punziewritingtime

[punziewritingtime]

“Thanks again, Cloud. Seriously – I owe you,” Tifa said, stepping a little closer to the ex-SOLDIER.

Cloud sighed, arms crossing. “Yeah? You can start with the rest of the money you owe me.”

Tifa gave a sheepish smile. “We’ll get it to you. I promise. But… actually, there’s one more thing I wanted to ask.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow. “Another mission?”

“Sort of.” Her smile faded. “It’s a girl. Shinra was holding her – not in some regular facility. This place was buried under Sector 3. Totally off the books. No records, no files. Nothing.”

Cloud’s expression barely shifted. “Shinra has a lot of secrets.”

“She’s not just a prisoner,” Tifa continued. “She’s… an Ancient.”

Cloud blinked. “A Cetra?”

Tifa nodded. “They were experimenting on her. Something to do with the Lifestream… and the Promised Land. One of the main Avalanche cells stormed the facility and got her out. They grabbed a bunch of research, too.”

Cloud stayed silent, but his jaw tightened. He didn’t like the sound of any of this. The Promised Land, Shinra's obsession, another life pulled into it. He knew too well what that felt like.

“They’re panicking, Cloud,” Tifa said. “More than I’ve ever seen. They’re mobilizing resources like crazy. More than they did for the bombing mission. I think she means more to them than the reactors ever did.”

Cloud’s eyes narrowed. “What’s the plan?”

“She can’t go back to a normal life. Not now. She needs someone to keep her safe while they figure out what to do. They’re moving her out of the city, quietly – on foot. But it’s not far enough. Shinra could still find her.”

Cloud crossed his arms again. “And you want me to protect her.”

“They’re offering good money,” Tifa said quickly. “It’s not permanent – just until the heat dies down. A few days, maybe a week. After that, she’ll be in a safe place, and someone else can take over.”

He was quiet for a moment, rubbing his temple. This didn’t sound like just another job. It sounded messy.

“This isn’t just a job, Tifa. It’s full-time work, and Shinra doesn’t let go of things like this. Not without a fight.”

“I know,” she said gently. “But she’s scared. Confused. I’d feel a lot better knowing someone like you was watching her back.”

Another pause.

Cloud let out a slow breath. “How much are they offering?”

—

The warehouse on the outskirts of Sector 5 was dark and run-down from years of neglect. A single light flickered through the cracks in the rusted walls.

Cloud arrived just after midnight.

Two members of the Avalanche cell were already inside, rifles slung over their backs, standing near the far wall with arms crossed and eyes sharp.

You sat against that same wall, a rough gray blanket wrapped around your shoulders. Tifa was beside you, her hand gently rubbing slow, reassuring circles on your back. She had been talking to you softly for some time – but both of you fell silent when Cloud stepped through the door.

“This is Cloud,” Tifa said, rising to her feet. She reached down and offered you her hand to help you up. “He’ll be taking you out of the city. At least until things settle down.”

You took her hand and stood slowly, still shaky, your body far from recovered. You glanced at Cloud – closer now – and the first thing you noticed were his eyes. Bright, inhuman. Familiar in a way that made your stomach twist.

You looked back at Tifa.

“...Is he a SOLDIER?” you asked, your voice cautious.

“Ex-SOLDIER,” Cloud corrected flatly.

Tifa let out a small, nervous laugh. “I know it probably seems strange. But he’s not with Shinra. You can trust him.”

There was a sincerity in her voice that soothed something tight in your chest. You gave her a small nod, grateful.

“Alright.”

Tifa smiled and gently squeezed your hand. “I’m really glad I got to meet you before you left the city. Cloud’s going to take good care of you. They set you up with a PHS, right? If you ever need anything at all, you can call me. Don’t hesitate, okay?”

Your heart swelled. Her kindness was overwhelming – unfamiliar in the best way. You hadn’t felt this kind of care in what felt like forever.

“Thank you, Tifa,” you said quietly. “I hope I get to see you again. I… I can’t thank you enough.”

