You have me.
You’d never expect it, but Cloud gets jealous. Not often, and not openly. It’s in that way that’s so typically Strife.
You were walking out of Wall Market, heading back home after a quick errand. Cloud decided to tag along because he didn’t like the idea of you walking around Wall Market alone. You passed the stables where the chocobos cooed at you, and you found them so irresistible that you began petting them on the head. Each and every one.
It was a soft exchange between you and the kwehing birds, one Cloud found himself getting unreasonably impatient over.
He gave a small sigh at first that meant to sound exasperated. Like he wanted to go home. But then he started tapping his foot, crossing his arms, and then he just started staring. At the way you gazed at them with eyes of mirth, a look you usually only gave him. A smile so rich, a laugh so light and warm. Things he was so used to directed at him, now directed towards something else. Someone else.
And the thought was so ridiculous, he had to pause. Was he losing to a chocobo? Correction, chocobos? That statement made him insecure, and he hated that it did. Even now, after months into your relationship, he was still having a hard time accepting his worthiness of you. And now he was feeling inferior to a flock of birds.
It made him hesitate as he looked back and forth. The chocobos, you, and then his boots. As you prattled on about how soft they were, how cute and lovable they were. This went on for a bit longer until he just sighed, so loud and clear that you looked over to him in surprise.
> “Y’know, you have me.”
You were stunned. And for a minute, he felt relieved that maybe this was his chance to finally escape this situation and drag you back home. But then you started giggling.
> “Pfft, Cloud? Are you jealous? Of the chocobos?”
Wait. Fuck.
> “What? No, that’s not-
But his ears were already starting to burn bright red, and at that you began giggling even more. He was definitely jealous, and he hadn’t realized the delivery and the pouty face he was making until you pointed it out.
> “It’s okay, Cloud. I can pet you if you want.”
You chuckled lightly as you gave one last wave to the chocobos and began your trek back. You were mostly joking, but was pleasantly surprised when, after he jogged to your side, he quietly accepted your invite.
> “Well, i-if you want, I won’t stop you…”
Slowing to a halt, you turned. He followed suit, albeit awkwardly.
Reaching out, you combed your hands into his poky strands, letting them go up and down until he instinctively leaned in and sighed. It surprised you both, embarrassing him to no end, but it felt too nice for him to inch away.
> “Aww, look at you. My own personal chocobo. A very jealous, grumpy one. But the one I love the most.”
You smirked as you leaned in to kiss him on the nose. He groaned bashfully, but the glare didn’t last long as your fingers messaged his scalp.
This wasn’t going to be the last time he asked you for this.
