[If Tifa blinks, she might just miss the way Cloud's fingertips tense and squeeze against the hard shell of his helmet. Even if she does, it's obvious just how much of an impact her words have on him. He takes a moment to find his voice again, but when he finally manages it, he's unexpectedly honest.]
...I guess I didn't.
[He knows now. That Tifa would be happy to hear from him regardless. SOLDIER or no, it doesn't make any difference to her. All that matters is that it's him. His face must be burning, but even if he shoves that helmet back down over his wild, spiky hair, it won't do much to hide it.
Even if it wasn't what he'd planned on, there was once a time where Cloud felt a sense of pride when he'd first donned his Shinra fatigues. Now, more than ever, he feels every bit like a rookie. Like he's still got a lot of growing up to do. It can wait, though. Tifa wanted to hear from him. She's right here in front of him.
An awkward silence lingers in the air before Cloud pipes up. Partially to take some of the pressure off himself, but mostly because he wants to offer Tifa a compliment.]
Nice hat. [If any of the other local boys heard him say it, they might call him a smartass. And hey, maybe his tone does make him sound like one, a little. It's the softness in his eyes that confirms he genuinely means it.] Looks good on you.
no subject
...I guess I didn't.
[He knows now. That Tifa would be happy to hear from him regardless. SOLDIER or no, it doesn't make any difference to her. All that matters is that it's him. His face must be burning, but even if he shoves that helmet back down over his wild, spiky hair, it won't do much to hide it.
Even if it wasn't what he'd planned on, there was once a time where Cloud felt a sense of pride when he'd first donned his Shinra fatigues. Now, more than ever, he feels every bit like a rookie. Like he's still got a lot of growing up to do. It can wait, though. Tifa wanted to hear from him. She's right here in front of him.
An awkward silence lingers in the air before Cloud pipes up. Partially to take some of the pressure off himself, but mostly because he wants to offer Tifa a compliment.]
Nice hat. [If any of the other local boys heard him say it, they might call him a smartass. And hey, maybe his tone does make him sound like one, a little. It's the softness in his eyes that confirms he genuinely means it.] Looks good on you.