Chapter 3: I'm the problem? You're the problem!
Yuffie plopped herself down in the middle of the back seat of Clouds car. "Yo, Vincent." Yuffie said as she held her moms book to him. "My mom thinks you wrote this, that true?"
"It is." He nodded and gently took the book from her. He spun a pen in-between his fingers and opened the book and began to write in it.
Aerith, who was at Yuffies right said. "Pretty cool huh? We know a famous writer."
"Yeah." Cloud said. "And he still hangs out with us lowly peasants."
"How else would you know what greatness is?" Vincent responded, then asked. "Your mothers name, Yuffie."
"Kasumi." She answered.
He handed her the book back and she thanked him. She opened it.
'To Kasumi Kisaragi. Thank you for the purchase of my book. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I would also like to thank you for letting Yuffie join us, she has been a blessing and good friend.'
She remembered how her mom thought Vincent had a crush on her, just because he read her story…this would probably reignite that. "Thank you, mom will like this." Yuffie told him.
Vincent smiled slightly. "You are welcome."
"Yuffie, you ever been to the ice house?" Tifa asked.
"Yeah, we used to go all the time when I was little."
"They have the best ice cream!" Aerith beamed. "And fresh fruit! And you can buy just the fruit!" She was hugging herself by this point.
"Does, um, does she always get this excited for the ice house?" Yuffie asked wryly.
"I'm afraid so." Tifa said.
They pulled to a stop in front of the old wooden building called the ice house. It had a nice sized open sitting area that was covered by a roof with fans. That roof was perfect during summer, letting you enjoy the outside without dealing with the sun. By the front door there was a big window with old fashioned writing on the window that read 'The Ice House'. By the door was a small chalk board with the special written on it and the deal of the day.
They entered and were met by the cool air inside the shop. The inside of the shop was packed out, Yuffie wasn't sure there would be enough seats for them to sit at.
"Check it out Cloud" Aerith started "Over in the corner."
"Oh no." Cloud groaned from the depths of his soul.
Yuffie looked around and noticed what Aerith was talking about. A large group crammed at the table in the far corner of the shop, all with silver hair.
Except for the father, he was bald. Unless his goatee counted.
"Oh ho!" Yuffie exclaimed. "It's your true love."
Cloud mumbled as he rubbed his arm. "Maybe they won't notice us."
"Loz will notice." Vincent said "Loz always notices."
Yuffie couldn't tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but either way she was looking forward to seeing Seven flirt with Cloud.
Sure enough as they made their way to the counter to order, the biggest one at the table, Loz she assumed, hollered out a 'Hey!' and waved at them.
Yuffie held back her laughter as she saw Seven grin from ear to ear and wiggled in her seat as she sweetly waved while saying. "Hi Cloud!"
Cloud had more or less waved at the table and said "Sup Loz." Ignoring the poor girl.
Vincent said in a low voice. "I think he's crying again."
"Does he ever stop?" Cloud asked
"Stop making fun of him." Aerith protested "He's just a sensitive soul."
"We're not making fun of him." Cloud defended. "Just pointing out facts."
"Hey Tifa" Yuffie whispered "It looks like the only open table is near them, you gonna be ok with Cloud so close to Seven."
Tifa stuck her tongue out at her. "Nope!" She crossed her arms. She then spoke in a subdued tone "Wait, I meant yeah, it'll be fine…I thought you were going to crack a joke."
Yuffie grinned. "My wit got you that on edge?"
Tifa bumped her with her hip. "Hush." She said playfully.
Cloud cooly propped his arm on the counter and said to the pretty blonde girl. "Elaina."
"Cloud." She smiled. "What can I get ya?"
"Vanilla cup and give me some of them special reserve sprinkles."
Elaina looked at him and blinked, still smiling. "Cloud, we only carry one brand of sprinkle."
He stared blankly at her.
"You do still want them, right?"
He nodded while blankly staring.
Elaina leaned in and asked in a low voice. "You still want me to do the thing?"
"Yes." Cloud whipped out a couple gil and slipped them into the breast pocket on her apron.
"You're a little light there Cloud."
He handed her a couple more gil and she tapped away on the cash register and put the gil he slipped her into the trays.
One by one they gave her their order. Aerith ordered strawberry ice cream with chopped cherries. Vincent got rocky road and Tifa ordered cookies and cream.
When Yuffie slid up to the counter Elaina said "Hey, you're that girl that walked into our class, right?"
Yuffie smiled wryly. "Yeah…How'd you know?"
"I asked Cloud that day and Yuna also mentioned you the next day."
"Ah, I see."
Yuffie was about to say her order when Elaina said. "You're pretty popular with the juniors, y'know."
"Really?" Yuffie doubted that.
"Hey, hey." Cloud said "Enough with the chit chat, make with the ice cream."
Elaina put her arms on her hips and stared Cloud down.
Cloud lowered his head in defeat and said "Yes ma'am, I'm sorry."
"Good boy." She smiled. "Now what can I get you Yuffie."
"Cookie dough and what's 'the thing'?"
Elaina grinned "Instead of putting gummie bears on top, I mix them into the ice cream."
Yuffie slid her gil across the counter. "I want worms."
After they got their ice cream Cloud tried to shuffle them to the outside sitting area but was ushered over by Loz. He insisted they sit at the table near them. Tifa dragged Cloud by the arm and they all sat down at the table. They exchanged causal greetings, all the while Seven stared at Cloud, waiting for her moment to strike.
"Hi, Yuffie." Kadaj said…shyly?
She looked over at him sitting at the outside end of the table. His brother,…What was his name?, she had yet to speak to him, was beside him with his arm wrapped around his shoulders. Now that she was looking, Sephiroth had his legs propped up on Mr. unknowns legs.
"Hi girly boy." She sneered.
Kadaj was about to say something but was silenced by his brother's hand over his mouth. It looked like he whispered 'leave it.'
Aerith scrounged up her face in disappointment.
"Yuffie!" Tifa rebuked
"Yuffie" Cloud started "I've been to their house, you're making me look bad."
Yuffie wasn't sure why but hearing Cloud say that hurt. She felt as if she had truly let him down in that moment. "Right, sorry." She said and sat down and began to sadly eat her ice cream. She felt Tifa rub her back to try and reassure her.
Aerith and Vincent turned their chairs so they would be partially facing Loz's family.
Their father, who looked rather old and worn, noticed Yuffie and said. "I don't recognize you. Bold to bother my son in front of me." His voice sounded like a gravel truck speeding down a dirt road. "What's your name?"
"Yuffie Kisaragi." She said. She was a little intimidated by him.
Their mother, who looked younger and better preserved, patted his shoulder. "Xe, dear. That's Godo and Kasumi's daughter, she's in Kadaj's grade."
'Xe' took a sip of his float, then nodded. "Ah, yes. I remember now. The Wutai girl that made fun of Kadaj. Seems to be a past time of yours." He said with a certain sternness.
Yuffie looked down to avoid his gaze. Normally she didn't care what she said to or about people but this time, it bothered her. It was the same feeling as when she got caught shoplifting and disappointed her parents. Now she had disappointed Cloud, the others were probably mad at her as well. She wanted to curl up into a ball and retreat into a dark spot, void of this awkwardness and discomfort.
"Now, now. I doubt she meant to be rude." The mother gently said.
Loz added "If Clouds cool with her then I'm sure she's cool." He smiled "Probably just nervous with all of us here."
The mother then turned to Yuffie "I'm Genova and this is my husband, Xehanort."
"Nice to meet you." Yuffie polity said before blurting out "You look good for having had six kids." She said it in the hopes of making up for earlier.
Genova began to laugh and a smile formed on her lips.
Tifa smirked and gently shook her "Girl, come on. You just met."
"Thank you, Yuffie." Genova told her.
