Cloud Strife

I'll answer anything, for the right price that is. Cloud Strife RP Blog (FF7R) 23. Happy to RP with anyone! And open to any ship!

[szajnie-deactivated20220907]

I’ll love you until the sun dies…

[pctatcs-museical-mcss]

merccloudstrife​:

Hearing the soft knock on the door Cloud jumped to his feet, leaving his sword leaning against the wall, he knew it wasn’t a threat, he opened the door, stepping back when he saw Tifa standing there. “Of course you can” he said softly as he moved to the back of his room, now also leaning up against the wall.

“So Tifa, tell me whats troubling you?”

This was going to be extremely difficult to explain, and she knew that he may very well deny what she was about to say as truth. But… Cloud deserved to know… and Altair deserved a father. “Well, It’s a bit complicated… But this has been weighing on my mind for a while now. What i need to ask may seen out of nowhere, but it does relate to what I need to talk to you about.”

She paused, taking a deep breath. “Cloud, can you tell me what you remember on the day Sephiroth burned down Nibelheim?”

[merccloudstrife]

Cloud stared blankly for a moment as his mind flashed through the events. "I remember enough, parts are hazy I'll admit, what's this got to do with anything?" his head tilting slightly as he looked at her.

"whatever it is though, you can tell me" he said leaning up against the wall. "I can see you are more hesitant than usual, this isn't like you." His eyes studying her movements she definitely appeared to be nervous. He fought to hold back a yawn as the tiredness from his travels was catching up to him.

[merccloudstrife]

💪 Pick my muse up

As Cloud walked the route back home he found himself checking over his shoulder, Tifa was lagging behind more than usual, which was odd for her seeing as she would usually leave the group miles behind and make jokes about them not keeping up.

Perhaps the week's activities had tired her out more than usual, his blue eyes studied her, noticing new scuff marks on her boots and small bruises on her legs, he found himself feeling embarrassed as his eyes met with her, had she noticed he was staring?

He paused awkwardly for a moment, wondering how he could play it off. 

He shook the thought away, pivoting around and walking back in her direction. “Those boots are scrapping the ground a little” he joked in his own way as he approached her. “I know I tell you to keep those gloves up, didn’t think I’d have to tell you about those boots too” his hands now moved to her waist, as he lifted her up, one hand resting underneath her, the other holding her against his chest as he held her in a bridal style pose. “Tifa I can tell you’re tired, its just us here so don’t even think about saying you’re fine, I know fatigue when I see it” he said holding her closer as he began walking again, his eyes moved to meet hers “And if this is too embarrassing then perhaps I can give you a piggyback instead, for a price of course” 

[fearlessmonk]

@merccloudstrife​ continued from here 

A gasp left her at the sight of Rufus in the doorway. Taking a syep back, she was left speechless for how he spoke to the king. But hearing the way he spun the conversation, Tifa felt her heart sink. Could Cloud have only used her? Even with all the kindness he spoke? Shaking her head, she left the pit in her stomach to handle at another time. Before she could say a word, heavy eyelids won, and she fell to the floor. 

Pain pulsated through her muscles, awaking in a new placed. The dress had acted as a pillow, landing upon it. A grumble left her as she sat up, scanning the new surroundings. In the process, she found the king beside her, still unconscious and hurried to his side. “Cloud!” 

“Cloud, wake up!” she whined. Taking his head into her lap, she placed a gentle hand to his cheek. Lips curled, a hint of sorrow plaguing her stomach once more. “Cloud, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.” 

Head spun again; there was no visible way out from where she sat. A long breath leaving her once more, she carefully placed him down and stood. Fists clenched as she stomped her foot, kicking the dress. “I’m so stupid!” she whimpered. “This is all so stupid!” 

[merccloudstrife]

Cloud’s eyelids twitched as he felt himself slowly regaining consciousness hearing the panicked yet muffled tone of a familiar voice, his eyes opened, darting around the room seeing nothing but concrete walls, his body felt bruised and pained yet the back of his head pressed against the softness of Tifa’s thighs.

Feeling the soft touch of her fingertips on his face he smiled softly “Tifa?” his tone confused as he slowly sat up, trying to get his bearings “Are we in a dungeon of sorts?” his palms pressing on the ground as he used them to support him to stand up, wincing from the pain slightly as he pressed his foot down, feeling a shooting pain from where he had twisted his ankle slightly. 

