"Why won't Alyssa let you come with us!" Riley whined.
"Its not for long, I'll be here when you get back" You told him as you pulled him into a hug. Cid and Barret showed up this morning, ready to take Tifa and the kids to Costa Del Sol. Just when everyone was about to leave Vincent showed up out of nowhere.
"I know I just wish you could" Riley told you as he finally released you.
"And face Alyssa's wrath I don't think so." you laughed, your brother completely understood. While Riley may not remember much of his life before the massacre, he did remember Alyssa's wrath and how easily she could go from cheerful mom friend to demon spawn.
"Don't worry girly, I'll take care of the little runt" Cid told you, followed by a loud sound, then Cid turned and yelled "Yuffie you are not allowed to drive my baby!". You laughed as he ran off to stop the mischievous thief, Cid really is a great adoptive father to Riley. The rest of the kids hugged you, then boarded Cid's airship followed by Barrett.
Next up was Vincent, who pulled you into a protective hug. You hugged him back as his cape covered you. Being around Vincent always made you feel at home, his presence is comforting and he gives surprisingly great hugs. As he released you, you looked up and said, "Don't let Alyssa put me in some god awful dress" you told him with a sly smile.
"If I have to look like a turk again, you can wear an awful dress" Vincent replied with a chuckle.
You were shocked, "Oh so now we're funny?" you asked in a teasing fashion. Vincent just smiled, kissed your forehead and headed onto the airship.
"Are you sure you'll be ok by yourself?" Tifa asked.
"I'll be fine, besides Cloud is suppose to be back soon anyway, I won't be alone for long." You reassured her, "besides I spent the better half of three years on my own, I can handle a week"
She looked skeptical. You gave her a look. "Its not that I don't trust you, you know I trust you. I just hate leaving you alone."
"I'll be fine, you worry too much" you laughed as you ushered her onto the airship. A few moments later, the loading dock closed and you waived to your friends as they took off. Once they were out of sight you went backed into the empty bar and prepared to open.
(Cloud)
You tried to focus on the road back to Edge but couldn't. You were deeply troubled by what you learned from your little trip to the Healen Lodge. The only bright side was that Rufus was able to confirm that you and Autumn were indeed held captive in the Shinra mansion at the same time, but what happened in that time was still a bit of a mystery.
You found Reno and Rude lurking around outside, you knew they heard Fenrir and were ready to confront you. Dealing with them was easy, Reno charged at you like he usually does, you simply side-stepped and tripped him, causing the annoying red head to fall to the ground. Rude put his hands up, already giving up. You headed up the stairs, when you were about halfway up Reno chased you, but tripped on the stairs falling backward and landed on Rude. You rolled your eyes and walked into what you assumed was Rufus' room. It was strangely reminiscent of his old office in Midgar.
In the center of the room drinking tea was Rufus, same old smug look on his face, with Tseng and Elena on either side of him. Upon seeing you Rufus put down his tea and greeted you with a glare.
"Well what brings you here Cloud?" he asked, "I can tell this is not a social visit."
"I need information…" You were cut off.
"It seems thats all you ever need" Rufus commented.
"Cut the games, I need to know what you did to Autumn Knight." you glared at him.
"Ah the young doctor, a pretty one isn't she?" He asked, you knew he was trying to bother you, its one of his negotiation tactics. You stayed silent and glared at him. By now you heard Reno's footsteps running up the stairs, it took him longer than you thought. Just as he was about to open the door, you locked it. As you walked toward Rufus, He turned to Tseng and asked him why they keep Reno on the payroll, Tseng only shrugged in response. Then Rufus turned back to you, "Tell me Cloud, what is it you want to know?"
You ignored his question, "You did something to her" you said as you slammed a fist on the desk in an attempt to intimidate him. You couldn't help but notice the oozing black bruise on his neck, looks like even Rufus has geostigma.
"You care for Ms. Knight don't you?" Rufus said, you kept your expression neutral hoping you won't give anything away. "Are you sure that's such a wise idea, after all you couldn't protect Arieth."
