Chapter 58: Have you ever...
The sound of sizzling bacon and art pencils running across drawing paper mixed with the sound of the sea and the chatter between two anchormen on the television. Yuffie looked up from her sketchpad, smiling at the small smirk that traced Vincent's lips at one of the more inane comments that one of the panelist had made concerning the nature of the research that Shinra had been doing prior to their destruction. The fact that the man believed the false statements by the science and medical divisions about pending medical breakthroughs that would have benefited all mankind was like saying that the Turks, in their public capacity of supposedly being a part of 'The Department of Administrative Research,' were doing nothing but researching the mating habits of the rare and elusive crimson and silver chocobo(1) and how the Carob and Zeio nut leads to their ability to be bred. Plain and simple; it was wholly untrue.
The ninja made sure that she captured that smirk. It was something about the way Vincent expressed his amusement that tightened something low in her belly. It made a man who was already tall, dark and handsome, even more so. Not only that, but the fact that he smiled at all after all that he'd been through truly made her happy.
As the gunman carefully pulled the bacon from the pan and set them on a small metal rack over a plate to allow the grease to drip from the strips, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Yuffie sat her sketchpad on the counter top and hopped down and made her way to the front door. Vincent watched her walk towards the living room before giving a pot a stir and start cracking eggs for their late breakfast.
Yuffie opened the door and smiled at the blond and brunet who waited outside. "Cloudy, Teef; come on in!" She invited them in and gave them hugs before they stepped past the threshold. "Vincent's almost done with breakfast so I guess I can give you the grand tour."
"That sounds good." The swordsman said, kicking of his sandals as Tifa did the same, waving to Vincent.
She led them through, of course, starting in the living room then venturing down the hallway to the Study. "This place is really nice. I can see myself coming back here in the future for a little vacation time. I mean, it's private and so quiet. I'm going to really have to thank Cid and Shera for this." She moved to the safe. "We keep our weapons and valuables in here just in case. But they provide us with all that we need. We have our internet access and the ability to order our groceries over the phone or on the net. I've read a couple of the books on the shelf and they're pretty good. Um...oh yeah! And while we're gone, housekeeping comes over and cleans."
She showed them the guest bedroom and bathroom before taking them into the master bedroom. Tifa took note of their mingled things in the master bathroom and her inner self donned its cheerleader outfit and cheered for the couple. Things were going well and she couldn't be happier for them. It made her wonder though, about how far their relationship had progressed, but she didn't dare ask in front of Cloud. Besides, she figured that the ninja would spill in good time. Of course, she wasn't expecting all the little private details, but things tended to slip sometimes during girl talk sessions.
Tifa shook herself from her thoughts as they were led back to the kitchen where Vincent was finishing up and passed through to the back yard. The fighter nodded in approval at seeing the landscaping the small area along with the hot tub that looked inviting. The villa had its own hot tub, but this one was further away from the nightlife and sound of people roaming the streets. It would be quiet and the city lights wouldn't dim the stars; she knew that to be a big positive for her little ninja friend. The girl loved to star gaze and from what she had seen, so did Vincent.
"Since it hasn't heated up too much yet, I thought we could have breakfast out here. So have a seat and I'll help Vinnie out." She said and bounced away, leaving the couple at the table.
Yuffie watched as Vincent spooned portions onto the plates and put the pots and pans into the sink to soak. After asking what needed to be taken out, she grabbed a tray with butter, jam and cups while Vincent followed up with a plate of buttered toast and a pitcher of orange juice. After their first trip, the ninja brought their plates out.
"Okay! So we have scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and hominy grits. They're really good!" She assured them as she took her seat beside Vincent. Yuffie bowed her head for a moment before reaching for the butter, adding a bit to her grits before buttering her toast.
Tifa took a sip of her drink and grinned at the ninja. "So we happened to see our beauty queen from last night. Yu, you did a number on her! She was sporting a nice shiner. I was so proud!"
"It was pretty impressive," Cloud added, the corner of his lip upturned. "But she deserved it. She struck first."
Yuffie nodded in agreement. "Maybe she'll learn to think before she strikes. You just don't go up to someone and paw all over them when they're with someone else."
"Obviously she's still hung over or she would have purchased a simple potion to staunch the bruising and swelling." Vincent chucked and shook his head. "Now she knows that Yuffie Kisaragi of Avalanche has a wicked left hook."
The ninja blinked at her gunman and laughed. "I can't believe you just said that...but it's damn true!"
"It's the small ones that you should watch out for," The blond nodded in agreement with Vincent's statement. "Though they look defenseless, they can be vicious."