His heart sank watching Tifa pace around, his eyes widening as she kicked the dress. “Tifa it’s okay, I’m just thankful you aren’t too injured” he tried to reassure her as he stepped towards her taking a hold of her hand, in truth he had no idea how they were going to get out of there. Knowing  Rufus had seen him with her, he knew even if he did agree to marry Aerith that Tifa’s safety would not be ensured. Their only choice now was to escape the question was how. 

“Its unfortunate that things have turned out this way, but I’m the King, me being missing will raise alarm, he can hardly keep us down here forever, besides” he squeezed her hand. “At least we’re down here together, I’m serious about you Tifa, as you can see my own kingdom is corrupt anyway, I know now more than ever that I am ready to leave, so let’s escape this place and begin our life together.”

Letting his fingers slip away from her hand. He began pacing the room, tugging at the bars, staring at the ceiling, before sighing once more. He was also feeling frustrated, it was expected it wouldn’t be easy to escape.  

Cloud then took a step back, his attention now drawn to the wall that was sticking out more than the others. He tugged at it and the brick came off with little force needed, the one next to it also could be removed. “Tifa, it might take us a little while but if we could remove these bricks, perhaps we could crawl out,” he said pointing to the slight light that could be seen from under the gap. 

[fearlessmonk]

Her shoulders fell - she had no idea where they were in all honesty. Though, she was relieved that he was now awake. Seeing bright blue eyes calmed her as he gazed upon her. When he took her hand, her nerves settled; she was thankful he wasn’t hurt, but couldn’t help but blame herself for the situation. If she hadn’t been around, he would most likely be married and content with things at this point. A sigh left her; he was right about that his disappearance would raise alarm. 

“No one else I’d rather be trapped with.” she couldn’t help but chuckle and gave a smile. Beginning their life together was a thought she often day dreamed of, and here they were, only a few steps out of reach of it. 

Watching him pace, she tapped her chin. Were the bricks enough to let them escape? And when they escaped, what was stopping Rufus or anyone noticing him leaving? Part of her felt a sense of guilt for the princess, a silent sigh leaving her. Shaking her head of the thought, there was no time to dwell on it. But what was a way for him to hide in plain sight? Ruby optics glanced to the dim light above, and then back to Cloud. “We need to stay out of sight.” she mumbled, thinking aloud before lifting her head to him. “What if the princess sees you?” 

“I almost feel bad.” she sighed. “She won’t even get an explanation about the wedding.” 

And then the idea struck here. Glancing to the dress and back to Cloud, her eyes lit brightly. “I got it!” she chirped. “You can hide in plain sight. The dress will work perfectly!” 

[merccloudstrife]

As Cloud paced he too came to the conclusion that they could not just walk out of there, Rufus certainly wouldn’t allow that. His pacing came to a stop as he turned to look at his trusted knight. “I wouldn’t know what to tell her if she were to see me, sometimes I wonder if she knows my heart isn’t truly in it, she gives me this look sometimes that makes me feel she knows. If we bump into her, i’ll tell her, I owe her that much at least” he let out a sigh, as his fingers ran themselves through his hair.

Cloud’s interest was grabbed as Tifa chirped. “Hide in plain sight? you want me to wear that!?” he pointed at the dress, pausing for a moment as he tilted his head , concerned as a frown now appeared on his face. “Tifa that is absurd, if I were to be recognized do you know how embarrassing that would be? what kind of message would that say about my king? b-besides” his eyes stared at the dress “are you sure such a dress would fit me? how would I pass as a.... as a woman” his eyes now averting hers, glancing at the cold concrete below them.

His eyes flicked up back at the wall he had started to pry the bricks loose from. The realization of their limited options hit him once more. “I mean, its the only plan we’ve got so far” he said crossing his arms. “Will this not make you think, less of me?”

[ria-neearts]

Joyful moments.

[nireey]

Doodled my 20yrs old otp because my 20yrs old otp is amaaazing in the remake

[merccloudstrife]

I'll be getting to my replies some point after work tomorrow hopefully! My first day back aha and I am doing like a 10 hour shift and 8 days of work so bare with me 😅

[voaleine]

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody ~

Party Like Your Heart Hurts by spaceOdementia - Final Fantasy VII https://archiveofourown.org/works/23814520

[fearlessmonk]

@merccloudstrife​ continued from here 

A gasp left her at the sight of Rufus in the doorway. Taking a syep back, she was left speechless for how he spoke to the king. But hearing the way he spun the conversation, Tifa felt her heart sink. Could Cloud have only used her? Even with all the kindness he spoke? Shaking her head, she left the pit in her stomach to handle at another time. Before she could say a word, heavy eyelids won, and she fell to the floor. 

