Author note: hope everyone is having a good day! Bit early but I'm having some surgery tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure this was out for you all. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter start

"You… really expect me to believe that?"

The office was, in a word, sumptuous. All warm tones of reds and browns, furniture so plush one could sink in. It was what a cloud might feel like.

Rufus had his head leaning on one fist, eyes focused. His other was idly tapping a pen against the desk, paperwork forgotten. Tseng was ever at his side, standing straight and usually so perfect. My keen eyes however quickly recognized the fact his hair, so usually in a low ponytail for now, was down and mussed, as though fingers had run through it.

Of course, both men had poker faces, and Tseng was more than capable of hearing anyone coming down the hall. So no way for anyone, namely me, to catch any shenanigans going down with the two. Depressing, really. Enough to bring a pout to my lips, wanting something to tease Rufus with.

Still, that was neither here nor there. If there was something there it'd come to light eventually. Could be they were just super best friends like Zach and Cloud.

I clapped my hands, looking innocent. "I'm telling the truth!"

Rufus exchanged a glance with Tseng, who shook his head subtly. Rufus glanced back to me. The pen dropped as he shifted, locking his hands together in front of him as he leaned back. "You remember I have detailed reports about you adamantly refusing to go outside during your winter escapades in Nibelheim."

"I was young," I said.

"You roped a villager named Claudia, along with the Turks, to do all the shopping and anything that involved the outdoors. You were a hermit."

"In training." I shrugged nonchalantly. "And I was doing my own exploring."

"Yes, perhaps don't mention the time you would have died had your guard dog not burst through two doors to get you." Rufus sighed, looking so very tired.

"To be totally fair how could I have known Shinra left a monster in a locked basement?" My voice was dismissive, and I delighted in the way his jaw clenched. He never played with my safety, and I delighted on dancing on the overprotective nerves of his. "Also, Vincent totally would have saved us if Boulder and the others hadn't gotten there in time."

"The man who vanished? What a resounding recommendation," Rufus snapped out sardonically.

"He hasn't vanished. Claudia and Vergil tell me every time he stops back in Nibelheim."

The whole Vincent thing was equal parts a sore spot and a potential hope. While I hadn't expected Lucrecia to be an easy find, there hadn't been the anticipation of four years flowing by. The part that was irritating was the man was traveling high into mountains and terrains that modern technology couldn't touch just yet. So his PHS was next to useless most times, and he'd quickly realized that. The thing seemed to be off more than it ever powered on.

I couldn't give any clues to where the crystal caverns were either. All I remembered was the cave was well hidden by a natural waterfall. Mountains blockaded it in on all sides, making it dangerous if not highly hazardous to locate without an airship or helicopter. Casually, during my safer travels I'd see a waterfall and send the coordinates to Vincent and Vergil. Not that it had done any good, really.

Sephiroth never asked and for that I could be grateful. He never gave any indication he was wilting away for love of a mother, so that could be considered a good thing. Whatever he'd thought previously couldn't be guessed at, and whenever the topic of finding Lucrecia came up he remained indifferent. I didn't have the nerve to question it, and instead made sure to remain close.

So far none of them seemed to fixate on being "monsters". Not having a wing violently poking from a shoulder blade probably did loads for that.

"If I may…" Tseng stepped forward, looking for all the world reluctant. When I gave him a Cheshire grin, trailing my gaze over his hair, before waggling my brows, he sighed. His gaze became stern. "You must have another objective to going there. We've all heard far too many of your rants about being cold or hot."

"Okay fine, you caught me." I reluctantly pulled a brochure from my bra. Rufus shook his head in exasperation as I unfolded it, fingers spreading over the paper to smooth it as much as possible.

He spun it to read it. "Now I know this is a joke," he muttered.

The brochure was rather cheesy in delivery. One piece was a beautiful cabin, fire cracking jauntily with a dog curled up. Another piece had a person executing a flip off of a snow bank. All while the words proclaimed you could have the most fun at icicle Inn, and enjoy the "richest, creamiest hot chocolate on the planet".

My finger tapped the picture of the steaming mug loaded with whipped cream. "I want it."

"You want to make a trip to the coldest place on this planet for hot chocolate?" Rufus scoffed.

"No, I'm going to make a trip to try the best hot chocolate then run away before I feel the cold." I corrected him cheekily.

"Tseng…" Rufus closed his eyes briefly. "How old am I?"

"Sir…?" Sending him an inscrutable look, Tseng answered. "You're twenty-three."

"Ooh dementia… not a good sign for my future," I teased slightly.

"Yes, I am… and yet I feel so damn old dealing with her."

"Please, you love me!"

"For some reason," he affirmed vaguely. "Do as you like. Make sure you take at least one of the firsts."

"I'm taking Aerith too. We might elope."

