I woke buried under a bunch of rubble. After a moment of confusion, memories flooded back me. Kadaj, our youngest brother, was dead. Loz and I had been caught in a materia used to try to avenge him.

Thoughts of Loz made me worry. Had he survived? I shoved the rubble off me and looked around. Rubble from the collapsed building lay strewn all around, but I saw no sign of my older brother in it. Shakily, I stood up. My coat was cut up and I was nearly defenseless. Velvet Nightmare was toast and Lozs gun had been caught in the explosion. If I was caught I was as good as dead. Looking around, I saw black leather under a pile not far off. I stumbled over to it, pushing rubble away to reveal my older brother. "Loz, are you ok?"

He didn't respond and I looked him over. I was startled and scared to see a large piece of rock impaling him through the chest. Dropping down next to him, I felt for a pulse. It was faint, but it was there. With what little strength I had left I pulled him off the rock. Loz didn't react at all when I moved him, and I knew what was happening. He was dying, and there was nothing I could do. I had been forced to watch my younger brother dissipate into the lifestream and now I was left holding my older brother as he died. "Mother, why? Why is this happening? Do you hate us, your children?"

But try all I would, I couldn't feel Mothers presence anymore. She had deserted me, and now I was completely alone. My normally stoic attitude broke, and for the first once in more years than I can remember, I cried.

I was still sitting there holding Loz, though he had died long ago, when the footsteps approached. I glanced up to see the red headed Turk I had fought with. He was alone, which I should have been glad for, but I just looked back down at Loz and held his body tighter.

"Not so tough on your own are ya?" he walked towards me.

"What do you want turk?"

"You of course. Actually I wanted both of you but I guess I was too late." he grabbed my arm and yanked up, trying to pull me up.

I clung desperately to Loz's body but I didn't have the strength to hold on. The Turk pulled me up and I let him hold me up.

"Whoa hey. Are you that weak? Damn, this'll be easier than I thought. Come on." he began to walk away, pulling me away from Loz.

"Wait, what about my brother? I can't just leave him here." I tried to pull away, to return to him.

The Turk pulled me back to him. "He's dead, just leave him."

"I can't. He's all I have left. Obviously you've never had everything you care about ripped away from you in a matter of hours." I tried to jerk away again.

He let go and I stumbled as fast as I could back to Loz. I let myself fall next to him as the tears fell once again. The sound of movement told me that the Turk was walking towards me. Without looking away from my dead brother, I asked. "What do you plan to do with me?"

"Take you back to ShinRa. Past that I don't have a clue what's going to happen."

"Can we at least give my brother a proper good bye? Kadaj didn't get one but I want Loz to."

"So you guys do actually have hearts."

If I had the strength I would have glared at him. "One thing you Turks will never understand is that everything we did we did out of love for Mother." I fought, and lost, against a new set of tears.

The Turk kneeled next to me, putting a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, no crying. You're too pretty to cry."

I looked at him. "Pretty?"

"Uh...h..hey, let's take care of your brother. What do you want to do for him?"

"Can we bury him in the ancient city? It was his favorite place. And don't think you're off the hook Turk. I wanna Know what you meant by 'pretty'"

"I have a name ya know."

"As do I, but you haven't told me yours yet Turk."

"Reno. You?"

"Yazoo."

"Nice name. Well, Yazoo, if we're gonna take care of your brother we should go."

"Of course." I struggled to stand up.

"I'll carry the big guy. Lean against me for support."

"You're so small though. I don't think you'll be strong enough. Do you have a cure materia with you?"

"Yeah, but I don't trust you enough to let you use it. I still remember our last fight."

"Reno, why would I run? Both of my brothers are dead and Mother has deserted me. Going with you might grant me death. It would be easier than living alone."

"We ain't gonna kill ya Yazoo, that much I know."

"My point still stands. I won't run."

Reno sighed and dug in his pocket, pulling out a familiar looking, milky white orb. He handed it to me and I pressed it into my arm. Almost instantly I felt better, my strength returning.

Gently, I lifted Loz's body, holding it bridal style. "Do you want me to lead so you can keep an eye on me?" I turned slightly to look at Reno.

"Yeah, you lead."

I nodded and began walking towards what had been my home for almost 4 years.

The walk was long and quiet. Neither of us really felt comfortable with each other, and I was still coming to terms with everything.

By the time we reached the city it was dark. I walked straight over to a small grove of trees nestled behind the temple. Reno followed me back, and once I set Loz down, I turned on him. "Reno, I've given you no reason to not trust me. Can I please do this alone?"

Reno froze in his steps and looked at me "I'll stay here so I'm not involved."

I sighed, knowing that it was the best I'd get. I walked over into the temple and brought out a shovel. Knowing it would take a while, I started immediately.

The digging took most of the night and I sat next to the grave, filthy from digging, my long hair knotted and matted, till dawn when Reno walked over to me. I felt a pinch in the back of the neck and everything went black.

