A/N: XD thanks everyone! WHEE! ^__^ *Sniff* Someday, Seraphim-Angel, I'm going to write reviews longer then 3 words that are as awesome as yours. XD Hoorah! And no! THE VOICE WILL PLAY A CRUCIAL PART IN A MORE ACTION-PACKED PART OF THIS STORY! Action-packed... mwahaha
Sniff. The reviews, they're so beautiful.. You guys are the best XD After this hcapter, updates will come fast, like they used to ^_^ oh yeah...there's something very peculiar here...IT SHOWS YOU THAT ZE PLOT THICKENZ
Disclaimer: ...*Eats FF7* *Is sued* *also eats the song, Kodoku no Shigunaru from Lain*
---
Yuffie poked her head out of the Operations room, her short hair clinging to her thin face and looking around as if afraid of being caught. Letting out a sigh of relief, she awkwardly walked out, pretending everything was fine and nothing was wrong. But what *would* be wrong? She walked over to Elena, who sat in a solitary corner. Right. Reno and Rude were speaking to Reeve or something. //Perfect!// She grinned widely, the Conformer strapped to her back.
"Hi Elena." chirped Yuffie as she bowed to meet the female Turk's eye level, grinning widely. "How're you?" A large sweatdrop formed on the back of her head in that cartoonish way, but Elena didn't notice.
"Hi." the Turk responded dispassionately, smiling a little--just a little. Yuffie grinned wider, and it was really starting to freak Elena out, but that wasn't what she was shooting for... So she toned it down a little. //Okay Yuffie, you can do this. Keep it together! AHAHAHA--// She cut out the insane laughter in her head, narrowing her eyes inwardly. "What do you want?" Normally, Elena wouldn't've responded in such a...helpful disposition. Maybe it was an order or something.
"Uhm... Kinda, yeah! Follow me to the Operations room?" Yuffie inquired, clasping her hands together at her chest and doing the *most* innocent look she could muster. Of course, there wasn't much to say about that. Yuffie could hardly pull something like that off. "Uh... It's not anything *too* wierd! Really! Pleaaasseee?"
"Uh...Sure." Elena placed one hand on the ground and stood up, dusting off her navy-blue uniform suit and placing her hands in her pockets.
"THANK YOU!" Yuffie trotted, lifting her knees high into the air and walking into the Operations room. There were a few cabins in the Highwind, but she decided this was a more adequate place to ask.. For a favor. As Elena followed Yuffie in, she noticed Tifa sitting as well, looking equally puzzled as to why her presence was requested. Tifa, for once, was wearing something over the white top-- a gray jacket, the kind people wear that have hoods and drawstrings and everything. "Now! I've come to ask you, as the only females upon this ship--" Yuffie began, walking to the front of the room and keeping her head lowered. Her tone became rather grim, or maybe uneasy. "......."
"What is it, Yuffie?" Tifa implored, arms on the table and watching Yuffie sulk in front. "Is something wrong...?"
".....(mumble mumble...makeover)..." Yuffie's head sank low as Elena and Tifa's eyes practically bugged out of their head.
Not yet knowing
what it means to love,
I try to connect somewhere
with someone, anyone.
On aimless nights, you
keep sending out a signal of loneliness.
"Kisaragi, are you really feeling okay?!?!" Elena asked, half-standing in her chair with an incredulous tone. Her chocolate eyes were almost popping out of her head in alarm.
"Uh... Wow... Yuffie... Well... Uh... Wow." Tifa continued to stammer out her status of being BLOWN AWAY by this request.
"Stop it! C'mon! Get a grip!" Yuffie spun around, flailing her arms out in defense, then folding them and sticking out her tongue. Elena continued to stare, wide-eyed, whereas Tifa just.. Stared. Seeing that they needed an explanation before this could continue, she began, "Look! Barret called me a brute a couple of days ago and that pissed me off! So I'm gonna show that old man, and are you gonna help me or not?!" Bold and brash as always, Yuffie shook the fist with the cloth armor at the wall, smirking confidently though it was evident she was anxious about this decision.
"Uh... Of course we'll help you, Yuffie!..." Tifa retorted, scratching the back of her head and grinning. The grin seemed anxious, and kind of freaked out, but it was a grin nonetheless. (It was a difficult decision for Tifa, as she hadn't the slightest clue about makeup. She knew a little about hair, though.) "Right...Elena?"
