[from the perspective of Kira Ruiz...]

So a lot of you may come to wonder how I got a hold of so much land in Wutai. Well, it's simply… really fucking well positioning.

When I reigned over Midgar with Reno in the drug world, I'm gonna tell you we really reigned. It wasn't the lifestyle of you're usual dealer – up against the law, all the perils and doubts and debilitating stress. I knew the MPD had my back, I knew Shinra was on my side (even if through a back door), and I knew I had an assassin and his team of assassins protecting me.

Sure there was the occasional rival dealer that'd wanna take our spot. Clueless really – of what was going on. Let's say, we had a license to kill.

Well, with support like that – Reno and I had plenty of room to breathe. It didn't take much to build an empire over all eight sectors of the city, with plans in the works to expand to Junon. We had hands in several interesting ventures.

With all that cash, who wouldn't wanna invest in some real estate?

Lord Godo was reluctant at first to sell any of his land in the north, but soon changed his mind when we expressed interest in taking our cash to my mother's homeland in the south. Though 'loyal' to him, the local lords did have some amount of sovereignty. With any additional funds, I'm sure he feared a civil conflict. And let's be real, after the war, Wutai didn't need any additional drama.

Fast forward.

"Here ya go, Kira!" One of Rafael's girls – my least favorite of them – set down a pot of green tea with breakfast. Miso soup, sashimi, sticky rice, and a cucumber salad. It was Monday morning at the Biggs. We didn't open until 5pm, so I took the time to enjoy the quiet dining hall and catch up on some work.

"Thank you, Cherry. Gomashio?"

"Oh! Of course, coming right up!"

She scampered off and bumped into Rafael, who was holding a jar of the requested condiment. She thanked him in her usual bubbly manner and joined the other girls, who were rehearsing a dance performance for later tonight. Cherry was clumsy as fuck.

Rafael slid in next to me and handed me the spice. I gave him a knowing eye. "Thanks. How ya doing?"

"Oh. Good. Little stressed. I know we're expecting a slow evening tonight, with all the guests leaving town. And then there's the issue of some of the girls just being… not so graceful." He sighed, his gaze drifting off to the group practicing with their choreographer.

"Hmm. By some girls you mean Cherry, right? She's a hot mess."

"Ugh! She's really sweet, but yes… her mannerisms need a bit of work. The customers love her though! Maybe I should just keep her at hostess level and not involve her in any of the performances."

"Maybe that's a good idea. As they say, gentlemen prefer a blonde. Even if she is a graceless twat."

He laughed. "What are you working on?"

"Just answering emails. I met with Jacques and Suzanna about some entertainment venues, which is great. But now I need to think about growing the population. I'm talking to the director of Renoir Academy about constructing a new campus here – that'll attract some wealthy families. I'm introducing her husband to an agricultural expert on sustainable farming. And tomorrow I'm meeting with Godo to discuss Wutaian business regulation. My proposal is to require any corporation expanding in Wutai to profit share with their employees. Like they have a stake in the company or something. I dunno. I still don't understand all this legal bullshit. Drug dealing doesn't necessarily prep you for this kinda thing."

"Hah! Do you really think those corporate fat cats are gonna be ok with profit sharing?" Rafael poured us each a cup of tea.

"They'll have to be if they want to expand here. And it would only be for Tian Tan locations. I want the people living here to feel prosperous. I know what it's like growing up in poverty and I don't wish that on anybody. And hey, the more money people are making, the more they'll go out! And places like the Biggs…"

"Cha-ching!" Rafael smiled and we clinked tea cups. "You have a lot on your plate, Kira. Don't stretch yourself too thin."

"Heh. Too late." I sat back and rubbed my eyes. "The emails and meetings are literally never-ending. Steven Lowe – that ecologist I met – has a geologist friend he wants me to meet. She thinks there are untapped hot springs in this area. They're all over the Da-Chao. Can you imagine? We could turn Tian Tan into an onsen destination."

"You mean, an even bigger tourist trap! Oh, Yuffie will love that."

I rolled my eyes. "She'll get over it. It's not gonna be cheesy – I won't let it be. And we can make a fuckin' killing. Spa & culinary tourism are very popular right now. The world is recovering, people are ready to be happy and spend money again."

"Thank the gods for that! The last few years have been more than a little depressing."

"Yea it's good to see things on the up. I'm planning a party next month at my estate. For Reeve's birthday."

"Mmm-hmmm…"

"What is that supposed to mean? You better not be thinking about what Reno said the other night."

"Well, you and Reeve have been seeing a lot more of each other."

"It's work related."

"Kira, I know you find him attractive. And he is definitely into you. Just saying, Reeve could be a great match."

"You really don't like Reno, do you?"

