7. Blue eyes...
Cid drew a deep satisfied breath, shifting slightly as he pulled the warm figure next to him closer. He was the type that always woke up before even the sun thought about getting up, but this morning the pilot felt no hurry to open his eyes and greet the day. His drowsy mind merely registered that he was relaxed, warm and in quite a good mood. Besides a growing urge for a cigarette, Cid was utterly satisfied with life.
That was... until his mind started working. Working as in throwing out questions like; why wasn't he in his own bed? Who was snuggling up to him so nicely?
Blue eyes shot open as the memory of last night returned and Cid tensed.
Shera was apparently still blissfully asleep, safely in his embrace with a soft expression of vulnerability on her face.
Dear Planet, he'd messed up! How could he do this to her?! Cid nearly panicked, how could he'd let this happen?! What was he going to say?! How the &%#$ was he going to...
Shera sighed slowly, stroking a light hand up his arm, "morning..."
Starting, Cid stared down at her, "uhm... hi."
She opened her hazel eyes and smiled uncertainly, "you ok?"
The question made the pilot break out in a smile, "that's my line."
Shera laughed softly, caressing his chest shyly. "I'm sorry. But, yes, I'm fine. More then fine."
Relaxing again, Cid returned her smile with one of his crooked ones. "Good... but I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have..."
Shera glanced quickly up at his face again and her eyes widened, "I asked you to stay and you granted me my only wish, please don't take that away from me!"
Cid didn't answer, merely stroke away a lock of her hair from her face. It was so insanely stupid and revoltingly macho, but something inside him relished in the fact that he'd been her first and only one. A strong feeling of possesivness washed over Cid, and he frowned slightly as he realised he would tear out the eyes of any other man ogling Shera, not to mention how he would gladly kill any man who dared touch her.
"Something wrong...?" Shera asked quietly as she saw his thoughtful look, knowing it only could mean something bad.
"No no..." Cid replied absently before smiling again, "jest thinking..."
Shera wasn't too sure that she believed him, and lowered her gaze so she was looking at his bare chest rather then meeting his eyes. Suddenly she started, realizing her very much, as in completely, undressed state beneath the sheet and blushed violently.
Noticing her sudden shyness, Cid had to smile, "I was wonderin' when that would happen." He made her raise her face to his by gently placing two fingers beneath her chin, "ya shouldn't be hidin' all the time, Shera."
Lost in his blue eyes, all Shera could do was feel her heart ache with affection. She never wanted that morning to end! She wished in vain they could stay like that forever! Because it felt so right at that moment, Cid gave her lips a soft kiss, and because it felt so damn good; he gave another one.
A few seconds later he vaguely felt her arms slipping around his neck, but was soon lost to the world as the feeling he'd taken for ice-cold hatred for all those years turned to flaming affection.
For a woman that had hardly smiled in years, Cid noticed the tiny, shy smile that lingered on Shera's lips as she poured him his tea and he realised that seeing that made him smile as well. Smoothly sneaking his arm around her waist as Shera walked pass him to get the milk carton by the sink, Cid easily tricked the startled woman down on his lap.
"What'chya grinnin' for all the time?" He teased against her neck, and felt her shiver.
Shera closed her eyes hard, trying to ignore the giddish feeling that shot through her as his lips brushed against her skin. "N-nothing, Captain. Just i-in a good m-mood. That's all!"
The pilot leaned out slightly to meet her eyes, noting they still widened uncertainly. At least they weren't filled with fear anymore. "Ya still don't know my name...?" Cid raised a correcting eyebrow at her and Shera started.
"Cid!" She blurted out,
and he laughed silently. "Just checkin'. How 'bout you start using it?"
Shera drew a shivering breath gazing down at her awkwardly folded hands in her lap, feeling her face burn with embarrassment. "A-alright... Cid."
The pilot sighed satisfied, absently stroking a hand over her hair. His name sounded good in her voice. Cid gradually felt Shera relax against him, only interrupted by her shivering question if she shouldn't get his breakfast.
"It can wait," Cid declared calmly, and a few minutes passed in silence.
Shera soon followed his example and began a gentle exploration over his well-known features with light fingertips and Cid discovered that he didn't mind the very least. He smiled slightly as she could only meet his gaze for a few seconds, before shyly look away as she blushed.
