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[ She sighs, staring off into some empty corner of the restaurant's dark interior, face pinched. ]
I know, but...not for now.
[ She doesn't like thinking about it either. Will it all be like that first time, but...with people she doesn't feel okay about like Cloud? Will it make her want people she doesn't? How is she going to find a way for her first time be, well, okay?
And what about him? He's...well. Delicate. Not everyone is going to be patient and gentle like she is. She doesn't want him being overtaxed and, and...
She bites her lip when he brings up that night. Was that...so bad for him? She really...wouldn't have minded, outside their patron. ]
You too, okay? I'm not that delicate, Cloud. [ It comes out colder and snappier than she means. ] I just ... I've lived in the city on my own for a long time. I can handle myself, okay? You don't have to worry.
[ She wishes he didn't know she was a virgin so she could just lie and say she knew what she was doing. Maybe that was why he hadn't wanted to--
She can't think like that. They're here as friends. They're here to spend time together. Why does it feel like they're fighting? ]
I didn't meant to get my nose in anything. I just meant, if you were, or if you do find someone...it's okay to keep good people close, even if it's here, okay? I'm glad you found someone worthwhile, whatever they are to you. I won't push into your private life. That's your business.
[ She hates the way she skates over his compliment, the way it sticks in her stomach and makes her eyes feel tight. Maybe this hadn't been a good idea. Maybe she wasn't ready for this. Which is ridiculous. She had no claim on Cloud. She barely knew him, really. ]
I know, but...not for now.
[ She doesn't like thinking about it either. Will it all be like that first time, but...with people she doesn't feel okay about like Cloud? Will it make her want people she doesn't? How is she going to find a way for her first time be, well, okay?
And what about him? He's...well. Delicate. Not everyone is going to be patient and gentle like she is. She doesn't want him being overtaxed and, and...
She bites her lip when he brings up that night. Was that...so bad for him? She really...wouldn't have minded, outside their patron. ]
You too, okay? I'm not that delicate, Cloud. [ It comes out colder and snappier than she means. ] I just ... I've lived in the city on my own for a long time. I can handle myself, okay? You don't have to worry.
[ She wishes he didn't know she was a virgin so she could just lie and say she knew what she was doing. Maybe that was why he hadn't wanted to--
She can't think like that. They're here as friends. They're here to spend time together. Why does it feel like they're fighting? ]
I didn't meant to get my nose in anything. I just meant, if you were, or if you do find someone...it's okay to keep good people close, even if it's here, okay? I'm glad you found someone worthwhile, whatever they are to you. I won't push into your private life. That's your business.
[ She hates the way she skates over his compliment, the way it sticks in her stomach and makes her eyes feel tight. Maybe this hadn't been a good idea. Maybe she wasn't ready for this. Which is ridiculous. She had no claim on Cloud. She barely knew him, really. ]
...Can't say I'm against the idea of blowing this place to bits, but discretion, yeah? Pinocchio doesn't say no to much.
[ that's his very guarded way of saying "be careful, seriously." his features are taut, two fingers coming to rub against his forehead. ]
Deal. [ he can acquiesce to that much. ] ...Sourpuss, huh. [ says the fellow sourpuss. ] You two know each other long?
[ that's his very guarded way of saying "be careful, seriously." his features are taut, two fingers coming to rub against his forehead. ]
Deal. [ he can acquiesce to that much. ] ...Sourpuss, huh. [ says the fellow sourpuss. ] You two know each other long?
[She nods along to his comment about discretion, because yeah. She's trying. Sorta. Marina really doesn't want this place blown up or gone, she wants to stick around. It's better for Daan, too. No going back to Prehevil or Termina. Her heart would break if she let anything like that happen to her best friend...]
Before here? Oh, for a couple days. [only that] I mentioned at breakfast, we met because of a really bad train ride.
[and now they're thick as thieves, must have been pretty bad to inspire that kind of kinship.]
Before here? Oh, for a couple days. [only that] I mentioned at breakfast, we met because of a really bad train ride.
[and now they're thick as thieves, must have been pretty bad to inspire that kind of kinship.]
[ he's messed this up and he knows it. things between them-- always veered in this direction, awkwardly ambling along the tracks before the inevitable collision. it's been this way ever since they were kids, and somehow, the distance has only widened since then.
pathetically, his features loosen, the mask falling as his expression softens into that of a kicked dog's. he knows -- that she can handle herself. that she's strong, that she endured the hell that was that day 5 years ago too. ]
...Alright. [ he speaks quietly, submitting at last. ] I get it. You've... gone through a lot.
