A/N: UNDERAGE warning applies- Cloud is 15 years old (round about his canon age in the Crisis Core era), whilst Zack is in his late 20s.

Zack wasn't necessarily against the idea- it just didn't seem as appealing to him as it did to his friend. He was all for going out, hitting the clubs of Midgar, drinking 'responsibly' (which never damn well happened, no matter how hard they tried to limit and pace themselves) before stumbling home and collapsing wherever his body saw fit. It was a rare luxury. Something they didn't get to do very often.

Mako energy has various effects on the body. For those strong enough, physically and mentally, to get through the infusion process, most of the effects are beneficial. But, Mako is an enhancer- known to strengthen the body and seek to perfect the host. As a result, Mako and alcohol don't really mix.

People infused with Mako energy, namely those in the military faction known as SOLDIER, may not suffer from the most devastating side effects of alcohol- liver damage, poisoning, etc.- but their bodies damn well punished them for attempting to betray their health. Drinking was discouraged amongst SOLDIER- it's listed as one of the things to be avoided in the pamphlet and everything. But, considering the long-term health effects were negated as a result of the Mako infusion, it went without saying that most ignored it. That said, the damn hangovers were killers. The 'morning after' seemed to hit members of SOLDIER a hell of a harder than it did before- often requiring an entire day of recovery.

So, obviously, it wasn't something they could fit in that often. Zack was normally the most enthusiastic when they did get the chance. But, it had been a very long week, and he was tired. Unbelievably tired. Which was completely out of the ordinary for him.

Zack Fair was SOLDIER, 1st Class. Strong, fast, smart (when it came to battle, anyway) and famous to boot. He'd spent most of his youth striving for that ideal, working hard and doing whatever he could to reach it. When he finally did, he was surprised to find that it wasn't everything he expected. Sure, there were the awesome aspects that he'd dreamed of, but there was an almost political and calculated side to things which often dragged him down.

Paperwork was the bane of his existence. Office politics confused and irritated him. Interaction with media was troublesome. And, even as a 1st Class, he still sometimes found himself feeling like nothing but a tool. He kept those feelings to himself, however, instead choosing to focus on the positives- all the privileges and luxuries he was entitled to.

That week though, he found the Turks interfering in one of his missions, strolling in with some secret agenda and doing their own thing. It had got to him. To have control of his own damn mission taken from him.

That's why he didn't feel up to it that night…

"Look, Zack," his friend said, tone dropping to a more serious one, "I've been waiting for this for a long time now. We don't get to hang out as much as we did as kids. Don't you miss those days?"

"Kunsel, I…"

"All I'm saying is, we used to be inseparable." Kunsel interrupted, shaking his head. "I understand that we're both busy, especially you, but that's why nights like these are so important to me. I don't want to lose this chance while we've got it."

Zack studied him for a moment, that solemn face, the disappointment in those blue eyes, before letting out a defeated sigh. Running his fingers through his slicked-back hair, he chuckled to himself.

"Man, you really know how to twist a guy's arm." His friend's face brightened immediately.

"You're too easy." He professed with a smile. "It's not even a challenge anymore."

"Oh, really?"

Zack reached over, grabbing Kunsel and drawing him near. The two wrestled for a while, evenly matched at first, but it was Zack who always ended up getting the upper hand recently, pinning his friend in a headlock until he gave in. "You've been slacking, man."

"Have not." Kunsel retorted. "You've just been excelling. I'm still one of the top of the 2nd Class."

"Whatever." Zack huffed. "I always knew I'd beat you to 1st Class," he teased, giving a wink when Kunsel's face fell, "but I always thought you'd be right behind me, you know."

"Priorities change, man." He shrugged. "I've seen what you've had to put up with since the big promotion. I don't think I could handle the intensity. I'm not that loyal to Shinra. Perks just don't seem worth it for a guy like me."

Zack hummed, considering it for a moment, before shaking the thought away.

"Well, we heading out or not?"

The two exchanged a grin.

Despite his earlier reservations, Zack was the one to lead the way into the bar. It was a hard done little joint in the slums below the metropolitan top- somewhere a 1st Class like Zack was less likely to be recognized. People in the slums didn't really peruse the usual media sources those on the surface did, and few were hardcore fans of SOLDIER. So, for nights when Zack and Kunsel just wanted each other's company, it was perfect.

