The Things I Do For You by Bekas Strife and Kigichi

A CloudxYuffie/CloudxReno/RenoxYuffie story

We only own the occasional random, unknown characters and storyline. The main characters, setting and whatnot belong to Square Enix.

Will contain MxM, MPreg and threesomes.

Shifting with a soft mumble, Cloud sighed softly and opened his eyes slowly, "Ngh..." He felt so light headed and woozy. Feeling something in his arms, he looked down and blinked at the woman in his arms. "...Ngh?" Yuffie hummed at Cloud's movements, snuggling further into his arms. Smiling widely, Cloud giggled sloppily before nuzzling her. "Yuffie."

The ninja stirred, groaning softly at the nuzzling. She cracked her eyes open. "... Hi." She murmured, seeing the blond awake. She hugged her wrist close to her.

"Hi." The blond said with a wide smile, nuzzling her head softly, "You smell pretty..."

"... Are you stoned, Cloud?"

"...Little bit." Cloud said with a chuckle, grinning.

Yuffie sighed. "Nice." She smiled a little.

Chuckling, Cloud snuggled closer. "Mmm... I love you...you're so nice to me..."

"Oh, I am, hm?" The princess snorted, rubbing Cloud's arm with her good hand.

"Yea. And I'm so mean." The blond said with a sad sigh. "I'm sorry...please, don't hate me..."

Yuffie paused at that, looking up at Cloud. Reaching, she cupped his cheek with a small sigh. "I don't hate you." She murmured.

"You should." Cloud mumbled, turning and kissing her palm. "I hurt you. I didn't mean to."

The ninja lifted her bandaged wrist, eyeing it before shaking her head. "I know you didn't..." she murmured.

"I really didn't." Cloud said softly before picking up her wrist and kissing the bandage softly. "You can hit me back if you want to. To make us even."

Yuffie smiled lightly, shaking her head. "I was asking for it." She murmured, leaning to kiss Cloud's forehead tenderly.

"Were not." Cloud mumbled. "I lashed out for no reason. My fault."

Yuffie clicked her tongue at Cloud's depressed expression. "Hey..." She murmured, kissing an eyelid and a brow gently. "I forgive you..."

Opening his eyes, Cloud gave the girl a hopeful look. "Really?"

Yuffie nodded, resting their foreheads together as she laid her hurt hand over Cloud's. "Yeah."

Smiling, look lopsided, Cloud reached out and hugged her close with a smile. "Good." Yuffie smiled, nuzzling their noses together before kissing the other tenderly. Kissing back, the blond smiled happily, pulling her close, nestling his face into her hair. "I love you."

"Hmm, I love you too." The ninja giggled, hugging back and slipping a leg between Cloud's carefully.

"Good." The blond slurred, nipping the tip of her nose softly.

Yuffie hummed. "How are you feeling?" She murmured, lightly scratching his hip.

"Good. Nice meds. They take away all my pain." Cloud sighed. "Makes me nice and numb."

Yuffie hummed once more, patiently. "Good."

"Yeah...herbs are nice..."

Yuffie snickered, raising her hand to scratch Cloud's back. "Just go back to sleep. I'll be here."

Sighing happily, Cloud nodded and snuggled close, closing his eyes. "M'kay."

Yuffie kissed the other's cheek, petting his back. "Love you." She murmured lovingly.

"Love you too." Cloud mumbled back, easily falling into a deep sleep. Yuffie smiled at Cloud, kissing his cheek again. He looked so innocent when he slept... The ninja smiled lightly, tracing Cloud's features with the tips of her fingers. Shifting a bit, the blond's eyebrow twitched, nose scrunching up at the touch before he relaxed with a sigh. Yuffie blinked before quietly snickering. What was THAT? , she wondered before repeating it. The blond scrunched up again, reaching up and batting at him face. "Ngh..."

Yuffie giggled. "D'aww..." She giggled, reaching up to kiss the tip of her husband's nose. "Didn't know you were such a baby in your sleep, Mr. Tough Guy."

Sniffing softly, the blond shift, pulling Yuffie closer, nuzzling his face into her hair with a soft sigh. "Mmm..."

"... Clingy too." A soft sigh was her only answer. Yuffie giggled again, sighing as she made herself comfortable. It was early in the afternoon, she had missed lunch but was feeling still tired. Soon enough and lulled by Cloud's scent, she fell back asleep.

- Week later -

Hissing, Cloud winced as he watched Renoa gently remove his stitches. It had only been about a week since he was hurt but the mako had done its job and he was set and ready to go. "That hurts!"

"Oh it does not!" Renoa giggled, used to Cloud's complaining.

Yuffie sighed, gently punching Cloud's shoulder. "Stop being a baby!"

"That hurt too!"

"What a whiner." Renoa snickered, winking at Yuffie.

"Nah. He's more of a moaner." Yuffie winked.

"Really?" The maid asked with a grin. "I would have thought him as a groaner. But moan fits too." She chuckled, wagging her eyebrows. "I'm loud."

"Uhh, all the different kinds. Now we just need a silent one."

Tapping her lips, Renoa smiled softly, thinking back to her best friend. Tall, dark, sexy as hell. But kind at the same time. "I think I know someone..."

"Hmm, good..." Yuffie purred, yelping when she got pinched by Cloud. "Hey-!"

"No other man in your pants." The blond stated, nearly a snarl. He grunted, jealous.

"Ohh...more jealousy." Renoa cooed. "I wish I had someone to be jealous of..."

"You're not married?" Yuffie blinked. "Thought Dad only hired married maids."

Renoa raised an eyebrow, motioning to his floor length skirts, fabric brushing the floor. "Unmarried. I guess he wanted a maid around that the guards could hit on and make do stuff without having a jealous husband after them."

"Stupid." Cloud murmured.

"Meh. A job is a job. And it's not like the guard actually hit on me, although they are allowed to. I just make sure to get them what they need and they are nice." She grinned. "Bet I could get them to do stuff for me."

Yuffie snickered. "Alright, then."

Grinning back, the mad gave Cloud's leg a pat."There. All out."

The blond grunted, eyeing his leg. "... Sexy." He snorted.

"Well if you made it a habit of showing off your legs I would have to disagree." The maid said with a light chuckle. "But since no one will be seeing them, I say you're safe." Cloud snorted, moving and trying to stand. "Hey!" Reaching out, Renoa pushed on Cloud's chest, sending him back down. "Bad boy! No moving!"

"What? I am recovered!"

"So? You have not stood in over a week! You need to stretch first!"

"Ugh, just give me a break!"

"Never!"

"GRR!"

"You two bicker like a married couple." Yuffie sighed loudly.

Blinking, Renoa laughed, shrugging. "Sorry? I'm not one to give in or back down to a man." Yuffie grunted, hugging her husband around the waist tightly. "Oh calm down. I would never go after him." She said, shaking her head. "Not only do I not stand a chance but he is going to be king. Me?" She pointed to herself. "I'm just a maid."

