Special thanks to Makostorm for being my beta!
Callandra and Zack were both down in the bar staring out into the darkness. They'd said little since the others had gone to bed though they could hear movement upstairs. Several times they'd heard Tifa's voice and knew the woman was checking in on Yuffie. They'd been making circuits through the house, sometimes separately, while others they'd walk together in silence.
"I'm going to check things out outside again," Zack said, walking towards the door.
"I'll check things out from the roof," Callie nodded.
Zack went out the front door, Buster Sword on his back. Callandra climbed the stairs yet again. She was grateful she was in such good shape otherwise all this running up and down the stairs would wear her out. Inside her room, she paused to retrieve her knives sliding them into sheathes hidden throughout her uniform before climbing out the window. She walked around the edge of the roof checking one side and then the other. Zack circled in the opposite direction. She walked to the third side and froze.
In the shadows of the alley something moved. Crouching, she waited. There. The betraying glow of mako colored eyes. Callandra drew Twilight and leapt. At the last moment, his sword flashed up block her strike. She thrust a few more times and he parried. He was good but she was better. She swung again twisting her wrist and sending her opponents sword flying into the shadows cast by the streetlights. She kicked him in the stomach and he slid across the pavement to stop near the mouth of the alley. Moving with blurring speed, she crossed the space between them sword poised to finish it.
Callandra froze. Though she could see better than most humans in the dark the dim glow of the streetlights allowed her to see what the shadows had hidden. He was so young. Chestnut bangs framed the boy's face down to his chin while the cut was shorter around back. High cheekbones still held the last vestiges of baby fat and wide glowing blue eyes looked up at her in fear. He was dressed in the blue uniform of a SOLDIER Second Class. He couldn't be more than fifteen.
Not again. The memories rushed through her and she shuddered. She lowered her sword so that the tip pointed at the ground.
"What are you waiting for?" the boy demanded. Callandra only stared at him. He reached into a pocket and drew a field knife. "Stay back."
She only stared, shivering as the memories swirled around her.
"Callandra?" Zack's rounded the corner of the building his eyes quickly taking in the woman's pale feature features and glazed eyes and the knife clutched in the frightened kid's hand.
Zack reached over his shoulder drawing the Buster Sword and pointed it at the youth. "Drop the knife, kid. I promise we won't hurt you if you do."
"I'd listen to him," Cloud, dressed in sweatpants and Cid, dressed only in his boxers and boots stood behind them drawn by the commotion. Cloud clutched his sword while Cid brandished the Venus Gospel menacingly.
Defeated, the boy slumped and dropped the knife.
OOOOOOOOOOO
"What the hell were ya doin' out there, kid?" Cid demanded, glaring at the boy who sat rigidly in one of the chairs.
"My job," the boy glared back from under his bangs.
"Just tell us what we want to know," Cloud sighed, "Because we don't have time for this."
"I can't," the boy said.
"What's your name, kid?" Zack ask, kindly.
"Max," he said reluctantly.
"You don't seem like a bad person, Max," Zack observed, "What are you doing with Koyoto's group?"
"Dr. Koyoto offered me a job. My Dad died a few years ago and I've been trying to take care of my Ma and my sister, Selphie ever since." Max looked away, "It was more money than I was making at the store I was working at."
"What do you know about what Koyoto is trying to do?" Callandra demanded, speaking for the first time since the encounter in the alley.
Max shrugged. "I just follow orders."
"Let me tell you something about your boss, Max," Callie said, coming closer. "He's working off the experiments of Dr Hojo of Shinra. And let me tell you, Hojo was a sick bastard. I should know. I was one of his experiments for most of my life. Hojo didn't care if you were a willing experiment or not. Don't you remember Meteor?" she waved an arm to punctuate the question, "I know you were just a kid but don't you remember all the people who died? Mako experimentation did all that. And that's what Koyoto's after. He'll hurt a lot of people. Right now, there's a girl upstairs who's not much older than you. Your buddies shot her tonight. Yuffie could have died. Koyoto wants to create his own super SOLDIERS so he has the power to do whatever he wants. Do you really want to be part of something like that? Is that what your mother or Selphie would want?"
Max shook his head, "Who are you guys anyway? I was supposed to spy on the building and if I saw an opening I was supposed to call for backup. Why do they want you?"
