A/N: Once again, a big thank you to everyone who has reviewed and followed this story. I really appreciate your support!
She caught a fistful of his tie and collar, pulling his face downward to her face. And she stared at him with livid storm cloud grey eyes, electricity brewing behind them. "You!" She ground out, shaking his tie as his head bobbed back and forth. Once again, the people around him looked up, glanced back, all visible expressions of misunderstanding, confusion, judgment. Unfortunate misperception was brewing; just what was Prime Minister Kisaragi's daughter doing? Who was this man? The press would eat this up. Vincent, on the other hand, would not dare put his hand on a woman, but this random woman's actions were completely absurd. He unhooked her hand and stepped back, straightening himself accordingly before she snatched his wrist and pulled him toward one of the towering stone pillars vaulting beneath the second floor, out of the watchful, curious eyes of guests and photographers. It was a quieter and lightly shadowed place, out of the grand light of the chandelier and in one of low, imitation candle sconces lining the walls.
She had turned away, exhaling and collecting her thoughts in some odd, pacing dance. She was even muttering to herself and Vincent was half inclined to believe she was just drunk and had the wrong person. So, he just watched and waited, unsure what to do.
"Don't you dare act like you don't remember who I am." She finally said, tone low and shoulders dropping slightly before she turned back to him. Her anger had strangely subsided and what showed was awkwardness, her eyes tracing the floor to avoid his face. And despite the makeup that traced the lines of her face, in this dampened light, he could see her.
He took a step back, the situation again unraveling into something overwhelming, unmeasurable. And for a rare moment, he felt uncomfortable. It was the face from nights before, the face he tried to forget. But here she was, carrying the same look that stared wildly, afraid as his unlikely victim. He put that fear in her and yet she still faced him today.
"I remember." He said, eyes unmoving when she pulled hers from the tile.
She sighed, crossing her thin arms across her small frame. A bit of hair had fallen out of her white rose clip, a strand tracing the left side of her youthful face. She pushed it back behind her ear with nimble fingers. "And do you know who I am?"
Only a fool could forget the squirming, rambunctious Yuffie Kisaragi running across her father's successful campaign stage in Wutai more than 15 years ago. It was a sight that made his mother laugh and laugh every time it played on the news. It was a ringing sound he wished to hear again, from a simpler, more peaceful time. How strange that a girl he did not know brought back such a memory. She also had a good eye for her people, noting his Wutai ancestry when it was just from his mother's side. Vincent nodded once, assessing the young woman's calming face. She nodded back, "I figured."
Then, silence. Awkward silence. Painful silence.
The music was soothing behind them, changing to a softer, somber tune. The static of people talking was far away here, too. If anywhere, it would seem like they were alone, stuck in some difficult place where words would complicate things further. He knew who she was, what she did, and she probably had a fair idea of what he did, too.
Another sigh and her arms fell to her sides. "One more question?" When he just stared at her, she shrugged her shoulders. "It's only fair, since you know my little secret." He couldn't argue that, though the number of her questions could stem from 'So, how many people have you slaughtered?' to 'What did you have for breakfast?' He was slightly hesitant to give out too much, but he nodded anyway.
"What's your name?"
A simple question, no harm in that. Introductions were always appropriate when you meet someone new, though this was their second passing and he wasn't holding a gun to her forehead. He'd play along, then. A small chuckle nearly fled his lips and he went about adjusting his tie again. "Vincent." He then extended his hand, which she stared warily at. "Vincent Valentine."
This unfamiliar feeling, not because of the interaction, but who it was with. Despite his dark demeanor and piercing, strange eyes, he was awfully polite. And with what had transpired several nights ago, she had a right to her suspicion. This was different, however. He had his share of secrets and maybe seeing a living soul from whatever he did made him uneasy. He was trying, so… maybe she should, too. A small light laugh escaped her, not the laugh of a dignified daughter, but her true, dorky snort.
"And you kill people for a living?" She tested, pulling at his hand with exaggerated motions. He looked even more uncomfortable, something that made her red lips spread wider.
Just as she predicted, his dark glare returned, the vehemence that had made her blood run cold nights before. But here, he truly was out of his element, once against adjusting his suit and looking cautiously around. "You said one question…" When she shrugged her shoulders, he sighed. "My line of work is none of your concern," he said quietly, eyes darting back to her face. "And it would be in your best interest to keep it to yourself… Understand?" It was a sort of seriousness that Cloud sometimes had, when he was really keen about something. She made fun if it more often than she could count, and this almost wasn't any different. But, this stern expression wasn't worn by longtime friend Cloud Strife. Vincent Valentine had proved to be much different.
