*This is a re-write of a story I recently posted (and subsequently took down), titled "Since I've Been Loving You." It didn't come out quite the way I had originally intended, so I decided to work on it a little bit more and do some revising.*

Summary: Genesis and Angeal, along with Cloud and Zack, are forced to spend a weekend together at a Shinra, Inc. sponsored retreat - at the Gold Saucer. Angeal has been wrestling with his true feelings toward Genesis but has been unable to confess how he feels. How will Genesis react when he learns the truth? Also, Genesis forces Angeal to go shopping for a new wardrobe. Kind of a crackfic!

Disclaimer: Square Enix owns Final Fantasy, I do not. This fic is written for fun, not profit.

So if you really love me
Say yes
But if you don't, dear -
Confess
And please don't tell me...
Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps

"Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps" – Cake

"This is absolutely ridiculous, Angeal," Genesis said in disgust as he sat back in his seat aboard the cable car from Corel, bound for the Gold Saucer. He and Angeal, along with Zack Fair, Cloud Strife, and a bunch of other SOLDIERS and cadets, were heading there for a "Shinra Retreat" - one of Rufus's ideas to bolster camaraderie amongst the troops. It was intended to be a "team building experience," to use Rufus's words. Everyone in the company was excited about a free trip to the Gold Saucer - not to mention, being on leave the entire weekend.

Everyone, except for Genesis Rhapsodos. "Ridiculous," he repeated, folding his arms and crossing his legs as he glared at everyone in the cable car. Angeal smirked, trying to hold back a laugh. Really, Genesis was wound too tightly, and Angeal had hoped the weekend off would help his best friend to relax. So far, the very idea of the trip seemed to be having the opposite effect, as Genesis sat there with an angry scowl on his face.

"Just give it a chance, Genesis," Angeal urged his friend. "I know you think the Gold Saucer is too...what was that word you used?"

"Pedestrian," Genesis replied, practically spitting out the word. "Pedestrian. And it is, at that. Why couldn't we have a night out at the opera, or something like that? Something with a little more...culture, perhaps?"

"Like LOVELESS?" Angeal teased. "Not everyone shares your passion for that, Genesis. Which is a shame, of course," he added quickly, as he noticed Genesis glaring daggers at him.

"Yes, it is a shame, Angeal," Genesis said, nodding. "Is this - " Genesis gestured out the window of the cable car, at the bright colors and flashing neon lights of Gold Saucer in the distance - "is this what culture on Gaia has been reduced to? I do not wish to be a party to this!"

"Well, it's kind of an order from President Shinra," Angeal replied, shrugging his shoulders. "We're supposed to be having fun this weekend, bonding with the troops. That sort of thing."

"Fabulous," Genesis muttered. "And the Turks are here as well?" he asked, as he saw Reno and Rude sitting together nearby. "Who invited them?"

"Don't know," Angeal replied. "They probably invited themselves. Rude comes here often, I hear."

"Indeed," Genesis said indifferently, sniffing. "Well, it seems that everyone but me will be having fun. The Gold Saucer does not appeal to me in the least."

"You might be surprised, Genesis," Angeal said, trying to settle his friend's ruffled feathers. "Look at Zack," he said, pointing at the young lieutenant, who was seated near his friend Cloud. "Zack appears to be very excited." Indeed, Zack was gesturing out the window, pointing out various attractions to Cloud and his fellow cadets.

Genesis laughed. "Zachary gets excited over dust bunnies, Angeal," he retorted. "That proves nothing."

Angeal laughed heartily as he leaned back in his seat. "I suppose you have a point, Genesis," he murmured. "Zack is just very...eager."

Genesis snorted in amusement. "There's an understatement. What's going on with him and the kid?" he inquired, nodding his head toward Cloud, who was hanging onto Zack's every word, clearly idolizing the SOLDIER.

"I'm not entirely sure," Angeal admitted, his curiosity renewed. "Perhaps they're just good friends?"

