"Come on last one!"

"Bullshit you said that ten ago!" Zack spoke through clenched teeth while he tightened his grip on the bar.

Kunsel gave a laugh while looking down at his friend who had his brows knitted together. "Well, you told me no matter what that you wanted to hit your goal today."

Raising the weights again, Zack exerted all his energy before calling out to the other. "Okay that's enough!"

Kunsel easily helped with grabbing the barbell and setting it back in place on the rack. "Nice job," he started while removing some of the weights. "I didn't tell you before, but you actually hit your goal a long time ago."

"Asshole," Zack said with a grin while he tiredly pulled himself up from the bench. Kunsel let out a laugh before Zack dragged himself over to the mats and collapsed down with a sigh. It was a good workout, but he felt absolutely spent.

Walking over towards the other Kunsel took a seat beside him while leaning back on his hands, watching as more SOLDIERS began to file into the gym. He pulled out his phone to check the time. It was just after six in the evening. Which meant right after dinner being served in the cafeteria. Kunsel and Zack never ate dinner there though, the cafeteria food was…subpar to say the least. Instead, they usually used that time to spend at the gym, it was the best time to go before it became crowded with other SOLDIERS.

"Perfect timing as usual," Kunsel began while tucking away his phone.

"Yeah," Zack replied while turning his head towards his friend. "And now I'm starving. So where are you taking me for a job well done?"

"I'm not taking you anywhere you mooch," Kunsel started with a laugh.

Sitting up Zack let out a gasp." It's the least you could do after putting me through that workout!"

"You asked for it!" Kunsel shot back.

Not responding, Zack made a disapproving face instead causing the other to laugh again.

"Fine! I'll owe you then," Kunsel began with a sigh, "but not tonight. I have plans already."

"Oh," Zack replied with a brief nod. "Date night?"

"Yeah."

Of course. It was Friday night. Everybody had plans for Friday evening. Zack used to be a part of that crowd after all. It had been a little over a month now since he and Aerith had broken up. And the one thing that he realized very quickly upon becoming newly single was that people always had plans. Sure there were times when friends would go out, but still it became very noticeable in his friend group just how much time was reserved for other half's. Of course, this was something that he had known before, but when he was in a relationship himself, he didn't really think too much about it. But now that he had more free time, it became very apparent.

"You know," Kunsel started once he noticed the brief pause between them. "We should do a double date thing. My girl has lots of cute friends! And they're always asking me about my SOLDIER friends, it would be so easy to just-"

"Are you kidding?" Zack asked with a raise of his eyebrow, not even wanting the other to finish that thought. "Kunsel the last thing I want is to be set up on a blind date! I'm not even thinking about dating right now."

And there was no lie there. While of course having a companion was nice, the last thing Zack wanted right now was to meet some random person or jump into something else quickly just for the sake of it.

"Well," Kunsel began with a brief shrug. "I don't think it's the worst idea."

Shaking his head Zack jumped up to his feet. 'Yes Kunsel, that is the worst idea!' Zack thought to himself. He knew his friend was just trying to help though. So, he really couldn't get too upset. "Come on," Zack started while walking over to retrieve his gym bag from the floor and throwing the strap across his shoulder. "If you're not going to feed me then I need to get takeout."

They made their way to the locker rooms first to hit the showers quickly, and then they exited the gym.

"I'll see ya later," Kunsel spoke up while giving the other a playful punch to the arm.

"Alright, see ya," Zack replied with a short nod. He watched for a moment as Kunsel went down the opposite hall and then he turned to make his way towards one of the vending machines that was situated against the wall. Coming up to stop at one of the beverage machines he gave it a quick glance over before deciding to get a sports drink.

Reaching down to grab the dispensed beverage he pulled out his phone while turning to walk away. He made his way through the building in a lazy, relaxed sort of way while scrolling through his phone. It was pretty quiet by this hour now, and there were only a few people here and there that he would pass by.

Running a hand through his still damp hair he stopped when he reached the elevator, pressing the call button. A few moments later a low chime sounded, and the elevator doors slid open. He was just about to step inside before glancing up and pausing briefly. Standing inside was his mentor, who seemed to be completely unaware of his presence. He had a file in hand and was scanning through its contents with a look of concentration painted across his face.

