What's Hidden Away

by UloPT

Summary:

In the rusted sprawl of Valisthea City, the Hideaway beats under it's corroded alleys. A Southside bar for the lost, the hunted, and the heartbroken to start again.

Cid Telamon, known as Rahamut, runs it on smoke and faith in his people: Otto, calm and steady; Gav, who hears every whisper first; Tarja, medic and therapist in one; Vivian, strategist with a map for every move; Harbard, quiet muscle; Blackthorn, the grease-stained poet; Charon, supplier and reluctant conscience; and many more to boot.

Then there’s Clive Rosfield; the bartender with fire in his eyes and a past he won’t touch. Thirteen years ago, Cid gave him a job instead of a grave. He’s been there ever since.

When Jill Warrick, a runaway Shield known as Shiva, from the same war, drifts back into his orbit, she brings no danger, only memory. The kind that hurts to keep. The kind that heals to share.

But in Valisthea, peace never lasts. The Shields are circling, the syndicates are restless, and the Hideaway’s found family stands right in the storm’s path.

Notes:

First fanfic on this website everrrr, gwosh I'm so nervoussss.

Disclaimer, this is a modern AU NOT based off of the game too much. All rights belong to Square Enix. I took the people (because I ADORE em), the places' names, and decided fuck yea, let's make this a modern gang fix it fic.

Loose concepts, updates are sporadic. Let me hear that constructive criticism!!

Also there's just not enough Clive/Cid, or Gav/Otto in my life, I crave MORE. Same with Jill/Tarja.

First Chapter is considered a Prologue. Skim over or read for a background understanding of locations:

Valisthea is considered the beaming city home to 6 Districts.

•Rosaria District: Northside•
Once the city’s heart, now a haven for artists, reformists, and those clinging to old ideals. Faded brick, corner cafes, and protests in the park.

•Sanbreque District: Eastside•
High towers and holier-than-thou facades. The center of faith, finance, and PR spin — where image is everything and truth costs extra.

•Waloed District: Southside•
Tough, loyal, and restless. The broken back alleys beats loud here — bars, gangs (like Odin's Sword), questionable stalls, and the Hideaway at its core.

•Dhalmekian Ward: Westside•
Trade and politics collide in the docks. Labor unions, diplomats, and smugglers work the same warehouses under different names.

•Dominion Square: Central Hub•
Where every deal begins and ends. Government buildings, media towers, and corporate lobbies blur into one — power disguised as order.

•Iron Kingdom: Coastal Sector•
Isolated and hard-edged. Steel mills, shipyards, and militant communes line the shoreline. Faith and fire still rule behind rusted gates.