TWO

About an hour before noon that same day, I was in my shop doing another repair when the phone rang. I'd be heading out in a little bit to do my deliveries and on-site jobs across the slums, but I always tried to get my work here done first. Putting down my tools, I took out my cell phone, turned it on, and smirked when I saw who it was. I'd known she would call, it was only a matter of time.

"Hey there!" Tifa's voice came on the line when I picked up.

I sat back in my chair. "Hi, Tifa! What's up?"

She came back a second later. "Just checking in on you, Jessie. You gave me a hell of a scare last night."

"Sorry," I said. "I was lucky Cloud showed up when he did."

"You sure were! You've got to be more careful. I know you need the parts, Jessie, but it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Not even for what we're doing. Your life is much more important."

I sighed, knowing full well how right she was. "I know, Tifa. And I will, I promise. Thanks for sending Cloud after me."

"Just looking out for my kid sister," she teased gently.

"Ha! I thought you were my little sister, Tifa!" I laughed. Then, as I thought of last night, I smiled. "But really, you should've seen Cloud in action! He was so incredible! He swept in right in the nick of time and saved my ass! It was like being in one of those corny action movies and he was the hero coming to rescue me."

Tifa chuckled. "I guess you like him, then."

I couldn't help gushing about him. "He is really cute."

More than cute, to be honest. Hot and handsome, and it made my heart skip a beat to think about him and picture him in my mind. He'd been in there all morning, actually, and I'd caught myself daydreaming about him from time to time, imagining what it would be like to spend more time with him and get to know him. How it might feel to be held in his arms. Cloud didn't seem like the affectionate type, but I thought he could be with a little work. He was so attractive and mysterious, and I couldn't resist it. I was a moth to his flame.

"Can't argue with that," Tifa agreed. "He'll be over there to see you at noon before you head off to start your deliveries."

I sat up with an excited squeal, my eyes wide. "Really!?"

She confirmed it. "Yeah. I asked him to go with you and make sure you get to wherever you're going in one piece. And he'll be walking you home at night, too. Those thugs nearly killed you, Jessie. I'm not about to risk letting them have another chance at it."

"I hear you there," I said. "Thanks."

Tifa continued, getting into full lecture mode now. "You can thank me by sticking close to Cloud whenever you two are out there traveling across the slums. And by not taking any more stupid risks—you know, such as stealing from dangerous criminal syndicates like the Vice gang. Is that clear, Jessie?"

It was. "Like a bell. Tifa… do you think he'll help us?"

"You mean about what we're planning?" she asked, knowing what I meant. Our mission to shut down the reactor. "I'm not sure. But I hope so. We could definitely use him."

I laughed, thinking the same thing. "I'll say! If he keeps on fighting as good as he looks, we'll be in great shape!"

"I think so, too," Tifa agreed. "But I still have to convince Barret."

"Yeah. That's not gonna be easy, though, is it?" I said.

I didn't think it would be. Barret, as good a guy as he was, could be really stubborn and hard-headed sometimes. And he was slow to trust anyone he didn't know. I'd been a rare exception to that rule, and I had a pretty strong hunch that he and Cloud would probably butt heads for a while. They were both just so strong-willed.

She sighed. "You know how he is, Jessie. That's why I offered Cloud some other work to do in the meantime. Something Barret can see for himself. If Cloud does well enough—and I'm sure he will—that'll show Barret we can rely on him and that he can do the job."

"I hope you're right, Tifa," I said, agreeing with her plan. And then I though of something else. "Should I… should I tell Cloud what we're up to? Or keep my cards close to the chest?"

"Don't say anything. I'll tell him when it's time," she replied.

I'd thought as much. "Got it. Anything else?"

"Do you still have that gun Biggs gave you?" Tifa asked.

