THIRTY-FIVE

"Hey, Jessie!" Katie called. "Got a message for ya!"

I turned around from where I'd been busily working on the Hardy in my little garage and looked at her as she jogged up outside. Over the past nine months since Wymer had given me the manual, I'd managed to make a lot of progress on the bike. It was still far from finished, but I had the wheels, tires, most of the chassis, and some of the engine either assembled or partly so. The rest I still needed to find. The Hardy lay on its side on the floor for now until I could find and install a kickstand to keep it upright and handlebars to hold it with.

I smirked. "And how's the bride-to-be today? Excited?"

"You bet!" she laughed. "It's been four months since Tom proposed to me. With your help, of course. Only a few weeks left to go before the big day! And I really, really love the ring, Jessie."

"Looks good on ya!" I said.

Katie smiled. "I bet it did on you, too."

I stood up and wiped my grease-covered hands off on a cloth, then walked over and draped an arm around her shoulder. The diamond on its gold and mythril band sparkled in the daylight, and it didn't hurt to look at it anymore. It only made me happy. Both as a sweet reminder of all the wonderful memories I had of Kunsel and as a sign that I'd done the right thing in giving it to Katie.

I grinned at her. "Thanks, but I think it suits you more. So anyway, what's this message you mentioned?"

"Tifa needs you at Seventh Heaven," Katie answered. "I was in there talking with her about plans for the reception, so she asked me to bring you right over as soon as I could. I think the water was acting up again and she'd like ya to fix it if you can."

"Say no more! Help's on the way!" I promised.

After following Katie outside, I locked up the garage, went into my shop for a moment to grab my other toolbox, then went with her down the road. It was a nice, late summer day in early August. Fall would be here soon enough, but here in the slums, the seasons were pretty much the same most of the time. Just warmer in the spring and summer than in the fall and winter. It wasn't much different on the plate, either. I still hoped to leave Midgar one day and see more of the world, maybe even a bit of snow. I'd heard how fun it could be.

It didn't take us too long to get to Seventh Heaven. I should've seen on the way there that something was up, what with how innocent Katie was trying to act despite the occasional giggle that slipped out. But my mind was on my bike, Katie's wedding, and helping Tifa with whatever it was that needed fixing. So I didn't catch the little clues that my friend unwittingly left right there in front of me.

Katie opened the doors for me. "After you, Jessie."

"Thanks!" I shot her a little wave.

When I went in, I realized right away that it was dark inside. What was going on? The only light came from outside, and it didn't show too much. I'd also noticed before walking in that the curtains had also been drawn, keeping me from seeing much of anything in here now. I called out for Tifa, but nobody answered. Worried now, I reached over to the wall and flipped on the lights. And as soon as I did, my eyes went wide and my heart nearly leaped into my throat.

"SURPRISE!" everyone shouted.

They were all standing there—Tifa, Barret, Marlene, Biggs, Wedge, and Lena as well as Tom, Wymer, and a few other friends of mine from around town. Katie came in behind me, closing the door and laughing her head off. She'd been in on it, of course. I saw that now. Just as I saw the colorful banners strong across the ceiling, the cake with candles on it sitting on one of the tables—double chocolate, my favorite—buckets of ice cream, several pizzas steaming on pans along the bar, and even a few presents wrapped in bright, shiny paper. I knew exactly what day it was, of course, but I hadn't expected all this.

"You guys…" I chuckled, my hand still on my chest.

Tifa smiled. "Nothing here for you to fix today, Jessie. But I knew if you thought there was, you'd come running."

"Sure would," I agreed. "You know me too well."

She gave me a warm hug. "I do at that. Happy birthday."

I held her tight. "Thanks, Tifa."

"Happy birthday, Jessie!" Marlene giggled, dashing over to see me. "It's a surprise! Do you like it?"

"Love it!" I grinned.

Wedge pointed at me. "Told ya we'd getcha back!"

"Yeah, you got me good," I admitted, putting my toolbox down and wrapping one arm around him and the other around Biggs. "But you're forgiven. Thanks, guys. It's really great."

