Hey ^.^ So, thanks for checking this story out!

This will be set in a Crisis Core like environment, but will not follow that timeline/series of events at all. I'm secretly in love with Genesis and I refuse to let anything bad happen to him, sorry (okay, I'm not really sorry)!

Warning: Yes, there will be some out of character components to this story. Not just with Zack.

Chapter One

Beautiful blue mako-infused eyes scanned the room, their owner smiling warmly as he spoke. Every word was passionate and full of energy, and yet it seemed a distant noise as his audience pondered something significantly more important. Were those brilliant eyes bright like the blue sky, or deep like the color of ocean? Either way it seemed they could find a way to get lost in them, if only they could catch his gaze.

Most had already moved to the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the answer as he looked from one to the next, determined to acknowledge every single cadet present. And he didn't disappoint. Soon all were satisfied...

Except the smallest cadet.

He sat there like his peers, despite already knowing the answer after months of watching the man from afar. The possibility of discovering it again made him somewhat giddy with anticipation, and he might have forgotten to breathe for just a moment as those eyes drew closer.

There was more at stake here than simple eye contact, and he knew that somewhere in his heart- if it would just stop beating so loudly he would have heard the rational side of his mind reminding him.

This would be his combat instructor for the term, and it was imperative to make the best impression possible. Combat was his favorite course, though admittedly one where he could use the most improvement. What better an opportunity than with this instructor?

Commander Zack Fair.

Easily the most popular SOLDIER among the cadets, and quite possibly the best looking. Well, at least top 4, most would agree- though it didn't seem fair to compare anyone to those three, so in a sense, Zack was in a category all his own.

That broad smile and infectious laughter were just too pleasant for anyone to dislike. When he entered a room, he filled it completely; all eyes would lock onto him, ready to hear his next tale and feel the excitement he radiated as he told it. As if these qualities weren't enough, he was somewhat of a prodigy- talented enough to be promoted to 1st Class at an impossibly young age.

Why he had been taken off field assignment and put in the classroom, no one present knew- but it didn't matter. They were all glad he was there; ready to hang on his every word after catching his gaze for just a moment. It was only an introductory day though, so the cadets' willingness to stare at the handsome SOLDIER all day and absorb whatever knowledge he had to offer was abruptly cut short.

"The real lessons begin tomorrow! Hope you're ready!"

And with that, his warm welcome speech ended, and his glances around the room came to an abrupt halt.

Cloud frowned, openly disappointed. He remained in his seat as his classmates before to rise around him, puzzled about why he had been forgotten. Had he been so far in the corner that Zack had missed him somehow? Or maybe it was just his smaller stature- he did have a tendency to get overlooked by some of his other instructors. He opted to find out, shuffling to the front of the class with the rest of his peers. Zack was waving at them as they left, chuckling under his breath as some cadets openly blushed or stumbled.

"Sir, I-" the boy began, his mouth still open as the commander's face became stern. His gaze became fixated on a point beyond the cadet, and without so much as a word, he swiftly exited the classroom. Cloud stood there a moment, stunned. What had he done? Perhaps trying to address the commander was out of line- everyone else had just offered an awkward salute or wave. Most instructors were approachable though, for questions or concerns at a minimum. The commander in particular had always treated the cadets kindly and with respect, even before he stepped into this role- though Cloud never braved to approach him.

Something urgent must have happened that he needed to check on, the cadet concluded, seeing no other logical answer.

A sharp elbow to the ribs snapped him out of his daze and he looked to the cadet at his side with a slight smile. "Hey, Nerro."

"What'd you do to piss off the commander, Strife?"

His friend spoke with a smile on his face, but the question only made his confusion resurface.

"I wish I knew," Cloud muttered, shrugging his shoulders and trying his best not to look too disappointed.

"Hey, don't look like that! I was kidding. Mako-infused hearing, remember? He probably heard something down the hall and had to check it out in a hurry. Don't worry about it."

