hey guys, i'd apologize for not updating but no matter how much i apologize its not gonna make me update more often. Part of me wonders if anyone still reads this but either way i'm gonna keep writing it for me. Thanks for reading if you're still here
It was dusk when you first saw Cid's airship out on the horizon, it would only be a few minutes before he lands and you were starting to wonder where Cloud is. He went off to do some of his deliveries while you are waiting on the outskirts of Kalm with Skylar and Fenrir. You had to admit you were pretty nervous about being in Kalm, you haven't been here since that incident with those mechanics and you were really hoping you wouldn't run into any of them. You just hoped Cloud would be back soon especially because Skylar will be leaving soon.
"Is that Cid?" Skylar asked pointing to the airship. She had calmed down but you couldn't imagine what she's feeling right now.
"Looks like it" you replied leaning against Fenrir as Skylar ran over to you. She looks nervous about something, "Sky, talk to me, what's on your mind" you prompted.
"What if they're upset about their fishing trip?" she asked looking away.
"There will be other fishing trips, besides Cid, Riley and Denzel love you more than a silly old fishing trip." you told her as you kneeled to her level. She didn't seem convinced. "They're gonna be so happy to see you."
She bit her lip, a mannerism she seemed to pick up from you. "Can't I stay with you and Cloud?" she asked.
You absently frowned, "I wish you could but its really not safe, a short trip is fine but we're gonna be on the road for a days and its hard enough for Cloud with one passenger let alone two, plus a hospital is no place for kid to be running around."
"I can behave" Skylar argued.
"I know, kiddo, but its going to boring and right now we can't devote as much attention to you as we want to, theirs work we have to do, I promise that's the only reason we're having Cid pick you" you said. "Well that and you deserve some fun, have you ever ridden a chocobo?" you asked.
Skylar shook her head, "Have you?" she asked.
"Only once, I was about your age, it was fun" And so Skylar sat on your lap as you told her all about the travelers and their chocobo that passed through Hazeltown when you were a kid. Skylar seemed enthralled by your story and actually had a genuine smile. Towards the end of your story, Cid approached and was in the process of landing, so you and Skylar stood up. Once you were standing you felt strong arms wrap around your waist and you nearly jumped in surprise.
"Did I scare you?" Cloud asked innocently as he rested his chin on your shoulder before kissing your neck.
"Maybe a little startled" you admitted as you unsuccessfully tried to avoid is his kisses.
"Trying to get away from me?" He asked in a teasing voice, he knew full well you couldn't get away.
"Never" you replied. "it just tickles"
Cloud smirked and released you as the hatch to the airship lowered to reveal Cid, Riley and Denzel. Once it was stable, Riley and Denzel ran as fast as they could to Skylar with Cid walking and yelling at them not to run. The two boys nearly tackled Skylar in a hug as both boys tried to reassure Skylar that everything is going to be ok and they'll always be there for her. You couldn't help but smile at your weird family and its newest addition. As Cid walked past the kids he pat Skylar on the head, she had begun crying again but this time it seemed like tears of relief.
"Those bastards, how could they do this to the poor lass?" Cid questions with a clenched fist. You just shook your head, none of you understood why. "If i ever get my hands on them…" his threat trailed off. Had to admit you had the same feeling.
"You might get the chance" Cloud mentioned.
You looked at him curiously, then remembered Cloud had said he made a few calls earlier. "Wait who else did you call?" you asked.
"Reno and Rude" Cloud replied. "They're gonna see what they can do about tracking down Sky's parents."
"Its best if we don't let the kid know" Cid replied in a hushed tone. Cloud nodded in agreement. "But what if they want her back?" he asked.
"We won't let them take her" You replied.
Cloud nodded in agreement. "They need to face the consequences of abandoning their child" Cloud added. "Tsung's looking into what can be for us."
Cid nodded thoughtfully and was about to speak when he stopped as the kids ran over. Riley instantly hugged you in greeting as Denzel asked when they would be leaving.
