Author's Note:

I know that FFNet is not fond of long author's Nntes, but this particular story really requires it before you jump ahead and start to read the story. Considering I'm relatively new to FFVII, I've taken quite a few liberties with this story that I'd like to let everyone in on that will make the story easier to enjoy and understand.

So:

~For the sake of the story, Reno is 23 and Cissnei is 19. Neither character has a real age stated anywhere (other than Cissnei being 16 at the start of Crisis Core, which then would end when she was 23), and I've always viewed them as being 4 years apart, so I chose ages I felt were appropriate to the setting. I know it doesn't flow well with the actual FFVII timeline, but for the sake of story those are the ages I'm using.

~The FFVII timeline will be screwed up for the creative purposes of the story, but I am trying to keep it as real to the actual events of the game as I can. At first it's not going to be a problem, but the inconsistencies will become apparent toward the end of the story. For that reason, I'm labeling this story as Alternate Universe.

~This is a Reno x Cissnei fan fiction, and they are one of my OTPs from FFVII. Unfortunately, the pairing doesn't have a real fanbase, so I'm kind of creating a lot of their characteristics on my own from my experiences with the characters within the game series. I hope you will read it with an open mind.

Please Note:

~Zack is in this story; I have not omitted him for the sake of the pairing. I realize Cissnei flirts with him in Crisis Core, and I know they have a friendship. His character, however, was not important to the basic storyline.

~Not much is known about Cissnei or Reno's pasts, so I took creative liberties in giving them both a story before they were members of Turk, and these events are going to lead to some differing in their characters. They will not, by any means, be OOC, but they will be slightly different from the two characters you're probably used to seeing.

~My knowledge of FFVII is limited to Advent Children & Crisis Core—I have done a considerable amount of research, though, and will attempt to stay as true to the nature of the FFVII world as I can. I probably have no right to be writing a story without having played the actual FFVII game.

~Since this story revolves around Reno and Cissnei, there will be inconsistencies in the story involving characters who were not in the original FVII release, including other Turks from Before Crisis.

~The manner in which this story is written is episodic, meaning there will be things left out, and it could stand as it's own unique set of one-shot stories—they all meld to tell a story, but there will be things that you may feel need to be expanded upon. I'm leaving it that way so you can be creative and think of what may have happened yourself.

That being said, I hope you enjoy the story and continue to read. Reviews are the best way for me to know how you're taking the story. I can adjust the way I write this way, so please be sure to leave reviews!

Thanks!!!

Crystal Renee