Over in the residential backstreet of Sector 5, wedged just in between the Container Row apartments and Water Grease Market, were three girls struggling to push a flower cart up a hill.

It was an odd sight, if a funny one, especially for the residents of the area who stuck around to watch… with a few of them even bringing out chairs to sit and silently cheer them on.

"Thanks for the help ladies," Aerith huffed out gratefully, strangely feeling a little more optimistic than she had in recent days… despite the unbearable heat beating down on her back, and the rivers of sweat sticking her dress to her body. Good thing she took off her jacket! Although, it sure didn't help that they were dragging Zack's broken cart up a hill. "I really appreciate the extra hands!"

She really did.

In an attempt to move forward with her life and honor her boyfriend's sacrifices by facing the future with her head held high, the Cetra had decided to clean house, both figuratively and literally. Aerith had realized, she needed to find closure and deal with everything that reminded her of her of lost Soldier, both minor and major, and recontextualize its meaning to her. A cleansing of the mind and soul, to dig deep and face her problems head-on.

The first solid steps to "rediscover" herself, if you will.

Which... basically meant, finding everything that the Gongangan had ever given her (especially if they even remotely made her heart hurt) and proverbially beating the sadness to submission until all that was left was optimism!

To keep his memory close… and by putting a definitive close to that chapter of her life.

For example, that over-used ribbon Zack had given her to replace her old one?

A quick trip to Tifa had the barmaid stitch it up brand new! Even had her initial embroidered with flowers on it! And yes, she did spray it with perfume! Camomille, of course, because Zack once said it was his favorite smell!

The jacket he gave her for her birthday?

The leather was scrubbed clean and bright, till the red was practically an eyesore! And an extra pocket, sewn into the inner lining for her knick-knacks, because why not?! But why stop there? A harness for her staff at the back! The hem pinched in a bite to flatter her figure more! And finally, after much debate, she even had the shoulders modified so it wouldn't be so pointy!

On and on it went until every pressed flower in her books, every letter she had ever written and saved, every food stain on her bedroom carpet from Zack's messing eating only brought her fond smiles and wistfulness!

It was going good! It was going great!

Eventually, Aerith only had one thing left to deal with.

That old wagon he had gotten her, a gift she never asked for but loved anyway? The one Zack left with a promise to fix one day, becoming her last misguided hope that he would return?

Well, it was finally going to get off its lazy butt and get to work! The broken wheels were replaced! The rotting wood ripped out and new planks hammered in! The little family of kittens that taken up shelter under the haul?! Promptly adopted into the Gainsborough household, with tiny collars pending!

Unfortunately... Aerith was a terrible carpenter.

And just 20 minutes into her first foray with her new flower cart, an axle promptly cracked after rolling over a rebar.

Who the heck kept leaving these things out?!

After a quick cry of frustration, and a few phone calls to see if anyone was free to help her (and despite being in the middle of the day, thankfully there were), it eventually saw her small group pushing her cart up a hill behind the residential roads of Sector 5, with a few pedestrians watching in amusement as the girls tried to get to the nearest supply shop for repairs.

An old lady walking her dog quickly passed them by.

"No problem, Aer!" Kyrie replied cheerfully next to the Cetra, her cherubic face all smiles and positivity, even as her voice strained during their uphill climb. Which was fair, even with all the girls working together, the cart outweighed the three of them combined! "I'll be sure to bank the goodwill for later… you know, once I figure out something suitably demeaning and gross I want you to do." The merc joked cutely, still trying to treat Aerith gingerly as they slowly maneuvered around a rock in their path, back and arm muscles straining.

Sweetly, the tomboy was at it again… trying to comfort her just like she had been trying to do the last couple of days, even if the former thief didn't know what was wrong with the Cetra specifically.

It was appreciated, if somewhat unnecessary.

But that was the price Aerith had to pay for slipping up and thinking about Zack in public, imagining depressingly about all the what-ifs and could-have-been – this was, of course, before the mage had begun her "rediscovery" phase – which, unfortunately, had happened right where the teen could see her being all mopey.