Pain pulsated through her muscles, awaking in a new placed. The dress had acted as a pillow, landing upon it. A grumble left her as she sat up, scanning the new surroundings. In the process, she found the king beside her, still unconscious and hurried to his side. “Cloud!” 

“Cloud, wake up!” she whined. Taking his head into her lap, she placed a gentle hand to his cheek. Lips curled, a hint of sorrow plaguing her stomach once more. “Cloud, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.” 

Head spun again; there was no visible way out from where she sat. A long breath leaving her once more, she carefully placed him down and stood. Fists clenched as she stomped her foot, kicking the dress. “I’m so stupid!” she whimpered. “This is all so stupid!” 

[merccloudstrife]

Cloud’s eyelids twitched as he felt himself slowly regaining consciousness hearing the panicked yet muffled tone of a familiar voice, his eyes opened, darting around the room seeing nothing but concrete walls, his body felt bruised and pained yet the back of his head pressed against the softness of Tifa’s thighs.

Feeling the soft touch of her fingertips on his face he smiled softly “Tifa?” his tone confused as he slowly sat up, trying to get his bearings “Are we in a dungeon of sorts?” his palms pressing on the ground as he used them to support him to stand up, wincing from the pain slightly as he pressed his foot down, feeling a shooting pain from where he had twisted his ankle slightly. 

His heart sank watching Tifa pace around, his eyes widening as she kicked the dress. “Tifa it's okay, I’m just thankful you aren’t too injured” he tried to reassure her as he stepped towards her taking a hold of her hand, in truth he had no idea how they were going to get out of there. Knowing  Rufus had seen him with her, he knew even if he did agree to marry Aerith that Tifa’s safety would not be ensured. Their only choice now was to escape the question was how. 

“Its unfortunate that things have turned out this way, but I’m the King, me being missing will raise alarm, he can hardly keep us down here forever, besides” he squeezed her hand. “At least we’re down here together, I’m serious about you Tifa, as you can see my own kingdom is corrupt anyway, I know now more than ever that I am ready to leave, so let's escape this place and begin our life together.”

Letting his fingers slip away from her hand. He began pacing the room, tugging at the bars, staring at the ceiling, before sighing once more. He was also feeling frustrated, it was expected it wouldn’t be easy to escape.  

Cloud then took a step back, his attention now drawn to the wall that was sticking out more than the others. He tugged at it and the brick came off with little force needed, the one next to it also could be removed. “Tifa, it might take us a little while but if we could remove these bricks, perhaps we could crawl out,” he said pointing to the slight light that could be seen from under the gap. 

[merccloudstrife]

🤝 (Altair just wants some reassurance in a scary situation ^^)

🤝 Hold my muse’s hand

Cloud and the others were in the middle of traveling to the next reactor they were due to stop off in a nearby village on route to ensure Tifa and Altair had a safe place to stay, this meant they needed to pass through the woods.

Cloud stood staring at the fire they had made, watching the elongated shadows it cast moving as the wind blew against the flames gently. Tifa and Barret had gone off to collect more wood and hunt some form of food source, meaning Cloud somehow got left watching Altair.

The kid was usually full of a lot of energy but after being surprised attacked by nearby monsters drawn to the flames twice it was fair to assume Altair was no longer feeling relaxed.

Every snap of a twig or cry of a monster seemed to make the boy on edge. Cloud’s eyes would scan their surroundings every time and he would try and reassure Altair they were safe but the fear was still apparent on his face.

With a sigh, Cloud approached Altair who was sitting down crossed legged by the fire. “Altair, your mum is going to be fine” he tried to reassure him as he sat down beside him with closer proximity than he usually would. 

“Your mum has got Barret with her and you’ve got me, trust me you’re fine” he sighed once more as he averted his eyes, taking hold of Altair’s hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “If it helps I’ll hold your hand and we can go look for them, but just this once got it?” 