Zack laughed, "Wow they really don't tell you anything do they?" He gestured at Cloud. "Max, meet Cloud Strife and this loud mouth over here is Cid Highwind. They sent you after AVALANCHE."
The boy paled, "AVANLANCHE? Shit." His eyes narrowed, "Who are you?"
Zack grinned, "I'm Zack Fair though I doubt you've heard of me."
"But I have," Max said, "I've heard the higher ups talking about you. Why are they after you?"
"Because I was a SOLDIER First Class, kiddo," Zack frowned, "Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth . . . I knew all them. That's before they killed me. Your boss brought me back so I could be his lab rat."
"I-I didn't know," Max stammered, "But my Mom and Selphie . . ."
Cloud had an idea, "Do you like being in the military?"
"Yeah, I mean sometimes it sucks but I'm good at it," Max shrugged.
"I could talk to Reeve Tuesti," Cloud offered, "Get you into the WRO. The pay might not be quite as good but you'd be fighting for something honorable at least."
"Why would you do that?" Max demanded, "I'm your enemy."
"Naw," Cid shook his head, "Sounds like yer just a good kid in a tough spot who was lied to. But don't get me wrong . . . if I catch yer ass up to no good again I'll kick it all the way back to yer mama."
"So," Cloud locked gazes with the boy, "Would you like me to talk to Reeve?"
Max thought a moment and nodded. "Thank you."
"Go and stay at the hotel until someone contacts you," Cloud ordered.
"And stay the hell outta trouble," Cid added, "Don't make us regret this."
"I won't," Max promised, standing and walking quickly out the door.
Everyone just looked at each other.
"Go back to bed," Zack said after a moment.
"Are you sure?" Cloud asked doubtfully.
"Yup," Zack nodded.
"Then I'm gonna get some shut eye," Cid yawned, "Don't hafta tell me twice. Night."
Cloud hesitated then followed the pilot.
Once the others were gone, Zack turned to Callandra.
"What the hell happened out there?" he demanded, "You froze. You could have gotten yourself killed!"
"Its' . . . it's a long story," Callandra sighed.
"Then you'd better start talking," Zack crossed his arms.
"It doesn't matter!" she glared.
"If that kid had been more of a bastard you'd be dead," Zack growled, "You're better trained than that."
His features softened, "Tell me. Please."
Callandra would have preferred his anger. If he had stayed angry she could have easily ignored. This earnest concern was a different matter. She sighed.
"Remember that story about when Reno took me out and go me drunk?" she asked.
"Yeah," Zack nodded.
"Well, we never told you the reason why I wanted to get drunk in the first place," Callie shook her head. "It was in Wutai. I had been sent in to bust up one of the resistance cells. It went well. I thought I finished them all but I missed one somehow. He surprised me and I reacted."
Jade eyes closed and Callandra wrapped her arms around herself. "The Resistance members were generally young but this one . . . he was thirteen years old at the most." She opened her eyes and they were haunted and filled with self-loathing. "I had basically gutted him. He died in my arms, crying and cursing me." She shuddered.
"Reno and Tseng found me. I was just sitting there in a pool of blood. It was the first time they'd ever seen me cry," Callandra whispered.
"Once we got back to base, Reno snuck me away, got me cleaned up, and took me out. I knew that Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth would want me to talk about it. I couldn't. Reno understood some things are too awful for words. We didn't say much for a long time that night. We just drank until I was too drunk for it to matter."
She smiled sadly. "Reno just started talking about Chocobo racing and how much money you could rake in if you knew how to pick the best birds to bet on. It worked. I was plastered but much calmer when he brought me home. By the time I sobered up enough for Angeal, Seph, and Gen to question me I had processed everything enough to be able to talk about it. I've never forgotten ...."
"Callie . . ." Zack laid a hand on her arm, "It wasn't your fault. It's awful but it happened a lot back then. You know that."
"I do know that," she admitted. Her face hardened, "But I won't let it happen again. It'd kill me, Zack."
Not knowing what else to do, Zack wrapped her in a hug. Callandra let him, content to let someone hold her up if only few a few moments.
OOOOOOOOOOO
As the sun rose over Edge the amber light caressed Vincent's bowed head. Ruby eyes flicked up as Yuffie let out a soft moan. The ex-Turk straightened in his chair leaning forward.
"Yuffie?"
