Essence

He looks to Tifa for confirmation that she’s also ready before taking the lead and heading out the door. He’s not sure how he feels about Cloud tagging along but he supposes there’s no other choice.

Fox just didn’t want their seemingly negative interaction to get in the way of things. He’s about to put his life on the line for all of them. “ — The place will be crawling with Shinra men, we should create a distraction before sneaking into the place. “

Ah, so he’s taking the lead? Cloud’s not sure how to feel about that - Tifa’s sort of just letting him and it doesn’t sit right with him. How come this is the first that he’s heard of this guy? Maybe his imagination is just running wild.

“ — A rat, yes. Shinra seemed to think it would bother me, “ admittedly it had. It was their way of belittling him into being nothing more than that, a lab RAT. Just another subject to be tested on for their own personal gain. The thought had slightly bothered him but he let’s it go when Chadley begins to pet him.

“ Yes, a test subject for Hojo, “ He answers leaning into the others touch. Chadleys inexperienced petting causes Red to chuckle, he wasn’t going to hold the fact against the poor kid. “ Try moving your hand from the top of my head down my neck, us animals love the feeling. Scratching gently under our chins or even behind our ears is a good way to get our tails wagging! “

“ You might even find that belly rubs are a good spot to pat! “ He wondered if this was the proper time for such an interaction. Shinra men were after them both. Red would worry about that should anyone come their way, until then he’d give the kid the satisfaction of petting him. Not like he was complaining much himself anyway.

“You know, Chadley we might have to make this a daily thing, “ he teases letting out another chuckle. Truth be told he wouldn’t mind the idea much, anytime Chadley wanted to pet him he’d be sure to agree to the idea.

At the sound of that familiar name, Chadley wavered in his motions. He had been so close, practically around the same place he was. Could it be? Had he met him at some point and just hadn’t noticed? And then, what kind of atrocities was he subjected to? He couldn’t bear the thought. At least, he was here and, right now, he was receiving a pet for all of his efforts, for surviving. 

“I see… So you were there… as I was, too.” he answered, but shifted his attention to the suggestions the dog now told him. It seemed it would yield the best results! Quickly, he started scratching softly at the other’s fur moving from head to his neck and under his chin, where he had directed. There, he remained scratching for a while. “Your fur is so soft! I promise I will get better at petting! I will give you the best pets ever!” 

He got a bit carried away, raising his hands now to scratch the back of Red’s ears. If it were for him, he would try all of the suggestions he had been given. Yet, after a short while, he stopped and smiled, nodding in agreement and satisfaction.

Promises of best pets ever made Red happy, it was definitely something he’d be more than willing to accept. “ I’ll hold you to that promise! A good petting is always welcomed, “ Red nods loving the feeling of being scratched from head to under his chin. He had to hand it to the robot, Chadley listened well it was no wonder Cloud wanted him around.

He wasn’t so worried about Shinra men at the moment, too invested in the joy that Chadley was giving him by petting his fur. His foot thumping against the floor when Chadley had gotten just the right spot behind his ear. Red was practically a puddle of delight beneath the other.

Red is soon leaning into the touch, he fully enjoys the feeling and hopes Cloud has no intentions of stopping anytime soon. A low hum falls from his mouth his tail wagging happily behind him.

“ — Your mother? I know nothing about your past, or where you come from. I only know that you’re an ex SOLDIER. Would you feel comfortable talking about your mother? It might help you feel better. “

“I’m….not sure talking about her would help.” It may bring even more PAINFUL memories to the surface, memories he wishes to FORGET. He appreciates Red trying to help but - is he ready to talk about her?

Red offers a kind smile, he’d listen to anything Cloud felt was right to share. The blond finally manages to speak up, but the words that came out were alarming. Ears droop slightly and a small whimper flows from Red.