So finally, here's the update you've all been waiting for… (hears crickets) or not. Anywho, I just want to thank the people who have been faithfully reviewing and leaving comments about what they liked/didn't like.

I've been mainly on wajas. Catch me there (#77459) and find out the latest info. (Hint: buy my wajas.) XDDD Only kidding.

Title: Between Angels and Puppies

Author: Chibi Envy Chan

Pairings: Angeal/Zack though later Angeal/Zack/Cloud, Sephiroth/?, Genesis/?

Warning: There will be boy/boy/boy love and boy/boy love. Oh yeah, girl/girl love too.

Warning: There will be spoilers. I will try to follow Crisis Core, but I will deviate from time to time as I have other plans for Angeal.

Warning: Doesn't follow the timeline exactly.

Warning: Character death(s)

Warning: It will contain OCs.

Summary: Life is complicated especially when you work for a company like ShinRa. Everything seemed normal and fine until SOLDIERs started going AWOL without any rhyme or reason. Everyone has hidden motives, but are they good or bad? Follow a first class, a second class, and a cadet as they navigate through these troubling times. As if that wasn't hard enough, they have to deal with what they mean to each other.

Special Shout Out: This is a gift for an awesome Final Fantasy VII writer, Amarissia. Check out her stories. I have her under my favorite authors section. Chibi gives her a two thumbs up!

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy VII, but I do own my OCs. Basically, they're anyone you don't know.

Chapter 7: Change of Pace

Cloud loved learning. He read a lot of books as there wasn't much he could do in his small home town especially when it snowed. The librarian knew him and considered to be a good friend. She even recommended a few books and if Cloud was a day late, she didn't charge him the usual late fees. Not many young people enjoyed reading. She was glad he used his mind.

However, Cloud wasn't fond of his present company. It had been a few weeks since he befriended Dirk and his four brothers. They spent time together after classes, having fun, cramming, or just hanging out. In this time, the bullies kept coming. They were relentless. The Sergeant was no different. He made it worse by encouraging people to pick on the weak students. This was to discourage them and save money in his opinion.

Thankfully, Dirk returned to classes a few days after being pulled out. He didn't say for what reason, and Cloud wasn't going to poke his nose where it didn't belong. At least, he was able to keep up with the rest of their classmates, which wasn't saying much. Cloud had thought Sergeant Oakmi would drop him, but he had a letter from Commander Micah Tailor.

It was good to know people in high places.

Stretching out on the mats, Cloud prepared for another grueling session with Sergeant Okami. He was thankful that Zack taught him the proper technique, but at the same time was patient when he couldn't seem to get it. Angeal even dropped by a few times, making him nervous.

With seven minutes to class, Cloud was one of the few who arrived early, not due to the fondness or respect of their instructor. They studied hard, wanting to make it into SOLDIER on their own merit.

"Yo," a familiar voice greeted as he plopped down next to Cloud and began his stretches. "Ready for our test?"

"It's more like a joke," Cloud scoffed. They were making fools of themselves. He guessed the teacher was the joke of the staff, and he wouldn't put it past the other staff members.

Dirk chuckled. "So true, but don't let the Sergeant hear you. He'd probably knock your score by fifty points." He heard from someone that a former cadet had insulted the Sergeant and received a low score on his test, resulting in him becoming an M.P.

"You don't have to tell me. He'll probably knock off points for looking at him the wrong way." Cloud wished they would get more fair teachers. Micah seemed to be a nice guy from the few times they saw each other. Zack would be a good one too except for his ability or lack of it to concentrate.

"I wouldn't put it past him," the other cadet replied. He shifted his weight to stretch out his other muscle. The other students would be arriving. They usually came with a minute or two to spare.

"Now that I think about it, where's our instructor? He can't wait to punish us."

Now that he thought of it, Cloud hadn't seen the Sergeant, and he was the first to arrive. "He never misses class. I don't think he does field duty so it can't be that. Maybe there's an emergency teacher meeting?"

Shrugging, Dirk replied, "He might be sick for all we know, but I'm glad he isn't here. We could get a good instructor for the day."

They could only hope so.

Seconds before the class was supposed to start, the stampede of students came. Yesterday had been a grueling day. Most of them probably slept in. Needless to say, they were shocked to find no teacher and started fooling around or chatting.