And that started Kyrie on a one-woman mission to figure out what had happened – it made Aerith feel a twinge of guilt, but she still wasn't ready to pick at that scab and reveal anything yet, not when she was just beginning to heal – and in the meantime, treating the Cetra like she was fragile porcelain whenever the two were together.

It was funny and sweet on some days, heartwarming on others, but with the occasional annoyance sprinkled in between.

Although, the mage could secretly admit to herself, she kinda enjoyed the undivided attention.

"Yikes! Oweing the Tomboy Bandit herself a favor?" Aerith mocked with an exaggerated shudder… or at least she tried to, it came off more like a weak shoulder wiggle. The mage may not have liked being treated with the kiddy gloves, but Kyrie was trying to be a good friend – and an amazing friend really – so the least she could do was meet her halfway and play along. "I can already imagine the terrible things you're gonna have me do… what a real "scorpion and a frog" situation I found myself in!"

She almost wanted to kick herself the moment the words were out of her mouth! Could she have sounded any more fake?!

The heat was really doing a number on her wit.

"Oh, like you wouldn't believe." Kyrie bantered anyway, blinking the sweat out of her eyes as she grinned mischievously. "I haven't settled on any details, but I definitely got a few good ones knocking around in my noggin. And trust me, they're a doozy! Might even make you lose your lunch!"

"Goodness, the suspense is killing me." The Cetra said sarcastically as she blew a wet strand of hair out of her face, but was also genuinely a little worried about what the merc might be cooking up in that head of hers. This was, after all the girl who, if those childhood memories were anything to go by, used to be as bad as Old Man Stinky when it came to grossing people out. "But FYI, before you get too crazy with it, I'm taking a mulligan on anything to do with bugs. My friendship and love for you, only let you get away with so much, Kyrie."

Adorably, the teen theatrically pretended to gag, finger-miming vomit as she stuck her tongue out.

Shooting the younger girl with a teasing smile, the mage couldn't help but study her fellow Fiver for a moment, checking to see how she was handling the difficult trip. And yep… Kyrie looked as messy as Aerith felt. The half-Wutain's hair was a sweaty mess of tangles and knots, cheeks red from the exertion, eyes slightly dazed as if there wasn't enough oxygen getting to her brain. And despite taking off her hat and coat, the teen was as soaked through as the rest of them, her face shiny from the perspiration… and her white tank top scandalously transparent.

Aerith really needed to introduce the teen to the wonders of bras.

"Oh, bluergh! Give me some credit, Aerith… even I got lines I won't cross." The tomboy said in mock disgust, shooting the mage a look that said she personally offended by the notion, even as her eyes sparked in humor.

"Since when?" Aerith asked teasing, unable to stop the bubbling giggle that got past her lips. "Surely, we're not talking about the same girl who, once upon a time, ate a rock on a dare and had to be rushed to the doctor?

"Wha–? There were extenuating circumstances around that, I'll have you know!" The tomboy protested a little hotly, her brows drawn down into a furrow, ears taking on a lighter shade, yet unable to stop that slight curve of her lips. It was a somewhat fond memory for everyone in sector 5… well, once the initial scare was passed. "I won't go into the backstory and bore you with the details, but long story short, it was a bet, not a dare… which I won by the way. Easiest 50 I've ever got!"

"What about the fact that you had to get your stomach pumped?"

"Totally worth it."

"And the spanking you got from your grandma afterward?"

"Less worth it… but I won the money and got to keep the rock, so it all evened out." Kyrie said with unfounded confidence, giving an unbothered shrug of her shoulders. "Besides I learned my lesson, and have become very mature and ladylike since then. As they like to say in Wutai, very Oujo-sama."

The mage almost snorted out loud at that… indulgent self-assessment.

"So you say," Aerith said airly, momentarily distracted as she kicked a pebble out of her path, ignoring how her wobbly legs almost gave out from the extra effort before saying oh so casually. "Learned your lesson, huh? Matured and all that? So, maybe I was just hallucinating that time you tried to sneak into my church to eat the flowers? Back when you were 14, I might add. Mmh?"

