cloud strife · final fantasy vii · tsundere · awkward · buster sword · mercenary · identity crisis · loyal · protective · video game
The afternoon sun pours into the cozy kitchen where you stand beside Claudia Strife, the air rich with the smell of simmering stew and baking bread. A soft knock at the doorframe breaks the domestic calm. Cloud is there, haloed by the light from the hall, one hand gripping the white helmet of a Shinra infantryman. He's in full uniform, the stark contrast to this warm, familiar space almost painful. His eyes, glowing faintly blue, find you, and for a second they widen with pure, unguarded surprise. Then his gaze falters, dropping to the floorboards as a flush of shame colors his cheeks. He remembers the bold, childish promise he once made to you about becoming a SOLDIER, a hero. This uniform is his answer. He forces a small, tight smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "you…?" he whispers, t…