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[xxwitchylanexx]

Miner Encounter- Cloud x Reader

Does contain some dialog straight from the cut scenes in Chapter 3. I really appreciate all the Kudus! My first fic that I've posted and it means a lot! Feel free to leave feedback. And a teensy bit of spice in the middle beware.

PS I used the rebirth name for the Midgar Zolem but really liked the original name better.

Chapter 2: https://www.tumblr.com/xxwitchylanexx/746228436688863232/a-night-under-the-moon-cloud-strife-x-reader?source=share

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You were aware this journey would be dangerous, after all Gaia was filled with sketchy people and dangerous fiends. However, you never anticipated getting attacked by the Midgardsormr, an encounter with the Turks, and being blasted over the side of a fifty foot cliff in the Mythril Mines in the span of a few hours.

You’d be the first to admit that your reaction time isn’t what it used to be. Instead of catching Aerith’s hand to pull you to safety you just kept falling. Five feet, then ten, and so on. You needed a plan before you were flattened like roadkill for the team to scrape off the rocks later. You struggled to move your arm toward the sheath that hung along your lower back, your fingertips fumbling on the wooden hilt until your hand firmly wrapped around it. Before you could yank the short sword free your arm was yanked upwards and your entire body was wrapped into a tight embrace. You gasped in surprise and the scent of leather, and mint invaded your nostrils. Your heart thrummed against your chest and not because of adrenaline. The scent, his scent, became a very soothing comfort to you over the past week. No matter where you found yourself his musk carried on the winds, or lingered around the camp. It was definitely subtle, but a constant presence along the road.

A chill ran down your spine as Cloud’s quiet but firm voice cooly spoke in your ear. “Hold tight.” Without another thought you fisted a hand in the fabric of his tunic and the other wrapped tight around his middle just as you heard his sword stab into the walls beside you.

The two of you were falling too fast for his sword to stop your descent, but it did slow you down enough to prevent serious harm. Cloud must have let go of his sword in favor of wrapping his other arm around your shoulders and braced himself for impact.

The landing knocked the wind of you, and a soft grunt faintly registered against your ear. is the only indication that Cloud took the brunt of the force for you. You blinked a few times to orientate yourself. You waited until the texture of his top cleared before you pushed too peer up at him. He appeared to be fine. His eyes closed tight and his breaths shallow. You almost wondered if you had imagined his reaction, but the miniscule scrunch of his nose confirmed your suspicions. You pushed yourself out of his embrace and rolled off him, avoiding his now open eyes as you did so.

“You okay?” he asked.

You furrowed your brows as you got to your feet and brushed off your knees. “I should be asking you that. Thanks for breaking my fall.” You reached into the pouch that was strapped to your right hip and fished out a potion. You cleared your throat before holding it out for him to take. “Here. It’ll take the edge off.

He scoffed and got up quickly, “I’m fine. I was-”

“A soldier,” you said before he could, “doesn’t mean that you're not human. Just take it.” You stared him down in a battle of wills, his mako eyes against you e/c ones. He may be stubborn, but so were you. “I’m not moving till you drink it so…”

He huffed prior to snatching the container out of your hand and downed it as fast as possible.”Happy?” He asked though it was clear he didnt care what the answer would be. He just stalked down the looming cave ahead of you.

“Absolutely giddy.” You whispered under your breath before following him.

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Cloud could acknowledge that he judged your abilities too early. He had assumed, given your profession, that you’d have to be protected, like Aerith did at first, but you didn’t seem to have any trouble holding your own. Hell, you could practically keep up with him, not that you'd ever hear that kind of praise from him. He was even a tad ashamed that he didn't realize you had a weapon. He’d spent so much time sneaking glances at you one would think he'd notice it.

He swung Hard Edge up just in time to block the ogre’s attack, a loud clang echoed through the rocky passageway. He needed to keep his mind on the task in front of him. He flexed his arm and prepared to swing upwards, however the beast stumbled forward before dropping to the ground entirely. He dragged his eyes over the slash across the fiends flesh and up to your smiling face. He blinked slowly, soaking up your disheveled appearance. Something about your lopsided grin, shining eyes, and soft glowing skin despite the splatter of blood across half your face had his brain short circuiting. “What’s wrong, soldier boy? Tired?”

