Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He still remembers the first time he saw her.

A busy evening at the Seventh Heaven, he had heard a bit of a ruckus at the doors when Vice President Rufus Shinra walked in, but hadn’t been able to see it for himself, as he had just swiped the table for a full round of six players, chips all tossed in. Only after the game had concluded and the winnings dispersed to a couple shrieking and embracing had he been able to look again. By that time, the only ruckus in the pit had been a drunken poker player attempting to argue a hand with his dealer, and he’d chuckled when Cid simply lifted a hand and glanced toward the slots. In seconds, both Sonon and Veld had appeared, the young Wutaian man quietly yet firmly telling the drunk his time was up, while Cid gave the lowdown to Veld, a radio strapped to his hip, hidden by his suit jacket.

It was during an admittedly rare lull at his table – one in which he had planned to take a break, but had needed to stay to cover for another croupier. As such, he was idly shuffling a deck of cards, scanning the casino floor. Yuffie was out and about, tray held aloft and a wide grin on her face as she took empty glasses and drink orders from players at the baccarat tables, giving a playful salute to the dealer. Near the slots, Cait Sith bounced around on his fluffy Mog, happily reading off a fortune to an older woman seated at a machine with Shiva and Ifrit warring across the top of the cabinet.

A soft chuckle when the lady ruffled Cait’s fur, setting some gil in Mog’s outstretched paw, he then chanced a glance over at the table games, having heard some louder murmurs toward the craps and roulette tables. Must be a big spender at one of the games, or perhaps… and then his thoughts trailed off, a soft gasp escaping his lips.

She stood beside a taller bald man in a black suit – easily recognizable as the suit of the Turks – a champagne flute in her left hand as she gazed over the roulette table. At the other side of the table was Rufus Shinra in his usual white suit, his own glass of champagne set on the edge of the table as steel-blue eyes watched the wheel with a smirk. Behind him stood another man, one with long black hair and a dark, solemn stare, looking barely older than the vice president himself yet in the same suit as the bald man standing beside her.

Though the crowd around the table watched both Vice President Shinra and the roulette wheel with bated breath, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Dark auburn hair fell to her waist, a curtain hiding her bare back from view. She lifted her free hand to tuck a lock behind her ear, revealing simple garnet drop earrings, a trio of silver bangle bracelets on her wrist. A sheer black shawl draped over her elbows, complementing the deep green satin cocktail dress she wore. She was a bright splash of color to offset the black and white contrast of her companions, and he drew in a deep breath when she turned just enough to say something to another woman standing nearby, wishing he could hear her voice.

He was barely aware of his idle card shuffling – it was second nature, coming as easily to him as taking apart Quicksilver and putting it back together, even his claws could handle the cards without so much as a scratch on the coating – he was so entranced by her. When she paused to take a slow sip of her champagne, soft pink lipstick on the rim of the glass, he couldn’t help a slight swallow, faintly biting the inside of his lower lip. Wondering what it would be like to stand beside her, to take her in his arms… to kiss those lips, to taste them, hear her whisper his name, asking him to…

Raucous applause broke through his brief daydream, the wheel having stopped right on the vice president’s wager. Sighing to himself, he gathered his cards again, tenting them between hand and gauntleted claw. The sound of the caller’s congratulations as she slid the chips over, already calling for new players and wagers as Rufus already tossed in a fresh bet was nothing new, and he looked up again, scouring the area to see if anyone else was walking over to his area, when she glanced over her shoulder, catching his eye.

Crimson met violet for the first time.

He felt his face flush, his breath catching in his throat when he saw the color rising in her cheeks as well, though she didn’t look away from him. If anything – or perhaps it was hopeful thinking on his part – she seemed to be just as taken by him as he was by her. As he gazed back, he saw the tiniest smile flutter across her lips, a hint of teeth when she nibbled playfully at her lower lip. Fingers twitched in their idle shuffling when he saw her lift a hand in a tiny wave, and he moved to return the gesture when her companion leaned down to murmur in her ear. Violet lowered from crimson, the smile fading from her lips as she nodded, and he sighed.

Felt that familiar warm clench around his heart.

He didn’t realize just how long he’d been gazing at her until he heard a loud cough to his right. Cards dropped from their tented shuffling in a mess, and he groaned, shaking his head in embarrassment as he gathered them back up, grumbling under his breath at the familiar chuckle nearby.

“…was that really necessary, Veld?” he sighed, brushing long black hair from his eyes as he looked over at the source of the throat clearing. Veld looked back at him with a raised brow and a faint smile, hands clasped behind his back.

“Figured I’d come see what you were up to once Sonon took care of our little issue over by Highwind’s table,” he replied with a knowing sheen in his eyes. “Didn’t think I’d catch you off-guard that badly.”

“…” He had no response, and simply continued to shuffle, spreading the cards in a wide arc across the table before gathering them back up.

“You do know you can’t hide much from me,” Veld said, sitting down at the blackjack table to watch the croupier’s simple card tricks. “You were staring at the vice president’s roulette table for a while there, Valentine. Was there something – or someone – there that you wanted to check out?”

“I…” Blinking, Vincent glanced back at the table, sighing despondently. The crowd had dispersed for the most part, as Rufus Shina and his entourage had moved on to a different area within the casino. But more importantly…

She was gone.

Chapter Text

Crimson eyes look up after the final pair of cards are dealt to the sixth player at the table, watching as brows furrow and chips are toyed with. There’s always the little ticks of the regulars – Mirelle’s near-constant smile, always throwing the new players off and thinking she’s going to be kind and maybe give them some help with their game, Sam letting his chocobo coin roll along the knuckles of his free hand, Leslie keeping the brim of his hat low while a finger taps the back of his second card in thought in a quick three-count – while others try their hardest to keep a straight face.

He can already tell the first base player’s busted out by the way he suddenly throws the last of his scotch back like a shot, the glass slamming on the table. Vincent clears his throat, a sharp shake of his head when he catches the player’s eye, a black brow arched, and the player grumbles under his breath, slumping back in his seat as he waits.

“Hit me.” The one sitting directly before him – a woman with her hair gathered up in a chignon, a rose-pink cosmopolitan set beside her, and a long cigarette holder between the fingers of her left hand, lips painted a deep currant shade. Nodding once, Vincent lays out a third card – the three of clubs – and the woman nods in return, though he sees her mutter “son of a bitch” under her breath.

Glances at the final players – hand waves signal their intent to stay – and so Vincent flips his second card over, his first being the eight of diamonds.

Nine of spades.

“House has seventeen.”

“Read ‘em and weep, ladies and gents,” Sam proclaims, turning over a ten of hearts and the ace of spades; groans and sighs all around as the rest of the losing hands are revealed, Vincent sweeping his gauntleted hand across the table to gather the cards before sliding the chips over to Sam with a congratulatory nod. “Another game, Valentine?”

Vincent shakes his head, the clock under his table reading 12:15 AM. “Once I come back from break, perhaps.” A chuckle from the bearded man as the others rise from the table to find other games, Vincent reaches down to set his BREAK placard on the center of the felt, when Sam holds out his tip for the croupier – a pair of twenties. A quiet nod as Sam tips his hat, and Vincent sets the used cards under his table, heading for the bar, gauntleted hand running through black hair with a sigh.

He's just about to sit down at the bar when he hears a familiar cough nearby, and shakes his head with a chuckle. “What is it…?”

“Better view over on this end,” Veld replies, jabbing a thumb at the tables just before the sportsbook. A faint smirk at the ruddiness rising in Vincent’s cheeks, Veld nods. “C’mon. I’ll bring your drink over – what’s your poison tonight?”

“…a purple rain, if you don’t mind.” His blush darkens when Veld winks, Vincent lowering his eyes as he gets up from the bar. “I’ll find us a good spot to sit.”

