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 8: Quality Time
"I need to know something."
Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap! Gulp. "What is it?"
Angeal needed to phrase this gently. With Zack, he never had this trouble. They were complete opposites. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Cloud replied, looking everywhere except the first class. He was never good at lying especially to those close to him. Well, the first class was closer than most people even though they recently met. Also the commander had been anything but polite and kind to him. He felt awkward for lying.
The intense mako gaze made him want to crawl into the nearest hole and bury himself alive. He settled for clasping his hands on his lap and fiddling with his SOLDIER issued pants.
'He'd make a horrible Turk,' Angeal thought. The Turks were an elite group of spies and mercenaries. They did the dirty work of the company so the SOLDIERs could look like heroes. It also added to their mysterious reputation, which the President wanted to keep. This helped in intimidating any competition or serious threats.
"Are you sure about it?"
The cadet nodded his head, not trusting his voice to not crack. It would be puberty all over again. He hated it the first time he went through with it. Oh the teasing he received. He'd never forget it, ever.
Angeal was a patient man for the most part, but he found himself becoming more and more impatient. He wanted answers right now, however, he refused to pull rank or threaten the blond. That would not only halt any progress they made but take huge steps backwards. He reminded himself he needed to be extremely patient. Cloud was not Zack. He would not easily bounce back.
"You know you can come to me for anything, no matter how small." The first class attempted to smile genuinely. He hoped he wouldn't scare the cadet. Then again, he rarely smiled, but he smiled more than Sephiroth, which was saying something.
An odd thought crossed his mind. Why was he treating this young man like very fragile glass? Maybe this would offend him? No, he had to stand firm.
"Okay," Cloud replied. He hesitated for a moment and then took a deep breath, hoping the first class wouldn't see it.
Naturally, Angeal did though he pretended not to see it. He made a mental note to ask Zack about Cloud, not that he was prying. No, he would never pry into anyone's personal business unless it affected the person or others in a negative manner.
The two stepped out of the car and made their way to the small café, Angeal grabbing his sword. Never knew when he would be attacked, and he wasn't about anyone harm the cadet. Between them, they drew the attention of many people, Angeal for his Buster sword and Cloud for his molestableness. However, they steered clear of the two. No one in their right mind would mess with a first class especially one with a massive and very sharp sword. That didn't stop them from staring lustfully at the cadet.
Angeal sent those perverts his patented 'Mess with my friends, and I'll hang you by your own intestines' glare. It included the mako shine, turning his dark eyes into an eerie green.
Those who got the message slinked off into the shadows. Maybe the blond meant more to the SOLDIER. They weren't willing to find out.
As for the stupid, they loitered around, hoping to catch the cadet without his protector. No such luck.
The SOLDIER was tempted to wrap his arm around Cloud's waist and declare, "Mine!" He blinked a few time as he processed that unusual thought. The only person who evoked that feeling was Zack.
Was he having a change of heart? No, he loved his puppy more than life itself and couldn't be without him.
Could it be possible to be in love with two people at the same time? He rarely had to share, but people were not possessions. Cloud was certainly not any item or trophy in the same way Zack was.
'Get a grip, Hewley.'
Dinner went well so long as they stayed on the safe subjects like training and weapons. Angeal discovered Cloud wanted to use a sword like Zack's, which he found cute oddly enough. He also found out about his childhood crush and his promise to come back as a SOLDIER first class and protect her. Thankfully, the blond looked away as his eyes started turning green.
Cloud was thankful the SOLDIER didn't prod like some people did. The guy seemed to be a gruff version of Zack though he wasn't the talkative and hugging type.
Afterwards, Angeal treated him to ice cream. He claimed Zack rubbed off on him, but he had a feeling Cloud enjoyed the sweet treat, and sure enough, he was right. It wasn't much for him, but he liked seeing that light in those blue eyes. It reminded of a tamer version of Zack, the way his eyes lit up (pre-mako) whenever given a puppy treat.
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No call from Zack or his commanding officer. Not good. Angeal was sorely tempted to kidnap a Turk and take a helicopter there, but he knew it wouldn't help either of them.
"Sir, is there any word from…"
Angeal shook his head and fished out his PHS. Surely, Seph would know some answers. He waited and waited and waited. Then Seph's voice mail answered. He turned off his PHS and glared at the innocent object.
Blue eyes looked anxiously on. Cloud uneasily shifted his weight from side to side. They always said third time was a charm. Apparently, it hadn't been listening. Without any prompting, Cloud instinctively started stroking the SOLDIER's bicep in a soothing manner.
