TWENTY-THREE

"So, what brings you here, Jessie?" Biggs asked.

The three of us were walking down the road, each of us carrying a cat as we brought them back to Wedge's place. He was on my right and Biggs was on my left. I liked them both right away. Sometimes you just click with certain people kind of like puzzle pieces fitting together, and that's the way it was with Biggs and Wedge.

Although I'd only just met them, I felt comfortable with these guys already. They were both so friendly and easygoing, and I couldn't help smiling a little as we went along. It took me a moment to answer Biggs' question, though. It was a good one, and I wasn't quite sure what to say at first. But after I thought about it, I knew.

"Came here from Sector 5," I said. "Looking to expand my business a bit and make some new friends."

Wedge grinned. "Cool! What do ya do?"

I chuckled. "Me? I fix stuff. Computers, phones, machines… lots of things. Anything electronic. If it's broken, I get it working again. Think you could use someone like that in Sector 7?"

"You bet!" Biggs replied. "A ton of stuff comes down here from the plate, most of it busted, so people would probably pay you good money to get it working again. Could make a name and a living for yourself in the salvage and repair business."

"Guess I'll fit right in, then," I laughed.

Biggs blinked. "Hey, wait a minute! You're the one Lena was telling me about, aren'tcha?"

I giggled. "Yep, that's me."

"Oh, you know her?" Wedge asked.

"We're good friends," I answered. "She mentioned having a brother over here. I'm guessing that's you, Biggs."

He nodded. "Sure is. She messaged me a little while ago saying you saved her from some bandits on the way here."

"Well, it was more like we saved each other," I smiled.

"Still, I'm grateful," Biggs said. "So if you ever need any help, me an' Wedge've gotcha covered. Just say the word!"

I gazed fondly at my new friends. "Thanks, guys."

"And here we are!" Wedge announced.

We stopped just outside a small, makeshift house at the corner of a long, narrow side street. There were a lot of little homes like that, and I could tell from the balls of string lying nearby and the three small food dishes set by the door that this was Wedge's home. After gently setting the cats on the ground, we just stood together and watched them for a moment as they meowed at our feet.

I knelt down to pet them. "They really are cute, Wedge."

"They seem to like you too, Jessie," he said, joining me. "I love cats, you know. Guess these guys are hungry, so I'll go ahead and feed them. Then it's refuelin' time for me!"

"Refueling?" I laughed. "What's that mean?"

Biggs clapped Wedge on the shoulder. "That's just how Wedge likes to say he's hungry, too. Isn't it, buddy?"

Wedge gave him a thumbs up. "Yep! That's how it is!"

"That's actually pretty clever!" I told him.

"Glad you like it," he said. "I won't be long, guys."

I stood up while Wedge fed his cats a generous amount of cat food and milk. No wonder they looked so healthy. They dug right in, side by side near the front door. Wedge cooed to them for a moment, and then he straightened up and joined us.

Biggs glanced at him. "Looks like they're all set."

"Yeah. Thanks for helping me bring 'em home, you two. Never saw these fellas run away like that before."

"No problem, Wedge," I said. "Glad I could lend a hand."

"What she said!" Biggs added.

In a way, though, I was glad the cats had run away. If they hadn't, I might never have met Biggs and Wedge. And then I remembered what Aerith had told me, that I was meant to be down in the slums. Was this a part of that somehow? I wasn't sure, but if it was, I didn't mind. It had brought me two new friends, after all.

Wedge chuckled. "Well, time to refuel!"

"Now that you mention it, I'm pretty hungry myself," I said. "What about you, Biggs? Up for some grub?"

"Count me in!" he agreed.

I grinned. "Awesome! Any good places to eat around here?"

Wedge nodded. "Oh, yeah! Follow me!"

"We know the best!" Biggs said.

"Wow!" I giggled as we walked down the street after Wedge. "Can't wait to try it, then. So where are we going?"

Biggs just smirked. "You'll see."

"Her food is heaven!" Wedge gushed.

"Her?" I wondered.

He glanced over his shoulder at us. "A friend of ours. And the best cook in the slums. All of Midgar, even!"

