The blush of dawn illuminated the weightless mist that wrapped the quaint town. Very few stirred in this beautiful hour, but the one least likely to rise had already begun her day. Small white soles came against the cobbled ground with each step that carried her quickly across the paths and up and over the small bridge. She came upon the great pagoda in a matter of minutes, flying through until slate tinged eyes landed upon the purpose of her venture.
"How dare you!" She hissed.
"Darling, I haven't the time to discuss this matter with you." The man she addressed didn't bother to glance up from his work.
"Don't darling me! I can't believe you!" She huffed and slammed a fist down atop the surface nearest her location. "You signed another contract. Another one! Unbelievable. This place will be nothing but a freakin' tourist heap in another week or so, which is exactly what you want. Well, I won't be around to watch this crap."
She shook her head, and ignored the words that began to spill from the man called Godo. She couldn't hear any more of it; she was serious about not being around to see Wutai turn to more of a tourist trap than it already was. She flew back across the town, bursting through the doors of a small house. She muttered various curses as she made her way into her bedroom.
A small back pack was lifted from the corner of the room, and promptly filled with as many garments as she could manage to fit. Upon the completion of this task, she took one last look around the small house and without another thought, left. She was just past the entrance to town when she realized she hadn't a place to go. She didn't want to be a bother to Cloud and Tifa, who finally seemed to be working things out. She wasn't about to get in the way of that. She also did not think Barret, Vincent or Nanaki would much like her traipsing into their lives. The only option was to once again bother Cid and Shera in Rocket Town.
She hadn't called to announce her plan, she simply found herself on their doorstep. Delicate knuckles clashed against the wooden door, and she awaited an answer. After some time, she knocked once more but came to the realization that no one seemed to be home. She turned from the door, slight huff parting bare lips as she surveyed the area. 'Better get comfy.' She mused, knees bending as she came down, taking a seat on the front steps.
She was just lost in her thoughts when a loud racket came about. The noise was soon accompanied by stir of wind, and she realized it must have been Cid arriving. The noise grew close and abruptly she noticed that the panging and unnatural pops weren't coming from a healthy engine. 'That cannot be good.' One last loud bang sounded before the noise came to a halt all together.
Yuffie quickly rose from the steps and trotted around the house, coming upon the looming airship that had just landed. Barely audible were the heated curses that flew from the mouth of a familiar pilot. 'At least he's here.' Yuffie gave an inconsequential laugh, glad for this fact. The curses grew louder as the pilot came rummaging from the ship. Once outside, both hands came over his short blonde hair. Suddenly, he burst with one last curse before slumping down.
"Having a little trouble?" Her sweet voice sounded over the silence. Cid jumped out of his skin momentarily, giving the girl a shocked look.
"Ya' noticed. Thanks for sneakin' up on me, brat!" Cid chided.
"Sorry." She laughed once again; he was always full of pet names for everyone. She didn't mind being called brat every now and then. A warm smile graced pale lips as she peered at Cid in curiosity.
"No worries. What the hell are you doin' here, anyway?" Cid questioned.
"I was bored! I thought I'd come visit you guys for a bit." She wasn't fully honest, but baring her soul about Wutai wasn't a good idea.
"Ah. Well uh, Shera ain't here for now. So it looks like you're shittin' stuck with me, Yuff." He trudged past her and to the side door of the house. Once the lock was taken care of, he flung the door open and glanced back at Yuffie. "Ya' comin'?" He disappeared into the house seconds later.
Yuffie shook her head inflexibly, "Always the gentlemen." He wouldn't have heard her mumbling, but it sure entertained her. She laughed and followed the direction he'd gone, slipping through the door and closing it after her. Once inside she saw him hunched over the fireplace, apparently lighting a fire to warm the polar atmosphere that dominated his home. He cursed as he struggled with it for a moment, but alas he won the battle and a fire sprung up about the logs.
"Chilly for this time of year, isn't it?" Yuffie thought aloud.
