[ Feels like forever. It makes Zack wonder at exactly how long it's been for Cloud, though he isn't able to get the question out before Cloud stumbles into further explanation. Zack doesn't mind sitting back and listening, as this entire situation is still overwhelming for him and it's frankly nice to hear Cloud talking so much, even if it is about some kind of Bond with Aerith.

The Bond concept is something that Zack still only vaguely understands, but for all that Cloud's worried that he might be upset, that's not it at all. For one thing, he'd been dead and as far as Cloud and Aerith knew, that wasn't going to change. For another thing, it sounds like the Bond was made out of necessity, platonic rather than something deeper. Even if it was, Zack wouldn't be upset. ]

Hey, listen to me. [ Zack's voice takes on a more hushed tone as he reaches out for Cloud's shoulder once again, but this time it's to grip it and give him a solid shake. ] It's not like I expected Aerith to wait around pining for me for years and years when she didn't even know what happened, right? I'm just glad that somehow the two of you found each other. That's... pretty incredible, honestly.

[ It's a relief to know that two people Zack cares about so intensely had been able to meet and lean on each other, even if Aerith had ended up in the same place he did when all was said and done. ]

And I'm glad you were looking out for her, too.

[ With that, Zack pulls his hand back and the smile he gives is lighter. There's a lot to sift through here, but he's always been good at latching onto the bright points. ]

So you're a... monster, I guess? Sorry, still getting used to the nomenclature around here.