Months passed by, and life passed normally for most. Edge was a bustling city full of people. Cloud, Tifa and the others were carrying on with work and adventure, whatever suited them most. Shelke was making a lot of progress in regaining her emotions and personality, and she had fortunately been able to erase most of Lucrecia's interfering data from her neural network. She still had a bit of admiration for Vincent after all he'd done, and that seemed to be the only part of the scientist left, but it didn't bother her much. She was just glad to be able to live alongside him and Vianca. She enjoyed spending time with them --- her friends.

But today was not such a day. Shelke had made herself scarce and remained in Edge while the couple took a trip together. They had been doing that often. Vianca had wanted to see and experience what the world had to offer, and Vincent had promised to show her everything. It felt like the girl was learning so much each and every day. The man by her side benefited as well. He was reminded of the world's beauty, and the joy of loving and being loved made every day worth living.

Vianca held her hands over her eyes, trusting in Vincent to guide her. "Are we there yet?"

With a light smile, the male kept a hand on the small of her back as he walked beside her. "Almost."

Vianca could feel the cool breeze on her skin. She heard the pleasant chirping of birds, and the strong scent of flowers filled her nose. She knew they were in Nibelheim, but that was the only clue she had as to where they were going. Vianca had flown them to Shinra Manor, but then Vincent took over and had her close her eyes while he took her somewhere "special", as he put it. She trusted him, of course. He was her boyfriend after all, which was a term she'd only learned recently.

"Okay. You can look now."

The girl uncovered her eyes, gasping at the sight before her. They were in a little flower field with a few lone trees to provide shade. It was just like in the pictures Vianca had seen so long ago, only it was prettier than the books portrayed. And the aroma of the different flora was sweet. Despite passing that field in the past when she went to Shinra Manor, she didn't think much of it at the time.

"It's..." A bright smile graced her lips. "It's so pretty!" She spun around, giggling excitedly at the sights and sounds. "I had no idea all this was so close to the mansion."

Vincent's soft gaze wandered from her to the scenery. "This is where I came to relax when I worked as a bodyguard. Lucrecia would sometimes set up a picnic for us. That's why...this place is special to me. So many fond memories."

Vianca's smile faded a little. "Oh, Vincent... You didn't have to bring me here if it means that much to you." Some people would be jealous upon hearing their significant other admit a thing like that, but Vianca understood.

Vincent looked at her and shook his head. "That's exactly why I wanted to bring you here. I like this place, and I want to create new memories here with you."

Vianca went right over to hug him. "That means a lot, Vincent." She pressed her cheek into his shirt, her arms around his torso.

Vincent planted a chaste kiss to her head before she released him. He'd grown accustomed to speaking a bit more and showing a little affection to the girl he now considered his girlfriend. Though that side of him only came out when they were alone. He was still fairly quiet and closed off from most of the others, and he didn't care for PDA. With a soft smile, Vincent watched the girl skip over into the flowers, though she was careful not to step on any. She crouched to sniff them, taking in the sweet scents. She ended up sneezing, but her nose scrunched up in the cutest way.

Moving over to sit under the tree, the man watched her with admiration. Seeing her smiling and enjoying herself made him happy. She was like a rare blossom amongst the field of flowers --- radiant. Ever since life had calmed down, he'd taken the time to simply savor everyone and everything he had. He appreciated Vianca's kind and curious nature, and due to her losses in the past, he could relate to her. Staring absentmindedly at Omega's shattered remains in the blue sky, Vincent thought of everything. The past that brought him there, the present that gifted him with joy, the future that was left to the imagination.

"Vincent." The male was torn from his thoughts by the voice of his sweetheart. He looked over at her to see her slowly approaching, covered in a bunch of butterflies. "These insects... They're the ones that are nice with the colorful wings, right? Butterflies, I think they're called."

Vincent chuckled, nodding his head. "Yeah, they're harmless. They seem to like you."

"They tickle." She giggled, her shoulders shaking lightly, causing a few of the colorful bugs to flutter away. "They're really cute though." With one on her finger, she brought it up closer to her face. "Butterflies... I think these are my favorite insects so far. They're much nicer than those bees from before."

A slight laugh escaped Vincent's lips as he recalled the event of a couple weeks ago. "I warned you not to mess with them too much. They can sting."

Vianca laughed, causing the butterflies to scatter. "I know, but I really wanted to taste their honey. Plus, I didn't expect something so fuzzy and cute to really be so mean." She plopped down beside him on the grass. "This is a really tranquil place. I could spend days just sitting here without a care in the world." She smiled at him. "I'm glad you brought me. I really love it here." She scooted close enough to rest her head on his shoulder.

