For several hours, the pair moved quietly across the sands, senses alert for any hint of a threat. Though the darkness provided some protection against being by spotted by Koyoto's men it left them more vulnerable to attack from the monsters that lived in the wastelands.

"So," Zack said softly, finally breaking the silence, "How old were you when you came to Shinra?"

"I'm not really sure," Callandra shrugged, "No older than two or three I guess. At first, it was just me and Sephiroth. Then a few years later Angeal and Genesis came. We just clicked from the moment we met. Hojo hated it. He wanted Seph and I isolated from the rest of the world, especially Sephiroth. Hojo always did his best to make Sephiroth feel just how different he was."

"You know, you talk about Angeal and Genesis a lot but you rarely mention Sephiroth. Why?" Zack asked, his eyes shifting from the shadows to his companion.

Stiffening, Callie took a moment to answer. "It's . . . painful," she tried to explain without saying too much, "It's harder to talk about him after . . . everything."

"Yeah," Zack nodded, "I was there you know, when he . . . snapped. He burned Nibelheim and then nearly killed Cloud and I. He just . . . couldn't handle the truth I guess."

"But you knew him before that," Callie said urgently, "He was a good man."

"I know," Zack sounded sad, "And he was a good friend." Zack froze and held up a hand. "Listen."

"I hear it," Callie whispered, reaching for her swords, "Duck!"

Zack dropped to the ground and Callandra spun her blades slicing the bird-like monster into three bloody pieces. As Zack leapt back to his feet, two more of the green birds appeared along with a Fly Eye, and two Bombs. The brunette pulled the Buster Sword with a flourish. "Is that all? Piece of cake."

"I was hoping for more of a challenge," Callandra agreed, "But still we are in a hurry."

"Right."

They attacked swiftly, the strokes strong and sure. In minutes, all the monsters were dead.

"Well," Zack said, placing the Buster Sword back on its magnetic sheath, "That was quick."

"With any luck there was no one around to hear us," Callandra said, spinning the katanas lazily before sheathing them.

"Yeah, which with our luck means there's probably an army heading this way," Zack pointed out ruefully.

"We'd better move it."

The pair set off again, moving slightly faster than before. They pushed on, occasionally having to pause when attacked by monsters. As the sun rose, Edge loomed within reach.

"Maybe we should wait until dark," Callie hesitated.

"It'd be better," Zack agreed, "But there's no place to lay low out here."

"You're right," she sighed, "Let's just hope we're not spotted. We really kind of stand out right now."

Grinning wryly, Zack looked her over. Callandra's clothes were torn and bloody and her cheeks liberally smudged with dirt. He suspected that he didn't look much better. "Let's just hope we find Cloud or Tifa quick."

As they started walking again, Callie asked, "What do you think they'll do? I mean you have been dead for several years now." She paused and titled her head, "That sounds really weird. I'm talking to a dead guy." She gave Zack a sheepish look. "Sorry."

"Tifa will deal," Zack sighed, "Cloud . . . I don't know. He's been through a lot and blames himself for my death and Aerith's."

"It's a hard lesson," she said gently, "You can't save everyone, and heroes die."

They were silent for a moment both of their thoughts on Angeal and Sephiroth.

"Zack," Callie said slowly, "Is . . . did you . . . is Genesis in the Lifestream?"

"No," Zack soothed, "I never saw him, and the last time we parted he was alive."

"But if he's alive . . ." Callandra trailed off and she clenched her firsts. "It doesn't matter."

It obviously did, but Zack let it go sensing the pain that battled the initial relief. He knew well the pain of abandonment and betrayal. Silently, they kept walking, Edge growing nearer with every step.

It was about 9am when the dusty pair entered the city. As predicted, they instantly drew the attention of everyone within twenty feet. Fortunately, Zack found someone who knew the location of 7th Heaven on the fourth try. Callandra insisted on stopping at a nearby vendor that sold sunglasses.

