Bunnii: Sorry it's been so long. College work is killing me so much right now. The Ikuto story will have another chapter soon, I'm just really in the mood to write my Zack one right now. I'm getting excited because I've planned so far ahead but I have no time to write it. Even though I should be working on a final right now, I'll dedicate an hour to write a new chappie for you guys. And for the people disappointed by Zack's victory, I'm going to be writing a new story just for Genesis. Although a new vote, yaoi or hetero? I'm fine writing either because it'll work either way. (: And I'm working on a Zack,XGenXAngealXOC pairing sorry. I'm working on too many, sorry. Love you (:

There was sunlight. Lots of sunlight. It pierced Niva's eyelids and she clenched them tighter. It wasn't morning yet. It couldn't be. She buried her face further into the pillow next to her and exhaled deeply, trying to lure herself into sleep again. It was so warm and comforting and solid… Solid?

Niva awoke and looked at the "pillow" which was actually a well toned chest. Blinking away all of the grogginess in her eyes, she looked up and all she could register was dark hair. After another moment of trying to wake up, she realized it was Zack. She remembered the scary movie and then just closed her eyes again. As long as she knew where she was and why she was there, she was fine. And besides, Zack was with her so there wasn't a problem at all.

But, why wasn't it a problem? She furrowed her brows in thought. She was with Genesis. First Class SOLDIER Genesis Rhapsodos. There were women who would kill for the right to say that. He was a strong, influential, respected, highly attractive and intelligent man. So why was she in the arms of a Second Class SOLDIER? Her face buried in his chest and her body contorting to his. One of his arms draped over her waist. They were in the same bed and she was comfortable with it. Oh, she was such a horrible person. The most horrible person in the entirety of Gaia. She looked up at Zack to see he was still sleeping. Maybe it would be best if she left. Anyway, the celebratory party was tonight so she needed to clear her mind and get ready.

As careful as she could, Niva attempted to slide from under Zack's arm and out from the bed. She didn't want to wake him up since he seemed so tired. Cautiously, she began to quietly slide off the side of the bed. She let out a surprised yelp when the arm captured her waist and pulled her back to Zack's chest.

"Mornin' sunshine," he muttered with a sly smirk. "Thought I was asleep and ditching me, eh?" He chuckled with his eyes closed peacefully.

"No, I just have to go back to my place and get dressed, don't I?" she asked with a small smile. "I can't wear my pajamas all day, can I?"

"Guess not. But why get up so early if you don't even have training?"

"Because today is the day of the party. I have to shower and get dressed."

Zack was quiet for a moment, then he perked up a bit. "You serious? Shiva, it is today." He groaned. "Why do you need all day?"

Niva couldn't help but laugh at him. "Because, SOLDIER or not, Zack, I'm a girl still. It takes time. There's showering, makeup, hair, the dress, perfume, and all of those girly things. You just need to put on your tux and then you're fine." She ruffled his spiky hair. "You're even fine with that bedhead of yours."

Zack faked a look of hurt. "I find that offensive. I'll let you know that I take wonderful care of my hair." He grabbed her hand and had her feel through his hair. "See? Soft and clean. You're just jealous,' he joked.

"Am not. I take wonderful care of my hair." Niva laughed at him.

"Then let me see." He reached over and ran his fingers through her hair.

Niva's heart flittered and she felt heat rush to her cheeks. Time seemed to slow down for her and her eyes caught Zack's. Blue mako mixed with the soft cotton candy pink for a moment.

But it was Niva of course who broke the eye contact. "You're so silly, Zack. Let go, I really need to go and start getting ready. I only have so much time."

Reluctantly, the dark haired SOLDIER let her go. "Alright. And just so you know, you'll be surprised how dashing I'll look tonight." He smirked at her.

Rolling her eyes, Niva climbed out of the bed. "Sure. I'll believe you when I see it. I'll look pretty much the same but in a dress, so no surprise for you, Zackary." Niva tugged his bangs a bit playfully and laughed at his displeased groan. "By, Zack. See you tonight."

"It's a date then," he responded after she opened the door.

