Updated: 02/16/08

Chapter二

Three hours later after much folding and tying and face paint, they were all ready. Yuffie's kimono did fit a little snugly, but not very much and she'd only grown an inch, so it was hard to tell. Her zori only added an inch to her height, unlike her usual two and a half-inch boot heels, so she felt rather short.

The two younger women left together. Aiya said she was going to walk over with her friend and that they wouldn't like being seen with an 'old person' anyway.

Yumiko chattered happily about wedding arrangements as they walked towards the Pagoda. A gathering crowd walked around them, heading for the festival as well. Shuji caught up to them, and Yuffie greeted him with another punch to the stomach. He laughed it off and apologized for being so close-mouthed.

"I just wanted it to be a surprise," he explained.

Yuffie deigned to glance and him and he smiled.

"Surprise!" he added, waving his arms in the air.

Yuffie just shook her head at him, and turned to Yumiko. "You'd better hope your kids take after you."

The couple laughed, though Yumiko blushed a bit as well. They reached the large stage erected in front of the pagoda and Yuffie saw Lina waving to her. Yuffie waved back, but the old woman gestured again and Yuffie realized she wanted her to come forward.

Turning to Yumiko and Shuji, Yuffie said, "I'd better go. I'll find you after the ceremony, for the fireworks, kay?"

They both nodded, and then Yuffie was off threading through the growing crowd.

Reaching Lina, Yuffie smiled. Lina ushered her hurriedly into the pagoda.

"Miss Yuffie, you are supposed to stand up with your father as he opens the ceremony."

Yuffie's brow creased. "Eh?"

But Lina wasn't listening. Her gaze swept Yuffie from head to toe. "My dear child, you look so beautiful!" the older woman smiled. "We'll have to get you a new kimono soon though," she added as an afterthought before turning away.

Yuffie started. "Uh, what? Hey, what'd'ya mean?"

But her old nanny wasn't listening again, as she was discussing something with the stage manager.

"Miss Yuffie."

Yuffie turned to see Chekov. "Oh, hey."

Chevok bowed hello. "Good to see you again. Do you know what you are to do on stage?"

Yuffie shook her head. She'd never had to accompany her father on stage before when she'd been around for this.

Chekov smiled. "It's very simple. You'll precede your father on the stage, wave and smile and then take a spot just to the right of center stage, where your father will preside."

Yuffie didn't look too pleased, but nodded. Chekov noticed however, and paused before saying.

"After that, there's a short samurai demonstration, which I think you can slip off the stage during, if you wish."

Yuffie smiled in relief and touched Chekov's arm in thanks. Nodding, she said, "I may just do that."

All too soon, the 'royal' procession started and Yuffie found herself in line behind the band, ready to greet an entire city she had not seen in six years. Well, more than that since she hadn't exactly made her presence known last time she was there.

Suddenly, she was next. Taking a deep breath, she straightened confidently. She was no longer a gawky teenager, she was a grown woman who'd brought countless criminals to justice with only a few scratches to show for it. It showed in her stride, completely forgetting the small demure steps usually expected of a proper lady of Wutai.

The crowd cheered when they saw her, and though she could hardly believe it, it didn't show as she waved and smiled. She caught Shuji and Yumiko's eye through the bright lights and winked at them, before turning to her spot.

Lord Godo strode onto the stage then and the ceremony commenced. As the samurai demo started, she slipped off the stage discreetly. Before she could head into the crowd, she noticed a familiar figure. She would've noticed him anyway, since his blonde hair stuck out like a beacon in this town.

"Rufus?"

The man turned to face her. "Yes?"

Her eyes widening in surprise, she walked towards him. "What are you doing here?"

He regarded her with that stoic expression of his. "Do I know you?"

Yuffie brow creased in confusion. "Duh, it's me, Yu—"

"Yuffie!"

Yuffie turned to see who was calling her. It was Elena, who walked towards them, Tseng right behind.

Elena was smiling. "It is you!" She came forward and gave the other woman a hug. Yuffie surprised at the gesture returned it at the last second before Elena pulled away. She'd worked with the Turks several times at the Academy and sometimes when catching a bad guy, so they'd gone out for a few beers together every once in a while. Yuffie went along mainly because she felt bad for the woman, having to deal with the uptight men of the Turks all the time. And Reno.