“By your order, I’m sure you will.” It’s a gentle tease, Veld stepping behind the bar to get Cloud’s attention, as the blond was working drinks that evening, and Vincent heads for the far end of the bar, sitting down at a two-seat high table just before the exit to the sportsbook.

---

“All right, which of these birds is the best one for a distance race again?” Palmer grumbles, looking over his racing program; on his left side is his escort for the evening, her hair tied up in a half-ponytail, fringe dusting across her eyes, clad in a black sparkling cocktail dress and matching stiletto heels. More than once that evening, she’s had to nudge the Aeronautics CEO to stop putting his hand on her thigh, Rude finally – and firmly – reminding Palmer that she had politely asked him to stop more than once. “Heidegger says you’re his lady luck when he comes to this place, let’s see if that works here with the chocobos.”

Her hand tensing when she sees Palmer’s hand hovering over her leg, she gives Rude a grateful look when the Turk loudly clears his throat, pointing at a cerulean bird listed. “This one, sir. Bolt from the Blue. Seems he’s won his last four races by at least two lengths.”

“Perfect!” He circles the chocobo’s name, and turns back to his companion. “What do you think, Reilena? Would you agree with Rude?”

She’s been sipping idly at her drink – a devil’s margarita, suggested to her by the cute hostess walking around with drinks… was her name Yuffie? – as she nods, pointing at a deep-red bird.

“For the next race though, go with this one. Chaosfire’s the best there is when it comes to the three-lap races, and then when the Silver Cup race starts, go with Bolt,” she replies, a faint smile at the bird’s color, as it reminds her of a pair of eyes she’d seen a few nights ago, when she was here with the Vice President. Warm crimson eyes with a tinge of gold…

Palmer chuckles, circling the second bird as well. “Red is it? I thought you would’ve gone with this purple one here – Violet’s Peak.” A turn to sip at the last of his drink, Palmer shakes the empty glass, ice rattling within. “What does it take to get a new drink around here?!”

A glance up at Rude, who shrugs at her in response, Reilena takes another sip of her own drink as she glances toward the bar, her heart skipping a beat when she sees him again.

---

“Valentine? Come in Valentine, this is ground control,” Veld teases, snapping his fingers – a faint metallic sound to it despite his gloves.

Blinking, Vincent shakes his head, turning back to his friend as he sits down across from Vincent, setting his drink before him, a simple Old-Fashioned for himself. Lifting his glass with a wink, Veld makes a slight nod toward the sportsbook. “I see you’re enjoying the view – I told you she was here tonight.”

Nodding, Vincent sips at his drink, lowering his gaze when she turns away again. “And I see why I missed her…”

“In more ways than one?” Veld grins, clapping a hand on Vincent’s shoulder when the croupier coughs, his drink catching in his throat. A couple firm strikes to his chest with his gauntleted hand, Vincent sighs.

“Veld…”

“You’ve been mooning over her since the first time you saw her.” A raised brow when Vincent looks over with an attempted glare, the flush in his cheeks betraying him. “It’s not just me, either – Yuffie’s been teasing you about it too, hasn’t she?” When Vincent doesn’t respond, Veld sighs, taking a long sip of his drink.

“…she’s with Shinra.”

“Not by choice, from the look of it,” Veld says, nodding toward the sportsbook again. When Vincent raises a brow, Veld nods again. “Palmer’s not looking, but someone else is.”

Chancing it, Vincent picks up his glass, taking a sip as he peeks over, a small smile crossing his lips when crimson meets violet again, seeing her own tiny smile. He can’t take his eyes off her, lifting his glass subtly as she does the same, feeling his face warming even more when she winks, sipping at her own.

“If you ask me, it looks like she’s very interested, Valentine.”

“I…” He trails off, watching as she has to turn away again, Palmer catching her attention when he jabs the racing program in her face, and sighs, idly taking another sip of his drink. “…I don’t know, Veld.”

“Has she been to your table yet?” When he shakes his head, Veld shrugs. “So all you two have done is share glances and little flirty smiles…”

“Verdot!” It’s harshly whispered, Vincent’s face aflame as his old work partner grins.

“Head of security, Valentine. I’ve seen you two flirting from across the room thanks to the eyes in the sky.” He winks playfully, watching as Vincent finishes off his drink. “So maybe the Shinra entourage can be encouraged to try the card tables? If I recall, I’m sure you’d have a chance of seeing her up close if Tuesti decides to grace us with his presence and she’s with him – Highwind says he’s been to the poker tables more than once, and the blackjack area’s not too far away…”

Vincent shakes his head, gloved fingers tracing the bottom of his empty glass. “How do I know she’s not just playing games, Veld,” he sighs. “She’s beautiful, but she’s also with Shinra, and if…”

“You’re taking yourself out of the game before you’ve even had a chance to go in,” Veld replies again, finishing his own drink. “This isn’t like before…”

“Before.” A short, despondent snort. “Right. Before. How many years before?”

“Look, Valentine, that doesn’t matter…”

“It does. I’m practically an antique at this point. And she’s…” Shaking his head, Vincent gets up from the table, his empty glass in hand, and reaches for Veld’s when his friend lays his hand across the top.

“I’ve got it – I’m getting a refill from Cloud before I take a walk around the pit. But Vincent…” Getting up as well, Veld sets a hand on Vincent’s shoulder, rubbing it gently. “Give it a chance. I’m not saying pour your heart out to her the second you see her up close, but… maybe order her a drink, send a little note with it. Ask Yuffie what she tends to order, and then buy her one, say it’s from…”

“…Reilena…”

Blinking, Veld raises a brow with a knowing smile. “Hm?”

Vincent smiles faintly. “Reilena – it’s a beautiful name.” Looking back up to see Veld’s smile, Vincent clears his throat anxiously. “I mean, that’s her name. I heard Palmer say it.”

“Find out from Yuffie what Reilena likes to drink, and the next time she’s here, send one over from a secret admirer. You don’t have to say any more than that, and I’m sure our ninja will be more than happy to tell us what happens.”

Swallowing back a sudden wave of nervousness – and a rush of warmth, as when he glanced by the sportsbook again, she had stood up, and he’d seen her bare back thanks to the style of her cocktail dress – Vincent nods. “I-I need to get back to my table.”

“’Course you do – but just remember what I said. And Vincent?”

“Hm?”

“Antiques are priceless.”

Chapter Text

It had been almost a week and a half since he’d seen her in the Heaven. Shinra’s people hadn’t stayed away – there was the usual large crowd when the Vice President strode in again, this time with a different girl on his arm. She had striking green eyes and a sweetly playful smile, hair pulled back in a formal braid and tied off with an amaranth-pink bow, the pair flanked by the usual Turk bodyguards – the tall one with long dark hair, and another slightly shorter one with a shock of red hair streaming down his back, jacket and shirt left open without a care.

She was the one who let him know what was going on, as once he had finished a short tournament game – the winner walking away with a cool million gil – both Yuffie and Sonon had approached him, the younger of the duo grinning widely as she set down a martini glass filled with a soft violet drink, sugar rimming the edge instead of the usual. A note was in her hand as well, and she grabbed his gauntleted hand, practically slamming the paper in his palm as Sonon winced.

“Sorry, Vincent,” he said. “I had to follow Yuffie to make sure she didn’t spill anything, since I’m heading over to the machines as it is…” he chuckled when Yuffie turned to stick her tongue out at him.

“Have I EVER spilled a drink out on the floor?” she snapped good-naturedly; when Vincent raised a brow, dark brown eyes narrowed. “The bar doesn’t count, people spill in there all the time.” Shaking his head, Vincent went to put the paper in his vest pocket, meaning to clean up the cards and open up a new deck, when Yuffie slammed a hand on the felt. “Excuse me!”

Vincent blinked. “You’re excused?”

