Disclaimer: still don't own them. Characters belong to Squaresoft.
Author's notes: *points* look, an update. Constructive criticism is appreciated. This is a Yuffie centered story. Don't worry, there's more to her here than meets the eye as well. I'm focusing on character development. Vincent's character is in the process of development as well. I know he might seem a little one sided here, but this is all from Yuffie's point of view, so he might seem so for a little while. I'd love suggestions, and whether the characters seem lifelike and, well, in character. Yes, this will be a Yuffie/Vincent fic, but like it was mentioned the previous chapter, not for awhile.
Thank you to the people who reviewed!
Sable: Thanks! Yes, I agree with you, she's supposed to be selfish and haughty, that's a part of her character, as is the immaturity.
Firefly99: Oh wow. Thank you so much. I melted (literally) when I read your review. Thank you for placing me on your favourites. By the way: I'm like Yuffie as well ^_^
Bun: Here you go. Yes, Vincent/Yuffie stories are great.
Now I'll shut up and you go read the story!
So there I was, lying in a very, ahem, uncomfortable position. Mind you, it was uncomfortable for me only; I'm sure whoever was towering above me was enjoying every second of it. I know I would. I closed my eyes and prepared to use a weapon that always worked.
„Pllleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaase don't hurt me! Why would you? I promise I'll do anything! Anything! Well, I won't give you my materia, but I'll do anything else! Pleeeeeasse!" I whined. Screw dignity. When life threatening danger came in the door, dignity hightailed it out the window like a coward. Atleast in my world. What was the point of dignity if you were dead? None whatsoever.
The unnervingly sharp boots shuffled and I heard the safety catch placed back as the gun was removed to a safer place. I swear I could hear the „…?"
I opened my eyes and looked up carefully. Yep. Same cape. Same ebony hair. Same freaky freaky blood hued eyes. It was definetely Vincent.
„Vinnie!" I cried out indignantly and was up in a second, brushing myself off. „Sheesh! What is this? Do you usually go around scaring the living daylights out of people?!"
„…" was the speedy reply.
„Oh right. Would you believe me if I said that out of all the speech habits of our group, that was the one I missed most?"
„…"
„I see you haven't been fully introduced to sarcasm yet, have you?"
„…" With that he whirled around and proceeded to leave, and his cape did that funny effect that you see in the movies whenever the evil guy leaves the scene melodramatically. I must say, it would have looked idiotic on anyone but Vincent Valentine. He seemed to embrace those melodramatic moves and bring them to life.
„He-ey! Aren't you even going to apologize?" Now I was getting mad. I hated it when people didn't apologize for something that was their fault. Really. Was it that hard to say „I'm so sorry Yuffie, will you please forgive me? And here is an Odin materia to make it up to you."? Of course he didn't say anything remotely similar to that. In fact, he didn't say anything at all as he walked off in that graceful way that everyone envied. It seemed as if the man floated, not walked! I knew where he was heading to. The cave was close by. No doubt he had set up a nice and cozy (ahem) camp there. Yes, I was on full sarcasm mode.
„Fine! Good riddance to you too!" I huffed to no one in particular as I whirled around as well, albeit less gracefully, and stomped off far, far away.
* * *
Oh alright, so I lied. Sue me.
As I crept stealthily in the dark I briefly wondered exactly why I was doing this. It had to be the fact that the sorry bastard hadn't bothered to apologize. A little voice appeared in my head, and asked whether maybe it was the desperate half crazed glint in his eyes that had driven me to pursue him. And what was I going to do anyway? I couldn't just walk in and ask whether he had a place I could stay at for the night, and while he was at it a nice cup of tea would just hit the spot. He was angstier than a trashy novel, but I was going to make him pay. I'd start off by letting him…"donate" his materia.
„Nuk nuk nuk" I giggled to myself.
I entered the cave, looking for Vincent but there was no sight of him. A faint blue glow issued from its depths, and the walls towered over me like ancient kings. They disappeared over my head, and the cavern's ceiling was nowhere in sight. Ah yes, Vincent had always had a penchant for dark and dreary settings. Just take a look at the mansion.
I rounded a rock and started screaming. There before me were two floating orbs. They reminded me most of summon materia, but as they floated up it became quite clear to me that these were no summon materia. My screams echoed all around me as they bounced off the dank walls. Whatever it was, it suddenly clamped something over my mouth as I flailed my arms. I bit it. Hard. Strange, it was cold and yet so like human flesh. I gave no further thought to this as I stepped forward, okay okay, as I threw myself forward and tackled my attacker effectively. The attacker issued a very humanlike grunt as it collided with the hard ground. Needless to say, I felt no pity.
Suddenly there was a bright flare as the attacker used a fire materia. I closed my eyes, ready for the impact. Strangely I felt no burning sensation, and as I opened up my eyes I saw that the fire spell had been directed towards a pile of sticks. The fire cast shadows that danced on the wall. Oh boy. I knew what was coming. Nonetheless I gulped and looked down. Yep. I had just managed to effectively tackle and piss off Vincent Valentine. All at once! Was I talented or what?
