SEVENTEEN

I woke up the next morning to the savory, mouth-watering aromas of food being cooked and opened my eyes to see Jessie standing in her little kitchen corner in front of the stove. She was holding a round pan steady on one of the burners while stirring whatever was inside it with a long metal spatula.

"Morning, Cloud," she winked. "How do you like your eggs?"

I shrugged. "I dunno, Jessie. Surprise me."

Slowly, I got up from where I'd fallen asleep sitting with my back to the bed. I had stayed awake as long as I could, keeping Jessie company as she slept, watching the shadows, though I'd been sure nothing would threaten her in here. But after that terrible dream, I had needed to find something I could do for her, even if it wasn't really needed, to remind myself that she was alive and safe. And I was going to make damn sure that she stayed that way.

Jessie was still in her nightclothes as she worked on breakfast. "Ha! You might regret that."

"Not likely," I said, coming over to join her.

"Well, in that case, can you get the table ready? The dishes are over in that cabinet behind ya."

I nodded. "Sure. Smells good."

"Thanks, Cloud!" Jessie beamed. "You'll love it!"

"Didn't have to go to all this trouble," I said, opening the cabinet. I took out the dishes.

She motioned for me to put the plates on the counter. "I know. But you've done so much for me. So I just wanted to do something for you in return. Besides, a good hostess always takes care of her guest. And I haven't cooked for you since that night I made you the Midgar Special. I've… kind of missed it."

I set the plates down. "Well… thanks."

"No problem!" she laughed. "Sure hope you brought your appetite! Scrambled eggs, bacon, and my famous blueberry pancakes. No better way for us to start the day!"

"Really went all out, didn't you?" I said.

She put her spatula aside, picked up a bowl and whisk, and started stirring, giggling the whole time. "Well, you know what they say about getting to a man's heart. So, how am I doing?"

I went over and set the table. "Pretty good so far."

"Glad to hear it!" Jessie smiled. "I'll just have to keep it up, then. In the meantime, I'm gonna head over the bar when we're done here. Got a message from Tifa this morning."

"What'd she say?" I asked.

Jessie poured the batter onto the griddle she'd put across two other burners. "Biggs found your key last night and left it on the bar for her along with a note before he went home. Turns out you were right after all, Cloud. It was on the floor. You must've dropped it without realizing it. Sure worked out for me, though!"

It had for me, too. "I'll bet. I've got something I'm gonna check on myself, so I'll pick it up later."

"Mysterious errand, huh?" she teased. "Gonna let me in on it?"

"Nope," I told her.

It was an idea that had slowly formed in my mind ever since I had woken up this morning. Something for Jessie, something I wanted her to have. I knew what I wanted to get her, I just hoped I could find one. I wasn't sure where to look for one, though, so I figured it might take a while. I'd never really been into this sort of thing, you understand. Still, I was confident I'd know it when I saw it.

Jessie chuckled. "Ooh, a surprise! I like surprises. Well, most of the time, anyway. Especially if they're for me."

"Good," I said. "Thought as much."

"Guess this means I'll have to wait in breathless anticipation for the big reveal! But in the meantime, the food's ready, so grab yourself some juice and have a seat."

I did, and after Jessie joined me at the table, we dug in. It was, as I'd expected, very good. When we were finished, I decided to surprise her. Taking a cue from Biggs, I handled the washing up and made sure that Jessie got her chance to relax. She looked on in fond amusement while I worked on the dishes. I tried to remember how I'd seen Tifa do them last night, and I guess I managed to clean them well enough. Doing the dishes wasn't really my thing, but I supposed I didn't mind if it was for her. And I started to understand why Biggs did it for Tifa.

Jessie grinned as she sat back on her bed. "Well, look at the hardass ex-SOLDIER mercenary being all domestic."

"Uh, yeah…" I said. "Just don't tell the others."

"Not a word," she promised, holding up her index finger.

After I'd finished cleaning up, Jessie took her daytime clothes from where she'd left them on the bed during breakfast, skipped off into the bathroom, and got changed. By the time she came back out, I'd already put my boots and gloves on and was just about ready to go. She picked up her belt, fastened it on, and then got her own boots and gloves on as well before starting to buckle on her breastplate.