"Take two firsts at least." He ignored my jab at getting married, far too used to the way the Ancient and I joked. It got worse when Zack was around, the puppy easy to wind up.

Thus, was how I ended up bundled up tightly, attached to Genesis like a leach. He ran hotter than most people due to his affinity with fire, able to call on It without utilizing a materia. Sephiroth proffered ice as his medium, whereas Angeal had maxed out his healing skills. Naturally, as the "mother" of the group.

Genesis was more than willing to oblige, clicking his tongue as his arm wrapped around my shoulder to seal our sides together.

"Poor dove. All this for hot chocolate," he mentioned. By his tone, he somewhat believed me, but also didn't. Which was more than fair since they all knew I wasn't that spoiled to jet out for a beverage.

Aerith knew it too, but was more tactful than to call me out on it even subtly with others. Instead, she punched my arm and demanded details at night, when we were totally alone. Rude. My arm still throbbed.

Angeal stepped forward to handle our reservations, much more adept at handling the fawning masses that stared. A few people attempted to be discreet, but if I could catch the cameras then so could the thirds. Zack too, as he draped himself over Aerith, chin settled on her head.

Genesis subtly settled next to Sephiroth, and I took the opportunity to slip my arm through his. I didn't care about the cameras, an everyday part of life. Rumors about our love lives and how they intertwined were common place. As far as the world was concerned, I was either a conniving bitch who kept all three firsts for herself, or I was a naïve girl still being taken advantage of.

No matter how subtle they were all three of them had been caught going into wall market more than once, though nothing of where they went were ever accurately reported. I had taken advantage to tease them mercilessly, especially Angeal, about their apparent "unfaithfulness" to me. Sephiroth refused to comment when I teased about it, whereas Genesis would coo and gush. Angeal was satisfying though, used to my teasing flirtatious yet somewhat embarrassed by people knowing he ventured into Wall Market.

Angeal returned swiftly, and I noticed how he stood in front of Sephiroth, blocking all but his open back to the room. I couldn't help the small, fond smile on my lips, head resting on the leather clad arm.

"Our keys for our rooms. Genesis and Sephiroth, if you wouldn't mind rooming together. I'll room with Zach, and the girls will take the room between ours."

"Oh, we'll have lots of fun," Genesis purred, sending a suggestive wink to Sephiroth, who barely restrained his eye roll.

"Our definition of "fun" is vastly different."

The red head chortled. "Ah, my friend, truer words never spoken! If not for us you would spend all your time training and buried in paperwork."

"Training is important." Sephiroth fixed him with a stare, brow quirked and voice with a hint of amusement. "And I'd not have nearly so much paperwork if someone would complete his in a timely manner."

Genesis hummed, while Angeal chuckled. "He has you there, Gen."

I tugged on his arm until he glanced to me. My fingers curled against my chest; my smile somewhat evil. "Training more important than me?"

Sephiroth sighed. "Not necessarily. However, protecting you would be much more difficult, if we were not prepared."

"For once you said the right thing in response to that question. I'm impressed friend." Genesis clapped his hands while Angeal nudged him, shaking his head.

"Too bad we can't room together," Zach lamented. He was swinging Aerith in his arms.

She glanced up at him, landing an adorable kiss along his jawline. "It'll be okay. I'll be sleeping with my trophy wife."

He groaned. "You know, I feel like one day you guys are gonna actually get married just to mess with us."

Aerith clapped her hands. "Ooh, Soph! Can it be a mid-spring wedding?"

"Suuure. You're telling Rufus though. Which one of us gets Sephy as a bridesmaid?"

"Leave me out of this suicide mission."

We'd piled into the elevator, headed upwards. Once they swung open, we separated, Sephiroth checking over our room before he let Aerith and I be alone.

We didn't stay for long, checking over our luggage before I dragged the girl back down to the lobby and into the onsite restaurant. Sephiroth and Angeal were already there, the other two apparently lost in their luggage.

It was rustic in a good way, the furniture all a polished yet obviously antique set. The fireplace was indeed crackling merrily away, making the brochure come to life.

"Gen agonizing over his winter apparel already?" I fell into a wooden chair, hearing it creak. My eyes lit up, settling on the steaming mug already before me, complete with a generous serving of whipped cream. "Ah, it looks so yummy!"

The warmth of the mug soothed the chill from my fingertips. I'd removed my gloves and shoved them into my pocket earlier.

"Careful it's-…" Sephiroth trailed off, giving me a deadpan stare as I jerked the mug away from my lips. I pouted at him, feeling the burn of my poor taste buds.

"Ouch."

Angeal snorted, attempting to hide it behind his own mug. Sephiroth had one too, although it seemed he had little interest in it, Aerith blowing on hers smartly.

I leveled him with a stare that he returned blandly. "Comfort me."

