Since the last time on Archangel’s Delight; Zack and Cloud took Angeal out to celebreate Zack’s promotion to SOLDIER FIRST CLASS to the Winged Goddess, the latest rave for the Soldier cadets. On the first day, Zack met and fell in love with an auburn haired performer named Genesis, who happened to be Angeal’s childhood friend. On the second day, Angeal dragged the two imps who had dragged him, back to the Winged Goddess and discovered that his secret heart’s desire, Sephiroth was there as well. Now stay tuned to see what happens to our beloved blonde.

Chapter 3: Crimson Romance part 1

Cloud looked at the way Zack and Angeal were acting and he had to laugh. They were looking at their objects and had small lingering smiles on their faces. Cloud, for the past two days had been a silent observer. He watched as Zack fell on his ass for Genesis and then Angeal was smitten with Sephiroth. Cloud never felt so lonely. Yea he had his books, yea he had Zack and Angeal to talk to but when it was time for them to be alone, Cloud came home to his cold and empty rooms, trying to sleep but he found that he couldn’t. His heart was heavy and he longed for a remedy. He had no idea that four people were arranging something special for the blonde.

“Isn’t Cloud’s birthday in two days Zack?” Angeal asked from his paperwork. Zack looked up and blinked for just a moment. Spike’s birthday, is it that time? Without taking his right hand off of the keyboard of his laptop, Zack reached into the right hand drawer of his desk for his planner. He flipped through to the calendar and his eyes almost popped out of his head. For there, circled in red under May 16th, said Spike’s B-day. Holy crap, Spike! He locked gazes with Angeal but couldn’t say anything.

“Cloud has always been patient, hasn’t he Zack?” Angeal asked casually as he sat back in his black leather chair, taking a short break from Mount SOLDIER (that was their nickname for the paperwork). Zack looked at the older man and grinned.

“Yea he has.” He answered as he too sat back. “So what do you have in mind Angeal?”

“Well, I was thinking that since we have found loved ones for us, then maybe…”

“Spike might get lucky and find his loved one too.” Zack finished for him with a smile, which melted a bit. “Wait, Cloud’s shyer than we are. I’ve never seen anyone blush so much. He seemed uneasy.” Angeal looked at him and nodded. He too had noticed Cloud’s unease and was willing to help the youngster out. He looked at the younger dark haired swordsman and was about to say something until Cloud walked up to them, and deciding to give up on sleeping. Zack and Angeal tried to pretend to look busy but they failed. Cloud looked upset.

“Cloud, are you ok buddy?” Zack asked concern clear in his eyes and face. Angeal stood up and helped the tired blonde into a seat. Cloud looked at them and tried to smile, to think that everything was fine. But his eyes gave him away.

“There’s nothing wrong,” Cloud said as he slouched in his seat. “It’s just…I…”

“Come on Spike you can tell us anything.” Zack pleaded. Angeal looked at the ever hyper Zack and shook his head. His tactics are appalling. It’s a wonder he made it this far. He looked at the two younger men and took a knee in front of Cloud and took a small pale hand in his.

“Cloud, you can talk to us.” Angeal said as he looked at the boy. “What’s troubling you and don’t you dare say ‘it’s nothing’ Zack and I can see otherwise.”

“You know if you didn’t say that I would have thought you were asking Cloud to marry you.” Zack said with a grin. “That and I didn’t see a ring!” Angeal and Cloud looked at the grinning man and then at each other. Zack was one sick puppy!

“It’s just, I feel lonely sometimes.” Cloud admitted as he looked at Angeal. “You and Zack found someone to give your heart to. On both times I came out empty handed. It hurts.” With that Cloud thought the floor was more interesting than Angeal’s careworn and concerned face. Both men felt for their blond friend when an idea came to Zack. He met Angeal’s gaze and mouthed. ‘I have an idea, keep him busy!’ before running off to the one place that could probably help…

In the Winged Goddess’ dressing room

A man with long midnight black hair looked at himself in the mirror. He sighed at the reflection. His was not of a seducing little minx, but that of a dignified, aloof, aristocratic persona. His crimson eyes, although they were enchanting to behold, brought age and the wisdom of ages, and eternal sorrow. Oh yes, Vincent Valentine was the very essence of one who had fallen from Grace. He was not in a kimono, he wouldn’t be caught dead in it! He remembered when Genesis and Sephiroth tried to get him into one. He simply pointed the Death Penalty at them and gave them a look that said ‘try me and see what happens’. Both of them got the hint and gave up on the kimono. Instead he wore what the Lords had worn back in the era. (Think Sesshomaru’s outfit without the fluffy!) in black, crimson and black cherry red. His boots were also black flecked with deep dark red. His obi was crimson flames with black. His black hair was long enough for a high ponytail. It was set into place with a silver, onyx and ruby hair clip. He was about finished with his black and crimson eye liner when Zack had stumbled in.

“Zack,” He said in a deep monotone voice. “Genesis and Sephiroth are not here. They had gone …shopping.”

“Oh man, I had hoped that Genesis could help me.” Zack said as he turned to leave. Vincent held up a hand.

“Hold on, they may not be here but maybe I can be of some assistance.” He said. Zack looked the other man over and couldn’t get over his presence. It radiated power, maturity and confidence as well as wisdom. For some reason while Genesis screamed seduction, Sephiroth of serenity, Vincent Valentine screamed strength, protection, and aristocracy. Zack knew at once who the other two leaned on. It was Vincent.

“Sir,” He said as he sat down, wondering what compelled him to call the dark haired man ‘sir’ and to feel that he could not only tell this man anything and everything but to just be himself and not SOLDIER FIRST CLASS. “I have a friend, and he’s quite upset.”

“You speak of the little blond that had accompanied you and Angeal.” Vincent said. “I have seen him and have watched him. He seemed troubled but he didn’t want to worry you two and spoil your fun.”

“Cloud is a great friend and he deserves someone who will treat him special.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Vincent said with a nod. “So why did you want Genesis’ help?”

“I thought that maybe we can all arrange something for Cloud’s birthday. It’s two days away.”

“I can help you with that.” Vincent said with a smile as he stood his full height, which was even taller than Sephiroth or Angeal. Zack couldn’t believe it. This dude would be GREAT for Spike. He wants to protect and Spike needs protecting sometimes. “What do you have in mind?”

“Well, Cloud’s kind of you know a hopeless romantic.” Zack said. Vincent looked at him and nodded. He knew exactly what needed to be done. He went to the desk and wrote down his name and cell number.

“Give me two days to arrange it and on the morn of the second day, call me. I will give you the instructions you’ll need.”

“That’s it?” Zack asked as he pocketed the card. Vincent looked at the other man and smiled.

“Trust me.” Vincent said as he escorted Zack to the door. “Go back to your friends before you are missed. I will speak to you in two days.” With that Zack left and made his way back to their apartments.

He didn’t even put the key in the lock when he looked into the living room and the savory smell of Cloud’s cooking hit him. Oh wow, I always forget that Spike can cook. He settled down into a seat and Angeal looked at him over his newspaper. Instead of answering him verbally Zack had a big grin on his face. Angeal smiled and looked over at Cloud who was busy cooking dinner. Angeal looked over to see if Cloud would listen in.

“Did it work?”

“Yep! We have Operation Crimson on the move.”