Chapter 5: Smooth Vortex.

At Seventh Heaven, Cloud had called Yuffie over from Wutai to help run the bar.

'You know, I think I'm on Tifa's side.' Squeaked the teenage black haired ninja.

'You really can't expect her to wait around for you forever. Three years ago, when you were all over Aeris, think how Tifa felt! And when Aeris met her…demise… at the hands of Sephiroth, (three years ago) you went into mourning and haven't let go. You have to let it go, Cloud. A memory is just a memory.'

Yuffie sighed impatiently. 'THREE YEARS!' She slammed a glass on the counter.

Cloud, too numbed by Yuffie's words to argue back, merely forced his features into a pained smile and contented himself with blurting out:

'I do like Tifa... I'm just not ready to enter into another relationship.'

Yuffie rolled her eyes. 'Dilly dally, shilly shally. That's all you ever do, Cloud Strife!

She climbed the staircase to the apartment leaving Cloud to deal with the raucous customers.

All of a sudden, the phone rang. Yuffie's mind argued with itself: Shall I answer it? No… better let Cloud get it, it might be important. But what if it's not? I'll never find out unless I answer it…

Yuffie gave in to temptation and picked up the receiver. A charming, slightly nasal voice was on the other end.

'Heyyy… It's Reno, remember me?'

'Hi Reno, this is Yuffie.'

'Yuffie!' Reno almost dropped his phone in surprise.

'Yeah, Cloud called me over from Wutai. Said he needed someone to help in the pub. Vincent wouldn't do it, nor would Cid or Barret. Nanaki couldn't, obviously, neither could Cait Sith or Reeve. I was the last resort… insulting, really.'

Reno let her get on with her ditzy teenage prattle before coming to the point.

'Er… sorry to interrupt Yuffie, but Tifa will be back soon, so…'

'Oh so Tifa IS staying with you then!'

She gave a taunting 'ooo' that irked Reno. 'Yes, she is. Would Cloud take her back, do you think?'

'Trouble in paradise?'

'No, it's just I think that she misses home.'

'I'm sure Cloud would be glad to have her back.'

'Could you ask him?'

'Sure, hang on…'

Yuffie covered the receiver and waited for as long as she thought asking Cloud would take. Then she put the phone to her ear and said in a cheery voice:

'Yep! Cloud says he would be happy to have her back, so long as you don't show your…now what was it…'Pitiful, ugly, miserably pug like face again''

Reno was getting angry now. 'All right then… I'll see Tifa in secret.'

'Aww! That's so sweet!'

'Hmph. Oh! Here she comes! I'll tell her. Thanks, Yuffie. Bye.'

'Bye. Hope to see Tifa soon.'

Yuffie put down the phone and chuckled.

'I do love stirring things up.'

End of chapter 5. Please review, even though this was a short chapter!