Disclaimer: I only own the plot in this. All the characters and places belong to SquareEnix.

Mystic: I almost didn't do this. Don't get me wrong, I adore the Vincent/Yuffie pairing, it's just the circumstances around this. My own father is going through health problems and I find it sick that his plight inspired a story idea. But, the idea won't leave, so this fic must be written. Don't be afraid to help me guys. This is my first fic with a our ninja and gunman as the main couple. For the record, this will NOT tie into Accidentally in Love.

It was a regular thing for them. Once a week, on a lazy Saturday afternoon, Yuffie Kisaragi and Vincent Valentine would head over to the local coffee shop, Paleras. Paleras specialized in your average cafe foods; lattes, soups, salads, sandwiches, and items of that sort. Prices were reasonable and the WRO collegues would always sit at the same table by the window. Yuffie would order a panini sandwich made from asiago bread and top it off with crunchy kettle chips and a strawberry smoothie. Vincent would order a sourdough breadbowl filled to the brim with french onion soup and a simple cup of dark coffee. As was typical of the pair, Vincent would insist on being a gentleman and pay for the lunch. Yuffie would argue and offer to be more modern and go dutch. He would glare with this ruby eyes and she would whine with a 'pleeeease?'. He would glare some more and she would cave with a noticeable eye roll.

Of course, she'd annoy him with the super crunchy kettle chips.

And he would tolerate it with a heavy sigh.

They would talk about this and that. This was their way of acheiving some form of normality. Vincent was slowly becoming more socialable as his employment with the WRO took him on trips around the planet for whatever mission Reeve assigned. Yuffie was slowly maturing--very slowly. Her own missions forced her to focus and ignore materia, albiet temporarily. She still held a fascination for the shiny orbs, but ever so surely, it was losing it's grip on her. A new fascination was beginning to take hold and his name was Vincent.

Wutai's heiress looked forward to the Saturday get-togethers. It was a way to relax and catch up, since they didn't always see or work with each other that much during the week. He even wore normal civilian clothes. The black leather and red cape was solely for the WRO. Dark jeans and a polo shirt was the choice attire now. Comfortable, but still presentable. The golden claw of utter doom and ultra scariness was gone as well. Yuffie would still sport shorts that were a bit too short (interesting how Vincent never complained) and a shirt that hugged her form nicely. Both of their weapons would still be present, simply because you never know what could happen these days.

Today was just another ordinary Saturday. Just a simple lunch between two co-workers.

Crunch, crunch, crunch ...

"Yuffie," he glared, "surely you can eat those more quietly?"

"Surely, you can let me pay for once." Crunch, crunch, munch.

"Yuffie."

"Vincent."

They stared at each other from across the wooden table. It's surface was smooth with shine and seemed to reflect the crimson and ebony glares of their eyes. The owners of Paleras never could figure these two out. They were of the famous Avalanche crew, that's for sure, but their body language seemed to suggest that they were more than just allies on the battlefield. Yuffie was not beyond a game a footsie under the table and Vincent's right hand always found it's path toward the small of her back when they left. Smiles, laughs, and the staring contest. Like now, for example. It was the 'pretend' mad until the shinobi cracked a grin.

"Gawd, Vinnie, you're too old-fashioned. Ya know that?"

"I am over sixty," he replied with a small smile of his own.

She took a sip of her smoothie to hide her fake scowl. "No, you're like what, twenty-seven? Twenty-eight?"

"Close enough." Biological, physical. Really, what's the difference?

When you ... were youuuung, when you, were youuuung ...

The Killers, 'When You Were Young' blasted from Yuffie's cellphone. With a sheepish grin, she answered. "White Rose of Wutai. Greatest ninja ever!" Her eyes widened to the sky after hearing the voice on the other end. "Oh. What?! If I find out that this is some sick joke you fucker--"

Vincent's dark eyebrows lifted slightly. Was someone threatening her?

"Okay, okay." She heaved back a sob and swallowed back tears. "I'll be there. No, I'm serious! ... I'm not going to leave him by himself!... I'm not a kid, you asshole!"

The technological annoyance shut with a slam. "Yuffie?" Vincent asked with noticeable concern.

"I'm sorry, Vinnie. I just can't." Her chair tilted back as she abruptly stood, leaving the other customers in silent shock. She high-tailed it out of Paleras without even a passing glance to the man hot on her trail.

"Yuffie," he said. "Yuffie!" His hand reached out to grab her by the shoulder. Ebony locks that fell to an feminine jaw turned suddenly to bury into a warm chest. Sobs broke free, dampening the ironed shirt beneath. Vincent's arms hesitated at first, but they soon found their place around her crying form. "Tell me what's wrong. Who threatened you?"

"No one," she sniffled. "My dad ..."

"Your dad?"

Yuffie released an unladylike snort before looking up into her best friend's eyes. "He's sick or something ... his heart's messed up."

"You need to go back to Wutai."

"I know I do. That's what the council said."

They stayed like that for an undetermined amount of time outside the resturant. The stealth ninja pressed flush against the reknowned sharpshooter, trying so hard to stop tears that shouldn't flow. He stood with his arms wrapped tight around her, offering a silent level of comfort. "If you need anything ... " he started to offer.

"Come with me!" she exclaimed. "I don't wanna go by myself! Come with me please!"

He did say if she needed anything, he'd basically be there for her. He intended to keep that unfinished promise without hesitation. Yuffie was a trusted friend, ally. Wutai was also a still conservative society. Traveling without a male escort would be highly scandalous, especially to a woman of Yuffie's status. Well, what scandals haven't she already caused? Godo did disown her once before, but that was prior to Meteorfall and now she was once again named heiress. She didn't want the title anymore than he wanted to give it to her, but she was firstborn. Wutai would one day be hers to guide.

As her trusted friend though, he was obligated to be there for her. Obligated yes, but another part of him wanted to join her. To guide and watch out for her. "Whatever you wish," he replied. "I'll join you."

Mystic: Yes, I let the angst fairy out for this, but only on the condition that this ends happily. I'm not sure about you guys, but I think this is the universal reaction to a girl finding out her daddy's in trouble. I apologize if Yuffie or Vincent was ooc. Correct me kindly if need be and I'll be sure to make note of it. Yeah, my own dad is having heart trouble. It's in my profile. (sigh) Listen to the Killers if you get a chance. Their song, "When You Were Young" describes Yuffie/Vincent very well. Review please?