[ Well. That was one way to describe that whole thing. Probably the least awkward way, though. Zero goes quiet, not wanting to get too deep into it but also not missing what he could've sworn was a somewhat hopeful tone. Well, as long as he didn't get into anything he didn't care to talk about, it'd be fine, right?

Hell with it - sealing up this sprinkler was going to take a while and this'll pass the time. It sounds like this is probably one of the few people in this place aside from his own fiancee who'd possibly understand to some degree what it was like living in that other world for the past three years or so. Or what dealing with that direct connection that couldn't be turned off or really controlled was like.

Another quick glance, then he gets on with it. ]

Not here, no. ... The other world I came from was full of experiences like that. If it wasn't being sent to someone through mental communication, then it was the environment itself changing around you to reflect how you felt.

[ He's trying not to sound like a grouchy old man about it, despite looking barely 20 if you squint, but it's slipping out anyway. ]

... I also had a direct connection with someone else for nearly a year. Whatever you did felt more similar to that than the other world did.