The Sound of Emotions: A Holiday Interlude

Final Fantasy VII is not owned by me, standard copyrights apply. I have no money, so please don't sue ^^;;

Back again with more angst from Yuffie and Rufus o_O Are you ready for more pain? Well at least this is only a vignette, so no cliffhangers! Please note, this does not take place in the Just Your Average Fairytale universe. Although, some events that take place in JYAF happened prior to this vignette. I just want to make it clear that nothing in this vignette will happen in JYAF. This is an Alternate-Universe vignette to JYAF. Enjoy the Valentine's Day treat ^_^

You need to pay the costs
You need to feel the loss
'Cause love is expensive and free
Love is expensive and free

    -Fastball (Love Is Expensive And Free)

The rain pounded hard against the ground. Thunder was heard above. Darkness enveloped everything. A field of evil.

He stood.

His pale skin and clothes were stained in crimson blood. Blood not of his own. Blood that he had taken himself. Blood that would never come off, no matter how many times washed. The only color came from the sapphire gem eyes as they glared, shining brightly. Blood dripped upon the ground, creating a puddle in the darkness.

He stood.

He wanted to be saved from this evil, saved from this darkness. Forgiveness. Was this a word that he could achieve? No one would come. No one could come. They would all destroyed by the evil surrounding him like a shield. No one could ever again get close.

He reached out.

'Please', he pleaded, 'I need love.'

The sunshine poured against the ground. Birds were heard above. Light enveloped everything. A field of irony.

She stood.

Her pale skin and clothes were stained in with happiness and joy. Yet it was not joy of her own. Joy that others experienced. Joy she wished that she could achieve, but failed every time. The only color had come from her chocolate eyes, pleading for someone to take her from this hell. Rain began to drip upon the ground.

She stood.

She wanted to leave this false happiness. Joy. Was this a word that she could achieve? Joy would never come. Joy could never come. It would all be destroyed by the field of irony, would never allow her to ever experience it again. Never to experience joy.

She whispered.

'Please', she pleaded, 'I need love.'

Yuffie awoke with a start. Her brow was covered in sweat. Thunder crashed outside her room window as rain collided with the rice paper. Slowing her breathing, she carefully sat up in her bed. In the bed next to hers was Vincent. He had been taking care of her ever since the Sephiroth's defeat. And even though he appealed to her as a friend, Yuffie knew that Vincent's feelings for her were growing. Something that was not welcomed. She could never love again, so why let someone fall in love with her? The paradox of it all.

Vincent stirred, his crimson eyes slowly focusing on Yuffie's upright figure. "You okay?" He murmured, still half asleep.

"Yes." Yuffie replied.

Silence entered the room and made everything still. Again, Vincent spoke. "You sure?"

"I said I'm fine!" Yuffie snapped back as she laid back down in her bed. Surrounding herself in covers she closed her eyes and tried to force herself back to sleep.

"You said his name again." Vincent's voice cracked. Yuffie couldn't tell if it was out of jealousy or anguish.

The room became silent once more.

Sighing, Yuffie whispered. "I'm sorry." Her wish for Vincent to fall out of love with her would never come true. There would always be this wall, this barrier between the two. She would stay on her side, and he would stay on his. Yuffie had already given her heart away, and she was not about to have it crushed again. Yes, Rufus was a faded memory, but when ever she looked into the mirror, at the scar on her face, the memories would flow back like a wave. "I wish-"

"I wish you wouldn't do this to yourself." Vincent continued the sentence for her. He sat up and moved to her bed, wrapping his arms around her. "You have to forget him Yuffie. Rufus is gone. He's not worth all of this-"

Hot tears ran down Yuffie's face. Her lips parted, but nothing came out of her mouth. She was speechless. Not worth it? Love was not worth 'all this'?

Vincent tightened his grip upon her. "Please Yuffie." He pleaded.

Arising from her laying position, Vincent's arms released Yuffie. She sighed, looking at the nothingness. "I'm going outside." Reaching for her robe as she stood, Yuffie looked back at Vincent, who was now sitting on her bed. "Vincent..." She let out a small laugh. "I'm not worth all this trouble." And with that she left for the outside.

The gray stone of the grave saddened Yuffie as she approached the garden. In front of the Pagoda of the Five Mighty Gods Yuffie had planted a garden. In the center, a gray rock lay. This was the marker of where she could visit Rufus, in his final resting place. She could still remember the dark and stormy night that she had made this garden.