I woke up to a dark room. Sitting up, I looked around. My mako eyes cut through the darkness easily, revealing what looked very similar to a hotel room.

Turning slightly, I slipped off the bed. I was shocked when I missed the feel of my usual leather, instead feeling soft cotton slip across my skin. Someone had taken my coat and dressed me. It disturbed me that someone did that as I slept.

Walking over to the door, I jiggled the handle. The door was locked from the outside. I was in ShinRa then. Reno must have carried me here. It shocked me that someone so slight could carry me on his own.

Reno. Where was he? Why did I care? He was just a Turk, one that I had fought against, and I kicked his ass. Now that I thought about it though, I had held back in that fight with him. Why? Was I going soft? Maybe I was. But then, I had never been that cruel. I had stood back when my brothers had tortured the two Turks. When my brothers got annoyed with the children and went to hurt them, I had stepped in. Maybe I had always been soft.

My thoughts filled my mind as I wandered the room. I jerked my head towards the door as I heard the door knob begin to turn. Unsure of who would enter, I dashed towards the small bathroom, standing just out of sight. I clamped my eyes shut as light flooded the room. Sliding my eyes open slowly, I looked towards my visitor. I, for some unknown reason, sighed in relief when I saw Reno. "Reno, will you please turn that light off?"

He laughed and dimmed the lights. "Good to see you're awake."

I nodded and walked back to the bed. Sitting down, I looked up at him. "Reno, who dressed me? And where is my coat?"

He laughed again and walked over, sitting in a chair across from the bed. "What's so funny Reno?"

"You. I wouldn't have thought you would have cared about something like that."

"I'm very...self-conscious I guess you could say. Why do you think I wore my coat the way I did." I pulled my legs up to my chest to rest my head on my knees.

"I don't see why. You got a nice body Yaz."

Tilting my head, I looked at him in confusion. He saw the look and smirked. "What? So I think you're hot. Big deal. Don't mean nothing."

"You said something like that before. You called me pretty."

I could see Reno getting uncomfortable, but I was determined to get the answers I wanted. "Reno. Answer me this. What would you do if we had met somewhere else? A time when I wasn't Jenova, when I hadn't done what I did."

"Um..." he looked around nervously.

"Act as though I were normal. Forget everything I've done. What would you do?"

"Um..."

I stood and walked over to him. "Are there cameras in here? Is that why you won't play along?"

"No, there aren't any cameras in here. Just in the hallway."

"Then why won't you play along?"

"Cause I act differently in different situations."

"Then let's clarify. We met in a bar. We've both had a few drinks. What then?"

"Supposing you were a random person?"

"Yeah."

He stood and gently pushed me towards the bed. "I woulda hit on ya."

"And had I reacted positively to your advances?" I sat down on the bed.

"I woulda either taken you into the back or I woulda taken you back to my place."

"And then what?"

"I woulda pounded you're pretty ass into the mattress." he sat on my lap, setting his knees on the bed next to my sides.

"So what's stopping you now?" I smirked.

"Is that an invitation?" he put his hands on my hips.

"In a way. Just one change to your plan."

"And what's that?"

I grabbed him and spun us quickly, laying him on the bed underneath me. "I'm on top."

He smiled. "That's cool. I can control from bottom."

I frowned. "No, Reno. I mean I'm topping."

"What? Oh hell no. I top."

"Reno..." I sat up so I wasn't touching him at all "Reno, I can't bottom."

"Why not?"

"I..." I looked down.

Truth be told, there was two reasons why I couldn't. For one, I had never done anything. Both of my brothers had, but I was the odd one, the virgin. The other reason, I had the giver gene.

"You haven't done anything have you?"

I shook my head no, embarrassed. Reno probably had lots of experience. 'He must think I'm pathetic.' I began to worry that he might leave, just walk out. For some reason, the idea scared me. I didn't want him to go. He felt safe, secure, despite the fact that he had been my enemy.

I quickly threw myself on top of him, probably thinking it would make him stay. To avoid looking at him, I buried my face in his shoulder.

Reno chuckled lightly. "Are you bipolar or something?" his arms wrapped tightly around me.

"It's possible. I've always changed moods quickly." I turned my head to look at him.

He was smiling at me. "That's cool. I can handle that."

I smiled something I never did. 'Maybe life won't be so bad. Maybe I can manage a better life. With him. With Reno.'

"Hey, you ok?"

I looked at him. "Hm?"

"You kinda zoned out there."

"Oh,, sorry. Were you saying something?"

"Yeah, just a bit."

"I'm sorry. I have a habit of going off into my thoughts."

"That's cool. What were ya thinkin about?"

"Just what's gonna happen now. I mean, I'm ShinRa's prisoner, but maybe I'll get lucky and get to start my own life."