"....Yeah!....We'll...Help you!" Elena forced the words out of her mouth. Now, Yuffie smirked confidently, flashing a peace sign to the other girls.
"Awesome! Heheh..." Yuffie turned around, deviously rubbing her hands together. "Meet me here... Tonight! Yeah! I'll show him...nyuk nyuk..."
Elena and Tifa sweatdropped and scuttled out of the room.
"Wow." Tifa stammered again, standing next to Elena after the metal door to the Operations room closed with a loud clank, then the kind of sound you'd expect from a bulldozer. Yuffie was *never* the kind to wear makeup, or do her hair, or anything of the sort. She was the person who would scramble up a tree and make faces, do the "honk the horn" thing with hand and armpit, or flush hairbrushes down the toilet. If asked if she wanted to, say, watch people do their nails and comment on matters such as boys, she would shake her head and reply she had buisness egging a house. "Uh...wow."
"...Should we?" Elena asked, hands still in the extremely loose pockets of the navy blue pants. Her eyes were rather confused, but she had somehow created a resolute appearance for herself among the times she became a Turk, and having to ward off almighty pervert Reno did wonders for one's mental and physical strength.
"I...don't see...why not...since she asked and everything..." Tifa said slowly, as if she was trying to register it through her mind.
However, they stayed there, shocked and quite shaken, for a little while longer.
---
Reno took a corner of the Highwind, opening and closing his lighter and staring at it as if it was the most important thing in the world, the clicking resonating through the cabin annoyingly and the little flame fading in and out. Obviously, Reno, new commanding officer of the Turks (though he once persuaded Elena to call him "Supreme Leader of All Time," something which did *not* bode well later on), was...bored. He sat almost complete still, one fist on his knee supporting his head as he leaned against the cool metal wall.
*click, snap... click, snap... click, snap*
"Yo man, cut that out before I @#%& bust you open!" Barret threatened as he was passing through, shaking his gun-arm at the redheaded Turk violently. However, Reno's aquamarine gaze simply settled upon him, still clicking and snapping, and completely still if not for his glaring. Barret stood there, glaring back as much as he could, but he continued nonetheless. So he walked away.
"@$**@! Who the @^*@ is being a @&(ing wiseass on my #^@!ing ship?!" Cid ran out of the main deck, his back arched as he stepped on the aluminum bridge. He watched Reno continue this cycle for a bit, caught in the...action...of watching Reno boredly flick his lighter on and off, until Cid pressed his hand to his face and walked off, muttering swears under his breath.
*click, snap..click, snap..click, snap*
"...." Vincent walked outside to see the source of the noise, but quickly retreated to...wherever he was.
*click snap click snap click snap*
"Cut it out, Reno." Cloud suddenly appeared, poking his spikey head through the door and seething at his...erm, rival. He then disappeared after a moments' notice that he would *not* cut it out, rolling his eyes as he did so.
*clicksnapclicksnapclicksnap*
As his lighter sound-effects became increasingly faster, his reflexes aiding in the process of trying to maintain lightning speed and plenty of noise without burning his shirt sleeve off, more people would poke their heads out, tell him to quit to no avail, and continue with their daily lives. Ignoring the noise as much as they could, though Cid threatened to make him a human shishkabob with his Venus Gospel. A threat which worked for about 3 and a half seconds, and as soon as Cid vanished from sight the noise, which had so suddenly died down, increased.
Yuffie, Elena, and Tifa, who had begun conversing Yuffie's...turn of events...in the corner directly across, seemed to have a dandy time ignoring the clicking and snapping. Well, okay, just one. Meanwhile, Yuffie and Elena were throwing extremely nasty looks in his direction.
"Reno, I swear to God, I will take that lighter and shove it up your--"
"Reno, quit it. Really."
"Excuse moi and gomen-nasai. What brings two such lovely young ladies to tell me to shove this lighter up my ass?" Reno uttered in the sweetest tone possible. Elena pressed her hand to her forehead, muttering vulgarities under her breath, but Yuffie took the direct approach: stomping over to him and attempting to snatch up the lighter. Reno tugged it back with ease, though she continued trying to get it, as if it were a game of tug-of-war, until she accidently flicked the switch, setting Reno's hand on fire shortly and leaving a short burn.
