DISCLAIMER: Everyone except for Lt. Anton Tempest, Lt. General Colt Winchester, Sargeant Ozzie Hendrix, and Dr. Brett Harley, Dr. Sanjay Sushutra and Dr. Jarrod Raker, belong to Square Enix. I just brought them out to play.

NOTE: I have never played the game of Final Fantasy VII so I don't know much about Golden Saucer, so I'm kind of basing the place on Las Vegas and what I have read on Wikipedia about Golden Saucer, and I am sure there is more than just the Ghost Hotel to stay there.

PERSONAL DISCLAIMER: Sorry about the long wait. Things have been kind of busy lately which tends to equal stress, which makes for a tired mind, which makes for poor writer conditions, and I am not a responsible writer like Amarissia who writes out her stories 10 chapters ahead. Mainly because my plotlines evolve as I write each chapter, just different way of doing things. Anywho, I know this is not the best chapter I have written, my brain is just too tired right now to come up with anything beyond clever dialogue, so please do not get on me about my paragraphs not containing enough descriptive words in this chapter, I know that already, I was just trying to bang this one out to get to the next one where the plot starts picking up again. This is a transistion chapter who's main purpose it is to help ZAngeal along and to get a few laughs at a drunken Genesis' expense and see what Sephiroth is like on a sugar high/crash. *end of personal disclaimer*

000

Angeal stood on his tip toes to peer over a crowd of heads, hoping to catch a glimpse of a mass of black spikes. Unfortunately he saw nothing of the sort. How he managed to lose sight of his rambunctious puppy for over an hour confounded him. The only way Zack could pull that off was if he were purposefully hiding from him, though why Zack would do that, Angeal had no answer.

In fact, Zack had been laughing when they started dancing on the club floor. He met up with a couple people he had briefly met when they were at "Snow" the previous night and joined a large dance circle. Luckily, it seemed none of the people knew who Angeal actually was, so the general decided to follow his puppy's lead for once and joined in.

Admittedly he was a bit rusty at the club scene, he had not done this kind of thing since turning 20, and loaded on some sort of strong booze with Genesis pulling him onto the dance floor whether he wanted it or not. Now he was sober and quite aware of his surroundings, and not wanting to look like a total idiot next to Zack, he had carefully studied the movements of those around him and moved his own body too match in time to the music

Just when he was starting to get into the rhythm, he turned to Zack to ask how he was doing, only to discover the younger SOLDIER was gone. He asked the other dancers which direction Zack had gone. Most of the people were too drunk or too oblivious to notice, but one girl said she saw him heading off towards the bar.

And so the search began.

Angeal tried calling Zack on his cell phone and though Zack would answer with a "Hello?" apparently, the earpiece on the other end was not working for he could not hear Angeal's response and hung up after a few more "hellos". Angeal was grateful for one thing, at least it indicated Zack was all right.

He was about to head up the spiral staircase to make another sweep of the second floor of the club in hopes of finding his lost puppy, when a wisp of silver on the outline of the crowd caught his eye.

A few large strides was all it took to close the distance.

"Sephiroth!" Angeal called out.

The general whirled around and quickly backtracked toward Angeal.

"Have you seen--" Both men began at the same time.

"Zack?"

"Genesis?"

"No."

Both generals sighed at their mutual exasperation.

"So we've lost our songbird and our puppy." Angeal sighed. "Fine SOLDIERs we are."

"Genesis does not play a fair game." Sephiroth grumbled. "I hate these smelly loud places. Why do people enjoy dancing around in a confined area smelling other people's body odor? Sharing close quarters on a military operation, is one thing, but these people are here willingly, they line up outside the door just to come in, and Genesis actually wants to come here and has convinced me to come, twice! Twice! How does he do this to me? What spell? What materia is he using on me? One wink of his eyes and I follow like some love sick puppy, and worst of all I like it! I mean I hate speaking in front of large groups of people about anything outside of SOLDIER related subjects and yet there I was on stage performing in front of a bunch gawking fools! I'm a SOLIDER General, damn it! How does he do this to me?! He makes me want to do these things just to see him smile, and he makes me like it! It's not fair!"

Angeal blinked a few times and shook his head. He knew full that this unusual behavior was most likely due to a sugar high brought about by too much alcohol.

"Okay Seph," He said calmly. "First you need to calm down, and get control of the sugar cloud you are riding on. Second, consider this. When you're in love with someone, you do anything you can to make them smile that special smile for you... to see them happy. And vice versa for them too. Why do you think Genesis brought that apple for you?"

Sephiroth furrowed his brow. "He wanted me to know what Banora white tasted like, what does that have to do with anything?"

Angeal let out a patient sigh, trying to think of a way to best explain this to his silver haired friend, in terms that his logical brain made even more dense by the sugar, would understand. "The dumb apple, is a rare fruit that only grows in our homeland, which makes it very rare and unique and thus special among apples. It was something special he wanted to share with you. It's the same as the roses he sent you to make you happy, same as when he waits on you practically hand and foot after one of your sessions with Hojo and when he fights away your nightmares, stays up all night watching over you to make sure they don't come back."

