[ Something tells him that in any other world, any other time or place...getting challenged by a Fatui Harbinger would have held severely different connotations. So, Cloud quietly counts his blessings and takes the confident challenge of the other couple in stride. ]
Got a reputation to uphold.
[ If they do fall in the heat of battle, the onus will fall upon Cloud. Fret not, Ayaka. He'll always be your fall guy. 🥹 ]
...?
[ That's when she tug tugs on his hand to pull him down. And he slows just enough that he can lean back and inward to Ayaka's whisper. At first, his expression is more one of concern. Was everything okay? Was she nervous? Was she— ]
1/3
Got a reputation to uphold.
[ If they do fall in the heat of battle, the onus will fall upon Cloud. Fret not, Ayaka. He'll always be your fall guy. 🥹 ]
...?
[ That's when she tug tugs on his hand to pull him down. And he slows just enough that he can lean back and inward to Ayaka's whisper. At first, his expression is more one of concern. Was everything okay? Was she nervous? Was she— ]