Your voice wavered slightly. You were exhausted – mentally, physically, emotionally – and it showed. Tifa pulled you into a hug. You stiffened at first, startled by the warmth, but then allowed yourself to lean into it, arms wrapping around her.

When you finally pulled back, you turned to Cloud and gave him a small, tentative smile.

He didn’t return it.

One of the Avalanche members stepped forward. “We cleared a path through Sector 4. After that, you’re on your own. She’ll need to rest between sectors. Best route’s through Sector 2. Avoid Sector 1 entirely – Shinra’s crawling all over it after the bombing.”

Cloud gave a single nod. “Got it.”

Then he turned to you. “Got everything you need?”

You dropped the blanket where you’d been sitting and walked over to a worn backpack resting against the wall. Slinging it over your shoulder, you glanced back at him.

“Yeah. I’m ready.”

The two of you headed for the door. Before stepping out, you turned to look back at Tifa one last time. You smiled and lifted your hand in a small wave.

“See you soon, Tifa.”

She smiled through watery eyes, her voice thick with emotion. “Yeah. See you soon. Take care of her, Cloud.”

Cloud gave a quiet sigh, not bothering to look back.

“Yeah,” he muttered. “I will.”

And then the warehouse door groaned open behind you, letting in the cold night air.

—

The slums were quiet at night. It was almost peaceful.

Scrap metal creaked in the wind, and the low hum of generators buzzed like static in the air. The ground beneath your boots was uneven, scattered with gravel and debris. Still, you couldn’t help but find it all… beautiful. Broken, sure – but alive. Every breath you took out here felt like something you weren’t sure you were allowed to have.

You trailed a few steps behind Cloud, your boots crunching softly as you walked. He didn’t speak. Just kept a steady pace ahead of you, scanning every alley and rooftop.

You were cold. Tired. The backpack on your shoulders felt heavier with every step, and now and then, the ground seemed to shift beneath your feet. Everything about this still felt surreal. You weren’t used to being free.

After a long stretch of silence, you tried to speak.

“So… do you do this a lot?” you asked, voice quiet but steady. “Escort girls through ruined cities?”

Cloud glanced over his shoulder. “Not usually.”

You smiled faintly, even if he didn’t see it. You weren’t sure what kind of response you were hoping for. Some sarcasm? Maybe a smirk. But even just that flat honesty warmed you.

Another block passed before he added, voice low and unsure, “You’re doing alright. Most people wouldn’t be walking after what you went through.”

The sudden kindness caught you off guard. Your heart stuttered.

“...I guess.”

Cloud only nodded, his gaze drifting forward again. You wondered what he was thinking. Was he worried? Did he regret saying yes to this?

A few minutes later, you stumbled while climbing over a low pile of rubble. Your hand caught the edge of a bent sign for balance, and Cloud turned back instantly.

He exhaled through his nose. “There’s a hideout up ahead. Not far. We’ll stop there. I can tell you’re getting tired.”

You blinked, surprised – not at his words, but at the fact that he noticed.

“Okay,” you said softly. “Thank you.”

He said nothing, just turned and kept walking. You followed.

A few more turns brought you to the edge of a collapsed overpass, where a hidden space lay tucked beneath the wreckage. Shielded by hanging tarps and forgotten debris, the entrance was barely visible – half-concealed by a rusted billboard leaning against the wall. Most people would’ve walked right past it.

Cloud pushed the tarp aside and stepped inside, giving the place a quick once-over. “It’s secure enough for a few hours.”

You ducked in behind him. The room was small – probably once used by scavengers or smugglers. A flattened mattress sat in the corner, a few crates stacked nearby. Someone had left behind a threadbare blanket and a dented lantern.

You let your bag slide off your shoulder and sank onto the mattress, your hands trembling slightly as you gripped your knees. Exhaustion weighed heavy in your limbs, sinking deeper now that you were still.

Cloud sat on one of the crates across from you, his posture relaxed but always alert. After a beat, he spoke.

“You did good. Holding it together.”

You looked up, surprised.

“I mean,” he added, scratching the back of his neck, “with the warehouse. And walking this far.”