"Uh, yeah." Yuffie said, clearing her throat. "What are you all doing here?"

"Your father invited me."

Yuffie turned back to Rufus as he answered. "Godo invited you? Why?"

Rufus lifted an eyebrow. "Did you not want us here?"

"Oh," Yuffie shook her head, "no, I didn't mean that. It's just…"

"Odd?" Rufus finished for her.

"I was going to say weird, but yeah," Yuffie nodded. There was a moment of silence and Yuffie glanced up realizing Rufus was staring at her. Well, more like what she was wearing.

"You look," he started, "…different."

Yuffie returned the acknowledgment and looked him over. "So do you."

He was wearing white silk kimono. The thongs of his zoriwere black. Instead of looking distinctly out of place in the foreign outfit, he made it look…sophisticated. But then, that was his middle name. Rufus Sophistication Shinra. Well, it should be at least.

"Yes, well your father thought the crowd would be more amenable to my joining the festivities if I were dressed alike," Rufus explained.

Yuffie lifted her eyebrows. "You're staying for the festival?"

Rufus nodded.

"Yeah," Elena answered excited. "I've always wanted to see one of these. Your outfits are just so colourful and the face paint is like art, and the hanging lanterns and fancy costumes in the parade! Oh, it's all so wonderfu—"

Tseng cleared his throat. Elena cut off abruptly and straightened.

She bowed her head. "Sorry, sir."

Yuffie had smiled at the other woman's excitement and now looked to see Rufus' reaction.

He looked as stoic as ever. "That's fine, Elena." And then Yuffie swore she saw his lips quirk the slightest. "Just don't let it happen again."

Elena obviously didn't not see it, for she nodded and said seriously, "Yes, sir."

Yuffie caught his eye, and gave him a knowing look, to which he challenged her to saying something.

"Mr. Shinra, sir."

The group turned to see the stage manager. He bowed.

"It is time."

Rufus nodded and turned back. Nodding at his bodyguards, he said. "Alright, into position."

Tseng and Elena nodded and moved off, Elena not being able to help giving Yuffie's arm an excited little squeeze. Yuffie smiled back before turning to face Rufus.

He nodded respectfully to her, and startled, Yuffie dipped into a respectful curtsy. When they both straightened, Yuffie glanced around uncomfortably, before finally saying, "Well, see ya." And with a happy grin, she turned and disappeared outside and into the crowd.

The next time she saw him was as he approached Lord Godo on stage. She found Shuji and Yumiko quickly. There was applause for Rufus, but not as much as for her or Lord Godo. Godo must've noticed as well, for he quickly launched into a diatribe of all the good things Rufus had been doing for the planet the past ten years.

When he was done, he graciously relinquished the podium to Rufus, who nodded his thanks. Yuffie watched in slight awe as he proceeded to greet her people in perfect Wutainese. After that, he spoke in succinct English, probably since the use of their language wasn't as commonly used as it once was what with the installation of world wide database broadcasts everywhere.

"I thank you for your very gracious welcome, and to Lord Godo for inviting me to this special celebration of Wutainese tradition and customs."

I know my family's past and Wutai's has not been a great one, but I would like to change that, if I could. My family has done things to this holy place that I am not proud of. I dearly hope we can finally bridge the gap created in the past and fully restore Wutai to its original glory. I would like nothing more than if you all would help me in this endeavour."

Yuffie stared at him in shock, realizing he used her same words from so long ago. When he'd paused, she immediately started clapping. Shuji and then Yumiko joined in and slowly the whole crowd was also clapping. Shuji whooped loudly.

Rufus bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you very much."

Godo approached then and bowed to Rufus before turning to the crowd.

"And let the festivities begin!"

There was more cheering and then exclamations of excitement and awe as a huge paper mǎchet dragon danced and weaved onto the stage, surrounded by fire-breathers. Lanterns and torches flared to life around them, lighting up the square, revealing rows lined up of vendors selling fanciful wares. Along one side held a long table covered in food, waiting to be collected and consumed at the number of tables set up in one corner of the square.