You absently looked away, "I will protect Autumn" you told him seriously, "I'm not interested in your games"
Rufus stared you down for a moment before yielding, "I don't know everything but I'll tell you what I know." He said. This shocked you but you kept your expression neutral. It's not like Rufus to give up information without gaining something for himself first. "When Reno brought her to my father's mansion I wanted her mother's medical records, she may have been a country doctor but she was only one outside of my corporation who treated active SOLDIERS. The medical records were valuable because her most common patients were Angeal, Genesis and Sephiroth, later Zack and Jace. But I really wanted the records she had on Zander, by all accounts he should have died from his injuries, and my doctors were never able to uncover the secret. I was sad to find out that all of those records were lost in the fires when Sephiroth attacked that hick town."
You listened intently, surprised Rufus was giving so much detail, but also a bit annoyed, you wanted him to just get to what he did to Autumn but you knew better than to interrupt him.
"Of course I didn't realize how beautiful she was, I asked her to join me for dinner" Rufus paused to gage your response He seemed to be satisfied that you were absently clenching your jaw, he was about to speak when Reno yelled through the door.
"She told you she would rather die" Reno chimed in, You raised an eyebrow at Rufus who for a brief moment looked flustered.
"She punched you Reno" Tseng added bluntly. Elena stifled a laugh.
Rufus glared at his Turks before continuing, "I found out that she wanted to be a doctor like her mother and thought she may be useful. I told Hojo to do with her what he will, I was hoping that he would make her his assistant."
"His assistant" you scoffed, rolling your eyes.
"Hojo kept many of his experiments secret, I had a company to run, I couldn't keep tabs on him at all times" Rufus defended.
"What did he do to her?" you asked again beginning to lose your patience.
"Well this is where you come in" Rufus said, he paused again looking for reaction, when you gave none he continued. "You, Zack, Autumn, and Ryan, were all kept in the same lab. You and Zack had been there longer of course. By the time the rest arrived you had already succumbed to mako poisoning. Hojo wanted to know all of Autumn's mom's medical secrets, he thought he could torture it out of her' Rufus said simply.
You were shocked you had 'met' Autumn before, you just couldn't remember it and neither could she. While you were thankful she was never exposed to the mako energy, she was tortured, if Zack was there why didn't he stop it? Then you remembered Autumn's scar from Sephiroth, she told you that it never got the chance to heal correctly, this was why.
"I don't know what Hojo did to her, or why she can't remember. If you want to know I'll have Tseng and Elena go recover the security footage from your time there" Rufus said.
"What's in it for you?" You asked suspiciously.
"Nothing at all, just one condition. If you want to see it, you'll have to bring Autumn with you."
"Not interested." you said as you turned to leave.
"Oh I'm sure you are" Rufus called after you.
You blinked trying to focus on the road ahead of you.
You hated to admit it but you did want to know, but now you wanted to know if you an Autumn interacted at all durning that time. You wanted to know why Zack didn't save her. And what was so bad that Autumn can't remember any of it. As much as you wanted to know, you didn't want to bring Autumn to Rufus, mostly because he's an awful person but partially because he also is clearly attracted to Autumn. All these thoughts ran through your head, you were so distracted you decided to stop for the night, it was too dangerous for you to ride in this state of mind
(Autumn)
The bar was quiet and business was slow. You had become so accustomed to the loud bar and being constantly surrounded by your friends and the kids, that the erie silence was starting to creep you out. You wondered when Cloud would be home, he hadn't told you where he was going, but he left the day after the two of you returned from Kalm and said he would be back today but its already after 9 and you were starting to get worried. You knew it was silly, Tifa had told you a thousand times that Cloud is known for running off for weeks at a time, sleeping in this church you've heard so much about and in general keeping too himself in his room, but that wasn't the Cloud you've seen since you moved in. Cloud's barely been to the church, he's slept in his own room as long as he's home and not away on deliveries and he's been very accurate on telling you when he'd back from those deliveries.
You tried to calm your nerves by playing some music, you kept it low so not to disturb the couple of regulars. you had a feeling that these mechanics and business men were probably not too into pop punk. For once the soothing sound of rebellion against parents, small towns and government couldn't ease your troubles.
"Another round?" Jacob called getting your attention.
You gave him a skeptical look, "Are you sure about that?" you asked him, "you're already at 3 drinks, Alex hasn't even finished his second yet" you added. Then looked at Alex for a response.