"What the hell," Yuffie groaned, eyes drifting open. "Vinnie?" Her eyes widened. "Vinnie! Are you okay?" She struggled to get up.
"I'm fine, Yuffie," Vincent sighed, assisting the flailing girl. "Yuffie, I'm so sorry. Ow!"
"Knock it off, Vincent," Yuffie narrowed her eyes, "It's not your fault."
"You hit me," Vincent accused.
"And if you don't stop being such an ass I'll do it again," Yuffie promised.
"Yuffie, it was my fault you were injured. OW!" Vincent rubbed his head.
"Vincent. I jumped in front of you," Yuffie spoke slowly, enunciating carefully, "You didn't pull me in front of you. And if you say one word about my life being more important than yours then I'll thump ya again."
Vincent's features were pained. In his eyes Yuffie's life was far more important than his own. Yuffie's features softened. The ninja felt touched and saddened by the emotions raging deep in the ruby eyes.
"We're friends, Vincent," she smiled, daring to lift a hand to his cheek, "And friends do this kinda stuff for each other." Yuffie dropped her hand. "Now, are you gonna stop being all angsty and retarded about this?"
"Perhaps," Vincent smirked.
Yuffie shook her head. "You'd better."
Flexing her shoulder, Yuffie was pleased to feel only a slight tenderness. "Tifa did a pretty good job."
"Actually," Vincent said, "The bullet was too deep for Tifa to remove. It was Callandra who removed it. She and Zack feel responsible for what happened. They insisted on standing guard all night."
"Arghh!" Yuffie groaned, "More angsty-emo retards." She rolled out of bed teetering as she became slightly dizzy. Vincent reached out a steadying hand which she batted away. "I'm FINE. Stop worrying will ya?"
She rifled through the dresser in search of clothes. When she reached for the hem of her nightshirt Vincent's eyes bulged.
"I will wait in the hall," Vincent said, darting for the door.
Yuffie snickered. It wasn't like she'd have actually stripped in front of the gunman. He was just really fun to mess with.
As the door closed behind him, Vincent leaned against the wall next to it. His eyes closed as he let out a relieved sigh. He heard Yuffie's muffled snicker and grinned behind his cloak. Yuffie was fine.
The girl rushed through getting dressed. She felt a bit weak from the blood loss but knew a meal would go a long way towards fixing that problem. Satisfied with her appearance, Yuffie opened her door and jumped. "Gee, Vinnie, scare a girl to death why don't ya?"
"I thought a highly skilled ninja like you would be able to sense my presence," Vincent teased.
"Are you making fun of me, Vinnie Valentine?" Yuffie huffed in mock-anger.
"Of course not, Yuffie."
"Jerk." Yuffie grinned giving Vincent a shove.
Footsteps drifted slowly across the roof.
"What the . . .?" Yuffie looked up at the ceiling.
"Callandra," Vincent decided, "Fair's footsteps are a bit heavier. Of course neither of them is really trying to be quiet. I doubt we'd be able to hear them if they were."
"They're still at it?" Yuffie cried.
Vincent nodded, and then frowned as Yuffie spun and stomped back into her room. Confused, he followed.
Yuffie shoved the window open. "Oi! SOLDIER Girl. Take five already!"
The footsteps paused and then there was a moment's silence.
"Stand back," Callie called down reluctantly.
Yuffie stepped back and Callandra swung into her room landing lightly.
Haunted eyes ran swiftly over the other woman. "How do you feel?"
"Great," Yuffie chirped, "C'mon. I can smell Tifa's cooking." She grabbed Callie's arm with one hand and Vincent's with the other and started towing them across the room.
Callandra followed because she was too surprised by the action and too stunned that the girl would willingly touch her in so casual a manner. Vincent followed just because it would be easier in the end.
"So how many times did Tifa come check on me?" Yuffie asked.
"Several times," Vincent shrugged, "Zack and Callandra caught one of Koyto's men prowling around outside. Fortunately, he was little more than a boy and easy dissuaded. I don't think anyone slept well last night."
Rolling her eyes, but once again touched by her friend's concern and worried by the danger they were all in, the ninja pulled and shoved her party down the stairs.
Zack stood by a window gazing out into the early morning. He turned at the sound of feet on the stairs. His eyes were guilty and haunted and Yuffie frowned realizing that she'd seen the same look in Cassandra's eyes when the redhead had swung into her room.