"Let's move away before their stupidity affects us," Dirk scowled before he moved to the furthest spot he could yet be counted in the class. He kept an eye on the bullies. They enjoyed being the center of attention. At least, the two wouldn't be bothered by them. They were such hams.

The blond moved over to his only friend in the class. At this point, he could take them on individually, but as a group, he didn't stand much of a chance. Maybe he could ask Angeal or Zack to teach him fighting against multiple opponents.

"I didn't think stupidity was contagious," Cloud mused. He knew Zack acted stupid and foolish at times, but he was more than that. The SOLDIER was observant for the most part, intelligent, and sometimes wise. "I hope it isn't. If so, our IQ would be in the negative range."

"It isn't possible, but you never know."

"Reminds me of a disease."

Dirk chuckled and playfully nudged Cloud's shoulders. "I can think of something that falls into that category." He was a disease, spreading his inferior knowledge among the SOLDIERs. His brothers ended up with good teachers thankfully. Out of them, he didn't need someone to hold his hand. In fact, he didn't want it.

Cloud could think of a few more people to add to that group. They lived in a different dorm than him. Maybe that was why they took delight in tormenting him whenever they met. "You know, there are a few more I can think of." He glanced over to the small group.

The younger (by a little) cadet nodded his head. "Very true." He looked over to the wall on the clock. It was past the time they were supposed to start. He wasn't going to press the issue though.

Most of the students didn't notice as they were too busy chatting, showing off, or napping (though he didn't blame these people). It wasn't too hard to tell who would succeed and who was going to end up as canon fodder.

Before either of them could contemplate this, the door swung open and a first class entered the room. He sore the usual uniform, showing off his muscular body and causing many to envy him.

"Hello students. Your teacher is no longer available for class so you're stuck with me. I'm not going to take it easy on any of you, and don't expect me to follow his crappy techniques. If you have any problems, get over it. I'm not your mommy. Any questions?"

Angeal/Zack/Cloud Angeal/Zack/Cloud Angeal/Zack/Cloud

Almost three weeks and no word.

Angeal paced in his office, wearing a long trench into the floor. He looked over at his silent phone as if expecting someone to call him any second. When it remained silent, he resumed his pacing.

He shouldn't be this nervous. Zack had proved himself time after time on missions without him. He received many praises from his peers, subordinates, and superiors. Out of them, he had yet to receive a life threatening injury.

Then again, the second class had only gone on about a dozen missions without him or a trusted friend (Sephiroth or Kurai). Zack managed to get along with almost everyone, which was no surprise considering his cheerful and friendly personality.

He somehow managed to worm his way into Seph's heart, and that was no easy task. The General rarely tolerated stupidity or foolishness, yet, he found the boy's antics endearing even if he wouldn't admit it.

When was the transport arriving? It was already five minutes late!

Wait, his clock might be running to fast unless they encountered problems. The group responsible for the third class abduction had yet to be apprehended. Wesley hadn't reported anything, but he suspected the younger first class went directly to Sephiroth.

The commander halted in front of his window and stared out into the night sky. He wish he could see his pup now.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. "Enter."

The door opened and shut just as quickly. "Sir, I was wondering if Zack…" His voice trailed off.

Angeal shook his head. Not a single word since their last report which was a few days ago. He had been against this mission, but they assured him it was nothing he couldn't handle. However, there were no first classes, which made him sick with worry.

He turned to face his guest and found him saluting. "At ease, cadet. You have my permission to drop the formalities." Zack never liked them, preferring to give everyone a nickname or two.

The cadet relaxed and dropped his salute, but he was still nervous even after the few lessons. Never in his wildest dreams did he a lowly country boy befriend SOLDIER's second in command. "Do you know when he's coming back?"

"No." Angeal sounded as if he had been announcing the death of a loved one. It sent chills down the cadet's spine. "According to the itinerary, they were supposed to arrive fifteen minutes ago, but sometimes, they are delayed by hours."

He could feel something was wrong. "Maybe they had an unexpected delay?"

"I wouldn't be surprised. Come closer, I don't bite." Angeal didn't like the distance between them. It reminded him too much of their difference in rank.

Hesitantly, the blond inched forward as if the first class would and could strike at any moment. This was the first time he had been alone with Zack's mentor. He didn't know how to act around him. Zack seemed to lighten the mood.

