[ With the both of them there, it's definitely a little crowded--he's too tall for this on a good day, but with Cloud in there with him, it feels like the space is infinitely smaller, something he feels almost guilty for: he should have offered to go up to see him, instead. With a slightly sheepish smile, he takes a step back, bumping against one of the walls to make more room. Cloud doesn't take the spot he offers, and instead, advances forward a little--but there's nowhere else for him to go, and no way to avoid that direct sort of question.

It's bad, isn't it? He'd always kept his chin up even when things felt hopeless, and of all people, Cloud shouldn't be the one having to shoulder him like this. He shouldn't be forced to see through him, like this.

One of his hands moves to his hip, the other lifting towards his hair, raking back through it with another small smile. ]

I think... it's just this place, you know? I'm... Well, it doesn't matter. But I...

[ A swallow. ] Some guy on the network. He said his friend likes Aerith, or something. Seemed to feel bad, having to tell me. And I just kinda... I mean, I'm in the way, you know?

With her. [ With you. ] And I'm thinking...just...maybe it wasn't right.

[ --that he arrived here at all. ]