It is...? [Zell blinks. Seifer had been around both of them at the mansion, so Zell hadn't really observed how Seifer acted around the both of them as being distinct between the two of them...but maybe Squall picked up on stuff he'd missed. Or had noticed it only directed at Zell.]

But...that's kinda what I'm afraid of. That a relationship without respect won't work out...that's why I gotta make him respect me. I don't... [He fidgets.] I don't wanna lose him.

...you really think I'm worrying for nothing? [It is reassuring to hear that Squall perceives Zell and Seifer as having a relationship of equals, but...it's hard for Zell to scrub the way Seifer looked from his mind. The way he sounded, and the words he said.]

You are helping, though. Both 'cause it's just...nice being able to talk about it and hear what you think, but also 'cause you're right. He does like it when people stand up to him. [Zell sits up a little straighter, squaring his shoulders.] So if he doesn't respect me...then telling him off is gonna help. If he does, then...I dunno. [He pauses.] Maybe he'll get mad I thought he didn't, but...I guess maybe he'll explain why he said the stuff he said. [He leans a little more into Squall.] Thanks, Squall.