3. "Whoa!!!"

Early next morning, Cid let the others exit his house first, then turned to face Shera who was clearing of the breakfast table along with Rain. He cleared his throat and she glanced hastily up, realising he wanted her attention; she clumsily dropped a luckily empty tea-cup and Cid closed his eyes shortly as it hit the floor and broke, wondering how it was possible that there was even one whole cup in that house.

"I-I'm sorry..." Shera said quickly and miserably, crouching down to pick up the pieces.

Trying once more, Cid called for her attention; "Shera...?"

She froze and slowly looked up, waiting for him to yell.

He didn't.

Shera slowly straightened and pushed up her glasses as she found him looking rather uncertainly at her.

Cid shifted his weight uneasily and cleared his throat again; "I'm just wonderin'... um... will ya be here when I get back...?"

The thought that she wouldn't be there like she always had, gave him an uneasy feeling. He didn't like it at all!

Shera blinked confused, then she realised he thought that now she was free of all guilt concerning ruining things back then; she would want to leave. Leave him?! Shera would rather die! She gave a weak smile that made her eyes sparkle; "of course I'll be here, Captain."

Her words seemed to have a calming effect on him, and Cid even returned her weak smile. "Good... um... I was just... wonderin'..."

He then turned and closed the door behind him. leaving Shera to gaze blissfully at the door where he'd just been.

"Sheez, you got it baad!" Rain declared as she carried the plates over to the sink and Shera whirled around.

"What do you mean?!" She gazed nervously at the other woman, who merely smiled as she gathered the knifes as well.

"I mean; you're really down on your knees about him, aren't you?" Rain laughed softly at Sheras face and paused by the sink. "He's ok, I guess..."

The words made Shera jerk around to face her; "what do you mean by that?!"

Her tone was much sharper then she'd ever used before, and Shera startled slightly at herself.

Rain faintly waved a hand at her; "relax, Shera, I'm not going to go chasing after Cid. He's quite safe from me. Though you should start thinking about doing something or some day it might be too late!"

Shera blushed deeply and turned to clear up the finishing mess after the breakfast; "I don't know what you're talking about." She tired to ignore the smile on Rain's face as she placed the butter in the fridge. - Do something? Shera swallowed hard, - what is there to do when he doesn't want me?

She absently stroke a hand down one of his jackets and heard Rain sigh behind her; "Shera... you have to at least try!"

Shera closed her eyes and shook her head. "The Captain and I work well together. That is all."

Rain frowned and made her turn to meet her eyes; "are you sure about that? He sure looked like he was a little too worried about loosing you, to merely think of you as a colleague...!"

Shera wrung her hands and walked over to the sink; "I-I'm not sure that we should... I-I think... we should j-just do the dishes!"

With a resigned sigh, Rain shrugged and slowly walked over. "Alright... just remember my words!"

The trip to Cosmo Canyon was quickly over, and ended in another meeting with a WEAPON. Only this time it was more interested in destroying Midgar, and they were unable to prevent it from firing against the city as the giant cannon called Sister Ray fired to protect that very city. And as always; things had to get worse! Cait Sith then revealed that Hojo planned to use the Sister Ray again, and it would do serious damage to the planet! Declaring they had to go into the city, Cid trotted into his cabin and began digging in his closet. Walking back out on the bridge, he and a helper began throwing each party-member a package.

Barret gazed confused at it and frowned; "What's this?!"

Cid strapped his on his back and shrugged; "parachutes!"

Yuffie shrieked and dropped hers to the ground; "parachutes?! Are you gone completely mental?! I'm not jumping of anywhere!"

Cid shrugged as he helped Red XII place his on; "suit yerself, kiddo. Then ya gotta stay behind here on the Highwind."

He couldn't quite hide his grin as Yuffie quickly began pulling on her parachute as well. Then they walked out and gazed silently down at the dark city beneath for a while, then Cid drew a deep breath and jumped; "GERANIMO!"

He landed safely on both feet and gazed around as they others landed as well, laughing as Barret landed in a trash-can.