The scenery looked dreary. The night filled sky was full of green, making an eerie glow when the full moon shone right through. It wasn't much of a sight.

"The view isn't that great."

Cloud nodded his head, not trusting his voice. In his home town, they could see the stars, and the air was much cleaner. They had a much simple life compared to Midgar, but they were also isolated and were backwards compared to a lot of places.

Glancing down at the cadet, Angeal smiled lightly. The blond was too busy looking out the window to be nervous around him. Cloud was a picture of innocence, and he intended to protect that. Now if only Zack would stop trying to corrupt him.

"It's hard to see the stars here, but back in Banora, they shine brightly. They are a sight to behold." They weren't the only ones.

"Is that your home town?" Cloud asked timidly. He looked up, his blue eyes shining with curiosity.

"It is," Angeal said, glad that the cadet was finally speaking to him. "What about you? Where is your home town?" Even though he already knew from the profiles, he wanted Cloud to tell him.

"It's a small mountain village, Nibelheim. Not many people know about it." Cloud shifted nervously under the mako gaze. Some said it was a mark of a monster, but to him, they were beautiful.

"There are small towns everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if half of them aren't on any maps." People tended to gather where they could survive. Considering ShinRa, they probably were scattered throughout the continent.

"There are that many?" Cloud asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. Nibelheim was an isolated town. They didn't have many connections to the outside world, and most of their literature was outdated.

Angeal nodded his head. "So many of them. Some of them, I hadn't heard of until I went on missions."

For the next hour or so, the first class recounted a few missions in his early days as a third class. Neither of them noticed the passage of time as they were wrapped up in the stories. Every now and then, Cloud would ask a question or three.

"Have you eaten dinner?"

Cloud shook his head. He managed to take a few bites before he felt like bringing it all back up. What he wouldn't give to steal his Mom and bring her here.

"Hm… the gruel they serve cadets and infantry men isn't fit for a dog," Angeal commented, rubbing his chin with his gloved hand.

"But somehow Zack could..." Cloud blurted out and then blushed profusely for making fun of his mentor in front of his mentor's mentor.

"He's in a class of his own," Angeal mused and ruffled Cloud's spiky hair. It seemed odd that he actually did it, but it felt so natural like with Zack. His eyes fell on one flickering light off in the distance. "I highly advise for your health, do not let Zack cook." Poor Kunsel, he tried one of Zack's specialties and wound up in the infirmary for two days. They were both SOLDIERs with a decent amount of mako in their system.

Blue eyes widened. "I absolutely refuse to eat anything he prepared. My friends told me about Lieutenant Kunsel."

"Then you should be fine."

"I do the cooking between the two of us," Cloud shyly admitted. He stared hard at his two very used and abused combat boots. It was something women did, not men or almost men. He didn't consider himself a man until he joined SOLDIER.

"So I hear. Zack keeps talking about your special stew. If it's not too much, I'd like to try it."

The cadet felt like his face was on fire. He must be sporting a bright red blush. It was a simple dish his Mom taught him. He loved it, but no one made the way she did. She had taught him every technique and secret she knew.

"Sure, it wouldn't be too much trouble," Cloud said, wincing as his voice cracked. Was he going through puberty again or what?

"It would be easier in a kitchen. You can borrow mine whenever you like." The first class didn't know what prompted him to make this generous offer, and he didn't take back what he said. The cadet's smile assured him he made the right decision.

"Call Zack or I. We'll let you in."

Thinking about the second class, Cloud tried to peer down to the ground floor, hoping to see that mass of unruly spikes. Much to his dismay, he couldn't see anyone, let alone Zack.

"He has my number," Angeal said softy, his hand slightly twitching. He wanted to run his hand through those soft spikes, but that would be strange since they barely knew each other. It must be Zack influencing him… for the better or worse, he didn't know. "Would you like to grab something to eat? My treat."

The first class knew how little the cadets had. While he hadn't been one due to his acceleration into the program, his younger and some older friends went through it. They constantly complained about the food and not having enough money to buy things. Military personnel or the grunts earned more, but it wasn't that much. Most of the budget went to research, SOLDIER, executive luxuries, and executive projects.

"Are you sure?" Cloud looked up with those blue eyes. It reminded Angeal of the sky on a perfect sunny day.

Angeal nodded his head. "I'm sure I can spare a few gil."

"Thank you, sir."

