"I am not wearing this!"

"If you hate this you're gonna hate what she has picked out for your bridesmaid dress" Tifa laughed, "Come on its cute."

"Oh you're wearing it" Alyssa chimed in.

"But its so revealing" You whined. The dress in question is a black halter keyhole dress, with a completely open back and a short blue skirt with a sparkly sheer hi-low skirt over it.

"And it will look great on you!" Alyssa told you

You sat down on Alyssa's bed and covered your face. It was a super cute dress, but the open back… everyone would see your scar. You could feel the motion of your friends approach you. when you uncovered your face and looked up you were a bit shocked that Yuffie was in your face while Alyssa put an arm around your shoulders and hugged you.

"You're worried about your scar?" Tifa asked quietly. You just nodded, the thought of that scar, the physical pain you endure most days as well as the awful memories its brought, you really don't need random people staring at it.

"We'll be with you all night" Yuffie tried to assure you.

"We won't let anyone bother you about it" Alyssa told you.

You couldn't help but smile, you knew your friends would be there for you. "Ok, I'll wear it" You sighed. As you finished your sentence, Alyssa, Tifa and Yuffie all jumped to hugged you as they screamed in happiness. "Its not a big deal guys" You giggled.

"Its a huge deal! Besides we're gonna look great tonight!" Alyssa told you.

(Cloud)

You heard screaming and nearly jumped up. But as you began to react you felt a hand on your shoulder. When you looked over Jeremy jumped back as if you were going to hit him, which granted you probably would have so you couldn't blame him.

"Don't bother, those are excited screams. Common for Alyssa, guess she's rubbing off on everyone else." Jeremy explained. Your muscles relaxed as you rested back on the couch.,

"What are they so excited about anyway?" Reno asked.

"Oh the girls are going out for Alyssa's Bachelorette party" Jeremy said casually.

"Then we gotta go out for your Bachelor party" Reno said as he jumped up and straightened his jacket.

"Ah i don't think thats such a great idea, besides I told them we'd be around to watch the kids" Jeremy said.

"Come on man! You gotta have one last night of freedom" Barrett reasoned. "I'm sure Vincent won't mind watching the kiddies."

For some reason you're pretty sure this is a bad idea, maybe its just because its Reno's idea but you have a bad feeling about this.

(Autumn)

As much as you hated to admit it, Alyssa is right, this dress does look super cute on you. You finished off the outfit with a strapy black heels and Tifa curled your hair into loose waves. As you were finishing up your makeup, a simple smokey eye and matte nude lipstick, everyone else was finishing up as well. Yuffie was wearing an army green ramper with a black chunky heeled booties. Tifa wore a simple but elegant black dress with a keyhole cut out and black heels, her hair was in a similar style to yours. Alyssa looked beautiful in a off the shoulder white mini dress with a pencil skirt with matching strapy white heels.

"We look so cute!" Alyssa nearly squealed.

"Time to head out!" Tifa agreed enthusiastically.

After a few photos Alyssa insisted on taking, the four of you headed down the stairs.

(Cloud)

You had no idea but somehow they convinced you to go out with them tonight, at least you'll get some beers out of it and on Rufus's dime as Reno proudly announced they'd be using the Shinra corporate credit card. Vincent quickly agreed to watch the kids tonight, you had tried to get out of going but Barrett put you in a headlock till you agreed to go. Now you're sitting on the couch waiting for everyone, you're pretty annoyed, you never realized how much you hate dress shirts till you're forced to wear one.

You were knocked out of your thoughts when you heard Reno obnoxiously whistling. You looked over to see Tifa, Yuffie, Alyssa and finally Autumn walk down the stairs. You were in complete awe, Autumn looked so beautiful, even more so then usual.

"You're staring" Vincent told you. You absently blinked a few times before turning your attention to him.

"We should probably talk" You told him trying to get the conversation you've been dreading over with it.

"We have nothing to talk about Autumn said she handled it." Vincent said. "Just don't hurt her, her heart already broke once for a soldier and I won't let it happen again" he said then walked away.