Cloud did his best to brush it off as his friend had suggested, but couldn't help feeling disappointed still. When news had spread about Zack Fair becoming an instructor it had been all he could think about. None of this fit into the fantasy he had developed...They were supposed to become good friends somehow after developing a strong student and teacher bond- and that would all start after an amazing meeting on the first day. Sure, it had been a somewhat improbable thought, but of all his fantasies it had definitely been the most realistic.

The sight before his eyes as he exited the classroom only turned his dismay into devastation.

Clearly there had been no emergency in the halls. Zack was surrounded by a pack of cadets, answering their questions with a smile prominent on his face. Any trace of sternness was gone, like it had never been there at all. He felt his heart sink as he eyed the group, wondering if the whole thing had just been a misunderstanding on his part...Yet his classmate had noticed the stern look as well, so obviously it wasn't something he had imagined entirely.

Why then?

Even Nerro looked stumped, and he almost always had something to say. He just offered a quick shrug before walking toward the other cadets, gesturing for Cloud to follow. It sounded like the cadets were just bombarding their instructor with 'training' questions, but really, Cloud knew what they were doing. They were doing exactly what he wanted to be doing; standing in Zack's presence, coming up with any excuse possible to stay there.

Something told him he wasn't welcome though, and he couldn't shake it. Instead he hung his head, trying not to get too emotional as he walked down the hall toward his next class. There was plenty of time before it began, but the idea of sitting alone in his room sulking just because Zack didn't talk to him seemed almost as pathetic as he felt.

"Ah, the troubled look of a broken heart."

Cloud's gaze snapped up from the floor, and he froze in the doorway. What were the odds? Somehow he seemed to remember to salute, but the man before him merely snickered at this, waving a dismissive hand.

"C-commander Rhapsodos."

"What's a cute thing like you doing looking so gloomy?"

The boy was more taken aback by the way the question had been asked than the question itself, and his jaw hung open just slightly. The smirk creeping onto the commander's face didn't help him process the question, nor did the way he beckoned the boy to join him at the desk he was leaning against in the front of the classroom.

Was it luck or some kind of curse that had drawn him so close to two of SOLDIER's finest in one day? He had heard stories about Commander Rhapsodos' beauty and even seen the man from afar, but never dared to look too long. Beauty wasn't the only thing mentioned in those stories; he was one of SOLDIER's most elite officers, and everything about the man intimidated the boy. Cadets did not approach officers like this.

Standing near him was an entirely different experience. The man was tall, almost elegant somehow- yet his expression shrewd as he carefully eyed the boy. His presence wasn't nearly as alarming as Cloud would have expected, but that hardly set him at ease. It was almost overwhelming to be near the man, though for some reason he had no desire to move away. It didn't make sense to the boy, to feel so compelled to stay under the eyes of someone who he had no place being near, but it seemed clear nothing about this man was supposed to make sense.

"The wandering soul knows no rest," the commander said softly, his tone whimsical though gaze growing impatient. "You know, they don't often let me chat with cadets. Apparently I'm a bad influence! You may as well let it out while you can, Cutie. What's wrong?"

"Oh!" He had forgotten that the commander had even asked a question. It seemed strange to tell a stranger what was weighing on his mind, but there was something in those feline eyes that made him feel as if the commander would know if he made something up instead of just telling the truth. He couldn't look away. "I just met someone I look up to, and he kinda blew me off. I guess I'm just disappointed, that's all."

A smile curled the commander's lips. "Sephiroth doesn't appear to like anyone. Don't be offended."

Just the idea of meeting Sephiroth was terrifying enough, and the way his day was going, he shivered at the thought with wide eyes. "It wasn't the general, sir. It was Commander Fair."

"Fair?" He arched an eyebrow as Cloud nodded. "As in Commander Zack Fair?" Another nod. "Zack the Puppy Fair? Dreamy blue eyes? Black hair almost as spiky as yours?" Three more nods. "A body I'd be crazy not to dream about taking?"

Cloud hesitated at this one. "Um, I mean…" His face was red, and he nearly jumped away as Commander Rhapsodos' eyes bore into him. There was definitely a right and a wrong answer to this question. "Yes?"