"He can get new lovers and they can be whoever he wants." Yuffie grunted, hugging tighter and squeezing the air out of Cloud. Whining, she also threw her legs around his hips, clinging to the blond. "MINE!"

"Chill." Renoa said with a chuckle. "I have absolutely no intention of getting with your man or any other one. So ease up, he's turning blue."

Yuffie pouted, looking up and loosening her grip at the red face of her lover "... Sorry..."

"It's... okay..." Cloud coughed, sucking in a few deep breaths. Damn, his wife's grip was STRONG. Yuffie made a face, rubbing Cloud's bare chest. Coughing a few more times, Cloud gave Yuffie a smile. "I'm okay. Don't worry."

"Good." Yuffie grinned, kissing his cheek loudly.

Pulling a face, Renoa chuckled and stood up. "Well... I guess this is 'see you later'..." Now that Cloud was better, they would not need her around as much anymore.

"Bye!" Yuffie smiled. "Make sure to pop up once in a while, okay?"

"If you need me, I'll be there." Renoa waved with a smile before walking off.

Cloud smiled as Yuffie waved again, grinning. "... Thought you hated her?" He chuckled knowingly.

"Aww shut it." Yuffie pouted before snuggling back onto Cloud's chest. "She's alright once you get to know her."

The blond snickered, wrapping his arms around the small woman. "I guess she is." He smiled; kissing the top of Yuffie's head as he carefully laid a hand over Yuffie's still injured wrist, stroking the bandage gently with his thumb.

Smiling at the touch, Yuffie sighed. "She comes in handy. She kicked your ass when it needed to be kicked and is a good nurse."

"Too true." Cloud murmured, burying his nose on Yuffie's hair and taking on her scent.

"...Do I smell yummy?" Yuffie chuckled.

"Fruity. Love it."

"Thank you." The woman chuckled, nuzzling his chest. "You smell like... a sponge bath..."

"... I want a bathtub... Now..."

Laughing, Yuffie sat up. "I'll go have a bath drawn, your stinkyness."

"… Shut up..."

"I love you too." Yuffie chuckled before walking into the bathroom, turning the water on in the tub. "You want bubbles and oil?"

"Whatever you have. Just want to get rid of this smell." Cloud grunted, flopping back down onto their bed and stretching before curling.

Yuffie just giggled, adding some jasmine oil and bubble bath to the water. Waiting for the tub to fill, she quickly stripped. "Get naked and get in here!"

"Now, that's what I'm talking about." Cloud smirked a little, undressing quickly and limping into the bathroom - fucking wound was still sore.

"Don't even think kinky." Yuffie warned with a smile, walking over and helping Cloud into the tub before slipping in with him. "This is just to make you smell better."

"But you know I always smell better after a round with you..." Cloud grinned, swimming over to Yuffie and nuzzling her ear, licking her neck. "Your scent all over me... Hmm..."

"Hmm...No. I don't like having sex with a smelly person." Yuffie said, pulling a face. "Maybe when you're not grimy."

Cloud made a face as well, swimming away. Now THAT had been a blow to his sexual appeal. "Outch."

"Oh, don't give me that. You smell."

"I wanted to bath but who were the two women keeping me away from water?"

"I didn't say I didn't want you at all." Yuffie grinned. "You just need to smell good first."

Cloud rolled his eyes patiently. "Don't remember you complaining during this week."

"Cloud... we didn't have sex" Yuffie said with an amused grin. "You were high on morphine and just thought we did."

"One cannot be that high, Yuffie." Cloud snorted, pointing at his scratched shoulders and back and at Yuffie's marked hips. "Besides, keeping me high when I wasn't even hurting anymore on the next day is a bit of a stretch, woman."

Whistling innocently, the girl grinned. "Okay, ya got me. But each time we did it, was only RIGHT after Renoa bathed you.

"Never said it wasn't." Cloud smirked before ducking into the water, swimming to the side to get the shower gel.

"So why are you mad that I won't sleep with you when you're dirty?"

"I'm not mad. It just stung what you said; it's not like I like being smelly."

"Sorry?" Yuffie chuckled. "At least you get to bath yourself this time."

Cloud grunted, humming. "True." He murmured, grabbing a sponge and coating it on the gel. Brushing it against his skin, he narrowed his eyes at the scent that rose with the steam. "... AGAIN? Are they trying to get my dick raw, or somethin'?"

"What?" Yuffie asked, turning from where she was washing her hair. Pausing, she sniffed the air before frowning. "...damn."

"Damn indeed." Cloud grunted. He sighed. "They're trying to get us to have kids. We weren't even crowned yet!"

"Imagine how bad it will be when we ARE." the girl groaned. They were going to harass them none stop then. "At least you're immune to it."

"After falling for it more times than my dick can count, yeah." Cloud snorted, scrubbing at his hair with his shampoo.

"Don't let them find out." Yuffie chuckled. "They may make it stronger."

Cloud shuddered at the thought. "Hell, no. I'd be like an animal in heat then."

"...Sounds fun..." Cloud gave her a look. Grinned cheekily, Yuffie pursed her lips, blowing the other a kiss. "Love you."

"I awakened a perv." The blond snorted.

"And you love every inch of me."

"Likewise." Cloud murmured suggestively, ducking to get the shampoo off his hair.

"Ohh… and you call me a perv." Yuffie grinned, chuckling deeply, copying his action.

"Hey, you freed the monster. Now, deal with it."

"I love my monster." Yuffie sighed happily, grabbing a sponge and lathering it up before beginning to scrub at her arms. Cloud snickered at that, letting his body float on the water. It was soothing. Looking over, Yuffie chuckled before beginning to float on her back as well, waving her arms so she gently moved through the water, grinning when she bumped into the blond.

The blond chuckled. "Hello."

"Hello." Yuffie chuckled back, using her feet to push off of Cloud's side gently, floating away. Cloud smiled, holding Yuffie's foot and dragging her back to him. "Hey..." Yuffie pouted, pulling her foot away and turning so she was head to head with Cloud. "Can I help you?"

"Maybe..." Cloud drawled, crossing his arms and slowly circling the young woman. Reaching out suddenly, he turned her and pulled her to him before throwing them both underwater. Grinning at Yuffie's struggle, the blond reached to tap her lips before moving away some of the floating hair off Yuffie's face. Smiling, Cloud crossed the distance between them and nuzzled their noses before pressing their lips lightly together.

