Omg I cannot believe how long it's been since I actually updated and I have to appologise! I could try and give a long list of excuses as to why I haven't had chance to but I'm just going to blame starting University! Dam those lectures in the morning and those essays they set.....
Anyway, I was only going to write one more chapter and end it there, but I kinda ended up splitting it up into two seperate one. So, there is one last installment after this one, well at least that's the plan.
So thank you if you've actually continued reading this after my 'absence'. And thanks for reviewing, because they were the things that gave me a kick up the backside to actually write this chapter.
Enjoy!

Chapter 22

"Mmmm…this feels so goooood!" Yuffie thought as the hot water soaked her pale skin. Usually, her skin was rather nicely tanned, but due to the lack of sunlight she'd gotten over the past couple of weeks, it had lost some of it's 'golden glow'. Of course, Yuffie had been a little miffed about this but it wasn't something she could help really. However, it did give her an excuse to go outside and enjoy the sunshine again; which was something she had missed after being cooped up inside all day.

However, there was no sun in the sky at this hour. Yuffie had opted for a 'moonlight bath' in the private bath, situated in her father's mansion. One reason being that she wanted to relax someplace that wasn't her room or bed. It was important that she distress apparently and she was beginning to get annoyed with the same surroundings day after day. Also, it was because nobody else ever dreamed of being out this late, so she was free from everyone's pestering and concern. Plus, she was kinda sat in there mostly naked, apart from the massive bandage that had been tied tightly around her stomach. She chuckled mischievously at the thought of anyone catching her like this - it'd probably scare them to death. As her smile faded, she found her fingertips lightly tracing the fabric that covered the wound. It was mostly healed now but it was definitely going to scar. That was a bit of a bummer; after all, most of the tops she wore had been designed to show off a little midriff. It'd be very attractive with a whooping great scar stretching across her stomach.

"Let's just hope it only scars lightly…." She thought to herself, before leaning her head back against the wooden rim of the bath. Her dark eyes gazed upwards at the starts above and her mind began wandering. She thought back to the time when she and Cloud were travelling from Rocket Town, and they'd set up camp halfway there. She gave a faint smile as she recalled falling asleep with her head on his shoulder, but then her smile faded soon afterwards. What she'd give to be falling asleep on Cloud's shoulder right now. She hastily pushed that thought from her mind and continued recalling the night they'd spent on that mountain top. They'd been halfway to arriving at Nibelheim….Yuffie's thoughts than paused for a moment.

"Of course," She mused as she shifted herself around in the bath slightly, "Cloud will be in Nibelheim with Tifa. Why didn't I realise this before?" She thought back to all the smiles Cloud had worn when they'd been staying at Tifa's house; it made sense that he would have gone back and declared his love for her, or something along those lines. It wasn't like he'd proclaim love for Yuffie anyway, not after he'd shot her down so badly when she expressed her interest in him before she'd been kidnapped. Yuffie felt her heart pang slightly; those memories still stirred up sadness within her. It had been Cloud's expression that had totally crushed her. It had made her realise the huge mistake she'd made assuming that he liked her too.

"Ugh…." Yuffie closed her eyes and tried to push those thoughts from her head. Why was she thinking about this now? Again. She should be happy that she's alive and able to continue on with her life, with or without Cloud. But what was she going to do now?

Yuffie gave a sigh as she opened her eyes again. She'd probably end up staying in Wutai and start learning how to run the city in preparation for the day it would be passed down to her. Then, she'd probably have to marry the most 'suitable' man who had some kind of diplomatic influence, securing Wutai's future for the years she would be Empress. She would be expected to produce heirs for the throne and they would take over once she was too old to manage it anymore. Then she would die, still longing for the adventure she probably would never have. These thoughts depressed her more than anything. It was like her life was already planned out for her and she had no control over the way it ran. She thought about seeing all the girl's jealous expressions when they thought how she was the future Empress and laughed bitterly. If anything, she was the one who was jealous of them. She then recalled how Tifa had said something about her 'living every girl's dream' and then going on about 'castles, dresses and Prince Charmings.' Yuffie scowled; why couldn't people see that being a Princesses doesn't automatically make your life a fairy tale. There's nothing romantic about being forced into the best political marriage and there was nothing sugary about having everyone walk on eggshells around you because, apparently, being of royal bloodline meant that everyone has to treat you differently. Yes, she did get a nice house and a fairly large sum of money but what good was that when the only thing she wanted was so far out of her reach.

"Um…Miss Yuffie…?" Yuffie snapped out her thoughts instantly and glanced over her shoulder, surprised by visitors at this hour. It was one of the servants, as she had suspected, and the woman bowed as Yuffie looked at them, "Forgive me for interrupting Miss, but you have a visitor who wishes to see you."

"A visitor?" This perked Yuffie's interest instantly, as she straightened herself up, only to wince as her wound throbbed at the movement. Luckily, the servant was looking away as she winced or they might have made a fuss about it, "I'll be out in a few moments." She noticed the servant give another bow from the corner of her eye, before they hastily made their way back inside.

Yuffie waited a few moments before she grabbed the towel that she had placed on the steps behind her. Glancing around to check that no one was looking, she hastily got to her feet and wrapped it around her as she climbed out of the bath and down the steps, wrapping the towel around herself as she did so. She glanced around, making sure she was definitely on her own before progressing onto the corridor. It was hard for her to quell the excitement that had begun to rise in her chest, even though she was trying her hardest not to think about it.

