The Rose Waiting For Its Vampire

::Okay, this is my first attempt at a Yuffentine! I love the concept of it, and I hope this can live up to be a true fic of the genre! Also, I know Vincent IS NOT a vampire, and he IS NOT one in this fic, I just thought it would be cute and amusing for the title.

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or any of the characters. If I did, I'd be filthy-stinkin' rich and take all of my friends to Disney World or somethin'…::

Monday: Cloud had just finished loading the six blades of his First Tsurugi into Fenrir, and was now adjusting his goggles as he climbed onto the motorcycle. "I'll call if I find anything," he said to his friends who had all gathered outside of Seventh Heaven.

"Very good," replied Reeve with a nod. He stood holding the Cait Sith robot like he was a child holding his favorite Teddy Bear. "I'll have my best agents out looking, as well." The blonde swordsman-turned-delivery boy gave a ghost of a smile and his own nod before pulling up his driving goggles. He kicked Fenrir into roaring life and drove off, flashing a real smile to Tifa before he left.

'Does he really think none of us notice that?!' thought Yuffie as she looked at the now blushing Tifa. Her thoughts couldn't linger on the subject for long, though, as they returned to her good friend, the stoic gunman Vincent Valentine. It had been 14 hours since the defeat of Omega Weapon, and the members of AVALANCHE and were the only ones who hadn't celebrated.

Since the Weapon's defeat, no one had seen or heard anything from Vincent. To them, there was no reason to celebrate until their friend, the true hero of the incident, was found safe and sound. Normally, knowing Vincent, they would have waited a couple days before organizing a searching party, but Yuffie and Shelke (though mostly Yuffie) insisted that they start immediately.

"Ah, they'll find 'im," said Cid. He pulled lit up a cigarette and took a long drag. "An' that's if he doesn't show up back here first! Damn vampire's got a knack fer doin' that." He started to walk off, waving as he went. "Well, I gotta' get back ta Rocket Town. Shera's gonna' have a fuckin' cow if I don't! Barret, you want a lift?"

"Sure thing," he said. He walked over to Marlene and picked her up in a big hug. "I'll see ya' soon, baby! You be good for Tifa, now, ya' hear?" The girl smiled and nodded, hugging her adoptive father back. "You take care of her now, big guy," he said as he smiled at Denzel and put Marlene down. "See ya' guys! Keep us posted!"

"See ya'!" Yuffie yelled waving. "Try not to fall asleep while you're flying, old man!" Cid responded by waving a choice finger, and Tifa hurried and covered Marlene and Denzel's eyes when he did so.

"Well," started Tifa. "What do you guys say we all go inside and I'll make us some lunch?" The two children and Yuffie cheered at the mention of food, Reeve smiling wide and nodding, Nanaki and Shelke just nodding. They all made their way into the bar that doubled as a home, but Yuffie stopped and turned around, staring off into space.

"You'll be back soon," she whispered. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the Cerberus pendant she had found in the ruins of Midgar after Omega's defeat. She closed her eyes and clutched it to her chest. "You will…you have to."

"Yuffie Kisaragi," she heard behind her. She jumped when she heard Shelke's quiet, inquisitive voice. Recovering, she turned and looked at the girl with her trademark grin. "My apologies. I did not mean to startle you. In my opinion, you needn't worry. Vincent Valentine will return."

Hearing these words made Yuffie's eyes burn with near tears; every time she hear anyone say something to that effect, a little voice in her head whispered 'Yeah; but what if he doesn't?' No, she just couldn't accept it. Instead of giving into those nasty thoughts, she smiled and patted Shelke on the back. "Worried?! Hah! Me, the White Rose of Wutai, the Great Ninja, worry? No way! He'll be back for sure!" Shelke actually gave a small smile, secretly impressed as always with the young Wutainese girl's fervor. "And ya' can call me 'Yuffie!' No need for formalities, ya' sound like my old man!"

Together they made their way inside to meet up with Tifa and the others. 'You'll be back soon, Vinnie,' she thought to herself for probably the millionth time that day. 'You have to come back…I need you.'

::All right! Chapter One complete! Lemme' know whatcha' think, I'm open to criticism, but please no outright bashing. I don't think my self-esteem could take that! Later!