Together
Vincent woke up to cuddling Desmond, his demons had been less annoying after Desmond and Vincent had finally gotten together as lovers. It was odd, them being quiet, but he was not complaining, it was nice to have a moment, to just themselves. Though Desmond didn't seem to mind their presence and had asked a lot of questions instead. Why were they called demons? Who named them demons? On what grounds? According to Desmond, in his previous world the Missionaries had claimed other religions as demonic.
So, he was demanding the name of the bastard, who named them demons. He wanted to have some strong choice words with them. The demons were all amused and smitten by the human and absolutely adored him. Vincent could do without them interfering during their sex though. Desmond may find being held down by demonic tendrils very kinky, but Vincent was no longer into bondage. Being held against his will by Hojo had turned him away from that particular kink though admittedly, Desmond did look very sexy tied down naked.
Desmond yawned, "Good morning Vin."
Vincent kissed his cheek, "It is a lovely morning."
Desmond, "Last night, the news was very interesting."
Vincent nodded, "Ace didn't hold back. Heidegger deserved it, one of our kids was having a hard time because of him. Admittedly, I was not expecting it to take three months. I feared, he got away as well."
Desmond grinned, "A little bird told me, he was almost done with his contract and would be returning home soon to start working as a teacher."
Vincent, "Navra would be happy, she has waited for him faithfully."
Desmond chuckled, "Young love. Ah, I can't get up."
Vincent looked concerned, "Was I too rough last night? I apologize."
Desmond, "No, you weren't, in fact, I loved last night, it was very exciting. Ahh~ "
Vincent twitched seeing a tendril had entered Desmond teasing him, 'Stop it, Galian.'
Galian Beast huffed pulling out, 'We are one. If he mates with one of us, he mates with all of us. We wish to pamper him too.'
Vincent sighed, "It seems my demons were too excited as well last night."
Desmond chuckled calming down, "I don't mind, they are part of you, just like you are part of them."
Desmond frowned, "I know it was not by choice, but I will never turn any of you away."
Vincent's eyes glowed, "You better remember your words, our little mate."
Desmond cupped his face, "I never say anything, I don't mean."
Vincent kissed him, eyes back to normal, "I don't know, what I did to deserve you."
Desmond nuzzled him, "And I don't know what I did to deserve such a sweet, kind and loving soulmate. Perhaps we used up all our bad luck before we met each other?"
Vincent smiled, "I hope so."
A knock came on their door followed by a woman's voice, "Excuse me, Mr Valentines, breakfast is ready."
Desmond, "We'll be right there Myrna. We just woke up."
Myrna smiled, "Alright then, my husband is also getting ready. Take your time."
Vincent, "Bath together?"
Desmond grinned, "It would save time and water."
The two lovers washed each other and did their morning routines before drying up and heading to the diner. The Wallace family was a large one with Barret being the eldest son and having three younger siblings. Barret was a happy go lucky man despite his large size that could scare off people who didn't know him. He was very down to Earth and very welcoming of the two of them especially after they dealt with the reactor. Desmond and Vincent had actually gone to the reactor to make sure nothing untoward was going on like back at Shinra.
Thankfully, there was no one getting kidnapped though the same could not be said about the reactor. The old thing was on the verge of collapse, so Vincent went in search for an alarm. The reactors were fitted with many types of alarm and pulled the one meant for collapse. When the townspeople heard the alarm they had come out curious what was going on. Vincent then explained how the reactor was close to collapse and they should evacuate.
They were reluctant at first but after a lot of back and forth the people agreed to at least get to a safe place for the sake of the kids, at least. Desmond and Vincent, then went into the reactor and started to go through the reactor. He went through every nook and cranny and took photos of the really poor condition the reactor was in. It was not looking good, no matter what way you look at it. The containers holding Mako looked ready to break, the machines, well half of them were rusted.
Vincent joined him half way and went through the papers getting proof the last time there was a maintaince was half a decade ago. They showed all of it to the engineers and as if Gaia was on their side the reactor crashed. It literally crashed and the Mako started to flow out looking like a river of death. The towns folk just watched with their hearts in their stomachs as their town was flooded by Mako. They could have been Mako poisoned and probably dead before help could reach them.
Barret greeted them, "Good morning!"
Desmond, "Hello Barret, slept well?"
Barret, "Somewhat, we have to rebuild our home but nothing new there really. We built our homes once we can do it again."
Vincent nodded, "If you need help, I'm sure we can squeeze help out of Shinra. They should dismantle their reactors properly at least."
Myrna who was holding her pregnant belly nodded, "I agree. They were very careless with their reactor. I shudder to think about what would have happened if you two had not come along."
Desmond, "I'm sure, you would have figured something out."
Vincent, "It was obvious the reactor was on it's last legs."
Barret got up and kissed his wife, "I better get going. We need to cordon off the old town area. The Mako has reached places outside the town. And no news from Shinra yet."
Vincent, "Heidegger was sentenced to prison last night. So that's one rotten apple thrown out. However there are still many left, perhaps they'll be taken care of soon enough."
Myrna mused, "That is true, I suppose. Don't forget your lunch dear."
Barret had a goofy smile as he took the packed lunch and left the building. They were currently sharing the building with a few other people. It would take time to rebuild a proper town but they would get there. Desmond and Vincent stayed with the community for a few more days before deciding to head to Midgar. Their kids would be there soon and they have not seen Julian, Ace, Tifa and Cloud in a while. It would be wonderful to see them again, not to forget Mrs Strife was also visiting Midgar this time.