"Anytime, Jessie," Biggs nodded. "Happy birthday!"

Wedge patted my shoulder. "What he said!"

I returned Lena's fierce squeeze next when she took the guys' place. "Hey, Lena! So glad you made it!"

"Are you kidding?" she joked. "No way I'd miss this!"

Barret went after her, enveloping me in a huge bear hug and giving me his own good wishes. "There you are, birthday girl! You the lady of the hour, Jessie, an' no mistake. Anythin' I can get ya?"

"A little air would be nice," I teased.

"Oh!" he laughed as he let go of me. "Sure thing, girl. Guess I got a little carried away there, didn't I?"

I smirked. "No harm done. Happy to see you, too!"

After greeting Tom, Wymer, and the rest of my friends, I let Wedge and Biggs usher me over to a seat at one of the longer tables while Tifa brought me pizza, her famous fresh breadsticks, and a Cosmo Canyon. Then everyone else got their food, sat down, and we all dug in, talking and joking and just having a good time together.

"How old are you now, Jessie?" Marlene wondered.

I smiled. "Twenty-three! And you're—"

"Four!" she finished, giggling.

Barret ruffled her hair fondly as we all ate. "You a big girl, Marlene. Sproutin' right up before my eyes."

She nodded. "Uh-huh! And guess what, Jessie?"

"What, Marlene?" I said.

"My chocogirl doll's got the same name as you!" she beamed as she held her toy out to show me.

It was the one from downstairs with that braid of red yarn for hair, matching hat, and a stitched white shirt. The yellow bow on the end of the braid was a cute touch, and so were the green eyes and big smile on her face. Marlene had written her name in black marker on the bottom of one of the doll's brown plastic boots, and I liked the patterned black and white chaps over the blue jeans, too. Those and the yellow cuffs on her sleeves really sold the chocogirl look.

I winked. "Good choice!"

Next to me on my right, Tifa chuckled. "I'm surprised that she was in such good condition when you, Biggs, and Wedge found her. Along with those other toys. Marlene loves them all."

"Yeah, me too," I agreed. "I'm glad they make her happy."

Tifa sipped her drink. "They really do. So anyway, I just thought of something. If I remember right, Jessie, you and Cloud actually have the same birthday. August 11th."

I grinned. "Really? Your old friend? Cool!"

"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" she said. "I wonder what he's doing today… or where he is. I miss him a little, you know ?"

"You'll see him again, don't worry," I encouraged her.

She smiled. "Thanks. I hope so. And if—when—I do, I'll be sure to introduce you to him. You and everyone else."

I gave her a thumbs up. "Looking forward to it!"

When it came time for dessert, Tifa got up and started clearing off the dinner dishes. Some of the others tried to help her out, but she just waved them off. All but Biggs, who jumped in to lend a hand almost as soon as she'd stood up. I was amused and a little surprised, and I didn't get it at first. Thought he was just being nice.

"There he goes again…" Wedge laughed softly.

I glanced over at him as he polished off his fourth slice of pizza on my left. "Hmm? Oh, you mean helping Tifa?"

He nodded. "Yeah. You know why he does it, right?"

"No, I—" I began, and then my eyes widened as the realization hit me. I barely stifled a giggle. "Oh! I get it now!"

"Get what?" Barret blinked.

I shook my head. "Nothing! Just talking about Biggs."

Wedge leaned close to whisper in my ear. "He really likes Tifa. Has for a while now, actually. You didn't know?"

"Nope," I whispered back. "He never said a thing."

"He hides it pretty well, but I've known him a real long time, more than anyone else here. So I picked up on it easy. Always helps her with anything she needs, whether she asks or not."

I grinned. "How sweet! He'd better take a number, though."

Wedge chuckled. "Oh, yeah. Definitely."

It often seemed like half the guys in Sector 7 were in love with Tifa, not to mention that big bust of hers. Lots of admirers, but she handled it well enough. I kinda missed the days on the plate when I was the one all the guys tripped over themselves to see and meet, but I didn't mind being in the background here, either.

