In Sickness and In Health

by x-YaoiWolf-x

Genesis has some news for his four lovers a month before Valentine's day. Can Angeal, Sephiroth, Zack, and Cloud make the most of the situation for the special occasion and cheer their Loveless-obsessed significant other up? Yeah, probably. ASGZC -Written for Otorisosa-kan's Writing Challenge - Happy belated Valentine's Day, all !

Title: In Sickness and in Health
Author: x-YaoiWolf-x
Rating: M – because I can –
Warning: Probably some Male/Male relationship, mentions of terminal illness, nothing serious… not much happens, just stuff :3
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy or any of its derivatives, nor do I own any of the sexy characters. A tragedy… I know. I also do not own "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

AN: Hey all! It's been a while… So! This is a oneshot written for Otorisosa-kan's Writing Challenge! The rules for this round were that we had to use all ten words provided in the prompt to write a story. All the words HAD to be included, and this is the result of my efforts to do that. I took the trouble of bolding the words so you all can tell what they were. I ask all of you who like this to leave a review~ those count as the votes for this challenge. But enough about that. This was supposed to be done by Valentine's Day but Life happened and it was delayed by a week. Now it's done, though, so I hope you all enjoy! Thank you!

~x~x~x~

In Sickness and in Health

-x-

"Love is like math on a chalkboard. It's full of problems and irrationalities but at the end you're well satisfied."

-x-x-x-

Genesis stormed through the halls to the elevator and again as he reached the apartment he shared with his four lovers. He wished their door wasn't the type that slid open with the swipe of a card-key so that he could have slammed it. Instead he slammed his fist against it and flinched when it sent a shock of pain through his shoulder.

He growled as he was reminded of the reason for his foul mood in the first place.

The auburn-haired SOLDIER had just gotten through with a routine medical exam with Professor Hollander. During which he was informed, in a rather lackluster fashion, that there was no cure for his degradation. Anything the rotund scientist might have said after that had been lost on him as he'd raged at the man then stormed out.

Now, here he was, reviewing the events that had led up to his injury and wishing they had never happened.

He wasn't even sure what it had been that had set him off that day in the VR room. Maybe Sephiroth's words rubbed him the wrong way, perhaps it was the overconfident expression on his lover's face when he'd said it; it might even have just been his voice or the flatness of his tone. Now that he thought about it, it was probably just the way he had said it. Whatever the reason, Genesis had simply snapped. It hadn't even really been a conscious thought.

As he sat now, bandaged up and deep in thought on the very comfortable black leather sofa in their sitting room where he was attempting to relax after that disaster with Hollander, he wished he hadn't gotten so upset. If he'd just stopped it when Angeal had intervened… but hindsight was twenty-twenty, as they say.

That had been weeks ago. He'd managed to function, but the injury he'd inflicted upon himself wasn't mending. It should've been gone by now, healed ages ago. But it hadn't. It had actually grown worse as the days passed. It wasn't infected, thankfully. He'd cleaned and dressed it regularly. But it wasn't healing. Sure, it had tentatively scabbed over so that he wasn't bleeding all over the place all the time, but every harsh movement he made aggravated the area and served to reopen the gash. He'd taken to wearing black shirts when he lazed around the apartment so that the others wouldn't notice any blood and start to worry. He tried to stay busy either working late in his office or working late at home in the dining room to avoid going to sleep with the others until they were already sleeping.

As a result he was lacking sleep and ached all over.

The Crimson Commander knew that his loves probably suspected something. He hadn't been very enthusiastic about much of anything lately nor was he eating properly these days. If they hadn't noticed already, they would definitely notice when they saw the dent in their door. For some reason, their door was old and less sturdy than the ones on the SOLDIER training floors.

In any case, Genesis decided today he would tell them straight out. Now that it was labelled a terminal illness there was no way he was going to keep it a secret from the four people he loved most on all of Gaia. Though, he might have tried to if he didn't feel it would be impossible to continue hiding it from them. In the meantime, all he could do was wait for them to return.

Curling up in the sofa chair, Genesis nodded off.

-x-x-x-

"It's almost Valentine's Day."

This was the first thing Sephiroth said as they all met up in the SOLDIER lounge to wait for their wayward lover who had been gone on a mission for the entire day. Not being much for casual chatting, the socially awkward general usually went for whatever had been on his mind at the time when starting conversations with his lovers. As it so happened, he had been contemplating what they might do for the next holiday of the year.

"It's nowhere near almost Valentine's Day, Sephiroth," Angeal snorted. "In fact, it's only just finished being New Year's."

"New Year's was nearly two weeks ago," Zack protested. "I agree with Seph on this one, Ange."

"I only meant it as a gauge on the next major holiday," Sephiroth explained himself. Both Angeal and Zack smiled at their sometimes awkward love.

"Relax, Seph, we know," Zack reassured him. "We're just messing with you. But seriously, what are we gonna do for Valentine's Day?"

"It would be wise to plan for it, anyway," Angeal agreed. "Sometimes it sneaks up on us because of our conflicting schedules."

"Exactly!"

"Right," Sephiroth nodded. "I believe we might do something to cheer up Genesis."

"Gen-Gen?" Zack tilted his head in question.

"He has been rather out of sorts lately," the silver-haired man explained. "It is not always obvious, but he hasn't been himself."

"You haven't noticed, Puppy?" Angeal raised a brow at his ex-student turned lover.

"I might have noticed once or twice, but Gen's a good actor," the younger First shrugged. "I don't always see what he doesn't want me to see."

"That's understandable, Pup," Angeal assured. "I like your idea, Seph. We should do something specifically for Gen this year."

"Agreed. What should we do?"

"We could take him out to eat," Zack suggested. "There's that amazing Wutaian buffet place that we haven't been to in ages! You know Gen-Gen loves Wutaian."

Angeal shook his head. "I don't think that would work out very well, puppy. He hasn't been eating much lately."

"How about a night at the theatre? I think there's a new production of Loveless starting in a few days," Zack tried again.

"Genesis has not been in the mood to go out much recently," Sephiroth spoke up. The redhead hadn't been up for many things in recent days; turning down invitations to accompany them grocery shopping or the occasional small date. Only yesterday he had declined a spar with him during their lunch hour. "I don't believe he would accept the invite."

"But," Zack whined. "It's Valentine's Day. We always do something. There has to be something that would cheer him up and make him happy on Valentine's Day."

"Indeed."

The elder of the raven-haired Firsts sighed. "But what can we do?"

"About what?"

The three of them turned at the new voice to find Cloud standing there, innocently curious. He looked a bit roughed up but that was no surprise. He'd just gotten in from a mission, after all.

"Cloudy!" Zack chirped, immediately bounding over to engulf the smaller SOLDIER in a hug. "Welcome back! How was the mission?"

"Good?" Cloud shrugged into the hug. "It went about average as far as missions go."

"You are alright?" Sephiroth spoke up in concern, a small frown line appearing between silver eyebrows. "You are not hurt?"

"No," Cloud quickly shook his head, sending the man a radiant smile. "I'm great!"

"That's good to hear," Angeal smiled at their youngest love. "Welcome back, Cloud."

"Thanks," Cloud beamed. "So what were you three talking about? Where's Gen?"

"Actually, he is who we were talking about," Angeal hummed. "Genesis had an appointment with Professor Hollander, by the way."

"Oh," the blonde nodded. "Why were you talking about him?"

"We wish to do something to lift his spirits for Valentine's Day, but were having a hard time coming up with an appropriate idea," Sephiroth clarified.

"He has been kinda down lately, huh?" Cloud thought. "I don't think I have any good ideas…"

"Aw, that's alright, Spike," Zack ruffled usually blonde spikes, though at the moment they were flecked with dirt and dust. "We can brainstorm some more later. I think for now we should head home so you can have a shower and get clean. You look like you just walked a mile in a dust storm."

"And possibly fell into a few mud puddles, too," Angeal teased, reaching over to wipe a smudge of dried mud from Cloud's cheek.

"I am positive you also have not eaten since breakfast," Sephiroth smiled down at his dirt-covered boyfriend and lifted an arm in invite. "Come."

Cloud happily went, fitting himself to the General's side and hugging both arms around his waist as the four of them began walking to the glass elevator that would take them to their living quarters on the top two floors of ShinRa.

-x-x-x-

Genesis heard them before they reached the door coming down the hallway. The little chocobo was telling them about his mission and the literal dust storm that had caught him and his troupe on their return through the wasteland outside Midgar. The auburn-haired First calculated he had only a minute before they arrived and he took that moment to straighten himself out.

He was still in uniform, having fallen asleep on the couch chair without bothering to change. He'd only woken when the loud voice of their puppy reached his ears as they'd exited the elevator out in the hall.

The beeping of the door's card reader indicated their arrival and the subsequent swish of the door opening let him know they were home. Genesis didn't move from his spot in the chair, only shifted minutely to better face the entrance to their sitting room. All the lights were off in their home except for the lamp to his right which he'd turned on upon his return earlier and had stayed on throughout his long nap.

