Time to Change Things Up a Bit [Cissnei]

Bradley let out a sigh as he set down the book he had been reading. He was in his bedroom, sitting next to the window at his desk. Gazing out the window to his mansion in Bone Village, Bradley sighed once again. Ever since exile, he had been extremely bored. Life here was just so tiresome. No challenges or thrills ever took place here. If only things hadn't turned out the way they had. If things had been different, Bradley would still be a Turk. The life of a Turk had been far more satisfying for him than the pampered life. Where he loved his parents, Bradley just couldn't stand the sophisticated way of life. It was just a bore!

"Man, what I'd give to be a Turk again!" Bradley said not for the first time.

His bright blue eyes didn't even seem to register the scenery laid out before him. Where there was a large expanse of clean cut lawn that was kept well, there was a long paved driveway leading up to the rotary before his home. A fountain made up the center of that rotary. As usual, there was a limousine parked directly in front of the mansion's entrance for ease of access for Bradley and his parents should they need one.

Yes, Bradley's family was wealthy. He could get anything he wanted if he wished. The problem with this sort of lifestyle was that it didn't make Bradley happy. Everything was too easy for him to obtain. There was no challenge and he didn't have to work for the things he wanted to achieve. His parents couldn't seem to understand that. Bradley wished they could but they didn't. In fact, they believed the Turks had been a bad influence on him. His parents didn't want him to live the life of a Turk again and despite their attempts at civil things to try to tame Bradley's wild and energetic side, they could not. Bradley was always getting into something that frightened his parents. Why, just the other day, he had decided to take a gamble and went fencing without any protective armor. Where it served to entertain Bradley a little knowing the risk that had been involved, it hadn't been enough. It wasn't like real life where one had to fight to survive.

"I guess I'd better head down for dinner. They'll be sending Albert after me soon," Bradley said to himself as he got up and turned away from the window to head out of his bedroom. Albert was the old butler that served Bradley's family faithfully over the years. He was a fun old man. Bradley loved driving him nuts by hiding on him so the old man had to really look for him to inform him of anything. It kept the old man on his toes, that was for sure!

Open your eyes

To see the wings of the angel that’s on your side. Let me give you my hand and hold onto me

This must be the place.

Cissnei paused in front of the property which she had been directed. Blinking, she stared for a moment before looking down at the slip of paper she held in her hands. On it, was a quickly scribbled address that a local civilian had given to her when she'd asked about Bradley's family. While she had always known he had grown up with a wealthy family, this wasn't exactly what she had had in mind. From the pristine yard, to the large fountain that sprayed water, it fairly shone with good care. She felt instantly out of place surrounded by the...well, richness that she saw. Nervously, she brushed off her small cardigan and glanced down at her outfit. It would have to do - she hoped she was appropriately dressed to be a visitor in such a place. Even after years of being associated with ShinRa, Cissnei had yet to get airs to herself.

Well...too late now. Bolstering her courage, Cissnei confidently walked down the long lane that led to the house. She sincerely hoped Bradley was there, because if not...well, it would be a tad weird. Tucking a bit of wild chestnut hair behind her ear, Cissnei's eyes flickered over to look at the neatly cropped lawn to her right. She'd never seen any place taken care of so well as this one was. Obviously Bradley's parents cared very much about their property. She supposed she would feel the same way if this glorious estate belonged to her. ...Fat chance of that - though she had saved nearly every bit of her salary in her years of service to ShinRa. Well, now wasn't the time to be thinking of such things. While being a social call, this was much more than that. The documents and photos she had tucked under her arm were a tribute to that.

She was attempting to locate the people she thought smart enough and with the background experience to be able to help her out in this situation. Aside from waltzing back into ShinRa and giving them her findings and sightings - which she really didn't want to do - Cissnei could think of nothing else to do but locate and speak to the Turks that, frankly, weren't Turks anymore. They had the resources and brain power to help her without having to go to ShinRa for the help.

