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TDM #6
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you have died and so has the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling on the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is also there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
- Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming echoes through the first floor. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "Please, watch your step since there a few tremors happening. If you'd like, there is cake and some refreshments."
WHAT
The sixth Amani TDM!
WHEN
July 22nd, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Titfucking / Paizuri
★ Clothed Sex
★ Bukkake
★ Tentacles
★ Sounding
★ Clothed Sex
★ Bukkake
★ Tentacles
★ Sounding
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the main hub and its features don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can visit the training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for the resident deity of sleep (Hypnos) at his shrine! You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage others to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.
Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately that will need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!
It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
SHAKING THINGS UP
"Hello, inhabitants," greets The Peacekeeper. "I apologize for all the tremors lately in the simulation," it starts, just as one rattles through the setting. "I promise I'll be done working soon." They've been occurring for days now but have been nothing more than a subtle rumbling.
Until now.
"Making final geographical adjustments... Please, hold on to something." There is less than a moment's pause before the warning needs to be heeded. A large earthquake suddenly jostles the entire simulation harshly along with a deafening noise to the east; however, the cause will be apparent. Where before there was nothing but plains stretching out infinitely past the simulation's 'barrier,' there is now a large mountain range. It has snow-tipped peaks, plenty of pine trees, and- "After the trial that was Hiromitsu, The Creators decided to allow me the resources to upgrade and add to the simulation! This is only the beginning, actually, but the rest will take a little bit more time. Until then, I hope you don't mind exploring the mines and helping me test some new features."
There is a brief pause where it seems like that might be all. "And I hope that... it makes up a little for me not being there for you during Hiromitsu." The usual chipper, simulated voice sounds just a touch melancholy. Instead of the regular chimes to signify a broadcast ending, there is instead a small click and nothing but silence.
Until now.
"Making final geographical adjustments... Please, hold on to something." There is less than a moment's pause before the warning needs to be heeded. A large earthquake suddenly jostles the entire simulation harshly along with a deafening noise to the east; however, the cause will be apparent. Where before there was nothing but plains stretching out infinitely past the simulation's 'barrier,' there is now a large mountain range. It has snow-tipped peaks, plenty of pine trees, and- "After the trial that was Hiromitsu, The Creators decided to allow me the resources to upgrade and add to the simulation! This is only the beginning, actually, but the rest will take a little bit more time. Until then, I hope you don't mind exploring the mines and helping me test some new features."
There is a brief pause where it seems like that might be all. "And I hope that... it makes up a little for me not being there for you during Hiromitsu." The usual chipper, simulated voice sounds just a touch melancholy. Instead of the regular chimes to signify a broadcast ending, there is instead a small click and nothing but silence.
THIS PLACE ROCKS
For those that do decide to investigate the new addition to the simulation, they'll find a sign above a large cave entrance that reads "Dymuniad Mines." Entering the cave will lead people to a series of underground tunnels akin to a labyrinth with as many metaphorical twists and turns as there are literal. Don't mind the mild tremors that continue as some of the pathways shift and change while The Peacekeeper works. They are now, thankfully, localized to just the mines.
So grab a torch, go for a joy ride in a mine cart, or set out on foot through the deep dark. Either way, here's what inhabitants can expect to find...
Hemimorphite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
This strange, soft-looking rock formation draws people in with a sweet scent similar to cotton candy. The closer someone draws to it, the happier they will become. Should one lick it, they will find that it tastes rather sweet; however, it will leave one with more than a candy aftertaste. It is a psychedelic that will cause hallucinations - both visual and auditory - as well as intense feelings of euphoria.
Honey Calcite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
If feeling one's way along the dark tunnels, don't be surprised if there comes a spot where you suddenly stick. Trying to pull away will only find one even more stuck than before. The only way to pull free is by using heat but too hot and it'll become a sticky, syrupy mess and be a nightmare to get off. The body heat of two people seems to be just right the temperature to free anyone stuck but... make of that what you will!
Iris Agate
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you get a little lost in the mines, don't fret! This stone will guide your way when shone under the light correctly. Oh, it won't show you the way out. Rather, it will guide you toward someone you need to talk to. Whatever that may mean! You'll be directed towards them whether you want to actually speak or not.
Miniature Cave Golems
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
Don't be too alarmed if that mossy bundle of rocks starts to move about. Held together and animated by a magic of an unknown origin, these tiny golems 'awaken' when anyone gets close. While golems are usually used for manual labor too large for the average person, it's hard to say what these miniature ones were made for or by who. They are, however, extremely cute and will happily follow or ride along with you through the tunnels.
