[there's a faint smile at calling roche out, something cloud can appreciate. as if on cue, there's the banging of the man going down the stairs, eventually fading out as he'll unequivocally leave the apartment building—hopefully to never return. reflectively, cloud pushes back and presses against the back of the couch.]

Zack, he... died over a year ago. [his throat feels tight, but he says the rest with some kind of clinical steelness.] Died in the line of duty. Shot ten times.

We were best friends since the academy, even though he had a few years on me. When we ended up in the same precinct after I graduated, it was just... it was just really great. He was engaged, and he was looking forward to — to so much. [he looks up at the dark ceiling, his eyes glassy.] I was there when he died, protecting me, as always.

[he snaps his mouth shut after that, lips thinning into an upset frown, like he's trying to keep himself from downright sobbing. but he retrieves the usual calm soon enough, shaking his head, curling hands into fists on his lap.]

Roche worked with us. He's such an asshole.