1The Girl that Never Was

A/N: What's with all the kingdom hearts fanfiction you ask? I dunno, got that bug I suppose and Yuffie IS my favorite character of Kingdom Hearts next to some others.

Chapter Two: Jealousy or Envy?

A hand rubbed along her side as she looked down at Aerith's handy work. Aerith had wrapped her ribs firmly, as she said it would take a few weeks for them to heal up. She also got a scolding for not telling her she had any broken ribs or scratches. There wasn't much she could do for the bruises though. She sighed, as it wasn't as bad she thought it would be. Aerith was probably giving Leon a lecture on him being so rough on her. Though Yuffie still didn't consider it to be his fault, she just wished she wasn't so weak. Why couldn't she be as strong as him and Cloud? At least, Aerith provides her use with her healing powers. Why couldn't she ever prove herself to them?

"Am I really 'that' pathetic?"

She sighed, as she lifted her head up to see the hooded figure in front of her again. He stood there, as he seemed to be solid now and not just transparent from when the last time she met him.

"It's you again...just who are you?" She asked, as she stared at him as she sat there on the examination table.

'Like I said...someone that can help you, Yuffie.' She couldn't see his face, as the hooded was shrouded over his head and the shadows hid his face. 'You don't think Leon would actually let you compete in the tournaments with you?'

She flinched at the words, as her hand gripped the edge of the table,"I'm his partner, of course he'll let me compete with him."

'Oh? What if he doesn't? Leon can hold his own very well in the tournaments right?'

"That is true...I really don't see why he needs me for then..." Yuffie stated quietly, as she looked down at the floor. She bit her lip lightly, as maybe the only reason they were partners was that he just needed someone to enter with for the battles in the beginning.

'If you were stronger, you could easily crush your opponents. I'm sure Leon would accept you as a equal.'

"Equal...? You...can do that for me? Make me stronger?" She asked, murmuring under her breath before he placed a hand underneath her chin and lifted her head up to him.

'My dear girl, I can do anything for you if you desire it...'

Cloud had slowly stopped short of the room Yuffie was in as he could here her talking inside. He didn't think anyone else was here. Aerith had told him to watch Yuffie, while she went to go see Leon. Cloud's hand reached back behind him as his hand grasp the handle of his sword as he leaned in closer to the door.

"I...don't know."

'Just close your eyes and open your heart...'

"U...ugh..."

"Yuffie!"

Cloud burst through the door as it swung open smacking against the wall. He ran into the room, as he looked at Yuffie seated down on the end of the examination table as she was just looking down at the floor with a blank look on her face. His eyes darted back and forth, as he turned his head as he didn't see anyone else here besides her. His grip on his blade slowly loosened, before his arm lay against his side.

I swore I could have heard another voice...

He walked over to Yuffie as he looked down at her, as she said nothing. His gloved hand pulled her chin up as she examined her. Overall, she seemed fine, but her eyes seemed glazed over as she looked out of it. Maybe Aerith had gave her a tranquilizer or something to calm her down when she was bandaging her ribs.

"Yuffie, are you all right?"

"Yeah..."

He frowned, as she seemed like she was in some state of depression or maybe she was just so exhausted still from Leon's training. Cloud never knew Yuffie to be depressed at all, she seemed to be the main one around here that always had a cheery disposition than anyone else, even Aerith. He picked her up into his arms, as he walked out of the room. She stayed quiet. She seemed to just stare out into oblivion as he took her out of the Infirmary. He's never seen her like this before. Maybe her and Leon's so called training sessions had more effect on her than he thought. He'd have to discuss it with him later as Aerith was already giving him a ear full by now. In a way, he saw Yuffie like a younger sister to him as she use to hang around him and Leon all the time when they were younger. He went out the side door of the Infirmary as he went across the alley to where they stayed at. He opened the door as he closed it behind him as he made his way up the stairs. Cloud stopped as he nearly fell forward, as a sharp pain came his left arm.