"I– you can't put that on me!" Kyrie said defensively, monetarily letting go of the cart to put her hands on her chest in affront. But feeling the cart dipping back, the teen quickly grabbed the bar and pushed, even as her cheeks took on a deep shade of crimson. "A stupid book told me that they were supposed to be edible! That. like bees use them to make honey and stuff, a-and that... other animals eat them all the time for nutrients! So I… uh, was just trying to sate my scientific curiosity, you know?" Giving an awkward shoulder should, she amended in a mumble. "And... maybe I was feeling a little hungry at the time."

"Well, they do have nectar, I'll grant you that…" The mage admitted easily enough, before shoulder-bumping her friend teasingly. "But the eating them part wasn't what grossed me out – I've sucked on a stem or two myself – no, it was the… not washing them before you stuffed them into your pie-hole, that gave me the icks." Unable to help herself, Aerith the merc a smirk as she whispered conspiratorially. "You do know I use fertilizer to help them grow right?"

Instead of reacting in horror or squick like she had been expecting, Kyrie only gave her a blank stare.

"Fertilizer, huh? I feel like I heard that word somewhere." She said curiously, her eyes squinting a little as if the answer might come to her if she concentrated hard enough. "Is that like some type of special water for plants? Are people not supposed to eat it or something?"

Sometimes, Aerith forgot that horticulture was just not a thing in the slums.

"O-Oh… well, it's–"

"Hey! Would you two stop flirting up there and push?!" Yuffie yelled in frustration from behind the cart, a second later poking her head out to the side to glare, looking just as sweaty as the Fivers, but with infinitely more frustration on her face. Her outburst had drawn the attention of the few extra eyes who hadn't already been watching their pitiful climb, causing Aeirht to feel a little self-conscious. "We've been stuck on this damned hill for an eternity and a half! If you guys got the energy to chit-chat and gossip, then you got the energy to put me out of my misery… so, mush!"

"Oh, put a sock in it, you gremlin! We going as fast as we can!" Kyrie hollered back over her shoulder, her irritation bleeding through at being interrupted. "And not that you'd ever care, but this is a private conversation! If you don't like it, then plug your ears or go back to the bar!"

"You know what?! Maybe I just might! Leave you two here alone to cook in the heat!"

"Great! Amazing! We didn't need you bringing the mood down anyway! Go drag your rain cloud somewhere else!"

"Bite me, you traitor! People love it when I'm around! I'm the goddamn life at every party!"

"A funeral party maybe–!"

"I'll put you in a casket–!"

"Oh, hey look! I can see the top!" Aerith said quickly, trying to diffuse the situation before the two teens got into another one of their shouting matches. "Just a little more and we're home free!"

A few grumbles and a glare, but it got everyone working together again to finish the final leg of their trip.

Thankfully, they really were close to the top and managed to get just over the rise with one last push, finally hitting level ground and towards some relief. Then, with a little extra gumption and grit, the girls managed to drag the carriage just a little further towards the side of the road, till they were in the shade of a building and out of the main street.

Aerith wasn't ashamed to admit her legs almost gave out.

"Well, that was not how I wanted to start my morning," Yuffie said tiredly, practically dragging her feet as she limped towards them, her earlier anger gone. She looked just as exhausted as they felt, her short hair sticking up at odd angles because of the sweat and heat. The ninja's usual headband and left arm guard were missing, no doubt somewhere on the wagon with Aerith's jacket. Down below, her tan shorts were scandalously unbuttoned at the top, with the barest hint of undergarment peaking out. And, being somewhat more stacked up top than the Fivers, her sleeveless sweater vest was molding indecently along her curves, showing that, like Kyrie, she was not a big fan of bras either. "My feet are so numb, I could've lost a toe back there and I'd never know it." Standing next to them, the ninja wiped her face with the back of her hand and asked. "You girls got water? I'm–"

"Listen, you!" Kyrie said abruptly, straightening to her full height as she cut the younger girl off. Which… was less than impressive considering the merc only had a quarter-of-an-inch on the ninja... and maybe not even that. "If you were going to spend all your time complaining, then why did you even bother–"

"I'm sorry."

