[ cloud's slower on the uptake than most -- he's never been renown for his charisma or perception of people. but he knows zack well enough, like the steady staccato of his own heartbeat, to recognize when he's putting on a smile for the sake of it. it makes something in him ache.

he steps into his suite gingerly. it's small. so small. he deserved better than this. instinctively, he looks away when the compliment rolls in, a hand coming to the back of his head sheepishly. ]

...Thanks. You-- look better, honestly. [ he always did. ] There's a reason people are always all over you, you know.

[ well, there are more than a few reasons, but he'll reserve that information for himself. ]

...Zack. [ he states more firmly. ] I think... something's bothering you. Even if you aren't saying it.

[ he steps closer to him -- not that there's much space in here at all, but... with his arms folded, eyes trained on his: ]

What's going on?