I dreamt, I dwelt

[loveandstrife]

[Tifa had been gone for a few months and Cloud had decided it was for the best. It didn't stop him moping, of course, but very little did. He had taken to spending what free time he had racing and building his bikes, but that didn't occupy him enough and it was quickly becoming apparent to him that he was turning into a recluse with how little time

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[arlen_lowell]

[Arlen is just generally moping. He's been moping for a while, he's good at moping. But he allows himself a small break in lying on his bed staring at the ceiling when he hears his device vibrate, and slides it closer to read the text.

Drinks are always a welcome prospect, and the fact that it's Cloud is a little relieving. It always is. Of all the people he knows, Cloud might just be the one who confuses him the most, but also makes him feel the most oddly secure. He sends a quick reply as he slowly drags himself upward off the mattress]

Sure, I'm free all day. Ten minutes from now okay?

[and Cloud can bet he's already grabbing his jacket, halfway out the bedroom door with the device in his hand]

[loveandstrife]

[Cloud's response is a quick, short "Sure. Just come in." and he sets about getting the place at least half near not a complete mess. With a spare tyre in the living room, it's kind of a lost cause. Once everything is neat enough, he has a bottle of hard whiskey and two glasses on the table, a movie in the DVD player ready to go, and a bowl of popcorn set out. Though he barely ever eats enough to survive, if there is junk food to be found, it's in Cloud's kitchen. He isn't very good at eating healthily, in the end.

Without his armoured shoulder guard or most of the excess of his attire, he wears only the sleeveless zip-up sweater and the baggy pants, occupying himself by cleaning up one of his swords while he waits. He doesn't wait long, it's only ten minutes, and he can't help being a bit anxious.

Arlen confuses him too. He makes him worry with how prone he is to throwing himself into danger, and Cloud makes a point of keeping an eye on him, but he doesn't admit that even to himself most of the time.]

[arlen_lowell]

[Arlen's not big on knocking on doors, just comes popping into the living room instead, not really giving much thought to how inconsiderate it probably is. Despite how mopey he's been all week, a smile can't help but cross his features when he catches sight of his friend]

Hey, it's been a while.

[For a moment he's just quiet, and then he's closing the gap and Cloud is getting a big, spontaneous man-hug, complete with back patting because hey, they're still men]

How've you been holding up, man?

[loveandstrife]

[Cloud gets up when the door opens, and he gives Arlen the small attempt at a smile he tries, though it's hardly worth calling a smile. It's just not an expression that comes easy to him. It really has been a while, though, and Cloud feels bad for it, because he's sure it's probably his wallowing that is to blame for it.]

Yeah. Hey, Arlen.

[The hug catches him off guard and Cloud barely manages to rest a hand on Arlen's back before the patting starts, but he's used to friends who touch when he's barely good at giving a handshake.] I've been okay. How about you?

[Cloud returns to the couch, gesturing for Arlen to sit down and pouring drinks out for both of them, sipping his own as he rests back into the couch more.]