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xxwitchylanexx · 2 months

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Miner Encounter-CloudxReader Chapter 3

Does contain some dialog straight from the cut scenes in Chapter 3. I really appreciate all the Kudus! My first fic that I've posted and it means a lot! Feel free to leave feedback. And a teensy bit of spice in the middle beware.

PS I used the rebirth name for the Midgar Zolem but really liked the original name better.

Story Masterlist

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You were aware this journey would be dangerous, after all Gaia was filled with sketchy people and dangerous fiends. However, you never anticipated getting attacked by the Midgardsormr, an encounter with the Turks, and being blasted over the side of a fifty foot cliff in the Mythril Mines in the span of a few hours.

You’d be the first to admit that your reaction time isn’t what it used to be. Instead of catching Aerith’s hand to pull you to safety you just kept falling. Five feet, then ten, and so on. You needed a plan before you were flattened like roadkill for the team to scrape off the rocks later. You struggled to move your arm toward the sheath that hung along your lower back, your fingertips fumbling on the wooden hilt until your hand firmly wrapped around it. Before you could yank the short sword free your arm was yanked upwards and your entire body was wrapped into a tight embrace. You gasped in surprise and the scent of leather, and mint invaded your nostrils. Your heart thrummed against your chest and not because of adrenaline. The scent, his scent, became a very soothing comfort to you over the past week. No matter where you found yourself his musk carried on the winds, or lingered around the camp. It was definitely subtle, but a constant presence along the road.

A chill ran down your spine as Cloud’s quiet but firm voice cooly spoke in your ear. “Hold tight.” Without another thought you fisted a hand in the fabric of his tunic and the other wrapped tight around his middle just as you heard his sword stab into the walls beside you.

The two of you were falling too fast for his sword to stop your descent, but it did slow you down enough to prevent serious harm. Cloud must have let go of his sword in favor of wrapping his other arm around your shoulders and braced himself for impact.

The landing knocked the wind of you, and a soft grunt faintly registered against your ear. is the only indication that Cloud took the brunt of the force for you. You blinked a few times to orientate yourself. You waited until the texture of his top cleared before you pushed too peer up at him. He appeared to be fine. His eyes closed tight and his breaths shallow. You almost wondered if you had imagined his reaction, but the miniscule scrunch of his nose confirmed your suspicions. You pushed yourself out of his embrace and rolled off him, avoiding his now open eyes as you did so.

“You okay?” he asked.

You furrowed your brows as you got to your feet and brushed off your knees. “I should be asking you that. Thanks for breaking my fall.” You reached into the pouch that was strapped to your right hip and fished out a potion. You cleared your throat before holding it out for him to take. “Here. It’ll take the edge off.

He scoffed and got up quickly, “I’m fine. I was-”

“A soldier,” you said before he could, “doesn’t mean that you're not human. Just take it.” You stared him down in a battle of wills, his mako eyes against you e/c ones. He may be stubborn, but so were you. “I’m not moving till you drink it so…”

He huffed prior to snatching the container out of your hand and downed it as fast as possible.”Happy?” He asked though it was clear he didnt care what the answer would be. He just stalked down the looming cave ahead of you.

“Absolutely giddy.” You whispered under your breath before following him.

****************************************************

Cloud could acknowledge that he judged your abilities too early. He had assumed, given your profession, that you’d have to be protected, like Aerith did at first, but you didn’t seem to have any trouble holding your own. Hell, you could practically keep up with him, not that you'd ever hear that kind of praise from him. He was even a tad ashamed that he didn't realize you had a weapon. He’d spent so much time sneaking glances at you one would think he'd notice it.

He swung Hard Edge up just in time to block the ogre’s attack, a loud clang echoed through the rocky passageway. He needed to keep his mind on the task in front of him. He flexed his arm and prepared to swing upwards, however the beast stumbled forward before dropping to the ground entirely. He dragged his eyes over the slash across the fiends flesh and up to your smiling face. He blinked slowly, soaking up your disheveled appearance. Something about your lopsided grin, shining eyes, and soft glowing skin despite the splatter of blood across half your face had his brain short circuiting. “What’s wrong, soldier boy? Tired?”

His brows furrowed in annoyance. “Worry about yourself.” He swung hardedge to the magnetic sword belt on his shoulders. “Where’d you learn to fight?”

For a quick moment your smile faltered before you perked like it never happened. “Self taught. Impressed?”

