Disclaimer: The Final Fantasy VII compilation does not belong to me. I do not own the characters, story, places etc. They are all the property, copyright and trademark of Square-Enix. I place no ownership/claim on them by using them in this work of fan fiction.

Author's Note: It's been a while but I'm here once again with a new chaptered piece. Please note this fiction will be of an adult nature. Now I'm taking some liberties here with the traditions of Wutai as (as far as my knowledge goes) Also you may find my Yuffie here a little 'subdued' but I promise you that she is still the same Yuffie we love, just more mature. With age, past events and her new responsibilities weighing on her I think it only realistic that she would have changed and not be so 'bratty'. Anyway, I hope you enjoy and if you can leave me a review it would be much appreciated.

Chapter One: The Budding Rose

Yuffie stared out of the train window as the rain from the darkening sky outside pounded hard against the glass. It had turned colder the nearer she had gotten to the city and a light fog was beginning to cover the landscape that flashed past. She was used to green and the smell of the pastel pink lilies that grew through the cliffs. She'd forgotten how damp and bitter it smelt here. The steel and stone walls blended with the cement streets and the grey sky made it feel like one big blur.

She wasn't a fan.

The compartment was empty and she felt glad to be alone, as her tummy twisted and crumpled with nerves. She was not as confident as she'd forced herself to believe.

***Flashback***

The sky before the dawn was pale and the air bitter; chilling the rock underneath the girl's pale fingers. She had not been up there for many years, though little seemed to have changed. She'd left the path some time ago, deciding instead to scale the giant carvings that jutted out from the rock-face. Of course it wasn't difficult for someone of her skills; there were many footholds to be found and being as spry as she was made it easy work.

She'd started the climb less than an hour or so ago. She had not planned on doing it at all, but as she wandered through Wutai she had felt an odd pang in her chest; a yearning. Maybe it was sentimental of her, but she was feeling so disconnected from everything right now and perhaps revisiting that place would help. Or maybe it was all nostalgic nonsense. It had been five years since she had first encountered that group of misfits she now called friends and she had grown up since then. At least a little. She and her father were working hard to mend the bridges between them and she was trying her best to not be so reckless. Even though she hated the old traditions, she could see the importance it held for her father and Wutai. In little over a month she would become an adult and in keeping with those very traditions, she would take over from her father and become the new Leader of Wutai.

The sun was starting to crest against the horizon now, and the light crept up the mountain side like a ticking clock, hurrying her on. She'd always assumed she would be happy. That becoming Leader would fill her with excitement and pride. Yet in all her years of living, she had yet to achieve anything for her people. She was supposed to be The Great Ninja Yuffie, The Single White Rose; the one to bring honour and power back to Wutai. All those promises and declarations she had made. It had all come to nothing. Would she really be able to do any better as their Leader?

Yuffie's fingers grasped at the top of the rock face as she pulled herself up and to her feet with a heavy sigh. Her clothes were dusty and speckled with brown crumbs of rock. She was tired now, though the climb alone could not be held responsible. The real culprit was a sleepless night, as the evening just past, the Princess of Wutai had been called to a meeting with her father…

The Previous Evening…

Godo sighed, frustration wearing deep upon his face.

"This is not a decision I take lightly Yuffie."

She just stared back at him, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. This news had come out of nowhere, a thousand thoughts were swirling in her head and yet her mind seemed to be simultaneously blank.

"This could be a chance to gain a footing within their corrupt system. I know this is far from your comfort zone, but you must pull yourself together, this is an opportunity for all of us. All you must do is gain their trust, put on a show-"

By this point she had stopped listening. She was still processing what he'd asked of her. Part of her still thought maybe it was some elaborate joke, like someone might jump out from behind a door a yell 'GOTTA YA!' any second, but that seemed to be wishful thinking. Her father had sat there, straight faced and without a hint of amusement, and told her she would be making a diplomatic visit to Shinra Power Company, to spend three weeks in the company of Rufus Shinra himself and engage in an array of press opportunities, all with the intention of giving the impression that Wutai and Shinra were building bridges. The most galling thing about this whole situation was that apparently Shinra had had the nerve to approach them about this. Finally she looked up to find her father had stopped talking and now his eyes bored into her. She took a deep breath, even tho-ugh her heart was crashing against her chest.