"Need a hand?" I asked.

Jessie smiled. "Sure, if you want to."

She turned around, lifted her hair out of the way, and I clicked the buckles on the back of her shoulder straps firmly in place for her. After she had finished with the rest of the buckles and had put her pauldrons on her shoulders, she pulled her hair back into its typical high ponytail before picking up her red headband. I tied it for her as she held onto it, making the knot above and behind her ear nice and tight.

"All set?" I said.

Jessie gazed warmly at me. "Yeah. Thanks, Cloud."

Before I knew it, she had her arms around me, her head resting on my shoulder. I held her for a while, one hand reaching up to stroke her hair. I guess Jessie must've flirted with me one too many times, because it wasn't quite as hard for me to return her affection anymore as it used to be. Or maybe it was an aftereffect of last night's dream. Either way, I liked having her there in my arms, being with her. It felt good, but even more than that, it felt right. I could've stayed with Jessie all day like this and I wouldn't have complained.

I gazed softly at her. "What's this for?"

"No reason," Jessie murmured, holding onto me for just a moment longer before letting go. "I just… wanted to be close to you."

I didn't doubt that, but I could tell from how tightly Jessie clung to me and how gently she spoke that there was more, something she'd left unsaid. But I hadn't missed the tenderness in her gaze. I'd seen it there all morning, now that I thought about it. I didn't know what it was she wasn't telling me, but I didn't think it was anything to worry about. She was happy, and that was enough for me.

Sliding Buster onto on my back, I followed Jessie as she opened the door and headed outside. After locking it behind us, she put the key in her pocket and stretched her arms out above her as if she was taking in the light of the new day, her fingers linking together as she went up on her toes. Then she relaxed and brought herself back down to a normal standing position as she flashed me a grin.

"I just love mornings, don't you?" Jessie asked.

I shrugged. "They're okay."

She gave my arm a playful punch. "Bet you liked this one, though. It's not the way you usually wake up, I'm sure."

"It's been good so far," I admitted.

"Mine, too," she winked. "Must be my special guest."

I smirked. "I had a good hostess."

Jessie giggled. "Awww, thanks! I aim to please! So, this mean Jessie Rasberry's Bed & Breakfast is Cloud-approved?"

"Yup," I answered. "Five stars."

"Awesome!" she laughed, her hands on her hips. "Anyway, as much as I'd love to stay and chat with ya, I told Tifa I'd stop by the bar and see her. Girl talk, you know."

I did. "Sure. Tell her I'll be there later."

"Will do, Cloud. See ya! Can't wait for my surprise!"

Jessie gave me another quick hug, then waved at me and walked off down the road to the Seventh Heaven. I watched her move away until I couldn't see her anymore, then headed down another street toward the market district to start my search. There were several shops in the area, so it was as good a place as any to look for Jessie's gift.

"Tifa! I knew I'd find you here."

I turned around from where I'd been restocking the shelves on the back wall and frowned. That wasn't Jessie. She had messaged me just a minute or so ago letting me know she was on her way. I knew who this was, though. She'd been constantly hovering around the bar off and on for weeks now, ever since Cloud had first arrived. Hoping to get a bit of juicy gossip, no doubt. It was always the same with her. And she never seemed to care what might come of it, good or bad.

My eyes narrowed. "What is it, Derla?"

She stood proudly, tossing her short red hair and folding her arms in front of her. "I've got a big scoop for you!"

"Not interested," I waved her off. "I've got a lot of work to do."

"Oh, but you'll definitely wanna here this! Trust me! It's about your childhood friend and that girl Jessie."

I rolled my eyes. Whatever Derla had to tell me, I probably already knew. I heard a lot when I was here tending bar, and I knew Cloud and Jessie had grown closer since his arrival. It was cute, seeing how he had slowly warmed up to her over the past two months, and I had a hunch that she was part of why he'd stayed with us.

"Fine," I sighed. "What is it?"