The crowd dispersed slightly as people headed off in different directions, while the rest stayed to watch the show onstage.

"Let's go look at the booths," suggested Yumiko.

Yuffie nodded and she and Shuji followed her to stroll amongst the vendors.

They exclaimed over and pointed out the pretty things, to which Shuji just smiled good-naturedly at their girlish squealing. Seemed no matter how old the two women got, when they were together, they were both ten-year-olds. They came upon a weapon-seller and Shuji, excited, grabbed Yuffie's arm to point out a fancy hilt to her. She exclaimed and nodded her approval while Yumiko rolled her eyes. She was a girly-girly and weapons had never interested her. Jewelry caught her eye and she rushed over to examine it closer.

Shuji looked up a moment later and noticed. Nudging Yuffie, she turned to him to see him nodding to Yumiko. Seeing the other woman pouring over the jewelry, she smiled.

"You go," she nodded to Shuji. "She'll be a while and I'm sure you could use ideas on what to get her for a wedding gift."

Shuji rolled his head comically and sighed dramatically. "If I must," he said with a smile. "You gonna be alright?"

Yuffie nodded. "I'll probably try and find something to drink."

Shuji nodded. "Alright. Just remember to use the moderation," he said pointing a finger at her.

She batted it away and he took off laughing.

Shaking her head, Yuffie turned back to the weapons. She fingered the hilt of a wicked looking dagger.

"Are you looking for a gift for your young man, Miss?" asked the vendor.

Yuffie glanced up surprised. "What? Oh, no. There's no man."

The vendor scoffed. "Impossible. A beautiful young woman such as yourself? You must not be looking hard enough."

Yuffie gave a wry grin. "It's not high on my list of priorities actually."

"Well, that is a pity to the young man who is no doubt hoping to catch your attention." Yuffie said nothing. She continued to study the strange dagger.

The vendor noticed her interest was serious. "You like daggers, Miss?"

Yuffie glanced up at him. "Oh, I've used one or two."

"Really?" Yuffie nodded. "Well, this one is probably much different. It's a new model, you see. Here," the vendor lifted the dagger with both hands and with a click, it became two blades. Yuffie watched in awe as he flipped the daggers expertly through the air in a complicated pattern, before snapping them together into one once again. Flipping it, he held it out to her hilt first.

Yuffie took it reverently. The only thing she'd seen like it was Cloud's sword and its seemingly never-ending supply of blades. Giving it a few familiar flicks and twirling it through her fingers, she paused to figure out how the blades came apart. She found the right groove and deftly caught the extra blade as it separated from the original, its hilt unfolding much like the blade of a switch-blade would. She laughed in delight and the vendor smiled.

Putting it back together, she looked up at him.

"I have no money on me – could you…"

The vendor nodded his understanding. "I will hold it for you until tomorrow."

Yuffie nodded her thanks and carefully laid the unique weapon back on the table. She decided to go find her drink and headed across the square.

"Yuffie!"

Yuffie turned towards the voice and saw an excited Elena coming towards her once again, a reluctant Tseng trailing behind her.

"Elena," Yuffie greeted.

The blond woman's eyes were dancing. "Did you see that huge dragon and the fire breathers?! Oh, well of course. You've probably seen them many times. But wasn't it exciting!"

Yuffie laughed and nodded. "Sure. But you should see them when they breathe ice."

The blonde's eyes widened even more if possible. "They can do that?"

Yuffie laughed again and nodded. "They only do that for the summer festival, though."

Elena practically squealed with delight and turned to Tseng. "We haveto come back then and see it!"

Tseng regarded her with his trademark stoicism.

"We'll see."

Elena squealed again and turned to Yuffie.

"I think we're going to go check out the vendors now."

Yuffie nodded. "They have some awesome stuff over there." She frowned then and asked. "What about Rufus? Aren't you supposed to be guarding him?"

Elena shook her head. "He went back to his room, saying he was going to rest a while. Told us to 'go have fun while we can'."