His brows furrowed in annoyance. “Worry about yourself.” He swung hardedge to the magnetic sword belt on his shoulders. “Where’d you learn to fight?”

For a quick moment your smile faltered before you perked like it never happened. “Self taught. Impressed?”

He studied your expression for another moment or two before moving onto the never ending trailers of rock. There’s definitely more to your story than just some skilled chocobo trainer. “If we follow this path we should be able to meet up with Tifa and Aerith.”

You hummed in response. “Alright. I’m expecting a review when we’re done though.” You jogged ahead then paused to look back at him over your shoulder and gave him a wink.

“Don’t count on it.” The walk was quiet between you and he made sure to keep a two person length distance between your bodies. Occasionally you’d run into a few crawlers or flans that he took care of quickly, not missing the way your eyes followed his movements when you weren’t taking down some swiftly.

The more he’s seen you in action the more he pondered your story. The way you weaved between fiends and struck weak points suggested you had a lot of experience. The number of carcasses you left in your wake implied expertise. Not to mention the potion you gave him earlier was unlike any he’d had before, cool and soothing that sapped the pain from minor injuries. Did you make it?

The singular path the two of you followed slowly opened up into a circular cavern with no visible way forward. He walked to the center and examined the space around him.

“What now?” You asked him.

“There’s a ladder over there.” He pointed to one of the walls, which was the only one with a vein of mythril running through it,where a ladder is anchored. Of course it’s folded up and out of their reach. He stepped cautiously towards it to judge its height.

“Too tall to reach.” Cloud remained silent as he heard your footsteps patter close to him. He watches you from the corner of his eye looking up at the ladder as well before you face him. “You can toss me at it.”

“Not happening.” Your eyes narrowed at his quick reply.

“Well then, what do you expect us to do?” You gave him a flat stare.

“I-”

“Yoooo-hooooo!” Both if your heads snapped upwards to see Aerith, cheery and smiling as always, on her hands and knees looking down at you two. “You guys need a hand?”

“Perfect timing!” You called up to her. Aerith fiddled with the mechanism on the ladder for a moment before the rusty metal slid down in front of him. Tifa peered over Aerith’s shoulder. “Thank Gaia, you guys are okay!”

You looked at him expectedly before he waved at the ladder and crossed his arms over his chest. He wasn't going to budge this time. You huffed but ultimately gave in in favor of joining the girls.

Did Cloud intend to get a clear sight of how plush and round your ass was in your snug cargo shorts? Absolutely not. Did he briefly wonder how soft you’d feel against his hands? Wonder what kind of sound would you make if he squeezed you? Regretfully, yes. All the blood from his head quickly shot down to throb between his legs. He mentally chastised himself for the momentary lapse in weakness, and quickly kept his eyes on the rungs beneath his feet. He could only hope the scorching blush on his face disappeared before he reached the top.

Relief flooded him when he saw you and Tifa were already moved ahead as he got to the top; however his relief was instantly replaced with embarrassment when he saw the way Aerith was looking at him. Her face cracked with a cheeky grin and twinkling eyes. “So, did you have fun?”

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"Well, now what?” Tifa said as we approached a large chasm.

You looked over the edge beside her “The bridge is down there. See anyway to raise it?” You asked as you looked around. The darkness seemed to stretch on forever only a few spires of shape earth jutted out here and there. How deep does this mine run anyway?

“There! That could do it!” Aerith called from some feet away. “No way to reach it from here though.” She trudged closer to Cloud in defeat.

"Well now! Look who it is!” Barret yelled from across the abyss, easily half a mile across the shaft.

Aerith hopped to the edge closest to him and started waving at them! “Hey guys! Over here!”

Barret waved back, clearly relieved to see your group in one piece. “Y’all taking a breather or what?!” Nice to know that even with the distance his loud thunderous voice could hurt your eardrums.You could hear Tifa explaining the situation, but was far more interested in the way Red was licking his paw. Hopefully he wasn’t injured.

You jumped a little at Cloud’s sudden increase in decibel. “Do you think you can give us a hand?!”

Your eyes focused on Barret as he paced on his side. You couldn't tell what he was doing from your spot before he yelled, “For two grand.” He held up two meaty fingers then turned to face the your group again. “Two!”

The girls laughed as Cloud huffed. “Hilarious.”

You turned your attention to him no longer able to fight the grin that threatened your composure, “You did start it, you know.”