Rock Slimes
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you happen to come across small bites taken out of the Hemimorphite, the source likely isn't far behind. These slimes are immune to the psychedelic effects of the formation but still get the euphoria from it. This results in them making tiny chirps and happy noises that may sound suspiciously like 'woo hoo' or 'yay.' They are friendly and docile but can only survive in the dark, dank conditions of the mines. Trying to remove them is ill-advised.
Zubats
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
These creatures make their home in gloomy caves. Atrophied eyes have left this Pokémon blind, so they scan their surroundings via sound waves that they emit from their mouths as they fly. Their skin is so thin that they'll be burned if sunlight hits them. When it gets cold out, they gather together to warm one another's bodies. While they will not attack inhabitants, they may use high-pitched sound waves to confuse and disorient if they feel threatened so they can escape.
So grab a torch, go for a joy ride in a mine cart, or set out on foot through the deep dark. Either way, here's what inhabitants can expect to find...
Hemimorphite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
This strange, soft-looking rock formation draws people in with a sweet scent similar to cotton candy. The closer someone draws to it, the happier they will become. Should one lick it, they will find that it tastes rather sweet; however, it will leave one with more than a candy aftertaste. It is a psychedelic that will cause hallucinations - both visual and auditory - as well as intense feelings of euphoria.
Honey Calcite
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
If feeling one's way along the dark tunnels, don't be surprised if there comes a spot where you suddenly stick. Trying to pull away will only find one even more stuck than before. The only way to pull free is by using heat but too hot and it'll become a sticky, syrupy mess and be a nightmare to get off. The body heat of two people seems to be just right the temperature to free anyone stuck but... make of that what you will!
Iris Agate
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you get a little lost in the mines, don't fret! This stone will guide your way when shone under the light correctly. Oh, it won't show you the way out. Rather, it will guide you toward someone you need to talk to. Whatever that may mean! You'll be directed towards them whether you want to actually speak or not.
CREEPY CRAWLIES
In addition to the new geology, there is some new fauna to be found. The Peacekeeper is still adding to the mines as far as flora (beyond basic moss, mushrooms, and other fungi). For now, these creatures hopefully help it feel a little more alive.Miniature Cave Golems
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
Don't be too alarmed if that mossy bundle of rocks starts to move about. Held together and animated by a magic of an unknown origin, these tiny golems 'awaken' when anyone gets close. While golems are usually used for manual labor too large for the average person, it's hard to say what these miniature ones were made for or by who. They are, however, extremely cute and will happily follow or ride along with you through the tunnels.
Rock Slimes
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: None
If you happen to come across small bites taken out of the Hemimorphite, the source likely isn't far behind. These slimes are immune to the psychedelic effects of the formation but still get the euphoria from it. This results in them making tiny chirps and happy noises that may sound suspiciously like 'woo hoo' or 'yay.' They are friendly and docile but can only survive in the dark, dank conditions of the mines. Trying to remove them is ill-advised.
Zubats
Population: Common
Biome: Dymuniad Mines
Danger: Mild
These creatures make their home in gloomy caves. Atrophied eyes have left this Pokémon blind, so they scan their surroundings via sound waves that they emit from their mouths as they fly. Their skin is so thin that they'll be burned if sunlight hits them. When it gets cold out, they gather together to warm one another's bodies. While they will not attack inhabitants, they may use high-pitched sound waves to confuse and disorient if they feel threatened so they can escape.
WHO IS THAT I SEE, STARING BACK AT ME?
Lucky (or unlucky, if you're lost) inhabitants may find their way to the crystal lake. This large, underground pool of crystalline water is lined with large chunks of cubic fluorite and larimar covering the bottom. It holds an ethereal glow although there doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary that would cause the shine.
If one goes to the edge of the water, their reflection might not be what they expect. Instead of what it should be, it's instead what the person looking into the water most desires. This could be interpreted in many different ways. Do you look like you'd always dreamed of, is someone next to you, or is it someone else entirely staring back into your eyes? Whatever the case may be, it isn't always easy to be faced with our most secret desires unexpectedly.
If one goes to the edge of the water, their reflection might not be what they expect. Instead of what it should be, it's instead what the person looking into the water most desires. This could be interpreted in many different ways. Do you look like you'd always dreamed of, is someone next to you, or is it someone else entirely staring back into your eyes? Whatever the case may be, it isn't always easy to be faced with our most secret desires unexpectedly.
- » If you choose to look away because you do not want to face what this odd reflection means, the next time you look it will be just you again. Nothing will happen.