"Sure," she replied, looking over her shoulder. "Just don't get too swamped, Mr. Ladiesman." She laughed at his 'Hey!' and closed the door. Her smile went away after the door was closed though. She was now caught. She had Genesis and then there was Zackary. He was just so friendly. Maybe she just wanted the attention that Zack offered her. Why did things have to be so complicated?

Everything was going to change that night. She had to decide and she had to stand by her choice. The mature and sexy Genesis that she'd been pining after for years? Or the sweet little SOLDIER puppy that seemed to squirm inside of her mind and take root? That was going to be decided with a color; red or blue?

Niva shook her head as she entered the elevator. Of course it was going to be Genesis. She was just unaccustomed to the attention Zack gave her. He was a very attractive and playful guy so he was probably like that with many girls. Hell, she and he slept together in the same bed and nothing happened. Her pounding heart was just from the guilt that she was feeling knowing that Genesis was none the wiser. That was it.

It had to be that. It had to be him. It had to be red.

But, her stomach still wouldn't settle.

It was about an hour before her arrival time and Niva was almost ready. Her unruly wavy locks were done up and it hung delicately around her shoulders. She wore a red lipstick and her makeup accentuated that color. She wore glistening earrings that dangled- her late mother's earrings- along with her matching necklace. It glistened in the light and the red dress hung simply around her. She slid on her white v-shaped fingerless gloves that reached up to her elbows and looked herself over in the mirror. Creating a finishing touch, she placed a glistening clip into her hair to complete her look. She sighed. How come if she looked so beautiful, she felt so ugly inside? She looked over in the direction on her closet, where the dress she had bought with Zack hung carefully. What would Zack say? Shaking her head, she wanted her mind off of him. She had made a choice and was going to stick with it. Genesis was going to arrive any minute and then her heart would flutter like usual and she'd fall in love with him all over again, just like she always did. And since he was going to be so well dressed, she was going to fall even harder. Because he was Genesis. She always fell in love with him. She'd always wanted him and she finally had him in her hands. Why would she let him go? Biting her bottom lip with a deep inhale, she decided she'd go see Genesis herself.

She found her way to his room easily and knocked on his door. "Genesis? It's me, Niva. Are you in there?"

"Yes, little fawn. Come on in." His silk voice invited her in and she did as she was told. Also in the room, though, was Angeal. That surprised her indeed.

"It's nice to see you again, Angeal," she said with a smile.

"The pleasure is all mine. And might I say, you look very lovely, Niva. Very lovely indeed." He smiled that warm smile that he was known for. Perhaps a fatherly sort of smile. Maybe that was why she was so fond of it.

"Agreed. You look charming, little fawn," Genesis agreed, straightening his coat out. He didn't look at her very long though, so she wasn't sure if he was just saying it or if he meant it.

"Thank you, Genesis. Thank you, Angeal. You both look very handsome." Why wasn't she feeling very excited? She was going to be on the arm of such a beautiful person. Nerves most likely.

"Niva, may I have a word?" Angeal asked.

"Of course." She followed him out onto the veranda that Genesis had the luxury of having in his room.

"I'll finish getting ready, then we'll be on our way," Genesis stated, not even looking at them.

When out in the chilled air, Angeal spoke first. "Pardon me for saying, but I'm guessing you've sorted yourself out?"

Niva looked down at her hands. "Yes. Zack is a wonderful, amazing person. But, I think I was just overwhelmed by the attention he gave me. I couldn't put him in such a position. And besides, I'm sure he has a girl that he truly likes and is just playful towards everyone. He's a sweet guy so I'm sure of it."

Angeal chuckled. This girl and the puppy had something in common: a thick head. "Well, you have that right- a bit. There is a girl that Zack has a fancy for."

For some reason, that reply bothered her. She felt something that she could compare to jealousy. She felt a bit angry as well. But not at Zack. She felt confused too. Why would she be jealous? She should be happy. "Well, that's good. I'm happy."

The 1st Class General continued. "Did you know, Zackary absolutely hates shopping? He always gets confused by different shops and prefers to find things in one place."