"Yuffie! Are you okay, kiddo?" Zack crossed the room to examine the girl more closely. She was a bit pale though otherwise she seemed fine. The brunette vaguely wondered why she had a tight grip on Vincent and Callie. "I'm so sorry, Yuffie. This is all my fault. If I hadn't come mmph . . ."
It was hard not to remember how Zack had put up with her antics all those years ago. Even when she had tried to steal from him and led him repeatedly into danger, he had been kind and protected her. Yuffie hated to think that he was in pain because of her. The only thing to do was plow through with her usual skill.
Yuffie had slapped a hand over Zack's mouth. "I want all three of you to listen very carefully. Are we listening?" She waited until all three had nodded. "Good." She stepped back to include Vincent and Callandra in her glare. "It's not your fault. Ah!" she held up a finger when Zack began to protest. "Not your fault. Vincent is supposed to be the angsty one not you. Besides, I'm fine." She twirled to prove her point. "See? So, I want you all to repeat after me: It's not my fault and I will stop being stupid about it immediately."
The trio looked at the ninja in disbelief. Yuffie stomped her foot. "Now!" she yelled.
Vincent and Zack jumped and complied leaving Yuffie and Callie locked in a staring contest. The older woman seemed unimpressed with Yuffie's threatening glare. Slowly, amusement eased into Callie's eyes causing the color to warm to the color of meadow grass.
"How about this? I still feel really bad about what happened but I'll try to stop being 'stupid' about it if it will make you happy and you'll stop yelling because it's too early in the damned morning for this."
"Hmmm," Yuffie considered a moment. "I reserve the right to remind you of this agreement if you forget and start being stupid again. I will however try to do this a little more quietly."
"I accept your terms," Callie nodded.
The women grinned, shaking hands. Vincent and Zack shared confused glances. Zack started to ask for an explanation but Vincent shook his head.
"I've learned not to ask," he said, "It just causes more confusion."
"I see your feeling better, Yufs," Cloud yawned, shuffling down the stairs. He rubbed his head sleepily. "I think the entire house heard that you're recovered." Cloud offered one of his rare smiles and wrapped the girl in a one armed hug. "I knew you wouldn't stay down long."
"Damn straight," Yuffie pumped a fist in the air. Cloud chuckled as Tifa came out of the kitchen, glass of orange juice in hand.
"Sit down, Yuffie," Tifa instructed, "You lost a lot of blood. You should take it easy for a day or so."
"I'm fine," Yuffie whined, sitting down in the designated chair.
"Yer as loud as ever," Cid groused stomping heavily downstairs. He ruffled the girl's hair affectionately as he walked passed on his way outside for his morning cigarette. Yuffie knew that this type of gesture from Cid was like a bear hug from anyone else.
Marlene and Denzel came next. Both children hugged Yuffie relieved to see that she would indeed be fine. Tifa went back to the kitchen to finish breakfast. Cid came back from his cigarette a little while later and Barrett was with him.
"Papa!" Marlene giggled as the large man lifted his daughter onto his shoulders. He patted Denzel's head. Soon the group had gathered around the table laughing and eagerly helping themselves to breakfast when Tifa returned with a plate full of scrambled eggs and another of bacon.
Again, Callandra found herself drawn to this mismatched, boisterous family. It was bittersweet. The joy of the present mixed with the pain of her past.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Tifa and Vincent had just finished clearing away the last of the breakfast dishes when the Turks arrived.
"Morning yo!" Reno called striding inside.
Rufus and Tseng came next, frowning at the dark circles under everyone's eyes. Barrett was the only one who seemed well rested. Event eh children seemed happy but tired.
"What happened?" Rufus demanded as Rude and Elena filed in.
"Yuffie got shot!" Marlene cried.
"Koyoto's punks ambushed us just outside of town," Cid explained.
"But I'm good as new thanks to Tifa and Callie," Yuffie added firmly. She glared at her trio of "emo-retards," daring them to contradict , Vincent, and Callie rolled their eyes. Yuffie grinned triumphantly.
"Callandra caught one of them sneaking around outside last night," Cloud said. "Fortunately, he was pretty young and doesn't seem like a bad kid. I don't think he'll give us anymore trouble."
"You sound sure of that," Rufus observed.
