"Vincent, my love. You've failed again, haven't you?" Mocked Lucrecia's voice, swirling about his form on the astral plane. "You've let the Turks neutralize your lover, as well as reclaim you as the corporation's property."
"No Lucrecia, I didn't fail anyone! I still have Cid's love regardless of what befalls either of us!" He protested, the tears spilling over his cheekbones in both worlds. "It isn't true!"
"O, but it is!" The voice's pitch dropped several octaves to that of a man's; a dead, silver-haired man's. "You were a child of Jenova as well! I expected you to understand me, but you went ahead and permitted my destruction," Sephiroth growled, his shining white teeth flashing in the noir background of the astral plane.

Vincent was awakened several hours when a cool cloth was pressed to his head. His garnet eyes flickered open, regarding the longhaired man's face which peered at him cautiously. An expression of great relief was evident on his face as he fervently applied his lips to Vincent's. The Turk was sitting on the edge of the table, one hand on his captive's chest, the other pressing the scrap of cotton against his perspiring brow.

"How are you feeling?" Tseng asked, his lips stretching into a grin. "You were asleep for three days."

"I was?" Responded Vincent, not sure what to make of his captor's expression or the sharp, jarring pain in his arm. "Why does my arm hurt so much?"

"See for yourself." The vampire turned his head to the left and regarded where his glimmering prosthetic should have been. His eyes widened in shock at its absence, yet he could not feel at a loss for what was taken from him. Ever since Hojo had welded a myrthil replacement to his joint, Vincent resented its presence, as if it further impaled him upon what he believed to be his own ugliness. A choked sob echoed throughout the sanitary white of the laboratory as he regarded what had been to attached to his skeleton.

An arm.

An arm of pale human skin.

An arm of flesh and sinew and bone had been connected to his elbow's joint, thus making Vincent Valentine whole once more.

"What....did.....you....do?" He asked, his tears spilling hopelessly out of reddened sockets. "Why?"

"I've given you what you truly desire, Vincent. I undid some of the damage Professor Hojo had inflicted upon you," whispered Tseng, his face growing closer to his former colleague.

"H-how?"

"We have our means."

"At what price?" The restrained one struggled against his bonds, testing the abilities of his new appendage. "What do you want from me, Tseng?"

" Everything," hissed the Turk, pressing his lips, feather-light to his prisoner's. "I want you to rejoin us, Vincent. I want to see you don the proud uniform of our organization once more. I want to see you out of that uniform as well...when I wake in the morning, it is your face I desire most to see." Ignoring the scarlet eyes which went wide with terror as Tseng's tongue invaded the depths of Vincent's, probing ever-so-gently inside. "I want you, Vincent."

"And what if I refuse," mumbled the vampire between the assaults of the Turk's mouth. "There's not much more you can do if I say 'no'."

" My wings are tied, I cannot fly. Nevertheless, I will fight the course."

"Look, do you want to jerk me off, tie me up, fuck me? Then do it. But if this poetry shit continues, just kill me, please?" Vincent quoted the lines perfectly from Cid's favorite movie character.

Tseng chuckled mightily, his face lighting up with a youthful glow which made the vampire ponder if his captor was as evil as advertised. "I plan to do all of that to you, my beautiful agent. And so much more, as well." Yup, he was evil as they came.

"If I join you, Tseng, I want your assurance that Cid will be let free, unharmed."

"My darling, I swear it. No harm shall befall Cid Highwind while he is under my watch."

"You will let him go tomorrow, then, in exchange for me?" Asked Vincent, biting his lower lip. He was going to push as many buttons as possible to assure his lover's safety, even if it meant his own death. Vincent Valentine was willing to return to the evils for which he had previously been atoning so long as his best friend remained well. "If I don't have your assurance that Cid will be left alone by Shin-Ra right now, go ahead and kill both of us."

"It won't come to that," replied Tseng solemnly. "I give you my word."

"Very well. Please release my bonds and show me to my quarters now. I am tired and I'm hungry and I would like to rest."

The Turk reached over and flipped a switch on a nearby console, causing the metallic bands around Vincent's arms, legs, and torso to release with an audible clicking sound. The raven-haired man sat up and stretched, giving a loud yawn before realizing that two very strong arms had wound themselves around his waist and scooped him up. Tseng merely smiled as his captive encircled his neck with his own appendages, resting his head with its soft tresses upon his shoulder.

