Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Alexandria ❯ Good morning sleepy ( Chapter 4 )

Author note -

Not sure if I will continue with this so I am posting what I have already written and see how I feel.

 

Disclaimer -

Don't own them… If I did I would be very rich

 

Chapter 4 - Good morning sleepy

 

I feel a cold breeze blow over me causing me to snuggle close to the warmth beside me. I hear a soft chuckle causing what I am leaning against to vibrate disrupting my peaceful slumber.

“You comfortable there?” I hear someone ask. I slowly open my eyes to find myself nestled against Clouds bare chest. I look up at him with burning red cheeks of embarrassment causing him to chuckle again.

“I wasn't going to wake you because you look so cute and peaceful snuggled up to me like that” he says with a grin. I lower my head and lean my forehead against his chest to hide my embarrassment. He chuckles again as he begins to run his fingers through my hair. I arch up into the soft touches craving the attention I have long since lost.

“Are you a cat or something I can hear you purring” Cloud sniggers. I slowly pull away and sit up and look down at him. His usually spiky hair has gone slightly flat but still looks as soft as ever. He gives me a worried looking smile.

“Sorry…” I speak softly. I move my hair from my face and find myself staring into the blue pools which are Clouds eyes getting lost in the sheer depth and brilliance of them.

“Sorry for what? You haven't done anything to upset me or anything Alex… Quite the opposite it was nice to wake up holding you close, something I have never really had before to be honest but I like it and neither of us had a nightmare I am guessing and also I guess it has been a while for the both of us… I know for a fact that I haven't had a dreamless sleep in over five years” the blonde says as he sits up and climbs out of the bed stretching out all the kinks in his body from the nights sleep. I find myself staring at the well toned body yearning to run my hands over the soft pale skin.

“I have had nightmares for over thirty years… But yeah it was nice and it was the first time I haven't had a nightmare as I slept” I say as I pull myself from my daydream and climb out of bed. I brush my hair out of my face as I make my way to the base of the bed and search through my bag and pull out some clothes much like the ones I wore the day before.

“Good… Now I am going to have a shower… You can get dressed and I will meet you in the bar Tifa will probably serve breakfast” Cloud says as he walks of to the bathroom. I find my eyes lingering on the way his body moves as he walks out the room and into the bathroom. I shake my head and sigh as I pull my night shirt over my head.

Clouds right when he held me in his arms I didn't have a nightmare… Reminds me of when I was a kid I used to go into Vincent's room when I had a nightmare and ask to sleep with him and he used to hold me. I miss those days… But hopefully I will get to see Vincent again soon I miss him so much…. I contemplate as I pull on my black jeans. I go back to my bag and pull out two black leather belts and four straps with silver buckles on. I feed one of the belts through the loops on my jeans around my waist then I grab the other studded belt and buckle it loosely around my waist bellow the other one. I take the smallest thickest strap and buckle it around my right wrist then another around the top of my left arm. The last two longer thinner straps I buckle around the top of my right leg over my jeans. When finished I sit back on the bed and stare towards the open door. I give a silent sigh and lean down to pick up my boots from the floor. Humming to myself slightly I pull on the large buckled boots over the top of my jeans and fasten the four buckles on the outside of both the boots. Suddenly I remember one vital item missing from my image. I hunt through my bag and finally pull out a blood red bandana and pull it around my head under my fringe. I pick up a set of black leather gloves from the floor and pull them onto my slim hand taking time on my left hand to read the tattoo inscribed.

“All you need now is the red buckled cape” says a feminine voice. I look up and see Tifa standing in the doorway. I cast her a quizzical look as I stand up and roll my wrists hearing them click slightly.

“Oh and the bronze claw and boots but other than that you look almost exactly the same as your brother… Even your eyes glimmer like his” she says. I nod and smile. I had always loved the genetics of the family eyes and the mako only added to the glow they emitted. People used to tell me my eyes glimmered like rubies in the hot summer sun. A truly beautiful description but one I could never find fault with.

“Sounds like he's changed a lot… The closest thing I have to a red cape is this” I say as I pull out a black leather full length trench coat with a blood red silk lining that shimmered like stained water in the sunlight from the small window.

“Oh god next your going to tell me you're a gunner” she says rolling her eyes. I bite my lip slightly to suppress a laugh.

“Actually a gun is my preference but due to my close range nature I tend to use a sword… Also due to my Soldier training since they had me train with swords… If I had a decent gun I would use it but I think I would still use my sword more” I say with an awkward smile. Tifa places her right hand over her face and shakes her head.

