A/N: Writer's block is evil. So I'm going to try and stick with this one until I can write normally again.

Summary: AU. Good Christian girls don't talk to male prostitutes. Good Christian girls don't let the male prostitutes teach them bad things. And most importantly, good Christian girls do not have feelings for said male prostitutes. Cloud/Tifa/Zack

Angels Will Carry Me Home

Chapter One:

The Bad Influence

Zack Fair. Cloud Strife. Those are the names of my two new assignments. Oh, I shouldn't call them assignments. Silly me, they're people, not objects and must be treated as such. Besides, these poor boys have spent most of their lives being treated like things! How awful would it be if I start seeing them in such a way? It would be no help at all to either of them.

So, let's start again. Zack Fair and Cloud Strife are the two new youths that are to be taken under my wing, here at St. Joseph's. That sounds better. Anywho, sister Elmyra was pretty vague about their descriptions other than the fact that they are male prostitutes that work in the slums of Midgar. Translated, that implies that they've seen and done a lot, these boys. Which also means that I'd need to tread carefully while working with them. I could easily scare them away, offend them or hurt them without meaning to.

Other than that, sister Elmyra told me nothing. When I questioned her about it, she simply replied that I would see for myself upon meeting them. It was fine, really. I prefer using my own judgement, anyways. It prevents these misconstrued, preconceived notions.

When I walked in through the large, cathedral doors of the old St. Joseph's convent, I was greeted immediately with the view of all the sisters bustling about, preparing for the busy day ahead. The chapel had a few sisters kneeling and saying their morning prayers, hands clasped and eyes closed while they exchanged words with God. I removed my hood and made the sign of the cross and then proceeded to take my place next to sister Elmyra, who was also deep in prayer. The wood creaked just a touch when I knelt, but the place was so old, everything made noises.

I clasped my hands together, took in the wonderful sight of the large, golden crucifix hanging at the altar and then bowed my head and shut my eyes.

Good morning, God.

First off, I'd like to thank you for the gracious weather you've given us today.

It's a touch cold and windy but at least the sun is out.

The homeless and those on the street can also catch a break from all the terrible blizzards we've been having lately. We're running out of warm blankets to give to them and then, there are those who live farther away from sector six that we cannot get to.

Now if I may make a few requests? Small ones, I promise.

Can today run a bit smoother than yesterday? Not that I mind all the challenges that you throw my way, but sometimes, it is a little overwhelming. Cleaning out all the food from my hair is becoming a little tedious and more difficult and I really don't want to cut it all off...

Other than that, I just wish for good luck so that I can be good and helpful to the two new wards, Cloud and Zack, today.

Thank you for listening!

Amen.

I quickly made the sign of the cross and opened my eyes to see that sister Elmyra had sat down next to me. I sat next to her and smiled brightly, mouthing a soft "good morning" at her when I did.

She smiled back but did not speak. Instead, she ushered me to stand up and we both exited the pew rather hurriedly. When we were out of the quiet chapel and into a secluded corridor that led to all the rooms, sister Elmyra stopped me by grabbing my arm and turning me around, her large brown eyes serious and foreboding. What had gotten her into such a fright?

"Tifa, my dear. Oh, Tifa..." She said, the wrinkles and lines on her face becoming more prominent as she frowned.

"What is it, sister?" I asked.

She let go of my arm and rested her hand on her forehead, "I just...perhaps it is not so wise that you undertake this new task, Tifa."

My heart sank; she could not do this to me! Not after I had waited for so long and with so much anticipation.

"What? But sister, why not? What has changed?" Even to me, my voice sounded desperate.

She sighed and looked worried when she spoke, "It's just...those boys. They aren't...appropriate for a girl as young as you."

I cracked a smile of relief when she said this and then patted her shoulder, "Sister, I've dealt with young boys before. I'm sure there won't be much difference. They are only children, after all."

Sister Elmyra shook her head, her expression still solemn, "No, Tifa. These boys are not children. They are very close to your age. I'm afraid they may...ruin you."

Ruin me? Because they were my age? That was not likely to happen. I've been around many 'bad' people before. Drug dealers, prostitutes, drug doers, people with anger issues, histories of violence, rape. How can two young male prostitutes possibly be more of a threat to me?

I continued to smile at sister Elmyra, trying my best to placate her when I spoke, "I have dealt with worse situations, sister. Why fear for me now? Besides, St. Joseph's is a safe place. These boys are here because they want help. And who better than someone near their age to give it to them?"

This should have been enough to calm her nerves. Enough to smile back at me and agree. But sister Elmyra only looked more distressed as I said this. She didn't argue and she didn't agree. She simply swallowed and said, "Very well. Come along, then. It's time you...met them."