"Hell, I guess. Sucks, don't it?" He grumbled, absently rubbing his hands together for a moment.
"Aw, it's not so bad." Yuffie glanced around the living room, noticing that there were a few things quite out of place. "Where's—"
"Shit." Cid purposely cut her off, "Gotta get another pack." He tossed the supposedly empty pack of cigarettes into the trash and grabbed the coat that had been lying on the couch. "Can I get'cha somethin' while I'm in town?"
"Umm, no, I'm okay." Yuffie was seemingly unaware of his avoidance.
The pilot pulled on the old rust coloured coat and headed out anew. She assumed he was walking so it was not beyond reason to also assume he'd be gone for a while. She took the opportunity to do a little snooping. Delicate features grimaced as she squeamishly reached into the wastebasket, slender fingers plucking the pack of cigarettes from atop the heap of garbage. "Blugh." She muttered, flicking the top open.
"Ah ha! Got'cha." She felt quite accomplished as she counted nearly thirteen cigarettes in the pack. She wasn't a fool, either. She tossed the pack back into place in the trash and moved to the cabinet above the sink. She swung open the doors, and there amongst the cleaners sat a carton full of packs of cigarettes. Just as she'd suspected. A chain smoker would never be without a carton.
She closed the cabinet door, dark eyes suspiciously roaming the living and dining rooms. Most of what was gone were small novelty items. A couple of the photographs she recalled being on the walls were missing. She crept down the hall opposite the one they'd entered, peaking into each room as she passed the door. Everything seemed to be disorganized.
As she found the master bedroom, she pushed the door wincing as it squeaked open. 'Why am I sneaking? It's not like he's here.' She eased her nerves and glanced around the room. Clothes, all his, hung haphazardly over furniture and were strewn about the floor. Slate continued to roam about the room, finally coming to rest upon a crinkled piece of paper lying on the nightstand.
Curiosity built as she approached what seemed to be a letter. A little voice nagged her not to pry any deeper, but she couldn't resist temptation. She snatched up the letter and plopped down on the edge of the bed, noting the way the paper seemed to have been twisted in someone's hands. There were also stains on the writing, as if someone had dripped liquid onto the papyrus. She traced the tip of her finger over the stain, if she didn't know any better the stains appeared to have been caused by tear drops.
She began,
Dearest Cid,
I am so sorry that it has come to this. I must confess my heart is no longer fond of the promise I made so long ago. I have not the strength to continue on in the lie I've been living. I made my promise to see you through your dreams out of guilt, and continued in that promise when your feelings became evident. I have pleaded with my heart but I cannot talk sense to it. It has led me elsewhere, and I mustn't lead you on any longer. Please believe that I am truly sorry to have done this, but I couldn't stand looking you in the eye while telling you this. I won't be found, so please don't look for me. You can't make a heart love somebody. You can lead a heart to love, but you can't make it fall.
Sincerely,
Shera.
Yuffie found herself adrift in time, powerless to comprehend what she just learned. In the entirety of the time she'd stayed here, she had always hypothesized Cid and Shera to be a happy couple. Never would she guess that Shera harbored such feelings. Forthwith, curiosity turned to anguish for Cid. 'These tear stains must belong to him.'
She spent countless minutes lost in her emotions, when the sound of the front door opening jolted her back to reality. The note was expeditiously set back to its home on the nightstand, the lithe frame rising from the bed and bolting for the door. She slipped past the threshold and pulled the door back to the angle it'd been before she went into the room, hissing as it squeaked yet again. She heard the front door close, muffled by the sound of plastic bags.
"Yuff?" Cid's deep voice reverberated throughout the house.
"Cid!" She squealed, flying from the halls and into the living room feigning innocence.
"What the hell were you up to? Do I need to check my materia?" He interrogated her.
"N—no! Of course not. I wouldn't do that. I was in the bathroom." She thanked the gods for that old excuse. Men usually left that alone upon mention. Cid played the part and promptly ended the conversation. He wandered into the kitchen and set the bags on the counter.
