A/N: This is it… the very last chappie of DCT. No more Clouffie after this (sniff) ah well, lol hope ya enjoy. Sorry for the huge delay in updates. Btw I hate this chapter... well the end I like but this first and middle part I hate, I kinda had to force the wording outta me so sorry if it hasn't got a good quality. >.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, sadI know.
Final Chapter: A New Turn
By KairiLuv
"What's taking so long in there?" Leon barks from the dimly lit hallway of the hotel. I pout and look over to Aerith,
"Will he EVER shut up?" I say in annoyance, Aerith runs a brush through my straightened hair and adds finishing touches to my light make-up. Standing back she looks me up and down and beams. Oh dear gawd, I must look like a fairy.
"You look so pretty." Aerith smiles at me. Yup, I'm right. 'Pretty' to Aerith is a sparkly pixie prancing around with flowers. Ya know, something weird like that.
"Me? HA!" Hell would be frozen over if I ever looked pretty. It's not a look I tend to go for, the 'I don't give a damn look' I invented, nyuk. I can hear Leon sighing to himself and Aerith glares through the door.
"Well, slip on your shoes and meet us out there okay?" She hugs me smiling; her tinted pink lip-gloss gleaming in the dim light.
"You look so pretty!" She squeals again before leaving me alone in the Red room.
I sigh and hesitate to look into the mirror for the first time. My eyes widen. I look older and… mature! Wait is looking mature a good or bad thing? I'm not sure. Why do I feel scared all of a sudden? What am I thinking? I can do this; I AM the 'Great Ninja Yuffie' after all. A small smirk curves my lips.
"Where the hell is she? All I've heard in the past two days is ' I hope my dress is ok' or ' I bet this dance'll be awesome, I can't wait to go!' Well I want to see the dress, eat some food, then I can take her to this stupid dance so she'll leave me alone." Leon growls from the other side of the wall. I glare momentarily and bite my bottom lip. I can do this. Slipping on my black heels I stood up and slip on my white elbow length gloves. I close my eyes, take a breath and turn the handle of the door. I hear Leon shut his big trap and Aerith turn. I can tell she's looking at the door. I was about to walk out but a thought of Cloud entered my mind, again. This isn't a dream this time, it's real. If something goes wrong it will effect what happens tonight. Oh no oh no oh no oh no! I snap the door shut again and lock it gliding over to the bed I sit down, hands neatly in my lap and eyes staring icily at the floor. Stupid reality.
Why is this so damned hard and scary?
"Yuffie? Come on Yuff. Open the door, please?" Aerith says gently from the hotel hallway. I'm sorry Aer, I just… I can't do this. I ignore her soft pleas as thoughts of 'What If's ' whirl around in my head. What if Cloud realizes I'm nothing more than a girl with a crush? What if he won't take me seriously? What if he laughs at me if I screw up like I usually do? I can't take this, I feel so pressured.
I hold my forehead in my palms and close my eyes, trying to block out these depressing thoughts. Keyword is trying here. I hear the door open to the left of me, whipping my head up I glare at the person who intruded. Damn it, I forgot this room was connected to the Green Room! Squeon stands there, a small ounce of concern in his dark eyes.
"You forgot this door was here didn't you?" I nod glumly to his question and sigh. He locks the door and sits next to me. I'm actually surprised he hasn't called me stupid or laughed. Oh yeah I forgot, that's too much emotion for Squall to handle!
"So, what's wrong? All you've been talking about is this dance, so what's the hold up." He says softer than usual. Strange, he's never like this. He's never helpful, only ever annoyed with me.
"I just can't do it. It's too hard Squall." I have the sickening feel of butterflies in my stomach, evil flutterbys! I feel the tingling of hot tears welling up in my eyes. Crappy, if I ruin my make up Aerith will kill me.
"Leon. And what's all this really about? You're never scared or nervous of anything." He watches me from the corner of his eye, I can see that much. My eyes are slightly going blurry; please don't cry Yuff. Come on! I can do this; hold them tears back! Squall puts a hand on mine reassuringly; I look over to him. "You're always ready for a battle…this isn't much different you know?" I think I caught him smiling for a second but it disappears as quickly as I found it.
