Here's something different and non-pairing based. Cloud and Nanaki, 20
20. Exhausted Parents Kiss
This one was hard. I probably cheated a bit.
Cloud plopped on his behind with a tired sigh. This had been a tough fight, or maybe he was just tired.
They should probably set up camp soon, but Cloud just didn’t have the strength to get up at the moment. Cid was sitting not far off and not in much better shape. He gave the courtesy of giving Cloud and Nanaki space before lighting his cigarette.
“Cloud.” Cloud looked up. Nanaki had a potion--no esuna--in his mouth. Cloud took it.
“Thanks,” he sighed with a smile.
“You’re pushing yourself rather hard lately,” Nanaki said. Cloud shrugged. He did want to catch up to Sephiroth...had he been overworking the others? Nanaki seemed a little droopy as well.
“I think we should sleep in a bit tomorrow,” Cloud said, “won’t hurt much.” Nanaki seemed relieved at that. Cloud smiled.
He was really fascinated with Nanaki. His coloring was lovely. Despite his age and all the dirt and dust, there was a glossiness to it. It held a shine. Slowly, Cloud placed a hand just behind his ears.
“Do you mind?” he asked. Nanaki looked at him with his good eye.
“If it is not too much trouble I would dearly love a good scratching between my shoulder blades,” Nanaki said. Cloud did so. His smile widened as Nanaki stretched himself at the scritches.
“Wonderful,” Nanaki said, “that’s been distracting me for days.” Cloud laughed. He started to get up. Without thinking, Cloud placed an affectionate kiss on the top of Nanaki’s head. Nanaki shook himself out without comment. Instead, he gave a nudge to Cloud’s leg. Cloud was still grinning when he turned to Cid.
“Hey when you’re done, help me out setting up camp!” Cloud called. Cid gave him a wave. Cloud turned and got started.