"We can't have Shin-Ra's number one hit man wear himself out, now can we?" He grinned, passing through the automatic doors of Hojo's lab. "No...not at all."

Vincent smiled a weak, insincere smile, the thoughts of what he had just done too jarring to process all at once. He needed time alone to consider the future repercussions of the agreement to which he had agreed. "Cid...please forgive me, but your love means too much for me to allow you to be hurt. I would walk the inferno of the caves of Da-Chao to keep you safe," Vincent thought amidst his fears of returning to what he loathed most.

Tseng's powerful body soon arrived at a door marked "suite 4567V" before he eased Vincent out of his arms and stood him firmly on the ground. Sliding a key card through the slot, the door quickly opened with a loud "whoosh!" The Turk bent down, and, scooping his new lover into his arms, he carried Vincent over the threshold and laid him down on the bed, the door noiselessly closing behind him.

"I know what you want," Vincent teased, pulling on the lapels of Tseng's coat impatiently. "And I want you to know that I want it more than you."

"You're such a horny thing, Vince," mumbled the Turk as he proceeded to undress himself, slowly removing each article with great care.

"Well then, give it to me!" Without further ado, the vampire reached up and, grasping his captor's starched collar, ripped his entire uniform in half. The fabric fell from his sculpted flesh like a peel from a banana, defeated and noiseless. Vincent grasped Tseng in his arms and pushed him down on the bed before sliding his lithe frame on top. "Hush, my love. Not a word," he said as he lashed the Turk's arms to the bedposts with his silk necktie.

"....Ahh!" The restrained cried as his left nipple met the liquid warmth of Vincent's mouth, whose tongue proceeded to slide over it. "That feels...."

"Incredible?"

"Pray thee, do continue." And he did, drawing the taut flesh in between his lips, nibbling it gently with his teeth. Vincent's hands were like cold irons, exploring the well-muscled flesh which agitated its loins against his. "Vincent......"

"Yes?" He paused momentarily to show Tseng that his crimson irises were a lighter, more fierce rouge; a striking contrast against the alabaster tone of his own skin.

"I want...."

"I know," responded an already-stripping man with long, midnight hair.

"You shouldn't tire yourself out, my love," said the Turk, kneeling so that he would be able to undress his captive sensually. He reached up and pulled Vincent into his lap before encircling the thin man's stomach, massaging with one hand as the other slowly unbuttoned the shirt. The starched material came loose and promptly wilted in defeat. Suddenly two hands materialized on the vampire's pale flesh, stroking its flawless expanse with a firm, but gentle authority. "To touch you," he breathed, nibbling on Vincent's earlobe. "Is worth the wait."

"Am I as good as advertised?" He asked, seeking a response that would reveal Tseng's fatal flaw.

"Better."

"So that's where his ultimate fall lies," thought Vincent, mind racing at the possibilities of what this could mean. "Tseng is indeed, infatuated with me." His brain continued to ponder the options as the Turk's fingers unfastened the button and zipper of his pants, drawing the cloth off of his pale legs.

"No underwear, eh Vince?" Several wicked fingers wrapped themselves around his length, massaging it slowly, rhythmically. "I know what you like....I've seen you doing this many times with Highwind."

The image of the arrogant, brash pilot suddenly flashed into Vincent's thoughts, causing him to swallow thickly. The pilot with the dirty, tousled blond hair. The pilot who wore a cologne of cigarettes and whiskey. His pilot who pledged his eternal love to Vincent; something that no one had ever done before. To have this violated, to break the trust of his lover was more than he could bear. Nevertheless, he forced back his tears and concentrated on deceiving his captor to the best of his abilities.

"...Tseng...where did you learn that?" He gasped, the sensations hardening him ever-the-more.

"The manual."

"You must've....written it." The vile thought of the Turk practicing what was contained betwixt those pages nauseated Vincent to the point where he thought he would retch violently. Tseng said nothing as his other hand cupped the vampire's balls as his strokes quickened, causing the raven-haired man to growl with pleasure. "Do it now, Tseng!" He cried, throwing his head back onto the Turk's thick shoulder.

Easing Vincent onto all fours, the taller man's form enveloped him entirely. The man's hands found there way to the tight orifice, gently stretching it to accommodate his thick length. "Are you sure you want this as much as I do?"