It was the night after Sephiroth's defeat. The night that she had been told about the death of Rufus. A night like this. Reeve had told her, in person, as she returned to Wutai. That dark and stormy night, blinded by anger and hate she ran to the pagoda and began to dig with the Conformer. She didn't need a reason to dig. She just felt like digging a hole. Maybe she would bury herself there so she could once more join Rufus. Gods did she miss him already, and it had only been a few days since she had seen him. And now she would never see him again. Never hear his voice. Never feel his touch. She had never gotten to beg for forgiveness for the cruel words that they had exchanged. And now she never could.

Out of her blindness, Yuffie did not realize that she had stopped digging, and started to injure herself. She paused, watching the blood ooze from her body. Maybe this would be the easiest way to find Rufus.

She thrust the Conformer several times into her abdomen. She raised her hand above her head to strike the final blow as the blood loss started to take effect upon her. The Conformer dropped from her hand. One of the blades struck Yuffie's right cheek, digging deep within her skin. The last thing she remembered was watching her blood mixing with the puddles of rain.

She awoke in her room. Her father, Godo, and Vincent hovering over her. She had been unconscious for three weeks. All the while, Vincent had been caring for her. He had arrived shortly after Yuffie had returned. Godo called the AVALANCHE PHS frantic, and Vincent had been the one who answered. At the mention of 'Yuffie' and 'hurt' he raced over to Wutai.

Vincent slowly nursed Yuffie back to health, and after a month of care, Yuffie had fully recovered. But Vincent did not leave. In fact, he stayed in Wutai, by Yuffie's side all the way up until Godo had died. It was then that Vincent made a vow to Godo that he would take care of his daughter. But because of the damage the Conformer had done to the ground in front of the pagoda, Yuffie was assigned to plant a garden. Her punishment. As if loosing Rufus were not punishment enough.

There were nights like these, when the thunderstorm would remind her soul of her loss and that night. Yuffie shivered from the cold as her eyes were locked on the gray stone. Why am I out here? she asked herself. "Why?" speaking aloud, the tears began to sting her face once more. "Oh Rufus, let me escape this void. Vincent.. he.." She sighed. "I can't love him. I love you." She sobbed as she collapsed to the ground. "I will always love you-" She whispered, her mouth barley touching the dirt.

Lightning once more crashed to the ground; the bright light from the thunder was close. Dazed, Yuffie didn't even cover her ears to protect them from the loud noise. The light revealed a figure standing behind Yuffie, about six feet away.

Finally, Yuffie sensed the visitor. "Go away." She flatly said.

The presence stayed.

"I said-" Yuffie spoke in a demanding tone as she pushed herself off the ground. "Go awa-" Her eyes locked on the figure. Her lips mouthed the rest of the sentence, but her voice did not come out.

His white coat had turned to a dark grayish brown. Dried blood had also accompanied the dirt on the white trench coat, yet places were still clean. The golden beard and long hair on this man's head was dirty, greasy, and un-kept. His long bangs hid his eyes and most of his face. What could be seen of his face was almost black, covered in a mixture of dirt and blood.

White coat-

Golden Hair-

Yuffie stared at the man with disbelief. "Rufus..." She whispered. Frightened, Yuffie kept her distance from the man. Was this really him? How could it be him? He was dead!

Suddenly the man collapsed. Yuffie leapt to catch him before he hit the ground. Her mind panicked. Where could she take him? Whoever this was, he needed help quickly. She couldn't take him into the Pagoda of the Five Mighty Gods and she most certainly take him back to her home.

Da-chao. She could take him into one of the caves at Da-chao. Quickly, while dragging his weight along with hers, Yuffie took the strange man and hid him in the first cave she approached at Da-chao. "You'll be safe here," Yuffie said in a soothing voice as she softly leaned the man against the cave wall. "I'll be back soon, okay?" She whispered and then dashed out of the cave.

"I have to go Rufus. This is all fake. You don't love me. Our whole relationship is based on a lie."

"Yuffie please, stay with me. Stay here."

"I can't do that Rufus."

"You belong here-with me."

"Rufus, I can't stay here. ShinRa is evil. I can't just stand by and smile while you kill the planet."