Niva raised a brow at him. But he went shopping with her and he seemed to be having a lot of fun. She had no idea. "Really?"

"Yes, indeed. And he has a heightened dislike of movies of the horror genre. He dislikes the horror aspect of movies. He's not a fan of films at all, either. It is quite odd isn't it? Unexpected from someone as excitable as him."

He hated horror movies? But he saw one with her last night. He was the one that suggested it. He seemed excited about it too. Why would Zack do something he hated? He didn't seem like the kind of person to just do something like that. "Are you sure?"

"Very sure. He also doesn't like dancing either. He's not very good at it and since he's a SOLDIER, he sees no point in having the skills to dance. It's quiet humorous to watch him attempt to dance."

"Then why is he going to the ball? Why would he be so silly as to do things he dislikes? That doesn't seem like him." Why was Angeal telling her all of this? It was starting to make no sense.

Angeal didn't even look her way, but he smiled a bit. "Because he's a very gentle person. He does things he doesn't like because he wants to make others happy. He'd rather make someone smile and do something he dislikes than not. Because he has a fancy for a girl that he wants to impress. He's a simple boy, but a very loyal one. Like a puppy. He doesn't do anything half heartedly- it's not in his nature." He looked at the sky for a moment. "You should look things over yourself for a moment and decide. It's obvious you've held a deep affection for Genesis, but I'm wondering who's really the one who's fallen and who's just in. Of course, I'm not choosing sides. I just know Genesis very well. He isn't one to invest in something long term full heartedly. It's not his general interest." He glanced over at her. "How would you want your life to go is entirely your choice. You need to sort it out yourself." He smiled again and put a hand on her shoulder. "You do look very lovely, but I'm not sure if red is your best suited color." And then he returned inside.

Red wasn't her color? Zack said the same thing. Zack said a lot of things. He admitted he liked her personality and her commitment in things she believed in. He thought she was a strong woman. So, what did she want out of life?

Genesis, she'd pined after him since she was a young girl and pursued him to the point of joining ShinRa and the ANIMA Program. She didn't regret it, but she hadn't really thought about she wanted. All she wanted was Genesis. So, what did she want now?

Zack, he wanted to be a hero. He wanted to live life to the fullest. He even openly explained to her that he wanted to try and have a family one day? Such commitment, but so many risks? A family? What would it be like?

Genesis disliked children and Zack liked the idea of them. Did she like children? Did she even like the idea of a family? Was she going to just plan on just staying with Genesis? She knew he'd probably never ask her to marry him, even though marriage was apparently the ideal dream for a woman. Like Angeal had said, those kind of things weren't in his character. So, what did she really want?

She bit her bottom lip and removed one of her earrings, grasping it loosely in her palm. She walked back into the room and smiled. "I think I lost one of my earrings. I'm going to go look for it in my room and I'll meet you all there. It'd be terrible of me if I kept you both waiting. Women are very indecisive. I'm sorry. I'll be as quick as I can." She slipped out of the room, catching the knowing smile on Angeal's face as she closed the door behind her.

She had to rush, but she was able to pull it off. Changing her lipstick to a lighter, pinker tone and the shade of her eye makeup, she was able to successfully match the blue dress. She wore the same earrings and the same necklace though. She changed her hair to a more elegant look than the almost casual way it was fashioned before and exchanged her fingerless gloves with long full fingered white gloves. She looked her appearance over in her mirror and smiled. Blue was actually a color that suited her.

Grabbing her phone on her way out, she typed a message to Zack.

You there yet?

The reply came back quickly.

No, couldn't find my shoes so I'm behind. Why? Waiting for me? ;9

The ANIMA couldn't help but giggle. Oh, she couldn't believe how easily he could make her smile.

No, I'm late too. Had to do some last minute stuff and was talking with Angeal for a while. Meet me in the entrance hall?

It was hard not to smile at his quick response. As if it was the only answer to give.

Wait all night if I have to. You promised me a dance.

The entrance hall was a bit crowded, as people were getting acquainted with one another and making conversation, but Niva easily spotted the one man she was looking for. She crept up behind him and covered his eyes with her hands. "Guess who."