Yuffie's eyebrows lifted in surprise. With all the baby kissing and elbow rubbing with the poor, she thought Rufus would be in the thick of the festivities. That he sent his guards off was even more puzzling.

"We'll see you around," Elena waved goodbye and grabbed Tseng's wrist before running off to the other side of the square.

Yuffie was left with her puzzling thoughts as she continued towards the bar. Reaching it, she waited in line for her turn.

Meanwhile, she wondered why she was so sure this was odd behaviour for Rufus. Though they spoke over the cell almost regularly about new cases he had for her, they'd never met in person after that one time she confronted him. All she knew was what she caught on the news about him and that he took their deal seriously, always being the one to personally call her to recruit her for another job.

Several times, he'd asked her what she thought of his progress with restoring his image and she told him her impressions. And then he would ask again if she would consider joining his permanent personal staff, and she would laugh and tell him when to expect the job to be done and hang up. It never got more personal than that.

In the nearly ten years, he'd managed to restore his family's name quite nicely. All except for in Wutai, whom was understandably still wary of him. That was probably why he came tonight, though why it was her father who extended the invitation was a mystery to her. He never liked that she was working for an organization that was associated with Shinra, so why he invited the President of it to a traditional Wutainese festival was beyond her.

As she reached the front of the line and ordered a bottle of sake and three cups, she suddenly remembered Shuji being close-mouthed about something at her house earlier. It wasn't about his impending nuptials to Yumiko, she was sure. Maybe a bit of sake would loosen his tongue and she'd find out what the hell was going on.

Yuffie went in search of the couple and found them a few minutes later.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hey," Yumiko greeted back, before her eyes flicked to the bottle of sake.

"Watcha got there, Yuffs," Shuji wiggled his eyebrows, also noticing the bottle of alcohol.

"Wutai's finest," Yuffie answered smartly. Looking at Yumiko, she said, "What'd'ya say we wash this gunk off our faces and go get tipsy."

Yumiko laughed and nodded. Shuji whooped, "Yes! I love watching fireworks while totally pissed!"

Yuffie rolled her eyes as Yumiko smacked him on the back of the head.

"Well," said Yuffie, "you'll have to get another bottle for that—"

"No problem," Shuji cut her off, already taking off towards the bar. "I'll meet you ladies on the fifth floor balcony," he called pointing to the pagoda.

The girls laughed and watched him go. Taking Yumiko's hand, Yuffie said, "Come on."

And they took off for her house, which was closer than Yumiko's. After thoroughly washing the white paint and powder from their faces, and putting on more comfortable clothes, Yumiko borrowing a short skirt and top from Yuffie, they hurried back into the festivities and around the stage to the pagoda.

It was a holy place to revered, and they did honour it, but that never stopped them from sneaking up to the top as children late at night. Since the five masters were at the festival, it was easy making it to the top.

Shuji was already there and Yuffie quickly took the bottle of sake he held from his hand.

"Hey!" he protested.

"Moderation, mister," Yuffie retorted, using his own words.

He smiled and sat down next to Yumiko. "Yes, mom."

Yuffie rolled her eyes and handed out the cups. They proceeded to make their way through one, then two bottles of sake. Yumiko, not used to liquor, but liking it immensely lamented the fact that they were out.

Shuji wiggled his eyebrows then, and whipped a third bottle out of his jacket. Yumiko, quite tipsy then, clapped happily and held her cup out to be filled. Yuffie shook her head, but did the same. It was then, that something caught her eye below. Downing the shot Shuji just poured her, she got up on unsteady legs to stand at the railing and peer down.

"Yuffie?" Yumiko questioned.

"Don't fall off," Shuji offered.

Yuffie didn't pay attention. Her attention was fixed on the light-haired figure walking along the outside of the main square. He wore all black, but she was sure that was Rufus' blonde head. She frowned, wondering why he was outside of his room but still not participating in the festivities.

Her friends surrounded her, Yumiko giving a little hiccup.

"What are ya lookin' at?" she breathed, peering below.

Yuffie pointed, her finger wavering slightly. She wasn't as drunk as Yumiko – more like she was tipsy, having been holding her own against the Turks and Reeve for years. But her head was heavy and she felt like acting silly for no good reason -- assuming there ever was a good reason to act silly.

