Oh wow guys, I was honestly not expecting that sort of response after being gone for so long!
A big big thank you to savethetub, Aera The Ninja, cloudfarron, MoonAngel of Darkness, Tosotc, i, Guardian Mikey, SS7x3, Guest. You guys are so lovely and your reviews mean a lot. Since I don't want to spam the page with review replies, I'm going to respond to the ones that asked me/mentioned specific things.
i: Thank you! And I'm sorry I've been away for so long and I can't update much. And yes, once I read your review I went straight to youtube to watch the new trailer, and hot damn, I have to admit…I kinda like this Snow even though we don't see much! And thank you for your honesty, I struggled writing the last chapter but hopefully I'll get things back on pace once I start writing more!
MoonAngel of Darkness: (this is response to your last review and the one for chapter 4) Awh yeah, *High 5's fellow Snow hater*, though hates a strong word…I think the more I see him in videos/read him in fics, the more I warm up to him…but in my eyes Cloud will always be mah boy. And I'm glad I've opened your eyes to Cloud and Serah as a potential pairing. I have a thing for unusual pairings, and I thought this was a challenge for me since hardly anyone has written a story for the duo!
As for whether this fic correlates with the stories of both the FF games…as from what I've decided so far, this story is completely AU. So the whole meteor, geostigma, purge etc, they didn't happen. Vanille and Fang were never crystallised; they're normal native people from cocoon. HOWEVER, as I am practically making this story up as I go along, I may add some parts from the original story line to this if it seems fit with my plot. As for If Only You Can Tell, I am not sure of when the next update for that will be (but I haven't given up on it!) since I kinda want to more focused on this. Eventually when we get to the main plot of this story, If Only You Can Tell will fit into it. AlthoughI said I'm making it up as I go along, I have a rough idea of the whole story itself where eventually shit will go down. But I want Serah and Clouds relationship to develop before that happens.
Now, I have a REQUEST FOR YOU GUYS! I've been feeling really uninspired lately…and I have to admit, that effects the speed I update the story. But what I find inspires me the most is reading other fanfictions. Lately I haven't found any which has really gripped me…whether that's due to the authors writing skill or the plot line of the story.
So I ask you lovely people to suggest me any fanfictions that you've thoroughly enjoyed and will get me back in the game. (Though I have to admit, *hint hint* I'll be more keen on Final Fantasy and Kingdom Heart stories in particular…and also to help me develop ideas I tend to like the AU stories like the one I'm writing myself).
Just leave it in a review if you do have any suggestions and I'll make sure to check it out! I'm honestly looking forward to what you guys say.
Anyway, as for this chapter, it's much lengthier than the last (yay) and we see C & S really open up to each other, and I decided to bring in another character since we've only seen Cloud, Serah and Snow. Also we see the plot thicken (though it's just a tad!), where things begin to tie together.
Anyway, let me know what you think and enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Final Fantasy XIII nor Final Fantasy VII.
...
Chapter Six
Serah sat on a bench around the corner from the bookstore as she waited for Cloud to finish locking up for the evening.
Normally the store was open for much longer, however as there wasn't any customers for the past hour, the male companion of the two felt they might as well close for the night instead of spending the rest of their evening monging around (Clouds words not hers).
Also it was a Friday. People were more prone to spending their time at night clubs and cinemas rather than dinky little bookstores.
As Serah observed her surroundings…she had to admit, things under the plate were a lot different from where she lived in the main capital. Although most of the buildings were made up of rusted metals, old cobbled roads tinged with green moss and an almost constant smog in the polluted air, she still felt a lot more comfortable here than above the plate. Even in the worse situations, Serah was always able to find the beauty in everything and despite living on a pretty little seaside for most of her life; she somehow saw a charm through the dull greys that made up the slums.
Hearing footsteps approach her from behind, Serah turned to see Cloud walk towards her as he pulled on his leather jacket.
"So Mr Strife, what do you have planned for us this evening?"
"Urgh…" The blond stood there scratching the back of his head, "I haven't actually thought that far."