Rolling her eyes, Yuffie reached up into his pocket, taking the folded note out. “I rushed through that crowd to get you this drink and note, and you’re not even going to READ it??”

“I am. Later…” he trailed off when Yuffie grabbed his BREAK placard and set it on the table, taking a seat on his left with an expectant smile; sighing again, Sonon ruffled her hair, Yuffie smacking his hand away like a fly.

“I’ll see you both later – Yuffie, let Vincent get back to work.” A sheepish smile when Yuffie nodded, still watching Vincent, and Sonon ran a hand through his hair, heading for the slot machines to do a walkthrough.

Waiting until Sonon was far enough away, Yuffie set her chin in her hands, tray laid across her lap, staring at Vincent. “Sooooo? Read it!”

“…” Clearing his throat – and knowing damn well she wasn’t going to rest until he did so – Vincent unfolded the note, crimson eyes scanning the looping script as he read silently.

‘So you must be the one Reilena’s told me about! I noticed you looking over while the Vice President was making his wagers, so I asked the hostess to bring this over to you so I could let you know that Reilena’s all right – unfortunately, Heidegger wanted her, Rude, and Elena to accompany him to the Coliseum. She wasn’t too happy about it, either – but I promise next time we go out, I’ll make sure she’s here. She’s missed you!

…and now I can see why she’s so taken with you~

Drink’s on me – thought it’d remind you of her. A violet lemon drop, since that’s one of her favorites. I’ll tell her you said hi~

Aerith’

He felt his face warming even before he heard Yuffie’s “Oooooooh~” breaking him out of his thoughts; rolling his eyes at her, Vincent folded the note again, this time sticking it in his vest pocket without argument, and picked up the glass. A slow sip, and he smiled faintly, licking a bit of sugar off the glass’s rim afterward. Aerith was right – the color did remind him of her eyes – and as he glanced up toward the roulette tables, he caught Aerith’s eye, lifting the glass in thanks as she did the same with a knowing wink.

“What did it say, what did it say?” Yuffie asked, already reaching up to grab the note again; a pointed glare from Vincent as he took another sip, his gauntleted hand free, and she sat back with a dejected sigh, though the twinkle in her eye remained. “Okay fine, I don’t want to get my hand smacked by that again,” she grumbled, getting up from her seat. “But I am definitely coming by during my break for a game!”

Nodding, Vincent waited until Yuffie had walked back toward the bar, holding up her drink orders, before taking the note out. Reading it again, he felt his face warming anew, the boyish smile returning as he finished his cocktail.

‘She’s missed you!’

…and I’ve missed her, too…

---

A quieter Wednesday night – the middle of the week was usually the deadest part, with mainly regulars and the occasional few tourists coming through the casino – saw Vincent at his table, idly shuffling away as crimson eyes scanned the pit. No surprise that Cid and Cait Sith were still as busy as they could be that night, but then again one could always count on poker games and slot machines to make a gil or two hundred, and tourists always wanted their fortunes told, thinking it would give them good luck at the tables or slots.

Cards fluttered between his hands, Vincent spreading them across the table in a wide arc before sweeping them back up with a flourish, tenting them and shuffling as he looked around, looking through the scant crowds to see if there were any regulars he could coax over.

Seeing if he could spot a pair of violet eyes that he had been missing for some time.

The note from Aerith had been a reassurance – and knowing she talked about him to her, knowing she missed him just as he missed her – Vincent couldn’t help the soft flutter in his heartbeat, the butterflies beginning to stir within as he thought about it, a subtle warmth rising in his face.

Deep breath, Valentine. Poker face, remember.

Exhaling deeply, Vincent had been looking toward the poker tables when he heard a boisterous shout near the entryway, inwardly tensing until he saw both Cloud and Tifa greeting the newcomers. A raised brow at first – SOLDIERs out on the town from the look of it, one with longish spiky black hair, the other slightly shorter with wavy copper hair cut short – he felt his breath catch in his throat when the men turned.

Aerith and Reilena were with them, looking far more relaxed than they did when they had to grace the arm of a Shinra CEO. As the SOLDIERs chatted away with Cloud, Vincent couldn’t look away as the women talked with Tifa, the owner of the Heaven giving both greeting kisses to their cheeks.

He silently cursed himself for the sudden pang of jealousy when Tifa kissed Reilena’s cheek, but it vanished just as quickly when violet glanced over, the warmth embracing his heart as the butterflies took flight. Seeing her shy smile elicited a small, boyish one from him as well, Vincent finding himself setting the cards down to lift his gloved hand in a hesitant wave.

What are you DOING?!

She giggled, softly biting her lip as she waved back, leaning against Aerith as the other woman spoke with Tifa. A glance at them, and then she looked back at Vincent, mouthing “I missed you” before Aerith tapped her shoulder, forcing her to join the conversation with her and Tifa.

“I missed you…”

The note from Aerith. ‘She misses you!’

Twin arrows, both shot from the same quiver, running straight through his heart.

A sudden flush raced through his veins, flooding his face with heat, and Vincent ducked his head, hiding behind a curtain of black hair as he fumbled with the cards, quickly gathering them up to cut and shuffle once again. Trying to keep his focus on them, on anything else other than his flustered heart and the thought of deep violet eyes and a sultry smile…

A gold-clawed thumb expertly split the deck, fingers moving to tent and shuffle anew, when Vincent caught sight of the top cards in each half.

The queen of hearts and the ace of spades.

Even the cards are… shaking his head, Vincent shuffled quickly, keeping his eyes downturned when he heard the SOLDIERs and their dates head into the casino pit, Cloud joining them for a few rounds. A quick glance up revealed them walking toward the craps tables, and Vincent exhaled, though the faint smile remained on his lips.

Chapter Text

“...this isn’t too over the top?”

His voice was soft, shy, crimson eyes lowered under black fringe and his usual crimson bandanna. Across from him, Tifa smiled warmly, shaking her head as she stood up from behind her desk.

“No, of course not! I think it’s a sweet gesture, and one she’s definitely going to appreciate.” Looking it over, she tilted her head curiously, though a knowing gleam shone in deep mahogany eyes. “Am I right if I guess the reason why you chose this particular type…?”

He nodded, looking away, a gauntleted finger catching a lock of hair to twirl around a finger. “...you would be.”

Giggling, she laid a hand on Vincent’s right arm, patting it gently. “Then I will make sure when the delivery is made, that you’re able to see her reaction – and this time I promise I won’t kiss her.” Her giggle turned into a full laugh when Vincent’s eyes widened, his face flushing as Tifa winked. “Just know I’m only saying hello with those cheek kisses – hopefully one day soon, you’ll be able to give her a real one.”

“…” Vincent cleared his throat, finger still twirling his hair, his imagination already cycling through the myriad of possibilities when Tifa gave his shoulder a friendly shove.

“But! Let me hold onto these until she arrives – I have intel letting me know that she is indeed coming in tonight, and apparently it’s going to be Reeve making the rounds, so you should be able to keep her in your sights for most of the evening.”

“...and I’m sure Yuffie will be more than happy to let me know what’s going on, too,” he mumbled, his face finally beginning to cool down.

“Not just her, you know,” Tifa replied, walking ahead to open the door to her office. “There’s quite a few here keeping tabs on your crush.” Bouncing her eyebrows at Vincent’s eye-roll, the owner of the Seventh Heaven grinned, motioning for Vincent to step out first. “But for now, I’ve got to get you back to your table, and I’m due for a meeting with Barret and Veld before Reeve and his entourage arrive.”

Nodding, Vincent drew in a deep breath, letting it out with a sigh. Hands ran over his uniform, straightening his tie before running golden claws through his hair, his boots clunking softly against the plush carpeting of the management level’s floor.

