A Lighthearted Gift


Wow, this place hasn't change one bit, marveled Tifa as she stepped out of the rope way tram. She hurried behind Cloud who was paying for their entry fee.

Here you go sir. The woman at the entrance handed them their ticket and allowed them through.

So where should we head first? asked Aeris.

Well we are soaked wet so why not hit the hotel? suggested Red.

But our objective is to get the keystone. If we waste time, it might not be there no more, said Cloud.

How about this......we can split up into two groups. One will head to Dio and the other group can come with me to get the rooms ready, implied Cait Sith.

I'm with the cat, grunted Barret with Cid and Red also in agreement.

Yuffie pondered at which group to follow. She really didn't want to follow Barret and Cid considering they did nothing but pick at her. She also noticed that Vincent didn't say anything so he was probably sticking to Cloud's squad.

Hmm...maybe I can stick with Vincent a little longer...its not so bad......gack!! Stop thinking about him!!!

Her thoughts were cut short when Cloud suddenly interrupted.

Hey Yuffie, do you need to go with the others? You're pretty soaked.

Uh...nah, thats alright. I think I'll stick with you guys, she quickly said.

Tifa silently walked next to the young ninja with a playful grin and whispered something in her ears.

Psst...why do you have Vincent's cape?

Yuffie felt her cheeks heat up due to Tifa's question.

You look good in it, she continued, trying to hide her giggles.

Tifa's next comment caused Yuffie to blush even more in embarassment

Yuffie, are you alright? Your face looks a little flushed. commented Vincent. Neither Tifa or Yuffie expected that he was even interested in their own little session.

Tee hee! Yuffie, he cares for you! Aww!! Tifa whispered lowly, making sure Vincent couldn't hear her but the ironic thing was that Vincent did hear her last statement. He simply ignored the remark and pretended nothing happened.

Umm..yeah I'm fine Vinnie!

So we settle then? asked Cloud.

Yup, we'll see you in a bit, waved Cait Sith as his group jumped into the wide tube leading to the Ghost Hotel.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hmm...Dio's showroom! We haven't checked in there, pointed Aeris.

Sure enough when they stepped in, the keystone was the centerpiece of the room. It was held in a glass frame, to keep the fragile piece safe.

The keystone...

Yup! Thats right. The keystone, chuckled Dio from behind.

Can we borrow this? Cloud asked politely.

Borrow? Hmm...I'll give it to you if you can entertain me.



Hoo boy......this is the Battle Arena so show me your fighting skills. Show me what you got and I'll give you the keystone, answered Dio simply.

Cloud nodded and stepped into the battle arena with Dio behind him as the spectator of the battle.

The rest of the group patiently waited outside. Tifa whispered something to Aeris and the two of them scurried over to the entrance, talking to a woman nearby. That left Vincent and Yuffie alone again. Somehow, Yuffie's gut feelings told her that Tifa did this on purpose.

Oh yeah, Vincent, here's your cape. I totally forgot!

You can still hold on to it if you want. I understand Gold Saucer isn't the warmest place, he simply answered.



Another awkward silence followed. Yuffie wanted to go to Tifa and Aeris and join into their conversation but she felt bad for leaving Vincent so she waited. Luckily, the uncomfortable silence was broken when a short vender was tugging on Vincent's sleeves. He was a handsome, young boy who looked no older than ten years old.

he addressed Vincent. Would you kindly buy a stuffed moogle? All the money goes to the fun and games of Gold Saucer.

Vincent stared blankly at the young boy but Yuffie squealed with delight.

Awww!! Look at em! How cute!

The young boy drifted his attention to Yuffie. Would you like one?

Of course!! But I don't have any gils on me right now. Sorry kido.

Then ask your boyfriend here to buy you one, he pointed to the dark figure next to her.

Yuffie's eyes bulged at his last comment. Listen kid! He ain't my boyfriend!!

Boyfriend?!?! Grossness!! Yuck!!!! Oh gawd, brats these days!!!

Vincent who sensed Yuffie's uncomfortablness quickly decided to end this predicament before the small child babbles on again.

Alright, if I buy one, will you leave?

Of course sir!! he nodded happily.

How much?

Two thousand gils please.



What?!?! Two thousand gils?! Are you insane?! raved Yuffie.

Here you go. Vincent politely handed him the money. The boy went into his bag filled with assorted toys and pulled out a snow, white mog.

Thank you sir!! Good day!! He handed the stuff animal to Vincent who held it uselessly in his hands.

Heh...wait til Cloud finds out what you did with his money, smirked Yuffie. As if right on cue, the door of the arena opened as Cloud and Dio marched out.

Nice work kid! Wait here while I go get the keystone ok? Meanwhile, take this. Dio handed the young mercenary some assorted battle equipments.

Cloud smiled. He watched until Dio walked into the Showroom and then turned back to his friends. Ahh Vincent...I see you're into teddy bears now, he joked.

I brought this from a supposably a worker of Gold Saucer who was trying to earn money for this place.

How much was it?

Two hundred gils, he lied.

Oh ok. I thought you had actually brought it for two thousand gils from the young boy at the entrance.

Yuffie stiffled a giggle.

Alright folks, a promise is a promise. Here's your keystone, announced Dio. He handed the small item to Cloud.

Thank you.

No problem. Well I gotta get back, I'll see you guys around, he waved.

Whew! Now lets head back to the others at the hotel, said Aeris.

They tiredly agree and head down the fancy staircase.

Here you go Yuffie. Vincent gently stuffed the small moogle into her arms



You had your eyes set on one of those right?

Oh but you didn't need to-

It's quite alright. I have no interests in them anyway.

Aww!! Well gee thanks Vinnie! she happily grinned at her new toy.

You're welcome, he politely responded.

Now lets see......what should I name it?

Name it?

Well thats what I do with all my toys, its kinda like my tradition, she winked.

Name it whatever suits it best then.

Yuffie pondered for awhile.

Whatever suits this best? I usually name all my toys after the person who gave them to me so...

I think I want to name it Vinnie, she said at last.

You're naming it after me?

Yup!! I think its the perfect name for it, she teased. Don't you agree?

Vincent just gave her a rare half smile.

Come on, lets head back to the hotel.



Author's Notes: Aww! I wish Vincent gave me a stuffed animal. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

~Please leave a review, thanks. =)