Serah deadpanned.
"Hey don't give me that look, I don't see you giving any bright suggestions."
"I have an excuse! I've just moved here so I don't know exactly know all the possibilities this city can offer us!" Serah raised her arms, slowly spinning around as she walked backwards to emphasise her point, "I'm sure there's tonnes of fun stuff to do here,"
As Cloud watched the nutty woman, he noticed she hadn't stopped and was carrying on walking.
"Where on earth are you going?"
He quickened his pace as he began to follow her. He was contemplating on whether this was a good idea.
She had pink hair. Who wouldn't be suspicious?
"I don't know to be quite honest." She replied, as she turned a corner, "But this seems like a good direction!"
Cloud smirked as he recognised the route she was going down, "You do realise that's a dead end."
"Oh please, my instincts have never failed me befo-"
Serah stopped mid-sentence as she was in fact, blocked off by a dead end.
She could practically feel the smugness radiating off the man behind her.
"Don't you dare say a word."
"Well I did warn you,"
Serah swerved to the man, darting towards him and stopping only mere inches away from his face (though she had to stand on her tip toes to do so).
Cloud was slightly taken back by her forwardness.
"Er-"
"Drinking dual."
Serah smirked, hands on her hips.
Cloud deadpanned, pushing her face way with the tip of his finger, "Not happening,"
"You live above a bar, right?" Serah continued, ignoring the blond, "Let's go there,"
Cloud rolled his eyes, "I didn't actually think you were being serious about that."
"I don't go back on my word," The pinkette took his wrist, pulling him along the road they had just come from, "So which way delivery boy?"
"Could we not go to a different bar?"
Serah stopped in her tracks, the blond almost bumping into her.
This woman seriously needed to work on her co-ordination.
"Why? What's wrong with yours?" She asked, eyebrow raised. He clearly knew the people there so they should be able to get cheaper drinks. What was his deal?
"Er…I…I would just rather not."
"Come on Cloud! Don't be like that, stop being an awkward turtle!"
"I'll be as much of an awkward turtle as I like,"
Serah huffed and attempted to glare at the blue eyed man before her. He looked determined, but she wasn't going to budge.
"You just don't want me to see where you live,"
"Obviously, since I know you'd most likely be outside my window every night-
"Now you're being ridiculous,"
"-of every day, just waiting for me to come out," Cloud sighed dramatically, "I wouldn't be able to get rid of you!"
Serah bit her lip as she tried to stop herself from laughing, "I'd also make sure to check any bins you have outside if I were you, I heard they're great places for small people to hide in when stalking their prey,"
Cloud scoffed, "You clearly seem to be an expert at his,"
"Of course!" Serah played along, "How did you think I landed Snow?"
The blond shook his head, though the smile remained on his face.
Serah had to admit it, she liked it when Cloud smiled. It suited him more than his usual mopey face. She especially liked it when she was the reason for making him smile. Although it was just Cloud and it was the tiniest gesture, she felt like it was the equivalent of stopping a monsoon from destroying a small village- as ridiculous as that sounded.
"Fine,"
"Huh?" Serah blinked up at him, losing her thoughts as she watched the blond try to avoid eye contact with her.
"We'll go to the bar I live above,"
Serah grinned, "Awesome! Let's go then!"
"Only," Cloud continued, stopping Serah in her tracks, "No drinking dual,"
"What? Why?"
The blond smirked, "Wow Serah, I didn't take you for one to be an alcoholic,"
"Hey what can I say," She shrugged, "I like my wine,"
Serah giggled as she watched the man shake his head, allowing him to lead the way.
"Just so you know, since we're not doing this tonight, we're rescheduling the drinking duel for another day. This thing is still on,"
"Of course. Who would give up the chance to see you make a fool out of yourself?"
"Oh har har, you're such the comedian,"
"What can I say, I'm a funny guy,"
The next thing Cloud knew, Serah seized an opportunity by pulling the hood of the mans jacket over his head and pushing him into a random door opening they happened to be walking by, before running off laughing in delight as she heard him continuously apologise to the occupants of the house he so gracefully barged into.