The place was packed- unsurprising, considering it was a Friday night- and dark. Perfect cover. With any luck, their Mako-infused eyes would go undetected, or at least pass for normal blue eyes.

That night they let loose, getting lost in the music, the dancing and the ladies. It felt like old times- back when such nights were a regular thing between the occasional missions. Zack felt on top of the world.

It had to end sometime though. And that 'sometime' happened to be at 3.00 am, when they found themselves stumbling out of the back entrance, giggling to themselves like a bunch of teenaged no-gooders.

"You totally ruined my chances with that chick!" Kunsel snapped, smacking Zack on the shoulder with a glare.

"She was too good for you anyway, man." He teased, wincing at the dark look he received. There was a moment of tension, followed by booming laughter from the two of them.

Zack was so distracted in his glee, that he didn't even notice someone else was in the alleyway behind the bar until he practically tripped over them. He ignored Kunsel's chuckle in favor of righting himself and turning to the poor guy. "Sorry 'bout that. Didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Sorry." The…kid mumbled. He was pale, with blonde, spiky hair which stood out in such a dark place and eyes that could possibly pass for those of a SOLDIER to the untrained eye. He looked a little frightened, avoiding eye contact, and was wearing clothes that had seen better days. He could definitely use a good meal too.

"My fault." Zack shrugged. "Help you up?" He offered, holding out a hand. The kid shook his head, but went to the trouble of glancing at the face of his 'attacker' before clambering to his feet.

"You shouldn't hang around back here." The kid suggested. "Not unless you wanna see some things you'd rather not." He pulled a face at his own words- disgusted. Zack grinned at that.

"What are you doing here then?"

"Zack." Kunsel hissed, giving him a warning glare- something about his tone seeming to upset the blonde kid immensely, judging from the curt look and pursing of his lips.

"I sneak into the bar this way." He retorted, obviously holding back a bit of anger. "I don't hang around here if that's what you're implying."

Kunsel was taken aback by that. Zack couldn't stop the laugh that burst out from his stomach.

They watched the kid go, slipping through the door, in silence. The kid muttered another apology on his way but left with nothing more than that. Zack's eyes roamed up and down his body just as he left their sight.

"You're such a dick." Zack laughed again, nudging Kunsel as they turned to head out of the alleyway. "You totally jumped the gun and assumed he was a prostitute."

"Hey, he was the one hanging around in the alley!" Kunsel protested. "Besides, I didn't think he'd get my drift. I was only warning you not to pry. It's not my fault he figured out what I was thinking."

"Dick." Zack teased.

"Well, what about you, eyeing him up like the pervert you are!"

"Shut up!"

"There's no way that kid's legal." Kunsel lectured. "As a 1st Class, you should be more careful. You have a reputation, right?"

"I only checked him out!" Zack snapped. "It's not like I jumped him or anything. You make me out to be, well, I dunno…"

"He was a good-looking kid, I'll admit that much." Kunsel shrugged. "But, you're not exactly a teenage stud anymore, you know. Keep your eyes on people above a certain age, please."

"You make me out to be a dirty old man." Zack pouted.

"To him, you kinda are."

"Dick!"

Sure enough, the following morning hit Zack hard. And, for the millionth time since his Mako enhancement, he vowed to never drink alcohol again. Kunsel didn't believe him when they spoke on the phone.

"You say that every time. Give it a month or two."

"I'm not kidding." Zack groaned, burying his face in his pillow. "I feel like I've been crushed by a Behemoth. And I'm pretty damn sure I've left my wallet at that bar too." Kunsel cursed down the phone.

"Doesn't that have your SOLDIER I.D card in it? You need to get that back. And fast."

"I hate my life." Zack whined. "I don't wanna go anywhere, let alone the slums, right now."

"Tough luck, my man." Kunsel tried to laugh but obviously thought better, wincing as the sound penetrated his skull. "Lazard will lose his shit if he finds out one of his precious 1sts headed down for some boozing in the slums."

Zack wanted to storm down to the 2nd Class floor and smack Kunsel in the mouth, but he knew his friend had a very good point. One way or another, severe Mako-enhanced hangover or not, he'd have to go retrieve his wallet and hope he could bribe the bar owner into keeping quiet- that's if no one else picked it up.