You wouldn't let that happen either, you're going to do everything in your power to protect Autumn. You glanced back to Autumn to see her holding her little brother and smiling. You found yourself smiling too, even when Vincent walked over and spoke quietly to Autumn, you couldn't hear what he said but she made that face where she scrunches her nose before making some sort of witty comeback. As you were lost in your thoughts of Autumn she approached you nearly catching you off guard.

"You kind of look like a Turk" she giggled.

You looked at your clothes quickly before shrugging, "They told me no leather."

"They told Barrett sleeves and look how well that turned out" Autumn said gesturing to Barrett who had already ripped the sleeves off his dress shirt.

"You look beautiful" You told her.

Autumn smiled brightly, "Thank you Mr. Strife, you clean up pretty well yourself, even if you do look like a Turk."

"Come on Autumn, you can flirt at the bar later, its time to go!"

Autumn gasped in shock before yelling, "I was not flirting!"

"Oh yeah ok, then we will discuss your behavior around the male gender on the way to the bar, lets go!" Alyssa yelled causing Tifa and Yuffie to laugh.

Autumn pouted, you had to admit she looks pretty adorable when she's mad. "I guess I'll see you later then." Autumn said as she walked past you and out the door to catch up the rest of the girls.

(Autumn)

Tifa, Yuffie and Alyssa spent the entire walk into town teasing you about your flirting skills with Cloud. You also found out about the jerk move Reno pulled and that everyone now knows about you and Cloud having sex. At first it was super awkward and embarrassing but you honestly feel a bit better that its not a secret anymore. Plus now is a time to celebrate.

"Where are we going anyway?" Yuffie asked.

"Well theirs this karaoke bar…" Alyssa trailed off looking at you.

"That place is still open?" you asked, knowing that she's referring to the karaoke bar you had gone to years ago with Jace and Zack.

"Of course it is! It was so much fun."

"I just thought it would be closed for serving minors." You told her, especially because you were minors when you went there

Tifa gasped, "Thats so unprofessional!"

"Well the owners did change but its still basically the same place." Alyssa explained.

As you walked into the the karaoke bar you noticed that it did still look the same for the most part, maybe a couple of small renovations here or there but nothing major. There was a couple on the stage singing "summer lovin,", she's an alto trying to sing soprano and he's a bit tone deaf but they looked so happy and in love as they finished their song. Alyssa ushered everyone over to the bar and ordered the first round of drinks. You couldn't help but giggle as Tifa was silently judging the bartender as he now nervously prepared the drink.

"The color is wrong" Tifa said after the bartender walked away as she stared at the french martini.

"Not everyone is the perfect bartender like you." You laughed.

"You were, you were a real natural" Tifa argued.

"It won't matter once we get a few more drinks in" Yuffie chimed in.

"Thats the spirit!" Alyssa agree, "Maybe we'll even get Autumn to sing"

"We'll see" you replied, which was followed by requests for you to sing. You weren't even sure why its such a big deal, its not like you're particularly good or bad. Plus the only time you could remember singing being a big deal was when you and your friends came to this karaoke bar the first time. You must have been quiet for a while because Tifa and Yuffie walked off to get the next round of drinks. Alyssa scooted closer to you, taking Tifa's seat. You gave her a curious look.

"Its just nice to see you acting like your old self again" Alyssa told you. You absently frowned as you began to fiddle with Jace's ring, which nearly cause Alyssa to panic so she continued. "I mean, I know things are different now and we're older now and everything but its just nice to see you happy again."

You smiled at your oldest friend. "I am happy" you told her with confidence, "And I'm so happy for you and Jeremy."

"It took us a few years but I think we're all finally going to be ok" Alyssa said. You knew what she was referring to, being among the few survivors of a massacre, losing everything you've ever known. Alyssa and Jeremy are ready to put the past behind them and you finally are too.

