Disclaimer: I do not own FFVII, Naruto, or InuYasha, or any of the movies mentioned in this chapter. More so I don't own the speeches done by Lyndon B Johnson, Winston Churchill, or Patrick Henry that I tweaked for this chapter. I am simply taking some of the plot ideas, characters, and concepts and am twisting them for the mindless non-profit enjoyment of myself and others...in other words don't sue. I own none of this.
After much fuss the two of them had finally been able to escape back to Yuffie's house. Reeve sat relaxing on the couch in her living room having changed back into his normal clothing. Yuffie was currently in the bathroom taking a long well deserved shower. Reeve had already gone through her dvd collection picking out a few titles. He and neatly stacked the rest next to the tv fixing the mess Shake had made earlier. He sat there his legs stretched out and resting on the coffee table in front of him. Running a hand through his hair is thoughts drifted back to everything that had happened so far that day.
'I still can't believe how well she fought today, I never would have guessed under that spunky little shell of her was such a ferocious fighter.' Reeve made a mental note never to get on the her bad side.
Joking around and messing with her was one thing, but if someone every truly pissed her off he could vary easily see them dyeing a slow horrible death at the ninja's deadly little hands. Hearing vary soft footsteps he turned his head to see Yuffie come out of her bedroom. She had changed into a black tank top and a pair of jeans. She walked over to him running a brush through her wet hair, her bare feet hardly making even a whisper on the wood floor.
"You looked through the movies?" She asked looking down at the three dvds sitting on the coffee table next to Reeve's feet.
"Yeah, got a thing for aliens huh?" He replied arching a brow at her.
"Research..." Reeve tilted his head.
"Research?" He repeated confused.
"Yeah, I am trying to figure out just what planet you came from." She replied setting her hairbrush down.
"Oh really?" He asked laughing.
"Yep, which did you want to watch first?" She asked pointing at the dvds.
"Avatar sounds interesting, lets start there." Yuffie nodded pointing to the tv.
"You want to go get it setup while I go and get the ice cream? I know you get all hot and bothered looking at electronics. I bet you're dying to touch it aren't you?" She asked giggling madly.
"Oh you know me so well." He rolled his eyes.
"What flavor did you want, I have very berry strawberry, jamoca, rainbow, cherry Garcia, chunky monkey, chubby hubby, cake batter...oh and chocolate." Reeve's eyebrows raised up into his hair as he watched her count the different flavors on her fingers.
"Have a thing for ice cream huh? Does it get you all hot and bothered?" He asked sporting a big grin. Yuffie glared at him sticking her tongue out.
"Shut up and tell me what flavor you want." Yuffie snapped trying not to smile.
"Chocolate will be fine." He answered smiling.
"Okay I will be right back, please don't rape my tv while I am gone." She quipped disappearing into the kitchen. Reeve could not help but start laughing at her insult.
Yuffie trotted into the kitchen an opening one of the cabinets pulled down two bowls. Grabbing spoons out of the drawer she walked over to refrigerator. Opening it she pulled out a container of chocolate and chunky monkey. After she finished scooping Reeve's she filled her bowl, pausing she looked back at Reeve's bowl. Grinning she dug another scoop out of the chunky monkey and plopped it into his bowl. She quickly cleaned up the mess and went back into the living room.
Reeve sat on the couch waiting for her, he arched an eyebrow at his dish. Yuffie set her bowl on the table and walked over to the corner grabbing the bag Aito had giving her. She had completely forgotten about it when they got home yesterday her mind fixated on the final test.
"Yuffie what did you put in my bowl?" Reeve asked as she returned to the couch and sat down placing the bag in her lap.
"Chunky Monkey, it's banana ice cream with fudge and walnuts. Try it you'll like it." She replied opening the duffle bag. Reeve watched as she pulled a wad of emerald green silk out of the bag and gasped.
"Whats that?" Yuffie stood unfolding the silk draping it over the front of her. The silk was a deep emerald green and had a many colorful floral designs sewn into it.
"It's what was in the bag Aito gave me, I completely forgot about it. It's a furisode kimono..." Yuffie became very quit as she ran her fingers across the silk. Reeve was a bit taken aback by the uncharacteristic girly gesture.
"This must have cost a fortune." She whispered.
"You should wear it tomorrow at the festival." Reeve stated taking a bite of his ice cream. His eyebrows raising he looked down at his dish.
'She was right this is good.' Yuffie didn't notice his action her attention still on the fabric in her hands.
"You think so? I would have to go to the dresser early to make sure it's fitted properly..." She murmured.
"Dresser?" Yuffie looked up at his confused face and smiled.
"A formal kimono is made up of twelve different pieces, you need to have help getting dressed in one..." She explained before vary carefully folding the garment placing it back in the bag.
"I am gonna go set this in my room." Reeve nodded still eating his ice cream.
"Hurry up before you're ice cream melts." He replied pointing his spoon at her bowl.
Yuffie went to her room and set the bag next to her bed. She quickly changed into a pair of pajama bottoms and rejoined Reeve in the living room once again.
"You don't mind me slipping off to the fitter's tomorrow do you?" She asked flopping onto the couch next to him, grabbing her ice cream. She looked down at her bowl confused.
'I could have sworn I put more in there.' she thought to herself.
Reeve grinned to himself as she eyed her dish, she had no idea he had swiped some of her ice cream while she was in her room.
"No, of course not, Godo is taking me to go to the hospital and talk with the healers about the Mideel water tomorrow anyways." He answered as he grabbed the tv controller starting the movie.
"Okay Reeve..." She replied, still staring at her bowl. Her eyes popped up from the dish realization hitting her.
"Did you steal my ice cream?" She snapped turning to glare at him.
"No, why would I do that." He took a bite of his trying to keep his face under control.
"You are a crappy liar." She accused taking a bite of her own as the movie previews started rolling across the screen.
"You were in your room for awhile...maybe it melted." He shrugged making it a point to not look at her. As long as he didn't look at her he felt like he would be able to keep his face calm and nonchalant.
"Reeve, ice cream melts, it doesn't fucking evaporate." Yuffie arched an eyebrow. Reeve could not control it any longer he cracked and started laughing heartily.
"Alright, you caught me." He looked over at her grinning like the cheshire cat.
