Hersey's dates

Wel...welcome home, master.

That's right...

I heard from Yuffie that the best way to remember someone is to live close the life they had.

She used to work in a shop like this, so I thought I should try it...

It might seem weird to a normal person.

Still, I want to learn about the world in HER eyes.

Yes. I think Yuffie would think that way. She always wanted to make me integrate into this society...

She knows that I can't say no to learning about HER world, so she came up with this plan that I cannot reject.

I know that well, and I'm thankful.

Anyways, I'll be serving you today, Leader. I hope I won't trouble you with my lack of experience.

So, what would you like to have, master?

Just a minute.

The owner said I'm really talented because I can already make latte art designs.

This is made especially for you. A picture based on my claws. I wish that you can kill lots of Nightmares in the Dream.

Just a minute.

The tiramisu is my creation. We are out of rum today, so I used whiskey instead.

It should have a unique flavor.

Are you satisfied with the food I prepared?

Yay, I didn't mess up.

I guess it could also be that you don't want to discourage me. After all, you are a nice person just like Yuffie.

Is there a problem?

I guess I still have a lot to learn...Sorry.

I'll keep working on it!

According to our rules, we can stay with our master when we're not busy. Why don't I sit across from you and we can chat?

Is there anything you want to talk about, Leader?

Stare–––

Hey! Look out!

Don't you...want to talk to me at all?

Then please enjoy your food!

...Sorry about that. I'll get it cleaned up right away.

Stop trying to cheer me up!

I know I messed up again! I must have!

...I understand.

At least let me make up for it.

Sorry, I just lost control of myself.

There's just one extra set here. Why don't you change into it first, Leader? I'll go clean up outside.

A woman's secrets must not be asked. Even if it's the master asking. Trust me, you don't want to know.

I know this is making things difficult for you, but I learned a lot about my shortcomings today.

If you still have time, I would like to go through the same process again...

Would you like to help me? Master...

People should say thanks to those who are willing to help them. So, thank you for coming to shop with me.

Yuffie said it's important to have pretty outfits when growing into an attractive woman.

I don't think I really need any, but...let's just say I'm buying things for her sake...

Ah, sorry, I'm rambling on again.

I get a little tense when I'm with them. I can relax a bit when I'm with you.

Plus, you are always partnered with pretty women. I'd take it as you have enough experience to help me out.

You're always so nice.

Then let's get started.

Where do you think we should go first?

Just walk around? Sure. Seems like something girls would do.

Still...I get a bit anxious if I don't have a specific destination. Please make a choice ASAP.

Dresses? Okay. I like having a clear objective.

Hmm...

It might be rude for me to ask...

Can I hold your arm, like when girls go out to shop?

Ah...thought so.

Doesn't it feel like we're actually not going together when we walk all by ourselves?

Back then...never mind. This is fine.

Really? Excellent.

I want to know what it feels like to hold someone's arm.

We are kind of stiff, aren't we? I guess we're too forced...

Still...it's a cool, new experience.

Ah, then how about this store? They got nice dresses.

If it's her...I mean, me, which one do you think best fits me?

How about this one with flowers and butterflies? Or this one with laces? Don't girls like this type?

Uh...did I make a bad choice? Okay, then I'll leave it to you.

A light dress...isn't it too soft?

Am I right for a dress that soft looking? Or is that how you want to see me...

This is right for her though...I like seeing her in cute clothes and talk to me with a smile...

Maybe I can give this a try.

This...looks nice.

I now have a sudden urge to try on clothes. She would enjoy seeing me in such an elegant dress too, right?

Even if the only reason I'm getting it is to keep it in our shared closet...

I'll go with what you recommended then.

That was fast. This should be the time to return the favor. I'm going to pick an outfit for you too!

I saw a bit back the shop next door is pretty right for your style.

I should be the right person for the job, if it's choosing outfits for you.

...

It's not something to be explained.

Either way, try it out first?

I know you are going to have question.

But I really like how you don't try to force an answer. I feel respected and trusted.

So from here on, just watch me.

Suits you well, Leader. Don't take it off. I'll go pay.

That's how shopping should be...Anyways, just take it as my thanks for you coming to shop with me.

The Liberos has lots of perks, please don't say no. I rarely get this happy like I am today. I hope to have some time alone with you again.

Our date is on the outskirts of town this time.

The right place for a stroll. I just didn't expect you to choose me to walk with you...

Is there something that you want to talk about, that others shouldn't hear?

You are both a Radiant and the Leader of the group. There's always going to be something that you need to take care of.

I don't really understand how it work, but I really respect people like you and Yuffie.

I can now understand that you are doing something you deem necessary, but it's something I cannot do.

Nightmares...true an atrocious existence.

A break once in a while is welcomed, but we cannot let a break affect our vigilance.

If it's possible, I would like to fight without ever resting.

Sorry, I'm rambling on again.

I'm really not a good listener, and I'm pretty bad at consoling people.

It's like...I only realize it when I'm alone again. After all, there used to be someone who always accepted me.

Of course...My then lover enjoyed a place filled with sunlight like this one.

But this isn't really the right place for me...

Maybe I should just stay in a dark and secluded spot.

It was after meeting her that I realized...getting some sunlight is nice.

She would talk to me about pointless stuff with a laugh. I don't even know why they were funny. But I loved how she looked when she laughed...

She would straighten me out too, if I'm complaining. She did that with all kinds of weird logic that I can't fight against. Either way, things get really fun eventually.

...Yuffie said I need to try hard to move on.

But everything is still fresh in my memory. I know I should move on and live well, but then again...why do I need to move on anyway?

I really miss her...

Don't worry. She lives within my heart, always.

Without her...I probably would have given up on accepting this world already.

Poor, weak. I would steal and rob for food.

I lived in the dirtiest places, with no one willing to look at me with a straight gaze.

It's as though I lived in a completely different world from others...

Beautiful, warm. She was the ray of light that pierces the darkness.

She's strong-willed and infinitely tolerant. She's also righteous, fighting for those who are weak. She's kind too, and she could make lots of good food...

It was her who gave me the courage to face this aloof world. I wanted to live...in her world.

Even though I was puny, she still chose to be with me. And it was in spite of ridicule and controversies, in spite of making her own life impoverished...

I'm really thankful of her...and the miracle that she created for me.

Probably. Love always stems from somewhere. That is, if everything has to have a reason to exist...

However, it will remain a mystery, never to be answered...

It's enough for me to know that we were the only ones for each other.

I know I could do it for her...

I wanted to make myself stronger, find a real job, learn to cook, and make her delicious meals...

I wanted to turn our shack into a warm home that shelters us from storms...

It's too bad that the moment things began to look up...

If I had been stronger...if I became a Radiant sooner...she would still...

Ah...okay. Like...what?

Future eh?

As of this moment, no, and perhaps never.

I think I'll have to disappoint you, and stay stubborn and intolerant.

Forgiving to me means accepting their demands, and that means forgetting.

There is no way I would ever want to forget about her...

Someone important?

You, Yuffie, and the rest of the Liberos are all important to me.

But as a significant other? I don't think so.

I would die for all of you, but, I would only live for the wish of one person.

Still, it's just how things are right now. It might be as Yuffie said...time will change everything.

For example...I would have never thought that I'd meet you.

We cooperate well in battle, and we hold no reservations from one another. You even saved me in the Dream when I was lost in it before.

Either way, you are someone special to me.

I don't know how exactly I can define it, but I think she would feel safe about leaving me at your side...

Ah...I get really talkative when I'm alone with you. It's scaring me a bit.

I'll try to control myself. Let me continue to accompany you on your walk from here on.