Zack's hands on his shoulders make the situation much more real and Cloud startles just the slightest bit at the realization. This was real. This was happening. This was--this was his Zack..wasn't it?

A breathy laugh escapes Cloud before he can stop it and he ducks his head while shaking it, eyes closed as he tries to collect himself. Tries to stop that burning he's feeling in his eyes from becoming actually tears. He wasn't about to lose control of his emotions twice in one week. It just wasn't allowed.

But god did anyone Zack like make it hard.

"...You're back...I didn't...they didn't tell me." His voice is still so very soft but Zack should be able to hear it well enough.

Especially since Cloud is moving forward without prompting to drag the other into a hug.