Autumn had arrived in Banora, and the dumbapple harvest had begun. It would be the last harvest for Genesis and Angeal; their applications to Shinra's Military academy had been accepted, and in a few weeks' time they'd be reporting to Midgar for basic training.

Genesis was just as glad to be leaving. Nothing he ever did was good enough for his parents; perhaps he would prove himself worthy enough for SOLDIER someday. Not that he gave a damn anymore what they thought. The only opinion Genesis valued now, was that of his best friend, Angeal. Genesis waited by the dumbapple orchard owned by his family, sitting on the twisted stump of a dead tree, head bent down as he read from his battered copy of Loveless. Today was his birthday, and he'd escaped the main house where his parents were bickering, just to get a bit of quiet solitude.

He heard the scraping sound of heavy boots approaching, and smiled as he saw the large shadow fall across the open pages of his book. Genesis didn't even look up, pretending not to notice Angeal was there.

"Reading your favorite again, hmm?" Angeal said quietly, taking a seat next to Genesis on the bent limb of the dumbapple tree. Though this tree no longer bore fruit, the limb was still strong enough to support the both of them.

Angeal knew Genesis better than anyone, and he saw that flicker of pain in his best friend's eyes once again. "Things rough at home again, Gen?" he asked. The question was met with a nod and a sigh, as Genesis shut the book.

"What else is new, my friend?" Genesis asked, shrugging his shoulders helplessly. "Mother is hovering over me again, nitpicking. And Father is after me to help him go over the books for the orchard." He grunted in disgust, shaking his head. "I can't wait until we're free of this place, Angeal. And I do believe they've forgotten what day today is."

Angeal reached behind him, and brought out a container roughly the size of a dinner plate. "I didn't forget. I would never forget." He handed the container over to Genesis, and smiled. "You can save it for later, or open it now."

Genesis didn't hesitate a moment; he removed the lid, and closed his eyes as he savored the fragrance that wafted out. Sitting inside was a freshly-baked dumbapple pie, Angeal had made it that very morning. It was still warm from the oven, though not too hot to eat.

"You made this for me?" Genesis said in disbelief. Angeal's family was as poor as Genesis's family was rich, though in Genesis's mind, Angeal had riches beyond compare. A mother who loved him, and a poor but happy home. That Angeal took the time to give Genesis a gift from the heart touched him more than words could say.

"Of course I did," Angeal replied with a snort. He nudged Genesis with his elbow and pointed inside. "I brought two forks," he hinted.

Genesis smiled broadly and pulled them out, handing one over to Angeal. "Then let's eat, while it's still warm."

The two friends sat in silence, sharing the pie until they were down to about three bites left. "I can't eat any more, Angeal," Genesis groaned, putting his fork down. "It was delicious…but I can't eat another bite. Mother will be angry that I've spoiled my dinner."

"You're invited to supper at my house, if you'd like to join us," Angeal reminded him. It was a standing invitation, and one Genesis often took advantage of to escape his own parents. He felt more at home with Angeal and his mother than he did in his own home, and it saddened him if he thought about it too much.

Genesis smiled and stood up, brushing the pie crumbs off of his lap. "I would like that very much, Angeal. Thank you."

Angeal stood up as well, and gathered up the remains of the pie, along with the forks. He placed a hand on Genesis's shoulder and smiled.

"Happy birthday, Genesis."