[There was something holding Souji back behind that cheerful smile, like there always was. In a few ways Cliff recognized a little of it in himself-- a reluctance, of sorts, to let someone get that close to him. Mirage was always his right hand, his best friend, and the one who was privy to his most important secrets and emotions...but, that was her and her alone. They understood eachother with little more than a look and a touch, but that was all Cliff ever needed.
Anyone else could potentially compromise his ability to lead, and it would only put them in danger. Cliff couldn't allow that to ever happen.
He had a hunch that his reasons were far different from Souji's, but he wasn't going to press for more details. That was Souji's business. If Souji ever wanted to tell him, then Cliff would stay and listen.
But, it wouldn't ever be a moment before Souji was okay with it.
For now, Cliff just laughed along with Souji.]
Waffles? Well, I never expected that one!
[It was their little game, for better or for worse. Cliff was content to enjoy the hell out of it until the board shifted one them, one way or the other.]
August 19, afternoon
Anyone else could potentially compromise his ability to lead, and it would only put them in danger. Cliff couldn't allow that to ever happen.
He had a hunch that his reasons were far different from Souji's, but he wasn't going to press for more details. That was Souji's business. If Souji ever wanted to tell him, then Cliff would stay and listen.
But, it wouldn't ever be a moment before Souji was okay with it.
For now, Cliff just laughed along with Souji.]
Waffles? Well, I never expected that one!
[It was their little game, for better or for worse. Cliff was content to enjoy the hell out of it until the board shifted one them, one way or the other.]