The SOLDIER smiled softly and pulled the cadet closer to him. He felt a need to protect this gentle flower. In some ways, Cloud was like Zack. They knew what to do at the right time even if it was by instinct.
Cloud blushed bright red. That same feeling coursed throughout his body. He only felt it around Zack, but Angeal was there, not his mentor. Could he like two people? His mind told him to move, but his body refused to cooperate.
Angeal made a comfy pillow.
After a long period of silence, Angeal cursed. The cadet would be late if he didn't leave now. "Cloud, curfew is in ten minutes."
No response except for soft breathing.
The first class took a chance and looked at him. He fought down an insane urge to cuddle the too cute for his own good cadet. It reminded him of a kitten sleeping peacefully.
As much as he needed to wake up Cloud, he found himself wanting to watch the cadet sleep. He shifted the blond to a more comfortable position. It might be awhile, and he slept in more uncomfortable places before.
Drifting off to sleep, Angeal nearly made it there if it weren't for a loud bang. His dark eyes opened and was about to give the person a glare when he saw Zack about to pounce on him. "Don't," he said firmly.
The second class pouted until he saw a second person on the couch, a sleeping Cloud. It made him squee, and he would have glomped his prey if it weren't for Angeal's intervention.
"Let him sleep."
"Yeah, he has a rough schedule tomorrow." Zack winced at the thought of cadet courses. He plopped down on the lazy boy nearby. It was nice to come home to the sight of the two most important people in his life together.
Dark eyes turned to the second class. He wanted to know what happened in detail but from past experience (and no sex for a long time), he would wait until Zack was ready to start talking.
"They were well prepared," Zack answered, knowing that look. "Someone must have tipped them off. No casualties and a few injuries. They wanted no communication outside our group just in case."
That certainly explained a lot. "Did you catch the spy?" If so, he really wanted a piece of him for endangering his puppy.
Shaking his head, Zack replied. "No. They didn't want me to tell anyone, but I figured Seph would tell you sooner or later."
"I am head of the second class. You would have to send me a report."
"Oh right." The second class mentally smacked himself. "So what are we going to do with him?" He wanted to change the topic of conversation.
Angeal looked down at the angelic face. He had contemplated waking up Cloud but decided against it. "He can always stay with us for tonight." He rolled his eyes when his puppy gave him that look. "Fine, fine, he can stay over whenever he wants to." 'Gods, I'm going soft.' The first class knew Wes would tease him good naturedly about it. The others would probably be amused.
The second class suppressed a squeal of joy and a glomp. It would wake up the cute blond. "So where would he sleep?" He really wanted Cloud to join them as Angeal's bed was large enough.
"He'll be sleeping on the spare bed," Angeal replied. He too wanted to be close to Cloud, having that petite body pressed against his. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing," Zack blurted out, trying to hide his disappointment and then was lightly cuffed. "I'll bring him there!"
Before the second class SOLDIER could act, Angeal gently scooped up the blond. Knowing his lover, he would use this opportunity to cause mischief. He gave that look.
"What? I swear I wasn't going to do anything," Zack whined as he trailed behind. He had his fingers crossed behind his back not that Angeal would or could see them.
With much coordination, Angeal pulled back the sheets, placed Cloud down, and tucked him in. "Sure, you weren't." He quietly made his way back out and carefully shut the door.
"It's true," Zack pouted. He would have gone into his dramatics if he weren't tired. "You aren't getting some tonight."
Take that!
"Nothing will be happening tonight. Cloud is sleeping over, and I believe you have already corrupted him enough."
Zack stood there doing a perfect imitation of a fish.
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Glowing mako eyes scanned the crowded Wall Market. It wouldn't be hard to lose someone with the hustle and bustle, but at the same time, it made it easier to blend in. Hardly anyone focused on another person. They had too much to worry about like putting food on the table.
The first class slipped his sun glasses back. If they couldn't see the glow of his eyes, they wouldn't be able to tell the difference. He felt sorry for those more recognized SOLDIERs like Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis. They were mobbed everywhere they went and had several fan clubs. While it was flattering, it became a pain in the ass after awhile, and he didn't have a personal fan club.
Quietly, he slipped into an alley and wrinkled his nose at the foul smell. No one bothered cleaning up. No one care. It didn't make a difference, such a bleak life.
A few large cardboard boxes were propped against walls, dirty clothes or blankets covering their openings. This was an all too common sight under the plate. It was a sad existence.
