Here's a new chapter for you~ I suggest you get a cup of hot chocolate, snuggle with your blanket and enjoy a little bit of drama^^

Chapter 18

20 minutes later they were back in their room, relaxed and refreshed. Sephiroth picked up his phone to call his brothers as he did every evening, but instead he saw that he had gotten 3 missed calls from Lazard. He frowned and read the text message that had been left behind. 'Come to my office immediately.' it said.

"I have to go meet Lazard," he muttered, looking over at Genesis who was checking his phone too.

"You are not the only one." The red-head replied, brushing the towel through his almost dried hair one last time before laying it onto his bed, intending to put it somewhere to dry later. "He wants something from me, too." Roaming around in his closet, he grabbed a plain black button-up shirt and turned towards Sephiroth. "Well, we can go and see what he wants and then enjoy the party, right?"

"I guess so." Sephiroth inwardly sighed. He didn't feel like dealing with Lazard right now. Actually he never did, but at this very moment he didn't want anything to do with ShinRa at all... He quickly got ready and then they went to the elevator and upstairs. Maybe it was something important. Though it had been quiet for a while they might have found a lead on the strange things that had happened on the missions...

It was a quiet ride to Lazard's office and even though Genesis was one for talking and entertainment, he didn't mind it one bit. He was content like this somehow, minding his own thoughts, brooding a little while watching Sephiroth secretly do the same. When they reached the director's office they were met with the sight of Angeal and the other soldier – whose name he couldn't remember -, waiting for them. One exchanged glance with Angeal told Genesis that they were here on Lazard's demand as well.

"My dear SOLDIERs," Lazard greeted them, getting up from his desk and coming towards them as they saluted him. He wore a smile and the presence of the other two made Sephiroth expect the worst. If this was one of Lazard's infamous motivational speeches...

"I must congratulate you to your mission. Well done."

Sephiroth barely refrained from groaning. Here it was.

Sensing the distress from his right, where Sephiroth stood, Genesis could barely contain a grin – a highly inappropriate one – from spreading over his lips. He remained cool and collected though, but his eyes glinted in amusement. He hoped Lazard wouldn't seeit... Genesis didn't know why the silver-haired man next to him seemed so… annoyed by this, but it was highly amusing still.

"Judging from the reports and the positive feedback from the townspeople, you did more than well today. You dealt with three behemots and managed to rescue a whole town from being completely destroyed." The director went on, mainly summing up their work today.

Sephiroth shifted his weight and didn't look at the watch. But he wanted to, so much.

Lazard crossed his arms behind his back and began to pace up and down in front of them which was a bad sign, because that meant he was just starting to warm up, but then the man abruptly stopped. He smiled. "I won't torture you with much of a long speech, you must be tired from the mission. Just know that your superiors have recommended you for a promotion and I accepted. Congratulations, Hewley, Rhapsodos and Zschietzkewitsch; from this day you may call yourselves SOLDIERs Second Class."

At first Genesis tried to process the unspeakable name of Angeal's partner. It started to sink in when Angeal turned to look at him, his eyes full of joy and pride. The red-head looked at Lazard again, who still smiled faintly, and then he felt his own pride swelling up inside of him.

They were Second Class Soldier now, they had made it, he had made it! Against his parents' belief, against nearly everybody's belief. He could keep his voice in check because he wanted to scream in happiness, but he could not contain the twitchy feeling inside of his legs that made him jump from left to right for a moment.

"As for you, Sephiroth. Given the extraordinary performance on battlefield and upon guiding a team, we decided to promote you to SOLDIER First Class."

Sephiroth wordlessly lowered his head a few inches to acknowledge the 'honor'. Lazard seemed disappointed at his dispassionate reaction, but he turned quickly towards the other three who clearly seemed delighted. "Well then, I suppose you have something to celebrate. You are dismissed."

As he saluted and then left with the others trailing after him, Genesis suddenly felt like embracing the world. SOLDIER Second Class meant one step further towards being a hero and finally being Sephiroth's equal, and to succeed him someday. Oddly enough, the thought stung somewhere in his chest. He shouldn't be jealous of the silver-haired man, shouldn't envy his fame and reputation as it was nothing the other was proud of. Sighing, he turned around when the door fell shut behind them, beaming at his fellow instantly. "Director Lazard is right. This is definitely a reason to party!"