She could almost feel his smile. "Is it Mindy from the secretarial department?"

Frowning a bit, Niva was not amused with the joke. "Not even close, Zackary. Not even remotely funny."

"Oh, I get it. It's Aira from the weaponry division. How silly of me."

She still wasn't amused. She was starting to notice how jealous she could feel. Even if he was just joking, she wasn't amused. "Last chance to guess right."

Zack chuckled and put his hands over hers. "Is it the wonderful ANIMA that promised me a dance? Because if it weren't, you'd be bumming me out over here."

That made her smile. She went from annoyed to quite content. "Better answer." She pulled her hands away, missing the heat from his hands.

Zack turned around and his jaw nearly dropped. Look like normal, she said. What a load of bull. She looked a lot different from normal. He was surprised. "Now I can see how girls need all day. You look very beautiful." He smiled sincerely.

She looked him over as well and felt bashful. He did look very handsome. His hair was still spiky, but it looked different, It was nice. He looked nice. More than nice. He looked very charming. "You look very handsome, Zackary," she commented, making him smile sheepishly. "Promise not to run off with all the pretty women all night?" she joked.

Zack smiled and held out his arm for her to take. "What pretty women? There's more than one of you? Don't run off with all the men here. You just might make me jealous," he joked in response.

"You've already done it. I'll play nice." She took his arm hesitantly and felt her cheeks heat up a tad.

"By the way, I told you blue was your color."

Niva wouldn't help but smile, "I seem to be hearing that a lot lately. Let's go and find Angeal and Genesis so we can find out what we need to do. If we need to talk to any of our new allies, you definitely need to let me do the talking. Don't want them running off to Wutai now."

"Hey! I hold great conversation." He chuckled and put a hand on top of hers. "Give me a little credit. I'm a great conversation holder."

"Hm? I wasn't listening." Niva laughed at him and let him lead her around in search of Genesis and Angeal. It wasn't hard to find them though. They were surrounded by a small group of people in the ballroom. And of course, General Sephiroth was there as well, still as poised and reserved as ever.

Angeal was the first to notice the two Second Class SOLDIERs waiting outside the group of people. "Ah, Zackary, Niva. Please join us." He ushered both of them to his side. "Ambassador Blant, this is my disciple, Zackary Fair. I invited him along with me to attend this function. Zack, this is Ambassador Blant, of Predole, our newest ally in the war."

Zack stiffened up and smiled sheepishly, taking the man's hand and shaking it. "It's a pleasure. Thanks for helping us out and all."

The Ambassador laughed at his informal tone. "Quite a young one, aren't you? The pleasure is all mine, Mister Zackary Fair. Your mentor was just telling me of your vigorous training. Nothing less expected from the infamous ShinRa SOLDIERs." He then spotted Niva, how was still on Zack's arm. "And who is this lovely young woman?"

Niva smiled politely at him and bowed her head out of courtesy. "I am Second Class ANIMA Niva Meridian. It's a pleasure, Mister Ambassador."

He took her hand and kissed it politely, his peppered moustache tickling her skin. "Pleasure is all mine, ma'am. Might I say, this is quite a surprise. Never thought that the ANIMA Project was real. It seemed rather fictional indeed. Well, seems I'm mistaken. It's definitely a pleasure indeed." He motioned to the woman on his arm. "This is my wife, Violetta Blant. Dear, why don't you saw hello?"

The woman smiled with a sort of practiced shine. "It's quite a pleasure indeed. Meeting SOLDIERs, ANIMAs, and even the three great Generals of ShinRa. I'm honored."

"Oh, the honor is all ours, Lady Ambassador," Angeal responded with a smile. He turned his attention to Zack. "Zackary? The Ambassador, his wife and I will be discussing the arrangements for the alliance for quite some time. If you'd like, you and Niva can go and dance for a while and return later." Inwardly, he was worried how much his student's attention span could take. It would be best if he burned some energy and then came back to pay attention to the ambassadors and other guests.