'Well, looks like I made amends.' Yuffie thought. But she was still unsure if the others were mad at her still. She didn't know why it bothered her so much, but she was. It remined her of when she was younger and disappointed her parents by shoplifting. That same awful stomach-churning feeling that ate away at her then, was edging its way back.
She was broken from her thought by a sliver haired girl.
"Hiiii Cloud." Seven said as breathily as she could and twirled her finger around her hair. Seven was batting her eyes waiting for Cloud to respond as she looked intently at him.
Cloud just stared until Tifa nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. "Hello Seven." He said slightly more enthusiastic than a child being forced to speak.
The girl melted in her seat. It was as if she had received a gift from God. Yuffie could feel the girls elation, no doubt it threatened to push her family out of their seats, so strong were her feelings.
Seven Smiled broadly and giggled as her sister rolled her eyes. Seven then spoke. "Cloud how come you haven't come to visit?" her voice was littered with disappointment.
It became clear to Yuffie as she watch the exchange, that Sevens family knew about her crush on Cloud. All of them had Smirks or were giggling. Except their father, he did not seem enthused about his daughter being interested in an older boy. More accurate to say he probably didn't think she was old enough to think about boys.
Loz joined in, to Sevens dismay. She cut him a nasty look as he spoke to Cloud. "Yeah. I never see you anymore." Ok, maybe Loz wasn't in on it.
"Been busy." Cloud said.
Loz continued "I remember when Angeal and Genesis would bring you and Zack over. We'd all wrestle." His voice choked up a little and he wiped his eyes.
The other sister said "Crybaby!" and pointed at him.
"I am not crying, Sice!" Loz said.
One of the most genuine grins Yuffie had seen crept across Cloud's face. "Yeah. I remember. I was what, the girls age?"
"I remember he threw me through my window. A single pane window." Sephiroth said with crossed arms.
"The pain was not singular." Cloud said.
"Why, must you bring that up?" Genova said with a shiver. "I was terrified, the both of you covered in blood and all cut up."
"And still trying to kill each other." The brother beside Kadaj said in a smooth voice. The more Yuffie heard about younger Cloud, the more she was intrigued and terrified.
Seven, staring at Cloud and eager to speak to cloud again, sighed in adoration. "Cloud, you have such a beautiful smile."
"He does, doesn't he" Aeirth agreed.
"Yeah." Seven dreamily.
Genova, seemed relieved that the conversation was moving away from being tossed through windows.
"Teach me your ways Cloud." The smooth voice said. "You've got all the ladies and Seven after you."
"Hey!" Seven turned and protested. "I'm a lady!" She turned back to Cloud and said, "I have the figure of a lady too."
Her father quickly said "You're not allowed to have a figure."
"Nah Yazoo, looks like you got Kadaj to keep you company." Cloud said.
"And he's all I need." Yazoo said as he wrapped his other arm around Kadaj and rubbed his cheek against his."
"Stop it!" Kadaj yelped "Mom! Dad! Make him stop!" he pleaded.
"That's enough boys." Their father said "Its about time we got going."
One by one they said bye, Kadaj ignored Yuffie, even Sice had waved slightly on her way out. Seven, who was last to get up, Asked "When's your birthday Cloud? Can I throw you a party?"
"Its come and gone." Cloud said simply.
"Oh." Her little heart broken by not being able to celebrate his birthday. She beamed as an idea came to her "Eat Christmas dinner with us!"
Before Cloud could say anything Sice grabbed her and dragged her away saying. "OMG! Stop crushing on him, he is so old."
"But he's so hot! And he is so awesome and nice!" Before she was pulled out the door she yelled. "BYE BYE Cloud!"
Cloud breathed a sigh of relief. "Dang, that girl is annoying." A look of 'hold up a minute' came on to his face. "The heck does Sice mean 'old'. I'm 17."
"Ancient to a 13 year old." Aerith snickered "You know, she is in 8th grade, which means next year she'll start high school."
Cloud pondered this. "It's settled. I have to change schools."
"Look at it this way." Tifa said "At least she isn't saying 'I love you' or anything like that." Tifa put her arm around Cloud "Now, the stuff she writes in her dairy and scribbles in her notebooks, that's a different animal."
Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and Yuffie didn't want to ruin that but she needed to know. "Are all of you mad at me? You know, because of what I said to Kadaj." Her heart began to race in anticipation of their answers.
Aerith shook her head. "No, it was just a little rude."
Cloud answered. "Nobody here is mad at you. Disappointed? Maybe." He looked at her with a genuine and thoughtful look. "My mouth has gotten me into more trouble than I can count, still does, take it from me and just don't be so word hasty."
Tifa poked his cheek. "Far, far too much trouble, and lets not forget that temper of yours."
"Yeah, yeah." Cloud said.
"You're a friend." Vincent said "We wont get mad, we'll set you straight though."
Yuffie smiled and held back tears. "Thanks guys, I'm sorry." The feeling from earlier seemed to start lifting. She squirmed in her seat. "I just don't like Kadaj."
"Why?" Tifa asked "He's sweet."
Yuffie thought about, looking back through all her memories of him, the only negative one being when they got into that spat the other day. "I…Don't know, I just don't."
"Not much of a reason." Aerith said.
"I just don't. He whines a lot." She said in an attempt to not seem petty.
"Well, I think you should give him a shot." Tifa said "Besides, I think he likes you."
"Huh?!" Yuffie exclaimed in utter disbelief, sure the thought had crossed her mind but to hear it vocalized, was just so wrong. "Blegh! No way!"
They all laughed at Yuffie's disgust before Cloud stood and said. "Come on, lets head home." He gave one last look at Yuffie and added "You should apologize to the boy."
Yuffie scowled. "I'll consider it." She didn't want to.
The corner of Clouds mouth turned up gently. "Be sure to."
'I'll consider it.' Yuffie thought to herself.
"Now" Miss James started "I want all of you to have an epic ready in the next couple of weeks."
Yuffie groaned to herself. It had been nonstop poetry for a month. She liked poetry but come on, switch it up.
"Like Beowulf?" Cloud said.
Miss James looked slightly surprised. "Yes, though it doesn't have to be that long, I'm surprised you know Beowulf."
Cloud had a despondent look on his face. "9th grade lit. Took it in '03."
Miss James shot back. "I thought you spent most of 9th grade suspended from school."
He causally corrected her "Just two weeks." Then held up his hands apologetically "Sorry, earlier I meant 2003 not 1903 like you."
An angered look grew across her face. "I graduated college in 1997. Something I doubt you could do." She said with gritted teeth.
"That so?" Cloud questioned. "Yeah, I don't think I can graduate in 1997."
"Shut it Cloud." Tifa said from behind him to stop him from making things worse.
Miss James said loudly under her breath. "Prime example of being failed by your parents."
Yuffie couldn't see Cloud's face or the rage filled expression on it, but she could see his fist; white knuckled as his finger nails dug into his palm, forearm shaking. Tifa rubbed his back and whispered something to him. He didn't immediately release his grip but over time his fist began to uncurl as Miss James continued.
"Anyways, yes in the same vein as Beowulf and Gilgamesh. However 100-300 verses shall suffice." She allowed the class to talk among themselves so long as it was about their epics. Yuffie strutted her way to her friends.
"You o.k, Cloud?" she asked him.
"Just peachy." He said, a mild trace of anger left on his voice.
"That's good." She said as she sat in Tifa's lap. There was so must that she wanted to ask about Cloud, he was a very nice guy but, the more she heard about him and the more she heard him mouth off, the more it worried her. It was becoming clearer that he had a…questionable past. However, now wasn't the time. "So…any ideas?" she casually asked.
"I think I'll do a love story." Aerith said from her spot on the floor.
"You always do a love story." Tifa said
Aeirth shyly diverted her eyes to the ground then beamed. "They're just so fun to write!"
"I think I'll channel my inner Poe." Vincent added.
"I hope it leaves me to ponder weak and weary." Yuffie chided.
