FIVE

The place was oddly still as Cloud and I walked cautiously into the clearing. I didn't see any eaters, just some broken pipes, scattered piles of junk, and other assorted pieces of debris lying around near the ruins of a few abandoned shacks and what looked like an old shed or a small house. Between them, a narrow dirt path covered with insect tracks led past them out of sight, probably to the nest.

But it was the shed that immediately seized my attention and made my blood boil. Because I knew exactly what it was—a hell house. And I wasn't gonna let it hurt anyone else. I'd fought and destroyed several of them with Aerith when I'd lived in Sector 5 but had never really gotten the chance to keep hunting them after I'd moved to Sector 7. Work and Avalanche had kept me busy. I had every intention of trashing this one, though, and I knew Cloud could handle it.

I caught him by the arm when he started to move. "Wait!"

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Over there!" I hissed, warning him and pointing at the hell house, which still hadn't moved yet. "Be careful, Cloud!"

He looked at it and shrugged. "It's just a shed, Jessie."

"No," I shook my head. "It's not."

Pulling out my gun, I motioned for Cloud to wait a moment. Then I slowly crept forward and crouched down on one knee, my gun firmly in both hands. It was so quiet as I took aim that I could hear the sound of my heart pounding in my chest. But I knew I had to be really careful if I wanted to take the hell house by surprise. Its sensor range didn't go very far, but the damn thing was extremely fast.

My eyes locked onto my target, I fired right at the hell house's front wall above the door, shattering the silence. When the mech rumbled to life and flinched, Cloud stumbled backward a step in shock, then drew his sword and stared as I traced a line of bullets across the wall. Then I glanced back at him and smirked.

"What are you waiting for?" I called. "Come on!"

Cloud ran in and sliced at the mech. "What the hell is it?"

I couldn't help laughing at his choice of words. "Funny you should ask like that, Cloud! It's called a hell house!"

"Never heard of it," he grunted.

"It's an automated sentry," I explained as I kept on shooting the hell house, memories driving every bullet I fired. "Or at least, that's what it was supposed to be. The shed's just a disguise."

Cloud cut into the mech again. "A disguise for what?"

"This!" I shouted.

I'd knew we'd done enough damage for the hell house to expose its mechanical side, and just as I'd thought, panels slid open and so did the window above the front door, and from them emerged two arms and a round metal head. While I fed bullets into that thing's face, it swung at Cloud with a huge fist. He avoided it in time, though, and fired back at it with a quick blast of lightning from his materia. Then the hell house jumped, trying to crush me, but I dove aside just as it crashed onto the spot where I'd been only a moment ago.

As Cloud and I kept fighting, the hell house turned to face us, and I saw the flame jets just above the foundation start to light up as a loud buzzing sound suddenly split across the air. I knew exactly what it was and what was coming, so I grabbed Cloud and dragged him away from the hell house as quickly as I could with a strength I didn't even know I had. He was so surprised he didn't fight it.

"Get down!" I ordered. "Unless you wanna get cooked!"

Just as we dropped to the ground, flames shot from the hell house, swirling above us as we lay there. The heat was intense and I could feel myself sweating, but we didn't move, and a moment later, the fire went out as fast and as suddenly as it had appeared. But then Cloud rolled to the left as we started to get back to our feet.

"Jessie! Incoming!" he warned.

I looked up and saw the dark red missile flying outta the roof, then rolled in the opposite direction away from Cloud as it flew through the air toward us in a tight arc. Just seconds later, it struck the ground and exploded, thunder filling my ears as I took what cover I could. Still, the blast was closer than I would've liked, and I nearly got singed, yelping a little when the fire got a bit too close to me.

As soon as the dust had settled, I sprang to my feet and got back to work while Cloud did the same, moving as fast as we could before that damn thing could attack us again. As Cloud slashed at one of the arms, I fired a steady stream of bullets at the head. The hell house staggered, shook, and sparked with every hit, but I didn't let up. I was determined to destroy this thing. I needed to destroy it. As I focused on what I was doing, I forgot about everything else but blowing this metal bastard sky high. Rage built up inside me with every hit.

Then I opened my belt pouch. "Cloud, back up."

