Clartz 100 Theme Challenge - 14. Smile
Bartz laid in the tent next to the blonde swordsman who held him in his arms as he slept. He studied his partner, his tourmaline eyes twinkling with a particular fondness only the other warrior saw. Gingerly, he brushed away blonde bangs away from Cloud’s face and cupped his cheek with a hand, a soft smile gracing his lips.
The wind chaser reminisced when he first met Cloud, a warrior who was aligned with Chaos at the time. They encountered in a battle, crossing blades for the sake of the gods. There was something he noticed that day when he fought Cloud. Unlike the other warriors of Chaos, who had malevolent intentions and thirst for power, Bartz saw pain and doubt behind Cloud’s mako eyes. It was a look that made Bartz question why.
Even when Cloud was eventually brought over to Cosmos’ side, the swordsman still exhibited the same broody expression. At the time, the swordsman was lost and doubtful, even if he appeared to be calm and collected. Cloud often questioned why he was fighting and what he was even fighting for.
Bartz tried to get a better understanding of his ally at the time, to try and dig deeper and help him open up, but it always seemed the other was adamant on keeping him at arm’s length. He recalled the pained expression Cloud sometimes wore when he thought no one was looking, or the way his eyes showed hurt behind his stoic exterior. Bartz really wanted to comfort and support the other, but Cloud was stubborn like that, he wouldn’t let anyone get close to him.
Seeing him now after a few years, Bartz saw someone completely different. Cloud seemed more at peace, relaxed, and open. During their journey, Bartz saw Cloud smile for the first time. Although it was a small one, it was there, and Bartz found it to be beautiful. It was a smile that made his heart skip a beat, and one of that eventually made him fall head over heels for him.
Bartz was happy. Cloud was finally able to let his guard down and open up to him, sharing intimate moments only the wanderer experienced. Thinking about this got him grinning from ear to ear, as Bartz nuzzled into the crook of Cloud’s neck, feeling content to be laying in the other’s arms. He felt happy, whole, and there was nothing else in the world that mattered more.
Cloud groaned softly, his eyes fluttering open to reveal his gorgeous azure eyes, traces of mako glowing within those pools. Upon locking gazes, the swordsman tightened his arms around the wind warrior’s waist and brought him closer, foreheads pressed together. Bartz giggled as he wrapped his arms around his partner’s neck, staring lovingly at him.
Cloud sighed contently, flashing that unique smile explicitly reserved for his wind chaser.