I did, of course. I hadn't taken the A32 with me on my mission into the Vice gang's hideout last night since I'd only had it for a month or so and was still getting used to it. But since Logan had destroyed my little handgun last night, Biggs' hefty birthday gift to me was my only option for a weapon now. Tucking my phone between my chin and shoulder, I leaned forward and got back to work as I talked.

"Yeah, it's at home," I told her. "Why?"

"You should take it with you on your trips, just in case. And go get some target practice while you're at it. It'll be better for you if you have something to fall back on. And while we're on the subject, I'd like to do some more sparring with you this week, too."

I smirked. "Yes, Mother."

"Smartass," Tifa fired back, laughing as she did. Then she went on. "I'm just worried about you, Jessie."

Of course she was. That was just her way, always had been, and she was almost as bad about it as Biggs. I smiled as I finished up that repair job. "I know you are, Tifa. And I really appreciate what you're doing for me. What you're having Cloud do for me."

I was really damned lucky to still be alive and in one piece after all that had happened last night, and I knew it. Tifa did, too. As I'd said to Wedge earlier this morning, I'd had several close calls, both during my mission and afterward. And it wasn't the first time I'd diced with death. Not by a long shot. I'd been lucky so far, but I couldn't help wondering if someday that luck would run out. I didn't wanna think about it right now, though, so I pushed it aside as best I could and tried to relax. Tifa would pick up on it and worry if I didn't.

"Hey, that's what sisters are for," she said. "Right?"

I chuckled. "You bet! Oh, and I know I was a total idiot for stealing from Vice, but that microchip did do the trick."

"Are you sure?" Tifa asked.

"Positive!" I assured her. "Those idiots didn't even know what they had. They just steal whatever they can get their hands on and sell it if it looks valuable enough. But, Tifa, it does work! I tested it this morning. The casing's ready, so we only need a few more components along with the access codes and we'll be in business!"

She sighed. "Barret'll be happy to hear that."

"Are you okay, Tifa?" I asked.

"I don't know, Jessie," Tifa admitted quietly after a long moment. "I just… I'm concerned about where this is all going, what we're trying to do. Putting up posters all across the slums and talking to people is one thing, but this… this is just…"

Although I was more on board with attacking the reactor than she was, I still had some doubts, too. What would happen afterward? What would Shinra do in return? I knew they'd retaliate somehow, sooner or later. But at the time, I thought we could handle whatever they threw at us. It wasn't like we were actually gonna blow up the reactor. The bomb would just take out the core and shut it down for a while. I'd make sure of that. I did not wanna hurt anyone.

I did my best to reassure Tifa. "I get what you're saying. And I'd be lying if I told you I didn't have any doubts myself. But nothing's gonna change if we don't do something more than just putting up a few signs here and there. We all hate Shinra and what it's doing both to us and to the planet, and this is our chance to make something happen and send them a message they won't forget."

"I suppose you're right," she said. "But I'm still worried."

I laughed a little, not really surprised. "I know. You always are. But that's what makes you such a good sister."

She did the same. "Thanks, Jessie. You take care, okay?"

"You too, Tifa," I told her. "Bye!"

We both hung up, and then I got back to work for a little bit. After filling out an invoice for the radio I'd just fixed, I carefully put it up on one of the shelves and made a quick call to its owner to set up a time to either have it picked up or deliver it for a few extra gil. Then, once that was done, I decided to have lunch.

I'd brought it with me today—just a couple sandwiches and a small bag of chips—so I grabbed it along with a bottle of water from the little fridge tucked in one corner of the shop and dug in. I was pretty hungry by now, and I wanted to get this outta the way before Cloud showed up to go with me on my trips today. It would be really nice to not be alone for once, to have someone I could talk to and joke around with during those long walks. He probably wouldn't say all that much himself, but I didn't mind. I was just glad he'd be there.

It sure would be different, but I knew I was gonna love it. I couldn't help feeling excited as I sat there at my desk and thought happily about Cloud while I ate. I couldn't help wondering just how things stood with him and Tifa, though. I remembered now how she'd told me about him a little during some of our late night talks at the bar, how she'd thought of him a lot after he'd left their village. She hadn't said much about why he'd done that, only that he'd promised to help her someday if she ever needed him. And she'd never forgotten it.