[pctatcs-museical-mcss]

merccloudstrife​:

Cloud was startled by the sudden contact, the boy was certainly friendly and he didn’t know how to react to it, he was never good with affection, he stood there, his body stiff, looking down at the boy with a perplexed expression “Goodnight”

His eyes were now drawn back to Tifa as she spoke. “I’m sorry he’s left your out of pocket, if you need the 500 back I guess I can wait, its not your place to pay me” he said with a sigh, feeling frustrated at the situation. “Anyway, I’ll see you a bit later on” he said turning towards the door as he walked through the slums and up the slope to Marle’s apartments.

The older woman was staring at him, more so than before. “Got a prob–” he stopped himself for a moment, remembering Tifa’s ‘lessons’ ‘Connections are important’ he sighed, wondering why her words were even in his head. “Everything alright?” he decided to ask instead.

Marle shook her head, laughing slightly “I was just thinking of how much a–” she stopped shaking her head “Never mind Cloud was it? you get some rest, a good nights rest heals the soul”

Cloud stared at her almost blankly “Thanks…” he then made his way up into his room on the second floor, room 201, placing his buster sword down and leaning it against the wall as he sat down on the edge of his bed. Eyes watching the door as he waited for Tifa. 

“It’s alright Cloud, Keep it.” Tifa smiled. “Barret sometimes gets so excited about helping the planet that he forgets the small stuff. If you really feel bad about taking it, then spend it on something we both can use.” 

Altair yawned as Marle tucked him into bed and bade him goodnight, holding the barely held together chocobo plushie that Jessie made for him. Now that he thought about it… Cloud’s hair reminded him of chocobos. He was out like a light a few moments later.

A soft knock came on Cloud’s door about an hour or so later. “Cloud, It’s Tifa. Can I come in?”

[merccloudstrife]

Hearing the soft knock on the door Cloud jumped to his feet, leaving his sword leaning against the wall, he knew it wasn’t a threat, he opened the door, stepping back when he saw Tifa standing there. “Of course you can” he said softly as he moved to the back of his room, now also leaning up against the wall.

“So Tifa, tell me whats troubling you?”

[plotbunnie]

Nonverbal RP Starters

I’m finding it difficult to find memes for nonverbal characters ( be they mute, or just not fond of talking ) so I thought I’d make a few!

Neutral

☝️ Tap my muse on the shoulder

👉 Point to something for my muse to see

🤙 Bump into my muse

😊 Sit down next to my muse

🤨 Sit down across from my muse

📓 Push/Slide [an object] across a table to my muse

✍️ Pass my muse a note

🙄 Roll their eyes at my muse

🚪 Tap on a table/door/wall/chair to get my muse’s attention without speaking

Aggressive

🐺 Growl at my muse

😬 Snarl/show teeth at my muse

😠 Death Glare at my muse

🙌 Push/Shove my muse

👊 Punch my muse

👖 Kick my muse in the shin

👠 Stomp on my muse’s foot

😵 Knee my muse in the gut

💀 Knee my muse in the groin

🔪 Point a weapon at my muse

🖕 Flip my muse the bird/a similar gesture

👔 Roughly pull my muse down by the collar

💢 Bang on a door/wall/table to get my muse’s attention- angrily

Angst

👩‍⚕️ Put pressure on my muse’s wound

🌡 Push my muse down to give them medical attention

🥣 Bring my muse soup/medicine when they are sick

🤢 Hold my muse’s hair back/Rub my muse’s back while they are sick/throwing up

👐 Hold my muse when they are badly wounded/dying

👁 Wake my muse up during a nightmare

🐱 Hold my muse after a nightmare

😭 Hold my muse when they are crying

😢Touch my muse’s shoulder while they are crying in secret

💧 Wipe away my muse’s tears

💥 Try to calm my muse during an overwhelming emotional moment

⛈ Find my muse after some kind of trauma

Soft

👕 Tug on my muse’s sleeve/shirt/skirt

🐈 Lean against my muse’s side

🤝 Hold my muse’s hand

🤗 Pull my muse into a hug

🐕 Rest their head on my muse’s shoulder/knee

🐶 Nuzzle my muse with their nose [specify a location]

