Chapter 10: Dual Departures

(Same tags apply as in Chapter 1)

It had been almost a day and a half since their last meeting at the candle. Today they would restart their expedition. Yuffie sat in her room folding her clothing and putting them back in her carryall. Her time at Cosmo Canyon was the most relaxing break she could ever remember.

When she would return home from 'hunting,' she could never enjoy her short break. Godo was constantly hounding her to leave and resume her search. He was always telling her that she wasn't trying hard enough or that the materia that she had brought him just wasn't good enough.

But here, in Cosmo Canyon with Avalanche, she knew she had at least three people who cared about her. She cared for everyone in the group, even Barret and Cid. They were like two very annoying Uncles.

Her conversation with Tifa over dinner had allowed their old rapport to surface. The had spent a good portion of the next day together talking about their likes and dislikes, shopping, and sharing their hopes for the future. Tifa talked about Cloud and tried to get Yuffie to tell her whom she liked. They also shared a few tears over their sister that the pair knew was watching over both of them. They felt like family again.

Yuffie had managed to steer clear of her past however. She hated herself for not opening up to Tifa, but she just couldn't. Not Yet. Tifa was a saint and did not push the fact that Yuffie didn't say much about herself and for that, Yuffie was appreciative. Maybe after all this was over, she would let Tifa in.

"Yuffie?" A deep voice called through the doorway.

She turned to face the door, which was now cracked slightly. "Yes Vince? Come in."

"I am sorry to disturb you, I knocked but there was no answer." He stepped into the room and noticed the pleasant scent of lavender in the air. 'If I'm not mistaken, that is the scent of the soap and shampoo she uses.' He thought to himself.

"No problem, I was just woolgathering. These last few days have been wonderful." She turned her stormy gaze towards the red orbs of her friend and saw amusement. The corners of her mouth lifted upwards. "What's so funny, Vinnie?"

"I didn't think that I would every hear you use the term 'woolgathering'.

She saw a the slight rise of his cheeks and knew he was smiling under his cloak and smiled when she remembered who had used that term in the past. "My mother use to say it all the time." He gave a respectful nod. "So Vinnie, are you prepared? How much time do we have until we set out?"

"We have about thirty minutes until we depart. How did your time with Tifa fair?"

"We had a really good time! We spent most of the day together…it was like it was before Aeris died…" She was quiet for a moment "Vinnie, I still miss her dearly, but you know, the pain is not so bad because I know that she is still watching us and I know I will get to speak to her in the future.

"I think that Tifa is one of the few people who really like me being around. She's been kinda quiet these past couple weeks, but she explained to me the problems she's been having accepting Aer's death. She told me she got a message from her too and she apologized for being so distant." Her tone was slightly sad at the thought of the others not wanting her around.

"Yuffie, Tifa is not the only person who enjoys being around you. I care about you and consider you my friend." He was somewhat shocked that he had said that part out loud and felt amusement from Chaos at his words. "These past few days have been quite nice for me as well. I am glad that you decided to stay with us after what happened."

"Thanks Vince, I care about you too. I am thankful that you are here with me now and I am glad that you're coming with me. You are one of the only people that I trust." She walked over to him and gave him a quick hug around his middle.

She walked over and grabbed her bag off her bed. "Time to go…" She walked out the door with Vincent behind her. He almost ran into her as she stopped and let her eyes travel around the cozy inn. "I hope we can come back soon."

"We will." He said, looking down at her.

.::-o-::.

Dust was kicked up in the dry air of the canyon as the Highwind's engines roared to life and began its ascent into the sky. Yuffie stood at the window at the front of the bridge willing herself not to get sick during this short ride. She knew that staring out of the window wouldn't help much, but she couldn't bring herself to break her eyes away from the Village till she could no longer see it.

"We'll be at the coast in 'bout a fifteen minutes. I don't think anyone has had a chance to prep Tiko and Kira." Cid said quietly to Yuffie.

She glanced over her shoulder at the pilot trying to hide the shock she felt. This was the only time that she had ever heard him go without a string of curses that usually accompanied his speech. This was also the only time that she had heard him so quiet. "Thanks…I guess I'll go get my babies ready." She started for the door.

"HEY DUMBASS, get over here and take the controls for a few minutes. Yuffie, wait a second, I'll help ya." He gave the controls to the relief pilot and walked towards her.

"Umm…okay. Thanks Cid." Her voice laced with confusion. Cid Highwind had NEVER offered to help her do anything. After all, he hated her, right?

Cid and Yuffie left the bridge. Vincent's crimson orbs followed the pair while his eyebrow rose slightly.

The walk to the Chocobo pens was made in silence. Kira, Tiko and Yoshi warked happily as she saw the young ninja enter. She laughed as she saw the birds begin to hop and turn in circles. "Well hello, to you too!"

Cid watched her from the door as she walked up to each bird to ruffle their feathers and give them each a light peck on the head. His heart warmed at the sight.

Yuffie led Kira out of her stall and walked to the bridles and grabbed Tiko and Kira's.

"Yuffie, I'll get Tiko all set up for ya."

"Here ya go. Thanks for the help Cid." The nervousness she was feeling was evident in her voice.

They both went about getting the birds ready when Cid broke the silence. "Yuffie…"

"Yeah Cid?"