Of course, Kunsel refused to help him out, choosing to stay holed up in the barracks to sleep it off. So, out of pure childishness, Zack made a snide remark about the shared accommodation, rubbing it in that he had his own apartment- courtesy of his rank- before hanging up and dragging himself out of his glorious bed.

The trip to the slums was far less exciting that morning, and it was far more difficult to avoid being sighted at noon on a Saturday. And, the crushing news that the owner of the bar hadn't found a wallet and nothing had been handed in, was enough to make Zack wish he'd brought the Buster Sword along with him- just to vent.

With a huff, he stormed out, fetching his phone to call Kunsel and let his rage known. Before he could though, he caught sight of a flash of gold out of the corner of his eye. The kid. The same kid from the night before was headed his way, one hand raised to try and grab his attention.

"You dropped this." The blonde said simply, thrusting the prized wallet his way. "Probably when we bumped heads in the alley. I found it on my way out."

"Thanks, man." Zack grinned, weighing it in his hand whilst he enjoyed the feeling of relief crashing over him. "You're a serious life saver!" He flipped it open, a quick glance confirming that all of his belongings (including his money) were safe and accounted for. A rough kid from the slums had returned his wallet intact- nothing stolen. His faith in humanity was restored. Maybe, just maybe, the kid hadn't even bothered looking inside…

"So, what's a SOLDIER doing down here?" The kid asked, instantly shattering Zack's illusionary peace.

"Will you keep your voice down?" Zack hushed him, glancing around nervously at the people going about their business. The kid lowered his head, a little embarrassed that he'd overstepped the mark and stuck his nose in someone else's business. Zack sighed, feeling a little guilty. "In fairness, it was stupid of me to leave my I.D card in here."

"If it's any consolation, I actually recognized you the moment I saw you." The kid said, looking up again with those beautiful, natural eyes. So different from eyes tainted with Mako. They were pure. Untouched. Truly like the sky. "Zack Fair, SOLDIER 1st Class."

"Ah, that right?" Zack smirked. "A member of my fan club?"

"No." The kid said, a little too bluntly, and the look on his face showed he regretted it. "I mean, I know all of the 1sts. I moved to Midgar to join SOLDIER, actually."

"Oh." Zack paused, imagining Kunsel perched on his shoulder, warning him not to pry and to keep his mouth shut. Unfortunately, the expression on his face must have given him away, despite his efforts to keep quiet. The kid flushed with embarrassment, the tint of red travelling up his neck and across his face.

"I didn't make the cut." He admitted quietly. "Couldn't face the folks back home."

"That's how you ended up in the slums?"

"I couldn't afford to stay up top for long." He shrugged. "It was kinda my only option at the time. No one will hire me- they say I'm too young and I don't have any experience."

"So, what's the plan then?" Zack asked, probably taking things too far and doing something Kunsel would smack him upside the head for. He should just thank the kid for the wallet and walk away. A SOLDIER 1st Class, hanging around the slums, talking to a homeless bit of jailbait in the middle of the day. Not the brightest idea ever. But, he couldn't help being curious. Besides, there was something interesting about the kid. And, he didn't just mean the fact that the kid was damn hot.

Zack felt sorry for him. He couldn't imagine being rejected by the SOLDIER recruitment programme. He couldn't imagine being faced with the possibility of going home and admitting to everyone that he had failed. At that age, had the same happened to him, he might have just done exactly the same and made his way down to hide his shame in the grubby alleys of the slums.

"Survive." The kid murmured bluntly. "Until I'm old enough to find work. Work that doesn't involve…" A pause. "…what your friend was implying last night." Zack instantly felt relieved- which didn't really make much sense considering he didn't know the kid. Still, he couldn't help also feeling a little ashamed of Kunsel's behavior.

"Sorry 'bout that." He offered, scratching the back of his head. "He doesn't mean to be a dick. He just kind of…is one."

The kid actually smiled at that. And Zack felt a hunger stirring inside of him.

"Anyway, I better go." The kid said, suddenly aware of their surroundings, glancing at the people littering the street awkwardly. "I'm glad I got to return that back to you."

"Thanks again."

The kid turned to leave.

Zack stopped him just in time to ask his name.