"A crappy liar and an even crappier thief. Rule numero uno never ever admit guilt...ever." Yuffie said rolling her eyes.
They each relaxed into the couch and proceeded to watch the movie. Other then the occasional hushed comment they sat in relative silence watching the tv. As soon as the credits rolled Yuffie stood up and stretched before grabbing the empty dishes.
Yuffie went into the kitchen to put the dirty dishes in the sink leaving Reeve to put in the new movie.
"That movie was strange..." Yuffie called out from the kitchen Reeve shrugged his shoulders.
"I thought the ending was kinda good." He replied placing the old movie back in the case. Yuffie leaned against the doorway of the living room watching him.
"It's weird, the dude like fell for an alien, he like did "it" with her." Reeve looked over his shoulder and smirked at her.
She watched as he crouched down and began fiddling with the dvd player. She smiled at his normal wrinkled button down dress shirt and slacks he just looked totally Reeve. Finished playing with the electronics he stood turning to her. He brought a hand to his chin stroking the neatly trimmed goatee as he began grinning at her.
"It was sweet." he answered causing her to arch an eyebrow.
She cocked her head really looking at him for a moment, he was nothing like any of the men she knew. Sure he was able to be serious and business like when the situation called for it, but he wasn't moody and brooding like Cloud or Vincent. He didn't treat her like a child the way Barret and Cid did, constantly trying to shield her and keep an eye on her. He treated he like his equal, making her feel like she could open up around him without the fear of being judged.
'I am really lucky to have made a friend like him...I am never ever telling him that though. He'd never let me live it down...' She thought.
"Right a girl being able to fit your whole head in her palm...sexy. You're into that kinda thing Reeve? Nine foot tall blue chicks?" She shoot back at him, Reeve just shrugged retreating to the couch and sitting down.
He sat there watching her with amusement in those dark brown eyes. She continued her examination for a moment, she liked his sense of humor. She tried to remember the last time someone had been able to bicker with her and not get mad, let alone dish it right back at her. Though try as she might besides her cousin and father she couldn't think of anyone else.
"You know thats not what I meant." he replied grinning cockily, as he brushed a russet lock of hair out of his eyes.
"Yeah... it means you like chick flicks like Steel Magnolias and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...eww" She shuddered as she mentioned the last title in obvious distaste.
"I don't like "chick flicks" Yuffie but I am capable of appreciating subtle romance in a good sci-fi movie." Reeve explained defending himself as he propped his feet back on the coffee table, placing his arms behind his head.
"Whatever Shirley, did you want a beer? Or if the taste offends your delicate sensibilities I guess I could see if I still have some wine coolers buried somewhere. I will even pour it in a glass for you with a little umbrella." Yuffie giggled harassing Reeve.
"A beer would be nice thank you." He replied not paying any attention to her insults. The girl disappeared back into the kitchen before reemerging with two beers.
"Thank you." He said taking the bottle she handed him.
"So what movie did you put in?" She asked sitting down next to him.
"Battle: Junon." He answered opening his beer and taking a drink.
"OHH! I love this movie!" She cheered.
"Yeah? I have never seen it." he replied watching.
"The fighting scenes are awesome!" she cried pumping a fist into the air.
They sat and watched the next movie. Reeve was interested as he watched the ninja's body language throughout the movie. The serious contemplative looks that crossed her face as she watched the SOLDIER's team dynamics.
At first he thought it was the obvious bad history she had with the Shinra military but as he watched both her and the movie he began to realize that she wasn't even paying attention to the uniform. She was watching how the men related towards each other, her small smiles appearing at random. She would scoot to the edge of her seat during the combat scenes and watch intently.
A few times throughout the movie she would get up grabbing their empty bottles taking them in the kitchen. Without him even having to ask she would bring him back another one along with hers.
"Go...go... GO...YES, FUCK YEAH!" She suddenly jumped up scaring Reeve who almost knocked his beer over. She shouted as the people on the tv succeeded in blowing up the alien's communication base.
"I love this movie." she turned and told him, Reeve laughed at her.
"I can see that." He chuckled as she stuck her tongue out at him.
Rolling her eyes at him she reached down grabbing the empty bottles and escaped in to the kitchen. Reeve once again went and replaced the dvd with the last of the three movies he had picked out. Returning to his place on the couch he looked over at the doorway leading into the kitchen.
'She has been in there quite awhile...' he thought to himself.
Pulling himself back up off the couch he went into the kitchen to find out what was taking the small ninja. She stood in front of the sink rising on of the beer bottles out. As he came to stand next to her he noticed the hunch of her shoulders and the contemplative look on her face. She stood there chewing on her lower lip as she continually rinsed the bottle more then it needed.
"Yuffie...you alright?" he asked placing a hand on her shoulder. The girls shoulders twitched in surprise as she was jarred from her thoughts. Shaking her head she emptied the bottle and tossed it into a green trash can labeled glass.
'Huh, a little eco worrier' Reeve thought to himself raising an eyebrow at the row of different colored trash bins.
"I am fine Reeve." she muttered as he turned back to her. Reeve didn't move his hand from her shoulder as he looked into her eyes pushing her with his.
"Okay FINE!." She huffed throwing her hands up in there air as she shrugged of his hand.
"The movie even though awesome, kinda reminded me how vulnerable the world is right now without a military, or any means of defense really." She explained walking to the refrigerator pulling two more beers from the disorganized chaos inside.
"I knew something was bothering you, you can't hide anything from me." he smiled at her trying to cheer her up.
She arched an eyebrow vary high and gave him a look that screamed "are you willing to bet on that?". It wasn't that he doubted her ability to lie and conceal things. He had just begun picking up the little tells in her body language, things she probably wasn't even aware of.
"So your worried about an alien invasion?" he asked seeking clarification. She shrugged opening her beer, leaning against the kitchen counter.
"Not that it's completely outside the realm of possibilities..." she paused giving him a meaningful look.
'Jenova' he thought, if you had told him this time last year that Shinra was hoarding the body of an ancient alien inside the scientific research division, he would have handed you a number for the company therapist.
"But, I meant in a more broad general term..." She finished making a big circle with her arms.
"The WRO has been working on building a military of sorts. The Turks and I have already begun training people." He explained to the girl, she nodded her head listening.
