[Zack leans forward too, arms on his knees, leaning in such a way that he can look right at Cloud. Watching, picking up every detail he can from his response. Pieces that click that start to click together when he's asked about the sword.

It doesn't hurt; all he feels is this overwhelming urge to help, to find out exactly what this is and fix it for Cloud. He was always a little overprotective of him since they met, and it only got stronger after what happened in Nibelheim. Even now it's a familiar, tight feeling in his chest, like this is the most important thing he has to do. Get to Midgar. Fix Cloud. He's always been pretty simple with his goals.

(Ironic, that one his goals hasn't changed)

He takes a deep breath and lets it out on a long sigh, but the smile on his face doesn't falter]

I gave it to you, but I couldn't tell you when. Time's a little weird for me still. [that's easier than saying he hasn't worked out how long it's been since he died. (A few weeks here, at least. For others? It keeps varying).

His smile, oddly enough, grows a touch wider as he just states the obvious instead]

You don't know who I am, do you. It's okay, you know - you don't have to pretend.