[ Zack is one of those people, but he's not sure he's ready to admit that to Karin now. Not when they're talking over the phone and she's already got so much else on her mind. If he does leave this place, and does so before she does, that would be extra weight on her shoulders. ]
Yeah. Being able to say goodbye, to know it was their choice rather than just this world doing whatever it felt like... that'd help a lot.
[ It doesn't come as much surprise that Styx had pets here. At least Karin has something to remember him by, but Zack knows it wouldn't be the same. ]
Didn't realize you two were so close. What kind of animals?
[She hesitates as she considers exactly what to call him. She remembers that Styx had balked when she'd referred to him as her boyfriend— not because he didn't want to be, but because he was convinced he couldn't give her what he thought she needed. It still stings, thinking back that conversation; he only ever meant well, but it turned out that being told you were too good for someone was just as lonely as not being good enough.
She exhales.]
We were very good friends. I thought it might be better for his animals if they didn't have to move elsewhere after losing him, so I've been taking care of his house, as well. There's a kitten, Yasha, and a fish, Charon. Probably the most spoiled goldfish I've ever met.
[There's definitely an audible smile in her voice as she makes that particular addendum.]
[ Zack can't help but notice that hesitation, the way Karin catches herself and pivots. Very good friends, or something more? Not that it's any of his business, and if she doesn't want to delve deeper, he gets it.
(Is this how Aerith talked about him, when he was gone?)
Thankfully, a smile enters his voice when Karin makes the remark about Styx's goldfish. ]
You know, he does seem like the type who would spoil his animals. Not that that's a bad thing. Well, I've never had a pet before. I could get one here, I guess, but...
[ He pauses, and then realizes he has to make this joke. ]
Have you seen those furry ears and tail? He definitely counts.
[ Zack could go into detail about how much Cloud behaves like an excitable dog when the full moon hits and he transforms, but he's more or less promised Cloud that he wouldn't spread that information around, so as to not embarrass him.
It's tempting all the same, but Zack does know when his teasing would go a step too far. ]
Anyway, it's been really good to hear from you, Karin. I'm glad you called.
[ Zack's both good at bouncing back and at not letting on to what might still be bothering him. He's never enjoyed burdening other people, especially since Karin went through the same thing herself. ]
I won't be! You just have to make me the same promise, all right?
[ For better or worse, they now have this shared experience, which is bound to link them together. ]
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Yeah. Being able to say goodbye, to know it was their choice rather than just this world doing whatever it felt like... that'd help a lot.
[ It doesn't come as much surprise that Styx had pets here. At least Karin has something to remember him by, but Zack knows it wouldn't be the same. ]
Didn't realize you two were so close. What kind of animals?
no subject
[She hesitates as she considers exactly what to call him. She remembers that Styx had balked when she'd referred to him as her boyfriend— not because he didn't want to be, but because he was convinced he couldn't give her what he thought she needed. It still stings, thinking back that conversation; he only ever meant well, but it turned out that being told you were too good for someone was just as lonely as not being good enough.
She exhales.]
We were very good friends. I thought it might be better for his animals if they didn't have to move elsewhere after losing him, so I've been taking care of his house, as well. There's a kitten, Yasha, and a fish, Charon. Probably the most spoiled goldfish I've ever met.
[There's definitely an audible smile in her voice as she makes that particular addendum.]
no subject
(Is this how Aerith talked about him, when he was gone?)
Thankfully, a smile enters his voice when Karin makes the remark about Styx's goldfish. ]
You know, he does seem like the type who would spoil his animals. Not that that's a bad thing. Well, I've never had a pet before. I could get one here, I guess, but...
[ He pauses, and then realizes he has to make this joke. ]
I already have Cloud, so I think I'm good.
no subject
Does Cloud count? I won't tell him you said so, either way.
[The mental image is funny, however.]
I can see how you might have your hands full.
no subject
[ Zack could go into detail about how much Cloud behaves like an excitable dog when the full moon hits and he transforms, but he's more or less promised Cloud that he wouldn't spread that information around, so as to not embarrass him.
It's tempting all the same, but Zack does know when his teasing would go a step too far. ]
Anyway, it's been really good to hear from you, Karin. I'm glad you called.
no subject
[Much better than she expected, which is certainly something.]
I won't keep you for too long, but I hope you won't be a stranger?
no subject
I won't be! You just have to make me the same promise, all right?
[ For better or worse, they now have this shared experience, which is bound to link them together. ]
And... take care of yourself, Karin.