They reached Midgar early in the morning, long before the City would wake up. Thanks to the curfew that was imposed, after it was found that children were getting kidnapped, there were less amount of people doing late time work. Most wanted to go home to ensure their kids were safe and sleeping in their beds. The guard saw them and checked their brand new IDs, courtesy of the Turks before letting them enter the premises. Tifa had told them to head to Seventh Heaven bar after reaching Midgar as she had more rooms than anyone else.
She had fully renovated the two buildings, which were surrounding her bar, in the past two years and turned them into bed and breakfast place. People could stay there for the night and leave in the morning after having breakfast. Tifa's bar had become one of the most popular establishments under the plate. The infantry soldiers, Turks and even SOLDIERs stayed their for the night before returning next day after missions. Some missions simply required alcohol to talk about without breaking down.
Tifa always worried about her boys whenever that happened though Aerith was always there to comfort her. She called Tifa the mom of the group with how much she worried about everyone else. Tifa didn't mind of course, someone had to watch out for their group. Aerith loved that side of her a lot and would always brag about it to her mother. Elmyra had met Tifa at the bar once and the woman could see why her daughter fell head over heels for the brunette.
Tifa was not only stronger than the Turks, but also very capable of running the house, correction three houses. Seventh Heaven and two different lodges, while also making delicious food and drinks. Plus she was not part of Shinra, instead she had people in Shinra who could protect Aerith. And didn't Aerith mention Tifa's friend Cloud may be a Cetra? That would mean Aerith was not alone anymore. Elmyra gave her daughter the go ahead and Aerith was very happy to be together with Tifa. Tifa was also delighted to meet Elmyra and the two of them got along like a house on fire. It was more then Aerith could ask for, her mother was very protective of her.
Desmond knocked, "Hey there little Ti. We are back and with gifts."
Tifa's eyes lit up, "Desmond! Vincent! You are here."
Vincent nodded then frowned, "How have you been? You have dark circles."
Tifa, "Is it noticeable? I thought I hid them."
Desmond, "Only to us, that too because of our eyes."
Tifa, "Oh yeah. Well, things have been tense with all the patrolling around here. And I'm honestly worried about the others. I know they can take care of themselves but, you know."
Vincent looked outside, "We understand."
Desmond pat her head in comfort, "Don't worry Ti, I'm sure they are all okay. I believe, they'll be here soon."
Ace had returned with Genesis when he had decided to escort Heidegger back. The red head had talked to the Emperor of Wutai properly and without Heidegger's influence, the things had actually worked out. Yuffie had thrown a fit and a tantrum when Ace had to return with Zack and accused the raven SOLDIER of stealing her first friend. Lord Godo on the other hand had questions about how a mere traveller caught the interest of SOLDIERs. Instead of giving an explanation, Ace called Solaris who came flying and landed in the large garden.
Yuffie had pointed dramatically and said the was the dragon she saw bathing in the Crystal River in the North. Ace introduced Solaris and explained how he met the General long before he was a General. Lord Godo was admittedly impressed and asked if the Dragon Rider was the reason for the sudden change. Genesis nodded and said Ace was a dear friend and he had no desire to anger or hurt him. That had started another very interesting conversation between the Crimson General and Lord Godo the topic going from friends to dragons to magic. When Genesis had returned to Midgar, he was hailed as the Fire Rose General who brought peace.
Genesis swears that Sephiroth was snickering at the nickname, who came up with that? But he couldn't catch him in the act. Cloud was listening to Zack, as he gossiped about all the crazy shenanigans Ace had gotten into in Wutai. One of which included playing around with the Fire Wolves that lived in the Eastern mountains, giving everyone a heart attack. Godo had to keep his daughter on a tight leash to keep her from jumping on the wolves. The Fire Wolves weirdly enough had adored Ace though they snarled and spit fire at basically everyone else. Especially him, he muttered while pouting.
Cloud, "Don't worry Zack, at least they didn't chase you away right?"
Zack perked, "You are right, maybe next time they'll let me pat them too."
Cloud froze, "Please tell me Ace was not patting them."
Zack, "I won't tell you that he did."
Cloud sighed, "I swear, only he could get adopted by sentient magical Wolf creatures."
Zack, "We are here, wonder if Ace and Julian are awake yet."
Cloud, "Let's go and find out."
Desmond, "Cloud!"
Cloud perked up and rushed to hug them, "Desmond? Vincent? You guys are here. I missed you."
Vincent, "We missed you too little chick. Not so little anymore."
Desmond, "Show me your eyes."
Cloud looked at Desmond before nodding and showed them the Eagle eyes. Zack's breath hitched everytime he saw it in action and moved closer to look. The first time he thought he was seeing things but Cloud had explained his bloodline to Zack. The SOLDIER had been surprised at first before becoming excited then wondering out loud if that's what Shinra was trying to achieve. Cloud shrugged not knowing how to answer, he was not the one injecting people with Mako.
Desmond, "You are an adult Eagle now little chick."
Julian, "Congratulations Cloud."
Ace came after Julian, "I told you, you could do it."
Tifa, "I'll call Aerith, this calls for a celebration."
Vincent, "We can make it do triple celebration."
Ace, "What for?"
Desmond, "You took out a major corruptiond head. Plus Claudia is coming."
Zack, "I'll call my friends too. I can right?"
Vincent, "If you trust them, yes."