Surfacing Feelings

Red XIII keenly watched Yuffie's door, she hadn't been out for at least 5 hours and he was certain there was something wrong. Tifa had been acting peculiar as well, trying to avoid any questions involving the young ninja, trying to hide away from the others. They had something to hide and Red XIII wanted to know what, it was hurting them and he wanted to help, wanted to do something for them. He got up and padded over to Yuffie's door and tapped on it with a paw and waited patiently.

"Go away Tifa", Yuffie mumbled, Red XIII's beliefs were confirmed, something had happened between the two.

"It's Red", he called, he heard some shuffling inside the room and the door creaked open, Yuffie peered out and stepped back, allowing Red into the room. He softly walked through and looked around Yuffie's room, taking in everything.

"What do you want?", Yuffie asked, Red turned and looked at her, cocking his head on one side.

""What's happened Yuffie? Why are you hiding in here? Why does Tifa look like her best friend has died?", Red asked. Yuffie flushed and looked away from Red.

"I dunno", she lied...badly. Red laughed humourlessly and shook his head.

"Don't take me for a fool Yuffie, I can see something has happened, what is it?", he asked, turning his head and looking at Yuffie's desk. Yuffie panicked and went to move something from the desk, Red stopped her. There were at least 3 photos of Tifa and none of anyone else, not even Yuffie's family.

"You love her don't you?", Red asked, looking at the photos before returning his attention to the young ninja in front of him and raising one eyebrow in questioning.

"I.....", Yuffie started, and shook her head, the tears threatening to fall. She breathed deeply and looked up. She nodded and the tears tumbled.

"Yes....and it's disgusting", she whispered, not daring to look at Red for fear of finding hate in his eyes. Red padded over to sit beside her.

"No it's not, it's okay, you can't help who you love", Red replied, Yuffie shook her head.

"Can you go?", she asked, wiping her eyes and turning away from her friend. Red nodded and walked over to the door.

"If you ever need someone to talk to...I'm here", he said gently before leaving the girl to her own thoughts.