Cloud then pulled forward his sword, giving them an irritated look; "get a grip! This is no joke!"

Cid sighed as he pulled forward the Venus Gospel; "yeah, yeah, you party-pooper. Let's get goin' then!"

They made their way up, encountering Turks, then Heidegger and Scarlet, before finally facing Hojo. Cid was surprised to see the reaction in Vincent face, the normally so cool man were trembling with fury and hate. The battle were actually one of the worst Cid had ever had the unfortunate luck of getting involved in, but even Hojo had to yield to their united strength.

Sitting down to catch their breaths, Tifa suddenly gazed over at the ruined ShinRa Tower. "How did WEAPON know where to shoot?"

Barret shrugged; "prolly smelt the foul ShinRa-scent! That foo Rufus shouldn't have messed with da planet!"

Cid absently tapped of the ashes of his cigarette and raised his eyebrows; "can't be much of him left..."

Yuffie jumped up and made a face; "eeew! Grosness!"

Cait Sith wobbled over to the edge, gazed silently at the tower before turning to the others; "I have to check."

Barret glared over; "say what?!"

The toy cat jumped over to Cloud; "don't you want to know for sure?"

Cloud hesitated, then sighed. "I guess..."

Barret jumped to his feet and waved his arms; "what the &#%$ are you sayin'?!"

Cloud shrugged as he fastened the sword on his back; "can't hurt to check. Better safe then sorry. Right?"

Cid groaned as he got up as well, "whatever. Let's just get going before I realise just how beat up I really am!"

After taking the elevator up, and climbing some stairs Cid was tired, bored and cranky.

"That's &%#$ far enough!" He declared as they were stumbling up some more stairs and several voices agreed with him.

"Who cares anyway?" Yuffie whined and sat down with a huff, "nobody could've survived that blast! He's dead! Let's go back down!"

Just as they were about to turn around, Tifa called out; "Wait! I see someone!"

She trotted up the final steps and the others quickly followed.

"It's not possible!" Cloud exclaimed as he saw Tifa crouching down by Rufus silent figure. He looked like a mess, bloody and covered in dust, but it was clear from the blood-trail that he'd walked out there himself.

"He's... he's alive?!" Cloud asked nervously and Tifa reached out to check for a pulse before turning to the puzzled faces;

"He's alive, alright."

Barret snorted and turned to walk down again, "come on. Leave him."

Tifa shot up with a startled look; "No! We can't just leave him! He's wounded! He needs help!"

Cid snorted and leaned against the wall; "Bah! He's done this to himself! And he wouldn't hesitate to leave us wounded!" He gazed coolly at the unconscious young man that had brought so much misery with him.

Tifa knelt down beside Rufus again, "But that's where we're different! That is WHY we're different!" She insisted, "WE don't leave wounded people to die! If we go now without helping him; we've become everything we've fought against!"

"Tifa is right, " Cloud said, "come on. We taking him with us."

Cid sighed irritated and jerked Rufus up and flung him over his shoulder, "you're gonna regret this, Cloud. Mark my words!"

With that, he stomped down the stairs with the heavy burden over his shoulder.

Exiting Midgar, they found the Highwind on the ground, seriously damaged after being fired upon when they'd parachuted over the city. Cid ran around checking the damages, and had to be threatened om board so that they could spend the night in Kaln and figure out what to do with Rufus ShinRa, and discuss what to do next.

Cid weren't to thrilled about the news that Rufus ShinRa was going to join their journey, but his major concern were repairing his baby again, and to do that; he needed to get the Highwind to Rocket Town.

It was safe to say that it was a nerve-wrecking trip as the ship kept shuddering and made strange noises as she tried to go everywhere except where the pilot steared her. As they approached Rocket Town,

Cloud walked up to Cid and glanced worried up at his stern face; "can you repair the damages?"

Cid puffed irritated at his cigarette. "Dunnow. She's hurt bad, but I'll do my best. Besides, here in Rocket Town I got Shera to help me. She's a better mechanic then any man I've ever met."

