[ Is it because Ori knows he's hopeless... His first and only date.

But the delight does ease him some, and he can't help the smile that tugs at his lips. He nods. ]

I did. I had a wonderful time.

[ It was a strange little bright spot in the aftermath of Eustace's incident. He huffs a breath, somewhere between a chuckle and a sigh. Unfortunately for him, Ori has seen him sigh in a similar manner before.

He spots the books he'd been minding earlier and scoops them up again into his arms. ]

She owed me a second, but it's all right. I just hope she's faring okay in the waking world. [ What he saw of her in Tifa's dream...does not get his hopes up, but that's a different topic. He tilts his head and gives Ori a pointed look. ] And I hope you have had a good birthday.

[ Deflecting. ]