"We should get going, its gonna be a long flight to the chocobo farm and we should get there by morning if we leave now" he said. The kids all said their hellos and goodbyes, Skylar clung to you a bit longer and then did the same to Cloud before she and the boys ran up the gangplank into the airship. You couldn't help but worry about Skylar its going to be a rough few weeks for her but you were confident that spending time with Riley and Denzel would help. As Cid was walking away he said his goodbyes and mentioned that Barrett would be bring Marlene to the Chocobo farm in a few days to surprise Skylar.
When the airship was almost out of sight you realized something and turned to Cloud. "Did anyone tell Tifa?" you asked. Cloud's eyes widened in shock for a moment before he shook his head in apparent fear of Tifa's reaction. Apparently the only thing that could scare Cloud is Tifa's wrath even if its not directed towards him. "I'll call Tifa" you sighed. The ex-soldier looked relieved.
Cloud had three more deliveries in Kalm so this time you opted to go with him as it won't take too long, plus one of the deliveries is really close to that mechanic shop and you'd feel much safer with Cloud nearby. Cloud parked Fenrir at the Inn you would be staying at and decided to walk to the deliveries because it was a warm night and they were within walking distance of the Inn. The first delivery you recognized as the elderly lady's house from last time. While Cloud was walking up the driveway you figured now would be as good a time as any to call Tifa.
The phone barely rang once before you heard Tifa's panicked voice, "Are you alright?! Did Cloud do something?!"
"What? No" you replied quickly, "Wait why are you panicking?" you asked.
Tifa seemed to calm down, "Oh good, then what up? Its not like you to actually use your phone."
"Well, something did happen…" and so you told Tifa all about the empty mansion, the crying, Cloud's call to Cid, though you left out the call to the Turks knowing Tifa would be offended that he called them before her. At one point Cloud came back from his delivery and lead you to the next one while you continued to explain everything to Tifa.
"Our poor Sky" Tifa mumbled more to herself. "How did she look when Cid and the boys got there?" Tifa asked.
"I mean she's upset but I think she understands that we're all going to be here for her." you paused for a moment before adding, "I think seeing Riley and Denzel really helped her."
"They're such good kids" Tifa mused and you couldn't agree more. The conversation didn't last too much longer, but you did ask if the bar was busy and Tifa said it was manageable.
Cloud finished up his last two deliveries in Kalm and the two you headed back to the Inn to check in and rest of the night. You grabbed take out on the way, nothing fancy just a burger for Cloud and a wrap for you. Cloud kept his arm around your waist the entire walk back to the Inn and you talked about Skylar situation. You absently walked a bit closer to Cloud when you were passing the mechanic's shop, thankfully no one seemed to be around but Cloud stayed alert. You knew he'd never let them hurt you again. Checking into the Inn was a surprising hassle.
"Are you actually going to stay the night this time sir?" the Inn keeper asked.
You eyebrows knit together in confusion, they were being super rude for seemingly no reason. Cloud on the other hand was unfazed.
"Yes, one night" Cloud replied.
"200 gil and a 50 gil deposit you can get back when you check out tomorrow"
"that's not…" you were cut of.
"Its ok Autumn" Cloud told you before turning back to the receptionist and handed over the gil. You just gave him a confused look, you've stayed in plenty of Inns and you've never heard of a deposit.
After you walked away you asked Cloud what that was all about.
"When you called me that night those mechanics attacked you, I had just checked into this inn, and I had to leave, a small town like this probably doesn't get too much business and I guess I made them lose a night." Cloud explained.
You nodded thoughtfully. "They didn't have to be so rude" you absently pouted.
"But then you wouldn't have made that cute face" Cloud told you as paused, forcing you to stop in confusion as he lifted your chin to get a better look at your face. You couldn't help but blush and absently bit your lip. "You shouldn't do that" Cloud mumbled. Your eyes widened in realization, Cloud has some of the weirdest kinks, you've known about the lip biting thing and now when you have shirts that hang off your shoulder, you couldn't help but wonder what else he finds attractive. You were shocked when you felt yourself being lifted up, Cloud picked you and held you bridal style like it was nothing while still holding your food.
