An Ocean of Roses
By kimetara
Multipart
Sequel to "Waves of Pain" and Red Roses Mean Love. References to "Petals" as a side story.

AN: To Cendrillo: Oh yes, I love reading reviews! All constructive criticism is seriously considered and appreciated, and happy reviews make my day. (Speaking of which, I'm glad you and most everybody else enjoyed Reno popping by. He's always fun to play with!)

Epilogue

". . . so you see, I stopped feeling in love with him at least a year ago." Tifa paused. "And when I...I mean, at first, I was worried that I was simply substituting you for Cloud, but as time went on, I..."

"I understand," Vincent gently cut her off, well-aware of how uncomfortable emotional confessions made her. He couldn't help feeling another pang of regret for accusing her of still being infatuated with Cloud, and he tightened his arm around her shoulders. Her left hand reached up and rested a moment on his remaining one, then returned to playing with the fingers of his claw.

For a moment it was quiet, a hush of relief permeating through the room with that taboo conversation over. The single lamp cast Tifa's living room into a mix of warm light and shadows, and faint music from their neighbors could be heard through the window. He could feel her head move against his chest as she peered at the metal, though for the life of him, he couldn't understand why she found it so fascinating. Then again, he also didn't understand why tonight she had wanted them to sit on the floor and lean back against the sofa, rather than simply sit on the sofa...but he didn't argue.

Tifa sighed and set the claw down, and he moved it to the side. Vincent still wasn't sure if she viewed it as a mechanism or a limb, but that was unimportant. He wasn't sure which he considered it either.

"Yes?" he prodded after another few seconds of silence.

"...what is it like, to be living with Chaos?"

Ah. Vincent slid his gaze away, off into the misty shade on the left. He had expected that inquiry, but to expect a thing and to face it were two completely different experiences. "It is...something one becomes used to."

"Mmm-hmm?" She twisted around and tilted her head to look up at him. He could tell she was trying to keep herself from appearing too curious, but he still couldn't miss her interest. Unfortunately, he had little to say on the matter.

"...imagine a second being in your mind. That is all." There was no need to inform her of Chaos' personality, and honestly, it wasn't one of much concern. He and the demon had...adjusted to one another.

Tifa half-frowned as she attempted to follow his suggestion. "So he knows what you're thinking?"

"Yes. ...I can temporarily block my thoughts, but if he wishes, then he can later go back and see what he missed," Vincent elaborated in an attempt to give Tifa a little more detail. "It's generally better to simply leave it be and expect him to decide against reviewing."

Tifa blinked. "Decide against reviewing? So he doesn't have constant access to what you're thinking?"

Vincent affirmed this with a small nod. "Not constant. He has periods of dormancy." Right now was one of those periods, although Vincent could feel Chaos stirring. To think about the demon was to summon him.

"And do you know what he's thinking?"

"I can."

She thoughtfully bit her lip. "What's that like?"

Vincent shrugged. "It depends on the thoughts."

"Oh." Tifa turned her eyes downwards towards the carpet, and he waited for her next question. "And...there's no way to remove him?"

I'm not some minor parasite or a bumper sticker, Chaos grumbled, but it lacked true resentment. Vincent inwardly smirked.

"Not that I'm aware of," he replied to Tifa. "There is a possibility he will disappear on his own or fall permanently dormant, as the other three have... He has been quiet more often of late."

Only because I don't want to deal with your sickening human relationships. Did you really think I'd enjoy watching you two? Chaos spat in offended disgust.

Then don't. I did not state that I regretted you falling dormant, Vincent returned calmly.

I'm not falling dormant, idiot, he sneered. You're not using me anymore.

I haven't taken your form in quite a long time...

You really are thick. Not that way.

Then what do you mean?

Chaos sighed in annoyance. Rage, savagery, apathy, you used to have them all, Vincent dear. Typical Turk baggage. But incase you haven't noticed, they don't seem to be around very much anymore. As for me, the demon smirked, there isn't much vengeance left in you either.

With that oddly compliant reply, Chaos receded back into the depths of his mind, apparently unable or uninterested in staying awake. Vincent's brows furrowed in mild confusion, but before he could ponder the answer further he stiffened, discomfited by the sudden realization that he had blanked out and Tifa was watching him intently. "Yes?" he inquired, hoping too much time hadn't passed since his last response.

"...nothing. Alright." She turned back around and, to his surprise, snuggled herself closer against his side. Her arms wrapped around his waist and she let out a small yawn, and after a moment of deliberation, he relaxed and lightly squeezed her arm.

"You should be in bed," he informed her.

"Mmm."

He half-smiled. "Come on, let's go." His reluctance didn't show as he stood up, giving Tifa plenty of time to stand with him.

"Alright, alright..." Hers was slightly more reluctant due to her tone and how slowly she moved, but beyond that she made no protest. "I love you, Vincent," she added, her tone deceptively casual.

He paused and a warm shiver traveled through his body. Vincent licked his lips and attempted a response, tried give voice to the reply that rose up his throat, but he simply couldn't-

She smiled at him, as understanding as he when she had been speaking about Cloud. "Good night. See you in the morning!" Tifa chirped and headed for the stairs. Vincent watched her go before trailing after, his eyes soft with the knowledge she'd be there at the dawn.

- finis -

AN: Now I can declare this story arc officially complete. Many thanks to everybody who stayed with me for so long (over three years!); for all those that reviewed RRML asking for the sequel, again, this was written due to your encouragement. And for everybody who has read this story, I sincerely hope I've managed to repay your time and interest by making your day a little brighter. (If not, just imagine Reno whining about the unfairness of the movie production business, hehe.)

Take care and happy reading!
- kimetara