Not yet knowing
what it means to be hurt and such,
I try to be connected by something
to someone, anyone
In the wandering night, you
keep waiting; a signal of loneliness.
"Oops. You okay?" Yuffie asked, sweatdropping and scratching the back of her head nervously. Reno, however, stared at the burn on his palm, a concentrating look on his face. His palm began to twitch. "Woah, you okay? I don't wanna get blamed for nothin'..." She knelt down, trying to get a look.
Her eye twitched as she felt a hand creep up her leg and onto--
"PERVERT!" Yuffie half-screamed/yelled/screeched. She took out the Conformer, prompting Reno to scramble to his feet and run for his frickin' life, dashing across the room followed by a swearing Yuffie with a very pointy and very painful Conformer. "I'LL KILL YOU!!!"
"C'mon babe, lighten up--" Reno leaped over random hurdles, briskly prancing away from the angry Shinobi but chuckling slightly to himself. "You should be complimented!" he called over his shoulder, his bright red rat's tail flying in the air.
Ah I wonder why are you out there searching for something?
Ah I wonder why are you out there afraid of something?
Ah I wonder what kind of future you'll have?
"DON'T CALL ME BABE!" Yuffie screamed at him, running harder and faster. Reno sweatdropped, side of lip twitching in terror of the angry ninja girl though slightly gleeful as he dodged and maneuvered about the ship. Okay, sure, it was uncalled for, but slightly unbeknownst to AVALANCHE members, Reno had a little personality outside his job. He watched the Conformer slice the air across from him and sweatdropped.
And there was much doom.
---
As Reno skipped through the room, Yuffie finally gave up chasing him. The lanky redhead was just a tad speedier then she, which she found highly disappointing--to be beaten by the *pervert*, the *idiot*, in terms of speed...She was a thief! That was just way too bizarre! She shook her head and reached into the Conformer's Materia slots and promptly hurled a Destruct materia at Reno.
*PING*
//Dead-on!// Yuffie pumped her fist in the air. Woo! It hit--square in the back of his head, it bounded off, and he let out a loud "Damnit, ow". She pressed one thumb to her nose and wiggled her fingers, sticking out her tongue and making a rather wierd-looking face.
"Nya-ha! That's what you get, dorkus!" Yuffie insulted him from a distance, stomping back to Tifa and Elena, but making sure to make plenty of rude noises and faces behind his back. Reno rubbed the back of his head, a small dent in his hair, like a bump in a.. Red car. "Mwahahaha. Do not mess with the master, Turkey."
"Nice. Very nice." Elena commented, stifling laughter as Reno swore loudly under his breath. She patted Yuffie on the shoulder, doubling over in laughter as Reno picked up the Destruct and examined it as if he thought it was poisonous. Yuffie did a short victory dance, spinning around on one foot with a large grin. She had always thought her victory dance was *more* then awesome, and in turn never listened to Cid when he laughed at her telling her she looked like a 4-year-old. Elena clapped as she danced.
"Thanks, Turkey of higher regard then carrot-top!" Yuffie jeered, pumping her fist into the air enthusiastically. Reno plopped down on the metal floor, breathing out a sigh of relief and clutching the Destruct materia in his palm. He craned his head to look at the trio of girls.
"I guess I'll just keep this as a memento of our time together, then?" he asked innocently, that arrogant/annoying smirk pulling up the side of his mouth once more.
I want to find the one I love.
I want to find the one I'm supposed to love.
I want to find her.
Anyone is OK. Quick... Anytime...
"Woah! I didn't mean that! Gimmie!" Yuffie dived for the lime-green orb, and the chase continued!
Elena leaned on Tifa for support, only to accidently lift her hand and fall over in a fit of laughter. The blonde girl writhed there, tears falling down her face, only to not notice the dirty looks Reno kept tossing her as he scrambled just out of Yuffie's reach. But Tifa's amusement was lost now as she saw Rufus Shinra, blonde and almighty ex-president walk two or three steps down the stairs leading to the upper deck and giving her a meaningful look. Thus, Elena and Yuffie (who could now be considered very good friends) didn't notice Tifa nervously walk up the steps.
