You briskly strolled by the living city, looking around with your curious e/c eyes, life was going on, as usual. Breathing in and out, taking one step after another. Rather quickly, you find yourself back at your home, softly smiling, you entered. Calling out your arrival to your mom, you ventured deeper into your house.

    "I'm home!" You called out, grinning.

    "Welcome back y/n!" Your mom replied. Heading into the direction of her voice, your smile extend

    "Whatcha ya making?" You excitedly asked. "Oh just a little treat for my baby girl!" She answered, broadly grinning. "Really!? Great!" Swiftly taking a seat at the dining table, you watched your mom prepare your small treat, gazing down for a split second before peering up when your mother asked you queries.

    "So, how was the city..?" You hastily replied with no hesitation, but your cheeriness had deflated mildly.

    "The usual.. it's pretty bad.."

    "Hm.. it has been since the meteor incident, wonder when things will go back to normal.." you nod. "Yeah.. I really wish I could help those infected with geostigma.. but I can't really do anything.."

    "Be careful y/n, I don't want you getting into trouble, okay? Let's just pray that whatever is happening now will eventually pass away."

    "Yeah.."

    You looked down, sighing to yourself, tilting your head you threw your glance towards the window, seeing the dark clouds go by.

    Later that day, you went out with a couple of your friends, they told you of a certain bar, and requested that you had to come with them, though you didn't drink, you tagged along since you were deserving of some carefree time. As said by your trusty friends, it was decent, the bar was however filled with customers, who loudly chatted away, slurring their drinks greedily, it was suffocating you weren't gonna lie, fortunately your friends were there to divert your mind.

    "So y/n! What will you have?" Rosetti said, grinning wide. "Oh no I don't drink, I thought I told you guys."

    "But come on! Just today!?"

    "No, I don't wanna. My mom will kill me if I do."

    Reluctantly obliging, they ordered what they wanted, talking to pass by time. "So, what have you been upto.?"

    "Nothing much, I just help some people around." You said, looking at them.

    "You are so unlike us, we've busied ourselves with mindless relationships."

    "Yeah? I guess it's sadly not going well..?"

    "You bet, things have been pretty bad around here lately, no doubt it's affecting our lives!"

    "Hmm.."

    As conversation and words are being exchanged, you suddenly notice one of your friend looking at someone behind you, she tapped on the shoulder of another one of your friend, before whispering something into their ear.

    "What's wrong you guys?" You curiously inquired. They swiftly turn their faces towards you, eyes slightly open. "O-oh n-nothing-"

    "Just.. you know, checking out some.. guys."

    You blink, staring at them for a few seconds. Looking away after giving them a understanding nod.

    "We probably shouldn't tell her! Come on it'll be a secret! Just between you and me." One of the friends exchanged those words to the other. Who in turn gazed at her with uncertainty. "You sure..?" She nods.

    "Hey y/n! Aren't you gonna get yourself a boyfriend?" Rosetti asked, you had already left the bar, going on the pathway before inevitably everyone parts ways later.

    "Um.. I don't know- I don't think anyone would want to date me, especially at this time.."

    "Oh come on! Why don't you give it a try?" She cheered.

    "I guess.." you bashfully answered. Peering down at the cement pavement.

    The next day, while you're out, just talking with kids who suddenly, point out something, or rather say it. "Hey miss! I think.. you got a admirer.." they said, you sided your head, caught off guard. "Really? Why do you think so..?"

    "Because-" they abruptly cease, shaking their heads before running away. You assumed they were just too shy to say it, as they did not really appear frightened.

    However, when you turn around to leave, your face meets with a hard chest, nearly stumbling, but caught yourself in time. You looked up, uttering out. "My deepest apologies.. I did not see you there..."

    "No.. it's okay." A deep yet charming voice replied to your words although monotone it did make your heart skip a beat, your eyes stared into his blue eyes which seemed abnormally beautiful. 

    "I must say..  your eyes are very beautiful." You said, surprised by your own remark, you innocently gazed into his eyes, hastily glancing away a minute later.

    He stays silent, maybe a little taken aback, he did not speak other than that one sentence, seeing as it was getting a tiny bit awkward, you said. "It was nice seeing you.. hope to see you around um..?"

    "Cloud.. cloud strife."

