Author note: I ended up falling into a Bayonetta lifestyle. Honestly, I can't help it. The third game breaks my heart, but I just love them.


Chapter start

I swiped my keycard without flourish, flapping my hands to get all three of my poached SOLDIERS off of the rooftop. I glanced back to see Rufus smirking, whilst Lizard and President Shinra looked like they'd swallowed sour lemons. With a final smile, and a flirty little finger wave, the doors slid shut and the elevator started.

Absentmindedly I'd been humming the OG games theme that played in the Shinra building. Gods, how kick ass would it be if there were literal theme music in the background? I bet Reno would play with me like that, for a while at least. The most I would get out of these three was the musical version of Loveless. No, thank you.

"You've gotten a few inches taller."

I glanced at my friend and pouted. "More than a few. Why, I'm practically all grown up here."

"I'm afraid that isn't the case. You've still some growing to do, I believe."

"Maybe so," I said loftily. "But thanks to Papa dearest, I can get married right now, if I wanted. He didn't think about any consequences of lowering the age to enlist."

Sephiroth arched a brow. "It would seem delusion has set in. Rufus would slaughter any man who came near you with such an intention."

"He'd do that even if I was eighteen." I pointed it out sullenly, before rallying. "It's fine. He can keep men away. Maybe I'll just marry Aerith. We can live in the countryside, and I'll have fresh flowers daily." I clapped my hands, delighted.

"And that would satisfy you." His tone was heavy in skepticism. Rude.

Before I could retort the elevator dinged, and I recalled we had company. It had been so long since I'd seen him, I acted as though I had blinders on.

I smiled at the other two, who had observed us quietly and curiously. Genesis seemed a little stunned when I turned my eyes to him, while Angeal stayed mildly curious.

"To think, our Sephiroth does know how to play with others," the fire wielder said jokingly, a small smile on his lips. "Infinite is the mystery of the Goddess, indeed."

"Genesis," Angeal groaned.

"Then again, if you are who I believe you are, perhaps not so mysterious after all." He pointedly ignored Angeal. By now I'd begun walking them down the hall.

"Oh? Enlighten me to who I am then," I cooed lightly. "If you're right, you may just win a prize."

His smirk widened. "How promising. I believe you're our fearsome generals famed princess." He grasped my hand suddenly, halting my walk, bending over into a bow to press a kiss. What a peacock. "Sophie Shinra, the pleasure is all mine. Genesis Rhapsodos at your eternal service."

He straightened up. "And my reticent companion is Angeal."

I giggled a little. It was hard, face to face, to dislike him. "Aren't you clever? Here. Your reward. Your keycards!" I flourished them out, three in my hand like cards from a playing deck. "You two can pick the ones you like. Once you've decided just scan the keycard twice and it'll register to the room you want."

I turned to look at Sephiroth. "I hope you don't mind, I already assigned yours. It's the one further down. A bit more separated. I thought you'd like the added privacy."

He gave me a mild look of confusion. "Am I not to return to R and D?"

I saw the looks of confusion on the other two faces, feeling my own face drop. Taking a deep breath, I shoved the other two cards to Angeal who took them.

Of course, he would assume back in Shinra headquarters meant back under the control of Hojo.

My smile was forced, reaching out to slowly caress his cheek. "Absolutely not. You're our famed general. And my best friend. I'd never let you go back their permanently." I waited for his hum of acknowledgement, before grasping his hand again, slow so he could pull back if he wanted to. "So, does him recognizing me, mean you talked about me? I'm speechless."

At this he turned away, beginning to walk in the direction I'd indicated. The other two had separated to find the rooms they liked best. Admittedly, they each had a slightly different floorplan. I figured Angeal would appreciate one of the rooms with a bigger kitchen. Genesis, I thought might like the ones with heavier closet space or bookshelves. I refused to believe the man was the sort to only ever read Loveless. If I was wrong, then yikes.

"He read a few of your letters," he said calmly. "I saw no need to stop him."

I hummed, stopping beside his door and handing him the keycard. "I had a feeling. He seems very self assured."

"You are not angry?" He took the keycard.

"Should I be? If I did place anything important, I know you'd have never let him near it."

The door swished open. "Angeal thought you might be. He said they were private."

I hummed in thought. "Honestly the most dangerous thing I wrote to you was how I caught Boulder peeing all over Scarlet's door once. What are they going to do about it?"

Speaking of Boulder, he was there suddenly when Sephiroth swiped the keycard. The Hound paused momentarily, as did Sephiroth. Then all bets were off as he launched into the silver haired man's arms, the general supporting his weight automatically.

