Following along, occasionally stealing glances her way. Eyes softening whenever she does. He would be alright.

Just some subtle identity crisis. No biggie.

Cloud nodded. He could do that. Relax. Right?

He swallowed.

"Sure. Yeah. Sounds... nice."

Cloud sighed. Practically shuddering as she touched him. His eyebrows furrowed.

"Just having a hard time. Ever since I... got back. It's been tough."

He closed an eye, glancing at Tamara.

"... I'm here, right now. Right?"

Cloud's eyes hazed over. Confusing. It was so confusing. What did happiness mean? Was he even? He had smiled. Felt her touch. Enjoyed her presence.

Warmth.

... But why did he feel so cold?

He could feel the ghost of her hand, wanting nothing more than to lean into it.

"It's... It's nothing."

Cloud glanced down at the ground then.

He didn't understand. Not fully. Safety... safety was the most important, wasn't it?

Happiness. Never had time to be happy back then. It was a weird feeling. Confusing.

Was it even him feeling it?

Or was it something else?

"I ... don't know anymore."

- the shouts.

A slight smirk lifting his lips. He'd never change, would he?

"In here," he exclaimed.

Cloud huffed. Happy. Is that what it meant?

He chewed his lip, soft eyes meeting her gaze. A hiccup where his heartbeat ought to have been. As he met her eyes, he found himself hesitating.

"I ... am happy," he assured. Whether to her or himself he didn't know.

"... What's so special about that?"

Cloud glanced out the window, at the water tower.

"Think I might stay the night. You paid for the delivery, so I guess it's up to you whether you want express or not. You mind?"

His eyes widened then, that pale blush darkening his porcelain features.

Scrunching his face and twitching, glancing away. She was still latched onto him...

"Was not. Y-You need your eyes checked."

💛❤️

His eyes glistened, irises widening if only for a moment. Averting his gaze, almost scoffing with a shy puff of his cheeks.

"... I hate surprises," he said, "but... I guess this one isn't bad."

A smile.

Surprised. Eyes widening. His face flushed lightly.

"T-Tamara. Wasn't expecting you. You... You knew I was back?"