"That's Cloud talking, not you Yuffie. You have been influenced by that wretched AVALANCHE."

"Damn you! Don't you realize that it's the truth?! I know you were brought up so that you would rule this company Rufus, but you could gain power in another form!"

"I know of no other way."

"No- You wouldn't. Because your heart is black as the night sky."

"That's not true Yuffie. I feel as much, no more, that ex-Turk does!"

"You leave Vincent out of this! He doesn't have anything to do with this!"

"Oh but it does! Tell me Yuffie, are you really leaving me because you don't believe in our purpose, or is it because of him!?"

"Stop it! You know that's a lie!"

"Hmph. A lie? If you remember correctly, that is what our relationship is based on."

"That's it, I'm leaving."

"No wait, Yuffie."

"....."

"I don't want you to go because- I honestly do love you. If you left... I don't know how I could survive a day. I mean, it's hard enough when I can't wake up next to you... I can't talk to you constantly... I live off of the few times I do see you. Don't take that away from me-"

"...... Goodbye Rufus."

Returning with a wrapped pack under her arm, Yuffie smiled to the stranger, who was now conscious once more. "Glad to see ya awake!" She said as she kneeled next to him. She slowly unraveled the wrapped package to reveal a pair of scissors, soap, a razor, a comb, an extra hakama and gi of her father's, and a small bottle, which contained shampoo. Looking outside the cave, Yuffie saw that the rain had stopped. Good. They could go to the stream outside, that would make things a lot easier. She took the stranger's hand and helped him get up. "We'll go out to the stream to do this. You can get clean easier there." She said as she kneeled down to re-pack her kit. As she packed the stranger pushed his hand through Yuffie's hair. His touch was so gentle- Just like- No she told herself. Rufus is dead. This is not him. "Come on," her voice cracked as she motioned for the exit. "Let's go outside."

Yuffie slowly took the stranger's clothes off as they sat by the bank of the stream. Once she reached the layer of his pants she paused. "I won't look." She promised as she turned around, covering her eyes. Once a splash was heard in the background, she was satisfied and turned to see the stranger sitting in the stream. Dirt was already beginning to flow off of him.

But how was she going to do this? She couldn't just jump into the stream, her robe would get extremely heavy and then it would be impossible to bathe him. And she couldn't simply strip in front of this guy either. The stranger must have sensed that was what Yuffie was thinking about because he covered his eyes and looked away. A smug smile formed on Yuffie's lips as she watched him turn. A pure gentleman, she thought as she untied her robe. It wasn't that Yuffie was uncomfortable with her body either. Being open with your body was common place in most of the training rituals that she had gone through during her adolescence. But the stranger didn't know that! Yuffie prayed that this guy didn't get the wrong impression. She just wanted to help him. That's all.

But why do you want to help him? she asked herself.

Because, he reminds me of *him*, and maybe I can make up for past mistakes by helping this guy.

Yuffie first washed the stranger, massaging as she rubbed with the soap. It appeared as if the man had not taken a bath for sometime. Blood and dirt were caked onto his skin. The scars he bore on his back horrified Yuffie. They looked as if they were burn marks. Severe burn marks. She slowly traced the scar with her fingers. The man flinched, Yuffie jumped back. "Oh! I'm sorry. It's just- Do they- hurt?"

The man bowed his head, but remained in silence.

No response? What was with this guy? As Yuffie thought about it, he hadn't said a word since he approached her. Maybe the guy was a mute or something. That's why- he didn't say anything when she first saw him. He must have been in pain and that's why he collapsed. It all made sense now.

Next was the scissors. The stranger became uneasy when Yuffie approached him with scissors in her hands. It was if, he was trying to stop her from trying to help him. But that couldn't have been it.

She first combed his beard, and then cut it close to his face, leaving the beard short so it would be easy to cut with the razor. The whole time, the stranger squirmed and would not stop. Yuffie decided to just cut his hair and be done with it. He wouldn't sit still enough for her to shave his face using the razor.

As she grabbed his bangs and brought the scissors to the man's hair he pushed her away. Hard. Yuffie fell over, but it was too late. The scissors already had his bangs within their claws, and the shock of being pushed forced Yuffie to close the handles, cutting his bangs.

Slowly the golden hair fell to the stream, piece by piece, tossed by the stream.

Yuffie landed in the water, her butt in the mud. "Hey- what did I ever do to-" She looked up and froze.