"Reeve fighting...now thats something I would like to see." She laughed gently smiling up at him.
"I am pretty skilled with a gun I will have you know. I am no Vincent Valentine but I can hold my own." He grinned back at her taking a drink from his new bottle.
A smile graced her face briefly before sinking back into a frown. Her face became vary serious as she turned around to look out the window above the sink.
"Still...it's going to be a few more years before either the WRO or Wutai can sufficiently defend themselves...if something bad should happen..." She sighed heavily, Reeve frowned. Coming up behind her he set his beer down and wrapped an arm around her pulling her into a hug.
"There is no use worrying yourself hun, if somethings going to happen we will cross that bridge when we come to it." He spoke gently resting his chin on her shoulder. Yuffie nodded touched by the comfort he was offering her.
"I know." she whispered relaxing into his embrace resting a hand on the arm secured around her waist.
"I'll take care of the east and you'll handle the west remember?" he asked squeezing her gently as she nodded.
"And we'll met in the middle." She finished smiling as the man repeated her own words from a few weeks ago. Reeve nodded his head his goatee scratching her shoulder gently.
"Come on...lets go watch the last movie." He spoke quietly letting go of her.
"What other movie did you pick?" She asked following him back into the living room.
"Close Encounters of the Third kind...you have a vary impressive sci-fi collection by the way..." He trailed off sitting down on the couch before reaching for the remote.
"Thanks." She replied settling down next to him.
Reeve looked over at her and smiled, maybe next time she was in Junon they could do this again. He had a 55" flat screen and a sci-fi movie collection he could just imagine Yuffie drooling over.
As the movie went on Yuffie's head began to nod her eyes getting heavy. Reeve looked down at the girl who was beginning to lean against him. Smiling he placed and arm around her shoulders and adjusted her into a more comfortable position. She sighed in her sleep shifting closer to his warmth. Reeve chuckled running his fingers through her hair as he finished watching the movie.
When it was over he gently lifted her off of him and went to go shut the tv off. After he was done he went and picked the girl up off the couch, and carried her into her room. Carefully laying her down he pulled the covers up over her.
'She looks so peaceful when she is asleep' he thought looking at her, he glanced around taking his first really good look at her room.
It was done in the same colors and style as the guest room, the only difference was hers looked more lived in. There were several bookcases overflowing with books just like in her living room. The occasional piece of clothing or weapon was sitting around. There were several strange tokens from her travels sitting around, a bongo from Cosmo Canyon, some soapstone figurines from Mideel. There was a big dresser against the wall. The top was littered in different scented candles, framed pictures and other odds and ends. Over in the corner sat a small coffee table that was pushed up against the wall with a few pillows resting on the floor in front of it. On top rested a square ceramic basin filled with sand and different colored stones.
'I think this is whats called a zen garden.' he thought to himself as he picked up the tiny rake sitting next to it.
Also on the coffee table sat a few more candles, an incense burner and a small statue of Da Chao. Smiling he walked over to the dresser. One of the pictures sat next to a strange bottle Reeve recognized as a perfume bottle. The picture was of a women and a small child. They both wore fancy colorful kimonos, the women was smiling as she held a large paper parasol, the little girl was grinning squeezing a stuffed rabbit to her chest.
'Must be Yuffie and her mother.' Reeve thought, picking up the picture he examined it closer.
The little girl was a much younger Yuffie, she looked like she was about five in the photo. The women standing next to her looked like she was a few years older then Yuffie was now. She had the same gray blue eyes as her daughter, the same dark brown almost ebony hair. Only her hair reached down her back coming to a stop just above her hips.
Setting the photo down he looked at another one sitting next to it. In that photo stood the same women. Instead of a kimono she worn the typical ninja uniform complete with black flak jacket, around her stood several men and women all dressed the same. Her hair was swept up into a high ponytail. Standing next to her stood a tall man with sharp features, his black hair spiking out at odd angles. He had an arm wrapped around the women's waist. Squinting Reeve realized the man was a vary young Godo.
The next picture was of Yuffie, Atsushi, and two little boys. Yuffie stood in between the two boys smiling gently, she was older then in the other photo maybe seven. The boy on her right Reeve recognized as Shake he stood several inches shorter then Yuffie flashing a big toothy grin at the camera. Atsushi stood behind the three children in regular ninja gear a hand on each boys shoulders. His mask was pulled up around his mouth and nose but you could you could tell he was smiling by the wrinkles around his eyes. Reeve looked at the other boy, the one standing to the right of Yuffie.
He looked about the same age as her maybe a inch taller. He had black hair that hung in his face and a smile that looked pensive almost forced. It was unnerving seeing such an expression on a child but what was evermore alarming was the boy's eyes. They were a bright blue and they held the distinct glow only exposure to mako could give you. Reeve was shook from his thoughts as a murmur escaped the girl laying on the bed behind him.
Not wanting to risk waking her by sticking around any longer he sat the picture back down. Walking to the door flipping off the lights he left her to sleep retiring to his own room.
The next morning Reeve woke to a series of strange banging noises and a plethora of inviting smells. Rising out of bed he grabbed the shirt from the night before off the chair it was draped over. He threw it on not even bothering to button it before leaving to inspect what was going on. Walking into the kitchen he found Yuffie working busily overtop the stove with her back to him. Still wearing her pajamas and a strange pair of slippers she stood flipping a pancake over in one frying pan before reaching over to stir the contents of another.
"Morning sleepyhead, did you get enough beauty sleep?" She called in a cheery voice having sensed his presence. She didn't even turn to look at him as she added her current pancake to a growing stack sitting next to her.
"I slept fine...what are you doing?" He asked not moving from his place in the doorway.
"Making a pipe bomb...what does it look like I am doing! I am cooking us breakfast." She replied scraping some bacon out of a pan and dividing it between two plates.
"I thought we could eat on the patio..." she said turning around to look at him.
Her steel colored orbs grew wide as she registered his state of dress. Turning back around quickly she busied herself with stirring the hash browns hoping he hadn't noticed her blush. Oblivious to her distress he walked over to her to look at the small feast she was preparing.
'I thought Cid said she was a terrible cook...' he thought inspecting the meal that obviously hadn't been made by a "terrible" cook.
"Did you need any help?" he asked while Yuffie kept her head lowered to hide her reddening face behind her hair.
