I would highly suggest reading Behavior, another CidxShera fanfiction, before reading this one here. Enjoy!


I.

The blocky lettering of the overhead store marquee was organized into a suggestive, cursive font. The almost…glittery strawberry that dotted the ending exclamation point was backlit in neon pink. Cid regarded the exterior of the establishment with a high amount of wary.

He lifted his hand to shield the setting sun from his eyes. And, uh, maybe to hide his face. He was blushing, but he'd probably just blame that on the jog he'd had to step into to keep up with his absolutely thrilled wife.

This is what she wanted, right?

II.

Shera's look was an incredulous one from across the dining room table. She dumped a considerable about of honey into her breakfast tea and nosily stirred the contents of her ceramic cup with the sugar canister spoon. "When is—"

"September fourth." She didn't even get to finish her pop quiz. Cid had already answered. He grinned and plucked an almond from his bowl of cereal. He flicked it in her direction and it scored double points by hitting her square on her tear-drop nose.

Shera flecked the almond back at him. The bridge of her nose crinkled. The Captain could tell she was trying to keep a grin at bay by hiding it under fake disdain. "You're guessing."

"Nuh-uh." Cid matter-of-factly retorted "I know when your damn birthday is, Shera. What are ya turnin', huh? Twenty? Twenty two?" He smacked his lips and purposefully slurred his tone to something oaf-like.

"Ooohh, don't even start." Shera rolled her eyes. "I'll be turning thirty."

"I knew that, too." The Captain licked his teeth and wolf whistled. He rapped at the side of his bowl with his soon; making an awful celebratory racket. "The big THREE-O'! So, what's this fine young gal want fer' her birthday?" September was quite a while a way, but at least he wanted some time to gather up whatever it was she wanted. Shera was a mystery egg sometimes. As well as he knew her now, he never knew what weird ass request would pop out of her mouth. One year it's some nice socks. The next, it's a damn pony.

Shera took a sip from her cup. She thickly swallowed, and her hazel eyes glinted with something Cid could only recognize as mischief. "She's not sure yet." She placed the cup down and replaced it with his own hand. She brushed her thumb over his rough knuckles. It might as well have been comfort for all of the trouble he was going to be in in the future.

"…I'll get back to you when I'm sure of what I want, Captain."

III.

The wrath…ah, warmth of the sun bore into the bare line of Cid's back. He hadn't had to chop wood since his Momma used to throw his ass out of the house and force him do yard work. Cid wasn't even sure he would have been able to find an ax lying around the house. He had to take the time to find a sharping rock after unearthing the dull thing, and then tighten the iron to the wooden handle. All to say, the lingering summer heat had inflicted its wrath…warmth on a relatively young tree, and it was deader than dead. A real eye sore.

Keeping busy was sort of her thing, so it didn't surprise Cid when Shera joined him outside. She stood off near the porch with a hand over her eyes. She didn't trot near. The Captain was sure she was trying to hide the fact that she'd neglected to put on shoes, again. She had been yanking weeds from her garden and re-watering some of her scattered flower pots. Now, she was just watching him. Cid paused mid swing to stare back over his shoulder and patronize her.

"What are you lookin' at, huh?!"

"Your handsome, sunburnt back, Dearest." Shera finally began to make her way over to his make shift chopping block; taking her watering can with her.

"Probably looks worse than it feels." Cid swung down and sank the sharp curve of the ax into the chopped tree's stump. He wiped sweat from his brow with his wrist, and then placed both hands on his waist to catch his breath.

Shera held up the can in offering. "Want some of this?" She gestured to his broad shoulders.

The Captain bent over and allowed her to pour the cool water out over his head. He didn't just want, he needed that. Want…That reminded him.

"Y'know…"

"Hm?" She lifted the bottom hem of her tank top and used it to gently wipe his face and hairline. If it wasn't so damn hot, he would have brought her in to his chest.

"You still ain't told me what you want for your birthday."

"I'm still thinking about it. Don't worry." She flattened her fingers and patted Cid's scratchy cheek. "Keep chopping, lumberjack. You're doing a great job."

IV.

"Captain…where's the…" Shera's voice quieted. She could hear Cid chewing.

