Chapter 6: Angus

Nearly a month passed uneventfully for the group of friends. Gavin and Willy continued to see each other. Vincent’s meetings with Lucretia became more frequent. Raile was able to spend more time with his family, and Tyser was content being single and "independent." Even Korben’s spirits began to lift, now that he was somewhat separated from his cards. For a while, things were going well.

Vincent returned late to the apartment one night and took a seat on the sofa. Willy could tell immediately that something important was on his mind—she’d caught a glance of him from the window as he approached their building, and clearly saw him drop the remains of a strawberry milkshake in a wastebasket outside. As Tyser and Korben were out on assignment, she decided to take advantage of their private time.

"Hey, Vinnie," she called from the kitchen, washing her dishes from a dinner of somewhat overcooked macaroni and cheese. "You looked dragged." She fetched a bottle of mixed fruit juice and two glasses, joining him in the living space. "Hard day?"

Vincent accepted her beverage offer and sipped the drink quietly. "I have a problem," he said, his voice reserved.

"Try me." Willy set her own glass down untouched. She waned to appear completely attentive. "Can I help?"

He shook his head—his slow, awkward behavior proved to her how serious his situation was. "I’m in love with Lucretia," he told her.

His friend was taken somewhat aback. She’d known Vincent for five years, and he’d never admitted to being attracted to a woman, much less in love with one. He’d only dated twice in her memory; both relationships had ended swiftly. When she overcame her surprise, she quickly forced herself to encourage him. "Vincent, that’s wonderful. You don’t have to be ashamed of that. She seems like a very special person." Though she wanted to be an assuring, serious friend, she felt that she was grinning ear to ear like an excited child. "And she seems to really—"

"She’s in love with someone else."

Willy stopped immediately, finally comprehending the complexity of his problem. Though it was probably the worst question to ask, she couldn’t help herself. "Who?"

"Gast’s assistant, Ian Hojo."

"Hojo!?" She nearly leapt to her feet in outrage. "That skinny, butt-ugly needle-dick prick? But…." She shook her head violently to dissolve any images the thought might have conjured. "How could she? The man’s heartless. She’s giving women a bad name!"

"She says there’s more to him that he let’s on," Vincent continued in barely a whisper. He was sitting with his elbows on his knees, chin resting on folded hands. His eyes were downcast and solemn. "She says he has insight, and passion, and genius. She loves him for it."

Willy stared at him; even as a Turk, she didn’t need a psychology degree to know what he was thinking. "Everything you’re not."

His hands tightened reflexively, then relaxed. "Yeah. Something…like that."

"Oh, Vincent." She leaned forward, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. He didn’t respond, but she knew that he needed it. "I’m sorry—I should have realized sooner. Why do you always have to be the silent one? I care about you, you know."

"I know," Vincent replied through a sigh. "But this…is personal."

"Of course it’s personal! You’re in love, for God’s sake." Willy tucked her legs beneath her and eased him back against the sofa. She laid her head on his shoulder, knowing that anything more would only make him uncomfortable. Though she had always found comfort in physical contact, Vincent was very different. "You don’t have to be ashamed," she said, hoping that her words would be enough. "You’re smart, and handsome, and caring—she’s a fool not to see that in you."

He shook his head slowly. "No, she sees. She merely sees more in him."

"Just as bad. It’s her loss."

"And mine."

Willy paused, listening to the tone of his voice. He sounded so…empty. "This is the real thing, isn’t it?" she murmured. "You…really love her."

Vincent allowed another low sign to escape his lips. "Yes," he admitted, letting himself lean against the woman at his side. Of the few people he considered his friends, Willy knew him the best, and in her presence he felt at ease. With her he could share his deepest secrets and not risk rejection or contempt. More than ever he depended on her.

"There’s not much I can say," Willy continued. "It’s hard, isn’t it? The only thing you can think about is why she chose him over you. You think you’re not good enough, or that you didn’t do enough." She wriggled closer to him, as if searching for comfort from her own memories. "But it’s not true. You told me that, once."