Cloud.

How fitting.

"A SOLDIER reject?" Kunsel echoed, putting it a little harsher than Zack had at first. "Looked a little young for a potential recruit." He smirked, dodging an attempted kick with ease, moving into position to land a blow of his own.

"Now you're exaggerating!" Zack scoffed, blocking the strike with his forearm. "Kid's got to be at least fifteen to have applied to join the recruitment programme."

"But, he can't be any older than eighteen." Kunsel added, dropping to the ground to attempt kicking at Zack's feet. Zack evaded smoothly with a simple jump. "After all, he said he was too young to work in Midgar!" Zack blocked his attempt at a punch, grasping his wrist and slinging him across the training room. Kunsel managed to land without spraining anything. "And he said he had to sneak into that bar."

"Still, can you believe he returned my wallet?" Zack said, a fond smile crossing his lips. "Most people would have made off with it."

"Oh, please." Kunsel tutted, charging forward for another rush of assaults. "The kid was probably planning to run off with it!" He grunted as they traded hits, one after another. "He had no idea he was going to bump into you. It was a coincidence. If he hadn't have seen you, he would have kept it!"

"He saw me before I saw him!" Zack snapped back. "If he was so desperate for money, he could have ran!" He narrowly avoided an elbow to the jaw. He was distracted. "Besides, it's not like he could hand it in to the bar when he's not supposed to be there in the first place!"

"You're grasping at straws." Kunsel huffed, receiving a punch to the gut shortly after.

They called it quits after that. Heading over to gulp down some water and dry the sweat from their foreheads. The conversation, however, was far from over. Zack was nearing obsession, unable to let go of the kid from the slums. "Look, I get that you have the hots for the kid, but can we let this drop? It's not like you can actually do anything about it."

"I know, I know." Zack muttered, staring at the ground. "I'm just getting ahead of myself, okay? I mean, did you see him?"

"Not really my thing, buddy." Kunsel patted him on the shoulder. "But, if you need any added motivation to stay away from a certain slum hottie…" he leaned in, whispering in Zack's ear menacingly, "If you get caught, you'll be stripped of your SOLDIER status and thrown in jail to rot."

Zack gulped.

Well, that certainly worked.

The subject of Cloud from the slums wasn't raised again for the next week. It crossed Zack's mind from time to time, but he found himself far too busy with his workload. Missions were piling up lately. Too many high-profile assignments and not enough SOLDIER 1st Class.

However, when the thought of Cloud was forced into his mind again, he was horrified to find himself in Lazard's office of all places. He knew he was supposed to expect the unexpected- but that was ridiculous!

"One of you needs to escort a small unit down into the slums and eliminate the group quickly and quietly." Lazard briefed. "This assignment is a top priority. However, I understand that all of you have full schedules, which is why I'm leaving it up to you to decide amongst yourselves who goes."

"Not a chance." Genesis Rhapsodos, SOLDIER 1st Class, looked disgusted at the very notion. "I don't understand why this requires our attention. Like you said, all of us are buried in work. So, why can't the 2nds handle this one? It's just a rebellious faction. This seems unnecessary to me."

"They're more than a rebellious faction, Genesis." Sephiroth, SOLDIER 1st Class, cut in. "They're a terrorist cell within our very own city. One wrong move and we could have a serious incident on our hands."

"Precisely." Lazard nodded. "We need someone who can deal with this quickly but quietly. No mess. No questions. No collateral damage. In and out. I'm not willing to risk anything, which is why I'm requesting a 1st Class to lead the assault."

"I decline." Genesis retorted, almost instantly. "I'm needed on the frontlines in Wutai. I don't have time to go boar hunting in the slums."

"Why don't you accept this assignment, Zack?" Sephiroth suggested, turning to the younger man with a curious gleam in his eye. "As I recall, delicate matters like this haven't been your thing in the past." He chuckled. "Now's the time to prove that you can go in without going all out."

"Aw, come on!" Zack groaned, shooting the man a glare. When he discovered that the great General Sephiroth had a sense of humor, he'd thought it was a good thing at the time. Now he wasn't so sure. "Why aren't the Turks taking this one?" He protested. "They have no problem poking their noses in everything else."

"Zack." Lazard warned. "The President sent this one to us. Can you handle it or not?"