Keeping Buster ready in his hands, he did as I'd said, quickly falling in beside me as I took out one of my raspberries. For a moment or two, I just stared at the hell house, thinking about all the pain and death this thing and others like it had caused. That I had caused. Guilt still tore at my heart over what my creations had done, but at least I could be sure that this one wouldn't hurt anyone else ever again. I narrowed my eyes, pulled the pin, and threw the raspberry.

Just as Cloud and I dove for cover, the hell house exploded, shards of metal, wood, and other debris flying through the air all around us as he lay protectively on top of me. And though I loved having him be so close to me—the weight of his body on my back and shoulders and the soft touch of his cheek brushing against mine as he held me in his arms again were so wonderful—all I could think of in that moment was how much I enjoyed hearing the hell house blow up and how good it felt to have torched that mechanical son of a bitch.

Smoke lingered in the air as Cloud and I stood up. For a moment, I just gazed at the wreckage of the hell house and watched it burn. It was immensely satisfying, but the thought of all the hurt it had done, all the suffering I'd unwittingly brought about because I'd been stupid enough to trust Scarlet, gnawed incessantly at me.

As I walked over to what was left of the hell house, I found I was as angry at myself as I was at the machine. I almost didn't realize it when I curled my lip back in a snarl. Fury still raged inside me about it all, and before I knew it, I had tossed my gun aside and was kicking the mech's head over and over again. I still don't remember how or when I started. It just kinda happened. One moment I was standing there staring at it, and in the next, I was slamming my foot into its shattered head as hard as I could, again and again and again.

All I could think of was how I had let Scarlet take advantage of me, how my dreams had been perverted and torn apart for her own twisted pleasure, and how so many people had been hurt and killed because of it. Because of me. The pain and guilt stung me like an open wound and were as fresh as if it had all happened only yesterday. I realized vaguely that I was growling, but I was barely aware of it. Of anything, really. All I knew was rage, swirling inside me like a firestorm as I kept venting it, my hands clenched into tight, sweaty fists.

When Cloud tried to take my arm, I pulled away and kicked at the hell house's head again with a loud yell, nearly taking it off. I wanted to, actually. It was big and wouldn't have gone very far, but I still wanted to send it flying right up into the underside of the plate and smash it into a thousand pieces just like my heart had been shattered the day that I'd first found out what Scarlet had done.

Then, Cloud took me by the shoulders and turned me to face him. "Hey, hey! Relax! We got it, alright?"

For a moment, I actually fought him. Or tried to, anyway. Still mad about the past and hurting more than I wanted to admit. But there was no way I could pull myself free. Cloud's grip was strong but also gentle, and when I saw the worry in his eyes, my own suddenly widened. The reality of what I'd just done hit me as if someone had splashed a bucket of cold water in my face, and I gasped.

"Oh, Cloud! I…" I stammered as I quit struggling.

"You okay?" he asked.

Slipping free of his grip, I sighed and turned away for a moment to wonder how or if I could answer that. "I think so. I'm so sorry, Cloud. I didn't mean to get so carried away. I just…"

"What happened?" he wondered, stepping closer.

I looked over my shoulder at him. "Can you keep a secret?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I can do that."

"Well, why don't we sit down?" I suggested, more calmly than I felt. "It might take me a little while to explain."

"Sure," he agreed.

We went over and sat down on an old concrete pipe half-buried in the ground. It was big enough to hold us, and I figured it must've been underground once, probably as part of the sewers, before maintenance crews had replaced it and dumped it here who knew how long ago. We sat side by side, and although Cloud was close, he did give me plenty of space. I appreciated that, and for a little while, I gazed at the hell house as what was left of it continued to burn. Then, when I felt ready, I took a long, deep breath and slowly let it out.

I didn't look away from the hell house at first. My eyes were drawn to it as I started to talk. "What I'm gonna tell you, Cloud, is something no one else down here knows about me."

"No one?" he asked.

"Not even Tifa," I nodded, turning to him now. "You remember me telling you we all have our little secrets? Well… I've got plenty. I'm not gonna tell you all of it, though. Just enough to help you understand. If I shared more, we'd probably be here for hours."

Cloud's baby blues never wavered. "Go ahead."

"You know, it's almost funny," I smiled, the sight of those gorgeous eyes making me feel better as they gazed quietly at me with such sweet care and concern. "I feel like I can tell you what I've never told anyone else. I guess you just have one of those faces."

"What faces?" he wondered.

I laughed. "The cute kind. The kind you can trust."

He scratched his head. "Thanks, I guess. Anyway, how'd you know so much about the hell house?"