The guy with the unspeakable name was glowing with joy and thrust his fist into the air, screaming a noise of unadulterated happiness. "We should," Angeal agreed, smiling brightly, looking very satisfied. Sephiroth nodded and tried to look kind of positive about the whole thing. He didn't feel like celebrating and usually he would have just been antisocial and left but then he'd never hear the end of it and Genesis' rants could get ugly...

Genesis let Angeal and the other guy lead the way, smiling brightly as he watched them interact before he turned towards Sephiroth, who walked a few steps behind him. "Come on, cheer up. You said you wanted to celebrate a little before you got promoted." The red-head said in a quiet voice, while briefly checking if the other two were listening. "What's up?" He asked finally as he fell behind to walk beside the taller swordsman.

"Nothing is up. I am tired." Sephiroth shrugged. He couldn't just work up the enthusiasm. First Class meant more work, more responsibility, more ShinRa and less time to spend with his family. "I'm good," he replied, one corner of his lips twitching upwards. "Let's go have fun."

Sighing, the red-head nudged his side encouragingly, a sly smile spreading on his lips. "You weren't tired back in the bathrooms." He grinned mischievously while crossing his arms in front of his chest. He let the topic drop though, firmly in mind of picking it up again once they were alone.

Sephiroth just smirked, stretching a bit and noticing the light crackling of his bones as he followed the others. They were happy, Genesis was happy and that was a good thing. They deserved it, especially his roommate what with all the throw-backs and the drama.

Genesis seemed to flourish with the attention. the smile that was plastered over his face was an honest one, full of pride and joy. This was what he had longed for so much, what he had been dreaming of. Seeing that dream – even though partially – come true, was … unbelievable, but in a good way. Unknowingly he flashed Sephiroth a bright grin, as if to calm him, as if to tell him that he didn't want to overshadow him, just get a part of the spotlight the other was in.

They went down to the bar that was frequented by SOLDIERs and it seemed that the news had traveled at lightening speed because they were greeted by a cheering crowd that applauded them and whistled as soon as they entered. A couple of guys had gathered around them and the first round of beer was brought. There was a lot of shoulder clapping and Sephiroth got momentarily distracted by another First coming up to him and asking the usual question of how it felt to be a First now. Sephiroth's demeanour cooled and he gave a shrug, sipping at his foamy beer someone had thrust into his hand. The guys didn't need his input, they were already discussing among themselves how it had been for them, leaving Sephiroth a hardly interested spectator. They did seem surprised that he was even here, but as usual they kept as much distance from him as he did from them.

The evening flew by, one drink following the next. The beer tasted better in the company of others, drinking, talking, eating every now and then. Even the normally modest Angeal seemed to enjoy the attention he was getting, not to speak of Genesis, who willingly talked about everything with everybody. He was an extroverted person, he relished in heed. Sighing, he took another sip of his sixth or seventh beer.

Brad brought a new one already, setting it at the blotched, beer-wet table in front of Genesis with a grin before he left. He didn't want to bother the redhead, they had talked a bit a while earlier and though it had been awkward at first they found it easier soon enough. Brad had gotten over his issues, especially since it was thanks to Genesis that he was still in the program.

From a dark corner at the end of the bar a pair of icy blue eyes were glued to the flushed redhead who was brimming with pride and happiness and kept talking and laughing and basking in the attention he got. Eventually a figure detached from the shadows and casually walked over. The man sipped at his bottle as he came to stand beside Genesis who, for once, was not busy talking to someone. Over the noise of the heated discussions and laughter, the calm voice of the man still wafted to Genesis' ear as he said, "Quite the party you got here."

The other's head whirled around at the sudden company. Despite his confusion he nodded friendly, his booze fogged brain dismissing the question of who this. "You enjoy it?" He asked, sipping at the beer Brad had gotten him. He was quite relieved that he and Brad were getting along, mostly because Angeal had emphasized what a good guy he was when they had first met. And Genesis had to say that Brad was just that indeed. They just had a … bad start.

"Not as much as you do," the stranger replied, finally turning towards Genesis with a barely there smile that didn't reach his eyes. "How does it feel to be Second now?" he tilted his head in mild interest, his eyes scanning the redhead up and down, before he took another lazy swig from his beer. The man didn't bother introducing himself. He wasn't particularly memorable either; short brown hair, blue eyes that glistened with the mako sheen. Genesis had yet to get his first mako First Class uniform treatment, but he would, soon enough.