Cloud tried to hide his smile, but Cid frowned at the sight of it. "What?"

The younger man shook his head and quickly made his escape, "nothing."

Once again, the feeling of being supposed to understand something struck Cid, but this time too it failed him to figure out what exactly it was. Even more irritated, he crossed his arms and gazed out the window. "Hmpf!"

A few minutes later, Cid then stalked over to supervise the landing procedure. And after what seemed an eternity, he was finally able to stomp towards his house, not quite sure why he was so nervous to find out if Shera really had kept her word and stayed. It wasn't like Shera to lie; in fact, he couldn't remember a single time she had lied. But, at the same time; he wouldn't blame her if she wanted to leave.

Placing one hand on the door-handle, Cid drew a deep breath before opening the door and walk into the house; straight into Shera.

With a startled yelp, she stumbled backwards and would have fallen if Cid hadn't reached out and gotten a hold of her. Shera felt her face turn deep red as she found herself in her Captains arms, of course after she'd made a complete fool of herself, and slowly gazed up. "C-Captain... I-I'm sorry... I didn't see, I mean, I didn't..."

Her words faded as she saw he was gazing at her with a slightly smirking look, raising one eyebrow. "Yes?"

Forcing herself to remember how to breathe, Shera took a step back and tried to regain her senses. "I-I saw the Highwind... and I noticed t-the, ah, stearing was somewhat... uhm... broken."

She wasn't sure what she preferred; when the Captain was angry or when he was gazing at her like he did now. Both made her horribly nervous.

Cid walked pass her and dumped down on his favorite chair while starting to pull off his gloves. "Well, you've got one thing right. The Highwind took quite a beating at Midgar and we've got no time to fix her up, so we gotta do this &%#$ fast!"

Shera numbly closed the door and went over to put on some tea-water while carefully glancing back at him. "Y-you want me to help...?"

Cid rolled his eyes and threw one foot up on the table before changing his mind and pull it back down on the floor again; "or is that too &#%$ much to ask?!"

Shera shrunk under his words and quickly turned back to the tea-water. "Of course not, Captain! I-I'm sorry. I'll do m-my best!"

Cid sat up with a sigh and placed his elbows on the table and began rubbing his temples. He hadn't meant to yell. It was strange. Shera could do the smallest things to cheer him up, but also the tiniest to make him furious. She was so damn frustrating!

Then her voice broke through his thoughts as she put down a cup in front of him; "do you have a headache?"

With a silent and amazed laugh, Cid took a hold of his cup with both hands, it was only Shera that could worry about him right after he'd yelled at her for nothing. "Yeah.. but I'll live."

He watched her silently as she took his gloves and placed them on the shelve by the door and noticed to his irritation that she started when she met his eyes. Frowning displeased, Cid decided to glare down at his tea.

A few seconds later, Shera's thin voice broke the silence; "d-do you mind...?"

Before he could ask her what she meant, he felt her careful and nimble fingers gently massage his temples and Cid closed his eyes with a bliss full sigh, feeling the tension lessen.

Shera was surprised to find him relaxing against her and allowed herself a tiny smile as she saw his peaceful expression when he leaned his head to her stomach, savouring the work of her hands. She couldn't help but to study his face; so familiar and... heart-breaking handsome. Rain's words had caused her to day-dream despite her practical nature, and all of her dreams involved that face.

Shera felt herself turning red at the thoughts and wondered wryly how long he'd want her to stay if only he knew...

Suddenly Cid reached up and gently took a hold of her right wrist and Shera froze. He slowly opened his eyes and gazed up at her with his incredibly blue eyes. Of course Cid knew she would stare at him with that frightened look, but it still made him wish that she wouldn't. He wanted to say something to make her understand that she didn't have to be afraid of him, that his harsh words didn't mean anything. But words failed him and he found himself gazing silently into her wide hazel eyes.

Shera found it hard to breathe when he was looking at her like that and his gentle grip around her wrist seemed to burn her skin, not to mention how her heart was pounding in her chest. There was something different in his eyes. He wasn't angry anymore.

