*
"I do not like this," Natalie muttered as she secured the rope around the waterwheel.
Vincent assisted while Red made certain Yuffie didn't take unnecessary risks with the fasteners on the cliff's side.
Her eyes flickered to his face and then back to her duty. "Not to be a doom-sayer, but . . . Vincent, I have a bad feeling."
He double-checked the security of the knot before going to her side. "I have completed more dangerous tasks than this and lived to tell the tale."
Natalie bit her lower lip. "Just be doubly careful this time. Can you do that for me, please?"
He handed her the harness he was to wear. "I will."
She helped him strap into it. "Promise?"
Vincent stared down at her trembling hands as they worked with the belt of the harness. When she looked up, he could see the uncertainty in her expression. It was the first time he had seen that expression since looking into the face of Lucrecia that evening--
Natalie stepped forward to enfold him in an embrace. Vincent blinked in surprise. When she stepped back, her features were taut and stern.
"I will have a firm hold on this rope, Mr. Valentine," she told him, matter-of-fact. "No heroics. You understand me?" She held his gaze for a fraction of a moment more before stepping back and motioning for the cliff. "Get a position. Then we'll lower the wheel."
Vincent gauged her countenance a moment before doing as he directed. He stepped up to the extreme edge, gauging the distance as Yuffie made her way up the rope ladder. "How is it down there?" he asked.
Yuffie pulled herself up and then brushed the dirt from her trousers. "A bit gusty. Nearly toppled twice. Watch it."
Vincent gave a brief nod, again gauged the distance, and then dropped over the side.
"Vincent Valentine!" he heard Natalie yell down after him.
He smirked as his feet touched ground. Yuffie hadn't exaggerated. He tested his footing, noted the ground was a bit slick, and then tested the harness.
"Ready!" he called up to them. "Lower the wheel!"
The trio rolled it very carefully over the side, Red doing an admirable job of slowing its progress with a firm jaw-hold on the rope. Vincent rose from the ground, conscious of the gusts and what they did to his position, and intercepted the wheel partway down. Then he guided it slow and deliberate into the restraining holsters Yuffie setup on either side. One side clicked into place. The other didn't.
Vincent frowned. "Hold tight up there! We seem to have a problem!" He directed himself over to the other side of the wheel. A stone had become lodged in the harness. "Pull up the far side! I need to dislodge a rock!"
Grunts and grumbles sounded from above and the appropriate side began to lift. Vincent waited a moment longer--he swiped the pebbles, retrieving his hand just as the wheel slipped into place.
"Vincent! Are you okay?"
He raised himself up into their view, lowering himself into a sitting position on the opposite bank. "Fine."
Natalie released a fast breath, a lock of auburn flying vertical as she did so. She lowered her head. "Thank god." Then she sat back on her heels, pointing at him with a single finger, eyes narrowed. "And you are in so much trouble, Mr. Valentine."
Vincent crossed his arms, his lips caressed with a smile. "I wore the harness. I never said I would use the ladder."
Fists on hips. "Ooo," she said with a meaningful glare.
Vincent smirked.
Natalie suddenly laughed. "I believe it is time for this Professor to take a nap. I seem a bit crankier than my usual, charming self." She rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands before giving a nice long stretch.
Vincent raised an eyebrow. Her graceful movements reminded him of a cat.
"It is good thing I brought pillows and blankets earlier." Natalie continued to smile as she pushed to her feet. "And I think I will make use of them right now. But." She pointed at him with a sudden expression of seriousness. "You, Mr. Valentine, are still in trouble."
Vincent released a chuckle.
Red and Yuffie laughed.