"Your sudden resurrection is going to be enough of a shock," Callie explained when Zack asked why she wanted the sunglasses, "I think maybe I should hide my eyes at least until the worst of the shock has passed."

"I guess," Zack shrugged, "Whatever makes you more comfortable."

Following the stranger's directions, they soon found themselves standing in front of Tifa's bar.

When Zack hesitated, Callie gave him a questioning look.

"I know I wanted to come here," Zack shrugged, "Guess I'm just nervous about how Cloud will react."

"The worse he can do is pass out," Callandra said lightly.

Zack laughed. "Yeah." He took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing." Grasping the doorknob, he led the way inside.

OOOOOOOOO

Zack stepped inside, aware of Callandra's presence behind him. The place was clean and welcoming. Tifa was behind the bar drying some glasses and there were three other people in the room with her. A young Wutain girl who was very familiar sat on one of the stools, idly twisting the seat back and forth. Next to her, sat a man in a red cloak with long, dark hair. And next to him, was a muscular blonde man in his early thirties, pilot's goggles perched on his head, with a cigarette dangling loosely from his lips.

"We're not open yet," Tifa said without glancing up.

"I thought maybe you'd make an exception for me," Zack said softly.

Tifa's head snapped up and her eyes widened. "Oh Gaia. Zack?" It can't be . . . but . . . how?

"It's been a while," Zack grinned weakly, scratching the back of his neck.

The Wutain girl jumped off her bar stool, her eyes incredulous and then Zack remembered her. "You!" she gasped.

"Hiya, Yuffie. You sure grew up."

"You're dead!" Tifa insisted as Vincent and Cid shared a confused glance.

"You died?" Yuffie shouted, "You're dead?"

"Yeah, but not so much anymore."

"That doesn't make any sense," Yuffie whined.

Zack snorted. "Tell me about it, kiddo."

"Whaddya mean he's supposed to be dead?!" Cid demanded, "He sure as hell looks alive to me. And just who the hell is he? And what about her," he continued jerking his thumb at Callandra who observed from just behind Zack, "Somebody better start fucking explainin'."

Vincent frowned, eyes shifting back and forth between Tifa and the brunette male. "Tifa," he said, "What's going on?"

Ignoring her friends' confusion, Tifa came around the counter, slowly approaching the nervous ex-soldier. Stopping just in front of him she gazed up into those sky blue eyes. For a moment, time shifted, and she was back in Nibelheim, fourteen and dressed in that ridiculous cowgirl outfit. Those eyes hadn't changed at all. "It really is you," she murmured, reaching out to touch his cheek, just to confirm that he was real. "But . . . how?"

"It's a long story," Zack sighed, lifting her hand from his cheek and giving it a gentle squeeze. "We'll get into it shortly but first . . .where's Cloud?"

"He went on a delivery first thing this morning," Tifa shook her head, "I can't believe any of this." The martial artist ran her gaze over the First Class and her eyes widened noticing for the first time how dirty and bloody his clothes were. Wine colored eyes snapped to the strange woman who accompanied him and saw that her clothes were even bloodier. "What happened?! Are you hurt?"

"We're fine," Zack assured her, "Just a little tired."

"Who's your friend?" Tifa asked, running an assessing gaze over the other woman. It was odd that she wore sunglasses even inside but then again, so did Rude. I've seen weirder things.

"I'm Callandra," the other woman said, tone neutral. Callandra had watched the odd reunion slowly running her hidden gaze over each occupant, each no doubt a member of AVALANCHE. These are the people who killed Sephiroth. Callie had always wondered how'd she react if she met any of them. She didn't feel the seething hate she'd always thought she would. She didn't want to snuggle with any of them but she didn't hate them either. I'm just as guilty as they are¸ she reminded herself.

"She totally saved my ass," Zack said in response to Tifa's suspicious look.

"Hey!" Yuffie stomped a foot, "Will someone please explain what's going on?"

Again, Zack started to reply only to freeze when the door opened behind them. Turning slowly, he found himself meeting the disbelieving blue eyes of his friend . . . the one he had given his life to protect.