Leaning against the doorway, Tifa couldn’t help a warm smile as she watched her friend step into the elevator, giving him a nod as the doors closed. I wasn’t kidding; you deserve to be happy Vincent, and the look in your eyes whenever she’s here… sighing to herself, Tifa stood up again, smoothing out her navy slacks and readjusting her suit jacket, buttoning it just enough to let a peek of her bustier through, and pulled the door to her office closed.

---

Behind his table, Vincent’s eyes scanned over the four players at his table, gauging reactions and thoughts. Two regulars and two tourists, with one newcomer’s girlfriend peeking over his shoulder, brushing ash blond hair away from his ear to whisper her thoughts. The other – on the far end of the table – chewed the inside of his lip, his brow furrowing in thought as he looked between the house hand and his own, turning his second card up just enough for him to peek at it.

Leslie sighed, cap pulled low over his eyes as normal as he tossed a trio of chips in. On his left, a middle-aged blonde woman in dark sunglasses met the bet without hesitation, taking a long drink of her cosmopolitan.

Vincent cleared his throat, startling both tourists. “Last call. Hit or stand?”

Four silent horizontal hand waves.

Nodding, Vincent turned over his second card – the first being the jack of clubs – to reveal the eight of diamonds. “House has eighteen.”

“Goddammit Delilah, I told you I should’ve hit!” Ash Blond yelled, turning over a four of spades to go with his ten of hearts; on the other end, the second tourist simply sighed, revealing nine of hearts and seven of clubs.

A look up at Sunglasses and Leslie.

Sunglasses smirked, turning over the queen of hearts and a king of clubs. “Twenty. I think I have this…”

Coughing softly, Leslie shook his head, turning over his pair – king of hearts and ace of diamonds. “A natural.”

Vincent chuckled softly as Sunglasses snorted, throwing her hands up in the air, and waited as Leslie pulled the pile of chips to himself. “Congratulations. Another game…” he began to ask, when the telltale crowd began to gather at the doors.

“Honey honey honey look! I think a Shinra’s here!” Delilah exclaimed, pulling Ash Blond out of his seat as the second tourist had already left the table to see who was coming in. A glimpse up at Sunglasses and Leslie – she shook her head, but left behind a twenty as a thank-you tip, which Vincent took with a nod of thanks, while Leslie was slotting his chips in his tray, taking his time as he tallied up his winnings for the night.

Gathering the cards, Vincent straightened them out before a gold-clawed thumb split the deck in two, tenting the cards to shuffle them, and glanced toward the doors with a straight face.

One of the Turks walked in first; a young woman with sandy blonde hair drawn up in a high ponytail, her hazel eyes scanned the area as she turned to motion behind her. Next came the evening’s visitor from Shinra – the head of urban development himself, Reeve Tuesti walked in, wearing a crisp deep navy suit and crimson tie, dark beard neatly trimmed and a light smile on his lips.

She was on his arm as well, her hair gathered in a half-updo, her dress black satin with a low-cut back, the pendant he’d noticed before still nestled in her cleavage, warm crimson shining in the casino’s lights.

He felt his heart fluttering in his chest at the sight of her – as it always did, she never failed to bring out the shy, crushing schoolboy in him – lips turning up in a slight smile when she glanced over. Her eyes widening when crimson and violet met, she smiled warmly, a soft flush rising in her face just as he felt his own warming up as well.

Barely noticing the second Turk coming up from behind to close the doors – a tall, bespectacled young man with black hair – Vincent continued to idly shuffle his cards as he watched the crowd, keeping his gaze fixated on her.

“Mr. Tuesti! So glad you could make it this evening!” Tifa’s voice broke through the crowd’s chatter, and Vincent felt his heart skip a beat when he saw the casino’s owner approaching the Shinra guests, Cloud coming up silently beside her.

In her hands was the bouquet Vincent had asked her to hold onto until her arrival – a lush gathering of roses, lilies, carnations, and mums, in varying shades of violet and lavender.

Leaning in to give Reeve and Reilena the customary cheek kisses hello, Tifa then turned to Reilena with a wide smile. “I have these for you, miss – from a secret admirer here in the Heaven,” she continued, waiting for the female Turk to look over the blooms. A nod, and Tifa handed the bouquet to Reilena, Reeve chuckling beside her as she closed her eyes with a soft smile, smelling the roses.

Reeve said something to her as she hid in the flowers – a tease, from the looks of it, considering she nudged his side – and then she peeked over again, catching Vincent’s eye. Her cheeks still pink, she nibbled her lip despite her smile, mouthing ‘from you?’

He nodded once, smiling softly when she held the flowers close to her; when she gazed over again, peeking above the blooms, the all too familiar warmth closed over his heart, the butterflies starting up again.

Tifa had been right, of course; he’d chosen the flowers not just for their message of adoration, but because the color violet had quickly become his favorite color.

It was the color of her eyes, after all.

Chapter Text

It was tough to ignore the chatter of the players at times; the usuals and professionals kept quiet for the most part, if they weren’t snarking each other or trying to bluff.

The tourists and partygoers; they were the chatterboxes. Usually smart enough to at least not give away their initial hand, though their faces almost always betrayed the cards dealt, Vincent was used to keeping quiet and listening, keeping watch on hands to catch signals and potential cheating alike. The eyes in the sky often helped with dissuading that, but there were always the ones who thought they were too slick for the cameras, thinking their sleight of hand was top-notch.

Always until they got the tap on the shoulder from any one of their security officials, whether it was Sonon while on his rounds, Barret deciding to peek in while conferring with Tifa or Biggs, or Veld, the head of security and one of the two employed with the Heaven with the most experience with… taking out the trash, so to speak.

The other of course, being the one behind the blackjack table.

Tonight however, on a late, bustling Friday evening, his table was taken over by a gaggle of women out on a birthday bender. Six of them now circled his table, with the remaining ones standing behind their friends with drinks in hand and varying smiles on their faces. The one in the center – long, wavy caramel hair and bright turquoise eyes, the neon-pink sash declaring her the ‘Birthday Party Girl’ with a 25 near her shoulder – kept her gaze fixated on Vincent, biting cherry-red lips as she glanced over him before lowering her eyes to her cards. Behind her, a friend bent down to whisper in her ear, the birthday girl giggling as she lifted a finger in the air.

“Hit me baby… please~?” she crooned, a soft laugh as Vincent nodded, dealing a three of hearts. His expression remained neutral even as she raised a brow, looking up at her friend and then back at him, giving him an air-kiss.

“Final call. Anyone else?”

“Hit here, too!” A tanned woman with a shock of silver hair curling before her eyes – the rest long, lush, and dark – gave him an easy smile, her own eyes a golden hazel. Nodding, she was dealt a seven of clubs, and then he turned to the others.

“Ladies?”

When the rest shook their heads, Vincent turned over the second house card – the first had been a six of diamonds, the next a ten of spades.

“House has sixteen.”

The birthday girl blinked at first as she turned her cards over, her friends on either side either groaning or giggling, and suddenly threw her arms up with a shriek as she revealed her hand – ten and three of hearts, and eight of spades. “I got it! Twenty-one!” Laughing as the woman behind her hugged her tight, Vincent gathered the discarded hands, pushing the chips to her.

“Congratulations. Another game?”

“Ye-”

“Shandi no, we’ve got the karaoke room reserved at one, and it’s ten ‘til now, we gotta go!” her friend replied, the rest of the women rising from their chairs. Nodding again silently as each one handed Vincent a tip of varying amounts, it was when he was handed a folded wad of cash from the birthday girl – apparently named Shandi – along with a note.

“A little extra something for you, sir~” she murmured; glancing into her eyes, Vincent only nodded silently as she winked, the tip of her tongue peeking out between her lips. “Thank you~”

“And thank you. Happy birthday,” he replied, taking the cash as Shandi was corralled away by the giggling gaggle of women; once they were out of sight Vincent shook his head, watching them head for the karaoke area and silently wishing Jessie good luck with wrangling them before opening up the tip he’d been handed.

