Between Angels and Puppies Chapter 3
Title: Between Angels and Puppies
Author: Chibi Envy Chan
Warnings: slash/shounen ai/yaoi, whatever you call it, it's boy/boy/boy love. There might be some spoilers for Crisis Core, but I won't tell if it's in the game or not. You'll have to figure it out yourselves. Mwuahahahahahahaha!
This is still a present for Amarissia, who is the most awesome FFVII writer. Sorry if I haven't been reviewing lately. I will do a mass review for the chapters I missed! Tomorrow or next weekend.
Disclaimer: Same as first.
Chapter 3: Inner Strength
Indeed Cloud reacted. No one touched him there, not ever since he was little and needed to be changed. He squirmed and tried to escape, but the heavy weight on him pinned him down. As his arms were free, he attempted to push off the bully before it made contact.
Too late. The hand grabbed his sensitive part. Clenching his eyes tightly, he prepared for a world of pain. That never happened. The offending appendage started rubbing and massaging him.
Blue eyes opened wide to find dark ones staring back at him. Was he? No, boys didn't have sex with other boys. It wasn't natural.
"I bet you like it," the bully purred in a low voice. They had battered his body, but the blond hadn't yielded to them yet. This might be the breaking point. He worked mainly on the shaft and occasionally the sacs.
No, no, no! This wasn't happening. He was too young for this. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get the larger cadet off of him.
"That wasn't tough," the bully taunted as he felt Cloud harden under his ministrations. It was only a matter of minutes before he had it fully erect. The blond must have never been touched this way.
Cloud never felt so violated. He didn't know whether to allow himself the pleasure of the experience or feel repulsed. The bully was intimately touching him without his permission.
"Boss, you're good. He's crying."
"Of course, I am. Who do you think I am, the Dork?"
Everyone shook their heads, not wanting to offend their short tempered leader.
Was he crying? Yes, he was. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he stifled any moans. This wasn't right. His clothes were too tight.
"Should we help him?" the boss cackled triumphantly. He knew he wouldn't receive any objections from the others. They followed him blindly, and he used that to his advantage. He used his free hand to start undoing the button and zipper.
Cloud's hands immediately grabbed the boss' wrist, but it didn't do any good. He wasn't strong enough. Wasn't strong enough to defend himself. How could he defend her when he couldn't even protect himself?
Once done, he somehow managed to get the blond's shoes off. It was as if he had done this before. The boss made short work of the standard cadet pants and Cloud's unique chocobo boxers. What sight to behold. Now he really wanted to do more than jerk the blond off. He wanted to feel that warmth and tightness inside of him.
As he began undoing his pants, he heard someone yell at them. He looked up to see a second class SOLDIER approaching them with a more than pissed off expression. The guy looked like he was going to be ripping off heads and rolling them. Quickly, he fastened his pants.
Before he could get off the crying teen, he found himself dangling and staring into SOLDIER eyes. Wasn't this place supposed to be deserted?
"What the hell are you doing?" the second class asked, barely containing his rage. One move was all it took to end his pathetic life. It required his entire willpower not to casually snap the would be rapist's neck.
"We were having a little fun, right?" The boss looked over to his 'loyal' followers, who were slowly scooting away, hoping to be forgotten.
They nervously glanced at each other before dumbly nodding. Maybe they should have made a break for it. Then again, none of them could outrun a second class even on a good day.
Seeing the SOLDIER, Cloud wanted to die of humiliation. He was half naked in front of a second class SOLDIER. Whimpering, he curled up, hiding his private parts.
"Is that what you call fun? Tormenting your peers?" the SOLDIER seethed with almost uncontrolled rage. He shook the boss a few times. "You're sick and twisted. For your sake, you had better not do this again. Names!"
"Evan Whittier, sir."
"David Sanders."
"Joshua Hartford."
"Ivan Daniels."
Green eyes looked over at the three. "You three are to report to Commander Hewley for your participation. For now, I expect you all to write a page long apology to your fellow cadet unless you have any objections." He didn't look like he was going to change his mind.
Three heads were shaken. They would rather write an apology than run laps or worse the obstacle course within a certain amount of time.
"Dismissed, now get out of my sight. As for you, you're in deep trouble." The second class didn't have to look to know the others had departed. This showed how much potential they had, completely none. "We don't take rape lightly here. What you were about to do is disgusting. I hope you can live with yourself."
Evan swallowed air. He hadn't thought that far ahead.
