[ With a light cant of his head, Cloud leans back on the balls of his feet. It's less that he's worried... Because he knows about Ayaka's prior way of life, and how proverbially caged she'd been, maybe it's just like him. He didn't really celebrate his birthday in the most conventional of means. The time he spent with her and Zack, the impromptu party thrown at the Shinra estate, it all felt so...foreign to him. Cloud wasn't the only one rediscovering themselves, it seems. ]

Ayaka...

[ The tear rolls down her cheek, pattering atop his hand. Yet his gaze never falters for an instant. If only because of that gentle squeeze of his hand that she gives back nonetheless. If this is how Ayaka sorts through her heart and what this moment means to her? Then...he won't take it for granted. He won't take the chances he's been given in this world for granted. Especially what she's given him in kind. ]

Not everyday I get to celebrate a best friend's birthday, — [ As he speaks, his other hand leaves the box in his lap for now, closing both of his over hers in a bid to beckon her eyes on him. ] —let alone someone I love.

[ He smiles for her then, nodding again in affirmation. ]

I'm glad I get to be here.