For a few precious moments, they were the only two people in the world. In a world without insane swordsmen and Meteors. Even when someone knocked on the door, the pilot was reluctant to let Shera go, but she stuttered and insisted on him answering it.
"Fine... awright..." Cid grumbled and allowed her to dart over to the sink, where she nervously corrected her hair.
Shera tried to gather herself as the pilot shuffled over to answer the door, yet her eyes followed him. Was it possible? Or was it all a dream? If it was, Shera never wanted to wake up! Not ever! She watched Cid as he talked to one of the crew and smiled softly as he threw out a couple of colourful curses. She'd seen his other side now.
Despite what had happened, Cid was not allowed to dwell too long on it as his mind was forced back on the cruel reality. Sephiroth was still very much there and not to mention how Meteor still hovered above them. The Highwind still needed the final repairs and the special thrust engine Cid had planned was going to be a more difficult task then he'd calculated. This was his final day; the next day they would go after Sephiroth. The next day they would enter the darkness of the Northern Cave.
He was torn between facing the harsh reality of what could happen and the desire to go over what had happened between him and Shera again until he knew what he would say to her when he saw her.
It should be something romantic...
Pah, Cid threw away his wrench before laying down to inch beneath the engine of the Highwind, like he even knew what the word meant.
Romance and Cid Highwind weren't two things that had ever gone very well together. He simply was no good at the touchy-feely stuff!
Alright... He mused up at the wires and bolts of the engine, so it didn't have to be romantic. Maybe he'd just settle for; not intimidating? He could do that...
Cid tugged at some wires, knowing Shera would be thrilled if only he didn't raise his voice or curse harshly enough to make a sailor blush. He heard some of the crew chatting and laughing, yet didn't bother to yell at them for wasting his time. A sneaking suspicion that his affableness came from being in Sheras arms was covered up by him telling himself it didn't matter if the crew did their job or not, working on the Highwind the evening before they went to the Northern Crater only meant that whatever changes he made now would have little or no effect. Their destinies were probably already decided. The heavens already knew who would win.
Cid closed his eyes and sighed, not liking the feeling of resignedness in him. They could beat Sephiroth... He had to belive that.
Inching out again, the pilot then got up and absently dusted off himself, gazing at his work. To tell the truth, Cid had no idea if the thrust engine would actually work, but it was a good chance. Shera had designed it after all! He pulled off his gloves and reached out to adjust a wire as Shera came walking with his his sandwich.
"Cap... Cid?" She called softly for his attention, and Cid started, instantly rewarded with a jolt of electricity from the wire he'd poked at.
"Dammit, woman! Don't sneak up on me!" He exclaimed angrily as he spun around and shook his hand. His anger faded instantly as he saw her flinch and pale. The pilot then sighed heavily, "Shera... come on... ya know I didn't mean that. I just..." That much for romance, he thought irritably.
Yet, Shera managed a weak smile as she held out his sandwich for him, "maybe you just need something to eat...?" She held up a thermos as well, "I brought your favorite tea too."
"Maybe I just need a good whack over the head," Cid grumbled, accepting the sandwich.
Shera giggled nervously as he sat down rather un elegantly, kneeling down beside him to pour him a cup of tea, "it's okay..."
The pilot took a huge bite of the sandwich and glanced over at her, silently amazed at how she just forgave him again.
Shera caught him looking at her and blushed deeply as she awkwardly stroke back a stray-away lock of hair behind her ear, "i-is something wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
Cid shook his head and took a sip of the tea, "nope."
Everything was just fine. Perfect. He cut a face; if one counted out insane swordsmen waiting in craters... No matter how much he tried to focus on other things, there was this gnawing thought that simply would not leave him alone; death could be waiting in the form of Sephiroth. Cid had never been afraid of dying, he still wasnt; he simply did not want to! Now, more then ever, did he feel the urge to stay kicking and breathing.
But... to avoid the battle with Sephiroth was not an option. Cid was going to fight, there was no doubt about that, as the only thing more important than his own life was to make sure the planet kept spinning and the sun kept rising.
Shera watched him as his face turned thoughtful and his eyes distant, his food completely forgotten, and she felt an uneasy knot in her stomach as she knew he must be thinking about the battle that was to come. "You will defeat him, you know..." she said silently, almost afraid to interrupt his thoughts.