Letting a smile appear Zack stepped inside before hitting the elevator button again. Leaning closer towards the man he spoke up. "Angeal!"

Snapping out of his musings Angeal looked up from the file in his hands with wide eyes before letting out a sigh. "Zackary."

The younger one laughed before adjusting his gym bag on his shoulder. Angeal only called him by his full name when he was annoyed or exhausted. And it was probably safe to say it was a bit of both at that moment. "Well, I had to get your attention somehow, you didn't even see me."

"Sorry," Angeal began while closing the file and clearing his throat slightly. He took note of Zack's appearance. His dark hair appeared to be wet and droopier than usual, he wasn't in his SOLDIER uniform but instead a dark blue tracksuit with his gym bag slung across his shoulder. "Are you coming back from the gym?"

Lifting the sports drink in his hand Zack took a sip before nodding. "And you? Don't tell me you just left the office now."

"Unfortunately," Angeal replied.

Zack watched as the other pinched the bridge of his nose while shutting his tired blue eyes briefly. The poor man looked completely drained. It had been more hectic lately. Zack knew his own schedule had become much busier than usual so he could only imagine how the General's were doing. Not that it wasn't anything that they weren't used to, but still, it took a toll after a while.

"I guess things have been a little crazy," Zack said while looking up at the decreasing elevator floor numbers.

"Yeah," Angeal began while opening his eyes and straightening up a bit. "I'm sure it'll mellow out soon."

The elevator chimed once again before sliding open once they reached the ground floor.

"Where are you headed?" Angeal asked as they stepped out.

"Just back home," Zack replied.

With a wave of his hand Angeal motioned for him to follow. "I'll give you a ride then."

Zack lit up at that. True he didn't mind taking the train if he had to, but he definitely wouldn't pass up a ride either. They made their way to the car garage before walking over to Angeal's black jeep. It beeped as he unlocked it, and Zack didn't waste any time before he climbed up inside and discarded his gym bag into the back seat. Angeal had just gotten in and started up the vehicle before Zack was reaching forward and fiddling with the buttons. Angeal didn't question it though. Whenever Zack was in here, he would immediately take it upon himself to set the temperature to his liking and would change the station. Angeal always just had it on news stations and Zack hated listening to them.

After turning up the AC and putting on a music station he liked Zack leaned back satisfied.

"Happy now?" Angeal asked with a small smile as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Yep!" Zack replied. "Oh yeah, you'd be happy with my workout today. I hit my goal in weights!"

"Really?" Angeal asked as they stopped at a stoplight, turning to look at his pupil.

"Yeah! I'm sore, but it's worth it," Zack explained.

"Good," Angeal started, "But be careful also. Don't push it too much."

"I won't, I know my limits!" Zack said with a grin. Leaning forward slightly he pointed at the upcoming street as the lit-up signs came into view. "Oh! Can you pull into the drive through here?"

Glancing towards where the younger one was pointing at Angeal frowned. It was some fast-food restaurant, and from what Angeal could see none of it looked healthy or even appetizing for that matter. "Why?" He asked.

"I need to get dinner," Zack said casually. The restaurant became closer as they approached the street, but instead of turning into the parking lot like Zack thought, they passed it by and continued down the road. Turning to look at the man beside him Zack frowned. "Angeal!"

"No," Angeal simply replied with a stern look on his face.

"But I'm hungry!" Zack whined while leaning back in his seat.

Honestly. How Zack could go from a productive training session to eating junk Angeal would never understand it.

"Change of plans," Angeal started while changing course in his driving. It didn't take long for Zack to notice that instead of going to his apartment that they were now heading in the direction of Angeal's place.

"Oh," Zack started, "I don't want to…I mean you don't have plans or anything?"

Angeal seemed confused for a moment at those words. But then he realized that maybe Zack thought he was intruding or something by going back to his place. But when had Zack ever thought he was intruding? He shook his head before glancing over at the other as a thought quickly hit him. Not unless Zack had said that because maybe he himselfhad plans? Maybe Angeal shouldn't have just assumed that his evening was free. He was just about to apologize for getting ahead of himself before the other spoke up.

