afterthought | (no subject)

[He's so screwed, isn't he?

It's not exactly uncommon to not find Cloud in the castle. Somehow the prince always manages to find a way to avoid the most amount of people possible, much to everyone's chagrin. How exactly is the future ruler of the kingdom supposed to do his job if no one can ever find him?

But today was a little different. Today, Cloud couldn't be found anywhere at all. Sure, he actively avoided people daily, but this? This was different. It didn't really help that he felt pretty good during yesterday's little venture with his retainer and friend. But ever since Tifa and him have came back to the castle, he's felt a bit...

Off.

Was this bound to make her worry over him? Of course. Did he feel guilty for not even sticking around long enough for her to be able to greet him? Gosh, yes. They've known each other ever since they were little and Tifa's been one of the select few that Cloud actually feels relatively comfortable with. But this was a matter that he needed to deal with on his own.

So into the barracks he goes, sneaking around corners and making sure no one spots him. All he needs is a few pieces of equipment so that no one would be able to recognize him, and a standard issue broadsword. The helmet is the most important piece, for reasons he can't believe, and miraculously, the headgear actually fits over his spikes.

Once donned up, he sneaks around to the back of the building, where there's a small, chained up gate that he can climb over. The boy's on a mission for sure, and isn't about to let anything stop him now.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[As usual, she's right.

Cloud doesn't move when she reaches out, but just lowers his head and sighs in defeat. Of course, no matter what he does, any blame usually gets placed on her shoulders, and he has gotten into some arguments behind closed doors with the higher staff when the punishment is misplaced. He's well aware that his own actions put Tifa through enough grief, unintentional as they are. She doesn't need it from other people.]

Yeah, I know. [There's some slight defeat in his tone, but he does look back up at her with a faint shadow of a smile. It's a miracle that she's tolerated him for as long as she has. Tifa is the closest thing he has to a real actual friend, and yet, a part of him wishes that she wasn't bound to him by duty. She's so amazing and understanding and patient and to have to be tied to him like this must be stifling.

At least that's what he thinks. She could be doing so much more if it weren't for him.

But at least this time, it's not just a flight of wanderlust that's struck him. It's more or less a real mission in his mind and he doesn't want her to get hurt. Or worse, have her deal with whatever's happening to him.

Cloud moves his hand such that his fingers graze her own. He's never liked it when she follows him. Sometimes it necessary but out here where titles don't mean anything, it just doesn't feel right.]

Sorry. It's just... [He rubs the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze and wincing a little. He's not in pain in particular, but the helmet is uncomfortable.] It's something I don't know that I can talk about yet. But, sure.

[And then, a little more energetically and looking her in the eyes:] Guess I could use some company...

[She waits patiently for him to gather his thoughts, a tiny smile making its way onto her face, and then quiet warmth settling in her chest to feel his fingers against hers as he finally relents. Tifa knows he has a hard time showing remorse and gratitude, but even small gestures like this are enough for her to understand what he's thinking. Cloud Strife is a master class in learning that words aren't the only way to tell someone how you feel.

Part of her is still concerned about what exactly he's up to, naturally. Something seems off about this particular trip out of the castle, especially since he seems more on edge than usual, despite being such an old hat at staying incognito. She promised no questions— so the next best thing she can do is to help ease his tension before he confronts whatever it is he's venturing out for. And that, of course, is best accomplished with teasing.]

Then I guess I can tag along. [She reaches out to lightly rap at his helmet.] Might need me to catch you when you trip over your feet. I don't know how you can see out of this.

[He is definitely more on edge than normal. Daresay, he's even skittish. Something has him unnerved and while he can't vocally say what yet (for fear of rejection and being utterly embarrassed), it's definitely noticeable in his body language and tone.

Unfortunately, the teasing may not help. Usually their little quips help ease each other. Tiny comments about how she literally is a motherhen or how sulky he can be help Cloud with the day's tasks and duties. But it seems he's a little sensitive right now, wincing and ducking his head away from her fist.]

H-hey! Watch it!

[He is by no means used to wearing such headgear, and while the rapping may be gentle, it rings away in his ears.]

These things are uncomfortable as it is. [Sulking and pouting. There may be another reasons for his reaction, but he's sticking to this one.

With a sigh, he takes their entwined hands and steps forward. He'll take the lead.]

Just... warn me before I trip on any roots, okay?

[She lets out a small, fondly exasperated scoff, shaking her head at his complaint. Honestly, this man. He's endured much worse pain getting a whack to the head from his tutor Cid than what she just did. Still, it's apparent that whatever he's planning on doing, he'd like to get to it soon, so Tifa just grips his hand in a squeeze in silent encouragement.

It reminds her a little bit of when they were children, and he'd lead the way toward something he'd want to show her in the hopes it'd impress her. She wonders if that's the case again today.]

You got it.

[Unfortunately, this is not one of those times. If Cloud had the option to show her something impressive, he'd take it in a heartbeat compared to what he's going out for.

He's definitely endured far worse, but it's clear that the helmet is bothering him for some reason. Every few minutes, Cloud reaches up with his free hand to adjust it, like it was causing him discomfort. But as much as he may groan and sigh at the attempts, he still doesn't remove it.

After a while, he seems to relax just a little bit. Having Tifa around does help his nerves. She's always had a calming presence and effect on him. Making him feel normal.]

Did anyone else notice?

[That he's been gone. It's not abnormal behavior for him, but it always manages to ruffle a few feathers the wrong way and cause others to panic.]

Edited 2021-04-21 17:33 (UTC)