[Ah, there is it. Zack had been testing the waters but Blue puts it all out on the table just like that. Zack smiles although his expression is serious, eyes a hardened blue-green.]

Look, [He looks at Blue honestly.] When I showed up here... I was messed up. I found out it's been five years since anyone saw me, including Aerith.

[He won't disclose the reasons for that five-year gap because it's kind of another heavy story. Unless Blue wants to ask about it.]

I had no clue how to feel about all of that. Or how anyone felt about me. And yeah, for a second it felt nice to just shoot the shit with you.

[And he did have a good time.]

The last thing I want to do is to be an asshole to her. And ... I'm sorry I was an asshole to you too.

[Because he was, he admits it.]