...
"Just so you know, I dislike you very much at the moment. Like a lot."
"Oh you don't mean that Mister grumpy pants!"
Cloud returned her grin with an unimpressed look, making her laugh even harder.
"Okay okay, I apologise, I didn't realise the man was going to get that mad,"
"Serah he was going to go get his shotgun,"
"He was probably bluffing!"
Cloud deadpanned, "I didn't exactly want to take my chances,"
Serah puffed out her cheeks to try to maintain her laughter,
"It wasn't that funny. You need to grow up."
"Yes, yes, you're right. I seriously need to act my age."
A pause.
"Oh who am I kidding, the look on your face when you practically ran out of the house was priceless!"
Serah continued to laugh, barely able to stand up as she went to lean on a lamp post.
"I'm leaving you. Bye."
"No, no-" laughs, "I'm sorry!" more laughter, "Come back!"
Cloud turned to look at the woman who was finding it increasingly difficult to breathe, "Don't leave me here to wither away!"
"If you're like this sober, I can't imagine you after a couple of drinks,"
"Hey," Serah pointed at him, as she proceeded to wipe the tears from her eyes with her other hand, "I make a fabulous drunk!"
"Dear god, you're one of those annoyingly preppy and overly bubbly drunks aren't you?"
Serah grinned as she continued to walk alongside him, "Maaaaybe,"
The blond shook his head before stopping as he realised they were at their destination.
"We're here,"
Serah looked up to a building made up of metal, timber and concrete. Wide stairs led up to double doors, the dark foggy windows revealing silhouettes who occupied the busy venue. Loud rock music could be heard playing, alongside drunken chatter and glasses clattering against tables. Above the door was a sign, which must've been the name of the bar in front of her.
"Seventh Heaven." She said aloud, "Has a ring to it. More original than Strife's delivery service I must say,"
"You're really full of it today aren't you?"
Serah looked up the blond before nudging his arm, "Oh you know I'm just teasing,"
"I know," He smirked, "I'm just letting you have you're fun whilst it lasts,"
He walked towards to bar, leaving the confused woman behind, "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
"You'll see," He held the door open, mockingly bowing, "Ladies first,"
Serah raised a suspicious eyebrow, before making her way into the tavern.
The place was full to the brim, every table occupied with customers, some standing in groups chattering away. Well it was a Friday night, so it was expected.
There was a mixture of people in business suits, blazers over their shoulders and their ties hung loose, a few that Serah recognised to be soldiers from the WRO and some that she assumed to be locals. However, there was one thing in particular she noticed.
"Hey, Cloud?" She shouted, so the blond could hear her over the loud music.
"Yes?"
"How come most of the people here are all…men?"
Cloud shrugged, before taking her hand and leading her to the bar, "Dunno, it's always been a guy's kinda place to hang out for as long as I can remember,"
As Serah felt herself being tugged along by the blond, she noticed a lot of…male attention, majority of them not afraid to voice their thoughts.
"Well hello there you pretty little thing, wanna come over here and join me for a drink?"
She heard echoes of laughter as she flushed in response.
'Was this why Cloud didn't want me to come to the bar?'
Serah then noticed a man eye her up and down, her pale legs revealed as a result of her short skirt. She secretly wished she wore something a lot more appropriate if she knew she was going to a place like this.
'But if Cloud didn't want me to come, what was that all about when he was mocking me outside the bar?'
Serah shook her head in annoyance. Damn chocobo head was so darn confusing.
As they moved closer to the bar, she was beginning to feel more uncomfortable.
Who would want to work at a place like this? Let alone live here!
"Cloud you were right, let's go to a different bar,"
Cloud looked at her over shoulder, a smirk clearly on show, "But I thought you really wanted to go here?"
"I changed my mind!"
"Well we're here now. So, too bad."
Serah burned holes at the back of the blonds head, hoping she somehow had super powers that would inflict physical pain on him.
