#learning the whole picture learning to be youself and flourish with the help of others

[pine-needle-shuffle]

would it be spoilers to ask how zack feels about his wings :3?

Not one bit!

Just for context's sake, pre experimentation, Zack had a very positive view of Harpies, both in that they were comrades and the idea of being one seemed appealing. Aspirational even. They had access to an entirely different way of interacting with the world that served as a reminder of how limited he was. Or at least felt. He always wanted to be more than he was. Flying seemed so freeing.

What he didn't know was just how hard existing as one was. He was close with the Firsts and other Harpies, but he didn't live in their shoes. He didn't truly understand what Angeal had meant when he said there was responsibility on those wings.

Post experiment was rough on him. He had to relearn how to move almost entirely. Had to teach himself and Cloud how to fly. Once he got up there he got a taste of that freedom he was looking for, but the novelty wore off after a bit.

I've said before that it's like he can't take the uniform off. He is only seen as an asset to Shinra now, he isn't human anymore. And it really fucks with him. When he runs into Yuffie it's a breath of fresh air.

It's a lot of maintenance and it's tiring. That's not even mentioning the shock he faced when people started treating him differently. Zack is a social, friendly guy, but now everyone around him is constantly staying out of his bubble. Won't talk to him, on edge around him. It's very distressing to him.

There's an air of regret in how he views his wings, but with time and support he gets to a place where he can feel comfortable with them, they're his, not Shinra's.

He does think they are fun, identity and social circumstances aside.