She blinked surprised and Cid realised she understood, stroking his thumb over her skin in gratefulness for not needing to use words. Shera felt his lightly caressing her wrist like she'd never felt anything before in her entire life and her eyes were helplessly locked with his. Time seemed to stand still and neither moved, or maybe Shera placed her hand on his cheek and Cid barely tilted his head to lean against the light caress, but then the door slammed open and Yuffie came running in; declaring that she had not stolen Barrets materia no matter what he said! Of course, the huge man appeared five seconds later, roaring that the little thief was lying!

Shera jumped two steps away and Cid jerked to his feet. "Wait one &%&$/ minute! What the #&%$% are you two talking about?!"

Yuffie crossed her arms and pouted; "Barret is accusing me of stealing his Ice3 materia, just because he's lost his and I happened to have won one!"

Cid waved his hands frustrated; "but why the &#%$ are ya in my &#$%# house arguing over it?!"

Barret shrugged; "Cloud said to let you figure it out."

Cid stared blankly at them for a few seconds, then grasped his cigarettes and cursed loudly; "awright! Of all %&#$ stupid arguments! And then, of course, let Cid handle it! %&#$&!!!"

He ordered them outside and followed shortly himself, but not without casting a final, thoughtful glance at the nervously smiling Shera.

It was late that night, after Cid had sent the 'flunkies' to their homes but decided to stay and work a little more on the Highwind himself. Amazed at the hidden rocket-engines the ShinRa had installed on her, Cid were halfway into one engine when he heard footsteps approach. "#%&$&! Didn't I tell ya'll to go home?!" He sneered as he scooted out and gazed up from where he was sitting; looking straight up at the wide-eyed Shera.

"I-I know you said... I-I'm sorry... I just thought that... maybe..." She stuttered and finally held forward a thermos and a tiny package he knew contained a couple of sandwiches.

With a sheepish grin, Cid made sign for her to sit down beside him, "heh, ya read my mind. Thanks. Been so busy with this girl I forgot about eatin' all together!"

Shera gave a faint smile as she handed him the items and carefully sat down on the blanket he'd placed on the ground, knowing him well enough to consider his statement a sensation. Cid was not the person that forgot his food! Her heart jumped as his face brightened even more at the sight of his favorite sandwiches and Shera quickly took off the top of the thermos bottle; "I brought some t-tea as well..."

She poured him a cup and silently watched as he accepted it and leaned against the Highwind with a bliss full sigh.

"Ya know, Shera... this is pretty much as good as it gets." Cid took a sip of the tea and glanced over at her with a smile.

At that moment, she couldn't have agreed more! Shera lowered her eyes embarrassed and turned slightly to look at the Highwind; "she's quite amazing."

Cid nodded eagerly as he swallowed a gulp of tea; "and you wouldn't belive the secrets she has! I tell ya, she's one intriguing little lady!"

He gazed at the airship with so much affection that Shera actually felt a pang of jealousy, being willing to give up everything to have him look at her once like that. She quickly looked down at the ground and sighed, deciding she'd better get back to the house before she did something that made her look like a complete fool and leave him at least one memory of her where she didn't mess up.

Glancing over at her, Cid noticed Shera in deep thought, actually looking a little sad. "Something wrong...?"

He asked carefully and Shera quickly met his eyes. "N-no. Nothing wrong. I just... "

she gave him a weak smile, shook her head and brushed a few of her bangs out of her eyes, "a little tired, that's all."

Cid nodded slowly, but didn't take his eyes of her, something that made her even more nervous as usual. Why had he asked her if something was wrong? Was there something wrong? Why was he looking at her like that?

Shera shifted nervously and blinked uncertainly; "is there something wrong?"

Shrugging slightly, Cid turned to lean against the Highwind again and gazed up at the sky; "nah. You just a looked a little sad, that's all."

