"I was, to some extent," Cloud half-heartedly joked, managing a slight shrug along with it. He'd been a troublesome teenager that Zack had taken under his wing and..he would always appreciate that. He'd always appreciate what the other had done for him even after that--what he'd given up for Cloud.

The other's next words make him flinch, eyes closing as he ducks his head once more.

"...I held you back...I got you killed." The words come out softly and for a moment he can't help but think about his younger self's world. "If I hadn't been in the picture, you would have...you.."