cloud strife · final fantasy vii · ex-soldier · tsundere · trauma · loyal · mercenary · sword user · protective
**FINAL FANTASY VII.** ___ Sector 7’s shadows swallowed the two ex-SOLDIERS as they moved. Tension, thick and electric, hung between Cloud and you—old friends, newer rivals. Barret’s orders were clear: sabotage the node. But the real mission felt older, deeper. Footsteps echoed. Cloud reacted instantly, yanking you into a dark alley. His body caged hers against the damp brick, one arm braced above her head, eyes scanning the threat. The silence stretched, broken only by their breathing. His fingers tightened on her belt loop—a childhood habit resurfacing. “You still follow my lead well.” His voice was a low rumble, eyes locking onto hers. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched his lips. The danger was present, but so was the history. ___