It took about 3 days to get back to Edge, it was about 8:30 when Fenrir pulled up to Seventh Heaven. After you dismounted your stretched your back, it was so stiff form the days of riding. As you rolled your shoulders back you felt Cloud's hands gently massage your shoulders, you smiled, it smoothed your sore muscles. You put a hand on one of his as you turned just enough to see his face, "thank you" you told him. "Lets get inside and see what has Tifa so freaked out"

The bar was decently crowded for a Friday night but you recognized many of the faces. Tifa was passing out drinks to a group of mechanics from Pop's, Alex and Jacob were in their usual seats.

"Hey Autumn!" Alex called out

"And your big moody friend" Jacob added.

Cloud gave you a look, "Moody friend?" Cloud questioned.

"They've been calling you that for months" You told him as the two of you walked over.

You took a seat next to Jacob and Cloud took the seat on the other side of you.

"How was your trip?" Alex asked.

"Started off bad, but definitely got better" you said.

"Tifa told us about little Sky's parents, they truly are scum." Jacob said. You nodded in agreement. Cloud must have been giving Jacob and Alex one of his intimidating looks because Jacob spoke up again. "For the record we do know your name is Cloud."

"We just got into the habit of calling you that" Alex added.

Before things could get anymore awkward, Tifa walked over, and gave you a hug. "how was the ride back?" she asked.

"Uneventful" Cloud replied.

"maybe for you, my back is killing me." You mumbled, in response Cloud started rubbing your back in an attempt to soothe you.

"So where's Vincent?" you asked as Tifa went around to get behind the bar.

"He was here this morning but went out right around the time I opened." Tifa said as she offered Cloud his usual beer and began making you an amaretto sour.

"Is he still acting weird?" you asked.

She sighed, "I've never seen him like this" she admitted. "I mean he's always acted weird, but this has been out of character even for him, he seems so paranoid" she added as she finished up your drink.

"I guess we won't know till he comes back" You replied with a yawn.

"You look exhausted." Tifa commented, "maybe I should have made that drink a double." she added with a laugh.

"I guess the ride back took more out of me than I thought." you answered trying to stretch out your back again.

"Maybe make it an early night? You can tell me all about your trip tomorrow," Tifa said.

"You could always ask Cloud." You joked.

"Yeah right, like he'll tell me anything" Tifa rolled her eyes.

"I'm right here" Cloud mumbled.

"Are you going to tell me anything?" Tifa asked, Cloud just shrugged. You absently rolled your shoulder as you finished your drink. " Autumn get some rest, the kids are suppose to get back tomorrow so you're gonna need it." She told you.

You nodded, "you don't have to tell me twice, I'll see you in the morning" you said as you stood up.

"And take this one with you" Tifa said as she took Cloud's half finished beer away.

"Hey I wasn't finished." Cloud said.

"Looks finished." Tifa said as she dumped out the beer. You couldn't help but laugh. "Go take care of your tired girlfriend" Tifa ordered as she gestured for Cloud to stand up. He completely weirded out obliged. Then Tifa ushered both of you out of the bar and into the living room before she shut the door to the bar behind you.

"Did I do something wrong?" Cloud asked.

You yawned again, "lets worry about it in the morning" you suggested as you began walking towards the stairs. Cloud stood there for a few moments before you heard him fall into step behind you. You absently rolled your shoulders, after spending the better part of the last three days on the back of Fenrir and camping out in the wastelands you were really looking forward to a good night's sleep in a nice warm bed.

When you were about to open the door to your room Cloud reached out and pulled you into his arms. "Can I help you Mr. Strife?" You asked an amused smile on your lips. Cloud just looked into your eyes and shook his head. You could tell that he had something on his mind, maybe if you're playful with him he'll feel comfortable enough to tell you. "Aren't you tired of me yet?" You asked as you wrapped your arms around his neck pulling yourself a little closer.

"Never" he replied, you were getting lost in his eyes again.

"What's bothering you?" You asked. But he just pursed his lips. "Is it how Tifa kicked you out?" You asked, Cloud shook his head. "I can't help if I don't understand" you told him. Cloud glanced away for a moment. "Cloud Strife are you embarrassed?" You blurted out.. His eyes widened for a moment and it was just enough to let you know you're right.

Without a second thought you pulled Cloud into your room. You led him to your bed and had him sit down while you stood in front of him slightly annoyed that he's still taller than you. "What's got you so embarrassed?" You asked softly.