Stupid Cloud and his stupid face.
Finally they were at a bar, Cloud somehow magically found two available stools towards one end. From what Serah could see, there was only one woman working behind the counter.
'How the hell was she handling this on her own?'
"Tifa!"
Hearing her name, the brunette turned to the voice, smiling when she noticed the familiar face.
"Cloud! I'll be with you in a sec,"
As Tifa continued serving a customer, Serah couldn't help but observe the woman.
She was beautiful.
She had long, straight brown hair that reached her shoulder blades, he eyes having a mysterious red tinge when the light reflected on them. Her clothes hugged her in the right places, and of course her most noticeable feature was her well-endowed chest.
Serah couldn't help but self-consciously look down at her own and frown.
Her boobs were tiny in comparison.
"Hey you okay?"
"Huh?" Serah looked back at the questioning blond, noticing a concerned look dawning his features, "I'm fine,"
He raised an eyebrow, "You sure?"
"Yup, positive!" She replied, lying through her teeth. "Well…I was just wondering, does Tifa work here on her own?"
"Yeah,"
"Seriously?"
Cloud looked at Serah noticing her surprised look.
"Ah, you're wondering how she handles it all on her own considering the place is mostly populated with the male species."
"Well…yeah," Serah couldn't help but feel a little envious after her next statement, "I mean she's gorgeous, what man wouldn't fawn over her?"
"I guess," He shrugged, watching the brunette serve one customer after the after, "But she can handle herself. She was taught martial arts from a young age by Zangan,"
Serah almost choked on her own saliva, "The Zangan?"
Cloud turned to woman beside him, both eyebrows raised in surprise, "I didn't take you as one to recognise a name like that?"
"Snow has complete admiration for the man," Serah said, though realising from Cloud's questioning look she hadn't actually talked much about Snow, "He specialises in martial arts as well, though he also uses aspects of boxing and kick boxing in his fighting stance. He currently works for the WRO, training soldiers the basic skills of martial arts,"
Cloud nodded in appreciation, "Makes sense why we bumped into each other at the headquarters the other day,"
Serah hummed in response, even though the blond most likely didn't hear her.
"So I assume everyone knows she does martial arts? Considering from watching her for the past fifteen minutes now, no man has attempted to hit on her,"
Cloud shook his head, "She's never used her fighting skills once since she opened the bar,"
"Then how?" Serah questioned, tilting her head slightly.
"Because they know I live here,"
Serah raised an eyebrow at him, noticing his smirk, "And what makes you so special?"
Before Cloud could reply, the female bartender came up to the pair having finished off the last few customers.
"Sorry about the wait, you know how it is on a Friday!"
Brushing the few strands from her face, Tifa then noticed the small pink haired woman sitting next to her blond friend.
She raised both eyebrows- surprised would be an understatement.
"Cloud, urgh…who's-"
"Oh sorry," Cloud rubbed the back of his head (Serah noticed it was a regular habit he tended to do when he was uncomfortable), "Tifa, this is Serah, you could say she's a regular customer at the bookstore. Serah, this is Tifa, she grew up with me back in Nibelheim and of course she's the owner of this bar."
Tifa gave Serah a small smile, before extending her hand to her, "Nice to meet you Serah,"
"Er, the same to you," Serah replied, shaking the busty womans hand in return.
"Pink hair," the brunette randomly pointed out, nodding towards the top of her head as she cleaned a beer glass with a cloth, "Quite the unusual colour. Did you dye it?"
"Nope," Serah laughed forcefully, tugging at her engagement necklace, "All natural. The colour runs in the family,"
"I see," Tifa said, as she placed the clean glass on the rack behind her, "It's a lovely shade. I once knew someone with the same colour,"
Before Serah could respond, the quiet blond cut it, "Tif, could you get me and Serah a drink?"
"Oh of course!" Tifa replied, feeling almost embarrassed, "I'm assuming Cloud you'll have the usual, Serah what would you like?"
