You looked at your shaking hands and slowly clenched them into fists. You kept going over the incident over and over in your head as you tried to wash away tonights events with a hot shower. You weren't sure how long you stayed on the floor in Cloud's arms but you eventually excused yourself to shower, feeling absolutely disgusted that generic tool laid his hands on you. If Cloud didn't show up when he did, you shuttered, you didn't want to think about what would have happened. You didn't want to be alone with your thoughts any longer, so you turned off the shower and dried yourself. You figured you'd be going to bed soon anyway so you dressed in soft black shorts and a baggy t-shirt, the collar was a bit stretched out so it hung loosely off your shoulder, and you tucked the necklace with Jace's ring into the shirt. You didn't even bother drying your hair, just combed it out.

When you exited the bathroom you were a bit shocked to see Cloud leaning against the wall across from you.

"Oh Cloud," you nearly gasped, "You didn't have to wait up for me" you told him as you regained your composure.

He shrugged his shoulders, as he pushed himself of the wall, "I wanted to make sure you were ok." He told you.

You smiled, "I think I'm ok now" You told him, it was a bit of a white lie, you were feeling better but you were still very shaken up.

The moody blonde wasn't buying it, he gave you a skeptical look when he noticed that you were still visibly shaking. He just kept staring at you, his eyebrows knit together as he tried to figure out how to help.

Feeling a bit self conscious, more so now that Cloud has noticed the bruises on your arms from when generic tool grabbed you, you asked if Cloud wanted coffee. He just shook his head as he carefully grabbed your arm, examining the bruises. "Does it hurt?" he asked quietly, refusing to meet your gaze.

You shook you head as you pulled away from him, "I'm ok, I promise."

Cloud's eyes held a deep sadness. "I'm sorry" he said after a moment.

Your eyebrows knit together in confusion, "But why?" You asked, "Cloud you saved me why are you sorry?"

"They came looking for me, and I wasn't there to protect you." He said as he looked away ashamed.

You frowned, he's too hard on himself all the time. "Cloud I'm not upset with you, if you didn't come in when you did, I don't want to think about what would have happened." You told him as you tried to comfort him by resting a hand on his arm.

"It never should have happened."

"But it did" you mumbled as you stood in front of him, "But i think both of us have spent way too much time living in the past." you told him. Cloud looked into your eyes for a moment before turning away again. The sadness in his eyes made you want to cry, you couldn't imagine what could be going through his head. "Cloud please don't look away." you said quietly as you placed a hand on his cheek. He looked at you curiously so you continued. "Please don't be so hard on yourself, Cloud," you absently stepped a bit closer to him fearing he may try to turn away again. "You saved me again and thats what matters."

You were surprised when Cloud took a step closer to you, your bodies were only a few inches apart. He absently moved a few strands of your wet hair out of your face, he allowed his hand to linger on your face a moment before it dropped to your shoulder. "They hurt you." he said, his voice sounded so broken.

"You stopped them" you told him.

Suddenly he placed both hands on your shoulders and looked in your eyes. "Autumn I promised to protect you, I failed, and now you're bruised."

You looked up at him, "Why does it sound like you want me to be upset with you?" you asked him quietly. Cloud looked like he was about to speak but didn't, after a few moments of stunned silence you wrapped your arms around his torso pulling him into a hug. "Thank you for saving me" you told him honestly. "Please don't be so hard on yourself, none of this is your fault." you added.

Cloud wrapped his arms around you pulling you closer as he rested his chin on the top of your head. You were a bit shocked, this was pretty out of character for him after all you expected him to just stand there stunned, but you smiled, maybe this hug was just what he needed too.

"I'll try" Cloud mumbled, breaking the silence.

"Then I'll help you." you told him as you pulled away just far enough to look at his eyes. The sadness was still there but he seemed much happier. You were so distracted by his eyes that you didn't realize how close the two of you were.

"Autumn" Cloud mumbled as you absently looked up at him, you could feel his hot breath on your lips.

Before you could speak, Cloud suddenly leaned in and captured your lips in a kiss, he held you close with one arm around your lower back and the other cradled the back of your head. You were so shocked at first, maybe Cloud does return your feelings? Either way you soon lost yourself in his sensual kiss and warm embrace. You found yourself wrapping your arms around his neck trying to pull yourself closer as you stood on the tips of your toes, after all Cloud is good 8 inches taller than you and you were struggling to continue the kiss. You actually lost your balance breaking the kiss, unsure what to do you looked up at him with wide eyes, "Cloud" you nearly gasped.

