EIGHTEEN

"Yes!" Biggs pumped his fist.

I watched in satisfaction as Jessie pulled off the win that I'd known she would, dropping under Tifa's punch to hit her with one of her own, her legs wide apart, followed by a kick that sent Tifa sprawling onto the ground. She'd explained the rules to me before, so I knew what landing in the dirt a third time meant the instant it happened.

"Whoa…" Wedge gaped in disbelief. "I don't believe it…"

Barret grinned. "Well, call me a chocobo's feathered ass! She did it! Guess she proved us wrong after all."

"Damn right she did!" Biggs chuckled.

"Yay! Jessie!" Marlene clapped.

A moment later, the girls were standing together, embracing. Then they both looked at me. I nodded to them, and after exchanging a final word or two with Tifa, Jessie ran toward us as the locals who were still here cheered around her and called her name. There were more than a few of them, still a good-sized crowd. And Jessie was loving it, smiling from ear to ear the whole time.

She wasn't slowing down either. My eyes widened as she got closer, and I had just enough time to hand the box with the vase in it to Biggs before Jessie leaped into my arms, wrapping her legs firmly around my waist and draping her hands around my neck and shoulders. I fell back a few steps from the impact when I caught her, my eyes locked on hers, but kept my balance as I held onto her.

Then I simply forgot how to think for a while as Jessie reached up, grabbed hold of my face in both hands, and pulled me to her, covering my mouth with hers in a kiss that sent shockwaves sizzling through my brain and threw my heart into overdrive. Cheers erupted all around us, but I was hardly aware of it as her lips touched mine.

I didn't respond at first, so stunned by what she'd just done I could barely get a grasp on what was happening. But after a moment, I let my eyes slide closed and returned Jessie's kiss. A bit awkwardly at first, as I hadn't ever done it before. But she didn't seem to mind, and I could feel her smiling as I pressed my mouth firmly against hers, forgetting for a moment about everything else.

When Jessie finally pulled away, I just looked at her, not really sure what to say yet. I was struggling to get some kind of grasp on my mind, which she'd just blown wide open. The kiss was more than great. It was incredible, enough to completely fry my brain for at least a good thirty seconds, and it took a moment for it to sink in that she'd kissed me. My lips tingled at the thought of it.

Jessie smiled. "How'd you like that, merc?"

"Not sure," I said, trying to play it cool in the midst of the dizzying whirlwind of emotions swirling through my racing heart, a tornado of happiness, surprise, wonder, and affection. "Need to do more testing to find out. A lot more."

"Oh, I think I can arrange that," she winked.

"Hell of a show, Jessie!" Biggs laughed. "During and after the fight. Can't wait for the encore."

She giggled. "You and Tifa can take care of that, Biggs."

"Uh… nevermind," he looked away.

"She's gotcha there," Wedge said. He gave Jessie a thumbs up. "Way to go, Jessie! Good job out there!"

Jessie shot him one of her own. "Thanks, Wedge!"

Biggs held a hand out toward him. "Speaking of which, time to pay up, buddy. Five hundred gil."

"You guys were making bets?" Jessie stared.

"Yep! Sure did! Barret and Wedge figured Tifa would win. Not me and Cloud, though. We put it all on you!"

Jessie raised an eyebrow. "Kinda risky, don'tcha think?"

I shook my head. "It was never in doubt."

"Really?" she wondered. "How'd you know I'd pull it off? I might've lost. I'd never beaten Tifa until today."

"I was in SOLDIER. I know a winner when I see one."

Jessie's response was to kiss me again, her mouth touching mine in a heartspinning moment of total bliss. Then she pulled away, a softness in her eyes that promised more to come. After giving me another hug, she let go of me and got down, standing nearby as Tifa approached us, an amused smile on her face.

"Didn't waste any time, did you?" she chuckled.

"Nope!" Jessie smirked, flashing her an impish grin. "And now, I'm gonna return the favor."

Tifa blinked. "What do you mean?"

Skipping over to her, Jessie whispered something in her ear, much too softly for any of us to hear. Then she straightened up, her hands on her hips as Tifa looked at her with a puzzled expression on her face, as if she didn't quite understand whatever it was she'd been told. Jessie just waited expectantly and patiently for it to click.