I didn't know how into Cloud she actually was, though. Or if it had even crossed her mind at all. Did he have any interest in her? Honestly, I hoped not, but they were old friends, so I supposed it was possible. If he was, I'd just have to suck it up and move on, but if not… maybe that would give me an opening. I'd just have to ask him and find out, flirt a bit and show off my charming personality. I didn't wanna hurt Tifa, but I was drawn to Cloud like a magnet. I couldn't have explained it even if I tried. All I knew was what I felt.

It was just a few minutes before noon when the bell jingled and the door swung open. My heart sped up at the sound of his boots thudding on the wooden floor, and my breath caught in my throat as soon as he came in. As Cloud stood there, those bright blue eyes of his on me and his boyish face as cute and stoic as ever, I sighed longingly and couldn't help but wonder how I'd gotten lucky enough to have a dream like him as my own new personal bodyguard.

Composing myself, I stood up and smirked. "Cloud, there you are! Come to be my hero again?"

"If need be," he nodded. "You ready?"

I turned to my computer, tapped a few keys, and shut it off. "I'll be just a minute, okay? Gotta get everything together first."

After finishing my lunch a few minutes before Cloud had arrived, I had taken out the wooden crate I used to carry my supplies with me on my trips and had put it on my desk so I'd have it ready to go. Now I just had to get it stocked up. I went over to the shelves, took off a few items I'd need for today's jobs, and put them carefully in the crate. Then, with my tablet in hand, I went to the left wall where I kept the materials and equipment I used for building, maintaining, and repairing all the water filters and irrigation systems I sold.

Part of my profits went to help fund Avalanche, though of course I never told my customers that. But we needed the money, so I'd worked out an arrangement with Barret about a year ago to help fund our little operation. So actually, by protecting me, Cloud was helping Avalanche as well, and in more ways than just keeping me alive and in one piece. I found I kinda liked the thought of that.

Smiling a little to myself, I checked today's orders on my tablet for a moment, then tucked it into my belt pouch and put the equipment I'd need into the crate—tanks, a filter, and some valves. Then I closed it up and latched the lid. When I tried to pick it up, though, I couldn't. It was a small container, so it couldn't hold much, but usually it was enough. I tried again, but I was barely able to move it.

I grinned sheepishly at Cloud. "Packed it a bit too heavy this time, I guess. How about giving a girl a hand, Cloud?"

"Guess you don't travel light, do you?" he said.

I laughed. "Not really. Keeps me in business, though."

After I moved aside, Cloud took hold of the crate and picked it up easily, as if it had feathers in it instead of heavy equipment. I just stared at him for a moment, impressed, and as I admired him, I found myself wondering if he could pick me up that way, what it would be like. I felt a rush of heat sweep through me at the thought, and my heart skipped a beat or two as I stood there gazing at him. I got so lost for a moment that I nearly forgot what we were doing.

"Where do you want it?" he asked, holding the crate.

I blinked and hoped he hadn't realized I'd been staring at him. "I've got a little cart outside that you can put it on. There's no way I'd be able to carry that thing everywhere."

He followed me out the door. "You get around?"

"Yep!" I chuckled. "All over the slums, Cloud. I'm a girl in demand. People need fresh, clean water to drink and for their vegetable gardens and such. And I also do on-site repairs and service, too. Both for water filtration as well as the gadgets and tech support."

I led him around the left side of the workshop where I had my cart parked by the wall. It had four small wheels, a slim metal handle, and a sturdy rectangular body. And on both sides was a nice big magnet with the name of my business printed on it in bright blue letters over a logo of a red raspberry—the fruit, of course. The same thing was on the big sign above the front door, a newer one Biggs and Wedge had made for me a while back to replace the original.