At the sound of your voice Cloud seemed to realize what he had done. His eyes widened for a brief moment, to be honest it was the first time you've ever seen him caught off guard. Your thoughts were a jumbled mess, you couldn't think straight let alone process what just happened. All you know is that his kiss completely took your breath away and you wanted more. Absently you bit your lip in anticipation of what the mysterious blonde would do next. Something about that small action had a big effect on Cloud because he swiftly pulled you into his arms and into another kiss. This time you eagerly kissed back pulling yourself closer, still struggling a bit to keep your balance. You gasped in shock as you felt yourself being lifted off the ground, Cloud had locked his arms around your thighs. In a brief moment of shock you scrambled to wrap your arms around Cloud as you locked your legs around his waist, but he took this opportunity to trail kisses down your neck making you shiver. Seeing this Cloud pulled away for a moment to look at your expression but it was your turns to lose control. You pulled him into a kiss, lightly nibbling on his bottom lip.

You just couldn't control yourself, maybe it was the fact that you haven't kissed anyone in over three years, or maybe the sexual tension between you and Cloud had finally reached its breaking point, either way you didn't want to stop. It seemed like Cloud didn't want to either. You were so lost in his kiss that you almost didn't notice when he brought you into his bedroom. He skillfully placed you on the bed never breaking the kiss. While your legs were still locked around his waist, his hands were now free to roam your body. He tugged at the edge of your shirt as if asking permission, you responded by carefully grasping his wrist and leading his hand under your shirt. You were a bit surprised how gentile his touch was considering how rough his hands are. You unzipped his shirt smirking into the kiss, taking the hint Cloud broke the kiss to remove it. He tossed the shirt to the ground and instantly attacked your neck with kisses as your hands wandered over his muscular chest and abs. As distracted as you were by his perfect body, you couldn't help but notice the bandage on his left bicep, now you understood why he kept that arm covered. You'll have to confront him about that soon.

warning the next part is the reason this story is rated mature. Its not graphic but if you'd rather not read a super soft core sex scene, skip to where the pov changes to Tifa

The two of you never spoke except to occasionally gasp the other's name or a simple direction of what felt good. As the night wore on all clothing was removed. For a while you insisted on being on top but it didn't last too long, though you did get a very satisfying moan of pleasure out of the former SOLDIER. Cloud flipped the two of you over and began pleasuring you. Unable to control yourself you let out a loud moan, thankful that no one else was home. Cloud suddenly stopped and looked at you, once again asking permission to continue. You uttered a desperate 'please' before Cloud gave you a small smile as he grabbed your hips and inserted himself in. As if on cue the two of you moaned as he fell into a steady rhythm. Several minutes later he finally reached his climax but you had not, you were close but not quiet there yet. Much to your displease he removed himself. When you were about to protest you let out a moan partially in pleasure but partially in shock as he expertly went down on you.

You were in such as state of intense pleasure that you weren't sure how much time had passed but Cloud refused to stop until you climaxed as well. Once he was satisfied and you were catching your breath, he grabbed the blanket and pulled it over you as he laid down. You were exhausted.

(Tifa)

It was early in the morning and Cid hand just landed the airship in the wastelands just outside of Cost Del Sol. You decided to greet Alyssa and Jeremy bright and early, however most of your companions had other ideas. Aside from Cid the only ones awake were Riley and Vincent, though you're not even sure if Vincent sleeps or not. You finally decided to head over to Alyssa and Jeremy's with Riley and Vincent, Cid said he'd wait here for everyone else to wake up.

Walking into town was strange, Riley instantly grabbed Vincent's clawed hand the two just continued walking as the little boy began explaining all of the details of a new card game. Vincent just nodded occasionally as he listened to the enthusiastic child. You couldn't help but smile at the effect that little Hewley had on grumpy old Vincent. It made you really think about how much Autumn and Riley changed the lives of you and your friends. Ever since they showed up, they brought a certain light to your lives.

You remembered the day Cid first brought Riley to play with Marlene and Denzel, back then the kids didn't really get along but with Riley they found a common ground and soon became inseparable. Then your thoughts turned to Autumn, you could hardly believe that you've only known her for a few short months. From the moment she walked into your bar looking for Riley she changed everyones lives for the better. In the few years since you and your friends defeated Sephiroth, everyone slowly became distant, Yuffie didn't visit as much, Barrett spent more and more time away, Cloud would disappear for weeks at a time and when he was around he'd spend all of his time at the church, and you were lucky if you saw Vincent a handful of times throughout the year. Then Autumn showed up and everyone was suddenly together again. It seems Autumn was the missing piece in all of your lives and you're proud to call her the best friend you've ever had.

Before you knew it Vincent had led you an house just off of main street.

"This the place?" you asked, it was a cute house, a few freshly planted flowers under the window and a silly sign that read 'Gone to the beach' on the door.

Vincent only nodded a 'yes' and knocked on the door.

Seconds later the door opened to reveal Alyssa, who was extremely happy to see you three. "Come in! Jeremy almost has breakfast ready, you guys must be hungry" she greeted.

You laughed, noticing some of the similarities between Alyssa and Autumn, they both were extremely sweet and caring, Alyssa is just significantly louder about it.

"Don't tell me everyone else slept in" Alyssa giggled.

You nodded, "It was bit of a bumpy flight, we hit a storm in the middle of the night" You replied.

"We'll just save some breakfast for everyone else" She said cheerfully.

