_{[ He pounces on the opportunity in a heartbeat, thumbs tracing over the creases of Cloud's palm for several moments before he turns his attention to mapping out every callus and scar he can find. They feel softer than he expected, but does Roche care or mind? Hell no, especially not when it's finally happening. So what if it's only been a scant few days as far as Midgar was concerned? To him, it may as well be a lifetime — even moreso when he takes the time spent here into account. ]}

I never had a reason to let it. I've felt bouts of embarrassment and whatnot before, but never shame. Never genuine shame. Life is far too short for me to worry about things like that, you know? I'd much rather spend the one I do have to the fullest. And...

_{[ It's here that Roche gets daring; it's brief and almost too casual, but as his touches to Cloud's hald slow he ducks his head to press his lips to the tips of his fingers in a quiet thank you gesture. ]}

...there's nothing shameful about being true to one's heart, even if others seem to take issue with it. Believe me, I'd know.