"I'm familiar with it," I told him. "Very familiar."

"How so?" Cloud asked.

I swallowed, more than a little nervous as I answered him. I had to clasp my fingers together to keep them from shaking. "Well, you see… I designed it. I created it a long time ago."

Cloud raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised, but he didn't show very much else. I hoped this wouldn't make things hard between us and that he'd understand. But I couldn't help worrying, just the same. At first, he didn't say anything. Still trying to let it sink in, I guess. But then, he did finally respond, curious but calm. I didn't see any judgment in his eyes. Just the gaze of a friend willing to listen.

"Why would you make something like that?" he wondered.

"It was never meant to hurt anyone," I explained, relaxing a little as I looked gratefully at Cloud. "Not originally. It was supposed to protect people. I intended for the hell house to be a trap."

Cloud blinked. "A trap?"

I nodded, my hands in my lap as I scooted a bit closer to him. "For all the monsters that lurk around here. Like eaters. Once they got close enough, it would spring out and attack."

"What went wrong?" he prodded gently.

"My design was altered," I said, an edge creeping into my voice as I thought of what Scarlet had done. "Modified without my knowledge or consent. But by the time I found out, a lot of innocent people had been hurt and killed by this thing and others like it."

Cloud grimaced. "Damn…"

I continued, finishing up my story. It hadn't been easy to tell it. "So I destroy them whenever I find them. It's the least I can do for all those who've suffered because of it. I owe it to them."

"You said you made this thing?" he frowned. "For who?"

I immediately shook my head. "All I'll say for now is that it was my job. I'm not ready to go further than that yet. Sorry."

Cloud didn't argue. "It's fine. You've told me enough."

"Thanks," I smiled. Then it faded. "You know, I wasn't actually sure back there whether I was angrier at the house or myself. I just hate that my work was used to cause so much pain."

"You blame yourself," he said, understanding.

I sighed. "Always have. But anyway, we've talked enough, and we've still got a nest to take out. So we'd better go."

Cloud and I got up, and once I'd retrieved my gun, we followed the narrow trail past the remains of the hell house and up a small hill. Not far ahead of us, we heard the eaters again, and I knew we were close to the nest. It was probably right on the other side. I crouched down next to Cloud when we reached the top, then looked with him over the edge at what was down there waiting for us.

At least thirty or forty eaters were crawling all over a small clearing surrounded by more junk piles and scrap metal. In the middle of it was some giant white icky thing like an egg sac. Lots of hatchlings scurried all over the place amidst the adults, and for a moment, I felt queasy just looking at all that. I really didn't like bugs.

But we had a job to do, and I wasn't gonna back down now. Taking a deep breath to settle my stomach, I motioned to Cloud as a plan took shape in my mind. We turned around and laid against the slope, and as I took a pair of raspberries outta my belt pouch and gave one to Cloud, I explained to him what we were gonna do.

"This should be enough, Cloud," I whispered. "We'll toss them in at the same time—one for the nest and one for the bugs. You go after the nest, I'll take the crowd. Understand?"

He carefully took the grenade. "Got it. Then what?"

I grinned. "Then we run like hell!"

"Never seen grenades like this before," Cloud said, looking at them. "They don't usually come in purple."

I laughed. "My own personal touch. Most people also call grenades pineapples, but I like to think of mine as raspberries. Just like the fruit. And my last name. Jessie Rasberry."

He blinked as he sat up. "Jessie Rasberry? Nice, I guess."

"Thanks!" I smiled. "Now let's get those bugs!"

Turning around, we crept quietly up to the top of the hill, grenades ready. When we got there, I lifted mine up in front of me, glanced over at Cloud, and nodded. He took hold of his as well, then we both pulled the pins. He hurled his raspberry at the nest just as the eaters started to swarm toward us, and I lobbed mine right into their midst barely half a second after Cloud's landed on that gross, sticky mass with a sickening splat. Then we turned and raced back down the trail, running our asses off back the way we'd come as fast as we could.

The grenades went off only seconds later, the explosions deafening us as we sped past the ruined hell house and dove for cover behind the concrete pipe we'd been sitting on earlier. Eaters screeched and flew to pieces behind us, torn apart by the blast as charred bits of them rained down everywhere and thunder filled our ears.