[ and then the blues of his eyes stray, looking for something, anything to imprint on. ]
...I'm sorry. That I wasn't there.
[ he doesn't know-- where he was. but it wasn't there, when it should have been. ]
I feel like... this place'll just taint everything it touches. Even the good things. I don't trust them -- the people in charge.
[ even these precious moments, time and opportunities they'd never get back home -- were they truly safe? ]
But... [ his throat is unbearably tight. ] I'm still-- I'm still glad. That you're meeting people who treat you good. You deserve that.
[ she did. she always did. ]
pathetically, his features loosen, the mask falling as his expression softens into that of a kicked dog's. he knows -- that she can handle herself. that she's strong, that she endured the hell that was that day 5 years ago too. ]
...Alright. [ he speaks quietly, submitting at last. ] I get it. You've... gone through a lot.
[ and then the blues of his eyes stray, looking for something, anything to imprint on. ]
...I'm sorry. That I wasn't there.
[ he doesn't know-- where he was. but it wasn't there, when it should have been. ]
I feel like... this place'll just taint everything it touches. Even the good things. I don't trust them -- the people in charge.
[ even these precious moments, time and opportunities they'd never get back home -- were they truly safe? ]
But... [ his throat is unbearably tight. ] I'm still-- I'm still glad. That you're meeting people who treat you good. You deserve that.
[ she did. she always did. ]
...He's talked about it a few times. What things were like back there.
[ cloud awkwardly rubs at the back of his head, not wanting to broach; it was a sensitive enough topic for daan. he can't imagine how bad it was for marina, too, and they weren't within proximity of each other enough for him to jam his thumbs into that wound.
but still, as they walk, he heaves out a sigh-- ]
My world's a piece of shit, too, but-- if you need any help... winning the game-- making sure that you don't go back--
...You can count on me. [ he turns away. ] Don't want either of you stuck there.
[ cloud awkwardly rubs at the back of his head, not wanting to broach; it was a sensitive enough topic for daan. he can't imagine how bad it was for marina, too, and they weren't within proximity of each other enough for him to jam his thumbs into that wound.
but still, as they walk, he heaves out a sigh-- ]
My world's a piece of shit, too, but-- if you need any help... winning the game-- making sure that you don't go back--
...You can count on me. [ he turns away. ] Don't want either of you stuck there.
He did, huh? Well... no way I'd want to go back. Nothing left for me or for Daan...
[Marina smirks at his little offer, but instead of going full gremlin to tease him, her lips pout a bit. Seriously, she cares about Daan, she can tell Cloud is on her side with that.]
We can't let him go back. He needs us. So, let's scheme to keep him here for good! We can do it. [she bumps her head into a little into him, like, go team! They got this!]
You need help with him I got you right back. He's seriously my best friend, got a pretty good read on that guy. You have anybody like that around here, hotstuff?
[resign yourself that nickname here and now, Cloud. It has been decided.]
[Marina smirks at his little offer, but instead of going full gremlin to tease him, her lips pout a bit. Seriously, she cares about Daan, she can tell Cloud is on her side with that.]
We can't let him go back. He needs us. So, let's scheme to keep him here for good! We can do it. [she bumps her head into a little into him, like, go team! They got this!]
You need help with him I got you right back. He's seriously my best friend, got a pretty good read on that guy. You have anybody like that around here, hotstuff?
[resign yourself that nickname here and now, Cloud. It has been decided.]
Edited 2024-02-20 22:54 (UTC)
[ She always does this -- finally decides to fight back and regrets it instantly. Why does she always do it with him? She knows he means well. It makes her stomach feel leaden, the way he curls in on himself. ]
Cloud, I didn't -- [ She didn't what? Want him to back off? Mean to hurt him? ] I wish we had been in the same place, but it's neither of our fault. You don't have to be sorry for something you didn't even know about. [ She's unaware how much firmer her tone is, or the way her hands clench.
That image, of him comatose in the alley, comes unbidden. Why is he apologizing to her? They were both victims here. And...
He was the only one who ever cared about what happened to her. She just...didn't want him thinking of her as this brittle little girl who couldn't do anything herself.