Still, he had a mission to finish. He tried to ignore the chatter around him, the begging for a single gil or a crumb of food. Despite his strength, he nearly cracked down seeing a family willing to sell themselves for such a small amount. He made that in an hour.
Without another thought, he slipped the family some gil. Hopefully, they could turn their lives around and make a better future.
The SOLDIER didn't stop or turn around to see their elated expressions. It was probably more money than they had ever seen. Everyone could use a break.
"How fucking sentimental," a voice drawled. The owner sneered at the scene of the happy family.
The first class scoffed. "It isn't your money." He was tempted to punch that bastard's face, but he had some uses.
"It's money you could be paying me. So what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Cut the crap. I need information." He drew circles in the air, indicating what kind of information he wanted.
Grinning, the guy mentally counted the money he'd be making. It was going to be a lot, and he was going to milk it for what it was worth.
"Come this way, I'll grab us one of the finer tables." There was something about him that made the Turks look like saints.
At least, they had a code.
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"Have you heard any word?"
"No, he hasn't initiated contact with me."
"Do you believe it is wise to trust him with such a delicate task?"
"Yes, I do. He's good at charming information out of anyone and understands the importance of secrecy. It's quite a shame he's in SOLDIER."
The elder Turk nodded his head. "Yes, it is quite unfortunate to lose a promising candidate." Too bad it happened before his time as leader.
"Keep me informed."
"Yes, sir."
"Sir!"
A young woman stood at the door, a folder tucked under her arm."
"You may enter."
She stepped in and handed the folder over. "There are the notes you requested. Is there anything else?"
"Yes, you two will be taking the rookie to a little soiree."
The two younger Turks, exchanged looks. They both wondered what was going through their leader's mind.
"As females."
"At least, you have some a feminine name."
Said Turk glared at her.
"Kari, you know you could always change it."
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Blue eyes opened to reveal he wasn't in the cadet dorms, and this definitely wasn't his lumpy mattress. It was far too comfortable, and the first good night's sleep he had ever since coming here.
Then it hit him harder than any punch from a first class. The last thing he remembered was spending time with his mentor's mentor in his apartment so that must mean…
The blood drained from his face. 'I must have fallen asleep. Crap!'
Cloud hastily scrambled out of bed and gathered up his belongings before mentally chastising himself. He needed to make the bed neatly.
It didn't take him long to tidy up. He hoped he wouldn't wake up either SOLDIER especially since they had been so kind to him. Slowly, he turned the knob, wincing when he heard a low creak. It was well known that SOLDIERs had enhanced hearing, particularly first classes.
After all that worrying, Cloud found the two SOLDIERs enjoying a home made breakfast. Did Zack cook it or Angeal? He couldn't imagine either of them cooking. Then again, he couldn't see them interacting with a lowly cadet either.
"Cloudy, come and get breakfast." Zack waved his fork around, not caring if he sent egg bits all over the place.
Angeal grabbed his wrist. "It would be wise to hurry before this bottomless pit devours everything in sight."
Zack scowled. "I'm a growing boy!"
"Growing side ways."
"Cloudy, Angeal is being mean to me," the second class wined and scooted his chair away. He then grabbed his plate.
"You're gaining weight."
"Hey, it's all muscle, and who said I'm corrupting him? You are!" Zack pointed his finger accusingly at his lover.
Angeal merely smiled a small one. Cloud had started imitating his mentor. Now Zack would feel what he went through.
"Corrupting me?" Cloud asked, taking a seat. He sat next to Zack and across from Angeal due to the squareness of the table.
"Never mind," Zack dismissed it. It was better if Cloud didn't know at all. "So didja have fun while I was gone?"
"Commander Hewley—" "Angeal" "took me out for dinner."
"That's it? You guys are so boring. What will you do without me?"
"Remain sane."
"Live longer."
"I swear it's a conspiracy against me."
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"Good form, Cadet Tailor," their instructor commented. With the quints, it was hard telling them apart. He couldn't remember which one he had in his class. Their names were too similar.
"Nice execution, Cadet Strife."
Inwardly, Cloud was grinning like a madman. In spite of their first meeting, he had come to respect the guy. He knew what he was doing and refused to play favorites.
"Try again."
Cloud had to grit his teeth so he wouldn't laugh. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who enjoyed seeing the bullies suffer. What he wouldn't do for a camera.
Evan scowled. He hated this instructor. Ever since he came, he grades went from the highest to lowest, even lower than Strife's. This new instructor had no favorites, treating everyone equally.