---
"Hi Rufus." she greeted cheerily, folding her arms behind her head as she walked near the rail of the upper deck, but behind her hair--allowing the dark brown locks to be pushed apart by the wind. Rufus folded his arms and tilted his head low and to the left, focusing his eyes on the metal floor. "What'd you call me for? Do you need anything?" With quite a bit of patience, and no response, her scarlet eyes shifted to the side, maybe a little worried. She shrugged and placed her arms at her sides.
"Hnn..." Rufus made a small sound in his throat as if to indicate he still wanted her to stand there, so she stood in place against the strong gusts of wind. He seemed to be in deep thought...Tifa was just too patient. "I suppose the best way to begin should be: are you alright?"
Someday, when I've realized
what is precious,
will I, who am noone in particular,
be able to meet someone?
In the tomorrow which is still unseen, you
beat out a signal of loneliness.
"Rufus Shin-Ra, the tearless man is concerned for moi?" Tifa wheeled around in mock-sarcasm, clasping her hands together at her chest and bowing a little, smiling warmly as if mocking him. Rufus's arms dropped to his sides and he craned his head to the left, eyes appearing slightly annoyed. She sighed and stood up, retaining her grin. "But since you asked...yes, I'm quite alright."
"What about Strife?" he asked tentatively. There was something in his voice, something untouchable... Tifa shrugged. "You're not angry at him?" His voice was more or less buisnesslike.
"Not really, no... I mean... It was wrong of him to attack you like that, but he feels really sorry."
"Apologetic to you or me?" he responded waspishly. Rufus Shinra was pissed.
"Uh..."
Ah I wonder why are you out there searching for something?
Ah I wonder why are you out there afraid of something?
Ah I wonder what kind of future we'll have?
Rufus suddenly stalked over to Tifa, very close, VERY close, staring down at her coldly, his eyes bright and glaring with something... a glint resembling Mako. And it was like that for two or three moments, him standing in what some would consider a majestic manner--others, quite intimidating. Tifa stared up at him, curious and quite confused--as was felt correct, for he looked like he would've yelled at her right there.
"I was lightly concerned." Rufus turned around slightly, not making his face seen or hints of emotion heard. In-character, actually, for him. "Though I suppose it would've been a worthy sacrifice." Was this supposed to be a compliment? It was a really crappy one. Rufus spoke arrogantly, as if his life was actually *more* important. Letting her attitude get the better of her, Tifa stamped one foot on the floor.
"Where do you get off saying your life is any better then mine, MISTER Shinra?" she exclaimed. This was unbelievable! "I risked my life out there so you could go on with your goddamn life! Because I thought you FINALLY considered me an equal!"
"..."
"Well?!" It was amazing how Tifa felt so cheerful and friendly toward him, and was on the verge of punching the crap out of him the next. Rufus blanched slightly, yet it was not visible as his back was turned towards her.
".......I was at your side, you know." Rufus said slowly, his tone dropping the negativity slowly but surely.
I want to find the one I love.
I want to find the one I'm supposed to love.
I want to find her.
Anyone is OK. Quick... Anytime...
"What difference does it make if you treat me like dirt the next day?" Tifa inquired, though her voice was actually more quizzical then mad--Tifa Lockheart, never wanted to lose friends. Wait. Was he a friend? Anyways... There was no response from the tall blonde man, no hint of remorse or woe, no nothing. Then again, she couldn't see his face, and they stood like that for even longer then they had spent staring at each other. And slowly, as the silence passed on, Tifa grew concerned. As typical. She blamed herself for being a little weak... Oh well. She tapped him on the shoulder. "Rufus?"
There was a slight twitch at his side, and he slowly turned to face her. He looked...disheveled, more then he was in the time that had passed. His eyes were twitching, the corner of his mouth was dragging down slightly, almost in a sad type of frown. Twitch. Twitch. Tifa allowed her anger to melt, once again being reduced to her gentle self, and grabbed hold of one of Rufus's arms, yet her hand creeped up to his shoulder. And they just...Stared at each other. (A/N: I know, SO eventful..)
Tifa allowed her other hand to wrap around his middle, and she held him to her, hugging the man whose eyes, though his mouth or eyebrows may have indicated sadness, never let tears fall. They stayed the same, like he didn't know how to use them or something. Although the embrace was not returned, Tifa rested her head on his chest, staring at the side.
In the soft embrace, quite a beautiful and unusual thing to look at, no one saw Cloud watch, sitting at the edge of the entrance.