"Oh yeah, Boss wants to meet with you later."

"Why does he want to see me?"

"Don't know."

"Do you think he'll send me to the labs? I can't go back there. You don't know what it's like."

"Whoa whoa whoa. Clam down Yazoo. I doubt he'll send you to the labs. Even if he does I'll get you out."

"Really?" I looked at him hopefully.

"Course. I don't know why but I have the weird need to protect you." he looked a little awkward saying it.

"Maybe..." I looked away embarrassed, my face a little red.

"Maybe?" he turned my head towards him.

"Maybe...it's because...you care...about me."

His face turned as red as his hair and he looked away quickly. This time, I turned him to look at me. Smiling gently, I held his head in my hands. Slowly, I leaned over and kissed him lightly. He just laid there, unmoving, so I quickly pulled back and looked away. "I...I'm sorry Reno." I stood and walked into the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

I slid down the wall, strangely upset. Why did it bother me so much that he hadn't kissed back? I didn't care for him, no way. So why did it bother me so much?

I heard Reno knocking on the door, but I ignored him.

"Yazoo, come out of there."

I looked at the door then looked away.

"Come on Yaz. Look man, I'm sorry."

"Just go Reno. I'll see you when it's time for the meeting."

"Yazoo, I hope you know I have a key to get in there. Just open the door."

I growled and reached up, flipping the lock, but leaving the door closed. I heard the doorknob turn and the door opened. Reno stepped in and looked down at me on the floor. "Ah Yaz. Watcha doin down there? Get up off the floor man."

I stayed put on the floor and looked down. Reno sighed and sat down next to me. "Look, Yaz, I'm sorry if I upset you. I was just in shock yo."

I glanced over at him but didn't look up. "I'm not mad or upset Reno. I'm just not in the mood to deal with stupidity."

"Stupidity? Come on Yaz, you don't mean that."

"Oh I mean everything I say Reno."

"Look man I'm sorry. I suck with this stuff."

"I've noticed."

"Give me a chance k? I got this." he smirked and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

Instinctively, I leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder. I felt him rubbing my arm and I relaxed. "I'm sorry Reno. I'm just...confused right now. I haven't gotten close to anyone but my brothers in a long time because everyone's always betrayed us."

"Look, I don't know a lot about your past, but I can say I'll make sure that this is better. I'll take care of you Yaz."

"Thank you Reno. Maybe one day I'll tell you. It's a bit of a long story."

"I imagine. Is it sad?"

"Depending on the view. For Kadaj, it was horrible. How long until the meeting?"

Reno looked at his watch. "We still got an hour."

"I can tell you the beginning if you want."

"Sure, but how about we get off the floor and go somewhere more comfortable?" he stood up and offered me his hand.

I took it and let him pull me up. We walked back into the bedroom and sat on the bed. "Go on then Yaz. I'm listening." Reno took my hand.

"Daj was born when I was four. Our father had cancer, so Daj was the last kid they were going to have. About five years later our father died. He was caught in a riptide and he drowned. Daj always blamed himself for it."

"Why?"

"Father had gone out to bring Daj closer to shore cause he had swam out too far."

"Harsh. Never knew my dad. Lost my mom when I was thirteen."

"I'm sorry Reno. I wish my story could stop right there."

"What else?"

"Our mother remarried about a year later. Mark seemed like such a good guy. We all trusted him. Daj even opened up to him, something we'd been trying to get him to do for us for months. It turned out that he had used Daj's trust against him. He started abusing him, in every way possible. Daj had tried to run away, but it just made things worse for him. When Loz and I found out what was going on, we took Daj and ran. ShinRa found us trespassing almost a month later and took us in."

"Damn. No wonder the kid was messed up."

"It wasn't so much the abuse that messed him up Reno. It was the Jenova implants and the five years we spent in the labs. We were tortured and experimented on. They treated us like we were just specimens."

"Oh geez. No offence, but I guess I see why you guys went all psycho."

I had to laugh at that. "Psycho? Is that what you guys thought of us?"

"Hey, it fit you guys at the time. You guys were goin all crazy looking for Jenovas head. I mean, you collected all those kids. You don't call that crazy?"

"Not at all. We didn't harm the children at all. We were interested in their purity. We thought it would lead us to Mother, to Jenova. Now though, she's abandoned me."

"Well now you got me. I'll take care of you Yaz." he squeezed my hand.

I leaned against his shoulder. "Thank you Reno. Don't get yourself in trouble though."

"I'm always in trouble. Tseng hates me."

"You really should be good Reno."

He laughed. "Me? Good? Yeah right. That's an impossibility."

"Nothings impossible Reno."

"Whatever you say Yazoo."

"So do I get to hear your story?"

He face dropped for a moment, but he quickly returned to his cocky look. "Maybe later. We gotta head for that meeting."

I nodded and stood. Together, we walked out.