“I can so tell you are related you will see what I mean later when we visit… Anyways breakfast… Cloud will come down when he's finished” she says. I smile and nod briefly as I neatly fold my jacket and place it on the bed with a soft pat.

“Give me a minute” I say abruptly remembering that I had forgotten something. I quickly dive in my bag and pull out a black eyeliner pencil from the very bottom and rush to the small mirror on the wall near the door and apply it to emphasis my crimson eyes. Tifa walks down stairs with a smirk and shake of the head. After I am happy with the darkness of my eyes and how it contrasts and give magnitude to the red of my eyes, I place the eyeliner back in my bag a head down stairs to meet Tifa and have my breakfast.

“Cloud not done yet?” Tifa asks me as I walk into the bar and take a seat on one of the stools. I shake my head in response to her question and look at the drinks that she had mounted on the wall along with prices for both the drink and food.

“He takes forever… He's obsessed with his hair it has to look perfect… He says he's not vain but he is… Anyways what do you want for breakfast?” Tifa asks me. I think for a moment and I look at the meals that she usually serves.

“Bacon” a blunt voice behind me speaks. I turn around and Cloud is stood fully dressed in his usual black garments with his metal wolf head on his shoulder and his recently washed golden hair shimmering.

“That okay with you Alex?” Tifa speaks softly in question. Cloud sits down at the stool next to me not really paying much attention to anything as he flicks his hair as to make it spikes up in exactly the right way. I can see what Tifa means I laugh to myself as I place a strand of my own nearly ebony hair behind my ears.

“I will just have some toast” I reply with a polite grin. Tifa nods in acceptance and walks into what I can assume is the kitchen to prepare our food.

“I have a question Alex, can you ride a motorbike?” Cloud asks as he finally stops flicking his hair and turns to look at me. I give a small nod of the head as I peer around the rest of the bar but do not fail to notice the relieved smile appear upon the blonde's features. God I love seeing him smile he's so different now. He's learnt not to expect too much of himself… The weight of the world is off his shoulders now. I bet the last few years has been hell for him I presume to myself silently as I glance at him meeting his cerulean eyes with my own crimson ones.

“Good because other wise you would have ride Fenrir with me and Tifa wouldn't be able to come… I will call Reno and ask if he has a spare we can have he owes me a favour” Cloud says as he pulls out his cell phone and dials a number then lifts it to his left ear.

“Reno its Cloud… Remember that favour you owe me? Do you think you would be able to get us a spare motor bike?” Cloud says into the mouth piece of the phone once the person on the other line answered.

“No Fenrir's fine but we have a guest and we need to go to Kalm” he explains as he stands up and begins to pace the bar in what appears to be a slightly agitated manner.

“We have someone here who wishes to go and see Vincent and he is currently in Kalm with Yuffie working for Reeve. I think it's something to do with training new recruits for the WRO I am is not completely sure what really” Cloud says as he sits back on the stool next to me facing the exit and leaning against the bar itself.

“About the bike think you can get me one and get it here by one?” Cloud asks as Tifa walks back in and places a plate with four slices of toast and a glass of water in front of me. I raise my hand and give a slight salute in silent thanks as to not disturb the phone call.

“Thanks Reno if you do this we're even okay” he says as he hangs up the phone and places it back in the deep pocket of his trousers. Tifa walks back into the kitchen to finish Clouds breakfast.

“That's sorted he said he will drop it off in two hours he is going to go and bribe Tseng to let me have one… Shouldn't be hard Shinra is still trying to sign me up again” Cloud says smiling for about the millionth time since I arrived. He's so happy even when he talks about Shinra… He talks and smiles more than he used to… I smile to him showing my white teeth just to show how happy I was to be there with both him and Tifa.

“I like this new you Cloud you have a lovely smile and it's nice to hear your voice more… At one point I thought you were an emotionless mime” I say with a small laugh as I pick up a slice of toast and nibble slightly at the corner. Cloud chuckles slightly as Tifa walks back into the room carrying a plate and another glass of water.

“You know he has actually started talking more since you arrived I'm surprised his voice box hasn't given up and his face cracked due to the more frequent use of his face muscles” Tifa says as she places both the plate of bacon and toast and the glass on the bar. I notice a blush creep onto Cloud's usually pale cheeks as he begins to eat his toast.

“Ah another increase… Reds a good colour for you Cloud” Tifa laughs. I give a slight giggle as the blush deepens and his ears turn red as well. He places his hands in front of his face whilst still holding the toast as to hide the deepening blush that was so obvious against his pale features. This only causes Tifa and myself to laugh more at his obvious actions.