"U..u..ugh!" He grimaced as, he struggled to hold Yuffie as he panted as his arm shook violently before he stepped up the stairs slowly.

Dammit, not again. Why is it happening again?

He made his way up the stairs, before going into Yuffie's bedroom as he kicked the door closed with his foot. He placed the girl on the bed, who had now fallen asleep as fell down onto his knees as he leaned back against the bed. Cloud looked at his left arm, as he squeezed it with his other one as the paint coursed through his arm violently as he closed his eyes tightly as the sharp pain quit pinching at the nerves in his arm slowly as he breathed heavily. He raised his hand up to his face as he looked at it.

He couldn't be close by, could he? I should go look, but...I can't leave Yuffie alone.

His head turned as he looked at the sleeping girl, before he sighed as he looked down. He decided against going and thought it best to just stay here by her side just for tonight. Cloud gave a heavy sigh, before leaning his head back as he closed his eyes.

--

"Aerith you don't have to bite my head off."

Leon looked at the woman in front of him, as she put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot against the ground lightly.

"I was so lucky it wasn't as serious as I thought it would be. Come on Leon, I thought you'd know that Yuffie was in this kind of condition. You two train together all the time and she's always around you."

"Believe me Aerith, if I knew I wouldn't be here right now." Leon sighed, as he ran a hand back through his hair. He didn't know he'd been so rough on Yuffie for the past few weeks and he didn't notice any of the bruises she was getting since she was always covering them up.

I'm such a idiot.

Aerith sighed, as she put her hands down to her side. She looked at him with the utmost sincerity, "I believe you, but what about the tournament? It's in a couple of days. Do you plan to let her enter?"

"I've thought about it, but I'm not sure yet. If Yuffie isn't still in perfect condition by the tournament I guess I have to tell her that she can't compete this time."

"She's not gonna like that. You know that right?" Cid looked back over his shoulder, as he looked at the two as he was busy upgrading the town's defense mechanism. Leon put a hand to his forehead.

"Think I don't know that?"

He could already see the young girl yelling at him all ready about it and possibly punching him for not letting her compete. Yuffie could be so stubborn, but that's how he usually could be too.

"I'll talk to her tomorrow."

"That's weird..."

Both Aerith and Leon looked over at Cid, as he leaned closer to his monitor as his fingers typed in a few commands into his computer.

"What's weird?" Aerith asked.

"Lately, the town's defense system has been acting a little crazy. It keeps blinking on and off."

"It's not heartless are they?"

"Nah, but...the CPU and main frame has been going up and down' like a yo-yo or somthin'. It's probably nothing, but it's getting a interference from something." He said, as he pressed the enter key.

"Well, tomorrow why don't you have Tron run a system analysis just to be sure." Aerith said, as she walked over to the door before turning her head.

"Don't forget now, Leon."

She reminded him, before she left Merlin's home. Leon leaned back against the wall, as he folded his arms across his chest.

This might be a little tough...

--

Yuffie shifted around on her bed, as daylight hit her face from the window in the room. She yawned, as she stretched her arms up over her head. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and looked around her room. Blinking, she noticed the blonde man that was sitting up against her bed sleeping soundly. Yuffie didn't remember too much from last night or even going to bed for that matter. She figured Cloud had brought her too her room because she dozed off or something.

"You just sleep for a little while longer." She whispered, as she threw her blanket over on top of him before getting up off of the bed.

She lifted her window up as she leaned on the window sill as she looked out into the open. Hollow Bastion was sure quiet in the morning, well it was quiet usually throughout the day if there weren't any heartless. It was hard to believe this once use to be Radiant Garden. She remembered how beautiful it use to look and all the flowers that were around the town. A sigh came form her lips, as she looked up at the light falling sparkles from the sky. At least, the town is slowly beginning to turn back to normal now.

"Yuffie!"

"Mm?"

She snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of the male voice. Her eye sight lowering down to the ground as she noticed Leon standing down below in the alley.

