Cloud doesn't budge at the sound of footsteps- probably just a local tooling around. What he does respond to, however, is that strange, faint pulling in his chest that he feels. That can only mean a First is nearby. One of the literal four he's met here, with one being a brat version of the other. It's all a confusing, aggravating, and slightly unsettling mess. Cloud could really do with a moment of not questioning his entire worldview and existence, but he isn't going to be allowed such a break now.

He turns his head and is met with a hell of a sight. Sephiroth, perfectly calm, with a trace of what he can only nail down as guilt in his slitted eyes, holding a perfectly content hen. The body language is there- eyes partly closed, head tucked down- she feels safe with him. That sits funny with Cloud, of course. Not as visceral as it perhaps would have a week ago, however. Their first encounter in Town, paired with meeting a younger, slightly bitter Sephiroth, leaves Cloud questioning more and more about who Sephiroth is as a person here. He must be going mad, he figures, to be even entertaining the idea of the man who has ceaselessly harmed and haunted him and countless others to be a person in fucked up circumstances like the rest of them.

But here he is, having just those thoughts.

Later on, Cloud will insist his less explosive response was because he didn't want to spook the birds if asked. Not the one in his lap, and especially not the one that is in Sephiroth's arms. So the blond grits his teeth, suspends his disbelief, and stays seated, glowing eyes on his uninvited guest.

"Who put you up to it? I'll have some things to say to 'em. Lucky you, the birds seem fine."