A small, tired laugh slipped out of you. “Is that your version of encouragement?”

He looked away. “...Yeah.”

“Well, thank you. I’ll take it.” After a moment, you glanced back up, your voice softer now. “Do you think they’ll come after us?”

“Eventually,” he said. “But not tonight. The route’s clean.”

You nodded, your eyes falling to your hands.

“It’s strange,” you murmured. “Everything out here feels louder. The air, the city… It’s like the whole world’s trying to talk over itself.”

Cloud didn’t answer, but he stayed quiet in a way that told you he was listening.

You glanced at him again. “You don’t talk much, huh?”

He shrugged. “Not unless I have something to say.”

You leaned back on your hands, stretching your legs slightly. “Well… I can do the talking, then. It’s nice to be able to talk so… freely, you know?”

Cloud gave you a small glance out of the corner of his eye. He gave you a hum of acknowledgement, then looked at you – just a little longer this time – and gently spoke.

“Get some sleep. We’ll leave before sunrise.”

You let out a shaky sigh and nodded. You eased a bit more onto the mattress, still sitting upright. “Will you sleep too?”

“Later.”

You hesitated, then looked back at him. “Thank you… for doing this. I know you didn’t have to.”

He simply nodded in response.

You lay there for a while after the words left Cloud’s mouth, your back turned to him as you curled into yourself.

Sleep didn’t come.

The floor underneath the mattress creaked now and then, and something in the pipes above gave a soft, slow drip. You shifted slightly, fingers curled around the fabric of your sweater cuffs. Your body was exhausted and practically begging for rest, but your mind refused to follow.

You could choose to close your eyes tonight. No countdowns. No sedatives. No restraints. And yet, you couldn’t do it.

You turned over to face him again, still laying on your side. Cloud was still sitting across from you, quiet, arms loosely crossed. You weren’t sure if he was watching over you or just lost in his own thoughts.

“…Can I ask you something?” you said suddenly, voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes flicked to you. “Yeah.”

You hesitated, staring up at the tarp-draped ceiling. “Is it stupid that I… don’t know how to sleep like this?”

Cloud didn’t respond right away. You glanced over at him, expecting indifference – maybe confusion.

Instead, he was quiet in a different way. Thoughtful.

“No,” he said finally. “It’s not stupid.”

You turned your head toward him, the mattress springs shifting beneath you. “It’s just… this is the first night I’ve been able to sleep outside of a cell in… a long time. And I don’t think I know how to do that. I feel like I should be… happy. Relieved. But I’m just… overwhelmed.”

You let out a shaky breath. “Sorry. That was a lot.”

Cloud didn’t look uncomfortable. If anything, he looked like he understood.

“You’re not doing anything wrong,” he said. “It’s not like flipping a switch. You’re not gonna feel free just because someone said you are.”

You blinked at him, caught off guard by the depth in his voice.

“…Thanks,” you said softly.

There was another pause, then you added with a sheepish laugh, “Also kind of weird sleeping near a guy with a six-foot sword.”

That earned you the faintest twitch of a smirk.

“That so?”

You let out a quiet laugh and turned your face back toward the ceiling. Silence settled again – but this time, it felt a little less heavy. You closed your eyes for real this time. You weren’t sure if you’d sleep. But just lying there, knowing that you could, was enough for now.

Cloud didn’t move from his place. But you felt safer knowing he was there.

Eventually, your body relaxed. The last thing you heard was the steady sound of his breath – even, calm – as you finally slipped into sleep.

–

You were finally asleep.

Cloud could tell by the way your shoulders had relaxed, by the faint, even rhythm of your breathing. Your hand still clutched the fabric of your sweater, but the tension in your face had eased – the kind of relief that didn’t come easy.

He stayed where he was for a while, sitting on the crate, arms loosely crossed, watching the quiet rise and fall of your chest.

You were stronger than he expected. Not physically – though you’d kept up, even when your steps faltered – but in a different way. You had every reason to fall apart, but hadn’t.

