Hey guys, sorry for the delay- the world is crazy and my life kind of sucks at the moment but here's and update
Back at Tifa's bar the kids were in bed and the adults were celebrating, even the Rufus and the Turks stayed to celebrate. You had officially met the two strange members of avalanche; you were pretty relieved to find out that the cat and moogle are a robot called Cait Sith controlled by Reeve- a former employee of Shinra now the leader of The World Regenesis Organization and the dog like creature is Nanaki- who was also experimented on by that awful Dr Hojo.
"Don't you dare ever leave me like that again" Alyssa cried as she nearly squeezed you to death in a bone crushing hug. "What were you thinking?" she asked pulling away for a second. Before you could respond she continued, "Oh right you weren't thinking! We almost lost you once, now we finally have you back and you go and do something so reckless.." She continued out.
"Alissa…Liss, cut it out" Jeremy said as he tried to pull your distraught friend off you. "Autumn is ok now, we're all together thats what matters" Jeremy tried to reason, he gave you a sympathetic look.
"I'm not letting go, if I don't let go, she can't do something so stupid again" Alyssa replied childishly.
"I think Cloud wants a turn" Tifa said with a laugh, you looked over to him helplessly, he looked so annoyed at Alyssa but he knew not to get in her way.
Alyssa seemed to think about releasing you for a second but then she turned away and hugged tighter.
"If you keep squeezing like that I won't be able to breathe" you told her.
"I'm preventing you from being stupid" she said childishly.
You finally hugged her back, "I'm so sorry I made you worry" you told her, "I just couldn't let it happen again." She only held you tighter, she knew exactly what you meant.
You felt Jeremy wrap his arms around you and Alyssa. "We made it through again, I think he's gone for good this time" Jeremy said, "Now Alyssa its time to let go of Autumn before you crush her" Jeremy told her. She just pouted. "Liss that's not letting go" Jeremy said.
"Oh fine" Alyssa finally said as she and Jeremy released you. Then before you could move she pulled you into another hug, this time without crushing you. "One more" she said, causing you and Jeremy to laugh.
When she finally released you, you tried to make your way over to Cloud who was patiently waiting for you but you felt someone lightly grab your wrist to get your attention. When you turned, you were surprised to find that it was Reno. You gave him a curious look.
He seemed realize what he did and pulled away before saying "Sorry, I just.." he trailed off for a moment before finally saying "I'm just glad you're ok." He looked so sincere.
You gave him a small smile, "Thank you Reno" you paused a moment, "If it wasn't for you and the Turks, I'm not sure what would have happened." You said referring to how the Turks helped you and Cloud deal with Sephiroth
Reno's eyes lit up,"You're welcome bab…Autumn" Reno stopped and corrected himself.
"Good start" you told him with a genuine smile.
"Progress." Reno replied happily as he did the cheesiest finger guns.
You rolled your eyes as you turned away but then turned back to Reno and kissed him on the cheek, the Turk was caught completely off guard and blushed.
You smiled to yourself as you continued on your path. You couldn't help but notice Cloud's jealous expression but he didn't hold it for very long because you finally made it to him, "Did I keep you waiting?" you asked.
Cloud nodded, "I wasn't really feeling up to fighting Alyssa" he teased.
"Its safer that way" you agreed as you went to sit on the bar stool next to him, Cloud swiftly pulled you into his arms. You could feel your ears burning with embarrassment, sometimes Cloud is just full of surprises but he's never been this affectionate in front of everyone. "Could have done without seeing you kiss Reno" he mumbled in jealousy.
"Oh don't they look all cozy" Barrett commented with a laugh, you couldn't help but blush, you stole a glance at Cloud, he seemed perfectly content with the seating arrangement.
"Thats a bold move there Spike, you better watch it" Cid said jabbing an accusatory finger at Cloud. Even though all is forgiven for Cloud disappearing for a few months, everyone is still a bit weary, especially because its so soon and for the way you were treated.
You were about to tell everyone to relax but Cloud spoke. "I know it won't make up for everything but I promise I won't be disappearing anymore."
"And" Tifa said as she crossed her arms and gave Cloud a terrifying look, you were so thankful it was directed at him.
"And I'm sorry I hurt all of you, I never meant to, my head gets messed up sometimes…" he trailed off, you could feel his heartbeat racing, he was getting anxious.
"Its ok to ask us for help" you told him as you carefully placed a hand on his cheek. He gave you a soft smile and was about to speak when he was cut off.
