It was fortunate for Cloud that Rufus had decided to be on his best behavior, even if he was sure that rumors of his hot and cold temperament had proceeded him. For now it at least meant Cloud wouldn't get a scolding, or a look of minute exasperation at the obvious lack of a proper soldier standing in front of him.

What Cloud gets instead would be a very faint smile, and Rufus standing from where he had been sitting with one leg drawn up to balance some reading material, to move over and speak to him directly.

"Don't seem so confused. Is it so strange for the person you're protecting to want to know who it is protecting him?"