"A glass of red should be just fine,"
"No problem, won't be a minute!"
As Tifa went to fetch them their drinks, Serah let out a breath she hadn't realised she had be holding.
For some reason, that conversation felt incredibly awkward. Yet Serah had no idea why.
She decided to shrug it off, just as Tifa came over with their drinks.
"Glass of red wine for the lady and a beer for the gentleman,"
"Wow," Serah replied in astonishment taking the glass from the other woman's hands, "You sure are quick!"
"Why thank you," Tifa smiled at the compliment, "One has to be when you're working on your own, though Cloud tends to help out from time to time,"
"So a delivery boy, a librarian-
"I'm not a librarian,"
"-and a bartender. What can't you do?" Serah asked sarcastically as she took a sip from her glass.
"I'm a man of many talents," Cloud replied, smirking when he saw Serah stick her tongue out at him.
As the two continued to take a jab at each other, Tifa couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the petite woman.
Cloud was a hard person to crack, Gods she of all people should know. It took her years.
And ever since what happened to Aeri-
No. She wouldn't bring it up.
But since then he's never been the same.
Yet here was this woman, who probably only met Cloud a few weeks ago considering he's not been working at Bugenhagen's for long now, getting the normally stoic blond to smile…laugh.
She didn't want to dislike the pink haired woman, but she couldn't help it.
To see the two talking as if they had been friends for years.
It honestly killed her.
...
As the hours passed, the bar began to empty out as people began to return to their homes.
Serah had to admit, she thoroughly enjoyed her evening due to the company of a certain blond (though the few glasses of wine helped as well).
When Tifa wasn't serving customers, she joined Serah and Cloud in the conversation, telling childhood stories and memories that her and Cloud shared.
Serah loved hearing about Cloud's past, but she couldn't help but feel saddened when she watched the two reminisce. They clearly had a strong bond, and Serah didn't have that with anyone here.
All her childhood friends were on the other side of the world.
Though she made sure to keep a smile on her face, not wanting to ruin the night for herself or for Cloud or Tifa.
When it reached eleven, Serah thought it was best to leave since she didn't want to miss the last train. Luckily Snow was doing night shifts, so he didn't need to worry why she was returning home so late.
"Let me walk you to the station," Cloud said, as he too also got up when Serah picked up her bag.
"No don't worry yourself! I should be fine-"
"I'm coming whether you like it or not," Cloud frowned, "It's unsafe for any woman to go out in the slums this late,"
Although she didn't want to bother the man, Serah had to admit, she would feel a lot safer knowing he was with her.
"Plus," He continued, "You seem a little intoxicated,"
The blond smirked when she blushed,
"Hey! I'm perfectly sober," She wobbled, though Cloud was able to catch her elbow on time to hold her balance.
"Okay, maybe I'm not" she mumbled, letting the blond guide her out the building.
"It was lovely speaking to you Tifa, we should do this again,"
"Of course," the brunette smiled, lifting the chairs on top of the tables, "You're always welcome here,"
The cool night air was refreshing, considering the pair had been cooped up in a hot and sweaty bar for five hours. The roads were aligned with dimly lit lamps, most of the streets only containing the odd passers-by.
Serah yawned, looping her arm around Cloud's, "Thanks for keeping me company, I'm too tired to be fighting bad guys at this time of the night,"
The male scoffed at the petite woman, watching her take another yawn.
"Are you sure you'll be fine getting the train?"
Cloud had to admit, although he didn't show it, he did care for the woman's well-being.
She looked like she was going to collapse any second now.
Serah waved him off, "I'll be fiiiineeee," though she found herself leaning more on Cloud.
Too much wine had the power to either make her incredibly drunk or incredibly tired.
Today it seemed like it was the latter.
"Hey Cloud, can I ask you something?"
"Sure,"
"Why the change of heart earlier?"
The blond paused, looking down at the woman beside him, her own hazy eyes looking back up at him.
"What do you mean?" He asked confused.