When his head tilted, his silver hair cascaded like a waterfall, the strands almost shimmering in the fires glow. "And how shall I do that? Do you want me to do battle against liquid now?"

"I mean, you could have cooled it down with your attitude at least." I quipped at him, smiling as he smirked. Then I saw the immediate shine of a cast, yelping as my mug became cold. "Nooo… The audacity."

Sephiroth leaned into his chair. "Have I not avenged you enough?"

"Rude. Completely and totally rude."

"Wow, it's really an ice block," Aerith said marveling. Her dainty fingers whipped the mug upside down, making a show of shaking it.

"Ah, hold on." Angeal reached forward, taking it from her hands. "I forgot I traveled with children. Behave, while I go get a new beverage."

"Yes, Mother," I cooed with Aerith. Sephiroth merely sighed, as Angeal strode through the restaurant, weaving between tables.

"Here." Sephiroth shoved his mug in front of me, and I beamed. "I've cooled it enough you shouldn't burn yourself."

"Aw, I knew you loved me." I sipped the warm liquid down.

The brochure had promised this to be the best hot chocolate ever. And it did have something special. It was rich and decadent, creamy and delightful as it slid down the throat. Warmth suffused from the belly outward as it settled. The hint of cinnamon was a nice touch as well, although it wasn't my favorite.

Still, at the least something about this trip was delicious. Really, I couldn't care less about prize winning hot chocolate. And snowboarding down a mountain seemed like a huge red flag for me. The game had made that annoying and obnoxious, frustrating me to no end with how hard traversing the snowy mountains had been. And that stupid, non helpful map. Sue me for not finding it delightful.

But Gast had lived here with Ifalna. And briefly, Aerith had made this a home as well. Looking her over, this place didn't suit at all. Full of sunshine and vigor, this ice filled landscape would have prevented her from growing. What flowers could blossom to put a smile on her face here?

For that matter, if Ifalna had been even remotely similar to her daughter, how has she managed?

"Ah how perfectly droll!"

Before I could blink, Genesis had blown in as usual, grabbing the frozen mug. His cast flared for a moment; steam began pouring from the mug again. Much more than when it had been prepared by the kitchens. To our confusion, he hummed in pure delight and took a huge swallow, throat working.

Aerith and I leaned forward, waiting for the protest, the burn… but it never came. Genesis noted our attention and sent a saucy wink.

"Ah, my dear friends. No flame is too hot for me to conquer."

"Unbelievable," I muttered and slumped back. Aerith had started clapping in amazement.

"Okay, that's just freaky." Zack settled in his chair, wincing. "How could you even swallow that?"

"Oh, you'd be amazed what I can swallow." Gen glanced out, his eyes landing on Angeal who was making his way back. The reference was impossible to miss.

Zack grimaced, nose scrunching as images flickered in his brain. "No, no. Forget I asked."

"I suppose I can let you off the hook, this once." Genesis chuckled, even Sephiroth laughing a little.

"Genesis stop being lewd." Angeal slapped the back of his head, setting the new mug down before Sephiroth as he settled back in his chair.

We spent a fun enough evening together. It was much too late to go traipsing through the town, meaning I couldn't just rush about until I found where Gast and Ifalna lived.

I needed one thing, and one thing only. Gast had recorded Ifalna talking about the Ancients, and I hoped somewhere they'd made mention or allusion to the temple. It was the only place I could think of where Aerith could learn anything, and maybe the planet could tell her where Jenova was. How to destroy her.

Part of me wanted to just blast her back into space, but wouldn't that be just deferring a danger to someone else? Even I wasn't that selfish. But if there had been a way to neutralize her, then why hadn't the Ancients she'd battled originally done so?

Still, when I took notice that Sephiroth had gone quiet, and Genesis was becoming more acerbic, I tugged myself from my thoughts. Glancing around I saw the group of giggling girls, casting not subtle glances to the four SOLDIERS.

Aerith seemed aware of it too, but she merely shrugged, secure in her place here. I knew Sephiroth, and so did Genesis. The red head had always proven very resourceful and determined to protect his friends, even if it meant causing scenes. Angeal seemed to be bracing for it.

Sephiroth had leaned back into his chair, legs crossed and arms folded, eyes staring into the flames near our table. His hair blocked his face from half the room, a curtain he could use as a shield.

I hated how people seemed to think they had a right to him or any of the SOLDIERS they came across. While Zach wasn't known for anything yet, everyone knew the uniforms labeling rank. And the guy was handsome enough. Some of those giggles and pushes to go greet the "war heroes" were aimed at him. It hadn't been long enough for it to grate on him yet.

His laugh was still loud and genuine, arm slinging around Aerith or gesturing while he told a story. A puppy, seemingly paying no heed to the area around him. Desperately wanting a good job pat. In his eyes though, he was casting glances to his friends, worry there to be read if one knew where to look.