The commander laughed, looking thoroughly pleased with the boy's embarrassment. "You are too cute…Still, I can't believe the puppy would ignore a student, let alone a fan. I'll have to have a chat with him."

"No!" Cloud exclaimed, his big eyes somehow growing wider at the idea. "Please, sir! I may have just imagined the whole thing!"

"A better solution then! You should join my fan club instead!" The man looked entirely serious, and perhaps a bit too excited about this idea. "Oh, you'll love it! We do group readings of LOVELESS and if you're in long enough, you get discounts on great leather jackets. I pick them out myself- can't have my fans getting my style wrong."

"Um-"

"It's settled then! Consider yourself a member of Red Leather! I'll have my people contact you…what was your name again?"

"Cadet Strife, sir. Cloud Strife."

The SOLDIER smirked again, winking at the boy as he moved to exit the room. "Oh, and Blondie, tell your instructor I was looking for him. And don't forget the wink- I'll ask him to make sure! Can't have my messages being delivered improperly."

The boy's jaw dropped as the man pranced away, stunned by what had just happened.

Don't forget the wink? He felt mortified just thinking about it.

Cursed. It was definitely not luck that had put him in this situation, he decided.

o.o.o.o.o

Genesis chuckled softly to himself, unable to get the image of that cute boy's sweet face out of his head. It was almost so much fun that he wished he spent more time playing with the cadets, but alas, Sephiroth had asked him to refrain. While it hadn't exactly been an order, he did respect his friend enough to try. It didn't help that ShinRa painted him out to be some kind of untouchable hero. Sure, it stroked his ego just the way he liked, but it made the cadets too timid to approach him willingly.

Most cadets weren't worth the time anyway, and none were as adorable as Strife.

The blond was definitely cute enough to keep, but it seemed unlikely Sephiroth would allow him to take on a student of his own for a reason like that. They'd had a similar conversation the last time a cadet caught the redhead's eyes, and it hadn't gone well.

"I believe Angeal is the appropriate choice," the general decided quickly and rationally.

Genesis rolled his eyes, not quite ready to give up. "It's not like I'd touch the boy! Not without permission anyway."

Sephiroth didn't seem so amused, but he almost never did. "He is one of our most promising recruits. I expect he will be promoted to 3rd Class before completing his first term of the candidacy program."

"That hasn't happened since-" He cut himself off, frowning. "Has that ever happened?"

"Technically not. We were already in SOLDIER before the program was established."

"Hmph." He folded his arms across his chest, glaring at his friend still. "But why does Angeal get a puppy and I don't?"

"Even if the circumstances were different, you are hardly suited-"

"Fine, Angeal can have him! Anything to spare me another lecture." His eyes became full of mischief as an idea crossed his mind, and he moved closer to his friend. "Unless I can persuade you-" The general swatted his hand away before it could make contact with his chest, causing Genesis to pout further. "You never were any fun. I suppose I'll have to find other ways to stay occupied for now."

His request to become Zack's mentor hadn't exactly been serious, and he still had no genuine interest in taking on a student…but the thought of asking Sephiroth again after all these years was entertaining enough to warrant a visit to the general's office. There were other concerns he needed to discuss with his old friend anyway, and so he moved swiftly in that direction. He ignored the annoyed glance from Sephiroth's secretary as he walked by, opening the office door without a knock.

"I am in the middle of something, Genesis." The general didn't look up from the file on his desk, but that didn't surprise his friend. He plopped into the chair across from the desk, crossing his legs and eyeing the silver haired man carefully until sharp eyes flickered up and met his own. "Do you have an important matter to discuss, or can this wait until later? I have an appointment soon."

"You never sound this grumpy when Angeal visits."

"Angeal understands I have certain obligations to fulfill, and does not press me when I tell him I have work to complete." He folded his hands over the file, looking to Genesis with slightly diminishing patience. "What is it you require?"

"I want my own puppy!" he declared eagerly, electric blue eyes dancing as he moved to the edge of the seat. "Though I suppose I'd have to come up with a new name for him- can't have two puppies running around. Can you imagine the confusion that would cause? Plus, this one actually has an attention span. Hmm…I could stick with Blondie, but I didn't really like that one much. There's always-"

"No."