I still had my own share of guys around town who'd open a door or carry a box or anything else they could think of to do for me. I had fun flirting with them sometimes, but I never let it go any farther than that, as much as they might've wanted it to. I wasn't being a tease, I just had to be very careful about who I let in close to me, especially now that I'd started collecting parts for the bomb.

I had a promising lead on the chip—I'd heard through my sources that there was one at a Shinra warehouse up on the plate—but I wasn't sure if we'd be able to swipe it with that place being so heavily guarded, so I hadn't told Barret or the others just yet. Lena was helping me look for another one, though I'd only told her I needed it for a project I was working on. She didn't know what it was really for.

When Tifa and Biggs came back a few minutes later with the cake, ice cream, and dessert dishes, the candles were all lit and everyone got ready. Then, after setting the cake down in front me, Tifa stepped back and signaled to the others. They all sang to me, even Marlene, and I sat there and just enjoyed all the attention. I was pretty surprised at how in tune Barret was—you'd think a tough guy like him wouldn't be good at this sort of thing, but he actually was. I'd heard him before, but it never failed to amaze me when he sang like that.

I didn't have to think very hard when I made my wish. Last year, it had been to see Kunsel again and be with him like I used to be. But this time, I wanted to do something different. So I wished that our mission in Avalanche to save the planet would be a success. And that maybe I'd meet a cute, decent guy that was strong and brave and would always be there for me the way Kunsel was. Maybe even someone willing to help me and the others in our fight against Shinra.

It only took one breath for me to blow out all twenty-three candles, and after the cheers and applause, we got down to business. Tifa's cake was, as always, to die for, but this one was a lot fancier than usual, with a delicious border along the top and bottom edges made out of a thick line of dark fudge, and she'd written the words "Happy Birthday Jessie" across the top in letters drawn with white icing.

There were half a dozen flavors of ice cream to pick from, and two scoops of banana raspberry rounded out my dessert nicely. Everybody else took turns getting served after Tifa took care of mine, and then we dove in, enjoying the food and each other's company. Wedge's plate was practically overflowing, a fact Biggs and I readily teased him about, but then again, we'd gotten plenty ourselves.

After dessert came the cards and presents. Mostly cards, nice little greetings from my friends as well one from Marlene that she'd made all by herself with crayons and crafting paper. I gave her a little hug when she handed it to me, and she giggled happily when I thanked her. After I'd opened all the cards, I started on the gifts.

The first one was a nice 16-month Hardy-themed calendar Wedge had gotten for me. It would be perfect up on the wall of my shop, and I told him so. When Biggs slid his present over to me, I had to hold it in both hands when I picked it up, it was so heavy.

"Damn, Biggs!" I laughed. "What'd you put in here, a set of weights or something? Didn't think I was that outta shape."

He chuckled. "Sorry about that. Couldn't really help it."

I winked. "It's okay. I can use the exercise."

After putting the large, rectangular box flat on the table in front of me, I unwrapped it and pulled it open. And when I did, I found my jaw hanging open as I stared in amazement at what Biggs had gotten me. It was a Shinra A32 submachine gun with a set of ammo packs tucked in next to it. As I carefully picked the weapon up and looked at it, I saw it had a steel trigger guard in the front and two feathers—a large red one and a smaller white one—hanging from the back.

"You like it?" Biggs asked.

"Oh, it's great!" I assured him. "I was just a little stunned, that's all. It's not your typical birthday present, after all."

He nodded. "Yeah, I know. But I figured with all the monsters and bandits on the road lately, you could use something a bit stronger than that pea shooter you've been carrying."

"Can't argue with that," I agreed. "Thanks!"

A tall, thin box turned out to be a slender bottle of fine white wine from Tifa. I didn't know too much about that sort of thing, but she did. Drinks were her specialty, after all. As I carefully held the green bottle, she told me about the year and vintage.

"That's from 1967," Tifa explained. "A very good year, and it's even older than Midgar. Comes from the Banora vineyards. It's hard to find these days, but I've got some connections."

I smiled. "Thanks, Tifa. I'm definitely gonna save this for a special occasion. And I know I'll enjoy it."

