[Zack Fair was oblivious to a lot of things.

There were a lot of things that went over his head or escaped his attention. There were a lot of things he didn't understand, a lot of things that had been kept from him and left for him to only find out and bits and pieces.

But this was Cloud.

This was Cloud and he most certainly, definitely, without a single doubt, could tell when something was wrong. Cloud had always, without fail, been happy to see him. Each and every time had brought out that bright, elusive smile. Never had it caused that look of pain to cross his features, to play within the depths of his eyes.

Something was wrong.]

Cloud. [Angel had scooted in closer, face mere inches from the side of his head, as if concerned about the sudden change in his demeanor.] There's something you're not telling me.

[And then, all at once, like a tidal wave you didn't see coming, or a train going wildly off it's tracks, realization came crashing down, swift and merciless.

Cloud looked older.] Either I'm seeing things or you aged since the last time I saw you.

[Please, please tell him he's just seeing things.]