“Tifa if you don't shut up your walking to Kalm okay” Cloud rejoinders in a moody tone. Tifa and I stop laughing but I continue to eat my toast with a small grin.

“Stop smirking Ali or you'll sleep on the floor” Cloud says causing my smirk to widen. He shakes his head as he eats his bacon.

“What time we going to Kalm then Cloud?” Tifa asks as to change the subject. She picks up a white towel and starts to clean some glasses underneath the bar

“We will leave at one so if Reno doesn't get the bike here by twelve I will wring his neck, but that also means that you will have to stay here Tifa” Cloud says as he pushes his empty plate forward having finished his breakfast. He picks up the glass and quickly drinks the water then stands up between both his now empty stool and I and leans back against the bar.

“Okay we should be there by five then… We can take some Gil and stay the night I don't fancy riding in darkness also means Alexandria gets more time with Vincent after all it has been years since she has seen him” Tifa suggests as she places the glasses back down and hangs the cloth back on the hook where she found it. I wish she wouldn't call me Alexandria I don't like it makes me feel old… Then again I am fifty odd years old but I don't look or feel it… Vincent must be sixty odd now wonder how he looks. A small smile forms on my face at the thought of an old and grey looking Vincent.

“I would like that” I speak softly. Cloud smiles and gives a nod and Tifa takes our two empty plates and glasses. Cloud pulls away from the bar and heads off out the front door. I get up and follow after him due to wanting to ask him a question.

“Cloud what's it like?” I ask quietly as he stops next to his bike I presume is Fenrir. He gives me a puzzled expression in response to my question.

“What do you mean? What's what like?” he asks back as he slowly turns to face me looking into my eyes again. I hesitate slightly in my answer feeling uncomfortable the way his sapphire eyes seem to be able to read me.

“What's it like to have a family and people who love and care for you?” I ask almost in a whisper slightly afraid of what outcome I may receive from the ex-soldier. Cloud steps closer to me and I close my eyes expecting him to hit me or shout but I am very surprised when I feel him wrap his arms around me securely and hold me against his chest once more.

“This is what it feels like Ali… Wherever you go… And you do have family you have me and Tifa and soon Vincent again and the other guys soon enough” he says as he holds me and gently strokes my hair. I nuzzle into the crook of his neck and loosely hold him around the waist enjoying the warmth, tranquillity and comfort the blondes arms give me.

“This your new toy Cloud?” I hear a male voice from behind me speak. Cloud rather reluctantly pulls away with a slight groan of annoyance. I turn around to face a guy with flaming red hair and two tattoos on either side of his face. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt with the first three buttons undone to show off his slightly sculptured chest. He has Turk written all over him… Glad to see something's don't change. I think with a smile.

“Ali, Reno… Reno, Ali… You got the bike Reno?” Cloud speaks as he walks towards the red head. I nod towards the red head in a speechless greeting and he gives me a small wave. I feel slightly uncomfortable around the Turk and remain on guard and ready to summon my sword at any point I could need it.

“I'll take it that it's for her, so she can choose whether or not she likes it. As soon as Tseng found out you wanted a bike he had me pick one up immediately after informing the president then come over as soon as possible to deliver he also added to say this is a gift of peace from the president and the Turks and that he hopes you would consider his still very much open offer” Reno speaks quickly as he leads us around a corner to the side of the bar. He signals towards a black bike much like Cloud's except for the odd interval of red in the paintwork. I smile. Okay so it could do with some unique tuning and all but I like it… I miss riding…Should be fun. I think with a smirk when I remember my youth and the way I was on a motor cycle.

“Well I would say it fits her perfectly… Is she old enough to drive?” Reno says in a pretty serious tone much to my annoyance. I give him an evil scowl but feel slightly flattered due to it being a slight compliment.

“I'm a damn site older than you” I reply in an angry tone trying to mask my ego. Cloud smirks slightly from behind him knowing full well I was older than the both of them.

“Why the fuck does she give me the creeps… She reminds me of that fucking vampire Valentine he freaks me out too… Why does she look like him” Reno says with a slight shudder. Cloud steps forward and slaps his hand on Reno's right shoulder and uses the other hand to signal towards me.

“Reno I would like you to meet. Alexandria Valentine, Vincent's younger sister” Cloud says. I feel a slight heat burn in my eyes when Reno looks at me with a slight look of disgust as well as fear and surprise. I give a low growl and clasp my hand ready to summon my sword to hand. Cloud looks at me and shakes his head disapprovingly.

“Well I have to meet Rude soon hope you like the bike… I'm of nice meeting you Alexandria” Reno says as he walks off back to the van. Cloud looks at me with raised eyebrows of question.