Tifa then said. "I can't wait to read it on a midnight dreary."
"Ha. Ha." Vincent responded flatly.
"I think I'll write a revenge epic." Cloud said.
"No." Tifa sternly said "That could be used as evidence."
Cloud sighed heavily "Whatever." He then tapped Yuffies arm. "What are you going to write about?"
"Y'know I'm not sure." She tapped her chin. "I was hoping to borrow some ideas from all of you."
Aerith giggled and was met by Miss James saying "That doesn't sound like talk about an epic."
"Sorry" Aerith said "We are discussing our idea's, honest. I just thought Yuffie's was silly."
Miss James stared at her "I'm so sure, just make sure to stay on topic."
Cloud, despite what he had warned Yuffie against doing at the ice cream shop, opened his mouth. "I don't care if you don't believe anything I say, but you will not call Aerith a liar."
"Cloud, don't." Tifa pleaded as Yuffie got out of her lap and sat on the floor by Aeirth.
"Cloud, It's fine really." Aerith said to him.
"I didn't call her a liar."
"You implied it." Cloud said coldly.
Miss James opened and closed her mouth then said. "How about I 'imply' you go to the principal's office."
Cloud was about to retort when Tifa stood and said. "Miss James! You are being very antagonistic towards cloud! Yes, he can run his mouth, but at least he isn't a teacher acting like a pissed off teenager!"
Tifa and Miss James stared at each other. The tension building to tangible levels as neither were willing to yield.
"Miss Lockhart" She said with gritted teeth "You will mind yourself in my class. I've only heard good things about you, let's not taint that."
Yuffie was shocked. She didn't expect Tifa to have a side like this.
"I've heard somethings about you." Tifa said calmly. "None good."
The ringing of the bell broke the stand off.
Cloud wasted no time in storming out of the class with Tifa chasing after him.
Aerith sighed as she gathered her things. "I guess this class wont be the fun we thought it would be."
Yuffie followed Aerith and Vincent out of the classroom. "Well its not like its Cloud or Tifa's fault."
"They share the blame." Vincent said. "She should act her age."
"Cloud had been doing so well to." Aerith said "But he's not the type to let things slide easily."
"But, he took up for you." Yuffie told her.
Aerith shook her head, her ringlets bouncing around. "Only partly, he mostly wanted to fight." Aerith sounded forlorn and defeated as she told Yuffie. "Sometimes, I forget. Then I'm reminded and it breaks my heart."
"What does?" Yuffie asked.
Vincent put a hand on Yuffies shoulder. "Another time Yuffie. Here isn't the place."
She nodded despite wanting to urge them for an answer. She watched Vincent put his arm around Aerith and walked her to class. For the first time since the first week of school, Yuffie walked to her second block class alone.
She never felt more alone.
She didn't pay attention during her class, her mind occupied with the events of earlier. When the bell rang she was ready to see her friends and cheer Cloud up, but she didn't see him. She saw Yuna and Elaina and went to speak to them.
"Oh!" Yuna said "Cloud didn't come to class." She looked concerned "Is he ok?"
Elaina echoed "He seemed fine last night, You have first block with him right? He's probably ditching school." They all scooted to the wall to avoid the crowd.
"He..." She hesitated. They are his friends right? They should know what went down. "The teacher was a jerk to him and he…kinda went off on her. Tifa did too."
"Dang." Elaina said. "I thought he quit doing stuff like that."
"Yeah." Yuna said "I haven't heard about him getting into trouble since last year."
Yufffie spoke up. "It wasn't his fault; the teacher was pushing him."
"Who do you have in the morning again?" Yuna asked as they got off the wall. The crowd had lessened to just a few wondering students.
"Miss James." Yuffie answered.
"OOOOHHHHH." Elaina said as she held up a finger. "Hoe Ellen. It all makes sense now." She nodded repeatedly.
The bell rang.
"Ahh! Shoot!" Yuna gasped, "Later Yuffie! Nabat is gonna kill us."
Elaina winked and patted her shoulder "We'll talk later babe. I'll fill you in on Hoe Ellen then."
"O-o.k" Yuffie waved.
She made her way to the table and was greeted by Aeirth and Vincent. Cloud and Tifa weren't there.
"Any word on Cloud and Tifa?" Yuffie asked as she began to unpack her lunch.
"They both went home." Aerith said "They checked themselves out. We'll have to wait and see if they get in trouble."
"Properly for the best." Vincent said. "He needs to cool off."
"Yeah. I never thought I'd see him and Tifa that mad." Yuffie said.
"What do you think made him throw me out a window." A deep and seductive voice said. It's owner sat down by Yuffie.
"Hey Sephiroth." She said causally.
He smirked. "You really are an honorary junior."
"Eh?" Elaina did say she was popular with the juniors; guess it was true. Though, she couldn't figure out why.
"Why do we have to eat over here." The familiar whiney voice of Kadaj said.
"Because, they look lonely." Yazoo answered him.
Yazoo took a seat by Yuffie, hemming her in-between the two brothers, while Kadaj sat by Vincent. Kadaj did his best to not look towards Yuffie, when she caught his glance he swiftly turned his head away, scowling.
Sephiroth spoke. "I heard Cloud and Hoe Ellen about went to war."
"That is a terrible thing to call her." Aerith protested.
"Truth hurts." Yazoo shrugged. "Ain't that right big swolle?"
"Got that right." Vincent agreed.
There is a story to this 'big swolle' thing, Yuffie was sure of that, however she was a little afraid to ask.
Aerith sighed. "You boys are hopeless." She looked at Sephiroth "I suppose you want the scuttlebutt?"
Sephiroth exaggerated. "I'm shocked you would think that." He leaned in on his elbows and said "But yes, I'm curious as to what went down and were those two are."
Aerith crossed her arms "I don't partake in spreading gossip."
"Bull." He said with a smirk. "The gossip queen of the class of '07, not talking gossip?" He cut the slice of cake on his tray. "It's alright, I understand. It is about your friends after all."
"Thank you. They went home." Aerith said, she then hid her mouth with her hand and giggled. "By the way, I only listen to the gossip, I don't spread it."
Yuffie snickered. "I'm so sure." She then clapped her hands together. "Vincent, mom said said thank you. Well, o.k she squealed like a schoolgirl."
The faintest hint of smile crept on his lips. "Tell her I said your welcome."
"Your mom a fan of his?" Yazoo asked.
"Yeah, well I know she has read at least one of his books anyway."
He looked like he was about to say more when the bell rang.
"Well then, see you two in Hojo's class." Sephiroth said then reached over to Kadaj's tray and took his slice of cake.
"Hey!" he protested.
"Should have ate it if you wanted it."
Aerith said as she stood to leave. "Give the poor thing his cake back."
"No, I don't think I will." He then began to eat the cake and leave.
Aerith said to Kadaj. "I'll see about getting you a piece of cake, the lunch ladies like me."
"It's fine." He said and walked off.
Vincent gave a small wave as Aerith said "Later Yuffie and Yazoo."
"Later." They both said.
Yuffie noticed Yazoo was lingering as if he was waiting on her. She began to leave and felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Apologize to Kadaj." There was no malice or the like in his voice.
She turned to face him, she looked up at him and with a hand on her hip she said. "Excuse me?"
He slipped one hand in his pocket as the other held his tray. "You heard me, apologize to Kadaj. It would mean a lot to him." He stared at her waiting for her to speak.
Cloud asking was one thing, but this guy? "Why should I? Because he looks like a girl? All of you do."
Briefly, a look of annoyance swept across his face. "You're in his class, you should know." He sighed in defeat. "Let's go, I don't want you to be late."
"Yeah." Yuffie said and they both began to leave. What was it she should know?
Yazoo made small talk with her as they did, turns out his class was near hers.
"Dad doesn't like you." He said.
"I could kinda tell."