Their meal continued with Yuffie and Tifa teasing Cloud over how quickly he demolished his breakfast. Though Tifa had had hominy grits before, Cloud had not. He seemed to enjoy it and Tifa promised to make it for him in the future. After the dishes were placed in the sink with the pots and pans, the gunman and ninja grabbed their weapons, wallets and phones before heading out of the bungalow. They opted to ride the chocobo carriage to town instead of walking, allowing the girls to decide on what stores they would be stopping by during their shopping excursion, however first, they would be replacing the ninja's old PHS. Vincent decided that he too should look into getting a more durable device.
After a bit of browsing, Yuffie finally settled on a new phone. This one was much smaller than her phs and the sales associate explained that the old phs system used an analog signal, the new one was a multimode cell, giving her more reliability and better sound quality. It was virtually waterproof and resistant to damage when dropped. Though she didn't necessarily need all the bells and whistles that came with her new phone, she would enjoy tinkering and learning how the functions worked. The Wutain girl laughed when Tifa bought her a little chocobo cell phone strap that held two tiny translucent adult gold chocobo and one white chocobo chick.
The associate filled her in on the warranty information and placed a new, fully charged battery in the device. "Do you want me to program the phone for you?" He asked, pulling out a cord and hooking it to her old phs.
Yuffie felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her as she nodded. "Can you keep all the numbers the same?"
"Of course. Since the cell uses a different memory system, I'll have to set it up a bit differently. It looks like there's eight numbers programmed in the phone, any certain order you want them in?"
"Yeah," She said with a small smile. The first four speed dial entries were for Vincent, Tifa, Cloud and Aeris's old phs number respectively. For some reason, it didn't feel right to leave her second sister's number from the phone, even though any calls to it would not be answered. The rest of the numbers were also inserted and after he helped her set up her voicemail, he attached the little strap and gave her a carrying case that she attached to the waist band of her shorts.
Yuffie let Tifa show her how to text and picture message while they waited for Vincent to finish up. Once he was done, he handed Yuffie her old phs which she placed in her pocket after thanking him for holding on to it. She knew that she was probably being overly sentimental, but she didn't care what anyone thought.
A few minutes later Vincent and Cloud joined them and they walked outside. Tifa stretched, and looked to the guys. "You sure you don't want to go with us?"
Cloud immediately shook his head. "No...thanks though. I need to pay a visit to the weapons shop. Maybe check with the local troops about the grand horns."
"I think I'll accompany Cloud."
"Your loss," Tifa said with a shrug. "So how bout we meet back here in about three hours. If we finish early, we'll give you guys a call." She placed a kiss on cloud's cheek and watch as Vincent's lifted Yuffie's hand to his lips and placed a kiss on her hand before letting her go. Yuffie answered with a quick hug, her cheeks a rosy pink as she whispered in the gunman's ear, gaining a nod.
Tifa loved it!
"See ya later guys." Yuffie waved at the guys as Tifa dragged her away.
"I almost feel sorry for Yuffs, but she'll be alright. I have to go get my blade." Cloud pulled they key from his pocket.
"I have some business to take care of that will not take long."
"All right. We can meet at the patrol guard's office in twenty? We'll be able to get a status update and contact Reeve if need be." Vincent nodded in agreement and walked away, heading to the brief meeting he had set up.
It wasn't long before the ebon haired man left the business that he had visited. A sigh escaped his lips as he started for the guard office. Just as he passed the Weapons shop, Cloud exited the shop with his Ultima strapped to his back. Being men of little words, the pair nodded and started for the office.
.:-o-:.
Yuffie looked around the shop, wondering where to start while Tifa dove in happily, looking through the various racks of swimsuits, sarongs and other little beach accessories. Something Prussian blue caught her eye and she moved to the rack were Tifa was examining a one piece suit.
The ninja pulled out the dark, rich blue material and found a bandeau bikini top sporting long back straps embroidered with small white dragonflies. A matching Prussian blue banded bottom decorated with the same white dragonflies on the back straps while the rest was a solid blue.
"Oh Yuffie, you should get it! It would be beautiful on you!"
"But it shows more skin than the last one did..." She bit her bottom lip.
"Sarongs and cover-ups help with that. I bet you can find something that will go well with it."
"I guess you're right..." Yuffie held the suit up to her body. "I really like the color..."
"Then it]s settled!" Tifa said and held up a deep red retro one-piece, running her fingers over the twisted front's bandeau ties. She took the suit and moved to a nearby mirror, holding it up to her own well rounded form.
"So, how have things been going?" She asked, smoothing the suit over her curves.
Yuffie leaned against a wooden support, a dreamy smile tracing her lips. "It's been wonderful...amazing. Tifa, I have LOVED staying here with Vincent. It's so relaxing and I look forward to every night." She sighed happily. "Sometimes we can just sit and relax and not say anything, and it's not awkward at all!
"I almost wish that we could stay here a bit longer...but even in Nibelheim, I think that things will still be good between the two of us."