"Yessss." It was a drawn-out sigh that showed neither reluctance nor regret, only an inconceivable sadness which Vincent couldn't hide. With a mighty thrust, Tseng had eased halfway into the furnace which was presented to him, savoring its clenching heat by moaning with satisfaction. White-hot sparks of pain shot up the pale man's spinal column, causing him to bite his lower lip to stifle a scream of delirious agony.

"Vincent...you're so warm there...." Tseng rocked within the tight passageway, gripping his prisoner's cock and stroking it with a fierce tempo that was equivalent to his now-brutal thrusts. Pushing himself in deeper, he chose to ignore the gasping intakes of breath which Vincent was forced to take. "I've dreamed of this ever since I met you so long ago."

"...hope I'm as good as expected," the vampire panted, trying to recall the night he and Cid and he had first attempted this. It had been a happy night, and Cid had been so gentle...his firm yet yielding forearm around Vincent's waist, the slow delicious thrusts of his organ. After their bout, they spent the night holding each other tightly, vowing never to let go. The rough, slightly callused hand continued to stroke him, bring him back to present time.

"Ahhhh, Vincent!!" Tseng cried, his final thrust bringing him to orgasm. The hot, viscous jets shot within the delicate alabaster frame, drawing muffled sobbing at the violation of it all. The rude hand continued its steady assault even as Tseng's emission steadily began to drip out of his lover, as if the man's insides were meant for but one man.

"Tseng....," shuddered Vincent as he released his passion in hot streaks across the Turk's hand. He had forced himself to come, trying desperately to equate his passions with Cid to what he was experiencing with his new employer. It had failed, but at least he could relax, knowing that the man beneath him was fully satiated. Deep within the recesses of Vincent's mind, however, a soul was screaming for release, for justice, and for reunion with his true love.

"There, there, my sweet." The C.E.O. of the Turks' voice was syrup as it smoothed the tendrils of hot, white liquid over Vincent's thighs. "We can have fun later, if you'd like. But right now, I'd like you to get dressed and meet me outside for dinner. I'll give you an hour, okay?"

"I'll be there." Vincent was close to summoning the Chaos demon, but if Tseng were to be injured, Reno, Rude or even Elena would pull the switch, releasing a neurotoxin into the chemical bath containing Cid, he was sure. The Turk strode out, unmindful of the fact that he was completely nude, and returned to his own quarters to make final arrangements for a certain chemical pill to be discretely slipped into Vincent's glass of wine.

"I'm coming! Just give me five minutes!" In reality, Reno was not in the least bit ready; he lay nude, sprawled atop his large bed, idly touching himself. His hand grasped his shaft and he rubbed gingerly, trying to produce the desired outcome as quickly as possible. "Goddamn Rude," he thought as he continued his self-pleasuring exercises. "Never gives me enough time for this...."

"Hurry up!"
"Goddammit, Rude! I'll be down in a fucking minute!!"

"Fine! Don't blame me if the bozz kicks yer narrow lil' ass!!" A loud bang, followed by a large fist-shape dent materialized in the door. The impetuous stomping of two heavy boots echoed down the hallway, leaving Reno to his own devices.

Shifting slightly, he allowed himself to fully relax and enjoy the sensations that were emanating from his loins. He stroked upwards suddenly, encircling the head of his cock; a movement that caused Reno to cry out in sheer pleasure as he continued the motion, savoring the burning need of release within him. Suddenly, it happened: an unconscious response caused him to part his legs wider than before and to arch his back high into the air as his own orgasm took hold of his body's control.

When Reno regained consciousness, he was vaguely aware of the feeling of the liquid warmth steadily oozing off his hand and onto his stomach. Shrugging, he put the pearly substance to his lips and lapped it up, much like a feline bathing itself. It wasn't something he did regularly, yet he did it nonetheless to satiate himself, as if imbibing the fluid to shield him against the frost which soon encompassed his lithe frame.

"Reno? Are you still in there?" Asked Elena, rapping on the door. "You'd better hurry."

"Yeah...just gimme a sec." Five minutes later, a slightly disheveled Reno presented his arm to Elena, and led the newer Turk to the large ballroom several stories below the residences of the massive Shin-Ra complex.

Vincent lay alone on his bed for what seemed like hours, days even. After Tseng had taken his leave, the captive had remained inert on the bed, not caring that the fluids which coursed between his legs were slowly drying, leaving the substance to form an opaque, sticky film.

Curled up in the fetal position, he wept silently in shame of the transgression he had committed to ensure his lover's freedom. The tears fell slowly, rhythmically as something inside of him shattered painfully. Pieces of glass that had once composed his beating heart now lay deep within his chest cavity.