"You're so welcome, Jessie," she told me.

The last present was from Barret and Marlene, and when I opened it and saw what it was, I couldn't help getting a little choked up. It was a hardcover edition of LOVELESS, with photos of the theater, my poster, the play, backstage, and more. It brought back a lot of good memories. Like Tifa, Biggs, and Wedge, Barret also knew my secret by now, who I had once been. The others didn't, of course, so they thought that I was just happy about the gift. And I was. But it was so much more. A piece of a life I'd left behind, one I still missed.

Barret and Marlene both got a tight embrace from me for it, and as I let Marlene sit on my lap for a bit with my arm around her, I gazed at all my friends and knew this was one of the best days I'd ever had here in the slums. And it wasn't over yet. Lena shared a mischievous glance with Katie, then smirked at me.

"Our present'll be here soon, Jessie," she said.

I raised an eyebrow. "A delivery?"

Katie giggled. "You'll see. You can thank us later."

"Uh, should I be takin' Marlene upstairs?" Barret asked, scratching his head and blinking in confusion.

"Oh, don't worry," Lena assured him. "You're good."

Katie nodded. "It's family-friendly. Well… most of it. But the rest is only for Jessie in private, so it's fine."

I gaped at them. "Just what did you two get me?"

"A little fun and relaxation," Tifa teased.

"You're in on it, too?" I stared. Somehow, I wasn't surprised.

She smiled. "It was their idea, but I know about it. Had to since he's coming here. I'd better take Marlene off your hands before he gets here, though. Trust me, Jessie. You'll enjoy this."

More curious now than ever, I let Marlene hop off my lap and into Tifa's while the others cleared away the dishes and moved several of the tables up front aside to form a wide open area by the doors. I was both excited and nervous as I watched them work. The party my friends had thrown for me last year hadn't been anywhere near this big, but I'd still enjoyed it. I was just a little overwhelmed by this. Biggs had me sit on a barstool right up front in the middle.

A little while later, there was a knock on the doors. Although I was calm and relaxed on the outside, on the inside, my stomach was doing flips one after the other. When Tifa opened the doors and I saw who it was, I suddenly understood Lena and Katie's teasing and couldn't resist grinning at them for a moment.

"You two…" I shook my head and smirked.

It was a Honeyboy, straight from the Honeybee Inn. He walked in, his steps measured and graceful. His outfit was just like I remembered from my time at the Lounge on the plate—a black and yellow vest with flowing tails over a crisp, white collared shirt with long sleeves, a black bowtie, slacks, shiny shoes, and a matching top hat. When he came up to me, he bowed low, took my hand, and planted a soft kiss on the back of it. Then he gazed up at me and smiled.

"I am Armand," he murmured, his voice sexily accented. "And I am at your service tonight, Jessie."

I blushed in spite of myself. "Charmed, for sure!"

He winked. "Shall we dance?"

When I gave him a giddy, enthusiastic nod, Armand gently pulled me to my feet. I quickly unbuckled my armor and put it aside so I'd be able to move around more easily. I also took my gloves off as well. All I kept on as I followed Armand over to the open section of the floor was my blue leotard top, pants, belt, and boots. We got into position as Tifa went to the jukebox and switched on the music.

Then we danced, moving easily to the beat as we spun and twirled around the floor. I remembered this kind of thing from my days on the plate performing with Andrea at the Honeybee Lounge and had a blast matching Armand's moves and doing some of my own. For a moment, it almost felt like I was back there on stage, under the lights, and as he bent me backwards at the last note with my arm stretching out behind me and our eyes on each other, I knew I still had it. Lena and Katie had given me a lot more than they realized.

After bowing amidst all the cheers and applause from my friends, I danced with Armand for a few more songs, enjoying every minute of it as we swayed to the music and he lifted me up over his head to spin me around before skillfully putting me on my feet again. I'd never gotten a chance before to show my friends what I could do, the other side of me that they'd heard about but never really seen.

"Hell of a show, Jessie!" Biggs grinned when it was over.

"You were totally awesome!" Wedge agreed.

I bowed again. "Thanks, guys!"