You looked around the house as she led you to the kitchen. There was boxes packed up everywhere like they had just moved in.

"Didn't unpack yet?" Vincent asked.

"We just moved in yesterday" Jeremy replied as you walked into the kitchen, "Pancakes?" he offered.

Riley was so ready for pancakes and helped Alyssa set the table.

"It took forever to close on the house, but its finally ours!" Alyssa said handing the plates to Riley.

You offered to help them unpack, but they declined, They wanted to set up the house slowly, some of the boxes hadn't been unpacked since they left Hazeltown and they wanted their privacy for that. As the five of you ate Alyssa asked if you'd heard from Autumn since you left, you shook your head and laughed that she probably wouldn't answer, after all Autumn never had her phone, and even when she does, she never looks at it let alone answers it.

"Some things never change," Alyssa sighed. "Though i'm surprised, she barely argued when I told her she can't see her maid of honor dress."

"She probably just wants to make your wedding perfect" Vincent surprisingly chimed in.

"She'll do anything to see you two happy." Riley added.

Alyssa and Jeremy shared a quick moment as they smiled at each other, "I'm glad we waited till we found her, it wouldn't feel right getting married without Autumn by our side." Jeremy said speaking for both of them.

"I'm so happy to have our girl back" Alyssa said becoming sentimental.

"I hope you don't mind sharing her" You said to lighten the mood, "Autumn is important to my gruff group too."

"Wouldn't have it any other way" Alyssa laughed.

(Autumn)

As your eyes fluttered opened you had a brief moment of disorientation before you felt an overwhelming soreness due to your nocturnal activities the previous night. You nearly gasped in shock releasing that you were still naked and in bed with Cloud who was still sound asleep.

You blushed furiously as you began to panic, a million thoughts ran through your head. What if Cloud regrets last night? What if this ruins your friendship? How could you be so stupid, you weren't even brave enough to tell him of your growing feelings, then you go an have sex with him!? You couldn't find your shirt or your shorts or even your panties, unsure where he threw them last night. Remembering that you're naked you desperately wanted to cover up, but Cloud was using the only blanket and you still couldn't find your clothes.

After several panic filled minutes you finally located your clothes scattered around the room, thankfully Cloud is still asleep. You glanced at him, a small smile on his face, you blushed remembering last night but then you began to panic again. You really hoped that this doesn't ruin your friendship, you've lost so much in the last few years, you couldn't lose Cloud too.

You tried to calm yourself by reaching for your ring but found that it was gone, you gasped in shock and started hyperventilating. You were dizzy, what if you can't find it? You could feel tears trailing down your face. That ring is the one that thats always calmed you, it reminded of you Jace and home, where you felt safe and knew everything was going to be ok. You didn't want to keep pushing your problems on Cloud and you definitely didn't want him to wake up to see you like this, he'd definitely get the wrong idea.

You just couldn't hold back your tears anymore so you rushed from his room and into yours and closed the door behind you. Once you were alone you lost control of your emotions and slid to the ground with your knees against your chest and your back against the door as you cried unable to calm yourself. You weren't sure what worried you more: What of this ruins your relationship with Cloud? or What if you can't find Jace's ring?

(Cloud)

You rolled over groggy, kind of wanting to go back to sleep, but mostly confused. You laid on your back for a moment before sitting up in shock as you realized that you're naked. You've never slept naked in your entire life, so this was a pretty big shock to you. The memories of last night came flooding back, you weren't sure what came over you last night, but you smiled, you have to tell Autumn how you feel.

Suddenly energized with newfound determination you quickly pulled on a pair of boxers and pants, looked in the mirror, you had a bit of bedhead going on, but you shook your head and it went back to its usually gravity defying spikiness. You had trouble finding a shirt, looks like you forgot to do laundry. You resorted to looking under your bed and found a t-shirt that was only slightly wrinkled and something unexpected.

As you sat up you examined the object. It was Autumn's ring, it was still on the chain but you were confused as to how it got under your bed. You closed the clasp so the ring wouldn't fall off. You knew you had to get this back to Autumn as soon as possible, she must be so upset thinking she lost it, after all you know how important it is to her.

After making sure the sleeve completely covered your geostigma you left the room in search of Autumn. It was strange you walked down the hall, it was decently early still, you kind of expected Autumn to be showering, but figured maybe she did that and was downstairs already, but as you were passing Autumn's room you heard a sound. You stepped closer and was about to knock when you realized that she was crying.

You rested your forehead against the door, this was your fault… You looked down at the ring in your hand, the sight of it almost pained you. For a few moments you thought about knocking anyway, but decided against it, after all you'd only make things worse. You left the necklace on the doorknob and headed to your room, to finish getting dressed, you needed to give Autumn some space, you just got a request from the owners of the chocobo farm to pick up a package to be delivered here in Edge. A few days away may give Autumn the space she needs. You just hope she doesn't hate you, its ok if she doesn't share your feelings for her, but you wouldn't be able to handle it if she hates you.