The next morning found Shera, Cid, Tifa, and Vincent around the kitchen table. In what amounted to their first display of public affection, Cid was covering Shera’s hand with his own on the table’s surface. They had just finished a sizable breakfast, and sat discussing some events of the past several years when a knock came to the door.

Vincent at once bristled instinctively, and reached to his side for his gun, which wasn’t there as it was still lying in the creek bed below the bridge. Cid huffed and got up to go see who had the audacity to come calling this early in the morning.

He swung open the back door to the kitchen, and before anyone could see who it was, Cid yelled and swung with his right fist, knocking his visitor to the ground. Vincent flew up and ran to see whom Cid had just hit for fear that Shin Ra had found them.

Cid stood smiling to himself shaking the sting from the impact out of his hand. Vincent pushed him aside, discovering Tseng laying dazed in the dirt.

"Trying to finish what you started last night, huh?" Cid said proudly to his downed victim.

Vincent flared and looked back at Cid as he knelt next to his brother. "God Damn it, Cid! He’s here to help me! You really should learn to ask someone’s intentions before decking them!"

Cid’s pride crumbled as he realized his error. "I’m sorry..but last night we saw him attack you!"

Tseng sat up, wiping the small trickle of blood from his nose. "No, I was knocking the gun out of his hand before he did something stupid."

Cid offered Tseng his hand, and the man rose, brushing the dirt from his black suit. "Sorry."

Tseng smiled weakly as he got himself back in order. "I understand. It’s good to know that so many people are interested in Vincent’s protection."

Vincent led his brother to the table and sat next to him. Cid retook his place next to Shera. Tseng took up a napkin to continue blotting the blood from his face.

Vincent was obviously embarrassed at Cid’s actions. "Are you alright, Tseng?"

He eventually tossed the bloody rag to the table and sat back. "Yes, nothing’s broken, I think." He looked shyly over at Tifa. "Ma’am, I don’t wish to be rude, but in light of your implant, I would request that you leave the room for a moment."

Tifa nodded in agreement, and left the table. She looked back over her shoulder at Vincent and Tseng sitting side by side, admiring how much they really did look alike.

Cid leaned forward confused. "What the Hell was that? Tifa’s got a bug?"

Tseng smiled, realizing that his brother hadn’t told his friends anything of the night before. "Yes, Shin Ra has been spying on Vincent through her."

Cid seemed to accept this in stride and crossed his arms over his chest. Shera got up to go keep Tifa company, knowing that there would be nothing in the coming conversation to concern her.

The three men were now left alone. Cid was the first to speak. "You’re not with Shin Ra anymore, I take it."

"Correct." Tseng replied. "I am with ASRIO now."

Cid narrowed his eyes. "I’m not inclined to trust you, but if you’ve got Vincent convinced, then I have no reason to doubt you.

Tseng nodded in acknowledgement of Cid’s distrust. "Understood, Mr. Highwind." He then turned his attention back to Vincent. "As per your discussion with Tifa last night, I am to understand that you and she have no intention of parting ways, despite the obvious safety implications of that action?"

"Yes." Vincent simply replied.

"That is your decision, and I am in no position to double guess your choice. Rather than only offering to protect Tifa for you in a secure location where her transmissions can be blocked, I will extend the invitation to you as well." Tseng locked gazes with his brother in order to get the seriousness of the proposal across.

Vincent thought about it for a second. "I really should check with Tifa before making any decisions on her behalf."

"I appreciate your chivalry, but the assassins that Shin Ra have coming after you will be here shortly. As long as you remain here, you are placing your friends’ lives in danger. You need to decide quickly." Tseng said flatly.

"What will happen when the assassins get here and realize that I’m gone? What of Shera and Cid’s safety?" Vincent asked.

Tseng smiled, already having a plan prepared. "We will let them know through Tifa that you are leaving, at which point they will call their dogs off. As a precaution however, we will leave a few agents around town to take care of any loose cannons. You have my word that your friends will be looked after."

Vincent bowed his head in defeat. He took having to get help from others as a sign of weakness. "Then Tifa and I shall go with you. But there is something else you’re not telling me. You have never been able to hide things from me well."

Tseng was pleased with his brother’s choice and perception. "Yes, there is something else I wish desperately to tell you, but I cannot take the risk of Shin Ra finding out this ‘secret’, so it must wait until your girlfriend is out of Shin Ra’s hearing range."

Vincent’s interest was sparked. "Not even a hint I suppose?"

"No." Tseng would not be swayed.

Vincent rose from the table. "I need to go tell Tifa to get ready."

Tseng turned his attention to Cid as Vincent left the room. "I want to assure you that Shera and yourself have nothing to be concerned about. We will see to your protection."

Cid tossed his head back sarcastically. "Thank you very much, but I have dealt with your friends before. There is nothing I am afraid of."

"I find your refusal to fear anything refreshing." Tseng replied.