"Cloud."

"Zack . . ." Cloud swayed, one hand slamming against the wall in a desperate attempt to stay upright.

"Whoa, buddy!" Zack yelped, grabbing Cloud to steady him. Quickly, he helped his friend to a chair. "Easy."

A muffled chuckle reached his ears and the brunette glanced up to find Callandra trying to hide a smile behind her hand.

"He didn't pass out!" he protested, though a smirk was teasing his lips. This really is ridiculous.

"Close enough," Callandra drawled.

"What?" Cloud demanded dazedly.

Zack shook his head, "Don't worry about it."

Cloud's eyes cleared and sat up straighter, wide eyes staring into Zack's. "You're really here?" he asked softly, "This isn't a dream." Please don't let this be a dream.

"More like a nightmare," Zack retorted, but shrugged giving the blonde a reassuring smile, "But, yeah, I'm really here."

Cloud stood, eyes suspiciously bright. He reached out, pulling the First Class to him in a hug. "You're really here," he whispered.

Shocked, Zack slowly returned the hug. "Yeah, but if you squeeze any tighter I'm not gonna be able to breathe."

Cloud blushed and stepped back meeting Zack's eyes once again. "But . . . I don't understand. How?" You're not going to disappear are you?

"Like I said, it's a long story." Gaia, Cloud, I'm standing in front of you and I can still see the doubts. I never meant to hurt you.

"Not so long," Callandra smirked, "Just . . . complicated."

"Who are you?" Cloud demanded, eyeing her distrustfully.

"Callandra," the redhead replied, returning Cloud's gaze, a challenge in the vague smirk she wore and her suddenly defensive posture.

"Callie, stop it." Zack admonished. She smiled sheepishly and shrugged. "She's a friend, Cloud," Zack said quietly, "She saved me from another stint in a lab."

"Lab?" Cloud asked, a slight shudder racing through him.

"Let's sit down," Tifa said, taking Cloud's hand comfortingly. She looked over at Zack. "Are you two hungry? Is there anything I can get you?"

Zack glanced over at Callandra and the redhead gave him a slight nod. "Yeah, military rations only go so far. Thanks, Tifa."

The bartender nodded and headed back to the kitchen to whip up a late breakfast. I think there's still some batter left over from this morning.

When Tifa had left, Cloud stared down at the table and asked softly, "How long have you been back?"

"Two or three days I think," Zack answered getting a confirming nod from Callie. "I'm sorry it took me so long to get here but we ran into some . . . difficulties. If you don't mind . . . I'd rather wait until Tifa's back. I don't want to have to explain this twice." The brunette gestured towards the curious trio that had joined them at the table. "Yuffie and I have met," Zack gave the girl a grin, "But care to introduce me to your friends?"

"Oh," Cloud blushed again, "Sorry. This is Vincent Valentine," Cloud gestured towards the man in the red cape, "And the loud-mouth is Cid Highwind."

"Highwind," Zack mused, "Didn't I hear something about you and the space program?"

"Yup," Cid said pleased, "That'd be me. Best pilot there is."

"And modest too," Zack mused.

Cloud chuckled as Cid glared at the ex-SOLDIER. Gaia, he'd missed the way Zack could make him laugh. "Cid, Vincent, meet SOLIER First Class Zack Fair."

"Fuck," Cid's eyes widened, "Yer shittin' me. Thought ya said he was dead!"

Zack sighed, "I was. But now I'm not," he rubbed his temples, "Damn, that sounds weird, and I'm the one it happened to. Shit." He shrugged. "I promise I'll explain everything as soon as Tifa gets back."

"You'd better," Cloud warned, though a tiny smile lit his usually somber features.

While they waited, Yuffie and Zack told the story of how'd they met.

"Damn," Cid said, "Stealin' even when she was a kid."

"I'm not overly surprised," Vincent added, eyes dancing.

"A princess, huh?" Zack mused, "Never would have guessed."