"Your dance was so pretty!" Marlene giggled.

I kissed her on the forehead. "And so are you, sweetie pie. Glad you liked it! I'll show you my moves sometime!"

She beamed. "Okay!"

"Well, ain't that somethin'," Barret chuckled. "Glad you had a good time out there, Jessie. It was fun to watch."

"Happy to entertain ya," I said. "It was a blast!"

Lena smirked. "Then you'll love what's next! I'll let Tifa fill you in, though. She'll be helping you out."

I look at her. "Is this the other part you mentioned?"

"Sure is!" Katie teased.

"Can't wait!" I laughed. "How'd you two get a Honeyboy over here, anyway? The Honeybee Inn's a private club."

Lena winked. "We know a few people in Wall Market."

Katie nodded. "Took a bit of doing, but we pulled some strings for ya, Jessie. So enjoy your birthday present!"

"Oh, I will!" I promised.

As Tom, Wymer, and my other friends began to leave, wishing me well, I thanked them and wondered excitedly just what the rest of Lena and Katie's gift involved. I'd had fun, and now it seemed it was time for the relaxation, whatever that was. I didn't have to wait long to find out, though. Tifa switched off the jukebox, walked over, took my hand, and led me to the stairs, a knowing grin on her face.

"Time to get ready for your massage," she told me.

My eyes widened. "My what?"

Tifa laid her hands on my shoulders. "You're always doing so much for everyone and giving so much of yourself day in, day out, Jessie. But today, it's your turn to be cared for and even pampered. So... just enjoy yourself tonight. You've earned it."

"Thanks, Tifa," I said, hugging her.

Waving to the others, I went upstairs with Tifa and followed her to the guest bedroom, the one I'd used when I had first arrived in Sector 7 and then again when I'd been recovering from my injuries after almost dying in the sewers. The bed had been neatly made, and on the dresser was a clean, thick white towel folded in thirds.

After Tifa had closed the door, I unfastened my hair from the high ponytail so it fell loosely around my shoulders. Then I took hold of the zipper of my leotard top and stripped down to just my underwear, my skin tingling as I did, while Tifa's back was turned. I put my clothes on the nearby chair, then laid down on the bed on my stomach with a sigh of contentment and anticipation. Once I was all settled in, Tifa draped the towel carefully over me, covering me from my lower back down to the tops of my thighs. Then she smiled and left.

Armand came in only a few minutes later, a bottle of scented oil in one hand and a shallow glass bowl in the other. As I lay comfortably in bed with my arms at my sides, he poured some of the oil into the bowl, set it down, and got to work. His hands and fingers gently kneaded and rubbed their way slowly down my body, giving each part plenty of care and attention and coating my skin with oil.

It was heavenly, and I let out a little whimper of delight as I felt my muscles relax and shocks of warmth race through me. Armand's skilled fingers massaged my bare back, getting out kinks I hadn't even known were there, and I shivered a little in enjoyment as he did my neck along with it and even lightly soothed my scalp. Then he attended to first one arm and then the other, carefully tending to each one all the way from my shoulders to my fingers. As he poured more oil across my back and gave it more attention, I slid my eyes closed and savored the wonderful sensations sweeping through me.

"Oh, I so needed this…" I murmured.

Armand whispered in my ear. "You are satisfied so far?"

"Hell yeah…" I breathed.

"Good," he said. "Then I shall continue."

Armand moved downward then, sliding his hands carefully under the towel to oil the sides of my hips and caress them in soft little circles before continuing to my thighs. Like my arms, he did them each one at a time, kneading the muscles and getting them loose and limber. It felt so good, and I twitched a little in delight when he attended to my lower legs as well until they were utterly relaxed.

Then he skillfully worked on my feet, which really needed it. They often ached after walking all day across the slums working and making my deliveries, and I liked to put them up for a while on my bed as soon as I got home to give them a good rest. Armand lifted each one, fingers rubbing the soles and heels and sending little spikes of heat up my legs. He did my toes next, carefully massaging each one, and after oiling the tops of my feet, he tended to them, too.

Then he gently put them down. "How was that?"

