So, today's @khoc-week prompt is one I was really excited for! As stated on Day 4, I've explored a lot of alternatives for Kimbri, this includes a lot of different paths her story could have taken based on her choices. From things like ending up Maleficent's Apprentice (An AU I call "A Constellation of Crows") or embracing her Darkness instead of running from it, to choosing not to return to her homeworld, I've explored the gamut. But there's one alternative I'm a sucker for everytime, and that's different pairings. because I'm a huge multishipper even for my OCs. So I thought today I'd give a small glimpse into one of the AUs where she chose to pursue Cloud instead of just letting him walk away without a fight. (Don't worry, she still ends up with Leon in this AU too, hell they actually end up in a proper triad with the boys dating too, he just doesn't come up in this snippet because this is specifically about Kimbri and Cloud)
Anyway, set in an alternative version of KH2 we have:
Chasing Love
"I'm sick and tired of having to chase after you all the time!" Kimbri growled, grabbing hold of Cloud’s top and jerking him around to face her. Her face was twisted with uncharacteristic anger that surprised him, she so rarely actually lost her temper, especially with him. He sighed heavily and offered the simplest solution to her complaint.
"Then just stop following me." He stated with a shrug. Kimbri’s scowl deepened and she shook her head.
"No! You need to stop running!" She insisted, her grip on his shirt tightening. Tears glistened in the corners of her eyes, much to Cloud’s alarm. He didn't think he'd ever seen her cry for anything less than the total loss of their home world. “Don't you get it? No one cares if you have darkness, VERY few people are completely free of it! We care about you! We love you, Cloud, I-” her voice cracked and she had to clear her throat. “I love you, deeply and truly. If you're so determined to find a light then let me share mine. It might not be the brightest but it's better than running off into the void all the time.” She said, pink dusting her cheeks. It had taken a lot of courage to make such a declaration and she was already wondering if maybe she should have just kept her mouth shut. Cloud stared at her for a long moment then sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“There you go making bold declarations again… You really are something else, but I guess that's part of why I feel the same way for you.” he said, the smallest smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “But this is something I have to do, I have to go.”
“I really can't change your mind then? You're going to do this either way?” Kimbri asked, looking sad, but resigned at this point. Cloud nodded and she sighed. “Fine then, so be it. If you have to leave again, at least take this.” She reached up around her neck and unfastened the star pendant she always wore, pressing it into his hand. The one he knew was one of the only things she had left of her parents, of her mother. Cloud shook his head and tried to push it back to her.
“Kimbri, I can't, I know how much this means to you-”
“Exactly, that's why I know you'll bring it back to me. Let it be your guiding star.” Kimbri smiled softly at him and he couldn't help but smile back. Leaning down he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.
“Thank you, I'll make sure we both come back safely.”