And he looked broken...
I want to find the one I love.
I want to find the one I'm supposed to love.
I want to find her.
Anyone is OK. Quick... Anytime...
Sniff. The reviews, they're so beautiful.. You guys are the best XD After this hcapter, updates will come fast, like they used to ^_^ oh yeah...there's something very peculiar here...IT SHOWS YOU THAT ZE PLOT THICKENZ
Disclaimer: ...*Eats FF7* *Is sued* *also eats the song, Kodoku no Shigunaru from Lain*
---
Yuffie poked her head out of the Operations room, her short hair clinging to her thin face and looking around as if afraid of being caught. Letting out a sigh of relief, she awkwardly walked out, pretending everything was fine and nothing was wrong. But what *would* be wrong? She walked over to Elena, who sat in a solitary corner. Right. Reno and Rude were speaking to Reeve or something. //Perfect!// She grinned widely, the Conformer strapped to her back.
"Hi Elena." chirped Yuffie as she bowed to meet the female Turk's eye level, grinning widely. "How're you?" A large sweatdrop formed on the back of her head in that cartoonish way, but Elena didn't notice.
"Hi." the Turk responded dispassionately, smiling a little--just a little. Yuffie grinned wider, and it was really starting to freak Elena out, but that wasn't what she was shooting for... So she toned it down a little. //Okay Yuffie, you can do this. Keep it together! AHAHAHA--// She cut out the insane laughter in her head, narrowing her eyes inwardly. "What do you want?" Normally, Elena wouldn't've responded in such a...helpful disposition. Maybe it was an order or something.
"Uhm... Kinda, yeah! Follow me to the Operations room?" Yuffie inquired, clasping her hands together at her chest and doing the *most* innocent look she could muster. Of course, there wasn't much to say about that. Yuffie could hardly pull something like that off. "Uh... It's not anything *too* wierd! Really! Pleaaasseee?"
"Uh...Sure." Elena placed one hand on the ground and stood up, dusting off her navy-blue uniform suit and placing her hands in her pockets.
"THANK YOU!" Yuffie trotted, lifting her knees high into the air and walking into the Operations room. There were a few cabins in the Highwind, but she decided this was a more adequate place to ask.. For a favor. As Elena followed Yuffie in, she noticed Tifa sitting as well, looking equally puzzled as to why her presence was requested. Tifa, for once, was wearing something over the white top-- a gray jacket, the kind people wear that have hoods and drawstrings and everything. "Now! I've come to ask you, as the only females upon this ship--" Yuffie began, walking to the front of the room and keeping her head lowered. Her tone became rather grim, or maybe uneasy. "......."
"What is it, Yuffie?" Tifa implored, arms on the table and watching Yuffie sulk in front. "Is something wrong...?"
".....(mumble mumble...makeover)..." Yuffie's head sank low as Elena and Tifa's eyes practically bugged out of their head.
Not yet knowing
what it means to love,
I try to connect somewhere
with someone, anyone.
On aimless nights, you
keep sending out a signal of loneliness.
"Kisaragi, are you really feeling okay?!?!" Elena asked, half-standing in her chair with an incredulous tone. Her chocolate eyes were almost popping out of her head in alarm.
"Uh... Wow... Yuffie... Well... Uh... Wow." Tifa continued to stammer out her status of being BLOWN AWAY by this request.
"Stop it! C'mon! Get a grip!" Yuffie spun around, flailing her arms out in defense, then folding them and sticking out her tongue. Elena continued to stare, wide-eyed, whereas Tifa just.. Stared. Seeing that they needed an explanation before this could continue, she began, "Look! Barret called me a brute a couple of days ago and that pissed me off! So I'm gonna show that old man, and are you gonna help me or not?!" Bold and brash as always, Yuffie shook the fist with the cloth armor at the wall, smirking confidently though it was evident she was anxious about this decision.
"Uh... Of course we'll help you, Yuffie!..." Tifa retorted, scratching the back of her head and grinning. The grin seemed anxious, and kind of freaked out, but it was a grin nonetheless. (It was a difficult decision for Tifa, as she hadn't the slightest clue about makeup. She knew a little about hair, though.) "Right...Elena?"
"....Yeah!....We'll...Help you!" Elena forced the words out of her mouth. Now, Yuffie smirked confidently, flashing a peace sign to the other girls.