"There will be a test on these moves I've taught you. Anyone who fails it, gets to spend quality time with me until you're caught up."
The bully leader winced. It meant he really had to work hard. He hated that. Cloud and Dirk were getting off too easy. They were probably cheating. Yeah, that was it.
As much as he hated the first class, he knew he didn't stand a chance against him. The SOLDIER was on par with the Great General Sephiroth as far as hand to hand combat went, but if given a weapon, he'd take out both allies and enemies alike.
His fellow cadets made much easier targets even if they were trained by SOLDIERs. It would only be a matter of time.
"Dismissed."
One by one, the cadets shuffled out until only the instructor, Dirk, Cloud, and the bullies remained. As soon as the first class went into the side room to put away the equipment, the bullies bounded on the two.
"Enjoy it while it lasts."
Dirk and Cloud glanced at each other, wondering what the hell he was babbling about this time. It wouldn't be the first time he talked such nonsense. Honestly, they wondered how he made it into the cadet program in the first place. Maybe he barely made it.
"What are you talking about?" Cloud asked, keeping an eye on them. He didn't trust any of them as far as he could throw them, which wasn't far.
"Being teacher's pet," Evan sneered. It was his position, but it wouldn't last long. Soon, it was going to be all his.
What a hypocrite. Dirk scoffed at this. "Everyone knows Tala doesn't play favorites. You'd think by now someone like you would get the hint."
Evan glared at him before laughing. "Sergeant Okami will return once they see how talented he is." The guy was a genius.
Cloud rolled his eyes as he put away his belongings. He wanted to relax after a productive class. "Okami is an egotistic maniac who can't fight his way out of a wet paper bag. His katas are a joke."
"Take that back, losers."
So it seemed like the bullies couldn't take any of their own medicine.
"Cloud's right. He can't even put up a proper defense much less take out an enemy. It's a wonder how he stayed instructor this long." While the bullies were annoying, they provided some entertainment at times. Dirk wondered if it was worth the headaches he'd sometimes end up after dealing with them.
"Can't take it? We can be more gentle." What happened to the scared Cloud? Evan didn't like this self-confident Cloud. It must be the SOLDIER's fault. He and his minions circled around the two like starving hyenas ready to pounce on a carcass.
"I bet you can't handle it."
Tala placed the last of the punching bags away when he heard voices. It was Okami's pets, the chocobo, and a Tailor. They weren't on friendly terms form what he observed, but it didn't go anything past trash talk, mostly from the pets until today.
Hurrying back into the classroom, he found two boys in need of medical attention and the other two on defense. "What is the meaning of this?"
The combatants froze and turned their attention to the irritated first class instructor. They were caught fighting outside of class.
"Strife and Tailor attacked us," Evan blurted out. If he hadn't heard the earlier conversation, it would seem like the answer.
The first looked over at Cloud and Dirk, who seemed to be patiently waiting for him to speak. They were well aware of what they were doing and seemed to be willing to take any punishment. "Cadet Strife or Cadet Tailor, tell me in your own words what happened."
"We were packing our stuff when they came over and started taunting us. When they didn't like our responses on how ineffective Okami was, they attacked us, and we defended ourselves," Dirk explained and Cloud nodded.
"It's not true, they're making it up," Evan raised his voice.
This time Tala glared at the bully. "Do you take me for a fool? Lying will get you nowhere especially within SOLDIER. I heard everything in the conversation." He pointed to his ears. "For your information, SOLDIERs especially first classes have sensitive hearing so yelling near them isn't a good idea and breaking the rules near them isn't good either."
Evan gulped. He didn't have Okami to bail him out this time. The cadet was on his own, and the first class didn't look happy by the green in his eyes.
"I've already read your record so don't think you're getting off lightly this time." Tala paused so he wouldn't strangle the boy on sight. "I don't know how or why Okami keeps saving your ass, but he isn't here. We do not tolerate your type within SOLDIER. Pack your bags. You aren't even fit for MP."
"Isn't that up to the general to decide?" Evan squeaked, much to the amusement of Cloud and Dirk. The increasing green in the SOLDIER's eye meant he should start praying.
"Initiating fights, fighting, black mail, theft, assault, harassment, shall I continue? … Good, I'm sure General Sephiroth would toss you out on your ass, but you're not worthy enough to be in his presence so I will do it for him. And for the rest of you, you will have a week to straighten up or face the same consequences as him. Make sure you take your classmates to the infirmary."
Once the bullies were gone, Tala turned his attention to the remaining cadets.