Rasberry Water & Repair Services. I'd originally had it shorter, but over the last year or so, I'd added "Water" to the name. With my arrival in Sector 7, the filters and irrigation systems that I made and fixed had become a real hit with the people here and had become as big a part of what I did as the tech repairs. I was looking forward to showing Cloud what I could do and maybe even impressing him a bit. While I held the cart steady, he carefully put the crate inside.

"All set," he said when he was done.

I smiled. "Thanks! I'll just roll it along as we walk."

Then I got ready to do just that, turning the cart around to face the road. When I started walking, I decided I'd have a little fun with Cloud, so I made sure to swing my hips a little and give him something nice to look at while he followed me. Sure enough, when I glanced at him over my shoulder a moment later, I caught his eyes gazing nicely downward for just a split second. They shot right back up in a flash, but not before I gave him a knowing little smirk and laughed.

Cloud blinked, then slipped back into that tough shell of his again. I didn't mind, though. I'd seen him take the bait I'd offered and swallow it whole, and the interest he was trying so hard to hide delighted me. It made my stomach flutter, and I figured the butterflies would be taking up permanent residence there before long.

I was so absorbed in Cloud and how he made me feel that I almost forgot my tools. With an embarrassed giggle, I stopped the cart outside the shop's front door, then hurried inside and got my black toolbox out of my desk. What was up with me? I'd never forgotten my stuff before. Maybe Cloud was having more of an effect on me than I'd thought. He was such a joy to look at. And the way he'd been admiring my ass back there for a moment was really flattering. I giggled again as I went back outside and put my tools in the cart.

"Got everything now?" Cloud asked.

I nodded, composing myself. "Yeah, sorry. Almost forgot my tools. Not gonna get any work done without them. Oh, and that reminds me, Cloud. I need to stop by my place before we go. I promised Tifa I'd take something with me when we go traveling."

"Alright," he said. "What is it?"

I chuckled as we started walking down the road. "You'll see. It's just something to help us stay safe out there. Probably should've had it with me last night, I suppose. But… I kinda forgot to bring it because I don't usually carry it all the time. Still new and all."

That was true enough, though I hadn't exactly forgotten about the A32. I just hadn't felt comfortable using it yet in a real fight. It was nice, but big and pretty heavy. Now that Logan had ruined my old handgun, though, I didn't have much of a choice but to go with it. So after we got to my place, I left Cloud and the cart outside for a moment and headed inside. I'd brought the gun home from my shop to clean it before I'd left again to test out the chip this morning, so it was still waiting for me on the table. I grabbed it and a clip and left.

Once I was back outside, I locked the door, then slapped the clip in place the way Biggs had shown me and tucked the gun through a loop fitted onto the back of my belt, giving Cloud a feisty little grin before I took hold of the cart again and we got underway. He glanced at me and raised an eyebrow as we went back out onto the street, and his reaction was just as good as I'd hoped it would be.

"Not bad," he told me.

Coming from him, that was quite a compliment. I beamed, and the butterflies swarmed inside my stomach even more. "Thanks, Cloud. It's a Shinra A32 submachine gun. I still need some practice with my aim, but I'm getting to be a pretty good shot, if you ask me. I haven't used it against anything but bottles yet, though."

"Where'd you get it?" he asked as we walked.

"A friend of mine gave it to me a few months ago," I answered. "His idea of a birthday gift."

Cloud blinked. "That's some gift. Was he worried about you?"

I smiled, knowing Biggs probably was. "He's always been protective of me ever since we met. I don't really mind, though."

"Boyfriend?" Cloud wondered.

"No, it's isn't like that," I laughed, happy at what it could mean that he'd even asked. "More like a brother. Though people say it is or that it used to be since we've always been so close. It's all just rumors, though. He's a friend, that's all. Just a friend."

