Cloud had been gone for a few minutes and you were just lying on the hotel bed, trying to relax. You were as ok as you could be. While telling Cloud did help you feel better it also brought up a lot of emotions you never wanted to think about so you were upset but dealing with it.

You absently checked your phone, which was probably a good idea because you haven't even looked at it in days and was surprised to find it in your bag, you assumed Tifa threw it in your bag before you left. 6 missed calls and several texts from Alyssa. She didn't leave a message and the all of the texts were some variation of call me, no ones dying but call me.

The phone barely rang once before you heard Alyssa's voice, "Why is it so hard for you to answer your phone" she sighed.

"I just don't think about it." you replied easily.

"Hey, whats wrong?" she asked upon hearing your tone, apparently you didn't do so well at hiding the fact you've been crying for a while. "Tifa said you're with Cloud, I swear if he hurt you…"

You cut her off, "No, no it wasn't Cloud" you said frantically, Alyssa stopped talking to allow you to explain, "I, well I.." you trailed off finding it hard to the right words, "I told him about losing the baby." you finally said.

"Oh honey," Alyssa empathized, you could tell from her tone she was so worried about you. "If you need me you know I'll be there, " she told you.

"I know, thank you" you replied, "I think I'm going to be ok" you told her.

There was silence for a moment before Alyssa said, "You'll let me know if you need something?"

"I promise."

"Do you feel better now that you told him?" she asked.

"His reaction is exactly what I needed" you told her honestly, he just cared and thats all you needed. There was an awkward silence for moment so you continued, "So why did you want me to call you?" you asked.

"Oh, I just wanted to let you know I found the perfect maid of honor dress for you" she said.

"Oh?" you asked curiously, her voice held that mischievous tone that reminded you of Zack.

"Yep I just need your measurements." she replied.

"Well when do you need me for a dress fitting?"

"No fitting just give me your measurements" she clarified.

"What are you up to?" you asked.

"Well you'll never wear it if you see it before my wedding day and I figured you won't argue the day of." she explained. She had a point but now you wondered how awful the dress she's going to make you wear is but regardless you told her, after all its her day you're just happy she waited to find you to do it. Then she let you know that next week Tifa and Cid are taking all the kids to Costa Del Sol to make sure all the outfits she picked out for the kids will fit. Looks like the bar will be quiet again.

You and Alyssa spoke a little while longer, and after a while you finally calmed down enough. you caught up about your lives and talked about her wedding plans. You asked several times who the best man is but she wouldn't tell you, you couldn't figure out what the big deal is, besides chances are you probably don't know him anyway. But then came the part of the conversation you were hoping to avoid.

"So are you going to tell me about your feelings for Cloud" she asked, you could tell from her tone she had been waiting to ask this.

"Theirs nothing to say" you replied.

"You're not a good liar Autumn, its clear you two like each other, whats stopping you?" she asked.

"I just can't help but feel like I'm betraying Jace" you told her, you couldn't help but feel like maybe Ryan is right, maybe you were just trying to replace Jace, but you couldn't tell her that part, Ryan was awful to you but Alyssa shouldn't hate him for you.

"Jace would want you to be happy" she told you, then softened her tone and added, "If you have a chance for happiness with Cloud, Jace would want you to take it."

"I know I just…" you trailed off feeling so conflicted.

"Autumn he's been gone three almost four years, its ok to move on, its ok to be happy, it doesn't mean you're betraying Jace or that you love him any less." she explained, you stayed silent, you knew she was right but you still felt so guilty and wondered what if Ryan is right, what if you're just trying to replace Jace with Cloud. That wouldn't be fair to Cloud. "I know a lot has changed but you can still tell me anything" Alyssa reminded you.

"I know, I guess I just feel so confused, what if I'm just trying to replace Jace with Cloud?" you asked her.

"If you were trying to replace Jace, you would not pick Cloud." she said bluntly. "The only similarity between those two are their muscles, Jace was always loud and funny, Cloud is quiet , I'd even say shy, I can't picture that guy cracking a joke."

"He actually has a surprisingly good sense of humor. He's just quiet about it." You giggled.

"See that laugh, thats the Autumn I know, you seem so happy talking about Cloud. Maybe you should take a chance." She reasoned.

