It's shocking how much Cloud feels he can relate with Sephiroth on feeling no sense of self, something Cloud has never had the opportunity to do before. He wishes he had words for that, but for now the softening once again of his expression will have to do. He has enough to process right now before thinking through how to respond to the situation as a whole.
A sword. Sephiroth is comparing himself to a sword. For whatever reason, this stands out to Cloud especially, slotting all his suspicions and thoughts on the man's younger self right into place. The boy's bitterness contrasts starkly with the older Sephiroth's quiet, understated sadness, but both versions of him approach his being a weapon as a matter of fact.
Cloud knows no man is honed into a weapon easily. Especially not by Shinra, and especially not the science department specifically. Humanity is a rare thing over there. Most who show it, he heard (and assumed) didn't last.
Despite all that, Sephiroth says he prefers living for those around him over his power. In one swoop he denounces Shinra, but also says something that strikes Cloud as almost noble. Stiflingly and achingly kind in its message.
Something a good person or maybe even a hero might say.
How could a man saying something like this with such conviction be the same as the one who razed Nibelheim, and seemingly tortured Cloud for sport? How can Cloud keep up suspicion? The walls are crumbling in a way he doesn't think he will be able to rebuild later.
The mental journey reflects in his eyes, stopping at something of understanding. "I...You don't know who you are either?" With how perfectly Sephiroth read Cloud before, he slips some, perhaps subconsciously accepting the pretense of toughness simply will not work here. Or perhaps he desperately needs connection enough to shove that defensive urge back. "I had a normal childhood though for the most part. Good family. No messed up science, not until I got made into SOLDIER." A light shake of the head. "Maybe I'm just degrading early. They say lots of SOLDIERs do it after enough time."
no subject
A sword. Sephiroth is comparing himself to a sword. For whatever reason, this stands out to Cloud especially, slotting all his suspicions and thoughts on the man's younger self right into place. The boy's bitterness contrasts starkly with the older Sephiroth's quiet, understated sadness, but both versions of him approach his being a weapon as a matter of fact.
Cloud knows no man is honed into a weapon easily. Especially not by Shinra, and especially not the science department specifically. Humanity is a rare thing over there. Most who show it, he heard (and assumed) didn't last.
Despite all that, Sephiroth says he prefers living for those around him over his power. In one swoop he denounces Shinra, but also says something that strikes Cloud as almost noble. Stiflingly and achingly kind in its message.
Something a good person or maybe even a hero might say.
How could a man saying something like this with such conviction be the same as the one who razed Nibelheim, and seemingly tortured Cloud for sport? How can Cloud keep up suspicion? The walls are crumbling in a way he doesn't think he will be able to rebuild later.
The mental journey reflects in his eyes, stopping at something of understanding. "I...You don't know who you are either?" With how perfectly Sephiroth read Cloud before, he slips some, perhaps subconsciously accepting the pretense of toughness simply will not work here. Or perhaps he desperately needs connection enough to shove that defensive urge back. "I had a normal childhood though for the most part. Good family. No messed up science, not until I got made into SOLDIER." A light shake of the head. "Maybe I'm just degrading early. They say lots of SOLDIERs do it after enough time."