Angeal was the first to enter the sitting room, timely followed by Cloud, Sephiroth, and finally, Zack. Each of them took note of the unusually serious redhead lounging heavily in his favorite black leather chair.

"It isn't healing."

These were the first words Genesis spoke into the silence. None of them had to ask what exactly it was he meant and they all wore varying expressions of distress at his words.

"Genesis, are you sure?" Angeal was the first to speak. The redhead nodded.

"How? Why?" Cloud cried out, not entirely keeping a hold on the panic that gripped him at the auburn-haired First's words. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"If it has not healed since that day, how have you hidden it from us all this time?" came Sephiroth's demanding question on the immediate heel of the blonde's.

"Hey, guys," Zack tried to mediate, realizing that tensions had skyrocketed at the bomb Genesis had just dropped on them. "Calm down. Deep breaths. It can't be that bad," he tried. "There's gotta be a reason for this, and there's probably a cure for whatever it is, too."

"There is no cure for this," Genesis hissed, bitter at having to admit that fact. "Hollander called it Degradation. I'm dying."

"Don't say that, Genesis!" Zack yelled almost immediately after those words. "You can't be sure there's no cure! It's only that Hollander doesn't have one. Don't give up! He's not the only doctor out there!"

"Face reality, Puppy!" Genesis yelled back, shooting to his feet to loom more menacingly before them all. "Much as I hate to admit it, Hollander is a top grade scientist in his own right! If he cannot find any way to stop it, who else is there that can?"

"Hojo."

"No!" Cloud's voice cut through the argument, sounding both horrified and adamant in his refusal of Sephiroth's suggestion. "No!"

"Whoa, whoa, Chocobo, relax," Zack cried, reaching over and pulling the wide-eyed blonde into a partial hug. "Nothing's set in stone, but there are options. I hate the creep as much as any of us, but he is an option."

Cloud violently shook his head.

"We can't trust him! He doesn't even try to deny his hate for both Genesis and Angeal! What guarantee would we have that he would even bother to help?"

"There isn't one," Sephiroth answered, knowing that was the case and unwilling to mince words when he also knew how incredibly full of both hate and fear Cloud was toward that man. Sephiroth reached for the Third and held him comfortingly. "It is only an option, Cloud, and much as I loathe him, it is not an option I am willing to forgo for the sake of hate alone."

Cloud held out for a long while before sagging in defeat at the logic of it. "Fine," he muttered into the General's leather coat. "We can at least ask the bastard."

"That is all we can do," Sephiroth replied, leaving out the silent 'short of threaten him' that followed in his mind.

"Well," Genesis huffed, turning up his nose at the notion of even the possibility of having to involve Hojo. "I think we all need to face this properly and realize that there is entirely the high probability that there is no solution to this problem."

He heard it before he saw it - a sudden cease of breath and the beginnings of a sob – and he knew without having to look, that he had only made their sweet and loving little chocobo even more upset with his unthinking words; no matter how true he thought they were. He shifted over in his comfortable leather chair to make a large enough space for the blonde and beckoned with both hands outstretched for the youngest of his lovers to sit with him.

Cloud didn't need to be urged more than that and immediately settled himself warmly into the auburn-haired SOLDIER's side, being mindful of Genesis' shoulder as he sat with as little jostling as was possible. Once they'd fit themselves together, both males sank into the cushion, gathering strength and reassurance each from the other.

"That's not fair," Zack ruined the moment with his whine of complaint. "I want to snuggle with Cloudy and Gen-Gen, too!"

Angeal, who stood to the Puppy's left, sighed and ruffled the younger raven-haired man's spikes. "There isn't any room on the chair for you."

"Not true," the other pouted. "I can squeeze in there just fine."

"Come here, Zackary," Sephiroth ordered as one might order a dog from across the room. Zack turned to find Sephiroth had sat on the cream-colored couch that sat perpendicular to the chair in which two of his lovers were cuddling. The sulking First contemplated the command for a moment, weighed the General's offer against his chances of worming his way into the chair with Gen and Cloud, and dropped into Sephiroth's lap with a grin and an appreciative peck on the stoic man's cheek. The silver-haired man's arms wrapped about the younger man's waist in appreciation.

Angeal raised an amused eyebrow at the two and sent Genesis and Cloud a 'Seriously, who do they think they are?' kind of look. Cloud giggled and the redhead sent him a bemused smile, enjoying the trio's antics in this otherwise tense moment. Angeal snorted and, with a shake of his head, strode across the room to drop into the seat beside Sephiroth, soon finding a pair of socked feet laid across his lap. Rolling his eyes, the burly First promptly tickled the arch of Zack's foot and grinned with triumph when the unsuspecting Pup burst with sudden laughter.

Sephiroth sent the elder First a peeved glare, which Angeal chose to ignore, and bid Zack to hush with a lazy bite to the younger First's ear. Zack gave a final laugh then fell silent, leaning against Seph's shoulder and settling down to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere they had created in the wake of Genesis' devastating news.

There was nothing going on. It was only them and the silence and being there for each other.

Genesis was surprised to feel the pessimism of his situation melting from him as he basked in the support and comfort that his loves projected around him. He could feel the love from all of them and allowed himself to soak in the warmth of them, grateful to the Goddess for giving him not one but four lovers as amazing as they were.

Tomorrow they could discuss his degradation in more detail, but for now Genesis was content with simply cuddling.

-x-x-x-

"That did not go well," Zack whistled as Genesis stormed out of their bedroom. They could hear him stomping up the stairs that led to the roof. They lived on the top two floors of ShinRa Tower (for reasons better left unmentioned) and the roof had always been the Crimson Commander's favorite place to retreat to when he wanted to be alone.

Zack had woken up when he felt Genesis get out of bed; it being impossible not to when the redhead had literally rolled over him to leave. He'd watched his auburn-haired paramour stumble to the bathroom and asked if he was alright. That had led to a sad smile from Gen and a 'do you need any help?' from Zack which further led to the awakening of the rest of them.

When all five of them had settled down a bit and were back in bed, the 'talk' they had pushed aside last night was had. Unfortunately, that conversation had not gone as expected. Hence, the redhead's rather tempestuous exit.

There was a silence as each of them went over the conversation in their minds; all came to the conclusion that it could have been planned out a bit better and handled more calmly. Even with the advantage of an extra night to take in the information, emotions had varied and gotten the better of all of them. But, well, hindsight-20/20 and all that nonsense.

At length, one of them found the voice to speak.

"Um," It was Cloud. "I know it's probably not the right time, but I thought of something we could do for Valentine's Day…"

The other three perked up at that. Sephiroth raised a brow in question and Zack leaned forward with a cry of 'Really?' and 'What?'. Angeal only smiled, waiting with his usual fount of patience for the young blonde to speak. Cloud let a nervous laugh escape him at their varied reactions before clearing his throat to speak again.

"It's nothing big," he warned. "I just thought, with all this going on with Gen, that it might be a nice present if we take him away from ShinRa for a while… like on a vacation."

There was a quiet while the others thought on that idea.

"Hm," Sephiroth hummed after a moment. "It may be difficult to convince the President – or Lazard for that matter – to allow us to leave the company all at the same time for any long period of time."

"It wouldn't have to be a long vacation," Cloud protested. "Maybe a week… I don't think ShinRa would crumble if you guys were only gone a week."

"You'd be surprised how paranoid the President is," Angeal muttered, sending Cloud a sardonic smile with that statement. Beside him Sephiroth snorted.

"Alright, alright," Zack placated, "but it can't hurt to try. I agree with Spike! Gen~Gen would like some time out of the house, especially now, y'know, with his degradation or whatever."

"That is true," Sephiroth accepted. "Angeal and I will see what we can do. However, do not get your hopes up. A vacation is not likely to be approved."

Cloud nodded. He would defer to Seph in matters concerning the President. "Okay…"

"Did you think of something to do instead?" Angeal asked, not wanting Cloud to dwell on the negative. "Just in case."

"I did," Cloud confirmed. "It's a surprise, but you guys can see it when it's done. I might ask you all to help me after I get the main part of it done."

"You are going to make it yourself?"

"No," the blonde shook his head at Sephiroth's question. "I'm going to send a commission to a shop I happen to know of that works exclusively with leather. They take requests for the right price and I think they'll be perfect for what I'm thinking. So, once I go talk to them, I'll tell you all about it and ask for your assistance."

"Wait, wait. What do you mean 'for the right price', Cloudy?"

"Well… it might turn out a bit more expensive than I can afford with just my paycheck…" he trailed off, but continued when he saw all three of them opening their mouths to speak. "But! That's what I have you for~" The blonde smiled smugly. "I mean, it isn't a present from all four of us if you guys don't pitch in, right?"

"Right," Angeal chuckled; his laugh echoed by the other two.