Derla slid onto one of the stools in front of the bar and rubbed her hands together. "Well, you see, they're in love! I saw them walking arm in arm to her house last night. I was following them as quiet as I could. They almost saw me once, but I ducked around the corner just in time! Pretty close call, I tell ya."

"You've been sneaking after them!?" I fumed.

"You bet! Gotta find out what's going on, after all. And guess what? That childhood friend of yours stayed with that girl Jessie all night! All night long! I saw them leave her house together this morning. And you know what that means!"

I smirked. "As usual, you're dead wrong."

"Oh?" Derla huffed. "And why do you say that?"

"Jessie already filled me in on what happened. He stayed there with her alright, but it wasn't like you're saying. And what she and Cloud do or don't do isn't any of your business, Derla. If you were thinking that I was going to get jealous and upset about this, you've got another thing coming. They're my friends, and as long as they're happy, I'm happy. So stop trying to cause trouble!"

She sniffed. "I'm just trying to find things out!"

"No!" I put my hands on the bar. "You're a nosy gossip butting into everyone's business. Back off! And if I ever catch you sneaking after me or my friends again, I will personally kick your sorry ass so hard you'll hit the plate! Am I perfectly, crystal clear?"

Derla got up, muttered something under her breath, and gave me a curt nod. Then she stormed outside just as Jessie opened the doors and stepped inside, a bewildered look on her face as she saw Derla leave. It always made me mad, dealing with that woman. She didn't know when to quit and wouldn't take a hint.

I had found Cloud's key and the note that Biggs had left for me last night, so I'd already had a pretty good idea of what had happened even before Jessie had explained it to me. She had told me about it early this morning when I had messaged her to check on Cloud. I knew full well how awkward and inexperienced with women he was—it was cute in a way—so I hadn't been at all concerned that he and Jessie might've been intimate last night. It wasn't my business, of course, and I would never ask. That was entirely between the two of them.

I wasn't afraid of them taking that step. It would happen sooner or later if they ever got things going between them. I just knew Jessie well enough to trust that she wouldn't try to seriously pursue anything with him without asking me first. Not that she really needed my permission, of course. She was a grown woman, after all. But she knew Cloud and I were close. And she cared about how I felt.

Jessie took a seat at the bar. "What was that all about?"

"Nothing," I told her. "Just had to clear a few things up with Derla. Anyway, how was your night with Cloud?"

"It was good," she said, trying to sound casual.

I could tell Jessie was nervous, though, the way she held her hands in her lap and wouldn't quite meet my eyes at first. She was a very good actress, but I'd known her long enough that I could often tell when she was doing it. She hid a lot of doubt and insecurity behind her cheerful front, more than most people ever knew. But I did, more than anyone. Although she was happier now than she'd been in those early days back when she had first come here, I still worried about her. Especially now with what had happened to Reactor 1.

I went around the bar and sat next to her. "Hey, it's alright. You can talk to me. What's on your mind?"

She swallowed. "Well, you remember when Marlene asked me if… if I was in love with Cloud? I never got to tell you. Every time I've tried to talk with you about it, I've been interrupted or called away away for some reason or other. So that's why, when I messaged you back, I asked if I could meet you alone this morning."

"Go on," I urged her. "You don't have to be afraid."

"Thanks, Tifa," Jessie smiled, resting her hands on the bartop. "The truth is… I am. I'm crazy about him. I guess it's not surprising with all the time we've spent together and how he's always been there for me. It does make me feel a little guilty, though, because I know you like him, too. And I don't want to hurt you."

I took her hand. "Jessie, tell me… do you want to try and see if you two could have something together?"

She nodded. "More than anything. It's just…"

"What is it?" I asked.

"I flirt with him a lot, there's no denying that. I really like him. But I've never tried to move things forward between us. Hasn't always been easy, but… I didn't want to take that step without talking with you first. I wanted to be sure it was okay with you. And… if it's not… that's fine, too. I'll back off, Tifa, if you want me to."