Cloud looked away so you sat in the bed next to him and rested your head on his shoulder. "Are you embarrassed?" You asked calmly this time but he just shrugged in response. "What can I do to help?" You asked. You were a bit shocked when you found yourself on your back, and your angsty soldier was leaning over you. You gave him a confused look, usually his actions are pretty clear but this time you're at a loss. "Cloud you gotta help me out here" you told him as you placed a hand on his face, he absently leaned into it. "I want to help" you reassured him.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" He asked quietly glancing away, you couldn't help but notice a pinkish tint across his face.

"Is that what's bothering you?" You asked quietly sitting up a bit closing the distance between you. Cloud just look away refusing to meet your gaze. " Cloud you just had to ask" you told him with a soft giggle, you really tried not to laugh but sometimes you forget how inexperienced he is but when he's embarrassed over such a silly thing you just couldn't help it. Cloud just frowned upset about your reaction. "Let me get changed, I'll come to your room in a few minutes" you told him as you stood up.

Cloud didn't respond for a moment, so you began to walk towards your dresser when his strong arms held you back. Cloud crossed his arms around you resting his hands on your hips and his chin in the top of your head. "Thank you" he said quietly.

"I didn't do anything" you told him enjoying how affectionate he's being.

"Autumn" Cloud grunted.

"Hmm?" You hummed as you turned around to face him still in his arms.

"You do so much more than you realize" he told you as he gazed into your eyes. You gave him a smile and he kissed your forehead before realising you.

He headed toward the door so you headed towards your dresser. "You are coming to my room right?" Cloud asked suddenly from the doorway.

"Oh Cloud" you sighed, "of course I'll only be a few minutes" you reassured him. He stood there another moment before nodding slightly and leaving. Once he was out of sight you shook your head and mumbled "he's so cute"

You brushed out your hair and changed into pajamas, you opted for fuzzy pants with a chocobo pattern on them as it was a bit chilly tonight and a loose black shirt with a wide neckline. As you caught your image in the mirror you saw the bullet entry scar, and absently frowned as you bit your lips. You didn't want to think about it. Ultimately you opted to change into a blue tshirt that covered the scar.

Entering the hall you found that Cloud's door was slightly ajar. Even from afar you could see Cloud sitting on his bed, his delivery ledger in hand planning out tomorrow's work. He wore the same shirt he'd been wearing but changed to loose fitting black pajama moment you walked in Cloud looked up and put his ledger aside as if he was surprised to see you. Closing the door behind you you headed toward him. The moment you sat on the bed Cloud pulled you into his arms. "I wasn't gone that long" you laughed he as kissed your neck. You absently titled your head allowing him better access to your neck.

"I missed you" Cloud mumbled as he pulled away.

"I was down the hall"

Cloud was having none of your sass because he laid back pulling you with him. You smiled to yourself as you settled in. Cloud shifted to turn off the light then he took off his shirt before laying back again. Biting your lip you admired his perfect abs.

"I thought you were tired" Cloud teased in a low voice

"I am but I can still appreciate your muscles" you mumbled half asleep.

Cloud responded with a low chuckle as he shifted to kiss your forehead. "You must be tired, you didn't even try to deny it."

"I can't help it" you mumbled, "I like when you're so affectionate"

You could feel Cloud shifting to get a better look at you but you didn't move, you were exhausted and perfectly content cuddled up on his chiseled chest.

"Get some sleep Autumn or you'll be really embarrassed tomorrow when you remember everything you're saying." Cloud warned you

"Or I forget and get to say you dreamed it" you replied with a yawn.

In your exhausted state you could only imagine all the embarrassing things you must have said, thankfully it didn't take too long for you to drift off into sleep.

(Cloud)

The golden light of dawn woke you earlier than you would have liked but you couldn't complain, everything was perfect. Your gaze turned to Autumn who was still sleeping peacefully, her arms were wrapped around your torso and her head was resting on your shoulder. You absently ran your fingers through her hair wondering how you got to be so lucky. A year ago you never would have imagined that you could be this happy, a year ago you didn't even think that you deserved to be happy.

"Cloud you're staring" Autumn mumbled as her eyes fluttered open.

"I could help it" you replied. Autumn cuddled back into your chest, you held her a little tighter. "Get some more sleep, I have to leave for work soon"

"I can get up" Autumn mumbled.

"You're still tired, Autumn"

"But you're a comfy pillow" she said "and you're so warm" she added after a moment.

"You're going to be embarrassed when you remember what you said" you reminded her. In response she just groaned and reluctantly released you.

You glanced at the clock it was already after 9, you have alot of deliveries after being away for two weeks and you wanted to get home somewhat early because the kids are getting back today. Autumn was starting to drift off back to sleep so you carefully got out bed trying not to disturb her. When you went to shower you heard footsteps downstairs, you assumed that Tifa must be awake.