"Incredible…" I sighed contentedly.

"Excellent," Armand said. "I am glad that you are enjoying this, my dear. Is there anything else I can do?"

I looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"As a Honeyboy, it is my task and my pleasure to see to your needs tonight. Normally, Andrea doesn't send us out like this, away from the Inn, but apparently he recognized your name when he saw the request. He is an old friend of yours, correct?"

"That's right," I nodded.

Armand went on. "As I thought. Our clients typically have only an hour at most to be with the Honeygirl or Honeyboy of their choice, but I have been given instructions from Andrea to ignore that rule in your case, Jessie, and be at your disposal tonight."

I giggled. "Really? Lucky me!"

"Indeed," he agreed. "So… how may I please you?"

I swallowed nervously, my stomach fluttering like a kite in a breeze as an idea suddenly sprang to mind. I knew from my time performing in the Honeybee Lounge with Andrea that there was more to what the Honeyboys and Honeygirls did than just dancing, massages, and kinky games. I'd never seen much of it myself, but both the Lounge as well as the Honeybee Inn had another side, a reputation as places to find some nighttime companionship. For the right price.

I sat up a little, covering myself with my arm. "Well, in that case… just how far does it go?"

"As far as you wish," Armand told me.

That was what I'd been hoping he'd say. I felt a hunger in me, one I hadn't fed in a very long time. Armand was really handsome, with dark eyes and hair, and his hands were slim and supple. I'd already felt their amazing talents all over the rest of my body, but I wanted to experience them even more and really see what he could do. My heart pounding, I slowly lowered my arm so that Armand could look at me fully and see what I had in store for him tonight.

"Then… I wanna go all the way," I told him.

Armand smiled. "Of course."

This was my birthday present, my night for myself, and I intended to make the most of it. He would be gone tomorrow, a little fantasy that I would surely miss when it was over, but I didn't mind. Lena and Katie had surely paid quite a bit for all this, and I planned to make sure they got their money's worth. I understood by now that they'd meant for me to enjoy so much more than just the massage.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I turned over and laid down on my back, pulling the towel up as I did and tossing it aside. Armand treated me very well that night, attending to the front of my body with just as much care and attention as he had the back, coating me with oil and leaving me moaning and breathless as he swept his hands over my chest. He massaged every part of it, from my collar and the front of my shoulders all the way down to my belly and abdomen, sending flares of heat racing under my skin like wildfire.

Lifting my hips, I let Armand slowly pull off my last bit of clothing, and then he got to work on the real prize as he carefully spread my legs apart and put more oil on me, although I was far from dry down there already. Then I suddenly gasped in delight and squeezed his arm at the shockwaves of pleasure his touch brought me. I felt myself twitching in anticipation as I bucked my hips at the intense sparks of warmth I was feeling, Armand's skilled, slender fingers doing everything that I'd been hoping they would and then some.

I could hardly think with the heat curling around inside me, rising in sizzling flares between my legs. Armand picked up speed, and I had to bite back a shriek of delight as the warmth intensified, pressure built up inside me, and I felt myself start rising toward my climax. I groaned in pleasure and passion with every breath and knew it wouldn't be long now. Grabbing onto his shoulder with my other hand, I started moving against him to push things along even further.

"Ohh…" I breathed. "Oh, shit yes…!"

As Armand kept working his magic on me, my body trembled and hung suspended there on the brink of release. And then, seconds later, I came, sweet fire exploding through me and setting my nerves ablaze. I cried out over and over again, arching my back, curling my toes, and gripping his arm and shoulder so tightly I was afraid my nails had dug into him. But I hadn't, and my head sank back down onto the pillow as my voice became a long, unbroken moan.

The moment seemed to go on and on, and still Armand didn't stop pleasuring me. He drew out my climax—my first of the night—as long as he could as all the wonderful sensations I'd experienced throughout my massage just burst out in an instant, flooding me with sheer ecstasy as I lay there quivering on the blankets.