Those saphire gems....

He tried to hide his face behind his hands, but it was too late- She had seen. It was then that everything clicked. She was hoping that all the other evidence was just a coincidence, but this- Those eyes were definitely *his*.

"Rufus!" She exclaimed, scrambling to get up. "Rufus!" She repeated, finally on her feet. She ran over to him, water splashing everywhere. Wrapping her arms around his body, she held herself close to him. "I can't believe it- you're alive. They told me that you were dead!"

Slowly, Rufus pushed Yuffie away and got out of the water. He took the spare change of clothes by the bank and began to walk back to Da-chao.

"Rufus!" Yuffie yelled, climbing out of the water. "Rufus- wait!" She yelled as she scrambled to get her robe back on. The cold wind made her wet skin chill to the bone. She finally caught up with him at the entrance at Da-chao. "Rufus, please!"

He stopped, but did not turn to face her.

"At least-" Yuffie chose her words carefully. "At least let me finish cleaning you up, Rufus. Please..." She begged. "For old times sake..."

Rufus turned, his one eye looked directly at her. He sat down, telling her that he would wait.

A smile formed on Yuffie's face. "Great. I'll be right back-"

After Yuffie completed the finishing touches on Rufus' hair, she tied the remainder up in a ponytail. His hair was still past his shoulders, but not as ratty looking. The two had remained in silence the whole time she was cutting his hair. As Yuffie began to brush his ponytail, she finally broke the silence and spoke. "You know Rufus, I don't blame you if you hate me... but I wish you would talk to me."

Rufus flinched. He slowly turned to face Yuffie as placed his hand on the brush, pushing Yuffie's arm down. His eyes pierced her soul as they looked directly at her. Rufus could feel his eyes becoming misty. Hold it back, he told himself. He wanted to tell her that he didn't hate her... He wanted to tell her that he was wrong... He wanted to tell her that she was the reason that he was still alive... His dry lips parted, mouthing what he wanted to tell her, yet nothing came out. Rufus hadn't spoken since he had gained consciousness that fateful day.

Tears streamed down from Yuffie's eyes as she watched no sound come out of Rufus' mouth. "I-" Her voiced cracked as her lips curved.

Lightly placing his hand on her cheek, Rufus traced the scar on her right cheek with his fingers. Yuffie, what did you do to yourself? Was this because of-

Yuffie placed her hand atop of Rufus'. "I did this after I found out that you were dead." She answered his silent question. "I struck myself with my own weapon several times after I found out. I wanted to join you." Yuffie let out a small laugh. "I guess it all was for nothing right?" She said as a tear streamed down her cheek. A few moments passed, Yuffie kept her eyes on the ground. Finally, she spoke, moving towards Rufus. "Oh Gods Rufus, I missed you-" she whispered as she leaned in to kiss his lips.

Rufus turned quickly, stopping Yuffie from connecting. Yuffie froze, shocked at what had just come to pass.

"I see," her voice trembled. Rufus eyed her as she stood and walked to the exit of the cave. Yuffie refused to let herself look him in the eyes. She swallowed hard, holding back her tears. "I'll be back soon with some food. Stay warm okay?" She forced the cheerfulness into her voice, but it didn't succeed in fooling Rufus. He knew she was upset. Yuffie gazed in Rufus' general direction and then left the cave, a quietly sobbing.

Rufus slammed his clenched fist hard on the dirt floor of the cave. Damn! he thought. Yuffie still had the power over him, the power that could make him do anything for her. And she had this power without even realizing it! He had struggled to keep it at bay as she leaned towards him. To kiss him. Gods he wanted to kiss her. To taste the sweet honey that was Yuffie's lips. He would be revived if he could. But-

When Rufus had entered Wutai earlier in the day he had seen- He had seen the display Yuffie had put on. Valentine and Yuffie had made a trip to dinner that night. He had seen Valentine with his arm around her. He could sense the love they shared. He was mute, not blind. After all, it had been two years. She thought that I was dead. I guess it may have worked out better for her if I was... Rufus thought bitterly. He had to control himself.

She needs happiness.

I cannot provide it for her.

I would just be a burden.

Me and my mute self-

I should go.

The world suddenly became hot and blurry as Rufus stood. He felt himself fall backwards, back into a sitting position. Sweat drained from his body. He could begin to feel the world grow dark.