"Kid's name is Max. All he wants to do is take care of his Mom and sister," Zack said, "Cloud promised to talk to Reeve and see about getting the kid into the WRO since he said he like military life."
"I called Reeve as soon as I got up this morning," Cloud confirmed, "He said when his troops arrive the Sergeant in charge of the group would talk to Max."
"You said he was young," Tseng reminded them, "How young?"
"About fifteen," Callie said softly.
Rufus, Reno, and Tseng looked at her with concern. Callandra looked away. "If I hadn't gotten a look at his face . . ."
"But ya did," Reno said firmly. He put an arm around her shoulders, "C'mon, Red," Reno teased, "This isn't exactly the best time for me to get ya plastered."
"Yeah," she grinned, "I'll be fine. Really."
AVLANCHE exchanged confused glances but Zack shook his head and they let it drop.
"Aren't the kids going to school today?" Elena asked noting the time.
"No," Tifa replied, "They had a rough night."
"We should get this show on the road, yo," Reno pointed out.
"Yeah," Cloud stood, "The sooner we get to Gongaga the better. I
"First," Rufus stepped forward and handed Zack a slip of paper, "I promised the return of your assets. Your account number and balance are all there."
Zack looked at the paper and whistled. "I didn't have this much gil."
"Interest," Rufus explained, "As well as your severance check. It's the least Shinra owes you." Indeed, Rufus would have given the First Class more if he'd though Zack would accept.
"No strings?" Zack's eyes narrowed.
"I gave you my word," Rufus gave Callandra a similar slip, "That applies to you as well."
"Rufus . . ." Callandra looked at her slip, hesitating.
"I can't give you back the things that mattered most. I know that. But I'd like to do what I can. Besides, it is yours."
Callandra was at a loss and Tseng stepped smoothly into the silence. "Rude and I will see you to the Shera."
"I'm driving Fenrir," Cloud said, "I'll follow."
Zack took a deep breath. "I'm ready to go. At some point I'm going to have to pick up a few things." He grinned. "I can afford it now." There were several million gil in his account.
"I'm set," Cid said, "I got everything I need aboard the ship."
"Just let me grab my bag," Callie said, heading for the stairs with Cloud behind her.
Stopping at her own door, Callandra took a moment to consider Cloud as he proceeded to his own room. Cloud and Zack were so different. Zack possessed an exuberant joy of life while Cloud's was a quiet strength. Yet, that strength was grounded in love for his friends as was Zack's.
Zack was everything Cloud wanted to be. Cloud was a reminder to Zack of why he fought.
What am I fighting for? Callandra asked herself as she lifted her bag from the floor. She took a moment to retrieve the picture from the table by her bed. Looking at the three men in the photo she thought, Back then, I fought for and because of them. She placed the picture in her bag. Is it enough to fight for a memory? Is that all I have to fight for?
Afraid of the answer, she shook her head and stepped back into the hall. She blushed. Cloud and Tifa stood just outside Cloud's room. One of Cloud's strong arms wrapped around Tifa's waist while the other hand was tangled in the woman's hair. Tifa stood on her toes, her hands framing Cloud's face as they kissed.
Callandra averted her eyes and walked quickly and quietly away.
Downstairs, Rude and Tseng waited for them by the door.
"Where's Cloud?" Tseng asked.
"He'll be down in a minute," she murmured. Jade eyes shifted to study Rufus.
"Don't disappoint me, Rufus," Callie pleaded.
"I won't."
Cloud and Tifa came downstairs hands clasped. "I'm ready," Cloud said.
Callandra had to admit Cloud was an impressive sight with all his swords attached to his back. She looked to where Zack stood, Buster Sword on its magnetic sheath and for a moment, his features blurred in her eyes into those of Angeal before shifting back again. She looked away.
"Be careful," Tifa squeezed Cloud's hand.
"See you soon," Cloud promised. He let go of Tifa and hugged Marlene and Denzel. "Be good."
"We will," Marlene smiled.
"We promise," Denzel added.
Cloud nodded and followed Rude outside. The marital artist approached Zack. "Take care of yourself," she ordered.
"Yes, ma'am," Zack grinned, kissing Tifa's cheek before following Cloud.
"See ya'll," Cid said before striding out the door. He'd never been one for any type of goodbye.
Reno gestured for Callandra to hurry.
"Wait," Tifa said, locking gazes with Callie, "I know we just met but I need you to do something for me."