    "Cloud! Such a cute name! I'm y/n l/n." You smiled. He looks away, the little shy type you assumed.

    "Well then! Off I go! Bye!" You said, departing from the scene, cloud stands still for a moment, watching you walk away.

   It was after that, cloud seemed to be.. around you, not that you were sure of it, you'd catch sight of him, either lurking in the back or simply just passing by you, of course you'd smile and greet him, but nothing more than that. It was after the third encounter, you started to get a little.. cautious.

    "Hello there! Cloud how are you?"

    "Fine." He said.

    "Is it just me? Or are we coming across each other a lot! Not that I mean it in a.. bad way." You said, picking out your words carefully.

    "I suppose.." he didn't say anything more, just staring down for a while before glancing back up at you.

    "How are you.?" He asked. "Oh I'm great! Since I'm getting to see you a lot these days!" You said, that last part was meant to be a.. mistake, and after you said it, you realized and mentally slapped yourself.

    "Oh- um I better get going! Bye!" You quickly said, swiftly walking away, a little embarrassed.

    That night, washing your face and dressed in your much more comfortable clothes, you heard the dog bark, aggressively that is, you had fed the poor hungry animal once and the dog was forever grateful to you, and most of the times he'd be outside your home, you did occasionally give him food, but sometimes you can be forgetful.  Stepping out your room, you walked to the front door, peaking from the curtained window before checking anything out.

    It was cloud, just silently standing before the door, a little out of it, and seeming lost in his thoughts, it was creepy, but hesitantly decided it was best.. to ask him to leave. If your mom saw him, she'd definitely freak out.

    Slightly ajarring the door, you looked at him, immediately snapping him out of his thinking. Doing your best to mask your discomfort, you spoke. "Um.. what are you doing here..? Cloud." You said.

    "Oh.. uh I was just.. " he said, looking down unsure. He breathed in loudly once before talking.

    "I just.. wanted to see you.."

    "In middle of the night.?" You questioned. He stares up, embarrassed and awfully upset. "I.. I'm sorry.. "

    "I-it's okay. It's late you should head back home, you might catch a cold or something.."  

    "Yeah.." he replied, staring down.

    "So- then goodnight!" You awkwardly smile, slowly closing the door shut. Walking back to your room with a bad feeling in your guts.

    Waking up the next morning, feeling calm and a little refreshed, you got up and prepared yourself to leave for the day, pushing the creepy incident to the back of your head. Working as usual, and helping a couple of people, who at least once pointed at someone, and it wasn't until a old woman laughed and talked about it you came to fully know

    "Young love! You have a dedicated and a extremely loyal lover my dear!" She said, broadly grinning at you.

    "Hm? Is that so..? What do you see in my supposed lover..?" You asked, Smiling yourself. "He is definitely very handsome, tall, quiet, mako blue eyes and a devoted heart."

    "Blue eyes you say..?"

    "Oh yes! He's always around you."

    "He is? Where is he?"

    "I don't think he wants to show himself.. not yet, at least, but he surely loves you a lot."

    You nod, thinking about it.

    It was late afternoon you were going back home, but stopped, when cloud came into your field of vision, looking tired and upset, extremely upset. Upon spotting you, he stared down, not saying or showing anything. You felt heartbroken for some reason, whether it was due to the saddened look on his face or the fact that he had dark circle beneath his eyes, indicating his lack of sleep, you didn't know. You walked up to him, unable to mind your own business.

    "Hey! I.. we didn't meet each other today, strange! Were you busy..?" You asked.

    "Yeah.." he said, still not looking up. You nod, "I couldn't help but notice you.. looking sad, are you alright.?"

    "Huh..?" He stares up at you for a second, but looked down again, hiding his eyes from your gaze.

    "I am?" He asked, "yeah, if you wanna talk about it, I'm all ears!" You said. Surprised, his blue eyes find their way to yours. He thought for a moment.

    "It's fine, I'm just.. tired I guess."

    "Well Then- um how about we go somewhere!"

    "Go somewhere.?"

    "You know, like the park! or out of the city? I think it'll be fun! Plus it will help us to forget our worries for sometimes!"

    "I-"

    "Come on! We better get going!"