Had he been sober, the auburn haired man'd have labeled the other as rude for not introducing himself at all, but since most of his synapses were unable to properly function he couldn't care less. Just another face, just another talk. "So far, it's quite nice. Not different from being Third, you know? But… Exciting." Genesis said enthusiastically, grinning happily before taking another sip of his beer. He was swaying slightly on his chair, but he was used to more alcohol than this. It wouldn't be enough to make him pass out or slur yet.

"Oh, I believe that." The guy leaned over, and to possible onlookers it seemed as if he was concernedly trying to steady the tipsy redhead. In fact, however, the Second Class Soldier gripped Genesis by the arm, harder than necessary but not hard enough to be considered threatening or violent, and whispered coolly into Genesis' pearly ear, "Since all you do is spreading your legs anyway. I am amazed how far up you can propel yourself in ranks just being Sephiroth's slut."

The other's ever-present, drunk smile faltered at that, a frown flickering over his features as he was comprehending the words. "Excuse me?" Genesis asked, his eyes suddenly flaming up with ire and temper. Perhaps he hadn't understood the guy correctly, he did not really want to throw a fit here if he had just misheard whatever this … scumbag had said. But the grip on his arm and the glimmer in his blue eyes told a story of their own.

"No, I'm not excusing your slutty behavior. I didn't give a damn till the minute you dared to waltz in here, bragging about your 'achievements' when all you do is being a greater man's bitch. Maybe not so great though, if he fucks you... Anyways, you can save the act, people know what's going on here. You're just embarrassing yourself further." The man's voice was utterly calm but laced with malice and pointed disgust. He didn't say this because he meant to be mean, but because he believed what he was accusing Genesis of. And he might not be the only one.

"My relationship – and I am positively neutral about it because it's nobody's business what Sephiroth and I do in our free time – has nothing to do with my work here at ShinRa, I can assure you of that." Genesis hissed angrily, his fingers flexing around his glass, practically clawing at it in a meek attempt to keep calm. A breath left his nostrils a little sharper than intended, but it seemed to calm him a little anyways. "But grace me with your knowledge, oh omniscient one, how do you even know so thoroughly that I am… pardon Sephiroth is fucking me, when I don't even know about it?" He was getting back to cocky, a typical defensive mechanism. Of course Genesis knew they were fucking, but he wondered who the hell could have seen or noticed it.

The other snorted, a small and thoroughly derisive sound. "It's obvious he cares about you, otherwise he wouldn't put up with your shit. And just keep telling yourself that you made it on your own - you're fooling only yourself. Just another piece of advice," his fingers around Genesis' arm tightened for a second, before he let go and withdrew, "keep a low profile. Some may not be as friendly about it as I am. You don't belong here and there's people out there who make short work of scum like you. No matter who's your patron."

And then he was gone, diving back into the crowd of drinking, cheering people.

Genesis huffed, watching wordlessly how the nameless guy blended back in with the others and leaving him with his own angry thoughts. How dare he saying such things!? The redhead was well aware that it was for Sephiroth that he was climbing ranks so fast, but it was most definitely not for the fact that they had sex. At least Genesis doubted that the man was running around to boost about his success in ShinRa because they had a good lay again. Rather the opposite.

Sighing, he downed the remains of his beer. It suddenly tasted all too bitter and his mood had dropped several degrees. It was not fair, why exactly did everybody hate him here?

From a corner Angeal had watched Genesis talking to someone he hadn't seen before. He was glad that Genesis made new friends now, since he could be a bit difficult, what with that temper and attitude of his. When the guy left however, Genesis seemed down. Angeal was just about to leave the company of his group to walk over to his friend but Sephiroth was there already.

Angeal frowned. Now this was a curious little incident. It seemed that the two of them were getting along again... Turning back to the group, Angeal still kept an eye on them, but unfortunately couldn't hear their conversation over the voices and the music.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

Sephiroth had taken the opportunity to flee some guys who desperately tried to engage him into some stupid drinking game and he was very grateful to find Genesis sitting on his own. It was a great excuse to walk over to him for a break. Sephiroth warily scanned the room, drawing deeper into the shadows to hide, though still waiting for an answer from Genesis.