Smiling, Yuffie eagerly nuzzled back, kissing the blond softly and holding back a soft chuckle when she felt Cloud breathing some air into her mouth. With his ability to hold his breath for long, they could both be down there for a while, which was just fine with her. Pressing closer, she ran a hand down Cloud's back, gently scratching his spine. Humming contently at the scratches, Cloud leaned towards them slightly as he gently rubbed Yuffie's hips. These were the moments that made it all worth it; just him and Yuffie, no-one else to interrupt them. Pulling back from the kiss, Yuffie smiled softly and nuzzled Cloud's nose again before going up and popping her head out of the water, taking a deep breath. Chuckling, Cloud moved closer in the meanwhile, kissing Yuffie's soft stomach. Squeaking softly at the sudden kiss, the girl smiled and reached down, gently running a hand through the blond's hair and scratching his scalp gently.

Popping his face out of the water, the blond chuckled, fluttering his eyes closed as he leaned towards the touch, kissing Yuffie's palm tenderly. "Aww, you're like a puppy." Yuffie cooed. "A cute little wolf puppy..."

Cloud chuckled, wrapping his arms around Yuffie's hips. "Am I?" He mused, resting his chin on the woman's stomach.

"Yup. You're a sweet puppy who likes to nip sometimes." Yuffie said, brushing a lock of wet hair off of his face. "And soon you will be a strong, dominating wolf, the leader of the pack."

"And you, as my mate, will always be there for me, by my side." Cloud murmured. "Right?"

"Yup." Yuffie smiled happily. "You as head wolf and me as queen bitch."

"That sounds wrong." Cloud snickered, nuzzling Yuffie's stomach with his nose.

"But it is the correct term." Yuffie said with a grin, leaning down and kissing the top of his head.

"I know; but it doesn't stop it from being wrong." The blond stated, pulling Yuffie down so she could straddle his hips. Wrapping his arms loosely around her waist, he kissed her cheekbone.

"I kind of like it." The woman chuckled, loosely wrapping her arms around Cloud's neck. "It means that I rule over all the other women. So if you ever DO decide to take a consort I get to rule over her as well."

"You know I won't." Cloud smiled, speaking seriously. "You're enough for me." He chuckled.

"I know." Yuffie smiled. "But..." Smirking, she leaned forward, nipping Cloud's chin. "If you COULD… who would you take?" She asked with a naughty grin. "You name a girl and then I will."

Cloud blinked. "You mean that I have to name a girl and then you'll name another girl for me or will you name a man for you?"

"No. I'll name a girl for the both of us." The blond's eyebrows disappeared on his hairline. "What?" Yuffie chuckled with a wide grin.

"You swing both ways too, or ya joking?"

Grinning, Yuffie leaned over to whisper into Cloud's ear. "I love you, but I still prefer the soft feel of a woman's lips to yours."

"You were a full lesbian before I popped in here?" Cloud blinked, pulling the other away. "And you still prefer women over men?" He was not sure he liked where the conversation was going, especially with Yuffie's last statement.

"Oh, calm down." Yuffie laughed. "I swing both ways. Girls' lips are just softer than men's. I like it better." Smiling, she nuzzled him gently. "But I still love you." Cloud just grunted, in a sore mood now. At least he didn't have any preferences; anything was fine by him. Rolling her eyes, Yuffie sighed, flicking his nose. "They're lips, Cloud. I just prefer the lips over men's. The rest for me is even. Stop moping."

Cloud scrunched up his nose at the flicker. "Yeah, but now I dunno if you'll liking it or wishing it was some random chick's lips on yours." He murmured, crossing his arms defensively.

"Cloud." Yuffie said sternly with a frown. "I love you. Just because I like something does not mean that I wish it was that. I love your lips. I love your everything. I just said that women's were softer and I liked them more. I do NOT picture another woman's lips when we kiss. Understand?"

Cloud eyed Yuffie before nodding slowly. "... I'm sorry." He murmured, looking away. It was just the first thing that popped into his mind and it made him itchy.

"It's okay." Yuffie smiled, kissing his head. "Just don't think it again." Pulling back, she grinned. "Now… name a girl. Or do you want me to first?"

Cloud sighed, nibbling his bottom lip as he thought. "... Bah. I know no chicks but you and Renoa in Wutai, Yuffie. Now, if you ask me a man, there is this red-haired sergeant I saw one time, walking by the Koi pound..." He tapped his chin, lightly teasing his wife.

"No good. He's happily married with three kids." Yuffie grinned, knowing exactly who her husband was talking about. She was not surprised that he picked a redhead either. She had seen him casting glances at those with that particular hair color for a while now. "If i have to choose. I say Renoa. She is unmarried, funny and doesn't follow the Wutai standards like us. Not to mention if you look close, you can see how good her body is under that dress. She's pretty as well." She mused, thoughtful look on her face.

Wiping off the spoiled expression he had at the revelation that the redhead he had his eyes on had a family, Cloud hummed. "Yeah... Renoa... She's cute."

"She's sexy." Yuffie corrected, poking his cheek. "Come on, admit it. She's smokin' hot and knows how to keep you in line. I like her."

Cloud shrugged. "It's like you're both the last women on earth for me, Yuffie."

"Poor chocobo." Yuffie cooed, patting his head. Shifting a bit, she sighed and moved closer to him. "When should we have kids?"

The blond blinked, taken back by the sudden question. "Hmm... When we feel ready to have them...?"

"That's what I mean, though. When will you be ready?"

Cloud titled his head to the side. "... Honestly? I will never be ready." He murmured, smiling lightly when Yuffie turned to look at him. "I don't think I am parent material, I am not all that good with small kids... I don't know how to be a father, as I do not recall my own. I will, however, learn when they are born."

Feeling her growing frown slowly disappearing at Cloud's last words, Yuffie moved closer to the blond, snuggling against his side. "Good. I don't know dick about raising kids either but I'm willing to learn as well. What I want to know is when you want to have a child. Now? Later? Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow is kinda tough, unless you lay unnaturally evolved eggs today."

"...you never know…"

Cloud gave her a look between disbelief and comic disgust. "... That's taking the chocobo joke too far."

"Sorry." Yuffie chuckled, kissing his cheek. "But seriously, when?"

"Whenever you want." Cloud reassured. "I know we'll need to have kids one day and, to be honest... I'd like to be a father while I'm young. I want to be able to keep up with them, you know?"

"I know." Yuffie chuckled softly. "It's no good if you can't keep with the midgets... especially with my genes." THAT would be fun. "Aww... we're going to have angsty little hyperactive emos!"

Cloud rolled his eyes. "Ha, ha. I meant that I am already twenty-six. Soon, I'll be thirty and life will begin flowing through my fingers before I can get a hold of it."

"So when? I think sometime next year would be good. That way we can be crowned and get used to life in the palace. Not to mention you and I can grow closer."

"We get any closer and you'll crawl into my skin." Cloud joked, nuzzling Yuffie's face tenderly. "But yes... Next year does sound good."

Nuzzling back, the girl giggled before wiggling as if she was trying to get closer. "Good. A year sounds nice to me to. Now...how to tell the Old Goat..."