'What is the matter with you! You have seen hundreds, thousands of bare chested men before, shit go to Costa del Sol once and you'll see more then you ever wanted to...his looks good though...really really good...STOP...quit perving this is REEVE... dorky geeky plays with dolls Reeve...' Yuffie bit her lip trying to stop her treacherous brain.
"If you change your mind let me know." He spoke tearing the girl from her thoughts as he walked back out of the room.
Yuffie let go a sigh of relief as she finished cooking. Reeve returned about ten minutes later freshly showered and once again clothed in formal Wutainese robes as Yuffie piled the dirty pans into the sink.
"Grab those will you..." She asked pointing to two round food dishes sitting on the counter as she grabbed the other plates filled with food.
"What is this?" Reeve asked looking at the two bowls filled with some sort of dried food.
"Your breakfast." She replied gracefully balancing three different plates on one arm leaving her other hand free to open the patio door. Grabbing one off her arm she carried them over to a small table on the patio.
"No really, what is this for?" Reeve asked taking the bowls and following her.
The patio was made of bricks and had some vary nice landscaping. He closed the door behind them and admired his surroundings. Around them there where several rows of bushes and plants, the flowers all in bloom. Also in the backyard stood several trees, some cherry and willow branches blowing gently in the light breeze.
"I told you it's you breakfast." she repeated setting the plates down. Reeve just arched an eyebrow looking at her as she started laughing.
"This is what thats for." She took the bowls from her and began walking into the grass.
Shaking them gently causing the food to make noise Reeve watched as several cats emerged from a flap in a door that was at the top of a staircase running up the side of the house.
Reeve watched as the cats, seven of them in all came up to Yuffie and began to paw at her and rub against her legs. She knelt down and placed the bowls on the edge of the patio.
"Yes, my little minions it's breakfast time...Doc you furry menace stop that!" she chastised one of the cats a calico that had begun hissing at the others who tried to eat from the bowl he was currently monopolizing.
"Cats?" Reeve questioned. Yuffie turned smiling at them.
"Yes, they are strays that I have rescued over the years. I keep them up in the attic because I don't want them in the house...sadly I am allergic." She explained pointing to the door at the top of the stairwell.
"This is Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey." She pointed to each cat.
"You named them after the seven dwarfs?" He asked arching a brow at her.
"Yeah... the first one I rescued I named snow. She was this turkish angora, pure white with one blue eye one green." She said pointing to her own eyes.
"She passed away a few years back. But this lot came along after her, it just fit." She shrugged before coming back to the table and sitting down. Reeve sat down across from her and began toying with his own breakfast.
"You know, Cid once told me you were a horrible cook...should I be afraid?" He teased her. She had already begun eating but stopped as he spoke. Setting her fork down vary slowly she began glaring at him.
"Eat it." her voice left no room for argument, trying his food he was surprised at just how good it was. He looked at her surprised and watched as her glare melted into a satisfied smirk.
"Now listen vary carefully at what I am about to tell you Reeve, because there are only two people in AVALANCHE know this." Reeve sat his fork down and patiently waited for her to continue.
"The few times I cooked for the group I deliberately burnt the food to a crisp, actually set fire to eggs once "accidently". I did this because I did not want to end up like the other two girls cooking every single godforsaken meal for them. Don't get me wrong I managed to make the occasional edible dish to help Tifa out. But the only people in the group who know that not only CAN I cook but that I can quite well are Vincent and Nanaki." Reeve's smile only grew as she explained.
'Clever girl' he thought to himself.
"I mean really to think I, a Wutainese "Lady", can't cook...is just silly. Besides why do you think those two always ended up in a team with me? It wasn't just my good looks and awesome personality." she continued as he dug into his breakfast.
"This is really good, I can see why you hid your abilities. I might have to find some way to chain you to my kitchen." He joked in between bites.
"Yes well consider yourself lucky you know at all...If you tell Cid or any of the other guys you'll be eating the rest of your meals through a straw." she warned cheekily.
"So whats on the agenda for the day." He asked savoring the awesome food.
"I figured we would just hang around here until who ever Godo sends to come get you gets here. Then I will probably go over to the fitters, I should have plenty of time to get dressed while you're gone. Then there is the little ceremony Godo has planned. After that we can just wonder around town enjoying the festivities." She played with the tea in her glass as she spoke swirling the contents around.
They finished up their breakfast talking about various things. Reeve helped her as she cleaned up the kitchen, laughing and teasing her about the state of her pantry. When he questioned her about her recycling system she slipped into a long lecture on the importance of caring for the planet, and how if ignorant foreigners understood anything at all they would have adopted these Wutai ideals long before pollution became a problem.
Reeve began teasing her about how easily riled she was, to which she had smacked him on his arm. With the kitchen cleaned they returned to the living room and began watching tv. They had a conversation about their favorite movies, which turned to books which ended up in Reeve exploring the bookcases in the living room. Somehow they ended up looking through her Mad magazine collection. Reeve sat on the floor smiling perusing through the different issues as Yuffie went on about her love for spy vs spy.
Before they knew it there was a knock at Yuffie's door. Reeve pulled himself up and gave Yuffie his hand helping her up. Yuffie went over and opened her door to revile Chekhov standing on the other side.
"Reeve your escort is here." She cheered moving aside to allow the older women to step inside. The ninja nodded to the both of them, she was dressed in a blue kimono her hair pulled up in a bun behind her head.
"Good day my lady, Mr. Tuesti." Yuffie sighed at the tittle.
"I am here to take you over to see Lord Godo. He and a few of the other elders will be meeting us at the hospital." She informed.
"I guess I will see you later?" He asked turning to Yuffie.
"Yep, I will see you later. Play nice with the other kids okay." She replied cheekily reaching up to pinch his cheek.
"I can't wait to see you all dressed up." He teased right back laughing, Yuffie just scowled at him.
"Yeah whatever, just go" She rolled her eyes pushing him towards the door. Chekhov laughing at the two of them from her spot in the doorway.
The next several hours were spent with Reeve walking around playing ambassador. He was shown around the hospital and spent a great deal of time discussing things with the healers. They talked about some of their theories behind the water, as well as the many different healing techniques the hospital had developed utilizing chakra. Reeve once again thought about the different methods of healing used around the world. If they could find away to combine the technological advances from the hospitals in cities like Edge and Junon with the various holistic abilities from places like Wutai and Mideel it could vary well mean a new world for modern medicine.
