Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge using list lambda. Theme 9: Ballad.

We Are the Champions

Elena let out a happy giggle. She sipped at her drink with a content smile. It really was turning out to be a very nice night. It had been a long mission, and they were all glad it was over. Even Tseng had come along tonight to celebrate with the rest of them, and they had yet to be kicked out of this particular bar. No had tried to start a fight, and the music was actually decent for a change.

And it certainly did not hurt that she was currently cuddled up with Tseng either. Actually, Elena was half leaning against him and half sprawled in his lamp. Though he did not seem to mind that at all. Elena was pretty sure she was tipsy right now. But that really was fine. After a grueling mission, it was nice to be able to just relax and unwind. It wasn't quite a vacation, but it was a nice way to spend an evening.

Rude was nursing a glass of whisky while Reno was actually dancing and trying to pick up girls. He was not actually having much luck with that. Elena was willing to bet this had something to do with his dance moves. They were not exactly what she would call skilled. And they definitely did not go with the slow ballad that was currently playing. But that was Reno and his dancing for you. It was not his best strategy for getting girls.

Tseng gently nuzzled her ear, and Elena turned her head slightly so she could kiss him. His arms were wrapped around her in a comfortable embrace. This really was what success felt like to Elena. Being safe in the arms of the man she loved and able to watch her friends make fools of themselves. Well, Rude was really moping more than making a fool of himself, but Reno more than made up for that. Tseng's lips brushed her ear again.

"Twenty more minutes, Elena, and then we are going home."

She just grinned. "Deal."

As nice as it was to celebrate victory with her friends and co-workers, Elena definitely was not going to protest having a private victory celebration as well. After all, they had succeeded despite the odds, and no one had died. Well, no one of importance. A little celebration was deserved, and it wasn't like they were going to get a vacation any time soon.