Zack's grip on Cloud's shoulders tightens, maybe painfully so, for a second. Then he remembers his strength, and eases the tension running through him with a heavy sigh. Broad shoulders slump with it, and for a moment, Zack almost looks sad. There's a nebulous anxiety in his gut, filling his thoughts with static too.

He hadn't ever meant to put Cloud in that kind of position. It had mostly been the shock of the situation, making attempts to crack jokes to diffuse it.

"I'm sorry, Cloud. I didn't mean to, y'know, pressure you. I was just kidding around at first, 'cause, well the whole world and you being sick and then better and-" He snorts. Words are annoying sometimes. They really don't ever wanna cooperate when you need them. When he meets Cloud's gaze again, there's a smile on his face. "Look, the point is. I really like you. I kinda always have. I don't know how to explain it beyond just knowing. So I'm really glad you like me too."