Yuffie-

Silently, Yuffie slid the door to her home shut, tip-toeing backwards from the door. She bumped into a large figure. "Where were you all night?" Vincent asked, more anger than concern in his voice.

Yuffie sighed. Guess there was no real way out of this. "I was wondering around, near the stream." She said, smiling as she turned towards Vincent. She looked into his crimson eyes. "`Morning Vincent."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. "You're lying."

"I am n-"

"I have been looking for you for the past two hours. By the stream. So tell me another." Vincent interrupted. Yuffie gulped. "I was awakened by a faint screaming, I was worried so I went looking for you."

"Vincent, you never truly sleep." Yuffie countered.

"And you never yell." Vincent said calmly. "And it was your yell I heard. Yuffie," He said, placing his hand on her shoulder. His eyes pleaded with her to tell him the truth. "Where were you?"

Reviewing her options, Yuffie sighed. "I was at Da-chao. Happy?" She said, mockingly.

"Not very." his cold voice sent chills down Yuffie's back. Vincent folded his arms and looked down as a father would a misbehaved child. "Why were you at Da-chao? You know it's dangerous there."

"I can do whatever I please Vincent." Yuffie said, walking past him. "You aren't my father." her voice was cold and bitter.

Her coldness struck Vincent directly in the heart. He pushed down his anger and kept his cool exterior. "I made a promise to protect you Yuffie."

Yuffie paused in her way up the steps. She turned to Vincent and took a step down. "Then do, by staying out of my business." Yuffie then stomped up the stairs and slammed the door to her room.

Vincent stood there watching the steps, remembering when Yuffie was his. Or so he thought she was his. But these past few months, she had grown cold to him. Was it something he did?

Or maybe, it was something he wasn't doing? Vincent had thought that Yuffie wasn't interested in marrying him so he never brought up the subject. But maybe that was why Yuffie had been so upset lately.

It pained Vincent to see Yuffie watching the little kids play outside, with the glazed look, to which he had become so familiar to, in her eyes. Or when she would just sit on her bed, staring into the nothingness, for hours, days sometimes, without saying a word.

Maybe she needed stableness and protection. More than what he was giving now.

Eyeing the stairs, Vincent slowly walked up them with utter profundity. If she said no, then he would still protect her and stay by her side, like he promised. But if she said yes- She would make him the happiest man alive.

He slid open the door and called to her, "Yuffie?"

"What is it?" Yuffie said in a bitter tone.

Vincent popped his head into the room to find Yuffie undressing. The fact that she continued to undress even though she knew he was there made him feel uneasy, but nevertheless, he continued his speech. "Yuffie- You know, I've been taking care of you for sometime-"

"Yes you have," Yuffie commented as she pulled on her shorts. "Thanks for that Vincent." Maybe he's going to leave-, she thought. It would be for the better after all, since Rufus was indeed alive and she knew where he was. Yuffie could just imagine how happy her life would be once she and Rufus were together once more. Finally, she could have her happiness.

Rufus was all she ever wanted.

He made her happy.

He was the source of her happiness.

Her sweet Rufus.

"Yuffie?" Vincent's question brought Yuffie back to reality. She shook herself to snap out of it and looked at Vincent. He seemed, scared. Why? What was he planning? "Yuffie, I love you and-" he paused. "And I want you to be my wife."

The world was a big blur. Confusing. Betraying. And, most of all, killing her. Yuffie didn't know how she got out of her house without Vincent stopping her, nor did she remember even leaving. All she knew now was that she was running.

Running away.

After Vincent had profusely confessed his love for Yuffie she could feel her world crumble from beneath of her. The moment that she had been dreading for the past two years had come. She didn't want him to love her! She loved Rufus! Couldn't he see that?! Maybe she had been leading Vincent on, but did not realize it. But now it was too late.

What was she to do?

Say 'Yes Vincent! I love you too! Let's get married!' and pray that she would one day find happiness? Or stay with Rufus; Who was now mute, and probably would stay that way for the rest of his life. She would never know if he loved her, he could never tell her.

Yuffie laughed. Tell her. Words had become so useless. She didn't think that love could be expressed in words anymore. Not after the look Rufus had given her when he touched her cheek.

Of course Rufus still loved her! He had to! They were meant for one another!

