[ex-mercenaire]

              𝐄𝐗-𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐄   //   indie   &   semi-selective  account  for   𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃  𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐄   from  square  enix.   crossover,   au,   &   oc  friendly.   must  be  over  18+  to  interact.   please  read  the  guidelines  for  further  details,   𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔.

                                      𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒    |    𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐒

[ex-mercenaire]

k-adaj·

                   𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐋𝐘,  &  a  hint  of  a  smile  suddenly  brightens  his  face,  making  it  all  the  more  sweet  &  tender,  more   '   humane  ’   even.    ❝   that  you  did…  ❞   answering  cloud  in  a  lighter  tone,  kadaj  once  again  peers  past  the  silky  veil  of  his  silvery  fringe  &  with  half-lidded  eyes,  studies  the  marshmallows  at  hand;   their  snow-white  tops  are  now  fully  caramelised,  &  their  texture  rough  yet  gentle,  almost  as  if  someone  picked  up  the  fallen  leaves  around  to  sprinkle  in  small  chunks  like  glitter,  adorning  each  in  texture  &  colour  of  the  autumn.

kadaj  admires  that  for  a  moment,  turning  the  stick  just  so  their  little  plump  frames  glisten  before  the  light  of  the  fire.  it's  quite  magical..  in  a  way.  he  never  imagined  that  food  could  look  like  this,  tempting  the  young  remnant  to  prod  one  out  of  sheer  curiosity  only  for  the  finger  to  stop  few  inches  short,  remembering  the  glove  which  he  now  removes.   ❝   i  must  admit  though,  ❞   he  continues,  widening  the  smile  slightly  as  he  brings  the  marshmallows  closer  &  blows  gently  onto  the  first,   ❝   you  are  pretty  dangerous  when  you  want  to  be.   ❞

offering  cloud  no  more  but  a  fleeting  glance,  kadaj  closes  in  &  takes  a  bite.  a  small  jolt,  he  pulls  back  with  a  free  hand  quickly  waving  over  the  partially  open  mouth,  ❝  mnh..   hot !  ❞   after  a  second  of  grimacing,  the  remnant  tries  yet  again  but  slower  this  time  ──  no  rush.  the  forest  trees  rustle  above  their  heads,  accompanied  by  the  crackling  sounds  of  burning  timber  &  scent  of  sweetness  mixing  with  that  of  the  forest. it's  all  ever  so  strange,  really,  as  well  as  terribly  welcoming  much  like  the  delicacy  ‘pon  the  tongue.  kadaj  yearns  to  discredit  it.  he  desires  to  curse  any  &  all  by-product  of  mankind,  but  once  again,  as  soon  as  he  turns  towards  cloud…  any  bitterness  just…  pours away.  he  falls  silent.  simply  silent.  those  deep  blue  eyes  are  re-writing  every  present  thought  like  an  ocean  spell,  little  by  little,  coaxing  the  young  remnant  into  a  state  of  alien  tranquility.   ❝   it's  not  so  bad,    ❞   he  finally  mutters,   ❝   but  only  because  it's  from  you.  ❞

𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝  𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬  𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭..  his  eyes  occupied  by  staring  into  kadaj  with  rekindled  joy,  a  type  of  happiness  that  blooms  out  of  sight,  causing  their  lovable  campfire  to  grow  warmer.  it  all  began  to  fall  into  place,  the  hard  fought  plan  slowly  became  complete,  piece  by  piece.  to  see  yesterday’s  catastrophe  becoming  today’s  moonlight,  yeah,  a  dream  worth  fighting  for.  ❝  better  watch  out,  might  drag  you  into  this  more  times.  ❞  his  voice  suavely  makes  presence,  it  roams  with  a  crystal  clear  hint  of  satisfaction,  of  happiness.  maybe  kadaj  might  not  have  paid  attention  but.  .  .  cloud  was  smiling  too  ;  the  greatest  frowner  across  midgard,  genuinely  smiling  out  of  sheer  enjoyment.

call  it  out  of  character,  even  physically  impossible  coming  from  him  but  in  the  spur  of  the  moment,  cloud  raises  from  his  seat  and  lounges  aside  kadaj.  shoulder  to  shoulder,  thigh  to  thigh,  didn’t  take  long  for  their  bodies  to  begin  exchanging  heat.

cloud  hovered  his  twig  over  the  cavorting  flames,  watched  as  its  tongue  slowly  roasted  his  pair  of  marshmallows.  ❝  no  matter  what  happens,  just  capture  this  moment.  ❞  he  mentions,  strangely  almost  worried  despite  the  happy  atmosphere.  ❝  remember  that  you're  not  alone.  ❞  it  is  that  inkling  of  fear  that  binds  him  to  momentary  dark  thoughts.  he  wants  parchments  of  history  such  as  these  to  repeat,  on  and  on,  never  to  be  re-written  into  something  grim.  before  kadaj  could  even  mention  a  word  in  response,  cloud’s  eyes  turn  to  gaze  at  his,  almost  yearning  to  hear  those  soft  lips  belonging  to  the  remnant  to  reassure  him.