„Er… hello?" I asked meekly. His eyes only reflected a cold, cold light. I hurriedly pushed myself up and began to brush myself off. Yes it's a nervous habit. And I was beyond nervous. More like panic-stricken. He took his sweet time in getting up. Finally when he was facing me, he spoke.
„May I know what you are doing here exactly?" He questioned. Ah yes, good old Vincent, always honest.
Alright, so now my reason for following him wasn't that great, but I knew I had to say something.
„ Well, I thought it was incredibly unfair that you scared me to death and then just left. After all, we saved the world together, and the first thing you say to me is to demand what I'm doing here!"
„As I recall, we saved the world together and you stole our materia. Twice."
Alright, so I hadn't been able to help it, and had stolen it a second time, after meteor, but I had given it back. Honest.
„Well I think you should apologize!" I countered.
„ Ah, should this apology include materia as well?"
„Well… wait, this is your dry, and sardonic way of saying no, isn't it?" He didn't answer. I stuck my tongue out. He sighed and finally said,
„Alright Yuffie. Please forgive me for scaring you to death. Now, I trust you will find the exit on your own. Good bye."
I had gotten what I came for, hadn't I? Well alright, two could play at that game! I turned around and prepared to haughtily make my way out of this dreary cave.
It all clicked together as I was walking out… the sticks piled in an organized manner, him knowing his way around the cave, even in the dark when he had shut me up. I stopped in my tracks and asked him without turning to face him.
„You live here, don't you?" There wasn't an answer for awhile, and I couldn't stand it any longer so I turned around. All I could see was his profile and the fire dancing on his face. Truly a melancholy sight. I knew the silence was a yes.
„How?" It was a pointless question.
„Very simply. Like any other human being. It's only a cave, not a volcano."
„And the mansion?"
„Ah yes, I go back there often."
„To the mansion or the coffin?" I knew the answer, yet I was demanding to hear it from him. The silence was answer enough.
Alright, so I had had enough. What was it with him and locking himself away for eternity? Honestly, any human would go insane. My eyes widened. Maybe he had already gone insane. Or maybe, maybe he was on the brink of insanity, and only the smart and wonderful and perfect heroine could save him. And maybe that smart and wonderful and perfect heroine would recieve a generous reward of materia. My eyes lit up at that thought.
Besides, we Kisaragis never give up, we always win. I hadn't had anything really planned. After all, Gold Saucer would be fun, but what after? And this promised to be very, very fun indeed. After all, all I had to do was convince Vincent to come out of here and live life like it should be lived. I couldn't possibly let him lock himself away! No, that would be cruel! And I couldn't possibly pass up on a hefty materia reward. That would be even crueler! Yes, this would be a test. Mentally I was rubbing my hands gleefully. But how would I start?
„Would you like me to escort you to the exit?" He asked with forced politeness. BAM! It hit me hard. Yes yes yes… now my plan was complete! Nuk nuk nuk.
„Well actually, Vinnie," I used his hated nickname just to piss him off, „I was planning to ask you whether you'd escort me to Gold Saucer..."
„No."
Uhoh, I had to think fast, or no materia. The tiny voice appeared once again and informed me that I also cared about his welfare. After all, it was inhumane to lock yourself up and never see life, or its beauty. I procceeded in clubbing that voice to death. Mentally of course.
„Why not?" I whined.
„Because I have other, more important events planned."
„Like rotting in a musty coffin?"
„Touché." He replied dryly. I knew he wasn't joking. I had to gain control again! I needed the excitement of something challenging. I wasn't going to give up.
„Please."
„No."
„Vincent."
„No."
„Oh come on!"
„No."
I was getting desperate.
„Fine! Then I'll stay here… forever!" I could almost hear the drum roll. „And you can't make me leave!"
„Oh really? And why do you presume that?" He asked, gracefully arching an eyebrow.
„Because you can't hurt me, otherwise it would be a…" I took a deep breath, „SIN!" I had struck right where it counts! I inwardly cheered and heartily congratulated myself. Like I said, we Kisaragis always win. I was going to go through this not only because of the possible materia reward, or the adrenaline rush of something exciting, challenging, and new. But just to prove I could. I could do this. I could do anything. I'd show him life! I'd prove everyone wrong! I wasn't just a little brat! I was a smart, cunning, and soon to be rich (materiawise) brat! Ha! World: zero. Yuffie: one and counting.
„…"
„I agree wholeheartedly." I said and smiled. There was silence and Vincent rubbed his temples. Finally he asked carefully,
„So if I escort you to Gold Saucer, and only to Gold Saucer, you will leave me alone?"
„Correct." Yeah right Valentine. I'm not going to quit until you happily prance and skip through a field of daisies.
If my plan hadn't been fulfilled when we arrived at Gold Saucer, I would simply use this little technique to keep him traveling with me until he changed. Until he saw. Until he would no longer lock himself away from life. And then I'd show everyone. That I always win. And I'd prove to everyone that I could do anything. And I would get an adventure in the process. Not to mention materia. I was quite hopeful for the latter.
„Alright. We depart tomorrow. I suppose you can stay here for the night…" He said quite mournfully and then turned away, extinguishing the fire as well. I accepted and spread out my little blanket that I carried in my pack.
The fun starts tomorrow. I grinned to myself as I drifted off to sleep.