"Makes some damn good drinks, too," Biggs added.

After finding our way back to the main road, we followed it until it dead ended at another street going across. It was dirt, like all the others in the slums, and on the other side of the intersection was a wide open clearing, a yard of sorts. And when we got there, we all stopped for just a moment to look at where we were going.

It was a bar, but not one of the rundown drinking pits you'd find in seedier areas like Wall Market. No, this place was different. And one of the biggest buildings I'd ever seen down here. It had at least two floors, maybe three, and a polished wooden deck that wrapped almost all the way around the front of the bar. There were tables and chairs for sitting outside, large windows, and soft, warm yellow lights.

A short flight of stairs led from the ground up to the deck and a set of swinging saloon doors that led inside. Neatly suspended above each side of the deck was a canopy made of clean, olive-colored cloth, and a third one stretched over an archway decorating the entrance. And just above that was a wide, gently curving wooden sign with just two words on it in clear, yellow letters—Seventh Heaven.

"I love it!" I beamed. "And I haven't even gone inside yet!"

"Then what are we waiting for?" Wedge laughed.

I followed the guys up the stairs. There was just something so nice and inviting about the place. Like it welcomed you with open arms. No wonder there were people crowded around it, and probably more once we got inside. It looked pretty busy, but I didn't mind. It would be good to just sit and relax for a while.

When we got inside the Seventh Heaven, we sat down at one of the polished wooden tables near the front. In the back was the bar itself. It stretched most of the way across, with the kitchen off to the right and a door leading upstairs in between. A row of stools, most of them taken, sat in front of the bar, and most of the other tables were occupied, too. There were a few neon signs, a TV in one corner, a jukebox, and a few pinball machines along the right side of the room. Music and talk filled the air along with the clinking of glasses.

Biggs waved to someone behind the bar, and a moment later, a girl who looked to be about eighteen came over to see us. A lot of the guys in the room watched her as she moved, and I could see why. She was a knockout with her long legs, black leather miniskirt, teardrop earrings, sleeveless gray top, and rich, dark brown hair that fell past her waist. It was tied into a cute fishtail at the end. She also wore a pair of soft boots as well as fingerless gloves made of red leather.

The girl also had a bust that was like a magnet to the guys' eyes. I'd always been fine with my own modest assets and the looks they would sometimes draw from guys, but they didn't compare to what she had. It amazed me, though, how well she handled the attention. Lots of looks, but no one tried to grope her no matter how drunk they were. Some of the men inevitably tried to hit on her as she went by, but she would just smile and move on with barely a word.

"Hi, guys!" she said when she came over. "Glad you could make it! Looks like you brought a new friend tonight."

Biggs nodded. "Yep! Sure did!"

I stood up and offered my hand. "I'm Jessie Rasberry."

"Tifa Lockhart," she shook it and smiled.

I returned it, liking her immediately. "Nice to meet you, Tifa. I just got into town today. Met these two guys a little while ago and did some cat wrangling. It's been fun!"

Tifa blinked. "Cat wrangling?"

"My babies ran away," Wedge explained sheepishly. "But Jessie and Biggs helped me find 'em and take 'em home."

"That's one way to make new friends," she chuckled.

I sat back down. "Brought us together!"

Tifa smirked. "Maybe they did, at that. So anyway, how about I get you all something to drink?"

"Sounds good!" Biggs answered.

I agreed. "Yeah! Can't wait to try some of your cooking, too. I hear it's the best in town."

Wedge flashed her a thumbs up. "Definitely!"

Tifa patted his shoulder. "Didn't waste any time, did you?"

"Hey, she was hungry," he grinned. "Asked us if we knew any good places to eat around here."

"And yours was at the top of the list," Biggs said.

Tifa laughed. "I bet it is. Anyway, you won't be disappointed, Jessie. So just kick back, take a look at the menu, and let me know what you'd like to have, okay? Be back in a few!"

