emovampboy | For Reeve

When it came to use of his phone, Vincent was very much like Cloud. He left it on, received messages and listened to or read them, but quite rarely responded. The few times he did respond tended to be if he deemed an actual answer to be required, or when from time to time Marlene got hold of Cloud or Tifa's phone and contacted him. Since it was so rare for her to do so, he always took it as a good thing to answer.

Which meant he had answered when she called him a few days after a message from Tifa asking him to come to a party for the girl, which he had ignored; his first mistake. Once answered, the girl had spent several minutes speaking to him, until suddenly springing the question of if he were coming to her party and making it quite impossible for him to really say no without seeming like a total heel, and so he agreed to go; his second mistake. And then he had made his third mistake - actually going.

At first, it really wouldn't have seemed to have been a bad idea. He knew everyone who was invited, how they acted around one another, and that Tifa would keep the whole group from going completely crazy over the course of the night, but he had not expected having to assist in breaking up one of Cloud and Barrett's squabbles when the woman had to leave for a short time to fetch something, and honestly he was glad that Reeve was invited and could help diffuse the situation with; especially when Yuffie and a very unhelpful Cid decided it would be a great idea to bet on who would win if they actually took to fistacuffs over whatever stupid thing it was this time which set them off.

All of this had left him rather done with company, and as soon as Tifa was back to be the adult in the situation, he'd snuck outside for some relative peace and quiet.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

emovampboy

The shrug is once again meant less as an insult and more of an indication that Vincent is quite unsure how to respond to the remark, though he does give Reeve just the faintest, and quite fleeting, of smiles as an apology before he pulls ahead to guide the way to the small place he has built into a home within the forest, wondering if Reeve will actually expect he has something more than a tree to sleep in.

From:

plate_builder

Honestly, Reeve was expecting camping. Literally anything would be more than he'd expected. He's smiling as they follows the other man.

"Can you see the stars here?"

From:

emovampboy

"Not here," Vincent moves into the small building that acts as his home, setting Reeve's bags down and moving to get him some water. "But there is a place about five minutes walk from here that has a very good view."

From:

plate_builder

And look, it's even a building. Reeve was pleased to see it, but he really would have accepted something else.

He takes the water when it's given and looks at Vincent with a smile.

"How good of a view?"

From:

emovampboy

Vincent likes nature just fine, but even he likes four walls and a roof when the whether got bad, meaning he had either found or repaired this place.

"If the resort people saw, they would build here." Yes, a joke, but it should tell Reeve all he needs to know; the view was expansive and extroidinary.

From:

plate_builder

"If the resort people saw it, I might consider quietly having them dealt with," Reeve noted.

Also a joke. But one with a serious edge. He would never let anyone ruin this place, not while he was alive.

After another swig of water he gets to his feet.

"Come on, show me it."

From:

emovampboy

"It's too light for stars, but we can go for the view if you wish."

He's saying this and trying quite obviously not to give off the faintest of smiles to Reeve and quietly handling resorts.

He knows the man is capable of it, of course, but it just isn't his preferred method of handling inconveniences. Money or any other silent way is something Reeve tries to avoid, unless Vincent has him all wrong.

Though speaking of wrong and knowing Reeve, Vincent finally manages the faintest of smirks.

"The alternative to going now, however, is resting now and heading up there tonight with a blanket. Such things are romantic, right?"

From:

plate_builder

What?

Reeve looks back at Vincent in shock. And then his expression softens. It's such a good idea. So beautifully good that he moves to Vincent and kisses him. Soft and sweet. A 'thank you that's wonderful' kiss.

When he pulls back he smiles.

"They are."

From:

emovampboy

There's a hint of amusement in Vincent's eyes at that shock, though he says nothing about it. Reeve will find that Vincent can be a lot different than he generally presents himself; much more soft and in some ways, romantic.

Reeve even has the advantage over Lecrecia, in that Vincent has had time to understand himself a little better and is not quite as shy as he once was. Still quiet, perhaps, and not as outright affectionate as some, but not as shy.

