It just seemed right to involve Angeal in this story, so forgive me for adding more hurt to the tale.

Please review to let me know how I'm doing

Lost and Found

This time when he opened his eyes, the room was empty. The chair were Zack had been sitting was there, but the soldier was gone. Cloud wasn't sure if he should be glad about it or hurt that he was once again alone. He wasn't given time to think about it however, as the door to his room opened and Commander Hewley came in.

"You're awake."

His voice was neutral as he stated the obvious and Cloud was unsure how to respond to such a statement.

"These are for you to put on," he declared placing a pile of clothes on the end of the bed.

"Thank you" Cloud managed, his voice low.

"Thank Zack, he organised them for you."

Cloud noted something in the man's voice then, something close to annoyance and concern. The blonde looked up to meet the Commander's eyes briefly and saw a flicker of emotion within them. The man in front of him had been Zack's mentor once and now they were close friends. It was little surprise that he would be angry at the cadet for causing the younger soldier so much trouble.

"I will" Cloud mumbled, keeping his eyes fixed on the small pile of material at his feet.

Angeal sighed before turning to leave, he paused at the open doorway before speaking.

"I will wait for you outside, change quickly."

Cloud nodded nervously in understanding. A second later the door closed, leaving him alone once more.

The blonde didn't waste any time changing into the regular clothes he had been given. Cadets were normally expected to wear their uniform when on duty, which was most of the time, so he rarely wore his regular clothes these days. Cloud couldn't help but notice how the jeans hung loosely on his hips, as did the t-shirt on his shoulders. Either he was going to need to get some new clothes or start eating again, but both ideas were quickly discarded as being too much trouble. It took him a few minutes to slip his boots on and secure the straps, the tight reinforced bandage around his wrist making the task harder.

When Cloud opened the door, and reluctantly stepped through it a few minutes later, he was greeted by Angeal's tall form and stern face standing in the empty corridor.

"This way" the man growled.

Cloud didn't question him and followed obediently. It wasn't just his training which made him do as the Commander ordered, but pure fear of what the man would do to him if he didn't. They made their way in silence across the compound moving at a steady pace, a pace which Cloud was starting to have trouble keeping up with. His head was beginning to pulse a little as they approached the soldier apartments and he was vaguely aware that they were going inside. They entered the lift and he watched as the commander pressed the button, which would take them to Zack's floor, and Cloud began to hear his own heartbeat in his head.

"Are you unwell?" Angeal asked, noting how the cadet's face had become paler.

"I'm alright, Sir" Cloud managed, but he knew it was a lie.

Angeal watched him suspiciously as the lift came to a stop and they got out. Cloud struggled to focus as the corridor began to sway and he unconsciously reached out a hand to steady himself. The wall didn't so much support him, but more catch him as he fell against it. He gasped as the hard surface jarred his shoulder, but it only lasted a moment as he slid to the ground. Angeal was beside him in a second, catching his head before it hit the floor, and lowering him gently onto the carpeted surface.

"You are still weak from your ... experience."

Cloud didn't even bother trying to reply, there was just too much effort needed right now to remember how to breath.

"Zack's apartment is just over there. I will carry you the rest of the way."

Cloud hated being carried, hated the contact, hated the way it made him look weak. Right now he didn't care.

He could feel himself being lifted by strong arms, felt himself being pressed against a strong chest, felt the gentle sway of their bodies as he was carried towards Zack's door. The door took a minute to open after Angeal had knocked, it gave Cloud enough time to gather himself a little. The world was a little more in focus when Zack appeared in the doorway and looked down at him. Cloud almost wished he had passed out then, wanted to be unconscious in the commander's arms, just so he wouldn't have to see that look in Zack's eyes or hear the words from his lips.

"Gaia, Angeeeaaalll, what did you do to him?" The soldier whined in frustration.

"Nothing. I merely escorted him here as you requested" the commander informed Zack stiffly.

"Escorted as in let's go slow and see how you handle it, or escorted as in move now?" The soldier, asked clearly annoyed.

"Humph" was Angeal's response as he pushed past the soldier and made his way into the apartment.

"I warned you that it would be best if you escorted the cadet here" he reminded the soldier, trying to keep his voice neutral.

