Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 or any of the characters in the franchise, this is written for entertainment only

"What's that Seph? You said tonight's on you!? Aww thanks man!"

"I said no such thing," Sephiroth replied evenly while shifting cat like green eyes towards the grinning youth.

"Okay," Zack started while slinging an arm around Sephiroth's shoulders, "but I mean I could sense you were thinking it!"

A brief laugh sounded and Sephiroth glanced down beside him towards the small blonde before a small smirk appeared on his face. "Hewley, "he began while picking up his beer and taking a sip.

"Zack," Angeal chided gently with a shake of his head. "Be good."

"Booo!" Zack began with a frown, but none the less he relented and removed his arm from around the General before reaching forward and grabbing a few chips that were in the basket in front of them.

"I agree Zack," Genesis started while narrowing his eyes toward Sephiroth. "Boo."

Angeal sighed at the back and forth bickering. But honestly, it wasn't anything unusual. The three generals had known each other forever it seemed. So they more so interacted like brothers at this point. In private anyways. At work they were the face of professionalism and business, but behind the scenes where they could be themselves it was more or less this way. Sephiroth, while indeed was the more serious and quiet type, to those who knew him personally also knew he was sarcastic and quick witted.

Genesis to the outside world probably was the one who was the most mysterious. Charming and eloquent for sure, but most people didn't really know him, aside from his close inner circle. Which was the way that he liked it. And those that knew him, knew that while those things were in fact true, that he also could be a bit of a pain in the ass if he wanted to be.

However, Angeal was pretty much what you see is what you get. Out of the three generals he was the most even tempered. He was the face of calm and rationality and prided himself on values and honor. This was very much a known thing when it came to the General though, and somehow over the course of time he had sort of been deemed the "mother hen" of the trio. His friends teased him about it sure, but it was fine with him. Somebody had to do it, and when it came to those he cared about, it actually made him happy to do so.

"And you're here again why?" Sephiroth asked the auburn-haired man who looked downright offended at the question.

Unlike the others Genesis had remained back in Midgar while the other two General's had been deployed in Wutai for a lengthy period, along with a small group of SOLDIERS. If it had been up to Genesis though he would've gone along with them, he liked going away on assignments rather than staying back in the city. But President Shinra preferred for one General to always be present if possible, and so this time Genesis was the lucky one.

"I may not have just come back from an assignment like you fools, but I was invited here thank you very much."

"So, there you have it then," Sephiroth started with a nod, "tonight is on you. Since you're welcoming us all back home."

Blinking Genesis seemed confused for a moment before opening his mouth to protest.

"Don't worry tonight is on me, so shut up already," Angeal finally broke in causing cheers to erupt from around the table.

"Angeal!" Zack beamed while hugging the man's arm. "You never let me down!"

"Alright, alright," Angeal replied nonchalantly.

"Then let's get another round!" Kunsel chimed in before patting Zack on the back, "come on the guys are getting a game going over there. I need to win my money back from last time."

Nodding Zack reached for the beers that had just been set on the counter, but not before catching Angeal's questioning gaze. "Ahh I'm just going to play a few games Angeal! I promise nothing crazy."

Angeal didn't say anything but just gave a short nod before Zack lit up and then he and Kunsel were off, making their way over to a table of rowdy SOLDIERS who were starting up a card game of some kind.

"Let him have fun, he's worked hard," Genesis started, his gaze following Angeal's.

"Right," Angeal replied while taking a sip of his beer. His eyes fell across the table onto Sephiroth who now was completely focused on the blonde beside him who was talking quietly with him. Angeal didn't know what he was saying as the bar only seemed to grow louder by the minute, but whatever it was seemed to have amused Sephiroth if his smile was anything to go by. He leaned down closer to the boy's ear and said something back which caused the smaller one to break out in a fit of laughter. Sephiroth seemed pleased with himself and absentmindedly began to run his fingers gently through blonde hair. They were completely off in their own little world now.

Angeal couldn't help but to smile before looking away. Cloud was good for his friend. He could honestly say that in the time that they had been together that he had never seen Sephiroth happier. They balanced each other. Cloud was the sweet, loving, calm that the General absolutely needed in his chaotic life. Angeal often wondered what type of person would be able to capture Sephiroth's affections, and when he realized it was Cloud…it made perfect sense.