As we went along down the road, I noticed that Cloud deliberately walked next to me now instead of behind me like he had the shop, and I couldn't help feeling a little amused at that. And although he watched our surroundings like a hawk, his gaze alert even though we hadn't left town yet, I didn't miss for a moment the fact that his eyes came back to me every now and then. Made my heart race whenever they did, and I decided to have a little more fun with him and maybe even get an idea of just how into me he might be.

I moved a little closer to him and grinned. "That's right. I'm free as a bird, Cloud. Think you can catch me?"

"That a challenge?" he asked.

"What do you think?" I fired back with a laugh.

He raised an eyebrow. "I think it is."

"Could be," I winked. Then, my heart hammering, I swallowed and decided to ask him where he stood. "But what about you? Are you free like I am? Or are you and Tifa…?"

I barely managed to keep myself from squealing with delight when Cloud shook his head and gave me the answer that I'd been hoping for. "She's just a friend. I… don't have anyone."

He was available! I had a way in! My heart leaped at the thought of it. I forced myself to relax and gave him a sympathetic smile, although I couldn't hide the new bounce in my step. We hadn't even known each other for a day yet, but I really liked him.

"Oh, how sad," I told him. "Gets kinda lonely, doesn't it? For me, at least. I don't know about you. Does it, Cloud?"

He shrugged. "I guess. I don't really think about it."

I gave his arm a playful punch. "Well, if you ever do feel lonely, you know right where to find me."

"I'll keep that in mind," he said.

Although I'd been flirting with Cloud, I did mean what I'd told him about being there for him if he ever wanted someone to talk to. I think he knew that, too. So I hummed happily to myself as we made our way through the outskirts together. And although the acrid mako smell bit my nose like always, I didn't mind it as much today. The sky was bright and my mood was great. And I snuck a few glances at Cloud whenever he wasn't looking. Damn, he was hot.

We were almost to the pillar complex when four eaters swarmed at us from behind one of the piles of junk and scrap metal that ran along each side of the dirt trails. I let go of my cart right away and pulled out my gun while Cloud drew that huge sword of his. The eaters closed in, their mandibles clacking and their tails raised. As I stood ready next to Cloud, I brought up my gun and took aim.

"Well, these are no bottles, that's for sure," I swallowed.

"You okay?" Cloud asked.

I nodded, my gloves damp with sweat. "Just a little nervous, Cloud. I haven't fought monsters much. It's been a while."

And this would also be the first time I'd ever used the A32 in a real fight. I could feel every bit of its weight as I held it with both hands, my finger curled around the trigger. But Biggs hadn't given it to me just for it to stay at home and look pretty. I wasn't gonna let his gift go to waste, and I didn't wanna let Cloud down, either.

"You'll do fine," he told me. "Just pick a target and shoot."

I gave him a grateful smile. "Got it. Bottles with legs, then. A lot of legs. I hate bugs, did you know that?"

He shook his head. "No. Why don't you tell them?"

"Ha! Good one, Cloud!" I laughed, just loving the way he thought. It helped me relax a little. "I think I will!"

I fired at the nearest eater, the blast loud in my ears, and hit it dead on. Its pained screech was cut short as I kept feeding bullets into it, and while I shifted my aim to the next one, Cloud cut another one apart in a flurry of quick slashes. While I held the A32 steady, I blasted the bug I was shooting at, and it blew apart in a shower of icky black blood and pieces of legs. Yuck. Then I shot an eater off Cloud's back while he was slicing up a few others. I didn't kill it, though, but just clipped it, and it jumped on me before I could finish the job.

"Shit!" I swore.

I fired, wincing in pain as I felt it slash the back of my left forearm. Gritting my teeth, I ignored the stinging, stuck the A32's barrel into the eater's mouth, and put a few bullets through its brain. It sagged and fell off as thunder echoed in my ears, and I kicked it aside in disgust. I saw when I looked up that Cloud had taken care of the rest, so I slipped my gun back into my belt and held my arm.

"Damn…" I muttered under my breath.