✋ Touch the back of my muse’s hand

🤝 Reach for my muse’s hand to hold it

👗 Fix/Straighten my muse’s clothes

😴 Stand by the bed to see if my muse will let you under the covers with them

🛌 Crawl under the covers with my muse

🥪 Set a plate/tray/bowl of food down for my muse

😚 Kiss my muse on the cheek

Playful

🌸 Put a flower in my muse’s hair

✨ Playfully shove my muse’s shoulder

💃 Pull my muse onto a dance floor/up to dance

🤞 Come up beside them and tap the shoulder opposite where they’re standing

😈 Jump out of the shadows to scare/startle my muse

😛 Stick their tongue out at my muse

😱 Make a silly face at my muse

🤭 Tickle my muse

👃 Poke my muse’s nose

💪 Pick my muse up

Sensual/Sexual

💘 Pull my muse in for a rough kiss

💕 Pull my muse in for a tender kiss

💞 Pull my muse in for a messy/desperate kiss

💖 Lean in to give my muse a sweet/chaste kiss

❤️ Lean in to give my muse a tender kiss

🔥 Pull my muse down by the collar/by their clothes - in a sexy way

😉 Pull my muse in by the hips

😲 Smack my muse’s butt

💋 Kiss my muse’s neck

👌 Push my muse down and give them a massage

👙 Pull [an article of clothing] off my muse

👀 Push my muse down on the bed

👄 Pull my muse onto the bed

[pctatcs-museical-mcss]

merccloudstrife​:

Cloud took a hold of the gil and placed it into his pocket “Thanks, that leaves 1500 now” he said casually, turning his attention back to Altair. His confidence in his fighting abilities had interested him, despite his age Cloud had the feeling he would be able to back it up.

“I’ve gotta admit I’ve not met a kid like you, I can actually tolerate being around you. Anyway, i’m heading back to that room your mum got for me, so i’ll see you around kid”

As Cloud stepped towards the exit he looked at Tifa once more noticing the glisten in her eyes.

“Stop by when you’ve closed up”

“Ah, thanks i guess.” Altair said with a sheepish grin. “A lot of adults like that about me.”

Tifa leaned down to ruffle his hair lovingly. “Bed time Altair. Say goodnight to everyone.” The boy nodded, running inside the bar to say goodnight to Marlene and the other members of Avalanche before walking back out. 

“G’night Cloud.” He smiled and gave the ex-SOLDIER’s leg a hug before running back to his mothers room for the night. Tifa watched to make sure he made it to the apartments where Marle was waiting to let him into her room before turning back to Cloud.

“Like I said…” She began. “If he doesn’t pay you the rest soon then i’ll dolphin blow his face. I should now remind Barret that he owes me 500 gil, since I ended up having to take out half of my reserve money to pay you, and I’m sorry I can’t offer the full amount… I only had 1,000 Gil stored away.” She looks apologetically at Cloud, wiping some of her tears from earlier.

“I’ll stop by before I head to bed. See you in a bit, Cloud.” She walked back into the bar to continue working for a little longer.

[merccloudstrife]

Cloud was startled by the sudden contact, the boy was certainly friendly and he didn’t know how to react to it, he was never good with affection, he stood there, his body stiff, looking down at the boy with a perplexed expression “Goodnight”

His eyes were now drawn back to Tifa as she spoke. “I’m sorry he’s left your out of pocket, if you need the 500 back I guess I can wait, its not your place to pay me” he said with a sigh, feeling frustrated at the situation. “Anyway, I’ll see you a bit later on” he said turning towards the door as he walked through the slums and up the slope to Marle’s apartments.

The older woman was staring at him, more so than before. “Got a prob--” he stopped himself for a moment, remembering Tifa’s ‘lessons’ ‘Connections are important’ he sighed, wondering why her words were even in his head. “Everything alright?” he decided to ask instead.

Marle shook her head, laughing slightly “I was just thinking of how much a--” she stopped shaking her head “Never mind Cloud was it? you get some rest, a good nights rest heals the soul”

Cloud stared at her almost blankly “Thanks...” he then made his way up into his room on the second floor, room 201, placing his buster sword down and leaning it against the wall as he sat down on the edge of his bed. Eyes watching the door as he waited for Tifa. 

[merccloudstrife]

Continued from here:  @neshivaa​

“It should be just through this clearing” his hand pointing at the warehouse that could be just about be made out through the trees. 

Cloud’s movement slowed to a stop, “Uh, sorry” his hands now moving to lower her to the ground “I’m glad you can walk” he said rubbing his face slightly, as he pushed a branch out of the way so they could walk under it.

“There doesn’t seem to be any guards around” his eyes shifting left and right to scan for any other enemies. “Looks like Biggs may already be inside” he said pointing at the vent cover that was laying on the floor. 

