[ It's wrong, like this. It's wrong, and he knows it's wrong--he's never been anything but the person that Cloud could depend on, and the person that took care of him when he couldn't take care of himself. It feels a little like letting himself down, in a way, to show him these things he doesn't like, to let him hear these words that he's circled around in his head, alone, laying in his small bed; after all, will Cloud look at him differently after this? See him as less of a hero? Less of a person to depend on?

He's fumbling to try to find something positive to say--something to brighten up the mood, something to smile about, something to reassure Cloud about. But the silence stretches there, and he thinks maybe he's finally done it: maybe he's really messed this one up.

Except Cloud moves, and his hands set on his waist, holding him there for a moment before pulling him in. Automatic, without any thought, his arms go around Cloud's shoulders, dragging him in against his chest; his breath steadies, a warm, slow thing against the side of his head, where Cloud's tucked himself in against the crook of his neck. ]

I know. [ It's quiet, after a moment: quiet, and honestly, like this? When it feels like he has to protect Cloud from something? It helps bolster his mood, helps him lean away from those feelings directed at himself. ] I know it must be scary. And I wanna give you the space to...deal with that, and deal with...me.

[ Another soft, slow breath. His eyes close for a moment. ]

You know? I was scared, too. Scared that once we got to Midgar, that maybe you'd never... I thought I might lose you, and I just... I could never let myself think it. I had no idea what I would do. So I get it. I really... I get it.