"Well, picking on Kadaj didn't help." He scratched the back of his head.
"I meant what I said about your mom though. She really does look good for having that many kids." She looked at him and asked "Do you know what that does to a woman?"
He smirked at her. "Don't guess I do."
The late bell rang.
Yazoo spoke. "Well so much for not being late."
Yuffie began to rummage in her backpack. "Here." She handed him one of her last two late slips. "Tuesti gave 'em to me."
Yazoo took the paper and said. "Man, not even two months into school and you've advance two grades."
She grinned "Yeah, the juniors like me for some reason."
Before they separated Yazoo said "You are a cool chick when you don't mouth off. Likable even." He turned his back to her and said "Don't forget Kadaj."
"…Right." She didn't want him to get the victory so she added. "Cloud told me to do the same."
"That so? Well, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Kay." She made her way to Mrs. Highwinds class. She was smirking, she wished she could see the look on his face as he handed his teacher the explosive diarrhea late slip. She wiped the grin from her face as she walked through the open doorway, Mrs. Highwind always kept her door open. Yuffie handed her the late slip as she was greeted.
"Oh my." She said "A test subject? You poor dear."
"Eh, it wasn't to bad." She said as she walked to her seat. As she walked down the row of desk, she noticed Eclaire Farron. Most called her Claire or Lightning. Yuffie paused for a second, she looked like a pink haired Seven!
"Yes?" Lightning asked. Yuffie had never known her to be a mean girl, despite looking annoyed all the time.
"Yuffie, you alright?" Miss Highwind asked. She must have been staring longer than she thought.
"No, I'm fine. I just never notice she looks like someone else."
"Who?" Lightning asked as Yuffie walked to her desk, Yuffie didn't think she should answer at the moment. As she sat in her seat behind Lightning, she heard her Sigh "I wanna know."
As class progressed Yuffie would steal glances at Kadaj. He was taking notes as per usual, she didn't particularly want to apologize. But, it was something she needed to do. She may not like Kadaj that much but he was nice to her and it would be awkward having some who now hates you sit next to you.
When the bell to end class rang Yuffie poked Kadaj's arm. He looked at her with contempt. "What?"
She breathed in then exhaled. "I'm sorry about picking on you."
She saw his eyes widen and his cheeks reddened slightly. He looked away then at her then down at his desk, his hair fell like a curtain hiding his face. "Th-thank you."
Yuffie smiled. It was cute, the way he acted. "Guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah." He said.
Yuffie was about to get up when Lightning turned around in her desk. "Hey. Who do I look like? It's been bothering me."
"Really?" Yuffie asked.
Lightning nodded her head.
Yuffie pointed at Kadaj. "His little sister, Seven."
Kadaj joined in at hearing his and his sisters name. "Uh. I guess she does a little."
"A little?" Yuffie said "You sure the twin aren't actually triplets?" She asked him.
"How could I be a lost triplet if I'm older?" Lightning asked.
Yuffie shrugged "I dunno."
They heard Mrs. Highwind "I'm glad you three are getting along but please don't be late for class."
"We won't." Yuffie said. "Well let's go."
After her forth and final class ended, Yuffie began to walk towards the parking lot.
"Hey! Yuffie!" She heard Elaina call out.
"Hey Elaina." She said as the older girl walked up beside her.
"O.k, so she called Hoe Ellen because" she continued from where she left off earlier that day. "When she was in school, she slept with every boy in her grade. Also her name is Jo Ellen"
"Oh, wow." Yuffie's mouth gaped. "So…she…y'know." Yuffie trailed off.
"Yep." Elaina said.
"Dang."
"I know right? Enough about that, tell me more about yourself. Cloud and his gang get you all to their self."
Yuffie giggled as they walked outside, she saw her mom waiting to pick her up. "Well my mom is right there, so we'll have to talk later. But if you don't mind, why do the juniors like me so much?"
Elania stopped and tapped her chin. "Well, for me, it 'cause Cloud and them hang with you so you must be cool. Turns out my woman's intuition was right."
Yuffie smiled and waved bye. "See you later."
Yuffie got in the car and her mom said. "Look at you and all these new friends. You are rather popular."
"Not really, the juniors just like me is all."
Her mom smiled then asked "Were are Cloud and the others? I usually see them walking this way."
Should she tell her mom that Cloud may be getting in trouble? She probably shouldn't, not until she found out if Cloud and Tifa were in trouble. "Well, I only have one class and lunch with them, so I'm not sure. They probably just got held up."
Later after dinner and homework Yuffie heard the phone ring.
"Yuffie!" Her mother called "It's Tifa."
"Be right there!" She called back. She eagerly rushed to the phone in the kitchen. She took it from her mom's outstretched hand. "Hey Tifa."
"Hey, Yuffie." Tifa said on the other end of the phone. "You got a minute?"
"Yeah. You and Cloud good?"
"Good as can be, we'll find out tomorrow though." There was a pause. "About today, I just want you to know what set Cloud off."
"Please tell me."
There was another pause, one long enough to make Yuffie ask "You still there Tifa?"
"Huh? Oh! Yeah." She said. "I was just wondering if I should tell you over the phone."
Yuffie leaned against the wall. "I'm not sure if I can go out tonight." Yuffie heard another voice on the other side of the line. It was a males, but she couldn't make out who's.
"It's fine. We'll talk over the phone, Cloud will want to talk to you later." Tifa then took a breath and said. "I'm sure you noticed, Cloud never mentions his father, right? That's because it's just him and his mom."
"That's awful, I don't guess I ever noticed. Some friend I am." Yuffie said sullenly.
"Don't say junk like that." Tifa reprimanded. "You're a great friend."
Yuffie scrunched up her toes "Sorry. So, when Miss James mentioned bad parenting."
"Yep, it was war. He loves his momma." Tifa stated.
"That makes sense, she really shouldn't talk to him like that. And because you love Cloud you went off like he did"
Tifa began to stutter. "Wh-what! I just, I didn't" Tifa cleared her throat. "She really shouldn't act like that. But I want you to know this, Cloud wants to be a good role model to you. He wants to set a good example, and he feels bad about how he acted."
"He's a great guy, so what if he messes up every now and again." Yuffie said sincerely.
"Thanks that means a lot." Clouds voice came across the line.
Yuffie shook her head. "Huh?! You were listening!"
Yuffie's dad call out. "Everything o.k in there?"
"Yeah, Cloud was just party lining on me and Tifa!" She called back.
"What?" Cloud said "I'm in the same room as Tifa."
Tifa's voice then cut through the phone. "He's hogging my bed!"
"Her parents let you do that?" Yuffie asked
"The door is open." Cloud said. "That's beside the point, I want to be serious for a second."
"Yeah."
"Like Tifa said, I want to be a good role model to you. My best friend, Zack, was one to me and I've noticed you tend to mouth off like I do. And if we are being honest, I don't want you to start getting into trouble like I did at your age."
"You don't have to worry about me." Yuffie reassured him. "Cloud. Can I ask you something."
"Shoot." He said.
"Well." She hesitated. "Well, I know you would mouth off and stuff but were you a bad kid? It's just the stories I've heard-"
He cut her off. "Yeah, I was. The worst of the worst." He paused then continued. "I beat people up, cussed out teachers, was just a pure hellion." She could tell he was holding back, leaving out the worst parts. "Then I met Zack, he helped me."
To her surprise, she wasn't bothered by hearing this. Maybe because she had already heard snippets or maybe because she knew how he was now and the old him just seemed so far removed. There was, however, one thing that nagged her, she couldn't stop her curiosity and asked. "Why did you act out?"
Cloud didn't answer.
"Cloud?"
"I'll see you tomorrow Yuffie." He said despondently.
Tifa came back over the line. "Yuffie." She could imagine Tifa biting her lip as she tried to answer. "Don't think he's mad at you or anything. Its just…he…You'll find out one day. O.k?"
