Cloud was getting his second ice cream of the day when he spotted Zack, and wasn't really surprised at all. Why wouldn't he be here? So after he'd paid for the ice scream, he wandered over, a smile already on his face.

It was still such a relief that Zack, at least, had survived, even if he hadn't. Catching up to overhear him, Cloud cocked his head.

"... not prepared for what, Zack?"

And then the lack of a walking stick - though that Zack needed one at all had been a surprise, but less of one after he found out why - and... Zack's still too old, Cloud's sure, but...

"Zack?"

Suddenly, he remembered what his older self had said about his Zack, but maybe he's wrong.