Yumiko tried to follow to where she was pointing, but lost interest and turned to Shuji, who was singing loudly an old Wutainese chant, changing the lyrics into something more perverse. Somewhere in her conscious, Yumiko felt Shuji would draw attention to them and they'd get caught and tried to cover his mouth to get him to be quiet. He evaded her, laughing at first until she caught his eye and suddenly they were kissing.

Yuffie glanced behind her noticing the sudden silence, and was dismayed to see their lip-lock was turning into something much less PG. Turning away in disgust, she decided to go find Rufus. She could get on him for being anti-social.

Taking the stairs slower than usual, she made it to the bottom without any mishaps, before taking off out the front and to the side into the dark. She scurried towards the wooded area she saw Rufus milling about in. Hearing voices, she moved a little more cautiously as they sounded none too pleased.

Peering around a tree, she saw it was two locals and Rufus. Seemed the locals had too much to drink and were wondering why Rufus was wandering the town all secretive-like. The two men didn't seem like they could hold their liquor very well, so Yuffie stepped in before it could get ugly.

"There you are!" she burst from behind her tree, startling the three men. "I told you to meet me at the other end," she continued, pointing back the way she came. Rufus looked at her blankly as she addressed him. Yuffie stopped next to him, cocking a hip and giving him an exasperated look. He caught on, and she shook her head before turning to the other two men.

"I hear the line at the bar has gone down." She told them, flicking her thumb behind her towards the square. "You'd better hurry."

The men did not need to be told twice and the suspicious Rufus Shinra was forgotten. Yuffie turned to Rufus as they were left alone, giving him a large smile.

"Well," Rufus started. "I suppose that was a… diplomatic solution to that problem." He looked her up and down.

"Oh, ya know me," Yuffie grinned. "Always the diplomat."

"Yes, I know," Rufus murmured. He regarded her before adding, "You changed."

Yuffie lifted her eyebrow. "So did you. I didn't think Rufus Shinra even knew about the colour spectrum much less that there was a 'black' at the end of it," she teased.

Rufus pursed his mouth into a pleasant smirk. "You are in a good mood."

Yuffie nodded. "Three bottles of sake will to do that."

Rufus lifted his eyebrows. "You've been drinking?"

Yuffie waved her hand, dismissive. "I shared with some friends. They're much worse off. I'm only a little tipsy."

She glanced at him, curiously. "So what'cha doing out here? Elena said you went to rest?"

Rufus started walking, slowly so she would join him. He said, "I said that so they'd go have their fun. Gaia knows I don't let them off much."

Yuffie giggled. "Aw, Rufus Shinra has a heart?" she teased. "Who knew?"

Rufus half-grimaced, half-smirked. He wasn't used to being teased, but ever since his confrontation with her almost ten years ago he saw Yuffie as his equal and knew it was all in good fun with her. That she brought in criminal after criminal after that only increased his respect for her over the years.

"Keep it quiet, will you," he replied, with a smirk. Yuffie shot a glance at him. "I would not like to ruin my reputation."

Yuffie saw he was joking and laughed. Her eye caught on something on the back of him and she reached out to see if he really was wearing a hooded robe. Rufus glanced at her, noticing her movements and slowed.

She raised her eyebrows. "A hood? You planning on doing some recon while you're here? Should I call the drunks back?"

Rufus shook his head. "No. I was simply…observing."

"…Without calling attention to yourself?"

He tilted his head away and resumed walking, Yuffie keeping pace. "I know no one here but you. And in this town I stick out like a—"

"--Sore thumb?" she finished for him.

Rufus exhaled, giving her a glance. He nodded.

"Well, you're not helping your cause by hiding away. Or did you not mean all those things you said today?" Yuffie challenged.

Rufus spoke quietly, not looking at her. "I meant them."

Yuffie nudged his side, causing him to glance at her. "Well, then you gotta back it up with a little Rufus mingling with the townsfolk." She smiled. "Imagine Rufus Shinra waving sparklers around with small Wutainese children; the picture splashed all over the world wide database. Yeah?"