"O.k." Yuffie then remembered. "Hey. Tell him I apologized to Kadaj, please."
Yuffie could feel Tifa smile through the phone. "I'll be sure to. Later."
"Later." She hung up. She continued to lean against the wall. 'What happened to him?'
After the snacks and drinks were sold the next morning Cloud said to Yuffie. "So tell me, did Kadaj jump with joy?"
"No. He blushed and looked away."
"Awe." Aerith gushed. "He has a crush on you."
"Blegh." Yuffie pretended to gag.
"Young love." Tifa said as she rested her cheek on the back of her clasped hands.
"Speaking of love." Yuffie started. "There is a girl in my class that looks just like Seven."
"Does she have a crush on me?" Cloud asked.
Yuffie shrugged. "I dunno, I don't really talk to my class. I'm more popular with your class."
"You should remedy that." Aerith said. "Not the being popular with our class part, the first part."
"The story is you're a junior that's been held back twice." Vincent said.
"Do people believe that!?" Yuffie squealed.
"The sophomores probably do." Cloud said. "Their not the smartest class."
"Great." Yuffie groaned. "Oh! I brought my camcorder! I think I'll start bringing it more and record stuff."
"Sweet." Cloud said.
"That will be nice to look back on." Aerith said.
"Yeah." Tifa agreed.
Now the fun part of the day began, Miss James class. As they walked in Miss James class she greeted Vincent, Yuffie and Aerith in an almost cheerful manner.
"Miss Lockhart." She said to Tifa with a forced smile.
"Miss James." Tifa said with a smile that screamed 'try me!'
She stared at Cloud before saying, with the same forced smile, "Mister Strife, given your propensity for poetry, I expect a quality epic."
Worry began to creep up Yuffies spine as she waited for Cloud to answer.
"It's a matter of being inspired. I'll need to search around for something to inspire me." He answered honestly.
Yuffie heard Tifa breathe a sigh of relief.
Cloud's honest dialog seemed to ease Miss James as well. It looked like Tifa and Cloud had avoided trouble.
'Lucky them' Yuffie thought.
"By the way, you two. If either of you speak to me like that again, its expulsion. Understand?" Miss James suddenly said.
'Nevermind.' Yuffie corrected her thoughts.
"Right." Cloud bluntly said.
"As you wish." Tifa curtsied. They took there seats and class proceeded relatively well, considering what transpired yesterday.
As Yuffie and Cloud walked toward their 2nd class Cloud asked. "Can I barrow that camcorder? I'll get you some pretty sweet footage."
"O.k, sure." She handed him the small shoulder pack she kept it in. "It has a fresh tape and two spares."
"That's what's great about hi-8 tapes, small and compact." He said as he took it out of the pack.
"Just like me." Yuffie said and held a peace sign at the camcorder Cloud now pointed towards her.
He grinned. "I'll see you at lunch."
Lunchtime rolled around and they all sat at their usual spot. While Yuffie waited she noticed Yazoo sit down at his table, he stared at her and mouthed 'I got a bone to pick with you."
She knew what it was about, she decided to play dumb. 'Moi?' She mouthed. Yazoo couldn't mouth anything back as his brothers sat down.
Aerith set her tray down and then scurried off to the brothers table, she sat something down in front of Kadaj. She then put a hand on her hip and waved her finger at both Sephiroth and Yazoo while saying something.
When Aerith sat back down Yuffie asked. "What was that about?"
"I had the lunch ladies give me some left-over cake from yesterday, I gave it to Kadaj."
"I see."
"I also warned his brothers not to steal his cake." She smiled sweetly.
"So that's why they're shaking."
Cloud sat down and put Yuffies camcorder on the table then asked. "Hey Tifa, Aerith. Both of you are a size four right?" Cloud asked while he looked at a magazine he pulled from his backpack and ate his chicken spaghetti.
Vincent grabbed the camcorder and began to play with it.
Aerith put her hand to her chin "Well I can fit in a two, but yes…if they made a size three in women's then I'd be a three."
"Yeah, I don't want the fabric to stretch, so four it is." Cloud said as he looked at his magazine.
"Excuse me!" Aerith exclaimed.
Cloud ignored her and ask Yuffie. "bout you? You look like a two."
Yuffie looked at Cloud quizzically and said "Yeah. I'm a two."
Tifa chimed in. "Why are you asking?"
"Well" Cloud said "I was thinking since most of my staff is made up of fine honeys…"
"Fine honey's? what is this the 70's?" Tifa asked. "Also who the heck you callin' staff."
"O.k, bodacious babes, whatever it don't matter. I was going to order these playboy bunny suits for you to wear to boost sales." He turned the catalogue towards the girls.
Tifa stood up and put her hands on her hips and yelled for the whole lunchroom to hear. "Cloud Stratosphere Strife!"
He put his hands up in defense. "That's not my middle name."
"No! it's were imma bout to send you!" She held out her hand "Magazine!"
"Yes ma'am." He said as he handed over the costume catalog.
Tifa took it and whacked him across the head. Tifa sat down and opened the catalog. "Oh! Theres some cute stuff in here. Yuffie you would look good in this sun dress." Her rage completely dissipated.
Yuffie looked at the dress Tifa was pointing at. "Oh! That is cute!" She then pointed at a chiffon skirt. "I like that skirt, too."
Aerith added. "Oh, that would look so good with a white blouse. Rolled up sleeves for a sophisticated look or micro sleeves for a girl on the town look."
"You're right." Tifa said. "I'm going to borrow this, o.k Cloud."
"That's fine, just make sure I get it back." He said as he rubbed his head.
Yazoo walked over put both hands on the table and staring down Yuffie he said "You."
"Yes." She smiled sweetly at him.
"Do you know who's class I'm in 3rd block?"
She shook her head.
"Noctis Lucius Caelum's Class."
Aerith sighed dreamily "I can't wait to be in his class, he is so handsome!"
Yazoo continued, "Do you know what he does with late slips?"
"Nope." Yuffie said.
"He reads them out loud." Yazoo sat down and buried his head in his arms.
Yuffie began to laugh, and the others tried and failed to hold theirs back. It would appear they remembered what was on one of the slips.
"It's not funny!" Yazoo said from his elbow. Head still buried he pointed at Yuffie. "Do you know who is in that class with me?"
"Dude." Yuffie started "I'm a freshman. You're the only senior I know."
Yazoo lifted his head. "Cindy Highwind." He sighed and shook his head. "I have been trying to date her for years."
"Maybe you should adjust your strategy." Yuffie said.
"It's not that simple." Yazoo looked Yuffie in the eyes and said. "Fries come with that shake, she is all that and a bag of chips, she is one fly honey." He laid his head on the table and continued. "When she's rocking that crop top yellow jacket, those shorts with the thigh highs and boots. Not to mention that hat, she rocks that hat."
He dropped his arms to his side and Cloud said. "Please keep your hands were I can see them."
Yazoo did as he was told. He then looked at Yuffie and motioned at Tifa. "Cindy is the Tifa of my grade."
"OOOOOHHHHH." Yuffie said then patted Yazoos head. "I totally understand, and I am sorry." Yuffie thought about it for a second. "Wait. I thought there could only be one total hottie per school every four years."
Tifa grimaced as Cloud chuckled.
Yazoo answered her. "Normally yes, but when the moon is at its highest and the stars align then there can be two. But then there is a four-year drought of total hotties to make up for it."
"I see." Yuffie said.
"Fascinating." Aerith said with genuine intrigue.
"Aerith, their not being serious." Tifa said. "…At least, I don't think they are."
The bell rang to end lunch.
"Well" Cloud said "I don't know about you but I think I'll ease drop on Yazoo's class."
"If I didn't sit next to Cindy, I'd ditch."
Vincent slid Yuffie her camcorder. "I got it all on tape."
