Stories Of A Soldier

Bartz was dreaming. He had to be. If that was the case, the dawn warrior didn’t want to wake from it. He wanted to relish in Cloud’s warm and muscular build against him, strong arms wrapped around his waist as his scent wafted up to his nose as they synchronized to the music box. Moreover, he couldn’t believe that the usually stoic soldier kissed him. It wasn’t what he expected from Cloud, but it left him breathless. Bartz felt like he was floating on Cloud Nine, pun intended.

He didn’t know how long they danced — nor did he care — but Bartz didn’t want this moment to end. It was hard to describe how happy he felt moving in sync with Cloud, even though the swordsman was adamant that he didn’t dance. It was a shame. Cloud turned out to be an excellent dancer, to Bartz’s surprise. But the fact that Cloud asked him to dance to comfort him warmed his cheeks, and his heart swelled with joy. The corners of his lips tugged up as the pair swayed in a circle to the familiar melody.

The music slowed until it finally stopped seconds later, the chirping of crickets and whispers of the wind remaining. Even after the music receded, the two warriors still held each other. Cloud was the first to pull away and looked into Bartz’s eyes as he asked, “Feel better?”

Oh, those eyes. Bartz felt himself getting lost in those gorgeous, glowing irises that it suffocated him. He shivered, his nerves firing at once as the swordsman ran his hands along his arms to provide comfort. If only Cloud knew how much of an effect this had on Bartz. The wanderer needed to ground himself and keep his feelings in check so he wouldn’t be a mess of emotions in front of the other man.

After he calmed himself enough, he gave Cloud a soft smile. “Yeah, much better. Thank you, Cloud.” He received a nod from the swordsman before he glanced back to his parents’ grave and then to his companion. “So…how much did you hear?”

“…I heard everything,” Cloud said straightforwardly.

Bartz bit the corner of his lip nervously. “I guess the cat’s outta the bag now, huh? Cloud, I…” Bartz hesitated. Even though the swordsman was now aware of his feelings, he still struggled to let the words come out. His cheeks and ears heated up as he thought of ways to let his feelings be known, how deep they ran. “I…really like you…as more than a friend. I fancy you, I… uh —”

His words were cut off as Cloud leaned in and kissed him again, this one with a little more force than the first one, momentarily catching Bartz off guard. His heart just about left his chest, but he welcomed it. Bartz wrapped his arms around Cloud’s neck and pulled him closer, kissing the soldier with just as much enthusiasm. Cloud placed both hands on his hips and brought Bartz closer to him. The swordsman nibbled on his lower lip, followed by a lick across as his tongue asked for entrance. Bartz gasped as he parted his lips, and Cloud plunged his tongue into the caverns of his mouth, exploring every corner. Another surprising gasp left him when he moaned as Cloud sucked on his tongue. He didn’t know he could create such a lustful sound from a kiss.

Bartz trembled as Cloud broke the kiss and pressed their foreheads together as they regained their breaths, staring into each other eyes. “Cloud…”

“Bartz…” Cloud said, brushing brunette bangs away from the wanderer’s face. “I…I do too.”

Note: This chapter contains mature content. If that's not your cup of tea, I suggest only reading the first part and very last part of the chapter.

Preview: 

Bartz shielded his eyes from the sun and took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh ocean scent and loving the cool breeze against his skin. “Ahh, this feels great. I’ve never been on an island like this one before. Everything’s so lush and green!” Bartz said, eyes scanning the tropical scene around them.

“Stay focused, Bartz. Remember our objective,” said Cloud.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. We have to hunt since we’re low on food. But we’ve yet to encounter any fiends for us to take down. Might as well enjoy the scenery while we can,” Bartz said with a smile. He turned to Cloud and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Hey, Cloud, let’s make this hunt into a game. Whoever takes down the most fiends wins. And whoever wins will have bragging rights. What do you say?”

Cloud smirked. “Not interested.”

“Aw, you’re no fun!” Bartz said with a pout.

“Hey! I want in on this competition!” Prishe interjected, placing her fists on her hips. “I’m always up for kicking monster butt! And I betcha I can take down more than you!”

“Oh, is that a challenge?” Bartz asked as he perked up with the prospect of competition. “Well then, challenge accepted!”

“Let’s raise the stakes. How about…” Prishe trailed off and rubbed her chin in thought. “How about the loser has to do whatever the winner wants for the day.”

Bartz laughed. “I like the sound of that! You’re gonna regret making that bet!”

“And I’ll have Ace count my kills for me. Just to make it fair,” she added.

Blindsided, Ace said, “What? I never agreed to —”

“Alright! Then Cloud will count for me!” Bartz turned to the swordsman, arm still wrapped around his shoulders. “You’ll do that for me, right, Cloud?”

“Do I have a choice?” Cloud asked.

Bartz perked and chuckled. “Nope! You’re gonna be on my team!”

Cloud raised a brow incredulously. “Shouldn’t you take it easy? Your leg injury….”

“Don’t worry, Cloud! I won’t push myself too hard, I promise. Besides, I used my white magic to help with healing it.”