"We don't. We simply say we are trying but are not succeeding to have children." Cloud shrugged. "You'll just keep up with whatever contraceptive method you got, since I cannot get condoms or Godo will be on my... dick..." If they didn't get a kid til then, then whatever Yuffie was using was doing wonders.

"I'm not using anything though." The girl frowned, pulling back to look up at Cloud. "I told you, we do not have anything like that here. There is nothing for me to take."

"... Then how come you still haven't gotten pregnant?" With as much sex they had been having, Yuffie should have been knocked up already.

"Dunno. Luck?" Cloud hummed, though he looked confused. Pulling the same face, Yuffie shrugged. "I dunno. Let's not dwell on it, it may break the string of good luck."

The blond nodded. "... Alright."

Smiling, Yuffie leaned up, kissing her husband gently. "Good." Cloud smiled lightly back, kissing his wife as gently. Pulling back from the kiss after a moment, Yuffie smiled and rested her head onto his shoulder. "Hmm... This is nice. I miss taking baths with you."

The blond smiled again, wider this time, as he rested back against the wall of the tub. "We are here now."

"I know and i plan to stay here until I'm the human prune."

Cloud snickered. "Be my guest." He murmured lovingly, kissing Yuffie's cheek and temple tenderly.

"I shall." Yuffie said with a smile, snuggling close on his lap, kissing across his neck and chest. Cloud just hummed at the caresses, wrapping his arms around his wife tightly. "Ack." Chuckling softly, Yuffie wiggled a bit. "I can't give you kisses when I'm pinned to your chest."

"But you love it." Cloud murmured by Yuffie's ear, feeling her small body and lovely breasts against his torso.

"Hmm...That I do." Yuffie smiled, closing her eyes. Cloud smiled tenderly, nuzzling Yuffie's forehead with his nose before kissing her soft lips when she looked up. Kissing back, Yuffie chuckled softly. "You know, I would never take you for being such a cuddle bug."

"There are a lot of things people don't know about me." Cloud confessed.

"Hmm...Like what?"

"Well, I'm cuddly." Cloud chuckled. "I get attached to things and people really fast. That I am a baby in the morning; I'm more of an afternoon person. Hmm..." He paused, thinking. "Oh. Even though I tend to keep my distance from people, I actually love some interaction. It's nice to just have a nice conversation or being like this." He smiled, kissing Yuffie's cheek. "I also like to think that, even though I am not a fan of showing it to others, I am affectionate..."

"Hmm... I like all that." Yuffie said softly, sitting back against Cloud's chest as far as she could. "I know you're affectionate now and not a morning person; we traveled together, remember? But the rest is a nice surprise."

"Yeah, but you know that because despite everything, YOU are a morning person. You used to wake me up." Cloud chuckled, shifting to make Yuffie more comfortable.

"And what fun it was." Yuffie chuckled, grinning. "The air horn, pots and pans, belly flops... Ahh... good times..."

"Yeah... for you." Cloud snorted, kissing Yuffie's cheek. He began to scratch Yuffie's stomach idly.

Chuckling softly, Yuffie grinned. "Oh yea, lots of fun." Cloud just shook his head, amused. "You loved it, I know you did." Yuffie said with a grin. "I could tell by the look on your face. You tried to hide the grin, but I saw it."

"Bah."

"I love you too."

"Good."

Sitting back a moment later, Yuffie looked down at her hands. "Damn it, I can feel the water getting colder." And it was about time she head off with her advisors, she had picked them three days ago, to go over palace rules. "You need to pick some advisors as well, you know."

Cloud grunted. "I trust you, I trust Renoa and I trust myself."

"Well, I can't, you can't and she can't. You need to pick different people."

"How can I pick people I don't know or trust?"

Yuffie sighed. "I did it. You just have to find some that you at least believe you can trust and go with those."

Cloud sighed. "Fine... I'll do it next week." That way he could observe and determine who was trustworthy or not.

"Actually...today." Yuffie sighed. "You already put it off too long. It needs to be done."

"Next week." Cloud stated, shaking his head. "I need to go around and see if anyone appeals to my trust. I am not just going to randomly point my finger at three random dudes and spend my life doing the contrary of what they say cos I do not trust them."

Sighing deeply, Yuffie rolled her eyes. "No. Today." It HAD to be done now. They were already behind on their coronation date.

Cloud rolled her eyes back and shrugged, leaning back. "Take a seat and wait, then."

"Cloud Strife, our coronation is in four days. You CAN'T wait a week to pick advisors." Yuffie said sternly. "You NEED to pick them NOW and if you don't, then it falls under me to choose for you."

"Then do it." Cloud stated seriously. "Right now, I do not trust anyone but you and Renoa. I will, however, trust whoever you choose because it was you who chose. I trust your decisions."

"Fine." Standing up, Yuffie reached out for a towel. "but I'm warning you now, refusing to choose your own advisors and making your wife, someone considered lower then you, do your job will be frowned upon by the community and people and you will have a hard time getting them to accept you as king."

"God fuck it, woman! I DON'T trust anyone else! I am not going to let people I don't trust influence the decisions I will have to take for this country! It's for the freakin' people that I am doing this but FINE; I will go and find some morons myself." Cloud said angrily, snatching his own towel and moving out of the tub. "Oh; another thing most people don't know: I HATE being pressured and get pretty pissy when it happens." He stated, limping into their room.

"Yea, well, get used to it." Yuffie sneered, walking past him and to the closet, snatching up the outfit Renoa had set out for her and beginning to dress. "You're going to become king. Your life is going to be made of pressure and decisions you don't want to make and dealing with people you do not trust. Just pick a few idiots and ignore their advice. Easy as that."

"Unlike you, I would like to be able to count on those people." Cloud stated, drying his hair furiously. "If you can't understand why, just know that being able to count the people you can talk to with half the fingers of a hand is tough, even for the loneliest of the wolves."

"Well, if you tried to get to know people and trust them instead of staying away then you would not have that issue."

"It's not as easy as you may think, when you already got burnt several times, Yuffie."

"You're the one who gave up. It's your fault you have almost no friends, not other people. You choose to stop trying. No one made you."

"And thank you for throwing it all on my face." Cloud snarled, flinching. Slipping on some underwear, began to get into his robes.

"Well, don't bitch and gripe at me like it's everyone else's fault you have limited friends!"

"I am not talking about fucking friends, you-!" Cloud closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Sometimes he just wished he could punch Yuffie's teeth in. Ohh, but he could, but he wouldn't drop so low. Not again. "I am talking about having people who I can trust, Yuffie." He said as calmly as he could. "You get sick, or something. Renoa leaves. Who will I turn to then? I know plenty of people here but I do not trust any of them. THAT'S the problem."

"Well, having no one is no good either." Yuffie said softly, also calming herself down a tad. "I know you do not like it but this is life. You NEED to pick some. This is not a negotiation or something you can just put off. It is the law. Even the king must obey the law."