"Oh, good morning Squall. Oh! Am I late for training this morning?" She waved to him, before looking a little nervous. The girl wasn't quite sure if she over slept or not, since her and Leon liked to train early in the morning. He shook his head as he put his hands on his hips.

Hmm, she didn't call me Leon today. Maybe I'm just thinking too much into it.

"No, actually there won't be any training today. I'd like to talk to you."

"Oh? Well, come on up then."

"I meant a little more privately." He said.

"Ohh." She turned her head and looked back at the sleeping Cloud, before looking back down to Leon. "Okay. Be down in a jiffy then."

She said, before she climbed out the window, as she jumped over to the next roof over and then down into the alley in front of Leon nimbly.

"You could have used the stairs..."

"It was quicker."

"Whatever, just come with me." He said, as he pulled his arm around back and put his hand on her left shoulder as he walked next to her.

Yuffie was a little surprised, as his hand didn't leave her shoulder and she was rather close to him. She could smell his cologne, as her hip brushed back against his.

Wow, I never noticed how nice he smells.

"A..ah.umm..."

She quietly walked next to him, as they walked out of the Borough as they made their way to the Market Place. It was pretty secluded, with the exception of a few vendors readying their shops for today. Her hands held one another, as they rested against her chest.

"So, Yuffie..."

"Mm?"

"Are you feeling any better today?" He asked, as he looked down at his young companion.

"Umm, ah yeah. A little bit I am."

"Really?" His brow rose, as he stopped near a wall with a ledge in the market place, where you could look over and see the rest of the town below. He picked her up as he sat her down on the ledge, as his hand went to her bandaged ribs as he felt around them. Yuffie felt the flutter feeling in her stomach, as he touched her.

Uh, I feel weird. I hope I'm really not feeling sick.

"Ouch. Watch what you're doing Squall."

"Sorry."

He said, as he looked up at her as he cheeks had a touch of pink in them.

"Are you getting a fever or a cold? You have a little color in your face." He asked concerned, as he watched her shake her head as her hands pressed against her cheeks.

"I'm fine. You and Aerith worry too much." She said, as Leon looked at her a little dumfounded before letting her go. He taking a seat next to her, before he turned around the opposite direction as his feet hanged down over the ledge. They sat there in silence for a few minutes.

Oh, he's going to tell me I'm lacking in my training. I know it.

"Yuffie..."

Here it comes.

She looked down, as she exhaled heavily awaiting the words.

"I'm sorry."

"I know I'm just–wha?" She turned her head, as she looked at him with a wide eyed gaze.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. I was too rough in our training. I hope you can forgive me."

Did that just happen? The Great Squall Leonhart just apologized? To me?

"It's okay really Squall." She gave him a reassuring smile, as he looked at her.

"No it's not. I hurt you pretty bad and I feel very guilty about it. It could have been worse." He said, as she noticed the sincerity in his voice. Yuffie felt pretty happy that he was so concerned about her, but in her mind she believed she was most to blame for it a little.

"Well, I wish I could keep up better with you. I think I'm just too weak really." She said, as she looked back down at the ground. "Just wish I could match your skills, like Cloud. At least, Aerith shows her use by her healing spells even though she isn't a fighter..."

He looked at her, as he frowned. Leon had no idea that's how she's been feeling as of late. He didn't think she was useless. Sure, him and Cloud matched strength, but Yuffie was really fast on her feet and good at dodging and tactical attacks.

"Yuffie I..."

"Miss Yuffie, I wasn't expecting to see you so early in the morning."

Yuffie looked up from her gaze on the ground, as she noticed the man a couple of feet away from her. She smiled brightly, as her mood seemed to lift all of a sudden.

"Hey, Xias!" She yelled over to him, as she waved to him. Leon looked at the man, as his eyes narrowed as he was interrupted by this strange man who came out of no where. He didn't recall hearing any footsteps or seeing him when they arrived her. Leon noticed Yuffie's mood had changed from mellow to pretty perky now that he arrived.