» If you choose to accept what the reflection is trying to show you, the reward will be a tiny crystal flask washing up near your feet that holds some of the water for you to take. For what purpose? Who can say.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!NOTES
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
★ Due to the shifting tunnels, characters will only find themselves eventually back at the start of the mines rather than anywhere new. ...For now, anyway!
★ The effects of all the influences can, as always, be as heavy or light as you'd like! It can be chalked up to differences in resistance, non-humanity or not, etc. etc.
★ The flora and fauna page will be updated (as well as the locations) as soon as possible to reflect these changes and recent ones! It's also still open for player suggestions! All you need to do now is link your check-in (or player claim) comment to make a submission!
★ Why not check out the ATP/EMP Meme now up? See who others want to try out, enable your friends! Fun all around!
★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!
NAVIGATION
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"Well I don't seem to have anything to do here so why not. A talk is something I wanted to do with you soon anyway." She heads back to the bar and takes a seat.
"No...why would I eat stale food and drinks that have been out for longer than they should be? Is something wrong with them?"
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He follows her over to the bar and sits in the seat beside her. "...somethin' like that. Didn't you get the speech from the AI that runs this place?"
Boy does he not want to have to explain the crux of all this. Particularly since she's almost definitely going to ask about how he's been going about it all. What would be great is if the earth would just swallow him up and consume him right at this very moment.
Unfortunately, it's merciful and he continues to exist here in this bar with Tifa and a bunch of weird 'peaceful' drinks. Yup, the trend continues - things he doesn't want to talk about.
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"Well I did but I wasn't sure what it meant by peaceful interactions. Are there some here who might cause harm? I didn't get many details yet and Mogsy hasn't had a chance to give me the full story either." She paused for a moment and then pointed to the moogle that was currently floating behind Cloud. "Mogsy is a DTF. I'm not sure what that is but I think he's a pretty cute moogle." Sorry Cloud, looks like you get to explain how this world works to Tifa.
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He's so tempted to just leave it to her DTF to explain, but...no, she would rather hear it from him and he knows it. He sighs and glances over his shoulder at the moogle, giving it a nod of greeting before he turns back to Tifa. This, at least, is easy. "Digitized Technical Friend. Basically a cross between a pet and an AI that connects you to the network. Just think of it like a PHS with a mind of its own."
Just as he says that, Fenrir materializes out of Cloud's wolf earring, a half-chocobo half-lupine creature a little larger than the average wolf. It pads up to Tifa and rests its head against her, looking up with big blue eyes and clearly seeking pets. Cloud gives it a warning glance. "Don't harass Tifa. Or her moogle." Fenrir mumbles something that sounds a lot like mocking what Cloud just said and otherwise ignores him.
"...yeah. Emphasis on 'mind of its own.' Anyway, this is Fenrir."
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It was so cute, a strange cross between a chocobo and something else...a wolf perhaps? Or maybe a dog? Either way she eagerly pet it when it came closer. It was very cute.
"Oh how wonderful he is." Her nails were giving the hybrid scratches all on top of his head and under his chin. She didn't mind that she had to get off her seat to get better access to him too.
"So I guess they are all different. Can they all transform into items like that?" She paused to point at her own ear as if to say she noticed his own warring was gone now.
As if on cue, Mogsy flew close to her and disappeared into her bracelet, becoming a silver moogle charm to add to her collection. Her face flushed a bit as she stopped in her petting to examine it. "Oh it's so cute! Cloud, don't you think so?"
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Then she's asking him for an opinion on how cute something is and he mentally flails around for a second. When girls ask stuff like this, they're always looking for a specific answer, and if he gives the wrong one they get mad, but he's not gonna lie. He really doesn't have any opinions on the cuteness of moogles. But Marle's words are never far from his mind when it comes to Tifa, so he's game to give it a shot.
"U-um..." He leans over a little to get a better look at the bracelet. It...sure is a bracelet with a thing dangling from it that looks like a moogle. "Sure, I guess?"
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When he does lean in she can't help but almost stare at him for a moment, everything else a bit forgotten to her. There is just Cloud and how close he is. She smiles warmly at him, her own embarrassment showing and pulls her arm and bracelet back in towards her chest, looking at the floor. His answer is one she might expect but it's still nice to hear even if it's not too confident of one. "Thank you Cloud."
A bit of an awkward silence looms over them and to fill it she claps her hands together to get his attention completely. Once accomplished she stood and put a hand on her hip. "So, you were saying about this place? Are we far from home and are the others okay?...are you doing okay?"
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And then she returns to the original topic and, well, at least Cloud's self-consciousness will definitely have a clear origin in a minute?