Approaching the large front door, Cissnei raised her hand and sent her knuckles into the wood. After mere seconds it seemed, the door was pulled open, revealing what she thought must be the maid. "Hello?" Clearing her throat, Cissnei shifted her weight to her right leg. "Hello, is Bradley home by chance?" After a certain look, the woman nodded. "I believe master Bradley is in. He didn't speak of a woman coming over. Are you dating our kind master Bradley?" "Uh...well, not exactly. I used to work with him...I'm a friend." It seemed that something different came over the woman. Suspicion perhaps? "Are you a Turk?" It seemed like an accusation - something Cissnei was used to. "Yes ma'am. Or at least, I was. I haven't been in five years." "Good. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to see Master Bradley now." "Thank you." Stepping into the house, Cissnei had the sense of wealth overtake her once more.

Notes: None! Wearing: I think I linked one before... Setting: Bradley's home sometime during the afternoon Tagged: Bradley Words: 608

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

Bradley hadn't felt this happy in a long time. It felt like Christmas had come early! Okay, maybe not. Technically, every day here was Christmas since Bradley could get anything he wanted if he wanted. However, he wasn't spoiled rotten. Bradley never thought of himself as better than everyone else around him. He appreciated the hard labors others put in for his family's sake. He was always thanking the staff for when they fetched him things or giving his compliments to the chef during his meal times. Bradley was a very appreciative person. His attitude was just so infectious and his kindness made him liked amongst the staff.

When he had hugged Cissnei, Bradley could hear a low laugh escaping the usually quiet girl. Really, Bradley was super happy to see Cissnei again. After all, Bradley had been rather bored. Seeing a fellow Ex-Turk really brightened his spirits. Bradley was only a year younger than Cissnei but she always spoiled him. Cissnei always had that motherly nature about her regardless of her age compared to most of the other Turks. Honestly, Bradley didn't mind her spoiling him half the time. After all, he looked up to all of the Turks like they were his older siblings and role models. Out of them all, Cissnei was the only one that gave Bradley a sense of security. He could come to her and talk about anything with her, just like a mother.

As Cissnei patted his arm, Bradley gently released her after asking her if it really was her. Her response was very amusing. Bradley just kept smiling as he let out a bit of a chuckle. "Well, so long as I can hug you, I know you're real enough to me!" Bradley replied with a chuckle of his own. Cissnei shifted her stance a bit as she pulled out a small bag. Bradley looked at her with curiosity. One that could easily match the curiosity of a naive child. When Cissnei revealed that it was a gift from her to him as she presented it to him. Excitedly, Bradley took what Cissnei had handed to him and looked in the contents of what the bag contained.

"OH WOW! Thank you Cissnei!" Bradley exclaimed as he caught sight of what the sweets were. It still was his favorite candy! Bradley just couldn't get enough of the chocolate balls filled with caramel inside of them. "Still my favorites! You know me so well." Suddenly, Cissnei reached up and ruffled his hair. It had been a very long time since he had last felt Cissnei's hand ruffling his hair. Hearing that Cissnei had missed him, Bradley smiled. "I missed you too, Cissnei." Really, he did. He missed all of the Turks. Just getting to see Cissnei brightened his day that would have been boring if not for her visit. Speaking of which, why hadn't she visited him a lot sooner? Well, she lived further away from here. It probably cost a lot for her just to come and visit.

When Cissnei questioned him about how he was doing, Bradley's smile faded a little. "...Well, I love my parents...and my home...but, well, it's been...dull here. I feel like I'm cut away from my friends. Not being able to talk to any of you guys again...well, it's been depressing without all of you." He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. No doubt, Cissnei would hate to hear just what he had been doing due to his boredom. After all, she didn't like danger.

"I erm...have been resorting to...desperate measures just for a shot thrill of fun."

Open your eyes

To see the wings of the angel that’s on your side. Let me give you my hand and hold onto me

While they walked through the house - at a good clip too - Cissnei found herself curiously looking over the house. It had fine architecture of course, but there were also pieces of art that she found herself admiring. She hadn't ever had much materially in her life. She had come from a humble beginning, but as a Turk she hadn't been encouraged to have much. One never knew what life could bring as a Turk. After leaving ShinRa, Cissnei had been too caught up in staying hidden and keeping a low profile, she had yet to obtain many things. While she didn't need anything like this, it would be nice to have a family and a home to raise them in. She didn't intend to be like Veld and loose everything because of ShinRa.

She refused.