She didn't have to wait long. A moment later, Tifa's eyes widened as sudden understanding hit her, and her mouth dropped open. Her gaze went to Biggs, who was busy collecting money from Barret and Wedge. He didn't notice her at first, but then he looked up, glancing over at her as he slipped his gil into his pocket. Tifa looked away as soon as he did, oddly shy as her cheeks flushed pink.

It seemed Jessie had spilled his little secret. I wondered what would happen between them now that Tifa knew. Biggs wasn't aware of it yet, of course. His gaze lingered on her for a minute as he idly scratched his stubbled chin, then he came over and handed me the box with the vase in it along with my share of the winnings.

"Here ya go," he said. "A thousand gil. And your box."

"Thanks," I said, pocketing the money.

Jessie clasped her hands together and squealed in delight when she saw the gift. "Is that for me? Is it?"

I nodded. "Uh, yeah. But I'd rather give it to you in private."

"Ooh, I like that!" she giggled. "So romantic!"

"I guess so. Lunch?"

Jessie thought for a minute. "In a bit. I thought we could finish the bike today. Shouldn't take too long. And if it works, I've got a great idea for something we can do together!"

"Sure," I said. "What'd you have in mind?"

She walked up to me, waving to Tifa and the others as they headed inside the bar and the locals went on their way, some calling to her and congratulating her as they left. Jessie smiled and thanked them, clearly enjoying herself, and before long, we were pretty much by ourselves in the wide clearing in front of the Seventh Heaven.

Jessie whispered in my ear. "Picnic at the secret place?"

"Yeah," I agreed. "Sounds good."

She stepped back and spoke up again. "Awesome! Let's head over to the garage and get started! C'mon!"

Without waiting for me to follow, Jessie laughed and skipped away down the road toward her workshop. By the time I got there just a few minutes later, she'd already opened the garage door and was pulling off her armor, vest, and gloves and putting them on one of the shelves. Her blue bodysuit clung tightly to her chest, her curves clearly molded and hugged by the fabric encasing them.

I took off my own gloves and set them on the shelf as Jessie flashed me a grin, opened her toolbox, and got to work. Then I joined her, and we spent the next hour or so putting on the finishing touches, checking the motor, and making sure the tires were nice and full. All four, two in front and two in back. When we were finished, I climbed onto the seat while Jessie handed me the keys. I was just about to give it a try when a thought came to my to mind, and I looked back at her.

"You do it," I said, getting off the Hardy.

She shook her head. "No, Cloud. I couldn't have finished it without your help. Go ahead."

I wasn't so sure about that. "It's your bike."

"Not anymore," Jessie drew closer to me. "It's ours, Cloud. We built it together, you and me."

"Then we'll start it together," I said.

Her answering smile went all the way to her ears as I sat back onto the bike and took hold of the keys. Once I did, Jessie reached over and put her hand over mine. We exchanged a knowing glance, then turned the ignition together. The engine roared to life, the sound filling up the garage as I revved the motor a few times.

"We did it!" Jessie cheered.

She threw her arms around me, laughing excitedly, and for a while we just stayed like that, the Hardy humming steadily as Jessie held onto me. We listened to it purr, smooth as could be. I couldn't wait to take it out for a spin with Jessie sitting close behind me, and the corners of my mouth turned up slightly at the thought.

"That another smile, merc?" Jessie teased.

I gazed thoughtfully at her. "If it is, you put it there."

For a moment, she just stared at me in wonder, utterly taken aback by what I'd said. Then she touched her lips to mine, holding them there for a moment and thanking me in a way words never could. I returned the kiss, reaching up to touch her cheek as I did. After a few minutes, I gently pulled away as Jessie did the same.

"Time to ride!" she grinned. "Let's lay down—oh, wait! Can't forget lunch! Our picnic, remember?"

I did. "Yeah. Better get the food before we head out."

She chuckled. "Right! Pizza to go!"

After killing the engine, I got off the bike and helped Jessie put the tools away. Then we gathered all our things, locked up the garage, and walked down the road the short distance to her house. It took us about half an hour or so to get everything ready. While Jessie baked us each a small Midgar Special pizza, she sent me back out to the market district to pick up an insulated thermal bag to keep the food warm as well as a small cooler for the drinks.