    Both of you stopped at your top secret place, collapsing down half exhausted, strangely, cloud didn't mind getting dragged here, looking at the settling sun, you softly smiled, inhaling deeply.

    "So- um.. how are you feeling now..? I know we didn't do much but- you know!" You awkwardly said.

    "Hmm.. much better, now that I'm with you." You blushed, hastily looking down shyly.

    "O-oh glad I could help."

    Turning your attention back to cloud, you noticed him staring at you, rather curiously, you blushed harder, gulping, finding the courage to say. "Is something on my face or..?"

    "No.. "

    "So why are you-" you watched him inch closer to you, effectively shutting you up. It was getting awkward at least to you, cloud still stared into your eyes, and you could see his eyes much clearer and closer, although you could also see the dark bags under his eyes. It did concern you.. a tiny bit.

    "Aren't you sleeping enough.. cloud?" You asked.

    "Hm? No. Been thinking about.. stuff, I guess."

    "Oh I see.. but don't let it get to you okay?"

    He smiles softly, and it's gone the moment you notice, he nods. Finally looking away.

    "So then, wanna head back or do you wanna stay here for sometime more?"

    "Hmm.. we better get back, it's gonna get dark soon."

    Walking with him in the tranquil atmosphere, felt sorta romantic, and your heartbeat kept accelerating, it took a good few minutes to reach your home, kinda sad to leave, both you and cloud. You both stand before the front entrance, just soaking in the present moment. Smiling you begin to speak, "it was nice going back to my favourite place with you, hope whatever you're going through will go away eventually!"

    He nods, humming. Looking into your eyes, "I'm glad.. I got to see you today." Slightly widening your eyes, you smiled, a rosy hue dancing on your cheeks.

    "Hmm me too, see you tomorrow then?"

    He nods his head, his lips stretching into a small smile. Giving one final look, you walked into your house, feeling.. excited and.. maybe in love.

    Days passed by, just like that, meeting cloud everyday, chatting, telling more about yourself, him talking about his feelings, or just enjoying each other's presence. You felt like, it was safe to say, you had developed some Fondness for the blonde haired guy, and maybe, him too. Though you didn't encourage your feelings, since everything didn't seem.. right for some reason.

    It was a fine day, unfortunately you were running late, thanks to your exhaustion, which came from talking to cloud on the phone for too long! You regretted it but at the same time you didn't, there wasn't a lot of traffic but, the moment you step forward to cross the road, a car races up to you, luckily you were mindful enough to avoid but you did manage to get a couple of bruises and cuts, it wasn't severe though. So you payed no mind to it.

      However, cloud had a complete different reaction, in your spare time, both you and cloud would try to hang out, and it was at this time, cloud's behaviour oddly scared you...

    "Where did you get those bruises y/n?" He asked, all of a sudden, in a very serious tone.

    "Uh.. oh this! Ah- I had a small accident that's it-"

    "A small accident?" He abruptly stops, as if his heart had stopped beating for a second.

    "It's nothing too serious I promise-"

    "Did you get it treated? Why didn't you tell me any sooner! What would I have done if I lost you!" His voice raised at the end of his sentence, his calm mako blue eyes widened. Shocked, the words you wanted to say died on the tip of your tongue. A bit hurt you look back at him. "It's okay cloud-"

    "No it's not okay- I don't want to lose you too."

    "You won't cloud please calm down okay? I'm fine, nothing will happen to me, not when you're with me!" You smiled, trying to lighten up the situation. He looks up, a Fond tint along with sorrow mixed in his eyes. Not saying a word, he hugs you, tight, too tight, you tried not to mind it.

    "Hmm.. "

    That evening, when you received a call from cloud, you didn't answer it, needing some time to yourself, but that took a horrible turn. Whilst you're getting ready to bed, you got a message from cloud, telling you to look out of your window, confused you went to the window in your room, and to your surprise, he stood there waiting.

    You 'psst' at him, successfully catching his attention, you whispered yelled. "What are you doing here?!"

    "I came to check if you were alright."

    Giving him a bewildered look, you turn around, quickly but quietly making your way downstairs to the entrance, praying your mom wouldn't hear you opening the door, stepping outside, with a questioning expression on your face, you talked. "Okay, why wouldn't I be alright?"