"You both look happy...and I'm happy for the two of you." Tifa smiled at the teen and stepped forward, wrapping arm around her as they moved to a rack of sarongs and cover-ups. "Vincent seems much more content than I think I've ever seen him. This vacation has done wonders for him as well."
The ninja pulled out a white sarong as she nodded. "I know he is. I'm really glad that he came with me." She put the item back and shuffled through a few more before pulling out a sarong that was the same Prussian blue as the bikini but faded to a pale sky blue at the bottom. It was perfect.
Draping the cloth over her arm, she caught sight of a black cover-up. The little dress would be beautiful on Tifa and she handed it over to the brunette. "Try that!"
Tifa blinked and laughed. "You must be enjoying yourself. That is the first time that you've actually chosen something for me to try on."
"Well...I am but don't get use to me being complacent while shopping." Yuffie warned before disappearing to another rack.
After forty-five minutes of browsing, the pair finally left the boutique after the ninja found a white one piece that she liked, and the fighter found a white tankini set that looked great on her. Yuffie pulled on her new sunglasses as Tifa led her to three other shops where she managed to find a few gifts for Vincent and surprisingly, a second dress at Tifa's prompting.
.:-o-:.
It was nearly three in the afternoon when the young woman finally collapsed on the couch inside the Villa as Tifa laughed at her. "Oh come on Yuffie!"
"Don't you 'come on Yuffie' me! We went to almost every shop in the main quarter! I have a right to be utterly and completely exhausted!" She flopped back onto the couch, her arm draped over her eyes. "I think I'll go with the guys next time."
Tifa laughed, disappearing to the bedroom to drop off her finds before joining the ninja on the couch. "Have you called Vincent yet?"
The ninja shook her head and pulled out her new cell phone. She dialed her gunman and after a short conversation she hung up. "They're already on their way."
"Do you guys have any plans for tonight?" Tifa asked.
"No...I think we're going to just go home and have a quiet night in." Gray eyes closed and the ninja bit her lower lip, wondering if she should...or even could ask Tifa what was on her mind. Letting out a sigh, the ninja opened one eye and peeked down at her friend. "Teef?"
"Yeah Yu?"
"You can tell me to shut up or change the subject," she paused for a moment, trying to word her question so that she wouldn't die of embarrassment. "When Cloud touches you...even if it just holding your hand, do you get dizzy or get this tight sensation in your belly?"
Tifa blinked as the ninja hid her eyes once more with the same arm that had been covering them before the call. She could feel the embarrassment rolling of her young companion in waves. She was a bit surprised that she was talking about this so soon, but it warmed her that her little sister was coming to her with something as private as this. "Is that what's been happening?"
"Yeah...and I love having him hold me and touch me."
"Well Yuffie, yeah, it's totally normal! I mean, when you love someone, simple things like that make you feel dizzy or your heart speeds up when you see them. Your reaction is what almost every person experiences during their life." Looking over at the young woman, she could see how red her face was around the barrier that her arm created. "Now just like you told me, you can change the subject or not answer, but you know that I would never tell anyone about what we talk about." She watched as Yuffie nodded. "That tightening in your belly sounds like arousal. Have you guys done anything?"
Yuffie let out a sigh and sat up, pulling a knee to her chest. She watched her toes wiggle for a moment before looking over at Tifa. "We've only done some touching...anything past a certain point is against Wutain tradition."
"Against tradition?"
"Yeah...its part of the stuff I haven't told you about yet. But I remember my promise that I made on the Highwind. I will tell you everything soon...before I tell everyone else."
Tifa nodded and smiled. She had been curious about Yuffie since the conversation they had, but she had respected the girl's privacy and didn't start looking into what she may have been hiding. Scooting over on the couch, the fighter draped her arm around Yuffie's shoulder. "It's alright. We'll talk about it later then, but yeah Yu, its normal."
"Have you and Cloud...you know?"
Tifa nodded, her cheeks hinting a tad bit red. "Yeah...it's something really...really wonderful."
The two sat in silence for a moment. "You know that you can come to me and talk about these things whenever you need to. I'll listen and I'd never tell your secrets. You're my little sister Yu! I'll always be here for you."
"Thanks oneesan."
"Oneesan?"
"Yeah, means older sister in Wutainese."
"How do you say younger sister?"
"Imouto."
Tifa smiled. "I'll have to remember that. You'll have to teach me Wutainese, especially since I'll be coming to visit you if you move back to Wutai."
"A lot of the population does speak standard, but I can do that."
The sound of the door opening drew the attention of the two females to the door. Cloud and Vincent entered and Tifa moved to Cloud, kissing him on the cheek in greeting while Vincent moved to sit beside Yuffie, who leaned against his arm.
"Everything go alright?" Yuffie asked and got a nod.