So, her smile faded and she nodded silent, and he matched a single nod back. "You should return to the festivities now, before someone notices you have disappeared."
In a brief moment, her eyes danced back to the event. He could see it, in her clenched jaw and narrowed eyes; she wasn't looking forward to stepping back into the light. Oddly, this explained her disappearance all those years ago, something barely talked about outside Wutai. A deep sigh escaped her. "I guess… I do need to make my old man look good."
It seemed that Yuffie Kisaragi was out of her element as well, going through the motions in a world unfamiliar to her. This wasn't who she was, and Vincent was already understanding that just by the look in her eyes. He cleared his throat, then, drawing her glance back to him abruptly. And with his usual lack of poise in these kind of situations, his eyes were elsewhere, watching the crowd. "Perhaps… you can join me for a drink," the smallest of shrug struck his shoulders, "to make amends for the other night."
A shy smile came to her face, mostly because this was the strangest interaction she has ever had with a man, not counting any drunken brawl at the bar. And looking back at their brief history, this was probably for the best. Make amends, forget any animosity, pretend to be somewhat normal.
"Sure." She said, looping her arm around his and making him guardedly straighten. Another dorky snort and she pulled, leading him back toward the bar. "You can buy me a drink and maybe we can call it even."
"Did you at least see where she went?"
He stretched his arm out with hers and twisted her as she moved back to join his body. His other hand found its way back to her waist just as hers gripped his shoulder. And the tighter it gripped when she couldn't spot Yuffie among the crowds of people. As Cloud winced, Tifa sighed, somewhat defeated.
"I didn't," he breathed in her ear quietly, leading her in the slow dance. He moved his feet with some skill, directing them to turn a 180. "She couldn't have gotten far… She was just with Reno a minute ago."
With Tifa looking back toward the entrance, she could see the flame of red hair. "That's what I'm afraid of…" When other couples danced apart, she could see he was alone, speaking with the bartender on the other side of the bar. It was almost a moment of relief, but this meant she was anywhere now. "She's not with him."
A half a second later, Cloud straightened, surprising Tifa as he turned her so they could both look in the same direction. "There," he whispered, pointing with the hand still wrapped on hers. Following that, Tifa found the back of Yuffie's head, a glittering rose clip a bit disheveled in her hair. "Who is she talking to?"
Tifa said nothing, but watched Yuffie's shoulders shake in laughter and her head turn to the man on her right. With her turning head, Tifa's eyes then watched the man, a tall figure sitting straight on the barstool. His long black hair was tied neatly in a mid-ponytail, and aside from his black suit, there was nothing really to identify him. In fact, he looked pretty plain from this distance. He was sort of still, and Tifa had half the mind to think he was a statue.
"I have no idea," she murmured, just as Cloud dipped her backwards. They spun together again, but kept their glance on Yuffie and the mystery man. It didn't look like he was saying much to her, but Yuffie was definitely talking to him. "Think she knows him?"
Cloud actually snorted, "unless she's cuffed him to the bar, I doubt it."
Tifa just rolled her eyes and pinched his shoulder, then ignored his wince when her eyes danced back to Yuffie. After a few more twirls and turns, the man had stood and bid Yuffie adieu, wandering back through the crowds of diplomats and donors. Through bobbing heads, neither of the two managed a glance of his face, but Yuffie was alone now, watching the man disappear. The older woman sighed, looking back to Cloud. "She's blending in better than we thought she would… At least she's talking to someone and not hiding like the last time. Right?" She stared at her beau pointedly and he less-than-agreeably nodded. "That's what I thought."
"One of you should remind her to turn her communicator back on," a voice breathed in both of their ears, a noise that made both of them flinch. "Sorry," the voice muttered, a smile obviously on their face. Cloud and Tifa's eyes traveled upward, finding Elena leaning against the second-floor railing, casually clicking away at her camera. Over the brief course of the night, the blonde had moved to the other side, positioned almost above Yuffie's head.