"The law can take it up the ass, Yuffie. This is not just about me, it's about the people out there that the law works to protect." Cloud stated, pointing randomly. "The people I will choose will help me take the decisions for their well-being. I cannot just choose anyone. I must choose the best out there."

"Then go and do it."

Cloud rolled his eyes. "I know. It's, like, the fifth time you say that ever since I woke up."

"And I will continue to say it as many times as I have to." The blond swallowed a couple of swear words as he fastened his midnight blue robe, sitting on the bed to put on his tabi and sandals. Walking over to the dresser, Yuffie sat down, beginning to quickly do her hair and makeup. Pausing, lipstick hovering near her lips, she sighed softly and turned to look at her husband when she saw his angry and hurt expression on the mirror. "Hey..." She said, voice soft and regretful. "I love you."

Cloud's anger deflated at that. Shoulders slumping, he sighed. "I know." He whispered. "I love you too." The blond said back, rubbing his face tiredly.

Getting up, Yuffie walked over and slipped behind him, hugging him from behind. "Always remember that, okay? No matter how mad we get, I love you."

Reaching back, Cloud wrapped an arm around his wife's waist. "I will." He murmured, kissing her softly. "You remember it too." He asked, closing his eyes and nuzzling her face tenderly, kissing her cheek.

"I always do." Yuffie said with a soft smile, kissing him back tenderly.

Cloud smiled into the kiss, reaching to scratch Yuffie's nape with his free hand. Pulling back after a last lingering kiss, he reached down to take Yuffie's hand and kiss her wrist. "Is it fully healed already?" He murmured, interlacing their fingers as a pang of guilt tugged at his heart.

"Almost." Yuffie replied with a soft sigh, smiling at the kiss. "It doesn't hurt anymore which is good. It will be back to normal in a few days."

"Good." The blond murmured, resting his cheek carefully against it. Smiling softly, Yuffie closed her eyes, nuzzling Cloud's head gently. He was so sweet when he wanted to be. The blond kissed Yuffie's neck as she nuzzled his head. "We need to go..." He murmured. "But now I just want to lie down with you and stay in bed for the whole day."

"Me too." Yuffie sighed. "But we have duties to see to." Standing up, she rolled of the bed and stretched her arms. "Come on. We better get going."

Cloud clicked his tongue, getting up and wrapping his arms around Yuffie's waist as she stretched. "We can just say we're working on getting Wutai an heir..." He smiled against Yuffie's skin after he kissed her shoulder. "But yeah... We should go."

"We used that excuse three times already." Yuffie chuckled, wrapping her arms around Cloud's neck from behind, kissing him softly. "But we still have all of tonight to spend together."

"If we used it a fourth time, it'd just mean we are dedicated to our cause." Cloud smiled against Yuffie's lips. "But yeah." He kissed her tenderly. "How about... I make love to you on the garden?" The blond murmured tenderly. Good thing that they had a little, secluded garden all for them. Beautiful too. "It's a full moon tonight... So we can just watch the stars, with no rush... no worries..."

"That sounds wonderful." Yuffie smiled, nodding. They had not made love out there before. "As long as we bring a blanket..." There was no need to get dirty while they were doing it. Not to mention bugs and such. "Shall we bring wine as well?"

"Nah. Just bring your delicious little body." Cloud smiled, nibbling Yuffie's neck playfully.

"Oh, you flirt." Yuffie giggled, squirming away from the nips. "No eating me for real! It won't go well if everyone finds out their king is a cannibal!"

The blond chuckled. "Alright, you kill joy." He sighed dramatically, releasing his wife and taking a step back.

"Thank you." Yuffie said, still chuckling softly. "Now… shall we go?" she asked, holding out a hand. "I'll show you where you pick your advisors and the like."

Cloud nodded, taking the hand and kissing it gently, as it was the injured hand. "Alright."

Nodding, Yuffie walked out of the room, still holding Cloud's hand as she led him through the halls. "They are not all bad. About our age. You should be able to pick a good one."

"Ugh. I tend to get along better with people older than me." Cloud cursed, sighing as he interlaced their fingers. "... Oh well. G'luck to me."

"Well, if they are younger they are more open to suggestions and are willing to negotiate." Yuffie explained, leading Cloud into a small room, multiple people milling about, speaking to each other and looking over the many books the room held. "Here we go. "Good luck."

"What, am I just supposed to go around popping 'hello's behind everyone's back or should I just sit on a table taking applications?" Cloud snorted, a couple of advisors nearby hearing and letting out quiet snickers.

"Well at least they share your sense of humor." Yuffie grumbled, rolling her eyes. "Go out there and TALK to them. Don't just stand around like an awkward lump."

"Yeah, let's rule the country with humor." Cloud drawled, grunting when Yuffie shoved him inside. "I love you too."

"I know you do." Yuffie grinned. "Now, get to it!"

"You sound like my Mom. I'm not a kid on my first day of school." Cloud grunted, crossing his arms as he took a couple steps inside.

"Good luck, honey! I believe in you!" Yuffie cooed, waving wildly at the blond. "Have a good time and make friends with the others!"

"Oh, fu-" Cloud pressed his lips together, watching the door slam shut before he finished. "Anyone who laughs is out!" He said in time to listen to a couple of strangled laughs.

Biting their lips, several people turned to hide their giggles, shoulders shaking. Their new queen was quite the fire cracker. "Sorry, My Lord." One man said, coughing to hide a chuckle. "She is very lively."

"Yeah." Cloud grumbled. "Outstanding."

Chuckling again, the man walked over to the blond and held a hand out. "My name is Leon, my lord."

The blond shook the other's hand. "Cloud, but I guess you know that..." He muttered, making a face.

"We all do, sir." Leon said with a soft smile. Holding out his folder, he nodded towards it. "This is my information. I think what would be best is if you read over all of them and get to know us first."

Cloud hummed, taking the file. "So I guess I was half right about taking applications." He chuckled.

"Basically. Each of us here is certified for the job. So you can skip that part. I suggest that you just look over our personal information. We cannot lie on those or we'll face a large fine or imprisonment since we are meant to help you lead. Liars for the job are not tolerated."

"Hmm. Yet my father-in-law was being slowly murdered." Cloud countered softly, smiling lightly. "However, I am not comparing you to those people. Don't think ill of my words." He reassured, going to sit by a table as he opened the file.

"None taken." Leon said, following. "They did not lie. In the beginning, the king was a kind, caring man, much like you. But once he lost his wife... well… you could say he lost part of his soul. He changed and raised this country with an iron fist and a cold heart. He is a good king, cares and provides for us, but as a person, there is very little left of the man that we raised to be our leader."

Cloud hummed, reading through the file with calculative eyes before he paused. "... Losing a loved one is something that does that to a person." He said, sympathy in his voice as he had already lost three of those. "I don't wish that to anyone."