"Why do you two look to serious? We're suppose to having fun tonight!" Yuffie announced over dramatically as she and Tifa returned with more drinks.

"Will the Bachelorette party come to the stage"

You looked to Alyssa who seemed just as confused as you, then to Tifa who was smiling nervously.

"I sort of signed us up for a few songs." She said innocently.

Without a word you and Alyssa downed your drinks and stood up, following Yuffie and Tifa to the stage. You were hoping the alcohol will at least give you enough courage to outweigh the embarrassment of the events about to transpire.

(Cloud)

Its been a long night and you're only about two hours into it. Reno has already gotten you kicked out of 6 bars and now you're headed to the last one before calling it a night. You were trailing a bit behind the group, annoyed at Reno, who seems to be the only one having fun. As you entered the bar you instantly heard Reno start catcalling, you rolled your eyes overwhelmed with secondhand embarrassment, he's always so disrespectful to women. When you looked up the embarrassment turned to rage as you saw who he was catcalling. In front of you stood Autumn, Tifa, Alyssa and Yuffie, and Tifa looked pissed.

"What are you guys doing here?" Alyssa asked clearly speaking to Jeremy.

"Well Reno got us kicked out of everywhere else" Jeremy replied timidly.

Alyssa sighed, "Well I guess you'll just have to join us" she said with a smile.

"Can we send Reno home?" Autumn laughed, then Tifa whispered something in her ear that made her laugh even more.

"Come on Autumn-baby we're suppose to be friends!" Reno whined.

"Then act like it" Autumn replied.

Reno was about to speak when Jeremy sent him to get a round of drinks for everyone. Without realizing it you approached Autumn, she gave you a curious look for a moment but then asked, "How's your night going?" You just shook your head and sighed. Autumn smiled softly, it was a different kind of smile, she closed the distance between you too as if she didn't want anyone else to hear. "I really appreciate you going out with Jeremy for his bachelor party, I know its probably not fun for you."

You shook your head, "Its nothing" you told her.

"Well it means a lot that you're kind to my friends, I just really want everything to be perfect for them."

You were about to speak when Autumn was pulled away by Alyssa and Tifa, Autumn called out an apology before she was dragged to the stage where Yuffie was already waiting. Reno returned with everyone's drinks as you and the guys found a table near the stage. You couldn't help but crack a small smile, this reminded you of the day you came home from your deliveries to find Autumn singing and dancing around the bar.

Once the music started, you didn't recognize the song, music wasn't really your thing, but Jeremy seemed all to familiar with it as he pinched the bridge of his nose and buried his face in his hands.

"Whats wrong man?" Barrett asked.

"This song, god I hate it, Alyssa and Autumn have been singing this song forever." Jeremy replied.

"What's wrong with Spice Girls?" Reno asked curiously.

You were completely lost and decided to tune out the conversation and just watch Autumn. She looked like she was having so much fun and not nearly as embarrassed as she was that day a few months ago when you caught her singing and dancing the bar. You were also surprised that Tifa can sing, you've known her all your life and had no idea, granted she's more likely to get into a fist fight than break out into song. As the girls finished up their song Reno jumped up on stage and tried to get them stay to be his back up singers.

"Man what's he doing now?" Rude mumbled in annoyance.

As the song started Autumn was able to slip away but the rest of the girls were stuck on stage with Reno. She took the empty seat next to you and Jeremy passed her a glass of wine, which she gratefully to a sip of.

"I see you escaped Reno" Jeremy laughed, "You know he's really not that bad"

"He doesn't call you baby" Autumn replied then sighed, "he makes it so hard to be nice to him."

"I appreciate you trying" Jeremy told her honestly.

"Hey no more serious talk, we're either getting wasted, making fun of Reno or singing our asses off, tonight is for fun" Barrett announced having enough of the serious talk.

You heard a crash and turned to see that Tifa had just smacked the back of Reno head, the girls kept singing but he paused a few seconds in shock before he continued singing. You shrugged, he probably deserved it.

