[... Yeah, this guy definitely isn't threatening at all. The science babble reminds him more of Bugenhagen's rambling than Hojo's cutting remarks, and though "boyfriend" gets a slow blink from Cloud--he's known people who bat for the other team, but it's not usually an open topic outside of places like Wall Market-- the frustrated search draws some sympathy from him. ]

I don't think people get brought together often. My, family [ still a little weird to say that ] isn't here either. [ A quick shrug. ] Too bad. Would've made the 'go hug someone' thing easier.

[ Marlene probably would've used it as an excuse to latch on. ]