Reeve began discussing this vary thing with Godo and the other elders. The men listened to him go on about his idea looking rather impressed. As the healers returned to their work the groups conversation turned from medicine to other things such as trade and defense.
The next thing he knew they were all back in the main house of the Kisaragi compound eating lunch. Lunch soon turned into drinks, and drinks turned into dinner. As the men continued their meeting Reeve never noticed the mischievous glint growing in Lord Godo's eyes or the knowing smile that crossed Chekhov's face from her post at the back of the room. After many hours they were all shaking hands and agreeing to discuses many things more in the future as the dinner ended the elders all going their separate ways.
Soon Reeve found himself being lead across town by a silent Chekhov, the sky was already starting to grow dark.
"I must say, I am vary impressed." Chekhov said breaking the silence the gems hanging from the ornaments in her hair swaying as she walked.
"How so?" He asked his eyebrows raising.
"The fact that you not only got the council to talk to you, but to got them to like you...thats no small feet given your history..." Chekhov replied ominously. Reeve's brows furrowed as he stopped walking and turned to her.
"What do you..." he stopped as Chekhov cut him of.
"Reeve Tuesti, born December 2, 1972 in Kalm to Ruvie and Jonathan Tuesti. At the age of three your family moved to Midgar, your father having gotten a job with Shinra designing the plate. You graduated high school at the top of your class in 88', a full two years early. Awarded a full scholarship from Shinra for academic achievement you attended Midgar University. You Majored in both engineering and architecture, as well as minored in urban studies. Graduating magna cum laude you were offered a job with Shinra, in the urban development sector. Hailed as a prodigy you single handedly revolutionized the way mako reactors where designed almost tripling their efficiency. You also helped push through many advances in the weapon development devision. Because of your achievements you quickly began climbing the ranks. After the retirement of one Cedric Samisen, you were awarded the position as Head of Urban Development. After only being with the company five years." As Chekhov finished Reeve stood in shock confusion written all over his face.
Chekhov began walking towards the center of town again.
"How do you know all this?" Reeve asked shocked. He followed her listening as she began speaking again.
"I belong to an elite group of ninja responsible for reconnaissance, espionage, as well as protection detail, not quite unlike your "Turks". It is my duty to keep the members of the high clan Kisaragi safe, a bodyguard of sorts. I have a dossier on every member of AVALANCHE." She turned to him grinning at the look of awe on his face.
"There is not much I don't know about you Mr. Tuesti from your bee sting allergy to the arrest record from your "frat boy" days. No hard feelings of course, it is after all my job." Reeve nodded understanding what she was saying but he was confused as to why.
"But why are you telling me this?" Chekhov stopped walking again and turned to him, her smiling face becoming deadly serious.
"Because I wanted you to understand where you stand Reeve Tuesti. The Lady Kisaragi has taken you in as a close friend, and don't get me wrong I don't doubt her judgment, you seem like a good man." She paused.
"I am sensing a however..." Reeve prompted.
"However, should you wrong her in ANY way an some how manage to escape her blade, it will be mine you find at your neck. And make no mistake Reeve Tuesti the Wutainese are known for our "inventive" forms of punishment. She has been my charge since the day she was born, it was only when she became a Genin that she was allowed to leave my side. She is vary dear to me... No matter I am sure I will never have to worry about such things, right?" The sweat smile that lit this women's face only seconds after throughly threatening him frankly was freaking him out.
'Scary' he thought looking at Chekhov.
He was unsure as to why this women felt it necessary to threaten him. He would never dream of harming Yuffie, she was one of the best friends he had. Before he had time to think about it further Chekhov began walking again leading him towards a large crowd. The crowd stood before a small stage that had been erected in the center of town.
"This is where I will be leaving you Reeve-San, it is tradition for Lord Godo to address the people on the summer solstice. This years ceremony should prove to be particularly interesting. I am sure Yuffie-Sama will come and find you once it's over." Chekhov said bowing slightly before disappearing into the crowd.
Reeve's breath was lost a few minutes later as he watched Lord Godo, Shake, Chekhov, and a vary beautiful Yuffie walk onto the stage. She stood next to her father draped in the colorful kimono, what he had seen of the garment the previous night had done no justice to just how nice it looked on her.
The shimmering green silk had colorful flowers flowing down across her one shoulder and descending down the front before warping around the bottom of the robe. The sleeves where vary long almost reaching her feet and covered in the same floral design. Around her waist was tied a silver obi also covered in different colored flowers, on her back it was tied into a big bow of sorts. Her shoulder length hair was tied up into several decorative combs, and around her eyes was a slight brush of green and silver eyeshadow.
She stood next to her cousin behind her father as he began addressing the crowd...
"People of Wutai, At times history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man's unending search for freedom. So it was here ten years ago. So it was a century ago at the south shore. So it was five months ago in Midgar. There, long-suffering men and women fiercely protested and fought against the denial of their rights as people. Many have been brutally assaulted, and many good people have fallen over the years.
When I stand here this afternoon I shudder to visualize what is actually happening to millions now and what is going to happen in this period when pain and famine stalk the planet. None can compute what has been called "the unestimated sum of human pain." We must not ignore the shadow that has fallen upon the scenes so lately lighted by the fall of Shinra. We have made great strides towards the peace and prosperity we as a people once had. However it is our supreme task and duty as people of Wutai to push forward to continue making these strides.
We are not weak, if we make proper use of the means which his lord Leviathan hath placed in our power. We are several thousand people, joined in the mighty pursuit of liberty and strength. In time we shall become an invincible force against any crisis or enemy set against us. We will continue rebuilding and growing strong. It is with that in mind I would like to announce not only the reopening of the academy, but also present the first graduating class.
This new wave of Genin we shall announce shortly is just a small step in that direction. One day they will grow to become great shinobi worriers, and along side them Wutai will grow, back into the proud nation it once was. Now I would like to call Lord Shake forward to announce the names of these new shinobi. After which Lady Yuffie who has just yesterday received the honored status of Jounin will light the first firework of the night."