A slow smile crept over the red-head's handsome features at the display of Sephiroth's obvious discomfort. "Sure, how about you?" He answered half-truthfully. "You don't seem to enjoy it as much." A light giggle escaped his throat, despite his earlier agitation. Lately the silver-haired man was able to calm him – when they weren't fighting, that was.

"I am having the time of my life," Sephiroth retorted dryly. Earlier Sephiroth had caught some wisecracker joking about inviting Sephiroth's fanclub to the party. He'd threatened the guy with a slow, painful death and made clear that he found that idea anything but amusing. When they were drunk enough though there was no telling what they might do to raise the 'fun'-level...

"Could have fooled me," Genesis chuckled, nudging Sephiroth's side in a friendly manner before turning to grab another drink, this time something harder. Beer wasn't satisfying anymore. If he wanted to forget the guy's so called advice, he needed more booze. "Perhaps you should just play along and lighten up a little." Genesis offered and sipped at his vodka.

Sephiroth just grunted, taking a sip from the foul tasting substance filling three fourth of his beer bottle. It was still his first one. Everyone else seemed to be pretty inebriated already.

"So, you got to know a few of your new colleagues already?" he asked non-committally, trying the social thing with the talking and all. Not that he was horribly interested. Just a little bit.

The redhead merely shrugged and turning to the bartender to order another drink, before he thrust his own into Sephiroth's hand with a wink. "Some fleeting faces. I don't intend to know about this evening tomorrow morning anyways." He said happily. "Most of them congratulate me and ask me about the mission… and about your phone number," he frowned at that, but shook his head. "Brad's extraordinarily nice to me…"

"Is he now." A thin brow arched up in mild distaste. Sephiroth's green orbs scanned the room and quickly found the man in question, but he was busy flirting with someone else. No thread from this front then.

The newly promoted First Class Soldier stared down at the drink he'd just been offered and then back at Genesis who was slurping a new beverage already. "I am not going to carry you home."

A pout formed on Genesis' lips at that. "Meanie," he muttered before downing the rest of his drink. His head was beginning to swim already and everything seemed to be just all right and nice. A good sign. Very good.

Sephiroth watched Genesis drink for three long, agonizing hours.

He attempted to subtly coax the redhead into leaving, but was brushed off by loud, drunken protest each time. At one point Angeal had offered to help but the man looked too wasted himself, and though everything inside Sephiroth just screamed at him to drop off the load of a cranky, sickly looking redhead he had told Angeal he'd take care of it. At 4 am Sephiroth finally reached the limits of his patience.

"We are leaving," he declared, taking Genesis by the collar and dragging him out the door. The party was over anyway; the first half had left, the other was sleeping or puking.

"Nooooo~", was the only protest the redhead offered this time and despite some unfocussed slapping and waving he did nothing to hold the other back, mostly because Genesis was simply not able to do it anymore. "U're no fun at… all." He slurred as he was dragged across the halls, deliberately making himself heavier than he actually was. " 'vrybody was all 'appy goo-goo, but u… hey, that rhymed." Giggling Genesis clapped his hands at himself, he was such a genius!

"Brilliant. Makes Loveless pale in comparison," Sephiroth uttered. Once outside he heaved one of Genesis' arms over his shoulder and supported his weight with a tight grip around the redhead's waist. Then they made their way back through the night. It had started to rain, but the cool water from above was refreshing after hours and hours in the sticky, smoke-filled bar.

"And the only one goo-goo was the bartender for your money," he grunted, as they passed a flickering street light. At least the barracks were right around.

"U thin' so?" Genesis babbled, his blue eyes gleaming with pride and – mostly – alcohol. "U thin' I would make a goo' po… poet?" He giggled again suddenly, leaning against the taller man in order to keep standing and not fall over onto his face. "Nooo~, the bar man was totally lookin' at my cut' ass…" To make his point he wriggled said body part against Sephiroth's waist, a fit of laughter shaking him shortly after.

The other groaned, almost losing his grip on the redhead. It was good for Genesis that he was enjoying himself so thoroughly. But bad for Sephiroth.

"Did he now?" Sephiroth grunted, not liking the idea of the greasy barkeeper ogling his roommates bottom.