"Right!" Cloud nodded. "So, that's that. Trust me, Gen will love it."

"I'm sure he will."

"Yeah, as long as it's from you, he'll love it no matter what~!"

"That sounds like favoritism to me, Puppy…" Angeal observed.

"Well, that's because it is!"

"True," Sephiroth chimed in with a playful smirk at the now pouting chocobo. "We all know that Cloud is Genesis' favorite."

"I'm not denying it," Angeal corrected. "I was only pointing out the obvious."

"Hey! Guys!" Cloud whined. "Stop that!"

"He did not deny it…"

"Seeeeeph!"

Three distinct chuckles met his protests.

"What is everyone laughing about?" a voice interrupted, ceasing the laughter with its deadpan tone.

"Gen~Gen!" Zack cried and raced over to glomp the redhead. Genesis turned to avoid the tackle and snorted when the pup slammed into the wall behind him.

"Cloud doesn't like it when we state the facts," Angeal declared by way of explanation. Genesis tilted his head in question.

"What facts are those?"

"You love Cloud more than the rest of us," Sephiroth relayed.

"Oh," Genesis smiled. "Is that all? I thought you all already knew that."

"Geeeeeen!" Cloud's cry broke into their teasing. "Not you, too!"

Genesis laughed, all traces of his earlier temper absent. "You make it seem like such a bad thing, dove."

"You know it's anything but a bad thing," Cloud rolled his eyes. "I love you most, too."

"It seems we have been dumped," Sephiroth mock-sighed. Angeal attempted not to laugh as he watched his puppy droop into the silver-haired man's lap with so much drama.

"Alas," the spiky-haired First sighed. "We're not needed anymore, Seph."

"Indeed. We shall have to go our separate ways, Zackary."

"Enough, you two," Angeal failed at containing his laughter. "or four, I should say," he rolled his eyes at the other two who were now hugging and exchanging little kisses here and there. "I think there's been enough drama for one morning. It's time for breakfast.

-x-x-x-

The next day they got some news that put a bit of a wrench in their daily lives. Angeal and Zack were being sent on a mission to Fort Condor for three weeks.

"How are we supposed to help Genesis if we're not even here, Angeal?" Zack whined as they made their way to the transport. Only Sephiroth was there to see them off; Gen and Cloud having opted to visit the VR room for some light sparring. The redhead wasn't an invalid, only injured and ill, and he would have a good fight now and then if he wanted to. Or so he had said before sweeping off with Cloud in tow.

"We'll think of something, Zack," Angeal answered. "In the meantime, I'm sure Cloud and Sephiroth can handle him. Like he said earlier, he isn't helpless. If anything does happen, though, Seph and Cloud are here."

"Right," Sephiroth assured their worried lover. "We will update you both if anything severe happens."

"Right, okay," Zack nodded. He really was worried, but there was also something else. "What about the present?"

"Actually, I've got that covered," Angeal spoke up. "Cloud told me he would email instructions once the main part of whatever it is he's getting is done."

"Oh."

"Now, it's time for you both to go,"Sephiroth shooed them off. "Keep in touch."

"Of course."

-x-x-x-

Two and a half weeks passed in a gradient of grey with only the occasional streak of color to keep it all from becoming black and white. The absence of Angeal and Zack had an effect on all of them, but for Genesis it had meant that two of his pillars had gone missing. His support wasn't complete with only two and it caused his mood to fluctuate from missing them to not wanting to see them for a very long time and again to thinking about them and what stupidities Zack might be getting up to, which would start the whole cycle up again.

For Sephiroth and Cloud, the changes in his disposition would mean that Sephiroth had very little idea of how to appease him while Cloud would be left to balance the man out. When Genesis missed them, Cloud would sit with him and talk, maybe call them if he thought they had the time. The times when Genesis was upset or angry for no apparent reason, Cloud would either placate him or suggest a spar. Usually Sephiroth would join the both of them when they sparred.

Sephiroth wasn't useless during all of this, it was only that he had a more difficult time with keeping the peace. After a week of them driving each other nuts, Cloud and Sephiroth had devised a system. Sephiroth would deal with Genesis' happy moments while Cloud dealt with the not-so-happy ones. All in all, it seemed to work out so much better for all of them that way.

It was when the redhead was in one of his more apathetic moods – the most difficult of his attitudes – that things became unpredictable. Usually it ended with either the General or Cloud storming from the apartment in frustration or hurt; whichever one Genesis felt like inflicting upon them in the haze of his uncaring attitude.

As Cloud stood in front of the stove preparing dinner, he could tell that Genesis was in one of those listless sort of tempers. He really hoped it didn't turn out like usual this time. He didn't want Seph to have to come home and deal with the aftermath. It always put the poor man in an awkward position between them.

Dinner was almost done cooking so he turned to address Genesis as he stirred the pot.

"Genesis," Cloud called from the kitchen to where his lover was sitting, absently reading a random book sprawled in his favorite chair in the sitting room. "Dinner's ready, do you want some?"

"What are we having?" Came the redhead's unenthusiastic reply.

"Nibel vegetable soup."

There was no response beyond that and Cloud paused in his stirring to head over and lean in the doorway. He shot a pointed questioning gaze at Genesis. "So, did you want some soup, or not?" he smiled, trying to encourage the other man to answer 'yes'.

Genesis didn't even look up at him as he answered.

"I suppose beggars can't be choosers," Genesis sighed. Cloud frowned.

"That doesn't sound very appreciative, Gen."

"It wasn't meant to, Cloud."

Genesis caught himself only after he'd said it and he sighed again when Cloud looked at him with a sad, concerned light in pretty blue eyes. "Oh, dove, don't look like that. I apologize. It has been a more trying couple days than usual. Of course, I would love some."

Cloud sighed but moved back into the kitchen to dish up a helping for Genesis. He was actually relieved. At least Gen had stopped it from escalating into an argument like it usually would have.

When he returned, the auburn-haired First watched as he paused a moment before hesitantly approaching. He couldn't blame the poor boy and he inwardly scolded himself for his earlier actions. He knew his attitude had only been getting worse as the days passed.

"Here," Cloud handed over the bowl in his hands and Genesis took it, trying to meet the Third's eyes through blonde fringe.

"Oh, Cloud," Genesis breathed, placing the dish on the coffee table and reaching for the teen's hands. "I'm sorry."

Cloud let himself be pulled forward and smiled, the smallest lift of his lips. "It's okay, Gen. I know it's been rough. I wasn't really mad or anything. Just a little hurt."

Genesis shook his head and tugged, causing the blonde to fall neatly into his lap where he was immediately pulled into a warm hug.

"No. I didn't mean to sound like a spoiled asshole," he breathed. "This illness is no excuse."

"Okay. It's alright. I forgive you," Cloud smiled, a brighter smile this time. "Will you eat?"

"Of course, love."

"I'll eat with you."

"Thank you, Cloud," Genesis beamed. "Will you feed it to me?"

"No," Cloud huffed, a light blush dusting his cheeks at the image. "That's embarrassing."

Genesis laughed. "Well, it was worth a shot."

From where he stood paused in the doorway, having just arrived after a long day away, Sephiroth smiled. It was good to see the both of his lovers smiling. It seemed like it was becoming an increasingly rare occurrence for those two in particular as the weeks progressed.

-x-x-x-

"Welcome home!" Cloud pounced the second that two raven-haired SOLDIERs jumped from the belly of the helicopter, latching himself to Angeal's burly form and refusing to let go now that he was there. Behind him, Genesis and Sephiroth chuckled at his enthusiasm. Angeal joined in their laughter as he grabbed up their clingy blonde lover to situate him more comfortable in his arms. Zack, on the other hand, pouted at the blonde who looked down on him from over Angeal's shoulder.

"What's the deal with that, Chocobo?" Zack frowned. "Where's my 'welcome home' hug, huh?"

It was Genesis who answered that question. "I believe, Puppy, that that is my privilege."

"And mine," Sephiroth added as both men came forward and enveloped the younger First in hugs, each man placing an inviting kiss on his brow and jawline. "Welcome home, Zackary."

"Yes," Genesis hummed. "Welcome home, pup. We missed you."

"Aw," Zack melted. "I missed you, too, Gen~Gen."

Genesis snorted but didn't protest the horrid nickname. Instead he let out a long sigh which didn't go unnoticed by the two returning men. Zack tilted his head.

"What's the sigh for? Aren't you happy to see us?"

"It isn't that, Puppy."

"Cloud and I must leave now. We have missions of our own that must be dealt with."

Cloud nodded at Sephiroth's explanation. He turned to Angeal and kissed his stubbly chin before asking to be put down. Once on his feet he came over to Genesis and hugged him tight. He didn't want to leave Gen, especially not at a time like this, but orders were orders… He tiptoed to kiss the man's nose. "We'll be back in four days, Gen."

"I know."

"See you," Angeal urged them to get on their way. "It'll go by fast, just watch."

