Written for the Clorith drabble challenge that me and TinaK.Number1 are doing.
Drabble #2: Protection
Summary: He was her bodyguard and as he watched her pick her flowers, Cloud knew he would always do whatever he could to protect her.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Characters and places belong to SquareEnix
The blonde frowned as a blur of pink past him by. The crease in his brow only intensified as his eyes focussed on the brunette girl who had whizzed past him and was now racing towards the flower field ahead. Didn't she realise that anything could be lurking beneath the tall stems and large petals? She would end up getting hurt if she continued in this manner. Or worse, she would end up dead. He shuddered as that thought entered his mind and quickly pushed it aside.
"Aeris!" he called sternly, stopping her in her tracks.
She turned to face him, tilting her head to the side in a manner that he had always found irresistibly cute and a small smile crept onto her lips making her eyes twinkle. He stood for a moment, unable to find any words to say to her. It just wasn't fair! Why did he always fall for her charms? No! This time he was going to be stern and tell her to stay with the group!
"Aeris please stay with the group," he sighed pleadingly, brushing a hand tiredly through his hair.
The flower girl pouted at the request and gave a soft, disappointed sigh, which made Cloud feel guilty. It made him feel as if he had just stopped her from going to a school dance or something. He looked back up at her, determined to keep his face emotionless and his eyes cold, letting her know who was in charge of this group. However, he had not counted on seeing her beautiful eyes flutter softly or for her to step forwards.
"Cloud, I won't go far, just over there. Please!" she begged.
"Be careful," he replied before he could stop himself.
Nanaki gave him a knowing look as he stared after the young woman who was making her way towards the flower fields. Under the firewolf's intense stare, he was sure he was beginning to blush but just cleared his throat and moved on, determined to keep cool about his feelings for the flower girl.
It did, however, annoy him that she could get him to go against everything just to please her. He knew she didn't do it intentionally. She was just that sort of girl who was determined to get what she wanted from life provided she tried for it. She would never do anything that would hurt someone else and he was doubtful as to whether she even knew the effect she had on him.
They were approaching the field now where Aeris was but she paid them no attention, too engrossed in picking out the prettiest flowers she could find. Cloud continued to glance all across the grasslands for any movement of a creature who thought he could sneak up on the distracted woman but so far, it seemed safe. He knew he may have become a little too protective of her but he couldn't really help it. He was her bodyguard and as he watched her pick her flowers, Cloud knew he would always do whatever he could to protect her.