Xias walked over to them, as he stopped short in front of Yuffie as he grasp her hand gently before kissing the top of it lightly as he looked at her.

"Another chance meeting with you. I must be pretty lucky to see you again so soon."

Yuffie merely giggled, as her free hand rested against her face as she squirmed a little in her seat.

"You flattery me too much, Xias and you can just call me Yuffie."

"Whatever you please. So, what are you doing up so early?"

"Me? Well, I'm just..."

"She's just here with me." Leon said, as he interrupted her. He turning around as he got up from his seat and stood.

"And your name is...?" He asked very casually.

"Oh, this is Squall. He's part of the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee for The Radient Garden." Yuffie said, as she introduced him.

"It's Leon, actually." He said dryly, before he stepped in between him and Yuffie. Xias looked at him, as he smiled at Leon as if he didn't notice the slight hostility coming from him.

"Sorry, I didn't really notice you before. I guess it was because I seen Miss...I mean, Yuffie here. Just thought it start my day off real nice, if I got to speak to her again." He said, as Leon eye twitched slightly at his words. He could hear Yuffie behind him giggling like a school girl.

Didn't notice me? Why you smug son of a...

"By the way, I was wondering...if you haven't already eaten. I'd like to treat you to breakfast Yuffie. It would be a honor." He said, as he gave a small bow to her.

She can't be seriously falling for this crap.

"Well I..."

"She already has breakfast plans with me." Leon said out suddenly, as Xias and Yuffie looked at him. Yuffie a little stunned by his words.

"Oh, I see. You're quite infatuated with her then? Or maybe you're lovers?"

Leon suddenly feel blood rushing to his head, as he was side blinded by his comment. He had grabbed Xias by the collar of his shirt, as his voice rose pretty loudly.

"We're not lovers!"

Some of the store clerks and vendors brought their attention over to them, as Leon seemed to have pulled a crowd to the squabble between them. Yuffie buried her head in her hands, as she was so embarrassed by Leon's outburst. She was wondering how long a fall it'd be if she fell backwards off the ledge.

"Pardon me. It was a harmless mistake." He said, as he took Leon by the wrist and pulled it away calmly. Though his grip was firm and harsh as he did it. Leon flinched at the slight paint in his wrist now.

Who IS this guy?

Leon didn't trust this guy and he especially didn't trust him around Yuffie. There was something about him that bothered. He didn't know what, but there was something he hated about it. Also, he seemed a little familiar.

"We're leaving."

"But Squall–hey!"

Leon grabbed Yuffie by her hand as she slipped from her seat as he led her away. Xias raised a hand, as he kept his calm composure.

"I'm sure I'll see you soon, Yuffie. Until we meet again."

" Bye, Xias! Hey! Squall, not so hard!" Yuffie said, as Leon led her from the market place literally dragging her back to the Borough. Xias smiled faded, as his hand went to his side as they left as he smirked.

This Leon could pose as a problem for me...no matter. Nothing I can't take care of.

After awhile, Yuffie yanked her arm back from him. He turned around as he noticed her annoyed look as she put her hands on her hips.

"What was 'that' about?"

"I don't like him."

"Why?"

"I just don't, all right?" He said, as he folded his arms across his chest. "He shouldn't be flirting with you. Besides, he's probably older than I am."

Yuffie tilted her head as she looked at him, as she didn't know why Leon would be so upset over some guy that was possibly flirting with her or not. Maybe he was just a little peeved that they were interrupted by him. Though, she was giving him more attention than Leon and ignored him.

"Oh, I see. You're jealous aren't you?"

"Excuse me?" He looked at her, as if she was crazy.

Like I'd be jealous of that long hair, smooth talking, wannabe pretty boy.

Yuffie smiled, as she put her arms behind her back as she looked at him. "That's it. Isn't it?"

"Hmph, hardly." Leon said, as he turned his head from her. He felt a tug on his cheek, as Yuffie began to pinch his cheek as she pulled on it.

"Yes you are. That's so cute. I'm so sorry I ignored you Squally." She teased, as she pulled on his cheek again.