"Master Bradley, there is someone here to see you." Cissnei had barely begun to look once the maid spoke before she felt herself being assaulted in a giant hug. A low laugh - completely earnest and free - bubbled up from her throat when she returned the hug. He was hardly any younger than her, a full year at best, but Cissnei had always thought of him as a little brother. The one you couldn't help but love and spoil. How she'd missed him! And all of them of course, but one couldn't help having their favorites. While Bradley was far from tall, he still made Cissnei feel short when he was hugging her like that. She supposed she would have to fess up and admit that her stature of five feet, two inches wasn't much to brag about.

The soft smile nearly split her face, her white teeth showing while she patted his arm. "Last time I checked I was real...but that might have changed. You know how things go on Gaia." Shifting slightly, she pulled a small bag of candy out from under her arm. "I brought you a present! I thought you liked these, but it has been a while..." Presenting it to him, she waited for him to take the bag of candy she thought she remembered that he liked. Hopefully it was the same ones and she hadn't gotten something he hated. She couldn't help but reach up and ruffle his bright blonde hair a little bit. "I missed you Bradley." It was true, Cissnei had felt like a part of her had simply vanished after being away from her friends, and really, the only family she had ever known. "How are you?"

Notes: None! Wearing: Something jeans-y Setting: Bradley's house Tagged: Bradley  Words: 463

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

Bradley hadn't felt this happy in a long time. It felt like Christmas had come early! Okay, maybe not. Technically, every day here was Christmas since Bradley could get anything he wanted if he wanted. However, he wasn't spoiled rotten. Bradley never thought of himself as better than everyone else around him. He appreciated the hard labors others put in for his family's sake. He was always thanking the staff for when they fetched him things or giving his compliments to the chef during his meal times. Bradley was a very appreciative person. His attitude was just so infectious and his kindness made him liked amongst the staff.

When he had hugged Cissnei, Bradley could hear a low laugh escaping the usually quiet girl. Really, Bradley was super happy to see Cissnei again. After all, Bradley had been rather bored. Seeing a fellow Ex-Turk really brightened his spirits. Bradley was only a year younger than Cissnei but she always spoiled him. Cissnei always had that motherly nature about her regardless of her age compared to most of the other Turks. Honestly, Bradley didn't mind her spoiling him half the time. After all, he looked up to all of the Turks like they were his older siblings and role models. Out of them all, Cissnei was the only one that gave Bradley a sense of security. He could come to her and talk about anything with her, just like a mother.

As Cissnei patted his arm, Bradley gently released her after asking her if it really was her. Her response was very amusing. Bradley just kept smiling as he let out a bit of a chuckle. "Well, so long as I can hug you, I know you're real enough to me!" Bradley replied with a chuckle of his own. Cissnei shifted her stance a bit as she pulled out a small bag. Bradley looked at her with curiosity. One that could easily match the curiosity of a naive child. When Cissnei revealed that it was a gift from her to him as she presented it to him. Excitedly, Bradley took what Cissnei had handed to him and looked in the contents of what the bag contained.

"OH WOW! Thank you Cissnei!" Bradley exclaimed as he caught sight of what the sweets were. It still was his favorite candy! Bradley just couldn't get enough of the chocolate balls filled with caramel inside of them. "Still my favorites! You know me so well." Suddenly, Cissnei reached up and ruffled his hair. It had been a very long time since he had last felt Cissnei's hand ruffling his hair. Hearing that Cissnei had missed him, Bradley smiled. "I missed you too, Cissnei." Really, he did. He missed all of the Turks. Just getting to see Cissnei brightened his day that would have been boring if not for her visit. Speaking of which, why hadn't she visited him a lot sooner? Well, she lived further away from here. It probably cost a lot for her just to come and visit.

When Cissnei questioned him about how he was doing, Bradley's smile faded a little. "...Well, I love my parents...and my home...but, well, it's been...dull here. I feel like I'm cut away from my friends. Not being able to talk to any of you guys again...well, it's been depressing without all of you." He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. No doubt, Cissnei would hate to hear just what he had been doing due to his boredom. After all, she didn't like danger.

"I erm...have been resorting to...desperate measures just for a shot thrill of fun."