You sighed, you knew she was right. "I need a little time, but maybe" you told her.

"Good enough" your friend said, you could imagine the I-told-you-so smile she definitely has right now. You ended the conversation shortly after, you still don't really like talking on the phone. Besides you're sure you'll hear from her in a few days because the wedding is so close.

You laid back on the bed relaxing, today was way more exhausting than you intended. The only indication that it was starting to get late was that you could see the sunset through the window. Just as you were getting comfortable again you heard the door open and turned to see Cloud enter the room, you hoped that you aren't blushing, you still feel a bit embarrassed for your emotional breakdown.

"You don't look happy" you commented to break the silence.

Cloud shook his head, "I don't like that client" he replied.

You nodded awkwardly unsure what to say or do. Between feeling embarrassed about your breakdown and your conversation with Alyssa you were worried you'd say something without thinking. Thankfully the awkward silence didn't last long because Cloud asked if you wanted to get dinner. You realized the only thing you'd eaten all day was breakfast. The two of you walked around Kalm until you found a small bar/restaurant, you figured if it was anything like Seventh Heaven the food would be good.

The two of you decided to just sit at the bar, as you didn't see any empty booths and neither of you wanted to stay out too long anyway, just long enough to eat and have a drink. The bar tender, an older women who looked like she's been working way too many hours walked over as soon as you sat down .

The bartender gave you each a menu and asked, "can i get the cute couple a drink to start?" she asked.

Cloud who wasn't paying much attention coughed loudly as you awkwardly said, "we're not a couple" you could feel your ears burning in embarrassment.

"My mistake" she apologized with nod of understanding, she took your drink order, Cloud got a beer and you got a french martini. "You'd still make a cute couple" she said as she walked away to allow you to look at the menu.

You couldn't even look in Cloud's direction for fear that he'd see how much you're blushing and you didn't need to add to the list ways you've embarrassed yourself in front of Cloud. There was an awkward silence until the bar tender returned with your drinks. You took a sip but nearly cringed, it was probably the worst french martini you've ever had.

"Is something wrong?" Cloud asked upon seeing your face.

"My drink is awful" You told him quietly hoping the bar tender didn't hear. It was a bad drink, but you didn't want to offend them.

Cloud nodded and pushed his beer towards you. You shook your head, "No thank you, I'm not really a beer drinker" you admitted. Cloud just nodded again, and the two of you went back to reading the menu. You saw that they have several types of mac and cheese and though it may seem childish you love mac and cheese.

Soon the bartender returned and you ordered bbq mac and cheese while Cloud got a burger, as he handed the menus back to the bartender he discreetly knocked over your drink.

"My bad, I'm sorry" Cloud said.

"Oh don't worry hun" the bartender said, then turned to you, "I'll get you another drink" She said.

"I'll just take a water" you told her, she nodded before walking off. Then you turned to Cloud, "That was sneaky" you told him. Cloud just shrugged in response. "You're so strange Cloud Strife" you mumbled.

"How are you feeling?" Cloud asked suddenly.

You were a little shocked so it took a moment for you to respond, "I'm alright." You told him honestly, you knew he was talking about earlier.

He gave you skeptical look, but finally asked, "You'll tell me if I can help you?"

You couldn't help but smile, "You already have Cloud," you said remembering the morning after you moved into Seventh Heaven, "When we first met you told me you couldn't protect anyone" you paused moment to see his reaction, you could see that deep sadness in his mako blue eyes, you absently grabbed his hand and said, "Sometimes protecting people is just being there for them, how you reacted earlier was exactly what I needed."

Cloud smiled, you couldn't help but love his smile it was just so genuine, since you've been living with the group of friends you've only seen Cloud smile a few times. You found yourself smiling back.

"Thank you" Cloud said quietly. You looked at him curiously, you hadn't done anything to help him, you were about to speak when he shook his head, gravity defying hair staying perfectly in place. "You showed me that I'm useful, that I can protect someone"

You realized that you were still holding onto his hand, you awkwardly released him and asked, "What do you mean useful? you watch the kids, help pay Tifa's rent, you're not useful, you're reliable and a good friend" you told him. Useful? He's not a tool, is that how he sees himself?

Cloud shook his head again, signaling that you didn't understand, "I've failed to protect everyone in my life, I couldn't defend myself when I was little, I only beat Septhiroth by accident, I couldn't save Zack, or Aerith, but I can finally protect someone" he paused for a moment before saying, "You."

You were a bit taken aback, you knew he felt guilty about not being able to save Zack and Aerith, similar to your inability to save Jace or your mother but you never realized how important it was to him to protect those he cares about. Distracted by your thoughts you were amazed at all the different sides to the mysterious blonde that you've seen in the last two days.

"Autumn?" Cloud asked suddenly, you gave him your full attention, "Are you ok?" he asked the concern clear on his features.

You nodded with a smile, "I'm more than ok, I'm actually really happy" you told him and then mumbled, "I never thought I'd be happy again."

You glanced at Cloud, he was smiling but when he realized that you were looking at him, he quickly turned away and took a sip of his beer. You and Cloud ate dinner, occasionally talking but for the most part there was a comfortable silence. When you were just about finished eating Cloud excused himself saying he'd be back in a minute. You sat at the bar, finishing up your food, when you suddenly felt uneasy, almost as if someone was watching you. You discreetly looked around but didn't see anything or anyone out of the ordinary and the bar wasn't too busy, but you still felt uneasy. You hoped Cloud would come back soon, not that you can't handle yourself, after all you spent the last few years by yourself, you've just gotten use to Cloud coming to your rescue and it was nice knowing that someone is looking out for you.

"Well, well, well If it isn't my favorite girl." you knew that voice and cringed. Maybe if you ignore him he'll go away. "Awe come on Autumn-baby, didn't you miss me? even a little bit?" He asked.

You turned to see Reno, he hadn't changed at all since you last saw him about a year ago. Same suit, same stupid ponytail, same stupid personality. "I didn't miss you at all" you told him honestly. Considering the last time you saw him he threw you over his shoulder and dragged you to Rufus Shinra against your will and you were held captive for a few days when you refused to work for Rufus.

"Awe come on babe, you know you love me" Reno said flashing a grin at you. You pinched the bridge of your nose in annoyance.

(Cloud)

You were genuinely happy, it had been so long since you felt this way and you never wanted it to stop. Autumn was right the two of you could help each other. While you had to admit her final secret shocked you, your feelings didn't matter, you knew you had to help Autumn feel better and now that she told you that your reaction was exactly what she needed, you held out a little hope that maybe things were finally going to be ok, that you're not useless.

You knew that Autumn likes chocolate so you decided to surprise her with desert, as you retuned to your seat you saw a familiar yet annoying red head talking to Autumn and she did not look happy.

"Come on Autumn, can't old friends catch up" Reno pleaded.

"Friends can catch up, but we're not friends" Autumn said rather bluntly. You smiled for a moment in amusement, you're always up for someone making fun of Reno.

"What do you mean we're not friends?" he asked as you got closer.

"Friends don't kidnap people and hold them captive for days, or let their bosses crazy scientists run tests on them." Autumn sighed as she buried her face in her hands.

"Order are orders, I left the room unlocked didn't I" Reno argued.

"Rude left the door unlocked" Autumn told him with a glare. Autumn's glare was not very threatening, it must be hard to seem threatening when she has such soft features.

"Well it was my idea" Reno argued childishly.

Before anyone could speak you said "Reno"

He jumped up completely shocked to hear your voice, he turned around and said, "Oh hey Cloud… buddy, what brings you here?"

you nodded to the remnants of your dinner, Reno nodded. "Just in time Cloud, coming to my rescue again." Autumn said with a smile.

"you two are here together?" Reno asked quickly, you noticed when Autumn went to look at Reno her smile quickly turned into a scowl. Reno then turned to you and said, "Never thought I'd see you on a hot date Spike."

"We're not on a date" Autumn nearly moaned.

"Ah in that case" Reno said as he spun back around to Autumn, "How about you and me ditch Spiky and get a couple of drinks"

"Cloud save me" Autumn nearly begged.

You nodded, "Reno, leave her" you told him seriously.

"I was kidding" Reno plead as he put up his hands defensively. "Come on the three of us can catch up, it'll be fun" Reno said.

"Reno we've been over this, we're not friends, we have nothing to catch up on" Autumn explained, "Wait are you two friends?" she asked curiously.

You said 'no' at the same time Reno said 'yes.'

"Come on Cloud we're buddies" Reno said as he slapped you on the back, you shrugged off his arm and stood between him and Autumn with your arms crossed.

"Ok maybe not buddies but we should at least try to get along, after all we'll all be at Alyssa and Jeremy's wedding." Reno reasoned. Now you were confused.

"Wait what?" Autumn asked suddenly giving Reno her full attention.

"Oh yeah I'm the best man" Reno told her.

"You've got to be kidding me" Autumn moaned as she leaned into you completely defeated, instinctively you wrapped and arm around her to make sure she didn't fall of the barstool. "How do you even know them?" She asked.

"We met a while back, helped them start over in Costa del sol, became pretty good friends, heard a rumor you turned up at Tifa's bar and here we are." Reno explained.

"Oh Alyssa is going to pay for this" Autumn mumbled. Then looked up at you, "Cloud can we get out of here?" Autumn asked innocently as she played with the ring on her necklace. You felt a pang of guilt upon seeing Jace's engagement ring, but before you could speak a waitress came by and dropped off the chocolate cake you ordered for her. "But we didn't order anything" Autumn said in confusion.

"I know you like cake." You replied simply.

Autumn smiled at you, "Thats very sweet of you Mr. Strife" she giggled. "Do you get out of all situations by buying cake?" she teased referring to all the times you bought the kids cake for dinner.

"You had a long day Ms. Knight" You replied.

"Hey if no one wants the cake, I'll eat it" Reno chimed in. You glared at him. "Or not" he added.

Autumn motioned for you to take the seat next her, "share it with me?" she asked, looking up at you with her bright hazel eyes. You nodded and took a seat, reluctantly releasing her.

"Hey what about me?" Reno asked.

"You can leave?' Autumn suggested. You had to admit seeing Autumn so annoyed was pretty amusing, she's usually so sweet and caring to everyone but Reno does tend to have this affect on people.

You and Autumn began eating the cake as the two of you tried to ignore Reno, which admittedly was pretty difficult, Reno is very annoying. You were a bit distracted by Autumn and dropped the same piece of cake three times, before Autumn scooped up your piece and quickly ate it.

You gave her a curious look, to which she replied. "Too slow Strife" with a mischievous smile. As she went to take another piece you knocked it off her fork and quickly ate it. "Alright maybe we're evenly matched." she admitted.

You were just starting to forget that Reno was there when he broke the silence. "You know Autumn, I understand why you probably hate me, I'm not gonna justify it, I followed my orders, but we should try to get along for Alyssa and Jeremy, they really missed you, they refused to get married until I tracked you down for them."

As Reno spoke you could see Autumn's expression change from annoyance to sympathy to sadness.

"Reno" You warned.

But then Autumn spoke, "They really waited till they found me?" she asked timidly.

"They missed you, it wouldn't be their day without you there." Reno told her.

Autumn sighed. "Ok, for Alyssa and Jeremy I'll try not to be so rude to you"

"Thats a start!" Reno cheered as he jumped up and went to hug Autumn, but she slipped away and hid behind you. Reno clearly committed to the hug and nearly fell into you in his attempt to get to Autumn, but you stuck out your leg tripped him sending him to the ground.

"If you even think about touching me I'll surgically remove your arms" Autumn threatened. You nearly lost it, you couldn't help but laugh.

Reno still on the ground sat up, "You know Cloud laughing is actually really uncomfortable" Reno commented.

"So is your presence" Autumn replied without missing a beat, then turned to you, "You have a nice laugh," she awkwardly complimented.

"What happened to being nicer to me?" Reno asked as he stood up wisely keeping his distance from Autumn who was still hiding behind you. even though you were sitting on a bar stool and she was standing you still towered over her.

"Baby steps Reno, you want to get along, be less perverted."

"I make no promises." Reno replied, you glared at him again, "Ok easy there buddy, I'll try. But man i could get used to this view of Autumn" he added as he held up his hands creating a frame.

"You're disgusting" Autumn sighed as you kicked Reno, who scrambled away and got up. You took out your wallet and left money for the food and tip on the counter. "I don't mind splitting the bill" Autumn told you catching your attention, you just shook your head motioned for her to follow you back to the inn, its been a long day and theirs no way you were letting her pay.