"I know." He remembered how he’d found Willow Trust all those years ago, sitting curled in the corner of a bar after one of his assignments. Something had drawn him to her, coaxed him to lift her out of the stench and filth, and…to care. To simply care about another person had been something he hadn’t done for a long time. And he knew now that if anyone would understand his plight, she would. He didn’t remember how he’d helped her, but maybe now she could help him.

Willy must have felt his need for resolution, for she shifted and began to speak once more. "There’s only a bit of advice I can give you, and it won’t make it easier." She paused to collect her thoughts. "You can’t make her love you—there’s nothing you can do to change her mind. You can’t make her not love…that man, and if you try she’ll only hate you for it."

"I don’t want that," Vincent replied quickly.

"I know. Just remember that she won’t love you if you’re not first her friend. Stay with her, help her—and please watch out for her, because if she thinks she can tame Ian Hojo, she’ll need someone to watch her back."

He nodded, realizing the sense in those simple words. "Yes, I will. Thank you, Willow." She snorted in annoyance, but she didn’t protest his using her real name. She pulled his arm around her and snuggled close like a kitten, and he held her, unashamed that being with her comforted him. It was like this that the two of them fell asleep.

The next day brought another problem. The call came early that morning, while everyone was eating breakfast. Tyser tossed the cellular to Vincent. "For you."

Vincent caught the phone perfectly in one hand, wiping his mouth with the other—Willy had made them all breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon. "This is Vincent," he said into the receiver. The others were involved in a conversation about Mindy’s Café and paid no mind. At one point, however, Willy realized that he wasn’t saying anything. He was just listening with downcast eyes, and his face was serious. After a short time he said, "All right, that’s fine. I’ll be ready by tomorrow. It’s no problem." Then he hung up.

"That was Raile, wasn’t it?" Tyser asked. "Dealing out a new assignment?"

Vincent continued to eat his breakfast, but they could tell something had changed his mood in that he wouldn’t meet their gazes. "Yes."

He didn’t elaborate, and finally Willy asked, "Well? What is it?"

"Relocation." The simple word caused all their faces to fall. "A group of scientists is on its way to the new mansion in Nibelheim. Their work is highly experimental and potentially dangerous; the President wants me to keep an eye on them."

"How long?" was Korben’s question.

"A year."

"What a minute…." Willy stared at him, after a moment catching on. "Did you say scientists? Then…."

The door opened suddenly, and a cheerful voice called out, "Guess who’s here!" With an arrogant air that was a bit out of character for him, Gavin sauntered into the room. He was dressed in his full SOLDIER uniform, complete with the thick-soled boots, baggy black pants, gray shirt, suspenders, gloves, and belt. He spread his arms and turned in a full circle, grinning from ear to ear. "C’mon, guess."

"Uh, Gavin?" Korben suggested.

"Gavie?" was Tyser’s.

When the SOLDIER shook his head, Korben tried, "Grabby?"

"Gropey!" was Willy’s nearly anticipated response.

Gavin moved to her quickly, lifting the woman out of her chair and spinning her about. "Only when I’m in as good a mood as this," he replied, planting a kiss firmly on her lips. She squealed and threw her arms around him, an affection he eagerly shared.

"Um, guys?" Korben said as the moments passed and neither gave signs of separating. "We know you’re gropey, so you don’t have to put on a display."

Willy was forced to withdraw as he breath ran out, reduced to giggling in his ear. "As much as I agree with Willy’s sentiments," Gavin said with a cocky grin, "you’re all wrong." He gave a short bow, bending Willy backward in the process. "You’re looking at Captain Gavin Frekes, of SOLDIER Second Class."

"Really?" In her enthusiasm Willy nearly pounced with another ferocious kiss. He gave no complaints, ignoring Tyser and Korben’s congratulations. Vincent only watched. He pushed away from the table and stood.

"Gavin, that’s amazing!" Willy exclaimed as she released him once more. "I knew you’d make it! You are such a stud, Gavin. It’s about time the general got his head out of his ass."