"I guess I don't know him well enough, but it's nearly impossible for me to warm up to him – for obvious reasons. But beyond that, I think you deserve someone you can rely on a little more."

There was nothing that annoyed me more than people trying to 'fix' my relationship issues, trying to direct me in the 'right' direction. "Rafael, I know you mean well, but you don't know anything about mine and Reno's relationship. I know he seems unreliable on the surface, but there is no one I rather have at my back."

"You love him a lot."

"Too much sometimes." I sighed and sipped my tea.

"I don't know how you do it – the whole open marriage thing – that would drive me insane."

I shrugged. "I'm a practical person; people need touch and affection. We only see each other several times a year. And sex doesn't equal love, so neither of us truly feel threatened by anyone. We're open minded, and I may not be as promiscuous as Reno but I ain't no prude."

"Yea, I understand it from a practical stand point, but what about emotionally? I just couldn't deal."

"Well you see how we deal with it emotionally… we fight. That's usually enough, and then we move on."

"I guess I just don't understand how you 'move on.'"

"We lives separate lives right now, ya know. But our love is unconditional, so even if I get upset, my perspective is that he hasn't really done anything to betray me. He's just living his life… I guess it's hard to explain to someone who isn't in it."

"No I get it! I think… you're both very accepting of each other."

"Yea. Plus, you have to understand – if him and I were to ever be together again, like really be together, I would not tolerate infidelity. We've broken up over it before in the past, and in the beginning of our relationship he had some trouble being faithful, I think 'cause he was so used to playing the field. But once him and I really settled down, that did stop. I do trust him."

"Or maybe he just got better at hiding it."

"Hah! In case you haven't noticed, Reno is incapable of hiding things from me."

Speak of the devil.

"Hey babe," Reno took a seat next to us. His hair was damp and he wore grey sweats pants and a soft cotton tee. It was nice seeing him out and about in lounge clothes instead of his usual disheveled suit. Made me feel like I was at home with him again.

"Hey. How was the spa?"

"Just what the doctor ordered, ya shoulda joined me."

"Too much to do."

"Next time," he winked at me then flashed his grin over at Rafael. "Mornin', Rafael."

"Good morning, Reno," he said, rising from the table. "I better get back to prepping the girls for tonight. Would you like me to send over some breakfast?"

"Yea, what Kira's having. Thanks, man."

Rafael left us in peace. He always found a way to conveniently sneak off when Reno showed up.

"I get the feeling that guy doesn't like me much."

"Well you dropped the plate on his lover."

"Not on purpose."

"Actually you did. You made the decision to go through with it, so it was quite 'on purpose.'"

"Don't fuckin' start this argument with me. You know why I had to do it."

"Yes, I know. And you've been officially pardoned by the WRO blah blah… you're forgiven."

"Then why ya trying to pick a fight with me, baby?" He pulled me over onto his lap and I rested my head on his shoulder.

"Sometimes I think about what it would've been like if you had come to Wutai with me."

"Don't think about it. The past is done. What woulda happened is we'd be dead right now."

I nodded, burying my face in him, smelling his clean skin. I fell into him with an exhale, gently purring, slowly moving to suck on his flesh. A shiver went through his body.

"Hmm keep doing that and I'll have to take ya upstairs."

"Oh… well that just sounds like a terrible idea…" I giggled and nibbled.

Everything around us melted into a blur. These days had been bliss, with the opening of the Biggs and Reno taking vacation time. He hadn't spent longer than a weekend at a time in Wutai since I'd been living here.

"Hi!" Cherry again. Her sense of fucking timing couldn't have been worse. "Your breakfast, Mr. Reno!"

Reno sighed as I shimmied off his lap, straightening my clothes. "Thanks, doll. Can you grab me a pack of Lucky Strikes?"

"Sure, Mr. Reno!"

When she was out of ear range I started to crack up. "'Mr. Reno!' Hah that girl's a ditz. I'm pretty sure she's gotta crush on ya."

"Can ya blame her?" he smirked, pulling me into his lap. He began feeding me in between his own bites. Holy fuck… was this a second honeymoon? It made me feel elated yet vulnerable, knowing it would end the moment he left town.

"So what ya got planned today, babe?"

"Some more emails and organizing my schedule a bit, then Ilia's coming down to discuss an old friend of hers who wants to set up a factory here – completely vertically integrated – cut, sew and dye."

"Heh… bet you're excited for that."

"Hell yes. Can you imagine how far we'll go when we bring the fashion industry here? Fashion week in Tian Tan!? Hella parties, hella cash, hella fun."

"Yea. Them fashion folk don't fuck around. How's Ilia feel about it?"

"Eh. Less than thrilled. She's burnt out on that whole scene. But she gets how good it'll be for the city."