    "You didn't pick up my call.. i got worried."

    "Oh.. I'm sorry. I didn't pick up your call because I wanted some time to myself."

    Not saying much, he gazes down, sighing to himself.

    "Have I ever told you where I lived.. cloud? It's been bothering me a lot lately.."

    "I.. I just know.. " he replied.

    "When did you first meet me?" You asked, taking a step closer to him. "When you were helping that old woman.."

    "Misses scarlet..?"

    "Yes."

    "Have you been stalking me cloud..?"

    He stares up, hurt so evident in his eyes, it almost made you think you had made the wrong decision, but you wanted to know, needed to know him to some extent. Biting his lips, he takes time to speak again.

    "I just wanted to protect you that's all- I'm not doing anything wrong."

    "But it isn't right-"

    "No! I need to know- reassure myself- that you're safe at all times."

    "Cloud! Stop okay please! It isn't healthy and I don't you to be worried all the time!" He looks deep into your eyes. "Go home, get some rest cloud, you're taking too much stress, it isn't good for you."

    "If you can't, then I'll help! Just.. please don't strain yourself..."

    After that, thing were pretty much stagnant, you went on with your life, rarely having time to talk with cloud on your way to home, you did feel bad, so to make up for it, you talked on the phone with him at night, since that was the time both you and him were free. It was going on well, cloud seemed to be opening up a little, smiling and laughing a lot more, and it made you happy. Together, things were going on fine, until..

    Nasty rumours escalated, specifically about you, at first you tried not to care, but it all grew overwhelming, it was mainly between your friends and other close people, you thought about what you did wrong, but nothing came to your mind, you felt left out, and you could only depend on cloud himself, who seemed to be there whenever you needed him.

    And it seemed.. like he knew everything..

-TIMESKIP-

"I swear, it's like they're out to get me or something. Seriously, what did I ever do to them?" (S/C) shuddered in delight as (Y/N) gulped down the beer in front of her, a cold feeling running down her throat. Normally she refused to drink, but the rumors were wearing that patience and morality she was known for thin.

Cloud rubbed her back in small circles, a slight guilty expression somewhat showing on his clear blue eyes. He looked around their table to see the multiple empty glasses scattered around the bar. He didn't expect her to be such a heavy drinker. "I didn't know you drink."

It had been two weeks ever since the rumors started. And the results haven't been pretty for anyone. 

Especially (Y/N). 

"I don't." She slapped her head and moved her head back, raising her other arm into the air in order to signal to the bartender. "Another beer please!"

Hey, anything to help drown out the whispers.

The bartender sighed and glared at (Y/N), already having heard the cruel rumors (of course he believed them,) and being stuck with giving her drinks all night. Having already turned around, the man didn't see a specific blond grind his teeth and tighten his hands into fists.

Honestly, Cloud could've felt worse about what he did. Spreading little lies whenever he could about an innocent girl, all for the sake of his so-called love. And now he was at a bar with her, convincing the one who never drank in her life to destroy her liver just so she could forget his… previous encounter with her.

The worst part? He didn't care. He didn't care about the horrible migraines (Y/N) was going to experience soon because of the drinking, he didn't care that he had ruined her life, he didn't care that everyone in town now hated her guts.

All that mattered was she was with him. Now if she were to figure any of that out…

Well, he would leave it up to her on what to do with that information. Although he knew it was difficult for her to even walk in this state, much less figure out something so complex.

The second the alcoholic drink was set down in front of her, (Y/N) immediately grasped the glass and drank it all in a few gulps.

He looked at the girl next to him. Near close to a mess. Darkened skin under her eyes, her hair partially in tangles, all of the luster and joy for life that made Cloud fall for her in the first place. Gone.

"I just don't get it, Cloud. Why did this even happen?"

"...I don't know."

He should've felt bad. Like a puppeteer, he was pulling the invincible strings behind her life. His puppet. That wasn't healthy. The guilt should have been devouring him whole.

Of course it wasn't.

It was probably time to go. Cloud dug through his pockets and dropped a few pieces of Gil down onto the table for the bartender to later collect. 

"We'll be leaving now, thank you for the drinks." Trying to be polite to the person who was currently at the top of his kill list, Cloud gave a slight bow as he helped (Y/N) stand up and out of her seat.