"Hm. ...yeah, actually. I'm good." His tone is thoughtful. He hasn't really thought much about it, but overall, he's...relatively happy here. Huh. "The others...Aerith's good. Barret's not here." He'll have to tell her about the rest of them, too, but...basics out of the way, first, because that's complicated shit. "And 'far from home' is putting it lightly. All we know is this is a simulation we're in. We were all uploaded to it as data. They claim it's to observe our behavior so they can rebuild our worlds without so much conflict, but there's a lot that's fishy about it."
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"Rebuild our world...Cloud, what happened to our world? Was it like the visions....that night on the bridge..." They hadn't had this talk yet, she wasn't even sure if she had been the only one to see them or if the others had as well. They were all to shaken from that fight and barely escaping to talk about it. She had barely slept that night, kept up by her thoughts.
"Is our world...truly gone?" If that were the case, that meant they failed. They failed to save the planet from being destroyed. They failed their friends and all the innocents on the planet. She failed Marlene...
Tifa was strong, she wouldn't cry over it. Not here in front of Cloud and his new friend. She had to be strong but the idea of them all being truly lost had her heart heavy. Her crimson eyes shined with the hint of sadness as she looked at Cloud for some answer that would give her hope.
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He pauses, though. How to explain? "Not everybody here from the same world remembers it the same way. Different timelines. If you remember the bridge, then...we're probably from the same one." Which is a huge relief. "Somebody else remembers that meteor actually falling, and us protecting the planet. Everything's all kindsa messed up. ...what's the last thing you remember?"
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"We've face worse, right Cloud? I'm sure if we stick together we will be able to figure this out." There is a hopeful look on her face and her hand lingers on his arm for a moment too long before she pulls back from him.
"I know we didn't discuss it but...we had to fight on the bridge leading out of Midgar...there were visions and...." She paused, unsure on if she should say his name but she very clearly remembered seeing flashes of Sephiroth. "....Well after we went to Kalm to rest. When I woke up I was here."
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Right, the bridge. The visions. The fight with Sephiroth, and he can certainly understand why she’d be hesitant to mention it; she has no way of knowing all that’s happened since then. Who Sephiroth really is.
He nods. “Yeah. I remember. We fought destiny and kicked its ass.” He gives her a small smile. “Last I remember, though, we’d only just left Midgar. Hadn’t gotten as far as Kalm yet. You and Aerith were trying to hitchhike.” For whatever reason. They really could’ve just walked, but whatever.
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Tifa couldn't help but chuckle a little at the mention of hitchhiking. They had done the same and Aerith's methods had been rather unique especially since there really was no traffic where they had been. She had tried to shout and wave her arms like a flailing animal. It had been silly then and it was still silly to think about. Eventually they all gave up and had walked. "Yes...I remember the hitchhiking. It failed so we walked most of it before getting a ride finally to Kalm."
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At least he's got another subject to move on to so he doesn't have to reply to that.
"Good to know we make it there in one piece. Wonder if I'll remember that eventually, too. When I first got here, the last thing I remembered was...a while ago. Before I met up with you in Midgar. Then the Peacekeeper must've uploaded more of my memories, like it moved me forward in my own timeline."
The longer they talk here, though, the more nervous Cloud becomes that someone she recognizes is going to spot them before he has a chance to explain anything. Like Sephiroth. Or Zack. He banishes Fenrir back to his earring and stands up. "Come on. Let's go where the drinks haven't been tampered with."
If she agrees, the place he leads her to is Rosie's Records, figuring coffee might be a better idea right now than alcohol anyway.
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"Cloud, do you think we could talk about that...I mean..." She paused when he mentioned somewhere else to go and nodded. She much rather like some place more secluded anyway as well. This would giver her a chance to see some of this world as well, getting to see a new place with Cloud was just a bonus.
The two walk side by side together to the record store. Tifa was only able to take all of this in so well because she saw Cloud and he had experience here. If she hadn't seen him or maybe someone else first, it might have been a different story all together.
"I think you're right. This place isn't that bad. There is a lot more greenery than Midgar. I bet Aerith loves it here."
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For now, he hums a thoughtful affirmative. "She does, I think. There were even more flowers blooming when she first got here. She's starting a new garden here, too." Then again, she did say she felt anxious about being under the open sky when they first left Midgar...but maybe she's gotten used to it after being here for a little while. He hopes so. If not...well, maybe he has more than one thing to show her about the mountains, whenever they have the chance to go now that mountains exist here.
Once inside, they're greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and the sounds of low chatter and music playing in the background. He likes this place. He orders a coffee for himself - milk and spices, no sugar, just like his mom used to drink - and then once Tifa's done ordering hers, he finds a small, out-of-the-way table in a corner where they're unlikely to be disturbed. He realizes too late that he hasn't yet explained why there's no currency here...oops.