"You didn't seem embarrassed singing tonight" you told Autumn. She nearly gasped in surprise, you could see a pink tint cross her cheeks as she looked for the right words say. It looked like she was about to speak several time but remained quiet. She scrunched her nose as she tried to think of a comeback. "Speechless Ms. Knight?" you questioned.

"Teasing me in public Mr. Strife" Autumn finally replied.

"I never though I'd see the day when ole Spike is flirting." Barrett laughed.

You could feel your ears burning in embarrassment, Autumn was already trying to hide her own face. You just tried to remain as stoic as possible.

" I think those two crazy kids are embarrassed" Rude chimed in, laughing along with Barrett.

You're gonna remember this the next time Barrett needs a favor.

"Awe come on guys leave them alone, besides you all get to see how disgustingly cute Alyssa and I are and you'll forget how awkward Autumn and Cloud are" Jeremy said.

"Oh no not you too" Autumn mumbled. The she turned to you, "We could probably call it an early night. Sneak out without them noticing" she whispered to you. That sounded great to you.

"Awe they're planning a romantic rendezvous" Barrett said as he and Rude laughed.

Then you had an idea, it was perfect it would get them to stop making jokes and make Autumn flustered. You draped an arm around Autumn's shoulders and ever so slightly pulled her closer to you, Autumn instantly looked at you in confusion with her big hazel eyes, but you ignored her look and stared at Jeremy, Barrett and Rude. "So what if we are" you told them. That shut everyone up, even Barrett couldn't think of a comeback. You could feel Autumn's body tense for a few moments before she relaxed again.

Then it was your turn to be startled. You felt Autumn's soft hands on your chin, you turned to give her your attention only to see that she had a lustful look in her eyes as she leaned into you. You were so started you fell out of your chair. Autumn's soft laugher filled your ears and was soon joined by Barrett, Jeremy and Rude's. Before you could regain your composure Autumn leaned over the chair looked at you, now she has a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Now we're even Mr. Strife." Autumn told you with a sly smile.

"Why is Cloud on the floor?" Tifa asked in confusion as she returned to the table with Reno and Yuffie in tow.

"payback" Autumn told her as you finally got off the floor and back in your seat.

Tifa just shrugged and told Autumn that Alyssa demands her back on the stage for another song. Autumn gave you a quick smile before heading back to the stage as Tifa took her seat next to you.

"You embarrassed her so she got payback?" Tifa asked you. She took your silence as a yes. "She's learning well, our shy girl's actually a sly girl" Tifa laughed.

"You think Autumn's shy?" Jeremy asked in disbelief. "I think she's getting back to her old self, I gotta thank you guys, you've really made her feel comfortable so she can move past everything" Jeremy told you, Tifa, Yuffie and Barrett.

"Aw shit man" Barrett said as he wiped a tear from his eye, "no more serious talk."

Your group spent another hour or so at the karaoke bar before you all headed back to Alyssa and Jeremy's. Alyssa and Yuffie were a little bit tipsy but fine. Barrett was his normal level of drunk- high functioning, complete coherent but extremely loud. Reno however was completely drunk, it was just as bad as the night in Kalm, Rude was practically carrying him.

You and Autumn walked side by side a few steps behind the rest of the group. It was a bit chilly out, and Autumn was obviously freezing, even in the dim moonlight you could see the goosebumps on her arms and shoulders, the open back on her dress didn't help. You couldn't help but glance at her scar, you clenched your fists in anger for a second before letting go, you'd never let anyone hurt Autumn again. You draped your arm around Autumn's shoulder letting your hand rest on her arm. Her skin was so cold it almost startled you.

Autumn looked up at you curiously. "You looked cold" you told her quietly as you heard your friends try to stop Reno from arguing with Tifa, personally you'd let him argue, its going to end with Tifa smacking him either way.

"Thank you" Autumn told you quietly and rested her head on your chest as the two of you walked. You couldn't help but smile. Autumn feels safe and warm in your arms and thats all you need.