I also stopped by the bar to get my key. Barret and Marlene weren't there, or at least not in the common room, but Tifa was busy preparing for the evening crowd that would be in later while Biggs and Wedge sat at one of the tables, drinking and playing cards. They looked up when I walked inside, the bag and cooler clutched in one hand and Jessie's box carefully held in the other.

"Damn, Cloud!" Biggs chuckled. "Haven't even been together for a full day yet and already she's got ya out runnin' errands."

I blinked. "Uh… what?"

Wedge winked. "Told ya you liked her!"

"No point denying it now," I said. Then I fixed them both with my best glare. "Don't even think I've gone soft, though."

"As if!" Biggs quipped.

Tifa walked over and handed me my key. "Here you go, Cloud. I've kept it safe for you."

I nodded. "Thanks, Tif."

She smiled as she saw what I'd bought. "So what are those for?"

"Just… taking Jessie somewhere," I admitted.

"Oh, a date!" Tifa smirked. "Sounds like fun! You two go and enjoy yourselves, okay?"

I scratched my head. "Y-Yeah. We will."

"You're not going in that, are you?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" I wondered.

I was wearing my black merc's outfit, same as always. Tunic, pants, brown leather belt, harness, and boots. What did it matter what I wore? Jessie saw me in it all the time. I wasn't worried about her clothes. Why should I spend time changing mine?

Tifa laughed. "You've gotta look nicer than that if you're going out on a date, Cloud."

"Why?" I stared at her.

"Trust me, you want to do this," she took my arm. "Now leave this stuff here for now and let's go back to the shops and get you something nice to wear, alright?"

I shrugged and did as she said, still not really understanding, but if it was something Jessie would like, then I figured I might as well give it a try. It didn't take as long as I thought, and by the time we got back to the Seventh Heaven, I had bought myself an outfit for my date. It wasn't bad, actually, and the colors were at least ones I liked.

Black denim pants, a dark blue ribbed shirt with short sleeves, and a black leather jacket. I supposed I could live with it, and Tifa had liked it. I changed into the new clothes while I was at the bar, then picked up my things and got ready to go. I'd left Buster back at Jessie's place, and I felt almost naked without it. But I didn't think I'd need it for our trip to the secret place this afternoon.

When I finally returned to Jessie's house and knocked on the door, I nearly dropped what I was carrying when the door opened and I saw her. She'd done some preparing as well, and not just the food. At first, I just stood there with my mouth open, my heart pounding as I gazed at her and wondered where my breath had gone.

Jessie had changed out of her normal clothes same as me. She wore a casual, sleeveless black satin dress cut low to give me a generous view of her modest curves, and the skirt tumbled loosely around her thighs, hanging halfway to her knees. Her long auburn hair was free and loose as it spilled down over her shoulders almost to her waist, and from her ears sparkled her studded earrings.

Jessie had also put on makeup, and while I had never seen her with it before, it definitely suited her. Her lips glistened with lipstick, a vivid, bright pink that matched the hint of rouge on her cheeks. She had also curled her lashes, and her eyes looked a lot more vibrant with the light touch of eyeshadow she'd applied around them. She clapped her hands together in delight when she saw me.

"Ooh, lookin' good!" Jessie giggled. "Your idea?"

"Tifa's," I admitted.

She laughed. "Should've known. I'm definitely gonna have to thank her later! So, what do you think about me, Cloud?"

As soon as she said that, Jessie spun slowly around in the doorway with her arms out wide, laughing as she did. She closed her eyes, tilting her head up as she moved, her skirt swirling around her. It was the first time I'd ever seen her in anything other than pants of some kind, and I liked it. It was a side of her I'd never known existed.

"Beautiful…" I breathed.

Jessie stopped in midspin, her eyes wide. "Really? You mean that?"

I did, without a doubt. "Yeah. You look great, Jessie."

"Awww, thanks!" she gushed, clapping her hands together. "Been a long time since I've dressed up all fancy like this."

"It suits you," I said.

Jessie smiled. "Glad you like it! Used to wear outfits like this all the time back on the plate. In fact, this one was one of them. I had it on the night I first came to the slums. Kept it ever since even though it wasn't easy. Sad memories, you know."

"Yeah," I nodded. "I understand."

