Grinding

Final Fantasy VII, all rights to the Square-Enix.

"We're gonna be away like for two three days…" said Cloud.

Aeris was making sandwiches helped by Barret.

"It's fine for me! I'll be glad to get three days off"

"What excuse did you set up for closing the bar?"

"Family matters. Not very original perhaps but actually the truth"

Tifa barged in more active than usual.

"What's this story about going to the other continent just for an amusement park?"

Barret looked at her perplexed.

"You like working so much? What's the matter with taking three days off?"

"Barret we need money, ok? It's not like we're going to pay electricity and all the other stuff getting three days off."

"Well I'm sorry Tifa" Barret replied pretty annoyed "I'm going to take some rest and I'm sorry you're not as happy as the rest of us"

Tifa didn't answer but simply rolled her eyes and left.

"What's with her and money making?"

"I don't know. Maybe she's saving up for something. I don't remember her being like that before"

Cid crosses a very pissed off Tifa in the hallway. She wasn't even looking where she was going and didn't notice Cid jumping behind her and putting his hands on her eyes.

"Cut it out Cid! I'm in no mood" she shoved away brutally.

"What's the matter? You're not happy to get some rest?"

"We can rest at home as well!"

"Awhhh! And I thought it'd be a good chance for us two to be alone"

"In your dreams Highwind."

"Yes in my dreams we are sooo very together"

Tifa ignores his remark.

"Why can't I just stay home?"

"It's not like we're gonna have the chance to break free that often Tifa. What's so bad about tagging along, you can sleep at the hotel."

"Uhmph!" she adds walking away.

Once in the kitchen Cid starts picking some tuna Aeris was using to make sandwiches.

"Stop it Cid. We'll have dinner soon"

"I'm so bored. Geeez! Tifa is so pissed about this trip she didn't even give me a kiss"

"Cid! Aren't you supposed to be thinking about Shera instead?" asked Aeris.

"Yeah yeah! Whatever."

"Is the aircraft ready?" asked Cloud.

"Sure, I'll make sure about every detail tomorrow morning."

"Sounds great! Have you already told your workshop about it?"

"Sure sure!" he kept picking on the food.

"You know if Vincent has done so as well?"

"I dunno! I suppose he has."

"Go ask him Cid. He didn't even give his opinion about this trip"

"Do I really have to?"

"Please go ask him Cid"

"Ok ok!"

Cid got up annoyed by being forced to deal with Vincent. He wasn't very sociable with the others and somehow he always avoided doing anything extra for the house as everyone rather do it themselves than have to deal with him.

He knocked.

"Vince! You there!"

"No" he answered.

Cid opened the door.

"Ah! There you are. Have you asked your boss to let you have a three-day permit?"

"No"

Cid looked at him as if he were nuts.

"What are you waiting for?"

"I'm obviously not coming."

"You have to! Everyone is!"

"If everyone jumps down the cliff you think I'd follow?"

"Well, I think if everyone did so there would be probably a good reason for doing it"

"Not necessarily, but then again, I have no pleasure in discussing it with you at the moment. My answer remains no Cid. Thanks for your concern"

Cid spattered and closed the door.

Half an hour later Aeris knocked at Vincent's door.

"Come in"

Vincent was reading a very interesting book, or at least it seemed to Aeris since he didn't even bother looking up.

"I need a very good reason for letting you stay here, you know?"

"Uhmmm, let me think. Perhaps because I have much important priorities."

"What are your priorities?" she inquired with the same tone.

"Relaxing, relaxing and relaxing"

"If you relax anymore you're DNA will get loose"

"Amusing! No!"

Aeris sat to the end of the bed.

"Does being with us annoy you that much?"

"If it did I'd be already out of here."

"It won't change much to you. You can relax there as well"

"I don't see why I should skip work for such a trifle reason"

"Vincent…"

He looked up at a concerned yet scolding look.

"Please. I know it's arrogant of me to say this but, you will ruin fun for the others if you keep this attitude."

Vincent found it a very arrogant excuse. Aeris still didn't hear his reply so she simply got up heading out.

"Very well" he closed the book "I'll be more than obliged by this opportunity."

Aeris smiled lightly perfectly aware of the small sacrifice he had just made.

Sorry the plot develops so slowly but I just can't help it. I need a background to work on.