Catching the drift and the train of thought, Niva nodded to Angeal. Zack was too thickheaded to get it and would insist on staying with his mentor. "That sounds like a great idea, Zack. You did promise me a dance after all. It was a great privilege to meet you and your wife, Ambassador Blant."

Looking at her oddly for a moment, Zack shook the ambassador's hand. "Same. It was great meeting you both."

The pepper moustached man smiled, as did his wife. "The privilege is all mine. It is always an honor meeting such enthusiastic members of my allies." His smile was then directed at Zack. "And might I add, you're partner is very lovely. Lucky young man indeed. How soon until your engagement is official?"

Niva, Zack, and Angeal were all surprised by the odd and rather out of context question. What made him jump to that conclusion? Even Genesis- whom had been conversating with another guest, had his brow raised in inquisition.

"P-Pardon?" Zack asked with an embarrassed expression. "Oh, we're not engaged at all. No, no, no." He chuckled sheepishly. They weren't even dating yet, although Zack would have preferred to say that they were.

The ambassador looked surprised. "Oh, I see. Well, my mistake. You two just looked rather close. How silly of me to assume. You two young ones just seemed to match one another so well." He chuckled like he hadn't just said something quite ridiculous.

Niva laughed a bit with him. "Ambassador Blant, you're quite witty for an ambassador." She had to at least humor him. It was polite. Even Angeal chuckled a bit for the same purpose. She continued to speak. "Zack and I aren't engaged, but we're a very good pair, thank you for saying. Right now, we've just started dating so no engagement in our near futureas of yet. Well, please enjoy yourself, we'll be back soon." She led a dumbstruck SOLDIER over and away from the group. "Zack?"

He looked at her with a confused expression. "You told the ambassador that we were dating? I'm really confused." He was hoping it wasn't just to humor the old man. He'd be so disappointed, he wouldn't be able to stand.

"Come on, Zack. Let's go dance." She let him lead her to the dance floor where the other guests were dancing and they soon joined them. "And anyway, I thought you wouldn't mind me saying it. I thought you wanted to go out with me." Her expression was the same, just staring at him with naïve innocence. Something her pink doe eyes accentuated.

"Well, yeah, but what about Genesis? Angeal said you were going out with him?" He regretted saying that. He and his big mouth.

"Well, you don't think I'm a two timer, do you? And I'm not a liar, am I?" She followed his lead while dancing. He was less than graceful but he could manage. She smiled a bit at him and kissed his cheek.

Zack smiled bashfully. "Well, I don't think any of that t all. I'm pretty glad actually. I was pretty surprised when you right out said it. I didn't even have to ask." He chuckled lightly.

She knew it now. She'd been chasing after Genesis so long that she didn't even know if she had any feelings for him once she had him. Physically and even sexually, they were compatible. But they didn't have much in common. They never wanted the same things out of life. She knew that he wanted to be as famed of a hero as Sephiroth. He didn't have time for emotional attachment. She wasn't even sure if he was looking for anything emotional. As much as a wonderful person he was, she couldn't see much of a future with him. Everything would stay the same.

Although she couldn't see herself with Zack five years in the future, she could see more with him. He liked having fun with her and didn't mind going out of his way for her. Speaking of which, Niva adopted a small, all-knowing smile.

"So, I heard from Angeal that someone's been a liar."

The dark haired man looked at her oddly. "Who?"

Niva laughed. "Tell me you're real opinion about shopping, and movies and dancing. For a country boy from Gongaga, you're pretty light on your feet- if not still a little clumsy." Her point was proven when he accidentally missed a step and almost tripped. He was an amateur at dancing but an ace at fighting, how odd.

The addressed country boy looked away sheepishly. "Well, the thing is…. You see…. Oh, darn. Angeal told you?" He looked embarrassed. "Well, the shopping and movies were just reasons for me to get to see you outside of training, you know? I had fun when we went out for drinks so I thought we'd have fun with other things. I know we'd probably never get to do missions together so I figured it was my best chance. And I honestly hate scary movies."