Two hundred, plus a note.

‘I’ve always wanted a tall, dark, and handsome Valentine to keep me warm. Wanna be my birthday surprise~? Room 315’

Blinking at the room key card wrapped in the cash, Vincent sighed, pocketing the money and dropping the note in the trash bin under his table. Motioning to Sonon when he walked by, Vincent handed him the key card.

“Turn this in to the front desk, please. I’m not…” he stopped when Sonon nodded with a chuckle, taking the card between a pair of fingers.

“The big birthday crowd?” he asked, grinning when Vincent nodded. “One of them tried hitting on me, too. At least I could say I’m security and can’t leave the premises for another six hours. What about you?”

“...the birthday girl herself. Thought I’d want to gift myself to her,” he grumbled, a short “oof” when Sonon clapped a hand on his shoulder with a louder laugh.

“Can’t fault her for being bold – Cloud said their tab’s already in the thousands.” Shaking his head, Sonon slipped the key card in his own vest pocket. “Anyway, I’ll bring this up to the front, tell them someone left it at a table. I won’t mention names, don’t worry.” A teasing wink, and then he looked over Vincent’s shoulder, brow arched. “Hunh…”

“Hn?” Turning, Vincent’s heart began to beat a little faster at first, hoping to see her – it had been a few days, though Aerith had come by again. Instead, he saw the snowfall outside, a soft sigh escaping him as Sonon shrugged to himself.

“I thought they weren’t calling for snow until tomorrow… guess even the weather’s decided to do its own thing. I don’t remember if I…”

His voice trailed off, Vincent shaking his head as he set the placard on his table, then stepped around it. “...I think I’m going to step off for a few minutes.” It was quietly murmured, Sonon stepping back with a nod.

“See you in a few, then. I’ll take care of the key card.” Judging by the look in Vincent’s eyes however, the croupier was lost in thought, and Sonon shook his head when a trio of players approached the table. “He’ll be back in a bit – I think Highwind’s running a Hold ‘Em tournament though, if you want to buy in?”

---

Holding his badge to the reader for the Employees Only doors, Vincent stepped through once he was given access, crimson eyes squinting at first to readjust to the brighter lights of the hallways. Part of him wanted to head to the security level, see if Veld was available to chat, until he remembered that he had to keep a closer eye on the slot machines that evening – irregularities by the Thunderous Plains slots had Tifa wondering if someone was trying to game the system.

Instead, the heavier steel door leading to the outdoor smoking area opened up, Vincent walking out to the chillier evening air, lifting his face to the snow with a tiny smile as snowflakes peppered long ebony hair. Sure, Sonon had made the snow sound like an unexpected hindrance, but Vincent saw it more as a soft surprise, and he leaned against the outer brick wall of the Heaven, under the street light, gauntlet shining as he folded his arms, still looking up.

He didn’t move, even as he heard the door open up again, the telltale flick of flint and fire, and the heavy sigh of a regular smoker. The smart, sharp click as the lighter was closed and pocketed, Cid blew out a long stream of smoke, a warm grin when he saw Vincent leaning against the wall. “Thought I’d catch ya out here.”

“How was the tournament?”

Cid laughed, tapping a bit of ash into the nearby trash bin. “That goddamned middle manager whose poker face is nonexistent? Ended up taking the pot – two hundred thousand.” A long drag as Vincent replied with a short “hn,” smoke streamed out of Cid’s nostrils like dragonfire as he shook his head. “Guess sometimes the act even gets me.” Cigarette poised easily between his fingers, it was then stuck between his lips as he looked over his best friend. “An’ yer night?”

“Got hit on. Again.”

“Yer not allowed to sound shocked when y’know half of yer crowd is there for yer looks,” he teased, grinning when Vincent looked over before rolling his eyes. “But I know you only got eyes fer one lucky lady. You heard from ‘er lately?”

At that, Vincent sighed, claws running through his hair. “Aerith told me she’s doing okay – that she still has one of the flowers from the bouquet I gave her, pressed in a frame.” A soft blush colored his cheeks at Cid’s playful sigh. “I’m… hoping she’ll be around again this week.”

“Seems like Shinra likes t’ alternate their girls, so if Aerith was here this week, I’d guess your lady love will be back,” Cid replied, taking another long drag off his cigarette; when he spoke again, smoke peppered his words. “Ever thought ‘bout actually tryin’ to meet her?”

Vincent’s eyes widened, cheeks flushing hot as he swallowed back the initial yelp bubbling in his throat “I…”

“Why not? Maybe even get Tifa t’ set somethin’ up fer ya, since she’s th’ owner an’ all. Getcha nice little private room – maybe some candles to soften th’ lights, since the ones in th’ pit ain’t very romantic…”

“Candlelit conversations are nice,” Vincent murmured softly, eyes turning back up to the skies. A break in the clouds revealed the moon – a sharp curved shard amidst the stars and snowflakes – and he shook his head with a soft, inward smile. Even you give your approval? I’m honored…

“Sure as hell are! Speakin’ of which, I gotta plan out mine an’ Shera’s next date – what d’ya think we should do?” He snuffed out the cigarette, waiting until it was smoldered by the snow in the trash bin’s ashtray before dropping it inside. “Last time we jus’ did dinner an’ a movie at her place – turns out she loves those old-timey monster flicks.”

“...dancing.”

“Hunh?”

“Take her out dancing,” Vincent murmured, a clawed finger twirling a lock of black hair. “Some music, her arms around you, dancing in the dim lights…”

“I can’t dance, I have two left feet…”

“Vincent, what are you talking about?” Setting his hand on her hip, taking his other in hers as she wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “You just… let the music guide you…” though she giggled when he’d stepped on her toes.

“I’m sorry!”

“It’s all right, I’ve dropped heavier things on my feet.” Her warm smile. “Besides, if you ever plan on taking a girl out, you need to know how to dance…”

“I think yer gettin’ some good ideas fer yer first date,” Cid teased, chuckling when Vincent blinked, shaking his head as the memory returned to the past. “Ready to head back in? Snow’s gettin’ to me.”

Nodding, Vincent pushed himself off the wall, letting go of his hair as Cid yanked the heavy steel door open. A nod as he motioned for Vincent to head inside first, he raised a brow. “You’ll tell me how it goes, right?”

“...how it goes?”

“Yer date! Whenever it is…”

Vincent smiled softly, glancing up at the moon one more time. “I will… when it happens,” he replied softly, bootheels clicking on the floor as he stepped back inside.

“Good! Yer sayin’ ‘when’ instead of ‘if’ now. That’s a good sign.” The door closed behind them with a thud, Cid throwing an arm around Vincent’s shoulders. “Yer a good man, Valentine – an’ I think… nah, I know she sees that, too.”

“You’re a good man, Vincent. You’ll make some lucky girl so happy someday…”

Gold claws patted the gloved hand slung over his shoulders, grateful. “Thanks, Cid…”

“An’ I’ll make sure t’ keep th’ girls an’ cougars away from ya.” A grin when Vincent gave him a sideways glare, Cid laughed, taking his arm back to give Vincent a hearty back slap. “Yer a heartbreaker fer them, but the prince of one special girl’s heart.” Turning to pull the door to the casino pit open, he winked. “Go get ‘er, Vince.”

Chapter Text

“Okay, so! Two things!”

Blinking, Vincent glanced to his left, where Yuffie had plopped herself down on a bar stool beside him, her ticket pad in hand. Ripping off the sheet with orders for the baccarat players, she handed it to Cloud when he came around, then turned to Vincent, chin in her hands and a mischievous grin on her lips.