"Fine."

The mission itself wasn't all that bad. Under his guidance, Zack's squad managed to take care of things in record time. All terrorists exterminated- no problem. He called Lazard to declare the mission a success and congratulated his team- consisting of a few 2nds and 3rds, as well as a small unit of Shinra troops. Having postponed his other assignments, Zack found himself disappointed that everything went as smoothly as it did. It was boring. But, that was obviously what the higher-ups wanted.

Zack sent some of the Shinra troops off to check there was no 'collateral damage', as well as to reassure the public, whilst the others cleared the place out and disposed of the corpses. The 2nds and 3rds were gathered together, chattering excitedly about their triumph.

With nothing else much to do, Zack decided to slip off for some much-needed peace.

And, when he just so happened to find a particular blonde teenager wandering the slums, far be it from him to ignore the coincidental hand of fate. And, if there was a part of him that was hoping he'd bump into the kid all along, well…he wouldn't tell Kunsel, that was for sure.

"You're back." Cloud observed, "And in uniform this time." Something close to…envy(?) flashed in his eyes.

"Damn straight." Zack grinned, bumping his own chest in pride. "Keeping the city safe like no one else can!" Cloud actually scoffed at that, glancing round at the rotten streets of the slums. Zack looked at him quizzically.

"You have no idea what goes on down here." The kid muttered solemnly. "I didn't either until I started staying here. It's like a cage, full of animals willing to do whatever it takes to survive. No one even bothers enforcing the law below the plate." Concern spread throughout Zack. Cloud seemed off. Although he was obviously run down and exhausted in their previous meetings, there was something off this time around. He was shaky. Paler than before. His whole demeanour screamed fear and anxiety.

"What happened?" Zack asked softly, quickly making sure there was no one close enough to overhear them. Cloud shuffled awkwardly, looking down to hide his face. "Come on, Cloud, tell me." The use of the kid's name seemed to shock him, causing him to look up desperately.

"It's not so bad during the day, really." Cloud insisted. "I help out people where I can- odd jobs here and there- and sometimes I even get a little bit of money for it. The people here can be really nice. But…" He went to look down again. Zack reached out but stopped. Touching the kid's chin was probably too intimate. So, instead he settled for giving his small shoulder a comforting squeeze.

"What is it?" He asked gently.

"Most nights, I can't find anywhere to sleep. I mean," Cloud stalled, looking off into the distance, "I don't mind hitting it rough outside- I'm used to that, after all- but slum alleyways aren't the best place to be at night. When people see me they assume I'm a…that I'm offering that and they don't always listen when I tell them different."

"Oh, Cloud." Zack murmured, hand falling.

"It's never happened!" Cloud explained quickly. "But, I've had a few close calls."

A heavy silence fell between them, neither one able to meet the eyes of the other. Zack didn't know what to say. He felt for the kid, he really did. He knew the slums, whilst sometimes appearing as a friendly community, had a lot of problems. And, like Cloud had said, the law wasn't always enforced. Shinra troops rarely ventured down below and most other authorities had lost their power. What options did Cloud have…?

"Commander Fair!" A sudden call snapped them out of their daze- one of the Shinra troops had tracked him down. Cloud instantly shrunk into himself, glancing at Zack nervously. "We've surveyed the area and completed our checks, as ordered, sir."

"Alright." Zack said, glancing between the troop and the kid beside him. "I've finished interacting with the locals round here. I think we've smoothed everything over." He offered a smile. "We're heading back. Tell the others."

"Yes, sir!"

Cloud remained silent until he was sure the troop had gone.

"You're here on assignment?" He asked, finally twigging on. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"Forget it." Zack cut him off, grinning. "And, hey, take this." He fished through his wallet, pulling out a rather crumpled card, which he handed over. Cloud took it with shaky fingers. "Any problems, like the ones you've been having, and you call me right away. Got it?"

"But-"

"No buts." Zack said sternly, making the kid jump in surprise. "If I'm not around and I can't come and get you out personally, I can at least ask a close friend to do something. I want you to promise me you'll call."

"Okay." Cloud murmured hesitantly, offering a small nod. He obviously had doubts, Zack could tell, but he didn't raise any of them. He'd promised- Zack could do no more than that.