"Well, today I decided I wanted to make some new memories in it. So I'm really happy it catches your eye, Cloud. I know it's not very easy for you to say what you did. Makes me feel really special. Also that you let Tifa talk you into getting all dressed up for me. Got yourself a really nice little ensemble there."

"Just, uh… figured you'd like it," I shrugged.

Jessie chuckled. "I do, Cloud. Very much. And I feel so lucky to get this super hot guy all to myself!"

I looked back up at her. "Thanks. You all set?"

"Sure am!" she nodded. "Been keeping the pizzas warm in the oven while you were gone. So let's pack up and head out!"

I followed Jessie inside, and we got everything packed and ready in just a few minutes. She even picked up one of her extra sheets from the closet to use as a tablecloth. Then we went back outside, and after she'd locked the door, we headed down to her workshop. When we got there, we went into the garage and carefully put everything into the bike's two storage compartments.

Climbing onto the seat, I took hold of the keys while Jessie hopped on behind me. I was just switching on the engine when I felt the moist pressure of her lips on my cheek. As the motor revved to life, I glanced over my shoulder at her and let one corner of my mouth curl up into a slight grin. Jessie's was huge in return.

"Ready?" I asked.

She thrust her fist into the air. "Let's lay down some rubber!"

I faced front again, pushed up the kickstand, and switched the bike into gear. Then I hit the gas, slow at first as we pulled out of the garage. I stopped just long enough for Jessie to hop off and lock it up, and then she got back on and we were moving again. Once we had gone around the corner and onto the road, I went a bit faster, mindful of the people walking about here and there.

It was still plenty fast, though, as we headed in the direction of the bar. The engine roared in our ears as I drove down the dirt lane, hands firmly gripping the handlebars while Jessie sat happily behind me, her own fingers holding onto either side of the bike. But as we turned onto the wide avenue in front of the Seventh Heaven, she suddenly stood up, shot her arms skyward at an angle, tilted her head back, and closed her eyes, her hair flying out behind her. Taking a deep breath, Jessie let out a triumphant cry that reached all the way to the plate.

"WHOO-HOO!"

I smiled from the front window as Cloud and Jessie drove past the bar on their finished bike. Jessie was on her feet as they made the turn, her arms held high and her head back as she cried out in joy and sheer exhilaration. She must've been on top of the world right now, achieving two of her goals in one day—finally beating me in a sparring match as well as finishing her dream project. No, make that three. Beginning her romance with Cloud had definitely been a goal and dream of hers, too, and surely the biggest of them all.

And speaking of that, I thought back to the little revelation she had sprung on me after the match. Jessie had surely loved doing that to me, and I knew she'd only been trying to help and give me some of what I'd given her by not getting in her way with Cloud. She had whispered just one word in my ear, giggling as she did, and I hadn't understood at first what she'd meant by it or why she'd said it.

"Biggs."

But after a minute or two, the full meaning of that single word had hit me right in the face as if I'd been slugged. Biggs… was interested in me. My jaw had dropped to the ground as my eyes had widened, and I had taken a tentative glance at him as if by looking at him I could tell if what Jessie had told me was really true.

Biggs had been busy collecting money from Barret and Wedge, but when he had felt my eyes on him, he had looked over at me. My cheeks suddenly going pink, I had turned away the instant he did that, feeling shy and a little embarrassed, but why? It didn't make sense. Biggs and I had been good friends for over three years now.

But even now, as the sound of Cloud and Jessie motoring their way through the slums began to fade away as they left the area behind to go onward to wherever they were going, I didn't look away just yet. Wedge and Biggs were still here relaxing, and so far, I'd been able to go on as if everything were the same as always, smiling at them and chatting away, even sitting with them for a bit.

After a few minutes, though, Wedge did what I'd been both hoping for and dreading at the same time. He finished his drink, stood up, and after throwing his empty bottle away, straightened his belt and headed to the doors. He stopped about halfway there and grinned at us, lifting a hand as he got ready to leave.

"Later, guys!" he said. "Gonna head over to Sector 5 and visit Lena for a while. We'll be back for dinner, though. See ya!"

After Biggs and I had said our goodbyes, Wedge finally left, and we were alone. Nerves hit me almost like a physical blow as soon as he was gone, my stomach doing all kinds of flips inside me. What was wrong? I'd been alone with Biggs before and had never felt this way. Or had I? I thought for a moment, trying to get my emotions under some measure of control as I went back to work.

