Author's Note: A little thing I thought of while listening to the song "Things that rhyme with Orange," by I Set My Friends on Fire. I was just like, aww, it's always so hard to make friends. Some might say, "Well Zack would never have problems in that department," but I say he did and just needed someone to build his confidence. Whatever, I thought the idea was cute. Enjoy!
Pairing: Zangeal, Zack/Angeal, although there is very little coupling or even hints at a romantic relationship. More just cute fluffy affection.
Prompt: Friends.
Rating: G.
Warning: Cute.
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Zack sighed dejectedly for the eleventh time as he sat at Angeal's kitchen table, leafing through his SOLDIER textbook. Angeal did his best to ignore Zack's gloomy attitude, but this whole wounded puppy look didn't suit him. There was that and the fact that if Zack shed a single tear, Angeal's heart would shatter instantaneously. With a sigh, Angeal looked up from his stack of paperwork and reports and instead focused his gaze on Zack.
"I'll never be able to get any work done if you continue on like that," Angeal confessed, catching the attention of the normally peppy boy opposite him.
"Sorry," Zack replied quietly in little more than a murmur. Angeal furrowed his brow in consternation. No cocky grin, no teasing remark, no laughter? Something was definitely wrong with his student.
"What's the matter, Zack?"
In reply, Angeal received another long, drawn out sigh. Displeased with that response to say the least, Angeal rose from his seat. Standing tall with his hands rested on his hips, Angeal seemed formidable.
"The truth Zack," Angeal warned impatiently, Zack's sad puppy eyes instantly becoming alert and wary.
"No one in SOLDIER likes me," Zack confessed with a sad sigh, eyes downcast. "I try to make friends, but… I guess it just isn't working. I have nothing in common with anyone- I have nothing to offer them."
"Silly puppy," Angeal responded with a small chuckle. "Is that all? I was afraid someone had died, for Gaia's sake! You have tons to offer, Zack."
"Really?" Zack's mouth had finally turned upwards in a small contented smile.
"Would you like me to name a few?"
"If you don't mind," Zack replied with a grin, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms expectantly.
Angeal shook his head with a sigh wondering what he'd gotten himself into, and what compelled him to open his cursed mouth.