I had an ugly, jagged red slash going from under my elbow almost to my wrist, and my leather bracer had been sliced open along with my skin. The wound didn't look too serious, but it sure was painful. When Cloud saw I was hurt, his eyes widened a little. He slipped back into his tough shell pretty quick after that, but I hadn't missed how concerned he was for me, and seeing that beautiful little sight made my heart race, my cheeks blush, and my stomach flutter.

The butterflies just about went into overdrive a moment later when Cloud shouldered his sword and gently took my wrist in both hands to get a better look at my arm. He gazed at it for a moment, and his touch felt so good that I almost forgot about the pain and the bleeding. And I found I was almost glad I'd gotten hurt.

"It's not deep," Cloud said. "Probably stings a bit, though."

I looked at my arm and sighed, wishing I'd done better in the fight. "No kidding. Guess I wasn't fast enough, huh?"

"Not your fault, Jessie. Eaters are damn quick."

"Awww, Cloud," I gushed. "Are you trying to cheer me up?"

He blinked. "Well, I…"

"Because if you are," I giggled, touched and very happy as I looked at him. "It is definitely working! You know, for a tough guy, you can be pretty sweet sometimes."

Cloud looked away for a moment, so adorably flustered, and it just made me like him even more. He was so easy to rattle, and I thought it would do him good to have me prod him out of his shell a bit. Seemed like he had a lot on his mind, a heavy weight sitting on his shoulders. I didn't know what it was, but I'd help if I could.

He took out a potion. "Thanks, I guess. Here, take this."

I did, looking at it with a resigned sigh as I wrinkled my nose. "Ick. You know I hate these, right?"

"Yeah," he told me. "Go on, Jessie. Bottoms up."

"My turn, huh?" I took the potion and unscrewed the cap. "Guess I shouldn't have teased you about it last night."

The corner of his mouth turned up. "Too late now."

I just loved seeing him actually be a little snarky with me. "You are so enjoying this, aren't you, Cloud?"

"Wouldn't exactly say I wasn't," he shrugged.

I laughed, delighted. "I knew it! Well, I guess I can't keep putting it off, can I? Here goes…"

Taking a breath and letting out, I closed my eyes for a moment and downed the potion, chugging the whole thing. Best way to do it, if you ask me. Get it all done at once. I shuddered, my lip curling in disgust at the taste, and tried not to gag. When I'd finally finished swallowing it, I coughed a few times and tried to shake off the taste. That icky stuff has a way of clinging to the back of your throat.

"Gross!" I coughed again, handing him the empty vial. "I promise I won't ever tease you about this stuff again, Cloud."

"Gonna hold you to that," he smirked.

I chuckled. "Oh, I bet you will."

As we both watched, the slash on my forearm slowly started to knit itself together. Since it wasn't a very serious injury, it healed pretty well, with just a patch of unmarked skin where it had been. It did feel a little tender, though, and I needed to clean the blood off before we got going again. But it didn't hurt quite as much, either. And the way Cloud held my wrist again so gently to check my wounded arm helped, too. Made drinking that potion totally worthwhile.

"How's it feel?" he asked.

"Much better, thanks," I smiled.

He looked up at me. "Don't mention it. It'll be a little sensitive for a few hours, but you'll be fine."

"Guess I have you to thank for that, don't I?" I quipped.

Cloud nodded. "And that nasty potion."

I laughed. "Don't remind me! We've gotta stop somewhere so I can get a drink to wash it down."

"We'll find something," he promised.

It wouldn't really be a date, but I'd take any chance I could get to be with Cloud. We were working right now, so I didn't really count it, and I hoped we'd be able to spend some off duty time together. There was a lot about him I wanted to know. Everything, really. I knew he was here because Tifa had asked him, but I hoped that he and I could be friends. I didn't want our relationship to be just about business. Besides, he'd do a better job protecting me if we were closer. Not that he wasn't already totally awesome at it so far, of course.