"You can call me Angeal. I'm off duty. There is no need for formality." His puppy had rubbed off on him. Now if it would only happen with a certain General that would be great. Sephiroth needed to loosen up. He wondered what kind of person it would take to penetrate that ice wall around his heart.

Not that he was going to play matchmaker. He only wanted Sephiroth to be happy.

"Oh okay," the cadet stuttered and then blushed again. He sore he would remain bright red all night. Taking a few deep breaths, he attempted to get rid of that cursed blush.

"Where would you like to eat?" Angeal inquired, turning around and started to leave. If Cloud was anything like Zack, he'd follow. Sure enough, he followed, reminding Angeal of a baby chocobo.

But he doubted Cloud would appreciate such comment. It was the same as him calling Zack puppy. Somehow, the name stuck, and even the other first classes called him that.

"There's this one lace I'd like to try," Cloud said hesitantly. He didn't know how generous the first class was, and it was expensive for him at least.

"Hm."

"It's the new Wutai café on the corner. They opened a couple weeks ago. I never had any Wutaian cuisine so I'm curious about it." Zack wanted to drag him to one, but they could never find the time, or the second class didn't have enough gil for the both of them as he tended to spend it quickly.

Angeal heard about it from his fellow first classes. It was a decent restaurant for the price, and it wasn't too expensive, maybe for a cadet or trooper. "I've wanted to try their cuisine. It's been awhile since I had any." And it came with painful memories of him during the war. He wanted to see their culture, but under peaceful circumstances as guests, not during war as enemies. They had such a rich culture. It was a shame they had to go to war with them.

"Isn't it expensive?" The cadet didn't want to trouble the first class when he did so much already.

"It's fine. Order anything you like." Angeal normally didn't like bragging or flaunting his paycheck, but at the same time, he liked sharing with his friends. Then again, he could be reading too deep into things unlike some of his fellow first classes.

That smile appeared. Cloud looked so adorable when he smiled. It made Angeal want to hug him, and he wasn't the hugging type.

He couldn't believe a first class was taking him out to dinner. Wait, cadets weren't allowed off grounds and had curfews. "Sir… I mean Angeal, what about curfew and restrictions."

"I'm permitting you to accompany me off grounds, and the curfew is to make sure cadets are well rested." It was more like to keep them safe whilst the SOLDIERs figured out what was going on with the abductions.

"You're not going to get in trouble, are you?"

The first class chuckled. "I doubt they would mind or even care so long as I'm not late for work." Being second in command had its perks.

The last thing Cloud wanted was to get the commander in trouble when he was being so generous. "Is there anything you recommend?"

"I can tell you frog legs do not taste like chicken, and I'd avoid any of the sea food specials. Genesis tried it once, and let's just say he spent a lot of his time in the bathroom."

Cloud made a mental note to never ever eat any Wutai sea food specials. If they made a first class no less pay homage to the porcelain bowl, he shuddered at the thought it would do an unenhanced person like him.

"I'm sorry."

"I feel sorry for the cleaning crew."

Oh so it came out that end. "I wonder which is more toxic, that or the time Heidigger used the restroom."

That brought up unpleasant memories. "I hope to never encounter anything like that. They're still working on removing the stench."

"They are? I mean it's been at least a month."

"Trust me, they are. That's why any SOLDIER refuses to go near there." The first class figured the cadet wouldn't know since the area was off limits to him."

Wow, it must be more toxic than he originally thought, but SOLDIERs had enhanced senses so it had to be worse for them. Sometimes, he was glad his senses weren't that sensitive yet.

Reaching the elevator, Angeal slipped in his ID card. He punched the down arrow. In spite of their light conversation, his mind was still on Zack. Was his unit attacked? Did he make it out alive? Were there any fatalities?

Cloud racked his mind trying to think of anything to talk about. It came up with a white flag. He needed to stop watching those cartoons with Zack if his train of thoughts went that way.

Blue eyes looked up at the taller man before focusing on those broad shoulders and bulging biceps. Once again, he blushed a bright red. He could see how and why Zack was attracted to the first class on a visual basis. There was more to him than raw power and position.

When they entered, Angeal's sword caught his attention. It was huge! That probably weighed as much as him or maybe even more. It also would cost a fortune since it had to withstand SOLDIER strength and repeated blows. He had yet to see the sword in action, but it must be a sight to behold. His jaw dropped when he saw the first class handle it as if weighed nothing, and they were in an enclosed area. One day, he would have that kind of sword.

