Once again, a crosspost from A03. Notes will, as usual, be copied directly from there, so if they seem outdated that's why.

This is going to be another of those "set of slice of life oneshots loosely connected by the universe they exist in" things the way Cloud Dragons is. So, no real plot, just various moments in the life of characters. As with CD, these will be mainly in whatever order I write them as opposed to chronological order.

They're cats though because I'm a dork and the idea of them as cats amused me and I could use more humor in my life. Also my own cat is a ridiculous spazz of epic proportions in the early morning hours so about 99% of Zack's insane antics can all be traced back to things she either has done in the past or still does. Genesis will also have his spoiled behavior based largely on my cat, who is about as equally spoiled and very good at training her beloved pet (aka me) into doing what she wants.

Basically, about 100% of everything the cats do in this fic can be laid squarely at Seven's feet because she inspired me.

Haughty eyes followed Cloud's every move; it was becoming increasingly obvious that Genesis had absolutely no intention of allowing the younger cat to wander what he considered his space without the russet's supervision. Nervously, the blond cat plopped himself down in the center of the living room floor and endeavored not to move. It was a bit of a stretch, but perhaps if he tried to be harmless and not touch anything the clearly possessive cat considered his, he'd look less murderous about the intrusion-it seemed to work after a few moments, as Genesis eventually looked away with a sniff.

He visibly softened when Angeal wandered in through the window a moment later, though his eyes narrowed at the smaller black cat following on his friend's heels; said cat just waved his tail in an excited greeting before he threw himself at Cloud, who winced as his friend landed on his back heavily.

"Angeal," Genesis purred dangerously, tail lashing-the thump of his tail every time it hit the leather couch was loud enough to catch even Zack's attention. "Tell your... puppy to cease his destructive tendencies within my residence."

"Hey! I'm not a dog-!"

"You certainly yap like one."

"You-"

"Zack," Angeal interrupted sharply, cuffing his companion lightly. Once certain that Zack would stay quiet, the cat turned his attention back to his friend with a sigh. "Genesis, is it really necessary to antagonize him?"

With a sniff, Genesis look away. "I suppose not. But it doesn't change the fact that he brought a mongrel into my home without so much as a by your leave!"

Cloud shrunk back behind his new friend, tail coming up to hide his face in embarrassment and Zack actually growled. Even Angeal looked mildly offended by the statement. Genesis looked only slightly apologetic, before he hissed quietly. "Look at him Angeal! He's tiny and-and sad looking! Like he's been kicked! It's very upsetting! I'm delicate. I'll be off my food for hours trying not to feel horrible for making him cry."

"Oh for-you're being melodramatic again Genesis. Do I need to call Sephiroth over? He knows how to derail you when you start getting like this-"

"Minerva, no. I do not need that... that... " Genesis' fur began to bristle as he paced atop the table, clearly unable to articulate whatever thought was at the tip of his muzzle. "Primadonna," he spat finally. "Coming over here again."

"Then stop being rude. Cloud is new to Midgar and he's Zack's friend. And mine," he added when Genesis opened his mouth to retort. With a low growl, the cat snapped his mouth closed again and turned away.

"Very well. It's a... pleasure, Cloud. I am Genesis Rhapsodos. You may continue to visit if you must."

"...Thank you?" Cloud ventured, once he realized that an answer was clearly expected. With a bored nod in his general direction, Genesis leaped from the table and stalked away into the other room; Angeal turned to Cloud with an apologetic look.

"Don't mind him, he's normally much better than this. He's just not very good at making friends is all. Once he's gotten used to you being part of the group he'll relax. Genesis is actually a lot of fun to be around, if a tad dramatic." Angeal's smile turned more genuine as Cloud accepted his explanation with a slow nod, before Zack interrupted them by jumping onto the sill of the open window.

"Come on Cloud! Aerith's home, I wanna introduce you to her!" Zack called, before he tumbled into the bushes below in his excitement.

With a laugh, the two cats followed their companion.