[That I'm dead acknowledgement has Cloud drawing in a breath, now holding Zack's hand back almost just as tightly, but he doesn't interrupt. You're not dead. You're here with me. If you're dead then I'm dead, and we'll be that way together. Now isn't the time.]
...yeah, [Cloud finally manages, after unclenching his jaw. He keeps Zack's hand between his own, on his lap, still rubbing his thumb along the side.] He can. But also sounds like this guy [not saying 'dead guy'] got pretty angry about not being angry. [So...maybe Zack wants to not be angry, but he still is kind of and Sharon pulling at that particular thread just reminded him of the fact? Cloud's crash course in unearthing buried feelings is even more muddled given he was barely in the driver's seat for most of it.]
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...yeah, [Cloud finally manages, after unclenching his jaw. He keeps Zack's hand between his own, on his lap, still rubbing his thumb along the side.] He can. But also sounds like this guy [not saying 'dead guy'] got pretty angry about not being angry. [So...maybe Zack wants to not be angry, but he still is kind of and Sharon pulling at that particular thread just reminded him of the fact? Cloud's crash course in unearthing buried feelings is even more muddled given he was barely in the driver's seat for most of it.]