[ Zack can rest them there for as long as he wants. Because that slightly expressionless demeanor Cloud has adopted the last couple of years cracks under it. There's something akin to pain in his eyes. Regret and an apology. Words on the tip of his tongue that he can't quite get to completely form.

Zack's an emotional guy... Unless it's emotions like these. Cloud doesn't know why Zack's so careful around more vulnerable emotions when usually he'd just. Break down every other wall there is to be had. So Cloud finds himself dropping a forehead onto one of Zack's shoulders. Probably the only way he'll be able to talk without his voice cracking a little. ]

For a long time I thought it would've been better if you'd left me behind. Because... I wasn't you. Felt like I couldn't save anyone. That you'd wasted it all on me. And I didn't...

[ Because Zack could have done better than him. Zack wouldn't have handed over the materia. Wouldn't have let Tifa die. Wouldn't have let his own feelings of guilt and remorse over take him and make him useless and isolated for a time. Cloud is convinced of these things. ]

Still don't understand why you did all that for some kid with impossible dreams. You've never looked out for yourself.