17. Blood

It was October and winter’s cold was just starting to set in. But what was also setting in was the annual preparations for AVLANCHE’s Halloween party. Everyone had gathered at 7th Heaven earlier that week and all had begun decorating the bar for the festivities that were sure to come on the night of Halloween

Now it was the night before all Hollow’s Eve and everyone was gathered in the front of the bar, drinking and laughing around one of the many tables near the bar that Tifa was still managing for the group. Even Vincent had showed up at the bar to spend the holiday with his companions, if not only because Cid had showed up at the old ShinRa Mansion and all but dragged him out to the bar. But now that he was there and the decorating was over, there was no point for him not to indulge in a drink or two.

Several people looked up at the gunman, laughing and grinning before Cid threw up his hand and waved at the lonely gunman. “Hey! Vince! Git yer ass over here and celebrate wit’ us!” But Vincent didn’t react or move at hearing the cheerful command, still just sipping away at his glass, not like anybody really cared that Vincent didn’t respond; they weren’t really expecting him to actually. So when in doubt, they did the simple thing and practically threw Yuffie out of her chair and sent her over to Vincent’s table to retrieve the gunman.

Yuffie let out a sharp yelp as she was pushed out of her chair, and shot a quick glare at the rest of the group, all of which were laughing cheerfully. Sometimes it really sucked being the youngest.

She quickly pulled herself to her feet, rubbing her sore ass from where she had collided with the floor, and strolled up to Vincent, her anger at her other teammates quickly forgotten and a wide grin plastered across her face. “Hi Vinnie!”

Vincent glanced up at the bouncing ninja and tilted his head in acknowledgement. “Hello Yuffie.” He watched as the young girl’s eyes quickly turned to the glass he had been sipping out of, and how she leaned in closer to get a better look.

“Ooohh, what’s the, Vinnie?” She asked in awe and leaned in closer to sniff at the liquid, a wide grin coming to her face. “Hey, that stuff smells good. What is it?”

An evil smirk came to Vincent’s face at the question, but was luckily hidden by the collar of his cloak. He leaned back in his chair slightly, using every ounce of will power he had to not start laughing and to keep his voice as even as possibly.

“Really? I’m amazed Yuffie. I didn’t think you were a fan of blood.” And with that said, Vincent tilted his head up slightly so Yuffie could see his mouth, and flashed a charming yet devilish smile at her, revealing two very distinctive fangs.

Oh, how he wanted to laugh, it was just too perfect. All of the color drained out of the tiny ninja’s face and she let out a loud scream before being sent running back to the others like Chaos was after her, yelling at them all. “See, see?! I told you guys he was a vampire! I knew it all a long! He’s a vampire! A real live vampire!”

More hysterical laughter ensued from the others as Yuffie, scared out of her mind, continued ranting and raving about how Vincent was a vampire and how she knew all along.

But taking a break from the hilarity, Cid leaned back in his char just in time to see Vincent pop out the cheap plastic fangs and go back to sipping his raspberry juice.

A light chuckle escaped the pilot’s throat as he went back to his own drink, shaking his head slightly. Sure, Vincent was a total stiff ass most of the time, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t also a prankster. And what better time of the year to enjoy Vincent’s particular brand of humor than on good Ol’ Hallow’s Eve.