"Well," Yuffie sniffed, "That's because I'm an awesome ninja first and a princess after."

"And a very sneaky thief," Zack teased.

"Hey!"

Several minutes later, Tifa returned with a tray laden with two empty plates, and a third plate filled with steaming hotcakes. Another plate held crisp strips of bacon. Lastly, there were the two large glasses of milk.

"You're awesome, Tifa!" Zack exclaimed sitting up eagerly.

"Thanks," Tifa smiled setting the trays contents on the table. Callandra pulled off her gloves and shoved them in her pocket before picking up her fork. Tifa waited until each of her guests had taken a bite.

"Wow," Zack moaned, after swallowing, "This is really good."

"Yeah," Callie spoke up softly, "This is the first time I've had a meal this good in a long time. Thank you, Tifa," Almost shyly, she offered the other woman a smile.

Though her eyes were still hidden behind the dark sunglasses Tifa sensed that the sentiment and smile were genuine and returned them warmly. "You're welcome."

The others waited impatiently as Zack and Callie cleared the table of all food. Well, mostly it was Zack. Callandra had eaten two of the hotcakes and four pieces of bacon. Zack had devoured everything else.

"Zack," Cloud said, "Now that you've filled that bottomless pit you call a stomach, you really have some explaining to do."

"Yeah," Zack sighed, "Well, it all started with this creepy ex-Shinra scientist, Koyoto." Zack filled them in on his resurrection and the following events with occasional help from Callandra. Though he said nothing, the First Class had noticed the changes in her behavior since entering the bar. She leaned back casually in her chair but her arms were crossed defensively and she watched the others warily. Additionally, though Zack had only known her a few days, he had never known her to be so quiet in that time. Zack glossed over much of Callandra's background, only mentioning that she was ex-Shinra and that she had known Angeal, Genesis, and Sephiroth. If she wanted them to know then she'd tell them.

"What about Aerith?" Cloud interjected quietly.

"Still in the Lifestream," Zack sighed when the blonde nodded sadly, "Look, Cloud, I miss Aerith like crazy but I think I'd kill Koyoto if he pulled the same bullshit with her that he has with me. She's happy there, Cloud. She's helping people and doing important work and that's enough for her."

"You don't sound happy to be back," Cloud observed softly.

Zack shook his head, "I'm sorry . . . it's just that me and Aerith and Angeal, we were all together and we were happy and now . . . I just miss them. But I am glad I got to see you again, Spikey. Believe that."

Cloud smiled, nodding his head in understanding. I'm sorry, Zack, but I could almost hug Koyoto for bringing you back . . . right before I wrecked his lab. I won't let you down again, I promise.

When Zack finished the tale with his arrival at the bar, they sat in silence for several moments. Cid broke the silence, "That explains you," the pilot said, "But that doesn't explain her. All you've said is that she's ex-Shinra like you and her had some friends in common. There's somethin' not right about ya," Cid finished glaring at the girl accusingly.

"Hey!" Zack protested, but stopped when Callandra laid a hand on his arm.

"What do you want to know?" Callandra asked calmly, though her shoulders were tense. "I was one of Hojo's experiments and the only female SOLDIER though my existence was top secret. Shortly after Nibelheim burned, I left Shinra and have been living in Midgar alone for several years now. What else could you possibly need to know?"

"Why have ya been hidin'?" Cid demanded, "We coulda used yer help during all that shit with Sephiroth. Hell, you've been in Midgar? That means ya were there for all that Deepground bullshit and probably that nutter Kadaj. Did ya hide then too? You sound like moreova coward than a SOLDIER."

Callandra leaned forward with a hiss, "Just because you did not see me during the battle against Deepground does not mean that I was not there fighting. I just chose not to be seen." She seemed to deflate slightly. "As for Sephiroth . . . I couldn't fight him."

"Take off your sunglasses," Vincent said abruptly, drawing all eyes to him.

"Why?" Callandra challenged.

"Do you have something to hide?" Vincent retorted.