“We can either crawl in and be stealthy or charge in, choice is yours. I’m not hearing any gunshots, so we should still be able to get your blasting agent, but threes always a risk that Biggs and Wedge have been discovered, doesn’t help we can’t contact them” 

[merccloudstrife]

Continued from here: @fearlessmonk​

Hearing the door click close Cloud was relieved to be alone. His eyes drawn to the window, everything was so much brighter in this kingdom, although no matter how pleasant things looked he no longer had any desire to carry out the wedding. Hearing Aerith’s footsteps retreating back down the fancy staircase Cloud inched the door open. His eyes peeking through the gap to ensure it was clear.

He then sneaked out of the bedroom being mindful not to knock into anything on his way around the landing. Stopping as he noticed a door was partially open. Was someone else here?

Curious, he made his way towards the door, placing his palm against it as he slowly pushed it, enough to be able to peer in more but not enough for anyone to notice he was there.

His mouth parted upon seeing Tifa standing there. His eyebrow raising as he saw her twisting and turning whilst holding something.Was that Aerith’s dress? it couldn’t be?

He was caught up in his gaze, unaware he had leaned into the door a little too much, not  being able to handle Cloud’s weight the door flung open as he stumbled through the door, his feet pounding at the carpet as he just about regained his balance.

His eyes now meeting with hers. Moving down to look at the dress back to her eyes again. Despite it only being held up against her skin she looked breath taking. He fell silent for a moment taking it all in, his mind fantasising about what could be.

It was almost as if it was a flash to the future. He had already been thinking what she might look like in it but his mind could not conjure up what was before him right now.

“Tifa you look, wow” he couldn’t help but stare. he stepped into the room more, closing the door behind him, a smile tugging at his face, he couldn’t fight it this time, she looked so happy standing there. He stepped forward taking another glance of admiration before raising one eyebrow curiously. “I’ll admit, I was hoping I’d get to see you in this dress, I guess this is close enough” he spoke with a soft laugh.

“I heard you talking to yourself, wondered if I would want to do what?” seeing her standing there in that dress Cloud knew one thing, he wanted a life with her. She should be who stands before him, not Princess Aerith.

[fearlessmonk]

Hearing the door creak open, Tifa stepped back in a panic, cheeks flushed as dark as her eyes. How could she be so careless as to get caught? Nearly stumbling over the dress, her heart raced until she recognized it was Cloud in the doorway. A breath of relief left her, though, embarrassment hadn’t quite left. Her head hung, ashamed to be seen as such. She was only daydreaming - how could a mere ex-knight ever dream to afford something of so much beauty? 

When he commented on how she looked, she gently placed the gown against a nearby seat. Her cheeks continued to be pink as she was at a loss of what to say. He had imagined her like that? He was hoping to see her in this dress? A soft chuckle left her at the thought. It was still hard to believe that they shared feelings for one another, but as to go as far as imagine her in a wedding dress - now that was something that the butterflies in her stomach erupted from. Scratching the back of her head, ruby hues met blue as he questioned what she was saying - there was supposed to be no one around! 

“It’s nothing important right now.” she waved the concern like a fly. There was a pause before stepping forward. She was supposed to be out of sight, somewhere else for safety; yet here she was, dancing with another woman’s dress. A sigh left her as she stepped over, shyly looking around. Her head to;ted with curiosity, but the door was closed - perhaps no one would disturb them, at least for now. 

“Have you talked to Aerith yet?” her voice was soft. Tifa knew Cloud was one to keep his word, but what if he would change his mind last minute? Her mind couldn’t stop retracting back to it. “Has Rufus said anything?”

[merccloudstrife]

There it was that dreaded question “I uh--”

The bedroom door silently opened, boots meeting carpet below, an aura of a familiar yet daunting presence now apparent behind them.

“Have I said anything about what?”

Cloud sharply turned his head towards the sound of the familiar voice. His eyes widening as Rufus stood before them. One of the worst people for them to be discovered by. 

"Ah Tifa, I would say it's a surprise to see a banished Knight such as yourself here but you weren't exactly subtle" Rufus spoke his voice almost mocking her.

"Your majesty, I truly mean no disrespect but this is completely unacceptable. What kind of fool believes she has a chance with the king? On top of that, she even has the audacity to take hold of the princesses dress, who knows what she was planning to do with it, this is a true show of treason no?"