I'd always thought he was handsome, in a rugged sort of way. Very manly and attractive. But I'd never really stopped to look before, Cloud having been on my mind for so long. And it wasn't just that. Biggs and I had gotten closer ever since I'd helped him deal with the pain he'd felt after Jessie had rebuffed him a year and a half ago. He'd hidden it from her so she wouldn't worry, but he'd still had to work his way through it and find some sort of closure.

We'd had our share of quiet drinks together back then after closing up the bar for the night, and I'd often sat there with him and listened as he talked about it all. He had needed a friend, and I'd been happy to be there for him. He'd have done the same for me.

He was always helping me, too, one way or another, like the dishes the other night. And usually he would just do it and not even ask me if I needed it. Whether it was cleaning up, stacking chairs, restocking the shelves, or whatever else, Biggs did whatever he could to make things a little easier for me. I had always appreciated it, but I realized then that I had never really thanked him.

"Biggs?" I said.

He joined me at the bar. "Yeah, Tif?"

I don't know why, but I smiled when I heard him say my name like that. "You've always been such a help to me, you know? I just… I don't think I've ever thanked you. Not really, anyway. So I wanted to. Thank you, Biggs. What you do… it's very thoughtful."

"Ah, don't sweat it," he laughed. "We're friends, right?"

I chuckled. "Yeah! So, friend, want to help me unpack these bottles I had delivered this morning? I need to have them up and ready before the crowd hits tonight."

Biggs gave me a thumbs up. "Let's get to it!"

After letting loose her shout to the heavens, Jessie kept on standing for another minute or so, her arms out and above her as the wind from our acceleration swept over her, then she finally sat down again with a laugh as she wrapped her arms around my waist.

I'd witnessed her little display in the rearview mirror, and my heart had jumped up into my throat when I had seen her stand up like that. I wasn't gonna ruin her moment, though, so I had kept quiet and hadn't said anything. Instead, I had focused on driving the bike and keeping it steady so Jessie wouldn't fall.

After leaving town, we passed into the outskirts, the only sound as we drove the roar of the Hardy's engine. There was more than one way to get out here from the more settled areas than the road we often took when we went out on our trips for work, and I'd simply decided to take the road stretching past the bar this time. It led out of the area just like the one leading away from it did.

Before long, the pillar was rising up before us, a massive column of stone, metal, and winding stairs. I shivered involuntarily and felt Jessie do the same. She was looking at it, too. I let go of one of the handlebars and put my hand over both of hers where they were still resting across my middle, and she squeezed me tight for a moment. Then, suddenly, I saw a flash of fire in my mind, images of the dream, of Jessie's death, so real I might've been reliving it.

She lay on her side, covered inrubble, metal beams, pieces of brokenglass, and fragments of the chopper's hull. One of the rotorshad snapped off and had embedded itself into her lower back below the bottom edge of her armor, slicing all the way through her stomach, and shrapnel had cut her in a dozen places. A shard of it was buried in her right thigh. Shehad also been shot several times in the arm and shoulder. Blood pooled under her in a steadily widening puddle as she lay so still.

"Jessie!" Her name tore itself out of my mouth as I shot back to the present with a start.

"You okay, Cloud?" she asked.

I shook off the dark vision as best I could. "I'm fine."

"You sure?" Jessie said, unconvinced.

Letting go of her hand, I grabbed the handlebar again as a thought came to me. "Yeah. Jessie, listen. Whatever happens, whether it's on the next mission or another one or anything else that might be dangerous, stay close to me. I'll keep you safe."

"That's a deal, merc. As long as you stay close to me, too."

"You bet," I agreed. "And one other thing. Promise me you won't go into the pillar. For any reason."

Jessie seemed to understand. "I promise…"

We sped on in silence for a while. She hugged me tightly again and rested her head against my shoulder as we made our way toward Sector 8. The dirt road unrolled underneath us as the countless piles of metal and junk flew past us on either side. We weren't too far from the secret place now, and before long, we turned onto the trail leading to it. Soon enough, it came into sight ahead of us.