After your shower you quietly went back to your room. Autumn had shifted in her sleep, she was now laying on her stomach hugging your pillow. Her hair was a knotted mess but you thought she looked beautiful. You grabbed your ledger and a stack of deliveries, stole one last glance at Autumn and then left the room.

Wandering downstairs you found Tifa in the kitchen, she greeted you with a lazy 'good morning' to which you just nodded. She must have taken your silence as a bad sign because she started rambling. "I'm sorry I dumped out your beer last night" she told you, to be honest you had forgotten about it. So you just shrugged in response. "I just thought you and Autumn could use some alone time and it seems like it worked" Tifa said with a grin which made you extremely uncomfortable.

"Don't meddle" you told her as you headed for the door.

"I wouldn't have to meddle if you two would just.. hey you're not listening to me" Tifa yelled after you as you closed the door and headed out to Fenrir.

(Autumn)

You smiled to yourself as you woke up, albeit slightly confused at first but soon the memories of the previous night came back to you. And then the embarrassment hit.

"I can't believe I called Cloud a comfy pillow" you mumbled to yourself.

It took a hot minute but you got over your embarrassment, showered and dressed for the day before heading downstairs. It was pretty quiet in the kitchen, you figured Tifa must have gone out. You made yourself a simple breakfast, just some cereal and some fruit. As you were finishing up Tifa came in carrying several bags full of groceries.

"Oh good you're up" Tifa commented placing the groceries down.

"Well it is almost noon" you mentioned as you absently began putting food away.

"I just figured maybe Cloud wore you out last night" she chuckled with a sly smile.

"Tifa!"

"Kidding, kidding" she laughed. "But you did stay with him"

"Well yeah.." you mumbled, " but if you're fishing for details you're not gonna get any"

"Damn," Tifa mumbled, "Alyssa was right you do keep that stuff private."

"Growing up with Alyssa will do that to you" you laughed.

The two of you caught up with each other. You told her all about your trip, the details you originally left out about Skylar, what it will take to open a clinic and finally the findings about your condition.

"Oh Autumn, I'm so happy for you" Tifa told you sincerely. "So are theirs going to be little Strifes running around soon?" She asked.

You nearly spit out you coffee,"Tifa!"

"Ok maybe not soon, eventually though?"

"I hope eventually" you allowed your thoughts to wander for moment, you've always wanted to be a mom and it sounds like Cloud does want to be a dad one day but it's still so early in your relationship and you definitely don't want to rush anything.

"It's an eventually" Tifa tried to reassure you, "besides Cloud is the closest I have to a sibling and I want to be the cool aunt"

The day was fairly busy, you and Tifa cleaned the house and made a few desserts. Cid had called and said he'd get the kids home close to their bed time and he'd make sure they get dinner but you wanted to have something sweet ready for them when they get home. The bar opened at it's usual time and it was decently quiet, just a few of the regulars scattered around. Tifa still refuses to let you help out, you tried to reason with her that you stay here for free and can at least help and she reminded you that she's gotta get used to running the place by herself again so you can focus on the clinic. Once again Tifa won this one. Theirs still no signs of Vincent, you were wondering when he's gonna turn up.

Cloud wandered in a bit later than usual carrying a stack of small boxes and envelopes.

"Looks like you were busy" you commented as Cloud approached you.

"I've got some catching up to do being gone for 2 weeks" Cloud agreed. "Are the kids back yet" he asked.

"Not yet, might be another hour or so" you told him. It was only a little before 8 and you were expecting Cid to get here closer to 9. Cloud nodded and kissed your cheek before heading upstairs.

"Hello to you too Cloud!" Tifa yelled after him. Cloud ignored her. "Rude" Tifa mumbled, before turning to you "I don't know how you deal with him"

you just shrugged. "He's surprisingly sweet"

Tifa was busy with some of the regulars and Alex and Jacob had called it an early night, You were pretty proud of them, back when you first started living here both of them were pretty bad alcoholics but in the last few weeks they've kept it to a drink or two.

You took the time to work on your plans for the clinic. You were pretty spot on with your original plan and inventory lists, just made a few tweaks since speaking with Dr. Winters. You absently sketched out a design for a waiting room, it was kind of homely and comfortable, back home, in the house you grew up in the waiting room for mom's clinic was your living room. You knew you wanted your clinic to be comfortable and inviting, have that country doctor feeling in a big city like Edge.

"Excuse me miss," a masculine voice said from behind you. "I've been waiting a long time to meet you."