"Yeah Cloud! We're all here for you!" Yuffie said as she enthusiastically jumped up. Then she thought for a moment, "Well maybe not Rufus." she gestured to Rufus who was nursing a beer at the end of the bar. He just waived her off.
"Drinks all around!" Reno announced.
"Oh really, whose paying?" Tifa asked with her arms crossed, shooting a glare at the Turk.
"You know you still never paid when you got super drunk months ago" you reminded him.
"Drinks all around on Rufus!" Reno announced.
Rufus stood up and was about to speak when Tseng turned to him, apparently the two exchanged disgruntled looks but Tseng eventually won and Rufus agreed to pay for everyone's drinks much to Tifa's delight. You spent the rest of the night surrounded by good friends and fun stories. Barret and Tifa excitedly told you all about the time Cloud had to crossdress to save Aeirth from Don Corneo. You couldn't help but laugh.
"But that's not even the best part" Tifa managed to say between breaths as she tried to control her laughing.
"This Don Corneo loser, has a line up of girls in front of him and that dope picks Spiky, whose like twice their size and clearly a dude in a dress."
"The wig didn't even cover his hair," Tifa added. "It was just like his hair but with pigtail braids"
Cloud was clearly not amused, but remained silent. "Awe Cloud I'm sure you made a very pretty girl" you told him. Cloud just closed his eyes and rested his face against your shoulder.
"I think you've embarrassed him" Vincent commented.
You gave Cloud an apologetic smile, though you had to admit you are very amused by these stories. Cloud already told you about most of the time between the Neibleheim incident and now but he definitely left out all of these stories.
"We can really embarrass him" Nanaki commented.
"Yeah didn't Cloud and Barrett go on a romantic ferris wheel ride" Reeve chimed in.
You shifted to look at Cloud, "Something you want to tell me about?" you asked in a teasing tone.
Cloud just shook his head as Barrett said "Aw shit man, it was just bro time, neither of us wanted to be on that stupid ferris wheel."
"Really? I always wanted to go on that ferris wheel" you said. You never got the chance, between taking care of Ryan's geostigma and searching for Riley and trying to work your way through medical school you didn't really have time for leisure and even if you did, Ryan would quickly put a stop to it.
"You've been the Gold Saucer?" Tifa asked.
You nodded, everyone seemed to turned to you curiously, you couldn't blame them, you never really talk about the years you wandered. "I stayed there for about a month or so" you paused, "I worked as a waitress in one of the bars."
"I knew I recognized you!" Reeve said suddenly. You gave him a curious look, you certainly didn't not recognize him. "You were one of the barmaids in the skimpy outfits, I used to get lunch there all the time!" Reeve said.
"Skimpy outfits huh" Tifa sent a glare at Reeve, clearly annoyed, she expected Reno and Rufus to objectify women, not Reeve apparently. Though you're noticing a pattern with names that begin with "R"
"They had good food" He tried to argue. but it was clear he wasn't fooling anyone
"yeah ok, thats a total lie, their food was awful" you told him with a shutter as you remembered that awful plaid costume you had to wear.
Reeve blushed as Tifa scolded him, he finally escaped her wrath when he turned back to you, "You seem much better these days" he commented, you gave him a confused look, so he continued. "I mean you were always bruised up, didn't you have a black eye a few times…" he spoke without thinking but as he continued your eyes widened in shock.
"Reeve" Cloud said in a low dangerous voice.
Reeve seemed to realize his mistake, Cloud's voice seemed to force him to realize the awkward situation he brought attention to. "I've made a terrible impression on you, haven't I?" He asked. "I wasn't thinking, I'm so sorry" he sounded so sincere.
"Its alright" you told him quietly.
"Autumn, what is he talking about?" Alyssa asked, you could see the concern in her eyes.
You turned away, this was not a conversation you wanted to right now, or ever really but you knew one day you would have to tell Alyssa and Jeremy at least. You just never wanted to relive it.
"Alyssa" Cloud said suddenly, "now isn't a good time" he told her on your behalf. For a moment it seemed like Alyssa was going to argue. You had heard the bell on the front door ring but you didn't pay attention to it
"But why?" she asked curiously.
Unable to find the right words you turned to Cloud, he just silently nodded to you then tried his best to explain to Alyssa. Unfortunately his explanation didn't really convince Alyssa.
"Yeah why isn't it a good time?"
You were shocked to hear that voice. Cloud swiftly maneuvered so you were sitting on the bar stool and he was standing defensively in front of you. The room went silent, either for dramatic effect or genuine confusion as only you, Cloud and the Turks seemed to recognize the voice.