"You didn't want to go to the bar…but then you did…then when we get there, you were more than happy for me to go inside,"
Serah looked up at the blond in all seriousness, both hands locked around his arm.
"Why?"
Before he could reply she quickly butted in, "And I know it wasn't because of those horrible man pigs-"
Cloud scoffed, "Man pigs,"
"-because you wanted to make me feel uncomfortable as a way of getting revenge for teasing you earlier."
Serah turned Cloud around so he was fully facing her, "Or maybe I'm wrong? You tell me?"
He looked down at her, the young woman seeming determined to get an answer from him. He somehow couldn't help but smile at her expression.
"You're right. I didn't want to go the bar not because of those, what did you call them? 'Horrible man pigs'", he laughed as she rolled her eyes.
"I knew you would feel uncomfortable being in that sort of atmosphere, I was going ask you again if you were sure you wanted to go in, but then you played that dirty trick so I thought I'd get payback,"
Serah pouted, "Meanie,"
"I knew it would be fine though. They're all talk but they wouldn't dare lay a hand on you. The majority of them are good guys…plus they knew you were with me."
"Yes because you're sooo badass and people know not to mess with you,"
Cloud smirked at her sarcasm, "Exactly,"
"Right, but that still doesn't answer my question!"
He sighed, knowing he wasn't going to be able to avoid it.
"Because…" He seemed reluctant, but Serah held onto his hand urging him to go one.
Cloud looked down at the sudden warmth that enveloped his palm. The feeling was foreign, strange, but at the same time comforting.
"I…it's been a while since I've brought anyone back to the bar,"
Serah raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean? How long?"
"I mean…I've learnt to isolate myself from others, not bothering to meet new people. I was known as the lone wolf, hell it took years for Tifa to get me to open up to her again. And for me to bring someone that no one knew about, that wasn't in our usual circle of friends…I assume would've been a bit of a shock for Tifa,"
So that explained the awkwardness Serah felt earlier that day.
She squeezed his hand in encouragement. What happened to Cloud must've been something huge, especially for someone to isolate themselves for so long. She couldn't imagine the pain he must've gone through, considering the thought of having no family or friends around her would've seemed unbearable.
"Don't let yourself get that way again Cloud."
Cloud looked back at Serah, a frown on her face and her eyebrows scrunched together, "Promise me,"
He pulled away from her as he ran a hand down his face, "But what if I hurt someone? I've done it before Serah and I'm sure I could do it again,"
He had his back turned to her, but she could tell he was struggling to keep up his usual stoic persona.
"I can't answer that Cloud. No one can. But like you said earlier, shit happens and you've got to learn to move on and get on with life,"
He looked back at her with a small smirk on his face, "Quoting from yours truly I see,"
Serah smiled before making her way towards him, taking both of his hands in hers.
"I may be a little bit drunk and half the crap that'll probably be coming out my mouth won't make sense but I promise you this Cloud Strife, as your friend, I won't let you go back that way. I won't let it happen. Ever."
"Isolating yourself will only make things worse," She continued, "What you didn't understand is that having friends and family around you is what helps you get on with life. Not the opposite."
"You're not a burden Cloud. You're a lovely person and a lovely friend, and hell, you need to realise that."
Serah let go of his hands, holding one up to cover her mouth as she yawned.
Cloud smirked, "For a drunk, you actually make a lot of sense,"
"I know! That's because I'm like, one of a kind,"
He shook his head, "That's one way of putting it,"
"And once again, sarcastic chocobo butthead returns,"
"You sure have a way of words,"
Serah gave him the finger, only making him laugh.
She tended to get a lot more confident when she was drunk, Cloud noticed.
"Hey, Serah?"
"Yeah?"
"…thanks."
Serah turned to smile back at him, "No problem," she replied, before checking the time on her watch.
A pause.
"Ah shit, I've missed my last train."
...
I'm tired. Apologies if it's rushed/badly written/doesn't make sense etc.
Anywho, we find out a lot more in this chapter than I was expecting, which is good since it means I've got the story going!
Awh yeah.