"Awesome! Heheh..." Yuffie turned around, deviously rubbing her hands together. "Meet me here... Tonight! Yeah! I'll show him...nyuk nyuk..."
Elena and Tifa sweatdropped and scuttled out of the room.
"Wow." Tifa stammered again, standing next to Elena after the metal door to the Operations room closed with a loud clank, then the kind of sound you'd expect from a bulldozer. Yuffie was *never* the kind to wear makeup, or do her hair, or anything of the sort. She was the person who would scramble up a tree and make faces, do the "honk the horn" thing with hand and armpit, or flush hairbrushes down the toilet. If asked if she wanted to, say, watch people do their nails and comment on matters such as boys, she would shake her head and reply she had buisness egging a house. "Uh...wow."
"...Should we?" Elena asked, hands still in the extremely loose pockets of the navy blue pants. Her eyes were rather confused, but she had somehow created a resolute appearance for herself among the times she became a Turk, and having to ward off almighty pervert Reno did wonders for one's mental and physical strength.
"I...don't see...why not...since she asked and everything..." Tifa said slowly, as if she was trying to register it through her mind.
However, they stayed there, shocked and quite shaken, for a little while longer.
---
Reno took a corner of the Highwind, opening and closing his lighter and staring at it as if it was the most important thing in the world, the clicking resonating through the cabin annoyingly and the little flame fading in and out. Obviously, Reno, new commanding officer of the Turks (though he once persuaded Elena to call him "Supreme Leader of All Time," something which did *not* bode well later on), was...bored. He sat almost complete still, one fist on his knee supporting his head as he leaned against the cool metal wall.
*click, snap... click, snap... click, snap*
"Yo man, cut that out before I @#%& bust you open!" Barret threatened as he was passing through, shaking his gun-arm at the redheaded Turk violently. However, Reno's aquamarine gaze simply settled upon him, still clicking and snapping, and completely still if not for his glaring. Barret stood there, glaring back as much as he could, but he continued nonetheless. So he walked away.
"@$**@! Who the @^*@ is being a @&(ing wiseass on my #^@!ing ship?!" Cid ran out of the main deck, his back arched as he stepped on the aluminum bridge. He watched Reno continue this cycle for a bit, caught in the...action...of watching Reno boredly flick his lighter on and off, until Cid pressed his hand to his face and walked off, muttering swears under his breath.
*click, snap..click, snap..click, snap*
"...." Vincent walked outside to see the source of the noise, but quickly retreated to...wherever he was.
*click snap click snap click snap*
"Cut it out, Reno." Cloud suddenly appeared, poking his spikey head through the door and seething at his...erm, rival. He then disappeared after a moments' notice that he would *not* cut it out, rolling his eyes as he did so.
*clicksnapclicksnapclicksnap*
As his lighter sound-effects became increasingly faster, his reflexes aiding in the process of trying to maintain lightning speed and plenty of noise without burning his shirt sleeve off, more people would poke their heads out, tell him to quit to no avail, and continue with their daily lives. Ignoring the noise as much as they could, though Cid threatened to make him a human shishkabob with his Venus Gospel. A threat which worked for about 3 and a half seconds, and as soon as Cid vanished from sight the noise, which had so suddenly died down, increased.
Yuffie, Elena, and Tifa, who had begun conversing Yuffie's...turn of events...in the corner directly across, seemed to have a dandy time ignoring the clicking and snapping. Well, okay, just one. Meanwhile, Yuffie and Elena were throwing extremely nasty looks in his direction.
"Reno, I swear to God, I will take that lighter and shove it up your--"
"Reno, quit it. Really."
"Excuse moi and gomen-nasai. What brings two such lovely young ladies to tell me to shove this lighter up my ass?" Reno uttered in the sweetest tone possible. Elena pressed her hand to her forehead, muttering vulgarities under her breath, but Yuffie took the direct approach: stomping over to him and attempting to snatch up the lighter. Reno tugged it back with ease, though she continued trying to get it, as if it were a game of tug-of-war, until she accidently flicked the switch, setting Reno's hand on fire shortly and leaving a short burn.
Not yet knowing
what it means to be hurt and such,
I try to be connected by something
to someone, anyone
In the wandering night, you
keep waiting; a signal of loneliness.