Cloud hesitated but sighed in defeat when Bartz shot him an innocent, pleading look. “Fine. But if it gets too much….”

Bartz nodded, understanding where Cloud was going with the conversation. The wanderer raised an arm as if he took an oath. “You got it! Don’t worry, Chocohead, it’ll be fine.” Cloud rolled his eyes at the nickname. Bartz chuckled at his expression and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “We’re in!”

“Okay!” Prishe cheered. “The one with the most kills in an hour wins! Are you ready to go down, Bartz?”

Bartz laughed. “That eager to be my servant for the day, Prishe? Cuz’ I got this in the sack!”

“As if! You’re gonna be my assistant, and it’s gonna be awesome!” Prishe said as she cracked her knuckles and loosened her stiff muscles.

“C’mon, let’s do this! Eat my dust, Prishe!” The wanderer broke out into a sprint, running ahead of the group.

Bartz heard Prishe protest angrily behind him. “Hey, you cheater! No countdown or anything?”

The wanderer laughed and turned around, waving at the brawler. “You better get your butt into gear! Otherwise, you might as well hand over the competition!”

“Why you — You’re so gonna get it, Bartz! Just you wait!”

Read the full chapter here: 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23276377/chapters/100458153

"Cloud…" A chill crept up Cloud's spine, his nerves firing as Sephiroth's deep voice reached his ears. His voice echoed and traveled around him within the darkness. His nemesis chuckled within the abyss. "You are getting closer to the power that lies within you. Can't you feel it surging through you?"

"You again…" Cloud growled. An ache racked his head, and Cloud gripped it in his hands. "Leave me alone - ah!"

"Don't be like that, Cloud. Besides, isn't this what you've always wanted, to be strong?"

"Shut up!"

Sephiroth chuckled again, and a manifestation of the silver-haired sword fighter appeared behind him, that devilish smirk tugging his thin lips. "Cloud, what you have within you is a power unlike any other. Perhaps you might've unleashed that strength if it weren't for that meddlesome Bartz."

Cloud gritted his teeth and furrowed his eyebrows in anger. "Leave him out of this," he hissed with a warning tone. There would be hell to pay if Sephiroth dared to lay a hand on Bartz. He was determined to keep the other safe, no matter the cost.

Sephiroth's lips tilted up more, that sinister expression adding fuel to Cloud's aggravation. "Seems like I struck a nerve. Good. Let that hatred drive you forward."

Read the full chapter here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23276377/chapters/97200162

Preview:

The rhythmic melody of ocean waves and the long calls of seagulls reached his ears, stirring him to wake from the realm of dreams. Bartz always found comfort with these sounds whenever he was on his travels. He breathed in the crisp ocean air as his other senses began to come back to him. That's when he realized his whole body ached, his muscles feeling lethargic to move even a little bit. His body felt soaked, with the wet and grainy sand beneath him and the freezing waters lapped at his legs. His eyes fluttered open, tourmaline irises coming into focus and adjusted to the environment. He was met with a beach, rock walls, and tropical jungles. The sun hung high in the sky and cast its rays on him.

What happened? How did he end up here? A chilly sea breeze snatched him away from his thoughts and caused him to shiver. Yet, despite the biting winds from the sea, Bartz felt something warm pressed against his back. At that moment, he noticed an arm snaked protectively around his waist. His eyes trailed up the arm and followed it to the familiar swordsman lying next to him. A gasp escaped his lips, cheeks flushed, and his heart pounded against his chest at Cloud's visage. Memories from their last battle came flooding back to him, and he began to put the pieces together that led to this moment.

Hello hello! It’s been a while. Chapter 20 of the story is now up on AO3.

Join the group as they traverse through the steel city of Midgar. Some craziness ensues but you’ll have to read to find out. Hope you enjoy it!

Link:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23276377/chapters/74246130

Hello hello! It’s been some time since I’ve posted on here, but I'll be picking those up again as I update my story. Here’s a preview of the latest chapter and a link to the full chapter will be found below. Thanks, and have a good one! Enjoy!  Preview:  Nothing. There was nothing around Cloud, just an empty space. He searched around for anything remotely familiar, listened to anything to lead the way, something to keep him grounded. The swordsman turned in place and spotted something in the distance. He made his way to the huddled figure sitting on the floor, its back turned to Cloud. As he approached, Cloud recognized the being as himself, blanketed with something dark. “Hey,” Cloud greeted, his voice coming out like an echo. 

The Cloud clone glanced up at him with those familiar serpent-like eyes. However, he noticed a slight purple hue in combination with his usual mako pools. The darkness engulfing his doppelganger uncovered him, and a black, singular, demon-like wing opened and stretched. Cloud backed up, surprised and confused as his replica ascended from the floor and floated up in the air, staring down at him with emotionless eyes as a powerful purple and gold aura surrounded him. A fusion sword materialized in the being’s right hand, emitting a similar atmosphere as the double. With a roar, it charged at him. Read the full chapter here:  https://archiveofourown.org/works/23276377/chapters/66757750