The two who were leaving nodded and goodbyes were exchanged , not without copious amounts of kisses and hugs, and Sephiroth and Cloud were on their way.

The three who were left went down into their home and went to relax in the living room with a movie, snuggling up with each other on the big cream-colored couch and catching up on their together time after missing each other for nearly three weeks.

-x-x-x-

It was two days later that a song interrupted Zack and Genesis in the middle of making lunch.

~ We are Young! Heartache to Heartache, we stand! ~

As soon as the words began, Zack was singing. He loved this song. It was catchy and he never got tired of it which was a good thing since he heard it often. It was Lazard Deusericus' personal ringtone on Zack's PHS.

~ …We are Strong! No one can tell us we're wrong! ~

Genesis joined in to sing with the spiky-haired First. He also liked this particular song. There was a funny reason behind their choosing this specific song for the Director of SOLDIER's ringtone, but that was a story for another time. Absently, Genesis wondered if Lazard knew that this was the song that played on Zack's phone when he called.

"~ …Love is a Battlefield ~"

"Y'ello~!" Zack answered after Gen and he had sung the last words. "How may I help you, Director?"

As the conversation moved along, the two found themselves frowning, the playful mood of just a minute ago evaporating as they listened. Only about nine minutes passed before Zack hung up with a sigh.

"Where's Angeal?" were the first words from Genesis after a moment. Zack thought for a moment before answering.

"Office. He should be back at the normal time." Which meant around 1700; a little over four hours from now… "Will you be alright?"

Genesis nodded and attempted a smile. "I'll be fine. Get going. He said to be ready in ten minutes, right?" At the other's nod, he urged him on. "Go. Shoo, puppy. I'll be alright until Angeal returns. I'm not an invalid."

Zack chuckled. "No duh," he drawled. "I know that. I just don't wanna go. What's so bad that Seph need's backup anyway?"

"It probably isn't for backup. He might just need an extra hand for whatever reason."

"Right. Well," Zack chirped. "Better get a move on then. Help me pack?"

"Are you really that helpless?"

"No~ I just want an excuse to mess around before I have to leave," the younger man shot him a wolfish grin. "So? What do you say?"

Genesis laughed. "Fine, fine."

Zack whooped and both trudged up the stairs to 'pack', lunch long forgotten.

-x-x-x-

Angeal arrived home that night to find a scene that could only be described as disturbing and unanticipated.

Genesis was on the floor, sprawled rather than sitting, nails digging into the raw non-healing flesh of his left shoulder in obsessive rhythm. There was blood falling in sluggish rivulets down what bare skin Angeal could see before it disappeared into the black material of the auburn-haired man's over-sized shirt. Blood stained his fingers and the space under his fingernails.

The redhead made no move to acknowledge his entrance and Angeal took a cautious step further in; still, no reaction. The bigger male couldn't properly see in the dim light of the sitting room's lamp and moved until he could face Genesis properly. There was no recognition in the gaze that met his scrutiny. Blank dull-blue eyes stared at nothing and dry lips uttered incoherent mutterings. Angeal couldn't make out what the other man was saying, but just the sight of his lover in such a state scared him and sent his heart racing in a vicious panic.

"Genesis!" he exclaimed when his alarm could no longer allow him to keep silent. Before him, the redhead jolted, suddenly and abruptly bringing him back to reality; back from the brink of Gaia only knew where.

"An… geal," Genesis breath cut his speech in half; wide eyes that had been so dead only a second ago now glowed with the heightened stress in their depths, and Angeal found himself dropping to his knees to swallow his fragile love in his arms.

"Genesis," he repeated this time with relief mixed into the concern and other emotions that would not let themselves be identified in the wake of his heart-stopping panic. "Genesis…"

He wasn't sure how long they sat like that, silent and lost on the floor in the middle of their barely lit sitting room, but when they finally pulled apart he could see that Genesis at least seemed calmer. He also looked exhausted and the bigger man immediately stood with the slightly older man in his arms and brought them both to the black leather sofa chair where he dropped to sit with the auburn-haired man in his lap.

"What happened?"

Genesis didn't answer for a long while, only burying his face into the larger man's shoulder and calming his breathing. When his breaths came out at a more normal pace, he spoke. "I have a wing…"

Angeal coughed when the air caught in his throat at the unexpected statement. "A- a wing?"

"I had finally figured out how to get it to disappear when you got home…"

"Finally?"

"It popped out around lunchtime."

Angeal turned to the clock on the wall to their left to read the clock there; fifteen minutes after 2000 hours. He'd gotten home over two hours ago. "I'm sorry, Genesis."

The redhead scoffed. "For what? You didn't do this to me."

"For not being here earlier."

"Oh," Genesis fell silent. "…Where were you?"

"With Lazard. Seph, Cloud, and now Zack, too, should be back in two days tops."

"That's good."

Angeal didn't like the way his auburn-haired lover dropped more heavily into him, settling himself there and not moving anymore. He could feel the energy leave the man and after a moment he began to hum. It wasn't any song that actually existed, just a melody he made up as he went along. Genesis allowed the soothing rumble of his dear-heart's chest to calm him further and the two of them stayed like that for another long while.

It wasn't until Angeal felt the entirety of Genesis weight now against him and could hear his even breathing that he moved; knowing that with the stress of the day the redhead wouldn't wake for the rest of the night. With even steps so that he wouldn't jostle the still lightly bleeding wounds on his love's shoulder, he made his way up the stairs and to their bedroom. He was careful to set the man down on the sheets with little movement and proceeded to strip him of his borrowed t-shirt. The scratches and reopened edges of that ever-present would of his needed to be disinfected and bandaged.

Once that was done, Angeal let out the breath of relief he hadn't allowed himself earlier. He was sure that whatever Genesis had gone through this morning would make itself known, but for now it seemed like the redhead was okay and that was all he really wanted. They would deal with everything else, as long as Genesis didn't give up himself then they could be sure that their love wouldn't get any ideas or do anything drastic.

They all prayed Genesis would not give up on them.

-x-x-x-

The following day, Angeal came home earlier than the day before hoping he wouldn't get back to see another scene like yesterday's. Thankfully, as he opened the door he could hear the light turning of pages telling that Genesis was reading in the sitting room. A relieved smile spread on his lips as he went into the room where Gen sat in his usual chair. He wasn't expecting the man to suddenly stand when he realized that Angeal was there and the look that the auburn-haired man shot him looked almost crazed with something that wasn't quite fear but something close to it; an exaggerated concern or anxiety for whatever reason.

Genesis came closer and took Angeal by the arms, shaking him.

"I can't stay cooped up in this apartment anymore, Angeal! I'm going crazy!" Genesis cried. "I feel like the woman in 'The Yellow Wallpaper'!"

"Who?" Angeal had no clue what 'the yellow wallpaper' was nor what Genesis meant. The auburn-haired First didn't answer. Instead, he turned where he stood and marched over to the chair where he'd left the book he had been reading. Plucking up the book, an anthology of short stories, the redhead flipped through it until he found what he wanted.

"Look here!" he demanded and thrust the book at his lover. Angeal sighed but took the book and read out loud

"I wish I could get well faster. But I must not think about that. This paper looked to me as if it knew what a vicious influence it had! There is a recurrent spot where the pattern lolls like a broken neck and two bulbous eyes stare at you upside down."

He looked up to send Genesis a 'what the fuck?' kind of expression but Genesis only rolled his eyes and gestured for the man to keep reading. He continued.

"I get positively angry with the impertinence of it and the everlastingness. Up and down and sideways they crawl, and those absurd unblinking eyes are everywhere."

"Enough," Angeal breathed, stopping and unwilling to keep reading. He never was much for reading unless it was about something he was interested in. "What is this?"

"A short story about a woman who is sick," the redhead explains. "Her husband who is a doctor makes her stay home and rest. She stays in her room most of the time and starts obsessing over the wallpaper until she goes crazy. That's how I feel right now, Angeal! I just know I'll go insane if I have to stay home and do paperwork another week!"

"Alright. Okay. Calm down, Gen."

"Please, 'Geal, I can't stay in the apartment all the time."

"Okay, I promise I'll do something about it," Angeal assured him. It was true that Genesis hadn't been out of the apartment for the better part of the last week. Even before that, the man hadn't gone outside of ShinRa since he'd told them the news of his degradation. It also alarmed Angeal that Genesis was identifying so strongly with the narrator of the story he'd just made Angeal skim through. Angeal cleared his throat to continue speaking. "Why don't you go out on the roof for a bit? It'll be better than nothing."

He didn't wait to hear what Genesis said, turning away and to the kitchen so he could make a sandwich. He needed to make a couple phone calls, too. Genesis glowered at the retreating back of his childhood friend turned lover, but acquiesced to his suggestion and turned to the stairs. Going up to the roof for some air, polluted with ShinRa smog though it was, might at least do him some good.