"The patrols have been quite effective. They've increased the area and number of patrols to insure the safety of the people." Vincent replied and felt her nod against his arm. "Are you ready to go home? The next carriage leaves in ten minutes."
The ninja nodded and stood. "Well Teef, Cloudy, its been fun. I think we better head back. I think I need to take a nap after the shopping bonanza that Tifa has taken me on."
Cloud laughed, shaking his head. "I believe it."
Tifa smacked the blond on the arm before looking towards the other couple. "You guys have a good afternoon. Yu, I'll call you later so we can talk about the things we need to do tomorrow."
"Alrighty," She and Vincent began picking up her shopping bags. "Bye guys! See you later!"
A/N: Surprise?
I decided to do something a bit different while writing this chapter, since it was one of the shortest ones as I looked at the outline. I listened to the music I have downloaded on my psp. Certain songs I played multiple times and it seemed to help the creative juices flow and I would pick certain songs to listen to at the start of each section on my outline.
Songs listened to while writing this chapter:
Change the world – Chemistry from Gundam Seed Destiny: I've always loved the original that was done by Eric Clapton. I love this version too. I like hearing the accents in their voices and the harmony is beautiful :) I listened to it throughout the chapter because of it has this cool, relaxed feel to it and that's what I wanted for this chapter.
Gloria – Kalafina from Kuroshitsuji: I've gotten many people addicted to this anime and actually surprised my good buddy Mystic fate (she's one of the top Zack x Cloud writers out there!) when I rec'ed it to her. She knows me waaaay to well. I don't like stories/animes/mangas where there is a lot of death so she put off seeing it. I like stuff with a happy ending and Kuroshitsuji is one that she didn't think fell into that category for me. I recommend everyone to go see it! Sebastian is such a hottie and he just kicks all ass. Anyway, about the song; I tend to like songs that are in certain chords, to me it just plain does it to me because they have this somber lilt to them but can also be happy. This song...well, the voices are beautiful in their harmony and hell...I love the lyrics. I can actually remember the Japanese lyrics but I tend to forget the translation from time to time, hehe, my memory fails me sometimes...It's the last verse that I love:
Something wonderful
Is surely here.
I sing a song of happiness...
...For love and hope,
For tears and sacrifices,
Let's experience the beginning
Of radiant nights and noons.
What's up people? – Maximum the hormone from Death Note: I wrote the part where Tifa tells Yuffie about Vanessa, lol to this. Its like Japanese Metal for those who haven't seen Death Note. The song, kinda scares me a bit if I'm listening to it at night...not sure why. But yeah, lol. Originally, I was going to make the fight more drawn out, but I figured that Vanessa would never be able to hold her own against Yuffie hence the one-hit knock out.
Final Distance: M-flow Mix by Utada Hikaru: Like Change the world, it just gave me a positive mood for this chapter. I love the way the song is put together...I can't really describe it.
(1) I think that all diehard final fantasy fans have heard of the myth of the chocobos! Supposedly the red chocobo can be taken on your submarine and the silver chocobo can fly like the Highwind and into space, LOL! I have to admit, when I first played the game, I wondered if there was a way to bring Aeris back from the dead, but there was no way I believed them. For shits and giggles, look up the myths about final fantasy 7, like the wooden chocobo where you have to steal godo's underwear and run into the forest, or how you have to feed a sandwich to a chocobo to get a bizarre chocobo.
The swimsuits...well, I thought it'd be best that I give you a way to visualize them is to give you a way to find them. Of course the colors will be different but you'll be able to see what it looks like, though the style may vary slightly. I'm not a fashionista by any means. Normal dress for me consist of scrubs, or jeans and a T-shirt. All of the swimwear is google-able, so you should be able to see it if you want to. I'm going to save the images just incase they go away I can post them and link. :-D
Tifa's Cover-up: Lustre Molded Dress J6384 (the correct link will say Fresco by Jets 2009) this is on swimwearbotique.
Tifa's one piece: Carmen Marc Valvo Retro one-piece on Victoria's secret dot com.
Tifa's two piece: White twist tankini & White ruffle swim skirt (both on hapari dot com)
Yuffie's bikini: Despina Bandeau Bikini (it's on the inca collection dot com) same style, only with different pattern on the bandeau straps.
Yuffie's one piece: Underwire One Piece Tamara-10251 (trustful by Diva 2010). It's also listed under Trustful B Cup One Piece Swimsuits.
Chap completed 22 December 2010
Edited 9 August 2011
Posted 9 August 2011
PS: SUPER AMAZING THANK YOU TO Empress-Eerian-Sadow AND Mistress of Dragons for the birthday wish! Even though this is a late thank you, I really appreciate it! This new chapter is dedicated to both of ya!
Thank you to all who have reviewed!