“Yeah, whatever.” he replied as he crossed his arms like an overgrown child. You laughed quietly.

“So, now we wait?” Aerith asked as she looked between everyone’s faces.

“Seems so.” Tifa answered.

You stretched your arms over your head before pacing around quietly missing the way Cloud’s eye linger on your slightly exposed midriff. You sighed heavily before beginning to pace the length of space without going back the way you came. You don’t like staying in one place for too long. It invites disaster.

“Quit it would you?” Cloud barked over his shoulder after what must have been your fifth trip behind him.

You meandered to his side and sat with your legs over the side of the cliff. “My bad. Nervous habit.”

He eyed at the back of your head and then opened his mouth to say something before Aerith chimed in. “No reason to worry!” She clapped a hand on Cloud’s shoulder. “We have an excellent body guard!” She leaned down into your space, but made sure she was loud enough that Cloud could still hear her. “Rumor is, he’ll do any job for a date.” She giggled before Cloud stalked far from the two of you.

“I’d watch out, Aerith. You’re going to get yourself in trouble.” You laughed.

“Well someone has to keep him on his toes!”

Loud screeching of metal on metal filled the space and grated on your ears. The four of you watched as Barret pushed a metal minecart to the very edge of the tracks and then gave one last heave. The cart slowly rolled off the side into an enormous crate. It fell with a loud clang that reverberated throughout the cavern and sent vibrations racing beneath your feet. The crate tumbled over itself before hitting the bridge and jostled the heavy bags of sand that kept it weighed down and it raised into place.

Aerith clapped her hand and cheered. “We’re in business!”

“Thanks!” Tifa called out.

You moved ahead of everyone to scout out the area. Might as well be useful. Though you could still hear Barret, even after you crossed the bridge and climbed up into some kind of open room, remind Cloud of the two grand he now owed. He really is a one track guy.

You wandered along the hall. You couldn't wait till you had better scenery again. All the halls in here looked so similar except for the occasional bridge or overpass. You missed the fresh grassland air, and despite knowing that Piko was a tough bird you were feeling sad about the way you parted. He must've been terrified to buck like that.

In truth you hadn’t realized you’d gotten so far ahead until you heard quickened footsteps thud against the ground.You lowered a hand to the hilt of your sword, just in case, before Cloud called out to you, slowing his footsteps as he approached. “Don’t get so far ahead. It’s not safe to be on your own.”

You could only look at him. Hadn’t you shown him all bloody day that you were more than okay on your own? Though you suppose the underlying concern he had was endearing. “I can take care of myself, but sorry. I was in my own little world.” When he only crossed his arms in front of his chest, definitely not happy with your response, you decided to be a little forthcoming. “Just worried about Piko. I know he’ll make it back, but I just wish I could've said goodbye.”

He scratched at the back of his head. “He’s a smart bird. He’ll be alright.”

You smiled softly at his attempt to make you feel better. “You’re right. I’m sure he’s already back in his stable giving Billy a run for his money.” “Ten gil, Billy can’t get him back in.”

You laughed wholeheartedly. You could see it in your head; Piko running wildly all over the farm with Billy exhaustedly trailing behind yelling various threats after him. You wiped at your eyes to clear the few tears pooling at your lashes and beamed up at Cloud only to find he was already looking at you, His expression was blank but unlike the other times when he was scowling. His eyes crinkled subtly at the corners. Your chest tightened at the way he looked at you, and you found yourself reveling in his stare.

More footsteps echoed not far behind and you looked forward once again before Aerith came running up to you laughing. Tifa leisurely strolled behind her, and fell into step besides Cloud. “Well we settled the bill with Barret!”

“That’s great! How’d you do it?” You smiled at her.

“Opened a door for him.” Aerith answered like it was this huge accomplishment. You supposed you probably missed the way it was so funny.As the four of you carried on, conversation carried on easily between you and the girls. Cloud trailed behind you three silent as always, but no doubt listening to everything. Before you knew it the craggy rock walls soon opened up and rounded into an exit. Salty dry air wafted in through the opening and your pulse quickened with anticipation. However, Barret and Red were still nowhere in sight so you settled yourself down and made yourself comfortable against some rocks.