Yuffie grinned ear to ear. "Oh my gosh, you are awesome."
Yuffie's third class began rather normally, with the new edition of Yuffie filming. Mrs. Highwind joyfully greeted the camcorder as she walk into class. Kadaj tried to act cool and failed, Even Lightning smiled at the camcorder shyly.
"Did Yazoo bother you and your friends at lunch?" Kadaj asked.
"Nah, he just melted down over Cindy. Vincent got it all on tape for me."
He chuckled. "You'll have to show me one day. He goes on and on about her."
Lightning suddenly bent backwards, her back popping loudly, and put the top of her head on Yuffies desk. Her pink hair falling wildly over the desk, looking at Yuffie upside down she asked. "Can I join the conversation?"
"Yeah, just straighten up, you look like your from the ring."
"O.k." She said then sat up and turned to speak, when suddenly the bell rang. "Nevermind."
Halfway through the class Yuffie noticed Tifa, Aerith and Elaina at the doorway. Aerith acted like she was holding up a camcorder. As she did Yuna and two other girls joined. One a goth looking silver haired girl and the other a dirty blonde with a myriad of small braids.
Taking the hint Yuffie began to discreetly record with her camcorder.
"Hi Mrs. Highwind." Tifa said.
Mrs. Highwind, who's back was to the door, turned and said "Tifa! Oh! Aerith and, well it looks like all my girls are here to visit!"
Aerith giggled. "We have to do some research in the computer lab for Hojo."
Elaina joined in. "And like always your door is open, so we thought we'd say hi."
Mrs. Highwind smiled broadly. "Well, I'm so glad you did."
Yuna then spoke. "Yeah, and Yuffie is in here and we wanted to say hi to her too."
The girls at the door chorused "Hi Yuffie."
"Hi." Yuffie said. Was this all Aerith wanted her to record?
"It's good to see you again, but I don't want you girls getting in trouble."
"We won't." Tifa said. "Bye." They walked on down the hall.
"I just love those girls!" Mrs. Highwind continued to smile. "They are so sweet."
She wasn't able to go back to the chalk board before Sephiroth was in the doorway.
"Kadaj!" Sephiroth looked troubled and frantic. "What's in the box! Kadaj! What's in the box!" He then went the same direction the girls went.
Everybody looks at Kadaj but before they could process what happened Reno appeared at the doorway. "Kadaj!" He ran his hands through his hair worriedly. "Man, Kadaj. What's in the box!" He too fled.
A big bald student with shades took his place. He removed his shades and begged. "What's in the box Kadaj!"
Fleeing like the rest, he was replaced by Cloud, who leaned against the doorway like a wounded man. "Kadaj! Man, Kadaj! What's in the box man!"
Vincent calmly walked to the doorway. He looked at Kadaj, who was in a state of utter and complete confusion. "Kadaj. What's in the box?"
Lastly, a boy Yuffie had never met but regonized as Rufus Shinra stepped to the doorway. He a girls cheerleading jacket draped over his shoulders. He began to make hand montions like a mafia boss. "Kadaj, You break my heart. Kadaj, what's in the box?"
He too walked away.
Silence and confusion filled the room.
"Kadaj dear" Mrs. Highwind said. "Maybe you should tell them what's in the box. They really want to know."
"I don't know what they're talking about! I Don't even own a box!" Kadaj pleaded.
"Well, If they keep it up let me know and I'll make them stop."
"O.k." Kadaj said.
Lightning Turned around to Yuffie and Kadaj after class ended and said "So, I was reading this manga called 'Confidential Confessions' it's wild. Like, there's so much adult stuff in it but the first story follows these two girls our age and one of them wants to commit suicide."
Yuffie held up a hand to stop her. "What the heck have you been reading?"
Lightning stared at her. "I just told you. Confidential Confessions."
"I don't think I'd like that very much." Kadaj voiced.
It then dawned on Yuffie. "Wait, why are you talking to me? You've never talked to me."
"That's because I thought you were mean, but I heard you apologize to Kadaj. It was sweet and I thought maybe you really aren't that mean, so I asked Cissnei what kind of stuff you like, since the two of you are or were friends and she told me you liked manga and stuff and.."
Yuffie held up her hand again. "Holy run on sentence batman. Girl, surely you can say it in less words, I never thought you could talk this much."
'Wait. She thought I was mean?' Yuffie thought to herself. "Why would you think I was mean?" She asked.
Lightning shrugged. "Well, yeah. Everybody does or did."
Everybody. Does that include Cissnei? But she gave Lightning info on her.
"Why?" She asked meekly.
Lightning began to play with Yuffies fingers. "Because you say mean things to people."
Yuffie scoffed. "That's because they say mean things first." Yuffie looked at Lighting interlacing their fingers. "Why are you playing with my fingers?"
"Because Kadaj would think I'm trying to hold his hand."
"No, I wouldn't." Kadaj said as he stood up. "We need to go to class."
Lightning then asked "Where did you get this nail polish?"
Yuffie stood, Lightning still had her finger locked with hers. Yuffie noticed that the other girl had her nails painted in stripes of red and pink, they were very nicely done.
"It's my mom's. I'd have to ask her, but it's called Midnight sky."
Lightning unlocked their fingers and said "Blue isn't really my color, but I think I'll try that one out. I mean I don't even have blue panties. I have blue jeans but they aren't really 'blue' they're like a sky blue."
Kadaj spoke up. "Nobody wants to hear what color underwear you have."
Lightning retorted as they began to leave. "You're a boy, that's all boys think about."
"You do know sky blue is a shade of blue, right?" Yuffie said.
"Yeah." She said "But its not a 'blue' blue."
She had never noticed before, most likely because it was always just her and Cissnei before, but Lightning was kind of…odd.
"Hey Yuffie!" Tifa said as the gang walked towards Yuffie, and together they walked towards the parking lot. "We meant to ask at lunch, but we were thinking about coming to your house this weekend. You free?"
Yuffie smiled. "Yeah, I am. I still have to ask mom and dad though."
"Sounds like a plan just let us know." Tifa said.
"Sure thing. Hey what was up with asking 'whats in the box'"
"Its from that scary movie, Seven."
"Its not scary." Vincent said.
"Yes it is." Aerith shivered, "I couldn't sleep that night."
"It's true." Tifa added. "She came to my house and slept with me."
"My parents were out of town, so I could get in the bed with them." Aerith said sheepishly.
"It's a crime drama, not a horror movie. It is pretty hardcore though." Cloud turned his attention back to Yuffie. "You have a ps2, right?" Cloud asked.
"Yeah." Yuffie said.
"Tekken?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.
"4, I don't have 5 yet."
Cloud smirked. "I got you fam."
Yuffie flashed her own smirk. "I'll have you know, I have a mean Xaiyou."
"We'll see." He said as they parted ways.
"How was school?" Her mom asked as she got in the car.
"Good. The junior boys, well some of them at least, played a prank on Kadaj."
"Oh? It wasn't a mean one was it?"
"Nope." Yuffie then explained what the boys did.
"They should be ashamed messing with that poor boy."
"It was in good fun. I record it, I'll have to show you."
Her mom chuckled. "If it really is harmless, I'll watch it."
"Alright. Hey Cloud and them want to come ov-"
"Whenever they want!" Her mom excitedly said. "What should I cook? Or should I get a pizza? How much do teenage boys eat?"
"I'm sure they'll be fine with whatever."
"Well, either way call them this afternoon and tell them Saturday."
"Will do."
It was Saturady finally. Yuffie had still yet to ask the girls about what to do with Cissnei, and despite her and Lightning talking more, she didn't think they were that close yet. She told herself it was because she was never with just the girls but in actuality, she was just avoiding the subject.
But none of that particularly mattered right now because soon everybody was going to hang at her house! Not only that, Vincent had a signed copy of his newest book ready to give to her mom! It wasn't even in stores yet!