"You didn't even see him though, or-"

"No."

"But Seph-"

"Tell me why you came here, Genesis. I know you have no interest in being a mentor, there's too much paperwork."

Genesis narrowed his eyes. "Why do you have to be so observant?"

"It is a trait that-"

"It was rhetorical, Seph! I know. It's just another thing about you that makes you…you," Genesis said, smiling a bit. He even saw the slightest hint of a smile curling Sephiroth's lips, and quickly decided it was time to reveal the real reason he had dropped by. "I want to go to Wutai."

The silver haired man stared at his friend, not at all shocked. "You are already aware that I cannot send you."

"I don't like being kept away from Angeal."

"You are not being kept away; the assignment simply did not require both of my top SOLDIERs. I need you here."

Genesis arched an eyebrow, not satisfied with the general's vague explanation or sudden use of his authoritative tone. "Is Lazard that bad in bed that you need me to keep you company?"

A flare of irritation went off in the general's eyes, dissipating as quickly as it arose. "No, and my personal affairs are none of your business."

"We're friends, Seph. You can't treat to me like the other 1st Classes. I knew about you and Lazard before you did," Genesis insisted, shrugging his shoulders. There were a few more things he wanted to say on the subject, but none would help him persuade Sephiroth to send him to Wutai. He chose a different angle instead. "You have someone here, so you won't be lonely. Angeal doesn't."

"Angeal has an entire squadron of 2nd and 3rd Classes to keep him company."

"Yes, well, he's not into that kinda thing. Trust me."

Sephiroth blinked. "Angeal has always cared about the men under his command."

"That's not what I meant, but never mind! You know I'm not just being selfish here; the people in Wutai love me! I'd be an asset to the mission," Genesis pressed, his hope dwindling as Sephiroth's stare grew a bit uncomfortable. "You're going to say no again, aren't you? I can tell you don't want to."

"It displeases me to upset you. It is, however, out of my hands."

"And this has nothing to do with the fact that if I left you'd have no one to duel with?"

"I am not so selfish-"

"I heard the last time you tried to train with anyone other than me or Angeal, the poor boy fainted before you even drew your sword."

"That was an unfortunate incident," his friend responded, looking entirely too innocent for someone who didn't often show much emotion.

Genesis snorted, wishing he had been around to witness such an 'incident'. It never would have happened if he had been around though, which reminded him of his current predicament. "Am I really stuck here?"

Sephiroth nodded once. "Yes."

"Then I want a puppy."

A rare moment occurred between the two friends as Genesis pouted again. Sephiroth chuckled softly, though only for a second before a slight smirk returned to his face. It wasn't often the general laughed these days, and the few times he did were moments Genesis had learned to treasure. He couldn't help laughing as well, shaking his head despite the outcome of their conversation. There was obviously more to the general's denial than they had discussed, but being stuck in Midgar wouldn't be so bad if they could share more of these moments.

And if that didn't work out, there was always a certain wide eyed cadet he could track down for amusement. Technically Sephiroth hadn't said no to that much, at least.

[EDIT 2/8/15]

Hey! So, in the most recent chapters (14-15) I mentioned in my author's notes that I'd be doing some structural edits - that process is underway now. I'll be elaborating when I post the next chapter (16), but for now I just wanted to leave a quick note in case anyone happens to re-read and notice any slight differences. None of the edits will be plot altering - I'm just adding a few details predominantly about the setting, and working out some wording redundancies/flow issues. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or concerns before hand, otherwise I'll definitely let y'all know more when the next chapter gets posted (which will be soon)!

Hopefully the story as a whole will be more enjoyable with some extra details, for new and old readers alike ^.^ And, of course, thanks for all the support so far! This story has been a really fun experience for me, and I feel like I'm learning a lot. It's one of my first fanfics ever, and definitely the highest word count piece of writing I've ever done. Y'all have been really motivational, more than I ever could have imagined, soooo I really can't thank you enough :-)