[ex-mercenaire]

mainebecca·:

“I know there’s some big katanas around here and there. The Tigerclaws tend to have em, more often than not. But I’m sure you can find something bigger around here somewhere.”

❝    yeah.    .    .    ❞    the  young  mercenary  crossed  both  of  his  arms  under  the  chest.  you’d  expect  night  city  of  being  capable  of  addressing  every  man’s  dream,  well,  sadly  not  his  ;  katanas,  chainsaw  blades,  electric  batons  &  god  knew  what  else  was  on  display.  each  weapon  could  respectively  end  a  person’s  life,  yet  they  did  not  appease  him,  leaving  cloud  with  a  sour  taste  in  his  mouth.

no  other  choice  then.  ❝  how  do  you  feel  about  raiding  up  a  place  or  two?  see  if  my  luck  comes  shining  in.❞  an  offer  to  die  for.  his  aquamarine  eyes  gazed  ‘pon  her  own,  almost  as  if  painting  a  picture  of    the  proposed  event  possibly  being  an  actual  fun  experience.

[ex-mercenaire]

hisalis·:

Cloud being so insecure hurt him to see. He could understand exactly why he was feeling this way; even if Zack had been lucky enough to be seen almost immediately after joining, being seen as someone with something ‘special’ (how true that was Zack wasn’t sure anymore). He was still someone that could get underestimated, treated like he wasn’t enough – he was just stubborn enough to prove everyone wrong. He supposed it was time he taught Cloud how to do that, too. “Not with that attitude,” Zack said, trying to sound playful but, he knew it was likely not going to hit the way he wanted it to. Instead, he moved to gently squeeze his friend’s shoulder. “It’s not always about bein’ determined. But I know you, man. Might feel like you can’t make it right now but - me? I see it. I think you’d be a great SOLDIER. We just gotta get’cha there. Do you remember what I told ya, when you were lined up with the other SOLDIER hopefuls?”

𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞   𝐜𝐚𝐧   𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲   𝐟𝐥𝐲   𝐬𝐨   𝐟𝐚𝐫   𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧   𝐭𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝   𝐛𝐲   𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫.   ❝   it   doesn’t   work.   .   .   ❞   doubt   settled,   insecurity   crowned   his   soul,   cloud’s   desperate   gaze   drowned   into   zack’s   very   own.   words   are   simply   that,   words.   even   if   a   sentence   was   to   be   repeated   a   dozen   times,   it   would   never   change   the   fate   which   had   been   probably   sealed   for   him.

suddenly,   without   a   glimpse   of   warning,   cloud   sharply   raises   from   his   seat   whilst   shattering   their   exchanged   physical   connection.   ❝   i’m   not   stupid,   so   please   don’t   keep   telling   me   that.   i’ve   been   trying,   i   have!   ❞   growing   frustration   pulled   him   along,   dragging   his   presence   into   the   corner   of   the   cafeteria   by   a   vending   machine.

he   never   should’ve   left   home   for   such   a   pointless   dream,   how   is   he   meant   to   come   back   when   felt   so   empty   handed.   pale   lips   part   to   release   a   sigh.      ❝   i   should   just   give   up   while   its   early.   ❞   ensued   by   the   clattering   noise   of   a   coin   being   slotted   into   the   vending   machine.   a   fizzy   drink,   a   little   bit   of   sugar   to   stave   off   that   impending   sensation   of   failure.

[hueyoart]

[ex-mercenaire]

"Hold still if you appreciate your life." It happened by chance, their meeting. Dáinsleif was en route to a new location of interest to halt the Abyss Order's plans until he came across a wounded man— by abyssal presence exposure, he surmises, if the dark mud lingering nearby is anything to go by in his assessment. A comforting gloved hand rests on the other blond's back while the other illuminates with sapphire flames that linger close, soon to coat the other's body in its entirety. The amount of chaos within him isn't concerning, good. It ought to be enough with a simple healing that won't last long.

𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬   𝐚𝐫𝐞   𝐚𝐭   𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬   𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲   𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝   𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧   𝐭𝐞𝐲𝐯𝐚𝐭'𝐬   𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭   𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬.   as   time   weighted   ‘pon   weary   shoulders,   when   once   light   had   succumbed   to   darkness,   our   mercenary’s   tired   eyes   gazed   ‘pon   the   blurred   silhouette   of   a   dark   angel.   fate   perhaps,   or   perhaps   a   strike   of   luck,   whichever   it   might   have   been,   cloud   silently   shared   a   token   of   gratitude   with   a   complying   nod.

gnawing   ache   battering   his   tender   flesh   took   flight,   escaping   away   from   the   ensuing   cleansing   flames   burning   bright.   maybe   visiting   the   chasm   on   his   lonesome   hadn’t   been   the   brightest   plan,   especially   when   it   revolved   around   a   sound   course   of   preparation.   lips   came   to   part,   releasing   a   sigh   of   relief   once   normality   sank   into   the   faded   body.

❝   thanks.   .   .   ❞   cloud   murmured   meekly.   he   pushed   against   the   boulder   which   had   housed   his   back,   rested   against   it   in   good   hopes   of   getting   some   rest.   no   questions   nor   requests   were   made,   yet   his   heart   quietly   beseeched   for   the   other   to   remain   close   by,   at   least   until   he   was   capable   of   venturing   on   his   lonesome   again.

[ex-mercenaire]

strykingshot·:

His offer made Kat pause, the replacement grip half wrapped as she set it down to give Cloud her full attention.

“Let me get this straight, you’ll help me if I help you with a behemoth.” It sounded crazy, most people would probably say no, finish his repairs and tell him to not come back. A behemoth was no joke, most people would turn the other way at the prospect of even being in the same area as one.

Lucky for Cloud, Kat wasn’t like most people.

“Sure, why the hell not, let me finish wrapping this for you and I’ll get my gear.” She picked up the sword again and finished wrapping and sealing the grip into place. If someone looked at the sword now, you wouldn’t be able to tell it took a beating.

𝐚   𝐧𝐞𝐰   𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞   𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝   𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡   𝐭𝐡𝐞   𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭   𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬   𝐨𝐟   𝐡𝐞𝐫   𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭   𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞.   in   quiet   haste   he   took   hold   of   the   blade,   feelings   its   rejuvenated   leather   squeezing   sweetly   against   his   glove.   she   had   done   great,   just   as   promised,   just   as   expected.   ❝   i’ll   wait   outside,   meet   me   when   you’re   ready.   ❞   heaving   with   care   his   prodigious   blade,   cloud   exited   her   establishment   &   mounted   an   iconic   bike.

waiting,   stirring,   that   far   forgotten   fiend   called   out   to   any   who   dared   to   face   it   head   on.   deafening   animalistic   bellows   rang   across   the   slums,   alarming   nearby   inhabitants.   it   was   as   if   the   entire   vicinity’s   populace   had   frozen,   all   staring   hypnotically   into   the   far   nothingness,   the   edge   of   the   slums   leading   directly   into   an   abandoned   factory.

[ex-mercenaire]

sgiathan·:

❝  Someone  has  to,  ❞  he sighed. Needless to say Angeal's tone said it all. Even though a part of him was genuinely curious about what all lurked within the infamous mansion another part of him couldn't care less about knowing what all went down in it. Because there's no denying that whatever happened in there was nothing short of immoral and outright inhumane. Wrapping his fists up with boxing tape, the ex-SOLDIER continued,  ❝  It  might  as  well  be  me.  Besides,  this  isn't  my  first  rodeo  and I  doubt  it'll  be  my  last.  ❞

He did spend damn near close to two years on the run from Shinra, after all. And besides, they were the ones who taught him everything he knew and then some in terms of surviving. Not only that but look at whom his two best friends were from way back when. Oh how things have changed and for the worse.

With a small sigh came a non-chalant tone before heading in, ❝  Are  you  coming  or  do  you  intend on  just  standing  there  and  do  nothing?  ❞

❝   yeah.   .   .   ❞   his   voice   confirmed   half-heartedly.   to   venture   into   the   devil’s   den   was   deemed   was   a   privilege   conserved   for   those   who   no   longer   wished   to   live,   yet   our   ex-soldier   felt   compelled   on   facing   the   burden   resting   deep   in   his   consciousness.   aquamarine   brilliant   eyes   averted   skywards,   watched   with   distant   concern   the   mansion’s   crown:   crooked,   evil,   almost   as   if   it   was   looking   down   ‘pon   the   distant   homes   of   the   few   remaining   inhabitants   of   the   desolated   town.

to   face   danger   head   on   or   flee,   what   kind   of   hero   would   he   be   if   he'd   fled?   ❝   right   behind   you.   ❞   bringing   an   open   palm   to   gently   grasp   over   his   slumbering   blade’s   hilt,   cloud   followed   suit   behind   his   newest   acquaintance.   the   mansion’s   towering   wooden   gates   opened   on   their   own   volition,   birthing   a   ghastly   groan.   its   innards   consisted   of   dusty   marbled   floors,   shattered   furniture   &   forgotten   tomes,   things   best   left   buried.