"Cut that out..."

"Ohh, don't worry I'll give all my attention to you from now on." Yuffie smiled, as she laughed. Leon pulled his hand up slapping her hand away gently, as he grumbled a little as he was just being made a fool of now by her all because Xias made him look like a complete idiot in public.

"I'm going to Merlin's..." He said, as he turned from her as he began to walk away. Yuffie followed him, as she continued to aggravate him.

"Squall, don't run away from your feelings!" She said, as she threw her arms around his waist as she hugged him.

"Yuffie..!" He looked back at her, as he thought she had seriously lost it now. He began to walk forward as he dragged her along. His hand on her head as he tried to push her off. "Cut it out, people are looking."

"Squall I love you! Don't go! Don't you care what we have?" She said, as she was dragged as he continued to try and walk as some passer byers watched the scene and whispered to one another. Now, she was just making a spectacle of herself and him as well. He stopped, as she wouldn't quit with the over dramatized acting. She leaned up as he put her head on his shoulders as he hunched over slightly in defeat.

"What will it take for you to quit this madness?" He mumbled, as he looked at her as she smiled widely.

"Tell me you love me..." She sang in a melody voice.

"Tell you what?" He asked, as he thought she bumped her head.

"You heard me. Do it or I can just hang on you all day." She threatened, as she hugged him tightly. Leon looked at her and at a few people that was looking at them. He grumbled a bit, as he didn't seem to have any choice.

"I...love...you.." He grumbled lowly.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you too well." She said, leaning over him.

"I said...I love you." He said in a lower voice.

"Once more...I don't think everyone heard." She said, playfully before she whispered in his ear. "This is what you get for embarrassing me in public."

Leon put a hand to his head, as he sighed. He then looked at her, before a slight smile formed on his lips as he got an idea. He leaned up, as he pulled her arms off of him. He got down on one knee as he held her hands, she looking puzzled by his action.

"Squall what are you doing?"

"Oh, my sweet Yuffie who shine brighter than the sun and stars themselves. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?" He said, as she smiled to her as the shocked expression on her place was clearly what made it worth doing this.

"W-w-what?" She looked at him, as she really wasn't expecting this from him. One of the female towns people, whispered to another girl as she giggled.

'How romantic!'

"Please, accept my offer. Make me the happiest man in the world."

Oh, you are so dead Squall Leonhart.

Yuffie thought, as she looked at him as she tried to get her hand back.

"Squall you're such a goober and...hey!" She fell forward as he pulled her to sit on his knee, as he looked at her.

"Don't reject me, my love. We were meant to be." He said, as he kissed her hand and then kissed up along her arm. Yuffie blushed, before her hand pushed over his mouth as her palm pressed against his lips.

"Okay, that's pushing it mister. I'm not that easy." She said, as she looked at him before he kissed her finger.

"I wouldn't dare think of it."

"Ahem..."

Both Leon and Yuffie looked back to see Cloud standing there as, he merely shook his head at the two. He had been standing there for quite some time, as he looked at the two.

"I think she's having a bad influence on you now instead of the other way around." He said, as Yuffie merely stuck her tongue out at him as she got up. Leon stood up, as he had regained his composure now as Cloud looked at the two.

"Anyhow, Aerith told me to call you to breakfast." He said, as he turned around walking towards the alley way.

"Well, I think I've embarrassed myself enough for one day now." He said, as he followed Cloud as Yuffie followed behind him. That was pretty out of character, even for Leon, but he did kind of enjoy it really. It was pretty...interesting being around Yuffie. Though, he'd never say that since he was so proud.

"You know, you should be a actor Squall."

"Leon. And shut up."

TBC

That was pretty unexpected near the end huh? XD Leon is a bit more friendlier in this chapter, but still remains his 'I'm so coo' personality. Even Leon knows how to joke around sometimes, yes? And that's every once in a blue moon. This will probably be one of the few times there's some comical stuff in this story. Chapter 3 soon to be up.