She giggled to herself. "I know a famous writer, that's so cool." She slipped her ripped shorts on and replaced her sleep shirt with a fitted black and silver tee shirt. She though back to the night they all got ice cream. It made her smile. She really did like them…maybe one day Cissnei could be there too.
"Yuffie!" She was snapped from her revelry. "Your friends are here!"
"kay!" she responded.
She heard her mother telling them 'shoes off.' As she began to leave her room.
"It's so good to meet all of you!" Kasumi said to them as they took their shoes off at the door. "Well, I have spoke to Tifa a little, but it's good to see the rest of you up close."
"It's good to see meet you too!" Aerith said as she held out her hand. "I'm Aerith."
She shook it. "A pleasure." She pointed at Cloud. "Let me guess, Cloud, the ring leader."
Cloud smirked. "You nailed it."
"I don't recall making you leader." Tifa teased.
Kasumi Turned her attention to Vincent. "The famous Vincent Valentine, its so cool to have my favorite writer in my house!"
"I'm glad you like my work." Vincent said as he handed her a book. "For you, Yuffie said you liked this series."
She took the book and thanked him. "I didn't it was out yet."
"Its not." He said. "I got an early copy for you."
Kasumi smiled. "That's so sweet of you."
Yuffie hopped out of the hallway into the living room.
"Yuffie!" Cloud said as he held high above his head Tekken 5. "I brought the thing!"
Vincent waved quietly at her as the girls excitedly waved and said "Hey Yuffie!"
"Wuz up." She responded and walked up to them.
"Yuffie," Her mom said "Please get your dad and we'll eat. Then you and your friends can play."
"Sure." Yuffie said, "Hey Cloud, I'll put that in my room for you, its on the way." Cloud handed her the game and she made her way to the computer room.
Kasumi showed them to the table, which was slightly cramped with the added chairs. "I hope all of you are ready for some traditional Wutai cuisine."
"Heck yeah we are." Cloud said.
"Don't mind him Mrs. Kisaragi, he gets excited." Tifa said
Kasumi giggled. "Oh, he's no bother. I'm happy to have all of you."
Yuffie and her dad entered the dinning room. "So" he said "These are Yuffie friends." He rubbed his mustache. "Well, I know Grimoire's boy when I see him." He walked up to Cloud. "How is the old man?"
Without skipping a beat Cloud said. "Good as can be, they keep him plenty busy at work though."
Everybody began to laugh. "Godo, that's Cloud." Kasumi said.
"That so?"
Vincent raised his hand. "I'm Grims son."
"Of course you are!" He sat down "I was just testing you, to make sure you know you are you."
"We can cross Yuffie being adopted off the list." Cloud said.
Tifa gently popped his arm. "Behave Cloud."
They introduced their selves to Yuffies father and began to eat, as they did, they all talked and got to know Yuffies parents.
"Now Aerith" Kasumi said "Your parents are..."
"My dad is Clay Gainsborough; he works at the paper mill. My mom is Elmyra and she owns a flower shop, she's only open a three days a week though, it's a small shop." Aerith took a bite of her food then added. "I'm actually adopted."
"And you made an adoption joke!" Yuffie said to Cloud.
He covered his mouth as he spoke. "She's fine with it."
"I am, really." Aerith assured her. "My birth mother, Ilfana, died after I was born and my father, Gast, was killed, so as far as I'm concerned, I am the Gainborough's daughter." She sipped her water. "Besides, I think I was a hook up baby or maybe a crack baby?"
"There is such a thing as being to o.k with it." Tifa told her.
"Well, its good to know it doesn't bother you." Kasumi said. "Tifa, who are your parents? Oh! I hope I'm not being nosy, Me and Godo are from Wutai. He went to college here and then we settled here a few years later, so there are many people I don't know."
"That's a round about way to say 'nosy'." Godo teased his wife.
"And that's a funny way to say 'sleep on the floor'." Kasumi retorted.
"We sleep on futons, I'm already on the floor."
"My bad, I meant the hall closet." She smiled sweetly at him.
Vincent said "I don't know if I should laugh or jump to the rescue."
"Nah" Yuffie started "Moms the better cook, so you should side with her."
Godo put his hand to his heart. "I thought you were a daddy's girl."
Yuffie shrugged. "Us girls gotta stick together."
"I'll buy you that new game you wanted."
Yuffie turned to her mother. "You know mom, I think are being a little harsh on dad."
They all laughed at Yuffies heel turn and then Cloud said. "That was amazing. Mrs. Kisaragi, if you ever send your husband to bed without dinner, send his plate my way."
"Thank you so much! I'll be happy to send some home with you, I made plenty."
"Please do."
"Careful." Tifa told her "My mom gave him food once and now he wont leave."
Kasumi smiled and said. "Oh, I'm sure you aren't complaining about that. I'd love to talk to all of you more but I know you're dying to hang out."
They all got up and tried to put away their plates but were shoed away by Kasumi "Go play, go."
As the other s left Tifa lingered briefly. "Brian and Thea Lockhart, poppa works at Shinra chemical. And Clouds mother is Claudia Strife, Grist mill."
"Thank you for telling me, now run along."
"This is my room." Yuffie waved her hand dramatically across the room. "That's my bookshelf and my movies, games, Cd's blah blah." She pointed at her futon "That is where I sleep, it's really comfy, anyways lets party!"
Cloud walked over to her games and began to look at them. "Oh hey, you have killzone. You do any online?"
"Yeah, sometimes."
He nodded. "Sweet, you'll have to give me your name. There is this one girl I keep going back and forth against, we can team up on her."
"Most definitely, I go by 9KunoichiYUYU."
Cloud slowly turned his head to face her. His expression was one of a sudden realization.
"Um, Cloud?" Yuffie asked "You o.k?"
"ChocoboHEad88."
Yuffies expression now mirrored his. "I see. It seems we were fated to meet, my rival."
"So it would seem." He pulled the game from the shelf. "We settle this."
"Here and now." Yuffie said.
Cloud nodded and put the game in the PlayStation.
"Awe man!" Yuffie said in defeat. She faked a sniffle "Cloud killed me so many times."
"Its called payback." He said in victory. "Now how about some Tekken?"
Tifa punched her fist into her palm. "Now its my turn to dish out the hurt."
"I'm so bad at actiony games like this, I like my cute puzzle games." Aerith said.
"Don't believe her." Vincent said. "She plays Drakengard."
"It's a puzzle game." Aerith defended. "The puzzle is how best to unleash slaughter upon my enemies." She laughed manically then cleared her throat. "But I'm also a fan of the Myst games, you know on the first Playstation."
Yuffie held Tifa. "Tifa, I'm scared."
"We all are, but you get used to it."
They continued to play games for awhile then decided to give it a break. Cloud perused her Cd while Vincent went over her bookshelf. The girls sat around and chatted.
Cloud asked. "Have use mini disc player?"
"Yeah, they're pretty big in Wutai. I'm surprised you know about it."
"My mom got it for a few years back. Can I bring some md's over one day and rip these Plastic Tree albums. Be better than my Limewire files."
Yuffie grin. "Anytime, if you got the gil." She then asked "Wait, you know Plastic Tree?"
Tifa answered for him. "He's big into Wutai rock, ever since he heard High and Mighty Color."
"You keep getting cooler Cloud." Yuffie beamed. "Ba-Chan still lives in Wutai and she sends me cds of my favorite bands."
"Ba-chan?" Cloud questioned.
"My grandma."
Cloud nodded. "That's cool."
Vincent pulled one of her manga off her shelf. "I approve of your books and comics. The ones that aren't written in Wutai that is." He then proceeded to lay on her futon. "Comfy." He said as he began to read.
Cloud made his way to the futon and cuddled up next to Vincent. "Move over snuggle muffin." He said. "Will you read me a bedtime story?"