"I did a couple jobs recently that got the President’s eye," he said, oozing with pride. "Apparently, I’m on my way up. Who knows…."

Willy hugged him again, overjoyed by his news. Tyser laughed at her. "Well, you’ve got Willy as giddy as a school girl," he remarked. "That’s got to be worth something."

"Even as Second Class we Turks still out-rank him," Korben reminded. No one noticed as Vincent retrieved his coat and headed for the door.

Willy stuck her tongue out at Korben, enhancing the school-girl image. "Didn’t I tell you?" Tyser declared. "Just a damn kid. Keep your tongue in your mouth."

"Oh, I’ll find a mouth for it." She turned back to Gavin, preparing to prove her point, when for only a moment her eyes met Vincent’s. Her expression grew curious. "Vince, what’s wrong?"

Vincent was already at the door. "Sorry for leaving like this, but I have preparations to make." He gave Gavin a nod of acknowledgment. "Congratulations, Gavin."

"Yeah, thanks."

Suddenly Willy remembered what they’d been talking about earlier, and she could have kicked herself for being so insensitive. She settled with slapping her forehead. The distraction, however, allowed Vincent enough time to slip out the door. "Wait—Vince!" she called, but it was too late. She cursed as the door closed behind him.

"What’s wrong with Vincent?" Korben asked thoughtfully.

"Damnit, you guys don’t get it," Willy said, breaking away from Gavin. "He’s in love with Lucretia—this isn’t just a crush. And now…." She sighed in frustration, moving to grab her coat from the closet. "I have to go after him."

Gavin pursued her, taking her by the arm. "Hey, wait a minute. I thought—"

"Gav, I’m sorry, but I have to." She kissed him briefly. "Vince is really in a bind now, and I can’t just let him go off like this. Meet me for lunch, okay? Same place—your place. We’ll celebrate." She flashed him a wicked grin, and then bounded for the door. "Tyser, I’m counting on you to get him drunk!" Without looking back, she left.

Gavin stared after her, a strange expression coming over his face. Tyser and Korben exchanged glances of their own. "Something wrong?" the former asked.

Gavin sighed, shaking his head to loosen the grim appearance in his features. "Nothing. Nothing at all."

"In that case," Korben spoke up, "I can offer only one token of my commendation." In two fingers he held up the last piece of bacon. "It’s hot, crispy, and oozing with protein. You know you want it." Tyser sniggered in the background.

"I’ll pass," the SOLDIER muttered in reply. He followed Willy’s exit.

"Oh. Too bad." Korben popped the strip of meat into his mouth, making sure to crunch loudly as he savored the taste.

"Vincent! Vincent, wait!" Willy struggled into her coat as she chased after the man’s rapidly escaping figure. Finally, having won her battle with the garment, she managed to catch up with him. Her pace settled to match his. "I said wait, you bastard. Making me run when it’s this cold out."

Vincent didn’t falter in step or tone as he calmly uttered, "Tampons."

She choked and stumbled, then righted herself so she could elbow him in the ribs. "What the hell?" she exclaimed weakly.

"And lipstick, and shaving cream, and a hair brush with hair entwined in it."

"I hope this isn’t what you meant by "preparations," she muttered dryly.

"Those were the first things I saw when I went into the bathroom this morning," he explained at last. "You went shopping yesterday, and you left most of it in the sink."

"My tampons are none of your business!" Willy shouted, her cheeks reddening in furious embarrassment. The few people on the street turned toward her, drawn by the exclamation, and she quickly lowered her voice. "But what the hell does that have to do with anything?" she hissed. "And you’d better not be blushing, you pervert."

Vincent pursed his lips into a thin line. "I’ve lived in the same apartment with your for five years," he continued, not meeting her gaze. "When I wake up, I can smell you cooking breakfast. I hear you arguing with Korben, or drying your hair after a shower. Your things are everywhere—you clothes, your ridiculous furniture—"

"Hey."