Cid sank further down in the cushioning of his recliner; the top of his head disappeared. He had what she was looking for nestled in the crease of his arm. He licked his fingers and neglected to reply. He could hear her stompy, little footsteps crossing from the kitchen into the living room. A shadow passed over him.

"Cid." Shera blocked the light of the television.

"Hn?"

"Those were not baked for you to eat. It's for the meeting." She reached in to take the brownie bowl from him, but Cid twisted the other way and deflected her careful advance.

"Gonna have to be faster than that, Sherbet." He twisted the other way; smacking her hand and pushing her away with the pad of his foot. "I'll give em back if you tell me what you want for your birthday." The Captain pressed another rich, fudgy square into his mouth and lazily recommenced his loud chewing.

"I told you I'd tell you when I'm sure! Gimme those!"

V.

"I really ain't lookn' forward to dealin' with that." It felt like, every time he got some days away from flying, he was always stuck with house work. Cid stared down piles and piles of dead leaves. He was going to have to rake most of them up at some point. Not to - fuckin'- day, though.

"Then don't?" Shera came up behind him and suggested. She looped her arm in his and stared blankly out of the window. A hot mug of something with cinnamon in it occupied her other hand and teased his nose. "Some say you aren't supposed to rake leaves, anyway."

"Then how am I s'posed to see all the damn ant fortresses?" He squeezed her arm with his. Cid gave the back of her hand a good pat.

"…I see your point." Shera clicked her tongue. The sound was familiar. The Captain knew to give her his undivided attention. She had something she was going to mention. "So…" She hummed.

Ah, hell, she had to be kidding him.

"Shera, babe. Your birthday is tomorrow, and now you wanna tell me what you want?!" Cid scolded while pulling his arm from hers. He pointedly met her eyes and hooked his hands on his hips. The stiff dip in his neck clearly showed his disappointment. His face contorted in anxious irritation. He had absolutely nothing but his savings set aside for her. It's not like he had wanted to plan something nice for her, or anything,,,,,,

She imitated his stance and tilted her head. It took every amount of Shera's self-control to keep her immense amusement from seeping into her features. "If you were clever, you would have gotten something now without having to ask." She flinched as soon as she finished her jabbing statement. Her smile broke through for just a second. Cid looked like he was going to spit fire and yank on her ear.

"Don't you fuckin' bark at me, woman. I dun' asked you, what? How many damn times?!" He was about to boil his kettle, so Shera held out a pair of loving hands and placed them on his puffed up chest.

"Captain!" Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. It stung to keep herself from outright laughing. "Cid," Shera gave him a hearty pat "I meant to tell you last minute. I know what I want."

VI.

It was um, probably, entirely correct for Shera to convey this information last minute. Cid's blond brows were scrunched over his eyes; crinkling the bit of chaffing tape near his temple. He parted his lips to say something in response, but realized he wasn't sure of how he was supposed to reply. Shera saw his hesitation, so she continued with her convincing.

"I mean, I am turning thirty? It's cliché, but isn't it a woman's universal dream? I think?" She paused to clear her throat. "Okay, so it's just my 'dream'." She air quoted the word with her fingers. "I know you've never been there before, but it won't be that bad if you take me. It'll be fun, I promise."

Cid's brows furrowed further. She clasped her hands making the 'Pretty, Pretty, Please!' face, and knew there was no point now in telling her that he wouldn't do it. Remember what he mentioned about her being a mystery egg?

"So, let me get this straight." Cid rubbed his chin and stepped away from the window. "You want me to take you to a panty shop, and play Sugar Pops for the day?"

"It sounds bad when you put it that way, Captain, but yes. I want you to go lingerie shopping with me." Shera pressed her granny glasses up her nose and affirmatively bobbed her head. Her high pony tail hopped with it.

"Uh…er, alright, Shera. I mean? What do ya want me to do?"

"I'll give you all the details when we're there. Don't make that face."

"Babe, please don't do this to me again. You're killin' me."

VII.

"The door knob won't shock you if you touch it." Shera stepped ahead of him and pulled the shop front open. She held open the door and waited for him to shuffle on inside after.

Sticky Strawberry. That's what the shop was called. It rang a very distant bell. Cid couldn't help but think he'd heard the name somewhere before. But um, he didn't really linger around this corner of Rocket Town too often.