With that Lord God stepped back making room for Shake who bowed to his uncle. Meanwhile the crowd had erupted into roaring applause, after several minutes they quitted down and Shake began reading off the names on a long parchment he held in his hands. During Shake's announcement Yuffie had caught Reeve's eyes with her own sending him a small smile. Thought the whole affair she had stood tall next to her father an air of strength and authority emanating off her. After about forty names Shake rolled the parchment back up and the crowd once again gathered in a round of applause. Yuffie gracefully stepped forward after bowing to her father and cousin. She pulled a small bottle rocket out from under her obi.
'Thats it?' Reeve thought grinning at the tiny explosive in her hands.
She lit it and lifted it high above her head releasing it just as the fuse hit the explosive on the end. The firework soared into the air above with a high pitched whistle and a pop. Reeve's eyes went wide as several seconds later the entire sky behind them exploded in an awesome array of fireworks. The crowd was once again applauding.
The crowd soon began to disperse and go about their business. The streets had come to life with music filling the air. Many people were walking around the various market stalls enjoying the atmosphere. Dancers paraded around carrying giant paper-mache dragon puppets. Reeve watched as Yuffie descended the stage an began talking with the group of elders. Reeve waited for her off to the side watching the fireworks lighting up the night sky above him.
"Hey, waiting for Yuffie huh?" Reeve looked down to see Shake staring back at him.
"Yeah, they got her cornered over there huh?" He replied glancing over where Yuffie was still speaking with the group of old men.
"They are probably all congratulating her again for becoming a Jounin...or complementing her for finally dressing like a lady." The boy laughed, Reeve furrowed his brows.
"Hey Shake...how do you say "You look vary beautiful" in Wutainese?" He asked suddenly, causing the boy's eyes to raise up into his hair. The boy recited a phrase in Wutainese, repeating it a few times for him as Reeve mimicked him until he got it right. He turned to see Yuffie walking over to them, he didn't register the grin on the boy's face as he waved walking away.
"I hope you weren't to bored today without me." Yuffie greeted him smiling.
"Oh it wasn't to bad I had a vary interesting meeting with the council. Your fathers speech wasn't to bad." The girl rolled her eyes at him before taking him by the hand and leading him off into the crowd.
"That's dad for you, saying a lot while still saying nothing at all. Enough on the windbags rant tell me about this meeting. I bet you dazzled them with your diplomatic charm." She grinned up at him. Reeve smiled at her compliment and began telling her the many details of the meeting.
During the next several hours the walked around the village checking out the many market stalls. Stopping at a food stall Yuffie introduced him to something called botamochi, a type of rice dumpling. Yuffie rolled her eyes as she paid for the food, Reeve making excuses for not wanting to try them.
"You have to learn to try new things Reeve." she whined, Reeve looked down at the brown lump of dough trying not to think about what it resembled.
"No, Yuffie I am fine I had din..." He was unable to finish because the ninja had deftly scooped up a dumpling with her chopsticks and shoved in in the speaking man's mouth.
Reeve shot her a nasty glare as he chewed. He would not dare tell her that she was right and he had in fact liked it. Something must have giving him away though because Yuffie was giving him an "I told you so" grin.
He watched as Yuffie spent a great deal of time browsing the stalls selling weapons and materia. He could not help but admire the strange picture she made examining the many swords and knives while draped in a fancy green silk kimono. While she was busy, he had been looking at what was being sold at few booths over when he noticed a beautiful necklace sitting amongst the other wares. The necklace had a simple silver chain but the pendent was absolutely breathtaking. It was a tiny metal scroll with Wutainese kanji written on it, and coiling around the scroll was a metal sea serpent. Inside the gapping mouth of the serpent was a tinny green gem.
"I see you like that necklace, would you like me to tell you more about it?" An old man said coming up to him. Reeve nodded picking up the piece of jewelry turning it over in his fingers. The old man grinned seeing Reeve's interest.
"The chain and pendent are both fashioned out of white gold, you see that small gem there." The old man asked Reeve pointing a bony finger at the round gem.
"That little stone was actually fashioned out of a "revive" materia, not to much power in it but enough to cast one or two spells. But a materia like that, one or two is all you need right?" Reeve looked closer at the stone sure enough it had the dull glow of a newborn materia.
"What does the kanji mean?" He asked looking at the old man next to him.
"Protector... fitting I suppose." The old man answered grinning at the potential customer. Reeve looked down at the pendent wondering if Yuffie would wear something like this.
'She does have a birthday coming up in a few months, and "revive" materia is extremely rare...' He thought glancing over at the girl standing a few stalls down. She appeared to be arguing over something with the seller. She kept gesturing at a small blade she held in her hand.
"How much?" he asked turning back to the old man.
"30,000 gil..." The old man glanced in the direction Reeve was just looking.
"But for her...15,000gil" The man finished giving him a knowing look.
"I will take it." He said pulling out a pouch he had hide in his robes. Reeve pulled a few large bills out of the pouch and handed them to the man. Tucking the pouch along with his new purchase back into his robes. He walked back over to where Yuffie had just finished arguing with the seller behind the weapons stall.
"Is everything ok?" He asked behind her.
"Fine...everything is fine...just caught someone trying to rip people off." Yuffie muttered as they began walking away from the marketplace.
"Oh?" Reeve prompted, as they began walking through one of the many gardens behind the temple. The night air was warm and smelled of gunpowder, the occasional firework still streaking through the sky.
"Yes, a few of the knifes he was trying to sell had obvious imperfections in the carburized iron. The blades would have all snapped under pressure, someone could die from such shoddy workmanship." she continued on explaining, Reeve's eyebrows rose into his hair.
'Here I thought she arguing over the price.' he thought watching her. Once again reminded of just how brilliant she was, his curiosity got the better of him.
"Oh, don't get me wrong they were grossly overpriced as well, which I reprimanded him for, at length." She finished having seemingly read his mind. Reeve stopped walking and turned to her.
"You really are a lot smarter then you lead people to believe." He whispered in awe, Yuffie stopped walking and turned to smile at him.
"You're underestimating me again Mr. Tuesti." She laughed.
"No. Really I am not. It's just every time I think I have gotten you figured out you change the game on me." He came to stand vary close to her.