"It isn't?" I raise my brow at him quizzically. What the hell is he talking about now! I hope it isn't another one of his riddles of life, they confuse the heck outta me and give me a headache. I hear him chuckle, I think he knows I'm confused. My eyes narrow at Squall, damn him…
"Well in a way it's the same thing, both of them are challenges." I look up at him, my eyes wide. Is he serious?
"So, you're saying I have to beat Cloud up to get his attention?" I don't think that'll make him like me for some strange reason Squall!
"No. Arghh..." Leon sighs irritated and stands infront of me.
"Look Yuffie. You want to be with him, right?" I nod silently, a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Okay, well you have to be determined to get him. Win his affection. Just like in a battle you have to be determined to win. You have to put your mind to it." He crouches down to my level and smiles. I think I slowly understand him.
"There will be other girls there, so it's a competition; or in fighting terms, a tournament. You already have a head start since you've met him before, but to get him, you have to be there." I smile and wrap my arms around his broad shoulders tightly.
"Thanks Leon." I pull away and stand up, a fist held eye level. "I can do this." I grin and unlock the Red Room door. "Well, what are ya waiting for slow poke? I gotta guy to nab!" I pull Leon out of the room and walk as fast as I could out of the Hotel. Aerith wasn't too far behind me.
"Whatever you said Leon, it worked." She laughs, Leon just hmmphs in response.
"At least when she mentions 'nab' we know its Cloud and nothing else." Leon mutters referring to my little stealing habits. Nyuk.
I briskly walk out of the hotel doors; the night air cradles my arms. It's a little cold.
"Yuffie, we'll walk through the First District. It's less crowded that way. And Cid wants to see you in that dress." Aerith smiles adding a silver heart clip to her hair. Leading the way with a smile I walk towards the oak First District doors; looking down I see couples chatting arm in arm down the alleyway to the Third District. The party was being held there. My hands are held up; ready to push the doors open when Leon stops me. I stand there like a lemon while he opens the door for Aerith and me; he then motions for us to walk through. I grin cheekily as Aerith loops her arm with mine leading me in. Squall follows behind giving warning glances to any male within a few feet from us. I try to cover my giggle with a cough.
"Well well well. Yuffie is tha' you?" Aerith pulls away from me and stands by Cid, her hands cupped under her chin. Her large emerald eyes glistens as she once again rambles about how 'pretty' or 'adorable' I look. A smug grin is plastering Cid's face; he rubs his chin and chuckles. The hell? What's he laughin' at!
"You already have a few onlookers Yuf." He nods towards a group of boys, some older and even some younger than myself. YAY go me! I'm mentally dancing right now; you have no idea what it's like to finally get noticed in that way. Especially with someone like Aerith standing near me, they still looked at me! YAY
Leon turns and gives them a hard stare, I snicker as their faces paled and they scamper off. My smile is now replaced with a childish pout.
"Aww, Squall! You ruined my fun." He only shrugs and gives me a secret side smile.
"Well brat, what're ya waitin' for? Get 'ou're fine ass in that third district now. You gotta win yourself a guy." Cid blows the smoke from his cigarette over his shoulder then winks at me. My head automatically tips to the side. Does he know about Cloud? My answer was only given in another chuckle. Yup, he knows. Damn it, my face is heating up again! I'm actually really surprised, the old man's actually looking decent, and he's in a tux!
"Ok, well take care Cid. We'll see you at the party." Leon nods before, again leading the way. Although it's a small walk to the Third District doors, it felt like a marathon. The doors were slowly getting bigger, and bigger. The queue was quickly dispersing, and a sickly feeling of dread camped at the bottom of my stomach. The 'What if's' filled my head again and I think Squall notices. He takes hold of my hand and gently pulls me back, motioning for Aerith to wait a little ahead.
"Yuffie… what did I tell you at the hotel?" His voice is low, but calm, almost soothing. I bite the bottom of my lip, and sigh in defeat.
"I know I said I can do this, and I know at the Hotel I really felt like I could but..."
