobe Photoshop 7.0, no refferences (save for the background.)

Cid Highwind & Vincent Valentine © 1997. SquareEnix

Artwork © 2006. Kerstin A. Moranec

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