A feeling of dread came over Cloud, he normally didn't feel nervous but Rufus's presence was something else. He had a knack for getting his way with things and it never ended well for those involved, he would make sure of it.

Despite how bad the situation looked Cloud knew he had to defend her. "Now Rufus, you can't go jumping to conclusions, I summoned for my knight, you did not seek my permission to banish her, and therefore I officially un-banishing her. She swore an oath to serve at my side and she will do just that"

"Ohh" Rufus laughed sarcastically  "I feel you forget how this works, you are the face of the kingdom and I am the one pulling the strings here your majesty look at that pathetic look on your face" his eyes now attentively looking at Tifa. "I know you love him, and by the evidence our maid found it pains me to say that it is now clear you two have crossed a forbidden line, perhaps even taking advantage of your king status, oh your poor subordinate, however shall I spin this."

"Rufus" Clouds eyes now glaring at him, as he stood more upright, stepping forward. "It was a decision we both made. I will not apologize for that. I am the king and I will make my own choices. As for this royal wedding I'm calling it off!"

"Ah" Rufus sighed "You finally went out and said it. Well I'm sorry my king I cannot allow you to do such a thing. And so Mrs hero over here doesn't try to save you , she can go with you"

"Go with me?" Cloud asked puzzled. As Rufus simultaneously reached into his pocket snapping his fingers. "Sleep" he uttered using the materia in his hand to make the two of them drop.

"When you wake you'll be locked up like dogs in the dungeon below. I have my own loyal knights too you know" he laughed, his finger pressing a button as the floorboards opened up, dropping the two of them along with the dress below.

“Shit... I’ll need that back” Rufus sighed as the floorboards above slammed shut again.  

[pctatcs-museical-mcss]

merccloudstrife​:

“Well Barret seems to be taking his sweet time getting my gil” Cloud said loudly, almost hoping he would hear “So I guess i’ll be sticking around a bit, i’m sure I can help train you, for a price that is”

Cloud then turned his attention to Tifa, that worried tone made him curious to know just what she had to talk to him about. Marle had told him to ensure he made sure to listen to her, so he planned to do just that. “Alright Tifa, I’ll stop by your room later and we can discuss things.”

Cloud’s attention was now back on Altair , a sense of guilt washed over him, he felt bad for questioning him now. His hand moved instinctively and patted Altair on the head “I’m glad you found your way back home kid, I guess none of that stuff really matters now, you’re you, and for a kid, you’re not too bad”

Tifa sighed, handing him 500 gil. “I know it’s not the full two-thousand that Barret promised you, but please bare with him. If he doesn’t get the rest of your money soon, I’ll make sure to pay you myself.”

Altair hummed, shaking his head. “Wouldn’t want to burden you any more than you already are, Cloud. I may not have military training, what I have is enough to get me through most situations. Thanks for offering though.” The pat on his head from Cloud was unexpected, and Altair found himself leaning against the ex-SOLDIER with a content hum. 

He loved physical affection from those he trusted, and while he still found it strange that he had reactions like this to Cloud’s mere presence, he wasn’t complaining either.

Tifa nodded at Cloud’s acceptance to talk with her about Altair, but she was still nervous. ‘What if he’ll react badly to this? Gods, will he leave? I don’t think Altair could handle that, especially since he and Cloud clearly have some sort of connection.’ Those thoughts whirled through her mind, but she still smiled at him. “Thank you, Cloud. You have no idea how much I really appreciate this.”

“I’m glad the bad man sent me home too. Who knows what kind of twisted things he could have done.” A small laugh escaped his mouth, so similar to the laugh a younger Cloud had that she rarely heard as a child. 

Tifa nearly cried.

“Lots of grown ups say that i’m really mature for my age, but i’m just really shy and afraid of upsetting someone.”

[merccloudstrife]

Cloud took a hold of the gil and placed it into his pocket “Thanks, that leaves 1500 now” he said casually, turning his attention back to Altair. His confidence in his fighting abilities had interested him, despite his age Cloud had the feeling he would be able to back it up.

“I’ve gotta admit I've not met a kid like you, I can actually tolerate being around you. Anyway, i’m heading back to that room your mum got for me, so i’ll see you around kid”

As Cloud stepped towards the exit he looked at Tifa once more noticing the glisten in her eyes.

“Stop by when you’ve closed up”

[colormyworldpiink]

This is too cute.

Art by: suba_betsu on Twitter.