"You're to report to General Sephiroth first thing tomorrow. If I hear you skipped, I will hunt you down like the dog you are."
The older cadet paled at the thought of seeing The General. While he would jump at the chance, he didn't want it to be under these circumstances. As soon as he was released, he stumbled backwards.
"Go before I changed my mind."
Whittier didn't waste any time and ran as if his life depended on it. If there was one thing he learned, never mess with a SOLDIER even third especially when their eyes turn green. Closing his eyes, he took deep breaths. It wouldn't help if he directed his anger at the victim. He then took quick strides after opening his eyes. The frail looking blond looked so cute and vulnerable. He just wanted to fix it and make everything better.
"It's okay," he spoke softly like he would to a wounded wild chocobo. He had a feeling the cadet didn't like being compared to those large birds. "They're gone. You're safe. I promise I won't tell anyone what happened or at least that you in specific were involved in this, okay?"
The boy curled up further if possible.
"Please. I want to help. Eh, I suppose introductions would be a good start. The name is Zachary Fair, but call me Zack. And none of this sir crap. I'm not that old!" The second class kneeled down next to the cadet. He slowly reached over, hoping the blond wouldn't pull away or slap his hand either.
Watery blue eyes looked into mako blue. He sniffled but didn't move away from the gentle touches, but his eyes widened. Cloud couldn't believe this SOLDIER was being so gentle and patient. He felt even worse when he realized the guy saved him. 'Must have interrupted him.'
"Hey, no need to be ashamed. You look beautiful." Zack started petting Cloud, running his hand through the soft blond spikes. He would have sent them to the hospital, but that meant a lot of paperwork and explaining to do.
"I do?"
"I maybe slow, but I don't lie." Zack reached out and picked up Cloud's torn pants. "Looks like you'll need clothes. Don't worry, I have something I can spare, but it will be big on you."
"Why are you helping?" No one ever helped him.
Mako blue eyes blinked. "Why not? You know you're cute when you're blushing."
This caused Cloud's blush to deepen and him to look cuter. He slowly uncurled but kept his private parts hidden. The SOLDIER had started to rummage through his large bag for something. From a sitting position, Cloud watched Zack warily. Who knew what he had in there? He seemed friendly enough though.
"Aha! I got you!" Zack shouted in triumph and Cloud fell over in shock, actually more like tipped over. The SOLDIER held up a pair of pants in nodded in approval. "You'll have to go commando, but I guess it's better than nude."
The second class certainly had a way with words. As much as Cloud wanted to accept it, he really didn't want to flash everyone again.
Being able to read people, Zack dropped the pants in the blond's lap and turned around so he could have a little privacy. "Tell me when you're decent."
"Okay," Cloud said softly. He managed to put on the pants without showing too much. Like Zack said, he had to roll up the bottom and hold up the waistband or it would drop. "Finished."
Zack turned around and whistled appreciatively. The cadet looked really good in his clothes. Actually, he looked downright adorable. "All you need is my shirt, and you'll be perfect." Normally, he'd glomp anything cute, but he wasn't that thick headed. He remembered what happened earlier. If anything, it would make it worse.
The blush made him look cuter if possible.
"Hey, you wanna join me for lunch? I know this great place and (gasp), they serve real food. I know you're dying for some after eating gods knows what."
Cloud nodded his head without thinking about it. He had enough of the cafeteria, but it was all he could afford on their meager salary and his savings. Unlike some of the other cadets, he couldn't depend on his mother to send him anything, and he didn't know what his father was doing. His mother kept telling him that if he needed anything to tell her and she'd send the money over.
Besides, it was nice having someone eat with him even if it was only once.
Little did he know that it would not be just once. In fact, he'd have to pry the SOLDIER off of him if he wanted to eat alone… That was if said SOLDIER happened to be off or avoiding paperwork at the time.
Thus began a beautiful (if not confusing) friendship (or was it more, hm?).
End Flashback
"And we had hot sex on the kitchen table."
"What?"
Zack grinned in good nature. "Hello to you. Welcome back to the living. Collect two hundred gil and pass go."
Cloud rolled his eyes. "I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what?" the SOLDIER asked eagerly. He wanted, no needed to find out. His curiosity flat out demanded an answer especially since it was hard to figure out what went through that spiky head at times.
Should he? He knew Zack tended to be overprotective… a lot. "About us."
The second class batted his eyes and then slung an arm over Cloud's shoulder. He pulled the cadet closer to him. "Aw, I'm so touched. You do care."
