[Zack brings a hand up to rub the back of his head, jostling the black spikes as he does so.]

Honestly? For me, if it wasn't for someone I know being here I'm not sure how I'd handle the idea of all of this.

[Aerith is here and that alone makes everything easier on him. Even the whole might be dead might be alive parts because it gives him something better to focus on. Makes the idea that he can hold on to this place a good one. At least that's how he sees it.]

But thanks, man. I hope things turn out for both of us.

[Somehow...? Being optimistic is all he can think of doing now.]