I know. [ Because as far as he can tell, no one has actually talked down to her about what she does. That being said, ] Gotta defend my girl no matter what, though.

[ Later, he's going to reflect back on what he said. Has he...ever called her his girl before? So confidently? Perhaps it had something to do with the imaginary scenario of someone making her sad. Regardless, he's said what he said! His hands return to his lap as he leans back on the heels of his feet. ]

Mm. I'll bet they would.

[ As he watches her go through the motions of the ceremony, Cloud pats the tops of his legs patiently before letting out a soft breath through his nose. ]

Y'know... I didn't really think of it before, but- [ If only because he never really cared to think long about it with so many other matters to attend to. ] -kids gravitated to me back home, too.

[ His shoulders give a light little shrug. ]

Didn't really change anything around them either.