[ With Zack's arm slung around Cloud's shoulder like this, it's hard not to think back to how he'd dragged him around for what had felt like weeks during that long journey to Midgar. Back then, though (which for Zack, all feels recent and fresh in his memory), he'd been supporting most of Cloud's weight and half-carrying him. It's nice to not have to feel all of Cloud's dead weight against his side now. Instead they're just walking together. Cloud's speaking full sentences. It's everything Zack had hoped for, and he's lucky enough to get to experience it firsthand even though his number had obviously been up.

So he stays quiet through the explanation, simply enjoying it for what it is, and on Cloud's ending note Zack can't help but grin. ]

Like a mercenary, right? So is that what you ended up doing?

[ You know, after Zack died and left Cloud with his sword and all of his hopes and dreams. He isn't quite able to put it into words because talking about it makes it that much more real, and having to actually voice the reality of what happened to him seems impossible right now. Still, it it is nice to have proof that Cloud had gone on to carry out that dream. To become a mercenary, not beholden to the will of any organization.

Zack glances over as they walk together. ]

How'd you and Aerith end up meeting, anyway? Seems like some kinda serendipity.