A Little Misunderstanding

A Little Misunderstanding
by WhooperJr

It is all over, well the major boss battle is over. The current mission is clean up. The team is all weary of constantly moving and working. Dealing with lost and injured. Nerves are on fray. People are snapping and being rather irritable with each other. For Cid, flying is his prime job. His flying is last thing he wants to hear people bitch about.

Cloud these days can be heard making cynical or acidic remarks if one bothers to listen to him. Unfortunately, Cid has to put up with Cloud alot now that he is their prime mode of transportation and Cloud always having to be somewhere asap. But Cid can handle it. Not like he cares what Cloud thinks. He is a pilot who didn’t need the approval of others!

It is late afternoon, when the pilot comes to the makeshift Inn. It is a tent they use on the fringe of Midgar. Cid is tired down to his bones. He doesn't want to see a plane, let alone a model plane, for a few hours.

Cloud comes on over to Cid’s bunk, “ Hey Cid, we need some supplies flown over to from Junon to Gate 3. “

Cid growls under his breath before answering, “ Is anyone gonna fucking die if we don’t?”

Cloud, a bit taken back, “ No. “

Cid, “ Then it can fucking wait till I get some Goddamn sleep.”

Cloud rolls his eyes, “ It won’t take you that long. “

Cid sits up as he’s rather put off, “ Listen here, Chocobo boy, I been flying you people for 72 hours straight and I ain’t as young as you so leave me alone.”

Cloud mutters and heads back to the center of the makeshift Inn. Cid finds it harder to relax again, his temper making him very tense. Takes some deep breaths, letting the air out slowly from his lungs. What does Vincent say on mediation, Oh yeah! The pilot clears his mind of the many worries that drift around and the other central clutter he usually has. Controls his breathing and focuses his mind on something relaxing. Sitting on a beach with tall glass of ice tea. The sun sets casting warm colors across the ocean. Cid can almost smell the warm salty air as the wind blows gentle across his face. The wind is simulated by a tall floor fan. Was so close to drifting to sleep, till he hears voices in the Inn.

Cloud bitching, “ Cid? He is over there sleeping. He’s been such an asshole today. All Reeve needs a shipment taken to gate three. Its not as if we ask alot of him. All he has to do is fly.”

Cid doesn’t see Vincent’s Dry expression as he looks down on their Short leader. But can hear him speak as Vincent is one who’s soft voice is always clearly heard.

Vincent, “ Of course... Piloting is so easy. Even a monkey can do it. “ Vincent leans closer, “ He has worked hard without rest so I suggest you hold your tongue.”

Cid indeed misses that vital part. The anger inside him rises again. To hear Cloud bitching is not a big issue. But Vincent?! For some reason this really leaves him hurting bad. Fists clench into balls as the words echo through his being.

Cid gets up and storms on over to the center of the Inn. By now others are also there to see who gets to cook. Not that Cid cares at this point as he is exhausted and pissed off beyond reason. Cloud turns to look at Cid with wide eyes. The blond leader has never see Cid this angry before. The very impact of his anger emitting from his form causes even largest man among them, Barret, to pause.

Cid, “ You think I don’t do jack shit? HUH? Fine.... “ throws keys to Cloud’s feet, “ There you fucking go! You can fly and be amazing Cloud Strife of the fucking air for all I care! I have done everything I damn could to help out. “ looks at Vincent, “ Maybe piloting might not be as hard as marksmanship but you try it in middle of a Goddamn storm! I’m out of here.”

With that, Cid leaves the stunned heroes behind. The pilots pauses only long enough to grab his stuff. Lights up a cigarette only when he is can barely see the Midgar and by then he needs it badly. He doesn’t need them! Cid survived before they came along and he will keep doing so. The very nerve if Vin err Cloud to say that!

Cid walks along an old road that is covered with sand. He keeps walking till the sun is set and his legs ache. Settles down at last to rest. His body is exhausted even more so now. As night settles, the air gets chillier so the pilot is glad he brought his coat. Makes a small fire and huddles next to it. Ponders how, despite it all, he never really got angry till Vincent spoke. If he really doesn’t care what people think, then why did he get so upset? Because he really does care what Vincent thinks of him.

The sky is cloudy tonight. Shame for Cid likes to stare at the stars. Maybe it might rain as well but Cid hopes not.


---------


Vincent is quite puzzled by the pilot when he storms out of the makeshift Inn. Puzzled by the look of anger and pain. Vincent can understand why he is angry with the group. They are not taking into account that the pilot needs downtime. But the look it bothers him.

Tifa, “ Lets leave him alone. Cid just needs time to calm down. Now since our pilot left and it was his turn to cook, I think its only fair Cloud cook.”

Cloud, “ I already cooked.”

Tifa shoves the pot at Cloud, “ Cook!”

Vincent shakes his head. Tifa understands it to an extent but not fully. The Ex-Turk settles down, tuning the group out so he can meditate. This fails due to some thoughts refuse to be ignored. Then something occurs to Vincent. Till now. Vincent assumed Highwind was napping when he told Cloud off. Apparently not. Maybe Highwind thinks he is ridiculing him as well? That does make more sense. The pilot thinks no one appreciates his efforts.

It is betting darker out and no sign of Highwind. The others seem to be in their own world and never notice. Vincent always notices when people are not around. After thirty years of being held prisoner in a basement, he likes to have people nearby him. Isolation is what truly scares him. When he is alone, the voices seem louder. The others eat supper and talk about their day. Vincent is left alone and he likes to simply listen to them talk. But it is not the same without Highwind being there to tease them. They go to bed and snuggle in the bed rolls that sit on the bunks. Each are tired for hir or her own reasons.

