A Rose By Any Other Name

by Nona Mae King

  *

  "Shit! That was the spookiest sight I've ever seen," Cid mumbled.

  Tifa looked at Cloud with a smile. "You were right," she said.

  Shera's face twisted with confusion. "Right? Right about what?"

  Cloud smirked. "I knew if we just butt out things would be okay. It's only when I try to help that things get all screwed up."

  Cid strode up to them. "You knew about that . . . that--" He swore a blue streak as he lit another cigarette. "I didn't think he liked women."

  Tifa grimaced, sending Cid a dirty look. "Oh shut up, Cid. Just shut up."

  Cloud laughed, pulling Tifa away from Cid to send her and Shera back to Nibelheim for the schematics. Then he turned back to Cid. "So, what do you think? Will it work?"

  "I don't even know what the hell the damn thing is. How am I supposed to know if it's going to work or not?"

  Cloud put a fist on his hip to strike his infamous SOLDIER pose as he stared at the generator. "She said they've had it working for an hour, which is definitely better than nothing."

  Cid reluctantly agreed. "Better than I've come up with." He snorted. "Damn. Outwitted by a broad. That's twice."

  Cloud chuckled and then gestured toward Nibelheim with a jerk of his head. "Come on. Let's get over to the inn and ask some questions. Be nicer than normal. Okay?"

  "I'll be as nice as I damn-well please."

  "Okay, if you want Vincent all over you."

  Cid grumbled as he followed Cloud toward town. "I won't be able to get used to that sight."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Vincent."

  Cloud sent Cid a confused glance. "Huh?"

  Cid took another long drag from his cigarette. "Kissing a woman." He shivered. "That was a bit too much information for me."

  Cloud shook his head with a chuckle. "Maybe you're just mad she didn't go for you first."

  Cid swore and sent Cloud a dangerous glare. "That ain't funny, spike boy. I don't need no woman messing up my life."

  "Fine. Then leave them alone."

  "Who said I was going to do anything!?"

  Cloud chuckled again. "I didn't say you'd do anything, but I know you're more than willing to say whatever you want."

  "If she can't take it, she can leave the room."

  "Oh, she can take it all right. Or did you forget?" Cloud glanced over at him. "You admitted you were an ass. Remember? You said--"

  "I know what I said," Cid snapped after a long phrase of swearing.

  Cloud smirked but didn't say anything else.