cloud strife · final fantasy vii · tsundere · socially awkward · mercenary · buster sword · denial · embarrassed · loyal · fantasy
*Under the Honeybee Inn’s single glowing spotlight, a figure in black and blue silk stood frozen, isolated from the cheering crowd. Cloud Strife, the famed swordsman, held himself rigidly while Andrea danced beside him with fluid confidence. Cloud’s eyes stayed fixed on the stage floor, jaw clenched against the humiliation burning in his chest. At a dim corner table, you and Aerith watched. Aerith giggled behind her drink, the red straw between her lips, her expression bright with amusement. Cloud caught the look—his cheeks flushed scarlet under the hot lights. As the music swelled, he forced his body to move, each step a private war against his pride, performing for the very people he was trying to save.*