Like everyone else did.
She sighs rubbing her head and shaking it. ] You're right. About this place. I'm not mad at you, at all. And I'm glad you're meeting people too. We both deserve that.
[ She puts on a much better smile, aware it's a lie but -- she wants to get back to that nice place with him. ]
Let's finish up here and take a walk? I've been wanting to see the gardens. I don't think there's monsters here, but if there are, we can take them.
Cloud, I didn't -- [ She didn't what? Want him to back off? Mean to hurt him? ] I wish we had been in the same place, but it's neither of our fault. You don't have to be sorry for something you didn't even know about. [ She's unaware how much firmer her tone is, or the way her hands clench.
That image, of him comatose in the alley, comes unbidden. Why is he apologizing to her? They were both victims here. And...
He was the only one who ever cared about what happened to her. She just...didn't want him thinking of her as this brittle little girl who couldn't do anything herself.
Like everyone else did.
She sighs rubbing her head and shaking it. ] You're right. About this place. I'm not mad at you, at all. And I'm glad you're meeting people too. We both deserve that.
[ She puts on a much better smile, aware it's a lie but -- she wants to get back to that nice place with him. ]
Let's finish up here and take a walk? I've been wanting to see the gardens. I don't think there's monsters here, but if there are, we can take them.
[One of the skills Daan hadn't really gotten around to really learning is cooking. He can make an okay sandwich, but that's not really substantial enough for two sad guys, and on top of that he does want to do something special for Cloud.
And so, he had called in a favor, and Daan eventually returns with a hot container of beef stew.]
Not sure how hungry you are, but you should probably eat something. [It's the first thing he says when he comes back, setting the pot onto the table.
He isn't sure how much Cloud will be able to taste it. Is reminding Cloud of a lost home and a lost parent even a smart idea? He genuinely isn't sure; this is territory he's unfamiliar with himself. Daan doesn't really have those kinds of associations after all, and Cloud might not even be able to entirely taste it.
...But maybe the smell will be enough. That's what he hopes.]
And so, he had called in a favor, and Daan eventually returns with a hot container of beef stew.]
Not sure how hungry you are, but you should probably eat something. [It's the first thing he says when he comes back, setting the pot onto the table.
He isn't sure how much Cloud will be able to taste it. Is reminding Cloud of a lost home and a lost parent even a smart idea? He genuinely isn't sure; this is territory he's unfamiliar with himself. Daan doesn't really have those kinds of associations after all, and Cloud might not even be able to entirely taste it.
...But maybe the smell will be enough. That's what he hopes.]
[ her hand sets onto his knee, and the realization trickles in slowly, honeyed and slick: this is the closest they've been since that night. heart racketing in his rib cage, lashes fluttering as their gazes intertwine, he feels himself melting into her with all of the warmth of a candle wick burning down to its base.
cloud had always shifted in between shades of disquieting insecurity and cutting temerity; but tonight, he wants... neither of those things. he wants to be unguarded and real and good, above all. to her. for her.
for once, he just wants this to work.
so his hand curls around hers, as if assuring her -- no, encouraging her to keep it there. that she could, that he wanted her to. ]
...I am too.
[ it's spoken firmly, but not so rigid that he thinks he might put her off. the waitress returns with two flutes of champagne, gold shimmering in the watercolor halogen light. never in his life did he think they'd be doing this, drinking alcohol far, far beyond their pay grade in a restaurant valued more than both of their lives combined.
it's... daunting. frightening. exhilarating, exciting. he pinches the stem of the glass between his fingers, a practice he had only learned due to a prior date here. ]
...Tifa.
[ he raises his glass, gesturing it towards her. a toast. ]
To making it this far. The two of us. Together.
cloud had always shifted in between shades of disquieting insecurity and cutting temerity; but tonight, he wants... neither of those things. he wants to be unguarded and real and good, above all. to her. for her.
for once, he just wants this to work.
so his hand curls around hers, as if assuring her -- no, encouraging her to keep it there. that she could, that he wanted her to. ]
...I am too.
[ it's spoken firmly, but not so rigid that he thinks he might put her off. the waitress returns with two flutes of champagne, gold shimmering in the watercolor halogen light. never in his life did he think they'd be doing this, drinking alcohol far, far beyond their pay grade in a restaurant valued more than both of their lives combined.
it's... daunting. frightening. exhilarating, exciting. he pinches the stem of the glass between his fingers, a practice he had only learned due to a prior date here. ]
...Tifa.