"It's never a good time, isn't that right Autumn" He said, "And to think I was almost your brother-in-law"
"I don't know who the hell you think you are but get the hell out of my bar" Tifa said suddenly as she hopped over the bar and stood between Ryan and Cloud.
"Why?" he asked, "I've done nothing wrong, besides I'm a paying customer aren't it?" he asked, and amused smiled on his scarred face - it seems his geostigma was healed but his skin was so decayed from the years he suffered from it, it left a lasting impression on him.
"Closed for a private party" Tifa replied through gritted teeth. It was as if she felt your unease and went into defense mode
"Ryan?" Alyssa asked suddenly, she was wide-eyed, either shocked to see him or shocked by his haggard appearance.
"Alyssa, Jeremy" Ryan greeted respectively. Then he turned back to you, "No warm welcome for me I guess" Ryan said to you.
"I think its time for you to leave, you've been paid, their no reason to remain here" Rufus said suddenly as he stood up. Ryan just glanced at him, then turned his attention back to you. Vincent had now moved to Cloud's side to defend you as well.
"Ryan whats going on?" Alyssa asked as Jeremy rushed to her mumbling that she should be quiet as clearly theirs something going on.
"It's not about the money Rufus" Ryan said, "Its about my dead brother, and that whore" he gestured to you.
"I'm sorry, but what now?" Alyssa snapped, she jumped up, "I don't care how long you've been gone, I will not stand here and let you talk about Autumn like that!" Alyssa began to rant, until Jeremy finally got a hold on her, covering her mouth and she struggled to get away from her husband.
"Ryan I think you should leave" You said suddenly, you were just barely able to peek over Cloud's shoulder.
"I don't think I will" he said calmly. Then Ryan took a step closer, you could see Cloud's biceps twitching in anticipation of a fight.
"I wouldn't come closer if i was you" Cloud's voice was calm but the threat was clear.
"Leave or I will make you" Vincent added as he took out cerberus, Tifa had a strict no weapons in her bar, exception to Barrett's arm but even she didn't say a word this time.
"Wow Vinny and here i thought you were just our big weird vampire dad, guess it only applies to some of us" Ryan said as he put his hands up defensively. Then he turned back to you, " I just don't know why you get to live, you waste your life and run around trying to replace my brother" He spat venomously.
"Why are you even here?" you asked, Ryan remained silent, "Whats the point of being here?" you asked.
Ryan stayed silent for a moment then finally said, "I want you to suffer, my brother never should have sacrificed himself to save you, you should have died that day with you're whole fucking family, instead mine is gone, you don't deserve this life, you don't deserve to find happiness…." he only trailed off because Alyssa had smacked him across the face. Ryan looked at her in shock, she was fuming.
"Get out now, I don't care what you think you know, I won't let you talk to Autumn like that" Alyssa snapped. Jeremy rushed to her side and was about to grab her when she held up her hand and said "i'm calm." Then she took a deep breath and turned back to Ryan, "you will leave now, and Autumn will never see you again, I don't know happened but you should be ashamed of yourself, your bother loved Autumn so much and he would want her to be happy. We all deserve a little happiness after everything we've been through. Now get out" she finished.
You absently bit your lip and grabbed Cloud's arm as you looked around the room, all of your friends were so tense, but everyone seemed ready to fight for you. Ryan suddenly went to take a step forward toward you but Alyssa cleared her throat, he looked back at you one last time before turning to leave.
Once he was out the door, the room remained silent, and you released a breath you didn't even realize that you were holding. Cloud suddenly turned around and pulled you into his arms, he whispered, "Please don't listen to anything he said."
"I will try" you whispered back.
You could feel the anxiety that Ryan's presence brought melt away with each passing moment. As you relaxed in Cloud's comforting embrace, you could hear your friends slowly begin to talk amongst themselves as Tifa passed out another round of drinks, though you could tell that Vincent stayed close.
"Autumn?" Alyssa said suddenly. You pulled away from Cloud, so he settled for holding your hand, as you gave your attention to Alyssa. "You don't have to but I want to know what happened, I need to know how to help you, I need to understand".
"I know" you replied softly, its about time you told her anyway, maybe talking about it will finally lift that last bit of emotional baggage you've been carrying around. When you went to take a seat next to Alyssa you felt your arm being pulled back towards Cloud, he very childishly refused to let go, you just gave him a smile and let him hold your hand as you finally told Alyssa and Jeremy what happened between you and Ryan.