[ As he takes a sip of his tea, letting the subtle aroma sooth him upon breathing in, he studies her expression. Any mention of Sephiroth was bound to be a sore spot. ...a sore spot that he's personally created for them both. It was still strange enough that he was getting training from the man who would go on to cause him and then people he cared for so much anguish. But...it's like he said. He wasn't that man. He'd defied destiny after all.

Cloud...was going to come back around to the way Ayaka hesitated. He knew exactly why she hesitated. But she asks him a question, and he sets his cup down momentarily. ]

Shinra would wanna tell you it was because Wutai attacked first when they diplomatically offered to place a Mako Reactor out there.

[ And that's when Cloud's hand slides over, settling against one of hers along her teacup. Steady now, Ayaka. Despite what the blond was talking about, he's cool and collected. He has to be. ]

Knowing Shinra...they just wouldn't take no for an answer.