Cloud's heart lifted when Marlene waved back, but fell a little at the little voice in the back of his head saying it was all his fault, if only he had been there she wouldn't be dead... Aerith wouldn't be dead.

That didn't stop him from running the last few steps and tackling both girls in a hug, feeling a little silly at the display, but... right now, he just didn't care. They were here, with him, and they were all right. And, he hadn't seen Aerith in so long...

"I'm here... sorry for taking so long." Always pessimistic, he was.