"—your hair, your toothbrush, your very smell is part of that apartment."

She couldn’t tell if he was criticizing her or making a point. "So…."

"So now I’m going to live in the same house with her."

"I don’t think you’ll have to worry about finding her tampons, you sick little boy."

The Senior Turk sighed with frustration, coming to a halt so that he could face her at last; she was relieved, as his pace was not an easy one to keep up with. "Willy, don’t you see? Whenever I see her I can think only of how much I love her—what can I do now? And if Hojo is there too, how am I supposed to hide it?"

Willy cringed, unaccustomed to the way his voice was rising now. It was a rare occasion that Vincent Valentine lost his cool. "Why didn’t you tell Raile no?"

"Because the job requires a Senior Turk, and someone who knows the scientists. Raile’s our leader—he can’t take an extended assignment out of Midgar. It’s my duty."

"And…?"

"And…." He sighed again, shaking his head. "She requested me."

Damn that dull-witted, insensitive bitch! Willy thought bitterly. Even if she doesn’t realize she’s stringing him along…that’s no excuse! Someone should slap her around.

"Hey Vince…are you going to tell her how you feel?"

Vincent didn’t respond at first, appearing very deeply in thought. "I…don’t know," he admitted. The insecurity in his voice was a bit unnerving to her. "If I tell her, it will change everything between us. But living with her…." He growled, and continued walking with a forward set gaze. Willy hurried to catch up. "You may not mind living with three men because we’re your friends—we know you, trust you. But I don’t trust Hojo with her." His face displayed a momentary scowl, but another thought caused the expression to soften. "And she can’t trust me. I’m hiding things from her."

"It won’t be so bad," Willy assured awkwardly. Personal space and privacy were never issues for her, and though she knew her friend well, she didn’t understand how he could be so meticulous about his things sometimes. "If it’s a mansion, you probably won’t have to share a bathroom or anything."

"It’s not just that—it’s everything. People who live together learn things about each other. I’ll see her every day at every meal, before she puts her make up on, and when she’s relaxing all alone. All the things she doesn’t show me willfully." He closed his eyes briefly, and when they opened once more his dark brown eyes were muddled with unpleasant thoughts. "It happened when I took you in. You remember, don’t you? I almost couldn’t stand it, and then we became closer. Living together like that forces people together or further apart. It’s a decision people make out of trust and intimacy."

"Wow," she replied, somewhat awestruck by the emotion in his speech. "That was…almost romantic, Vincent."

"Yes, well, Lucretia’s after romance of a different kind."

Willy took his arm, forcing him to stop. Her eyes commanded that he look at her directly. "Don’t let that happen," she told him. "You can’t become bitter, Vince. It’ll eat you alive—I know. What happens will happen, and that’s all." She took a deep breath, hoping she was giving him good advice. "If you love her," she started slowly, "then you won’t hurt her. It’s just like I said last night—take care of her. She doesn’t know what she’s getting into with Hojo."

"I know." Vincent turned his gaze away. "I know. It’s…just hard to imagine. I mean…living with her like that."

"Are you going to be all right?"

He considered her question, his mouth turning in a frown. After a moment he sighed and nodded. "Yes. I can survive. Maybe in time…I’ll cope."

"I’m sure you’ll be okay." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "If worse comes to worst, you can call me, or ask Tyser to take over."

"I’ll be all right."

"I know." She punched him mockingly in the stomach. "You’re pretty tough. But you’d better go buy some extra socks, ‘cause it’s chilly in Nibelheim this time of year."

To her relief, Vincent chuckled. "You’re right. I think I’ll do that." He reached out and touched the top of her head. "Thanks for looking out for me."

"Hey, I owe you." Willy smiled, coaxing a similar reaction from him. "Now go on—I don’t want you getting sick over there."

"Yes, yes." With a shake of his head he turned up his coat collar and began to move away.

"Now don’t go get drunk!" she called after him. "And don’t forget to pack your chocobo slippers!"