"No, no buts..." He pauses and I can tell he's thinking. Looking me straight in the eye he continues,
"Yuffie…Do you ever doubt yourself in a battle? …No. Do you ever let negativity consume you in a match, even if you're the one in worst condition? No… Why is this?" He asks, okay I'm lost again. At least I know the answer. Not that it has anything to do with guys, but ah well I'll try.
"Because if you continue saying it or feeling negative, you'll start believing it. Which will result in low concentration, failure and defeat." Wow…hold the phone. That was pretty clever stuff. What can I say? I'm well trained in fighting, the theory part and the physical. Nyuk.
"Exactly. The reason why you hardly lose a battle or why you always stand a good chance is because you're so optimistic, you believe in yourself. Now, like I said before Yuff. This is similar to a battle. You can do this. You just don't want to believe you can just incase you feel disappointed or hurt. Right?" I open my mouth to speak but he continues again, "For a long time now, I know you've been calling yourself ugly and comparing yourself to Aerith. Because you keep thinking you're worthless, you now believe it. Aerith and myself have tried really hard to make you realize that you actually are beautiful Yuff. Maybe now, when you see Cloud he can show you that he too agrees with me… You are beautiful, now start believing it." My eyes well up and the tears fall. I wrap my arms around his well-built waist and laugh nervously. For so long I've been thinking Squall never noticed me, now that I know he finally does, my feelings for Cloud are greater. He gives me a tight comforting hug, the cold touch on my skin is banished by his warmth. His large hand rubs up and down my back; he really is an amazing guy. I'm surprised I'm calm again.
Leaving his arm around my shoulder he leads me back to Aerith who, I can tell heard everything. She too is holding back tears as she wipes away my own. I feel, wanted. Maybe even needed. I don't feel ignored and I don't feel shadowed anymore. I'm ready. A large determined grin forms at my mouth. Look out Cloudy, hot stuff's comin' through!
Faint music drifts through the doors, light laughter soon follows. The large oak doors of the Third District open and the music hits me full force; music of various kinds, classics, dance, anything filled my ears and I instantly light up. I feel just like a small toddler gazing up at my first large Christmas tree. Lanterns of every colour were lined over our heads, confetti randomly fell from the balconies, covering everything in its rainbow coloured paper. I feel Squall hold me tighter to him, gah. I hope my feelings for him doesn't grow… I can't handle liking two people at the same time! One is hard enough. Leon ducks down and puts his mouth to my ear,
"Help me." I blink, what the hell? I give him a confused look and smile. Girl problems. I'm trying to get onlookers; Squall is trying to get rid of them. Typical.
"Okay." I turn to Aerith laughing; I cup my hands around my mouth. I really don't know how that's supposed to make my voice louder but ah well.
"Aer, act like you and Squall are on a date. He doesn't want the female attention." Aerith blushes at first, then rolls her pure eyes in annoyance. Taking his arm in hers she leads him away from the crowd of fangirls. Her 'pure' eyes now in flame, "You owe me big time Mr. Leonhart." I could only snicker as the fangirls look at Squall and Aerith disappointed. A few of them look even more determined and follow. Poor Squall. Nyuk!
Another song starts to play, a quicker one. I watch the happy couples begin dancing with broad grins on their faces, over 50 people I didn't even recognise were here but there were the majority that seem familiar. Eep, I think I stole from that guy. I duck out of the way; it was pretty easy. The 'dance floor' was jam-packed with dancing partners so I walk along the edges, where the buffet tables and drinks were being sold. Everything looks so tasty, evil chef people; I swear they're trying to make me fat. People began to stick together in groups talking to themselves, telling jokes and having a great time. Something is wrong here. This is… too familiar. A déjà vu type of familiar. Ah well, Yuffie, concentrate on having fun! I keep my head up looking around for a certain buff blonde. The dreaded 'What If's' enter my head again. I mentally scream at myself, don't think bad thoughts. Come on Yuff… believe.
"You really look your age Yuf, lil brat's growin' up. Now, t'celebrate let's have a drink. Only punch for ya though Yuf, Aer would kill me if I gave you anythin' stronger." I whirl around to meet Cid's eyes. He passes a small cup in my direction, taking hold of it I smile.
