[Zack's not the smartest guy ever; he can have his dopey, clueless moments, and he follows his heart more than he's ever followed any string of logic. It's just not his way. And it's true that he doesn't always clue in to the hints he's being given.
no, no, no
This, though... this, he can understand. He denies it for as long as he can, grasping at the last few strands of that magical fantasy he'd created in his mind where she was free, safe, living with people who loved her, growing flowers, traveling as she pleased. Everything she'd ever deserved and more.
no, not her
He can't hold on to it. To reject what she's telling him would be cruel, and to ask her to say it, crueller still. She deserves his understanding, his sympathy. He knows what she's not saying because he hasn't said it of himself.
she can't be...!
He feels that same choking pain in his throat, and he can't keep his distance anymore. He steps up to stand behind her and wraps his arms around her, the way she'd done for him years ago, back when Angeal died and his whole life had fallen apart. She'd held him together, then. He's a little late, but it's his turn.
not you too...]
I'm so sorry, [he whispers, his voice hoarse. Sorry for not being there, for not protecting her, for not coming back in time. So much had gone wrong in their lives, and it's not fair.]
no subject
no, no, no
This, though... this, he can understand. He denies it for as long as he can, grasping at the last few strands of that magical fantasy he'd created in his mind where she was free, safe, living with people who loved her, growing flowers, traveling as she pleased. Everything she'd ever deserved and more.
no, not her
He can't hold on to it. To reject what she's telling him would be cruel, and to ask her to say it, crueller still. She deserves his understanding, his sympathy. He knows what she's not saying because he hasn't said it of himself.
she can't be...!
He feels that same choking pain in his throat, and he can't keep his distance anymore. He steps up to stand behind her and wraps his arms around her, the way she'd done for him years ago, back when Angeal died and his whole life had fallen apart. She'd held him together, then. He's a little late, but it's his turn.
not you too...]
I'm so sorry, [he whispers, his voice hoarse. Sorry for not being there, for not protecting her, for not coming back in time. So much had gone wrong in their lives, and it's not fair.]