Chapter Sixteen: Shopping in Junon
The Highwind landed near Junon, AVALANCHE not wanting to be detected by Shin-Ra's military presence. Cid sighed and slumped back in his chair, the exhaustion of battle hitting him hard. Angeal offered to watch the helm while Cid got some rest. With some colourful language, Cid reluctantly agreed. Sephiroth was in charge until Cid relieved him of command.
Barret found it strange, having so many ex-SOLDIERs aboard the airship. He'd gotten used to having Zack aboard years ago, but with John, Angeal, Genesis and Sephiroth, the Corel giant couldn't handle it. He'd grow to, in time. For the moment, he needed LOTS of alcohol and things to shoot.
In John and Tiffany's quarters
John and Tiffany were curled up in bed together, happiness couldn't be more prominent for the couple. Their gazes remained locked. This was the happiness that was torn from them long ago. John was the first to speak.
"Mmm, Tifa... I'd much rather stay in bed with you forever, but we don't live here. I'm tired of wearing this uniform, it brings ambivalent memories for me. The good times with you and my friends, but the bad times in the facility, poked, prodded and cut like a guinea pig. Wait, that's exactly what I was... Anyway, what say you and I do some shopping in Junon?"
Tiffany nodded, a smirk on her lips. "Can we stop at my apartment along the way?" John mirrored the smirk. "Don't you mean ourapartment?" Tiffany's eyes widened. "You mean you'd...?" John nodded and kissed his girlfriend. "If you wanted me to, yes." All Tiffany could do was nod, grin and kiss her lover.
Just as the romance began again, it was ended by the intercom, and the cool, confident voice of The Great Sephiroth sounded all through the ship. (But not in The Captain's quarters, thanks to clever comms channelling!). "If anyone wants to be a part of the... Expedition to the naval capital, be in the on the Bridge in one hour. We shall arrange teams and rotas."
Tiffany groaned, while John just laughed. "Come on, we'd best get up. We know that Sephiroth doesn't like tardiness." Tiffany punched her partner's shoulder. "How lazy do you think I am?" Her reaction was met with a chuckle and a certain look in her lover's eyes.
"I know how long you like to spend in the shower, especially when I'm with you." Tiffany grinned evilly and got up, removing the covers from her graceful, naked form. John jumped out of bed and smirked, following his partner to the shower.
Fifty Minutes Later, The Bridge of the Highwind
Sephiroth smirked as he eyed his 'recruits'. He felt like he was in command of the many Shin-Ra infantry as he was years ago, He ignored the memories almost instantly, he was just happy to be in command again. Genesis, Zack, Aeris, Yuffie, Tiffany, John and Barret all stood on the bridge, a mismatched bunch to the unknowing eye, but they were part of the group who would stand against Shin-Ra and defend the Planet to the very end, unwavering. Right now, however, they were on shopping duty.
Sephiroth looked at a clipboard, scribbling down rotas before speaking to the teams. "Hm, well... Genesis, you and Yuffie will handle the provisions. I do not think anyone will trust the Wutaiian with Materia." Sephiroth smirked, Zack covered his mouth, Aeris coughed, Tiffany giggled, John also smirked and Yuffie snarled, about to attack the 'Commander'. Genesis held her back, though.
"Moving on... Zack and Aeris, you will both handle the Materia. I know we can count on you." Zack saluted and Aeris rolled her eyes. "Now, Tiffany and John... Weapons. I know that you can't leave your lance and your fair lady behind, and if anyone crosses the pair, Tiffany would be there first." John grinned and placed his arm around Tiffany's shoulders, pulling her into him. Tiffany blushed and groaned in her lover's chest, clearly embarrassed.
Sephiroth smirked. He was happy the pair had found each other, again. "You all have your lists, move out. Report back here at no later than three PM. Move out!" The couples dispersed, and Sephiroth was left looking at Barret. "What about you, Mr. Wallace?" Barret merely grunted. "Bar." Sephiroth nodded and want to chat with Angeal.
High Noon, Lower Junon
All three pairs went their separate ways, enjoying the lighter work for a change. (They were all battle-hardened and ready to fight at a moment's notice, but everyone needed a break every now and then!). Yuffie dragged Genesis to the main Junon supermarket, clutching Genesis' hand like a child dragging a parent around in a toy shop.
"Ooh, we need some of this, we need ten of those! Genny, keep up! We need some of that! Bring that trolley over here!" Genesis growled quietly at his new 'pet name'. He merely followed the ninja's instructions, not wishing to anger or lose any of his Materia.
Zack and Aeris were having a much more calm time in the Materia store. Well, Zack was, but the ex-SOLDIER didn't realise that the female shopkeeper was flirting with him. Aeris was moments away from casting a Thunder spell, but decided against her craving.
"Zack, we should really get some Command Materia. We have plenty of Independent, Magic and Support. Summon Materia is okay, but we can't find them in stores. Zack... Zack. ZACK!" Zack turned around and grinned at his girlfriend.
"Yes, sweetness? Materia? Of course! We got plenty of Gil from those battles! One moment, lovely." He turned around to face the shopkeeper. "We'll take ten of everything!" The cash till 'PINGED', and Aeris merely shook her head. She loved her idiotic war machine. "Oh, Zack..."
In the weapon shop, John was looking at the lances, spears and rifles, while Tiffany was examining the various bangles and accessories. She noticed a suit of purple armour and got her boyfriend's attention. "Hey, what about this?"
John smirked and tilted his head to one side. "I really couldn't see myself wearing that, I'd look like one of those Dragoons from that mythical Kingdom of Baron! What was his name in those old children's storybooks? Kain?" Tiffany examined the armour further.
"I think if you dye your hair blonde, wear the helmet and talk like an old Knight, it would work!" John smirked and shook his head, turning to the shopkeeper. "Hey, we'll take one Enhance Sword, one Mythril Glove, one W Machine Gun, one Wizer Staff, a Viper Halberd, a Twin Viper and ten weapon maintenance kits."
The ageing shopkeeper grinned. "Young love, eh? You remind me of my wife and I when we were young." John smirked. "We're moving in together, too." The shopkeeper retained his grin. "Best of luck to you both! You look destined for happiness."
John smiled, nodded and paid for the items. "Thank you, goodbye!"
Tiffany took some of the bags from her partner and smirked. "What shall we do, apartment or drop the weapons off, first?"
John smirked. "What do YOU think, Tiffany?"
Tiffany just merely mirrored the smirk and the two hauled the bags to her apartment.
End Of Chapter Sixteen