I brought the Hardy to a stop next to the mound of dirt and debris near the dead end by the outer wall, and we got off. It was quiet, the air here cleaner than it was further into the slums thanks to the gentle puff of wind coming in from the badlands outside. As we got everything for the picnic out of the bike's storage compartments and climbed up atop the mound to the wooden bench, the afternoon sun shone down on us from over the top of the wall and through gaps in the plate. It was nice to see it for once and feel its warmth for a while.

When we got to the picnic bench, we set everything up and dug in, taking our time as we sat side by side and ate. From where we were, we could see out across the badlands, a wasteland of brown and gray rock and low hills that stretched out to the horizon. Sure wasn't the prettiest sight, but it was still a glimpse of the world outside Midgar. Jessie and I both appreciated it for that alone.

"You think we'll ever get out?" she asked.

I nodded. "Possibly. Any idea where you wanna go?"

Jessie smiled. "It doesn't matter. As long as it's someplace I've never been to before. And you're with me."

"I said I'd stick close to you," I reminded her.

"Yep!" she laughed. "And I'm holding you to it, SOLDIER boy."

I knew she would. "Then we'll go together."

"Ooh, a romantic getaway, just the two of us!" Jessie giggled. "I love the sound of that! Hmm… you know, there is one place I'd like to go to someday if we could."

"Where's that?" I wondered.

She gazed wistfully across the badlands. "The ocean. I haven't seen it since I was five years old. I'd never imagined anything so big before. I miss it sometimes. And maybe… we could see what's on the other side. What do you say, Cloud?"

I liked that idea. "Yeah, Jessie. We'll see it. Someday."

"Thank you!" Her answering hug was immediate and so tight that it nearly stole the breath from my body. After a moment, she let go and sat back, smiling at me. "Now we've got something to look forward to. I can't wait to go on our trip!"

When we finished eating, we cleared off the table, putting the sheet and everything else back in the bag and cooler and setting them aside. Then we turned around on the long seat so our backs were to the table and we were looking out over the road. About twenty feet below us, the Hardy leaned comfortably on its kickstand, its chrome pipes shining in the bright afternoon sunlight.

Swallowing, I handed Jessie the box. "Um, here…"

Her eyes lit up as she took it and began unwrapping it. "Awww, for me? You shouldn't have…"

Jessie chuckled as she tore open the wrapping paper like a kid on a holiday. Once it was off, she lifted off the top of the box and set it aside, then got to work on the tissue paper the clerk had packed inside. After she had pulled it apart, her mouth fell open and she let out a little gasp when she saw the vase, her eyes wide.

"Oh, Cloud…" Jessie breathed. "It's beautiful…"

"I, uh… I just figured you ought to have something better than an old cup to keep your flower in."

She gazed at the vase for a long moment as she held it up, the glass blue and bright. It was tall, slender, and clear, like a spout of water that had somehow been made solid, the afternoon sun shining through it as it lay in her hands. As she looked at it, Jessie reached up and wiped her tear-filled eyes with one hand.

"Silly onions…" she laughed softly. "They get me every time."

"Looks that way," I agreed.

After putting the vase carefully on the picnic table, Jessie wrapped her arms around me. "Thank you so much, Cloud. It's wonderful. And I love it. Thank you…"

"You're welcome," I told her.

Jessie lifted her head, and her gaze wandered between my eyes and my mouth while mine went back and forth between hers and our faces drifted closer together. A moment later, our lips met, and warmth shot through my body like a firestorm. My skin tingled and my heart raced, and then I slid a hand from her waist to the small of her back, pressing her against me and deepening the kiss.

Our mouths moved against each other, touching and pulling away and touching again, over and over and over. Jessie then took my lower lip in both of hers, the moistness intoxicating as it heated up my blood like nothing I'd ever known. And when she eventually moved her open mouth back up, our tongues brushed against each other, sending volts of current right into my brain.

Jessie and I didn't need words to know what to do. She moved even closer, settling herself onto my lap, and opened her mouth wider to let me in as I did the same for her. Our tongues met and danced, winding around each other as we kissed passionately, our embrace tightening as we clung to each other. All the feelings, all the unspoken attraction, the flirting, the lingering gazes and incidental touches—it all just burst out in this tender moment of shared affection.

That was when Jessie and I really found each other.