-x-x-x-

Angeal and Sephiroth walked with a firm, no nonsense air about them as they marched through the hall towards President Shinra's office. Not even the Turks posted on this particular floor bothered to stop the two powerful First Class SOLDIERs as they passed, not wanting to get between them and whatever purpose they had for visiting the President.

Sephiroth gave a mental snort at the expression on Shinra's secretary's face when she spied them coming toward her with a determined glint in their usually neutral expressions; no doubt there was even a more prominent glow than usual in their eyes. He did not blame her for her alarm, however. He was sure they looked less amicable than usual at the moment. However, it was a necessary precaution. They needed to get in to see the President and nothing was going to stop them.

Any measures that needed to be taken would be. No matter what those actions might be. This was no time for diplomacy.

They were all seriously worried for Genesis, especially after the other three had arrived home only to have Angeal telling them about Genesis' most recent episode and showing them the story he'd used as a reference. Sephiroth had already read it, but when Cloud and Zack read it as well and had freaked out a bit, well, that meant it was a problem.

Beside the Silver General, Angeal frowned and reminded himself to think rationally. He hadn't been entirely keen on this plan that Zack and Cloud, somewhat surprisingly, had come up with in order to finally convince the President. After some thought, he had conceded.

Yes, this was probably the quickest way to get results.

Sephiroth and Angeal stopped directly in front of the office doors and proceeded to have a silent conversation that lasted only a millisecond at most. Eyebrows furrowed, he gave a short nod to Sephiroth and watched as the man returned the nod and marched past him into the President's office.

It was only minutes later when the silver-haired General strolled out looking smug, a signed and stamped form in one hand.

Angeal gave a rueful smile at the smirk on Sephiroth's lips. He wasn't sure whether he should be pleased or perturbed that Shinra had been so easily convinced of Sephiroth's impending insanity. Nor was he certain whether to be proud of Sephiroth for being such a good actor or worried that the man had been able to act the role so well.

He shook those thoughts from his mind instead and took the papers from Sephiroth to look them over. A smile lit his face as he read the official document stating that all five of them were allowed a week's release from duties for 'medical reasons'.

It looked like they were due for a much needed vacation.

-x-x-x-

Banora was a breath of fresh are for all of them as they stepped off the helicopter on the outskirts of the small town. There was nothing of the usual urban sights and sounds in this part of the world; only the smells of wet earth (evidence that it had rained here recently) and early blooming apple trees. Both Angeal and Genesis released a sigh at the nostalgia of their surroundings.

"Woo! Vacation in Banora!" Zack proclaimed with an excited grin as he took the lead toward the cluster of homes and small buildings he could see in the distance.

"Hold your chocobos, Pup," Angeal huffed, reaching automatically to grab the back of the younger First's collar. "Wait a minute."

"Ah, Angeal," Zack whined, slumping in the bigger man's hold. "What for?"

"We need to get things in order first, Zack," Cloud laughed, reaching forward to slip his hand into the other's as a way to both enjoy his presence and keep him tethered to the group. Gaia only knew what the man could get himself into if he was left to wander on his own in a place like Banora. According to both Angeal and Genesis as they'd reminisced on the helicopter ride over, there were caves and an abandoned bathhouse and all typed of other places Zack could cause trouble.

Angeal released the puppy's collar with a grateful smile to the blonde, and Zack pouted but didn't bother to hide how happy the simple act of holding hands with any of his lovers made him. From then on, they proceeded across the grassy outskirts of the town in companionable conversation until they reached that cluster of homes Zack had spotted earlier.

"Alright," Angeal announced as they stopped by a fountain a bit off-center from the town. "I'll be right back."

And he walked off.

"Where's he going?" Zack asked, curious. He knew that Genesis and Angeal had grown up in this town, but from what he remembered, both of his eldest lover's mothers were dead. Angeal never knew who his father was and Genesis' dad had died before his mother. It had been a little over two years ago now since the death of Angeal's mom, Gillian Hewley. He remembered when they'd gotten the news. Ange and Genesis had been gone for nearly two weeks after that, leaving Zack, Seph, and Cloud in Midgar while they'd come to Banora to settle matters.

As it turned out, Genesis' mother had ended up dying during those two weeks due to a weakened immune system caused by a virus of some sort. Meanwhile, Zack had been left with two very different individuals who shared similar mannerisms. It had been interesting for the spiky-haired Second (at the time) to interact with not one but two anti-social and awkward loves without the added buffer of Genesis or Angeal to round out the rougher edges. In addition, Cloud had only been an official part of their relationship for some time less than half-a-year.

In the end, though, everything had been settled fine and Gen and Ange came back looking tired but fine and not depressed like he'd thought they might be after all that. Zack blinked when he realized he'd zoned out on a tangent just then, only snapping out of it when Genesis waved a hand in his face.

"Oh," the redhead blinked when he noticed Zack was now looking at him. "There you are, puppy. I thought you might've gotten lost in the black hole that exists where your brain should normally be."

"Ha, ha," Zack laughed with obvious sarcasm.

Genesis rolled his eyes. "Since you undoubtedly didn't hear me, I'll tell you again. Angeal went to the baker's house to pick up the keys we entrusted to her when we were here last. We can't very well get into Angeal's or my home without the keys."

"Oh."

Cloud laughed and Sephiroth chuckled, even Genesis let out a snort in amusement. Zack didn't mind. It had been a while since any of them had laughed for simple sake of laughing.

"Alright," Angeal's voice came from close than they were expecting and all of them but Sephiroth couldn't help but jump at the man's arrival. He didn't really notice. "I've got the keys so let's go. I know the perfect place we can stay and it's not half as big as the needlessly large Rhapsodos mansion."

Genesis sniffed. "It is not needlessly large," he protested. "It's only…"

"Impractical?" Angeal teased. Genesis huffed. "That's what I thought."

Genesis turned to march toward the apple orchard they could see in the near distance, refusing to say anything more to Angeal for insulting his childhood home until they reached their destination.

-x-x-x-

"Wow," Cloud exclaimed in a breath of awe at the quaint, picturesque lodge which loomed ahead. He was already falling in love with the place and he had only just seen the outside of it.

"Isn't it beautiful, Cloud?" Genesis couldn't help but ask, seeing his favorite place again was bringing back warm memories.

"Very," the blonde answered and beamed at the redhead before turning that smile on the house.

This wasn't Genesis' childhood home – "Mansion," Angeal had scoffed - but rather a tenants' lodge on the grounds closer to the vast orchard on the Rhapsodos grounds. It was a decent size; bigger than any average home in the town, for sure, but way smaller than the mansion and less 'impractical'. It looked like there were two and a half floors; two full floors while the third was only half-indoor building and the other half a walk-out patio, almost like a large balcony.

Genesis explained that the groundskeeper who lived there (the man who had been in charge of the orchard while his parents had been alive) had expanded the lodge when his daughter had moved back in along with her four children after the death of her husband. According to the auburn-haired man, the first floor was half garage and the other half kitchen, dining room, living room, and open-back patio. The second floor contained a three small bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry room, office, and small library. The last floor was the master bedroom suite complete with en suite and walk-in closet.

"Well," Angeal huffed when no one made a move to go in, still marveling at the lodge with its rich wood color and brilliant large windows - including a bay window through which they could see the dining room table - and flower beds planted prettily in beds with roses and other lovely flowers out front. "Are we going in or what?"

Zack gave a chuckle at Angeal's less than patient tone. He didn't blame the guy, though, seeing as the four of them had made him carry their entire luggage the full walk here. Sephiroth also let out a snort, but proceeded to the door to unlock it with the key Angeal had handed to him earlier.

"Mi casa es su casa," Genesis waved them in with a flourish of his hand as he stepped forward after Seph. "Make yourselves at home."

Cloud let out another appreciative gasp as he entered, looking around at the place with wonder. It looked like something he'd always dreamed of, warm and inviting and perfect. He wished they could live there always, but this was only a one week vacation. That thought reminded him why they were there and he turned on his heel to look for Genesis. The redhead was already further in towards the curving staircase in one corner of the foyer area. The blonde wasted no time catching up. He walked up and captured Genesis' hand with his, beaming happily up at the redhead when he looked at him.

"This house is amazing," Cloud told him, as if he didn't already know. Genesis only smiled at him and nodded, a nostalgic shine in his dull-blue eyes. Cloud looked over the railing to the three who were still on the first floor and spoke without thinking. "I wish I lived here."

Genesis paused on their walk up the stairs and turned to the blonde with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Do you?" he asked.

"Uh," Cloud stuttered, not having meant to speak that thought aloud. "Yeah, I kind of do. It looks like the kind of place I always wanted to live in growing up. It's just… " he trailed off, trying to find the words. "…I can't explain it."

"No" Genesis smiled. "I understand. I may have lived in a mansion, but it was dark and cold and lacking the atmosphere that this place has always had. That is why this is my favorite place on the entirety of the Rhapsodos property."