Yuffie's curiosity piqued when she realized that he wouldn't need two large bags for a pack of cigarettes. "What'd ya get?" She inquired, sauntering over to the kitchen.
"Dinner." He replied simply.
"Oh, yay! I'm freakin' starving!" She clapped her hands together, becoming aware of the scent that drifted over her.
"I thought you'd be." He put away a few random grocery items from the first bag, emptying it and stuffing it into the trash. He noticed his cigarette pack still there, she must not have been curious about his sudden outing. The new pack found refuge on the counter beside the phone. He turned to the second bag, producing a few boxes that appeared to be from her favourite restaurant in town.
Yuffie was surprised that he'd remembered which restaurant she liked, 'What would be seriously impressive is if he remembers what I usually get.' She entertained the thought and slipped up to the counter, watching as Cid grabbed a couple of plates from one of the cabinets. Yuffie popped open the first box, filled with a rice mixture she adored. Her excitement was building as she opened the second, the chicken dish with the noodles she loved sat within the confines of the box. The third box was opened by Cid, the lush green vegetables within calling her name.
"Am I fuckin' good or what?" He managed quite the cocky stance as he peered down at the girl.
"Hell yes!" She squeaked, spooning a portion of each box onto her plate with the ladle he'd set on the counter. She finished setting her plate and slid over to the refrigerator. Fingers gingerly wrapped the handle and she pulled open the door. 'Let's see… booze, booze… and more booze!' She laughed inwardly. Cid was so predictable. She grabbed a pair of green longneck bottles, rewarding him for his dinner treat. "Beer?"
"Always." He remarked, grabbing one of the bottles from her as he lifted his plate with the free hand and moved to the dining room. Yuffie followed shortly after, taking the seat opposite Cid. They ate silently for a small time, the silence finally broken with a question.
"So where'd Shera go?" Yuffie was treading thin ice, she didn't want Cid to know she'd snooped through his things, but she also wanted to get him talking about the ordeal. Though they got on each other's nerves quite often, she truly enjoyed his friendship and knew that the feeling was mutual. She watched as his fork was left frozen, stabbing into a hearty piece of chicken. Fierce blue eyes rose from the meat, landing directly on the little ninja across from him.
"Fuck, she's off visiting a friend for a while. Why?" He answered dryly. She could cut the tension with a knife in that moment.
"No reason. Just curious, I guess. You must be lonely?" She decided not to press him to hard, to keep his suspicion at bay.
"Naw, I got you pestering me now." His attempt at humor was rewarded with a small giggle from the dark haired girl.
"I can't help it if I'm just too much fun for you." She retorted, her counter followed by the appearance of a small pink muscle, peeking through parted lips. Its fleeting presence caused Cid to chuckle. At least if he wouldn't talk to her about it, she could get him laughing.
They returned to their meal and Cid finished shortly after, guzzling the rest of his beer as well. The glass bottle was tossed expertly, landing right in the trash atop the plastic bag. Yuffie's eyes went wide at the point he'd tossed the bottle, but once she noticed it sink into the trash can, she settled.
"Nice shot." She chanted, watching as Cid backed the chair he'd claimed from the table.
"What'd you expect?" He flashed a grin and rose from the chair, taking his plate to the sink where it was laid against the counter beside the stainless steel. Once he'd left the plate, he wandered into the living room, swiping the remote off the coffee table. The rusty coat was removed and thrown over the arm chair before he fell into the plush embrace of the couch. Yuffie could only guess at what he was doing as she sat with her back to him, finishing her dinner. She heard the electronic hum as the TV powered up and flashed on. She listened as Cid switched from channel to channel in attempt to find something interesting.
She hurriedly finished her meal, and in swift grace took the plate and bottle over to the kitchen. The bottle was dropped into the waste, and she came to the sink. She slid the remaining leftovers from the plates down into the drain with the garbage disposal, and ran the water as she flicked it on. Once satisfied that the food had been disposed of, she plugged the drain and ran hot water into the sink.