He studied your expression for another moment or two before moving onto the never ending trailers of rock. There’s definitely more to your story than just some skilled chocobo trainer. “If we follow this path we should be able to meet up with Tifa and Aerith.”

You hummed in response. “Alright. I’m expecting a review when we’re done though.” You jogged ahead then paused to look back at him over your shoulder and gave him a wink.

“Don’t count on it.” The walk was quiet between you and he made sure to keep a two person length distance between your bodies. Occasionally you’d run into a few crawlers or flans that he took care of quickly, not missing the way your eyes followed his movements when you weren’t taking down some swiftly.

The more he’s seen you in action the more he pondered your story. The way you weaved between fiends and struck weak points suggested you had a lot of experience. The number of carcasses you left in your wake implied expertise. Not to mention the potion you gave him earlier was unlike any he’d had before, cool and soothing that sapped the pain from minor injuries. Did you make it?

The singular path the two of you followed slowly opened up into a circular cavern with no visible way forward. He walked to the center and examined the space around him.

“What now?” You asked him.

“There’s a ladder over there.” He pointed to one of the walls, which was the only one with a vein of mythril running through it,where a ladder is anchored. Of course it’s folded up and out of their reach. He stepped cautiously towards it to judge its height.

“Too tall to reach.” Cloud remained silent as he heard your footsteps patter close to him. He watches you from the corner of his eye looking up at the ladder as well before you face him. “You can toss me at it.”

“Not happening.” Your eyes narrowed at his quick reply.

“Well then, what do you expect us to do?” You gave him a flat stare.

“I-”

“Yoooo-hooooo!” Both if your heads snapped upwards to see Aerith, cheery and smiling as always, on her hands and knees looking down at you two. “You guys need a hand?”

“Perfect timing!” You called up to her. Aerith fiddled with the mechanism on the ladder for a moment before the rusty metal slid down in front of him.

Tifa peered over Aerith’s shoulder. “Thank Gaia, you guys are okay!”

You looked at him expectedly before he waved at the ladder and crossed his arms over his chest. He wasn't going to budge this time. You huffed but ultimately gave in in favor of joining the girls.

Did Cloud intend to get a clear sight of how plush and round your ass was in your snug cargo shorts? Absolutely not. Did he briefly wonder how soft you’d feel against his hands? Wonder what kind of sound would you make if he squeezed you? Regretfully, yes. All the blood from his head quickly shot down to throb between his legs. He mentally chastised himself for the momentary lapse in weakness, and quickly kept his eyes on the rungs beneath his feet. He could only hope the scorching blush on his face disappeared before he reached the top.

Relief flooded him when he saw you and Tifa were already moved ahead as he got to the top; however his relief was instantly replaced with embarrassment when he saw the way Aerith was looking at him. Her face cracked with a cheeky grin and twinkling eyes. “So, did you have fun?”

****************************************************

"Well, now what?” Tifa said as we approached a large chasm.

You looked over the edge beside her “The bridge is down there. See anyway to raise it?” You asked as you looked around. The darkness seemed to stretch on forever only a few spires of shape earth jutted out here and there. How deep does this mine run anyway?

“There! That could do it!” Aerith called from some feet away. “No way to reach it from here though.” She trudged closer to Cloud in defeat.

"Well now! Look who it is!” Barret yelled from across the abyss, easily half a mile across the shaft.

Aerith hopped to the edge closest to him and started waving at them! “Hey guys! Over here!”

Barret waved back, clearly relieved to see your group in one piece. “Y’all taking a breather or what?!” Nice to know that even with the distance his loud thunderous voice could hurt your eardrums.You could hear Tifa explaining the situation, but was far more interested in the way Red was licking his paw. Hopefully he wasn’t injured.

You jumped a little at Cloud’s sudden increase in decibel. “Do you think you can give us a hand?!”

Your eyes focused on Barret as he paced on his side. You couldn't tell what he was doing from your spot before he yelled, “For two grand.” He held up two meaty fingers then turned to face the your group again. “Two!”

The girls laughed as Cloud huffed. “Hilarious.”

You turned your attention to him no longer able to fight the grin that threatened your composure, “You did start it, you know.”

“Yeah, whatever.” he replied as he crossed his arms like an overgrown child. You laughed quietly.

“So, now we wait?” Aerith asked as she looked between everyone’s faces.

“Seems so.” Tifa answered.