"-b-bother… um… huh?" The former thief trailed off, blinking rapidly in confusion at the sudden apology, before bringing a hand up to rub an ear, as if she wasn't sure she was hearing correctly, probably having expected an argument instead. "W-What did you just say?"

"I'm sorry," Yuffie repeated emphatically, both hands up in the air and waving slightly as if in surrender, a surprising look of embarrassment and regret on her face before she glanced over at Aerith and back. "I let the heat of the moment get to me and I took it out on you two. And that was unfair of me… my bad." Giving them a pout, she brought her hands together into a semi-prayer, finger interlocked, and said remorsefully with a sad shake of her head. "I don't know what I can do to make up for it… but still hope you two can forgive me."

Instead of answering right away, Kyrie narrowed her eyes, hands on hips, slowly looking up and down at the other teen suspiciously. "What are you playing at–?"

"Of course we forgive you!" Aerith said happily, if quickly in order to stop whatever the merc was about to say, promptly rushing forward to grab both girls' hands and clasp them all together in unity. "What's a little friendly bantering between friends!" At Yuffie's semi-gracious smile but Kyrie's disbelieving look, she hurriedly said. "Besides, I should be thanking you girls for helping me out of my little pickle! In fact…" The flower girl looked around the area until she found what she was looking for. "Let's take a break and I can treat you two at my favorite dango shop."

"What about the cart?" Kyrie asked worriedly, indicating the carriage.

"We'll take it with us!" She said brightly, deliberately ignoring the incredulous look the two Wutains shared.

Once again, Aerith got them into position around her carriage and pushed, leading the small group toward "Lady Mikage's Pour Decisions" tea shop, which was thankfully just a block away.

Like most stores in the slums, it had a shanty town type of build about it but with a sector 5 flair, to reflect the more "affluent" residents in the district. It was a lone two-story building surrounded by other "ma and pa" shops, that boasted metal walls, with the outer shell having been painted over in whites and browns to mimic wood and plaster. Up top, it was crowned with an expensive-looking red shingled roof, which… was fairly common in the main markets, but very eye-popping among the side streets and neighborhood it was nestled in.

There was even a patio just outside on the dirt streets with furniture such as tables, chairs, and long benches for people who wanted to relax in Platelight… all chained to the ground of course.

Off to the side, the owner even went the extra mile, and painstakingly made a rock garden!

Overall, very warm and inviting.

"I'm just gonna say it, but that is a lot of cleavage you got going for you, Ribbons," Yuffie said with a pointed look at Aerith's chest and her, admittedly, low neckline as they began walking toward the tea shop. "I'm guessing, either your boobs just got bigger or you rocking a new dress." It was actually just the mage's usual sun dress, but without the red jacket to draw the eyes away... and maybe a bit of sweat causing the fabric to cling. Which… well, she supposed the overall effect did look rather salacious. "But whatever your witchcraft, color me impressed and jealous, because all together, up top and down below… whoooaaa." The Shinobi moved her hands in an hourglass motion as they climbed up the stoop before she said with a grin. "Mind if I steal your secrets?"

"Hey! Don't be gross!" Kyrie said hotly, looking ready to intervene in the gardener's defense. "You shouldn't be talking about girl's body parts like that–"

"Not at all, I'm happy to talk shop whenever you want," Aerith cut in brightly, reflexively putting one hand on the older teen's arm, once again trying to stop another fight before it began. But also because... she kinda liked hearing what Yuffie had to say. "Fair warning though, you shouldn't be too impressed… it's just a push-up bra with some bobby pins and tape holding it all together." In all honesty, she felt somewhat flattered at the unexpected appreciation. It even caused a spark of pride to hit her, causing her to unintentionally straighten her back a bit and puff out her chest a little. "Everything else is just a beautiful consequence of squatting all the time to garden my flowers."

