Timeframe: A couple months after the Final Battle. Vincent went back to the Shinra Mansion, but visits Cid every once in a while.

Cid put on his jacket and grabbed his spear, checking to make sure he had all his materia. Shera walked past him, puzzled by his actions. "Captain? What are you doing?"

"Hey Shera," Cid smiled. "I'm gonna do it. Finally, I'm gonna do it."

"Do what, Captain?"

"I'm gonna tell Vincent I love him!" He grinned, brushing back his hair with his hand as he rearranged his goggles.

Shera placed her hand over her heart. "But Captain...I...I..."

Cid looked at her sadly. "No, you don't. You think ya do, but you don't. Tell me, before the whole thing happened, what did you think of me?"

Shera shrugged. "I thought of you as an older brother, kinda."

"And then in the escape pod?"

"I was glad that you didn't hate me..."

"But did you actually love me?"

"...No..."

Cid placed a hand on her chin, tilting it up. "See? You only wanted to pay me back for the whole rocket thing. You don't love me. And I love Vincent..."

"How do you know?" Shera forced a half-hearted smile. "I don't mean you're wrong, but you HAVE been distracted by 'pretty' people before."

Cid sighed soflty. "I know whatcha' mean. But this is different. Sure, Vincent is hot, especially that long hair and tight ass." He grinned. "But he's more than that. He was the only one who didn't get tired of me. He never told me to stop cussing or smoking. And...he needs me..." Cid sighed as he held his Venus Gospel close to him. "I don't wanna sound conceited...but I'm the only one he talked to about what happened with Lucrecia and...other stuff..."

Shera nodded. "I understand. Go then...make him happy." She offered a smile as she dusted off his jacket. "He does need someone to love, and who better than the great Captain?" She winked as she ushered him outside, still upset that her feelings had been mistaken, but not too hurt. As long as the Captain was happy, she would be too, regardless of anything else.

Cid walked to Nibelheim, arriving before sunset. As he walked towards the mansion, he saw a crouching figure on the roof. //Vince... I hope you care about me like I care about you...// He waved as he yelled out, "HEY VINCE!"

"Welcome Cid." Vincent's yell drifted back as Cid saw the figure stand and wave. He jumped off the mansion, landing gracefully like a cat without injuring himself.

//I wonder what he's so happy about...// Cid wondered as he walked to Vincent, who walked towards him.

//Should I tell him that Shera called?// Vincent thought as the distance between them closed. //Or should I let him tell me how he feels on his own?// He chuckled internally as he reached Cid and the two shook hands. //Yes, I shouldn't make it too easy on him. I'd like to see how he tries to come off as romantic...//

"Vince, I have something to tell ya..."

"Really? I wonder what it is you have on your mind..."