"Oops. You okay?" Yuffie asked, sweatdropping and scratching the back of her head nervously. Reno, however, stared at the burn on his palm, a concentrating look on his face. His palm began to twitch. "Woah, you okay? I don't wanna get blamed for nothin'..." She knelt down, trying to get a look.
Her eye twitched as she felt a hand creep up her leg and onto--
"PERVERT!" Yuffie half-screamed/yelled/screeched. She took out the Conformer, prompting Reno to scramble to his feet and run for his frickin' life, dashing across the room followed by a swearing Yuffie with a very pointy and very painful Conformer. "I'LL KILL YOU!!!"
"C'mon babe, lighten up--" Reno leaped over random hurdles, briskly prancing away from the angry Shinobi but chuckling slightly to himself. "You should be complimented!" he called over his shoulder, his bright red rat's tail flying in the air.
Ah I wonder why are you out there searching for something?
Ah I wonder why are you out there afraid of something?
Ah I wonder what kind of future you'll have?
"DON'T CALL ME BABE!" Yuffie screamed at him, running harder and faster. Reno sweatdropped, side of lip twitching in terror of the angry ninja girl though slightly gleeful as he dodged and maneuvered about the ship. Okay, sure, it was uncalled for, but slightly unbeknownst to AVALANCHE members, Reno had a little personality outside his job. He watched the Conformer slice the air across from him and sweatdropped.
And there was much doom.
---
As Reno skipped through the room, Yuffie finally gave up chasing him. The lanky redhead was just a tad speedier then she, which she found highly disappointing--to be beaten by the *pervert*, the *idiot*, in terms of speed...She was a thief! That was just way too bizarre! She shook her head and reached into the Conformer's Materia slots and promptly hurled a Destruct materia at Reno.
*PING*
//Dead-on!// Yuffie pumped her fist in the air. Woo! It hit--square in the back of his head, it bounded off, and he let out a loud "Damnit, ow". She pressed one thumb to her nose and wiggled her fingers, sticking out her tongue and making a rather wierd-looking face.
"Nya-ha! That's what you get, dorkus!" Yuffie insulted him from a distance, stomping back to Tifa and Elena, but making sure to make plenty of rude noises and faces behind his back. Reno rubbed the back of his head, a small dent in his hair, like a bump in a.. Red car. "Mwahahaha. Do not mess with the master, Turkey."
"Nice. Very nice." Elena commented, stifling laughter as Reno swore loudly under his breath. She patted Yuffie on the shoulder, doubling over in laughter as Reno picked up the Destruct and examined it as if he thought it was poisonous. Yuffie did a short victory dance, spinning around on one foot with a large grin. She had always thought her victory dance was *more* then awesome, and in turn never listened to Cid when he laughed at her telling her she looked like a 4-year-old. Elena clapped as she danced.
"Thanks, Turkey of higher regard then carrot-top!" Yuffie jeered, pumping her fist into the air enthusiastically. Reno plopped down on the metal floor, breathing out a sigh of relief and clutching the Destruct materia in his palm. He craned his head to look at the trio of girls.
"I guess I'll just keep this as a memento of our time together, then?" he asked innocently, that arrogant/annoying smirk pulling up the side of his mouth once more.
I want to find the one I love.
I want to find the one I'm supposed to love.
I want to find her.
Anyone is OK. Quick... Anytime...
"Woah! I didn't mean that! Gimmie!" Yuffie dived for the lime-green orb, and the chase continued!
Elena leaned on Tifa for support, only to accidently lift her hand and fall over in a fit of laughter. The blonde girl writhed there, tears falling down her face, only to not notice the dirty looks Reno kept tossing her as he scrambled just out of Yuffie's reach. But Tifa's amusement was lost now as she saw Rufus Shinra, blonde and almighty ex-president walk two or three steps down the stairs leading to the upper deck and giving her a meaningful look. Thus, Elena and Yuffie (who could now be considered very good friends) didn't notice Tifa nervously walk up the steps.
---
"Hi Rufus." she greeted cheerily, folding her arms behind her head as she walked near the rail of the upper deck, but behind her hair--allowing the dark brown locks to be pushed apart by the wind. Rufus folded his arms and tilted his head low and to the left, focusing his eyes on the metal floor. "What'd you call me for? Do you need anything?" With quite a bit of patience, and no response, her scarlet eyes shifted to the side, maybe a little worried. She shrugged and placed her arms at her sides.