This is too weird, this is... just like my dream.
"Any idea where Leon and Aerith walked off to? They… together or somethin'?" I couldn't help but choke on my drink and I begin to giggle.
"Nooo! Stupid Head! He's got fangirl problems, Aer's his shield. Actually I better go looking for him, he might want some backup." Gramps gave me a smirk and takes a drag of his cigarette. He really needs to quit smoking; the old fart needs them lungs.
"Ya' brought your Shukriens?" I smile and pat my right thigh.
"Never leave without em gramps. Ta ta!" I grin and wave.
I whirled around to find Squall and annoy the hell out of him. Ya know I actually think Squall finds me attractive this way, not really sure why. Sure it's a huge improvement but still it's … not me. Without realising I walk straight into someone's back and hard. Feeling myself lose balance on my thin heels I slowly feel myself fall backwards. I close my eyes tightly to ready myself for the fall. Wait what am I doing? I'm a ninja! In a final tempted to save myself I try and keep balance, I fail miserably. Damn heels. The fall never came... I blink. The person I bumped into turned in time and caught me. YAY thankies!
"I'm so sorry Miss. I-I didn't mean to-" A soft yet strong voice made me open my indigo eyes to see my saviour. A damn good-looking one too. He has blonde spiky hair and was wearing a dark blue tuxedo. His strong arms held me there for what seemed like forever, I swear his eyes must be too stunning to be legal. I bite my lip gently and blush again. Clearing his throat he pulls me up to my feet with ease and nervously ran a hand through his blonde locks. GAWD he's gorgeous. Squall has close competition. Hold on, stop right there! This IS my dream, which means this guy should be Cloudy right? Taking a closer look my expression began to droop, it wasn't Cloud. Aw gawd, now I like 3 people. No focus on Cloud Yuff.
"I'm so sorry Miss. I uh… well I uh heh…" I can't help but smirk, he sounds so similar to Sora. Wow and the resemblance is really uncanny! I grin as a faint blush creeps up on his pale face. Aw, he's cute!
"Well, uh... it's no biggie. Really, I'm Yuffie by the way. Nice to meetcha." I hold out my hand for a handshake. Might as well make friends while I wait for Cloud. He takes hold of my hand unsure of what to do next. Maybe he's debating whether to shake it or kiss it. Nyuk, aww bless. Deciding to do the latter, he plants a gently kiss on the top of my hand and I reward him with a smile.
"I'm Roxas, you… here by yourself?" He lets go of my hand and I think he's finding it hard to talk to me, wow I must look good. Nyuk, stop it Yuff.
"No, I'm looking for a few of my friends. Wait have you seen a tall rough looking guy? He has dark hair, and should be arm in arm with a pretty green eyed girl." I say quickly, I gotta get away from this guy… he's far too nice. I see him pause and scratch the back of him neck, nyuk Sora used to do that too.
"Uh… I'm not sure… wait! Does the girl have a braid, a long one?" He asks suddenly, I nod with a grin. YAY maybe he has seen them. "Ahh, okay well they went that way, I think a few girls were following them, are they in trouble or something?" He seems to talk protectively as he points to his left where they wandered off. I shake my head and lock eyes with his.
"No, no trouble. Well the girls kinda have a crush on him… "I sigh and look at him again to see him looking at me another blush caresses his cheeks. "Well, I'd better get going. It was nice to meet ya Roxas. I'd better get going." I nod at him then walk off; his gaze follows me.
"I hope we meet again too Yuffie. Take care." He says with a grin.
"Me too, take care Roxas." I wave and smile walking up the small ramp I open a small door, which led to the stone balcony above the party.
I slowly work my way up the wide steps and glide over to the balcony wall. Resting my elbows on the small wall and smile down at the cheery crowds below me. I can see Roxas over by Cid; he seems to be blushing again. Okay either he has blushing problems or Cid caught him and me talking. I bet it's the latter idea of mine. Nyuk. I hope Gramps doesn't give him too much hastle; he was cute. I sigh momentarily as the smell of the warm buffet food travels in my direction. Aww… I was so worked up on cloudy that I forgot I was hungry… gah.