"Great!" Zack exclaimed. "It's been a while since I've had your cooking."

It wasn't much longer until they arrived back at the General's apartment. Stepping inside Zack removed his shoes before setting down his gym bag by the door. A meow caught his attention before he was walking forward to pick up the fluffy tuxedo cat who had just greeted them at the entryway.

"Aki! I've missed you!" Zack exclaimed while showering the cat with attention. Angeal smiled at the display while shutting the door gently behind him and removing his shoes also.

"Make yourself comfortable," Angeal started before disappearing down the hall towards his bedroom. Even though it didn't need to be said, Zack would definitely make himself comfortable. His apartment was almost like his home away from home after all. Although it had been a while since he had been there last. Actually, now that Angeal thought about it, the last time Zack had been there was when he had brought him back after his drunken night at the bar. And that had been about a month ago now.

Shrugging off his uniform he made his way into his walk-in closet, tilting his head from side to side and working out the kinks in his neck. His day had been long. And tiring. And honestly when he had gotten in that elevator to leave for the night, the only thing on his mind had been how he couldn't wait to get home so that he could finally get some much-needed rest. Nothing sounded better than that. But then Zack showed up, and while he was still tired, he somehow seemed to get a second wind. Maybe it was just Zack's infectious energy rubbing off on him, who knew. That and his smile could always immediately change Angeal's mood around.

He really did intend to just drop the other off at home. But it wasn't like he could just do that without making sure that he had a decent meal at least.

Pulling on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt he let out a sigh. Sure, maybe Zack could technically manage dinner on his own…but really. That and…

Shaking his head, he scuffed a hand through his hair before he even allowed himself to finish that thought. Well, it didn't really matter, he supposed. Stepping out of his bedroom he made his way down the hall, entering the living room to see Zack sprawled across the couch with Aki laying on his chest as he flipped through the TV menu with the remote. He couldn't help but smile as he made his way into the kitchen. He always thought it was a bit interesting how Aki seemed to be so attached to Zack. The cat was kind of skittish and wary of others that entered his home, and more times than not he would just hide out in Angeal's room if there was company. But not with Zack. Aki stuck to him like glue just as he would with Angeal.

"Angeal…do you like scary movies?"

Angeal shifted his gaze from the fridge that he had just opened, towards the younger one. "I don't dislike them. I just never really watch them."

"Really?" Zack asked before sitting up on the couch. "Then I found something for us to watch! I heard this one is supposed to be really scary."

Angeal wasn't sure if he'd actually enjoy the movie, but he'd give it a shot. Zack wanted to watch, and he seemed excited about it. That was good enough for him.

"Fine," Angeal agreed while rummaging through the fridge. "After we eat."

They ate a short while later at the small kitchen table. Zack had not only cleared his plate entirely but also went back for seconds. Angeal was very aware of how much the boy could eat though and so he always was sure to make more than enough. Afterwards Zack insisted on doing the dishes, it was the least he could do after all. While he was in the kitchen doing that Angeal made his way back into the living room, taking up a seat at the end of the couch and leaning against the arm rest. When Zack was done, he joined him back in the living room, but not before making his way across the room to flip the light switch.

The room falling into darkness alerted Angeal, and he turned to see Zack moving back towards the couch.

"Scary movies have to be watched with the lights off," he said seriously.

"I see," Angeal replied as Zack took back up his seat again. The movie was just starting with the opening credits before Angeal got up once more and made his way to the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later with a large bowl filled with hot, buttery popcorn. He set it down on the couch between him and Zack, before catching a look from the other. "It's required for a movie, right?"

"It is," Zack began with a raise of his eyebrow. "Just wasn't sure if it fit in with your dietary requirements."

Angeal shook his head with a smile before Zack laughed moving over on the couch so that he could be closer to the popcorn bowl. But in doing so, Angeal realized that Zack was much closer to him. Of course, it was just because they were sharing the bowl of popcorn but…he couldn't deny it was nice regardless.

As the movie continued Angeal couldn't help but to let his gaze travel to Zack from time to time. The movie wasn't scary at all to Angeal, it kept him interested, but it didn't scare him. However, the same couldn't be said for his pupil. He had noticed him jump on more than a few occasions, and his eyes widening on certain scenes.