"Hnn..." Rufus made a small sound in his throat as if to indicate he still wanted her to stand there, so she stood in place against the strong gusts of wind. He seemed to be in deep thought...Tifa was just too patient. "I suppose the best way to begin should be: are you alright?"
Someday, when I've realized
what is precious,
will I, who am noone in particular,
be able to meet someone?
In the tomorrow which is still unseen, you
beat out a signal of loneliness.
"Rufus Shin-Ra, the tearless man is concerned for moi?" Tifa wheeled around in mock-sarcasm, clasping her hands together at her chest and bowing a little, smiling warmly as if mocking him. Rufus's arms dropped to his sides and he craned his head to the left, eyes appearing slightly annoyed. She sighed and stood up, retaining her grin. "But since you asked...yes, I'm quite alright."
"What about Strife?" he asked tentatively. There was something in his voice, something untouchable... Tifa shrugged. "You're not angry at him?" His voice was more or less buisnesslike.
"Not really, no... I mean... It was wrong of him to attack you like that, but he feels really sorry."
"Apologetic to you or me?" he responded waspishly. Rufus Shinra was pissed.
"Uh..."
Ah I wonder why are you out there searching for something?
Ah I wonder why are you out there afraid of something?
Ah I wonder what kind of future we'll have?
Rufus suddenly stalked over to Tifa, very close, VERY close, staring down at her coldly, his eyes bright and glaring with something... a glint resembling Mako. And it was like that for two or three moments, him standing in what some would consider a majestic manner--others, quite intimidating. Tifa stared up at him, curious and quite confused--as was felt correct, for he looked like he would've yelled at her right there.
"I was lightly concerned." Rufus turned around slightly, not making his face seen or hints of emotion heard. In-character, actually, for him. "Though I suppose it would've been a worthy sacrifice." Was this supposed to be a compliment? It was a really crappy one. Rufus spoke arrogantly, as if his life was actually *more* important. Letting her attitude get the better of her, Tifa stamped one foot on the floor.
"Where do you get off saying your life is any better then mine, MISTER Shinra?" she exclaimed. This was unbelievable! "I risked my life out there so you could go on with your goddamn life! Because I thought you FINALLY considered me an equal!"
"..."
"Well?!" It was amazing how Tifa felt so cheerful and friendly toward him, and was on the verge of punching the crap out of him the next. Rufus blanched slightly, yet it was not visible as his back was turned towards her.
".......I was at your side, you know." Rufus said slowly, his tone dropping the negativity slowly but surely.
I want to find the one I love.
I want to find the one I'm supposed to love.
I want to find her.
Anyone is OK. Quick... Anytime...
"What difference does it make if you treat me like dirt the next day?" Tifa inquired, though her voice was actually more quizzical then mad--Tifa Lockheart, never wanted to lose friends. Wait. Was he a friend? Anyways... There was no response from the tall blonde man, no hint of remorse or woe, no nothing. Then again, she couldn't see his face, and they stood like that for even longer then they had spent staring at each other. And slowly, as the silence passed on, Tifa grew concerned. As typical. She blamed herself for being a little weak... Oh well. She tapped him on the shoulder. "Rufus?"
There was a slight twitch at his side, and he slowly turned to face her. He looked...disheveled, more then he was in the time that had passed. His eyes were twitching, the corner of his mouth was dragging down slightly, almost in a sad type of frown. Twitch. Twitch. Tifa allowed her anger to melt, once again being reduced to her gentle self, and grabbed hold of one of Rufus's arms, yet her hand creeped up to his shoulder. And they just...Stared at each other. (A/N: I know, SO eventful..)
Tifa allowed her other hand to wrap around his middle, and she held him to her, hugging the man whose eyes, though his mouth or eyebrows may have indicated sadness, never let tears fall. They stayed the same, like he didn't know how to use them or something. Although the embrace was not returned, Tifa rested her head on his chest, staring at the side.
In the soft embrace, quite a beautiful and unusual thing to look at, no one saw Cloud watch, sitting at the edge of the entrance.
And he looked broken...
I want to find the one I love.
I want to find the one I'm supposed to love.
I want to find her.
Anyone is OK. Quick... Anytime...