I gazed at him, feeling oddly shy when I suddenly realized what he was doing. "Thanks. Um, Cloud…?"

He moved a little closer to me. "Yeah, Jessie?"

"Are you gonna let go?" I asked softly. "Not that there's any rush or anything, mind you. It's… kinda nice, actually."

"What?" his eyes widened as he looked down again.

Cloud was still holding onto me, but while we'd been standing and talking, he'd slid his his hand down without realizing it until his fingers were clasping mine. I looked calm enough on the outside, but my heart was slamming hard against my ribs as he held my hand. It felt so good, so right. He let go in a hurry and stepped back, no doubt thinking he'd offended me or something. But he hadn't.

"Sorry, I… I didn't realize…" he said, looking away.

I gently turned him back to face me again. "It's okay. You didn't do anything wrong. I really liked it."

He blinked. "You did?"

"What girl wouldn't?" I grinned.

"Well, I just…" Cloud said, scratching his head.

I chuckled. "Relax, Cloud. You're so cute when you're nervous, you know that? But I don't bite. Unless you want me to."

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"Nothing!" I giggled, really enjoying how easily I could rattle him. It was just way too much fun. "Let's just get going. We've still got a long way to go before we can head home."

After wiping off my arm with a cloth I took from my belt pouch, I went back to the cart and we got underway again. I chatted as we went on, not about anything in particular but just because I enjoyed it and I wanted to see if I could pry open Cloud's shell a bit more. He didn't say much in return, but that was alright. I was really enjoying his company. And his good looks. It was still a little hard for me to believe that I'd get to admire him for hours almost every day.

Our first stop was in Sector 5 to check out and fix the general store owner's old computer. As always whenever I came out this way, I kept a watchful eye out for Tseng or one of the other Turks. From what Aerith had told me, their infrequent visits were random and unannounced, so I always made sure to work quickly and move on. I did my job the best I could, of course. I wasn't one to skimp on my work. But I never stuck around here for very long if I could help it.

There was something I wanted to do today before we left, though. So once I'd finished the job and collected my fee, I headed up the street to Lena's house. She'd finally been released from the clinic several days ago after spending almost a month there, and I wanted to see her while I was here. Figuring the sight of a guy she didn't know coming into her house might scare her after what she'd gone through, I decided to have Cloud stay outside while I visited her.

"Wait here for me, okay?" I told him. "I won't be long."

He nodded. "Alright."

I touched his arm. "Thanks, Cloud."

"Sure," he said. "Who's in there?"

I sighed as I walked up to the door. "A friend. She's had a hard time lately, so I wanna see her. I'd introduce you, but… she's probably not up for meeting anyone new just yet. Sorry."

Cloud moved aside so he wouldn't be seen from the door. "It's fine. I'll be here when you're done, Jessie."

"I appreciate it," I told him, so glad he understood.

Standing in front of the small wood and metal shack that was a lot like so many others around here, I knocked on the door a couple times. When Biggs opened it a moment later, I smiled, glad to see him. It had been a month since he'd stayed here to help his sister recover from her ordeal, and I'd only heard from them through text messages ever since. So I gave him a hug as soon as I saw him.

"Jessie!" he said when I let go. "Good to see ya!"

I grinned. "You too, Biggs. I was doing some work in the area, so I thought I'd swing by for a minute before I left. How's Lena? Wedge told me the other day that she's home now."

Biggs nodded. "Yeah, she is. Doc Morris cut her loose earlier in the week. Still sick, but she's getting better. Elmyra comes to visit her every few days and check on her. They talk for a while, too. Dunno what it is, since they always shoo me out, but it's helping. Lena'll be glad to see ya, though. She's been worried about you."

Since I'd told her about my mission to infiltrate the Vice gang's lair, I wasn't surprised. "Can't stay long, but I'd be happy to visit and set her mind at ease. I've really missed you guys."

"Same here, Jessie," he replied. "Come on in."