After the dust had finally settled, I let Cloud help me up, and then we looked around the clearing. Lots of dead eaters and hatchlings, both whole and in pieces, were everywhere. And on us, too. I shuddered as I brushed what looked like part of a leg and some icky stuff that could've been insect blood off my clothes as much as I could. The sight of it and all the rest of the remains covering the ground made me queasy again, but somehow I managed not to hurl. I decided I would definitely clean off both my gear and myself as soon as possible.

"Ugh!" I curled my nose as I got more of the bug stuff off of me. "I am so taking a shower when I get home."

Cloud shrugged. "Well, at least we got 'em."

I swatted a small piece of an eater's hide from his arm and smirked. "Yeah. I just kinda forgot how messy it would be. You might wanna get cleaned up too after we get back, Cloud."

"I will," he said. "Let's check the nest before we head out."

We made our way up the dirt trail again, doing our best not to step on any bug parts as we went. The nest was history, just a charred mess, and although there were a lot more dead bugs and pieces of them here, none of them were alive. The smoke bit at my throat, but I didn't mind as I gazed at the destroyed nest. Hopefully it would give everyone back home in Sector 7 a little peace for a while. There'd been a lot of attacks around there lately, more than usual.

I jumped and thrust my fist in the air. "We did it!"

"Looks like it," Cloud nodded.

I turned to him. "Cloud, if… if you'd like, I can talk to Tifa and see if she can pay you extra for taking out the nest. I know you didn't really wanna do it, so I'll make sure you're compensated."

He shook his head. "I think we can write this one off."

"Thank you," I smiled, feathers tumbling in my stomach at Cloud's offer. He could be so sweet sometimes. "I really appreciate it. Now how about we call it a day and mosey on home?"

"Yeah. Sounds good, Jessie," Cloud agreed.

With that, we left the nest, made our way across the clearing where we'd fought the hell house and climbed back across the scrap piles until we were back on the road leading to Sector 7. As soon as we did, Cloud went over to check out what was left of my cart. There wasn't much, to be honest. It had been in the middle of the blast when the first wave of eaters had surprised us. And although I knew I'd have some refunds to issue and some rescheduling to do, I didn't think I'd be set back for too long, especially with Cloud helping me.

I sighed wearily as I watched him. "I'm afraid it's a bust, Cloud. I'll have to go to Sector 4 tomorrow and search through the scrapyards for some spare parts to make us another one."

"Think you can find 'em?" Cloud wondered.

"Oh, yeah!" I grinned, perking right up as he joined me. "I'm really good at that, you know. And once I do, it won't take long at all to build a new cart. Then we'll be back on track!"

With that done, we headed for home. I kept on talking on the way, as much to myself as to Cloud. It helped keep things fun and lively. He didn't say much himself, of course, but I didn't mind. I was pretty used to it by now, and I could fill up the space easily enough myself. Always been that way, really. I just love to talk. It does make me a little nervous if things get too quiet sometimes, so chatting helps me cope, especially in tense situations. I'll freak out otherwise.

Anyway, by the time we finally made it to the outskirts of Sector 7, the day was almost gone, and shadows were everywhere as night began to fall. We could see the town in the distance, the lights warm and very welcoming, and I just couldn't wait to get home, relax, and take a nice, long, hot bath. I even told Cloud about it as we walked down the road, and I was so engrossed in planning out my evening that I almost didn't see the hulking figures until it was too late.

They emerged from the growing darkness amidst the piles of scrap and surrounded us with hardly a sound, dirty masks on their faces and weapons in their hands. Blue denim vests, bright orange mohawks, and body odor that could've flattened a behemoth. Vice thugs. Looked like Braddock hadn't wasted any time. I pulled out my gun and pointed it at the nearest goon while Cloud quickly drew Buster and glared darkly at him and the rest of his little gang.

"We want what ya stole from us, girl," the thug growled.

I narrowed my eyes. "Not gonna happen. But if you want us to give you another good thrashing, I'm game."

"You the one that's gettin' thrashed, missy!" he snapped.

Cloud easily spun his sword around in a tight circle, his eyes never leaving those Vice punks. "Get lost. Now."

Their leader snarled as three of them ran away. "Cowards!"

"Ha!" I laughed. "Guess they didn't wanna play."

He hefted his iron pipe as he and his other buddies closed in. "Shut up! That chip's worth a lotta gil, so you either give it back now or we're gonna take it outta yer hide, ya little bitch!"