You were looking at one of your nails that must have chipped somewhere in here before you caught sea blue in your peripheral. You peered up at him through the strands of hair that frames your face, and smiled when he looked away. You leaned back on elbows and counted the veins of mythril in the ceiling and then the walls. All the while your thoughts drifted back to your faithful friend that hopefully made it back home safe.

[xxwitchylanexx]

A Night Under The Moon- Cloud Strife x Reader

Chapter 2 of my story that follows the events of rebirth. No spoilers and can be read as a one shot

Chapter 1 here:

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On their last night in the Woodlands, you wandered away from the somber vibe of the camp on the edge of the gloomy swamp line. You drifted along the old dirt road until the scenery changed from marshy plants and mossy rocks to green leafy ferns lining the edges of the path. You listened to the rustling of the leaves on the trees and breathed in the crisp air, feeling perfectly at home.

How long did you end up staying here this time? A year, maybe eighteen months. Bill’s ranch was the closest to a home you had, and he always provided enough work for you to stay awhile.

Without thinking, you mindlessly followed a foot path up a small hill and through a gap of trees where it opened up into a clearing. Wild flowers, snow drops, and foxtails mostly decorate the flat grassy field. You leaned against the rough trunk of the nearest tree and toed off your boots before you moseyed over to the center of the field. You did a little twirl and breathed the flowery scent as you looked up at the vast sky above.

Slowly, you sank onto your knees before laying down against the ground. From time to time, you ran your fingertips through the blades of grass at your sides.

You never could get used to how far the sky stretched before you, unlike the steel sky you grew up under. Everything felt so restricting back then. You tried your hardest not to think about the life you led then, but occasionally, you wondered if anything had changed. If anybody had missed you.

Six years ago, you truly thought you'd die that night in the collosseum. The debt you owed for your upbringing-if one could call it that - was too high, and only winning the matches would provide enough money to keep your ‘guardian’ at bay. You didn’t expect there to be a surprise finale, and you never in a million years expected the Don to be so cruel as to send a Shinra experiment to be your opponent. As if he knew where you came from before being wrapped up in Wall Market. You should’ve died. Would’ve if Sam didn’t propose an exchange. After all, help never comes for free.

So he helped you fake your own death and start fresh far from Wall Market. In exchange, you had to jockey for him from time to time at the Gold Saucer. Even back then, you had a special bond with chocobos.

You intended to stay on your own forever, really. It was just the best you could think of to atone for the things you've done and people you've hurt. So you planned to just wander from place to place, taking on jobs at the ranches in each region, and hopefully, one day, settle down far away in your own ranch. At least, that was the goal. You weren't so sure now. Maybe there was a better way to set things right.

You told yourself you’d only accompany them until they arrived at the saucer, but with every day you find yourself wishing that you could stay with them more long term. Its only been a week since you’d joined them, yet you've grown really fond of them.

Tifa was like a big sister you never had. She always checked in with you to make sure you were eating enough. Or making sure you weren't getting too worn down from all the fights that seemed to gravitate their way.

You got along well enough with Barret. You quickly learned that as long as you listened to his many stories about the planet and how Shinra was shit, which was the one thing everyone could agree on, the two of you would get along fine. Though you made a mental note to pick up some ear plugs the next time they'd find their way into a town. You didn’t mind how much his voice carried in the daylight, but if you had to lose another second of sleep to his groundbreaking snores, you would lose your mind.

You absolutely adored Red XIII. You two became fast friends the first time you offered him some treats after you saw him sniffing around your bag the first night. Sure, they were originally for the chocobos, but you figured you could spare some. As a thank you, Red would often curl up next to your bed roll to cast some extra heat your way on the colder nights.

Aerith was a breath of fresh air. So upbeat and saw the good in everything. She would point out flowers that she liked or ones she thought you would enjoy. Aerith asked you so many questions like: Where are you from? What do you like the most about chocobos? What’s your type in guys? The last one was so out of left field it caught you off-guard and a blush rising to your cheeks. The only guy you currently thought about was the one member of the group that remained a mystery.

The two of you hardly interacted. Every now and then, Aerith suggested that he’d sit next to you, but even then, his body would remain as stiff as a board. It was very clear how uncomfortable he was to be around you. Yet when you’d sneak a glance at him from time to time, I mean who could blame you, he’d already be looking at you. The weight of his eyes would remain heavy on you even after you’d look away.

You sighed deeply and asked the crescent moon to shed some light on the situation and maybe ease the fluttering in your chest.

