"So that's where you've been, hm?"

@valistheanshield.bsky.social

"Yes... I seem to recall a lot of scowling and ready to throw yourself into death's path at every opportunity." Another playful nudge, if only so that the mood didn't sour. She was teasing after all. "It's a wonder you caught my eye at all.~"

"Oh, I don't know... I think I handled it rather well? Or is this when you tell me that I was a complete nightmare?" She's chuckling, eyes closing as she drinks in his presence.

yours, too?" If Clive ever saw fit to make an honest woman of her, that is.

"We'll let her rest, and then I'll make the introductions."

Of course he would seek to go above and beyond. He'd do it even if Yuna weren't family to her, it was just the kind of man he was. "I know, and thank you. It means a lot."

She looks at his hands cradling hers, smiling all the while. "I think she would like to meet you. If you're open to it?"

⠀⠀

" Soooo, " cooed the woman, " are you a cookies kinda guy? Or maybe brownies are your thing? Hmm? "

⠀⠀

brewing somewhere. “

Compared to Clive, he takes another puff from his cigarette with practiced ease. Noticing he was at the end of his cigarette, drops the bud, smooshing it under his boot.

That's where her own concern came from. It wasn't like she could ask Yuna, she needed time to adjust and maybe time to make sense of it. But that didn't stop Lulu from worrying.

Clive had already lost her once.

"She's fine. Confused and wondering where our friends are, but she's fine. As for how?"

She shifted in her seat so that she was looking at him, watching as his eyes darted back and forth over her face.

Was he scared?

"I don't know how. I don't know when... But my sister is here. Yuna is here and she was alone."

"He does, but you also don't know how to say no." Which was true, and she never berated him for it, even if it meant not seeing him.

"Nothing world ending." She reassured him, seeing the worry in his eyes. "But it does concern me... And home. Spira."

He was good at that, and more importantly she knew he was telling the truth -he was a terrible liar. "I'm glad."

At the mention of Otto she slips her hand into his, fingers lacing. "I could have a word? Besides, there is something I need to tell you."

"And here I was thinking you had grown tired of my company." There's a smirk playing on her lips even as she rests her head upon his shoulder.

"I'm well. I've missed you, though."

⠀⠀

Planting a fist on her hip, she paused long enough to truly regard him, taking in everything from his wild hair, to the armor, and the heavy blade hanging from his back.

" Ah, you’re not from around here, are you? Follow me, I’ll show you! "

⠀⠀

@valistheanshield.bsky.social

Sets a hot drink down on the desk beside him.

" You look like you need it. "

⠀⠀

Bounding up to @valistheanshield.bsky.social, she shoves a neon paper flyer into his hands.

" You look like someone who could use a sweet pick - me - up! Come support your local orphanage - we’re hosting a bake sale! All proceeds go toward the children’s education! "

⠀⠀

The scene before him had his lips trembling with amusement, shoulders shaking as he failed to to conceal his laughter. It was always a pleasure seeing someone try a cigarette for the first time.

“ Some time . . . Ah, so you two are heading out afterwards then.

➥

Jill knew when to push and when to hold back when it came to Clive, yet given how despondent he had been of late, perhaps now it was time she pressed him, if only a little.

" I think it will be good for you, and besides... people need to know what happened and why it happened. "

Odd, she could have sworn... perhaps her time in the darkness had dulled her senses somewhat? Hardly surprising, yet disconcerting all the same.

" Forgive me my assumption. "

Her head lowers in apology, eyes downcast for the briefest of moments. " You merely have that air about you. "