[Zack makes a soft, indiscernible noise at the touch; he'd felt and heard Cloud's arrival, so it isn't quite surprise, nor is it a protest. If anything it's a sound of helpless acknowledgement. He accepts this presence, and this comfort, but he doesn't know what to do with it yet.
It takes a couple of seconds - eons longer than it usually takes him, but in this moment it's hard to extract himself from that tight, protective curl, feeling so small despite his actual size - but he shifts his arms as Cloud directs, winding them instead around Cloud and burrowing his face in the other's chest instead of his arms. He's absolutely correct, Zack does prefer this. If asked he's not sure what truth would be compelled from him. He had a fight with Sharon? She's super wrong and super right at the same time? Turns out he is very angry about some stuff and would rather not acknowledge it, thanks? All of those things. He's biting his tongue so hard it bleeds to keep from voicing the tumbling thoughts. He has to say it. He doesn't want to say it.
So he bites, and he bleeds, and he hugs Cloud more tightly. He'll hold it in as long as he can.]
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It takes a couple of seconds - eons longer than it usually takes him, but in this moment it's hard to extract himself from that tight, protective curl, feeling so small despite his actual size - but he shifts his arms as Cloud directs, winding them instead around Cloud and burrowing his face in the other's chest instead of his arms. He's absolutely correct, Zack does prefer this. If asked he's not sure what truth would be compelled from him. He had a fight with Sharon? She's super wrong and super right at the same time? Turns out he is very angry about some stuff and would rather not acknowledge it, thanks? All of those things. He's biting his tongue so hard it bleeds to keep from voicing the tumbling thoughts. He has to say it. He doesn't want to say it.
So he bites, and he bleeds, and he hugs Cloud more tightly. He'll hold it in as long as he can.]