"Cloud" you gasped in shock.
"Yes?" he asked innocently.
"Put me down" you told him.
"why?"
You honestly did not have a good reason, aside from you're embarrassed and what if someone comes out of their room and sees this? "What if someone see us? We're not at Tifa's bar" you told him.
"I see no issues."
"Cloud" you mumbled and he almost instantly put you down, if not a bit reluctantly as the two of you kept walking wondering why your room is literally the furthest away.
"Did I upset you?" Cloud asked after a few moments.
"No" you sighed. "I guess i'm just a bit embarrassed. I'm glad no one saw us" you mumbled the last part.
"So its ok if I do that when we're alone?" Cloud asked innocently. You couldn't help but blush and nod a 'yes.'
You barely made it into your room before Cloud pick up bridal style again and closed the door with his foot as he carried your into the room. He placed your food down on the desk before sitting on the bed with you on his lap.
"Cloud what are you doing?" you asked with a laugh.
"You said I could pick you up when we're alone." he replied.
"Technically I didn't say anything." you told him as you absently bit your lip as you wrapped your arms around his neck
"Autumn" Cloud mumbled, and you realized what you did.
"I can't help it, I always bit my lip when I'm nervous" you told him.
"I make you nervous?" Cloud asked, you could hear the amusement in his voice.
You could feel your ears burning in embarrassment. "Well not nervous…" you trailed off getting lost in his shockingly blue eyes.
"Then what is it?" Cloud asked as he slowly ran his hand up down your side.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" you asked changing the topic.
Cloud shifted so you were laying on your back and he was leaning over you. He nodded, "Aren't you?" he asked. In response you placed a hand on his cheek and sat up just enough so you could kiss him. The kiss lasted a few seconds before you pulled away. "You seem to be avoiding my questions." Cloud commented.
"Since when are you this talkative Mr. Strife?" you asked.
He shrugged, "Since when do you avoid questions Miss Knight?"
"Since my answers are embarrassing" you mumbled as you looked away.
Cloud carefully held your chin forcing you to look back at him. "I could distract you" he told you. You stayed silent but unzipped Cloud's shirt revealing his perfect abs. Cloud tried to keep a straight face but couldn't help but chuckle, "you know two can play this game" he told you as he stretched the collar of your shirt to reveal your shoulder and trailed a few gentile kisses down your neck and across your shoulder. You were thankful that he didn't pull your collar lower, you didn't want him to see the bullet wound scar just yet, after all you're still getting use to it.
You pushed yourself up into a sitting position and couldn't help but giggle as you asked, "What is with you and shoulders?" trying to distract him as you absently admired his muscles
This didn't go unnoticed, "What's with you and admiring my muscles?" Cloud teased.
"Now whose avoiding questions." You taunted.
"I'm not avoiding anything" he told you as he shrugged off his shirt, "I've told you, it's your shoulder" Cloud said as he moved to sit next to you. You were distracted by his perfect muscles.
"I don't understand" you said as moved to sit on your knees with your legs to one side.
"Probably the same reason you like my muscles so much" Cloud teased as he pulled you into his arms.
"Probably" you mumbled as you wrapped your arms around his torso. Cloud kissed your forehead as he held you close. "you know you didn't have to take your shirt off" you teased him.
"I know but you clearly wanted me to" Cloud chuckled, you realized you were absently running your fingers along his abs. You nearly jumped back in shock but Cloud stopped you. "Something is bothering you" Cloud said. Something is bothering you but it has nothing to do with Cloud. "Talk to me" he prompted.
"I'm worried about Skylar" you said as you relaxed in his arms, he held you close as you rested your head on his chest.
"I know, I am too" he agreed. "Is there anything else" he asked quietly.
You realized your reactions to Cloud's playfulness probably hurt his self-esteem, sometimes you forget how inexperienced he is because of how good he is. "Oh Cloud" You mumbled, "I promise you didn't do anything wrong" you told him.