Cid glanced over, almost as if he'd forgotten she was there, and Shera cleared her throat as she avoided his eyes.
The captain wanted to have a moment of peace to think, not being assaulted by her chattering! "I-I'm sorry... I'll just..."
Shera began apologizing, getting ready to get up and leave him to his worrying.
"Sit yer a... behind down, Shera," Cid smirked, taking the startled woman's hand. "You were right. I was thinking 'bout Sephiroth. Keep telling myself that we're gonna kick his ass too, but... this insane voice keeps screamin' at the back of my head; what if we don't? What if he kills us all, then what?!" He chuckled humorlessly, "not the thoughts of a hero, huh?"
Shera started again, before she lifted his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "No, Cid, it's the thought of a man realising what he's up against, and is brave enough to face it." Her eyes filled with tears, as she too knew the danger the group was going into the next day, "to think it wont be hard would be foolish. But I know you, Cid. You will face him, and you will win." And you will return to me, she mentally added as she closed her eyes to let silent tears run and lifted his hand to her lips. Yes, she knew him, in fact she knew him well enough to know that he would never back away from this fight. Even if it meant his death.
Cid watched her silently, feeling a strange knot in his stomach. "Such faith in an old man," he said silently, stroking a finger over her cheek.
Shera managed a weak laugh and she gazed at him again, "you're a lot of things, Cid Highwind, but not old."
The pilot smiled slightly, relived that the mood was lightened, if just a little. "Then what am I then, if I may ask that is?" He grinned at her deepening blush, and absently caressed her petite hand as he held it between both of his, waiting for her to gather herself.
A thousand descriptions ran through Shera's mind; kind, stubborn, generous, brave, strong, and drop dead gorgeous... but she doubted he'd agree to any of them. "You're..." she mumbled, blushing even deeper, "you're... you."
Cid raised an eyebrow in mock surprise, "you don't say? And here I thought I was President ShinRa himself!"
Shera giggled, and slapped his arm lightly, "you know what I mean!"
Cid suddenly became serious again and took a gentle hold of her chin, "no, I don't... 'Cause if you see me as the man I am, then I can't understand why you wanna hang around me..."
Shera's heart jumped and she swallowed nervously before she reached out a hand to gently place a light caress by his temple, "you... you have the bluest eyes, Captain... Do you know that? When you are angry, they turn dark as thunderclouds, but when you're happy they turn so blue as a bright summer sky. Every time it thunders, you know it's gonna clear up and there is such a beautiful blue sky behind it..."
At that moment it became clear to Cid that Shera didn't merely fancy him; she loved him. She had for a very long time.
Shera loved him with all his flaws and nasty temper. It didn't matter to her, because a bright blue sky was behind the thunderclouds. The pilot gazed into her painfully vulnerable eyes, fighting off a mild sense of panic. She loved him! So what if he had blue eyes?! They weren't THAT blue anyway! More grey, in fact!
"Shera..." he said softly, "you deserve better. If I ever had a chance with you, I messed that one up years ago..."
Shera smiled gently, "I thought we were pass that now, Cid?"
Shifting uneasily, Cid still had to return her smile with a faint one, "yer a bit faster to forgive then me..."
Yet, he didn't protest when she curled up to him, rather he lifted his arm to let her settle and then held her securely. "I always thought I had grey eyes..." He said thoughtfully after a while,
and Shera smiled from where she was resting against him with eyes peacefully closed, "no, they're blue. Different shades by your mood, but blue... Always so incredibly blue."
This was possibly the last evening they could ever have together, and the thought lay constantly lurking in the back of Cid's mind, making him wish it would never end. For a long time they sat silently together, merely savouring and memorizing the feeling of the other, until Cid suddenly realised how little he really knew about Shera.
All these years they'd been working and living together, and he didn't even know her favorite colour!
The pilot glanced down at the woman that was resting half-asleep against him, deciding to take a guess based on what he thought he knew about her. "Shera...?"
She started awake, and Cid only barely avoided her slamming her head up into his chin.
Shera stared wide-eyed at him, feebly raising a hand to apologize as she now sat facing him, a rather startled pilot. "Oh... oh, I'm so sorry, Cap... Oh! I m-meant... Cid... Oh, I'm sorry, Capt... I mean Cid... Captain Cid... I-I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to..."
