Five | Dictated

[loveandstrife]

[Cloud starts to write at first but scribbles it out, deciding to speak instead. It's probably better that way. His handwriting is atrocious.]

I heard people have come from different worlds... then gone home, and sometimes they come back again.

Someone said they knew me before.

[He pauses, trying to think about where he's going with this one.]

Comments

[payback]

Aerith used to own the business I run now. She started it, in fact.

[loveandstrife]

You... knew her? [A pause.] How was she? Safe? Happy?

[payback]

I did.

... It's been a long time since she was here. Over a year, in fact - but she seemed happy. I think she said making the business up was something she'd always dreamed of doing, and she got to see it happen.

Feeling anxious about friends coming and going?

[loveandstrife]

I'm glad she was happy.

[He pauses for a second.] Curious more than anxious. I just hope they don't come.

[payback]

I've also made friends - not ones from my world - that have come and gone several times.

[loveandstrife]

[Another pause, a longer one this time, then he speaks in a genuine, soft tone.] I'm sorry that happened to you.

[payback]

Anyone who stays here a significant length of time will have that happen. There are worse things, anyway.

[loveandstrife]

I guess so. [He stops to think for a moment then sighs. There are definitely worse things.] Sorry, I didn't ask your name. I'm Cloud.

[payback]

I'm Rin.

When did you arrive?

[loveandstrife]

Just over a month ago. Nice to meet you Rin.

[payback]

Nice to meet you too.

Are you having trouble adjusting?

[loveandstrife]

Kind of. I've always been called unsociable so... I guess it's true.

[payback]

Mm. Are any friends from your world here?

[loveandstrife]

No, I'm alone.

[payback]

So am I. It's not necessarily terrible.

[loveandstrife]

No, I'm glad they're not here. They're happy at home.