"Proud of ya baby." He placed a kiss on my cheek then glanced at his phone. "Let's hook up for lunch then go for a swim back at the house?"

"Ok yea. Would you slow down, you're eating like a pig."

"Sorry babe – gotta meet up with the director."

"Tseng's still in town?"

"Yeah. You haven't seen him?"

"No. I'm sure he's avoiding me."

"Hmm yea. He thinks you're a bitch."

"I know what he thinks of me. And I don't fucking care. I don't like him either."

"C'mon Kira, looks like him and Ilia are reconciling. Maybe it's time for a truce."

"I don't trust him."

"Well whatever. Heh. You two could be fucking twins with your fuckin' stubborn, moody attitudes."

"Pfft."

"Heh. Ya know I'm right. There was a time when you guys were friends. I remember it well – ya'lls secret language of eye rolls and holier-than-thou sighs." Reno teased me, clapping his hand against my ass. "Ok babe, get up. Gotta go."

"Alright. Love you."

"Love you, too. Try an' play nice with the boss, k?"

"I can't promise I'll try. But I'll try to try."

"Good enough for me," he winked.

With a lingering goodbye, we parted. I watched his carefree walk, bumping into Cherry, picking her up and spinning her around as he took the pack of smokes from her hand. She blushed and joined me in ogling him. I couldn't help but smile.

Ugh. Falling in love with him all over again. This was a dangerous game.

The next several days flew by in a whirl of sex and celebrating, wining and dining; friends. With Reno's urgings, I tried to be open once again with Tseng. Truthfully, faking nice isn't my forte. I suck at it. But walking in on Tseng and Ilia fucking in one of our guest rooms did help a bit to lighten my mood towards him. I guess great minds do think alike after all…

But more than anything, it was just lovely to see Ilia alive again. Barely more than a week of having her beloved husband around, and the fire was back in her eyes. She was glowing, already making plans to starting working again – opening an art gallery not too far from the Biggs. A little closer to the beach.

The air was tense and somewhat melancholy as Reno packed his bags. I stood in one of my favorite dresses, arms crossed, watching him. We were dealing with his departure in our usual way – denial and silence.

"I wish you didn't have to go…" I said, the air finally too thick to not speak.

"Baby. Don't start this."

"Start what? Sharing my feelings?"

"You know what I mean. I can't stay."

"Yea. I know. I get it. You're busy. So am I… whatever. I know you have to go." I heard that raspy crack in my voice. The rare tears were brewing.

Reno came and cradled my face, pressing his lips to mine. "I'll be back."

"Tch. Yea. When? Last time it was months-" He hushed me with fingers.

"I won't let that happen again. You know things are changing…"

"Yea? You promise?"

"Promise."

Our driver took us to the far end of the property where the airstrip was. Ilia and I stood, watching our men board a heli and drift out of sight. They disappeared into the eastern horizon and Ilia and I turned to each other. For once, I was the first to break down in tears. With a sweet and silent sob, Ilia held me.

"Don't worry, dear. They'll be back soon this time… I know it."

Weeks passed. Everything carried on as usual. For days I moped over Reno's absence. Late night drinking sessions with Nami, partying at the Biggs. Endless cigarettes. Turning up to tune out how much I missed him… But there were too many things going on; exciting things. After a few too many hangovers, rescheduled meetings, and time wasted poolside, I decided to get back into my business groove.

Things fell into a comfortable pace. Several times a week we dined at the Biggs. And even though most of the patrons who supported us left town, there was still quite a nice buzz. New tourists and investors were appearing every day – attracted by the newness of Tian Tan and the beaches that were lovely year round.

Ilia and I had taken to dining together more lately. I think we found solace in each other's longing for our men. Rafael and Nami were understanding, but neither could relate. No matter how much you care for someone, or how much you know you should shut your mouth and stop incessantly talking about someone… well, shit gets old. No one wants to hear about it 24/7. Ilia would allow me my pining because it was hers to share. The equal parts of hope and frustration in the changing turbulence was all we could think about.

"So let's talk about something else," I said. "I think Reno and Tseng's ears must be in fire by now."

Ilia snorted, careful not to not choke on the chardonnay she sipped. "Oh, they love it. But a change in topic would be healthy."

"I have an idea. For your art gallery."

"Oh…?"

"I met with that geologist woman – Elba. She thinks there are hot springs close to the beach where you want the gallery. How do you feel about drilling there? We wouldn't turn it into an onsen, nothing too crowded. Just maybe for private gatherings? Build a lush, traditional Wutaian garden. I think it could be sexy."

"Mmm I like that idea! But yes, you're right… I wouldn't want it to be anything too public or crowded."