"Hi, Mrs. Highwind." A soft chime clinked behind them. The front desk waved once they'd made it past the empty check-out line. The cashier, a friendly looking young lady, was absently flipping through a magazine.

"Hello." Shera gently waved back. Cid shoved his hands in his pants pockets and moved around to Shera's side. It was instinctive, even if he knew he wasn't going to be able to hide behind her. She sounded like a regular.

"Looking for anything in particular?"

"Um, just some nice nightwear. We'll be up when we're done browsing, thank you." Shera hummed and continued walking past the…toy? aisle? Cid didn't look too hard. He saw a couple of distinct phallic shapes, and that was enough for his curiosity.

Hovering close, Cid followed Shera around another short turn, and they paused at the supposed destination. The section held metal, circular racks filled with all kinds of thin, lacy, frilly stuff. Some of the expensive wear was hung up on other, more highly priced racks, or placed onto rather voluptuous looking display mannequins.

Noticing a clearance bin of decorative underwear; Shera leaned in with deep interest. Cid was looking around for somewhere to sit and blend into the background. He hated shopping.

"I know you hate shopping…" She really didn't have to read his mind all the time? "But, I'd really like your input, Cid." Shera gave him an urging look. She could tell he was getting away from her. "Come here?"

Cid sheepishly regained the proximity he'd had before and flanked her side. Shera turned to him with a cheeky, unwavering smile and slapped her hands on his hairy forearms. "I'll tell you what. I'm going to pick things out, and then try them on. Since you're buying, you can tell me what you do, or don't like. Sound good?"

"Sounds pretty good." He perked up and agreed. Cid supposed the idea didn't sound too bad if she was going to model for him.

"And if you don't like it later…tonight," Shera leaned in, and he met her halfway to allow her to whisper in his ear "you can always take it off."

That sounded even better.

VIII.

The front desk pretended she hadn't been listening to their conversation, and allowed them use of a fitting room. She playful joked for no 'funny-business', and was agreeable to allowing Cid to sit inside the partition while his wife tried different lingerie sets on.

Shera had picked out a diverse selection of nightwear by the time she'd made it back into the booth. Cid sat up straight and observed with deep interest while she removed her clothes, and neatly folded them aside on an adjacent bench. All that she had been carrying on her arm was organized up on provided pegs. She picked out the first set and began to detach it from its velvet hanger.

It was a long, black, something that swept the floor, with a lot of stuff beneath. When it finally went over her head, the relatively sheer fabric didn't leave anything to the imagination below. The stitched material held an insanely intricate lace pattern, alternating between thinner and more solid flowery shapes. The accompanying bra, garter, and panties were just as see through, and came with a pair of thigh-high stockings. She wasn't facing him just yet, but he could see all of her clearly in and out of the mirror. Her puffy nipples, soft tummy, big ol' sweet peach bottom, the supple vee of her thick highs. Shera adjusted the solid black, high collar of the gown in the mirror, then the wrists, and then did a swanky little turn in facing him.

"Well?" She seemed pleased by just his dumb ass expression.

The Captain was supposed to evaluate, but he was too busy salivating.

"Okay, so, we'll keep this one."

Cid abruptly stood up and licked his lips. "When'd you say I get to take it off, again?"

"Now, I suppose." Shera coyly twirled a piece of her hair. "I have to try the next one, Captain."

IX.

The next set was god awfully bright. Cid turned his nose up at the underwear like it had cursed him out and defiled his mother. Shera agreed with him on hmmm, neon orange, not being a color that suited her and placed it in the reject pile.

X.

Shera stood momentarily bare, and removed something from a hanger that piqued Cid's interest again. The concept that something could be crotch-less? Was completely new to him.

"Uh, so you can keep it on?"

She slipped the open panties up her thighs, and then everything else after. "That's indeed the point." It was another multi-pieced something or another, that was mainly pale pink and white stripes, and trimmed in delicate lace. There was another layer to it that was nothing but a complementary orchestration of pink leather belts that outlined the bust and stomach, connected to the garters, and then looped around the thighs. There were some studded bits, too, with equally silver heart links. The cut of the top portion cradled her breasts and made her neck appear enticing. And of course, the bottom left an open space for a partner. It was all really girly, Cid understood that that was the point. But boy, if she didn't look like a fresh strawberry milk shake, or a parfait, or ice cream, or some kinda shit like that.