Sephiroth pondered Angeal's list of points. His mind connecting the dots.

"Not to mention," Angeal added. "Works hard to get you to be social? Because he knows you'll be happier if you become more comfortable," his tone turned slightly teasing. "With the rest of us mere mortals."

Sephiroth nodded, calming down considerably. It made sense, Genesis's presence more often than not made him happy and content, like no one else could, and thus he wanted to reciprocate such things, by making Genesis happy as well. "Your point is valid."

Angeal's gaze shifted to the floor and a small, sad smile crossed his face. " It's nice to have some to look out for you so intimately. I wish…" He shook his head and looked back up at Sephiroth, managing to brighten up this smile to hide the sad one. I'm glad, that you've got each other... He's been good for you and you for him and that's what really matters."

"He does do a great deal for me even without being asked." Sephiroth said softly. "Going to the solstice ball or meeting the public is less stressful with him advising me on the subtle exchanges between people, And… I do not dread Hojo's session so much when I know I will be in Songbird's arms afterwards. And really all he asks in return is that I participate in the things he enjoys."

"You gotta give if you are going to take." Angeal chuckled. "But he's very good at bringing a smile to anyone's face. So is Zack for that matter. I think now is the time to put our heads together and come up with a strategy for locating our lost boys,"

Sephiroth straightened, putting back on his business face. "Preferably before my crash hits."

Angeal thought about it for a moment, then smirked. "Knowing Songbird, if he is completely plastered he will make himself known soon enough."

Sephiroth rolled his eyes. "Let's just hope he keeps his clothes on this time."

Angeal laughed. "And doesn't fall into the fountain."

"Luckily I had Masamune with me to scare off the paparazzi," Sephiroth grumbled.

"I'm sure he was very grateful for that," Angeal said trying to suppress a second laugh at the expense of his friend.

A smirk appeared across Sephiroth's features. "Yes, he showed his gratitude in rather pleasant ways."

Lucky for the general, Angeal's theory proved to be right. From behind them the door to the bathrooms burst open and the aforementioned songbird and the little lost puppy staggered out.

"I feel kinda woozy," Zack said slurred leaning even more into Genesis, who looked rather unsteady himself.

"Oh just drink it off darling," the red head answered ,"We'll find another drink and you can drink it off…!"

Sephiroth placed a hand on Genesis's chest to steady him. "I think you both have had enough. Though I must say that drunken blush on your cheek is quite becoming."

A sultry grin crossed Genesis' face and he leaned into Sephiroth further murmuring into his ear, although it was much louder than just a murmur. "Yes, I know you like it like that."

Angeal could see the lopsided smirk crossing Sephiroth's face, meaning his sugar high had crashed and he'd soon be in much the same condition as Genesis.

"Say the word "Lust", in that particular way you do," Sephiroth whispered deeply, tilting Genesis' face up to his ear.

Angeal rolled his eyes. Yeah, Sephiroth was definitely crashing…

However, seemed more than happy to oblige Sephiroth, and whispered the provocative term, letting his tongue flick out to lick at his lover's ear lobe, on the "L" to kick things off.

"What're they doin'?" Zack said watching the pair through droopy eyes.

"Something they should get their own room for," Angeal sighed, covering Zack's eyes with one hand and tapped Sephiroth on the shoulder with the other.

The Silver haired General perked up looking slightly annoyed that Angeal had interrupted him, from now having a wonton Genesis pressed up against the wall.

Angeal silently motioned with his hand that they should continue upstairs to their room. Sephiroth followed his lead, albeit a little slower than usual, but eventually nodded. In one quick move he hefted Genesis on to his back, as he would a wounded SOLDIER, not wanting to waste time trying to direct an unsteady Genesis all the way back to their room.

Angeal stifled a laugh and followed. Luckily, Zack seemed to be more stable on his feet even though his head seemed to be somewhere else.

Despite his efforts, Angeal could not keep a smile from his face at the whole situation. Particularly, when they took a pause in the elevator. Zack was swaying lightly with a dopey smile on his face, and humming along with the elevator music.

Meanwhile, Sephiroth was staring intently at the elevator door, willing it to move faster to their floor. Not helping at all was Genesis lavishing lazy kisses, and licks to Sephiroth's neck and sweet nothings to his ear.

When at long last the elevator finally reached their floor. Angeal was the only sober one with free hands, so it was up to him to unlock the door. Unfortunately, he couldn't remember which pocket he had put the keycard in.

"Faster Hewley!" Sephiroth snapped.

"Ah, here it is," Angeal said somewhat dramatically, pulling a page from his friend's playbook of quick amusements.

No sooner had he opened the door, then Sephiroth whisked past them to the nearest bedroom.

"They do that a lot," Zack drawled, looking lazily past Angeal at the quickly retreating form of Sephiroth.

"In their position it's rare they get time completely alone without interruption from business or war." Angeal said softly.