I cocked the trigger of my gun. "No way in hell."

"Wrong answer!" the goon sneered. "Get 'em, boys! Kill the spikey one, but don't mess up the girl too bad jus' yet. We wanna have our fun with her first before we finish her."

Cloud didn't budge an inch, his voice harder than steel. "Try it and you won't live long enough to regret it."

Two more thugs bolted and ran, but the other five attacked. While Cloud took one of them down in seconds with a quick slash across the chest, I dodged a few clumsy blows and opened fire, dropping another one with a few well-placed shots. At the same time, Cloud slammed his sword against the leader's pipe, then spun around to try and get in low at him. I couldn't follow the action there much more because I had my hands full as the last two goons closed in on me.

I tried to shift my aim, but one of those idiots was faster, knocking my gun outta my hands with a single swipe of his spiked club. I gasped and fell back a few steps, my fingers stinging from the hit. I didn't have time to fret over it, though, because he and his buddy were right in my face. I drove them back with a flurry of punches and followed it with a spinning kick that sent one thug flying onto his back. He didn't get up. But his partner recovered faster than I'd expected.

Pain was suddenly my whole world as the goon slammed his nasty club across the side of my head, and those spikes only made it worse as they dug in with the impact. I screamed and felt my self spinning from the force of the blow, and then my legs couldn't hold me up anymore. I felt the ground rushing up to meet me, and as I lay on my side and my mind began to swim away like a lazy fish, I saw the thug standing over me, his club raised overhead to finish me off.

"Jessie!" Cloud yelled.

Well, I… guess this is it. Looks like… I might've… pushed my luck… a little too far… this time. I'm sorry… everyone…

But the killing blow never came. Even as my eyes finally slid shut, I heard a loud sizzling sound, a startled shout, and a loud crash a second later. Then I felt strong arms gently pick me up and carry me. As much as I wanted to look at Cloud, I couldn't. My mind was all swimmy, and I felt so drowsy and weak and hurt so much. But even as I slipped into unconsciousness, I had one last thought before everything finally went dark and sleep blotted out the pain.

Cloud… my hero… you saved me again…

"Ohhh…" I groaned.

Pain smacked me in the face as soon as I opened my eyes, and for a moment, all I could do was lay there and hold my throbbing head. I felt a bandage over it, pillows under it, and a soft mattress. So I was in bed, and I figured Tifa must've patched me up while I was out. Sure enough, I saw I was in the spare bedroom at Seventh Heaven, the same one that used to be mine when I'd first moved to Sector 7. The last time I'd been in here had been after I'd nearly been killed in the sewers. I'd spent the better part of a week recovering from that.

Then I saw Cloud leaning forward to look at me, and the worry on his face touched my heart. "You okay, Jessie?"

I smiled, so happy to see him. "I'll live, Cloud. I think…"

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Like I just got broadsided by an elphadunk," I quipped. "My head is positively killing me. But better that than the alternative, I guess. Did Tifa leave me anything for it?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Hang on, I'll get 'em for you."

While I sat up, Cloud got to his feet from the chair he'd been sitting in, went over to the dresser, and brought me the glass of water and two aspirin Tifa had left there. I realized my gloves and boots were both off and that I was only in my pants and leotard. Tifa had also taken off my red headband as well and unfastened my hair from its ponytail so I'd be more comfortable in bed. She was always so thoughtful like that, and I made a mental note to thank her later as I swallowed the medicine and the water before handing Cloud the glass.

I didn't really wanna know the shape I'd been in when he'd brought me here. Today had been another close call, my third brush with death since coming to the slums. How much longer could I keep flirting with the reaper before he finally took me? That was one date I was not ready to go on. But even if we did somehow stop the Vice gang, there was the reactor mission and whatever happened afterward. I knew that as long as Cloud was there, though, he'd look out for me and keep me safe. So I just put it outta my mind for now.

I patted the sheets next to me as Cloud started to sit back down in his chair. "Why don't you sit over here?"

He had a seat near me on the edge of the bed. "Better?"

"Much," I smirked, so glad that he'd been watching over me while I was sleeping. The thought of it made the feathers in my stomach come back with a vengeance. "You know, waking up to see you here was well worth the price of admission."

"Just don't make a habit of it," Cloud said.

I laughed. "Oh, I won't. Were you… worried about me?"

