"Explode? Things already exploded a long time ago," Cloud corrects flatly, stepping back as Angeal stands himself up, tilting his head back to continue meeting the other man's gaze. Why the hell is everyone so much taller than him here?

Simple as the answer is, it is one he doesn't expect. Favors are never free, not from near-strangers especially, yet here Angeal is saying he did it to stick his neck out and take a chance for both Cloud and Sephiroth. He probably mainly just means Sephiroth, given how much Cloud learned he (and his...Husband? Genesis) means to the silver-haired SOLDIER, but it still comes as a surprise either way. His eyes widen a measure for a few beats before his expression settles back to the usual detachment.

"...Stupid gamble to take, honestly. Were you watching from somewhere? Or were you that cocky about being right?"