“...well?” Vincent prompted, taking a sip of his ice water. A glance up at Cloud as he double-checked a recipe card before taking down a bottle of Levin’s Thunderfall scotch, the blond shook his head with a faint snort, scooping ice into another mixing glass.

“Good news: your cruuuuuush is here again, so you absolutely HAVE to do something for her tonight,” she began, giggling when Vincent looked away, taking a long sip of water. Crimson eyes peeked right however, trying to see if he could catch view of her at all. There was a sizable crowd by the baccarat table, so the Shinra bigwigs were probably over there…

“And the bad news?”

Yuffie made a disgusted face. “She’s here with Heidegger.”

Fantastic. The one that insisted on keeping his date for the evening practically chained to his side, for luck of course. Sighing, Vincent swirled the ice in his glass. “So I can’t make any sort of move. Too bad, guess I’ll have to wait…”

“Absolutely NOT. You sent her flowers when Reeve was here, I’m sure you can buy her a drink while she’s here with Heidegger. What’s he going to do?”

“Take it for himself?” At that, Yuffie shook her head.

“Heidegger likes the hard stuff – you send her something cute, he won’t touch it,” she replied. “I mean hell, he just ordered a Godfather. Boring and gross, just like him.” She raised a brow, giggling when she caught Vincent chuckling under his breath. “So you’ll do it?”

“...it couldn’t hurt,” Cloud murmured, setting both the Godfather and an Upper Junon Iced Tea on Yuffie’s tray. “Let me know what to make, and I’ll whip it up while I finish Yuffie’s orders.”

“And I can bring it over with these, since they are stationed at the baccarat table,” Yuffie crooned.

Vincent glared at Cloud, silently damning his blush. “You’re in on this, too?”

Cloud shrugged, a tiny smirk betraying his cool demeanor. “Vincent? Almost everyone here is in on it, so you might as well…” shaking up a drink, Cloud pulled a tall glass before him and set the shaker back down, a hard smack against metal to break the seal, and set the strainer on the metal cup before pouring a smooth violet drink over ice. Adding a sprig of mint, it was set on the tray, and Cloud raised a brow. “All right. Your turn.”

Lowering his eyes, Vincent watched the ice floating in his glass, then quietly murmured, “...what is she wearing tonight…”

Yuffie tapped her chin in thought. “Well, I don’t stare nearly as much as you do~”

“Yuffie…”

“A cute sleeveless black cocktail dress, with some really pretty black beading around her chest, and I think the skirt had some red in it. Almost like she was hoping to see somebody special~” Sitting up, she watched as Vincent motioned for a blank notepad, a soft “eeeee!” under her breath when Cloud set one down along with a pen.

“...do you have any red velvet liquor on hand?”

Cloud nodded. “Fresh bottle of Sweet Scarlet Romance right here,” he replied, setting the bottle on the counter. “What’s your order?”

When was the last time he’d ordered a drink for a lady? It had to be what… 1975? 1976? And back then it had been a simple cosmopolitan, not what he had in mind… shaking his head, Vincent uncaped the pen and began writing.

“...a red velvet martini, with a faint chocolate drizzle if you don’t mind…”

“Perfect for the season,” Cloud teased softly, already pulling out the mixers. “It’s on the house, too – Tifa would kill me if I charged you for buying your sweetheart a drink.”

My sweetheart…

“Whatcha writing?” Yuffie asked, trying to peek over Vincent’s gauntleted arm, and sitting back with a hushed “yeesh, fine I’ll leave you alone,” when he stopped, flexing his claws. Glancing over to make sure she was sitting still, Vincent turned back to the note, licking his lips, his heart slamming against his sternum.

The butterflies were a frenzy within, the warmth cradling his heart, rising in his cheeks as he mulled over his words. It couldn’t be a long note – he couldn’t risk one of the Turks catching on, or gods forbid the Shinra she was with, lest he never want to see her again.

And that sounded like a fate worse than another death.

Hearing a cleared throat, Vincent glanced up just in time to see Cloud drizzle a bit of both white and dark chocolate across the top of the drink – a soft amaranth cocktail rimmed in red sugar – the former SOLDIER smiling faintly. “How’s that?”

“...perfect.” Nodding to himself, Vincent quickly scribbled out a note, folding it up and handing it to Yuffie just as Cloud set the drink on her tray. “Here. This goes with the drink – and do not read it. It’s for her, and only her. Got it?”

Yuffie grinned, nodding excitedly. “You got it! I’ll get your love note to her! Should I say anything else?”

Vincent shook his head, quickly finishing off the rest of his ice water. Glass handed to Cloud, Vincent grabbed a pair of paper towels to dry his hands from the sweat on his drink. “No. I… I have to get back to my table. My fifteen’s up.”

And I need a distraction quickly, before I regret this.

“Good luck,” Cloud said softly, giving Vincent a thumbs-up before heading to a far end of the bar, where a couple had walked up with a cocktail menu. Taking a deep breath, Vincent nodded, feeling his face warm even more when Yuffie winked, turning on her heel to head back to the crowded baccarat table.

Walking back out to the pit himself, Vincent returned to his table, the BREAK sign placed under the table, replaced with a deck of cards that he split easily with a clawed golden thumb, shuffling them as he waited for potential players to take a seat.

---

“All right, how’s the game going? I’ve got drinks here and I can take empties and new orders if needed!” Yuffie called out, handing out complementary champagne and the orders drinks alike. The Godfather cocktail was given to Heidegger, Yuffie smiling politely even as the Shinra exec glowered at her. Beside him, the dark-suited Turk readjusted his sunglasses with a solemn sigh, and Yuffie then turned to Heidegger’s companion. “And I have a drink for you as well, madame~”

Violet eyes blinked as a hand brushed dark auburn fringe from her eyes with a shy laugh. “I didn’t order anything yet…”

Yuffie grinned. “No, but yours is from a quiet admirer,” she replied. “On the house~” The red velvet martini was handed over, the note wrapped around the stem of the glass as Yuffie leaned closer to whisper, “And a little note… read it when he’s not around?”

Blushing, she nodded, glancing at Heidegger – already focused on his cards – and then at her own bodyguard, the blonde girl giving her a curious look. “Thank you…” taking a slow sip of the drink, her eyes widened slightly, lips curling in a smile just before licking a bit of sugar from the rim of the glass. “Please, let them know it was delicious, and I appreciate it~”

“Will do!” Clipping off a playful salute, Yuffie was about to add something else when a player across the table held up an empty glass.

“Miss? Another Shiva’s Delite?”

“Coming right up! Anyone else?” she called, giving her a wink before circling the table, order pad already out and ready for the next wave of drinks.

Watching as Yuffie wrote down orders, Reilena sipped at her drink, smiling to herself as she licked another bit of sugar from the glass. The note was still in hand, hidden in her palm, and she nudged her bodyguard’s side. “Elena? Would you walk me to the ladies room, please?”

“Sure. We’ve got time before the final call, and you know that’s when you have to be here. Let’s go.” A look at Rude, a shared nod, and Elena motioned for Reilena to walk beside her, the two crossing the casino pit, toward the washrooms.

Past the blackjack tables, where she was able to steal a glance at her secret admirer – he was in the midst of dealing a new game to five players, looking up for a beat when he dealt to the center player, and she snuck a quick wink at him, lifting her glass in silent gratitude. Feeling her face warm up when she caught the faint blush on his cheeks, Reilena followed Elena to the door of the ladies’ room, nodding.

“I’ll just be a moment.”

Elena nodded, hands folded before herself. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll wait for you out here. No one else is inside, and I’ll make sure no one else goes in.”

“Thank you…” stepping inside, Reilena locked the door behind her, and set the martini glass on the counter, looking up at her reflection in the mirror, A quick check of her makeup, a glance over her shoulder, and then she unfolded the note.