"In your dreams." He pulled away from his first friend at this cursed place. At times, he wondered why in the hell did he ever join this organization. He didn't seem to be cut out for SOLDIER, but he persisted while the others in his village would only dream of making it there.
The second class pretended to sniffle. "Cloudy, I'm deeply wounded, very deeply wounded. After all we've been through, don't I mean anything to you?"
In response, Cloud sighed. He knew his mentor was faking it as usual. "You already know the answer to that."
"But I wanna hear it straight from the chocobo's beak." This time he received a glare.. Awww… How cute!
"Why can't you take me seriously?" This glare, Cloud seemed to have put a lot of effort behind it. It would make Sephiroth proud.
"Aw, please don't be mad. Clouds should be all fluffy and cute, not broody and dark." Maybe he went a little too far.
After a moment of heavy silence, Cloud sighed yet again. Why couldn't he stay mad at him? "I'm not mad. More like irritated." That was the best way to describe how he felt. He knew Zack was only teasing him and at times, he could put up with it, but right now wasn't one of those times.
At least, he wasn't mad, which meant only one thing… Glomp time! Zack loved to snuggle and didn't care whether or not they were in public. Just like a puppy, he was affectionate, sometimes a little too affectionate.
As they were at the cadet dorms, Cloud used his small stature to his advantage and slipped out of the SOLDIER's more powerful grasp. "Thank you for walking me back, but it wasn't necessary."
There was that same pang. Zack continued smiling as he always did. "But I wanted to. I miss seeing my-" glare "Cloudy."
"If you say so."
"Now how about my goodnight kiss?" Instead Zack received a door to his puckered lips. One of these days, he was going to get Cloud to loosen up. In a way, he was like Angeal and somewhat like Sephiroth. Man, he so didn't need this.
To think, he thought getting Sephiroth to open up was hard. The guy was practically untouchable. Zack thought the same thing too until he saw The General interacting with both Genesis and Angeal. They seemed to be more than comrades, more like friends. As he continued watching the three, they acted more like friends. He didn't know how friendly, but he was glad that Sephiroth had people looking out for him.
Then they started their relationship, he and Angeal. Since Zack knew Sephiroth didn't have too much time away from work let alone friends, he made sure that he didn't take up too much of Angeal's time. He wasn't sure what Genesis did though he wasn't too eager to find out. His lover told him not to be alone with the guy for vague reasons. The second class trusted his mentor and did as told.
Turning back to the first class dorms, Zack lost himself in his wandering thoughts about Cloud, himself, and Angeal.
When Zack first met Cloud, he was shy and insecure. Actually, he still was, but he began opening up to Zack and talking with some of his classmates even if it was only during class. He didn't hide in the corners or shadows like he usually did, but he still needed work. If it weren't for him being able to be read easily, the second class would have to say he would make a damn fine Turk, however, he knew what the road was ahead. He wouldn't wish that upon Cloud to have a small part of his soul ripped from him every single time he received an order to assassinate someone.
In spite of the awkwardness of their first meeting, the second class had seen the potential in him and had started to make time so they could train. Being a second class had its advantages. He held authority over third class and lower, but at the same time, he didn't have to fill out those annoying and ever growing stacks of paperwork that seemed to breed like bunnies on industrial strength Viagra. Not only that, he had more free time than most first classes. If he didn't have time, he shifted his schedule around as much as he could, which amused Sephiroth to no ends. Apparently Zack was doing the same thing as his mentor did not too long ago. They both shifted their schedules and did whatever it took to help a cadet, who at the time looked promising.
It felt odd to be in a reverse position. It had been rewarding, but at the same time frustrating.
Zack had watched Cloud blossom under his care. He felt proud of him, but at the same time, he never wanted to let his little chocobo go. One day, Cloud would become an adult and be independent. As much as the SOLDIER wanted it, he liked being Cloud's protector, the one he turned to when he was in over his head.
Without the blond, Zack felt a large piece of his life missing. It didn't feel right. It wasn't… he didn't know what to think except he didn't like it.
"Maybe Angeal would know," Zack said out loud before shaking his head and smacking his cheeks. "Bad idea. I'd be lectured to death if that's possible. Sephiroth's out of the question. I don't think he'd understand any of this. Who can I ask? Oh, I know!"
Sadly Zack just remembered he had been sent on a mission a few days ago and had yet to return.
Without warning, Zack started laughing. Lately, his entire universe had been centered around Cloud and Angeal. Their friendship wasn't in danger or anything, but something had changed. He wanted to spend as much time with Cloud as he did with Angeal. Not only that, but his day usually depended on how Cloud was doing. He should find it disturbing, yet, he didn't.
