[At the very least, he's nice enough to wait outside for their arrival, unsure of just how difficult it might be for a creature like Carbuncle to try and track his scent through the building. And fortunately, it turns out that he doesn't have to wait terribly long, either, and he's grateful he at least made the decision to wash and removed his coat beforehand.]

[It hasn't been long since he last saw Era now, but if he can at least try to look less unkempt than he had been, try to look a little more composed...he should at least make the effort to look okay.]

[He wasn't expecting such excitement to come from their arrival, however. It's Carbuncle that reaches him first, in a familiar ruby red coat, and he takes a step back when it looks as if the little thing is going to leap right at him. Because the last time he's seen the creature this eager and excited had been...]

[Never? Never. Not toward him. Maybe to Cid, if he thinks back long enough.]

At least someone is happy to see me of late. [It's softly murmured, mostly to himself as he gingerly crouches down to offer Carbuncle his bandaged hand. And as Era comes trailing in close behind, he looks up, relief all too visible on his face.]

Era. I hope you've been well.

I must admit, given all I could have come across here, I'm quite glad it was you.