Despite not having a single drop extra, (Y/N) was already acting more and more intoxicated. 

Giggling like a schoolgirl, (Y/N) had a skip in her step as she walked along the sidewalk next to Cloud. 

It was a silent walk, but not an unwelcome one. Oddly empty too. Not that Cloud minded.

As the tent in his pants was growing tighter and tighter, Cloud bit his lip harder and harder and looked away, anywhere else than the cute, helpless girl by his side.

He shouldn't be having these thoughts. He shouldn't be thinking about how cute she looked like this. How small and docile she seemed with that red blush bright on her cheeks, how innocent she was with with those plump and delicious looking lips, how gorgeous her body was and how he had memorized every curve, how-

"Hey Cloud?"

"Y-yeah?" He wanted to kiss her right then and there for stopping his perverted thoughts before they went too far.

"I.. I uh… I think thisss is my house." (Y/N) slurred.

She was right. It may have seemed just as normal as any other house in the area, but Cloud knew otherwise. He had spent so many nights there to know.

Honestly Cloud was surprised she wasn't questioning his reason for why he knew where she lived again. Shocked, but glad. Granted he gave a half-ass answer before, so she didn't really have a reason to.

"Do you need any help getting inside?"

"Nope!"

He sighed.

"(Y/N) let me in please, I insist." 

(Y/N) loudly groaned, but no one seemed to care. Nor did she notice the dark edge now gleaming in his eyes. "Nahh, I'm good! My mom won't be here tonight, so I'm allll alone!!! It's not like I'll get in trouble then. Hehe." Cloud wanted to convince her more to let him stay with her, but she might get suspicious. And that would defeat the whole point of getting her drunk.

"Y-you know Cloud… Lately you've been a real good… what's the worddd… friend! Yeah. A good friend. I don't know how I could thank you." With a stumble in her steps and a wobbly grin plastered on her face, she was gone and the front door was shut in his face. 

Despite her drunken state, her words sounded… genuine. They do say people under the influence of alcohol bring out the truth.

But that damn word. Friend. Just hearing those few syllables made him want to rip his ears out.

The very definition of an angel, tainted. All because of him. Cloud smiled softly at himself. If he clearly didn't care about her reputation, then why did he give so much attention to a simple glare?

His thoughts drifted. Maybe he needed to teach that damn bartender a lesson for being so harsh towards his darling…

No, not yet. (Y/N)'s safety was more important right now. He needed to linger around the rest of the night just in case. She could possibly trip and bruise something while inside, maybe even bad enough that she would need to go to the hospital. He didn't want her getting hurt more than the damage his rumors have already caused, especially physically. And yet...

Was it really so bad that the idea of her getting hurt made him aroused?

──────────────────────────

The first thing (Y/N) (L/N) woke up to was a heart-pounding headache. 

She groaned into her pillow, hearing the blood already rushing in her ears. (E/C) eyes stared to her side, only to find a glass of lukewarm water sitting on her nightstand. Apparently last night she decided to pour herself a glass of water and not drink it. Weird, but not impossible.

Why'd she even decide to get drunk? Gah, her mom would have a cow if she were to find out what her child was doing so late at night.

Speaking of, where was she?

A loud knocking interrupted her thoughts. (Y/N) sighed once more and with a giant push, forced herself to get out of bed and stand up. She was still in her clothes from last night, so no need to worry about answering the door in her night clothes or anything.

"Oh," (Y/N) yawned as she opened the door, "hey Cloud. What do you need?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to visit the market with me today. It wouldn't be busy."

(E/C) eyes looked back to the living room behind her, before deciding what the hell. She didn't have anything else better to do today. "Sure. Just let me change clothes real quick. Come on in." 

Cloud nodded and walked inside, letting (Y/N) close the door as he looked around. It was so weird, he wasn't used to actually being invited in. Yet he could still recall the exact placement the hanging plant was in the far right corner of the living room...

"Your mom still isn't home yet?" 

"No, she had to buy some groceries or something." (Y/N) walked into her room before shutting the door. "Don't come in."

He didn't need to. He'd seen her change enough times to know exactly how she looked.

Cloud waited outside her door for a few minutes, only imagining what she'd wear and display to him.