Her rambling was cut off as he placed two fingers at her lips, smiling slightly before asking; "your favorite colour doesn't happen to be... blue, does it?"
Shera gazed wide eyed and flustered at him, before she gave a weak nod.
Cid puffed satisfied and gave her nose a light tap, "hah, I didn't know that!"
Shera frowned slightly confused, "I'm sorry, I don't understand...?"
The pilot got up and held out a hand for her to take, then pulled her up and placed his hands lightly on her shoulders as he gazed into her eyes, "one; stop apologizing all the &#$£&% time! Two; I actually managed to guess yer favorite colour, but I wanna know more!"
Shera's frown deepened in confusion, "what... what do you mean...? What do you want to know...?"
Cid grinned widely, "everything!" He guided her back to the house, deciding to use this evening to try and make up for some of the years lost. "But you can start with your parents!"
Shera stumbled along, gazing concerned at him, "a-are you feeling well, Cid...?"
The pilot glanced up at the flaming meteor steadily approaching the planet, unknowingly hugging Shera closer, "yeah... guess I got a reason to re-think what's important and not... that's all..." He smiled weakly at her worried face, "I'm not gonna terrorize yer family, if that's what yer'fraid of!"
Shera started violently, eyes wide, "I w-would never...! I know you would never...!"
Cid nodded with a laugh, "it was a joke, Shera, don't have a heart attack!"
Shera blushed and gazed down, "I-I'm s..." Then she remembered his plead for her to stop apologizing all the time, and she drew a deep breath, "my parents... well, you want to know so..."
And that night they spent talking on the sofa, and for a rare ocation; Cid avoided the questions about himself, and tried to lure out everything out of Shera. It wasn't easy. Shera wasn't a person who was used to talk about herself, but the pilot realised he knew how to handle her, much as she'd learned to handle him throughout the years. That night Cid learned that Shera wasn't the little grey mouse he'd always thought of her, though she hadn't been into 1/15'th of the troubles he'd gotten himself into in his teen ages; Cid nearly fell of the sofa with laughter when it was revealed how her first college binge had resulted in her hoisting up her panties in the flag pole.
Time flew by so fast, and suddenly Cid choked on his laugh as he saw the first signs of dawn in the window. No... it was too soon! There was still so much more he wanted to do! So much more he wanted to say! He gazed over at Shera and saw her gazing at the same thing he'd just discovered.
She'd turned so pale...
Cid reached out and touched her cheek, smiling slightly at her tiny start going over to her closing her eyes and leaning against his touch. For a heartbeat, neither moved nor spoke, then a wild sense of panic made Cid move her closer and catch her lips.
Shera closed her eyes hard and took his face between her hands; meeting his lips equally desperate. The man she'd loved for so many years had forgiven her just in time to make her love him even more as the world ended. It wasn't fair! Tears pressed behind her eyelids, and Shera forced the sobs away.
Cid felt her tremble as he wrapped his arms around her, his heart aching with despair. There was still so much he hadn't done... "I will be back..." Cid whispered against her lips, pulling her hair free from her pony-tail, revelling in the feeling of her. "I promise you; I will be back."
He got up, scooping her up in his arms without his lips leaving hers. He was hardly aware of walking towards his room, vaguely recognizing how he gently placed her on the bed and followed as she reached out for him. "I'm not gonna die, 'cause I'm comming back to you." Cid quickly and jerkily helped Shera remove his shirt, feeling her supressed trembling against his bare skin.
"I'll be waiting, Cid..." Shera closed her eyes and leaned her head back into the pillow as his lips ravenously caressed her neck, "I'll be waiting forever."
Cid lifted himself up on his elbows and gazed down into her hazed eyes, "when I come back... will you marry me, Shera...? Will you make me the happiest man alive...?" For a second, eyes were locked into each other and all that could be heard were uneven breathing, then Shera swallowed back the tears, whispering; "yes..." Then she drew a shivering breath and gathered herself, "yes, Cid. A world of yes."
She could see in the worlds most beautiful, blue eyes that Cid Highwind did love her. He loved her just as he was going into certain death. This time their lips met in an unhurried kind of kiss. A kiss that told of mutual affection and was filled with promises of a future they might have...