Fuckin' adorable. Edible. He was slobbering again.

Cid told her that she was a damn freak, but he liked that one a lot.

XI.

The pile of rejects had been shuffled out and back onto their respective racks, leaving one more left. Shera shook it out a bit and held it up. "Last one." Her voice came out in sing song. Cid's smile in return was a soft one. She really did look like she was enjoying herself, and he couldn't pretend that he wasn't either.

"Wait." Cid paused her before she could coax it out of the hanger. As odd as it sounded in his head, he was very sure he'd seen this one before. He peeled himself from his front row seat and took it from her. It was black, something thin that would only come down to mid-thigh, outlined in silky bright-blue lace. Yeah, he was very certain he'd seen it before. "Don't you have this one, Shera?"

Shera studied a portion of it in her hands. Her eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh, you know what, I do already have this. I," She was instantly embarrassed and sputtered "can't believe I forgot. It's still in the back of the closet. I've never worn it."

"Damn shame." Shit... Cid remembered fully now. Way back before he'd even married her, he busted her and unknowingly forced her to show him what she'd been hiding. He didn't think her creeping resulted from something that personal. The week, no it was probably the month, had been cringe worthy in hindsight.

"Here, these two are probably pretty expensive by themselves." Shera awkwardly laughed. "We'll, um, have those two, and then the last one at home." Hopefully, she could still fit the baby-doll.

XII.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Captain Cid Highwind's Short Term Budget

July 21st- September 4th

R.I.P

XIII.

"Yeah, yeah, Happy Birthday." Cid could cry over his bank statements later. Some of Shera's kisses were enough to make him forget he'd dropped way too much Gil today. The brunch, the cake, the movie, the lingerie. As long as she enjoyed her big three O'.

The gap in her smile crinkled the corners of Cid's eyes. "Thank you." She mumbled through another soft kiss placed on one of his dimples. Then another on his stubbled chin. And then one last on his collar.

"Don't mention it." He soaked in her attention and handed her her bags. Cid smacked her firmly on the rear after she swiveled toward the direction of their closet. Shera yelped and he cackled. "Y'know, I'll always owe ya."

"I'll have to make your birthday just as special next year, Captain." Shera's delighted voice was muffled in all of the junk in their closet. She could start now, maybe? The evening was still young. Should could put one of them on. It's not like they were expecting visitors now, or later.

XIV.

The securing bands fit more snugly than she remembered, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Shera looked herself over in the bathroom mirror. She remembered when she'd first purchased the baby-doll, along with some , other, private items. Shera had been so embarrassed after Cid's discovery that she never brought the nightwear out again.

Blushing, Shera removed the yellow band from her hair and placed it down on the bathroom counter. She stuck her fingers in her auburn tresses, gave it a good tousle, and then turned out the light. She found Cid on the bed, having already removed his shirt and shoes. His eyes widened at her entry.

"I didn't have anyone to wear it for, but now I do. Kind of sad I forgot about it. I barely remember how much I paid for it, but I'm sure it was a lot." Shera shyly smoothed out a crease in a stocking and came to display herself to her husband on the bed. Cid seized her by her hips, and pulled her up and onto his lap.

Shera rested her forearms over his steady shoulders. She relaxed her head; her forehead gingerly pressing into his. "How's this one look?"

Pretty damn sexy in his humble opinion. "Hm…I'm not sure I like it." Cid playfully pursed his lips. "Guess I have to take it off. Sorry, those are the rules, Darlin'." His blue eyes glimmered low tide, capturing the lamp light like the ripple of the ocean captured the bright curve of the sun. A smile forced its way onto her face. Her heart fluttered. The instant was momentarily surreal.

"I did say that, didn't I? I'm all yours."

XV.

The large hand on her stomach made a warm ascent to the tie that held the front of her baby-doll firmly in place. Cid unwrapped her like a present, but he didn't appear to be in any rush. He gave the tie a gentle tug and it came loose.

