Radiance of Time
"Cloudie, I mean, c'mon! Friends don't let friends with nice hands go without a manicure! JUSTCOMEWITHME!" The ninja whined, and Cloud was beginning to panic.
He had to think. Fast.
He couldn't fake sick, he couldn't say he was going somewhere with Aerith because she was already out with Cid…
Why was it so hard to say no to the tiny girl that stood in front of him? She barely came up to his shoulder blades.
"Er, Yuffie. I…" His sentence was quickly cut off, by Leon.
"He can't. He's coming with me." The swordsman spoke up, casually running his fingers through his brown hair.
Yuffie lowered her eyebrows. "Where ya guys goin'?" She pouted, crossing her arms. "Can I come too?"
"No." Leon answered.
"WELL WHY NOT!"
"Men only."
"Squallie, I remember you when you were prepubescent and squeaky. Don't pretend you two are all macho right now." She stuck her tongue out. "Plus, I'm not a girly girly anyway! I can hang out with the boys. C'mon!"
The ninja hopped to her feet quickly, ready to go out the door until Leon's arm blocked her.
"Yuffie, no." He said sternly, pushing her back gently. "It's me and Cloud today."
Leon looked towards Cloud and walked out the door, swinging it open for his buddy to follow after.
Right before stepping out, Cloud took a look towards Yuffie's small frame which found its way to the couch, hugging her knees to her chest.
He could tell she was upset.
He felt bad.
Cloud gave Leon a look, who just shook his head and Cloud followed after.
"i feel bad." Cloud admitted, once they began walking.
"Oh?" Leon said, hands in his pockets. "Did you want to get a manicure?"
Cloud said nothing.
"Where are we going?" He asked.
Leon stopped dead in his tracks and gave his shoulders a shrug. "Maybe the candy store?" He suggested, eyes looking up at the concrete and buildings of Radiant Garden, avoiding eye contact with the fellow swordsman.
"Why there?"
"…because I know Yuffie likes those chocolate moogle things..." He paused, awkwardly shuffling his feet. "or whatever you call them."
Cloud smirked.