Vincent tosses and turns on his bunk, restlessness keeps any sleep from coming to him. His mind ponders where Highwind is now. Highwind’s bedroll lays unused.. Is he warm? Is he sleeping safe? He could be in trouble as they all sleep. Vincent imagines Cid trapped by monsters, too weary to fight them off. Many what ifs haunt him till he can no longer wait for Highwind to come back.

Vincent grabs his guns and heads out to find Highwind so they can talk. Knows his heart shall not let him rest till things are made right again. Chaos chuckles in his head. Amused by Vincent wanting to make things right.

Chaos < You would you really be out here in middle of the night if this was Strife? >

Vincent, “ Probably not. You’re point?”

Chaos < You really love this person. Its obvious to us. > Referring to the other voices in his head.

Vincent, “ He is a friend, nothing more nothing less.”

Chaos < Then why do you get scared at the idea of him being hurt? >

Vincent in an icy tone, “ I don’t need to discuss this with you.”

Chaos < We are you so don’t act otherwise! >

Light flashes over the sky with rumble of thunder following its path. The air grows chilly as the storm front comes in more. It is going to rain soon, this he knows for certain.


----------


Cid wakes up as he hears a scream nearby. The pilot grabs his spear as he scrambles to his feet and runs towards the screaming. Some women are surrounded by raptor like monsters. It is not common to see people heading towards Midgar unless they are workers of some sort and these women hardly fit that. Never-less, Cid hurries to their aid, attacking the creatures. The new threat draws their attention to him nicely. The pilot’s brief sleep energizes him long enough to kill these monsters but afterward he starts to feel exhaustion creep back into him. The body count shows he killed quite a few but the howls in the distance make him nervous.

Cid, “ Hey, ladies! Not a good time for a stroll.”

One lady, “ Thank you! “

Cid, “ Tahnk me later. We need to get moving before their buddies find us. Can you girls walk?”

Both nod as they are not injured. Lightening and thunder cross the sky above making the women jump. Cid only worries about the possibility of rain. Right now they are exposed and need shelter. It is too dark now to find a way to Midgar. But Cid thinks he saw some rocks they can use. The women stay close to him. He smiles at the thought of being their knight in shining armor.

The rocks are illuminated by the flashes of lightening. Some over crop of rock seems to be enough shelters for two people. Good thing too as Cid can hear the monsters closing in. At least they will not be able to attack him from behind. The women huddle in the narrow space as the rains begin to fall. The rain is little chilly and not as bad as Cid thought. The rain helps wake him up some along with the adrenaline of the coming fight.

The monsters can be seen by the flashes of light. Cid’s eyes adjusted by now to the light changes enough so he can fight. Growls and hisses are the only warnings of attack. They come at him in groups. Cid fights, striking out and parrying when he can. At first he deals them more damage then they can give out but exhaustion slows him down. They only cause minor wounds. Minor wounds begin to add up. He is left bleeding and panting in the down pour. Knows the next attack may well be his last. At least he got a few. Stands proud waiting for the charge. As they come towards him miniature thunder clashes across the ways. No, not thunder but gun fire! Vincent looks so beautiful soaked down in the same rain, killing the creatures. One of them tackle Cid anyway while he is striking one down and he collapses. Darkness is never so sweet.


-------


He fires at the vile creatures that attack. Though Highwind took out most of then, there is still plenty left for him to kill. Possible this is a roaming herd. The women cry out as one monster gets past Cid’s guard and tackles him. As the monster is about to rip hip to shreds, Vincent shoots part of its brain out of its skull. The women pull the man under the narrow shelter. Not enough to keep him dry but enough to keep him out of the battle. Vincent quickly removes the last of the creatures before he turns to check on them.

Highwind’s injuries are not serious though numerous. Cure materia closes the wounds up cleanly. The only thing left is for the pilot to rest. The rains begin to die down now and soon enough stop. They wait till dawn before they travel towards Midgar.

The women go to reunite with their husbands. Just as well for Vincent is not in the mood to baby-sit them. Cid is not awake. The ex-Turk settles him down on the bunk to sleep. Only Tifa is there to witness this and he knows she will not tell the others. Vincent decides to wait for him to wake up on his own. This wait proves to be three days long. Cloud seems to even leave them alone this time thanks to Tifa.

When the pilot wakes up, the first thing he does, aside take a leak, is ask for a cigarette. Vincent marvels over Cid’s weakness for the fowl sticks. Someone so strong becomes so adddicted to nicotine.

Vincent, “ They are bad for your health.”

Cid chuckles, “ So is breathing Midgar air.”

Vincent gives Cid some tea and toast instead. The pilot can wait for his smoke a little longer.

Vincent, “ Highwind....,“ corrects that, “ Chief, I never thought you were a terrible pilot. “

Cid, “You didn’t? Of course I ain’t a lousy pilot. “

Vincent trying not to chuckle at Cid’s show of pride, “ Nor do I think you are being lazy. I was being sarcastic to Strife.”

Cid smiles sheepishly. “ I did over react there. “

Vincent nods, “ Yes, you did.” Hands back the keys, “ If you still want the job?”

Cid takes the keeps from his hand, “ Hell, why not. But I ain’t doing any flights till tomorrow.”

Vincent simply smiles and nods, “ Fair enough.”

No one makes comments of Cid’s piloting skills now. Though some misunderstandings still do occur but those will be fore new reasons. New stories yet to be told as this story is now over.


The End.