"Father, you must be out of your mind." Godo's stare faltered for only a moment, before locking back to hers.

"Yuffie, I have thought long and hard about this. This is an opportunity we can not let slip through our fingers. War was not the answer, for years we have been oppressed, side lined, brought low… but rumors have reached my ears that there has been a change in Shinra since the events of meteor fall. Of course I do not believe such things, but if they are attempting to change their image, to gain popularity with the populace… There is a chance you can gain some leverage with them, for once we have power over them."

Yuffie rolled her eyes, exasperated by everything she was hearing.

"How, how can we possibly gain from this? What do you expect me to do exactly? If you've failed to notice I'm hardly the diplomatic sort. I can't do this-"

Godo narrowed his eyes, the strength of his gaze silencing her mid sentence.

"My daughter, this will be difficult for you. You will have to swallow your pride at times, be cordial, gracious even. You will need to learn how to persuade them, charm them. Being a leader isn't all about fighting with your fists. The power you can wield with influence can be a most dangerous weapon."

Yuffie's heart was still beating far to hard and fast inside her. Was she even capable of being charming? She knew she was a strong personality and it had never really bothered her, being called annoying or a twerp was just part and parcel of being herself. She knew that sometimes she thought her honesty was charming to some people, or her energetic nature, but that wasn't going to work here. Tifa could be charming with such ease, she had such a grace and warmness to her that seemed to draw people in, to make them desire her company. She didn't know how to be charming like that, especially towards someone she both barely knew and yet hated with every cell in her body.

"That man is a devil, Father." She was shaking as she spoke.

"I know what he is my Daughter. Which is why you must be careful. This will be the most challenging mission you have ever undertaken."

She looked up at him, all the emotions she was feeling speckled across her face, her eyes searching his for something, anything to still her heart. He let a warming smiling spread across his lips and his stare lost some of it's sharpness.

"I have faith in you, my little White Rose."

Her father had faith. Well he was in idiot. Her fists clenched in her lap as her eyes fell down to them. Why was she so scared? This was ridiculous. This wasn't her. She was the White Rose of Wutai, so she needed to pull herself together. Even if she thought her father's belief was misplaced, she wouldn't let him down, she wouldn't back away from this challenge, she would meet it head on, as always.

"When do I leave?" Her tone was even and calm. Godo gave a little nod of acknowledgment, sensing her new determination.

"Tomorrow"

So soon. Her brow crinkled slightly, confusion starting to trickle in.

"What about the ceremony, you said I'll be away for three weeks? Won't that conflict with my inauguration?" Her father shook his head confidently.

"No, I said you will be on a diplomatic mission for three weeks. During the third you will return here with Rufus Shinra." Yuffie's mouth was starting to hang open again.

"He's going to come here?" The horror in her voice was evident. The thought of having him, in her homeland, pretending the two of them were best buddies was enough to make her skin crawl.

"Yuffie…" Godo sighed. All the years of having Yuffie as a daughter had tired him considerably. He understood her feelings better than anyone, but she was going to need to learn to keep her emotions in check if this was going to be a success. Personally feelings could no longer come into it, Shinra held power, that fact was inescapable, but now they had come to Wutai's door, asking for their help and Shinra wasn't stupid. If they wanted something from them, he was sure they understood they would need to offer something in return. It would now be his daughter's job to see this through and complete the trade.

Her shoulder's tensed a little, before slumping down. She knew there was no getting out of this. For as utterly unprepared and inexperienced as she was in the kind of social complexities she was about to partake in, she was equally at determined. If she was truly to be a leader, she would have to get over her own misgivings and push forward with a confidence that she didn't have right now.