Rufus felt himself being affected by her cheeriness. He smiled. "This is the part on the phone where I ask you to become part of my personal staff and you laugh and then hang up."

Yuffie blinked at the sudden change of topic, before smiling back.

"Hehe, you're right." She tilted her head. "We've never been face to face since that time all those years ago. Odd that I didn't realize that before now. I always pictured you when we talked on the phone, so maybe that's why," she added thoughtfully. Shrugging it off, she bounced in front of him, walking backwards.

"Well, there's no phones this time, so I guess I'll just have to put up with you," she grinned.

Rufus grinned back briefly, before saying, "Watch out. You're going to fall walking like that."

Yuffie just shook her head. "I'm going to go—whoa!"

Just like he said, she tripped over a large rock sunken into the dirt. She scrunched her eyes, bracing herself for the impact that never came. Abruptly, she was halted, causing her breath to seize and she heaved harshly to pull oxygen into her lungs. Opening her eyes, she stared up at the Shinra President.

He was about to say 'I told you so', when, "Are you alright?" came out of his mouth.

Gulping much needed air, Yuffie nodded and leaned up to get him to lift her upright. He did, his hands slipping from her back and brushing her waist as he stepped back.

"Thanks," she said when she could speak. "I have a feeling my wrist would be quite sore right about now."

Rufus nodded.

"You were saying?" he asked.

Yuffie thought a moment, but her thoughts were interrupted by a loud explosion. The couple turned, lifting their faces to the night sky as brilliant fireworks covered the stars. Yuffie spun back around, grabbing Rufus' wrist and tugged him through the trees. Having been slightly dazzled by the fireworks display, he followed her blindly, allowing her touch since it wasn't harming him.

They broke through the trees, causing Rufus to tug his hood back up with his free hand, as they rounded the booths and into the crowd.

Yuffie finally slowed as they reached the center of the square. She let go of his wrist but their hands continued to brush as he stood next to her, staring up at the night sky. They watched quietly except for the little gasps Yuffie gave at a particularly fantastic firework.

When there was a huge explosion of golden spirals that burst low overhead, almost touching the heads of the crowd, she laughed and turned to glance at him. He couldn't help but be affected by her delight, and had ducked instinctively when the spark fell so low, and she laughed seeing this. He noticed and shot a wry grin back at her.

She held his pleasant gaze for a moment before they both turned to watch the rest of the light show. As the finale commenced with much noise and smoke, Yuffie turned back to Rufus.

"What'd you think?" she asked over the cheering of the crowd.

Rufus squinted and rubbed his ear. "What?" he called, loudly.

Yuffie giggled. Seemed he'd gone slightly deaf. "I said, what'd you think?"

Rufus concentrating on her mouth to make out what she was saying, finally nodded. "Oh," he said, overloud again. "Great. Really…loud."

Yuffie laughed. "Don't worry, it'll wear off by tomorrow." Rufus continued to look disgruntled, while fiddling with his ear.

"Well," she said, placing hands on her hips. "I think I'm off to bed. Been travelling all day, and then having to get dressed in that get-up."

Rufus nodded, finally pulling his hand away from his ear. He looked uncertain only for a moment before saying, "I'll walk you."

Yuffie shook her head. "Naw, it's just over there." She pointed in the general direction of her house. Turning she glanced at where she knew he was staying. "I'll walk you to yours, though, since it's right there."

Rufus nodded and they started to thread through the crowd. Yuffie slowed her pace since people kept separating them, heading either for their own homes or more revelry. They finally got out of the immediate crowd and walked side by side easily.

"So it was kind of odd," Yuffie spoke, swinging her arms lightly.

Rufus said, "What was?" when she didn't continue.

"Oh, seeing you today."

The noise of the crowd was considerably less now. They could hear the sound of the gravel under their boots.

"It was odd, was it?" When Yuffie nodded, he added, "How so?"

Yuffie shrugged, her eyes on the ground. She kicked a large rock off to the side. It shot through the bushes and clattered with another rock as it landed.