After taking our drink orders, she slipped back behind the bar, and I chatted with Biggs and Wedge. They were, as I'd thought, both in the neighborhood watch. Wedge had grown up here, apparently, and Biggs had moved here about a month ago just like Lena had told me, though he'd been visiting frequently for nearly a year before that. The guys had become best friends during that time, which didn't surprise me one bit. They must've been inseparable.

Tifa brought us our drinks a few minutes later and stuck around to talk with us for a moment or two before she had to go see to the rest of her customers. But it was more than enough for me to compliment her on the liquor—something called a Cosmo Canyon.

It was really good, and I was beginning to see why this place was so popular. When she came back with our food a little while later, though, I was truly amazed. The guys hadn't been kidding when they'd praised her cooking. It was way better than I'd been expecting.

"This is incredible!" I told her as I ate.

Tifa smiled. "You like it?"

That was an understatement. "I've been to fancy restaurants on the plate—I used to live there, actually—but as good as the food was, yours just blows it away! I mean it!"

The steak I'd had back at Stephen's Restaurant on my first date with Kunsel had been delicious, but the one Tifa had cooked for me made it seem like a drunken fry up in comparison. The flavors just popped like nothing I'd ever tasted before. It was amazing!

"What'd I tell ya?" Wedge beamed, his mouth full.

"Thanks, Jessie," Tifa said. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. Eat as much as you want, there's plenty more."

Biggs chuckled. "I think you've got a new fan, Tifa!"

"You're damn right!" I smirked.

"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet," Wedge told me between bites. "Just wait 'till dessert! Her double chocolate cake is so awesome! You've gotta try it, Jessie. Seriously! It's the best!"

It did sound good. "Put me down for a slice, Tifa."

She nodded. "Will do. Be back soon!"

Then she hurried away again, the crowd keeping her busy as we ate our dinner. As we talked and joked and got to know each other better, I felt us slide into an almost natural rhythm. We teased each other, back and forth, playing off one another almost without effort.

It amazed me how quickly we bonded, the three of us, and the way Biggs and Wedge had just accepted me so warmly despite not knowing much about me made me really happy. For the first time since coming to the slums, I didn't feel lonely anymore.

"Are you seriously having thirds, Wedge?" I giggled.

He grinned as Tifa handed him another plate of hot food. "Yep! It's just so good! And you know what? Tifa always lets me try out her new recipes. Best job in the slums!"

Biggs took a swig of his drink. "You ain't kiddin'!"

"He's actually very good at it," Tifa said. "He'll tell me if something doesn't taste right."

"Doesn't happen often, though," Wedge said.

I believed him. "So where'd you learn to cook, Tifa? I'm impressed. And here I thought the guys were exaggerating!"

"My mom taught me," she smiled. "She was the best."

"I know what you mean," I murmured.

Biggs pushed back his plate. "So, Jessie… what's your plan? Found yourself a place to stay yet?"

"No," I shook my head. "I was planning on looking around for one tomorrow. There's gotta be homes and such for rent around here, right? I'll look for one and see about getting it furnished."

"Why don't you let these guys help you?" Tifa suggested.

Biggs leaned forward in his chair. "Right! Between me and Wedge, there isn't anyone in Sector 7 we don't know, Jessie. We can meet in the morning and help you get all set up."

Wedge lifted his fork. "Just leave it to us!"

"Guess I will," I laughed. "Thanks, guys. Oh, that reminds me, I've gotta go book a room at the inn for the night when we're done here. It's been a long day, but it sure ended well!"

"That might be a problem," Biggs said.

I blinked. "Why?"

He went on. "The inn always fills up fast. Gotta get over there early if you wanna be sure you get a room. Afternoon's usually best. By now, though, it's sure to be all booked up."

"I'm afraid he's right, Jessie," Tifa added.

"What should I do?" I wondered.

She thought for a moment, then took my shoulder. "Tell you what. I've got an extra room upstairs. Been using it for storage, but I do have a nice bed in there. If you don't mind helping me move a few boxes and things later, you're more than welcome to stay here until you get settled into your new place. Sound good?"

"It does, Tifa," I smiled. "Thank you."