He exhaled through his nose and looked away, eyes skimming the shadows of the hideout. It wasn’t much, just scrap walls and tarp and rusted bolts – but it was shelter. Enough for the night.

His gaze drifted back to you before he could stop it.

You looked... peaceful like this. Maybe not truly at ease, not yet, but different. Softer. The dim lantern light played along your face, casting faint gold over your cheekbones and lashes. There was something striking about you – not in the way that turned heads in bars, but something else.

Pretty. That word crossed his mind before he could block it, and he blinked once, then turned his attention to the floor like he hadn’t thought it.

Didn’t matter. He wasn’t here to notice things like that.

And yet…

You had looked at him with such cautious trust earlier, like you were still trying to figure out if he was real – or if this was just another step in some long, cruel test. He knew that look.

She’s not just a job, he thought. Not just cargo to move from one place to the next. There was something more to you – something even Avalanche didn’t understand.

He didn’t know what that meant for him.

But as he leaned back against the wall, still listening to the faint sounds of the slums beyond the tarp, Cloud let himself keep an eye on you. Just in case.

And if tonight was your first night out of a cage, then the least he could do was stay awake and make sure no one put you back in one.

–

Cloud sat in the same spot he’d been all night, his back against the wall, one boot planted on the ground and the other knee raised. He hadn’t really slept – just dozed here and there – but it was enough.

You stirred sometime before dawn.

Your fingers twitched first, then your brow furrowed. A sharp breath pushed through your nose as your body tensed. Even before your eyes opened, Cloud could tell something was wrong.

His gaze sharpened slightly, watching without a word.

You didn’t cry out – didn’t even speak at first. But when your eyes fluttered open, they moved quickly around the room before landing on him. 

Cloud straightened. “You okay?”

You nodded a little too quickly. “Yeah. Just… weird dream.”

You pushed yourself upright, dragging your hands down your face. Cloud didn’t press.

After a pause, you leaned over and unzipped your bag, rustling around until you pulled out two protein bars – one slightly melted, the other in perfect shape. You held the better one out toward him.

“Here. Breakfast.”

Cloud raised an eyebrow, glancing between the bar and you. You still looked pale from the dream, not fully awake.

“You sure?”

“Of course,” you said, like it was obvious.

He accepted it and gave a faint, lopsided smile. You smiled back – something warm and quiet blooming in your chest at the sight of his expression. You liked his smile. You hoped you'd get to see more of it.

After a few minutes of silent eating, you asked, “Did you rest at all?”

Cloud hesitated. “...Kind of. Don’t worry about me.”

You exhaled gently, eyes still on him. “You sure…? We can stay a little longer if you need it.”

“I’m alright.”

He stood and walked over to the tarp, lifting the edge just enough to peek outside. Pale light was creeping into the sky. The slums were still quiet, but that wouldn't last.

“We should head out soon,” he said.

When he turned back around, you were already tying your boots, your bag resting beside you, half-zipped and ready. Cloud paused for a moment, watching you.

Still tired. Still shaken from the dream. But already moving.

She’s stronger than she thinks, he thought.

You looked up at him, brushing your hair out of your face with a small, determined grin. “Lead the way!”

He nodded in response and held the tarp up for you to walk through.

And just like that, the two of you disappeared into the soft, waking hush of Sector 5.

–

The sun was still hidden beyond the horizon, but the slums were beginning to wake. Low light filtered between the skeletons of old buildings and corrugated rooftops, painting everything in a cool blue and dusty gold. You walked alongside Cloud in comfortable silence, the occasional crunch of gravel the only sounds between you.

You felt better than you had the night before. Not great, not entirely rested, either, but steadier. The dream still lingered in your mind, but each step forward pushed it a little further away.

Cloud kept his eyes ahead, still scanning rooftops and alleyways. He was alert, but not tense.

You glanced over at him, your voice soft. “Hey, I was wondering…” you started.

He didn’t look at you, but made a sound of acknowledgement.

You hesitated, your thumb rubbing over the strap of your back. “Why’d you leave SOLDIER?”