"What is it?" Callie asked.
"Take care of both of them," Tifa pleaded, "I can't be there so I'm trusting you."
The women shared a moment of understanding. The death of one would destroy the other.
"They'll both come back," Callandra promised, "You have my word."
As she hurried after Reno, Callie chastised herself. She knew better than to make promises like that. She knew how impossible they could be to keep. Yet, she swore that this time she'd keep her promise. She'd find a way.
"You know, Tif," Yuffie said, after Callie was gone, "I know she saved my life but you're putting a lot of trust in her."
"After all," Vincent agreed, "What are we to her?"
Rufus and Elena watched Tifa curious as to how she would answer.
"Maybe," Tifa acknowledged, "Except for one thing. She's still here. Maybe Callandra felt she owed Zack something because of Angeal but she could have left any time after Zack got here. She didn't. I'm going on a hunch. I don't think I'm wrong."
OOOOOOOOO
Cid, Callandra, Reno, Zack, and Tseng were comfortably situated in Rufus' limo. The roar of Fenrir was easily heard over the quiet hum of the car's engine. Rude was driving.
"What will you do once you reach Gongaga?" Tseng asked.
"I'm not sure," Zack admitted, "Mom and Dad probably aren't safe there anymore. But getting them to leave could be tricky."
"What about this Cissnei girl?" Cid asked.
"Cissnei was a highly competent Turk," Tseng said, "However, I will feel better once you are there to back her up."
"I'm surprised the company let Cissnei resign," Zack said, "She knows a lot."
"They almost didn't," Tseng admitted. "It was the first time that all the Turks openly refused an order. You were well thought of, Zack. When the President ordered us to kill Cissnei it was too much. Eventually, we agreed that as long as Cissnei lived quietly and didn't divulge any company information the company would leave her in peace. The President knew he wouldn't live long without the Turks to protect him. And peace was all Cissnei wanted."
Zack swallowed, "If Cissnei had gotten herself killed . . . Gaia."
"You two were close," Callie observed.
"Zack was the first time Cissnei ignored orders," Reno explained.
"Turks have a funny habit of doin' that when it suits 'em," Cid drawled.
Tseng shrugged.
"The whole lot of ya Shinra punks're crazy," Cid griped.
"You worked for Shinra too," Zack reminded the pilot.
Cid grinned, "And I'm battier than hell. Had to have been to hook up with AVALANCHE."
They all laughed.
"We're here," Rude announced, parking the vehicle.
The group climbed out and as the three Turks talked quietly, Callandra let out a low whistle as she studied the Shera.
"Something ain't she?" Cid gloated.
"Impressive," Callandra admitted easily.
"Well, time ta get going," Cid decided, "Get yer asses aboard before they get left behind."
Hatorisgirl15: I'm glad you liked it. I personally sobbed my head off at the end of Crisis Core. It was the most heartbreaking video game checkout scene ever. I also keep an eye out for resurrection fics or fics where Zack somehow survived. As for Genesis . . . we'll see. My Genesis muse has been whining non-stop since I started this story so we'll see if I indulge him. . Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter as well as the rest.
Shade the Bat: Well, there were Turks AND Vincent in this one so I hope you liked it. Thanks for reviewing.
Unoqepasa: oh, no! Not puppy eyes! LOL. Glad you like the story so far and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
Sodapoplover101: I tried to up the action a little bit in this chapter. See, when I use OC's I tend to work more with character development so that she or he won't become Mary Sues. I want Callandra to be conceived by the viewers as a 'person' as much the original characters of the FFVII universe. A lot of my stories are character driven though I will keep your suggestion in mind and try not to go overboard. I hope you found this chapter improved. Thanks for reviewing. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
City of Dis: Zack and Cloud will have their moment and it's coming soon. Things have just been too crazy for them really to get a moment to themselves. Tifa is trying to be friends with Callie and like you said that's just how Tifa is. The group in general is trying to give her a chance despite whatever misgivings they might secretly have and Callie is finding that it's easy to feel comfortable with them . . . and it's scaring the hell out of her. As far as Zack and Callie's relationship . . . you'll have to be patient. Zack misses Aerith and Callie has a lot of issues to work through before she's ready for the next step. I'm just going to work on their friendship for now and let them set the pace. Though, Yuffie may try to shove them if they take too long. Thanks for reviewing!