"You don't want to turn the light off, Cid?" Shera had been flipped on her back and was writhing over the pillows. Being with Cid was always satisfying, but she had to admit, she hadn't been this excited before. Her back was already arching from the bed and he'd hardly touched her yet. It'd been a good day. It was all new and exciting.

"Hmm, nah." He grunted and lifted the top covering of her nightwear over her head. "I wanna see how pretty ya are." Understanding firsthand how expensive the clothing was, he placed it aside on the nightstand. The brassiere beneath was removed with some uncharacteristic patience afterward. Palming her supple breasts in his hands, Cid leaned over and grew comfortable. He began with his hot mouth biting, nipping, and laving her pulse beneath the smooth skin of her neck. Nearly growling, he worked his way down.

Shera gasped when he lapped a taut nipple. He curiously looked her in the eye while tracing the wide rim of her areola. Cid flicked his tongue over the bud, and then generously sucked. He was rewarded with a soft moan and a gentle hand in his hair. He groaned, opened his warm mouth, and switched to the other. Shera fidgeted and rolled her body against his. The firm warmth of his bare stomach pressed back into hers and his chest hair tickled.

"I really hope you aren't going to tease me." Her exhale was more of a whine than a sigh.

"You tellin' me you're wet already? Cause I don't know about you, Shera, but I got time." Cid placed warm kiss after kiss in the valley of her chest. He took a hold of her hips to keep them still.

"No, but all the times you've told me I shouldn't take my time?" Shera managed to hook the crease of her knee on his hip. He took the liberty of grabbing on the other thigh and moving her legs apart to make room for him. Cid's shoulders shook with his snort.

"That don't apply to this." He moved his kisses down to the plane of her stomach. Cid dragged a line from the underswells of her chest, to her navel using the very tip of his tongue. He swirled around the navel once, twice, and then was met with her underwear. "This is like that other one, ain't it?" He noted the purposeful slit in the fabric. Cid stuck his index finger there and wiggled the silk tabs apart.

Shera pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and glanced down. "Y-yes. You can still take them off if you think they'll get in the way." She righted her crooked glasses and watched him continue to thumb the fabric aside. He pressed the sides into the creases of her thighs, behind her supple lips. Cid readjusted himself down there on his elbows, and grazed over her plump pussy with the flat of his tongue. She expelled a moan, laid her head back, and closed her eyes.

XVI.

Her thighs were threatening to snap around his head. Cid flicked his tongue over Shera's clit until the long nub was stiff and flushed enough to suckle. He alternated between suction and pressing himself into her now more than wet enough opening. Shera whined, clawed the comforter, and her stomach rose and sank with the increases in her breathing. Cid sucked her clit back into his mouth and gently pressed a finger inside. When she was fully accepting, he added another and curled them. He didn't have to go looking either, he knew exactly where to find what he wanted. Her sweet praise pleased him. Shera tensed up with each strong tug and press. Her polished toes curled in sweet agony. He worked just a little faster and granted her release. She came, hoarse voice and all with the stupidest smile on her face; a fine sheen of blush and sweat over her forehead, and in all of her joints. Cid removed his mouth and felt the quiver of her orgasm around his fingers. He pulled them out when she was relaxed and placed them in his mouth.

"You should see your face right now."

Fully sated, Shera's response was more than a little delayed. "Hm?" Her legs were a bit wobbly, but she had enough to work herself up onto her knees. "You're so wonderful, Cid. You should look at yourself." Shera placed her hand on his belt and loosened the loops. He had a not so discrete outline forming below his waist. "How do you want me, Captain?"

"It's your birthday, birthday lady. Where do ya wanna be?" Cid allowed her to press his trousers down from his hips. He momentarily stepped from the bed to remove them, and his underwear all together. He was just as flushed, stiff, and excited as she was.

Shera thought about it for a moment. She placed her hand on Cid and gave him a mindful tug. Her strokes were tender. Shera brought her other hand to him to manage his girth. Cid moaned from somewhere deep in his chest. His breath hitched in his throat after he felt her soft, soft lips and tongue on the tip. She sighed into swirling around the small, beading slit, and reaching beneath his hilt to cup him. Shera opened wider and took him into her mouth. No stranger to returning the favor, she sucked in her cheeks, minded her teeth, and bobbed her head in time with the movement of her hand. She kept going until Cid placed a heavy grip on her shoulder to stop her.