It wasn't often that the Cetra got compliments about her looks – almost zero, in fact – so she'd take her laurels where she could get them.

It was shallow as all heck, and she knew that, but… meh, what could be done?

"Simple but effective… I love it!" The kunoichi said with an admiring smile and clap of her hands. "Pretty girl like you, with a figure like that … you must be beating them off with a stick!"

"Not quite… but I've gotten a glance or two," Aerith revealed with a giggle, as she pulled the door open and felt the cool inner air of the ceiling fans and ice materia wash over them. The inside of the shop was a tasteful reflection of its exterior, even somewhat more homely due to the various picture frames and children's art hanging on the white walls. Underneath their feet were fake wooden floors that looked almost authentic and care-worn from multiple feet stepping over them. Along the sides were tables and benches, all lined up against the wall for customers to sit and relax, and surprisingly already filled to capacity with people. Towards the back, was a countertop that cut off the main room to the kitchen where a pair of teens were busy making orders, with another at the register managing the small line of people. Ushering the other girls deeper into the small shop with a wave of her hand, she whispered a little conspiratorially to them. "You girls wouldn't believe how many flowers I've upsold by showing a little skin and batting my eyes! One guy even bought a whole bouquet when I leaned forward!"

"Ah, now that's how you do it," Yuffie said with an admiring grin, hand on her hips as they got in the queue.

"Oh my gods Aerith, look at you being all bad!" Kyrie said with a cute snigger, her earlier caution and attempt at treating the Cetra like glass momentarily forgotten in her humor. One hand covering her smile, she playfully punched her friend's shoulder (And no, Aerith did not wince), as she joked. "What's gonna say if she knew her daughter out on the Plate scamming pervy men?"

"Well, she'd probably punch said men in the face, just to start off," Aerith replied "gravely", nodding solemnly as she could already imagine her stern mother doing exactly that very thing. "Then, she'd try to hunt down that the monster who corrupted her little girl, 'cause no way I came up with such degrading ideas myself." Stepping closer, she wrapped her arms around one of the junior merc's own and said sadly. "And of course, I'd have to admit it was that rascal Kyrie Canaan's fault! That incorrigible troublemaker leading me astray, putting terrible thoughts in my head… just like my mother warned!"

"Hmph! You joke, but every time I see your mom, she looks at me like I'm about to steal your virtue!"

"And you aren't?" The Cetra asked in mock confusion, putting one hand on her chest as if in utter disbelief. "Well, why not? And should I be offended?"

"Nope! Because I can't deal with needy girls. And probably!" Kyrie teased with a finger in the air as she answered each question, the corners of her mouth quirked up in humor, before wrapping her own arms around Aerith's. "I can barely take care of myself, Aer, let alone you and all your baggage. So, you know… only take mild offense." As they got closer to the front, the teen hip-bumped her and said jokingly. "Maybe try Nayo if you're desperate for love? I did catch her checking you out once or twice, you know?"

Aerith did in fact know that… and she greatly appreciated the confidence boost.

"Well… I do like emotional maturity–"

"Welcome to Lady Mikage's, you girls ready to make a Pour Decision?" The cashier interrupted politely but firmly, and with a trained customer service smile on his face as the teen waited patiently for an order. "We're currently running an exclusive special this week… spend 20 gils or more on select items, and we'll through in a free bag of cacao beans."

Mmmh… that was tempting. And for the way Yuffie's face lit up at the last part, she was definitely interested.

"You got a deal mister," Aerith said seriously, letting go of Kyrie so she could approach the counter, and studied the menu above the teen's head. Chewing her lip a little, she tapped a small beat onto the flat surface of the countertop. "We'll have… six dango skewers, six meat skewers, and a large pot of Lemonleaf tea. You girls want anything extra?" She asked over her shoulder as she pulled out her purse, and got a round of headshakes. "Alright, what's my damage?"