I spot a blonde, a spiky haired blonde too. He wore a black tux and was walking through the sea of dancers, every now and then his head lifted, as though he was looking for someone. Could it be? I stand up to get a better view; I see his glowing blue eyes scan the area for someone. Me? I shout his name, still unsure whether it is Cloud. I get no response. I pout and then take a deep breath, putting my fingers to my mouth I let out a loud whistle. A few strangers look up at me momentarily before shrugging and continuing their conversations. Why do I get all the wrong people's attention?
"I'm sure that's Cloud…" I say to myself, I know the first sign of madness is talking to yourself… second sign is finding small fine hairs on your palm… third sign is looking for them, Nyuk! An image of that very same prank I played on Squall as a kid made me giggle. His face was so clueless! Okay Yuffie, focus. The Cloud look-a-like makes his way through the bustling bodies and opens the door to Merlin's Place. I lean over to make sure it's him. I see him slowly disappear, damn that wall infront of me! I lean over a little more, my feet are hovering above the ground and I hear a few gasps from the crowd.
"BRAT GET 'OU'RE ASS FROM THAT BALCONY NOW!" Cid shouts up at me. Sheesh, chill everyone it's not like I'm gonna jump. Besides the fall wouldn't kill me anyway! Weird people…
"Take a chill pill old man, I'm not gonna jump!" I shout back with a smirk on my face.
"I don't care! Get from there now!" I roll me eyes, why is everyone so overprotective of me? Hey… I wonder what Aer would say if she saw this? Memo to self: Do this when Aerith is here. I wanna see her freak out nyuk.
"Fine Gramps have it your way." I say to myself. I glumly walk back from the balcony. I bite my plump lip again; I'm so sure that was Cloud. Only one way to find out! I rush down the steps and through the small pine door; losing my balance a few times I stay close to the ramp wall. Sliding past Leon and Aerith (and the many fangirls) I edge my way to the Flame embalmed door. Standing near it I hold out my hand,
"Fira." I mutter quietly, it automatically lifts up and I sneak through unnoticed. As it snaps shut behind me I scan my new surroundings, my eyes eventually adjust to the dim light.
The dark large cave had a cold nightly chill about it and I rub my hands against my arms in an attempt to keep myself warm. On the shore near the moving stones I see a figure sitting down, his eyes watching each stone move. I smile and walk over to him; the quiet click clacks of my heels echoes from the walls. Please say that you're Cloud, I mentally begged. The figure, now aware that I'm here, looks over his shoulder, I see his eyes light up and he stands up. Brushing himself off he faces me; it is Cloud!
I couldn't hold back my grin; I can feel the relief wash over me, along with tints of worry and nervousness. Cloud gives me a half smile, as he looks me up and down.
"What're ya thinking Cloud Strife?" I ask giggling; I feel a little conscious of how I look right now. Cloud only walks up to me with a smirk.
"Nothing…" he answers mysteriously. I just smile and lock eyes with his. I can't help it; he's just so… gorgeous!
"Well... we're here. So, uh wanna dance?" I ask, I can still hear the music, but barely. He pauses as if he's thinking of something.
"I can't." He looks down at the floor as my brows draw together.
"Why not?"
"I can't dance." He plucks up the courage and locks eyes with mine; I think Cloudy's gone a lil red. I snap my hand over my mouth to try and mute my erupting snicker. I fail miserably. Cloud only scratches the back of his head, either 'cause I'm scaring him or he's nervous.
"You really think I CAN dance? You crazy! This is just for fun." I explain, I think he's slowly warming up to the idea. He's seems less nervous too nyuk.
"Well… I know a few moves. But… they're for slow dances." Cloud begins to get embarrassed again, without the safety of that red cape thingy he can't hide anymore ha!
"Great! Ok well... let's go already, I think a slow song is starting." I smile; I'm kinda excited to be dancing with Cloud. Might be cause I've never danced to a slow song before? … Nah nyuk the real reason is, sorta every girls dream isn't it?