She had gotten half way through the pile of dirty dishes when Cid glanced over to see what she was doing. Blue eyes drifted over the leather vest, flowered shirt clinging against slight curves. At the point, she was nearly twenty and Cid pondered his reasoning for calling her 'brat' all the time. 'It ain't as if she's the same fuckin' brat I met four years ago.' Cid was correct in his thoughts. Though still thin and graceful, she appeared much more womanly than ever.
Cid guessed that being the ninja she was would require her to keep such a small figure. As he continued his thoughts, his blue eyes were challenged by grey. She guessed he was wondering what she was doing, dishes weren't exactly her idea of fun. She shrugged loosely, "I guess with Shera gone, I felt like I could help out a little."
Cid nodded, he mused that she didn't know the half of it, though that was completely untrue. He mumbled something that sounded like 'thanks' and went back to watching the television. Yuffie returned to the dishes, finishing the last of them and pulling the stop from the drain, allowing the water to spiral down into the pipes.
She dried her hands on a dishcloth and traveled from the kitchen to the love seat, adjacent from the couch Cid inhabited. Small form curled into the cushions, knees bent and slender arms dangling about. It was a cute gesture at 'Man, you better appreciate that dish work.' Even though it hadn't been much work at all. Cid chuckled, though distracted by a mechanic sort of show about airships. 'There's a surprise.' Yuffie thought about telling him, but she relaxed into the soft couch.
Cid was too caught in his show to notice when Yuffie drifted off. She was fighting to keep heavy lids from falling, but had failed miserably after fifteen minutes of the drabbling show. She was up early this morning, and with her travels and stress she'd been rather exhausted by the time they finished eating.
Cid continued to be entertained by his show, fighting heavy lids all at the same time. He watched blankly as his mind drifted over Shera's words, reading the letter perfectly memorized by his mind. His heart wrenched the first time he read it, but now he seemed to have dulled nicely. Her abandonment still bothered him, but he wasn't about to show such emotion to anyone.
He hadn't noticed when the ending credits ran over the screen and a new show started up. His thoughts finally trailed and he glanced over to check on Yuffie. Cobalt wandered up the knee high boots, laced to perfection and leading to socks that covered her knees. He trailed over firm thighs, entertaining himself for a moment as he followed up curved hip to a tiny stomach. Before he could dare himself any further, he corrected his ways. 'Shit. She's a fuckin' girl…' He finally sought out her pretty face, noticing she was lost in slumber.
Cid switched the television off and rose from the couch, closing the small distance between his couch and the love seat she had claimed. He slipped an arm beneath an opening between her curve and the couch, the other arm tucking away beneath the back of her knees. He lifted her with ease, carrying her down the dark hall with caution. He shouldered the door to the guest room, pleased that the room was still mildly clean. He hadn't really touched it since Shera'd gone.
He found difficulty balancing her with one arm and attempting to toss a few unnecessary pillows away with the other. The task of pushing aside the covers she needed to be under proved a balancing act but he managed. He laid her down in place, rough fingers moving down to the laces of the high boots. He struggled with the knot at the top of each boot, but quickly unlaced them in their entirety. Canvas slipped from around toned calves and the shoes were tossed to the ground. The covers were pulled over the sleeping girl, the pilot was gloating over the fact that he didn't wake her.
He left shortly after tucking her in, flicking the door shut as he went. He found refuge in his own bed only moments later, worming into the old sheets and blankets. He thought about the empty bed and his mind drifted back over Shera's departure. She wouldn't be back; he knew that in his mind. His heart was still hopeful on some level, though. He tossed and turned throughout the night, tracing their past and trying to find where he'd gone wrong. Sleep did not come easily, but somewhere in the early morning he drifted off.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, items or places mentioned in this story. The only thing I can claim is the plot ;) I also must credit George Strait to the lyrics that inspired Shera's letter. This applies to each chapter.