I went back behind the bar and got us both a drink, then sat down with her again. "I really appreciate you coming to me, Jessie. It means a lot to me that you respected me and our friendship like that. I grew up with Cloud, but he's not the same now as he was then. You know that I thought about him a lot after he left town—I've told you about it—and that I liked him. I still do. But I don't really know what I feel, much less what to do. I'm not really much better at talking about my feelings than Cloud is, actually. Kinda funny, don't you think?"

"Yeah, sure is," Jessie chuckled, sipping her drink.

"Anyway," I went on, laughing with her. "What I'm trying to say is, I wouldn't even know where to start if I ever wanted to have something happen between me and Cloud. In fact, you probably know him better than I do at this point, Jessie."

She blinked. "Really?"

I took a swallow of my own drink. "He and I have our memories of our hometown, and we're good friends, but that's all. With all the work and stuff you two have been doing together, I think you've spent more time with him than I have. I see him every day, but not as much as you do. I think that tells me enough."

Jessie stared at me, unable to hide her excitement. "Tifa, are you… are you saying… what I think you're saying?"

"Maybe," I smirked. "But you've gotta earn it first."

I'd had something on my mind while Jessie and I had been talking about Cloud and her feelings for him, and I knew it would be just what she needed. I wasn't going to stand in her way—I had already made up my mind about that a while ago—but I wasn't going to make it easy for her to get my approval, either.

"What do you mean?" Jessie wondered.

I stood up and flexed my arms and fingers. "I think it's time we did a little sparring, Jessie. Beat me and he's all yours."

"Oh, you are on!" she grinned, springing to her feet.

I'd been teaching her my martial arts for over a year now, almost a year and a half, and she was getting really good at it. But she still hadn't won any of our matches yet. I wanted her to, as her trainer, and I knew she did, too. It was her goal, her ambition, and I knew without a doubt that Cloud was the perfect motivation for her to finally achieve it. That didn't mean I was going to just let her have it, though. Jessie was going to have to work for it. And hard.

Tugging on my leather fighting gloves, I went outside, crouched at the back of the patio, then charged at the railing. I grabbed it with both hands and used it to somersault down to the ground. As I backed away toward the middle of the large open area in front of the bar, Jessie sped across the deck, launched herself off the railing, did a sideways spin in the air, and landed about ten feet away from me, her arms out to either side of her, one leg forward and the other behind her.

"Ready?" I brought up my fists.

Jessie straightened and whipped up her own. "You know it!"

The vase was slender, elegant, and made of polished blue glass that shone brightly in the early afternoon light. It was as much a piece of art as it was a container, and I knew Jessie and her flower would like it. So I went ahead and bought it, throwing in a little extra so it could be put in a box and wrapped. The paper was simple enough but colorful, and I couldn't help feeling a little self-conscious as I walked out of the shop with it. I wasn't used to buying gifts, after all. I'd hoped nobody I knew would see me, but I wasn't that lucky.

"Well, ain't that a sight!" a familiar voice boomed.

I whirled around to see Barret walking up the road, Marlene on his shoulder. "I don't see how it's your business."

"That wouldn't be for Jessie, now would it?" he asked.

I frowned. "So what if it is?"

Barret grunted. "I hear you two've been gettin' pretty close, merc. I ain't blind, you know. An' this ain't a big town. Word gets around. Biggs an' Wedge see it, too."

"What's your point?" I said.

"It's jus' funny that yesterday you was all set to leave, an' now you're not only stayin', you're makin' a beeline for Jessie. Guess she an' Tifa set you straight last night."

I sighed. "Just get on with it."

Barret lifted his gun-arm. "Jessie's a good girl, an' she don't need to have her heart broken by some damn cocky ex-SOLDIER merc. If you ever make her cry, you gonna have my gun barrel shoved right up your ass makin' ya do a jig! You got that?"

"Listen, Barret," I narrowed my eyes. "Hurting Jessie's the last thing I wanna do. That's not why I'm here. And I'm not gonna let anything or anyone else hurt her, either."

Memories of last night's dream still lingered in my mind, a horror I couldn't forget, as much as I wanted to. I think I was talking as much to myself as to Barret at that moment, reaffirming my promise to save her from the terrible fate I'd seen her suffer. In any case, he must've seen it in my eyes, because his gruff demeanor actually seemed to soften a bit, and he slowly relaxed and lowered his arm.