"I understand, Father. I will do my duty to you and to Wutai."

Back to the following morning…

She had left her father with a head full of plans and a tummy full of nerves. Maybe it was that strange mixture which had caused that funny pang which had led her here. She would have to go and pack soon, what did you even take on a diplomatic mission? Not giant shuriken, surely. As she breathed in the crisp morning air a resigned smile spread across her lips. At least she would get to eat lots of fancy food.

***Flashback end***

She let her head rock back and rest against the seat. Back when she was younger she would boost about how she wanted to fight Shinra, and use her own strength and determination to force The President to yield. But she couldn't start a war. Her father had been right about that. Power was a complex thing. Maybe too complex for her to understand right now. Sacrificing a little of her pride may be the least of her worries.

She was tired from the endless journey and the train was too quiet to stop her eyes from becoming heavy and an uneasy slumber crept over her like a blanket.

Several hours later, the brown eyed Princess found herself standing outside Seventh Heaven with a smile. However much she had complained or teased the busty marital artist in the past, Tifa was a friend and it had been too long since they had last seen one another. Even so, she hesitated slightly before entering. Her eyes scanned the surrounding town. It was more put together than the last time she'd been here. Less ramshackle and more shabby chic. Her belongings were being sent directly to the accommodation Shinra had organised for her visit. She had tried, but failed, to stay somewhere of her own choosing, but the decision was apparently final. That being said, she wasn't about to come all this way and not even see her friend, especially since she was under the impression she was in for a very busy three weeks and the chance may not present itself again. Yuffie turned back and opened the door.

The bar was warm and inviting compared to the stark streets and she was not surprised to see the place was quite full. People here definitely needed an escape. Rebuilding a life from the scrapes left behind was difficult for everybody and although time did help, it didn't work miracles. A grown up looking Denzel was sitting in one of the booths, enthralled in a book with a tattered red leather cover. He didn't notice her pass, though Tifa, who stood behind the bar, gave a little gasp before beaming that perfectly warm smile with ease.

"Yuffie! What a surprise, you never said you were visiting." She made her way over and practically forced the young Princess into a hug before releasing her and holding her at arm's length; taking her in.

"Well you've sure grown up haven't you?"

It was true, Yuffie had changed, more so in the past few years than during the time she had spent with the gang. It wasn't her appearance that had really altered, but rather there was something in the way she held herself, the way she smiled and the way she spoke.

"Hey Tif."

Yuffie gave a light giggle as she pulled away from the bartender's grasp and gestured towards the teenager in the booth.

"How's the little pest treating you?"

Denzel, who had been so consumed in his book, finally seemed to take notice of the scene unfolding before him. He jumped to his feet, his hands firmly placed on his hips. It was a gesture so close to Yuffie's own favourite stance that she couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey, I'm not a pest!" He said, whilst Yuffie stuck out her tongue before allowing a playful smirk to cross her lips.

"But you are little."

The young boy huffed before slumping back down into the booth as the young woman chuckled. Tifa simply rolled her eyes and sighed.

"So what's up? I'm assuming you haven't come all this way just to tease Denzel hm?"

Yuffie's giggles died down, the smile fading from her lips.

"What's wrong?" Her friend's brow lowered with concern.

"Can we go upstairs?"

Her eyes scanned to living room come kitchen she was presently sat in. Tifa had done a good job in creating such a nice space, apart from being clean and in good repair, it had a homely feel, the kind that automatically made any guests feel at ease. The older woman had her back to her, busily making two mugs of tea, and chattering away at a slightly to fast pace.

"I'm afraid it's only me and Denzel in at the moment. Vincent hasn't been in for a while.."

The young Princess nodded. She'd figured he wouldn't be around, and maybe that was a good thing. The less she had to deal with the better; that man was always a handful.

