The Squaffie 3

Yuffie yawned and blinked sleepily as light touched her face. Squeezing her eyes tightly shut, she wriggled back under Cloud's warm embrace. Safely under his arm, she risked opening one eye to look at the time.

5:12 am, and already light. She closed her eyes again, careful not to move around too much- she wasn't a morning person, but Cloud was even less so and wouldn't forgive her for the rest of the day if she got him up now- but suddenly sat up straight, remembering last night's events. The dream, making a deal with Leon, coming back inside to try to sleep, finally giving up on the sofa and sleeping in the big bed with Cloud. He hadn't even woken up when she'd crawled in beside him, but she knew that somehow the blonde warrior had noticed. Whenever Yuffie came over to his bed it either meant she was lonely or simply couldn't sleep. Yuffie knew her blonde best friend wouldn't mind- she'd done it since she was eleven, and he'd never complained.

A deal with Leon. She sprang out of bed and lunged for her clothes. Yesterday she'd obeyed Cloud's request for their journey and donned a long black jacket and (she shuddered violently) a skirt. Cloud had never asked her to do something like that before, so she'd decided to humour him. Today, however, was another matter, so she grabbed customary clothes-short shorts as Cloud called them, long socks, her head-band and her shurikens, and a green top that allowed her complete freedom. To fight Leon she'd have to be mobile- something she definitely couldn't be wearing a skirt.

Stripping off her tunic-style blue nightie, she pulled the top on, not caring if Cloud woke up and saw her. Modesty wasn't a problem between the two- hell, she'd just slept in the same bed as the shirtless Cloud, what did it matter if he saw her topless?

She smirked as she finished dressing, imagining Aerith's shocked expression if she could hear Yuffie's thoughts now. Aerith was a definite prude- she'd probably blush if she saw what Yuffie was wearing now. Yuff gave herself a cursory glance in the mirror. That'll do, she told herself. It never caused any problems in Hollow Bastion, and you're only showing skin so you can move better. Bah. Dresses.

Nevertheless, she still felt slightly self-conscious. The girls in the villages on Hollow Bastion had told her quite firmly that she wore revealing clothes. She hadn't cared then- it had only been her and Cloud most of the time anyway. Then she remembered Aerith. No one will dare insult the Great Ninja Yuffie! Anyway, with her around, they'll be too busy admiring her beauty to look at me. I'd better ask her to go shopping with me later, just in case people object. What can I say, anyway? It's so hot here compared to Hollow Bastion that whatever I wear I'll probably still roast. God, I'm sweating already!

She suddenly realised she'd just spent longer than a minute looking at her reflection, and grinned foolishly at herself. "That's taboo, Yuffie," she told herself sternly, and giggled. I just giggled. What, is this place turning me into a girl? I have got to fight Leon soon, or I'll just embarrass myself.

Pulling on her gloves and scarf, she smiled. Time to go wake up Leon, a small voice inside her said. She chuckled evilly in response, and silently slipped out into the corridor.

At 4:53 am, Leon had woken just as the sun was rising. He always woke at dawn, even if he'd only just fallen asleep then.

Rolling off the bed, he shook his groggy head and looked down at his white shirt. He hadn't bothered changing last night. Then he remembered: he'd promised the little ninja a spar today. He peeled off his sticky shirt, feeling that somehow Yuffie had tricked him. I only just met her yesterday, and she's already weaselled a promise out of me…Their discussion had gone by too fast for him last night and had left him behind in the dust. In the light of day, he was now uncomfortably aware that'd she'd been in full control of the conversation.

Heading for the ensuite, he washed his face and hands, and splashed some cold water over his bare chest to freshen up (4). Sweeping his long dark hair away from his face, Leon sighed as he walked back out to the bedroom. How did she do it? he thought, annoyed because he still couldn't work out what exactly he'd done.

Grabbing his Gunblade, he swung it experimentally a few times then flopped onto the bed, arms crossed behind his head with the Gunblade still dangling from his right wrist. Eyes closed, he contemplated the deal he'd struck with the black-haired ninja. I can't believe I promised all that just so she'd let me in. I mean, I could've just tapped on Aer's door- she would've let me in without any conditions. I guess I was just embarrassed at being caught out like that.

Wrapped in his thoughts, he didn't hear the lock on his door give a tiny click and swing open, or hear it being shut again softly.

Yuffie's first view of the room was the Gunblader himself lying sprawled on the bed, legs dangling off the edge. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers as she noted the toned muscles. Oooooohhh. Very nice. She thought appreciatively, running her inquisitive gaze over the man's biceps and back to his torso again. Very… impressiveNot taking her eyes off his smooth skin, she tiptoed easily towards the bed, making no sound on the dark redgum (5) floorboards or on the plush blue carpet that surrounded the bed.

Leon's honed senses became aware of someone else in the room when Yuffie was about five paces from the bed. Mentally cursing himself for letting his guard down, he tightened the lax grip he had had on the hilt of the Gunblade. He waited with bated breath… the presence came closer, closer… judging the silent intruder to be directly in front of him, Leon leapt up and swung his weapon with incredible power, hitting…

Nothing.

Confused, the tall fighter gave his room a cursory glance and sank back down onto his bed, closing his eyes again.

'Hi there!' a cheerful voice sang out from somewhere above him. His eyes snapped open. Yuffie was leaning over him with a gleeful smile.

'Shit!' he spluttered, surprised and irritated. 'What the- what the hell do you think you're doing?'

The corners of the ninja's dark indigo eyes crinkled as she fought to keep the laughter in. So, the man gets a bit… 'verbally unattractive'… when he's startled. 'What's wrong?' she asked him sweetly once she had her mirth under control. 'Did I scare you, Squallie?' A bubble of laughter escaped her full lips and she collapsed face down beside the shocked stern warrior, trying desperately to muffle the giggles. Beside her she heard Leon mutter under his breath, then sigh and sit up. Still chuckling, she peeked up at him from under her ragged black fringe. She couldn't help but admire the rippling muscles as Leon shifted position. He actually rivals Cloud when it comes to looks and body. I think I'm actually tempted to say that Leon is winning. Cloud is really pale skinned, but Leon's tanned and oh-so-hot. I've gotta say, though, I'm definitely enjoying the view. She flushed a little as she felt sapphire eyes light on her, and hoped the brunette couldn't guess her train of thought. That would be embarrassing. Sitting up, Yuffie grinned at the look on his face. 'I just came to wake you up. You did promise me a battle today, remember?' she reached over playfully to poke him in the ribs. He caught her wrist and sat staring at her, an unreadable look in his blue eyes. At last he sighed and let go just as Yuffie was beginning to feel unnerved, running his fingers through his long hair.

'Alright.' He pulled on the clean white T-shirt and the black leather jacket. After a bit of rummaging under the bed, he produced the heavy silver chain and lion pendant, and slipped that over his head, too. Hefting the Gunblade over one shoulder, he cocked an eyebrow at the slight dark-haired girl reclining on his bed. 'Ready, or are you going to put on some clothes?'

Yuffie stuck her tongue out at him, affronted. 'It's hot. Why should I cover myself up more and make myself uncomfortable? If you don't like it, don't look. It's that simple, and you'll get used to it after a while.' She jumped off his bed and drew a shuriken all in one fluid motion. Waving it in his face, she said mock-seriously, 'And don't you forget it!' With an excited grin totally at odds with her apparent mood, she skipped out the door he had just opened. Leon stared after Yuffie for a moment, clearly baffled, then shook his head and closed the door behind him.