Ayaka... [ So the "Kamisato" art was all in the family. There definitely wasn't some secret "Strife" technique passed down through the generations. But he lightens up a little as he listens to her, not afraid to chime in as they walk. ] Now I'm starting to feel rude.

[ She's so proper... Proper and earnest. So of course he's gotta fail to regain the conversation give her the same courtesy. But hey, there's no one else around and the job is done! He can afford to let his proverbial 'guard' down.

Oh Cloud. You'll learn how to be social yet. Maybe. ]

Nice to meet you, Ayaka.

[ "What made you retire from the military?" ]

I, uh...

[ Shit. Talk about the biggest accidental bomb arming. Cloud reluctantly looks away, running a gloved hand through the back of his spiky hair as he tries to figure out how to say this without lying completely. He might have a thing or two to learn about making conversation, but even Cloud has enough common sense not to tell a complete stranger your home town got razed by your military hero. When he does finally look back at Ayaka though, he looks awkward. But still... ]

I had a bit of a...disagreement with the army. Wasn't really on board with how they were doing things anymore sooo, I quit. [ A beat. ] And took up mercenary work.