"Cid....are you all right?" Vincent prayed to whatever gods may have existed, despite the fact that his belief in the deities was severely shaken by the ordeal he had been subjected to. Closing his burning scarlet eyes, he focused all of his latent telepathic ability towards an unconscious pilot several hundred stories below.

"Cid....wake up!!" Deep within the stasis tank, a pair of steely-blue eyes shot open and scanned the darkened laboratory for the source of the voice that was coaxing him out of his slumber.

"Must be goin' crazy...hearin' weird voices in my head again," he thought, slightly angered at the intrusion on his mind. Cid closed his eyes, returning to the dream of a man with hair as black as ink, skin as pale as the moon's surface, and a slight musky scent which he enjoyed savoring.

"You're mentally sound enough to fuck me, Cid, so you know that this isn't a trick!" Hissed Vincent's astral form, straining to retain itself long enough to receive a response.

"Vincent, that you?"

"Yes, but that's not important now. Are you o.k.?"

"Well, the gel that they've been forcing down my throat tastes like shit and I can't move around much. But I'll be fine, dammit, as soon as I can take my spear and shove it down Tseng's throat."

"He might enjoy that too much."

"What do you mean, Vince? What happened?" Suddenly, Cid's mind was afire, countless questions serving as kindling for his curiosity "Don't tell me...."

"I had no choice, but he means nothing to me. You will always be my heart, which is why I did what I did," replied Vincent, the tears welling up in his corporeal form's eyes, disrupting his concentration. "I couldn't let them harm you in any way, so I agreed to their terms."

"What terms?"

"I agreed to return to my position with the Turks in exchange for your freedom. They'll let you go unharmed, Cid, and when they do so tomorrow, I want you to take the opportunity. Forget me and move on; my existence is only capable of bring you pain."

"Goddammit, Vincent! I am not going to leave you in bed with that thing that raped you on the gelnika, much less forget about you! I've never loved anyone before, because I was afraid of losing them to someone else. But this time, it's different. I'm not going to lose you to some Shin-Ra murderer! If anything, I'm gonna bust us outta here when they come to set me free....both of us!"

"Cid....I...love you too much to let you go, either. What's your idea?"

"Hehe, that's the Vincent I love!"

The door to the vampire's bedroom opened suddenly, and in stepped Tseng, dressed in a crease less black tuxedo and holding a bouquet of the roses that matched the hue of Vincent's irises.

"Vincent?! What the...?!" He cried, bending down to his lover, who was shaking in the cold. "Dammit, you're too thin not to be wearing any clothes!"

"T...t..tt..tseng?" Vincent stammered, the psychic connection to Cid broken. "Why are you here?"
"We have a very important dinner to attend in about five minutes. I came to....escort you and now I find you freezing your ass off!" Tseng's tone resembled the pilot's, and for a moment in the dim light, slightly resembled him. "No time for a shower, so I'm going to have to dress you as quickly as possible!"
"Very well," his prisoner sighed, feeling his body hauled off the bed and leaned against a powerful frame. "What will you have me wear?"

"You'll see, my love. Just close your eyes and try not to fidget too much." Tseng's fingers spread out as his hand traveled along Vincent's firm stomach. "Then you'll get wet all over again and our lateness will be inexcusable."

The vampire let out another defeated groan and closed his eyelids, ignoring the silky feel of the boxers that were being raised to fit around his waist, covering the treasure between his legs which the Turk coveted the most. A pair of extremely soft pants, followed by a shirt, jacket, and bow tie followed. "Hold out your wrists for a moment."

Vincent did as he was told and was startled to hear a snapping noise. Fearing the worst, his garnet irises shot open and examined what he expected to be broken bones. Instead, his eyes went wide at the sight of a pair of onyx cufflinks which glinted in the pale lighting, reflecting gray shadows on the white walls.

"Tseng....did you...?" He marveled at the craftsmanship of the pieces: two small stones framed within golden wire which was bent into triangles.

"Yes...I made them especially for you," Tseng smiled at Vincent's obvious delight at the present. He rarely had the time to craft anything anymore, but when he did, it was only for those he desired most...

"You shouldn't have," came the cold reply. The truth was that the vampire had received many gifts from the Turk in the past, all of which he had treasured until he noticed Reeve sporting a silver ring bearing Tseng's insignia. It was then that he realized that the Turk used his talent to solicit sex from those whom he pretended to love. "Really, these are too much..."