Automatically, Shera lifted a hand to her heart and hardly believed his words. He'd thought she looked sad and asked out of concern. Concern for her and her well-being. This had to be one of her dreams! "I-I'm not sad. I was just thinking."

This was going to be the part where she messed up everything; by doing something as stupid as fainting!

Cid glanced over at her again as he curled up the paper she'd wrapped around the sandwiches into a ball before aiming for the trash-bin, and succeeding! "Thinkin'? Thinkin'bout what?"

He wasn't sure why, but he was rather liking this; just sitting and talking with her like he'd used to do. Before... before she saved his life and he acted like a complete numbskull for so many years! Cid had to keep reminding himself, and found the guilt feeling grow heavier by each time. He was going to make it up to her... somehow. But right now, he was being egoistical as usual. Cid enjoyed her company and for once it seemed like she wasn't going to do something stupid. It wasn't like she could break the thermos bottle, he thought with a smirk, before moving it to a safe distance just in case.

Shera looked strangely at him before blushing and force herself to look at the sky as well. "Uhm... n-nothing in particular. It's not easy having positive thoughts with that thing hanging over our heads."

She'd almost gotten used to seeing Meteor burning in the sky, but couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling it gave her. Meteor mocked all her unfinished dreams and reminded her with every glance that time was running out.

Cid nodded seriously as he looked up as well; "yeah... it's a nasty booger, that one. Good thing we're going to get rid of it, huh?"

He gazed over at her with a grin that made Shera's heart jump."Y-yes... good thing,"

she stuttered, and as she admired his face again the panic struck her that he'd might be killed within the next few days when they were meeting Sephiroth. Shera gazed quickly away as tears flooded in her eyes.

Reaching out, Cid turned her face back to his; "hey..." He said softly, "what's wrong?"

Pulling of his gloves, he gently removed the trace of oil his hand had left on her cheek and made it even worse for Shera to hold back the frustrated tears.

"I just... it's nothing... I... " She took his hand to push it away, but he wouldn't release hers.

"Shera... what is it?" Cid was surprised to see the tears trailing down her cheeks, as he couldn't remember a single time he'd seen her cry. Ever.

She looked helplessly at him, almost choking on the feelings that threatened to show how much she loved him. "Nothing is wrong, I-I said!"

Shera pulled her hand free and jumped to her feet, "I'm going b-back to the... the house!"

But she only managed a few steps before Cid's hand locked around her arm and almost jerked her back to face him. "Dammit, Shera!" He barked irritated and she gazed wide-eyed at him with tears flowing freely.

"I... I-I'm sorry," she whispered, but made no attempts to break free.

The pilot sighed and released his grip, pulling a hand through his hair in regret. "No... no, I'm sorry. It's just that... if something's wrong, can't ya tell me? D'ya hate me that much? I wouldn't blame you, but..."

Shera shook her head quickly at Cid's words, and reached up to place a slender hand on his rough cheek. Had he really misunderstood so completely?! "N-no, Captain! I don't hate you! I never could! I..."

Words failed her as usual, especially when Cid was looking at her with those blue eyes with no spark of anger in them. Before she even knew what she was doing, Shera took his face between her hands and reached up to gently place her lips against his.

Cid's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but was not at all dismayed. Only before he had the chance to respond or even think of something to say, Shera took a step back with a face pale as a ghost and eyes wide.

Had she really done that?! At that moment, she had never wanted to die so badly!

Bolting towards the house, Shera covered her mouth with her hand to strangle a sob of despair and bitter tears ran like rivers. She could never look the Captain into his eyes again. Never! Slamming the door shut behind her, Shera ran towards her room, leaving an utterly puzzled Cid.

Her action had surprised him, to put it mildly, but Cid also found himself smirking at the memory. So she fancied him? That sure explained a lot! He was quite curious as to what she would do next, but to his utter irritation; Shera avoided him like the plagues!