She opened the door. Just a crack open, little by little. 

"Okay, um… Don't judge, ok?"

And fuck if he didn't love her before.

It may have been simple, but it suited her quite well. With long flowing sleeves, an almost translucent white button-up shirt donned her torso. If you looked hard enough, you could also see her plain white bra underneath. (Y/N) grabbed the hem of the (F/C) mini-skirt, clearly feeling slightly embarrassed by her wardrobe choices. At least she had some plain leggings on.

Cloud's blush was also fairly obvious, causing the girl to blush as well.

"I didn't pick this out on purpose!" She cried out, eyes darting in any other direction besides Cloud's face. "This was all I had left that was clean…"

Cloud forced out a laugh, trying to make the situation less tense. "It looks cute on you."

(Y/N) simply blushed harder and walked past him, bright (E/C) eyes staring down at the ground as if she had laser vision. 

"I'm guessing you're ready to go now?" Cloud asked at her red face, following behind. She nodded briskly. The market wasn't far away, and they both knew the way there.

The whole time out was… indifferent for the two.

For the boy, he felt like he was on cloud nine. Cloud hadn't been able to spend time with (Y/N) for so long, unless you count the bar. It felt nice, normal, to hang out with her at a simple place like the market.

As for (Y/N), she didn't really know what to think. It had been awhile since she's been outside ever since the rumors. She didn't want to hear anymore untrue whispers about her. 

A large crowd could be seen up ahead. It was packed, booming with the rich and poor, either standing by the sides and eating their recently bought snacks or paying for some item at a stall. 

"Wow… There's a lot more people here than I thought." She gasped out, seeing all the colorful market stalls be bombarded by customers.

"I remember seeing something about a bunch of places having sales today. I knew it'd be a little busy, but not this much."

A little busy?

"We should just go back-" (Y/N) started, only to get interrupted by Cloud grabbing onto her wrist and gently dragging her closer to the market.

"We came all this way, why not at least spend some time here? Besides, you might find something you need, like some herbs or medicine books."

She thought about this idea. She had been running low on ingredients to make medicine and tonics, and she had been looking for some new books to read in her free time...

And thus (Y/N) caved in and followed along.

It didn't take long before the two were practically trapped in the middle of the marketplace, complementary reds and greens, blues and yellows were fancied into garlands and hung about, people grinning from ear to ear and they talked and laughed to one another. It was almost calming.

A shiver momentarily ran down her spine.

Someone was staring at her. Not staring, watching. Watching every step, every move she made.

She craned her neck over her shoulder to look into the crowd, only to see everybody minding their own business. 

Apparently, her quick paranoia had been obvious.

"Don't worry about them," Cloud lowered down to whisper in her ear, "you got me, alright? I'll protect you."

"I don't need someone to protect me. The whispers are just starting to get annoying." (Y/N) grunted and crossed her arms as if to shield her body from sight.

The (H/C) haired girl looked around the crowd, people swimming around. The marketplace was extremely crowded today and she was beginning to get overwhelmed. Everyone passed quickly, bumping into the two and pushing them around as they went about their own business. 

Still sensing her unease, Cloud bit the inside of his mouth, trying to think of a way to cheer her up and calm her nerves. Blue iris stared to (E/C). "I'll go and get something for you. Stay here. If you need anything, I will be right over there." He pointed in the general area nearby, making (Y/N) slightly scowl. She was starting to regret saying yes to this whole day.

"Be right back!" He smiled at her once more; all (Y/N) did was nod and turn away.

As she stood by and waited for him to return, a figure walked up to the girl, loud footsteps booming with each step.

"You!" An old woman, seeming in her late thirties, pointed at the (H/C) haired girl with intense malice in her voice. 

She blinked.

"I'm sorry, but are you talking to me?" (Y/N) pointed to herself, seeing no one else besides her the woman could be talking about.

"Yes you, you damn whore!" 

Yup. Definitely her. Sweat formed on her forehead and she gulped, feeling guilty for no exact reason. This was because of the rumors right? Had they really gotten so bad that people would call her out in public now? 

Cloud was currently busy, paying for some drinks from a nearby stand. There's no way he would be able to run over and hear this lady practically screaming at the top of her lungs. It was too crowded today to overhear the two, despite the loud shrieking. 