His awkward hesitation was all the answer I needed. He sat there, a little taken aback, and blinked. "Well, I…"

"Sounds like a yes to me," I chuckled softly.

Teasing him like that was just so much fun, especially since I knew by now some good ways to make him squirm and nudge him outta the hard shell he was always wearing. I'd noticed how standoffish he was to Wedge and most everyone else aside from me and Tifa, and there were times I wondered why he kept himself locked up like that. But as much as I liked to play with him, I knew I couldn't force him to talk. It would come with time. I just wanted to cheer him up.

I gazed happily at Cloud, thinking of how he had come through for me and protected me. "My hero saved me again."

He sighed. "Wasn't fast enough this time, though. Sorry."

"It's okay," I assured him. I wasn't surprised he was blaming himself for me getting hurt so badly. "I'm alive, aren't I? You were there for me when I needed you. That's all that matters."

"It's what I'm here for," Cloud said, relaxing.

I smiled warmly at him. "Then I'm in good hands. Though they're covered by some dirty gloves at the moment."

He took them off. "How's that?"

"Better," I nodded. "So this is your bed? It's comfy."

Although I'd been here before, it had been quite a while. I'd almost forgotten how nice it was after being used to my own for so long. But it was really comfortable, just like mine. I hadn't gotten around to telling Cloud about my past adventures yet, so he didn't know that this wasn't the first time I'd been in this bed. I did kinda like the fact that it was his now, though. Something we had in common.

Cloud gave me a faint, wry little smirk. "Yeah. Don't be getting any bright ideas, though. I'm not that kinda guy."

I laughed. "Ha! You've got some wit, Cloud. I like it!"

And I really did. It gave me a little glow inside to see him take my little tease from the night we met and cleverly flip it around. It showed me how much he remembered the things I'd said and that he'd enjoyed our time together more than he'd let on.

Cloud raised an eyebrow. "Glad you approve."

"Oh, I do," I chuckled, my eyes dancing. "Guess it's only fair I get to be in your bed, too. After all, you got to be in mine."

"Sure picked a hell of a way to get there, though," he said.

I giggled, knowing just how right he was. "I suppose I did, didn't I? Well, maybe next time I'll get here the right way."

His jaw dropped. "Next time?"

"Well, you never know…" I teased, batting my eyelashes.

The look on Cloud's face was absolutely priceless, and I was totally enjoying it. Messing with him like that really cheered me up, especially with how much my head was still hurting. But even amidst that, I felt a rush of heat inside me as I thought of our near kiss today. And another as I wondered what it would be like to actually do what I'd said and get in this bed again someday. With Cloud.

I realized I was blushing a little and looked down for a moment as he did the same thing. Damn, but he was so cute when he was nervous. His hands were nice, too. This was the first time I'd ever seen them like this, without his gloves. Slender and strong. I just wanted to hold them and never let go. Eventually, our eyes found each other again, his deep, glowing baby blues making my heart spin.

"Listen, Jessie," Cloud said after a moment. "Tifa told me about the chip. And about the bomb. Avalanche, too."

I wasn't surprised. "Guess my little secret's out, huh?"

He nodded, his eyes lingering on me. "I asked her to tell me. Didn't want you getting hurt again."

"Awww, the hardened fighter has a soft spot after all," I laughed. "I guess I should be flattered. It's not every girl that has a strong, devoted mercenary looking out for her. And one that's so easy on the eyes, too. Makes me feel special, you know? But really… thank you."

"Sure," he said.

Then I went on, needing to know where he stood about our cause. "So, Cloud… will you help us? To fight Shinra, I mean."

When Cloud looked away again, avoiding my gaze, I knew I wasn't gonna like the answer. "Tifa and Barret are paying me to help with the Reactor 1 mission. But after that, I'm gone."

"But why?" I gaped. "I… I-I mean we… need you."

He sighed and brought his eyes back to mine. "I'm not here to join a rebellion, Jessie. I'm here for the paycheck."

"You really are a mercenary, aren't you?" I murmured.

I'd always known it, of course, but I still couldn't help feeling a little hurt. There was so much more to Cloud than he showed everyone else aside from me and Tifa. And I knew he cared, even if he'd never admit it. How could he just walk away from us? From me? We were friends, I knew we were. We'd done a lot together in the last two weeks, shared so much of our day with each other. I couldn't imagine him being gone, as if he had never shown up at all. But I also knew how closed off he kept himself. Maybe that was part of the problem.