"Cloud, what are you doing to me?"
Border
Once his student and his student's student departed their dwelling, it self Angeal to his own devices until Zack returned. He considered finishing his reports, however, he remembered Sephiroth took them and assigned them to Genesis. Maybe that was why he messed with Cloud. Did he know? No, he couldn't have known unless he caught Angeal watching Cloud. Today was the first time he met the cadet in person after watching him for a few days (or weeks?).
While they were friends, Angeal had a feeling all was not well between them. He hated to involve Sephiroth especially if ended up being in the middle of their feud or argument. Sephiroth didn't have many friends, and he didn't want to make the General pick between the two of them. Well actually three if he counted Zack. His student (lover) could make friends out of almost everybody.
Perhaps a good book would help. The first class wandered over to his book shelf and selected a book on strategy. As soon as his dark eyes fell on Zack's shelf, he shook his head. The second class wasn't much of a reader. His books were mainly old textbooks (which he lent to Cloud) and comics. Angeal never did understand his student's obsession with them, but he doubted he could fully understand him in this lifetime or any other. It was at least better than him trying to get drunk on a regular basis.
After getting into a comfortable position, the SOLDIER opened his book and started reading. At least, he attempted. While he was consciously reading, the words didn't register in his mind. He was at a loss as to why.
A cadet shouldn't occupy his mind. Yet, it happened once. He couldn't imagine a day without his bouncy personality. They were complete opposites and somehow they fit perfectly. It was like oil and water.
Thinking back, Angeal remembered the first time he saw Zack. He didn't know why he went to the observation deck, but he was drawn there. His reason… he had none. It was an inexplicable in his rational mind. He told Sephiroth he wanted to see the potential SOLDIERs, but they both knew it was an excuse.
That was when he saw him. Zack couldn't keep still and often irritated his instructors with his bounciness. In spite of his short attention span, they taught him. His teachers didn't know how to channel his energy or show him how to focus. He required one on one training, and someone who was patient.
Angeal recommended that Zack be entered into the mentorship program. The other first classes were surprised and said that it was unheard of especially if the mentor was a first class SOLDIER. Normally mentorships started after they passed SOLDIER exam, and even then, it was scarce. The second class usually ended up being mentors to the newly promoted third class, but sometimes, a first class would take an interest in them. However, it was rare for a high ranking first class to be a mentor since they had a lot of duties such as overseeing SOLDIER.
They wanted to assign Micah, the first class in charge of training. He was calm and more importantly patient. Most of his duties were centered around headquarters so that wouldn't pose a problem. It was ideal, but Angeal wasn't pleased by it. He didn't know why he hated the idea of another teaching Zack. Micah proved himself over and over to be a responsible teacher. After all, he looked after Wesley as well as his younger brothers, all five of them.
Thud!
Angeal looked over to where his student fell. "Zack, how many times must I tell you? It's not safe to sneak up on me."
One of these days, Zack was going to catch Angeal off guard, and when that happened, he was going to relish the moment. "It's not fair. You always catch me off guard." He crossed his arms and sulked. Poor Puppy. Actually, he looked quite edible, and Angeal had to force himself not to drag the second class off to his bed. So very tempting.
Right now, his student looked more like a teenager (or puppy in his case) than one of the elite SOLDIERs. At times like this, he was glad Zack could act his age even if it was irritating. Teens should be teens, not killing machines. "That's because you're easily distracted, Puppy."
"Am not!" came the automatic reply.
The older SOLDIER stood up, placing his book on the table next to him. He had already read it a few times. "Is that any way a future first class should behave?"
This caused Zack to pout even more. The answer was no, and he knew it. He didn't want to grow up any time soon. It was just… not fair.
As he was sulking, he didn't know his mentor moved onto the floor. Other than that, he wasn't even looking at Angeal. It was his reason for squealing like a girl when Angeal's muscular arms enveloped him, preventing him from jumping.
"Relax, Puppy. It's only us." Angeal pulled the smaller SOLDIER onto his lap. He wasn't fond of intimate displays, but they were in his apartment. No one could see them, and he routinely swept his room for any eavesdropping devices.
When would they ever learn? First class SOLDIERs heard the low sounds these tiny devices emitted. Second classes heard them. Hell third classes could hear them if there wasn't too much noise, and they concentrated on the sound.
