Once Nanaki had fallen asleep, Tifa made up her mind. She would go to Cid's
room that night, even if she didn't know what to say. Thinking about him just didn't keep
her content anymore; she was searching for a way; any way, to see him.

Silently, Tifa dressed in a fitted white tank-top and black miniskirt that had, over
time, become sort of like a uniform for her. She ran a comb through her hair, pulling it
back into a loose ponytail. She considered putting on some make-up, but then decided
against it. That would be a dead giveaway that she wanted to look her best for him.

Creeping out of the room, Tifa made for the hallway. However, she wasn't the
only one there. "Watch where you're going!" a high-pitched voice shouted in a
whispering tone, seeming to trip over Tifa's feet. The owner of the voice was Yuffie
Kisaragi, the sixteen year-old materia hunter. "Sorry!" Tifa whispered in return, helping
Yuffie to her feet.

The younger girl looked at her questioningly. "What are you doing out so late?
Shouldn't you be in bed?" Tifa put her hands on her hips. "Likewise." Her temples
throbbing, Yuffie lightly banged her leg up against the wall. "Never mind. You go your
way, I go mine." With that, the ninja girl from Wutai stomped down the stairs, and out of
sight.

Stopping at room number four, Tifa paused. She believed that Cid had the room to
himself, since the 'couples' all shared rooms, and Barret was with Cait Sith. Her heart
beating uncontrollably, Tifa lightly knocked at the door.

A few seconds later, the door was answered. "Tifa!" Cid exclaimed, sounding
incredibly shocked and delighted. A split second later, he resumed his usual expression.
"Erm, what is it?" Tifa felt her face go pink, but knew that it wouldn't be very visible in
the semi-darkness. "I…uh…yeah.." she began pathetically, not being able to search for
words too say.

"Come in." Cid offered, opening the door all of the way. Entering slowly, Tifa felt
her face go from being on fire, to being completely flushed of color. "Well, have a seat."
Cid said, gesturing to both a chair by the fireplace and a bed that looked as though he
hadn't lied down in it at all that day.

Tifa choose to sit on the perfectly made bed, still trying to think up some decent
excuse as to why she would be in Cid's room late at night. She laid her legs out on the
soft blankets, trying to look as though she were more comfortable than she truly was. Cid
had a difficult time trying not to simply stare at Tifa and her amazing body.

"Should I make some tea?" Cid offered, getting up off the chair next to the
fireplace, which he'd claimed after Tifa had chosen the bed. "…No, thank you…it's just,
um…" She began, feeling as though she shouldn't have opened her mouth at all. Never
was she at such a loss for words.

'She's so gorgeous' Cid said to himself, finally being able to tear his eyes away
from her. 'You're too old for her. Forget it.' Piped another voice in his head. Although he
wished it weren't so with all his mind, he knew that it was, indeed, very true.

"I came here…because…well…I feel that we're very distant. I like to know my
colleagues, you know? So, I wanted to know if you'd like to just talk." Tifa said, feeling
that this was the best excuse that she could possibly give for the awkward situation.

"Yeah", Cid replied, "let's talk…"



Note from the autor: In all honesty, I have no idea how old Cid Highwind is, and
couldn't even make a guess. I mean, he still has blonde hair, but ya know, he could have
–dyed- it. Hehhe ^.^;;. Just to make the story flow better, I've decided upon making him
forty years old. If he's older or younger, well, I'll keep that in mind if ever I write another
story about him. Thank you. =)