He frowned at me. "What is he wearing?"

Today, Boulder was decked out in his very own sweatshirt, made up to resemble a Turks suit uniform. I thought it was adorable.

"Well he is a bodyguard. Boulder here is a fashion icon!"

If he had anything to say to that he wisely didn't. Instead he stepped into the room, letting the hound down. I let him have his moment, knowing this had to be overwhelming. He'd never had his own space. To do with what he pleased.

Granted, the rooms were all filled with the bare bones, Shinra issued furniture and utensils. I'd made certain to do what I could, filling his fridge and getting a few books. He'd mentioned a developing taste for dry wines, so I'd stocked a shelf of the pantry, one in the fridge to chill. I intended to take him shopping. I wanted this space to be his. His own to shape and share at his hearts desire.

I'd chosen this particular room because it was slightly bigger, with room for a larger, longer bed, which I'd purchased. I'd also bought a sinfully comfortable couch and chair set, seeing as Shinra didn't provide those. Money, or really Gil, well spent.

And he would only ever have to deal with one neighbor if it happened, as he was at the end, the bedroom situated along the far side so his bedroom space could be quiet.

While he explored, I set about making the tea I remembered him being partial to. Once it had steeped, I went back to the living room, cup in my hand. He was standing beside the partially filled bookcase, fingers running along the spine of a thick book about the origin of his sword Masamune. I'd been delighted when I found it, even though I realized the sword was from Wutai.

"You did not need to see to these things," he said softly. "Thank you."

I smiled. Boulder had settled on the couch, eyes lazily trailing Sephiroth. The Hound loved him, sometimes more than I thought he loved me.

I handed Sephiroth the cup, seeing the soft light that flickered in his eyes as he took it, following my guiding hand to settle in the comfortable chair. I hadn't seen him in so long.

I turned on the radio, knowing he appreciated a good classical music, heavy on percussion. I thought maybe he enjoyed feeling the bass. Once that was done, I focused on him. Without much thought I bent down to give him a hug. When his fingers pulled me closer, hesitantly, I followed the desire and settled in his lap, shifting so I was sideways in the chair, body twisted to keep holding him.

"I'm glad you're home," I murmured.

He was quiet for a moment, probably adjusting to my weight and the unfamiliar level of closeness between us. I'd never knowingly sat on him. And he'd rarely if ever expressed a subtle urge for a deeper touch. But it had been years, so I indulged this inclination, wondering if I would be accused of spoiling him like I spoiled Boulder.

"I am glad to be here," he said after a moment.

We remained like that for a long while, to the point I'd shifted further down, pressing my cheek against his chest to relieve pressure from my back and shoulders. I wasn't so much holding him anymore as I was settled into his frame like a pillow. He still had his arms around me, occasionally sipping from his tea before it got too cold. I basked in his presence, wondering if he'd mind if I took a nap.

I was having a mini fantasy of the three of us curled up together under the sun, he, Aerith and I, when there was a knock on the door. It jolted me upwards, and I realized I had indeed drifted away into a small cat nap. Sephiroth adjusted, his fingers pressing my head back against him. I didn't protest, already yawning again. His heartbeat was a comfort.

"It is open," he said quietly.

I'd been asleep long enough for Genesis and Angeal to shower it seemed. They both looked fresh as daisies, wearing casual clothing rather than the outfits they wore in game.

"It is so delicious having hot water again," Genesis said. He breezed in without a care, dropping into the couch beside Boulder, who had shifted into a sitting position, tense. I clicked my tongue and he settled.

"You had hot water at camp," Sephiroth returned.

Genesis scoffed. Angeal settled in the other chair, smiling slightly. His eyes traced over us before he spoke. "He's right. We could have all the hot water we needed."

The flame general rolled his eyes in an impressive way. "Fine, fine. Hot water that I didn't have to make hot myself. Or check thoroughly for leeches, or some other disgusting bug."

"Angeal checked your water for you," Sephiroth said plainly, whilst I couldn't help my grimace.

"Your water had leeches?"

Angeal hummed. "It wasn't always certain we'd be in a position to use real facilities. Most times we had to make due with river water. And be grateful for that."

"Grateful, he says." Genesis snorted. "Regardless, I would assume it was you who managed to guess which rooms we would prefer. Imagine our surprise, darling, when we chose our rooms and noticed our things already neatly stored."

I smiled. "Oooh so I guessed you both right? I knew I was smart."