Cloud nods and leads the way, my small hand in his. Butterflies begin their own dance in my stomach, damn them. I swallow the nervous lump in my throat as Cloud and me enter the Third District, crowds of people didn't even notice us. Nyuk they're too busy having fun!
What was I explaining again? Oh yeah… every girl's dream, is kinda like the turn of events in these few days for me. The young girl dreams of finding her guy, knight in shining armour, etc… some strange event occurs and BOOM ya find him and Cupid hits you with one of them pointy pink arrows. They arrange to meet again, which is exactly what's happened to me and they share maybe a candle lit dinner for two, a slow dance, maybe even a moment alone that will stick in the girl's memory forever. Yeah… I know I'm rambling, and whatever ya do, don't tell Aer bout this; she'll think I'm going soft nyuk. I think I've listened to Aerith too much, she's rubbing off on me…
A slow song begins and Cloud hold onto my chin gently, turning me to face him. His eyes are soft and patient, he knows I've never done this before. I quickly glance at the other now dancing couples to see what I have to do, put my arms loosely around his neck? OK! I think I see… no. It can't be. He's blushing? Nyuk nyuk! My arms are loosely around his neck, resting on his broad shoulders, his hands hold onto my waist. It sent a shiver up my spine, and a warm blush on my cheeks. We slowly start to dance, with Cloud leading of course. I think I'm starting to understand this dancing, go me.
I look down at our feet, moving at the right pace and time with each other. This is, weird. I've never done this before. I then decide to look up and I meet his sapphire eyes. My own indigo eyes lock with his and I easily get lost in them. I can't think straight, I feel like there's no one else here other than him and me. Only the two of us dancing. Where? I can't really remember; Third district wasn't it? I feel, special for some reason. Everything's perfect. I notice how close we are, our noses nearly touching, his warm minty breath mingling with my own, his eyes ever calm, happy, and locked with mine. I pluck up the courage and… I move in to kiss him, please don't pull away.
I see him do the same; he's not going to reject me. We're ... actually going to kiss. I close my eyes lightly and wait for it; I can feel his lips on mine. I open my eyes slightly to see his nearly closed, his soft lips brush against mine. The Butterflies dance, I get a spine- shiver, my heart races and my breath is short. Finally he presses his lips against mine, softly, testing me, teasing me. His kiss is soft, sweet, caring but I can sense the passion that could come from it. Nyuk… this is… surreal. Almost like a dream. Oh no… a thought dawns on me, could all of this be a dream. A dream in a dream? I've had them before. Nooo… I want this to be real, I want to feel wanted and liked.
Cloud places his hand gently behind my head and holds me close, still kissing me. This is real! My arms tighten around his neck and the kissing continues. Yes I'm blushing at this point. Everything is real. Right?
A piercing scream is heard, I rip my lips from his and look in the direction of the outburst. A young girl is on her knees, surrounded by the party crashers, the one and only Heartless. My eyes narrow as I glare hatefully,
"Cid get everyone outta here!" I look back at Cloud and give him a small grin. "I'll be right back, I gotta do my job. Find your sword, help protect the people kay?" I give him a small peck on the lips and take a deep breath. I look down at my dress, and hold onto the bottom of it. I then rip the sides; I can already see the look on Aerith's face if she saw this. With the rips now below my hips, my pouches of shuriken are now visible.
I run forward at the Heartless, and I somersault over the black leeches, throwing my ninja stars at them in mid-air. I land in the middle, and sway slightly off balance, damn heels. I quickly take them off and stand next to the scared girl.
"Don't worry you're safe with me." I mutter to her, tears stained her flawless completion. Her make-up smeared down her cheeks and her arms cut and bleeding. I have to protect her. I grab two of my ninja stars and mutter a Wutaian indication; both grow in size into large Shukriens. I stand in a defensive position. Can I seriously take on all of these?
"Can't you guys, for once just leave us the hell alone!" I shout and run into the crowd blindly, slashing at every Heartless I see, ducking from every lunge, dodging their claws and teeth. I've never battled in a dress before, if you can still call what I'm wearing a dress.