"Awright. Jus' wanted to be sure we had us an understanding. If ya honestly like her, that's all well an' good. Long as you make her happy, I ain't gonna complain. Not sayin' I fully trust ya yet, but I know you was there to save her in the reactor. An' that's a start."

"Oughta be," I said.

Barret strode past me. "Me an' Marlene are headin' back to the bar now. You comin', SOLDIER boy?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I was on my way there."

"Good enough," he said. Then he glanced over his shoulder at me. "Oh, yeah. You start gettin' frisky with Jessie, you better be careful, if ya know what I mean. Don't be leavin' her high an' dry with a lil' package to care for. You get me?"

I stumbled and nearly tripped when I heard him. Was he seriously trying to give me advice about… that? My cheeks burned, and I looked away in a hurry, as annoyed as I was embrassed. I'd never even thought of being with Jessie like that before. Not that the idea wasn't a pleasant one. It was. Very pleasant. My breathing got heavier just thinking about it. And I couldn't ignore the way my heart sped up whenever I saw her. I'd just never thought of that sort of thing all that much before. I didn't really have any experience with it.

"Uh, yeah…" I swallowed. "Wasn't planning on leaving her. But it's a bit early to worry about that stuff, isn't it? She and I aren't even seeing each other yet, if it happens at all."

"You two keep goin' on like you been doin', an' it will soon enough," Barret laughed. "Jus' you wait!"

I got moving again. "What do you know about women?"

He snickered. "A helluva lot more than you, I bet. For such a tough, badass merc, seems you ain't got a clue 'bout how to handle the ladies. Pretty damn funny if you ask me."

"I didn't," I muttered.

As we approached the large clearing in front of the bar, I saw there was a fairly sizable crowd gathered around the edges of the area. Biggs and Wedge were nearby, and they motioned for us to join them as soon as they saw us. I didn't know what everyone was so interested in, not at first, and enough people were there that Barret and I couldn't see what was going on from where we were standing. But after meeting up with the guys, I looked at the broad stretch of ground in front of the Seventh Heaven and suddenly understood what was going on.

Tifa and Jessie were sparring.

I'd watched them before, but usually they did it out back, with only me and sometimes one or more of the others looking on. I didn't know why they'd chosen to have their match in front of the bar today. I didn't think they'd been expecting an audience, but Tifa's skill as a fighter was pretty well known here, and I figured the chance to see it firsthand was one the locals hadn't been able to pass up.

Nearby stood Johnny, cheering wildly for Tifa as he held a drink in his hand. His dark red hair and blue jacket made him easy to find. And not so far away was that gossip, Derla. If her frown could've killed, Tifa would've lost the match by now. I realized a lot of people were cheering the girls on. Most were behind Tifa, but there were some calling Jessie's name, too. I shared an amused glance with Barret.

"Damn!" he chuckled. "Them girls are really goin' at it!"

He was right. Tifa and Jessie fought furiously, ducking and kicking, dodging and punching, all with an intensity and ferocity I'd never seen them show in training before. Especially Jessie. She moved with a fluid grace, her reflexes as quick as a cat as she blocked a string of quick jabs Tifa threw at her before spinning to the left and launching a backhand punch of her own. Tifa caught it and knocked it away, but Jessie stayed right with her and drove her back with a sweeping kick that forced her to leap away to avoid being knocked off her feet.

Biggs grinned. "Jessie's on fire, boss!"

"Tifa'll still win," Wedge countered. "She always does."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that, buddy. Got a good feeling about today. A hundred gil says Jessie pulls an upset!"

Wedge shook his hand. "You're on! Easy money for me!"

"You wish!" Biggs shot back.

"Hmm…" Barret thought for a moment, then smirked. "Count me in, guys. My bet's on Tifa. Jessie's good, but she ain't never won yet. An' I don't see that happenin' today."

Wedge laughed. "Yeah! He knows what he's talkin' about!"

