Cloud remembered you being the smartest kid in class in Nibelheim, destined for something greater than your small town could afford. You’d chosen Shinra, just like him, and remained in their R&D department before abruptly quitting and joining Avalanche. He remembers the shock he felt upon learning you’d reunited with Tifa in Sector 7 but also the sense of comfort it brought knowing the three of you were together again. For the most part, he doesn’t think much of it, not until you run into your old boss at Costa del Sol, and he realizes it wasn’t a clean break after all.

“Forget that asshole,” murmurs Cloud, rubbing your back with halted, awkward movements. He’s not the best at comforting anyone, but the only person you seem to want any from is him, so he has to try. His mind keeps replaying the way Hojo had taunted you, and against his better judgment, he broaches the issue. “What happened to you at Shinra?”