I couldn't hide my surprise at this new piece of information, "Oh! They're here already?"

Sister Elmyra was already walking down the corridor and it was all I could do to catch up to her.

"Yes," she started, "they came in the other night, actually. Caused quite a...ruckus."

I was puzzled, "But, I thought they would be in sometime today in the afternoon?"

"Clearly, there's been a change in plans. Now hurry up, Tifa. I've no time to waste. You know how busy Aerith keeps me these days."

Right. Well, I may not have time to plan it all out now, but I work pretty well under pressure. We'll just have to wait and see how everything goes. I chased after sister Elmyra as she turned a corner. That woman could be fast when she was in a hurry. We were headed to the rooms where all the people we took in slept. The beds were like cots but no one complained; there was a roof over their head and food in their belly.

The boys were probably sleeping; it was pretty early in the morning after all. And I've noticed that all the people I've taken under my wing like to sleep until the afternoon at the least. It was always okay with me anyways; it let me prepare better for when I saw them. But not today, it seemed.

When we walked in, most of the youth were already awake. A sight for sore eyes, most definitely! There was chattering and excited laughter all around, so bright and early in the morning. Sister Elmyra was rooted to the spot but I was beaming. This was good! Early risers are always an improvement! It is much better than being lazy all day long. Sloth is a deadly sin. Many forget that.

Sister Elmyra sighed but made her way through the room and it was my job to follow, a grin plastered onto my face as I observed all the familiar faces, bright and awake. Some were still sleepy and I could see it in their eyes, but it still made me happy to see the hustle and bustle so early. I guess I'm a simple person to please. Appreciate the small things in life, that's what I was taught.

And then we stopped walking. Rather abruptly; I almost knocked into the sister's back. I guess she found who she was looking for. And when I looked around, I noticed a lot of curious eyes were watching as well. Some were even whispering or giggling. Perhaps they too were excited about the two new faces. I sure was. I couldn't step away from sister Elmyra to take a look at the new youths fast enough!

Sister Elmyra put her hands on her hips and observed the boys in front of me. It was all I could do not to let my jaw drop. I could not believe my eyes. These boys...these boys!

"Mornin' sister! How's it hangin'?" The one who spoke was taller.

A lot taller. His hair was as black as the midnight sky and his eyes as blue as day. He was also practically naked. The sheet only covered his middle and every other inch of sun kissed skin was left exposed for the eyes to see. Oh dear Lord, give me the strength to focus on his face. His face. Yes, his face. There's a scar on his jaw line. It's in the shape of an x. I wonder where he got that from?

"Would you please get dressed, Mr. Fair? This is highly inappropriate, especially in a room with young ladies." Sister Elmyra's voice was stern, something that distinguished her among the others. It was why I liked her; she was able to maintain order very well.

Mr. Fair was it? So he would be Zack. He sat up and the covers shifted a little lower. I gasped and turned my gaze, pretty sure my cheeks were aflame. I tried to burn the image in my mind but I could not. The image of the line of dark hair sweeping below his belly button was imprinted in my mind; fresh and evil.

GO AWAY. I willed it out but not before I heard him laugh; a sweet, rich voice, deep and melodic.

"What for? Doesn't God want us to stay like he made us? Besides, the ladies like it." There were giggles from a few of the girls after he said this and when I looked at his face, he winked, flashing me a toothy grin while he was at it.

Sister Elmyra was fuming on the spot; her normally pale cheeks were alight and red and her dark brows were furrowed as she made victim of the boy before her with her glare. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this was a bad start to our working together.

"Zack, we can't talk about God like that here, remember?"

This voice was new but also definitely male. I searched for the source of the voice, curious to know who it was that had spoken up. He got up then, having been lying down on the bed next to Zack's. The boy with hair the colour of the sun. When he looked over in our direction, his eyes were an azure blue, like water. But most importantly, he was wearing a t-shirt. I was relieved.

Sister Elmyra seemed to have relaxed a bit when she addressed the other boy, "Actually, Mr. Strife, this is the house of God and there is nothing wrong with Him being the topic on everyone's mind here at St. Joseph's."

And he would be Cloud. So here they were; the two youths that I would be in charge of for the next little while. Only, they weren't very youthful. If anything, they looked older. Much, much older. Both of them were good looking boys, though. Boys that I knew could be living a normal, productive life with normal girlfriends and great jobs. I could see it, envision it. They'd be so very successful and so very happy.

But they weren't. And that was why they were here. Somehow, someway, life brought them to St. Joseph's and God brought them to me.


A/N: I think I'm getting rid of writer's block, slowly but surely. Thank you, Colbie Caillat for your new album. :) Any type of feedback is welcome! Apologies for the OOCness that is Tifa, though. :(