"I insist."

"Very well."

"Are you ready then, Vincent?"

"Yes. Let's go."

Moments later, after riding a glass-enclosed elevator, two men clad in matching black silk tuxedos arrived a very large, opulent ballroom that was teeming with people. It was as if every single Shin-Ra corporate slave was present, decked out in the most expensive of fashions (made, of course, at the Shin-Ra sweatshops located throughout Midgar). Tseng wound his arm around the small of his escort's back and elbowed his way through the crowd towards a very long circular table at which sat the top ranking Shin-Ra officials, all of which Vincent recognized instantly.

Palmer.

Heidegger.

Scarlet.

Reeve.

Domino.

"Greetings, Tseng!" Bellowed Palmer, standing up with a large drumstick in his hand; gravy spilled down his tan suit. "I see you've brought a guest!"

"How utterly delightful! Kya-ha-ha!!" There it was: Scarlet's high-pitched bitch's cackle.

"V-Vincent?!" Stammered Reeve. "What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same, old friend. I thought after you gave up Cait Sith, your days with the Shin-Ra were finished?" Asked Vincent, just as shocked.
"It was either this, or the sweatshops making moogle dolls for the patrons of the Gold Saucer. What's your excuse?"

"They kidnapped Cid and threatened to kill him unless I rejoined the Turks as assistant C.E.O."

"Gya-hah-hah! You belong to us, now, pretty boy!" Heidegger made so bold as to reach over and palm the vampire's crotch ever-so-lightly, thinking he was teasing the raven-haired man. "Body, mind, and soul!! Gya-hah-hah!!"

Vincent wanted to respond with a cutting remark, as some of Cid's trash-talking persona remained in his head from the psi-link, but quickly decided against it. Such a move would jeopardize his lover's life, a gambit he truly didn't want to take. "I'm glad...you like what you see....," he muttered as Heidegger continued to stroke his cock through the gossamer material.

"Are you kidding, Valentine?! I like what I touch!" The whole table burst into peals of laughter as the vampire's cock slowly began to harden underneath the caresses of it's tormentor. Suddenly, Scarlet's giggle and Heidegger's donkey-cry came to a halt as Tseng rammed his fist directly into the space program director's face. Blood poured out of the pudgy man's nose, leaking onto his body which hit the floor with a reassuring "thump!" Several people turned to stare when the Turk pulled his captive into his arms.

"Vincent belongs to me! After all, I was the one he cut the deal with!" He yelled, the rage apparent on his face. Silently pressing his lips to the vampire's, he pulled away just as quickly and sat the man down next to himself, growling at those who sought to grope the newcomer.

"What can I bring you, Sir?" Asked Elena, sporting the uniform of a French maid and perkiness to match. "Perhaps a fine wine?"

"Lovely."

"Very good, Sir." She vanished. Moments later, she returned with a bottle of outrageously priced red wine. Pouring equal amounts into their crystal goblets, she curtsied and departed. Elena check thoroughly for passersby as she slipped behind a large, potted plastic plant and flicked open her watch dial, bringing the casing close to her lips.

"The sommelier has been appeased," Elena whispered into the tiny microphone cleverly embedded in the gears. "Repeat, 'the sommelier has been appeased.'"

Both Tseng and Scarlet heard the announcement of the blonde Turk though their minuscule ear pieces and reacted accordingly. The Turk brought an index finger under Vincent's soft chin and tilted his head to face his own. "You're more beautiful than I remember," he moaned, kissing his prize deeply with his tongue while at the same time bringing a commanding hand between his legs, eliciting a moan.

Meanwhile, Scarlet used her minimal time to enact her part of the plan. Flicking open one of her many bejeweled rings, she dropped the contents of one pill into Vincent's goblet, making sure it dissolved efficiently, so as not to be noticed. Scarlet then turned her head the other way and tried to make conversation with Palmer, who was busy stuffing his face with, and otherwise ransacking an ornate pink trifle.

Removing his tongue from the vampire's mouth, Tseng dragged his hand across Vincent's new left arm, teasing the graft mercilessly.

"Tseng....," he breathed, coping with the forgotten sensations which coursed up his new limb like a bolt from on high. "What do you want from me?"

