There were a lot of rumours on Sephiroth, he was the favourite subject of gossipers. To be honest, Genesis had propagated his fair share of shameful or ridiculous rumours during his years of excessive jealousy, before he noticed that it hide a very obvious crush on Sephiroth that he didn't want to face because he was already with Angeal. Now he tried to stifle those rumours by spreading more outrageous lies on other people, often High Heads of Shinra. Though, one persisted for longer than the life expectancy of other rumours, catching Genesis' attention.

Sephiroth assisted to many drills of a certain troopers' squad, searching for a student. Genesis knew the last part was false, but he wanted to verify the first part.

He went down, finding Sephiroth already there, on a perfect spot to observe the troopers that just arrived and started warming up. The silver-haired stayed immobile and calm for a long moment as Genesis observed him with wrinkled eyes, trying to find a clue to explain Sephiroth sudden interest in troopers.

Then Sephiroth's eyes moved, like a cat that just found its prey, Genesis swirled toward the troopers that were taking a pause. One stood out, blond and spiky hair, making him recognisable.

"Zack's friend, whatever is name is," Genesis murmured.

The trooper looked at them and smiled, he had spent some time with Angeal and Sephiroth, that Genesis knew. He had only seen the trooper two times and his shitty memory of names acted up. Also, both Angeal and Zack used a nickname for the blond, which didn't help him.

Genesis glanced at Sephiroth, who adored a small contented smile. He lifted his hand like he was going to wave, then aborted his movement

"So you have a crush!" Genesis cooed, making his pale lover blush and move from one foot to the other. "He's lovely, at least what I remember from him."

"Yes, he is," Sephiroth said, the same entranced smile on his lips, his eyes glued to the trooper.

Genesis smirked and crossed his arms, amused by his lover's behaviour, "Why don't you ask him on a date?"

Sephiroth's face flushed in seconds, "I'd like."

But he was too shy, that was the unsaid message. Genesis shook his head, their relationship wasn't closed, but he didn't expect Zack, then Sephiroth to fall in love with a new person when already part of a big group. At least it was the same person, though if Cloud refused Sephiroth and not Zack, ill feelings could grow.

But first:

"You!" Genesis shouted, freezing all the little things in troopers uniforms. He motioned for Cloud, scowled at one unknown trooper that thought too much of himself, making him back away quickly, and smiled when the blond finally stepped toward them. "You're Cloud Strife, isn't it? Zack's friend?"

Cloud flushed hard, revealing he was more than a friend, he nodded mutely and glanced at the two First successively.

"You can ask him," Genesis said at Sephiroth.

The man glanced at him with big and terrified eyes becoming pale as death before he met Cloud's curious gaze as he arrived. Then the red hue returned to his cheeks.

"Good morning, sirs," Cloud said with a mechanical voice due to the troopers presences not far away and his surprise.

"They can't hear us," Genesis said before elbowing Sephiroth in the ribs to make him talk.

Sephiroth cleared his throat, then cleared his throat anew. Genesis elbowed him stronger this time, making the silver-haired huff in pain, all that in front of the confused Cloud.

"Would you- would you like to have a coffee with me later?" Sephiroth finally said.

Cloud stared, and stared, mouth slightly agape. Sephiroth fidgeted under his gaze and glanced at Genesis who sighed.

"Well, refuse or accept, but said it out loud!"

Cloud jumped at the raised voice, then met Sephiroth's eyes, "Yes! Yes, I'd love to!" He calmed down and glanced at Genesis, "Will you come too?"

Genesis was taken aback, but pulled himself together fast enough to give a gorgeous, "Would you like me to come?"

Cloud let his eyes fall on the ground, his red cheeks and his little smile answering for him.

"Well, not for this time. It's Sephiroth's date, but another day." Genesis caught Cloud's eyes who looked up at his refusal. He winked at the blond, "It's a promise."

"Great, tell them-" he pointed the trooper and their superior officer, "-that we're scouring for interesting addition to SOLDIER."

Cloud opened his mouth, frowning but Genesis cut him, "If they ask more say it's secret or send them to me."

Then he dragged the lovestruck General away, sure Sephiroth would take Cloud out of his drill to take this coffee right now.