Small Talk



Yuffie shivered slightly in the coldness. The arctic wind was picking up and embraced what used to be a warm atmosphere. She stared at the temple in the far distance. She thought it was something so old that it could have been mistaken for something that was from the stone henge. Yuffie never really liked temples that much. Perhaps she was letting her past from Wutai interfere with her feelings. She quickly shook off that thought and trotted behind Vincent and the others.

We're almost there, said Cloud with Aeris walking next to him.

Yuffie watched as her friend's eyes gleamed with passion. Her long thick braid flowed gently with the wind. Her emerald eyes sparkled under the crummy weather and she was just so...so mature. Yuffie dreamily stared at Aeris's figure. She wished she could be just like her or Tifa. They both were beautiful, sophisticated women and she was just some bratty girl as Cid would call her.

Vincent obviously noticed something was troubling the young ninja.

What is it Yuffie...? he asked calmly, without focusing his eyes on her.

she stammered and quickly dropped the troubled look on her face and gave the tall gunslinger a small smile.

They entered the temple and headed up the cobble steps. A man in a black hood weakly told them to go inside. Cloud tried to ask him something else but it was too late. A glow emitted from his body and he vanished into thin air.

Weird...

Umm...you guys go in. I think I'll just wait out here.. Yuffie turned and headed back down the cobble steps. She sat down quietly at the entrance of the temple.

Cloud hesitated. He didn't feel right leaving Yuffie alone. Who knows what kind of stunts she might pull this time?

Vincent who read Cloud's mind interrupted his thoughts.

I'll stay with her...you two go in.

Cloud gave him a grateful smile and whispered a thanks and then strolled inside with Aeris.

began Vincent.

Yuffie turned around startled. She didn't know Vincent was right behind her.

Oh its only you. Geez you scared me!!

Terribly sorry, he apologized and kneeled on one knee next to her. Why don't you want to go inside?

It...just reminds me of the pagodas in Wutai. You know how much I hate my hometown.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Neither Vincent or Yuffie said anything.

began Yuffie as she turned her head towards Vincent. Why are you here?

Cloud wanted me to watch you, he answered simply. He see no reasons to go into the details.

Yuffie laughed softly, slightly amused at what Cloud wanted Vincent to do.

Whats so funny?

Cloud thinks I'm immature. He thinks I'm a brat just like everyone else, just like you too probably.

Vincent was taken back a little from Yuffie's words. Just like you... He never thought of Yuffie as a brat. In fact, he never really thought about her. He just kept his distance from everyone, not really wanting to get to know them but then why did Yuffie's words suddenly have some slight affection on him?

Is that whats troubling you? he asked in a mild concerned voice.

Aww!! So you actually care Vinnie? she smiled sweetly. It was a grateful smile too.

I-I...was just asking, he stammered.

Well...kinda...actually but you probably wouldn't want to hear about some boring nonsense from me.

Vincent was suddenly interested in her tone. He did actually wanted to know what was bothering her.

I'd like to hear it.

Alright then. Yuffie then resumed back to her thoughts, only this time, her thoughts were verbal.

You see...I always think about myself too much. Sometime I wish I can be more like Aeris or Tifa. I've always dream I could be more like them and less like myself. They're so beautiful and talented and I'm just some loser, bad, girl who failed her own hometown and brought shame to Wutai, she shooked her head sadly. Know what I mean?

Vincent did understand her feelings. His mind drifted into his past as vivid images flowed around his night vision. Such a pity he thought.

He closed his crimson eyes and thought back to the old days. Yes...that is one of the reasons I became a Turk, he spoke with a slight coldness in his voice. Come to think of it, the only reason I joined Turk was to prove myself worthy of something. I've also disgraced my family. I thought after I joined the Turks, I would regain some dignity back...but...I only disgraced myself even more and created these mortal sins.

Yuffie was astonished. She never really understood Vincent's past because she was never able to see through his cold features. He didn't let anyone understand him or even gave a chance for them to.

So...what do you do now? she asked hesitantly.

"I'm...taking things a little slow. Slowly but surely...I want to rid these sins.

Smart move! Yuffie stood up and curved her lips into a half smile. It felt kinda nice just to talk to Vincent alone.

So I guess...you should just be who you are. Even if you have shamed your hometown...you've done plenty of things and people respect you for that. I...respect you for that. It was true. Vincent did secretly admire her ways of defeat. She learns from her mistakes and tries to make the best of it. Thats something I should do more often...he thought.

Yuffie's smile grew wider. Thanks Vinnie! You've really helped me through...

Vincent's heart felt warm from her touching words. He gave a somewhat smile under his collar.



She nervously glance at his tall figure and hesitated on thinking what she was going to do next. Her mind raced and before she knew it, she ran up to him and leaped up, throwing her arms around his neck and embraced him in a light hug.

Whats this? he asked softly, couldn't help but blush a little from behind his cloak.

Just my way of saying Thank you', she whispered in his ears. She loosened the grip on him and simply smiled at his stunned profile.

Vincent only smiled at her, yet said nothing.

Cloud shouted.

Yuffie glanced at the two figures walking down the steps of the temple.

Had fun? Aeris laughed.

Yuffie suddenly wondered if they had saw the whole scene.

Vincent nodded coldly.

We've found out that you need the Keystone' to enter the temple. I remember seeing it at Dio's showroom the first time we went there so-

So does that mean we're going to Gold Saucer? squealed Yuffie excitedly.



she jumped into the air and gave a small twirl.

Vincent couldn't help to notice how cute she looked.