He was happy for his friend. Although he couldn't lie and say he hadn't thought about if that happiness would ever happen to himself. But if it didn't…maybe it was his fault really. He hadn't exactly put himself out there lately, and if anything, he seemed closed off entirely to the idea of anything romantic. Or well…that was only partially true. It wasn't that he was closed off to romance these days, it was just that his romantic interest…

"Yes!"

Shifting his gaze back over to the table of rowdy SOLDIERS, Angeal caught sight of Kunsel and a few others' high fiving Zack as he seemed to have won the last card game.

Letting out a sigh he downed the last of his beer.

It was just that his romantic interest…was unattainable.

That's right. Because his romantic interest…was Zack. Even just thinking that thought in his head made him feel guilty. But he couldn't help it. He didn't really know when it had happened, but he had felt this way for a while now, and he had done everything in his power to try to will those feelings away. But it was a no go. Somehow, someway over time the rambunctious, cheerful youth had wormed his way into his heart. How could such a thing happen? He was his mentor. The person who Zack admired and trusted most of all. How could he think of his pupil in such a way? Not only that, but Zack was straight! He even had a girlfriend, Aerith. Angeal didn't know her really and had only met her once or twice. But she seemed nice enough, and Zack had definitely gushed about her to him on numerous occasions in the past. They were a sweet couple as far as he could tell. And she made Zack happy, and all Angeal ever wanted for Zack was for him to be happy.

The last thing that he needed was for Zack to somehow find out that his mentor of all people, had feelings for him. Angeal would never allow that. Zack meant way too much to him, he would never compromise the relationship that they had because of his own feelings. Those were his and his alone. One day they would go away…at least he had to hope.

"Shall we take a shot?"

Blinking Angeal looked beside him to Genesis who had just slid a shot glass full of clear liquid towards him. "Oh," Angeal started, clearing his throat slightly while picking up the shot glass.

"Here's to…a better tomorrow."

Angeal raised an eyebrow at that. "Better tomorrow? Is something wrong with today?"

Genesis smiled gently before shaking his head. "No. But even if today is good…tomorrow can always be better."

Pausing for a moment Angeal let the words sink in before nodding. He reached out to meet Genesis shot glass, hitting it with a clink before downing the drink. He let out a bit of a hiss before placing the glass back down on the bar counter, and then he was waving over the bartender to get a glass of water.

Genesis watched him quietly before he downed his shot. He wished that he could help his friend somehow. But matters of the heart were a complicated thing. And of course, his friend didn't know that he was aware. But really, to Genesis, who knew him for so long…it was so easy to see. He didn't think he had ever seen Angeal look at anybody the way that he looked at Zack. The warmth and affection in his gaze were undeniable. And while Genesis knew that Angeal was trying to hold it back, it was still clearly evident.

The night continued, and at some point, Zack had gotten a phone call and excused himself from inside the bar. He had stepped outside onto the back patio area, and through the doors Angeal had caught sight of him pacing back and forth a few times. It was partially illuminated out there from some light post, but it was still a little hard to see. After some time, when his call was over, he finally came back into the bar and took back up his seat at the card game table, although he seemed to have something on his mind.

"Perfect timing we're dealing in for the next round," Kunsel started before taking a glance at the other and noticing his faraway look. "Hey, everything good?"

"Oh," Zack began with a slight shake of his head before putting a smile back on his face. "Yeah, yeah sorry. Can we get another round of drinks here?"

A SOLDIER from the table hopped up and made his way to the bar to order another round of drinks for the table. Angeal watched him walk towards the bar counter before shifting his gaze back towards Zack. Was everything okay? His demeanor seemed to have changed ever since he had come back into the bar. And while he was currently smiling Angeal could tell that it wasn't sincere. A part of him wanted to go over to the table and ask but…no, that was clearly over stepping. Zack was with his friends. He didn't need Angeal to go butting into a situation that didn't have anything to do with him. So turning back around he continued to listen to whatever it was that Sephiroth and Genesis were currently debating. Cloud had checked out of the conversation and let the Generals talk while he scrolled through his phone, pressed closely against Sephiroth's side. After some time, he put his phone away and closed his eyes, and before he even realized it, he had fallen asleep.

"I'm telling you!" Genesis had exclaimed at some point during the conversation while slapping his hand on the table.

"Shh," Angeal started while elbowing him in his side and pointing across at the sleeping blonde.