All (Y/N) could do was suck it up and try to calm her down.

"U-uh ma'am, I think you have the wrong idea. I've never met you before in my-"

"Don't you fucking interrupt me!" 

(Y/N) flinched.

Passerby were starting to watch. All eyes were on her. Some sympathetic, others disgust. They came and left, leaving (L/N) all alone to deal with the person in front of her.

"And don't try to lie either. I've heard all about you. How you've opened your filthy legs for every man in this town, including my husband!"

"I can assure you, I would never do anything of the sort-"

(Y/N) was cut off once more. "Shut up! You really think I would believe you?"

Where was Cloud? Why hadn't he returned by now? He could be intimidating if needed, which would be really useful right now.

It was then the silver glint in the lady's pocket truly caused (Y/N) to worry. 

A knife.

"I'm going to make sure you never touch him again!"

With hatred and an intent to kill, she ran straight towards (Y/N), weapon in hand.

It all seemed to happen in slow motion.

There was a strange sensation. It wasn't quite vertigo or quite nausea that overcame after the initial overwhelming force rammed into her gut, just pain. The knife drew the breath from her lungs and the blood from her face. It was so strange, feeling it now. 

"(Y/N)!!" The voice sounded faint. She swore she could've recognised it if it wasn't for her blurring hearing and vision.

Her eyelids closed. 

Is this what it felt like to perish?

She didn't know, body falling and mind murky.

In the haze between consciousness and unconsciousness, her head filled with the sound of screaming. Heavy footsteps. A man's voice. A slap. More noises. 

And finally, silence.

──────────────────────────

For the second time that day, (Y/N) awoke to a gnawing pain in her body.

What exactly had happened?

Her and Cloud were at the market and met that lady, and then...

Oh yeah. She got stabbed in the gut.

Her fingers clenched together from the pain, gripping onto a bedsheet. For a moment, (Y/N) took a deep breath and tried to calm down. All seemed fine, maybe just a bad dream or something, maybe her nerves just reacted to the idea of getting stabbed and that's where the pain is coming from…

Using this rationalization, (Y/N) smiled and looked down at her torso.

Her eyebrow quirked up. She had a deep scar, running across her abdomen. It looked like it was a deep injury.

Then how did I get the scar? It seems fresh too… (Y/N) pondered in thought.

Until she heard the rattling of chains.

Her breath quickened as she noticed the rusty gray metal wrapped around her wrists. She noticed the area around her for the first time.

This wasn't her room.

This wasn't her house.

Her breath quickened, eyes darting around the bare room. It seemed relatively empty, nothing but a simple mattress and bedframe, small wooden end table, and a few dusty books next to the bed. (E/C) eyes centered themselves on the exit across from her; locked shut. It didn't look like it had been used in ages...

The metal cell-like door opened to reveal the silhouette of a male with tall, spiky hair.

She didn't need to call out his name. She knew who he was, anyone would.

"Oh, you're finally awake," Cloud heaved a sigh of relief, "you were really starting to worry me, y'know?" 

"..." How did she get healed then?

It's as if he read her mind. "Don't worry, I found some elixir and healed you back up. You should be okay to move now. Maybe just a little sore, if anything."

Groaning, she slowly sat up and tried to look down at the wound. It was bandaged, but it still hurt like hell.

Her mouth opened in shock at the male. It felt like her throat and lungs were closing in on her, cold beads of sweat dripping down her face.

"I-is this real?" Was all she could ask. She felt like she was going to throw up.

Cloud gave a soft smile. Yes, it was.

"Of course it is, dear. Why would you think otherwise?"

His eyebrows creased, a concerned frown etching on his face. "Hey now, don't be sad, I'm right here for you." It was meant to be comforting, as if his presence was supposed to soothe her.

She wanted to scream, thrash and kick around at him. Yet all her throat could manage was a high pitched whine. Getting stabbed took a lot more out of her than she thought.

"Oh no, you haven't had anything to drink lately have you? Your poor throat, I'll get you some water. Don't move." Cloud swiftly left, leaving the door cracked open. He knew there she couldn't leave. She was too weak in her current state.

Not as if I could get out of these…

(Y/N) huffed, gazing at the shackles that held her down. She gagged, the revolting idea of Cloud kidnapping her and locking her up made her want to shrivel up and die inside.

