Disclaimer: I do not own FFVII :(
A/N: First story, AU. I guess that says it all.
"…or music, this anthropology course about Language and Culture, 19th Century Novels, Post Colonial Literature and Theory and…and…," Cloud's voice trailed off as he noticed that Zack was no longer paying attention.
Zack was looking away, his eyes focused on the door as he listened to the conversation in the other room. Cloud couldn't make out the words, but he managed to recognize one voice, it was that of Zack's brother, Angeal. It was then that Cloud heard laughter and he finally understood the dreamy look in Zack's face, it was that look. The look that only meant one thing: Sephiroth.
"He rarely laughs. I don't think I've ever seen him laughing," Zack said softly, "he must be happy."
Zack was smiling and Cloud didn't say anything, there was nothing to be said anymore. He had already lost count of the many times he had seen Zack depressed after yet another failed attempt in gaining Sephiroth's attention, and that look, that look that was in Zack's face now, oh Cloud hated that look. But he hated Sephiroth even more, because even when the bastard, as he had taken to calling him lately, succeeded in hurting Zack's feelings, Zack was still happy because he was laughing.
"He's an ass," Cloud said for what could possibly be the 531st time. Zack smiled but still kept looking at the door as if he could see the other man behind it.
"He's not, he's just…"
"An arrogant bastard," Cloud finished for him, but he immediately regretted his words. Yes, he believed that Sephiroth was an arrogant bastard—an ass who didn't deserve to be in the same room…city, or better yet world as Zack, but he knew he was hurting his friend by speaking like that. But Zack just smiled and said,
"Sorry I wasn't paying attention before, I was just…how about we go to the movies? We can grab something to eat after if you want. My treat."
Cloud smiled and nodded his head. Anything was better than staying in Zack's room listening to the bastard's voice and watching the obvious longing in Zack's eyes. As they walked out of the room into the hallway Zack stopped outside the door next to his room.
"Angeal?"
"It's open"
Zack opened the door and saw Angeal sitting on the floor next to his bed, looking at some documents in his hand, while Sephiroth sat in corner looking at something in the computer.
"What is it Puppy?" Cloud couldn't hide the snicker that came every time he heard Angeal's nickname for Zack.
"I'm going to the movies with Cloud…I was wondering if you guys wanted to come"
Cloud could hear the hopeful tone in Zack's voice and shifted his gaze toward the man sitting at the corner. Sephiroth's eyes never looked toward the door where Zack was standing, and Cloud had the urge to throw a shoe in his direction.
"I don't think so Puppy, Seph here is just finishing some work and then we're going out to celebrate. He just got a promotion at work."
"What, from the Anti-Christ to the very Devil himself?" Cloud thought dryly.
"Oh that's great Sephiroth! Congratulations! I'm really happy for you, I know you deserve it, Angeal is always talking about how good you are and I'm sure you'll get another promotion soon and–" Zack was cut short by the small shove Cloud gave him. He stopped when he realized he had been babbling and forced himself to calm down.
"Well…so then I'll see you later Angeal, anything call me ok?" Zack said, his eyes never leaving the man at the corner.
"Don't come back late and try not to get into any trouble. Do you need money?"
"Yeah…sorry man I'll pay you to the very last penny I promise," Zack said with a sheepish smile.
"Yeah, yeah…you already own me a fortune Zack. Just go and again….try not to get into any trouble." Angeal said as he got up and went to retrieve his wallet.
"Hey you make me sound like I'm always getting in trouble. I already told you, I didn't start that fight last week. They did!" Zack huffed and after a few seconds of Angeal looking at him, Zack rolled his eyes. "Ok, I threw the first punch, but they totally started it!"
"And what? You couldn't act like the twenty year old man you are? You hate it when I call you a child and yet you keep acting like one." Angeal said as he came closer to give him the money.
Zack cringed at his brother's words. He didn't mind Angeal talking to him that way, he knew Angeal did it for his own good, but…did he really have to do it in front of Sephiroth?
"Just get out of here Puppy, go have fun. I'm sure Cloud will keep you away from trouble." Angeal said as went back to the spot where he had been sitting.
"I'll see you later Angeal….bye Sephiroth…and congratulations again"
Cloud shifted his gaze from Zack to Sephiroth, noticing that the man's eyes were stilled glued to the computer. Cloud decided right there that a shoe wouldn't be enough, maybe a knife…Zack waited a few seconds in hope of a reply and when none came his shoulders sagged in defeat and he finally turned to walk out of the room. Cloud waited until Zack was out of earshot and then turned to the two men in the room.
"You know Angeal, as much as Zack still needs you to teach him a few things, maybe you could also teach your friend here some manners." That made Sephiroth glance his way and Cloud smirked, his eyes narrowing. "Just simple things, like thank you or bye…you know, the things even idiots know." Cloud didn't give Sephiroth a chance to reply, saying goodbye to Angeal before going outside to meet Zack.
"So what movie you want to watch?" he asked Zack as they started walking.
xoxo
"That's why I didn't want to come to your house Angeal."
Angeal was still laughing but forced himself to stop when Sephiroth shot him one of his famous death glares.
"That kid really hates you. But it's no wonder, you've never been polite to him and besides, you know he's really protective of Zack, even more so than me." Angeal knew that was mainly the whole reason for Cloud's obvious hatred toward his friend and he had to admit that he liked the protectiveness that Cloud often displayed toward his brother, especially when Sephiroth was in the picture. Angeal knew about Zack's feelings toward Sephiroth, but he was sure it was just some crush that time would fade away.
"I don't give a shit about him hating me or not, but I don't have the patience to deal with those two."
"Zack will get over it…it's just some case of puppy love," Angeal said a moment later and smiled inwardly at his own joke.
A/N: English is not my first language and I still have problems with the wording sometimes but I accept constructive criticism. All my classes were in my native language so it was a bit difficult to get back to it but I'll try my best.