[ It was a two-way street; if Ayaka was comfortable and learning how to be herself because of him, Cloud had practically left that 'Ex-SOLDIER turned Mercenary' behind because of her. Someday, there'd come a time where he could tell her why he lied to her, to everyone about being in SOLDIER and how important it was to him. When he knew the answer for himself. But one thing was certain, the boy that she knew here and now? Was still true. It was still the real Cloud. And this is what mattered to him. Being here. Knowing that when he stepped through that doorway to the Kamisato Estate or into his own place in Kyoto, he would do so knowing that she was waiting for him.
He doesn't shy away from her touch when she cups his cheek once again either, quietly resting against it. If she had wondered how many nightmares he had since he confided to her in everything, it was enough. Enough that he simply needed to remember what it felt like to hold her hand, even as he reached out for nothing in his empty room. But they did truly wane, especially with his resolve steeled by knowing what was waiting for him at the end of this road of hard work. ]
...
[ He reacts when she squeezes his hand, slowly leaning in with her before she suddenly remembers herself. A hum of worry leaves him as he lets go with her, canting his head when she goes straight for her teacup. ]
In front of...? [ Who? One second. ! ] Oh.
[ He's not disappointed! But he does follow her lead, clearing his throat subconsciously to grab his own matcha tea. ]
Sorry. Wasn't trying to, um...
[ But he wouldn't have stopped. 😌 And...what she wanted for him was sweet. And she deserves to know that. So he lets one thought among the many in his head fly free before he takes a sip, ready to enjoy this peace with her and her family. ]
no subject
He doesn't shy away from her touch when she cups his cheek once again either, quietly resting against it. If she had wondered how many nightmares he had since he confided to her in everything, it was enough. Enough that he simply needed to remember what it felt like to hold her hand, even as he reached out for nothing in his empty room. But they did truly wane, especially with his resolve steeled by knowing what was waiting for him at the end of this road of hard work. ]
...
[ He reacts when she squeezes his hand, slowly leaning in with her before she suddenly remembers herself. A hum of worry leaves him as he lets go with her, canting his head when she goes straight for her teacup. ]
In front of...? [ Who? One second. ! ] Oh.
[ He's not disappointed! But he does follow her lead, clearing his throat subconsciously to grab his own matcha tea. ]
Sorry. Wasn't trying to, um...
[ But he wouldn't have stopped. 😌 And...what she wanted for him was sweet. And she deserves to know that. So he lets one thought among the many in his head fly free before he takes a sip, ready to enjoy this peace with her and her family. ]
Thanks, Ayaka.