"Your first mistake was even trying to." She grinned up at him, before turning and sitting down on one of the stone benches that littered the massive garden.
"Really tell me, why do you hide from people just how intelligent you really are?" he inquired his brown eyes gazing into her steel gray as he sat down next to her.
"Shinobi battle tactics 101..." She broke the eye contact and instead fixed her gaze on the stars.
"Lull any potential enemy or threat into a false sense of security never reviling your assets and strengths until the most opportune moment... when I first joined AVALANCHE the "ignorant child" facade helped me infiltrate the group. As much as I regret it, as bad as I felt doing it I had a job to do Reeve surly you understand that..." She explained unable to get herself to look at him afraid of what she would see.
"I understand all to well Yuffie." He whispered taking her hand and squeezing it. Yuffie turned and looked down at their hands and then up at him. Her heart clenched as she saw the look in his dark eyes, acceptance, understanding. Smiling finally she returned the gesture squeezing his hand back.
'That still doesn't explain why she still isn't herself around the others. Why doesn't she open up? There is so much more to her then I ever imagined...' Reeve's mind spun over what she had told him.
'She is afraid of getting hurt...' he suddenly realized, Yuffie sat next to him watching him. She was having her own realizations, as Reeve reached forward pushing the hair out of her eyes. His fingers brushing against her cheek, he admired how she looked in the moonlight.
'How can this guy be so awesome? He is smart, kind, funny...cute...stop perving Yuffie. The man is almost twenty years your senior you're nothing but a child to him. He really is an awesome friend though...' her thoughts were brought to an abrupt halt however when Reeve whispered a phrase in Wutainese. Reeve's eyes went wide as his words had the opposite effect he had been hoping for. Yuffie's face went red her mouth gapping in shock, anger and rage filling her eyes.
"Excuse me!" she gasped jumping to her feet, ripping her hand out of his. Reeve quickly followed desperately trying to figure out what was happening. He had repeated the words exactly as Shake had taught him.
"Reeve, what were you trying to say? In Gaian if you please." Yuffie seethed, hoping what he had said was a mistake, either that or she had gotten Reeve all wrong.
"I was trying to tell you, you were beautiful...I was complementing how you're dressed." The man stammered, Yuffie calmed down considerably hearing him explain.
"Okay...well thats not what you said." She spoke calmly sitting back down.
"Mind telling me just who has been teaching you Wutainese?" Reeve sat back down next to her.
"I asked Shake to teach me that one phrase..." Yuffie sighed heavily placing a hand on her forehead.
"I should have know...that little shit." She seethed shaking her head.
"What did I say to you?" Reeve asked becoming concerned, whatever he had said had obviously causing a violent reaction in the ninja.
"Just never mind, next time you want to learn Wutainese either look it up in a book or ask me though, ok?" she replied her voice filled with annoyance.
"No, please tell me. Whatever it was it made you mad. I want to know what I said..." He implored her his dark eyes filled with concern. Yuffie looked up at him bitting her lip before sighing.
"If you must know, you asked if you could grab my ass." Reeve's eyebrows shot up into his hair, but he noticed the way she clenched her jaw ever so slightly.
"Thats the censored version isn't it?" He asked gently calling her out on her half lie, having seen one of her few tells. Yuffie rolled her eyes sighing as she stood up.
"Yes, vary much so if you have to know. Just let it go Reeve." She huffed beginning to walk away. Reeve quickly got to his feet and caught up with her.
"Hey, you know I didn't mean it, right?" He asked pulling her to a stop. Yuffie turned around to face him.
"Of course I do Reeve, just kinda flustered I guess..." She trailed off unable to look at him.
"So...how do I say it?" He placed a finger under her chin lifting her face to look at him.
"Say what?" she whispered as she found herself getting lost in his eyes.
"How do I say "You look vary beautiful" in Wutainese?" He spoke softly still holding her chin in his fingers. Yuffie felt a blush warm her face a she spoke the phrase for him in Wutainese. Her heart skipped a beat when his deep voice caressed the words of her native language.
"That was good Reeve, you actually managed to not butcher it to bad with your Gaian accent." She smiled looking away quickly trying to get her pounding heart and traitorous thoughts under control.
Reeve smiled noticing the blush creeping up her cheeks, he felt his ego swell seeing the effect he had on the little shinobi. Just then the sky above them lit up in a display of colors as the festival fireworks finale began. The two stood in the garden watching the sky for quite awhile before heading back to Yuffie's house.
When they returned, they each went into their own rooms to change for bed. Reeve finished changing, and sat down on his bed.
"Fucking little bitch...come on!" Reeve arched an eyebrow as her heard Yuffie's muffled cussing in the other room. There was a series of thumps and a crash.
"Damn it...fuck it, fuck it all!" the voice came through the walls.
'What the hell is she doing in there' he wondered, Reeve got up and walked to Yuffie's bedroom door knocking gently.
"Yuffie, sweetheart are you okay?" He asked gently still listening to the girl cursing behind the door.
"No!" There was stomping and the door snapped open. Reeve didn't have time to react as he was being yanked into her room. She had taken the combs out of her hair it was now hanging around her neck is a mess.
"Help me with the Fukura-suzume musubi." She snapped walking up to him and turning around.
"The what?" he asked confused looking down at the girl suddenly standing so close he could feel her back against him.
"The obi Reeve, help me untie the obi." She explained gesturing over her shoulder.
"Oh...okay, a Fukura-suzume musubi huh?" Reeve chuckled fumbling over the words.
It took him several long minutes to carefully untie the intricate knots in the obi. Yuffie stood waiting patiently trying to ignore the gentleness of his fingers as they brushed her back. Yuffie bit her lip butterflies fluttering in her stomach as he touched her. Reeve looked down, his eyes running across the smooth skin on her neck. Once the obi was undone it hung lose. Yuffie turned around holding the kimono closed in front of her. Reeve's breath was stolen from him for the second time that day.
"Thanks Reeve, I will see you in the morning, ok?" She smiled up at him.
Reeve nodded sending her a quick smile before stepping out of the room. He returned to his own room for the night trying to erase the strangely erotic picture she had made from his mind. Standing in front of him holding her kimono shut her hair a mess. Those trusting gray eyes looking up at him, a tinge of a blush heating her cheeks. Reeve sat down on his bed running a hand through his hair.