"You like?"

Cloud nodded his head. This was a weapon of SOLDIER first class. It represented strength, stability, and endurance.

"She is a beauty, but an expensive one," Angeal said with a somber voice. His thoughts drifted to his mother who worked hard to earn enough money for this. They weren't a rich family, but in SOLDIER, he earned enough money to send some home and save some too.

Busy admiring the sword, Cloud didn't notice the saddened expression on the elder's face. He could see his reflection in the well polished blade. "May I?"

Angeal nodded his head. He wouldn't allow just anyone to touch his sword, but Cloud wasn't anyone. The blond cadet was someone special. He smiled seeing the cadet run his fingers across the cool metal and then grip the handle as if he was the one wielding it.

If this was a dream, Cloud never wanted to wake up. Angeal was being kind to him and allowed him to touch his sword. It felt awesome. Sadly, all good things must come to an end.

This came when they heard the ding of the elevator. Cloud stepped off first so Angeal could put back his sword, not that he needed a lot of space.

"So which is your car?"

Inside the underground parking lot, there were many cars, some of which were fancy cars that a very select could afford and maintain. The rest were average cars. Cloud suspected they belonged to SOLDIERs who preferred practicality and power over luxury and looks.

In addition to the cars, there were many motorcycles. He knew which one was Zack's as the second class took him out on it often, thus resulting being plastered to against his back. Why did SOLDIERs have a habit of driving too fast and without helmets?

"She's not fancy or high powered, but she's reliable," Angeal said as he walked past the ridiculously expensive vehicles. Somehow, Cloud had a feeling the first class wasn't the type to indulge in lavish things. He seemed to be more down to Earth compared to many SOLDIERs. Then again, he rarely saw any second or first classes outside of these two. It was more like he saw them from a distance.

The cadet wondered if the outside was well worn, but when they reached his car, he was disappointed. It looked like any other car. If it weren't for the driver, there wasn't any distinguishing feature. The fuzzy die was probably Zack's idea. He doubted the first class would bother with it.

Angeal noticed Cloud's lack of response. It could be either good or bad, but he didn't well on it as he opened the backdoor and gently placed his prized sword on the rack he strapped into it. Some might call him crazy for treating his sword like a baby, but it reminded him of all the sacrifice that went into getting him this sword.

As Cloud approached the passenger door, his stomach lurked. The last time he had on a vehicle (not motorcycle and clinging for his life), he felt very sick. He couldn't stand being on a moving vehicle. Would Angeal notice? He hesitantly placed his hand on the door.

Why was Cloud hesitating? The cadet seemed to be having a staring contest with his door. It was rather cute and kittenish.

"I promise I won't drive recklessly or speed like a certain puppy we both know."

The cadet let out a small sigh and opened the door before easing himself in. He closed the door a bit awkwardly. It didn't latch so he did it again, but this time, trying not to shake or make himself out to be a klutz.

Was the cadet so scared of cars? No, he would refuse to get in. Perhaps, Angeal could find out and make it better.

Just like he promised, the first class drove cautiously. A few people called him granny and a few choice words, but when he glared at them, they paled severely and sped away. While he was a patient man, there were some things he would not tolerate.

Cloud had been quiet the entire ride there. He wasn't afraid, more like nauseated. He wondered if he could hold it down on the trip back. It would be terrible on his part if he messed up the kind SOLDIER's car. Maybe he could sleep on the way back. Yeah, that took his mind and stomach off the lurching and bumping.

The cadet hoped the first class hadn't noticed it by now. It was embarrassing! Maybe he could pass it off as something else, hopefully not more embarrassing. Rather than staring outside, he found his boots to be the most interesting on the planet. If he hadn't been zoning in and out, he would have noticed the worried and concerned looks the commander had been giving him throughout the entire ride.

Once parked, Angeal resolved himself to find out the problem. He didn't know why he wanted to protect a cadet he casually knew. It was almost the same urge to protect his puppy.

Could he actually like another? No, Zack was the only one for him…

Maybe.

Why was he doubting their relationship and himself?

"Cloud."

Those adorable eyes looked at him. It took all his willpower not to wrap his muscular arms around the smaller frame. He could do that another time when comforting the boy, of course.

"Yes?"

"I need to know something."