"More just part of the scenery. Water is so important in Wutain culture… and you have all of those fish tanks you want to decorate with."

"Yes! And the gardens! Oh Kira, I love it!"

She embraced me with a happy, throaty laugh. I smiled, happy to have Ilia back in my life full time.

"Have you decided on a name yet?"

"Hmm… um… n-no, not yet…"

There was a sudden commotion just outside the door, distracting me from our conversation. I heard the host who was guarding the room raise his voice to a potential intruder.

"I'm sorry sir, but I can't let you in," the host said. "Ms. Ruiz didn't inform me she'd have a visitor by that name."

"Can ya at least go talk to 'er?" the stranger's voice said. It sounded familiar. "I promise ya – I'm not lyin'."

"I have strict orders to not disturb her tonight, sir."

"What's going on?" Ilia glanced at me.

"I feel strange…" I said, standing up. My stomach dropped and my heart raced. So familiar…

"Look man, please? C'mon! Jiro Ruiz, I'm 'er brother!"

An involuntary gasp left my throat. "Jiro!" I yelped. My heart pounded in my ears, my limbs shaking with adrenaline as I darted over to the door, throwing it open.

"Kira!" He flung himself at me and took me in his arms. "Kira…"

Tears fell freely from my eyes and I let out sobs so violent it shook both of our bodies. The host at the door had the intuition to bow quickly and shut the door behind us, giving the privacy we needed. Jiro shushed me, pet my hair, kissing the top of my head as he rocked me. I felt his own tears fall onto my shoulder and slide down my back.

"Jiro… Jiro…" I chanted between wails. My baby brother…

"It's ok. Hey… it's ok. I'm here now. I'm here."

"Sweet gods…" Ilia whispered.

"I thought you were dead." I gained some composure. Good gods, it was amazing to look into my brother's eyes again. My own smile mirrored back at me.

"I nearly was," he pet my cheek, kissed my forehead. Something had changed. The usual mischievous, cocky glisten to his gaze was replaced by something haunted and weathered. "Aw but sis! It's so good to see ya… so good. Thought I wouldn't again. Then suddenly you're all over the papers. Took a while to get together the cash for the journey 'ere."

"Where were you? Why didn't you call?"

"Just south of Junon. Lost all my contacts… everything! Gone."

"How'd you get out of Midgar?"

"It wasn't easy. When the shit was goin' down with Meteor, all the prison personnel fled. Didn't bother to unlock any of the cells, ya know. Guess they'd figure we'd all rot no matter what happened. But hey, ya know I've always been resourceful, sis." He gave me that trademark Jiro grin – charming and boyish. Could melt any girl's heart.

"Resourceful as you are fuckin' reckless," I lectured, lightly slapping the side of his head.

"Hey! Don't start with that shit! Just be glad to see me." He held me tightly again, picking me up off the ground and spinning me.

I laughed, feeling like a little girl again. Even though he was two years younger, he surpassed me in size at a fairly young age. I was always the one being tossed around and beat at anything athletic.

"C'mon, ya must be hungry. Join us."

"I'm starved."

It's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. At least in cases of family. Jiro and I were close as children but drifted apart into our teenage and adult years. He turned out to be a real troublemaker – careless and flashy, just out to cause commotion and gain attention for his delinquency. In my early twenties, I just remember being angry and annoyed with him all the time.

I did love him though. Even more now that he seemed grounded, more introspective – mature. I was glowing in a way that even Reno didn't make me glow.

We all retired to the estate. Ilia opened a bottle of wine. She took the cue that all I wanted was to bask in the presence of my own flesh and blood. She gave Jiro a tight hug and retired to her chambers. Jiro and I took our drinks outside, slipped off ours shoes and dipped our feet in the pool.

"Have you heard from Leena?"

He shrugged. "She don't want nothin' to do with me. Don't blame 'er either. Last I heard she married some guy in Mideel, dj-ing at the tourist spots down there. Gotta couple o' kids."

"Hmm well she did a pretty good job at distancing herself from us."

"Got sick of the whole scene. That's my fault."

"Heh. I'm sure Reno and I had something to do with that, too."

"Well, who cares? The ones who really mattered stuck around." He lit two cigarettes and handed me one. "So how you an' the old ball an' chain doin'?"

"Good. It was really rough for a while with everything going on in the world, but we're better now. He promised he'd come to Wutai more often."

"An' what bout you goin' to Midgar?"

"I haven't been back in over five years. Can't really say I wanna."

"Do it for him, sis." He winked, nudging me.

"I'll think about it…"

"Still stubborn as all hell." He laughed and threw his arm around my shoulders.

If you're enjoying the saga so far, please check out our blog for more regular updates, as well as a timeline and character bio page. makoreactions . wordpress . com