Vincent gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I'm glad." They spent a few moments in peaceful silence before the man spoke again. "Have I ever told you that you're beautiful?"

"Maybe once or twice." The girl met his gaze. "It always makes me feel all...warm and fuzzy inside. I guess that means I really like compliments, so thank you, Vincent."

"I'll have to speak up more often then."

Vianca smiled to herself, a little embarrassed. "You know, I really can't get over the fact that...well...we've gotten so close. I never dreamed I'd feel this way. I'm just so...happy."

"Me too, Vianca. You've become...my world."

He hummed, turning his gaze back to the scenery. With the warm sun and gentle breeze, Vincent unbuckled his cloak for once, letting it fall behind him. The female looked at him inquisitively, rarely seeing him remove his cloak. When he did, it was usually to rest or just relax. But to her surprise, he turned toward her and grasped her shoulders, gently pushing her down until she was laying on his cloak. He then laid next to her, a content smile on his face the whole time.

"Are you trying to make me more comfortable?" Vianca asked.

Laying on his side, the man lightly tucked a few strands of her short hair behind her ear. "Maybe." His gloved fingers then caressed her cheek, occasionally gliding over the beauty mark under her left eye. "Are you comfy?"

"I am." She leaned into his touch, her hand moving up to rest over his.

Without another word, Vincent leaned down to capture her lips. She returned the kiss without delay, just the way she'd learned from him. She could've sworn that every kiss felt nicer than the last. She couldn't explain why, but she decided against questioning it. Vincent shifted from his position, moving closer until he was hovering over her, propping himself up on his elbows and knees. He then broke the kiss to lose himself in her eyes. Vianca gazed up at him, smiling and placing her hands on the sides of his face.

"I love you, Vincent Valentine." The girl blushed a little at the words she blurted out. "I mean, I feel like I do... I don't really know for sure. It's still such an odd concept. Is this even the proper time to say such a thing?"

Vincent chuckled, his smile growing and his crimson gaze holding a tenderness unlike any other. "I don't think there ever is a 'proper time' to admit how you feel. It depends on your heart and what it tells you." He leaned closer until the tips of their noses touched. "I never thought I'd say these words ever again, but...I love you too, Vianca. At least, that's what my heart is telling me."

He slowly pressed his lips to hers once more. The kiss was brief that time though, and Vianca simply watched the man trail kisses to her cheek and down to her neck. It was then that a sudden uncomfortable heat washed over the girl. What was that foreign sensation rising from the pit of her stomach? She gasped when Vincent's slightly rough lips touched a sensitive spot on her neck. When he kissed it again, she immediately clutched his shoulders as a soft moan tore from her throat. Taken aback, Vincent raised his head to look at her, a mix of surprise and amusement in his expression.

"I...um..." The female averted her gaze anxiously. "I-I didn't mean... That sound just...slipped out..." She sighed at herself, puzzled by her body's reactions. "Those kisses felt really nice...I...I..." She looked him in the eye. "Why am I feeling so uncomfortably warm? I don't understand why my body is doing this."

Vincent sat up a little, unable to keep a small laugh from escaping him. "It's alright. That's normal, flattering even. It just means that your body is having a positive response to my affection. You're enjoying it." He sat up, simultaneously pulling her up with him. "I won't push you farther, at least not yet. Not until you're ready."

Vianca tilted her head cutely, clearly confused. The man only shook his head and embraced her, burying his nose into the crook of her neck. A smile tugged at the girl's lips, and with a deep sigh of content, she nestled into him, her fingers gripping his leather shirt.

"Vincent?" The male hummed for her to continue. "You won't ever leave, will you? No matter what happens, we'll always have each other, right?"

"Of course. I used to dread watching time pass by without me. I won't make you go through that alone. We'll walk this planet together Vianca."

Vianca hugged him tighter with a pleased smile. No matter what happened, she believed she could face anything as long as he was there. She was once a diamond in the rough, helpless and ignorant to the world around her, but she became a beautiful, glittering gem because of him. Vincent was once a stone in the river of time, closing himself off from everyone, but because of his friends, and especially Vianca, he could move forward. They were no longer chained to the past, weighed down by who they used to be. They were free to live and love --- to enjoy life to the fullest. Because if there was one thing they learned, it's that life is a precious and beautiful thing, and not everyone was lucky to have a second chance.

The End

A/N: We've reached the end of my very first FFVII story! This was new territory for me, so it might be a little rough in spots (partially because Dirge of Cerberus kinda jumps all over the place with its story, still love it though). But anyway, I will for sure be writing more Vincent stories in the future, especially once he's in the remake. And might do some short stories too, so there will be plenty to look forward to!