"Hmmmm," Zack mumbled looking like not one word had sunk into his head and he didn't care.

"Though, for you pup, it's time for sleep," Angeal said guiding Zack toward his room.

As soon as they got there, Zack collapsed on the bed, sort of. More his upper body collapsed on it while his lower half dangled over the side.

Angeal chuckled and rolled his eyes. He'd lost count of how many times he had gone through this ritual with Genesis. First removal of the shoes and then tucking them under the covers.

"You remind me a lot of this awesome guy that I am so frickin' in love with." Zack said with droopy dreamy eyes that finally closed as if wanting to fade into a dream with his beloved already.

"Really?" Angeal quirked an eyebrow, as he worked one of Zack's shoes. This was new; he hadn't heard that Zack had taken a real interest in someone. At the same time, involuntary shiver ran down his spine at the thought of Zack with someone else, not that he begrudged Zack companionship, but now if he did change his mind and decided to make advances on Zack, he couldn't if Zack belonged to someone else.

On the other hand, he reassured himself, it wasn't unusual for Zack to exaggerate his feelings for something. Still this did bear a little investigating. "So tell me about him."

"Yeah he's nice, and strong and he's mad hot." Though his eyes were closed, Zack grin did not lose any of its lustfulness.

"And pray tell what's the name of this fine gentleman?" Angeal said with a chuckle, taking off Zack's other shoe.

Zack sat up slowly and grabbed a fist full of Angeal's shirt, pulling him closer.

"His name is…" Zack leaned in as close as he could as if about to reveal the deepest secret in his heart. "Angeal…"

Angeal froze at hearing his name pass his student's lips in such a way, not a friendly call or a puppy whine, but an enticing whisper.

Zack's lips seemed to move of their own accord as they drifted over to Angeal's stunned ones.

Angeal's jaw drifted open in shock and to his further surprise, the younger SOLDIER took full advantage. Oh the feel of Zack's tongue against his made every nerve ending explode, sending wonderful shivers through the rest of his body.

After a few heavenly seconds, the need for air and Angeal's conscience caught up with him. Very slowly and gently he broke the kiss and held Zack at an arm's length.

His student looked back at him pitifully, his blue eyes widening in surprise and then disappointment, looking just like a puppy that had just had his favorite milk bone taken away.

Angeal offered him a smile, hoping a smile would in turn appear back on Zack's face. "This crush of yours is a very lucky man,"

Sure enough, the sun appeared back on Zack's face, albeit a little droopy eyed, but beaming with genuine happiness nonetheless.

Time for sleep, and dreams of your sweetheart," Angeal said gently laying Zack back down on the bed.

Another shiver ran down Angeal's spine as he remembered the feel of that kiss. Just last night. The dream person he had kissed. It had been Zack. Was it possible in his intoxicated state that while his student had helped him back to his room, he had kissed him?

Not exactly good behavior for a mentor towards his student. However, the next day Zack didn't seemed to damaged by it. He didn't seem afraid of Angeal's presence as someone would who had been taken advantage of, in fact quite the contrary, the younger SOLDIER had checked on him in the morning and even made him a delicious hangover cure.

Could it be Zack had enjoyed it as well? No. He didn't dare think it, it was too much to hope for.

Still…

It had felt so good, he had felt so happy afterwards. How could something that felt so right be bad? If only Zack were little older, or maybe a little higher rank… then maybe… Maybe he could believe that Zack truly felt as deeply about him, and not some teenage crush, or innocent affection that Angeal could take advantage of.

At least nothing had been done that couldn't be undone. Most likely Zack would not remember this night, or at least his memories would be vague, and they could chalk it up to effects on the alcohol.

He looked down at Zack now sleeping peacefully, a small contented smile on his face. The sight was too irresistible and Angeal allowed himself one last indulgence. He ran his fingers through the soft raven spikes and gently kissed Zack's forehead, before he finally stood up quietly left the room.

Zack cracked an eye open as soon as the door closed. His heart was practically pounding with excitement. He couldn't believe he had pulled it off, and it had gone better than he could have possibly imagined.

It's wasn't a complete lie, he had had a couple of drinks, just enough to make him a little tipsy, but he still had plenty of his wits about him to make a drunken confession, with a sober heart.

It was the perfect strategy to find out if there was even a remote chance that Angeal had any genuine feeling for him, but not risk their current friendship in the process. If Angeal felt nothing more than friendship, Zack could just claim the love confession was just drunken delusion or even claim no memory of it at all.

But…Angeal felt something toward him, that much was obvious. When they had kissed, Angeal did not push him away in disgust, in fact his mentor had allowed him plenty of time to "explore" and had even come back for more with that last little kiss on the forehead.

An even bigger grin spread across Zack's face. There was a chance, now came the tough part, proving to Angeal that it wasn't just a teenage crush. But that was a plan for another day, right now he would just savor the moment. The warmth of Angeal's lips still lingered on his and no doubt would lead to some very pleasant and very vivid dreams.

He was a bad puppy. But a happy puppy indeed.