Which is likely why he returns that kiss just faintly, watching as the other man pulls back and nodding gently.

"Then we will rest for now, and head out at dusk."

From:

plate_builder

Oh yes, definitely romantic.

Resting for now was enough. And he smiled fondly over the kiss.

"Don't suppose I could ask for a meal?"

From:

emovampboy

Vincent nods softly, moving to one side of the little hut to begin preparing something for Reeve to eat. "It will take a few minutes, so please make yourself comfortable."

From:

plate_builder

"Comfortable is being in your presence," Reeve observes, leaning against the wall to watch the other man. "You're certain I cannot help?"

From:

emovampboy

What a cheesy line; but Vincent doesn't seem to mind, shaking his head a little to the question. "You're on vacation. Allow yourself to be pampered for a day."

From:

plate_builder

It might be cheesy, but he doesn't care. He feels it anyway.

"Pampered by you? Oh dear yes. I could agree with that."

From:

emovampboy

"Then give me a moment," Vincent's voice is highly amused, though he doesn't turn back towards Reeve, busy with whatever he is making. "I'll have this ready."

From:

plate_builder

"I'll give you several," Reeve counters, smiling before heading out of the shelter. "I'm going to take a brief walk, if that's okay? Cool down from the hike."

From:

emovampboy

"Okay." He knows Reeve can take care of himself, and there is very little to threaten him here in the forest, so he doesn't move to follow; let the man enjoy himself a bit.

He does eventually move out to call for Reeve, letting him know food is ready.

From:

plate_builder

Perhaps not in this part of the forest, but Reeve remembers what it was like when they traveled here. Still, the peacefulness is rejuvenating and he is contented, body and mind, when he returns at the beckoning.

"I can see why you choose to be here," Reeve says, and sure he's said it before, but he has a new reason. "It's so... calm."

From:

emovampboy

Vincent watches Reeve return, and can already see that the man is more relaxed, even before Reeve remarks on the calmness of the area. It may have taken a bit for them to arrange, but Vincent is glad they did, as it is likely the man will benefit greatly from the reprieve to his stress-filled days and nights.

Vincent will even acknowledge that he will potentially benefit from all this as well. It's been quite a long time since he's really spent time with someone alone in a way that matters, which is perhaps why he is so intent on spoiling Reeve; or maybe it's just because Vincent has had more than enough time to consider what sort of role he wants in the developing relationship.

So he nods a bit, tilting his head towards a small table he's laid the food on.

"Sorry it isn't much. Rice and some fried meat, mostly. Still, it should be more than filling. Want coffee with it, or more water?"

From:

plate_builder

It's not just the relief from the stress. It was returning to his roots. He'd grown up on a farm, and while a forest was different, he'd almost forgotten about nature.

"It's lovely food," Reeve smiles, moving to the table. "It reminds me of being a kid. Though there were more fresh vegetables. And... water. Please. I haven't been caffeine free for years. I'd like to experience it for a while."

From:

emovampboy

"I forgot to get vegetables when I went to town." It's half an apology, given more because it seems right, less because he believes Reeve will be upset. "We can hunt for some herbs tomorrow if you like."

Grabbing some water for Reeve and himself, he comes to sit and eat with the man.

From:

plate_builder

"It's fine," Reeve assures him with a smile. Because this smells good. "And luckily I recognize some herbs, so I don't mind the excuse for a leisurely walk."

Soon he's working on the meal and making a contented sigh. Is it hte best food? No. Is it nice? Yes.

From:

emovampboy

Vincent nods his acceptance at hunting out herbs the next day, and eats quietly for a while, letting Reeve do the same.

Once they are closer to the end of their meal, he does speak again, asking a simple question - although there may the faintest of teasing glimmer in his eye as he speaks; yes, Vincent is being bad,

"Aside from what has already been discussed, anything particular you want to do on this mini-vacation?"

From:

plate_builder

He hadn't expected more words until the meal was happily finished. They had taken a few companionable meals together after all. It was comforting to know it would be able to continue like that.

But this question has bait, and Reeve smiles.

"You."