The Stars in Your Eyes (Cloud Strife x Reader)

Chapter III

A/N: the video attached to this chapter was suggested by @MangakaGamer. It was a very sweet gesture of her. I hope you enjoy the instrumental as well as the chapter. ^^

Chapter III

The breeze of the night was cool and fresh, blowing at your face that was slightly shielded by Cloud's broad shoulders, but little did it affect the fiery sensation that had overtaken your visage. Anyways, you decided to enjoy that rare intimacy while it lasted.

Soon after, the busy noises of the city were hushed, with nothing left of them but the rumbling of Cloud's motorcycle. That signaled your departure from the perimeter of Midgar. Realizing that, your body stiffened, only slightly, for you had never gone out of the city before, not once in your life. However, the warmth which Cloud's body emitted onto yours has helped greatly at pushing your anxiety to the back of your mind. Regardless of you not knowing where you were or where you were going, you felt safe and calm; with him, you had absolutely nothing to fear. A graceful smile appeared on your lips at the thought that came springing to your mind: you were alone, with the man you were so in love with. Clasping your arms around his torso, sensing the soothing heat of his body in contrast with the coolness of the night, breathing his musky scent which filled your nostrils with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction... it was, O so perfect! His presence, although never domineering and often unobtrusive, could instill all kinds of inexplicable emotions into you. It has its own means of leaving you breathless. If only he knew about the sweet effect that his attractiveness could cause you.

The cycling motion of the motorcycle's slowed down and eventually came to a total stop. "We're here." Cloud announced. He turned the engine off, and you felt him shuffling as he dismounted the bike. "Don't take the cloth off your eyes just yet."

"Okay." You nodded obediently. You then felt his hand on top of yours (which never ceased having the same startling effect on you as ever) and he squeezed it gently. "Come. Let me help you." He took both your hands into his and assisted you with your blind attempt at descending Fenrir. "Careful." He whispered. However, it appears that you had miscalculated the distance between your feet and the stable ground, so you ended up stepping onto empty air, entrusting your weight to mere nothingness, which inevitably resulted in you falling flat on your face. No, no, scratch that part. You did not fall flat on your face, because, fortunately for you, Cloud's quick reflexes were put to good use, so before even touching the hard ground, two strong arms hurried to catch you, supporting your body while pulling you securely into a firm hold. You clutched at his garment as you steadied your feet over the safe ground. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you." It was then that you came to realize, from the warmth of his breath against your face, how close you were held to his body. You thought you had been blushing hard earlier, but the burning sensation that overtook your face at that very moment was too acute to be called merely a blush. His hands took hold of your shoulders as he spoke ever so softly: "Can you stand on your own?"

"Yes. Don't worry about me." You managed to smile despite your embarrassment. He let his fingers graze the length of your arms as they slid down to catch your soft hands, taking them into his own and leading you slowly to his intended destination. "Watch your steps." He requested.

"Sure, I would love to! But, to be honest... I can't see a thing." You joked. You were actually surprised to hear a quiet chuckle escaping his mouth, amused by your brief witty attempt. It was barely audible; nevertheless, it sounded much like sweet music to your ears. You swore you'd spend an entire lifetime just waiting to hear him chuckle again. "Rely on me, then." You could discern the remnant of a smile in his tone.

"Thank you." You smiled. From the slow movements that your feet were executing, you could take notice of the elevated ground beneath your steps, assuming that you were ascending a hill or something. "Where are we going?" You asked as you had grown impatient to take the cloth off of your eyes.