He just sighed in relief. "Sorry I got worried that I.." he trailed off deciding to say something else. "I'm sorry I got carried away, I didn't think"
"Cloud, you didn't do anything wrong" You told him as you placed a hand on his cheek. It seemed like he didn't believe you for a moment but then he kissed your forehead and laid back pulling you into his arms. You couldn't help but giggle as you cuddled into his chest, "I'm really lucky I have you" you mumbled.
Cloud just held you a little tighter, "I think I'm the lucky one."
(Tifa)
"Women stop talking my ear off" Cid complained over the phone.
"Call me women again, Cid I dare you" you replied as mixed a drink, the bar had been open for a bit and you just wanted to call Cid to check and see how Skylar is doing.
"Oh shut yer mouth, I know you're worried about Sky but screaming at me ain't gonna fix a thing" Cid told you. He did have a point, you've been yelling about Skylar's parents for the last fifteen minutes.
You sighed, "I know you're right." You weren't sure what pissed you off more, Skylar's parents or having to admit that you were wrong.
"We're all angry" Cid sighed. "Look I'll call you in the morning to check in"
"Thanks Cid" you replied. He just grunted in response before ending the call.
You went back to your work, the bar wasn't too busy and there was a good amount of regulars so it should be an easy night. Alex and Jacob were in their usual seats nursing their whiskies. A group of rowdier mechanics from Pop's came in greeting you with a chorus of "Yo Tifa" or "Hey where's Autumn;" ever since Cloud starting picking up hours at Pop's, the mechanics have been a bit obsessed with Autumn, much to Cloud's displeasure.
You walked over to a man in his late 30's, he's come here every day for the past week or so, he doesn't talk much and you couldn't recall his name, but he sits there quietly nursing a drink or two so you didn't mind. It just always seems liked he was waiting for someone. "Can I get you anything?" you asked.
"No thank you" he replied politely. For someone reason he made you feel uneasy, though he gave you no reason to feel that why.
"Well just let me know" you told him before walking away.
You heard the door open and glanced over to see a group in their early 20's walk in. You didn't recognize them so you greeted them with a "Welcome to Seventh Heaven, I'm Tifa the owner, have you been here before?" you asked.
The group shared a look before one of the boys stepped up, "Just once" he said. It seemed odd, they seemed nervous? They must have sensed your confusion because the boy continued. "Is the other girl that works here around?" he asked.
"No" you replied suspiciously, "She'll be away a few days"
This time one of the girls stepped up. "We're sorry to bother you" She said. The group seemed to agree and they were about to shuffle out when you stopped them.
"Hold on what do you want with Autumn?" You asked, "We're really protective of her…" you were cut off.
"Its nothing like that!" The same girl responded frantically.
"No we just, we wanted to thank her" The first boy stepped up.
"And give her this" another boy said as he held out some money, it only added to your confusion. "oh but maybe we should give this to you" he said offering you the money.
"A few weeks ago, when things got really bad for everyone" the boy said, You knew he meant the height of the geostigma epidemic. "We didn't have enough money to pay and she gave us the meal on the house."
"No one ever really helped us like that before" the second boy added.
"Things have been getting better so we wanted to repay her" the first girl said.
As you looked at the group you realized that they seemed to be former orphans, theirs always some around Edge, its been getting better but many just get old enough to find work, it seemed this group has stuck together since childhood. You smiled at them before saying "If you come back next week she will definitely be here," that seemed to appease the group. "I'm sure she'll be happy to know things are getting better for you"
The group thanked you before quietly leaving. You couldn't help but smile to yourself, Autumn just can't stop helping people everywhere she goes.
"That Autumn girl seems to a special person"
You nearly jumped at the sound of their voice, when you turned around you found that it was the man in his late 30's. Something about his comment just didn't sit right with you but you were too ashamed that he surprised you to react.
"Money's on the counter, have a nice night" he said before heading out the door.