"Hmpf," Genesis scoffed. "I think there's a bit more to it than that, Ang. Look at how Zachary's looking at the boy, he practically has stars in his eyes," he muttered, while rolling his own eyes nearly out of his skull.

"Are you jealous or something?" Angeal said teasingly, raising an eyebrow at Genesis. The question was only half-serious; for months, Genesis had been complaining to Angeal about the lack of eligible men at Shinra. Angeal, being a good friend, would listen patiently to Genesis's gripes, all the while wanting to ask the russet-haired SOLDIER why he was so damned short-sighted and unable to see what was right in front of him.

Angeal sighed resignedly. Perhaps Genesis didn't see him as anything other than a friend from childhood, now a comrade at arms. Best not to venture there, he thought, a bit sadly. In case he doesn't feel the same way...the last thing I'd want to do, is to ruin our friendship.

The cable car came to a stop at the station outside of the Gold Saucer, and the bright lights and colors proved to be sensory overload for everyone, but especially to Genesis, who didn't want to be there in the first place. "I prefer a little more subtlety," he groused to Angeal as they disembarked. "This decor...it looks like a child ate a box of fluorescent crayons and vomited them everywhere."

Angeal chuckled as he hoisted his duffel bag over his shoulder. "It is a bit over the top, I guess," he admitted. Zack and Cloud had made their way toward the front, and were now standing behind Genesis and Angeal, waiting for the line to move along as they waited to exit the cable car. "Wow, Cloud, check it out!" Zack crowed excitedly. "It's so bright! And the music, it's so happy!" Zack was bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet, practically bursting out of his skin. Genesis gave Angeal a look that said "I told you so", and Angeal turned away, his face beet red as he forced back a laugh.

"It looks like fun," Cloud said timidly, flashing a shy smile at Zack. "Are there rides, too?"

"Of course!" Zack replied, clapping Cloud on the shoulder. "I'll take you on all of them, Cloud," he said in a quieter tone, staring down at the blond cadet as he brushed a stray lock of hair out of Cloud's eyes. The movement – and the moment between Zack and Cloud – did not go unnoticed by Genesis. Aha, he thought, smirking. I knew it! Those two have something going on that's gone beyond mentor and mentee. Oh, I cannot wait until Angeal and I check into our room, so I can share this bit of gossip...

Genesis frowned as he noticed Angeal had his back turned to him. Damn, he missed that whole exchange! Genesis thought, disappointedly. He snuck up behind the taller man, peeking over his shoulder. "Psst! Angeal!" he hissed.

Angeal nearly jumped as he saw Genesis's face peering around and staring at him. "What is it, Genesis?" he asked. Genesis said nothing, but jerked his head toward Cloud and Zack, who were flirting with each other madly, oblivious to Genesis's stares.

"See?" Genesis whispered to Angeal, a knowing smirk on his face. "Look at them I told you...that something was going on!"

"Do you ever stop gossiping, Gen?" Angeal asked, chuckling. "You're like an old woman with that sometimes, you know." He placed a hand on Genesis's shoulder, resting it there just a moment longer than he'd intended.

"What is it, Angeal?" Genesis asked as he turned to him, wondering if something was wrong with Angeal. He's acting a bit odd lately, Genesis worried. He's quieter than usual…well, he's always been quiet, but this has gone beyond the norm for Angeal.

"We, ah…should check into our hotel room first thing, don't you think, Genesis?" Angeal said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable, and looking away from Genesis.

"Sure," Genesis replied. "Let's go there now. Angeal?" he began hesitantly, frowning. "Are you okay? You seem...different, lately." Genesis felt that he knew Angeal better than anyone, and it worried him that the taciturn man was even more quiet and pensive than usual.

Angeal turned to stare at Genesis, somewhat surprised that the redhead had picked up on anything. He thought he'd been so careful, so nonchalant around Genesis, once he realized the depth of his feelings for the man.

"I'm okay," Angeal replied, smiling. I don't like to lie...but this was a necessary one, he rationalized.

"I don't believe you," Genesis retorted stubbornly, studying his friend's face. "Something's bothering you, and I'm going to find out what it is."

