Disclaimer: Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- and it's characters (c) Square Enix. Me no own. Just playing with the characters here. ;) Half of this story was done by Shade the Hero. Thanks!

Shade: Hello all and Happy New year! I'm feeling pretty excited and ready to face the next twelve months with a smile! The duo may have been caught, but the sleepover has only just begun. Zack and Cloud are in for some amusing and interesting surprises. We hope you enjoy whats to come and we hope that your new year is full of joy and good fortune.

Bahamut: Shade pretty much summed it all up pretty nicely, so all I have to say for this update is Happy New Year's and enjoy! ;)

On Slightly Better Terms

Genesis's eyes narrowed at the General as he took Zack's side of all people. Oh he'd find a way to pay him back for that one. He then turned towards Zack and kept the deadly gaze. "Very well, but come Monday morning my order still stands, as does the consequences should the order not be carried out." He rubbed the Materia that was still in his hand for emphasis.

Cloud nodded at the Commander's words, "Yes sir, I mean, A-angel."

At this Genesis snorted into a fit of laughter. "You hear that 'Geal? You save the poor kid from being kicked out and already he thinks you're a saint! Bwahahaha!"

Cloud's face flushed bright red. It wasn't his fault he made the mistake. This had been the first time he had ever met the Three Firsts. How was he not supposed to react formally? And then what happens? He messes up the man's name. Cloud wanted nothing more than to crawl under a rock.

Genesis looked over at Zack and then nudged Sephiroth, "Makes me wonder what he told the cadet about us, ey Seph?"

Zack grinned and gave a salute to both 1sts, eyes flashing in amusement. "Sirs." He snickered and rubbed his hand through his hair. It was always funny when the General's sense of humor came to the surface like this, and he wasn't about to 'disobey' that order.

When he heard what Cloud called Angeal he groaned and wrapped an arm around Cloud's shoulders, ruffling his hair with his other hand. "Cloud! Lighten up, Angeal doesn't randomly set people on fire like Genesis! Although there was that one time he broke my arm in training..." He trailed off, grinning deviously.

Angeal scoffed and cuffed Zack on the ear. "That was an accident, and I told you not to resist in that position that it would end badly for you." He shook his head at the teen and smiled at Cloud. "It's alright Cloud." He said, chuckling. It wasn't the first time his name was messed up like that, though it had been a long time since the last time.

Smirking next to Genesis, Sephiroth was obviously amused by the situation. "Whatever he said probably was more accurate than the cadet heard about us beforehand." He mused. Rumors went flying around Shinra all the time, especially about the three 1sts. At least Zack would have given him some true information about them, though he probably didn't want to know what that was.

Lighten up? Cloud wanted to elbow Zack in the ribs. How could he be expected to act in the presence of the legendary First Class SOLDIERs? He felt like a complete fool. Sure, Angeal let him know he wasn't doing anything wrong, and Genesis for the most part didn't seem unusually cruel, but it was Sephiroth that had him on edge. This man was his hero and he had looked like a idiot in front of him.

How was he supposed to prove he was worthy of becoming a SOLDIER if he acted like a fool in front of the General? Maybe he could be forgotten? No, Zack's quickly acquired habit of messing with his hair made him realize it'd be impossible. Cloud's hair was a dead giveaway and no one could forget him once they saw the hair. He would have dyed it, but that was against the rules in the program. Drat.

More importantly he didn't even know what to say in front of them. He had already spent his courage defending Zack, which seemed to have gotten their attention. Cloud still wasn't sure what the General's reaction to that had been. Aside from offering a tease towards Genesis or lecturing Zack, all he did was cast a studying glance at him every now and then. What Cloud couldn't tell was if it was a good or bad thing.

Genesis's comment about the rumors as well as Sephiroth's reply gave him a chance to step in and he'd probably kick himself later for it, but anything to stop him from looking like a startled chocobo was worth it.

"I don't pay much attention to the rumors, General. I judge people by what I see with my own eyes." Angeal had told him he didn't have to address them by title now, but Cloud was not about to muck up Sephiroth's name, nor was he going to show him any disrespect. Sephiroth had earned that title.

Genesis let out a low, impressed whistle in regards to the cadet's comment, but didn't butt in. It wasn't very common for a cadet to actually work up the nerve to directly address the General, unless Sephiroth addressed them first. Genesis was impressed. Perhaps Zack had an eye for spotting promising additions to their ranks. The kid definitely showed promise and he was going to be doing some digging into the cadet's profile once they left.

Zack smiled and rubbed Cloud's shoulder in an attempt to loosen him up. The teen was wound so tight he thought he'd snap in half if he got any tighter. He looked at the three and grinned up at them. "See? I haven't told him anything crazy either." He stuck his tongue out.

But he was glad that Cloud was at least trying to make an effort in speaking in front of the three 1sts and not just stand there like a chocobo in headlights. He hoped he'd be able to repay Cloud later for trying so hard, because he could tell he was trying his hardest right about now.

The Commander looked at Cloud and nodded with a smile. "Good to know you don't listen to rumors." He chuckled and looked at Zack, ruffling his hair. "I'm sure you want to continue your weekend. Try and behave yourself and don't get into anymore trouble." He warned, deep blue eyes showing sternness at those words.

He was still a little shaken up after learning Zack had dared cross Hojo and he probably wouldn't be resting well tonight or for many nights after until he was sure Hojo didn't know who had dumped fertilizer all over him and his project.

Sharp, Mako glowing eyes turned to meet Cloud's and he held his gaze evenly. It wasn't everyday a cadet spoke directly to him, especially when he hadn't been directing any comments at them. "And what's your judgment of us, now that you see us with your own eyes?" He questioned.

That might be a little cruel of the General, but he wanted to see how well the cadet would handle that. He seemed to be on the edge of having nerves of steel and ready to faint. He cast a glance between Genesis and Angeal, the corners of his lips twitching just the slightest but otherwise his expression was unreadable as he turned his eyes back on Cloud and awaited an answer.

Genesis knew that tone in his friend's voice. It was easy to read that he was worried about Hojo finding out, even if the assistant said they didn't know. Genesis had tried to hide the identity, but that crazy egghead could easily look up surveillance footage of the hall and see the boys in action. Another thing he was going to take care of once he was alone.

"We could always let it slip that Reno was responsible. Fair wouldn't have known where to dump the load without the Turk cluing him in." And besides, no one could touch a Turk. Not even Hojo. They were safe from any form of revenge he could whip up. He then turned towards Zack and folded his arms. "I hope you appreciate what we do for you. You have no idea what we have planned and you had better find a good way to make it up to us. I don't stick my neck out for just anyone, I hope you know."

He was of course, referring to the upcoming and recently planned SOLDIER First Test, however he wasn't about to let on to what it was to the teen just yet.

Cloud didn't exactly expect that sort of response from the General. He would have been less surprised if he had been run through by Masamune, in fact, he almost preferred that to answering the question. It was those eyes. Cloud wanted to look away, but at the same time he couldn't. It was like being caught in a viper's stare. He felt his fight or flight reflex kick in, but forced himself to stay put. The only movement he expressed was a slight shaking. A combination of fear and rushing adrenaline.

He knew that he had to answer and whatever he said would have a serious impact on him. He was terrified, but he was determined not to mess up. He mentally took a deep breath to calm his nerves as best as he could as he swallowed to reply...

"B-based on such a short meeting, I see that you're all..." Gaia he couldn't do this. He was about to break. He could feel it. His gaze shifted to the others and he just managed to catch Genesis giving him an encouraging wink before he found his voice again. "...that you're all honorable and you take threats and problems seriously no matter how big or small. There's far more than meets the eye and I'm afraid it'll take more than just a first meeting to form a solid opinion on any of you until I learn more about you."

There. He was done. Whether he had impressed them or not was up in the air. All he knew was he didn't dare take a breath.

A slow clapping filled the room then as Genesis nodded his head in approval. "Well isn't that something? It sounds like the kid wants to spend more time with us."

He made his way, slinking in between Angeal and Zack to take the cadet's other shoulder and give his head a gentle pat-pat. "What do you think Seph? Should we invite the young chocobo to our little dinner date? It's the least he deserves for his response. Of course, Zack would have to come too I suppose, to keep the boy from fainting." He cast Zack a teasing glance and an equally joking smirk.

Zack wasn't sure what Genesis meant, but he pouted regardless and unwrapped his arm from Cloud's shoulder to cross them across his chest. "I do! I said I was sorry!" He shook his head at the Commander. It seemed a little unfair since he'd just pulled only one joke on Genesis -and everyone else thought it was funny- and the thing with Hojo, well...

Okay, he did push his luck with that one but the creep deserved it and he knew it made everyone else laugh.

Then suddenly he blinked and pointed an accusing finger at them. "Hey, wait a minute! How'd you know it was me if Hojo doesn't even know?" He asked, gaping. How did they know?

He shook his head ruefully when Cloud actually answered Sephiroth. He could tell the teen was ready to pass out any second from fear and he patted Cloud's back. "Relax." He smiled, though when Genesis suggested Cloud and he come over to some dinner date he perked up. "What dinner date?" He asked, looking between them. "We're game for free food!" He said, though surely it couldn't have been tonight, they'd already had dinner.

Angeal chuckled weakly. He was glad for Zack's puppy attention span, because he'd hate to tell him that they found out about the thing with Hojo through Reno. That could very well start up a pranking war between the two and Shinra may not hold up to those two going at it.

He offered a gentle smile at Cloud. "That's a good answer." He nodded in approval, before looking at Zack. "Seph, Gen and I are gonna have dinner tomorrow evening. I was going to invite you anyway, might as well bring Cloud along." He smiled at the cadet. "If you want to come that is. If you don't want to, no hard feelings Cloud. We'd understand." He shot Genesis a look. The cadet was obviously terrified and Genesis was not helping by trying to get him into coming with them to dinner.

Sephiroth continued to stare at the blonde for several moments before he spoke. "Genesis is right. You should come over tomorrow evening." He said, before he shifted his weight and made to move out of the apartment. Regardless of what Angeal said he'd like to see if Cloud could handle an entire dinner. That could prove entertaining for the General, if nothing else.

"We'll see you at my apartment then. 1930 hours."

The General left the apartment without letting them say otherwise and contradict his orders. He still needed to speak with Tseng tonight and handle a few other matters before bed. But now he had something to look forward to tomorrow evening, and he allowed himself a smirk when he was out of the apartment.

Cloud's heart skipped a beat as the General past by him to make his way out, leaving the cadet's mind a total blank. Sephiroth had invited him to his apartment. Leaving no room for refusal. It was both the greatest and most terrifying thing to ever happen to him.

Genesis chuckled as he looked at Zack. He wasn't about to clue the boy in on that kind of information. He'd have to figure it out for himself. He caught the glance from Angeal and shrugged his shoulders. What was he supposed to do? Stand there and make the poor boy wet his pants? Sephiroth was already doing a good job of that on his own.

However when Sephiroth left the cadet with no other choice he shrugged his shoulders. It was out of his hands now. He made to take his leave as well, but patted the cadet on the shoulder as he went. "I think he likes you." It wasn't very often that Sephiroth would even pay attention to a cadet. It was obvious something in this Cloud Strife had caught the General's interest. Not that Genesis could blame him.

He made his leave and waited outside of the apartment for Angeal. "Take good care of your friend Zack." Were his parting words as he stepped out of sight.

The 2nd Class beamed at the idea of having dinner, and he would definitely drag Cloud along with him. "See you tomorrow then!" He called after the General, flashing a smile. As Genesis left and said to take care of Cloud, the teen saluted half heartedly. "Will do, Commander Fire Pants!" He said, rolling his eyes a bit.

Of course he'd take care of Cloud. He looked at said cadet, smiling a bit and shaking him gently. "Hey, you alright, Spiky?" He asked, taking Cloud and letting him sit on the couch before his legs gave out. He'd never seen someone turn pale then red then pale again so quickly the way he had when speaking with Sephiroth.

Angeal chuckled and nodded, waving his hand. "We'll see you tomorrow." He said before walking out of the apartment and closing the door behind himself. He figured Cloud needed some space that didn't include so many high ranking SOLDIERs, especially the trio. Glancing at Genesis he snorted. "Really, Gen." He said, sighing quietly and shaking his head while he began walking down the hall after Sephiroth.

The Silver General was already waiting at the elevators, to take him to The Investigative Division of General Affairs Department to speak with Tseng over Genesis's situation from Wutai. His eyes flicked to the side when he saw the movement of Genesis and Angeal walking up on him.

Genesis heard the Second's comment as Angeal entered the hall, but chose not to retort. He'd get Zack back for that later during his test. Oh, he'd get him back. When his friend gave him that look he could only shrug his shoulders. "What? So I chose to be a little intimidating. I tried to even it out by helping the kid relax. It's not my fault he don't catch on to my obvious support and comfort. I'm not exactly known for my sympathy."

As he approached Sephiroth from behind he couldn't help the smug grin that tugged at his lips. "So, Seph, not exactly the meeting you thought it'd be, ey? I have to admit that cadet surprised me. I mean, when's the last time anyone under Third Class addressed you directly without needing to change his pants?"

"You're awful at helping people to relax. And threatening to throw him out of SOLDIER over a couple pranks, -most you found hilarious- that was going too far Genesis." He scolded, scowling a bit at his friend. He sighed and shook his head, stepping onto the elevator next to Sephiroth when the doors opened.

This conversation was far from over and he'd have a long talk with Genesis later, but for now he was sorely feeling the effects of a long day. Even SOLDIERs could get weary and he was most certainly feeling that after everything today.

After stepping onto the elevator and pushing the button, Sephiroth glanced at Genesis with a slight nod of his head. "It was interesting, if nothing else." He mused, looking up at the floor numbers as they started moving. "Perhaps we'll see more tomorrow evening."

"Try and behave yourselves." Angeal cut in, smiling wryly at his friends. He had a feeling the two were going to torture the poor cadet in their own ways, so he'd have to be extra vigilant in keeping them behaving.

Genesis let his shoulders droop a bit at his friend's words. "In all honesty, I wasn't trying to hurt the cadet. I was trying to scare some sense into your pupil. Maybe showing that his actions could not only affect himself but others around him. Having someone he recruited to be kicked out because of his poor judgement seemed like a perfectly good lesson to learn. I wasn't going to actually go through with it."

As the Elevator started moving Genesis rolled his eyes. "I'll try, 'Geal, but I make no promises." He glared at Sephiroth's back. He planned to pay him back somehow for telling Zack not to give his collection back until Monday. An entire weekend without Loveless? Oh well. He had wanted to go see the play again anyway. Tomorrow seemed like a good day, after he slept in of course.

"But you didn't think of how your actions would not only effect Zack but Cloud, did you?" Angeal scolded, looking at Genesis pointedly. "You're just as bad as Zack when it comes to that aspect. You don't always think." He pinched the bridge of his nose with a grunt.

If he hadn't already been used to how Genesis was before he met Zack, he might have been pulling his hair out with the teen. But Genesis and Zack were similar in a few things, and not all were necessarily good. He chuckled weakly and shook his head. "If you can't promise to behave I'll order Zack to keep your Loveless collection hidden for a week." He said dryly, looking at Genesis with a smug smirk.

Sephiroth didn't hide the chuckle that came from him at their banter. The elevator doors opened for the floor he was going to and he stepped off, glancing back over his shoulder at the two. "I'll call after I speak with Tseng to let you know how it went." He said simply, waving his hand then walking down the hall toward the head Turk's office, leaving his friends behind in the elevator.

Genesis merely shook his head with an 'I-give-up' look. "I never said I was perfect. Besides, the cadet looked like he could use some toughening up. I've seen girls who had more back bone." Cloud's answer to Sephiroth aside, the boy was shaking like a leaf. Any sudden movement could have sent him over the edge. Genesis knew, he had seen many men break down under his own gaze. Especially during the war. Like that one boy he let live because he had fallen back and started crying. He still didn't know what made him let the guy live. Perhaps some of Angeal's honor preaching had rubbed off on him.

Angeal's comment about telling Zack to keep the books for a week snapped him back to the present. "Hey!" He blurted out as if his friend's words had been a physical blow. "You don't see me taking away your goddess-forsaken plant collection, - as much as I would like to."

Genesis nodded as Sephiroth stepped off the elevator.

"And then there were two," He commented aloud after the doors had closed. "So, where are you headed?" Genesis himself was heading for the security room to do some erasing on the footage of any video that showed Zack and Cloud with anything that could clue Hojo in on what had happened.

"I'm going to look over any footage of your charge's escapades and erase them. Care to join me? I plan on watching them before I delete them and I may copy a bit for my own private collection."

He also planned on sending out a little request to his fan clubs. Study Group may be more helpful, but Red Leather had slightly better resources and could get him results faster. Unlike Sephiroth who ignored his fan club or Angeal who merely acknowledge their presence in passing, Genesis wasn't above using their loyalty and devotion to his advantage when he needed to. Tonight was one of those times. Which made him realize...he may need to get a third shelf.

"If you took my plants they'd probably die. Your books will be just fine wherever Zack stashed them, I'm sure." He said wryly, chuckling as he pushed the button for the security room floor. Genesis always had it out for his plants and he'd just as well let them die instead of taking the time to water them and trim them to keep them healthy.

Shaking his head he smiled a bit at Genesis. At least he was thinking of Zack, and he'd certainly go with him to make sure all evidence of his pupil's little adventure today were erased. "Yeah I'll come with you. Besides, how much do you want to bet Hojo will go and try to see for himself?" As much as he trusted his friend's skill, he didn't trust Hojo and didn't want Genesis going alone.

Then he continued after a thought with, "If not erase what happened in the lab." He snorted with laughter at that. "Let's burn a copy of the labs camera for Seph and save it for his birthday." He crossed his arms with a smirk.