That got his attention. He slowed a step, not stopping, but glancing sideways with a slight furrow in his brow.

You bit your lip, adding quickly, “You don’t have to tell me. I was just curious. You… don’t seem like the Shinra type.”

He was quiet for a few moments. “I joined because I wanted to be strong.” His voice was low. “I thought SOLDIER was the best way to do that.”

You nodded, sensing there was more, but not pushing.

“When I got there…” He let out a sigh, “It wasn’t what I thought it’d be.”

There was a weariness to his tone that you didn’t question. “I get that,” you said quietly. “When I was little, I thought Shinra was it, you know? The dream. They had power, control – everyone looked up to them. It seemed like the only path.”

Cloud didn’t answer, but his posture relaxed a bit. There was a quiet understanding between you two. After a few steps, you gave him a sidelong glance. “Tifa told me she’s known you for a long time.”

“She has.”

You smiled a little. “Are you two close?”

He glanced at you, then back at the path ahead. “We grew up in the same town, but I haven’t seen her since I left to join SOLDIER. We only really reconnected a couple days ago.”

You nodded again. “She’s really kind. I’m glad she was there last night.”

“Yeah. She’s always been like that,” Cloud said. “Even when she doesn’t know what to say, she just… shows up anyway.”

You thought about the way Tifa had hugged you before you left. The way she’d placed her hands over yours.

“I can see that,” you said.

Cloud glanced at you again – just briefly – and you caught the faintest trace of a smile on his face. The sun finally crested over the end of the slums, washing the rust-colored streets in a soft glow. Cloud stopped at a break in the wall and motioned for you to follow him through. You ducked past a collapsed fence, boots crunching on gravel, and when you looked back, you realized he was waiting for you.

You smile warmly at him as you continue to walk alongside one another. “Was it hard?” You asked softly. “Leaving SOLDIER, I mean. I can’t imagine Shinra taking it well.”

Cloud’s steps faltered slightly. He opened his mouth to respond, but the words didn’t come. His hand drifted up to his temple, fingers pressing hard like he could stop whatever was about to come.

White-hot pain flared behind his eyes as a sharp hiss of static filled his ears. Then came the flashes of images – flames, a lab, a white coat…

Your heart dropped at the sight.

“Cloud?” you asked, stepping in close, voice soft but steady. “Hey, are you okay?”

He didn’t answer. He just stood there, eyes narrowed, and breaths shallow. Without thinking, you reached out and took his hand in both of yours, gently squeezing as you tried to ground him.

His fingers were tense, but he didn’t pull away. You could feel his pain – the tension, fear, and anxiety he felt.

“Hey… It’s alright, Cloud.” you spoke softly. 

Finally, he shook his head, as if trying to shake off whatever invaded his mind. “I’m… I’m fine. It’s nothing. Just… migraines. Happens sometimes.”

You didn’t let go of his hand, even as he came to. “I’m sorry,” you said quietly. “I didn’t mean to push. That was probably too personal.”

Cloud’s eyes met yours, his brow unfurrowing. He gently squeezes your hand back. “No,” he said. “It’s okay. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

He lowered his other hand from his temple and carefully placed it on top of yours. It was a light touch, but it steadied both of you.

You gave his hand a small, reassuring squeeze. The world around you was quiet for a moment as you gazed at one another. The moment seemed to linger.

Cloud was the one to break it, glancing down and away.

“...We should keep moving.”

“Right,” you said, and gently let go. “After you.”

You fell into step behind him, silence creeping back in. It wasn’t uncomfortable, though, just calm. As you walked, you found yourself wondering what had caused that reaction, what he must have seen. You didn’t want to push again, but the urge to understand him – to know him – had begun to grow somewhere inside you.

Cloud said nothing, but his fingers flexed once at his side, almost unconsciously. The warmth of your hands still lingered there.

The deeper you moved through Sector 4, the quieter it got. Seemed like not many folk were in this section… It looked more run down than the last. 

You heard something in the distance. Cloud’s pace halted, one hand raising in warning. Then you heard it – voices, low at first, then clearer. Boots stomping over steel and gravel, the metallic click of weapons shifting.