"Yes. But it was especially hard on the king." Leon sighed. "Yuffie and the Queen were the only ones in his life. He lost one and the second turned on him. Not to mention the war. I believe anyone would behave like he did."

"Too bad few think like you." Cloud smiled bitterly, leaning back on his chair. Crossing his legs, he bounced a foot as he read the file. The blond hummed lightly. Not bad. Not bad at all. "... You're top on my list, Sq-"

"Leon." The brown haired man stressed. "... I do not appreciate the name in the file."

Cloud gave him a look that to others was neutral, but to someone who knew him, it just screamed 'weirdo'. "... Sure. Leon." He put his file down on the table, on his right side. "You're on my white list." He smiled. Clicking his tongue, he sighed softly. "Next!" he lifted a hand, wiggling his fingers as he waited for another file.

Walking over, a short man with light purple, almost silver hair sat down in front of the blond, handing him his thick file before sitting back and crossing his arms, bored look on his face. "I am Zexion." He said, voice neutral. Reaching up, he moved a piece of hair away from his face, it falling back into place over his left eye. "I am not like the rest of this giggly bunch. I appreciate a quiet room and a good book over loud parties. And I am not one to leave a job unfinished. If I am to work for someone, I will make sure that they reach their full potential, no matter what."

Cloud stared at the boy, humming after a moment. "I see." He said, quickly burying his face on the file. The kid was sort of intimidating but... The blond felt his eyebrows disappear under his hair. "... You're hired." He said simply, giving Zexion a thumb up. "Welcome to the team."

Smirking, Zexion nodded and stood up, holding a hand out to Cloud to shake. "Thank you." He knew he would be hired, anyways. There was no one he had met that did not wish to hire him.

"But don't get smug. I can still trade you." Cloud warned as seriously as he could.

"Of course." The man said evenly, facial expression neutral. Turning, he walked away and over to Leon, the two beginning to speak quietly.

Cloud eyed the teen before sighing, turning to a couple of others. He read a couple of files, sorting them through his black and white lists. Watching the blond work for a bit, a tall man walked through the crowd after working up some guts. Stopping in front of the blond, he grinned and plopped down in front of him, tossing a folder on top of the one Cloud was reading. "This is the best one in the bunch, you better get it memorized." Cloud raised an eyebrow, snorting. Not even looking up, he titled the file he was holding and made the strange one flop onto the floor before he continued to read. "Well, that was not very nice. I thought you were supposed to give everyone a chance. You even gave Leon one and he flirts with every pretty thing that moves. And Zexy is about as fun as a pet rock!"

"Exactly. I am supposed to give everyone a chance and I will not be giving the owner of the file I have a chance if I do not finish reading it." Cloud stated, continuing to bounce his foot as he kept reading.

Snorting, the man tilted his head to the side, reading the name on the file. "Ugh. HIM. He is completely male power. I watched him smack a maid earlier because she didn't get him his drink fast enough." Cloud closed his eyes tightly. Ugh. Great. Now even if it wasn't true, he would always look at the guy sideways. Chuckling, the man grinned and sat back, crossing one leg over the other. "I'm not lying. Not allowed to, remember?"

"I have no idea of who you are but I already hate you. That is not a good thing." Cloud stated, throwing the file on his hands to the black list and leaning to grab the fallen file. "Who are you again?" He read the name on the cover. "Axel?" He asked, leaning back on the chair and he opened the file. His eyes widened at the sight that greeted him. Hello, red-haired man. One pretty similar to… Dragging them up, he stared for the first time at the man.

"That's the name. A-X-E-L. Got it memorized?" The redhead smirked. "And I don't care if you don't like me. I aint too crazy about you myself right now but that's just because you're being a brat. Now, me? You hate me because I'm not bowing and scraping to kiss your ass. So I annoy you, big whoop. Doesn't mean I'm bad at my job. I'm most likely as qualified as Zexion."

"You're being rude. That's what I do not like." Cloud stated. "I couldn't care less if you were kissing my fuckin' ass."

"You started it by dumping my file on the floor like it was trash." Axel shot back, green eyes glimmering. "Just because you're going to be king, does not mean I'll let you treat me like that."

"You were disrespecting one of the others. You only got what you deserved at the time."

"Tossing a file down is disrespect? No. It's getting your attention. Disrespect is whipping the lighter out of my pocket and setting it or him on fire."

"And I am one step closer to do that to yours." Cloud snorted, glaring at the redhead. Eyeing him, he settled his eyes on the file and lifted it to hide his face from Axel's smug mug.

"Bring it on." Axel grinned. "I'm a master at fire materia. Anything you can do, I can do better."

"Then YOU'd be king." Cloud snorted, skipping through the file. Finished reading it, the blond held Axel's look in challenge as he let the thin book flop down between his black and white lists. Nothing was decided.

Raising an eyebrow, the redhead just smirked and crossed his arms, sitting back. "Fuck no. I like my freedom, thank you very much. Besides, if I was fully in charge, I would most likely start another war because I set a diplomat's hair on fire because he pissed me off."

"I liked my freedom too." Cloud stated simply, honestly. He missed it, badly, even though he loved Yuffie. It was not her; it was the life in the Pagoda.

"Well then, be free." Axel said simply. "You're king. You can do what you want."

"I used to say that too, back at Edge." The blond snorted, getting up to grab the bad files and dump them aside so he could sort through the ones on his white list.

"So? You don't believe it anymore?"

"... I do... It's just..." Cloud paused, licking his lips. "... I feel like, after all that I lived after saying that, that it's a lot harder than I thought; it feels as if was one naive little boy back then." The blond paused once more. "... And I don't even know why I am talking to you about this. Thought I hated you?"

"So you thought." Axel grinned. "I got the odd little ability to make people tell me things they would otherwise keep locked up."

"... I am pretty sure I dislike you then." Cloud mused, sorting through the files on his white list. Reading them again, he bit his lip. They were no good compared to Axel's. Letting out a long sigh, Cloud hung his head. "... FINE." He stated. "Leon, Zexion, Axel. You come with me." Cloud announced.

"Ha, ha! YES!" Standing up, Axel grinned and walked over to the other two, swinging his arms around their shoulders. "Come! It's time to play minion!"

"...Idiot."

"You know, you're pretty mean for a person that's mistaken for a garden gnome on a daily basis."

"...Idiot."

"I love you too."

"What have I gotten myself into?" Cloud whispered, ruffling his hair furiously as he walked towards the door. Hearing their leader, Leon and Axel began to laugh, easily keeping up with the blond. Cloud huffed at the laughter.

Chuckling, Leon broke off from the group and walked over to Cloud. "So...what is first on the list of things for us to do?"

"Wipe off someone's smug grin." Cloud grunted, flashing Axel a glare.

