Reno and Cid sat in the den staring at the shitty day time television. So far they had gone through three soap operas, a youngster's spelling program, and had finally settled on cartoons. The two had been arguing about whether or not a hunter with a speech impediment could ever legitimately catch a rabbit and a duck without a fight, when Reno's cell phone rang.

He looked down and signaled he would be a minute and stepped into the dining room.

"Hiya Boss."

"Reno, where are you? I called the friend you said you were going to try and stay with and he said you weren't there."

"Rocket Town. Betsy broke down on the way to Junon."

"Are you alright? Where are you staying? Is she able to be fixed?"

"I am fine, I am staying in Rocket Town with a sympathetic, and I am in the process. It's good to hear your voice, yo."

"Reno, you know I don't-"

"I know." Reno said, leaning against the wall.

"Have you run into Highwind?"

Reno paused briefly, wondering if he should really tell Tseng. "Yes, I am currently staying at his house."

"You are staying with a member of Avalanche? Reno they-"

"They saved the planet."

"They also tried to kill us."

"And we didn't try to kill them? Cid has been very kind, and considering all that has happened I am very lucky he is willing to let me stay at his place."

Tseng was quiet and Reno could sense the man rubbing the bridge of his nose in worry.

"Are you sure you are going to be alright? When are you heading to Junon?"

"As soon as the weather clears and Betsy is fixed and yes, I will be fine."

"I just- I don't think it is wise that you chose to stay with him."

"Yea well, you didn't exactly open your family pagoda to me and I would have frozen to death if he hadn't."

"Reno-"

"No. I don't want an argument right now. I left like you asked. I am doing well. I will call you when I get to Junon."

"Reno."

"What?"

After a long pause he heard a very small, "Be safe."

"I will."

Reno hung up and lingered in the dining room to gather himself. When he finally walked back in Cid had an arm held up offering him a smoke from the armchair he sat in. He gladly took the offered cigarette and sat down on the couch.

"That Tseng?"

"Yea, wondering where I was."

"How'd he take you staying with me?"

"I don't care how he took it. It's not his choice." Reno said bitterly.

Cid dropped the subject it seemed to be a rather rough one to bring up.

"So whatcha wanna eat for lunch?"

Reno thought briefly, "Whatever you want."

Cid frowned and stood, "I suppose I should go check and see what I've got to eat."

The pilot rummaged for a few minutes before returning with a frown.

"It seems I have peanut butter and a few eggs. Shera used up the stuff I had for breakfast this morning."

"Well, I have money for groceries. If you want we can go to the shop. I'd go by myself, but I doubt they'd sell me anything."Cid nodded and the two grabbed their raincoats.

After bundling up the two hustled through the sleet to the shop. They wandered the aisles picking up the staples like bread and milk before deciding that the junk food aisle looked too good to resist. They loaded the cart with all sorts of foods and drinks silently deciding that the only way to work on a chopper was while snacking on junk food. Reno wandered over to the limited clothing section and was relieved to find a package of under wear that would fit him and a six-pack of socks. He threw them in the cart and then the two wandered to the cigarette counter. Reno asked the nervous salesclerk for a three cartons of Newports and Cid asked for two packs of Marlboros.

They went to the checkout and began to cash out. Cid set the stuff on the rickety conveyor belt and briefly halted at Reno's undies and socks. He looked at the Turk who gave him a sheepish smile and continued to set stuff on the belt. Cid felt a heat low in his stomach. The man next to him was going commando. He looked at the Turk, who was busy looking at a magazine, and saw the sweat pants riding dangerously low on his thin hips. Hastily he looked away before the red head caught him.

'Faggoty old pervert.' he chastised himself.

Reno tossed the magazine on the belt and watched the young clerk finish ringing out the order. It came to well over three hundred Gil. He pulled out his wallet, fished out the Gil and set it on the counter. The two packed up all the groceries in numerous bags and quickly raced across town to Cid's house eager to eat the delicious "lunch" they had bought.

~~Kind of an uneventful chapter, but it'll pick up. I promise! Thank you to fetherhd and Namantos for the wonderful reviews! I love to hear from you all whether it be good or bad so please keep those amazing reviews coming! Thanks for reading! ~CR