"Hey run, now!" I shout over to the girl, she nods without question and gets up to her feet. I note a few Heartless lurk after her and throw one of my large Shuriken after them. My spinning blade cut through ever one of them, leaving black smog and sticky blood.
I wince as they begin to slash my arms and legs greedily after my heart. I knock a few back a bit, and step back, still attacking them. A cold slimy substance seep through the gaps in my toes, and I grimace, I feel so sick. Heartless blood. I grunt as another Heartless cuts my arm, I give him a sharp glare as he then tugs at my dress. I backflip out of the way, I hear another rip as the material is torn by his claws. I need to regain my breath, I land… in the middle of more of them, and I'm surrounded and heavily outnumbered. I pick up my other large ninja star from the floor and use it as a mirror to watch the Heartless behind me. This, is gonna be hard. Isn't anyone here to at least give me a hand!
"Yuffie! Use your magic! It'll get rid of them faster." I hear Aerith shout from the balcony, "Hold up for a little longer, Leon will be here soon. DID YOU RIP THAT DRESS!" I hear her scream in anger; I can't help but snicker and smile. No way is Leon getting any of this glory. I hold both of my blood stained weapons above my head and concentrate. I only have enough energy to do this spell once, it has to be at the right time. I can do this! The Heartless lurk forward curiously, bearing their teeth and extending their claws, which I might add, have my blood on. I hear scraping as their claws collide with the stone floor; I ignore the aches that cover my body. A loud gathering movement then follows the scraping. Have they, leapt for me?
I open my eyes to see a mass of black and yellow beads come toward me. I scream the spell; please work. They're inches from me, all of them. Now's the right time! "HOLY."
I hear them hiss and grunt, a piercing light embedding from my blades. I squeeze my eyes shut as I the smell of more blood becomes stronger, did it work? I open my eyes slightly, the light pierces through them, leaving holes. They scream and hiss, trying to run away. The light then becomes stronger and I automatically snap my eyes shut, I can see the intensity of the light even with my eyes closed!
I wait then open my eyes as the light fades, black gunky blood stains the once creamy cobble. Taking a sigh of relief I let my arms drop to my sides. I see Aerith and Leon at the other side of the District; Aerith obviously proud of me, Leon's expressions sour 'cause he missed all the fun. I walk over them, ignoring the blood squelching between my toes; to be honest I'm used to it now, which is kinda creepy, I shudder.
Aerith and Leon's expression turns to horror, "Yuffie!" Aerith shouts, I raise an eyebrow and turn; one last Heartless is within metres of my heart, and one of the biggest I've ever seen. I freeze, my arms are stuck to my sides. Oh no…
I see a flash of blonde and more black blood sprays everywhere; it stains my dress and legs. I blink a few times, what the hell? Cloud stands there, his broad Buster Sword swung over his shoulder as if it's the lightest thing in the world. I grin as he faces me with a smirk. I run over to him as he lowers his BIG sword, dropping my own large weapons. I wrap my arms around his neck, his arms wrap protectively around my waist. I can't help but let out a small giggle, wow I am getting soft.
"Please… don't kiss her." I look over to Leon curiously. What did he mean by that? I then note the pink girl next to him, Aerith in near tears of joy. "The squeeing and fluff must stop. I can't stand another squee from her!" He says in monotone. I give Leon a sly smile and just to annoy him, I press my lips against Clouds. I hear Aer's high-pitched squee and Leon's growl of irritation; I break the kiss with a laugh.
"Well. Ain't that a pretty picture?" Cid says as he exhales the smoke from a newly lit cigarette. I smile at him, as he stands a little infront of Leon. Giving Cloud a warning point he mutters, "You better take care of her, our little Yuffie. Any fooling around and I'll take my spear and shove it where the sun don't shine. Understand Spikes?" He smirks taking another puff from his cigarette, Aerith grimaces and moves away with her nose covered.
I grin as Cid gives me a wink, "Come on, Shera'll make us a nice cup of tea up in the Shop." I smile and let go of Cloud, pulling lightly on his sleeve to follow me.