"Just let it alone, Genesis," Angeal said gruffly, heading toward the entrance for the Ghost Hotel. "Let it alone."

"Fine, then," Genesis muttered, following along behind Angeal. "I can be just as stubborn as you, you know," he called to Angeal tauntingly.

Angeal didn't acknowledge Genesis's words out loud, but grinned upon hearing them. Don't I know it, Genesis, he thought, sighing. Don't I know it.

Soon thereafter, Genesis and Angeal, along with all of the other members of their party, checked into their rooms at the Ghost Hotel. Most of the cadets were staying four to a room; somehow, Genesis and Angeal had managed to get a room for just the two of them. Angeal had thought nothing of it to start; it certainly wouldn't be the first time they'd bunked together, as they'd done so on various missions. Not to mention, Angeal thought, when we were kids...having sleepovers at each other's houses. He smiled fondly at the memory, as Genesis threw himself on the king-sized bed, shrugging off his red leather duster, and kicking off his boots.

"Gods, I could use a nap," he complained, adjusting the pillows behind his head. Angeal grinned, and sat on his own double bed, facing Genesis.

"We're at an amusement park complex," Angeal commented, somewhat amused, "and you want to sleep?"

"Just for a little while," Genesis pleaded, smiling at Angeal. "What? Why don't you take a rest too, Angeal? We've both had a busy week." Genesis studied the man seated opposite him, sitting there with his massive, muscled arms folded across his chest, briefly wondering what it would feel like to have those arms wrapped around him whilst he slept. Genesis had harbored feelings of a romantic nature toward Angeal for some time; but, was either too stubborn, too aloof, or too wrapped up in himself to ever do anything about it.

"There's activities planned for the group, though," Angeal protested, frowning. "We really shouldn't miss whatever's been scheduled."

"Nothing on the itinerary until five o'clock," Genesis replied, smirking. "Come on, let's have a nap," he pleaded, patting the space next to him on the oversized bed. "Sorry to have claimed the larger bed without even asking," Genesis apologized, a gleam in his eye. "But you know how I like to stretch out!"

"Yes, I know," Angeal replied uneasily. "I was actually just thinking back to the sleepovers we used to have, as kids." He stood up, but did not sit next to Genesis - Angeal was far too nervous to be within close proximity to the object of his unrequited affections.

"Well, come on, then!" Genesis urged Angeal, smiling as he again patted the bed invitingly. "Sit with me, Angeal, I don't bite," he murmured, practically purring. Angeal took in the sight of Genesis stretched out on the bed; his black leather pants encasing his long, lean legs; the black turtleneck clinging enticingly to his muscled chest.

He has no idea what this is doing to me, Angeal mused, his pulse slowly beginning to increase, despite his best efforts to still it. Either that, or he does know what he's doing to me, and is behaving like a saucy little minx. I would not put that past him either. Angeal glanced up and saw that Genesis was still staring at him expectantly.

"I will sit with you for just a bit," Angeal said, trying to sound nonchalant. "But we need to get back for the activities later on - "

"Screw the activities," Genesis retorted, sneering. "Really. What are we to do, sit around a campfire and roast marshmallows with the boys?"

"That could be fun," Angeal murmured, grinning. He gingerly took a seat next to Genesis on the bed, taking care not to lie down too close to his friend. Just friends, Angeal kept telling himself. We're just friends...and that is how it must remain.

"I don't mean to be such a bitch, Angeal," Genesis said. He turned and lay on his side, staring at Angeal. "Really, I don't. I just...would rather spend time with you, than to participate in these ridiculous Shinra-sponsored activities."

"Spend time with me?" Angeal echoed incredulously. "Why?"

"Because you're my best friend, Ang," Genesis replied, surprised at the question. "Of course I want to spend time with you. And we never get time alone like this, since we were both promoted to First."

"Yes, I suppose that's true," Angeal replied. He tried to relax himself, laying on his back, and folded his arms behind his head. "I think the last time we had a quiet moment alone, was during that horrible mission in the mountains of Wutai."