Tifa and Cloud stared at each other, mystified. They had agreed on open communications, all conversations in and out for everyone to listen to, aside from Cid's. His close proximity with the elderly tycoon would mess with her hearing aids. "Why in Gaia would she turn it off?" Cloud muttered.
Above, it looked like Elena shrugged her shoulders. She pulled her face away from the eyepiece to adjust the camera. "It must have to do with the guy she was with… She turned it off after she nearly strangled him to death." Again, Tifa and Cloud glanced at each other in bewilderment, but Tifa's melted more into anger.
"She…" Her voice had pitched, earning a couple of glances for the people around her, so she collected herself and lowered it again. "She what? When?"
Elena adjusted the massive lens on her camera, zooming in on Yuffie's face. "Just after she slipped away from Reno." The flash flickered as the camera snapped several shots. "She pushed through the crowd right for this guy, shook him around a bit before disappearing behind the pillar to their right. There weren't back there for very long, but by the time I got here, they were sitting at the bar." Elena pulled back from the camera again to look at the screen, checking out the shot she got.
Cloud and Tifa had stepped away from the dance floor by this point, sitting at their designated table, just a few yards away from Yuffie. She still hadn't noticed them, and they hadn't peeled their eyes away from her. "This is so strange, even for Yuffie," Tifa muttered, pretending to watch the band as they shifted chairs for the next act. Someone was bringing out a podium to the stage. Cloud just nodded quietly, fighting the urge to run his hand through his hair. Any note of worry could break their cover, especially as guests started to crowd to their seats. "She wouldn't act like this to someone she didn't know. At least, someone who had nothing to do with her."
Cloud leaned back and glanced up as he spoke low. "Elena – mind sharing?"
Above, Elena had pulled a picture, zoomed in, and sent them a copy with a few clicks on the camera. Each of them pulled out their cell phones, silently studying the photo for just a moment before shifting their eyes back to each other. "His eyes are red." Tifa said, unmoving.
Elena spoke before Cloud could, affirming their suspicions swiftly. "Enhancements for night vision, I'm assuming. Just like Yuffie's description of the man the other night."
This only created more questions than answers, and Tifa's fleeting, worried glance returned. Yuffie had pulled herself from the bar and was walking to her designated table, one with the most powerful and dignified guests in Midgar, probably in all of Gaia. When she suddenly realized this, her confidence faltered, and she was seemingly searching for someone. A brush across her ear, a slowed pace in her step, and her voice quietly rang in their ears. Tifa's eyes were on her the entire time.
"They want me to sit with these big deal kind of guys..." Yuffie's voice trembled a bit. "They look serious... I don't think I can do this."
And as Cloud opened his mouth to trivialize, Tifa spoke first, firmly. "You'll do just fine, Yuffie. Smile, laugh at their jokes, and stay away from any profanity. I bet you've been doing just fine up until now."
From there, they could see Yuffie's expression change to something similar to embarrassment before she smiled and nodded. "No, you're right. I can do this." Her confidence seemingly returned, walking tall and straight to her assigned table. Not even a second later, she joined in conversation with a man to her left, and Tifa could breathe easy. With a swipe over her ear, she pulled the communicator into her palm. Cloud stared at her, clearly annoyed. Tifa only stared defiantly back.
"We can discuss what she did later. Right now, she needs the support to get through this and the mission."
Cloud couldn't argue with her. In fact, there was not a man in the entire world that can stand up to her and her bold stare. Just another thing that he loved and slightly feared about her. The grown man could only sigh.
The guests continued to take their seats, the lights began to dim and somewhere along the second floor balcony, lights shined down on the stage. A rather large gentleman, bearded heavily and dressed in a green suit stepped on to the stage, causing a round of applause from the guests. Yuffie looked somewhat out of place (or more so) and simply joined in because the people at her table were so eager about it. The man took to the podium at center, raising his arms to lessen the ovation. He seemingly looked like a happy man with a lot more than joy and laughter in his stomach.
"Thank you, thank you," his voice rang out, resounding against the speakers that had been setup on each side of the stage. "You should know me already, but my name is Alec Heidegger, Director and Curator of the Meteorfall Museum of History. I am so very happy to see many familiar faces here tonight. Friends and families of the museum, and even some new and interesting faces as well. I cannot say it enough; I am glad you have taken time out of your busy schedules to join me here."