Again, Zack started to protest and again Callandra stopped him. "Guess it's time to face the music." She took a steadying breath then removed the glasses from her eyes. Slowly, she looked up into the shocked and horrified eyes of those around her.

"Her eyes!" Yuffie gasped.

Callandra smiled coldly, "I'm sure that you can guess the nature of the experiments that Hojo conducted on me. I was an attempt to recreate Sephiroth's power."

"It's not her fault," Zack cried, looking at Cloud pleadingly, "She was just a baby when Hojo got a hold of her."

Cloud and Vincent shifted uncomfortably. They knew well what the scientist had been capable of.

"No," Cid snapped, "Maybe not then but she sure as hell chose to hide and let Sephiroth do whatever the fuck he wanted."

"You don't understand," Callandra cried, clenching her fists, "I couldn't fight him . . . I couldn't bear it."

"Cid," Cloud snapped, "Stop it." Cloud didn't know what he thought of all of this but he did know that Callandra had saved Zack and he also recognized the wounded wildness in her eyes. He'd felt it himself several times.

"Fuckin' coward," Cid frowned, ignoring Cloud, "Sounds like ya hid and let others do all the sacrificin'.

"Stop it!" Callandra demanded, eyes wide.

"Truth hurts don't it, kid?" Cid sneered.

Leaping to her feet, Callandra brought her hand down, smashing the wooden table. The others jumped back as the redhead stood seething. She seemed completely unaware of the splinters stuck in her skin or the drops of blood staining the floor. "You don't know anything," she hissed, body trembling, "I think I 'sacrificed' enough," she was yelling now, "I stood by and watched while you killed Sephiroth. I stood by and let all of you kill my lover! I sacrificed Sephiroth for the sake of this fucking planet and everyone on it. I let you fucking kill him!"

Bloody hands clutched at her hair, "Oh Gaia, I let you kill him," she groaned.

"Callandra," Zack whispered, eyes sympathetic as he reached for her.

"No!" she cried spinning away. Callandra dashed to the door and out into the street.

"Son of a bitch," Zack glared at Cid before pursuing the redhead.

He found her on the sidewalk clutching desperately at a light pole. She gripped the metal so hard that her fingers left dents in the surface. With a cry, she ripped the pole free of the ground sending the lamppost flying to the side in a shower of sparks.

"Stay away," she told Zack, shuddering.

"Callandra," Zack said gently, "You should have told me."

"It wouldn't have changed anything," she cried, "Highwind's right! I was weak. You loved Angeal but you still did what you had to do. I wasn't strong enough so I hid and let others do it for me! I betrayed Sephiroth by letting it happen!"

"Sephiroth betrayed all of us," Zack countered firmly, "And you still loved him. It took strength for you to let others do what needed to be done."

Red hair flailed around her shoulders as she shook her head in denial. Her eyes were wild but she didn't move as Zack slowly and carefully approached her.

He looked into her eyes and saw that her eyes were brimming with tears that she wouldn't let fall. "It's okay to cry," Zack said quietly.

"No!" She took a step back, "I can't . . . I've never . . . If I do . . ."

"You've never let yourself cry over this?" Zack demanded in disbelief.

"I can't!"

Zack stepped forward quickly and wrapped his arms around Callandra, tenderly pulling her into his embrace. "Let it out," he murmured, gently guiding her face to his chest and holding it there. She struggled but he held her tightly, "You need to let it out, Callie," he said, "You can't heal until you do." Memories of crying for Angeal ran through his head and he remembered that Aerith's arms had been the only thing that kept him grounded in those first days. He held on tightly, not letting go no matter how much she fought him.

"I've got you," Zack rested his head on top of hers, "Just let it out."

Callandra's slender body vibrated violently until at last a single sob escaped her. Once she started, the tears came easier and soon she no longer fought Zack's grip but leaned into his strength. Zack held her there in the street ignoring the curious and frightened gazes of the people around them as they eyed the still sparking light pole.