I hadn't been with a guy ever since leaving the plate, not once, and I hadn't realized until now just how much I'd missed it. Or how ready I was to have someone in my life again. It wouldn't be Armand—tonight was all we had and all we needed from each other—but someone else. I didn't know who just yet, but when I finally met him, I was gonna seize the moment and make it count. I'd go after him and not look back for a second, even if people might call that thirsty. To me, it was just seizing the day, and that's what I meant to do.

After Armand had finally finished and withdrew, I sagged onto the blankets, panting for breath and trembling from the aftershocks. There was a lot more ahead for us tonight, and I was gonna enjoy it all. As the warmth finally began to fade after a minute or two, I got up and helped Armand out of his own clothes. Then, with a little smirk, I pushed him onto the bed and set about returning his kindness, giving him as much pleasure as he'd so generously given me.

I got him nicely warmed up, and when he was good and ready, I let him flip me over and pull me under the sheets with him. He teased me a little at first, driving me wild with need, then gently eased his way in. Armand moved slow and steady at first, and I felt heat build up within me again. Then, soon enough, he started going faster, sweat coating his body, and I clung to him and moaned in delight.

It didn't take quite as long for me to climax this time, but just as he had before, Armand dragged it out so I could experience all of it as my legs clamped tightly around him. I all but shrieked in ecstasy as I came, arching my back and bucking my hips against him again and again as a firestorm of pleasure blotted out everything else.

As the sweet fire in my body slowly began to subside, I helped with Armand's release, taking care of him as tenderly and passionately as he had me. It was a routine we repeated a few more times that night. We'd go at it, often in different positions, then rest for a while in each other's arms after finishing. He was a good, attentive lover, and I savored every bit of pleasure he brought me even as I knew it was all I'd ever get from him. It was heaven, and I didn't want it to end.

But all too soon, it did. As I lay there in bed with him, finally worn out early in the morning about an hour or so before dawn, Armand let go of me, got up, and got dressed. I sat up while he did that, letting the blanket and sheets fall away from me to pile at my waist. When he was done, I scooted to the edge of the bed, motioned for him to come over, then wrapped my arms around him when he got close enough. I knew what he was, but… it still meant a lot.

"Thank you…" I murmured. "For tonight. It was amazing. Opened my eyes about a few things, too."

Armand stroked my cheek. "It was my pleasure."

"Same here," I winked.

Then he kissed me, pressing his lips lightly against mine as a flutter swept through my stomach and my skin tingled. I returned it, showing my appreciation for all he'd done for me. I knew it was his job, but I got the feeling that tonight had been a bit more. I hadn't been just another girl for him to service, even with his special instructions from Andrea. And somehow, that made me happy.

When Armand pulled away, he gently lifted my hand and kissed it like he had downstairs. "Goodnight, my sweet flower of the slums. May love find you quickly and guard you jealously."

"Goodnight, Armand," I murmured, lightly touching his face. "Tell Andrea thank you for me, would you?"

He smiled. "Of course, Jessie. Farewell."

Then he stood back up, bowed, and put his top hat back on before quietly opening the door a little and stepping into the hall. He glanced over his shoulder at me, touched the brim of his hat for a moment, and then he was gone. Picking up the blanket and holding it in front of me, I stood up and went over to the window.

I got there just as Armand walked outside. He didn't look back, but I hadn't expected him to. I just watched him as he headed off down the road toward the edge of town and the pillar complex. The main stop in Sector 7 for Sam's chocobo-drawn carriages was in that direction, and I figured that was where Armand was going. I didn't turn away from the window until I couldn't see him anymore.

After laying back down in bed, I thought for a while about all that had happened tonight and yesterday. And I knew this was one birthday I was never gonna forget. Lena and Katie had seen to that. They'd really outdone themselves, and as I thought of Armand again and the passion we'd shared tonight, I felt a little sad. It was over, and I'd probably never see him again. I'd known what I was getting myself into, but… even so, I still found myself missing him a little.

I pulled the blankets up and rolled over, putting Armand out of my mind and tucking the memories of this night away into their own little corner of my heart. There was a guy out there for me, one who'd never leave me in the dead of night but would always be there. And someday, I was gonna find him and make him mine.