Cloud glanced toward a narrow alley and tilted his head for you to follow. You didn’t hesitate.

The two of you slipped down the tight corridor and ducked behind the slanted wreckage of a collapsed platform. Cloud motioned for you to crawl into the shadowed space beneath it – low and cramped – just enough for two bodies pressed close.

You crawled in first, your breath catching as the metal closed around you. Cloud slipped in after, pulling what little cover remained into place behind him.

Your heart was pounding out of your chest as the sound of Shrina voices drew closer. It felt like a challenge to simply draw breath. You pressed a hand to your mouth, trying to quiet the sharp breaths. Panic coiled tight in your chest – if they found you, if they took you back..

You flinched when you felt a hand gently touch your wrist.

“Hey…” Cloud’s voice was low, a soft whisper, but it cut through the noise in your head. “You’re okay. They’re not gonna find us.”

You looked at him with wide eyes. Your breathing was still ragged, but his face was calm and steady. “You’re safe,” he said again, softer this time. 

Your hand trembled against your chest. He moved slightly, not enough to make noise, but enough to shift closer. His presence made you feel a bit calmer – you could feel the warmth radiating off of him, and his calm and collected demeanor despite the situation helped you feel a bit more grounded.

The footsteps became louder.

“…Check the side alleys. HQ says someone passed through here.”

Another voice, calmer. “Nothing on thermal. Might’ve already cleared out.”

They passed so close you could hear the crunch of gravel under their feet. One pair stopped just a few paces from where you were hidden.

Cloud gripped your wrist a bit more firmly, as if to remind you that he’d keep you safe. You held your breath.

“...Clear,” one of the soldiers muttered. The footsteps slowly retreated.

A few moments passed before you exhaled shakily. Cloud didn’t move – he stayed with you. Finally, once your breath steadied, you whispered, “...I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be,” he replied. “You were scared. That’s normal.”

You didn’t look at him right away, but your voice was steadier when you said, “It’s just.. If they’d found me, they would’ve taken me back. I couldn’t do it again. I couldn’t –”

You won’t,” he said, firm now. “I won’t let them.”

You looked up at him, his eyes meeting yours. The fear didn’t vanish – not entirely. But the pain in your chest eased a little. Cloud reached out slowly and offered you his hand, the other still resting on your wrist.

You took his hand, feeling that familiar comfort from before wash over you again.

“Come on,” he said. “Let’s keep going.”

You followed him, your hand still wrapped in his as you left the hiding spot.

You let out a soft breath, trying to ease the tightness still lingering in your chest. Then, with a faint smile, you glanced at Cloud.

“Guess that makes us even now,” you said, voice quiet but light.

He looked over. “Even?”

“I calmed you down earlier,” you said with a small shrug. “You calmed me down just now… We make a pretty good team, don’t we?”

Cloud gave the faintest huff of a laugh–closer to a scoff, but softer than usual. “I was calm.”

You clicked your tongue and squeezed his hand gently. “Sure you were.”

He didn’t pull away.

And for a few more steps, neither of you said anything–but his hand stayed in yours.

–

Cloud didn’t pull away, even though he thought he probably should’ve.

That would’ve been the smart thing to do–draw a line, keep his distance. But her hand was small in his, warm and steady, and somehow… it felt right. Natural. Like it belonged there. Which was ridiculous.

He wasn’t the kind of guy who went around holding hands. He wasn’t the kind of guy who got thrown off by a quiet laugh or a soft smile. And yet here he was, walking beside a girl he barely knew, heart stuttering in his chest like he’d taken a hit to the ribs.

She looked at him like he was someone worth trusting. Worth knowing. Like she believed he could protect her, even when he wasn’t sure he believed it himself.

And when she touched him–when her fingers wrapped around his during that moment in the alley–it had quieted something in him. Now, with her hand still in his, that quiet stayed. And it terrified him.

Cloud’s grip tightened just a little–not enough for her to notice, just enough to ground himself. What the hell is she doing to me?