It was so odd. He had done so much to spend time with her and she still saw him as the same, silly SOLDIER that she was introduced to. "Well, I hate them too. I don't like movies at all, really. So we have something in common," she replied, keeping her smile. How she could feel so attached to someone after such a short time was baffling to her. She didn't know when he had grown on her, but she was happy that he did.

Both parties were startled when a tap came upon Zack's shoulder, bringing them from their own little world. It was Genesis.

"May I cut in?" he asked with his signature small smile. Not enough to seem like he was happy, but enough to seem like he was content- or even humoring the entire ordeal. "I'd also like a word with my little fawn."

Zack- seeing the hint he was making- hesitantly let Niva's hand and waist go and looked behind himself. "Niva, I think I'll just go over and get you a glass of champagne, alright? I'll be right back." And he reluctantly left her side to the other side of the room to give them time.

Genesis assumed Zack's previous position and took her hand. Fluidly and without any hesitance, he continued the dance where she and Zack had left off. "I hadn't a clue about you and Fair." It wasn't a bitter comment, more just like a calm observation on his part. Genesis was always calm. "I assume this means you and I are no more, then?"

Niva didn't need a cue- as she had started with him, being able to tell from his body language. "I'm sorry, Genesis. I hadn't expected things to go like this." She looked him in his azure, cat-like eyes. He deserved the respect of being talked to face to face. "I really did love you when I was younger. I guess, as I grew more and more, things just didn't stay the same." She adverted her eyes to Zack for a moment. "I just fell out of it without realizing."

Genesis just chuckled, amused by her apology. "'Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess. We seek it thus, and take to the sky.'"

The ANIMA's discomforted look changed into a small, all knowing smile. His way of letting her go. She couldn't put it into words, but she knew. LOVELESS was probably the only way he could say anything that seemed to have genuine emotion. "You'll always be my first love, Genesis. Sometimes love dies, but cannot be forgotten, I guess. I just couldn't stop myself with Zack. He's just different." She supposed after this moment, they would see less and less of one another. It seemed a peaceful ending. A right one.

The redhead leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Goodbye, little fawn….. Niva." And then with the same amount of fluidity as he began, their dance stopped. He gave a courteous bow and then walked away with just as poise as he had arrived.

He had said her name for the first time in a long time. After a moment of pondering, the brunette ANIMA realized it didn't sound as she had thought it would. It didn't cause any butterflies within her. Just a relief.

"Hello?"

She turned around at the voice beside her. Smiling sheepishly, she took the glass Zack had handed her.

"You alright, Niva?" he asked.

Nodding, her sheepish smile softened. "Perfectly." The way he said her name had her feeling like hummingbirds were flying around inside her. Her name coming from his lips sounded perfectly right. "We were just saying goodbye." She sipped at the bubbly drink he had handed her and took his arm again. The champagne tasted odd on her tongue. She had never had champagne before. It wasn't her type of drink. With another smile- one more playful this time- Niva turned to Zack. "Let's not let the champagne go to our heads, shall we?"

The blue eyed boy grinned enthusiastically. "This girly drink? Not likely. The stuff we had at the bar last time was better." To prove it, he downed his glass in one swig. "You're turn.

She nearly burst into laughter. Asking her to down a glass of champagne at a place like this. "I'm good, Zack. You're such a country boy, it shows." She was sure things were going to be fine. She had lost the man she had been longing for, for years. She had lost him in a matter of days. But, there wasn't a trace of regret inside of her. She had fallen out of infatuation, and fallen into something different.

And with a excitable little puppy.

Bunnii: I'm sorry I keep taking so long. Holidays and college are keeping me away. This chappie is a bit bigger than the normal ones- not by much though. I thought you deserved a little gift haha And inspiration comes easier to me now. I can write my lovey dovey crap easier when I'm in a lovey dovey mood 3 Gots myself a crush and it brings inspiration. This was just another mushy chapter and next one will be filled with more action and drama. Niva has ended her love affair with Genesis oh wow! I'm thinking about writing a fic for him anyway so if you guys want to read it, let me know. (It'd be a yaoi most likely though so warning. Going to get a new chapter out in Tears of An Angel either tonight or tomorrow. Merry Christmas, all C: