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"Why do you think he ordered us to come here?" Genesis asked, hunting for a soon to be empty booth that offered at least one comfy couch.
Shrugging, Angeal dropped coins on the counter before picking up the pint of dark beer with a creamy foam on top. Looking around the quickly growing crowd he was startled by the tap on the shoulder.
"There" Genesis shouted pointing their destination with the whisky on the rocks before piercing the mass ramming through anybody that did not get out of the way quickly enough. Accompanied by angry hisses and curses, he continued undeterred, safe in the knowledge that once they will realize who just slammed into them, they will scurry away, in fear or in awe.
Sliding his drink on the cheap, wooden table, he sprawled in the rounded corner, his arms lazily outstretched on the soft top of the lounge.
"I didn't know the bastard knew what a pub is, not to mention he actually visited any of those."
Angeal seated himself vis-à-vis, on the sturdy chair, its structure offering little luxury, however giving the confidence it will be able to support his considerable frame. "We will know soon enough." He answered in a non – explanatory manner, hunching over the glass that he nursed between his fingers, this innocent action obscuring a slight smirk.
The noise and bustle incapacitated their enhanced senses so they did not expect the second glass of golden beer landing on the table as Sephiroth joined them in the booth.
Not giving him any time to adjust to the racket, Genesis attacked, recognizing there will be no better time, to maybe achieve some progressed with mind boggling stubborn, tong – tied, semi – mute general, who he also called a friend. "Why are we here?"
"We wait" Sephiroth answered, sipping the rich drink, closely scanning the crowd of SOLDIERs, most of them 3rd class, as evident by the standard, navy uniform, one person quite similar to the other – the shape and color of the hair and an odd scarring the only easily spotted differences. Some were accompanied by their civilian friends or family but these were always easily distinguishable, not by their everyday, colorful clothes, but by how the crowd always put some distance between them, mindful of their superior strength and commoners' fragility. Even without helmets, shoulder protectors and weapons, as it was prohibited to carry them off duty, they could do a lot of damage, if they wished so.
"We are here to wait?!" Genesis asked in incredulous voice, his prickly personality easily taking offense prompting Sephiroth to cut the discussion before it could evolve into an argument with one sharp "No."
"Just give it a rest." Angeal sighed, his heavy, disapproving look landing on the juvenile companion. "We will know when we are meant to know."
"But…" Genesis started to complain when Angeal cut in "A true hero knows the value of patience."
Crossing the arms on his chest, he fell back into the coach, huffing in exasperation, still unused to the fact that he could not always get his way in the army, an expectation and an attitude he developed in his home, being an only child of a wealthy family "Fine! We will wait."
Initially an uneasy silence fell between them but as the anger was a surface one it quickly dissipated turning into a neutral one and then into boredom as the time passed and they were on their second round of drinks.
"How much longer?" Genesis whined either oblivious or intentionally ignoring Sephiroth's agitated state as evident by the drumming fingers and excessive clock watching mixed with the obsessive scrutiny of the entrance area. Without looking away in a strained voice, he admitted "It's unlike her to be late." Then his eyes lit up from the inside and he walked away right before declaring in a strong voice "Never mind."
Swallowed by the crowd, he disappeared from their sight, pursuing an undisclosed aim.
Slouching, Genesis savored the rich whisky swallowing each burning mouthful with a deep contentment and satisfaction until suddenly he bolted out of his seat, choking on the drink that fell the wrong pipe while simultaneously coughing, hitting his chest and indicating with the other hand quickly approaching Sephiroth who had his arms securely around Kagome's back, leading her forward. "It's a girl!" he finally yelled in a shaky voice crowned by fit of cough that ultimately solved his problem but almost deprived him of the precious oxygen. Taking a deep breath in relief, he stupidly grinned at the young woman that looked at him with mischievous glint in the eye.
"If I knew that's the first time you are going to see a girl, I would doll myself up." She teased while Genesis swallowed gulps of air in incredulity, standing thunderstruck and speechless.
Hiding the snort under another gulp of beer Angeal remarked "Shutting up, Genesis – that's a first." He rose from his chair introducing himself. "And you must be Kagome. Sephiroth told me a lot about you."
"Did he?" she measured both with dubious expression.
"No, he didn't." he barked good – naturedly, caught on a polite, white – lie. "It was like prying a door open with no crowbar."
"That I believe." a bubbly laugh escaped as she turned to Sephiroth "Would you mind?"
Taking off her coat, he draped it over his forearm. "You are a dear" she planted a fleeting kiss on his cheek "and please don't forget, white, semi – sweet."
Reluctant to leave, he still stood next to her "Off you go" she waived shooing him away "I'll survive 5 minute without you." Beaten or maybe simply smitten, he left for the locker room and for the wine.
"And you" She turned, holding out her hand "you must be Genesis. Nice to meet you. Kagome. I'm his girlfriend, if you didn't guess yet." She nodded in the direction where Sephiroth disappeared not long ago.