"Don't let him get to you." The brown haired man chuckled. "He likes to push people's buttons."

"And I just love getting my buttons pushed." Cloud said, a hint of sarcasm on his voice. Sighing, he pointed to the dining room. "You are all invited to have lunch with me; it's about time for it, anyway. We can talk and actually get to know each other. What are in your profiles are great and all, but I'd like to know you."

Blinking, the three smiled, Zexion's lips merely twitching, and nodded. "Will the princess be joining us?"

Cloud crossed his arms. "Is there a problem?" He narrowed his eyes.

"No." Zexion said, raising an eyebrow. "We merely wished to know if our future queen would be there as well. If we get to know you, we would like to get to know her as well since we will be around her as much as you."

"There is not much to know." Cloud shrugged, now relaxed. He had been afraid the three he had chosen were sexists as the rest of the other males he had met. "She's loud, harsh-"

"I see you've chosen your advisors!"

"Hi, love." Cloud smiled, hastily turning to see Yuffie running to him.

Jumping into Cloud's arms, Yuffie kissed his cheek before peeking over at the three men, giving them a look and letting it linger on Axel for a moment longer than the others. Grinning, she laid her head onto her husband's shoulder, three women running after her from where she had left them. "Hey."

Cloud chuckled, kissing his wife's head tenderly. "Hey." He looked up, smiling at the women. "Hello."

"Hello." All three replied at the same time, giving the blond a smile with identical blue eyes looking at him. Grinning, Yuffie pulled back and nodded to the girl. "I want you to meet the triplets. Naminé." The blond smiled and waved, holding a notebook close to her chest. "Kairi." Kairi nodded, moving a piece of red hair behind her ear. "And Xion." The last, black haired girl gave them a small wave. "They're sisters."

"Glad to meet you." Cloud smiled, giving them a little bow. "These are the guys that caught my eye after you left me at kindergarten, Mom." He joked, waving at the three behind him. "This one is Leon." The brown haired man smiled politely and bowed. "Zexion." The young man nodded once. "And... Axel." The blond said, making a face as he tasted the name on his tongue. He gave the man a look at his wide grin and flamboyant bow.

Raising an amused eyebrow, Yuffie chuckled. "Nice to meet you."

Walking over, Leon gave the couple a deep bow. "It will be an honor to serve you, ma'am." He said sincerely, Zexion nodding his agreement.

Gazing at the girl for a moment, Axel grinned. "You're wild. I like you." He stuck a hand out. "We'll have to trade stories sometime."

Yuffie blinked, grinning before shaking hands with Axel. "I have a feeling I got you a best friend instead." Cloud grunted, eyeing the redhead. He was... intriguing.

Chuckling, the redhead grinned and wagged his eyebrows. "Either way, I'm going to be bothering him for a long, long time." Cloud rolled his eyes at the look he was being given.

Giggling softly, Yuffie grinned. "Oh, I like them. You picked good, Cloud." She said, hugging her husband. "Now… shall we all go eat?"

Cloud nodded, kissing the woman's head once more. "Yes." He smiled, nodding towards the dining room and allowing their guests to step inside first.

Wiggling in Cloud's arms, Yuffie chuckled, watching the group sit down to eat. "You really did pick well, Cloud." She said with a small smile. "I have a feeling they will be good for you."

"I hope so." Cloud sighed, looking at them. "Zexion is the most serious of them all. Leon is a mixture of the two, while Axel..." He winced.

"He's like Reno." Yuffie finished quietly. "Not exactly but… the hair, the eyes. His kick ass, take no bullshit attitude..."

Cloud pressed his lips tightly together. The looks, maybe, but he hadn't chosen him for it. "He was a worthy candidate, Yuffie. Really good grades, a great strategist, a good advisor... Although I can't say he's not attractive, it was not that that drew me to him. You gotta believe me."

"I know." Yuffie said with a soft smile. "You do not look at him like you did at Reno. He is just a good advisor. A smart man."

Cloud nodded, relieved. Leaning down, he kissed the woman tenderly. "Thank you."

Kissing back, Yuffie smiled softly. "You're welcome."

The blond winked at her. "Let's get inside?"

Nodding, Yuffie jumped out of Cloud's arms before walking into the room, smiling when she saw the group sitting at the large table and chatting, Renoa walking around with another maid, serving them. "They already look like friends."

"Good." Cloud grinned, going to sit by his advisors. Looking up when Yuffie and Cloud walked over, the group smiled and nodded, Renoa walking over and setting down their plates, not noticing the way Leon's eyes followed her. Cloud slapped the back of Leon's head. "Leave the maid alone."

"Oww! What did I do?" The man frowned, eyes following the woman once more. "I did nothing wrong."

"You're trying to eat Renoa with your eyes. And drooling at that." Cloud stated, wiping Leon's drool. "She's not just a maid, she's a good friend. So let me make this clear; you mess with her without her wanting, and you're done for." He warned seriously the three male advisors.

Looking at one another, Axel chuckled. "Don't worry. I have better things to do then chase skirts." He grinned. Zexion just snorted, going back to reading his book, taking bites of food in between pages.

Grunting, Leon crossed his arms. "I'm just looking." He grunted. "I can't appreciate a lovely woman when one comes by? It's not like she's married."

"Does not mean you can eye hump her at free will." Cloud chided.

"As long as it's not real humping... hmm..." Shaking his head, eyes turning to normal when he stopped imagining, Leon coughed into his hand. "Like I was saying, as long as it's not real humping, then no harm, no foul." Cloud grunted, giving him a look. "…what?" Leon chuckled, following Renoa again. "It's not like I was touching her."

The blond gave him a new look. "Ohh, chill." Renoa giggled. "He forgets I have the knife." She said, suddenly serious as she grabbed a butcher's knife.

Raising an eyebrow, Leon gave the woman an amused grin. She was feisty. He liked feisty. "Really? So do I?" He chuckled, moving his long robe to the side to show off the long blade at his side.

"Do I must show mine to end this?" Cloud asked, annoyed, as he reached under the table and removed his large, long blade from its hidden place. "Settle down, children."

Whistling lowly, Leon chuckled again before giving Reno's a wink. "He wins."

Giggling, Yuffie winked back, taking a bite of her food. "I have a feeling life will be interesting from now on."

"Oh, do you, now?"

"You think it won't?" Yuffie asked, motioning to where Axel and Naminé were having a deep discussion, Xion sneaking pieces of the redhead's chicken off his plate when he was not looking. Leaning over, the princess kissed Cloud's cheek. "You picked well, love."

Cloud smiled, turning his head to kiss Yuffie's lips gently. "... I still have some doubts." He murmured. "Leon seems okay... But Zexion... I'm afraid I'm reading him wrong and Axel..." He eyed the redhead. "... I don't know what to think. He's a mystery." He murmured, studying him with mild interest.

