Disclaimer: I don't own these guys, they own me.

Warning: implied yaoi - does that scare anyone here?

A/N: Just a little something I had entirely too much fun writing. I know I had been silent for a good while, but the good news is, I wasn't idle, and I have two fics in the beta reading process now, one Angeal/Genesis and one Sephiroth/Genesis that shall be up by the weekend. :) As always, reviews are love.


"In my opinion, if we execute the crossing here, that involves an unnecessary risk of having our troops scattered in a wide area disorganised and thus more vulnerable. Also, the river here is deep and fast..."

There was an unmistakeable hum coming from his left, and Lazard tore his eyes away from the map and Genesis to glance at their silver hero who was obviously intently listening to his fellow general. The redhead paused for a second, then cleared his throat and went on, gaining the blonde director's attention once again.

"As I said, considering the circumstances present in this area, we can rightfully assume that not only would it endanger the success of the crossing, but probably result in property and equipment damage we could avoid otherwise. Also, we must consider the physical exertion the troops would be subjected to during the crossing."

"From what I gather you are implying that it might tire the men out. Wouldn't you agree with me that it is a grave underestimation of SOLDIER stamina?" Sephiroth interrupted with outmost politeness, though there was something slightly disturbing in his tone Lazard couldn't quite put a finger on. "Oh, and on a sidenote," Sephiroth added casually, "as we were just discussing equipment damage, the control panel in the VR room needs urgent fixing. Please, continue, Genesis, I'm all ears," he turned back to the redhead with a smallest of smiles that could, by all means, qualify as smug, resting his chin on his entwined fingers.

"I heard of vicious undercurrents in that zone," Genesis answered with a pointed glare, then turned back to the board of directors. "I deeply respect Sephiroth's opinion, but I am also convinced that our taskforce is better suited to take the bridge by force than to penetrate into unfamiliar territory without proper preparations."

"During our last... discussion," there was a barely there pause before the last word Lazard was sure no one noticed who wasn't overly familiar with Sephiroth's speech patterns, "I was made to believe you were under no protest considering fast tactical advance in key areas," the silver haired man's eyes were full of something like malice, except far too content, far too amused.

Genesis on the other hand seemed like it was only the presence of the directors that kept him from causing permanent damage to the conference room, his cheeks flushing slightly as he continued to glare at Sephiroth with all the venom in the world before he grit his teeth and went on further explaining his arguments.

Lazard frowned. Was he perhaps missing out on something?