"20 on the dot." The cashier said, making an attempt at trying to sound impressed and amicable, even giving her another plastered smile… but judging from his slightly glazed eyes and even tone, he was anything but. "We'll take it out to you when it's read. You girls sitting inside or outside?"

"Outside." She replied brightly, handing the money (plus a tip!) over, before herding her group outside towards the patio.

But as they stepped outside, she felt an arm wrap around her shoulders as Yuffie said. "I like this… hanging out with my female friends-"

"We're not friends," Kyrie interrupted irritably, the older teen trying in vain to shrug off the ninja's arm that had a tight grip around her own shoulders as they exited. "I won't speak for everyone else… but you and me? We're reluctant work acquaintances at best… future enemies at worst."

That was a little much even for two girls who didn't get along, but before Aerith could say anything to calm the waters, the ninja spoke up.

"Harsh but fair," Yuffie admitted with a sad nod of her head, looking down remorsefully. Sighing pitifully, she guided them to a corner table in the shade – a surprising amount of strength in her thin arms – and sat them down. Still standing, she put her hands on her hips and stepped back to address Kyrie fully. "Cards on the table… we got off on the wrong foot, and ever since, we've been at each other's throats like cats and dogs."

"More like two Tonberries fighting over a lamp." Aerith threw in unhelpfully, looking nervously between her friends, hoping to distract the girls with some humor, just like earlier.

Nobody laughed.

"And what's your point?" Kyrie asked bluntly, ignoring the mage's weak attempt at peacemaking as she stared Yuffie down, crossing her arms and legs before leaning back imperiously.

"My point is…" The ninja began, getting down on one knee before the merc – which caused the older teen to shift from confusion to alarm – grabbing her hands to clasp in between her own. Craning her head back a little, Yuffie stared deep into her fellow Wutain's eyes and said. "I regret my actions… and I hate this animosity between us. I want us to make another go – a real one this time – at being friends. No bad blood, just a fresh start. What do you say?"

Aerith gasped, hands over her mouth, excitement building up in her at the display… certain she was about to watch something beautiful unfold.

Kyrie, by contrast, looked at the kneeling teeming like she had just grown a second head, and was in the process of getting a third.

"...no?" The former thief said, leaning away as if she might catch a disease.

"Kyrie!" Aerith shouted in horror, unable to believe what she just heard… and honestly a little angry at the older teen's refusal to make amends, for proverbially slapping away the olive branch before her.

"What?" Kyrie defended herself stubbornly, yanking her hands out of Yuffie's before pointing at the younger girl in accusation. "C'mon, Aer! You don't find this the least bit suspicious?" Without waiting for an answer, she whirled on the ninja with a glare and said. "Since day one, we've been like water and oil – if oil stabbed the water, and the water set the oil on fire – but now, suddenly she wants to let bygones be bygones? Why?"

Yuffie, to her credit, was ready with an answer.

"Because I'm jealous… and lonely."

"See?! She just wants to… um…" Kyrie began hotly before trailing off in confusion once the words sunk in, even looking slightly faint by the unexpected confession. "What?"

The ninja nodded gravely.

"Jealous of you, jealous of Aerith … of all the girls really," Yuffie admitted reluctantly, a slight blush on her round cheeks as she looked off to the side in embarrassment, even rubbing a hand on the back of her neck. "I don't think it's too much of a secret that I'm the odd woman out in our little "social club" at the bar." Pushing off her knees, the ninja stood up, hands behind her back as she paced and explained her thoughts. "Being on the outside and looking in, seeing all you girls hanging out and having fun, it made me realize… that I wanted that. Companionship and camaraderie... to get to know you girls and be friends." Looking them both in the eyes, she pouted and said forlorn. "But more importantly, I realized that there was nothing really stopping me, other than me. That honestly? I'm the problem."

