(Cloud Strife x Reader x Rufus Shinra) A Bolt from the Blue

Chapter 13 - Favourite Place

The next day is busy preparing for the mission. You and Cloud are to travel together and Biggs separately as he is to head up to the Plate earlier to make sure he has all the equipment needs. To avert suspicion, you and Cloud are to adopt the identity of a couple, just having a date night up on the plate. Your fake IDs are also made to match this story.

Tifa and Aerith do not seem to mind you pairing up with Cloud for this mission, as Cloud's cold outward demeanour towards you reassured them of his indifference. They help you get ready for the mission. You change into a borrowed pretty but practical dress which goes well with your asymmetrical jacket. The girls try your jacket on in turn as they comment on the fact that you can tell by the cut and quality that it was made for someone who lives on the Plate.

Once you are ready and equipped you head downstairs. Cloud had agreed to pick you up from Seventh Heaven - just like a real date - you think to yourself amused. He is already waiting when you walk into the room. Cloud had changed into a crisp white shirt, untucked from his plain black jeans. The top button of his shirt is undone and the casual smartness of his look is effortless. You would have thought the whiteness of his shirt would wash out his fair complexion but instead it highlights his perfectly smooth clear milky skin.

Cloud cast his eyes on you and your new look approvingly with a secret glint in his eye. He stands as you approach and steps towards you holding your twin gunblades in an outstretched hand. You glow with excitement as you are reunited with your beloved weapon.

"Thanks Cloud!" You exclaim, hugging your weapon to your chest. You loop the chain a few times in a well-rehearsed manner and hook it on your belt, leaving your weapon hanging down in a familiar fashion from your lower back.

You bid farewell to the other Avalanche members, all of whom wishing you both good luck.

"The train should be departing at 5pm." Cloud explains while leading the way to the train station. You nod, hardly containing the nervous excitement running through you. At the station the train is already there, with people milling in and out of the carriages whilst waiting for it to depart.

Cloud steps into the train first and finds two seats next to each other and sits down. You follow and perch beside him, barely able to sit still.

"I've noticed you always walk into rooms or sit down first. Aren't you meant to let the girl go first?" You ask light heartedly as the two of you wait for the train to depart.

"Don't know. Never thought about it." He pauses. "Maybe it's cause I'm used to being alone."

Your heart strings tug.

"It's not very chivalrous." You tease.

"Oh." Cloud utters in acknowledgement and looks away in thought as the train departs.

You spend most of the journey looking around at the other passengers, catching snippets of their conversations. You wonder what they are doing on this evening train and what they might be thinking. You contemplate the philosophy of being alive, all these individuals with hopes, dreams and fears, writing their own personal story, just as you are.

You and Cloud sit in amiable silence both lost within your own thoughts. However, that's when you hear mutterings that there is a fault with the automatic ID scan and so there are guards moving through the train doing manual ticket and ID checks. Your lips press into a line nervously as you glance at Could, who no doubt overheard too. He meets your gaze and reassuringly gives you a small nod. This puts your mind at rest instantly, the simple gesture telling you that everything will be fine without words.

The beat of your heart increases the closer the guard gets. When it is your turn, the guard states formally,

"Ticket and ID please."