[ he raises his glass, gesturing it towards her. a toast. ]
To making it this far. The two of us. Together.
[ he waits patiently.
it’s hard, being alone — even though he’s spent so much of his life steeped in solitude. he’s gotten too used to having someone,
to the comfort of daan’s presence. it’s fine. they both need the space, and he’d be back before he knew it. it was far from daan’s duty to babysit him.
when the door maneuvers open, cloud’s head jerks up. and then— the smell follows. rich, savory, umami—
he recognizes it well. it takes him to another time, long, long ago. memories of sitting at a small, wooden dinner table trickle into his consciousness. he sees her face — her smile, hears the lilt of her jovial voice, and he realizes— ]
…Daan?
[ he approaches gradually. cloud’s eyes are reminiscent of big, shining saucers, blues glittering beneath the halogen light of his room. he looks more like a kid than he does a man in this moment. ]
…Where’d you get this from?
it’s hard, being alone — even though he’s spent so much of his life steeped in solitude. he’s gotten too used to having someone,
to the comfort of daan’s presence. it’s fine. they both need the space, and he’d be back before he knew it. it was far from daan’s duty to babysit him.
when the door maneuvers open, cloud’s head jerks up. and then— the smell follows. rich, savory, umami—
he recognizes it well. it takes him to another time, long, long ago. memories of sitting at a small, wooden dinner table trickle into his consciousness. he sees her face — her smile, hears the lilt of her jovial voice, and he realizes— ]
…Daan?
[ he approaches gradually. cloud’s eyes are reminiscent of big, shining saucers, blues glittering beneath the halogen light of his room. he looks more like a kid than he does a man in this moment. ]
…Where’d you get this from?
Edited 2024-02-24 05:15 (UTC)
[The gaze in Cloud's eyes remind him of a boy, wide-eyed and unsure. It makes Daan feel all the more determined to help him, to protect him however he can.]
Called in a favor with a chef I met with when the resort kicked off their Open Season. I asked him to make this.
So, it ought to be safe. And... ideally, it'll be comforting, I hope.
[Not that Daan wants to make it a big deal, but he's taken quiet note of those little things Cloud has mentioned, or how he acts. Every little thing that makes him who he is, his vices and virtues both.]
Called in a favor with a chef I met with when the resort kicked off their Open Season. I asked him to make this.
So, it ought to be safe. And... ideally, it'll be comforting, I hope.
[Not that Daan wants to make it a big deal, but he's taken quiet note of those little things Cloud has mentioned, or how he acts. Every little thing that makes him who he is, his vices and virtues both.]
[ Her eyes widen, lips parting as she stares first at their hands and then his face. She'd known this was a date, but it wasn't really until that moment that it clicked that...maybe...he wanted her, in a way that was different from how they'd been.
That night flashes in her mind, long since tucked away, and she remembers how much she ached for him to touch her. Somehow his hand on hers is more shocking than anything she'd imagined. And much more grounding.
His words shake her from her surprise, features softening into something too soft as heat creeps onto her cheeks, but she doesn't mind. She squeezes his leg beneath her hand, just...happy.
And impressed when he raises a glass. Is that rude? Should she think more highly of him when she cares so much about him. It doesn't matter right now. She lifts her glass too, tipping it to clink lightly against his. ]
We sure have made it a long way, hmm? To us.
[ She pulls her glass back to sip. It's nice champagne, nicer than she's ever been able to afford except sampling for the bar. Maybe...maybe being here wasn't so bad. For now.
Her heart thuds wildly as she sips, Nami's advice about men and dating echoing in her mind. They're stupid. You have to tell them what you want, or they won't figure it out. Just ask. ]
Cloud...Would it be okay if I kissed you?
That night flashes in her mind, long since tucked away, and she remembers how much she ached for him to touch her. Somehow his hand on hers is more shocking than anything she'd imagined. And much more grounding.
His words shake her from her surprise, features softening into something too soft as heat creeps onto her cheeks, but she doesn't mind. She squeezes his leg beneath her hand, just...happy.
And impressed when he raises a glass. Is that rude? Should she think more highly of him when she cares so much about him. It doesn't matter right now. She lifts her glass too, tipping it to clink lightly against his. ]
We sure have made it a long way, hmm? To us.