Cloud nodded. That was exactly it, the atmosphere of this place was full of the things that his own little one-room cottage in Nibelheim had always lacked. He had never doubted his mother's love for him, it wasn't that, but he had always felt that cloud of negative emotions – guilt, regret, inadequacy – in the both of them that never quite dissipated in the atmosphere of their home.

"So!" Zack's voice came from somewhere further down on the stairs, Genesis and Cloud having already continued on to the third floor. "Where are we all staying?"

"Is the bed in the master big enough for the five of us or should we split up?" came Sephiroth's voice next.

"No," Genesis answered, being the only one who actually knew the answer. "It's only a queen. Only three of us would fit on it and only if we squeezed."

Cloud promptly took the opportunity to call dibs. "Gen and I already called the master suite!"

"Ah!" Zack whined. "Not fair, chocobo! Why do you get to shack up with Gen~Gen!?"

"Because I called it first, duh!" Cloud called down. Beside him Genesis couldn't help but give a pleased smirk at his feisty little blonde lover. Cloud grinned, though the spiky-black-haired First couldn't see him. "You snooze you lose, Zack!"

"Fine, whatever," Zack retorted. "I get my own room down here on the second floor!"

"That isn't a better option," Cloud argued. "I'd pick sharing a room with Genesis over having a room all by my lonesome anyday!"

"Girls, girls, you're both pretty," Angeal's laughing voice interrupted their light banter. Sephiroth's chuckle clear in the background. Genesis was also silently laughing beside him and he shot the redhead a mock glare for which he received a placating peck on pouting lips and was appeased.

-x-x-x-

Some days had passed, each with its own set of good and bad moments, but overall everyday was met with a more positive vibe than the one before. Every day was less stressful than the last and though it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, every day was an improvement.

And it was better.

Sephiroth entered the master bedroom where Genesis and Cloud were lounging lazily across the bed. They had changed the sheets that first day to newer, less dusty silk ones the color of a crimson sunset. Cloud absently noted to the redhead that the sheets matched his pajamas and was whacked on the back of his head for the remark.

Sephiroth silently approached he two and was greeted halfway there by two sets of blue eyes regarding him with curiosity and, of course, affection. He remained silent until he reached the side of the bed where Cloud sat and leaned down to capture first the blonde's and then the redhead's lips in a warm kiss of greeting.

"Good afternoon to you, as well, Seph," Genesis greeted, a pleasantly surprised smile on pretty lips.

"Good afternoon, Genesis," Sephiroth smirked, eyes drinking in the sight of an amused and happy Genesis.

"What's up, Seph?" Cloud asked when the heated staring contest had gone on long enough between his two loves. The both of them snapped out of their bubble to look at Cloud before the silver-haired man gave his answer.

"Angeal sent me up to call you down for dinner."

"Oh," Cloud smiled. "Okay! We'll be right down."

"Don't start without us, love."

"Of course not," Sephiroth chuckled and turned to go. As he walked back downstairs, a pleasant thought entered his mind. This vacation had been a step in the right direction; not only for Genesis, but for the rest of them as well.

-x-x-x-

Genesis wasn't sure what had woken him. It might've been a movement or maybe a sound. Whichever it was, it had disturbed his sleep just enough that he was forced to acknowledge the world around him.

The first thing he saw as he opened bleary eyes was spikes of black hair and brilliant ice-blue pools looking down upon him.

"Puppy?" he breathed, not entirely comprehending what he was seeing in his still mostly asleep state of being.

"Morning, beautiful," Zack grinned from where he sat the most still he had ever been on the edge of the mattress, taking up only a small section beside where Genesis lay comfortably sprawled across their massive bed. "Sleep well?"

"Five more minutes," he muttered, burying his head further into the pillow and attempting to ignore the other male. No such luck as a chuckle escaped the hyper First and he reached over lightly to brush gray-tinged auburn hair from his lover's face.

"That's what you always say," he smiled and stood to stoop over and lay a kiss to Genesis' hair. "When you do get up, Angeal made waffles. Big, fluffy ones with apples and cinnamon and all kinds of sugary heart-attack deliciousness."

Genesis just hummed and made a lazy shooing motion with his wing, which he hadn't really noticed had manifested. Zack laughed again but left him alone retreating to the kitchen to possibly filch a waffle or two from under Angeal's watchful guard.

It was some time later when the definite echo of laughter from somewhere in the house woke him next. Genesis opened his eyes to a familiar expanse of white above him decorated with unfamiliar pink and red things. He blinked a few times to clear his sleep-hazed vision and found that there were pieces of streamer and construction paper hearts hanging from their bedroom ceiling.

As he slowly sat up, being mindful of his wing which he vaguely remembered was free, he noticed a banner above the door which read 'Will you be our Valentine?'. Beneath it, on a plain white sheet of printer paper in a certain silver-haired general's familiar cursive read the words '~There is no hate, only LOVE, for you are beloved by not one, but FOUR~'.

Genesis blinked and had to stifle a small chuckle at the words, absolutely adoring his lovers for the verse and their sense of both humor and romance. An effortless smile slid about his lips and he pulled himself to get out of bed. He didn't bother to pull on a shirt, knowing his dear hearts would not mind his lack of one, and went out into the kitchen in only a pair of shimmering silk sleep pants; dark red, of course.

If he was recalling correctly, the puppy had said something about waffles for breakfast.

The smell of dumbapples and cinnamon immediately filled his senses as he exited the bedroom and the laughter he had heard before rang out a moment longer before yielding to the sound of a deeper chuckle. He padded through the hall on bare feet and just as the auburn-haired SOLDIER reached the sitting room, a pair of cheerful grey eyes locked with his.

"Genesis," Angeal beckoned, striding over to wrap both arms around the shorter First and drop a warm kiss to the redhead's lips. "Good morning."

"Morning," Genesis hummed, feeling both warm and loved and better than he had in what felt like forever. "Where are the others?"

"Kitchen."

"Genesis!" an excited voice rang out as they both turned toward the aforementioned room. Wild blonde spikes bounced as Cloud came over, immediately attaching himself to the crimson commander and leaning up to lay a few kisses to the man's lips and jaw. "Good morning, Gen!"

Genesis beamed down at his youngest lover, always happy to see him happy; that happiness was impossibly infectious. He dropped a peck to soft wheat-colored spikes. "Good morning, my Cloud."

"Alright, come on and eat," Angeal beckoned the two.

"You haven't eaten yet?" Genesis asked.

"No," Cloud chirped. "We were waiting for you. We were about to send Angeal to wake you up since Zack failed when we sent him twenty minutes ago."

They entered the dining room which was attached to the kitchen and divided by a lunch bar in the middle where a few stools were set. There were two large plates piled with big, fluffy homemade waffles sitting on the bar counter with two bowls of chopped slices and diced cubes of Banora Whites on either side and an old-fashioned tin container with a spout and handle which they used for their syrup; genuine Nibel syrup, to be exact.

"It smells heavenly," were the first words from Genesis' lips as the three of them stepped inside. A chuckle met his statement and he grinned over at his amused silver-haired love.

The general silently came forth and pulled Genesis' chin up to drop a kiss on smirking lips. "Good morning."

"About time you got up," Zack's voice killed the moment and Genesis turned to him with a roll of his eyes.

"A good morning to you, too, Puppy," Genesis sighed.

"You know you love me, Gen~Gen," Zack laughed and stepped forward to capture slightly pouting lips in a much less chaste kiss than the other three had given him. Once he was released, Genesis gave a laugh and a brilliant smile that had all four of his lovers feeling both relieved and elated. It had been so long, it seemed, since they had seen Genesis' act like his usual radiant self.

"Yes, well," Genesis teased, coquettishly. "It is rather hard not to."

-x-x-x-

After breakfast, Cloud sprawled from where he was sitting across the surface of their dining table in a sated manner and hummed contentedly.

"Today looks amazing," the young blonde sighed, his eyes fixed on the bay windows to the left of where they were all sitting. "I bet it's nice outside. We should go pick some apples or something."

Genesis turned his gaze to the window as well and found that he agreed. Outside, the sky was blue with the occasional whisp of a cloud dotted here and there. Birds fluttered about and a light wind swayed the trees. To top it all off, the sun shone brightly among the cirrus, not quite at its zenith, looking warm and inviting where it bathed the world in its glow. The sight alone brought a pleased smile to the redhead's lips.

It was Angeal who voiced his agreement first. "That sounds wonderful, Cloud. We could have a picnic, too."

"Oh!" Zack exclaimed suddenly. "I've always wanted to have a romantic picnic with my lover! Uh… lovers."

"Have you?" Sephiroth questioned, one eyebrow rising at the pup's statement.

Zack blushed, scratching at his cheek bashfully when he was put on the spot. "Well, you know, I've thought about it once or twice…"

"Really?" This time Genesis did the questioning, a smirk accompanying his own quirked brow.

The spiky-haired First narrowed his eyes at his lovers, but huffed and answered. "My parents are saps and they used to do romantic stuff like that all the time!" he whined. "One of the things they did a lot was have picnics in the backyard in the spring when it wasn't so hot and muggy outside. I just always thought that was nice."