"Let him have it" Alex sighed in defeat.
You paused a moment, "Fine but this is the last one, then I'm cutting you off" you told them
Jacob nodded, "Fair enough" he slurred a bit but seemed to be pretty in control of everything else.
Alex gave you an apologetic smile before trying to make polite conversation. "The ole bar's really quiet tonight isn't it" he commented.
"Yeah looks like its just me tonight" you admitted with a shrug of your shoulders.
"No kids running amuck, Tifa hasn't been around much" Jacob added. "Where's she been?" he asked, you were surprised that Jacob seemed so concerned about Tifa after all she never lets him have more than two drinks.
"She ran this bar for years on her own with no breaks, I don't mind picking up the slack so she can get away when she needs to" you told them, "But she should only be a gone a few days this time" you added realizing you didn't really answer his question.
Jacob nodded accepting that response. "Been a while since I've seen the big guy with the gun arm and the airship pilot too" he added.
"Oh and that creepy guy! Looks just like a vampire" Alex added.
"Barrett, Cid and Vincent" you replied with a laugh, "they're actually with Tifa and the kids right now."
"Those little ones seem like good kids, but wheres the parents?" Alex asked curiously.
You hesitated a moment choosing your words carefully. "Well, they're actually all orphans." you told them, they seemed a bit shocked but you wanted to keep the conversation casual. "We don't really know where Denzel came from, Tifa just took him in one day. Barrett adopted Marlene, she was the daughter of his closest friend, so when he died, Barrett promised to take care of her. Riley is my little brother, Cid adopted him a few years ago when we got separated, we were actually reunited only a few months ago."
"Not to pry but where are from, you don't seem like you're from around here."
You hesitated once again, you didn't want to say you're from Hazeltown because it was a famous massacre, only to be overshadowed by the Neibleheim Incident. "Oh I'm from a little country town a few hours away." It wasn't a complete lie, it really was a little country town, thought its a bit more than a few hours away.
"Hey where's you big moody friend?" Alex suddenly asked.
"yeah where is he? he's usually here with you, always sitting at the end of the bar making sure no one bothers you." Jacob slurred, he was already almost finished with his fourth drink.
You couldn't help but giggle, he was definitely talking about Cloud. "Thats Cloud, he's working, he runs a delivery service."
You spent a while longer talking to Jacob and Alex as they finished up their drinks before they paid their tab and headed out for the night. You were sure they'd be back tomorrow after all they always are. You wiped down the bar where they were sitting.
You looked around, there was only one group at one of the booths, one business man at the end of the bar and two younger guys you recognized from the group of mechanics that usually come. You looked at the clock it was only 9:30 still a few more hours before the bar closes and you're really worried about Cloud, he should have been back by now.
A new group came into a the bar, two middle aged couples. They sat at one of the booths and you called that you'd be with them in a moment. You grabbed the specials menu and walked up to them. You greeted the new group and took their drink orders, a couple of beers, a Midgar Iced Tea and dry martini. As you made their drinks you couldn't help but think about Cloud, you knew it was silly, especially because Tifa always tells you that Cloud is known for disappearing for weeks at a time but since you've known him he's always come back when he said he would. You finished up the drinks and brought them over to two couples.
After making sure everyone in the bar was taken care of you decided to call Cloud quick. You ran up stairs and into your room, looking for you phone. Since you got home from Kalm you've had no idea where its been. You eventually found it on the floor under your bed. Finding your phone took longer than you expected so you checked on everyone in the bar, satisfied that everyone was ok you called Cloud.
The phone rang once before he picked up.
"Autumn? Is everything ok?" Cloud asked, his voice sounded strange, it wasn't his usual monotone.
"Everything is fine, I was just wondering where you are, I thought you'd be back by now" You told him awkwardly. Now that you actually have him on the phone you felt really silly, he probably stopped for the night.
"I ended up stopping" he said. Yep you feel super silly now.
"Makes sense" you replied. "So I'll see you tomorrow?" you asked.
There was a brief pause, "No, tonight" he finally said. "I'll see you soon" Cloud added before ending the call.