[ She pulls her glass back to sip. It's nice champagne, nicer than she's ever been able to afford except sampling for the bar. Maybe...maybe being here wasn't so bad. For now.
Her heart thuds wildly as she sips, Nami's advice about men and dating echoing in her mind. They're stupid. You have to tell them what you want, or they won't figure it out. Just ask. ]
Cloud...Would it be okay if I kissed you?
Then don't. If you win the game, you'll get anything you want, right? Go somewhere you're happy. Where you have something.
[ there's no guarantee-- that the alleged "wish" they'll grant will materialized at all. it could an elaborate ploy to keep them here for good.
but-- a life here, for daan and marina, would be better than what they'd have to return to. he knows that much. cloud turns away again, if not wanting to let the mask slip. marina bumps into him and-- he looks at her, a little taken aback by her audacity as per usual, only to let it be.
yeah, he can see why she has such a tight leash on daan. ]
...The things he's gone through. I can't let him go back to a place like that. I... I have to protect him. [ it sounds stupid, so terribly boyish, but there's an earnestness there. ] Not like I can let anything happen to you either. Pretty sure you two are a two-for-one at this point.
[ another way of saying "yeah, i'll protect you too, don't embarrass me about this." he wants to groan at the second instance of "hotstuff", but then she asks that question and-- his brows cinch together in thought, vulnerability contorting his features ever so slightly. best friend. best friend. best friend. why is there so much pain rippling across his mind?
a hand raises to press at his temple. teeth come down, gnashing, before he lifts his head back up. ]
I... [ he starts. ] I don't-- have a best friend... or anything like that. People in my line of work don't keep others close.
But... there is someone here from home I give a damn about if that's what you're asking.
[ there's no guarantee-- that the alleged "wish" they'll grant will materialized at all. it could an elaborate ploy to keep them here for good.
but-- a life here, for daan and marina, would be better than what they'd have to return to. he knows that much. cloud turns away again, if not wanting to let the mask slip. marina bumps into him and-- he looks at her, a little taken aback by her audacity as per usual, only to let it be.
yeah, he can see why she has such a tight leash on daan. ]
...The things he's gone through. I can't let him go back to a place like that. I... I have to protect him. [ it sounds stupid, so terribly boyish, but there's an earnestness there. ] Not like I can let anything happen to you either. Pretty sure you two are a two-for-one at this point.
[ another way of saying "yeah, i'll protect you too, don't embarrass me about this." he wants to groan at the second instance of "hotstuff", but then she asks that question and-- his brows cinch together in thought, vulnerability contorting his features ever so slightly. best friend. best friend. best friend. why is there so much pain rippling across his mind?
a hand raises to press at his temple. teeth come down, gnashing, before he lifts his head back up. ]
I... [ he starts. ] I don't-- have a best friend... or anything like that. People in my line of work don't keep others close.
But... there is someone here from home I give a damn about if that's what you're asking.
what
[ a good minute or so passes before it occurs to him-- ]
got caught up with something last month.
[ read: he was fucking tripping. how does he go about this...
another minute passes. ]
sorry.
[ not something he would normally say but-- this place has softened him, unexpectedly. he didn't think the guy was genuinely interested; people had very little reason to be. ]
didn't think you really gave a shit, honestly. seem the type to do whatever you want.
[ a good minute or so passes before it occurs to him-- ]
got caught up with something last month.
[ read: he was fucking tripping. how does he go about this...
another minute passes. ]
sorry.
[ not something he would normally say but-- this place has softened him, unexpectedly. he didn't think the guy was genuinely interested; people had very little reason to be. ]
didn't think you really gave a shit, honestly. seem the type to do whatever you want.
...Didn't think you'd remember.
[ why would anyone? his eyes are affixed on the stew, hands cupping the edges of the pot. it's searing hot, and yet he doesn't flinch, doesn't pull away, too entrenched in the sight. his heart throbs and aches with memories he'd once thought were lost to the sands of time. ]
...Thank you.
[ he reaches for a spoon-- and haphazardly, without thinking, shovels a heap of it into his mouth. it burns, at first, the flavor overwhelmed by the heat. but he doesn't care. the undercurrent of acidity, the depth and richness of the broth, the tender beef-- it brings him right back to their small, rundown home in nibelheim. ]
It's... it's good. Really good.