Open your eyes

To see the wings of the angel that’s on your side. Let me give you my hand and hold onto me

For the past four years, Cissnei had told herself that she was better off without seeing her Turk family. At first perhaps it had been necessity. ShinRa hadn't allowed them to just rest at first, instead sending SOLDIERS after them and overall making their lives miserable - or at least hers. She didn't know if they had harassed a well to do family like Bradley's. It seemed a way to make powerful enemies. Her life, however, had been one of needed to be undercover and staying one step ahead. Later on, though, she'd told herself that she had needed to maintain a low profile to escape the life she'd had before. Then she'd tried to tell herself she didn't need the companionship with the only family she had ever really known. But seeing just one of them nearly brought tears to her eyes. Could anyone imagine? A Turk crying. Didn't seem all that likely, but she instead smiled and savored the moment. She did need her family - she would admit it now when she'd denied it for so long.

"You can have as many hugs as you need or want.", she said gently. "I've been storing up for the past four years." Cissnei had tried to avoid getting close to anyone when she'd been hiding in Wutai. At first it hadn't been hard. Though they didn't know she was a Turk, she was definitely not from Wutai and the racial prejudice had been enough to form a barrier. That had melted away over time though, to the point where the strange occurrences happening had killed a few she was close to - causing her to set out to find the reason behind it and stop it. Exactly why she hadn't wanted to get too close to anyone again. When you did, you got hurt. But she couldn't quite follow her own advice.

The same gentle smile was accompanied by a little bit of heat up the back of her neck. She was glad that Bradley liked his candy - she had been worried he might have grown out of his sweet tooth since she'd last seen him. It was a relief to know that he hadn't. "I'm glad that you still enjoy them.", she said gently again.

What he was going through...she knew what he meant. Not that she understood about having parents or having a large amount of wealth, but she did know that it had been lonely without her family to be around constantly. Her entire life, it seemed, had been caught up with the Turks. ShinRa hadn't meant anything to her past her division really. "It was our entire lives.", she mentioned in agreement. "The adjustment to normal life wasn't easy, for any of us it sounds like." Cissnei hadn't ever known what 'normalcy' was anyway, so getting a taste of it was definitely odd. Not that she was looking to join...never that.

But she also caught the words 'dull' and 'thrill'. Instantly a bit of a motherly look crossed her features. "Bradley...what have you been up to?", she asked in a tone that left no room for untruth. Somehow, she always managed to dig up the root cause behind problems. Deep down she wasn't sure she really wanted to know. In the past, Ethan, Rod and Reno had done some crazy things that she had wanted to take a switch to them over. Now if Bradley was also doing things like that...she would have to worry about him.

Notes: Wow...I can't believe I forgot to repost this @_@ Wearing: That one I linked Setting: Bradley's house Tagged: Bradley Words: 635

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

Bradley gave a light laugh when Cissnei stated that he could have as many hugs as he wanted since she had been storing plenty up over the last four years. "Gee, it's really been that long already? My, how time flies!" Bradley replied. Now that he thought of it, he didn't think so much time had passed them by. It was...strange, to say the least. It didn't feel like four years had passed them by but it had.

"Of course! I can't get enough of these! Thanks a million, Cissnei," Bradley said, giving her another hug again. As he released her, Bradley had heard Cissnei replying to what he had said about how dull things had been. Yes, the Turks had certainly been a large portion of their lives. Cissnei, most of all, knew this. After all, Cissnei had been an orphan technically raised by the Turks. The Turks, Bradley was sure, were Cissnei's family. It explained a lot as to why Cissnei was so motherly when it came to the other Turks. That was why Bradley didn't mind her motherly attitude. Honestly, she acted more like a mother than his own mother had been. His parents loved him, that much was true, but they didn't know how to act very loving. They always seemed at a professional or proper distance to appear presentable at all times.

"Yeah, being in the Turks for a while...it's hard to get used to acting normal again."

As the subject changed to what measures Bradley had gone for in order to keep himself sane, the youth rubbed the back of his head more awkwardly. A sheepish grin appeared on his face as he heard the tone of voice Cissnei was using. It was the mother tone of voice. The tone of voice that clearly stated there was no room for lying or trying to skirt the subject now. As she had asked him what he had been up to, the blond gave her a bit of a nervous laugh.

"Oh, a little bit of this...and a little bit of that!" Seeing the look on Cissnei's face, he knew that he wasn't going to get away with not telling her in detail what he had been up to. With a defeated sigh, Bradley spoke. "Alright...I erm...once took the limousine for a joy ride...speeding and everything. I also took fencing a little too far by removing my armor and insisting the match goes on without helmet or armor...and that's not even the extent of it. Heheh...heh!" Bradley was a goner.