Sephiroth was a hard man to buy gifts for, but he knew the General would cherish a video of Hojo being covered with fertilizer for the rest of his life.

xoxo

Cloud was grateful for Zack's guidance to the couch, because no sooner had he'd been maneuvered to be standing in front of it did he legs turn to jello and give out. He let out a long jagged breath that could only be described as a sigh of relief after running a hundred laps. When Zack asked him if he was okay he almost laughed at the idea. Who would be okay after an encounter like that? But he couldn't find the words. "D-did that really just happen?"

The teen plopped down next to Cloud with a nervous laugh. "Yeah, it did. Look Cloud, I'm really sorry about that. They wouldn't have really kicked you out, Gen's got an awful sense of humor sometimes. He's morbid like that, and he doesn't know about your dream. I wouldn't have let that happen anyway though."

Zack did feel bad. He'd pulled Cloud along and scared him to death with that. If it had just been him he could have taken it, but of course they decided to wait for them in his apartment. Shaking his head, he rubbed his head and smiled weakly. "I'll make it up to you tomorrow though, promise."

Cloud's mind was slowly starting to work properly again, now that he was slowly coming out of his shock and the presence of three legendary figures were no longer present. "Maybe I spoke out of line...but...but I couldn't just let them blame it all on you. We did all those pranks together. I knew they weren't great ideas, but I still went along with it."

Cloud had been honest with the answer he gave the General. He couldn't judge them by only a first meeting, especially one that was completely out of the blue. Besides, Genesis had confused him. First by threatening to kick him out and then trying to sympathize with him in front of the General? It was...strange to say the least. Angeal was the most relaxing of the three. Offering comfort instead of sheer intimidation or trying to scare ten years off his life.

"Your mentor really is something."

Zack blew out a breath and wrapped an arm around Cloud's shoulder, smiling slightly. "Yeah, but I did drag you with me, and I doubt you'd have said anything with our difference in rank." He ruffled Cloud's hair. "Next time just let me handle it, I'm a big boy, I can take what they dish out. Trust me, I'm used to their sense of humor." He rolled his eyes a bit at Genesis.

But Cloud's comment on Angeal made him beam with happiness. "Told you he's a great guy." He said, leaning back and stretching his lean frame. "You still wanna watch a movie or just head to bed after that?"

He wouldn't blame Cloud if the cadet wanted to just crash, they were going to get up early in the morning for training in the Train Graveyard, and then of course they were going to have dinner at Sephiroth's it seemed, so Cloud would need all the energy he could muster to stay up on his feet through that too.

As much as Cloud wanted to continue his defense for his actions, he just didn't have the energy. He also didn't want to go straight to bed. Not with that encounter so fresh in his mind. "A movie sounds good. What do you have to drink?"

He needed something to calm his frayed nerves and any kind of drink would only help. Water, milk, soda, thought about trying an alcoholic drink, but he wasn't sure of the rules regarding under-aged drinking in SOLDIER compared to how easy-going it was back home. Since the kids growing up near the reactor already had a bit of Mako in their system a light booze couldn't really affect them in small amounts.

The teen beamed and jumped up from his couch. "I got a couple beers in the fridge." He said, walking to his little kitchen and opening the fridge. He figured it wouldn't hurt Cloud to have one, and he himself wouldn't be effected unless he had more than two so he knew he'd be fine and ready to go for the morning.

Grabbing two and opening them, he walked back and handed Cloud his with a wink. "Just don't go around telling anyone. You're still a cadet. When you make SOLDIER you'll have a high tolerance to alcohol and it'll be fine, regardless of your age."

He smiled and turned to look through his movies. "I remember the first time I had a beer with Angeal. 3rd Class and just turned fifteen. Didn't even get a buzz from that first one and it kind of sucked, but Angeal didn't want me puking my brains out the next day so he wouldn't let me have more than two."

He glanced over his shoulder with a wry grin. "Now the time I did get knock down drunk was after I made 2nd Class, with Reno and a few of my other friends. Went bar hopping around the Slums, and they got some seriously strong stuff down there, SOLDIER strength alcohol." He pointed to his pierced ear. "That's where this came from, and a tattoo I got on the back of my shoulder."

The raven haired SOLDIER laughed. "Reno ended up with a couple tats too at the corners of his eyes, red to match his hair." He snickered, the Turk had been so pissed to see where the tattoos were, but ended up being fine with them after a while. After popping in one of his favorite alien movies, he collapsed back on the couch after hitting play. "You okay with aliens?" He asked, motioning to the screen with his beer and a smile on his face.

TBC