[ and then, in a much smaller voice, eyes wrenching shut-- ]
I...
I miss her. So much...
[ why would anyone? his eyes are affixed on the stew, hands cupping the edges of the pot. it's searing hot, and yet he doesn't flinch, doesn't pull away, too entrenched in the sight. his heart throbs and aches with memories he'd once thought were lost to the sands of time. ]
...Thank you.
[ he reaches for a spoon-- and haphazardly, without thinking, shovels a heap of it into his mouth. it burns, at first, the flavor overwhelmed by the heat. but he doesn't care. the undercurrent of acidity, the depth and richness of the broth, the tender beef-- it brings him right back to their small, rundown home in nibelheim. ]
It's... it's good. Really good.
[ and then, in a much smaller voice, eyes wrenching shut-- ]
I...
I miss her. So much...
Edited 2024-02-25 05:55 (UTC)
Of course I did. It was about you.
[Daan says it with some ease before he feels a hint of embarrassment about it. But it was the truth, and he won't take that part back.
It's still hard to tell if this was a wise idea or not, if it was better to avoid things that could hurt Cloud. He watches him, quietly alarmed that he'd just touch the pot like that, unwavering as he takes a spoonful.
But most importantly is his reaction. Gently, Daan places a hand over Cloud's, touching and trying to turn it over to make sure it isn't too badly burned.]
I can't imagine. [And really, Daan can't; he has no family to miss.] I-- if you need me to, I can remove the pot. I don't want to hurt you, Cloud.
[He'd aimed for thoughtful, but if he's stepped in the wrong direction then he'll fix it.]
[Daan says it with some ease before he feels a hint of embarrassment about it. But it was the truth, and he won't take that part back.
It's still hard to tell if this was a wise idea or not, if it was better to avoid things that could hurt Cloud. He watches him, quietly alarmed that he'd just touch the pot like that, unwavering as he takes a spoonful.
But most importantly is his reaction. Gently, Daan places a hand over Cloud's, touching and trying to turn it over to make sure it isn't too badly burned.]
I can't imagine. [And really, Daan can't; he has no family to miss.] I-- if you need me to, I can remove the pot. I don't want to hurt you, Cloud.
[He'd aimed for thoughtful, but if he's stepped in the wrong direction then he'll fix it.]
[ the sentiment is mutual. not that cloud was renown for having a stellar memory -- but it was hard to forget anything about daan. his pains and his joys alike.
cloud lets him grasp at his hand; for a moment, he's so transfixed that he hardly budges, allowing daan to do as he pleases. then comes the question, grounding cloud back in reality, and he shakes his head slowly. ]
No. It's okay. It's just... it's been a long time.
[ longer than he realized. it's been occurring to him recently-- that he was gone for 7 years. cloud studies daan's face, eyes glossy and vivid, before the corners of his lips turn up into the faintest trace of a smile. ]
I wish you two met. I... I would've taken you to her. And she would've loved you. I know that.
cloud lets him grasp at his hand; for a moment, he's so transfixed that he hardly budges, allowing daan to do as he pleases. then comes the question, grounding cloud back in reality, and he shakes his head slowly. ]
No. It's okay. It's just... it's been a long time.
[ longer than he realized. it's been occurring to him recently-- that he was gone for 7 years. cloud studies daan's face, eyes glossy and vivid, before the corners of his lips turn up into the faintest trace of a smile. ]
I wish you two met. I... I would've taken you to her. And she would've loved you. I know that.
If nothing else, at least I know Sanji is a man of his word and a good cook, then.
[Not that he had much doubt, but he's quietly satisfied that he's been able to give something to Cloud. Something besides Daan's misery and how he'd lashed out a couple of weeks ago.
He smiles faintly, tracing his fingers over Cloud's palm.]
I would've liked meeting her. [Daan's voice is soft and thoughtful, but sincere.] Do you want to talk about her?
[Not that he had much doubt, but he's quietly satisfied that he's been able to give something to Cloud. Something besides Daan's misery and how he'd lashed out a couple of weeks ago.
He smiles faintly, tracing his fingers over Cloud's palm.]
I would've liked meeting her. [Daan's voice is soft and thoughtful, but sincere.] Do you want to talk about her?
What in the world gave you the impression that I didn't care? I thought I made it clear from the start that I was very interested.