"Oh," Genesis whispered as Sephiroth looked down beside him, also seeming to look surprised to find that Cloud was asleep. Glancing at his watch he let out a sigh.

"I suppose it is late," he started while placing an arm around the boy.

"Yeah," Angeal said with a stretch.

"And they're still at it?" Genesis asked while looking over to the table of SOLDIERS who were still drinking and immersed in their card game. It had thinned out slightly but there were still a lot of SOLDIERS around.

"What happened to just a few games?" Angeal asked with a roll of his eyes. "Let me make sure that he hasn't lost all his money."

Genesis and Sephiroth laughed as Angeal got up and made his way over to the still rowdy group of SOLDIERS.

"Damn!" One of the SOLDIERS yelled while throwing down his hand of cards. "I'm out."

Zack narrowed his eyes at the cards in his hands before letting out a sigh. "I..I'm in."

"Are you?" A voice asked from behind him.

Spinning around in his seat Zack gave a wide grin. "Angeal!"

His mentor took a glance at the cards in his hand. It wasn't a great hand, so Angeal could only assume that Zack was bluffing. Looking back at his pupil he frowned slightly. Zack's eyes were glossy, his cheeks were pink, and he reeked of alcohol. Sure, Angeal didn't want to butt in. But there was also a point where it was required that he step in. And he was pretty sure they were at that point.

Patting the other on the shoulder he tilted his head towards the door. "Come on, it's time to call it a night."

"W-"Zack started before shaking his head. "No no, come on Angeal. You come play too! Just another game!"

Others around the table started to whine and sided with Zack, telling Angeal to stay and join their game.

Angeal hardly paid them any mind. If they wanted to stay in here gambling all night, then that was on them. But Zack was his responsibility. And he wasn't going to let him drink himself into a stupor.

"No more games Zack," Angeal said again, there was no hint of anger or annoyance in his voice. Just calm and patience. He gently grabbed the boy's arm and when Zack looked up into his face and caught the look in his eyes, he turned and set down the cards on the table.

"Okay," he finally relented while letting Angeal gently pull him to his feet.

"See ya later Zack!" Kunsel shouted to his friend over the noise of the card game. "And Angeal…sorry! It's just, it seemed like he needed a distraction."

Angeal paused at that. Distraction from what? Had something in fact happened earlier? Glancing at Zack briefly he gave a quick nod to the other before moving away from the table with the other by his side. Zack took a few steps fine but then stumbled before Angeal was reaching out and wrapping his arm around him to steady him.

"Are you okay?" Angeal asked.

Zack didn't react for a moment and seemed to try to get his bearings before nodding. "I'm fine!"

Looking across the room towards the others, he saw Genesis, Sephiroth and Cloud all coming towards them.

"Is he good?" Genesis asked.

"He'll be fine, he just needs to sleep it off," Angeal explained.

"Do you need help?" Sephiroth asked, guiding a partially asleep Cloud towards the exit.

"No, I got him," Angeal replied casually. After all, this wasn't the first time that he had to deal with a drunk Zack. They all exited out of the bar and said their goodbye's as they went their respective ways. Angeal loaded Zack into his car relatively easy and then they were on the way. The whole drive Zack was talking about something, but Angeal just didn't understand his drunken babble. But he appeased the boy with an occasional 'Oh. Is that so? Really?' And it seemed to work. Finally, they were pulling up to Zack's apartment and Angeal parked the car before undoing his seatbelt.

Once the car had stopped moving Zack glanced around to see where it was that they were. And once he realized that it was at his apartment, he immediately appeared annoyed.

"Why?" He asked while pushing away at Angeal who had just leaned over him to try to undo his seatbelt.

"Because you can't get out of the car if your seatbelt is on," Angeal said matter of factly.

"But why," Zack continued to whine while still pushing away at Angeal.

"Zack," Angeal started while moving to hold one of Zack's hands that kept pushing him away. "Stop that, I can't get you out if you-"

Stopping midsentence Angeal's eyes widened once he looked back up into Zack's flushed face. If he thought his face was pink earlier in the bar, now it was two times that. And he had a steady stream of tears coming from his eyes. Why was he…when did he start crying? Angeal knew that alcohol could make a mess of people. But when it came to Zack, he had only ever seen him as a happy, clumsy drunk. He was never angry, and he was never sad. And he never cried. And even though Angeal should've known that it was probably just because he was drunk…seeing him in tears pulled at his heart strings in a way that he didn't know was possible. He just wanted these tears to go away.