Then she nodded and hurried away again, the crowd continuing to keep her busy and on her feet. She came back a bit later with dessert, a little slice of heaven that was every bit as good as Wedge had promised. I have a real weakness for chocolate, and that cake was to die for. I was so full by the time it was all over Tifa would've had to roll me upstairs, but the meal had been worth every bite.

The guys didn't leave right away. We hung out together at the table for a while as the crowd slowly thinned out. As it did and the night got later, Tifa was able to stop by and see us more often and for longer, and I enjoyed talking with her, too. And when it was finally time for her to close up the bar and we'd said goodnight to Biggs and Wedge, I started stacking chairs to help her out.

"Oh, you don't have to do that," she said.

I chuckled. "I don't mind. You're giving me a roof over my head, so the least I can do is give you a hand in return."

Tifa started sweeping the floor. "Well, thanks, Jessie. I appreciate it. Not used to having much help around here. This place keeps me pretty busy most of the time, you know."

"You own it?" I asked.

"Yep. Inherited it from the previous owner after he left a year ago. I was just a waitress then, trying to make ends meet. It's not much, but it makes me happy to have this little place. And I've got a friend who's the best bouncer you'll ever see."

I grinned. "Really? Must be pretty tough."

Tifa laughed. "He is. Not that I can't take care of myself, too. You'll see once you get to know me. As for Barret, he doesn't work here every night, so that's why you didn't see him. He doesn't have to, though. The crowd's usually pretty good most of the time. And once you meet him, you'll understand why, trust me."

"Looking forward to it," I smirked.

When we were finished cleaning up downstairs, Tifa and I went to the second floor and between us, we got her extra things moved out of the spare bedroom and into her own room and closet. It didn't take too long, and I was getting tired by then. But I figured I'd have a drink first before finally getting some sleep.

Tifa had the same idea, and we both headed back downstairs. I was in the mood for some water, so I just took a glass from the shelf before moving over to the sink. But when I turned on the faucet and the water started streaming out, I backed away in a hurry, curling my nose at the icky smell coming from it. Like badly rotten eggs.

"Whoa!" I coughed. "What's wrong with your water?"

Tifa covered her nose. "Yeah, sorry about that. It's the pipes around here, they're so old and dirty. Happens in other places across the slums, too. I'm a little surprised you haven't run into this kinda thing already. It's the number one complaint around here."

I switched off the faucet and took a closer look at it. "I haven't been down here that long, only about a month or so. And it wasn't so bad in Sector 5. Hmm… you know, if I can find some tools and parts, I think I could put together a filter that would get rid of the smell and clean up your water. Might even make it taste better, too."

"If you could do that, you'd be a lifesaver!" Tifa exclaimed. "Me and my coffee would both thank you. Not to mention the customers. Didn't know you were into that kinda stuff."

"I'm pretty good with gadgets and things, yeah," I said.

She nodded. "Biggs mentioned that to me earlier. Anyway, ready to call it a night, Jessie?"

"In a bit," I told her. "Thought I'd go outside first."

Tifa smiled. "Sounds good to me. Mind if I join you? I could use a bit of fresh air after working all day."

"The more the merrier, as they say," I laughed.

After we walked out on the patio, I moved up to the railing, draped my arms over it, and gazed at Sector 7. Although it was after midnight now, there were still a few people walking about here and there. Lights shone brightly along the dirt roads, and the lines of ramshackle houses and shops sat sleepily together.

I took a deep breath, then let it out. It was nice here, and I thought I could really make a good life for myself in this place. I'd already made some good friends, and I had something I could contribute and do for the people here. I only wished that Kunsel had been there with me. He would've liked it, I knew. It might not have been the high class life we'd had in Sector 8, but we'd have been happy here.

With a sigh, I looked up at the underside of the plate, wondering if he was thinking about me, where he was, and what he was doing. I still missed him, and not a day had gone by since I'd come to the slums that I didn't stare up at the plate at night and think about him. Had it really been a month already? It didn't seem that way. It felt like I had only left yesterday. The hurt was still there, still fresh.

"Something on your mind?" Tifa came up alongside me.