Yuffie couldn't remember ever getting dressed so fast. Of course, this was quite impressive given the fact that she was still sporting an injury. Still, she pushed the discomfort to the back of her mind as she quickly proceeded towards the mansion's 'reception room'. Her excitement seemed to grow with every step she took towards those Wutai style double doors. A visitor? Just who wanted to see her at this time of night? Who was she going to see when she pushed those doors open? Yuffie grinned to herself; she couldn't help but picture the familiar blonde haired man giving her his trademark smirk as she walked in. She could just imagine the grin that would break onto her own face, but then she'd probably end up throwing her shoe at him or something, before shouting at him for leaving her. Yeah, that would be a good idea. Plotting out things she could call him, she marched up towards the doors and pushed them open, a little harder than she'd originally intended. Taking a deep breath to prepare her first insult, Yuffie stepped inside and then stopped dead.

"S-Shu…?" The words left her mouth before she could stop them. The dark haired man, who had been looking out of a window on the opposite wall, turned around upon hearing his name. A smile lined his face as he saw Yuffie staring at him from the doorway.

"Ah, Your Highness," He greeted, looking oddly pleased to see her, "I'm so happy to see that you're safe." Yuffie said nothing in response; she didn't even screw up her face in annoyance at the use of her title. She just looked at him, unable to speak due to the huge wave of disappointment that had washed over her. How could she have been so stupid as to let herself get worked up over something like this? Cloud hadn't been to see her in the last few weeks. He'd rescued her from Sephian, delivered her to Wutai and then had left with his money. He didn't care what happened afterwards, why should he? His contract had been fulfilled and that was all he was bothered about. So why, why had she let herself think that he would be here to check up on her? Leviathan, she thought she was over this! She forced herself to swallow that sudden sadness that had overcome her once again and stepped forwards into the room, letting the doors swing shut behind her. She gave Shu a forced smile, still trying to ignore the disappointment.

"How are your injuries?" Shu enquired carefully. Yuffie glanced back at him, surprised to see him looking generally concerned for her well-being.

"Uh, ok I guess," She replied, feeling a little uncomfortable all of a sudden, "I mean, it still kinda hurts but…I'm not gonna die or anything." Shu nodded in response, looking relived.

"I'm glad to hear that you've recovered," He told her before he turned away and looked back at the window, "When I heard about what happened to you…I was so angry but whenever I asked about it, no one would tell me how you were doing. I was worried…but I'm happy to see that you're safe and that you're doing ok." Yuffie said nothing. In fact, it felt like words had escaped her. Since when had Shu ever acted like this? He was the snotty, bratty rich kid who had always tried to suck up to her. Yet here he was, being considerate and concerned about her. Yuffie frowned; since when had he grown up? Yuffie opened and closed her mouth a few times, trying to think of something to say but Shu spoke before she could think of anything.

"Look, I know that you and I have had our…disagreements in the past," Shu continued, still looking away from her, "And I know that I cannot even begin to imagine what you went through, what you've been through these past few weeks but…I just wanted you to know that if you ever needed anyone to talk to about anything, then I'll be here if you need me." Yuffie blinked, rather taken aback by Shu's words. She looked at him for a moment, thinking back to all the times the two of them had argued or fought…then she paused to correct herself. All the times she'd argued with or fought him, then frowned.

"But why?" She began, causing him to look back at her with a surprised expression, "Why are you being so nice to me when all I've ever done is be a complete jerk to you?" Shu then looked away from her again for a moment and gave a sigh.

"I realised that I had been a jerk to you too, Yuffie," He told her, "In fact, I've been pretty intolerable. I just wanted to apologise and maybe try to do something about the way we seem to hate each other. I've been acting childish; I want to make up for that." Yuffie continued to look at him for a moment, before giving an awkward smile.

"I guess we've both been acting like kids, huh?" She commented and Shu nodded, with a smile also, "But still, you really need to stop letting a girl kick your ass so badly." Shu's smile faded as the familiar scowl lined his face instead.

"I didn't get my ass kicked so badly! I just didn't want to hit a girl," Yuffie cocked an eyebrow as she placed her hands on her hips.

"What a gentlemen you are," She replied sarcastically, "Is squealing like a baby your usual battle cry?" Shu scowled deeper and his cheeks reddened; Yuffie had to hold back a snigger. She knew she was being mean but couldn't help it; there was a teeny tiny part of her that wanted to take out her disappointment on Shu, who had caused it in the first place. Then she realised she was slipping back into old habits and shook her head.

"I'm sorry," She apologised, "I'm just tired." Shu's expression faded into a more sympathetic one.

"I understand," Shu replied, "I apologise for visiting so late…."

"No, it's fine…" Yuffie then paused for a moment, before forcing a smile onto her face again, "Um, thanks Shu. You know, for coming to check on me and everything…." Shu nodded.

"I'll let you get some rest then," He gave her a brief smile, before he hastily made his way over towards the doors and left the room. Yuffie stood still for a moment, before burying her face in her hands.

"I really have to get over this…."

Soooo, still no Cloud! It all ends with my next update...so what's going to happen to poor Yuffie?
I'd like to promise that I'll update soon but I said that last time. Hopefully, I will be able to update before Christmas! Just need to finish off my essay first....
Anyways, you're thoughts on this one would be greatly appriciated *loves*
Once again, thank you for sticking with the story!