Yuffie snapped out of her state of thought to find herself running towards Da-chao. Even her self-consciousness was telling her to stay with Rufus. She sped towards the cave where she had hidden Rufus. Out of breath, she called for him as she approached the cave. "Rufus! Rufus I'm back!"

Stepping her foot into the cave, Yuffie paused. In the cave-

In the cave lay Rufus, laying on the ground. Lifeless and still. Yuffie rushed to his side. She violently shook his body to wake him up. "Wake up!" She cried. "Dammit! Please wake up!" Hot tears once more began to stream down Yuffie's face. She would taste the salt in her mouth. She collapsed on top of the body and began to sob uncontrollably. "Please Rufus- you have to wake up-"

She needed to find help. Fast. Maybe there was still hope. Yuffie dashed out of the cave and crashed into a large figure.

"Yuffie?"

That voice! Yuffie looked up to see Vincent looking at her with concern. "Vincent!" She exclaimed. "Vincent come quick!" Yuffie said, dragging Vincent by the arm into the cave. She motioned towards the body lying on the ground. "Please help him Vincent. Please!" She begged.

Confused, Vincent shot a questionable look at Yuffie, but helped nevertheless. He knelt down and felt the stranger's forehead.

"Is he- is he alive?" Yuffie asked, a hint of sobbing still in her voice.

"Yes he's alive. But Yuffie, his head is burning up."

Yuffie knelt on the other side of Rufus' body. "Well then we need to get a doctor quickly!" her voice was frantic.

Vincent looked up to Yuffie questionably, "Who is this?"

"A friend." Yuffie simply put, still watching Rufus and not Vincent.

"Does this friend have a name?"

"Shin." Yuffie simply replied. "We don't have time for this Vincent! Hurry!" Yuffie yelled as she struggled to pick up Rufus' body.

Placing his hand underneath Rufus' back Vincent picked up the man's limp body with ease. "Come on," Vincent motioned with his head. "We'll take him back to your home. We can call a doctor from there."

"All right." Yuffie said as he followed Vincent out of the cave mindlessly.

The doctor quietly left the guestroom, Vincent in toe. Vincent thanked the doctor for coming and then showed him to the stairs. Yuffie watched their every movement. After the doctor has disappeared down the steps Yuffie ran up to Vincent, a worried look on her face. "So?"

Vincent walked past Yuffie, not even making eye contact with her. "The doctor said he would be all right." He spoke quickly in his monotone voice.

Yuffie sighed of relief. "Thank God," she said as he placed her right hand on her bosom. He was going to be okay. Everything would be okay. "You know for a while there I was worried that Shin would-"

"I saw his eyes Yuffie." Vincent snapped back, interrupting Yuffie.

Yuffie gasped. If he had seen his eyes, then Vincent knew. He knew that 'Shin' was Rufus. "Vincent I-"

"I know who he is Yuffie," he continued. "And I finally realized what a fool I was. I know you love him. I was hoping that after Rufus died, you could learn to love me but-" His crimson eyes met Yuffie's and looked deep within her. "Now that's pretty much impossible isn't it?"

"Yes." Yuffie's voice cracked. "Yes, it is. I love him."

"And I love you." Vincent said, his voice filled with sorrow. He replied to his statement bitterly, "A paradox."

"I never meant for you to get hurt Vincent." Yuffie said, taking a step towards him. "Under different circumstances Vincent and-"

"I know." Vincent whispered. "I know all too well."

Wrapping her arms around Vincent, Yuffie apologized. "I'm sorry."

"Me too." He replied before he kissed her forehead. "I want you to be happy Yuffie. And I will keep my vow to protect you." Vincent pushed Yuffie off and brushed his clothes with his claw. He motioned for the guestroom. "You better go see him now that he's conscious. And if he ever hurts you-"

Yuffie's lips curved into a smile, "I'll come running to you."

Vincent nodded and turned to the steps. Before he left, Yuffie called out stepping towards the steps, "Vincent!" Pausing, Vincent slowly turned his body and looked back to her, his eyes moist. "Thanks Vincent. You've been so kind."

A smirk appeared on Vincent's lips. "Sometimes Yuffie, actions mean more than words." And with that Vincent went down the stairs and left Yuffie's home.

Yuffie stood silently and listened as the front door slid open and then shut. "Thank you again Vincent. You have done more than you thought."

