[ Watching Childe and Yoimiya kiss and make up as it were, he can't help letting his expression soften up some. He was (at time still is) awkward around public displays of affection. But Cloud consciously makes the choice to take Ayaka's hand in his. Not just out of an instinct to protect those near him, but because she gives him peace. So, little gestures like this? They don't have the same effect they would have had on him before and when he first arrived in Nippon.

All in all? ... Good on it, you two.

As the couple confidently lay down the gauntlet and speak of their synergy, however, that's a spark he can get behind. He teeters closer to the cockier side he's shown off in the past, but reins himself in just a little. This was about throwing caution to the wind. And if no one was going to judge? He'll step up. ]

Awful confident, stepping up to an Ex-SOLDIER and a Swordmaster.

[ Pointedly looking back at Ayaka on that last part. She taps him on the back, and he hums with a nod again before getting up and turning to her. Holding out his hand, he'll help her to her feet when she's ready. ]

That's right. She's the reason I've gotten stronger. [ In fact, you know what? Leave it to Cloud, Ayaka. He'll be the one to brag for you. Coolly. (￣ヘ￣) ] Gotta keep up if I'm gonna do Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu proud.

[ "Anyway, shall we go?" ]

Let's go.