[ Should he have patrolled the hallway calling for him like a yowling cat? Maybe. But Cloud did say to not get any "stupid ideas", so... Roche did the rare thing and hit the brakes to wait. ]
[ Should he have patrolled the hallway calling for him like a yowling cat? Maybe. But Cloud did say to not get any "stupid ideas", so... Roche did the rare thing and hit the brakes to wait. ]
[ there's no way to really say "that's just what i assume of people -- there's no real reason to be interested in a guy like me." but he would rather die than forfeit his veneer of invulnerability, so he sighs through his nose, searching for any other excuse. ]
resort had me fucked up last month. wasn't thinking straight.
and there's a lot of people here. could have fun with any of them. no reason it has to be me.
resort had me fucked up last month. wasn't thinking straight.
and there's a lot of people here. could have fun with any of them. no reason it has to be me.
[Marina will be embarrassing about his stance on protecting her later on, he'll be mercifully spared that for now. She does think it's a sweet sentiment. And agrees that there's no getting rid of her if he's going to be close to Daan! She's looking out for that guy and anybody who might want to isolate him from the little support system he's got would be a bad sign to Marina.
Luckily, Cloud has correct priorities there. Daan needs more people who care about him, not less. So, Cloud has her respect (for now)-]
That is what I'm asking! Who is it? Because I'll look out for them, too.
[like a family should, but Marina won't call it that, too sappy]
We should all keep an eye out for each other.
Luckily, Cloud has correct priorities there. Daan needs more people who care about him, not less. So, Cloud has her respect (for now)-]
That is what I'm asking! Who is it? Because I'll look out for them, too.
[like a family should, but Marina won't call it that, too sappy]
We should all keep an eye out for each other.
There were a lot of people in Midgar too but that doesn't mean I was chasing everyone down for a race. Just the ones that piqued my interest.
[ People like Cloud, obviously. ]
I still am for the record. Interested, I mean. It's not the first time you've slipped through my fingers but I'm very persistent when I want to be.
[ People like Cloud, obviously. ]
I still am for the record. Interested, I mean. It's not the first time you've slipped through my fingers but I'm very persistent when I want to be.
…Tell him I said thanks.
[ he’s still getting used to that word but— daan has helped. cloud’s palm turns up, and he reaches for daan’s hand. ]
She was… kind. Always trying to cheer me up… always telling me what to do and how to do it. I’d get into fights with the other kids… worry her sick all the time. And she’d welcome me back every time anyways… even though I made her life harder.
Even… when everything went to shit, [ his voice strains. ] she just wanted me to be okay.
[ his grip tightens. ]
If she met you, she probably would’ve said something like… “Cloud, I didn’t know you were smart enough to nab yourself a doctor.”
[ he’s still getting used to that word but— daan has helped. cloud’s palm turns up, and he reaches for daan’s hand. ]
She was… kind. Always trying to cheer me up… always telling me what to do and how to do it. I’d get into fights with the other kids… worry her sick all the time. And she’d welcome me back every time anyways… even though I made her life harder.
Even… when everything went to shit, [ his voice strains. ] she just wanted me to be okay.
[ his grip tightens. ]
If she met you, she probably would’ve said something like… “Cloud, I didn’t know you were smart enough to nab yourself a doctor.”
Will do. I'm sure he'd be happy to know you like it.
[Daan leans his forehead against Cloud's, lightly squeezing his hand.]
You were just a kid, Cloud. ...Don't be too hard on yourself. Kids never seem to get enough time to just be one.
[It's sad to him, how often it seems children are robbed of that. Infuriating, really, but it sounds like Cloud's mother did everything she could.
The last bit earns a quiet little noise, close to a laugh.] Oh, she'd think you nabbed me, huh? [Daan tips his head to brushes his lips against Cloud's forehead.] Well. I'd reassure her that I think you're a catch. Even if you're a little shit sometimes.
[Daan leans his forehead against Cloud's, lightly squeezing his hand.]
You were just a kid, Cloud. ...Don't be too hard on yourself. Kids never seem to get enough time to just be one.
[It's sad to him, how often it seems children are robbed of that. Infuriating, really, but it sounds like Cloud's mother did everything she could.
The last bit earns a quiet little noise, close to a laugh.] Oh, she'd think you nabbed me, huh? [Daan tips his head to brushes his lips against Cloud's forehead.] Well. I'd reassure her that I think you're a catch. Even if you're a little shit sometimes.
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