Yuffie ignored them and turned back to the girls as Aerith asked. "You can speak Wutai?"
Yuffie nodded. "Mom and dad are from there and my grandparents still live there. It was the first language I learned."
"Wow, I don't think I could learn another language." Tifa said "11th grade English is hard enough."
"Make the voices!" Cloud could be heard saying in the background.
Continuing to ignore them Yuffie said "I could teach you, it isn't to hard. It just takes time."
Tifa smiled. "That would be pretty cool. Why not."
"Deal." Yuffie said.
Kasumi entered the doorway. "I made cookies!" She beamed and then looked on in confusion at Vincent and Cloud cuddled up on the futon.
"Don't mind them." Tifa said as she got up to get the tray. "Vincent misses his girlfriend and Cloud, well he's just weird."
Yuffie blurted out. "Vincent has a girlfriend!"
"Yes." Vincent said. "She is in college."
"That's wonderful!" Kasumi exclaimed. "You'll have to tell me about her next time."
"But of course." Vincent said.
She handed the tray to Tifa and said before leaving "Stay as late as you want, there is a spare bedroom for the boys if everyone want to stay the night."
"Thank you, but I think we will have to do a sleep over another time." Tifa told her.
As Tifa sat down and the boys dragged themselves to the cookies, Tifa asked. "Who is that girl in the picture with you?"
Yuffie knew what picture she was talking about. It was one of her and Cissnei in 7th grade. "Oh…that's Cissnei."
"Ah." Tifa said. "Sorry."
"It's o.k."
"You said you two aren't friends anymore" Aerith spoke "But you keep her picture up. I'd say you miss her."
Yuffie bit her lip. "Yeah…I do."
"Then call her." Cloud said. "Make up with her."
Yuffie started to play with the carpet. "Well, I'd like to, but I know she doesn't want to talk to me. She hasn't tried to get up with me."
"Maybe she's waiting on you." Vincent said.
Yuffie looked down at the cookies and stared at them for a minute. "Maybe." She looked at Cloud. "That day I ran into your class, I had run into Cissnei. I panicked and ran away from her."
"Umm." Cloud sounded. "Tell you what, grab the phone, we'll call her together."
Yuffie stammered "No,nonononono!"
"You can't rush stuff like this Cloud." Aerith said.
"Yeah." Yuffie said. "I'm not ready." That wasn't true. It wasn't a matter of being ready or not, she was terrified of possibly losing Cissnei forever. Even if they weren't talking, there was still the chance of them being friends again, but if Yuffie tried and said the wrong thing…then…then…
"If not now then when?" Cloud asked.
"I don't know, shut up!" Yuffie spat and turned away.
Tifa put her arm around her. "Yuffie, we won't bother you about it anymore." Tifa kissed the top of Yuffie's head. "How about we pop a movie in to go with these cookies?"
Yuffie didn't say anything.
"Well, we aren't leaving you alone to sulk."
There was a long moment of uncomfortable silence, broken when Aerith said. "Do you guys remember when Cloud cross-dressed at the Golden Sauser?"
In one swift motion Cloud picked Aerith up and put her on his shoulder. "Uwa!" She extorted as he ran out the room with her.
Yuffie snickered.
"That's our Yuffie!" She kissed her cheek. "A giggly mess."
Yuffie heard Cloud in the living saying "Here you two go, enjoy." He sprinted back into Yuffies room and shut the door.
"That'll keep her busy the rest of the night, I left her on the couch." He said.
Tifa, with a broad grin said. "You do know she is probably going to tell Yuffies parents, right?"
"Ah crap!" Cloud sprinted out the door as Yuffie began to laugh.
As the bell rand to end to end her first class they stepped into the hall and began to separate. "You get to walk alone to class today, I have to use the restroom." Yuffie said.
Cloud sigh. "You should have thought about that before you drank the liquids you need to live."
Yuffie flipped him off. He grinned and held up his own finger then walked towards class.
Yuffie left the restroom and was surprised by how empty it had gotten, then the late bell rang. Whose idea was it to give teenagers five minute to go from class to class? She sighed and began to walk towards class.
As she walked she heard her name get called. She froze. Her heart began to race, she regonized that voice. It was Cissnei.
"Yuffie, please wait!" Cissnei ran up beside her.
Yuffie looked away.
"Yuffie, Please look at me. I want to talk." The girl pleaded.
Yuffie wanted nothing more than to run, despite wanting her friend back. "I'm late for class."
"Here, take my late slip, but please talk to me." Her voice was weak, on the verge of tears.
Yuffie snapped. "Why! You didn't want to talk to me last year! You left me all alone!" Fear began to set in. She could feel it, their the small remnant friendship slip away. She didn't want this, but it was to late now. She yelled at Cissnei. It didn't really matter, she had Cloud and his friends now and the junior class.
Cissnei began to cry. "I'm sorry." She sobbed. "I wanted to but"
"But what! You didn't want to be seen with the nerd! You rather hang with the cool kids!" Yuffie spat. Her heart was about to beat out of her chest.
Cissnei shook her head violently. "No! I wanted to hang out with you! My best friend!"
"Then why!" Tears streamed from Yuffies face.
Cissnei sobbed. "You were so mean to me." She began to wipe her eyes. "I'm your friend."
Yuffie stepped back in shock. "No I wasn't." She choked.
Cissnei continued. "You called me twiggy and dork. I asked you to stop, but you didn't."
Yuffie remembered calling her those things, but it was just two friends joking. Besides they were both nerds so what harm was there in calling each other dork?
"I was just joking around." She defended herself. "You got too worked up."
"You're a bully." Cissnei whispered. "You say such mean things to people. You made Vann cry and called Penelo an inbred. She didn't want to come back to school."
Its true Yuffie has said some mean things but it was always because someone else started it. "They started it!" She scoffed at Cissnei. "You should know that! Idiot!"
Yuffie gasped internally.
Cissnei shook her head slowly. "There you go, you never realize, you are the problem. All Penelo said was your pantyhose had a tear." Cissnei sniffled again. "I know you didn't like people talking about you shoplifting, but…"
"I'm the problem!" It was all true. "You're the problem!" But she didn't want to face it. She'd rather break than admit that she alone was the reason for being alone in 8th grade. Her beloved parents didn't even know the full truth. What would they think? It scared Yuffie. In this moment she would rather lose her friend than her pride. "You stupid bitch!"
All the color faded from Cissnei's face. Her face contorted and she began to weep uncontrollably, she was shaking and heaving.
The gravity of it all hit Yuffie like a brick to the head. Her ears began to ring and her mouth went dry. She shook her head as tears welled up once more. She tried to say something.
"What's going on out here!"
Yuffie ran.
She flew down the stairway she used for lunch and collapsed at the bottom, unable to stand any longer. Her legs felt like jello and her body felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. She held herself as she curled up on the floor crying and sobbing, her small body violently convulsing as she did.
Authors Note:
Sorry for the delay, I was swamped with work. I hope this extra long chapter makes up for it. As you noticed I changed the characters' birth years by a couple years, do forgive me, that's because I wanted it to take place from 2005-09. As for Sephiroth's family, Xehanort being the father is an old holdover from an unreleased fic I did in high school, figured I'd use it. Don't worry there will be more of Seven with less people around so she can shine. When it comes to Lightning, she wasn't going to be in this story originally, but I think she will work. I also decided to make her an oddball who is a sweety. I've written her as her usual stoic on the outside sweet on the inside self before, I just thought switching it up would be fun. I dont know why I keep referencing the movie Seven. As for the plot lines, we are digging deeper into Clouds past within a couple chapters, it is one of the plot lines I have planned after all. I do hope the Yuffie and Cissnei situation doesn't seem to out of left field. I've been sprinkling in Yuffie's mouth and stubbornness since chapter 1 so it wouldn't seem abrupt or out of character. But yeah, hope to get back to my chapter a month releases. See you then!