He waved without turning and continued on. Willy smiled grimly to herself as she watched him leave; though she would always show him a smiling face, internally she was fearful for her companion. He may have pulled her out of the slums, taught her to start over, but could he possibly do the same for himself? And if he told Lucretia how he felt…and if she rejected him….

She remembered the cards that foretold Vincent’s fate, and shuddered. She didn’t believe in fate and destiny—each person made their own decisions day by day, guiding the path of their own life. This she knew, as her own mistakes had led to her own downfall. But then, just when she’d begun to believe that her life was only someone’s cruel joke, she’d found the courage to pull herself together. If fate had anything to do with her life, then it had brought Vincent to her.

Willy shook her head. "No no no! That’s stupid. Pull yourself together!"

"Willy?"

A hand came down on her shoulder, and she spun, already preparing to smash whoever it was in the face. Her training, however, allowed her to recognize Gavin as the man before she attempted to break his nose. "Damnit, you scared me!" she exclaimed hoarsely, jabbing him in the ribs. "Sneaking up on people like that."

"I wasn’t sneaking," he protested. The arrogant charm had vanished from his face and manner, as if "SOLDIER, Second Class" was a title spoken merely in fantasy, now forgotten. "Are you okay?"

Willy nodded. "Yeah, fine. I’m just worried about Vince. I…kinda have a bad feeling about this."

"I’m sure he’ll be all right." He switched subjects suddenly. "Hey, we going out or what?"

Her repose was quickly thrust aside. "Why’d you have to get promoted on a day I’m actually on duty?" she whined. "Raile’s coming to take us through Sereim today to go slum shopping." "Slum shopping" was a Turk term—they were actually going to clear out a hideout of suspected anti-Shinra. "I can get away for lunch, after briefing, but that’s it."

"Sereim?" Gavin groaned. "There’s a SOLDIER team going out there to help, I heard. I was assigned, but then they gave me the day off after my promotion."

"Damn. Someone’s got it out for us." She pursed her lips. "Well, we’ll just go out tomorrow and celebrate. How about—"

"Can’t." Gavin shook his head, a look of disappointment spreading over his face. "Willy, there’s something I gotta tell you." He fidgeted a bit. "This is my last day in Midgar for a while."

Willy turned on him instantly. "What? Why?"

"I’m being transferred." He said with a helpless shrug, and Willy’s heart sank into her gut. "Tomorrow, to Junon Port. They’re starting an entire damn city, and a lot of Second Class is going."

"No, not you, too." The female Turk stomped her foot, indulging herself in a childish temper tantrum. It was the only way to keep him from seeing how upset she actually was. How could Vincent and Gavin leave her behind like this? "It’s not fair; definitely 100% not fair! Damn the General and his idiotic assignments!"

Gavin watched as she continued to mutter curses, chewing on his bottom lip. He tried to catch a glimpse of her eyes; if he could see her eyes, then maybe he could reach the courage he’d been saving deep within his gut for this day. It was laughable to think that a member of SOLDIER—the strongest men in the world—could be a coward when it came to something like this. All he had to do was open his mouth and say the words he’d practiced the night before. One deep breath to calm himself, and then speak. That was all it would take.

Gavin’s lips parted. He took a breath, and willed himself to expel it in the form of those rehearsed, sacred words. When the sound of his voice reached his ears, however, what he heard was not what he’d intended to say.

"I’m sorry."

Willy sighed, running her hand through her mousy brown hair. She wouldn’t face him directly. "I know, but it’s not your fault. A new city…it’s a bit chance for you, isn’t it? Being a captain…."

"Yeah. Really." He shifted his weight from one foot to the other; the knots in his stomach started to unwind once he realized that the time for decisions was over. The release of that tension was replaced by a deeper, more painful uncertainty residing in his ribs. Had there been any way to dissolve that agony as well he would have taken it, but a deep fear rooted to his being, and he could not find the strength.

Gavin held out his hand. "C’mon, Willy. I’ll walk you back to your apartment."

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