He cleared his throat softly and glanced at her from the corner of his eye. She was looking forward, distracted by the path ahead, her expression calm again. 

Cloud looked away. Focus. Get her to the outskirts of Midgar. Keep her safe. That’s all this is.

That’s all this is.

But despite his best efforts, he couldn’t find it in him to let go.

–

The sun had dipped low by the time Sector 4 started to fade behind you. Long streaks of gold stretched across rusted rooftops and broken scaffolds, bathing the slums in a light that felt almost too gentle for this place.

Cloud noticed your pace beginning to falter. Your steps had lost their rhythm – boots dragging just slightly, breath catching in your chest with every few strides. You were still pushing forward, but he saw it. The wear in your shoulders, the slight tremble in your fingers.

“You’re slowing down,” he said quietly, not unkindly.

You let out a soft, breathy laugh. “Sorry. My legs are staging a full-blown protest.”

Cloud gave a small huff – almost a laugh, if you squinted. His eyes scanned the road ahead, then settled on a two-story husk of a building tucked behind a collapsed scaffold. Its roof sagged but held, and one window still had glass clinging to the frame. It was enough.

“We’ll rest there,” he said. “You need a break.”

Relief bloomed in your chest. “Didn’t want to be the one to admit it.”

Cloud moved ahead, his hand resting gently at the small of your back as he guided you forward. That simple touch – steady, protective – made the weight of the day feel just a little easier to bear.

–

The building creaked under its own age as you stepped inside, dust dancing in the golden light that filtered through cracked panes. It had once been a home – you could feel the echo of it in the worn wallpaper and the skeletal furniture. An old mattress sat in the corner, dented where the springs had long since given up.

Cloud pushed a heavy dresser across the door with practiced ease, then swept the room, sealing off any light that might leak through after dark.

“We’ll stay here tonight,” he said. His voice was calm, measured – like it was already a decision made.

You let your pack drop with a tired thud and sank down against the wall, knees drawn up, arms looped loosely around them. A long, slow breath escaped you – the kind you hadn’t taken in weeks.

“Thanks,” you murmured. “I don’t think I had many steps left in me.”

Cloud leaned against the doorframe, arms folded. “You didn’t say anything.”

“I didn’t want to slow us down.” You smiled sheepishly. “But I think my legs were about to file a formal complaint.”

That earned a quiet exhale – not quite a laugh, but warmer than silence.

“If this whole bodyguard thing doesn’t work out,” you teased, “you’ve got a real future in diagnostics. Your triage skills are top-notch!”

Cloud shook his head, but there was a spark in his eyes now. “Pretty sure I’d scare off every patient.”

You grinned. “‘Dr. Strife will see you now. Try not to cry during your flu shot.’”

That coaxed a low, genuine laugh from him – one you felt in your chest more than heard. It made your smile grow.

But when the silence returned, it was softer. Not awkward. Just… quieter. Like the kind of hush that settles over two people who don’t mind sharing space.

Your thumb began brushing the edge of your sleeve without thinking. A restless, familiar motion. Cloud’s gaze followed it – and before you could stop yourself, you were scratching at the skin just beneath the cuff, red and raw where old restraints had bitten deep.

When you noticed him watching, your hand snapped back into your lap – but not quickly enough.

Cloud didn’t say anything right away. Instead, he crouched beside your pack and unzipped it, pulling out the canteen. “Here,” he said, offering it without ceremony.

You took it with both hands, your fingers brushing his. That fleeting warmth stayed with you longer than it should have. “Thank you,” you said softly.

He sat beside you then – not too close, but close enough that you could feel his presence like a shield at your side. His voice was low when he spoke again.

“That mark… was it from Shinra?”

You paused. Then nodded, slowly. “They kept the restraints on for certain tests,” you murmured. “Said it was protocol. For safety.” You swallowed. “Not mine.”

Cloud didn’t look away. His expression didn’t shift much – but there was something flint-sharp in his eyes, a quiet, unspoken fury. Not at you. For you.

“You don’t have to talk about it,” he said gently. “Not unless you want to.”