"I have to thank you. I noticed the cookware was different than what the other rooms had. Your doing, I assumed?" Angeal asked. He looked stern, I realized, until you looked at his eyes. Kindness practically bled from them.

"Guilty. Sephiroth mentioned a few things about his friends. I wanted you all to feel as at home as possible quickly."

"My friend, your words are the gifts of the Goddess. I'm honored you would have thought of us."

I hummed. "Any friend of Sephy is a friend of mine. Not to mention, you two our officially part of my poachling collection."

"Poachling?" Angeal asked in confusion.

I smiled a little but Sephiroth ruined it. "It is how she refers to it whenever she takes something or someone from someone else. She sees taking us from the roof as a successful poaching."

"Aw. You do pay attention to me," I simpered playfully. "They had the right idea. Why don't you go check out the bath? I made sure to have it stocked with things for you."

He settled me with a look before nodding. Before I could hop off of him, he tightened his arm and stood, ignoring my startled squeak. He dropped me into the chair before leaving the room. Genesis chuckled a little at the scene, while I pouted.

"Luggage again. I supposed I'll never be big enough to not be hefted around."

I shuffled into the seat, using the remote to turn the radio off and the TV on. Shinra news was playing.

"You do cut a delicate form, darling." Genesis allowed. "You two seemed very comfortable. I'm almost jealous."

"He's one of my best friends," was my calm reply.

"I can see that. I truly believe having you as reaching out to him, helped keep him grounded when we were over there." Angeal was giving me a kind smile.

It hasn't escaped my notice they'd settled in quickly and efficiently, used to taking their places in Sephiroth's orbit. And Sephiroth had allowed it, and more to the point he'd left me alone with them. Before he only ever left me alone when I was in my room, or with Rufus, Aerith, or a Turk he knew had been assigned. He trusted them, as I knew he would. I couldn't help the bitterness I felt, knowing it might crumble.

Would I be capable enough to hold the pieces together, and glue them back? Selfishly, I found myself praying Aerith was around if it happened. The Ancient would be invaluable in that kind of situation.

So far though they showed a loyalty only real friends would have toward him. A knowledge of his needs, and a willingness to accommodate them. I need more time, of course, but I was having thoughts about how Genesis had degraded.

For now, he was a charming, flirt of a man. One you could tell wasn't completely serious with his flirts, and even the words that had bite were layered in affection. I almost wanted to see how he'd react around people he didn't like. That tongue could probably eviscerate someone mentally.

"Are you hungry? You stocked the fridges so well. I honestly can't wait to break everything in." Angeal had risen up, small smile on his face.

I blinked. "Who could say no to you? I've heard you're practically a king in the kitchen. Though, I thought you'd be too tired. Maybe some takeout? I know, it wouldn't be as tasty as your creations, but surely better than the canteen."

Genesis chuckled lightly when Angeal colored a little. Even the tips of his ears flushed, absolutely adorable. So that tone was good for him. Good to know. The older man cleared his throat.

"Nonsense. It'll feel good, doing something normal for a change."

I felt I could understand that. They hadn't been normal for years, so it made sense to want to quickly reclaim that feeling.

"Then, yeah. I could definitely go for an Angeal treat." I winked without thought, causing more red to seep into his face before he excused himself to the kitchen. Comfortable enough to use Sephiroth's things, too.

"Ah, darling you're dangerous. You'll have him eating from the palm of your hand you keep that up."

I glanced at Genesis. "And what about you?"

He smiled a little. "Greedy thing. You're still young. Regardless of some law stating otherwise. Be content with the silver general and our precious chef. I'm much harder quarry to catch."

"I do love a good challenge," I murmured.

"As do I. Speaking of silver generals…" He motioned with his head and I followed the motion.

A news report was frozen on the image of Sephiroth and I, when he'd just taken my hands. Vultures. There wasn't any hiding that the smile that adorned my face was different from my usual media smiles. Genuine, and happy. There was also a softness to him usually not present. They were going go twist this, already speculating. I rolled my eyes. They could do and say whatever. If it got too out of hand, Turks would handle it the Turk way.

By the time Sephiroth had emerged from his shower, we had all relocated to the kitchen. Angeal had donned an apron, tantalizing scents emerging from all around him as he wielded various pots and pans. He never should have been a SOLDIER. Really, the content smile on his face was breathtaking.

The food was almost disturbingly excellent. And really, the company wasn't terrible either. If only, I thought, it would stay this way.

End chapter


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XENOCANAAN: No Aerith just yet, but soon. This is my first experience writing for Genesis, and it's pretty fun actually, so far. Here's hoping you enjoyed this chapter.