Saving Grace

Azure Imperfections

"Stop asking me about such mundane affairs. You're starting to sound like my mother, Hewley." Sephiroth drawled. A small wry smile ghosting across his face as memories flitted past his mind's eye eerily.

"You know the gravity of your situation Sephiroth. All that I'm doing now is just reminding you of what you must do." Angeal chided sternly.

Sephiroth fought the urge to roll his eyes, "I thank you for your concern. However, if this is your new hobby mother-dear, I strongly suggest you find a new one. Now if you will excuse me, I have much better things to do than to waste my time chatting with you Hewley."

Sephiroth sighed heavily as he reached up to message his temples, he could feel yet another a migraine coming to plague him. This was not the first time his long-time friend has reminded him of this tiresome thing. Sephiroth frowned, delicate silver brows meeting in a tight embrace as he stood, padding slowly around the table in search of some painkillers and perhaps some brandy to go along with it.

Sephiroth often wondered: whatever has gotten into his two friends to feel the need to pester him incessantly about that cumbersome detail of his life? Shaking his head, Sephiroth immediately came to regret this move when his migraine took the cue and came crashing into his head, ricocheting off the walls of his skull. A low groan escaped his lips as he leaned against the counter to stable himself, white hot pain pulsing from the back of his brain to the front. It was unbearable.

The 25 year old cursed softly as he reached for the tablets, poured some brandy and downed them in one swift gulp. Sephiroth placed a hand over his eyes, breathing deeply as he felt the familiarity of pain ebbing away to a dull ache. And then, nothing. Great shoulders heaved gravely with the a deep intake of air. The pain of the migraine having stopped however temporary. It would suffice for now.

Pushing himself off the counter, Sephiroth moved to wash the used glass. He watched with unseeing eyes as the water ran down his hand into the glass. Filling. Then overfilling. Nothing but the haunting sound of running water and the loud pounding of his heart resonated throughout the house that afternoon.

Angeal glared down at the phone angrily as the dial tone sounded through the ear-piece, taunting him. He resisted the urge to slam the phone down on the receiver, opting instead to frown heavily. Talking some sense into Sephiroth was obviously of no use… again. The man could be a huge pain-in-the-ass sometimes.

Angeal's frown deepened, Sephiroth shows no indication of caving into the pleas and threats of both himself and Genesis, mentally adding: Respectively. Scratching his chin thoughtfully, Angeal pondered over his slim and severely exhausted options. He really could not continue calling the platinum blonde up everyday. Having done that for the past two weeks. Knowing Sephiroth, he would probably call the cops on him and sue him for harassment. Friends or not.

Genesis and himself have been discussing this other possibility for the past few days. Genesis was doubtful of the success rate of such an arrangement. Angeal laughed softly as he recalled what Genesis had said.

Flashback

"From the looks of it, we either get mauled by that monstrosity he keeps at home or we get strangled by our guts after he splits us open with his stupid sword. Either way, I don't like both endings." Genesis declared distastefully, his eye brows twitching at the thought of both prospects. Angeal laughed.

End Flashback

Angeal scratched his chin again as he weighed his option mentally. It was a gamble that both Genesis and himself were willing to take. Angeal mused, 'Even though Genesis claims to be unwilling to be killed in the crossfire's of wills, he just as concerned for Sephiroth. Idiotic stubborn mule and a liar to boot.'

The raven-haired man frowned, 'Crossfire of wills? Imagery…? My god, Genesis must be rubbing off me…' Shrugging, Angeal reached for the phone again, pressing the numbers furiously and almost snapping the poor contraption into two when a pleasant voice sounded at the ear piece.

"Hello, this is the Heartfelt Partner Program headquarters. How may I help you?"

"I'm calling to ask if the application to your program is still standing."

"Oh yes sir. All information that you provide will be absolutely confidential."

"That's wonderful. Can I register over the phone?" Angeal asked, a smile slowly spreading across his face. He had a very good gut feeling for this despite Genesis's negative feedback.

"Yes, you may."

"Sephiroth Winters. 28 years old. Soulit Street 5 apartment 2."

"Seph... Sephiroth Winters sir?"

"Yes, Sephiroth Winters." Angeal repeated, amused at the slight undertone of awe from the receptionist over the phone.

"May I know what is his disability?" Angeal hesitated, he really did not feel comfortable telling the receptionist what Sephiroth had disclosed to him and Genesis only.

"May I know who is it that is going to care for him?"

"Of course, please wait as our computer generates the name of our members."

"Generate names?"

"Not to worry sir, our database has over three thousand college students and volunteers with professional training. They would be able to handle and tend to the client properly."

"I see… Would it be possible for me to disclose that information to the chosen person instead?"

"Of course, we respect the personal privacy of our clients. Also, just to inform you, the caretaker chosen has to live with his or her client so as to provide all-round care." Angeal smirked at this. Was Sephiroth going to get a nasty shock or what?

The receptionist continued, "Mr. Winters's caretakers would be Zackary Fair, 20 years old. A college student from Midgar Sports College. He would be arriving at the apartment at approximately 12 noon the day after tomorrow."

"Thank you. Please confer to Mr. Fair that Angeal would be meeting him first to explain the ah… delicate details." Angeal said, as he wrote down the particulars of the caretaker he had apparently applied for.

'Sephiroth was not going to like this. But then again Sephiroth's not here right now to protest and silence means consent.' Angeal thought, an uncharacteristic rogue grin, which seemed almost evil, unfolded across his face slowly.

Author's Notes: Standard disclaimer applies and thank for reading my humble fic. Please leave a review after you leave .