You shook your head, voice smaller. “I don’t. Not really.” You let out a heavy breath. “But… thanks. For not pretending you didn’t see.”

You looked down at your wrist again. This time, you didn’t hide it.

Cloud didn’t say anything more after that. He just gave a short nod – not to dismiss the subject, but to honor your choice not to keep speaking. Then, he stood and crossed the room toward the mattress.

It wasn’t much – it was old, a bit musty, and sunken in the middle, but still cleaner than expected. The springs didn’t creak too loud as Cloud tested his weight on the edge of it.

“We should get some rest,” he said, glancing back at you. “Long road tomorrow.”

You offered a tired smile, pushing yourself to your feet with a groan.

“You take it,” he added. “The mattress.”

Your brows furrowed. “What? You barely slept last night. No way.”

Cloud looked aside and furrowed his brows as well. “Doesn’t matter. You need it.”

“So do you,” you countered, stepping over. “We’ve both been running on fumes, but you’ve been running longer. I mean, you sat on a stack of boxes last night for hours.”

He didn’t respond, but he also didn’t argue.

You hesitated, glancing down at the worn mattress, then back at him. “There’s… enough space for both of us. If that’s okay.”

Cloud stilled. He wasn’t tense exactly, but it seemed like he was measuring your words. Not with suspicion, but with caution. With the kind of quiet care you only give something fragile.

You added quickly, “I trust you. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.”

His eyes flicked to yours. For a long beat, he said nothing. Then finally, he gave a slow nod. “Okay.”

You climbed in first, flicking off the lantern as you went. The room fell into a gentle hush, broken only by the distant hum of the city. You curled up on the side near the wall, your back to Cloud. He eased in beside you, stiff at first, like he didn’t quite know what to do with his limbs. You both lay facing opposite directions, a breath of space between you, listening to the old house creak and settle.

“...Does it still hurt?” you asked quietly.

He didn’t need to ask what you meant.

“Yeah,” Cloud answered after a pause. “The migraines come and go. Worse after missions. Or if I’m around mako too long.”

You slowly turned over to face him. He shifted too, settling onto his back, eyes fixed on the ceiling, worn down and spotted with water stains. 

“I’ve seen you try to hide them,” you said softly. “You don’t have to, you know.”

“It’s easier,” he murmured. “To just keep moving.”

A silence stretched out for a few moments.

“It’s like…” he exhaled slowly. “Like a piercing spike behind my eyes. Sharp and fast. Sometimes it knocks the breath out of me.”

He turned then, slowly, to face you. You reached out, hesitantly, and let your hand rest near his on the mattress, not quite touching.

“I hate knowing it hurts you,” you said softly. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”

His eyes closed at that. After a few moments of thought, he let out a soft sigh. “What you did before… it… that helped.”

Your heart fluttered for a moment, your face growing warmer. “You mean, when I…” you trailed off, struggling to say it out loud for some reason.

“Y-Yeah,” he said quickly, eyes flicking away. It wasn’t easy for him to admit, but he’d said it anyway.

You let out a soft breath and smiled warmly at him. You could barely make out one another’s expressions in the darkness of the room. “I’ll keep it in mind,” you whispered.

Cloud swallowed, nodding in response. He was struggling to find his words right now. After a bit of silence, he finally spoke. “Get some sleep. We have a lot of ground to cover tomorrow.”

You hummed in acknowledgement. “Yeah. You rest up too, okay?”

He echoed your hum. The two of you lay there in the dark, still facing each other, your hands almost touching.

“Hey… Cloud,” you said softly after another stretch of silence. 

“Hm?” he replied, eyes opening again to meet yours in the faint light.

“Thank you for telling me that.”

He let out a faint huff. “Weird thing to thank me for.”

You smiled, eyes fluttering shut as you laughed quietly. “Oh, hush.”

You let your hand gently trail closer to his, eventually settling on top of his. Perhaps your faculties were slipping as exhaustion slowly took over.

“Good night, Cloud,” you eventually whispered.. He didn’t respond, but you could feel his fingers flex under your touch for a moment.

–