"Fight's not over yet," Biggs reminded him. "Hey, Cloud! You want in? How about it? A hundred gil on Jessie?"

I thought for a minute. "Make it five hundred."

Wedge's jaw dropped. "You sure? You're gonna regret it!"

"Five hundred," I repeated.

"You got it!" Biggs slapped me on the back. "Our girl's gonna make us rich today, Cloud!"

Barret just looked at me as if I'd gone crazy, but I didn't care. As I'd watched the fight, I had seen the look of sheer determination in Jessie's eyes, and I knew exactly what it meant. She was going for the win. Tifa didn't have that look. She was fighting hard, of course, but I could tell it wasn't the same for her as it was for Jessie.

So I knew who to bet on.

The fight took the girls all around the yard, and neither of them let up for a second. Tifa urged Jessie on as she fought, encouraging her but not letting her score any easy hits, either. Jessie swung her fist in a right hook at one point, but Tifa caught it in both hands, quick as lightning, drove her knee into her gut, and sent her flying into the ground with a high roundhouse kick. Jessie snarled, rolled to her feet, and brought up her fists. Then she launched herself at Tifa.

"Focus!" I urged, throwing another punch. "Move your feet!"

Jessie did, hopping to the side and blocking my fist before it could connect with her chest. I spun away from the high kick she sent back at me and went at her with trio of low jabs she couldn't avoid. Jessie took the blows but stayed on her feet, returning the favor with a pretty mean right hook to my stomach that sent me a back a step or two. I grinned, glad to see her keeping up with me.

I caught a quick glimpse of the crowd and saw a familiar face as we broke apart for just a moment, our fists still up. "Nervous?"

"You wish!" she winked. "I love an audience!"

"I know you do, Jessie! Especially when Cloud's in it."

She didn't take the bait but kept her eyes fixed on me as we circled each other. Good! Always keep your eyes on your opponent. It was one of the most basic rules of combat, but Jessie had always struggled with it. She wasn't going to be distracted today, though.

Jessie laughed. "Nice try, Tifa! But I'll admire him later. Right now, I'm gonna give everyone a show they'll never forget! Hope you're ready for me, 'cause here I come!"

With that, she charged right at me, launching herself into an aerial roundhouse kick. It was a good move, one I'd taught her myself, but I'd seen it coming and was ready for it. I spun to the side and struck at her with a swift backward kick of my own, thinking to catch her before she landed. I only hit air, though, because to my surprise and delight, Jessie didn't thrust her leg and foot out after finishing the midair spin like I'd thought she would.

Instead, she put both feet under her and used her own momentum to dive into a forward roll, passing under my leg and cleverly sweeping the other one out from under me just as she got upright again. Caught completely off guard by her unexpected fake out, I fell backward to the ground with a startled cry.

The rules we used for our sparring matches were simple. First one to knock the other to the ground three times was the winner. No blows to the head or face, either. Sometimes, Jessie would get me down once, but not more than that. Most of the time, anyway. But lately, she'd been able to send me into the dirt twice a few times, though I'd always come back and beaten her in the end.

I sprang to my feet, fists up. "Good, Jessie! One to you!"

"Two more, comin' right up!" she taunted.

"Don't get overconfident," I countered, laying into her with another set of punches, driving her backward across the area. She blocked them one by one and then pummeled my abdomen with a flurry of her own before spinning hard to the right, bouncing lightly from foot to foot as I came for her. She was ready, though, and dodged my leaping kick just before it would've hit her.

Her smirk never wavered. "I'm not. I just know I can do this!"

"Then show me!" I challenged her.

Jessie answered with her fists, lunging at me a little too eagerly. She was excited and full of adrenaline, but her anticipation had telegraphed her moves. I sidestepped just as she reached me, caught her shoulder in both hands, and spun her into a forward throw that left her flat on her back on the ground, muttering to herself.

"Two for me," I said. I'd already gotten her down once before.

She jumped to her feet. "And that's all you'll get!"

I waited for her, arms up. "Focus, Jessie. You've got to keep calm to win. Use your head and wait for an opening. And once you see it, hit it with everything you've got."