Somewhere in your peripheral, a green light flashed. You quickly rose onto your elbows in the direction you first saw it and looked high and low for the source. Several seconds later, the faint green glow flared once again, flashing six times before growing dark again. Lightning bugs.

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Cloud hadn’t meant to stumble upon the scene that played out in front of him. If anything, it was Tifa’s fault since she had asked him to go and find more wood for the fire. He had wandered through the woods, looking for the dryest pieces he could find.

Truth be told, he enjoyed the quiet away from everybody. He soaked up the gentle chatter of the wildlife and the tranquil silence that didn’t happen much anymore since the group had doubled in size. He was just aimlessly picking up brush minding his own business when a rhythmic thumping echoed from the clearing ahead and put him on alert.

As quietly as possible, he set the limbs in his arms down and brought a hand up to grab the hilt of his sword. With measured steps, he stalked forward to the tree line and hugged the trunks to stay hidden. He gingerly stepped to the side to scan for the source. Cloud expected some fiends to be around, boy was he wrong.

The entire clearing was illuminated by the moon in the sky and hundreds of green flashing lightning bugs fluttering in circles. In the center of it all was a dark shadowed figure, much too human like to be a fiend, swaying along with the insects' movements. His brows scrunched in confusion. He couldn’t understand why someone would come to the middle of nowhere to dance with some bugs.

So he continued to inch closer, using the grass to muffle the crunch of his boots, until he could finally see clearly what was going on, and then immediately froze in his tracks. His hand falling from the sword and returned to his side.

He hadn’t realized you left the group, and he definitely didn’t expect to run into you like this. Quite the opposite, actually, he tried his best not to be alone with you. He didn’t know what to say or do, so most of the interactions they had were awkward and embarrassing. It didn’t help that Aerith would always watch their encounters and tease him about his ‘crush’. He scoffed then, and he still wanted to believe nothing had changed, but you floated around his thoughts like a fly swarming food in the sun.

The things you do and say make him feel like he’s going crazy. Like boldly putting Barrett in a headlock for talking too long about Shinra. Did you have a death wish? Or how you won Red’s affection by appreciating his intelligence. How you picked out flowers with Aerith for Chloe’s flower crowns or helped Tifa make dinner for everyone. Each instance warmed his heart and made his hands clammy, yet none of those instances compared to this moment.

You were focused as you slinked alongside the insects, your braid swaying from side to side as you moved. There was just something so endearing about seeing you trying to capture lightning bugs like he had when he was young back home.

Your brows drew together as you stretched out your arms and cupped each hand in a half circle. As quick as a snake, you clapped your hands around one, and you shrieked in excitement as you drew your arms back to cradle the flashing bug against your chest. You smiled down at it, the light from it highlighting the e/c of your eyes.

You must have seen him then out of the corner of your eye because you jolted upwards with a quiet squeak - cute, he thought - and released the bug you worked so hard to catch.

“Fuck!” you cried and clutched at your chest as you tried to still your rapid heartbeat. “You scared the shit out of me!” You stomped over to him and smacked his shoulder. “I worked so hard to capture him, you ass!” You spun the opposite direction without giving him a chance to explain and began looking for your next target straight away.

He scratched at the back of his neck unsure of how to react, “Sorry. I- uh,” Cloud shifted from one foot to the other uncomfortably. “Was looking for firewood.” He awkwardly turned back to the forest and intended to collect the branches and go back to camp as quickly as possible. He even made a few steps back to the treeline before he stopped to face you once again.

He hadn’t expected you to be watching him. How was he supposed to say what he wanted to when you were looking at him like that. He huffed before muttering. “I uh, could help.” The corner of your mouth twitched upwards as you continued to stare him down. “Or whatever.” He shrugged.

“Really?” You asked your head leaning slightly to the side. He only nodded to answer your question. “Alright, show me those skills, soldier boy.” You laughed.

He groaned at your teasing. “Ex-soldier.”

At first, he wished he had never offered to stay. He spent a good hour or two jumping, leaping, and rolling trying to catch one of the damn things, no doubt completely embarrassing himself, but when he finally caught one to present to you it made every minute of it worth it.

He got to see the way your eyes lit up and to feel the gentle brush of his hand against yours as he settled it into yours. To be close enough to shamelessly admire you as you watched the critter flutter around your cupped palms. He'd do it all again just to see the way your face slowly warmed under his gaze.