“You let him get to you… Shows weakness Ali… Never show weakness in front of a Turk they will use it against you… You're lucky that Vincent scares Reno or he would have used it against you. Reno's smart he knows when not to mess with people so you want to be careful in the future” Cloud says as he walks over to inspect the bike. I roll my eyes in annoyance over the obnoxious Turk. Well I officially already hate one Turk… Great I laugh to myself. Cloud looks at me with raise eyebrows then rolls his eyes when he notices the look on my face.

“Well everything seems fine… If you are like you were years ago I may have to contact Cid so you can tune it… Am I right?” he says to me. I smiles and give a nod. Cloud chuckles towards me and chucks me the keys.

“Here you go… Want to race? We have an hour before we are set to leave” He says to me as he pulls a set of keys from the deep pockets of his trousers.

“One minute need to get something” I quickly reply. I run back towards the bar as quick as I can, through the bar itself up the stairs and back into Clouds room, I grab my trench coat from off the bed and remove the buckled strap from my arm then pull my coat on and do the strap up again over the coat. I open my bag again and pull out a pair of black sunglasses located in the side pocket. I place them on my face then look into the mirror and smile then finally run back out to meet Cloud.

“I'm back” I say as I see Cloud sat on Fenrir putting on a pair of sunglasses as he kicked up the stand. He smirks at me an unusual competitive gleam shining in the blue pools.

“Do you want to know something…? If you and Vincent ever stood next to each other there would only be one way to tall you apart if you were wearing the same” Cloud says with a laugh his eyes shimmering even more, I give him a questioning look and look down at my body and suddenly realise what it is he meant.

“Yeah sort of does give away the fact I'm female” I reply with a laugh as I climb onto my new bike and kick up the small stand. I start up the engine loving the strong powerful noise it made as I revved it as much as possible to get a feel of the power behind the engine.

“Damn it sounds powerful and so fucking nice… You ready Cloud?” I say as I spin the bike around causing a screen of dust to be created by the back wheel.

 

After about an hour we arrive back at the bar and park the bikes outside. I kick down the stand of my bike and climb off as I remove my mirrored glasses and follow Cloud back into the bar still completely covered in the dust from the dry roads.

“Hey Tifa were back” Cloud says as he kicks the back of my legs causing me to fall into the stools at the bar.

“Bastard” I say as I stand back up and scowl at Cloud who laughs at my antics as he sits down on the stool next to me. Tifa raises her eyebrows at us with a smirk.

“We going then I got some stuff together your bags there Alex and yours is next to it Cloud's… Can I ask what you were doing to be covered in dust?” Tifa asks as she crosses her arms and looks at us with her eyebrows still raised in question as though she suspects something is going on.

“Racing… I won obviously Fenrir is unbeatable still” Cloud states as he leans forward and grabs a beer from under the bar. Tifa scowls at him as he opens it. So I extend my arm and swipe the bottle from his hands and hand to back to Tifa whilst casting him an unimpressed scowl.

“No drinking when you're going to drive its stupid and illegal… And you only beat me because you cut me off not once but seven times, I only did it once and that was to dodge a rock” I say as I quickly move and push Cloud of his stool causing him to go hurtling to the floor and landing on his coccyx. He groans slightly in pain as Tifa and I begin laughing as he stands up gently massaging his tail bone with a scowl towards booth Tifa and me.

“Are we going now…? The quicker we get there the quicker we can leave you there to annoy Vincent… Or trade you… At least Vincent would just keep quiet in the shadows” Cloud says as he begins to sulk. We start to laugh again as I walk over to my bag and sling it over my shoulder.

“Stop sulking Cloud I was messing with you… You know you want me to stay… Come on let's hit the road… Race you again” I say with a huge smirk as I hold out Clouds bag for him to take. He stands up and snatches the bag from my hand and slings it over his shoulder then walks out the bar leaving Tifa and me still snorting slightly from laughter.

“You're on…” Cloud says as he walks through the door way. I walk out the bar closely followed by Tifa who locks the door as she closes it behind her. When I look over at Cloud I see that he is already sat on Fenrir wearing his sunglasses again and waiting to go. I place my sunglasses back on and climb on my own bike as Tifa climbs on behind Cloud.

“Not too fast Cloud you know I don't like speed” Tifa says as she wraps her arms around Clouds waist securely. I start the engine of my bike and kick up the stand.

“Come on then” I say as I rev the engine and ride forward causing the back wheel to spin. After a short while I hear Cloud's bike following behind me so I speed up into the distance.

 

---- TBC ----