"Where's the Chocobo head?" She asked, hoping that the idiot hadn't disappeared again like Vincent. Luckily her friend didn't seem distressed by the question.

"He comes and goes as always, but he tries his best to keep in better contact and if I need him, he'll always come home."

Good, it's about time he took notice of what was right in front of him.

"And Marlene?"

"She's with her father now, he found a good place to settle and build a more stable home. I think Denzel misses her more than he lets on, but I'm sure he'll get to visit during the holidays. Shelke went with them. I know there's quite an age gap but those two have gotten pretty close, and I think she's enjoying the role of big sister."

"Sounds like everything is finally settling into place for everyone huh?"

"Well, what about you? Your upcoming ceremony has been all over the news! You'll be Leader of Wutai soon, you must be pretty excited."

"Yeah." Yuffie answered half-heartedly, her eyes tired. "Sorry, there's just… it's just a lot of responsibility."

Tifa couldn't believe it. She had always assumed the little ninja would remain hyper and infuriating forever but that was just the way she liked it because underneath it she was determined, passionate and always ready for a challenge. Yet the young woman before her was a shadow, only half there and the more they talked the more Tifa couldn't shake the uneasy feeling surrounding her friend.

"Yuffie…What are you really doing here? In Edge I mean?"

"There's some business I have with Shinra."

"What kind of business?"

"Wutai business…" The older woman tensed slightly, her face edging with concern.

"Do you think that's wise? Shinra and Wutai aren't really… well, you're not exactly on friendly terms are you?"

Yuffie smiled wryly, "That's kind of the point."

They had continued their conversation for about an hour and the young Rose had told Tifa just enough to keep her happy. Her visit wasn't meant to be some secret, so she didn't see the harm in telling her, but her instinct had been to withhold the full truth behind the visit. She had left her friend with a hug and a promise to visit again when she could. The promise didn't extent to giving any time frame on that visit though and Yuffie was sure that she wouldn't get the opportunity to lean on her friend for support in this endeavor. Why should she put this on her anyway? She knew that having friends was no weakness, nor was sometimes needing help, but she would have to learn to stand on her own and not rely on them every time things felt beyond her. As she turned the corner, her footsteps slowed.

The new Shinra Headquarters looked just as daunting as the old ones, towering over every other building and shining like the smoke couldn't touch it; an invulnerable strong hold in a fragile city. The people of Edge however didn't seem concerned by its presence. After Meteor fall, Shinra had accepted responsibly and had sincerely put all their efforts into helping the planet recover from the calamity that shattered it. Or at least that's the show they presented. Yuffie didn't trust any of it, though trust of something than had burned her was never going to come easily.

She had heard from Cloud that the President had jumped off a building in an attempt to stop Kadaj and destroy Jenova's head. It all seemed very heroic. And unbelievable. That man was a menace to everything and the thought of the power he had over her was sickening. The entrance was quiet. For such a large company she'd expected it to be more hectic, with employees rushing through, but the only other person there besides her was behind the front desk. He couldn't possibly have been an employee at Shinra before Meteor fall - he was too young, perhaps only eighteen - with short, dark hair and gold-rimmed glasses. He gave her the floor number she required and a pass key. She had been told an appointment had been made and a meeting arranged way before her agreement had even taken place. She had never really had a choice in the matter.

As the lift pinged open on the seventieth floor she was brought face to face with a familiar red-headed figure with an all too mocking smirk plastered all over his face.

"Oh look, it's the little ninja twerp!"

She had decided in the short time frame that they'd spent in the general vicinity of each other that they were never going to get along in the same space for more than a few seconds. And even that was pushing it.

"I'm not a twerp, you stupid ass!" She spat, annoyance boiling up inside her as she shoved her way past him. She had hoped that he would continue on his way into the lift and leave her be, but the Turk was never that smart. He jogged after her, falling into stride to her left and leaned a little too close inside her personal bubble.