Looking a bit sheepish as he raised his head to face them properly, the Puppy shrugged. "But there's nowhere nice like that in Midgar for having outdoor picnics."

"Aw," Genesis cooed standing and taking a step forward to wrap his arms around Zack's shoulders. "That is adorable, Puppy." He looked up and planted a kiss to the young man's forehead then turned to face Angeal. "You heard the Pup, 'Geal. We're going to have a picnic in the orchard!"

"Then a picnic is what we'll have," Angeal grinned, joyful to see Genesis being himself again. Of course, making Zack happy was also a pleasant development. With a nod, the man cleared the rest of the dishes from the table and tromped to the kitchen to prepare a picnic lunch for the five of them.

Sephiroth smiled at the normality he had been missing since that day nearly a month ago when Genesis had told them the news. It felt like it had been much longer since they five of them had had this dynamic air around them. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed it until now, but he was infinitely glad its absence hadn't been a permanent development. Taking one more moment to bask in the atmosphere, Sephiroth retreated, going instead into the bedroom to scrounge up a decent sheet or comforter to use as a picnic blanket.

-x-x-x-

Cloud was the first to awaken.

The young blonde woke up with a yawn to find himself entwined among several different limbs. A pair of arms on either side of him held him around his stomach and shoulder. Someone's legs were tangled with his, and someone's hair was dangerously close to his nose and threatening to cause a sneezing fit. He wrinkled it to try and avoid that situation and was met with a knowing chuckle in his ear.

The body behind him shifted, the arms around his stomach sliding free, and he tilted his head back to see who had just laughed at him.

Bright, green eyes stared into his with mirth that caused an answering smile to tilt the corners of his lips.

"Seph," the blonde greeted and was rewarded with a peck to his nose. A breath of a laugh escaped him and he turned onto his back, being careful not to disturb the others still sleeping around him. Briefly, he noticed that one of them was missing.

Before he could ask, Sephiroth answered. "Angeal has gone back to the lodge to retrieve the cake and presents."

Cloud nodded and settled back onto the rather comfortable blanket beneath them; both he and Sephiroth content to simply lay there and bask in the rays of the slowly setting sun.

After a morning of apple picking - during which only Angeal and Sephiroth actually picked any substantial amount of apples while the other three instead ate said apples (in Genesis' case) or played hide-and-seek among the trees (in Zack and Cloud's case) - lunch had rolled around a little after noon. Sephiroth had splayed the large blanket, adorned with the image of a majestic Nibel Wolf in a snowy wood, in a nice shaded space where the sun hit just perfectly without being overbearing. Angeal served up the delicious meal of sandwiches (deli-sliced black peppered turkey and honey smoked ham with the works) and less-than-healthy potato chips, and the fivesome sat down to eat with smiles and teasing and joy for the first time in forever.

Cloud's smile grew as he thought and blinked a moment later when he glance over to his silver-haired love and found a matching smile on the usually expressionless general's face. His smile stretched wider at the discovery and he leaned up on his elbows to catch those smiling lips in a passionate kiss. Sephiroth hummed in appreciation and returned the kiss, never one to deny any of his lovers his affection.

"I do hope there's room somewhere in there for me," a familiar, playful purr interrupted and both of them turned to find Genesis leaning on his side, propped on one elbow, watching them with heavy-lidded eyes and smirking lips. A tongue flicked out to lick those lips and Cloud was immediately reaching to pull that smirking face to his own, attaching himself to the redhead and dominating his mouth for a moment before the power of the kiss was shifted.

Sephiroth was satisfied with just watching as his two hearts sparred, yielding and controlling in turns, neither one the definite leader in their battle for dominance. The Silver General let the kiss go on for some time before reaching across the space to participate. One hand reached to delve into blonde spikes and massage the sensitive scalp there, eliciting a sultry moan from Cloud that pleased him. The other slicked up Genesis' side where he material of his plain white t-shirt had ridden up in his sleep. Smooth fingers teased at the auburn-haired man's exposed skin, skimming across with the lightest of touches and driving the redhead insane with the indecisive nature of the touch.

Genesis was close to growling at his tormentor to quit teasing when a voice cut through the building action.

"Ahem," Angeal cleared his throat, standing above the lot of them with one hand on his hip while he carried a couple bags in the other. "I leave for ten minutes and I come back to three of my lovers having fun without me and one puppy trying to watch the show in secret."

"Ah, come on, Angeal!" Zack whined, sitting up from where he'd been enjoying the events as they played out. He shifted a notch to better settle himself comfortably with the rather hard problem in his cargo-shorts, pun intended. "It was just getting good!"

Angeal shot the Pup a look, but Zack only pouted at him.

"You could have jumped in at any time," Sephiroth spoke up, shooting an inviting smirk at the younger brunet.

"I don't think so, Seph," Angeal jumped in, stopping that conversation before it could properly begin.

"Spoilsport," Genesis chuckled and sent Angeal a wink which was received with an accompanying eye-roll from the burly First class.

"Enough," Angeal sighed. "I brought cake."

"Cake!" Zack cheered. Cloud laughed and Genesis and Sephiroth chuckled while Angeal only shook his head and set the bags he'd been holding in the center of the picnic blanket. He sat while the others situated themselves in a lazy circle around the bags and proceeded to pull a cake from within the biggest of them.

Genesis could feel his mouth watering at the cake that was presented. It was a two-tiered cake, frosted with a white frosting which Angeal told them was cream cheese based and made from scratch. The entire thing was shaped like a heart with the top tier being slightly smaller than the bottom one. A fluffy red frosting border wrapped along the base of both tiers and the words 'Happy Valentine's Day' were scrawled in Sephiroth's distinct flowing cursive in that same red frosting on the top-most heart.

It was the single most adorable and elegant cake he had ever seen that had been made by Angeal himself. He hadn't known the man was even capable of baking and crafting such a masterpiece; as simple in its beauty as it was sweet.

He knew the answer to his question even as he asked. "What kind of cake is it?"

Angeal smiled. "Red Velvet."

Of course, it was Genesis' favorite.

"But!" Zack suddenly cried, clapping his hands to garner their full attention. "Before cake, presents!"

"Presents?" Genesis asked, blinking as he realized what that other bag must be. He frowned. "But I didn't get you all anything. I hadn't even thought about valentine's day until last night and even then I-"

"That does not matter," Sephiroth reassured him before he could begin apologizing. "We all agreed, even before we knew of your degradation, that we would make this year's Valentine's Day entirely for you."

"Exactly," Angeal smiled, leaning over to place a gentle kiss to Genesis nose. "Especially for you."

"We love you, Genesis," Cloud beamed from beside him; his smile mirrored by Zack on his other side as he nodded his agreement.

"So don't worry about it!" the pup bounced and reached forward to grab up the smaller bag. "This is for you!" he handed it to the slightly stunned commander. "Open it!"

Genesis took the bag with both hands and took a moment before opening it. Beneath the tissue paper that hid the gift from view sat a large leather-bound photo album which he lifted almost reverently from the bag. It was a large square thing, about the size of a common calendar but the pages inside pushed cover from cover almost to overflowing. He could see that it was full of memories just by the bulk of it. The cover was the same deep, rich red color of his iconic red-leather duster with gold thread-binding along the borders. At the bottom-right corner, inscribed in flowing fold letters, was the word 'Beloved'. It made him both laugh and smile.

Taking a breath, he opened it.

Setting it on his lap, Genesis began to flip through it, noting the little strips of scrapbook paper that accompanied the photos here and there, each with their own little messages from any one of his lovers. He laughed at some, nearly teared up at quite a few, and smiled at every one of the images as he turned the pages. Until he stopped on the final picture, blown up to fill most of the page and captioned with a message from all four of his hearts.

It was a familiar scene, well-worn and fondly recalled.

It had been a rare mission. One on which all five of them had been assigned to; though at the time Cloud hadn't officially been a member of their relationship quite yet. In fact, that mission had been the starting point of their fivesome; where their circle had been completed, so to speak.

They'd been sent to Nibelheim. Zack had still been a fresh Second. Cloud had still been nothing more than an infantryman. For Angeal, Sephiroth, and Genesis it was supposed to have been more like a quick vacation than a real mission, but something had gone wrong.

To this day, they weren't quite sure what it had been, but Zack and Cloud had somehow managed to wake the three of them from something dreadful; a waking nightmare. Cloud had had near hysterics when he and his two comrades had snapped out of whatever it had been, openly crying and praying that they never do anything like that again; making them promise they wouldn't. Once they all had, he'd thanked Gaia and the goddess and every other deity he knew of that they were okay. And in the midst of that overwhelming relief, the adorable little blonde had confessed.

Unbeknownst to him, they four of them had been considering inviting him into their relationship when that mission was over. Needless to say, they all confessed right back and had made a hasty evacuation to Costa del Sol. That entire messy ordeal wasn't forgotten (it hadn't exactly happened all that long ago…) but it was pushed to the back of their minds as they spent the rest of their would-be vacation in the resort town.

On the last day of that vacation, they'd gotten a passing tourist to snap several photos of them on the beach. This one in particular, however, was a candid shot taken by that tourist just as Zack had come up behind Cloud and Genesis (who had been keeping out of the sun under a large umbrella) to pounce and drag them out for a swim. The overeager puppy tripped instead and crashed onto the both of them and when Angeal and Sephiroth had come to help the two of them had been pulled into the pile of chaos along with them.

That was the photo the unknown tourist snapped at the perfect moment. It would forever be treated as the official beginning of their five-pointed love.

Genesis wasn't sure if he wanted cry or gather all four of his lovers into a massive hug. Instead of doing either of those, he thanked them, beaming at them with so much happiness in his smile and tears at the corners of his eyes.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Gen," Angeal hummed.

"You did this?" Genesis asked, still in awe of the gift in his hands.

Angeal shook his head and lolled it to one side, indicating the spiky-haired blonde to his left. Genesis turned slowly toward Cloud and watched a shy smile light the young one's lightly blushing face.

"Cloud?"

"Yes. It was my idea, but we all worked on it," the Third nodded, happy just to see his love happy. "Happy Valentine's Day."

Anything else that might've been said by any of them was interrupted by the swift hug Genesis suddenly pulled the blonde into, very nearly crushing the youngest of them with the force of his gratitude and love. This was the most wonderful thing anyone had done for him solely for the purpose of seeing him happy, without any ulterior motives.

Zack laughed at the sight of Genesis gushing over the youngest of them. The poor Third was practically being smothered in the man's chest.

"Alright, Gen-Gen, let the poor chocobo breathe," the puppy chuckled. Thankfully, for Cloud's sake, Genesis obeyed.

"Oh, Cloud, love," Genesis sighed as he pulled away and beamed at their lovely little blonde. "Thank you. Thank you so much! I love it. I love you!"

He placed several kisses all over the young man's heart shaped face; his cheeks, his nose, his eyelids, his forehead, and finally, his sweet lips. Cloud kissed back, loving the gentle caress of the elder man's lips against his. He leaned back with a light giggle and a happy smile for his auburn-haired love.

"I love you, too, Genesis," Cloud breathed. "All of us do."

"And we will continue to love you," Sephiroth continued, coming closer to take one of Cloud's hands and one of Genesis'; skirting the cake still sat in the center of them. Angeal came over a moment later to sit and wrap his arms around Genesis from behind, resting his stubbled chin on his slightly elder lover's shoulder.

"In sickness and in health," he hummed.

"For as long as we all shall live!" Zack chimed and jumped in to complete the huddle of love.

There was still a lot that had to be done; so much that could go wrong even with a cure, but they would get through it. Genesis believed that, as they all believed it. They knew it would not be easy.

But there was room, now, for hope.

And cake.

~x~THE END~x~

AN: And there you have it! Apologies for any grammar or spelling errors; I usually try to catch those but sometimes I don't. I'm very grammar ocd, but even I miss some things. If you spot something, tell me, and I will fix it. Otherwise, tough luck, I'm not reading through this thing for the millionth time unless there's a definite problem. Also! :D Just so that you all know… this is a ONESHOT and will NOT be continued in any capacity. Well, I lie. It might have a few spin-off kind of things like drabbles or another oneshot that's loosely related, but that's subjective. For the most part, though, this is not a story that will grow beyond this one chapter.

SO! NOTES! –Just ignore these if you want, skip them, they're not too important really-

1) The Title~ was not decided when I first started this. It actually came up when I wrote out the ending (which I wrote pretty early on). I thought it was adorable, so I made that phrase the title. If you all don't know where the ending little 'speech' came from, well… have you been living under a rock your whole lives? Because I think even kids would know where it was from… xP

2) The quote at the top is one my brother said very randomly and for no real reason while I was writing the 'Love is a Battlefield' scene. He sang it because I had that song playing while I wote… I ended up using it because it was stupid but it fit. I laughed, and usually when something makes me laugh, I like to remember it. I was going to write it down, but I was writing and didn't want to stop to go find a pen and paper, so I just typed it at the top. It stayed because, like I said, it worked out. So a thank you to my little bro for the quote~! Yay.

3) The way I wrote this was kind of out of order. First, I took the ten words (flatness, buffet, healing, beggar, sideways, diplomacy, urban, sound, gushing, and gift) and wrote a small drabble-length scene for each that was somewhat sequential. Then I had to build around those and connect them. Sometimes that was easy, sometimes not, and sometimes I half-assed it… but I think overall this came out well! :D

4) A quick shout-out to BoomChick for unintentionally inspiring a part of this with her own work which I had read about a week before this challenge started. Of course, those stories are a hundred times better than mine so everyone who hasn't read BoomChick's fanfiction should go and read it. Now. Go!

5) I don't know if you all could tell or not, but since I wrote it, I could. There are a heck ton of plot holes in this thing… plot holes which I am not going to go back and fix because this is a oneshot… heh, oh well.

6) There was supposed to be a scene in there where Cloud goes to that leather shop he mentioned and Sephiroth ends up paying for the thing alone because Cloud is low on funds and Angeal and Zack have gone off on their mission. And another scene where Cloud picks up the album cover and buys the pages for the inside and the cardstock paper for the notes he and the others write. And another scene where he calls Angeal and Zack and tells them to go through their collection of photos (all digital and loaded to their shared file-storage space in the ShinRa online mainframe) for the ones they especially wanted to go into the album. Another part where he and Seph are almost caught doing the same thing at the office in their apartment by Genesis. All those scenes were cut, though cause I was both rushed and lazy… again, plot holes…

7) It might not have been described correctly, but the helicopter always lands on the ShinRa tower roof when any of the elite Firsts come home, but Cloudy has to get there like everyone else since he's only a Third and not everyone is in the loop about his relationship with the Trinity plus Zack.

8) On the tail end of Note 7, Angeal, Sephiroth, Genesis, Zack and Cloud live on the top two floors of ShinRa (which I mentioned in the story). There's a reason for that and the short of it is this: There was an incident with a helicopter and some materia and a certain Turk and Puppy that kind of blew up what was once President ShinRa's office and the Turk living quarters. When they went to rebuild, a meeting happened where they decided that having a handful of soldiers living on the top two floors while the President lived directly below them and the Turks lived directly below that (so, the top four floors) was probably safer all around for everybody. And that's how that happened.

9) I had no clue what song to use as the ringtone for Lazard when he called Zack, but I knew I wanted to have a song for that scene so I asked my brother and after some brainstorming he said 'Love is a Battlefield' by Pat Benatar. Once it had been suggested a story came to mind to support the reasons behind it being Lazard's song, and there you go. I may or may not use that back story for another fic sometime, but we'll see.

10) The scene with Gen's wing was never supposed to happen and so you can probably tell that I didn't try too hard with that. Sorry.

11) "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is an amazing short story that, again, I do not own, was perfect for the scene I used it in. Really, I just needed something for the word sideways and remembered that story (which I had read that day because I'm a big bookworm). That being said, it's a neat story and you should all go read it if you haven't already. It's not that long. It's actually shorter than this oneshot. Everyone go read it, it's seriously amazing! Go! Now.

12) If you couldn't tell, Sephiroth pretended to be on the verge of a breakdown (probably an insane-type one) in order to get the President's permission for their vacation. Angeal was battling with the dishonorable action of basically lying to their boss. But it was for Genesis, so he go over it.

13) And finally… There were supposed to be two presents, but as the ending was being written (almost all on its own) that present got written out. It was supposed to be An Anthology of Works and a Critical Analysis of Loveless by Angeal Hewley, Sephiroth, Genesis Rhapsodos, Zack Fair, and Cloud Strife. A single copy, officially published but not distributed, for Genesis only. It was supposed to be a literary analysis that Cloud compiled from all of Gen's notes on Loveless (which he keeps in notebooks and sticky notes in his book) plus a collection of little things like poems and short stories that the other four had written (or would write) for Gen. I thought it would be cute, but like I said, it just got written out. So! I thought I'd just tell you all here, for the added information, if you wanted it. Or even if you didn't! xP

Anything else you might have had a question about? Feel free to ask in a review or PM~ I'll answer. One more thing! If anyone has any suggestions for fixing this up or making it better, go ahead and send me a message! There is always room for improvement and especially with this fic since it was written in a hurry without as much thought as there could have been behind it.

Anyway, tell me what you thought and drop by that Writing Challenge if you think it would be something fun to participate in! :D Here's the link: [www ff net] /forum/ Otorisosa-kan-s-Writing-Challenge/ 168121/ - Just take out the spaces and add the dots –

Thank you all for reading! Please review and favorite! So much Loves to all of you!

x-YaoiWolf-x