Cloud grimaced. "It's what I do, Jessie. Besides, I can't stand Barret. He really annoys the hell outta me. The thought of having to deal with him for six more weeks or so makes my head hurt."

"It's true that he's not the easiest guy to get along with," I shrugged, not blaming him. Barret did take some getting used to. "But you know, Cloud, you're not exactly Mr. Personality yourself. I like you, and that's why I'm telling you this. I know how much you like that badass, tough guy image you're always wearing. But there's more to you than that. I've seen it in how you are with me. And I don't think it would hurt for you to show the others that side of you."

He frowned and folded his arms in front of him. "I'm not gonna be around very long. What's the point?"

I smiled gently, not really surprised by how stubborn he was being but sad that he wanted to leave. "It'll make the time you're with us a bit easier. And it's always good to have friends, Cloud."

"Not making any promises," he said.

"I wasn't really expecting you to," I grinned. "And as for Barret, just bear with him for me, would you?"

Cloud snorted. "Easier said than done."

I winked, knowing he'd try, if only for me. "Oh, I'm sure you'll find a way. But you'll still help me in the meantime?"

He nodded. "Yeah. We've got a bike to finish."

I hadn't forgotten about that, and I was so glad he hadn't, either. In the past two weeks, we'd gathered some more parts and worked on it in our spare time. I was pleasantly surprised at how into it he was—Cloud seem to really like it, eagerly doing whatever he could to help, and we'd made quite a bit of progress. And at that rate, I figured we could have it finished in another few weeks, maybe a month at the most. Just in time for him to leave, but… it couldn't be helped. Still, I'd enjoy the time we still had together, for as long as he was here.

"And more trips for us to make once we put together a new cart," I reminded him. "Can't keep my customers waiting."

"Right. Sure you're up to it?" he asked.

I rubbed my head where it still hurt like a bad tooth. "I'll probably have to take it easy for a day or two, but I'll be fine."

"Sounds good," Cloud said.

There was also the matter of what to do about the Vice gang, but I knew I wasn't in any shape to take them on yet. Soon, though. This had to stop, both for Lena's sake and mine. If it didn't, one of us was sure to be killed. So that meant going after Braddock himself. I'd have to make a plan with Cloud to deal with him before long, and I decided to bring Tifa in on it, too. Both because she could kick serious ass and because I wanted to make it up to her for not including her when I'd gone against Vice before. I'd promised not to leave her out again.

We hadn't talked about it since the day after I'd snuck into the Vice gang's hideout the first time, so I hadn't yet gotten around to telling her where it was. But knowing her, I was sure she was already working the patrons here at the bar to find out. People came from all over the slums to try her famous food and drinks, so Seventh Heaven was a gold mine for information. And Tifa knew exactly how to get it. While guys were busy admiring her and her assets, they weren't paying attention to what she was asking or what they were telling her.

Between me, Tifa, and Cloud, I knew we could kick the Vice gang's ass and put them outta business permanently. And we'd have to. I knew now that Braddock wasn't gonna stop until I was dead. Lena, too. She'd survived their assault and was a loose end he was intent on cutting off. But I needed to rest and recover from today first before we could get to work on bringing down Vice for good.

I yawned, still pretty tired. "For now, though, I think I'm gonna go back to sleep if you don't mind. See you in the morning?"

"I'll be here," Cloud promised.

As he stood up and put his gloves back on, I laid down and tugged the sheets and blanket up to my shoulders. Then I turned onto my side to watch him go, my heart pounding against my ribs with every strong step he took. When he was almost to the door, I called to him, not able to resist one last little flirt for today.

"Sweet dreams, Cloud," I smiled, gazing happily at him. "Maybe I'll come see you there, if you're lucky."

"Can't say that I'd mind," he admitted.

If only we'd known back then. That dream we'd shared in this place was sweet and wonderful, if it had even been a dream. I had the feeling it had been something more. And even in the midst of my memories, I can't help remembering it. I know I'll get out. And when I do, we'll talk about what we experienced here, sooner or later.

But there in Seventh Heaven's upstairs bedroom, Cloud and I gazed at each other for a long moment until he finally turned away. I kept on watching as he opened the door, and then weariness overtook me and I finally fell asleep, the pain in my head chased away both by fatigue and by how warm and content Cloud made me feel.