Murmuring polite greetings and compliments they sat down and before an uneasy silence could fell Kagome, the champion of casual chit – chat, admitted "Well, I have heard much about you but I'd gladly learn more."
"Did you?" Genesis parroted.
"Yes. I imagine my arsenal of effective threats is a bit more… extensive than yours."
"So, you can beat him in a sword fight?" he eagerly and innocently asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.
Baffled, she looked to Angeal who was barely holding in a gleeful guffaw. Shrugging she answered "Never trained sword fight in my life."
Consternated, he furrowed his brows "Then how are you…? No, never mind" He backpedaled a flush covering his cheeks. Seeing his mortified expression, both parties exploded in gales of laughter.
Shoulders still shaking, Kagome magnanimously announced "I'll let you off the hook, if you tell me some interesting stories about Sep."
"You just said he has told you some." He tried to catch her on a lie.
"Sure he did" she nodded in agreement "but those were safe stories and I want…" she theatrically looked around checking if anyone was eavesdropping. Tilting over the table, she whispered as if sharing deep secrets "I want blackmail material. I want embarrassing stories, mortifying stories. Do you know any?"
"I know" Genesis teasingly admitted "but will I share them? Hmm…" he held a finger to his chin visibly pondering the question while Kagome vibrated in anticipation. Pleased by her torment he agreed.
She exploded in a triumphant "Yay" before hanging on each word that left his mouth.
Returning to the table Sephiroth found his nakamas half – twirled around Kagome's tiny, cute, shapely finger. Smiling knowingly, he puffed his chest out, that quickly deflated as he realized what the topic of the conversation was. Throwing daggers at Genesis and promising retribution, he put the glass of wine in front of her while sitting himself next to her.
"Thank you." She squeezed his hand. "Do you think it's wise? You know how often I have to go to the restroom if I drink." He firmly stayed where he was, his body the barrier between the crowd and her, blocking the exit. "Suit yourself."
True to her threats she visited the ladies room more often than the number of glassed that she drank, her tipsiness only fuelling the fun and merriness as the evening continued.
"I'm curious – how did you two meet? Don't take it the wrong way but Sephiroth is not very keen on meeting new people, especially civilians and you are as far from military personnel as one can get."
Giggling, she waved her hand in dismissal. "Sep would you like?" she asked looking at his face but when he shook his head she twisted on his lap, her back to his chest so that she could easily see all of her audience.
"The story is pretty simple. One day, not unlike this one, I was running around, already late and yet with many unfinished chores on my list, so when I went shopping I really did not pay attention where I was going. Ultimately, I sprinted, slamming into him, into his rock hard chest, bouncing off of it, while dropping all of my groceries and tripping. In that split second my blood roared in my veins and my heart beat a thunderous concert while I only saw a hundred stairs, and I knew there was nothing I could do to save myself, to not tumble down and brake most if not all of my bones. Thankfully, his reflexes were as good as ever. I lost most of my groceries but I'm still here." she finished smiling warmly at Sephiroth.
"Come one. This couldn't be so simple!" Genesis accused.
"Off course it wasn't!" Kagome huffed in righteous anger "Have you ever know him for doing things the easy way?" she indicated her boyfriend with a thumb. "Easy or not, as I was gripping his arms in a steely, unbreakable and probably painful hold, my body filled with adrenaline, my heart racing and then… I looked at his face and I knew… he will be mine. The only problem? He didn't know it yet. The less said about what happened next is better but let me tell you, I was shameless – shameless. But I got him finally."
"That's not fair. You're leaving the best bits out." Genesis whined "I gave you a lot of blackmail material earlier. Be fair. Tit for tat."
"First of all, you don't have tits" Kagome countered, giggling "but I respect your point so… hmm… from the embarrassing stories… it took me three months to realize that Sep and the guy from the poster, you know the one where he stands behind 4 SOLDERS, his hands on his sword and his pristine, silver hair cascading down his back? The one with the slogan 'Join the ranks of heroes.' You know which one*?" She searched for any confirmation that they knew what she is talking about, satisfied she continued. "One day we walked as usual, down the street and I saw his sword and the poster and how people are stepping out of his way and it just clicked" she snapped her fingers. "I was seducing the National Hero. I was mortified!"
"And what happened then?" Angeal prompted her to continue.
"I have done everything but dumped him, so one day, he just invited himself in and told me to stop being silly. Since then we are together" she leaned her head at the crook of his neck, her eyes closing on their own volition.
As they were finishing their drinks, she yawned widely, lulled to sleep by the slow music that was often played just after midnight.
Seeing how tired she was, Sephiroth made their excuses and took her back home.
* the poster exists, so if you put the slogan + final fantasy in Google you will probably find it
A/N – There was supposed to be another story from the past but I decided to leave it for a different chapter. Reviews are much appreciated.
To guest – coincidentally I've been writing this chapter all night (finished around 2 am), so I hope you will enjoy.