"And it rained, and you ate all of our rations," Genesis added in a teasing tone. "And then I had to kill a chocobo with my rapier, just so we'd have food!"

"Did not!" Angeal retorted, smiling sideways at Genesis. "You ate more than I did!"

"Hmpf," Genesis snorted, eyeing a brochure on the nearby nightstand. He reached for it, and thumbed through it, scanning the contents absently. Moments later, he gasped aloud. "Angeal!" he squealed. "Forget the nap – we need to go here," Genesis said, tossing the pamphlet at Angeal, while he quickly pulled his boots back on.

"What on Gaia is this? – " Angeal began. "Oh no, Genesis," he groaned. "You are not taking me shoe shopping again!"

"Angeal," Genesis said steadily. "It is not just shoes. This mall has everything!" he crowed. "All my favorite designers. Please say you'll go with me? I'll buy you a gelato if you help me carry my bags?" he said, trying to bargain with Angeal.

Angeal sighed. "You're talking as if you've bought out the entire place already," he commented, bemused. "Genesis, just remember…we need to be back here before five o'clock. For the activities."

"Yes, yes, whatever. Team building blah blah blah, courtesy of Rufus Shinra," Genesis rattled on and on in this fashion, waving his hand dismissively. "Come on, Angeal," Genesis purred, pulling Angeal to his feet by tugging on his hands. "I'll show you a good time!"

"Are you propositioning me?" Angeal said jokingly.

"I don't know, Angeal," Genesis said coyly. "Am I?" He threw a smirk over his shoulder at Angeal, then pulled his red leather duster back on as he searched on the nearby bureau for his wallet.

"You are impossible, Genesis," Angeal muttered. Does he have any idea what his teasing does to me? Angeal wondered. Damn him!

The shopping district within the Gold Saucer was a complimentary shuttle ride away from the Ghost Hotel, which had Angeal grumbling slightly. He knew about Genesis's penchant for shopping - particularly shoes - and was fearing the worst, that the man would buy out every store they stepped foot in. And someone would have to help Genesis carry all his purchases back to the hotel, of course.

"What's wrong, Angeal?" Genesis asked, as they stepped out of the shuttle. He studied his friend's face; Angeal appeared troubled to him, and Genesis was determined to find out why.

"Nothing," Angeal replied shortly, flashing a reluctant smile. "I'm okay, Genesis. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Then tell me," Genesis urged. "Please. You can tell me anything, you know."

I can't. Not this, Angeal thought, frowning. "Maybe later," he told Genesis, lying. He really had no intention of telling Genesis anything about how he felt; perhaps he never would.

"Remember, Genesis," Angeal commented, intentionally changing the subject. "You do not have to buy something in every store we set foot in." He grinned knowingly at Genesis.

Genesis gasped in mock astonishment. "Are you saying I have some sort of spending problem, Angeal?" he asked, linkin his arm with Angeal's as he dragged him toward a row of garishly lighted clothing stores.

"You're a shoe whore, Genesis," Angeal said, chuckling. "And, a clothing whore."

"Well, I can't help it if everything looks good on me," Genesis huffed, tossing his hair back in mock indignation.

"You know, maybe I'd like to shop for some clothing this time," Angeal commented, raising an eyebrow as he awaited Genesis's reaction. Wait for it...wait for it...I just know what he's going to say...

The shriek, when it came, caused several passers-by to stop in their tracks and turn their heads. Genesis literally squealed with delight. "This is fantastic, Ang! Yes! You know, you do need some new things. Really, what you need is an enitrely new wardrobe! And I can help you pick everything out!"

"Help me," Angeal muttered, regretting ever mentioning to Genesis the need for some new clothing. "I am in hell."

"What did you say?" Genesis asked offhandedly, as he dragged Angeal toward a brightly lit clothing store, the bass pumping as loud music blared out the open doors.

"I said, swell," Angeal replied, rolling his eyes. Genesis's eyes sparkled with glee as he shoved Angeal toward a rack of leather pants. "This is going to be so much fun!" he trilled.