XVII.

Blinking, Shera retracted her mouth and palm, and curiously peered up into his eyes. His neck was terribly flushed, and he was panting. "Was that what you wanted?" Because if it was, he'd let her continue. But he couldn't help but think that Shera had gotten side tracked.

"Oh, sorry." She laughed and waved it off. Shera crawled from the edge of bed and pulled away the already disheveled covers. "No, that wasn't what I really wanted." The panties were removed before she sank back down again into bed. The only thing remaining were the stockings, but she was sure neither of them would mind them. Shera pressed a pillow beneath her side, propped up one of her thighs to expose herself, and beckoned Cid to her.

Fully understanding, he turned out the light and crawled onto what normally was her side of the bed. Cid pressed his hand into the soft fat of her inner thigh and propped it while he felt for her. He could sense her smile in the dark, and then a soft laugh met his chest. Shera grazed one of his nipples with her teeth and massaged it with her tongue. Hissing, Cid pressed his thigh against hers to keep it propped in place of his hand. His gentle fingertips strummed her still sensitive clit and felt around her opening to make sure she was still ready for him.

"Tell me if anythin' hurts, alright. Hold still." He wrapped his free arm beneath her and pulled Shera up along his chest. Still on their sides, he coaxed her into a tongue kiss, and then used his hand to guide. In one swift motion, Cid sank a portion of himself inside. There was slight resistance, but he couldn't detect her doing any tensing.

"You can give me some more." Shera was breathless over his open mouth. He breathed her in and nibbled her lips. She still tasted like her birthday cake. Eyes adjusted to the dark. He stared right into hers from across the pillow and began to give her what she'd asked.

The covers were drawn up over their shoulders. Shera freed her arms and wrapped them tightly around his neck. Cid's thrusts were slow and steady for as long as they could be. The breathing and incoherent praise in his ear urged him to go faster. He kept up with his tempo until he couldn't control himself any longer. He gripped his hands on her full bottom and pressed her flush against him. Shera's high pitched moans and whimpers were muted in the strained muscle of his shoulder. Cid could feel her biting him, and the fingers that clawed the nape of his neck.

He wasn't going to be able to keep going if she was going to fuckin' squeeze him like this.

Cid reached down between them again, and desperate fingers frantically rubbed where frantic hips bucked. He felt her find another orgasm, the tightening pulling him right on into his own. Cid's sigh in release was welcome in Shera's ear. The warmth of his breath fanned her neck, and a rush of warmth filled her from the inside. She laid still for a while, waiting for jet after jet to pass until her husband had finally stilled and caught his breath.

A hand shifted under the covers. Cid pried one from Shera's bottom and moved it up to the small of her back. His eyes were half lidded. He was already reasonably sleepy.

"Cid…?" Shera was a little wary of separating them. She didn't want to make a mess.

"I ain't asleep just yet, calm down." He shifted and helped turn her turn over on her other side. "Do I need to get up?"

"I don't think so?" Shera lifted the covers just a bit to peer down and assess if anything needed attention. It all looked and felt fine to her. "Cid?"

"Mm hn. Happy Birthday, darlin'. Go the hell to sleep." There was a smirk in his groggy voice. He pulled her back into his chest. Cid's arms were secured around her torso; spooning them up together.

"I love you, too, Cid."

XVII.

"Aww, well it sounds like you had a very nice birthday." Tifa regarded Shera's chipper tone of voice with a delighted tone of her own.

"I did it was lovely." Shera pressed the phone into her shoulder so she could wash her hands at the kitchen sink. Cid sat at one of the chairs around the dining room table. He was in and out of sleep; sometimes silent, sometimes heavily snoring.

"Is that…? Cid? I know that sore anywhere. How is he? What did you two do?"

Shera pursed her lips. If she were one to gossip, she'd spare no details, but she was sure Tifa didn't want or need to know everything. "Yes, that's him. He's just fine. He took me out shopping yesterday, and then we hung around here. It was nice."

"Oh, well I'm really glad. You…sound very happy."

"I've been getting that all day. By the way,"

"Huh?"

"He got me some outfits. I'll have to send you pictures."