"Right," she nodded, readying herself. "Let's dance."

This time, Jessie listened to my advice and was more methodical as we circled each other, trading blows and blocking or dodging as many as got through. So it went for another few minutes, Jessie blocking one of my kicks as I jumped over another of hers and drove my elbow into her lower back. Grunting in pain and surprise, she staggered forward a few steps but stayed on her feet.

Jessie recovered quickly, spinning around and hammering me with a backhand punch to the chest that threw me back a step. I shook it off and charged at her, planning to strike before she could get her defenses up, but she had other ideas. Instead of trying to fall back into a crouch with her fists up, Jessie turned and ran toward the bar.

What was she doing? I followed her as she sped full out toward the lower wall of the patio, and it was only when she jumped and bounced off it that I realized, too late, what she'd intended. Jessie used the side of the patio to launch herself into a backward somersault kick that hit me full on with both feet and sent me flying into the dirt.

"That's two!" she grinned.

I stood up and brushed myself off. "Good work! Think you can get one more, Jessie?"

She braced herself, fists up. "Believe it!"

We went at it again, raining blows on each other one after another, ducking, dodging, and jumping as the fight took us all over the area. It was intense as the crowd cheered around us. As we fought with neither of us getting an advantage over the other, I reminded myself of my own advice and waited for an opening to show up.

A moment later, it did.

Jessie missed a step, stumbling backward, and I went for it, leading with my right fist arcing toward her chest. But as soon as I did that, she instantly dropped low, flat on her hips as she stretched her legs apart to either side in a splits maneuver.

I'd completely fallen for her clever feint, and I barely even had time to process that thought before Jessie slammed her fist squarely into my stomach. Then she sprang back to her feet as I doubled over and hit me in the solar plexus with a backward thrust kick that threw me hard into the ground almost twenty feet away.

There was a sudden gasp from the crowd as I lay there catching my breath, a huge smile on my face. I was, no doubt, the one a lot of them had thought would win. I always had, after all. Until now, anyway. And I couldn't have been happier. Jessie just stood there for a moment, as if she hadn't quite realized yet that she'd won. Then her eyes widened as it finally hit her, and her jaw dropped.

"I did it…" she breathed.

I sat up and laughed. "You sure did, Jessie!"

She thrust her fist into the air amidst cheers from the crowd. "I did it! I beat you, Tifa! I finally beat you!"

"Took you long enough," I chuckled.

"The waiting just makes it all the sweeter!" Jessie said.

I flashed her a wry grin while she helped me up. "I bet it does. But you know, I don't remember teaching you that last move."

"Nope, you didn't," she giggled.

"Mind sharing your secrets with me?" I asked.

She winked. "Oh, I just did what any good actress would do, Tifa. I improvised. All there is to it!"

I took her shoulder. "That's the way to go, Jessie."

"Really?" she wondered.

"Yeah. Think on your feet. You keep doing that and you'll go far as a fighter. Trust your instincts."

She nodded. "I will, Tifa. You okay? I hit ya pretty hard."

"I'm fine," I assured her, drawing her into a hug. "And I'm proud of you, Jessie. You did good today. Real good."

"Thanks, Tifa," she hugged me back. "You're the best."

We embraced each other for a moment, standing there in the bar's front yard, the dirt bare and brown beneath our feet. Jessie's impressive win today had been a long time coming, but she had more than earned it. And her reward. Thinking of that, I pulled back but didn't let go just yet, resting my hands on her shoulders. I glanced at Cloud, and she did the same, the longing clear in her eyes.

"Go get him," I told her as we looked at each other again.

She beamed. "Thank you…"

As Jessie let go and started jogging across the yard toward Cloud, I called after her. "Jessie!"

"Yeah?" she turned around for a moment.

I smiled. "Good luck."

Jessie's grin went even wider if that were even possible as the locals who were still around all cheered and called her name. I was happy for her, both for her win and for what she might have together with Cloud. He always tried to be tough and stoic, but he'd never quite been able to hide the soft spot he had for her. As I watched, Jessie waved at me, then ran off to see the man she'd fallen in love with.