"Gimme a minute, okay? I'll catch up to you." He says softly, I tilt my head to the side then shrug. Aerith waits for me, her arm extends to give me a hug. I quickly pick up my weapons as we walk past, every now and then looking back as Cloud and Leon are left behind. What are they up to... question later, drink tea now!
(Cloud PoV)
I watch Leon blankly as he waits for Aerith and Yuffie to be out of ear shot and sight. He turns to face me, his eyes hard and serious, my own mako eyes rival his. Moments pass before he decides to speak,
"He means it Cloud, don't even think of hurting her," I mentally smirk, another lecture? Who does he think he is… I'd never harm Yuffie. He then continues in that serious and 'intimidating' voice of his, "You harm her in anyway and you wont have Cid to fear. Understand?" Our eyes lock, his eyes are ablaze.
"What gives you the impression I'd harm her?" I say coldly, he only grunts in response.
"If I had it my way-"
"Let me guess, you'd watch me closely? … Or you'd be with Yuffie yourself?" Leon's taken back by my last comment; he quickly regains himself putting on his emotionless mask.
"Now you listen to me Cloud, I don't-" I clench my fist, how naïve does he think I am.
"Your acts don't fool me Leonhart, nor does your masks. They may fool Yuffie, but I can see right through them. You had your chance with her, and you couldn't see…" I pause, it's not my place to say what he can't see. That's up to Yuffie if she wants to tell him.
I can see Leon's mask slipping as his curiosity is getting the better of him. I shake my head and wipe the black blood from my face.
"It's not my place to say, maybe I should be the one warning you Leonhart. I'll be watching…" I add as I walk past him, my sword on my shoulder.
Entering the small Accessory Shop I see Yuffie on the counter describing her famous moment against the Heartless earlier, Aerith is listening intently from one of the sofas. Shera is behind Yuffie, making even more hot cups of tea and Cid is sitting on the small coffee table near Aerith. The older man gives me a curt nod of respect; I think he knew what happened. Yuffie turns to face me, he face lights up like some sort of Christmas tree. A toothy grin is plastered on her young face,
"What took you guys so long? What were ya doing?" She questions bubbly, the corners of my mouth curl as I give her a small smile.
"Discussing." Leon says as he enters behind me, giving me a stern look he leans against the wall. Yuffie looks between us in confusion, and I see Aerith biting her bottom lip. She knows exactly what's going on. Cid, who also has no idea, passes Leon a coffee and me a hot cup of tea. I watch Leon, and he watches me as I sit near Yuffie. She smiles brightly then continues about how she managed to fight the Heartless herself, Aerith masks her worry and nods with a smile as she resumes listening.
I break my stare from Leon and watch Yuffie as she explains the story. I feel something… I care for Yuffie deeply and I guess we are an item now. But I feel something stir in me when I see Leonhart, could it be jealous. I shake my head, to clear my thoughts, only then do I realise what Yuffie actually looks like.
Her black hair is still straight but messy, her face dirtied. Her arms and legs are cut; I guess Aerith has already treated her deep wounds. Her once new dress is torn and ripped to meet the demands of the battle. Right now she may not look her best, but to me I guess… she'll always look beautiful.
Giving Leon one last glance I take a sip of the boiled liquid, Yuffie wraps her small arms around my waist as she describes how I killed that final Heartless to save her. I can see the type of look Leon is giving her oblivious form, ifhe wants to fight for her, he's got one.
A/N: OK! Well I know it may not seem like the end, lol the ending took a … twist. (Innocent smile) Bwahahahahahaha! (Lightning flashes) Well… more one-shots or maybe even a sequel can come from this now, lol hope ya enjoyed reading it. I'm really sorry for the updating. I've sorta lost my motivation for this; I'm trying my best. So… I end this story with, a happy couple and a jealous onlooker… mwahahahaha! (Thunder rumbles)… Actually that was my stomach, ah well I'll go now. Please review fine readers, and please no flaming… I'm low enough as it is. Thankies! (Goes off to try and update HH) I give nice reviewers cookies and muffins! (hugs all and waves) bye! Kai xxx