"Zack," he started, his voice coming out in a whisper. Lifting his hand up he felt himself begin to reach forward, wanting to wipe away those tears but he quickly stopped himself. Leaning back slightly he continued. "What's wrong?"

Zack huffed for a moment before reaching up and wiping at his eyes. "I don't want to be here. I don't want to be by myself."

That had to have been the most coherent thing that Zack had said to him since getting in the car this evening.

'He doesn't want to be by himself?'

Why was that? It couldn't have been because he was drunk. Zack had been drunk plenty of times, and usually as long as he was directed to his bed he would simply pass out and wake up in the morning no worse for the wear. So why was this time different?

Angeal decided not to think about the reason too much. It hardly mattered. For whatever reason he didn't want to be here, and if he didn't want to be by himself that was fine. Angeal would look after him for the night.

It wasn't too much later that they had arrived back at Angeal's place. He had just opened the door while hitting the light switch on the wall, while carefully stepping inside and keeping a firm grip around the still wobbly Zack.

"Shoes," Angeal said while Zack tried to toe off his boots at the door. But they were still tied so that wasn't going to work. Carefully leaning Zack against the wall Angeal bent down to untie Zack's shoes while helping him step out of them. Once they were off he placed them in the shoe rack beside the door before removing his own and setting them there as well. When he stood back up Zack was watching him with a smile on his face.

"What is that look for?" Angeal began questioningly while pulling Zack away from the wall and placing his arm around him to help lead him into the apartment.

"Angeal you're always so tidy," Zack said with a laugh. Angeal smiled while giving a hum of approval. He walked the younger one into the guest room that was across the hall from his bedroom. Setting Zack down carefully on the bed he exited the room for a moment. Zack had flopped back down onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling and getting lost in his thoughts all over again. He replayed the events of the evening over in his head and thinking of that combined with the alcohol only seemed to make things worse. But before he could go any further down that hole Angeal re appeared, carrying a few pieces of clothing in his hands.

"These are your clothes that you left over the last time you were here. They've been washed also."

Sitting back up on the bed Zack stared at the sweatpants and T-shirt that the other had set down. He was sure he had lots of random clothes here at Angeal's. He used to always come to his place back in his earlier days with Shinra. After all it was so much more convenient to stay at his mentor's place back when he used to stay in the barracks as a cadet. And he could always steal his shower instead of trying to grab one in the crowded locker rooms after training. Angeal didn't have to allow him to do these things of course, but he never really minded his pupil barging into his space.

"Do you need help?" Angeal asked when he realized Zack was just sitting and looking at the clothes blankly.

"No," Zack replied quickly while reaching for the bottom of his shirt and pulling it up and over his head without a second thought. Angeal was surprised, and honestly unprepared at the sudden movement, and he cleared his throat when he realized Zack was now topless.

"Okay," he replied while looking away and stepping out of the room. Zack finished undressing and put on the clothes that were left for him. Sitting back on the bed he stared at the doorway for a while. Did Angeal go to sleep? Getting up he made his way out of the room and started making his way down the hallway before Angeal rounded the corner, nearly bumping into him.

"Hey," he began disapprovingly while turning Zack back around in the direction of the guest room, "don't walk around aimlessly, you want to pass out somewhere?"

"I was looking for you," Zack said quietly while letting Angeal guide him back to the bed.

"Why do you need to look for me?" Angeal asked while setting a glass of water down on the nightstand. "I was just getting you some water."

"Oh," Zack began while giving a bit of a guilty look to the other.

"Drink the water, and then go to sleep. You'll feel better in the morning."

"Are you leaving?" Zack felt himself blurt out.

Angeal kept his gaze on the younger one. Why did he seem so anxious?

"Well," Angeal began, "I was going to go to bed. But," Taking a seat on the edge of the bed Angeal held the others gaze. "Is there something on your mind?"

Reaching out for the glass of water Zack took a few gulps. "Well," he started before trailing off.

Angeal kept his eyes on him, giving him a chance to collect his thoughts. He was sure in his drunken haze it was probably even harder for him to do.

"Do you think that I," Zack began while shifting unfocused eyes. "That it would be hard for somebody to be with me?"