'She is sixteen Reeve, she is attractive but still young. Quit being an idiot or you'll wind up destroying your friendship with her.' Sighing he laid down and went to sleep trying to push all the thoughts out of his head.
Yuffie's feet hit the cold wood floor softly as she crawled out of bed. Changing into a pair of jeans she grabbed a thin hoodie out of the closet tying it around her waist. Even in late June the air was know known to get chilly where they were going. She quietly slipped down the hallway and into Reeve's room.
Stopping she looked down examining the man in the bed. He was laying on his side with one arm tucked under his pillow, and the other stretched out beside him. His dark brown hair fanned around his relaxed face. His mouth was opened slightly and he was snoring almost to soft to hear. Yuffie covered her mouth with a hand trying to contain her giggling.
The covers had slipped down around his waist while he had slept. Exposing his back and chest, Yuffie couldn't help herself, ogling the lines of definition covering the mans physique.
'This man has got to work out...' He wasn't overly built but lean, her eyes roamed over the slight bulge of his biceps and the subtle contours of his abs.
'You're being a creepier...hehe Reeve's got a six pack...still being a creepier' she scolded herself before her eyes caught a slip of black ink wrapping down and around his shoulder.
Placing her hand on the bed, she leaned closer to inspected the tattoo. It was a bird of sorts, done in black ink and tribal in design. It started mid way down his back just before the shoulder blade. It curved up over his scapula as the birds wings spread out as if taking flight. It wrapped up and around his shoulder the birds beak ending just before dipping back down into his clavicle. The man shifted in his sleep causing Yuffie's breath to catch.
'Better wake him up before he catches me looming here.' Yuffie placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently.
"Yuffie, sweetie whats wrong..." the man muttered groggily his brown eyes fluttering open.
"Nothing get up, I want to show you something before you leave tomorrow morning." she whispered slipping back off of the bed.
"What is it?" he asked his voice still thick with sleep as he sat up rubbing his eyes.
"It's four in the morning Yuffie." he groaned looking at the clock resting on the nightstand. He turned his head looking back at the girl in the doorway.
"I really want to show you this Reeve, get dressed and meet me outside." waking up more he noticed the way she was dressed.
She had a changed into jeans and a T-shirt and had a black hoodie tied around her waist. She also help a pair of tennis shoes in her hand.
"And where are we going?" he asked climbing out of the bed.
"It's a surprise Reeve..." She giggled before leaving him to get dressed.
Reeve quickly changed and pulled on his shoes before joining Yuffie out in the yard. She stood off by a tree looking up at the night sky, she noticed Reeve and turned around. Reeve took note of the conformer she had tucked against her waist.
He reached behind him running his hand over the strut holster he kept concealed on his back. He never went anywhere unarmed, it was something the little ninja apparently hadn't picked up on yet. Not that she had had any reason to ask. He thought he saw a knowing look cross her face the few times they had embraced. But he wasn't sure whether she had noticed or not, if she had she hadn't said anything.
"So where are we going that you think you'll need that?" he asked pointing towards the weapon on her hip.
"In case we run into trouble, just try and keep up okay?" She laughed deliberately not answering the question causing him to cock and eyebrow at her.
He followed her as she lead him through the village's back streets. When they reached the village gates he suddenly realized where she was taking him. He looked up at the great cliffs of Da Chao the stone faces staring back at him.
The next hour was spent with the two off them climbing up the mountain trails Yuffie laughing each time he fell behind. They where only attacked once on their journey, a thunderbird swooping down on them. Yuffie spotted it first and pulling out her conformer lunged at it. But before she reached the flying threat a single shot rang out in the night air. The bird fell to the ground dead with a thud. Yuffie swung around and glared at him playfully.
"I knew it... I knew you were packing heat." She accused smiling walking up to him, he looked down at grinning .
"Yeah?" he asked, she nodded.
"Yeah, saw the print against your shirt your first day here. I was even careful not to touch it when I hugged you..." Reeve arched a brow, his face questioning.
"Made that mistake with Vincent once...he flipped out almost breaking my hand...at first I thought it was because I hugged him." She explained laughing, at the memory.
"He explained to me that it was any good marksmen's instinct to protect his weapon, he apologized of course but I learned my lesson. Didn't want to risk my poor phalanges if you ended up being the same way." She explained. They resumed their journey but not before Reeve caught her muttering about "boys and their toys" and "ruining all the fun" under her breath.
Once they reached the top of Da Chao she hopped up onto the topmost hand sitting down on the curled ring finger and pinky. Reaching down she grabbed his hand and pulled him up.
"So are you going to tell me why we climbed up here in the wee hours of the morning?" He asked sitting down next to her.
"Aw, did I interrupt your beauty sleep? You must really need it." She elbowed him lightly.
"Yes as a matter of fact you did." He laughed gently elbowing her back.
"But really, why are we up here?" She pointed down at the city.
"It's beautiful isn't it...my home..." Reeve turned his body towards her looking at her before looking down at the city. The village was dark except for a few lights that still shone into the night.
"Yeah, it is." He replied.
"Do you remember what Cloud said right before we went up against Sephiroth?" Reeve nodded.
"He said we needed to all figure out what we were fighting for." He answered.
"This is what I was fighting for..." She trailed off as the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon setting the sky ablaze. Reeve watched as the sky lit up in an array of oranges, pinks, yellows, and many shades of red. The morning light brought the village below to life, it was one of the most amazing things Reeve had ever seen.
"This..." Yuffie whispered gesturing to the village below.
"This is worth fighting for. And I wanted you to see it through my eyes at least once before you had to leave." Reeve looked over at her the days first rays of light caressing her face.
"I wish I didn't have to leave so soon." He found himself saying. Yuffie just looked at him and smiled.
"I know...but you do. We both still have a world of work ahead of us." She replied softly.
The two of them spent several hours atop the cliffs of Da Chao talking. Before they knew it it was time for them to go back to the house, time for Reeve to pack and say his goodbyes. His three day vacation was over.
-TBC
Author Notes: Still looking for a beta reader. Come on guys someone step up, I am using Google as a spell check! Also please review, it lets me know this is actually being read. Which makes me more motivated to sit down and update. These chapters represent a lot of work and coffee, I need my motivation people! REVIEW!