He knew it was because Zack was worried about the cadet, because he cared for the blonde, which made him act this way. Angeal hated it, hated the way Zack had become so guilt ridden about the boy's injury, hated the way the young soldier took his role as mentor so seriously now. It was not the Zack he knew, not the solider he had mentored himself. The fun, care free Zack was gone and this imposter was in his place.

Angeal didn't know who he was angrier at, the blonde for changing his puppy like this, or Zack himself for letting it happen. The young soldier had always worn his heart on his sleeve, exposing it for the entire world to see. It was both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness. Right now it was leaving him vulnerable, his mind unfocused beyond that of the cadet, the internal struggle and hurt being shown so easily.

He moved through the apartment easily carrying Cloud into the spare room and carefully laid him on the bed. He couldn't help but notice that the cadet had started to tremble and glanced up to the boys face to check if he was alright. As soon as their eyes connected Angeal felt it, knew how it was that Cloud had been able to affect Zack so much. The blonde hair which framed that delicate face was nothing in comparison to those eyes, eyes which shone crystal blue, so full of emotion, so lost and alone. The commander blinked several times before quickly moving away. He turned away from the cadet and spoke as he made his way back into the living room area of the apartment.

"He will be fine once he has eaten and rested properly." Angeal managed, thankful that his voice was not betraying his slightly confused state.

Zack stood beside the breakfast bar, which separated the kitchen from the rest of the living room, and looked at his old mentor questioningly. He knew that something had happened to change Angeal's attitude towards Cloud. The man had been against the idea of Cloud living here, had tried to oppose it even, but thankfully Sephiroth had agreed it to be a suitable arrangement for the time being. Now Zack could see the trace of worry for the blonde in his friend's eyes, could hear the hint of concern in his voice.

Thankfully the soldier had more sense than to push the issue, he had learnt a long time ago to let some blessing s go until they were ready to be seen properly. He had after all, been the one to get Angeal to learn how to relax and not take life so seriously. A small stab of pain pricked at Zack's heart, sometimes he missed those days, he missed how easy things were back then. How life had been so carefree, when only being on time for classes, doing his homework and training with Angeal had mattered.

"Thank you" Zack said, letting the love he held for the man be heard.

Their relationship was more than mentor and pupil, it was one of close friends, maybe even that of a father and son. It was something Zack cherished dearly and he had almost forgotten that in the past few days. Angeal noticed the soft glow in Zack's eyes and felt his heart lift a little. This was the soldier he knew, the soldier who was filled with light and life. It was still faint, but it was returning.

"You are quiet welcome" Angeal responded letting his own emotions be conveyed through his voice.

They stood this way for a moment, both smiling softly and sharing a private conversation through their eyes.

"If you need anything" Angeal offered breaking the silence.

"I'll call" Zack reassured him gently.

Angeal smiled a little more as Zack's face seemed to relax. The hard lines which had started to become a permanent fixture on the soldiers face were actually starting to ease a little. Angeal nodded in acceptance of the response and moved towards the door, with Zack following close behind.

Angeal opened the door but paused before passing through it.

"I'm sorry if I rushed the boy here, would you ... apologise for me."

"Sure and don't worry. I bet the exercise did him some good" the soldier half joked.

Another bit of weight fell from the commanders shoulders. If Zack was able to joke then maybe things were going to be alright, maybe his bouncy puppy would come back.

"Take care of yourself, and ... Cloud" Angeal said and then he was gone, moving down the corridor wordlessly.

"Thanks, I will" Zack breathed softly to the now empty doorway, his voice tired and weary.

The commander heard the apartment door close softly as he waited for the elevator to return. Then and only then did he let his shoulders slump forward, let the sigh escape his lips, as something heavy settled once more on his chest.

"Come back to me puppy" he pleaded quietly, his voice strained.

No one approached him as he made his way towards the VR room, his face clearly warning people he was not to be disturbed. Angeal was actually pleased when he saw Sephiroth waiting for him outside the training room.

"Which setting shall we have it on today?" The general enquired, noting Angeal's current mood.

"As high as it will go" the commander growled, tightening his grip on the sword which now rested in his hands.

"I see" was all Sephiroth said.

A second later the programme was running and neither man had time to think beyond the fight, it was just what Angeal needed.