"Just odd. We always talk on the phone, ya know." Glancing at Rufus, she saw his forehead scrunched in confusion. Blinking, she realized why. "Sorry. I tend to repeat or come back to things I've already said when I drink."

Understanding crossed his features as they relaxed. He nodded.

"That and I have no idea what to say to you," she added, taking him aback slightly. "I mean, without some bad guy you want me to take care of or some public appearance I have to talk you into…."

"You do not 'talk me into' them," Rufus returned, slightly defensive. "You offer unsolicited advice, which I capitalize on. I do offer to pay you—"

Yuffie waved her hands. "No, no. Let's not start that again."

They'd reached his front door. Yuffie slowed as he walked up the porch steps. Turning slightly to face her, he saw her give him a pursed smile.

"We'll have to get out of our little rut if you want me to hang out with you," she said, a teasing smile on her face.

Rufus lifted a teasing eyebrow. "Who said I wanted you to 'hang out' with me?"

Yuffie cocked a haughty brow back at him. "You did." Tilting her head away in a comical impression his stance, she spoke in a deeper tone, sounding much if not quite like his, "…I know no one here but you. My hair colour makes me a great big target for drunks and unwell wishers. Please save me from them, O Great Ninja Yuffie Kisaragi!"

Rufus tried to keep his lips from quirking but she caught him.

"Haha! Don't laugh, you know it's true."

Rolling his eyes beneath his lids, he said, "I know no such thing."

"Only a toe-head would find it a crime to laugh," she teased.

"I am not a 'toe-head'…"

"Well, you're definitely not a fire-crotch."

Rufus' eye widened at the term.

"What?" Yuffie shrugged. "You've had Reno working for you for how many years and you've never heard that before?"

"It's so…" he searched for the right word. "crude."

Yuffie lifted her eyebrows at him. "So are your 'Turks'."

"Not around me."

"Of course not," Yuffie agreed readily. "Because then you would implode from the 'crudeness' of it all and they wouldn't get their paychecks." She threw her arms out before letting them drop to accent her words.

Rufus gave her a dry look, which she simply tilted her head at and smiled.

"Is this the type of conversation you'd rather have?" he asked wryly.

Yuffie's grin widened before she nodded once. "Me saying something inappropriate that shocks you out of your haughty attitude, and maybe teaching you how to be 'normal'? Yes, I think I can handle that." Giving him a teasing but challenging stare, she added, "Can you?"

His eyes narrowed briefly at her pointed question, his lips quirking slightly before he appeared serious.

"Your idea of what is 'normal' and mine is drastically differed."

Crossing her arms and rolling her eyes, she returned dryly, "I'll say."

"First of all," he continued, pretending not to have heard her, "it is not 'normal' to speak of intimate parts of the anatomy in everyday conversation."

"Well, no," Yuffie agreed. "I don't think that go over well in a press conference, but over a drink at the local pub, it would not be amiss."

Rufus said nothing and she narrowed her eyes at him. "I bet you drink at home though. In front of your impossibly large window that makes it impossible for Tseng to protect you from a sniper but can't do anything about it since you can't live without the impossibly gorgeous view."

Rufus grew increasingly amused throughout her diatribe and when she finally took a breath he gave her a pointed look. "Are you finished?"

Yuffie deflated dramatically and nodded. "Yep, that was the last of my second wind."

Waving cheerily, she said, "Well, good night!" before turning and continuing to her house. He watched her go, a small smile creasing his lips. Making a soft noise of bafflement and awe, he turned and headed into his room.

AN: Thanks for the reviews guys. I agree there is not enough Ruffie...I mean, Rufus/Yuffie (I think of 'Ru-fi-OOooooo' from 'Hook' when I say that ;P) out there. And sorry for any parallels in this story if you've also read my Cloud/Yuffie story 'Whirlwindaga' - I wrote these at the same time, though unfortunately this one is not finished like that one was, but I have a good start. Anyway, read my profile to find out the types of reviews that will deter me from finishing it as quickly as possible and we'll be good. Please R & R. Oh, and rest and relax as well - cranky readers do me no good ;D

Next Chapter: Yuffie employs her sneaky ninja-ness. Rufus and Yuffie shoot pool.