Until you finally couldn’t take it anymore, and you looked up at him through your dark lashes like you did that first day. HIs heart raced against his ribcage, and he had to wonder if you could hear it too. Your voice was barely louder than a whisper as you spoke, “Thank you.”

He blinked once and then turned away from you completely. He didn’t wait for you either as he walked back to the edge of the clearing. He had to put some distance between you before he lost his mind altogether. He only allowed himself to look back once after he gathered the logs he’d abandoned before. “Let’s go back.” He called to you before leaving you there alone.

You looked around the shadowed field, noticing all the bugs disappeared almost as abruptly as they appeared. The whole scene faded like a dream and left her with more questions about the man than when she asked the moon just a few hours ago. You glanced at the crescent in the sky once more before making your way back to camp. Nothing lasts forever, I guess.

[xxwitchylanexx]

Wandering the Woodlands- Cloud/Reader

May contain spoilers if you haven't played rebirth. Planning on making this a series that follow the events of the game.

Chapter 1 of my series

Part 2 here:

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“Earth to Cloud! Is anyone in there?” Aerith’s voice rang through the fog that filled his head. A warm fingertip poked at his forehead as if to restart his brain.

Cloud quickly swatted her hand from his face before crossing his arms over his chest. He jerked his head to the side to hide the blush that was creeping up his face. She laughed lightly at his reaction. He knew he was caught, right?

“She is pretty, though I didn’t think you were interested in romance.”

He scoffed. “I’m not.” Which was the truth. He had more important things going on, and surely didn’t have the time to be thinking about girls.

“Oh come on! You’ve been staring at her so long I thought you vacated your body!” She leaned into his space and lowered her voice, “You’re lucky no one else noticed.”

“I told you, it’s not like that.” Even he didn’t think he sounded convincing. His eyes faced in front of them again. The rest of the group were huddled up close to the chocobo and its rider, no doubt asking questions on how to tame their own. He quickly looked away again and moved to walk away from Aerith. Gaia forbid, he got lost in the rider’s features once more. “Let’s just catch up with the others.”

Before he could walk too far from her, Aerith grabbed one of his arms. He turned to shut down her teasing before it began, but that sparkle in her eyes cut right through him. “Don’t worry.” The corner of her mouth ticked upwards, “it’ll be our secret.” With a wink, she released his arm and ran ahead, joining the rest of their friends before he could get a word in edge-wise.

Cloud huffed. Aerith had a point. They’ve seen plenty of attractive people during their travels before, and he never gave them the time of day, but something about this girl had him freezing in his tracks.

Billy had said they’d most likely run into their trainer, but Cloud didn’t imagine you’d look anything like this. Honestly, he expected someone much older with the way Billy talked about your expertise. ‘If you run into Y/n give her a hand, would you?’ Billy had said, but now that he’s seen you in action, it was clear that you were perfectly fine on your own.

Their ragtag group watched from afar as you soundlessly approached the chocobo from behind. Your lithe body was relaxed, and your movements were smooth. You reached one hand out slowly for the reins, and your other ghosted along the bird’s flank. Your fingers threaded through the leather just as the chocobo became aware of her presence. Cloud had heard your melodic words even over the chocobo’s startled squawks.

It was your voice, now that he thought about it, that resonated with something inside him. Your voice was bright, comfortable, and entirely captivating. So much so that he didn’t even realize your success in taming the bird or hearing Barrett’s loud ass calling out to you. Which, let's be honest should’ve been concerning itself. Cloud would think he was totally deaf if not for your laughter filtering through his ears.

Then you turned to look at them, and Cloud swore someone cast thunder on him. Soft and luminous orbs of e/c bore into his own, and your brows furrowed as you studied them. It was then that he really saw you. Your s/c skin was highlighted by the harsh afternoon sun. He liked how a few rays ran through your braided hair, darker roots that flowed into a lighter h/c towards the end, and the few pieces that framed your face glowed.

He hadn’t even realized he’d gotten lost in your soft features until Aerith began her teasing. He sighed once again and shook his head, becoming aware of how he must look standing all by himself across the field.

Before they- he- could waste anymore time he called out to them. “We done here?”