You stretched your arms over your head before pacing around quietly missing the way Cloud’s eye linger on your slightly exposed midriff. You sighed heavily before beginning to pace the length of space without going back the way you came. You don’t like staying in one place for too long. It invites disaster.

“Quit it would you?” Cloud barked over his shoulder after what must have been your fifth trip behind him.

You meandered to his side and sat with your legs over the side of the cliff. “My bad. Nervous habit.”

He eyed at the back of your head and then opened his mouth to say something before Aerith chimed in. “No reason to worry!” She clapped a hand on Cloud’s shoulder. “We have an excellent body guard!” She leaned down into your space, but made sure she was loud enough that Cloud could still hear her. “Rumor is, he’ll do any job for a date.” She giggled before Cloud stalked far from the two of you.

“I’d watch out, Aerith. You’re going to get yourself in trouble.” You laughed.

“Well someone has to keep him on his toes!”

Loud screeching of metal on metal filled the space and grated on your ears. The four of you watched as Barret pushed a metal minecart to the very edge of the tracks and then gave one last heave. The cart slowly rolled off the side into an enormous crate. It fell with a loud clang that reverberated throughout the cavern and sent vibrations racing beneath your feet. The crate tumbled over itself before hitting the bridge and jostled the heavy bags of sand that kept it weighed down and it raised into place.

Aerith clapped her hand and cheered. “We’re in business!”

“Thanks!” Tifa called out.

You moved ahead of everyone to scout out the area. Might as well be useful. Though you could still hear Barret, even after you crossed the bridge and climbed up into some kind of open room, remind Cloud of the two grand he now owed. He really is a one track guy.

You wandered along the hall. You couldn't wait till you had better scenery again. All the halls in here looked so similar except for the occasional bridge or overpass. You missed the fresh grassland air, and despite knowing that Piko was a tough bird you were feeling sad about the way you parted. He must've been terrified to buck like that.

In truth you hadn’t realized you’d gotten so far ahead until you heard quickened footsteps thud against the ground.You lowered a hand to the hilt of your sword, just in case, before Cloud called out to you, slowing his footsteps as he approached. “Don’t get so far ahead. It’s not safe to be on your own.”

You could only look at him. Hadn’t you shown him all bloody day that you were more than okay on your own? Though you suppose the underlying concern he had was endearing. “I can take care of myself, but sorry. I was in my own little world.” When he only crossed his arms in front of his chest, definitely not happy with your response, you decided to be a little forthcoming. “Just worried about Piko. I know he’ll make it back, but I just wish I could've said goodbye.”

He scratched at the back of his head. “He’s a smart bird. He’ll be alright.”

You smiled softly at his attempt to make you feel better. “You’re right. I’m sure he’s already back in his stable giving Billy a run for his money.”

“Ten gil, Billy can’t get him back in.”

You laughed wholeheartedly. You could see it in your head; Piko running wildly all over the farm with Billy exhaustedly trailing behind yelling various threats after him. You wiped at your eyes to clear the few tears pooling at your lashes and beamed up at Cloud only to find he was already looking at you, His expression was blank but unlike the other times when he was scowling. His eyes crinkled subtly at the corners. Your chest tightened at the way he looked at you, and you found yourself reveling in his stare.

More footsteps echoed not far behind and you looked forward once again before Aerith came running up to you laughing. Tifa leisurely strolled behind her, and fell into step besides Cloud. “Well we settled the bill with Barret!”

“That’s great! How’d you do it?” You smiled at her.

“Opened a door for him.” Aerith answered like it was this huge accomplishment. You supposed you probably missed the way it was so funny.As the four of you carried on, conversation carried on easily between you and the girls. Cloud trailed behind you three silent as always, but no doubt listening to everything. Before you knew it the craggy rock walls soon opened up and rounded into an exit. Salty dry air wafted in through the opening and your pulse quickened with anticipation. However, Barret and Red were still nowhere in sight so you settled yourself down and made yourself comfortable against some rocks.

You were looking at one of your nails that must have chipped somewhere in here before you caught sea blue in your peripheral. You peered up at him through the strands of hair that frames your face, and smiled when he looked away. You leaned back on elbows and counted the veins of mythril in the ceiling and then the walls. All the while your thoughts drifted back to your faithful friend that hopefully made it back home safe.

#ff7 rebirth #fluff #ff7 cloud x reader #cloud strife x reader #ff7 fanfic #cloud x reader #cloud strife

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