Yuffie tried hard not to roll her eyes and settled on drinking another glass of wine that was set in front of her. These people didn't have busy schedules, unless that involved bossing people around or sleeping around. To keep that to herself, she glugged the dry juice down. Just as she set her glass down, the guy to her left reached out to sip his drink, only to find it empty. The girl quickly looked back to the stage to avoid his confused glance.
"Of course, enough about me." He chuckled (something that sounded like a horse, actually) and the crowd actually laughed with him. Yuffie, on her third drink of the night and starting to feel the buzz, laughed too, but just a tad more exaggerated than she meant to. A couple of eyes back on her and she was smiling, embarrassed. "It comes with great pleasure to introduce the man who made this wonderful place, a place of deep and rich history, a reality. Each and every one of you have given a piece to this museum, but the very foundation on which your donations lie are because of him. So, please, put your hands together for the very man himself, Rufus Shinra."
Lightbulbs not only went off in her head, but in Tifa's, Cloud's, and Elena's, as well. Cid was, unsurprisingly, nowhere to be found, actually outside in the back, allowing the old woman's dog to relieve itself. But reeling back to here, Yuffie watched intently as Rufus Shrina emerged from behind the satin blue curtains to a roar was excitement and a literal standing ovation. Yuffie cheerfully inclined to stay seated. A rather handsome man with golden hair and crystal blue eyes; poster boy for rich parents and lavish lifestyles. He honestly looked a little like Cloud, but with way sharper features. Plus, Cloud would never dare wear a stark white suit and a tie that green. Flashes of light from the back and sides of the room captured the entrance from all angles… The man of the hour was here. He waved to the guests, pointed at a couple of familiar faces, and turned to shake Heidegger's hand. The crowd died down as he took the podium and Heidegger found he way back to his seat, just across from Yuffie.
"A big thank you to my good friend and colleague for that wonderful introduction. And now a large thank you to each and every one of you, and not just because I got a standing ovation." He chuckled and the crowd roared again; Yuffie was lost to find what was funny with that one.
"I thank you for sharing this special moment with me. My grandfather once told me that perseverance and determination are mastered when everyone works together. It helped get him and his comrades through the lengthy war, and it helped Heidegger and myself when the idea for this very museum. We wanted nothing more than to share not only my grandfather's legacy, but the legacy behind all memories of Meteorfall, as well." And while his speech was rather touching to most, Yuffie's mind translated it all into 'blah, blah, blah.'
Rufus only continued, a genuine, handsome smile on his face. "Today, on the 45th anniversary of Meteorfall, I wanted to share as much as I could with you all. I personally reached out to the families of war heroes, took down their stories and their memories. And many nights, I myself was driven to tears, listening to the men and women who stood on our front lines and conquered. What they shared with me made me appreciate everything that I have today." It was like the very moment he mentioned crying, the women at her table started tearing up.
"How sympathetic and understanding," one whispered.
"He's truly a good man," the other whispered back.
Yuffie nearly gagged and reached for a glass that was sadly empty.
Rufus took a moment, pausing for emotional and dramatic effect. He then breathed and smiled warmly. "I was lucky enough to bring back many pieces of their histories. And I made a promise to each of them that I would share what I learned with you." The lights suddenly shifted, or more so, lights flashed upward to grace the entire second floor. Everyone, even Yuffie, looked up, and slightly gaped. The oohs and awes echoed. Displays were pushed toward the railing, flags hung across walls and rafters. Whoever was working this event deserved a raise, because they worked fast and silently, all in the few minutes they ushered everyone downstairs.
"I more than welcome you to take a look at the extended histories and personal stories from those I interviewed. The Meteorfall Museum of History is very fortunate to showcase something so special and meaningful, not just to the families, but to me as well. At that, please enjoy your meals and please don't hesitate to say hello before you leave tonight… Thank you."
Once again, the guests were overjoyed, cheering and clapping like they were watching a very interesting game of… whatever the most boring sport in the world was. In Yuffie's ears, Cloud and Tifa confirmed together: The Sierra was definitely up there, too. The lights flipped back to their normal brightness as waiters and waitresses emerged from the walls with trays of something quite mouthwatering. And whatever was placed in front of her was nearly dug into immediately, but movement in the edges of her eyes made her pause.
"If it isn't the esteemed daughter of Wutai's greatest Prime Minister." The voice said, ringing and clear even without a microphone. She turned, almost too stiffly, noticing Rufus Shinra take the seat to her right. He was even taller and more classically handsome up close, two things that strangely intimidated the drunken girl. It was probably the wine. Most definitely the wine.