You were a bit shocked he really didn't have to rush home, you'll have to apologize when he gets back. As you got back to work you couldn't help but think it was strange that Cloud actually answered, let alone on the first ring. You heard the bell on the door ring, you greeted the group that just walked it, four guys and two girls, they sat at one of the booths. You looked around, there was two more people sitting at the bar along with the two mechanics, The quiet group in a both and two couples in another booth. Looks like the bar is getting busy, hopefully it will distract you from your thoughts of a spiky haired blonde.
(Cloud)
You ended the call and picked up your bag, you had just checked in, they're gonna think you're crazy for leaving, but it didn't matter. Autumn sounded perfectly content on the phone but you couldn't help but worry, you just had a bad feeling. Maybe it was everything you learned form Rufus, or maybe its just because as much as you try to hide it you want to be near her, you just knew you had to get home.
As you walked past the front desk you left the key and enough money for the room.
"Leaving already?" the elderly man asked in confusion.
You just nodded a 'yes' and headed outside to Fenrir. After all Edge is only about an hour away.
(Autumn)
For the last hour the bar has been absolutely packed, the tips are great but you're exhausted. You checked the time only 10:46, still a little over an hour before closing. You looked around, it was finally starting to slow down again, only four people sitting at the bar and one group in a booth. You checked on everyone, made two more drink orders before the group in the booth paid their tab, though they lingered to finish their drinks, and you told everyone to call you if they want anything. Then you went behind the bar and started doing the inventory. You already knew you'd have to get more vodka, and were completely out of three types of bottled beer, though all the taps are good, you'd still have to call the supplier tomorrow morning.
You heard the bell on the door ring and saw that the booth group had left. Two of the guys sitting at the bar paid their tabs and left. You checked on the the other two but they were still finishing up their drinks and you went back to your inventory.
A few minutes later you were completely distracted by the inventory, it was really this first time you were doing it by yourself and Tifa's system was super confusing, though you'd never tell her that. You heard the bell on the door ring once again. Without looking up you greeted the newcomers by saying you'll be with them in a minute as you finished up the mixers totals. No one spoke but you could definitely hear several sets of footsteps. It made you a bit uneasy, something didn't feel right.
You looked up and found yourself face to face with the mechanics from Kalm. You surpassed the urge to step back startled, instead you slowly stood up and decided to act dumb.
"Welcome to Seventh Heaven, can I get you anything?" you asked.
"Where's Strife?" the man you recognized as the big one that Cloud had argued with asked.
"Not here" You replied, then turned to the three with him, "Can I get you anything?"
"a beer!" the youngest one said. But he was quickly silenced by the two others elbowing him.
"Beers all around" The big one said.
You nodded and quickly went to prepare their beers, you spotted Vincent's old gun under the counter, now you understood why Tifa kept it there. You didn't think you'd be able to shoot it if it came down to it, you took an oath to save people not hurt them, but you had to admit this situation had you really nervous. You really hoped its not obvious.
You served the beers and tried to go back to the inventory. It was quiet for a few moments but you knew it wouldn't last.
"So where is Strife anyway?" the big one asked.
"Away" you replied trying not to give too much information. You really hoped Cloud would get home soon. You glanced at the two other customers, they were still engaged in their conversation.
"You know he really put me in a tough situation, first he brings the part a day late, I missed my deadline because of him" He complained, you focused on the inventory. "It was only reasonable I wanted a discount."
You tried to ignore them while still keeping you guard up. You've gotten comfortable ever since you moved in but you did spend three years mostly by yourself, you were pretty used to dirtbags like these guys. It didn't make this any less nerve-wracking.
"Another beer?" the younger one asked. He at least seemed polite compared to his companions.
You grabbed another beer and got rid of the empty bottle, the other three were drinking theirs much slower. Then you walked over to the two other customers, they paid their tab and left.
"When's Strife getting back?" the big one asked catching your attention as you got back to the inventory.
You shrugged, "Not sure."
"Thats too bad" he said as he stood up. You glanced at him pretending to look over the inventory sheet. He was now right across from you, you noticed the other three stood up as well and flanked him.
"We're closing, I think its time you pay and leave" You told him, you were really hoping you were channeling your inner badass otherwise you definitely look like a scared little girl.
"I think we'll stay" he told you with a sickening smile. One of his buddies, who looked like the definition of generic tool, walked over to the door and flipped the open sign to closed.
You absently backed up until you hit the wall with the shelves of alcohol. The younger one blocked the only way out from behind the bar. The big one tried to grab at you. You knew staying behind the bar was a bad idea, you're cornered. You glanced at Vincent's gun, it was way to far away they'd reach you before you reach it.
You glanced back and forth looking for a way out, when the large one tried to grab you from over the bar. you dodged him, thankfully his movements are decently slow and you're pretty fast, but you knew if he grabbed you, you'd never be able to get away. Generic tool tried to grab at you and you dodged again, but this time you hoped over the bar, thankfully landing on your feet but as you landed the third one who was a bit chubby grabbed the back of your shirt. you were able to yank yourself free but he tore part of the shirt. You tried to run to the door that lead to the house but the young one blocked it. The chubby one blocked off the exit to the outside as the big one and generic tool tried to corner you.
You knew they were yelling and saying things but between the shock and the adrenaline you couldn't understand what they were saying, you wondered if you could break a widow, but it would probably take too long with your bare hands and you glanced around to find something you could use but came up empty handed. The big one and generic tool got closer to you, they were backing you into a corner.
Acting on pure instinct you punched generic tool as hard as you could; your fist connected with his nose, you winced as his teeth grazed your hand. He stumbled back, either stunned or in pain, you weren't sure. The big one tried to restrain you but you kicked him where it hurts, nearly losing your balance. Seeing that you were clearly putting up a fight the chubby one ran at you, he was a bit clumsy so you were able to dodge him and ran towards the door, if you could get outside you could run for help. The young one saw where you were going ran into your path. You skid trying to change direction and get into the house, if you could get inside you could lock the door.
You lost your balance as you dodged the chubby one again and fell right into the arms of generic tool. He roughly grabbed you forcing you up against a wall.
"You're gonna pay for that" Generic tool growled at you. His breath stank and you definitely hit him way harder than you thought. His face was already swollen and a clear bruise is forming, he had a bit of blood coming from his nose as well.
You winced in pain as he slammed you against the wall. He was about to speak again when the bell on the door rang. The room went silent. You looked up to see an extremely pissed off Cloud standing in the door way. Before anyone could react Cloud ran towards you, it amazed you how fast he moved. He punched generic tool in the face, forcing him to release you. Generic tool was out cold before he even hit the ground. Cloud instantly put himself between you and the mechanics from Kalm.
You recognized the look in Cloud's eyes, it was the same look that Jace had when Sephiroth attacked. It was a mix between pure rage and intense worry. Suddenly feeling weak you absently reached out to Cloud whose back was to you. You clutched the back of his shirt completely unaware of you actions. Cloud glanced at you, his expression softened for a moment before he turned back to the men from Kalm.
"You have one chance to leave." Cloud told them.
The big one stayed silent for a moment weighing his options. Then he nodded to the two that are still conscience, they walked over and picked up generic tool whose still knocked out. The three left without a word but the big one lingered as he walked. The entire time Cloud watched his every move.
"You brought this on yourself" He said.
Cloud ignored that and said, "You're a coward, you have a problem with me, take it out me." he absently glanced at you before continuing, "Stay away from Autumn."
The big one took one step towards you and Cloud lunged at him, grabbed the front of his shirt and lifting him off the ground. You know Cloud is strong but you were not expecting him to lift a full grown obese man off the ground with ease. They exchanged words that you couldn't hear before Cloud released him. The big guy stumbled to the ground, then scrambled to get up and ran out. Cloud locked the door to the bar behind them.
You released a breath you didn't even realize you were holding, You were suddenly dizzy, your legs felt numb and your vision was hazy as the realization set in just how horribly that situation could have ended. What if Cloud didn't walk in when he did, you shuttered as you fell to your knees hugging yourself.
In an instant Cloud was kneeling in front of you, the concern clear on his face. You hated worrying him but you couldn't make a sound let alone speak as you took shallow breaths in an effort to slow your heart rate.
"Autumn" Cloud mumbled as he wrapped his arms around you. "Did they hurt you?" he asked timidly, as if he was scared of the answer. You just shook your head unable to think clearly. Cloud just held you tight, as you tried to focus on his steady breathing to calm yourself.