"I don't think he's bad person." Yuffie said softly, looking over at the redhead. "He is a bit wild, yes. But I can tell that he has a good heart. And Zexion… he's just serious." Cloud nodded, still eyeing them. "Don't stare to long." Yuffie chuckled. "If they see they may begin to pester you."

"Why?"

"Because they can?"

Cloud snorted, going to take a bite of his food before pausing abruptly. Sniffing, he narrowed his eyes. "What is it?" Axel asked, voice suddenly serious. Sitting up, Zexion and Leon looked around, each reaching for the weapon by their sides.

Cloud narrowed his eyes, looking around as he put his fork down. "I guess some of the dogs were left outside." He said meaningfully, turning to look at Yuffie.

Eyes narrowing, Yuffie grunted softly, placing her fork down as well. "What should we do? Gather them up and return them to their cages?"

"We can't. We don't know who they are. They have been sent away, remember?" Cloud took a deep breath. "Leave us alone." He ordered the maids.

Looking up, the women nodded, Renoa grunting as she refilled Cloud's glass before turning to leave. "I never get to see the good stuff."

Cloud waited from them all to leave before sighing, putting the food away. "This is poisoned."

Axel reached over and snagged the plate, sniffing it before recoiling. "Yep. Definitely poisoned." Leaning down, he sniffed his own plate. "Ours is fine. There must have been a powder set on your plate only."

"Joy." Cloud grunted. And so started his life of always looking over his shoulder at every step he took.

"From now on we will trade plates with you." Zexion said quietly, looking down at his own food in suspicion. "And we will have a food tester as well."

"No need to. I am perfectly capable of knowing if both my beverages and food are poisoned or not." Cloud reassured. He didn't want anyone taking that risk for him. "I discovered Godo's advisors were slowly killing him. I guess some must have escaped and I am now their target."

"We'll take care of them, boss." Axel grinned, cracking his knuckles. "No worries about that."

"Why did you ask the maids to leave?" Leon asked suddenly. "Especially Renoa. I can tell by one glance that you are friends."

"We are, but we can't take chances. It'd look suspicious if I let her stay, and she could also become a target."

"And constantly speaking to her, laughing with her, won't? Even I know she is your favored maid and I have not been here for long. Gossip goes a long way."

"She'd be a target cos I would have let her in our conversation now, Leon." Cloud narrowed his eyes. "Besides... I don't know who else may be behind this. Godo's advisors were his friends too."

Sighing, Zexion set his book down. "She is already a target. Like Leon said, everyone in this castle knows that she is your favorite maid. It is no secret that she is just about the Princess' best friend as well. Besides you, she may just be the next on the assassination list. They know it will hurt you to see her die."

"Then get her close, already." Cloud snorted, getting up. "This has already started and I am already sick of it. It is not my intention to watch my every step for the rest of my life."

"That is why we are here." Leon said, standing up as well. "We are meant to not only serve you and help you lead but protect you as well." Cloud nodded, pacing. "Would you like me to fetch that maid?" Leon asked. "She cannot become an advisor like us, I think, but we can still keep her close as a personal servant for you."

"She will be my advisor." Cloud stated. "I shall speak with Godo about it. Go get her with NO further questions." He pressed when Leon was about to open his mouth.

"Alright." The man nodded, turning with a look of glee on his face. He would take his time walking her back.

"And be quick."

"Damn it!" Cloud snickered, watching the other leave.

Sighing, Yuffie sat back down. "So... now what do we do?"'

"We try to find out who had access to this food."

"The chef, mostly, but just about anyone can walk in and test the food." Cloud hummed, continuing to pace. "We could put a lock on the kitchen, with the staff only allowed inside to cook?"

"Could be. If it kept being poisoned, then we'd have less people to investigate."

"Then I will announce later that only cooks and sub chefs are allowed in from now on." Yuffie said, nodding her head. "And you will speak to my father about having Renoa bumped up to advisor? Most likely he will not go for it."

"I'll convince him. He owes me at least two." Cloud snorted, raising his robe and showing his scared, mutilated leg. "One for this and another for saving his ass."

Wincing, Yuffie sighed. "It is not up to only him. You would have to present it to the council as well... and they owe you nothing."

"Does not matter. I shall deal with them."

"Good luck." Yuffie sighed. "Those guys can make my dad squirm. They are not easy to get past."

"We'll see about that." Cloud reassured.

Chuckling softly, Yuffie nodded. "Alright. Anything else we need to do?"

"We build a little pillow wall and wait for the invasion?" Cloud snorted.

"That can be done." Yuffie said with a grin. "Most definitely." The blond shook his head, sighing softly. Getting up, Yuffie walked over and pulled Cloud into a hug, kissing his chest softly. "Don't worry. It will be okay."

Cloud nodded, wrapping his arms back around Yuffie's shoulders. "I guess our plans for tonight will have to be canceled." He murmured. They didn't know if the next attack could be made in the form of a riffle.

Yuffie grunted, pouting. "No fair." Thinking for a moment, she grinned "We can always assign guards."

"No." The blond shook his head, huffing.

"Aww, c'mon. WE can put up a silence barrier and they won't hear a thing."

"NO."

"Killjoy..."

"I love you too, baby."

"I know you do." Yuffie smiled, kissing his cheek again.

"Good." Cloud smiled, resting his chin on his wife's head. "... Well, no-one ate a thing, right?"

"Nope." Yuffie sighed. "And now I'm hungry... think we should go pester the cooks for some food?"

"I can cook for all of us." Cloud offered, shrugging at the other's wide eyes. It was as if no-one had ever offered to cook for them.

"Uhh... sir?" Xion piped up, voice soft. "You do not have to cook. Such things are seen as beneath you."

"Have you forgotten that I didn't grow up by those laws? I'm still a mountain boy at heart." Cloud chuckled. "Besides, I ain't a king yet. Lemme do something I like for a change?"

Looking at one another, they shrugged before standing up. "Alright." Axel grinned. "Let's see what you can do."

"Follow me, then." Cloud smiled, taking Yuffie's still recovering hand on his gently.

Nodding, the others walked over, following Cloud out of the room. "What will you make?" Axel asked, licking his lips. "I'm STARVING."

"What do you guys want?" Cloud asked, waving at Leon and Renoa to join them as he saw them at the end of the corridor.

"Anything edible." Axel chuckled, swinging an arm around Renoa and Leon's shoulders.

Reno grunted and elbowed him, going to stand beside Cloud and smiling when the blond swung an arm around her shoulders. "May I suggest veggie lasagna?" She grinned.

"Aww, no fair! I want lady love too!" Axel whined playfully.

Rolling his eyes, Zexion jabbed the redhead's side with his elbow. "Lasagna is good."

"Alright." Cloud nodded. "Lasagna it'll be."

Bekas: HUGE chapter to make up for the HUGE wait. SORRY!