It seemed one of the girls was undoubtedly brave and stupid. The closer she came the more fingers dug into Sephiroth's leather coated arm, until he forced them to relax. Genesis had no such compunction, body tense and ready to fight. He didn't earn his reputation by asking questions than deciding on an action, after all.

"Hello!" The girl said cheerily, eyes roving around the men. Totally skipping Aerith and me, who shared a look of being used to this. "So, um…"

"Hello," Angeal said kindly. Genesis snorted, while Sephiroth still ignored her very existence. "May we help you with something?"

"Oh, no, no! I… I mean my friends and I saw you all and well… we wanted to thank you for your service and, uh… offer to show you the town. U-unless you're here for official business, I mean! Which, if you have time well… I could still show you some things, when you have time." She laughed loudly, yet her look could only be called sultry. The way her eyes trained down each of their bodies left little doubt, what she wanted to show them.

Not that I could blame her for having thoughts. Any person would, since for some reason there wasn't a single "average" looking SOLDIER.

"Yes, because we'd bring Shinra's one and only daughter for… what did you say? "Official business"." Genesis said it scathingly, words dripping in ire.

If Genesis had a go at anyone, it would either end with her sobbing or screaming. Somehow, I doubted any of us wanted to hear either. Plus, my SOLDIERS friends weren't anyone's plaything. Except amongst each other, and our group within Shinra. Bite me.

"Oh, uh that does make sense! Then that means you definitely have some free time. My friends and I would love your company."

Ignoring her, and ignoring the way Angeal tried to grab my wrist, thinking I was wrong to cause trouble, I scooted my chair back and rose up. I feigned a bored yawn, that became real. Night had fallen, and the helicopter ride had been long and boring. With so many of us, plus the puppy, I hadn't been able to nap. Angeal had been attempting to teach Zach the controls, which made me think the guy had patience deep as the ocean.

Sephiroth had already uncrossed his legs, seconds before I dropped into his arms. The girl trailed off, eyes bugging from her sockets. I heard the way the annoyances behind her gasped and the small shrieks of some. Hopefully they choked on it. Not that I could see it, face pressed into his shoulder.

His arms uncrossed under the press of my body, shifting me enough that he could settle his arms on the arms of his chair. His even breathing soothed me, and his tense muscles relaxed somewhat.

"It would seem our Princess is exhausted," Genesis chuckled knowingly, ignoring the girl now.

"It would seem so. Perhaps you girls should go to bed?" Angeal suggested it with a sigh. "Miss, we appreciate the offer. If we need, we'll ask."

"… yeah, sure." She muttered it a bit bitterly.

"Maybe we should all go. It's been a long day," Aerith suggested.

I felt the relieved sigh that expanded his lungs. Felt the shift of his arms, as though he was resisting the urge to wrap them around my waist. For situations like these, I was an emotional support stuffed animal. This was hardly the first time I'd done these things, to quickly effect some kind of escape for my boys.

"Too tired," I sighed, nuzzling deeper into his chest. "Carry me."

Emotional support animal or not, I was also lazy. Sephiroth didn't protest, merely wrapped his arms around me. It was like lifting that mug to him. He stood to his full height, letting me wrap my legs around his torso. He supported my weight with one arm, not glancing left or right as he left the room. The others trailed behind, Aerith giggling in amusement.

"Ah, I wanna be carried!" She announced suddenly.

Giving a teasing look to Zack, who opened his arms, cocky grin. She instead skipped happily, and then hopped onto Angeal, who grunted in surprise. He'd been ahead of her, and definitely wasn't expecting the girl to climb onto his back for a ride.

"Ah, how chivalrous!" Genesis clapped with a cheer while Zach pouted.

Angeal merely adjusted as he normally did, gripping her legs to balance her. "Hang on tight."

"Roger!"

"I feel so dissed," Zach said. There wasn't any rancor in his voice though, instead it dripped in amusement.

"Don't feel left out," Aerith said smartly. "When we get back to Midgar, you can carry Cloud."

I choked on a laugh. "That's true. Can't stand in the way of true love."

"I do love Cloud! He's my best friend." Zach nodded sagely. Then he scoffed. "Doesn't mean I wanna carry him!"

"I doubt a puppy could carry a chocobo anyway," Genesis mocked. "You'll need to grow up before you can hold someone else."

"Hey!" Zach whined.

I turned my head enough when we ascended the stairs. This was my family. Messy and awkward, and the teasing never stopped for long. They each deserved the world, and they deserved to be able to sit anywhere without being bothered.

The girl had been joined by her friends, and they all seemed to be either pouting or angry. Good. For now, I absorbed the relief that came with a mission well done. Tomorrow, I'd try to make sure the next one went as smooth.