Looking between the sparking fixture and the obviously trouble woman, the people quickly decided that leaving would be wise. Zack scarcely noticed any of this. His hand no longer held her head against him but stroked her hair soothingly. She clung to him, one hand clenched in the front of his shirt and the other in the material at his back. He rocked slightly in place as she cried. At last, Callandra's wrenching sobs had faded to silent tears punctuated by an occasional sniffle.

"Zack."

The First Class turned slightly to see Cloud, Tifa, Yuffie, Vincent and Cid watching from the door of the bar.

"Bring her inside," Tifa ordered quietly.

Bending slightly, Zack slipped an arm under the redhead's knees and lifted her light form into his arms. She clutched at his shirt silently cursing her weakness. He carried her to the door, glaring at Cid as he none too gently brushed past the older man. Callandra didn't notice any of them. She had buried her head in Zack's neck and clenched her eyes shut.

"I'll show you where you can rest," Cloud said softly. He turned to Tifa. "Maybe you should make some of your tea."

Tifa nodded in understanding and once again disappeared into the kitchen. Cloud turned back to Zack. "Come on." The blonde led Zack upstairs to a room with two beds.

Setting the sniffling woman on the bed, Zack knelt in front of her and gently wiped tear dampened locks from her face. "Hush now," he murmured, wiping a tear away with his thumb.

"Zack," she whispered, "I'm so sorry. I . . ."

"Hey, sssh," Zack soothed, "We've both had a long couple of days. We can talk about this after you've rested okay?" He cupped her chin so that she met his gaze. "And you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Understand?" Gaia, she looks so young.

Eyes wide, she nodded.

"Good." Zack stood and sat on the bed beside her and lifted her bloody hand to examine the damage. "These'll have to come out," the brunette frowned at the protruding splinters.

"Hold on," Cloud left, reappearing with a first aid kit. He handed it to Zack. "You should find everything you need in there."

Zack quirked an eyebrow as he examined the large, heavy case. "Being a delivery boy is dangerous work, huh?"

Rolling his eyes, Cloud smirked, "You never know."

Sitting down next to Callandra, Zack sat the case on a small table that Cloud pulled over to the bed. Opening the case, he rummaged through the contents. "There's got to be a pair of tweezers in this mini trauma unit. Aha!"

Zack again reached for Callandra's hand but this time she pulled it out of his reach.

"I'm fine," she muttered, looking away.

"Yeah," Zack snorted, "Say that again when your hand turns green." He reached out and firmly pulled her hand into his lap. She scowled but didn't try and move it. "This is gonna hurt," he said apologetically, gripping the first splinter with the tweezers and easing it free of her skin.

Callandra winced slightly but made no sound. Tears continued to seep silently from her eyes but Zack and Cloud understood that it had nothing to do with the sorry state of her hand.

Zack glanced up at Cloud, "Didn't you have some kids living here, Spikey?"

"Yeah, but they're at school," Cloud replied, as he dug a bottle of peroxide and bandages out of the kit. A fond smile played at his lips, "You'll like Marlene and Denzel."

"I'm sure I will," Zack sighed as he pulled the last splinter free, "There, I think I got them all."

Cloud handed Zack the bottle of peroxide and held a small bowl under her hand. Callandra showed no reaction as the First Class upended the bottle over her hand. He repeated the process several times until the substance stopped fizzing and then made one last check for any splinters. "Now, all we have to is bandage it up," Zack said, "The way you heal, it'll be good as new in no time."

"Thank you," Callandra murmured, slowly lifting her eyes to Zack's.

The First Class was again struck by how young she looked, sitting there on the bed, her eyes bloodshot from tears. Yet, when he thought about it, with the exception of Vincent and Cid they all were really young for what they'd lived through. The planet has asked a lot. Maybe too much. Sorry, Aerith.

A soft knock roused Zack from his thoughts. Cloud opened the door and Tifa entered holding a bundle of clothes in one hand and a steaming mug in the other. "I brought something more comfortable for you to sleep in," Tifa said, giving the other girl a gentle smile. When neither Zack nor Cloud moved Tifa gave them a look. "Out, you two," she ordered, "She can't change with you here."