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“So you need some chocobos to cross the swamps?” You asked once they made it back to the ranch. You led Piko into the stall inside the barn and gave him a stern look as if she was warning him not to try anything.

“That a problem?” Cloud internally cringed at his own tone. Far too icy for the way his heartbeat quickened.

Your eyes narrowed at him like you were trying to determine if his bark was worse than his bite. “Not if you know how to handle a chocobo.” You turned from him suddenly and skipped over to where Billy was tending to another chocobo. “You sure about these guys?”

Before Billy could answer you, Tifa and Aerith each clasped one of your hands from behind her.

“Could you teach us? Pretty please?” Aerith asked.

“It’d really help us out. We really need to get to Junon.” Tifa immediately after Aerith.

“That was your last job with us for now, right? Weren’t you going to head to the saucer? You could just go with them.” Billy chimed in while continuing to brush the bird in front of him.

“That’s a great idea!” Aerith excitedly yelled as she clasped her hands behind her back. Cloud watched as she turned to him halfway, her eyes lighting up in the way that meant trouble for him. “Right, Cloud?” she asked, that teasing lilt returning to her voice.

“Whatever.” he replied flatly before turning away from them and stalking outside.

When you were sure he was out of ear shot, you addressed the girls. “Is he always so…” You struggled momentarily to find the right word, “standoffish?”

“Sorry about him.” Tifa turned to gaze at him as his form grew farther away. “He’s not so bad once he opens up, really.”

You hummed absentmindedly to yourself. Your eyes followed his figure as he approached the barnyard. You couldn’t say you weren’t curious about the man. For someone who basically set you on fire with his stare, he sure seemed like he wanted nothing to do with you. Maybe he was shy? Or maybe just more awkward with people.

He shifted his attention back over at you, and their eyes met briefly before he quickly turned his head again. The second you saw him in the field, you noticed his mako eyes. An ex Shinra employee. Y9u had to wonder why you felt so comfortable around him despite having any connection to that Gaia forsaken company.

“Cute. Isn’t he?” Aerith had whispered as she leaned into your space. You couldn’t help but laugh a little at her. You noticed that, too. Blonde locks that closely resembled your beloved chocobos, round neutral eyes as blue as the ocean, bowlike lips always pulled in a frown, and let’s not forget his sleek frame with muscles as hard as steel. Oh no, you were completely aware of how attractive he is.

“I suppose he’s nice to look at.” Both women beside you laughed as you tilted your head to the side before looking over at your favorite bird. “What do you say, Piko? Could be fun.”

Piko squawked happily at the prospect of a journey. You never could get him to be content in a pasture.

“Some training is in order then. Let’s go see the birds.”

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“You have to relax. Chocobo’s pick up on that stuff. If you’re uncomfortable, they won’t trust that you’ll safely guide them.” Your voice called out to him after Piko drifted off to the side for the umpteenth time.

How could he relax when you won’t stop watching him? Cloud thought he was a decent rider. At least nobody told him otherwise in Midgar. He sighed heavily as you approached to smooth down some of the bird’s feathers.

“What do you think, Piko? Can you work with him?” You brought her face in near Piko’s like you was listening for his answer before humming in satisfaction. “I think so, too.”

Cloud cocked his head slightly to the side. “Do you understand him?” You peered up at him through your lashes. He gripped the reigns in his hands harder as he waited for your answer.

“In a way. Their body language is a clear way to see how they’re feeling, but I always look into their eyes. Some things don’t need to be conveyed by words. At least not for me.” You patted the side of Piko’s face before stepping a few paces back. “I think you and Piko have more in common than just appearance.”

Cloud blinked once, then twice thinking over your words. He looked like a chocobo? For a lack of a coherent response, he huffed and looked straight ahead.

“For example. You’ve ridden before and should have no difficulty getting around by chocobo, but when unsure, can become hostile. Temperamental on the surface, but heart of gold within.” You demonstrated your point by holding your palms upwards like a scale.

“You don’t even know me.” He hadn’t planned on saying anything though the words slipped out before he could process the whirlwind of feelings unknown to him. He shifted uncomfortably in the saddle.

“That’s true,” You stepped closer once again and raised herself onto your tiptoes to get close to his face. His eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t dare move away. “But I can see it in your eyes.” You moved away as quickly as you’d approached him, only this time you were walking away. He could only watch as your braid swayed from side to side with each step as your words echoed in his head.