"I jus' wanted to apologize to you for the way I acted the other day. There was no need for me to act like that. You didn't do anything to get that kinda attitude outta me."

"That's okay Cid, I am sorry I yelled at you. I deserved everything that you said to me…even at Wutai." She cringed at the mention of her hometown.

"No Yuffie. You didn't even deserve what I said then and I apologize for that also. Although I was angry, I didn't need to talk to you the way I did."

Yuffie was silent. She didn't really know what to say to him.

"Yuffie, I know that I don't show it, but I am glad that you joined us. Sure, we've had our problems but to tell you the truth, I think of you like a niece…a bratty one, but a niece nonetheless.

The young ninja felt her emotional control slip slightly but quickly covered it with a cheesy grin. "Well its nice to know you care, old man." She punched him lightly. "Oh, I didn't hurt you did I? We all know how brittle the bones can be on the elderly."

He laughed at this and finished putting the bridle on Tiko. "Hey, I ain't that old brat!"

"Sure Gramps…" She walked over with Kira and took Tiko's reins in her free hand.

"CAPTAIN, PLEASE REPORT TO THE BRIDGE."

"Well, it looks as if this is where you get off. I better go take over before dumbass crashes my fuckin' ship. You be careful…I'm not quite sure of what it is that is so important for you to do, but it'd be nice if you brought you scrawny ass back in one piece."

"Thanks Cid. And of course I'll be back…I have the best bodyguard that I could possibly get protecting my 'scrawny ass'." He laughed and she winked at him as he left the pen.

She came out of the door with the two Chocobos in tow and was met by a waiting Vincent. "Am I right to assume that you and Cid have made peace?"

She dropped Kira's reins and walked over to her 'spot' in the cargo area of the Highwind to get her bag and weapon. "Yeah, it kinda shocked me though…" she trailed off deep in thought reclaiming the reins. The ship pitched as it landed at the coast. Yuffie groaned and turned an interesting shade of green. "I think it would be best if we left…urk…NOW…"

They mounted the golden birds and headed towards the cargo doors to be met by Cloud and Tifa. Cloud walked to Vincent and handed him a small pouch. "Here's the materia you needed. Good luck, contact us when you are done and we'll make plans."

Vincent nodded. "Thank you Cloud."

"You guys be careful and come back safe…I wish I could go with you." Tifa said.

The tiny ninja hopped off her Chocobo and gave Tifa a hug. "Well be back in no time Teef, don't worry about us.

"I'll try not to…Vincent, you be careful too." She called to him over the ninja's shoulder.

"Always, Tifa. Thank you."

"GOOD LUCK GUYS!" Cid's voice blared from the intercom from the bridge.

Yuffie walked back over and hopped on her bird and they started for the door.

"YUFFIE WAIT!" They both stopped and turned around. "I forgot to give this to you this," she handed Yuffie a small piece of paper. "read it after we leave." Tifa winked at Yuffie with an evil glint in her eye.

"Uh okay…bye guys!"

Tifa and Cloud watched the two Chocobos sprinted in the direction of the water as the bay doors closed.

"Teef, what was all that about?"

"Oh cloud, it's just girl stuff…you wouldn't be interested."

He did bother asking again. 'There were just some things that I'm safer not knowing.' He thought as they headed back to the bridge.

.::-o-::.

As they made their way towards the shoreline, Yuffie unfolded the piece of paper Tifa had handed to her before they left and read it:

Hey Yuffs,

I just wanted to say good luck on whatever you have to do.

You know, call me crazy, but it looks to me like you have a crush on our resident gunslinger…don't deny it! You KNOW you love him!!

See ya when ya get back.

Love, Teef

"WHAT?!?

Vincent slowed his Chocobo to match her speed, concern set in his eyes. "What is it Yuffie?"

"Sorry Vince, don't worry about it…I didn't mean to get so loud…but I AM SO GOING TO KILL HER WHEN WE GET BACK." She folded the paper and put it in her pocket as they continued their trip to Wutai.

o-o-Author's Notes-o-o

Well there's two chapters for ya (or three if you count chapter 7 parts 1&2) in one day. I already know that there's a lot of talking and I'm sorry gets down on knees Can ya ever forgive me?

There's a battle scene coming up and coming soon…a trip to the Northern Crater!!!

Ezri: So Tseng, was it good??

Tseng: grinning like an idiot with chocolate on his face Oh yeah!

Ezri: Do you forgive me for being so evil earlier…I was just upset cause my baby got hit in that stupid parking lot (That's the second damn time in a 1 ½ weeks that my damn car has gotten hit! I'm paying a lot for that fucking car) and I got sick from something at the cinco de mayo festival… and…and -whimpers-

Tseng: ah Ez, its okay. I forgive you! -pulls Ez into his arms and rubs her back-

Ez: Damn he has a nice chest! Thanks Tseng…I don't own final fantasy…(there's another reason to cry) square-enix does.

Tseng: lets get you to bed…you need some rest.

Ez: -mischievous glint in her eyes- are you coming with me???

Tseng: Of course.

Ez: Good, I'm really tired…let's go Tseng. See, I can trust you. Reno has wandering hands…had to slap him a few times, but it doesn't do much good cause he likes it rough…damn pervert!

7/19/07

Edited because of change in formatting. Also re-numbering chapters. Minor content edits.