‘I hope you enjoy the drink – it’s as lovely and sweet as you are. I promise I’ll try to talk to you soon, once the time is right. I’ve missed you as well.

Vincent’

A shy smile flitted across her lips, nibbling the lower one as she reread the short, sweet little note. And now she had a name to go with the warm crimson gaze and smile.

“Vincent...”

Chapter Text

“Are we going to parlay, then? You’ve got a hot hand right now sir,” the dealer said, raising a brow at the two suits on either side of the high roller.

Throwing his head back with a braying laugh, Heidegger draped an arm around his companion’s shoulders, thick fingers caressing her bare shoulder as she smiled politely, martini glass in her left hand. On his right was the Turk with a shock of red hair running down his back – on his companion’s opposite side was a woman about her height with chin-length blonde hair and a raised brow.

“Sir please, this behavior is rather crass,” she said, to which Heidegger rolled his eyes, taking another swig from his tumbler, ice rattling the glass.

“Lighten up, Elena. I win this next roll, I won’t need that raise the President’s promised me,” he said, setting his glass down to take the dice back from the dealer. Before he rattled them in his hand, they were held before his date, free hand now giving her shoulder a firm squeeze. “All right now, Reilena – you’ve gotten me this far, now give the dice a little love, will you?”

A nervous laugh as violet eyes blinked, Reilena nodded, leaning forward to blow on the dice, the crowd around them holding their breath. A murmured “thatta girl,” Heidegger jostled the dice, then threw them across the felt. The crowd around the craps table watched as iridescent blue and gold dice rolled across the table, smacking against the far end of the table wall.

One landed firmly, revealing three pips in a diagonal line.

The second spun on an edge.

The crowd watched closely; leaning in, Heidegger squeezed Reilena’s shoulder again. “Don’t you dare let me down,” was harshly whispered, whisky coloring his breath as she shook her head.

The die fell on its side.

Four golden pips, one in each corner.

---

Glancing up from the blackjack table, Vincent raised a brow at the raucous crowd, a seemingly indifferent sigh when he heard the familiar laughter echo out.

“Sounds like Heidegger won big again,” Sam murmured, motioning for a hit; laying out a two of diamonds, Vincent nodded once. It was surprising to him; Heidegger wasn’t one for dice games, remembering overhearing him say once that games like that were below him.

It was when he spotted her, between the Turks when Heidegger leaned in to gather his chips toward himself with a grin, that he realized why he was there, as the craps table was a near-direct eyeline to the blackjack area. Though he kept a straight face, he couldn’t deny the flutter in his heartbeat when she caught his gaze and winked.

He still wasn’t sure when they would be able to meet; he knew his note to her during her last visit had promised ‘soon,’ but with how superstitious Heidegger could be, who knew when she’d be able to get away from him longer than a quick restroom break?

A cleared throat brought Vincent’s attention back to his table, and he coughed quietly. “Pardon me.”

“You’re distracted. Sure you’re payin’ attention to this game?” the player snapped, hat tilted back enough to reveal the start of a high forehead, dull gray eyes glaring daggers. “Hit me.”

A nine of spades.

“Final call…” when the remaining two players shook their heads, Vincent turned his hand over – a ten of hearts, and then a ten of spades. “House has twenty.”

“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?!” Grey Eyes grumbled, throwing his cards down – busting out with a ten of diamonds, nine of spades, and three of clubs. A mild eyebrow raise was all Vincent gave, shrugging when the man stood up with a flourish, shoving a handful of chips in his jacket pocket before stomping off toward the poker tables.

Clicking his tongue, Sam shook his head with a faint chuckle. “Too bad for him,” he murmured, laying out his queen of hearts, nine of clubs, and two of diamonds. “Twenty-one. Whaddya know.”

“I think seeing your outcome might have made him angrier,” Vincent replied, eliciting a chuckle from the Heaven regular. The other two players shook their heads as they stood up as well, quietly congratulating the winner, and handed Vincent small tips of their own – ten from each.

A quiet nod as he slipped the money in his vest pocket, he shook his head when Sam tried to offer him one as well. “You’re a regular. It’s all right…”

“Bullshit it’s all right. I want to reward you for a good game, even if your eye was focused elsewhere for a bit,” he teased, handing him a twenty; when Vincent accepted it with a sigh, Sam leaned in. “Get her something nice.” Drawing back, he chuckled at the slight flush in Vincent’s face, tipping his hat politely. “A distraction like that has to be a pretty girl. I’m gonna go be a thorn in Highwind’s side for a spell.”

Gathering the cards as his table cleared out, Vincent shuffled them easily at first, then swiped the deck once, gathering them all back up in one motion as he looked up again, blinking when he saw her coming his way, an empty glass in each hand. When the blonde Turk started after her, Heidegger shook his head, motioning for her to stay put with the other, and Vincent’s eyes narrowed.

That wasn’t protocol. A Turk always accompanied the girls as well as the Shinra exec…

He kept his gaze focused on his cards, splitting the deck with a clawed thumb to tent them again, glancing up when she came closer, heading for the bar. His face flushed warmer at her smile, his lips turning up in a soft smile of his own as she mouthed “Hi, Vincent~”, a pinky waving at him from around the empty martini glass.

Hands occupied, all he could do was nod in response, looking down shyly when she winked, her heels clicking on the bar floor as she approached the counter, setting her glasses down.

Looking over his shoulder, shuffling the cards in his hands, Vincent watched as she spoke with Cloud, giving her empty glasses back while asking for two new drinks. The blond nodded, stealing a glimpse toward Vincent with a teasing smile before turning to grab the Levin’s Thunderfall again, moving about to make Heidegger’s drink.

She looked over as well, giving Vincent a tiny wave; this time, he caught himself waving back, gold-clawed fingers wiggling in the air before he shook his head, turning back to his shuffling. He couldn’t, not tonight, he couldn’t risk it especially with how drunk Heidegger was – he’d allowed his escort to get their drinks alone, for gods’ sake, if Yuffie wasn’t stuck in the sports book…

Heels clicking, heading back toward him. A glimpse up, another soft smile when she walked past him again, Vincent kept an eye on her as she headed back to the craps table, the whisky in one hand, her lemon drop martini in another.

Walking by a trio heading for the bar as well, one of the men let out a wolf whistle, turning to watch her walk off as well. “Hang on, hang on, hang on guys, I think I found her,” he crooned, jogging to cut her off. A startled stop, she managed to hold both drinks as she looked up at him, shaking her head.

“Let me get by you – I have to bring this back to my…”

“To me, you mean?” the man replied with a buzzed smile, moving to slip the whisky out of her left hand. “C’mon now, me and my friends are heading to the bar, let me buy you a better drink, and maybe you and I can…”

She shook her head. “I can’t. I’m with someone. Please move.” When he shook his head, moving to take the glass again, she snatched her hand back and stepped aside, starting to walk past him.

The other two laughed, one calling out “C’mon now Rich, you struck out, maybe you’ll find a girl at the slots.”

His gaze darkening, Rich turned, grabbing her left bicep, spilling part of the whisky on her forearm, ice rattling against the glass. “Now lookit here you little bitch, you girls are here for US, and when I say-!”

Without thinking, she turned, splashing her martini in his face. He blinked, the vodka cocktail dripping down his face, soaking the collar of his chambray shirt. “Let me go,” she snapped, yanking her arm back, wincing when Rich’s grip tightened instead, his left hand moving.

“Why you little s-”

Click.

The blackjack area had gone silent; glancing over, Rich narrowed his eyes as she looked over, eyes wide in fear.

Vincent raised a brow, a triple-barreled handgun leveled at Rich’s chest; it was then that his thigh holster was revealed, strapped to his right leg. A thumb hovered over the safety, while his gauntleted hand was held out toward her.