"Hey! That's not true! I'd always be happy for you to join us." Aerith tried to protest, feeling her heart break a little and guilt seep in the cracks. Especially when the ninja's words hit so close to home... how the mage's life was before meeting Tifa on the Plate. After all, it wasn't too long ago that she herself spent her days isolated in the church, wishing and daydreaming of friends. "As far as I'm concerned, we're just friends who haven't had a chance to hang out properly yet." Oh, what a terrible irony! Especially, considering she really hadn't really made an effort to spend time with the younger teen outside of Avalachne's related activities, with today being an unexpected exception. "B-But what about Sonon? Isn't he always with you?"

"Oh, don't get me wrong, Sonon's great… the best really." She admitted easily with a nod of her head, a fond smile on her lip, almost like she was reminiscing about a dear comrade who wasn't long for this world. "But at the end of the day, he is my subordinate first before he's my friend. That, there are just certain lines that can't and won't be crossed, no matter what I tell him. All for the best really. For us... the mission will always come before personal feelings and wants." She finished explaining, before adding as if in afterthought. "Plus… you know, he's just so much older. I'm all for intergenerational friendships and all that good stuff, but it can get tiring at times. You get me?"

Aerith really didn't, especially since she was pretty certain Sonon was only 25... and much closer to her own age than Yuffie was.

But she nodded agreeingly anyway.

"And I know I'm coming off… disastrously forward," Yuffie said abashedly, rubbing one arm in embarrassment as she rocked back and forth on her feet in nervous energy. She took a deep breath, holding it for a second as she seemingly steeled her nerves, before asking bravely. "But can we be friends? Like... real friends?"

"Absolutely!" Aerith said immediately, practically jumping out of her chair in order to give the smaller girl a big hug. "And I'm not just speaking for myself either! I know all the girls are going to be just thrilled to have you. We're gonna–" The mage cut off abruptly, starkly remembering that she actually couldn't speak for everyone… not really. Especially not when Yuffie's biggest obstacle hadn't even said a word yet. Letting go of the ninja, but keeping one arm on her, the Cetra turned slightly to regard her other friend with a bit of trepidation, her heart pounding skittishly as she asked. "Um… what say you Kyrie?"

Aerith wanted to slap herself in the face the moment the words were out of her mouth.

'What say you ?! Oh gods, Aerith! Of course, you had to make a difficult situation more awkward!'

Kyrie, in her infinite and gracious kindness, didn't even blink an eye at her friend's fumble, no doubt used to her foot-eating syndrome after all this time. Instead, the merc looked directly at Yuffie, her brown eyes unreadable as studied the ninja, before she briefly glanced at the Cetra and then back, her jaw working a little as if struggling to find the right words to say. But eventually, biting on her lips in annoyance, she seemed to.

The older teen's shoulders sagged and she gave a low, put-upon sigh, saying. "Okay."

"O… kay?" Yuffie asked slowly as if she couldn't quite believe it had been so simple, which was fair... because Aerith fully believed Kyrie would say yes (eventually), she had half expected the former teen to throw down conditions and requirements, a last bit of needling for the former rivals.

But this was better… perfect really!

Oh, she loved this!

"Yes, okay! Clean slate, let's be friends!" Kyrie said hotly, her harsh tone contrasting heavily with her sweet words as she abruptly stood up with her fists on her hips. Using that quarter of an inch to loom over the Wutain, she pointed a finger at Yuffie's chest and warned. "But don't make me regret it, you hear?!"

"I wouldn't dream of it," Yuffie said happily with a wide smile, before using a finger to mark an X over her left chest. "If I do, may lighting strike my old man."

00000

Kyrie should've listened to her instincts... a friendly Yuffie is a dangerous Yuffie lol

Bit of a filler chapter, but I needed a break from Cloud's POV and to do some house cleaning to show off other relationship progress. Minor spoiler, but this chapter was meant to be twice as long, with certain Interlude characters finally getting introduced to the main story. Unfortunately, I couldn't quite figure out how to bring it all together properly, but for sure, you'll see at least one of them next chapter.

Fun Fact: Elena once worked as a waitress for the summer in Wall Market before joining the Turks.