cloud:
❛Barret–?❜
She’ll forgive him for his incredulous reaction– larger man certainly having boasted equally impressive lungs all throughout their travels. From shouts to battle cries to rambunctious laughter, Cloud reckons his initial surprise hardly held much weight. Barret had always been a man ready and willing to join in whatever fun was being made, as boisterous and bumbling as he could often appear. Yet, the big man joining in made more sense when it with his own, not a crowd of drunkards. Perhaps the children had goaded him into it, keen and excited to share their time with someone almost as scarce as he?
❛The kids too, I bet.❜
A warm tone drifts its way into his voice, the tiniest upwards curve teases the corner of his mouth as he moves forth, easing along towards the bar with the expectation that he would be followed. Within his grasp rested a small box, humbly wrapped, simple string made of straw wound about its shape. While years previously he may have hesitated upon bringing something similar inside - cautious of those they may call dangerous, living day to day around explosions and the like - peace had reigned long enough now that his ragged edges had softened somewhat. A quick check of keen nose for gunpowder, a cautious shake in hopes of a tell-tale harmless rattle, and his concerns were generally settled.
( Some may say he’s the paranoid sort– but he would beg to differ. There was no harm in caution, after all. )
❛S’pose they’re all worn out by now.❜
Box placed upon the counter, he meanders around; gloves removed and tucked courteously out of sight before gathering himself a simple glass of water. In this, at least, he has become comfortable enough to use basic amenities without falter.
❛–That came for you.❜
A gift from an admirer, most like.
As she thought, there's that expression of disbelief to momentarily fleet across the blond's features. Though there's still several things to learn about each other, the simplest gestures are already understood between them. Shamelessly, she chuckled softly at Cloud's reaction and allowed him to indulge in the thought. If Barret was even here in the first place, he'd be hauling Cloud to the front and shove a microphone into his hands.
In agreement to the other sentiment, she chirped, "That's right, it's a good thing we were able to find some instruments like a tambourine for them to use. Marlene had to scold Barret a few times for getting carried away, but they all had fun." Not to hesitate to share the details. Though Cloud is mostly away, not the most enthusiastic to join such lively activities, Tifa doesn't neglect to include him in the form of storytelling.
A quick announcement given by the bartender with a couple of claps, she declared that's the last round for the singing and drinks. There's the chorus of pleas and groans, but it only took a firm smile before they caved in.
Free to join Cloud at the bar and about to fetch him some water when he presented the small box. "Huh?" Genuinely surprised as it's been quite a while since he's received anything. It'd be a care package from Barret, or some silly item from Yuffie. Sometimes they'd receive thoughtful gifts or mail from friends they've made outside the area - but it had always been addressed to all of them.
This is the first time in a long time it's something personally for her. Mixed emotions apparent across the warm hues, but she did pick it up gently. Though she trusts Cloud to have already done an inspection on his hand, she couldn't help but examine it for any signs of familiarity. Anything with the packaging, but it's simple enough and ---. "No card or note?" her inquiry as to who it came from, lest the sender's details are tucked inside with the contents.
Truthfully ... her heart is beating rapidly as if hesitant to open it -- -but she does. Curiosity getting the best of her; the trust that Cloud confirmed there is no danger. Fingertips found the edge where it should open and slowly pried it open---.
