Cloud shifted uncomfortably in his seat on the well-worn couch, eyes flicking back and forth across the living room. Yuffie sat beside him, feet together with her knees up at her sides, her eyes bright and curious. Aeris sat with her ankles crossed on the plush chair adjacent, looking as serene as ever, though slightly expectant as she eyed Tifa standing before them. Vincent leaned against the doorway, unreadable expression seeming impassive.

  "So, I'm going to be away for a few days," Tifa began.
"Oh? Where to?" Aeris chimed, her head tilting almost imperceptably in a habit she was in the process of picking up from Zack.
A shy smile flickered across Tifa's face, and she glanced away for a moment before meeting Aeris's eyes again. "Rude is taking me to Costa del Sol," she tried to say casually.
The girls made various high-pitched exclamations of excitement and jealousy, while Cloud exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding in. Later he would have to remind Tifa not to just say things like "everyone meet me in the living room, I need to tell you something." He'd thought someone had died. Instead he offered her a small smile.

Tifa smiled back before looking again to address the group. "So you'll have to figure out who's going to do the cooking while I'm away. We should be good on groceries, but depending on what you want to make you might have to go out again—"
"I can take care of it," Aeris volunteered. "I'm not a bad cook, myself." Everyone was relieved, as a silent, unanimous agreement had passed over them simultaniously that Aeris would be the best one for the job.

"Great," Cloud nodded to her. "Yuffie and I will split your cleaning, then."

"We'll what?" Yuffie sat up straight in her seat and turned to Cloud, affronted. "Hang on a second, why do I have to—"
"Cooking for four people every day is a big job, do you really want Aeris to have to do it all by herself on top of her other chores?"
"Well... no," she admitted, looking uncomfortable, "but I have my own chores already, too, you know. Why me, what about Vincent? He doesn't do much anyway,"
"Vincent does plenty," Cloud said defensively. "Plus, he's your elder,"
"So are you!"
"...You're right. You should do all the cleaning yourself, then," he gave her a pointed look.

Too late, Yuffie realized her mistake. "Wait, that's not what I meant!"
"Then we'll split it. You'll do half, and I'll do half."

There was a moment of silence as she turned her possible arguments over in her mind, examining the different angles. She huffed a sigh. "Fine. It's just for a few days, I guess..."

"If you do as good a job as I would've done, I'll cook extra of your favorite," Aeris gave her a smile that was equal parts sweet and knowing. Cloud was wearing a subdued half-smirk, allowing himself to feel a little triumphant at his victory.

"Oh, yeah!" Yuffie perked up immediately, already forgetting her resignation. "Awesome! You promise?"
"Well, if you pass inspection," Aeris teased, "then yes, I promise."

Tifa looked relieved it had all been sorted out. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry to have to leave you to fill in for me,"

Cloud waved a hand. "Not at all. You deserve a vacation. Have fun for all of us." His words were genuine, though in that moment eye contact did not come naturally to him, as was often the case when he showed Tifa sincerity.

"Of course, just tell me all about it when you get back," Aeris giggled at Tifa's blush. Her relationship with Rude was relatively new, and she still acted shyly about it. It made her seem young, which was something she deserved. It was funny, Aeris thought; she and Cloud were more similar than they probably realized. "Is that all, then?" she asked, rising from her seat.

"Yeah, that's all I wanted to say," Tifa nodded. "I'll be leaving in two days, and be gone for a week. You've got a handle on the bar?"

"Of course," Cloud said. "I don't have any deliveries waiting at the moment, Zack can always cover for me if something comes up."

"Thank you, guys," Tifa said again, sounding very sincere. "I really appreciate it,"
Yuffie sprang from her seat with unnecessary flourish. Where did she get all of her energy? "Bring me back a present, 'kay?"

Tifa laughed. "Sure, Yuffie."