Turning her attention back to Rufus, Yuffie ran to the guestroom and quietly opened the door. She peered her head in, "Rufus?" She stepped into the room , careful of the squeaking floor, since she did not want to wake Rufus up if he was not awake. Rufus turned to Yuffie, quite awake. Yuffie beamed. "Rufus!" She ran to his side and wrapped her arms around his body. "I'm so glad you're okay." Tears ran down her face, leaving wet marks on Rufus' face. "Please don't ever do that to me again, okay?!" Yuffie scolded him.

Rufus weakly nodded. Vincent had told him before he left the room that he would leave the two alone, minus the fact that he had a vow to protect Yuffie to fulfill. Vincent told him about how Yuffie would wake up in the middle of the night screaming Rufus' name. How much she cried. How she injured herself.

Rufus had to hold back his tears when he was informed of how much pain that Yuffie had been through. He would make sure that she would never have to endure pain like that again. Rufus cupped his hands around Yuffie's head and slowly brought it to his. Their lips touched. And once more Rufus tasted the sweetness of Yuffie's lips.

"I'm sorry for the things that I had said before the blast." Yuffie spoke in-between sobs. "Please forgive me." Yuffie brushed her lips against his. "I should've stayed with you.." She brushed her fingers through his golden hair. "But I won't make that mistake again. I want to stay with you. I couldn't bear losing you again."

Rufus brushed his hand against Yuffie's scar. I forgive you. I should have left with you. I won't ever leave you again. Sneaking his tongue into her mouth, Rufus wrapped Yuffie in his embrace as he crushed her lips with his.

The next morning Yuffie awoke with the sun shining in her eyes. She moaned as she turned to her side to face where Rufus was. Opening her eyes, Yuffie found that he was gone. She jumped from her bed, grabbed her robe and ran out of the room, down the stairs. There she found his ponytail with a pair of scissors sitting next to them on the dresser next to the back door. Eyeing the door, Yuffie slowly opened it, peeking her head outside.

There stood Rufus, on the patio, soaking in the sunshine and breeze. His light beard was gone, as well as the ponytail. He was a new man. Noticing Yuffie's presence he turned to her and smiled. Yuffie slowly approached Rufus, but wrapped her arm around his once she was next to him. She nuzzled her head against his arm, purring. "Welcome back." Yuffie said as she watched the sunrise with her lover. Raising herself on her tipy-toes she kissed Rufus on the cheek. "I love you," she whispered into his ear. He stood in silence, as he had ever since his return. Yuffie looked down to her feet, her smile fading. "I-" Her voice cracked.

She wished that he would say something. She missed hearing his soothing voice. Rufus looked towards her, questionably. Yuffie shook her head, "Nevermind. Uh- I'll go get breakfast ready okay?" She kissed Rufus on the cheek once more and then headed for the door. She looked longfully at him for a second as he watched the scenery.

Sometimes Yuffie, actions mean more than words.

Maybe. But what she wouldn't give to hear his voice once more.

As she walked into the house, she heard a soft whisper of 'I love you'. Yuffie quickly looked back at Rufus, who was still watching the sun, now smile upon his face, but otherwise unchanged. She shook her head and walked back into the house. It probably was the wind.

Probally.

Author's Notes:

Ummm yeah o_O This turned out waaaaaay different than I imagined it to be. When I first was planning this out Rufus and Yuffie 'escaped' (using the term loosely) by faking their own deaths and escaping to a deserted island or something... Far fetched? Exactly why I didn't use it.

Another ending was that a few years later Vincent and his new family visited Rufus and Yuffie, and Yuffie was upset since she couldn't have kids (due to her stabbing herself several times @_x) but I threw that one out because I thought it would be too sappy.

Was there OOC-ness in this fic? Hell yeah >_< I tried to stay away from it as much as possible. My apologizes to Yuffie + Vincent fans, this kinda like destroyed that. ^^; Hey I'm a Y+V fan too, but Yuffie and Rufus are higher on the list :X Maybe someday I can be convinced to do a Y+V short.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this, since I had a hell of a time writing it. I mean it, I really liked writing this :D And if you're a first time reader of my R+Y works, then I suggest visiting my homepage Purple Roses at http://www.envy.nu/purpleroses. There you can find my R+Y series Just Your Average Fairytale.

Yay for angst!