My eyes stayed on the plate. "Just… missing someone, Tifa. Hasn't been an easy road for me."

She looked up at it with me. "The right ones never are."

"I guess that's true," I said.

"Was it… someone special?" she asked.

I rested my hands on the railing. "Yeah. He really was. Made me so happy just to be with him. But… it didn't work out."

"I'm sorry," Tifa touched my shoulder.

Now I did look at her. "Thanks, Tifa. Means a lot."

She smiled. "Anytime. I have someone I think about, too."

"What's he like?" I wondered.

"Well, he was always a little aloof, but deep down, he's really a good guy. You'd like him, Jessie. We were barely more than kids the last time we saw each other. That was about five years ago. Left our village, and I haven't heard from him since."

I managed a quiet laugh. "Childhood friend, eh? That sounds nice. I'm sure you'll see him again someday."

"I hope so," she agreed. "And you too, Jessie."

"Thanks. I'm still getting used to being down here, you know? It's a lot different than where I came from."

Tifa nodded. "I can imagine. But you'll adjust."

I knew I would. "Yeah. So… ever been topside before?"

"Only a little," she answered. "My life and my work are down here, so I don't usually need to go anywhere else. You lived up there, right? I think I remember you mentioning that."

"When I was raving about your cooking," I laughed.

Tifa grinned. "Oh, that's right."

I went on. "It was… a different life. Not ready to say much about it yet, though. Maybe another time."

"Of course," Tifa said. "I understand."

We talked for a while longer as the night went on. Ordinary things like what her work was like, my hopes and plans for my life in Sector 7, how one of Wedge's cats had found me when I had first arrived in town and had led me to him and Biggs, and how Tifa had met them over the course of her time here, among other things.

"You've known Wedge longer, right?" I asked.

"Yeah," she said. "He grew up here, and I've lived in Sector 7 for the past three years. He's been my most loyal customer, too!"

I chuckled. "I'll bet. And Biggs?"

"On and off over the past year. You probably know this already, but he used to live in Sector 5 until recently."

"His little sister and I are friends, actually," I told her.

Tifa smirked. "Well, you've got one up on me, then. I've never met her. Biggs talks about her all the time, though."

He'd shared a few amusing stories about her at dinner, and we had all ended up laughing by the end of them. I'd had no idea she'd been so headstrong and impetuous as a kid, although now that I thought about it, I wasn't so surprised. She'd volunteered for the watch despite being a year too young, and she'd gone off on her own to look out for me while I was on my way here to Sector 7.

"I noticed," I said. "Didn't say much about why he moved, though. Change of scenery, maybe?"

"Sort of," Tifa ran a hand through her hair.

I blinked. "Do you know?"

"Me, Barret, and Wedge have been doing some… business together lately. And Biggs wanted in. Being over here with us makes it easier for him to do that than if he'd stayed in Sector 5."

"What kind of business?" I wondered, curious.

She shook her head. "It's nothing you need to worry about."

I nodded. "Okay. Hope it works out for you guys."

"Thanks, Jessie," she murmured. "So do I."

I straightened and stretched for a moment, ready now to get to bed and snooze. I had another long day ahead of me, but this one promised to be a good and productive one, if all went well. I was excited at what I had ahead of me, finding my own home and building my business and life here, and I knew with the guys helping me, it'd be a lot of fun. Hard work, of course, but fun as well.

"Heading in?" Tifa stretched as well.

"Yep, I think I'm about ready to crash now," I yawned with a laugh. "That bed's calling me by name, I think. Got a lot to do tomorrow, and I'll see if I can get that filter made for you, too."

Tifa slid an arm around my shoulder. "I'd really appreciate that. In the meantime, though, how about we get some sleep? Bar doesn't open until late in the afternoon, but there's always a lot of prep work that I've gotta do in the meantime. Never ends."

"Won't get any argument from me," I chuckled.

As Tifa let go and pulled opened one of the swinging double doors, she glanced over her shoulder at me. "And Jessie?"

"Yeah, Tifa?" I asked.

She smiled. "Welcome home."