[It feels like he's just kicked a puppy. It hurts to see the way Zack seems to crumble, but that only makes him feel like he's made the tough but correct decision of saying something now.]

I'm sorry, Zack. I just... I can't. I can't do that. Not here. Not when people don't have control over themselves half the time and disappear without warning. I just... can't. [Whether he's actually succeeding at that is another story entirely.

Tilting his head he gives Zack a brief kiss to the corner of his mouth apologetically.]

I'm good with whatever you're okay doing. [He gives his shoulder a squeeze, a fat more 'friendly' gesture. Just friends. Yep.]