222ENIGMAS OF A CLOSED BOOK

Chapter Two

Cid's house wasn't much. It was quite small with only one bedroom, but Cid often told everyone he liked his privacy and if he had a bigger house it would involve more cleaning.

Right now, Cid was decorating, courtesy of Tifa and Aeris' relentless talk about colour schemes and first impressions. As Cloud pulled up he saw Cid sat outside smoking. Evidently he'd been painting because his clothes were covered in green paint. Smiling, Cloud got off his bike and approached him.

"You know both Tifa and Aeris hate green."

"Fuck off kid! I've been working my butt of all morning and as soon as you get here you tell me it's shit! Can't please anyone … what ya want?"

Cloud sat next to Cid and started idly playing with a paintbrush that hadn't been used.

"Nothing, I just wanted to see you. Need a hand?" He said gesturing towards the house. "I can help you repaint it … in another colour."

Cid shot him an incredible look and tossed his cigarette away. "Jesus kid gimme a break!" He looked down at himself and burst out laughing. "Guess it can't hurt to do it again! Don't like it anyway."

"Then why'd you use it?" Cloud asked, raising an eyebrow at Cid.

"Well … it was the only colour I had in the shed!"

- - - - - - - - - -

After a trip to town, they decided a neutral colour was best.

Several hours later they'd done most of the room, and were now sat on boxes drinking tea.

"They'd better not have owt to say about this colour." Cid said looking around the room. He put his cup down and went to paint a bit he'd missed.

"They won't, all girls like neutral colours." Cloud assured, taking a drink from his tea "shit! That's hot!"

"Wait till it's cooled down then!" Cid crossed his arms. "Anyone would think I did this solely to impress those two. I mean I know the room needed painting an' all but I think I've been more concerned with what they'd think than what I like. Weird that init?"

"Um yeah it is actually. You do like it though right?"

"Well yeah, it's not that bad … don't care much anyway, a rooms a room to me."

Several minutes of silence passed. Cid would get up every now and then to repaint something. Cloud stood and put his cup in the kitchen. As he stood looking out the window at the garden his thoughts wandered to Vincent. He remembered the time when he and Vincent were lounging on the grass, soaking in the sun. That month had been so hot, and everyone hated the heat. Cloud could tolerate it but he hated how uncomfortable it made him and getting to sleep, nightmare! He turned and went back in the room.

"Cid?"

"Hmmm"

"Has Vincent been here at all?"

Cid turned to face Cloud and sighed. "It that why you came round here?"

"No!" He lied "I was just wondering that's all."

Cid raised an eyebrow questioningly. Cloud tried his best to feign innocence. When Cid was satisfied he said "if you say so kid."

"Well I wanted to ask." He admitted. "But that's not the reason I called round, well it is but … argh! I've been so bored on my own and all this with Vincent is doing my head in. I had hoped he'd said something to you."

"Sorry kid but he hasn't said a thing to me. He hasn't been round her either but I've seen him out and about." Seeing the look on Clouds face he added "he hasn't had anyone with him. It's just him on his own. Look I don't know why you even bother anymore Cloud. You can find someone better, he's being a dick. He didn't –"He grimaced "- doesn't deserve you."

"A lot of people say that to me but it doesn't help. I really liked him Cid. I saw a side to him no one's ever seen. I thought it was all going so well … I can't help but think it's my entire fault."

"Don't dare say that! You tried man! We all know Vincent's arkward but you were patient with him. You did NOTHING wrong."

Cloud rubbed his face with his hands. "Still doesn't make me feel better."

Cid set his paintbrush aside and sat back down next to Cloud.

"You've gotta stop thinking like that Cloud. Tell ya what, do you wanna come out with me now?"

"Where?"

"To Seventh Heaven?"

"Ermm …"

"Come on man! We deserve a break. Especially after doing all this … please."

Smiling Cloud stood "Come on then!"

END CHAPTER