"I hear you're going to be our own personal mascot for the next few weeks. You sure you can handle that temper of yours for that long?"

She ignored him. It was clear what he was trying to do and she refused to give in, though if anyone could get under her skin, this Turk was a prime candidate. There was something about him. Part of her worried it was because he reminded of her of some of her own personality quirks but she was sure she'd never been this annoying. Right?

As they continued down the corridor he took a moment to actually study her. 'Little ninja twerp' may have indeed been an incorrect label for the woman in front of him. She was still fairly petite, but her figure had become more mature. He let his eyes slide down over her chest. She was never going to have a form like Lockhart's but her curves had become more defined and her hips seemed to swing in a way they hadn't before. Her hair was longer, brushing just barely past her shoulders making her appear even more feminine. Her face still had that little nose and bright, big eyes but somehow he could sense the faint change in her. Was she wearing make up too? That was unusual. He let his eyes wander over her lips and he couldn't help but think they looked liked they'd be enticingly soft. He could tell she didn't realise how disarming she could really be.

How dangerous you've become little lady.

"It's not nice to ignore people Miss. White Rose." He was smirking at her now.

"Can you just bugger off, Turkey." She was clearly in no mood to tangle with him, but he couldn't help himself. He laughed, shoulders shaking along with his mirth. When he stopped he lent closer, his head far to close to hers. His voice was low, but intentional.

"Now, that's no way for a young lady to speak."

"It's the only way I'm ever going to speak to you." He clutched at his chest, mockingly.

"So harsh…" He jumped in front of her, blocking the corridor through which she needed to pass.

"Come on little Rose, admit it, you really came here just to see me right?" He grinned, not a light-hearted, jokey grin, but more the kind you'd find on a snake and she wanted to get as far away from him as possible.

"You're dreaming." She took a step forward, keeping her eyes focused on him, unwavering. "Now move your skinny butt before I move it for you."

Reno held her gaze, the smile not leaving his lips. Slowly and with far too much intensity emanating from him, he stepped to the side, leaving just enough room for her to squeeze by and continue her journey. He continued to watch her with an unreadable expression until she turned the corner, before he ran a hand through his hair and made his way back to the elevator.

"What?!" Yuffie's eyes flashed red as she stood in front of the President's secretary. The poor woman was clearly trying her best and not a stranger to dealing with angry people, but she was still uncomfortable under the petite woman's wrathful presence.

"I'm sorry Miss Kisaragi, but the President is out at the moment, he was called away and I'm not sure when he'll be arriving back-"

"You've got to be kidding me! This is bull!" All the self-control she'd used on the Turk had drained her supplies and her anger bubbled over, filling the room with her voice.

"Miss Kisaragi, please, if you would just calm down we can see when the next available-"

"Listen here, I have come a long way! I was invited here, is this how you treat your guests? Now you call him right this instant and-"

She froze. The door to the room she had been ranting in just a moment before was now lying wide open.

Rufus's frame leant against the crutch he held in his left hand. His silver-blonde hair was falling in front of his face and shielding his eyes, though they never strayed towards her. Yuffie stood deathly still, barely taking notice as to whether she was breathing. All that anger had fled from the room and locked itself back inside her shell. She didn't know what to do. Had he heard her? Had she exposed herself before they'd even started? Was she already just a child playing at an adult's game to him?

Yuffie's fears raced around her brain like a hurricane, roaring with such ferocity that she hadn't noticed the President pass her until he arrived at the entrance to his office. He now stood in the doorway, resting against the frame, with his ice blue gaze set firmly upon the silent White Rose.

"I apologise for the wait Miss Kisaragi, I was called away. If you can join me now, we can commence with the meeting."

The Princess turned to face him, bringing her eyes to lock with his. She could read nothing from him. If he was judging her, he certainly wasn't going to let her know just yet. She tried her best to shake off the feeling of dread that had taken hold and took a deep breath as she slowly and steadily followed him into his office.