Zack hesitated looking over at Callandra. The brunette looked so worried that the redhead felt guilty. "I'll be okay," she said hesitantly, "Really."

Standing, he gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll wait right outside."

"Okay."

"Out, Zack," Tifa repeated, pointing towards the door.

"I'm going, I'm going," Zack sighed, drawing a tiny smile from Callandra. Encouraged, he gave the girl one last grin before allowing Tifa to herd him from the room.

Tifa sighed, shaking her head. "Let's get you out of those bloody clothes, hmm? While you're resting I'll see what I can do about cleaning them up."

"You are from Nibelheim, aren't you? Both you and Cloud," Callandra said suddenly.

"Yes," Tifa confirmed, sadness flitting across her face.

"S-Sephiroth burned Nibelheim."

"Yes," Tifa nodded, guessing where the other woman was going with this, "And you think we should blame you for that?"

"Don't you?"

"You weren't there were you?" Tifa demanded, "And you didn't know it was going to happen ahead of time, did you?"

"No."

"Then there was nothing you could have done," Again Tifa looked sad, "And there was nothing Zack could have done. I know that now."

"Tifa?" Callandra stood slowly, "What do you mean by that?"

"I – Sephiroth wounded me badly," Tifa explained, "And Zack found me. I hated everything connected to Shinra then. I told Zack I hated him. But I know now it wasn't his fault. He would have stopped Sephiroth if he could have."

"Have you told Zack this?" Callie asked quietly.

"No," Tifa shook her head, "But, maybe I should." The martial artist shook herself. "Now, get out of those dirty clothes and then have some tea."

Bemused, Callandra found herself allowing Tifa to fuss like a mother hen as she stripped out of her uniform and tugged on a pair of black sweats and a too big black t-shirt.

"The shirt is Cloud's," Tifa said, "And the pants are mine but they're a little too long for me. They fit you fine though. Now," she handed Callie the still steaming mug, "Drink this and I'll let Zack back in. I can hear him pacing."

Briefly, Callandra debated on asking what was in the tea then changed her mind. Zack trusted these people and she trusted Zack. Carefully, she took a tiny sip and found she liked the flavor. Soon the cup was empty.

Zack entered, now dressed only in a pair of gray sweatpants that he probably borrowed from Cloud. Callandra blushed slightly at the sight of Zack's chiseled torso.

"Well," Tifa took the cup, "I guess I'll let you both get some rest. The bathroom's through there," she indicated a door to their right, "I'll wake you when it's time for dinner." She swept out of the room taking Callie's dirty clothes with her.

For a moment, the two looked at each other awkwardly. Then Callandra yawned. "Hmmm. I think I know what was in that tea."

"Yeah, but you need the rest," Zack said.

"So do you."

"Well, then," Zack stretched out on the other bed, "Sweet dreams."

For a moment, Callandra wondered if she should feel awkward about sleeping with a man in the room. It had been so long . . but no. She and Zack had slept very close together in their Wasteland shelter. Surely, there was nothing wrong with sharing a room especially with separate beds. And . . . I want him to stay. "You too." She climbed under the covers, snuggling into the pillow. Willingly, she let the tea drag her into sleep.

Zack remained awake for a long while, blue eyes fixed on the sleeping woman.

Wow, that was a long one for me. Hope you guys like it. Please, please, review and let me know if you like it! And now, the people who were wonderful enough to review for me.

Amberblood: LOL. Yeah, you ought to see my purse. It's kind of scary and I totally know what you mean. Guess Callie's just another girl. Thanks for reviewing!

Shade the Bat: Ya never know. My muses may change their minds. They're tricky like that LOL.

Black-Valentine-1992: I'm so glad you think so. I wasn't sure if anyone would like this story but I'm enjoying writing it. Thanks you so much for taking the time to review.