Blinking Angeal frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"Just that… that it'd be hard to be with me. Or…am I a selfish person? That I don't…or wouldn't make time for someone because I put SOLDIER over them?"

'Oh. So that was it. Was this the reason for the change in Zack's demeanor earlier back at the bar? That phone call that he had gotten, was it from Aerith? Just what on earth had she said to him?'

Shaking his head Angeal didn't hesitate for a moment. "No. I don't think that at all. And you're far from a selfish person Zack."

"You think so?" Zack slurred with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Of course," Angeal replied with a small smile. It seemed to work in lifting Zack's spirits for a moment, but then he was glancing down at the bed with that same down look that Angeal had seen on his face briefly at the bar. Then he looked back up with a smile on his face again.

"Aww! Well of course you have to say that," Zack started with a laugh. Though it was easy to tell it was forced.

Angeal didn't know the specifics about Zack and Aerith's relationship. But hearing this, these words, it upset him. Zack was the kind of person who would make time for any person who was important to him. He would value them more than anything. And if the person who he was in a relationship with made him feel bad or called him selfish for not giving them what they thought was enough time…then maybe that wasn't the person for him. Surely the right person would understand that he had responsibilities, and wouldn't make him choose between the two, or make him feel less than for it. However, Angeal wouldn't tell these things to Zack. At least not at this moment. He was upset, drunk and had a bad fight with his girlfriend. He wasn't about to go stoking the fire. He would let him get whatever it was off his chest, assure him that it was just a fight and that things would be better in the morning.

"Don't worry too much about things like that said in anger," Angeal said while patting Zack's shoulder. "It's just a fight. She just missed you while you were away, I'm sure she doesn't mean it."

Zack laughed again before shaking his head. "No, I'm sure she does. We broke up."

Pausing at those words Angeal gave the other a confused look.

"I mean, it wasn't just because of tonight and a fight…it's been kind of going downhill for a while. But I guess I just thought, it would work itself out," looking back up at Angeal he felt the sting of tears in his eyes but he quickly blinked them back. "I tried but…I don't know what more she wanted. But in the end she said…nobody will be with a selfish person like me. I guess I just got into my head a little about that."

'What right did she have to say something like that?' Angeal could see that those words had really hurt Zack, and they were far from the truth. So so far from the truth. If only Zack knew, if only he could tell him. But of course, he wouldn't! And especially now. Zack was hurt, and his mentor would stay by his side and help him through this heartbreak in any way that he possibly could. That was the only thing that mattered.

Reaching up Zack quickly wiped away a stray tear that had managed to escape and seeing that display shook Angeal.

"Zack," Angeal started softly before he had a chance to second guess himself, waiting until Zack looked back towards him again. And although his gaze was unfocused and he was swaying slightly, Angeal knew that the boy was at least trying to focus on him. "Anybody would be beyond happy to be with you."

There was a brief silence that passed between the two. Zack blinked a few times as he made sense of the words. Then a wide smile had spread across his face before he leaned forward, falling against Angeal while laughing.

"Oh yeah?" He asked while pulling away slightly "Even you too?"

Angeal froze at those words as he looked back at Zack's smiling face. It was a joke. Just teasing. Something that he was very accustomed to when it came to his pupil, he teased him, and Angeal always just laughed, shook his head and brushed off his absurd jokes. But this time…he was caught off guard. Because this time…the "joke" hit too close to his heart.

Zack was drunk, and probably should've been unaware of any odd or awkward atmosphere. But he swore he felt the man tense, and the look in his eyes now was…well Zack didn't know how to put it in words. But he felt like something changed just now. His smile slowly fell, and he opened his mouth to question the other before Angeal snapped out of it, trying to appear casual as usual.

Reaching out he gently ruffled the younger one's hair before putting a comforting smile back on his face. "Try to quiet your thoughts and get some sleep. Okay?"

"Oh…alright," Zack replied softly while reaching back for the covers. Angeal stood up from the bed, watching as Zack climbed under the covers before crossing the room to leave. "Goodnight Angeal."

Stopping at the door Angeal hit the light switch, causing the room to fall into darkness. "Goodnight puppy."

A/N: A shorter into chapter, but I am excited to be writing fanfics again as it's been a LONG time, so I just wanted to ease back in. And this pairing is one of my faves so I'm happy to finally be able to explore it!