[onewinged-sephiroth]

RANDOM CLOUD GIFS ?/?

[ex-mercenaire]

@k-adaj​

                        ❝     ...  𝐈 𝐃𝐎𝐍’𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒,    ❞       kadaj  mumbles  with  a  small  frown,  assessing  the  sharp  stick  in  his  gloved  hand  as  if  a  finicky  protégé  holding  some  alien  insect,      ❝     must  i...    ──    ?  ❞    nonchalantly  glancing  over  at  cloud,  the  remnant's  piercing  gaze  seems  almost pleading for  a  moment  but  that  quickly  changes  as  soon  as  he  notices  the  previously  unseen  softness,  the  side  of  cloud  which  hardly  ever  sees  the  light  of  day;    a  pair  of  doe-like  eyes  &  a  small,  hopeful  smile.  it's  disarming.  kadaj  doesn't  know  what  to  say,  for  once  breaking  off  the  eye-contact  in  order  to  reassemble  the  fleeting  thoughts,  if  not  the  wildly  pacing  heart-beat. oh,  what  a  strange,  unexpected  sensation...

❝   alright,  fine.  fine.  just  quit  looking  at  me  like  that...   it's--  it's  annoying. ❞   not  really  meaning  any  of  those  muttered  words,  the  remnant  begins  to  mimic  cloud  by  stabbing  marshmallows  onto  the  stick.  the  very  last  one  looking  exceptionally  brutal,  almost  as  if  kadaj  is  actively projecting something  in  mind,  but  what?  never  glancing  back,  the  remnant  lowers  his  head &  lets  the  silvery  fringe  obscure  not  only  his  pale  face,  but  also  the  slowly  growing  blush.    ❝     . . . . .   ❞ 

a   man’s   heart   who   longed   for   another   could   beat   louder   than   thunder,   soar   higher   than   the   stars   themselves,   even   if   neither   the   mind   nor   soul   acknowledged   such.   cloud’s   docile   eyes   tenderly   sought   kadaj’s   own   ‘til   they   became   veiled,   even   so,   our   ex-soldier   quietly   remained   watching   for   his   own   delight.   kadaj’s   nature   had   begun   to   change   before   him   ;   he   was   but   a   flower   whose   petals   bloomed   when   the   time   was   right,   revealing   a   bewitching   core.

cloud   took   an   opportunity   to   extend   an   open   palm,   leaving   its   gloved   surface   to   gently   rest   ‘pon   the   other’s   own.   it   began   to   guide   it,   anchoring   it   so   the   marshmallows   could   meet   the   dancing   flames.   ❝   you’ve   agreed   to   this,   ❞   a   gentle   tone   weaved   each   word   delicately.   ❝   so   just   go   along,   okay.   .   .   ❞   finger   by   finger,   cloud’s   palm   enclosed   ‘pon   kadaj’s   own,   ensnaring   their   contact   ‘till   the   deed   had   been   done.

   in   time   it   began   to   formulate,   a   pleasant   aroma   of   roasted   marshmallows.   they   blended   well   with   the   forest’s   natural   scent,   bringing   out   an   enriched   smell   which   no   city   could   ever   produce.   snow-white   now   turned   to   blemished   brown,   they   were   ready,   so   our   ex-soldier   guided   kadaj’s   palm   away   from   the   playful   fire   &   released   the   other’s   warm   hand.   ❝   told   you,   not   complicated.   ❞   a   splendid   time   to   now   roast   his   own.

[ex-mercenaire]

❝ i'm very lucky to have you, who knows what might have happened …. My hero! ❞ a light fluttery giggle spills from her lips, teasing the blond as they bested another foe together on her quest to retrieve the best bread in the slums for Elmyra.

❝   remind   me,   ❞   our   ex-soldier   had   already   discerned   why.   it   was   cute   in   her   own   way   how   she   consciously   wished   to   be   such   a   pleasant   samaritan,   much   so   that   the   quest   —   in   his   eyes   at   the   very   least      —   felt   rather   pointless.   ❝   why   are   we   wasting   time   fighting   beasts   for   bread   .   .   .   ❞   luscious   lips   parted   as   homage   to   an   audibly   loud   sigh.   he   had   to   play   the   part,   appear   uninterested,   even   if   his   heart   compelled   him   to   behave   differently.