She smiled and forced out a small 'hi,' afraid her damned red cheeks wouldn't give her away. Rather, he just smiled warmly. Beside him were two other men, each dressed in midnight black suits, but one of pure Wutai descent and the other with strong features and braided silver hair. She didn't have a moment to recognize the Wutaian man, as Rufus raised his hand and motioned them away. "Don't worry, gentlemen. I will be fine on my own for now. Get a drink, something to eat; please join in the event, as well."
And without a word, the two nodded and split, heading off in different directions and not anywhere toward a bar. Yuffie watched them silently pass the table until she found Rufus Shinra's eyes back on her. He stared at her with some amused look in his eyes and she had half the mind to nearly narrow her eyes back. "It is so nice that you chose to represent the lovely country of Wutai on this evening," he said, eyes turning to pick up a fork and start at his meal. "I hear that your father has been rather busy lately, no?"
Yuffie's posture tightening again. Thanks to the last several years out of town and the three glasses of wine, her inner-Yuffie was scrambling. Make something up, make something up, make someth–
"Oh, yeah, well," her bare shoulders shrugged as she smiled weakly, perhaps smiling a little too sheepishly. "You know how it is... He's always busy with something."
Rufus nodded, and in between bites, he pressed further. "What sort of affairs is he focusing on this year?"
Ah... What was the old man complaining about again? Something about...
And as the answer came to her in a rush, her voice risen in volume. "Tourism!" The eyes at the table pulled from their meals and conversations and she sheepishly grinned, pretending not to notice. Instead, she took a couple of bites of mashed potatoes and chicken. Swallowing, she further explained since chewing allowed her thoughts to clear a bit. "Just like every year, it seems. Daddy always liked to share Wutai with the world." She smiled, he chuckled, and inner-Yuffie couldn't believe this was actually working. Maybe she should work tipsy more often.
"Your father does wonderful things for Wutai." He then said, pausing to dab his napkin to his mouth. And with thought, his eyes lit up. "You know, I just saw your father last month for an international trade show." At that, she froze again, but melted when those crystal blue eyes flickered back to her. "He said his daughter was beautiful, but I did not expect this beautiful."
The radio waves cracked:
"Oh, god." Tifa.
"Gross." Elena.
"That guy better keep his hands off of you or I will strangle him." Cloud. Nice to know he was probably speaking for Cid, too – who at this point was finally sitting down at a table and getting something to eat.
Yuffie, on the other hand, was about to milk this as much as possible. Who knows what else she could get out of this deal? Planes? Cars? Maybe a bit of jewelry… This was most definitely the alcohol talking. Without it, she might have punched him by now, and not because she was angry. Instead, the girl laughed, not that dorky, single snort kind of laugh. Something very feminine and cute.
Her face lit up. "Oh, you're too sweet." Her hand brushed across his arm and she smiled sweetly. "That speech you made about the heroes was really very touching. I think it's amazing what you did for them."
It seemed like praise was Rufus's favorite sound. His hand reached toward her face, brushing back a loose strand of hair. Without even realizing it, she leaned into his touch. "Thank you kindly, Miss Kisaragi." He tucked the hair behind her ear without even a flinch from Yuffie, too intent on getting the right longing, comfortable look in the man's eyes.
"Please, Rufus - call me Yuffie."
From outside this, the table was staring again, but with excitement and awe. Somewhere out there, lightbulbs began to flash.
"Are they together? They are just too cute." One whispered.
"They would make an amazing couple if they were." The other whispered back.
It just made Yuffie's red lips spread even more. With the audience won, this would be nothing but a sure deal. "I am going to an event tomorrow in Costa del Sol," he said, eyes skimming the lines of her face before setting on her grey storm eyes. "It would be a pleasure if you would join me."
And Yuffie opened her mouth with all the intent to say yes, but when the lights cut out, the museum went dark, and the entire room erupted in terrified confusion, she did not get a chance. A gunshot rang out and a man at the other end of the table slammed his head into his dinner plate. Dead. Another shot and Yuffie's wine glass shattered into a million shards of hot crystal. By the third shot, Yuffie was already under the table, seeing stars; instead of saying yes, all Yuffie could say was a rather unladylike, "Fuck!"