His voice was soft, husky… and deadly serious.

“Let her go. I won’t repeat myself.”

Looking straight down the barrels of the gun, Rich let go of her arm, holding both of his hands in the air. “Look man, I was just trying to talk to her, you know these girls are here for us and all, right?”

Glancing at her, Vincent nodded; she crossed over, laying her hand in his clawed one. Crimson eyes glanced over Rich’s shoulder, the tiniest brow raise as Sonon strode over quickly, a heavy hand clapped on Rich’s shoulder.

“It’s time for you to leave, sir…” a firm head shake when Rich began to argue, Sonon tightened his grip on the drunkard’s shoulder, walking them both to the door, Rich’s friends following close behind as Cloud jogged up from the bar.

“Vincent!”

He sighed, re-holstering his gun, still holding her hand in his gauntleted one, and glanced at her, finally seeing cool violet eyes up close, a light flush in her face, frightened tears threatening to spill over.

“You’re safe now,” he murmured softly, a slight half-smile when she nodded, licking her lips. Turning back to Cloud, the bartender jabbed a thumb behind him.

“C’mon. I unlocked one of the VIP rooms – you two can sit and take a breather there until she’s calmed down.” Looking back at her, Cloud lowered his voice. “Do you want me to call Tifa or Barret over, too?”

She shook her head. “I… just want to talk to Vincent,” she replied softly, a stammer in her voice, and Cloud nodded kindly.

“Follow me. And don’t worry about your table, Vincent – I’m sure Veld saw it all.”

---

Opening the door to the Scarlet Lotus room, Vincent went to let go of her hand, to let her walk in first, when she shook her head. “Can I… can you walk in with me?”

“Of course.”

The pair walking in together, Vincent nudged the door shut with his left foot, flipping a pair of switches – one to turn the lights on in the lounge, and another to turn the light on outside the room to mark it occupied. Once that was situated, he glanced over at her, blinking when he noticed her looking back at him, a shy little smile on her lips despite the tear running down her cheek.

“I… I didn’t mean to cause such a ruckus,” she said softly. “But when he grabbed me I… just reacted.”

“You did the right thing,” Vincent replied; a glance down reminded him that they were still holding hands, and he motioned toward the couch. “Would you like to sit down?”

“Will you stay?”

“Of course.” Forever, if you’d like. Leading her to the couch, he loosened his hand so she could take it back and sit, a warmth in his cheeks when she took her hand reluctantly, smoothing out her dress before she sat down.

An iridescent black glittering cocktail dress, it had a bit of a drape on the hip, and a bare back, the front held up halter-style, strappy heels and her necklace completing the ensemble.

She glanced up, patting the space beside her, a quiet giggle when he sat down beside her, both already turning to face one another.

“So, I…”

“This isn’t…”

Twin laughs, she tucking a lock of hair behind an ear. “...this isn’t how I imagined our first meeting to go,” she said, glancing up at him. “I was hoping it would be nicer…”

Vincent chuckled sheepishly. “As was I, but despite the how… I’m glad we’re finally able to meet,” he replied, immediately cringing at how he sounded. “I-I mean-”

He stopped, a hand held out, and looked up at her; she gazed back at him with a soft smile, a tiny nibble of her lower lip. He couldn’t help his own soft smile as he reached over with his gloved hand, holding hers in a gentle, protective handshake.

“Reilena. It’s nice to meet you, Vincent.”

“Valentine,” he murmured; when she tilted her head curiously, he cleared his throat. “Vincent Valentine.” Another handshake, he blinked when she gave his hand another gentle squeeze, lowering them both but not letting go just yet.

“...can I hold your hand a bit longer? I’m still…” she trailed off with another giggle, free hand waving before her chest. “I wasn’t expecting all of this.”

“Why did he let you go alone?” Vincent asked, inwardly cringing a second later; Reilena shrugged, blowing a lock of deep auburn hair from her eyes.

“He’s not supposed to, which means Tseng’s going to hear about this, and then I’ll probably get questioned… the good thing is it means I won’t have to go out with Heidegger for a while. He’s not exactly one of my favorites,” she replied. “But I decided the risk was worth it, so when he called Elena back, I just kept going.

“And it was fine until that guy…” she stopped with a shudder. Vincent squeezed her hand gently, gloved thumb stroking the side of it, and Reilena looked up gratefully, returning the gesture. “Thank you again.”

“I’m glad I was there,” he replied, still holding her hand. “I just hope I didn’t frighten you more.”

“Why would you…?” she began, blinking when Vincent lifted his gauntleted hand. Laughing softly, she shook her head, taking the clawed hand in her free one as Vincent blinked, looking between their hands and Reilena’s eyes. She gazed back at him, gentle violet meeting warm crimson as she held his hands in hers. “No… I felt safe then, and I still do now.” A faint nod toward the gun holster strapped to his thigh. “And the gun – do all the croupiers carry weapons on them?”

Still entranced by her steady gaze – the lack of fear when she took his gauntleted hand in hers once again - Vincent shook his head, his voice soft. “No. It’s only myself, other than security. It’s… a long story.”

Reilena’s smile didn’t waver. “I would like to hear it sometime, if you don’t mind sharing it,” she murmured, squeezing both of his hands, a soft pink blush rising in her cheeks.

“I think it would need a little more time, and maybe…” closing his eyes, Vincent took a deep breath, trying to quell his nerves as he met her gaze anew, felt himself falling into sparkling violet pools. “...m-maybe if you’re able to steal away for a bit longer, you and I could… I mean, I could buy you a drink, and we-”

The door opened, a heavy sigh. “There you are,” an annoyed voice said; taking his hand back, Vincent moved to pull out his gun again when he saw who it was, and begrudgingly dropped his hands from Reilena’s. A soft whine from her at first, when she looked toward the oncoming footsteps, she sighed, lowering her eyes as a new gloved hand was shoved in her face.

“I’m all right. Vincent here saved me,” she began, the redheaded Turk waving it off with his free hand.

“Good for him, now you come on and let’s go. Elena got new drinks, and Heidegger’s about to lose it since you’re not there – you know damn well you’re his Lady Luck,” the Turk snapped, pulling Reilena to her feet when she took his hand. “We gotta get a move on, and I know you can run in heels, so c’mon.”

Growling softly, Vincent rose to his feet. “Treat her with a little respect – manhandling a woman isn’t Turk protocol.”

“Heh. And you’d know this how?” the Turk retorted, turning to meet Vincent’s quietly furious crimson gaze with a cocky stare, a brow arched over blue-green eyes. “Look, you think she’s cute. I get it. But she’s Shinra property, so you’d be better off just forgetting about her, okay?”

“Reno!”

Reno glared back at Reilena. “What? Better he gets let down bluntly. Now come on, we’ve wasted enough time here.” Looking back at Vincent, he clipped off a sarcastic salute. “Thanks, dealer boy.”

Still growling under his breath, Vincent watched as Reno pulled Reilena along; just before she stumbled out, she glanced over her shoulder, mouthing “I’m sorry.”

“…” His voice quieted down once she left his view, the door closing behind them; lowering his eyes, Vincent rechecked his gun, then ran claws through his hair, his heart beginning to slow down within his chest.

The light switches flipped, Vincent walked out of the lounge, straightening his vest as he made his way back to his table, the BREAK placard set in the center. Slipping behind the table, he was about to take the sign down when he decided to risk it – just as she had – and look across the pit again.

She was back at the craps table, but on Heidegger’s opposite side, so Vincent could see her clearly – and as he looked over, Reilena glanced toward him as well, smiling softly, making a subtle writing motion in the air.

Vincent nodded, lips turned in a subtle smile of his own, just as a fresh group of players walked over, pulling chairs out, chip racks set atop the edge of the table as the croupier shuffled a fresh deck of cards.

“Starting bet?”