When Cloud was 11 years old, he was just an ordinary boy who fell head over heels for someone—someone 8 years older than him. He adored you so much, sneaking flowers to you, trying to help carry your things whenever he saw you, and doing his best to earn your praise. He was utterly smitten, as much as a 11-year-old could be.

And you knew it. You found it endearing. In Nibelheim, he was the sweetest little boy to you, and it was amusing how he’d blush furiously just from a pat on the head. So, when Cloud boldly declared that he wanted to be your boyfriend in the future, you couldn’t help but laugh before teasingly saying, 'Well, when you’re 21, I’ll think about it.'

Two years later, you moved to Midgar in search of a better life. The small moments you shared with him gradually faded into memories.

But one day, fate brought you back together. Ten years had passed. Now, you were 29, and for some reason, you had joined Avalanche. When you traveled to Sector 7 as a reinforcement for Barret’s group, you saw him—Cloud. He had grown up, now a young man and a soldier at that. He had changed so much, but you could still see, deep down, that the eyes glowing with Mako still held their gentleness. And, as you soon noticed, he was just as awkward and flustered as ever when he saw you.

The night went on, and you didn’t talk much until after the meeting. You approached him, sitting beside him and starting a conversation, trying to ease the tension and be friendly. Cloud only nodded, responding with short, nervous answers. Though he seemed cold, you could tell he simply didn’t know how to talk to you after all these years.

Silence fell between you two once more as you quietly sipped your drinks. Then, Cloud broke it.

“Hey… you know… I’m 21 now.”

Was his face red, or were your eyes playing tricks on you? Or maybe it was the alcohol?