When his heart regained a steady rhythm, Zack glared at the other. This was totally uncool, but who was he to complain? After all, Angeal initiated this cuddle session on his own free will. Might as well take advantage of it while it lasted. He nuzzled his mentor.
"What did you want to talk about?" Zack asked after the two had their bonding time.
Angeal rested his head against Zack's spiky crown of hair. "It's about your student."
"What about him?"
How should he phrase this? "He has a lot of potential, but his low self-esteem is holding him back. He already excels in his classes, according to what I have observed even if his grades don't reflect it."
Zack nodded his head in complete agreement. "The others don't like it. I think they're jealous of him."
"That is usually the case. Those who posses no talent or determination will seek each other's company and do whatever it takes to bring down the talented." Angeal recalled the time when Sephiroth ascended the ladder quickly. The older SOLDIERs were jealous he made it to the top before they did and often tried to sabotage his progress; however, he and Genesis always watched his back.
"Yeah, but I wish Cloud would tell me about it. I hate feeling useless. I want to help him, but I can't without knowing the situation." Zack often tried to keep watch over Cloud and sometimes watched him from the observation deck. That was how he knew Cloud had a bad teacher, but the blond didn't want any favoritism, which meant he couldn't do anything without the cadet knowing about it and being peeved by his actions.
This brought a smile to Angeal. He tightened his hold on his student. "If I remember correctly, there was a time when you didn't want my help. Said you could handle things by yourself and didn't want to be babied. Hm?"
Zack's cheeks turned a red hue. Of course, he remembered. It had been shortly after he made third class. He didn't want to impose on Angeal, now that he had passed the test. "I didn't want to be a burden." The second class knew his mentor stopped accepting long term missions so he could train Zack.
"You're never a burden, but consider how Cloud must feel. He may look delicate, however, he is determined and will train as long and hard as it takes to make it. He just needs more confidence in himself." Angeal grasped the younger SOLDIER's hand and started rubbing it in a soothing manner, lazy circles.
"I never thought of it that way." He leaned back, savoring every second. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop finding a way to help him."
"Puppy, sometimes people need to fight their own demons." Angel placed a finger on Zack's lips to stop him from interrupting. "It's the only way they can grow, but if it is too much, then a little assistance may be useful. You have to be careful in how much you help as it could also be a hindrance."
Mako blue eyes blinked several times. "Is that why you wait until the last moment to rescue me?"
"Yes. If I kept saving you, you wouldn't learn how to be independent. I didn't want to short change you and keep you from reaching your potential." Only Zack made him want to reveal more information than he normally would or rather felt comfortable telling.
"Thanks, but I think this is more than Cloud can handle. You can use your influence to stop the bullies. Cloud can take care of himself in one on one, but he doesn't stand a chance against three or more."
Bad apples tended to attract each other. "I can, but it would be more harmful than good. They'd see it as me favoring Cloud, and you know what happens."
Why was it so hard to protect the ones he cared about? "What can we do?"
"We can give him our support. He knows he can come to either of us if he's in trouble or in way over his head."
"But he's intimidated by you."
Why did Fair have to be so blunt? "I'm hoping that will change over time. For now, I'm going to see about his current instructors or at least that Sergeant Okami. That is no way to train future SOLDIERs even if he doesn't use favoritism."
"But I thought you said that would be favoring him."
Angeal shook his head. "No, it isn't. If it benefits all the cadets, then it isn't favoritism. I know Seph will want to know about this especially with the horrible performance of the latest third class SOLDIERs."
He did have a point, a valid one. "I still want to help him."
"If you want to help him, then you can start by not cuddling him too much. At least in public. They see as favoritism." Angeal tried to be as tactful as possible, keeping in mind Zack's tendency to be heroic.
Contrary to his belief, Zack reluctantly accepted the suggestion. He must really want to help this cadet. "I'll try to be less obvious, but I can't guarantee anything."
"It's the thought that counts."
Border
Green eyes looked up from the pile of paperwork on his desk, which covered almost every square inch of it save his lamp. As soon as they locked with dark ones, he placed the packet aside and gave his guest his undivided attention. No one in their right minds would walk into his office unannounced. Besides, not many could get past his secretary without a commotion, which he would hear.
"What can I do for you, Angeal?"
"Seph, there's a matter I'd like to talk to you about."
Border
Again with the cliff hangers? I didn't think this was much of a cliff hanger, but you can tell where this is leading to. As to what he intends to do with Sergeant Okami, you'll have to find out in the next chapter. XD