It didn't take long for her captor to return; almost as if he had a glass ready for her by the door. It looked oh so appetizing.

"Here you go." He held the glass within her reach.

"I… don't need it." She inhaled deeply and exhaled as she answered, hoping that by pulling a large amount of the stale air into her body, she could free herself from the various fears and worries eating at her. Her legs huddled closer to her torso at the sight of the boy.

"Yes you do. If you don't drink any you'll become dehydrated, and you don't want that."

(Y/N) continued to shrink back down into the corner of the room and glare at the glass of water

"I didn't lace it with anything, if that's what you were thinking of. I'd never voluntarily hurt you."

Still, she refused.

How ungrateful.

Cloud sighed. He walked over to her, close enough to where he was hovering over her body. In one giant gulp, the blond had drunken all of the water and set the cup down on the floor.

(Y/N) didn't have enough time to react properly, gasping in shock as best she could with Cloud's lips over her own.

Despite only kissing her in order to rehydrate her, Cloud furthered the act of affection, gently biting her lip to search the inside of her mouth further.

It took some time for him to draw back, a dreamy smile left on his lips. (Y/N) coughed, still feeling his saliva inside her mouth.

"See, it wasn't that hard, now was it?"

That's when (Y/N) noticed it; the metallic smell, the tinge of red speckled across his face. She glanced at his knuckles through a teary sheen. Bruised and bloodied.

"C-Cloud." 

Cloud looked back at her, knowing exactly what she was about to ask.

"What did you do?"

No reply.

"What did you do?"

He sighed once more.

"I killed her." The blond said this with such innocence and normality as if there was nothing wrong with murdering someone in broad daylight.

All went silent.

"What?"

Cloud scoffed; not at her, just at the thought of his bloody hands wrapping themselves around that lady's fleshy neck. Oh how much pleasure it gave him to end the life of that foul lady. It was only a fair punishment for her crimes.

"She hurt you! What was I supposed to do?"

As much as she wanted to tell Cloud he was supposed to not fucking kill the woman, (Y/N) didn't dare say that in front of her captor. He may seem slightly calm now, but Cloud had just admitted to murder, so there's no telling what he could do next.

"I don't know where she got the damn idea that you would do such a terrible thing though, I never said that." Cloud spoke, the hatred for the now dead woman very much clear. He huffed, digits combing through his hair.

His reveal of the truth and reason behind the rumors shocked the girl, but she didn't bring up. She felt her rage returning back to her, replacing the dread and sorrow she felt moments ago. 

"That doesn't change the fact that you killed her and kidnapped me! You're a fucking murderer!"

"Don't you dare use that language around me." His words cut into her like a knife, fists slamming down onto the sorry excuse of a bed.

"I'm sorry… I just…" He looked at her once more. She was shaking. He hated seeing her like this, he hated being the cause of her distress.

"I hated seeing others around you. They were using you dear, abusing your kindness and leaving you behind. They didn't deserve you. You're too pure, too perfect for them."

Why couldn't she just see he was doing all of this for her? What more did she need to understand that?

He paused and sent a nod her way. His eyes were brimming with overflowing admiration. "You understand, don't you?"

In a moment of desperation, (Y/N) did something she never thought she'd ever do.

She begged.

"Cloud please…" The tear streaks were already starting to dry. "J-just let me go, I promise I won't tell anyone about this, just please let me go."

He actually seemed to entertain about the idea for a moment. It took a minute, but he finally replied, "That's not going to happen." His hand cupped her wet cheek, not faltering even when she flinched away.

"You saw what they did to you back there, I can't risk it anymore. You'll be staying here from now on."

(Y/N) could feel all her hopes and dreams of freedom shatter apart with those words.

"Why? Why would you do this?"

Cloud smiled softly. He kneeled down to reach the chained girl's height and patted her head before standing back up; to him, she seemed so small and docile like this. 

And most importantly, safe.

"It's simple really."

The familiar liquid returned to the corners of her eyes. One drop, then another, then another.

"You've helped people for so long, darling." Cloud ignored her quiet pleas, the sound of his pants unzipping and underwear falling to the floor filling the room.

"Now it's time for me to help you."