Genesis nodded eagerly, before noticing that it made his whole head-spinning worse. His vision was swimming enough already, without him bobbing his head like this. "Who wouln't?" He slurred, desperately holding on to Sephiroth in order to stay put. "Oi, why's 'verythin' movin'?"

Sephiroth wryly grabbed him tighter. Who wouldn't indeed. "Stop moving your head," he advised, finally entering the barracks and trying to get down the hallway as quietly as possible. Hopefully, hopefully Genesis wouldn't retch...

Looking down at the flushed redhead Sephiroth asked slightly suspiciously, "You do remember the pact, don't you?"

Looking up, the redhead rose one eyebrow in question, his gaze unfocussed at best. "Pact?" He asked curiously, blinking several times in a futile attempt to clear his head.

Sephiroth sighed. "We ought to not have partners for sexual intercourse apart from each other," he then enlightened Genesis a bit sourly. It seemed that the alcohol had clouded his brain because that had actually caused the biggest fight they had ever had. He couldn't have forgotten that...could he?

The other frowned at Sephiroth for a moment before giggling again. "So u thought I forgot?" He grinned. "And no I did 'nt forgetit. I just don' see why u thought 'bout it now…" Genesis turned his head from one side to the other, contemplating whether he had said anything that could have the other remind him of their 'pact'.

"I wonder too." Sephiroth got a headache trying to think about how they had gotten to that topic. It didn't matter much now, because they had finally reached their room and with great relief Sephiroth pushed the door open and heaved Genesis onto his bed.

"Just be careful," he muttered, as he unwrapped his arms from Genesis' lithe frame. "People get more aggressive the higher ranked they are."

Genesis huffed at that, slumping down on his downy bed and closed his eyes for a moment. Everything around him was still in motion and he was getting sick. "Noticed tha' already." He mumbled into the cushion. "That freakin' brown boy thought he could accuse me of sleepin' my way through the ranks. Ts… how rude…"

Sephiroth froze. "Who said that? And why would they say that?" He shook Genesis' shoulder, a bit too harsh maybe, to keep the young man from falling asleep.

Raising his head, Genesis looked at Sephiroth with a slightly annoyed expression. "He didn't introdu... introduce himsel' y'kno'? Had brown hair, blue eyes... freakin' normal guy. Warned me of goin' too far 'n stuff..." He answered nonetheless. "But he had that glow... that... mako glow. Like your eyes." Suddenly the redhead smiled. "Did I ever tell u, u have pretty eyes?"*

"You didn't," Sephiroth replied, a bit softer. Then he rubbed his temple. He couldn't get distracted, despite the strange feeling in his stomach. "It was a SOLDIER then, higher ranked... What exactly did he say to you?"

"He warned me of keepin' down an' not run around braggin' about my unde… undeserv… u'kno' achievements. Coz I sleep with ya 'n all" Genesis' forehead wrinkled into a frown before he rolled onto his side, yawning. "Said some people wouldn't like it…"

"How dare he." Sephiroth growled, but more to himself. He looked pissed off as he put the picture together from the little, slurred and confused pieces of information Genesis had fed him. It surprised him that people knew that he was sleeping with Genesis (a fact that was regrettable but bothered him surprisingly little); it didn't surprise him that envious and jealous people started to harass Genesis now and belittle his achievements.

What worried him was the threat.

Thinking back about it now, all the 'accidents' had started right after they had gotten intimate.

Sephiroth's breath stopped for a second, his figure stiffening. That was a clue, but in his condition he couldn't talk about it with Genesis. Thus Sephiroth outwardly calmed down, sighed, and pulled the blanket over Genesis' slender body. "Don't listen to them. You deserved this."

A drunk, but happy smile settled over the redhead's features as he curled up into a ball and snuggled deeper into the cushion. One eye cracked open to survey Sephiroth for a moment. "U'kno'… you are actu'lly nice…" He slurred, muffled by the soft blanket and pillows, but his eye closed again. Genesis was obviously drifting off to sleep now.

Sephiroth didn't reply, just let his hand brush lightly over the redhead's feathery soft hair. He doubted that the guy who'd have to face his wrath for making such accusations would agree with Genesis' statement.

He remained on the edge of Genesis' bed for another few minutes, quietly watching him sleep and wondering when he had gotten so attached. Then he turned off the light and went to his own bed for some much needed sleep.

tbc?

Merry Christmas everyone and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!