The entire next day, he barely saw her for a couple of minutes before she ran off with some stupid excuse. Cid's mood was not improved when it became clear just how badly damaged the stearing on the Highwind really was, and that they lacked the parts to repair it. After a short discussion, it was decided that Tifa, Vincent, Yuffie and Rufus ShinRa was going to Nibelheim to get the parts, while Cid and his team repaired the other damages until they could return with the parts.

Grumbling and cursing, Cid dumped down in his sofa in front of the TV after a day of working on the Highwind with a team that knew just about nothing and a Shera that kept ducking him and hardly answered his questions. Cid Highwind were in what he knew had to be his worst mood ever!

Staring grumpily at the TV, he stubbornly refused to realise it was in the middle of the night and he really should get his sleep to be ready to keep working on the airship the next day. He didn't move until a sound caught his attention and turned to see Shera come shuffling in on her way to the kitchen.

With her hair loose and no glasses, it was clear she was still half asleep, but what caught Cid's attention were;

1; she was wearing that T-shirt he'd given her all those years ago; when they'd been working on ShinRa no. 26, Shera'd managed to spill oil all over her shirt, and to save some time; Cid gave her his college T-shirt, telling her to keep it.

2; sticking out from that 'nightgown' were a couple of very shapely legs.

He knew he should say something, anything, to let her know he was there, but for some odd reason the words got stuck in his throat. Before appearing like a complete moron, Cid got up, but unluckily the remote control to the TV decided to jump down on the floor, causing Shera to jump around with a half-strangled cry.

Gazing angrily down at the guilty remote, Cid then hastily met her gaze; "It's only me..." He saw how she raised her hand to her heart as in a futile attempt to calm herself and brushed nervously away her hair from her face.

"C-Captain! I-I didn't know you were... I-I'm sorry!" She unknowingly took a step back, vaguely wondering how so much bad luck could fall upon her on such a short time. The Captain probably was furious with her now as she disturbed him in his thoughts.

Cid shrugged slightly and shoved his hands into his pockets; "no need t'appologize, Shera. Trouble sleepin' ?"

Shera shifted uneasily, and her eyes flickered nervously around in the room; "j-just a little... I-I thought that maybe some tea might... b-but I didn't know you were here, I-I'm sorry, I d-don't need to... uhm... I'll j-just leave you to, uhm, to your thoughts..."

She turned to flee the room, as she'd done so many times that day, and once again his famous temper got the better of him and Cid stalked over. "Ohnoyadon't!"

Shera froze and inhaled deeply, desperately. "I-I'm sorry! I-I didn't know..."

She began babbling again as Cid stood in front of her, refusing to meet his eyes. Too embarrassed after what she'd done to him. He didn't seem angry, but if he was going to pity-talk to her; she'd prefer if he got angry! That was the only faith worse then him hating her; him feeling pity for her. Why did she had to be so stupid, Shera mentally raged.

Cid sighed resigned as she went on one of her rambling excuses, and gently took a hold of her shoulders; "Shera..." He closed his eyes briefly as he didn't reach her, before trying again; "Shera, listen..."

Only the non-stop stream of apologies wouldn't stop and Cid frowned irritated. He thought about his options, before he used the final trick he knew would shut her up; he kissed her.

This time it was Shera's eyes that widened with surprise when she felt his lips against hers, efficiently halting the flow of words. Only he didn't back away so quickly as she had, instead his arms slipped around her and pulled her close to him. Automatically, Shera's arms went around his neck while her pulse hammered and her knees trembled. Cid gave her a couple of soft kisses, before tilting his head slightly and gently part her lips. Shera closed her eyes as jolts went through her, leaving her to lean trembling against him as she responded whole-heartedly, drawing her fingers through his short, blonde hair with a pounding heart. Cid's mind clouded over as she so willingly returned his kiss and leaned her suddenly so very feminine body against his, and he could feel his own blood heat up. Had it been any other woman, he would have easily picked her up and carried her to his bed, but he couldn't.

Not to Shera, not when he knew that it was merely that he wanted. Shera was his friend, his twice guardian angel, and he would never use her for a few hours of pleasure, knowing it would break her. Shera wasn't that kind of girl.

