[ the sentiment is mutual. not that cloud was renown for having a stellar memory -- but it was hard to forget anything about daan. his pains and his joys alike.

cloud lets him grasp at his hand; for a moment, he's so transfixed that he hardly budges, allowing daan to do as he pleases. then comes the question, grounding cloud back in reality, and he shakes his head slowly. ]

No. It's okay. It's just... it's been a long time.

[ longer than he realized. it's been occurring to him recently-- that he was gone for 7 years. cloud studies daan's face, eyes glossy and vivid, before the corners of his lips turn up into the faintest trace of a smile. ]

I wish you two met. I... I would've taken you to her. And she would've loved you. I know that.