[ex-mercenaire]

𝐡𝐞   𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝   𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦   𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫,   watched   a   shining   star   which   many   took   a   liking   too.   the   man   was   a   connoisseur   of   literature,   one   who   preached   well   the   verses   of   a   glamorous   novel.   whilst   many   showered   him   with   praise,   adoration   &   indefatigable   showers   of   presents,   our   rookie   watched   with   a   different   intent.

a   great   SOLDIER   who   had   felled   behemoths,   toppled   colossal   foes,   brought   down   platoons   with   utmost   of   ease   ;   genesis,   glory   &   fame   immortalized   in   the   flesh.   regardless,   cloud   took   a   moment   to   gather   courage,   before   taking   a   seat   'pon   a   bench   situated   in   the   city   plaza.   just   to   look,   to   watch,   take   a   gander   would   be   sufficient.   in   his   silent   admiration,   our   rookie   could   only   hope   that   he,   too,   could   one   day   rise   to   be   a   star   like   the   famous   trio.

@kiriisu​ | sc

[onewinged-sephiroth]

☆○o 。SEPHIROTH VS CLOUD　。o○☆

[ex-mercenaire]

sxjyou·:

@ex-mercenaire·· // Starter Call

“Mind the flowers!” It’s not often that she’s sharp with her words or her tone, to say she’s a wallflower would be an understatement. But when it comes to silly little things like the plants she grows, she can be brave. Occasionally. Not enough to count. Never enough to matter. The panic on her face disappears as quickly as it came, leaving behind an impassive expression. 

“Apologies they’re just…” Precious. The one thing she’s good at growing in her life. Important to her. “Fragile.”

❝   uh.   .   .   yeah,   sure.   ❞   she   was   right.   flowers,   in   all   their   absolute   beauty,   were   prey   to   all.   cloud   took   a   detour   around   the   verdant   bed   of   blooming   petals,   assuring   that   nothing   would   be   caught   underneath   the   worn   out   surface   of   his   boots.   his   eyes   had   taken   a   gander   with   keen   interest,   strangely   diligent   on   not   perturbing   her   quaint   reunion   with   her   silent   friends.

her   peaceful   display   of   affection   somewhat   muddled   the   blasting   sounds   resonating   afar   &   it   was   then   that   everything   became   clear,   crystal   clean   in   his   aquamarine   eyes;   she   was   unaware,   clueless   of   the   ensuing   war   coming   closer.   ❝   you   shouldn’t   be   here,   you’re   going   to   get   caught   in   the   cross-fire.   ❞   he   had   no   obligation,   yet   something   somewhat   compelled   him   to   do   the   right   deed.

[ex-mercenaire]

@heavensfists​·

his question catches her off guard, only because it’s something she never thought he’d ask. it has been five years…

❛ no, not really. i mean, you can’t really count what used to be that lake. ❜ in truth, she hasn’t and she doesn’t think pictures from those books that sold travel bookings to costa del sol counted, either.

❛ i want to, ❜ she says, looking a bit hopeful that maybe they can go together someday. ❛ have you? you know, when you were in training? ❜

he   did   not   appear   surprised.   our   ex-soldier   could   only   assume   in   the   silence   of   his   mind   how   tied   down   she   must   have   been,   a   slave   to   duties   &   welfare   of   others.   ❝      yeah,   something   like   that.   ❞   to   reminisce   ‘pon   old   tales   of   bloodied   sandbanks   did   not   seem   fitting,   not   for   that   particular   moment.

cloud   set   aside   an   half-emptied   beverage   right   before   raising   from   his   seat.   his   mind   appeared   somewhat   baffled,   taken   away   by   a   current   of   thoughts   one   could   assume.   yet   that   moment   was   fleeting   as   a   breath,   for   no   sooner   had   his   eyes   sought   her   own   with   clear   intent.   ❝      should   we   get   going   then?   ❞   where,   why   or   how   to   get   there   did   not   matter.   all   that   concerned   her   was   a   vital   answer,   one   which   could   stem   into   something   promising.

[ex-mercenaire]

❝      can’t   say   i   like   either   option,   ❞   he   clearly   looked   displeased,   almost   disappointed   at   heart.   even   when   met   with   an   array   of   options:   assault   rifles,   katanas,   shotguns   &   other   sorties,   nothing   appeared   to   pull   him   in.   ❝      honestly   was   looking   for   a   large   blade.   .   .   ❞   did   night   city   even   offer   such   a   choice?

@mainebecca​ | continued

[polygoncloud]

CLOUD GIFS ☁︎ 〈7/∞〉