Gently withdrawing his lips from hers, if a little reluctantly, Cid gazed down into her dazed eyes with an uneven breath. Shera was lost for words. She gazed helplessly into his blue eyes, wanting nothing more then to be in his arms again. Had she been wrong after all? Did her Captain care for her...? Shera could see the badly hidden desire in his eyes, and it sent a shiver down her spine. Maybe he didn't love her, but he wanted her, and at that moment; it was enough.

She stroke a lightly caressing hand over his chest and felt him tense before he quickly took her hand.

"Shera..." Cid objected weakly, only his husky voice made it sound like an invitation. As she gazed up at him with flushed cheeks and slightly parted lips, Cid swallowed hard. He realised he was in a position where he'd end up hurting her no matter what he did. If he gave into what he so badly wanted and her eyes promised, Shera would get hurt by him using her. If he pulled away, she would get hurt by him rejecting her. Why did he kiss her in the first place?! He needed a cigarette!

Shera could see he was struggling with something, refused to wonder what it was. All she knew was that he might change his mind, and she didn't want that. Reaching up, Shera placed her lips against his again, and to her utter relief; Cid didn't pull away this time either.

Cursing himself, Cid knew he had to decide, but couldn't see why he couldn't make up his mind while kissing her, disregarding how his reasonability lessened by each caressing stroke of her small hands.

Reality brutally cut through the haze when suddenly someone hammered at the door and caused the two to tear apart with a start. Shera breathed heavily as she numbly corrected her hair, carefully gazing over at her Captain, who shifted from looking at her and the door.

"I... y-you'd better answer that. I-it's probably important..." she advised him in a weak voice, still trembling after his kisses.

Cid wanted to object, wanted to pull her close again, but then realised he'd been given an easy way out. A miracle had made the decision for him, and though he could have screamed with frustration at that moment; he knew he would be grateful the next day. "Yeah..." Cid muttered slowly, "yeah, I'd better."

He saw the disappointment in her eyes, and perhaps a little hurt as well, before she bent her head and mumbled; "I-I'll better get back to my room..."

Looking silently after her, Cid fought against the urge to call her back, and when she was gone; he closed his eyes hard with a deep, deep sigh.

Suddenly someone hammered at the entrance door again and the pilot opened his eyes with a start. "Yeah, yeah! Don't get yer #$#%& nickers in a $%& twist! ! &#%$%!!! I'm commin' ! What's the &#$% hurry?!"

He tore the door open and glared furiously at... Yuffie?! Blinking confused, Cid gesticulated faintly; "what...? I thought you were... I'm not THAT &#$% desperate for them parts!"

The young ninja shook her head quickly; "I'm not here to deliver some stupid pieces of scrap in the middle of the night, you moron!"

Cid straightened with a jerk, his blue eyes narrowing dangerously; "hey, now I suggest you explain yourself before I make you sorry you ever were born, brat!"

Puffing with offence, Yuffie crossed her arms and glared at the pilot; "I came back to get you lot, 'cause Tifa and the others got captured!"

Cid scratched his neck thoughtfully and lifted an eyebrow puzzled; "captured? By who? How? Why?"

Yuffie stomped her foot frustrated; "how the heck am I supposed to know?! Just be glad I got away to tell you!"

Snorting suspiciously, Cid gazed coolly at her; "and how is that? Why weren't you caught?"

The young ninja shrugged uneasily as she shifted her feet; "I was, uhm, looking at materia at the time... but never mind that! We gotta go get'em back! Tifa and Vinnie, at least, that ShinRa-jerk we can just leave there!"

Cid reached out for his jacket with a sigh, "have ya told Cloud and the others?"

Tripping impatiently, Yuffie nodded quickly again; "yeah,yeah, they told me to get you. Come on!"

Grasping the Venus Gospel, Cid debated vaguely wether to let Shera know he was leaving, but something told him if he went to her room; he probably wouldn't leave until dawn. Clearing his throat, the pilot closed the entrance door behind him as he followed Yuffie to the inn.