Smiling to himself he shifted his attention back to the screen, reaching into the bowl of popcorn. He flinched when instead of feeling popcorn beneath his fingertips his hand came into contact with Zack's.

"Sorry," he quickly apologized while retracting his hand.

"Hmm?" Zack asked while keeping his gaze on the screen. He briefly looked towards the other, his blue eyes seeming to glow brighter from the light of the television before he realized what Angeal was talking about. Taking his hand away from the popcorn bowl he shook his head. "It's okay."

Angeal let out a quiet sigh. 'Calm down.' Here he was so jumpy about an accidental simple touch, and the other barely even realized that it had happened.

Zack pulled his legs up onto the couch, scrunching up slightly as he pulled his arms into the sleeves of his jacket. Was he cold? Angeal thought to himself. Not thinking about it for too long he rose from the couch and made his way to the hall closet. He pulled out a warm throw blanket before making his way across the hardwood floor to the couch and tossing it over Zack. It caught the other by surprise for a moment but once he realized what it was, he gave a smile in thanks before quickly wrapping it around himself and settling back up against the couch.

Angeal had just taken back up his seat before Zack was moving again, picking up the bowl of popcorn.

"Are you done?" Zack asked while giving the other a questioning look.

"Yeah," Angeal replied, "is it in the way?"

"I just didn't want to knock it over," Zack explained while moving forward to set it on the coffee table. Then he was repositioning himself and situating the blanket around him comfortably.

Now with the popcorn bowl no longer between them, Angeal was surprised that Zack had remained in the same spot beside him. Since they weren't sharing the snack anymore, he thought that maybe he would've moved back to the opposite side of the couch.

"So," Zack started quietly, "I don't really understand. Is that girl real? Or is she a ghost?"

Trying not to think of their close proximity Angeal looked back towards the screen, trying to focus back on the movie. "The place is haunted," Angeal explained just as quietly. "She must be a ghost. The family just doesn't realize it yet."

"Right?" Zack asked while pulling the blanket up closer to his face.

"Mm," Angeal began in response while turning to look at his pupil. He couldn't help but smile when he barely saw a pair of eyes peeking over the top of the blanket. This was a side that he had yet to see. The usual ball of energy that was Zack, apparently when scared would grow quiet and curl into himself. Who would've thought?

Zack had been completely invested in the movie, and he knew it was probably coming close to the end now. But after a while he suddenly he couldn't help but feel his eyelids begin to grow heavier by the second. Maybe the day was catching up with him finally, he had pushed himself pretty hard in the gym earlier. Or maybe it was just from sitting in the darkness, wrapped in a warm blanket. It crept up on him, but before he knew it, he was dozing off.

"Zack?" Angeal asked quietly while glancing down beside him when he felt a weight against his shoulder. Zack was leaning against him now, his head resting on his shoulder with his eyes closed and his breathing even. Angeal paused for a moment. He fell asleep? Now that the man thought about it, he hadn't really asked Zack much about his day. But it looked like it must've been equally exhausting as Angeal's had. At first, he was going to shake the other awake, telling him he should go to bed. But once he let his gaze fall onto the other, he couldn't seem to look away. He seemed so peaceful sleeping there. Seeing him so calm was such a stark contrast to his usual energetic self.

Angeal also had never really noticed just how long Zack's eyelashes were, but with him so close now, and with his eyes closed he saw just how far they fanned out. When he realized he had been staring at his pupil for longer than what was probably appropriate he blinked a few times before running a hand over his face and leaning back onto the couch. He felt Zack shift a bit against him, but then he was stilling and continuing to sleep.

Maybe he really should've woken him up but…Angeal didn't have the heart to. That and…well he seemed comfortable. And Angeal didn't mind. It was fine. They could stay this way, at least for a while, he thought to himself. He was still watching the movie anyways. He could at least let Zack sleep until it was done. Then…he would wake him up. There was no harm in that.

A/N: Next chapter should be up soon! I was going to put it with this for a lengthier chapter, but I think the shorter chapters work out pretty well for now.