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The record shop is almost more like a cafe and the smell of coffee beans assaults her senses in the best way. She only recently acquired a taste for coffee and that was because of Jesse, that girl loved coffee almost as much as she loved drinking. She ordered a coffee with milk and no sugar but a few drops of caramel. She did like a bit of sweetness.
At the table she took a sip of her drink and smiled to herself. This was much more fresh then whatever that bar had been serving, seriously that was a health hazard. "So...are you okay to talk? You don't have to tell me anything that makes you uncomfortable but....you mentioned you remembered somethings from before you arrived in Midgar?"
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He looks down into his cup. "Dunno what you wanna know. ShinRa screwed me over, just like it screws everyone over. Nothing new there."
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"I see. Then tell me about your time here. Have you and Aerith been getting along well without me? Did you maybe meet anyone?" Honestly she doesn't want to know about all of that but it's something she might learn from at least.
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"Uh...sorry. Whew." He shakes his head as if to banish what just happened. "U-um...getting along. You could say that, yeah." He can feel his face and ears heat up like a tea kettle. This shouldn't be that hard to tell Tifa! She's his best friend! Isn't this what friends are supposed to do, gossip about each other's love lives?
Yeah, well, Cloud's only ever had two friends until recently, he's never done any of this before.
"Guess you kinda answered your own question." His eyes are fixed on the table.
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It hurts, she is at least happy that he has someone but it still hurts. She hadn't been sure if Cloud still liked her, if any of that shy boy she grew up with still remained but there was always a small bit of hope that he would maybe one day love her and it seemed she had been wrong to hope. Her face fell and she held her mug like it was the only thing grounding her in that moment. Cloud liked another.
Her heart was aching but Cloud liking someone else didn't mean they weren't friends. She wouldn't get the ending she had hoped for but she wouldn't lose him either and that would be good enough one day. She'd hurt now and she'd hurt for awhile but they were still friends and she had to be there for him. Taking a deep breath she raised her glass and took a sip, looking at him once more with the same love she always would have for him. "I'm happy for you Cloud. Do you think I can maybe meet them one day?"
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Her question gets him blinking up at her briefly, though, before he turns his gaze away again, flushing slightly. Sounds like he was too vague this time. "You already have. ...u-uh, both of 'em, actually."
He considers pausing there to gauge her reaction, but no - this'll be easier if he just plows through it all at once. "One of them's Aerith. And...d'you remember Zack Fair?" Wait, shit-- "--u-um, he told me he met you. When we were in SOLDIER together. Anyway, he's here too, and..." He trails off, not sure how to come out and say it, so he just glances back up at her, both hands lightly wrapped around his cup.
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As for Zack she was having a hard time remembering why that name was familiar. She hadn't meet many SOLDIER in her life outside of Midgar and even then Cloud said it was during his days in the program so it had to be before Midgar. There had only been one she remembered. His face was a bit blurry in her memories but she remembered he was tall and had dark hair. He'd been in that village and failed to protect anyone. Cloud wouldn't date him...would he?
She could feel his eyes on her and she broke her concentration on her cup to meet his gaze. Her smile slipped back on, genuinely looking happy for him. "As long as they make you happy I'm glad. I don't really remember a Zack Fair though....sorry Cloud."
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He watches her for a few tense moments, hoping she isn't going to be angry for some reason, but relaxes again when she smiles. And honestly, it's probably best if she doesn't remember Zack. Easier that way.
"They...they do. Thanks." He shrugs. "No need to apologize. I'll introduce you." Then, wry, "Long as you're okay with a greeting from a giant, excitable puppy. Two if you count his DTF."
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"I'm happy for you, really." She takes a sip of her drink. And while he talks she listens but she is looking for someplace she can go in private, even for a moment. She spots a restroom sign and slides her chair back. "Hold that thought, I'll be right back." She stands and makes sure not to run into the bathroom but she does walk a bit quicker than normal. The moment she is inside she locks the door and slides to the ground against it, holding her stomach as she squats on the floor. A sob escapes her alone in the room and she quickly covers her mouth not wanting to be heard. She's being selfish and she hates it. This is Cloud, her best friend. She can't let her own feelings ruin her friendship. She had to be strong about this for both of them. She had to calm herself. She could feel tears falling down her face and she got up to lookin the mirror, wiping them away and wetting her face to snap herself out of it. She absolutely refused to let damper Cloud's mood. He was finally starting to open up to her.
Tifa stayed in the bathroom until she was okay and once she returned to the table she was holding it much better. "Sorry about that. So, tell me more about him."
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