"This dance," he grinned, hauling the thin man from his chair. The parquet floor was overloaded with the younger inebriated employees, many of which had divested themselves of their formal attire and attitude. The band's conductor looked up when Tseng snapped his fingers and nodded, signaling to the musicians to begin the Turk's selection: a slow, sensual waltz.

"I'll lead," he said, gathering the vampire into his arms. "You remember how this dance goes, right?"

"Yeah.....," Vincent moaned. It seemed as if the atmosphere within the room had heated up several degrees, causing him to sweat profusely, a function that he rarely experienced. "But let me get something to drink first," he said, reaching over to drain his glass of wine.

"Ready?"

The pale man responded by nodding his head and allowing his body to fall into the Turk's waiting arms. Instantly, he felt his body moving in the steps..."one-two-three-one-two-three-twirl"; it felt as if he was disconnected from his body, as if Tseng had somehow lashed wires onto his limbs and moved him around freely.

Tseng, on the other hand, could feel Vincent's hard sex driving into his as he maneuvered his partner back into position against his body. The vampire appeared to be flushed, breathless, and troubled by something; all signs that Scarlet's drugs were beginning to take effect. Already a circle of partygoers had collected about the handsome pair, and marveled at the precision in which their steps were taken. They all wished they could participate, but none of them recalled the steps of that dance, as now they just gripped their partner and moved, without the rhythm.

"....aaand, down!" The long-haired Turk commanded as the waltz was coming to a close. Vincent did as he was told and disconnected his left hand from Tseng's as he bent backwards in an impossibly graceful arc, hair and nails caressing the floor as he remained suspended in motion, waiting for the obligatory "oohs", "aahs", and applause. The violinist plucked his strings with a final panache, and the dance was over. The crowd began to holler and applause as Tseng gently pulled Vincent upwards, noticing that the man's eyes had changed dramatically from the time before he went down.

His ruby irises seemed to take on an alarmingly undefined, hazy appearance; the pupils had contracted, making them appear to be submerged in blood. A thin smile crept across Vincent's lips, already turning pink as his body's temperature rose steadily. The voices around them became a collective mumble, until their forms blurred into nothingness. All the vampire could make out was the shadow of Tseng holding him tightly.

"Vincent, you're burning up! You want to go back to your room, don't you?"

"Yes, Tseng." He fell inert then, the last thing he felt was the thick, baldheaded Rude slinging him over his shoulder and following his lover-not the old, drunk one, but the powerful executive one down the hall to his chambers.

"Wake up, Vincent. You're very sick," whispered Tseng, pressing a cool cloth across the alabaster forehead.

"....very....sick?" The vampire responded, his voice as thick as the color of his eyes. His speech had slurred considerably, causing him to feel incredibly frustrated and much hotter than before.

"It's okay, my precious. I can hear you just fine, but you're still feverish and weak," the syrupy voice soothed and controlled at the same time, subtly imposing the Turk's will upon Vincent's.

"....feverish.....weak....."

"Yes. You might die if you get any hotter. Fortunately, though, I have a cure."

".....cure?"

"Yes, my vampire, a cure to purge the sickness and heat from your tortured frame. But I can only give it to you on one condition."

"What?"

"Swear your allegiance in all it's forms to myself only; eternal allegiance that cannot be broken by any circumstance. Do this..and I'll give you your life back."

The last image of a brash blond-haired man with blue eyes of cobalt and steel faded completely from Vincent's mind as he regarded Tseng's sharp features carefully. "I don't have a choice....I'm dying," he thought, head aching from the strain of using logic. "I'll burn and die....if I don't."

".....all right," he responded aloud as he felt the temperature within his flesh become unbearable.

Tseng carefully ripped away the left sleeve of Vincent's shirt, slowly stroking the new, sensitive flesh before bending down and licking it, from forearm to elbow. The vampire closed his eyes and wept in response to the pleasure, a new patch of the sticky, damp fluid appearing on the cloth which covered his lower anatomy in a film of pearly white.

Countless floors below, in a sanitary-white laboratory, Cid Highwind had expended the last of his strength trying to smash the stasis tank's glass and rescue his love. His feeble banging contributed to his silent wail of pain at the loss of his lover to an organization of killers. He had seen everything through Vincent's eyes, including the willingness to comply to Tseng's orders, and he cursed himself silently for believing that his love for the genetically enhanced vampire was genuine.

Shedding no tears from his eyes, Cid closed his iron-blue eyes and resigned himself to the numbing effects of the stasis gel.