Chapter 2 here as promised, both of us would love to thank everyone for the feedback we got on the first chapter, glad you enjoyed it and hope you like this one just as much. Please leave a review.
Sephiroth had spent the next couple of days sitting around with Genesis at the apartment and watched movies, ordered in or cooked for him. It was a strange change of pace, especially when he was already starting to strain things with Lazard over missions, but he was determined to give his lover everything he needed. When he had heard that Hojo had returned from his trip, he had quickly rehearsed his question in the back of his mind as he made his way towards the elevator.
Hopefully this would work as smoothly as he suspected it might, he knew Hojo well enough to estimate just how the man would react to his prodding and he was well aware that he had to be careful to show just the right amount of interest in order to get him to work with him without prodding in return. It was a dangerous game of chess, one he played every time he was forced to visit the labs and with each visit he knew some part of him was left behind in those cold, soulless rooms.
As the elevator stalled to a stop at the science department's floor, Sephiroth schooled his expression and stepped out into a hall. He was not due for any lab work, a mental note he kept well in mind, and him coming here at all on his free time would be seen as odd, another fact he could not help. He made himself look all business and ignored the few stares he did receive as he walked passed a few doors and found Hojo in his office. Good. The man hadn't left for any labs just yet.
Offering a slight knock on his door at the same time as opening it, Sephiroth made it appear as though he were here on passing, as though even stopping in was an afterthought and slipped into Hojo's office. He kept the full body shudder that threatened to shake him at bay from having to enter the man's private office and tried not to think about how irritating being in the scientist's presence was. It simply would not do to give the game up now, especially when Hojo was an adversary that was more than happy to sink his claws into the man, given the opportunity, or the least sign of anything... off. And there was definitely a lot 'off' about Sephiroth, given his lover's recent news.
"Afternoon, Professor." Sephiroth murmured softly. Hojo preferred it when he was proper and respectful.
Hojo looked up from the papers he was going through and a sick grin crossed his lips. "Now I know you aren't due here anytime soon." As he spoke, he placed the papers down and adjusted his glasses, staring at Sephiroth like the perfect specimen he was.
"So it begs the question, just what do you want, dear boy? Because I know better than to believe you'd make a social call."
His mind was clearly already running through plans, possible tests, anything he could ask of the man. Sephiroth wanted something, that he was sure of, and Hojo intended to make him pay his price for it.
"I suppose we know each other far too well for that." Sephiroth admonished, hoping to play into Hojo's pride further for admitting the old man was right.
It would only serve his purpose that much better, though he dreaded what Hojo would ask of him in return for the information he sought. Still, enduring whatever he had in mind would be worth it, if it would help him find a cure for Genesis. Or so he found he was reminding himself of, at the moment.
"I am here, actually, to sate a bit of curiosity." He started off slowly, stepping into the office a bit further as he clasped his hands neatly behind his back. "According to another scientist's research, early on in the SOLDIER project, there were experimental uses of genetic therapy. And one, by a man you might know by the name of Hollander, suggested there could be a degradation of cellular infrastructure showing after some time. I was wondering what your thoughts on that were, and whether or not there was a cure developed, since as far as I can tell, none of our SOLDIERS appear to be suffering."
There it was, just play into his hands, allow him to correct you and teach you. Feign interest and hopefully he will fall right into your hands in turn... He would just have to pray he could stomach the man's prolonged company long enough to get the answers...
Hojo looked at Sephiroth for a moment, mind calculating. He knew his son was involved with that experiment of Hollanders. He'd tried to have the man executed for treason. Spoiling his perfect creation, but the president wouldn't have it. Genesis Rhapsodos was still far too valuable. Well, not anymore. The annoyance would be dead within the next few months. Hojo had seen the blood work.
"Curiosity indeed." Hojo quipped, circling Sephiroth. "Well, it's always nice when a son takes interest in his father's work. But you have nothing to concern yourself with. The process used to create you was utterly perfect. Your body will never degrade. That idiot Hollander couldn't splice DNA if his life depended on it. Or, in this case, the life of his ignorant pet project."
"The process used to create you and your friend," Hojo's voice sounded disgusted at the word and hinted at the fact that they both knew better. "Were both different than the standard SOLIDER process, that is correct. But they were also both vastly different. I can tell you for a fact that the man's blood is poison. You cannot save him." Hojo wanted Sephiroth to realize his folly for involving himself with someone so unclean. "Your blood is perfect and shouldn't be mixed with his."
Hojo could not have anticipated how Sephiroth might take that last line. The spark it might grant as he continued on. "Perhaps, when this distraction is gone, you can get back to performing your duties properly. Don't think I haven't heard about your recent demands for time off while I was gone for a week. Now, as much as I enjoy your presence in my lab, unless you'd be willing to provide a blood sample or submit to a few tests, I suggest you be on your way."
Hojo looked away from Sephiroth and adjusted his glasses again. Once the man was broken from the loss of his lover, no doubt Hojo could get anything he wanted out of the man. He was counting on that day and, when it came, he would have plenty of work to do. His conditioning on Sephiroth had begun to wear a little too thin for his tastes, especially when Rhapsodos and his friend, the Hewley one, were allowed to start working with him.
Sephiroth, much to his admirability, managed to swallow the urge to reach out and snap Hojo's neck, even if only just barely. Instead, he offered a curl at one corner of his lip, looking condescending before merely shrugging. This was a brave move on his part, but Hojo appeared to be too busy with his plotting to have noticed the look his prized 'son' was giving him.
"We both know you were given the job as head scientist for a reason." Was all he offered.
Hojo merely waved him off, which allowed Sephiroth a moment to mull over the information the scientist had given him. So, the process by which the three of them had been given their enhancements was different? And evidently, whatever Hollander had done, it wasn't as fool proof as what Hojo pulled off. Well, that was a load more of information than he was expecting to get from Hojo and so easily on top of it. Or so he was assuming.
"I will stop by the lab for blood work." Sephiroth replied softly, then turned on his heel and made his way out of the office casually.
Truthfully he wanted to get out as quickly as possible, but he couldn't let Hojo see just how much it unnerved him to be in his presence. The other man would likely have taken advantage of it the next time he was forced to come in for experimentations.
Armed with the knowledge he was given, he headed towards a lab and spoke with an attendant. It would be an hour or so before he could leave the floor and then there were several errands he would have to run before he could get back to Genesis. However, once he did, he would offer what he learned to the other man and speak with him on the idea that it was giving him.
There was a lot of work they would have to do, but Sephiroth would ensure it got done. He would not lose his lover, not like this, and not while knowing Hojo seemed to be counting on it happening.
Genesis laid on the floor, shaking like mad, screams falling from his lips. He had been in their kitchen attempting to get some lunch when his body had been overcome by a tremendous pain. He felt himself splitting apart from the inside out. Tears spilled out and Genesis was certain that this was it. He was going to die. His only regret was that Sephiroth wasn't home. He wanted to be able to look at his lover's face one last time.
He'd thought there would have been more time. Genesis had promised Sephiroth three weeks and the man had hardly even gotten one. Shakily he reached for a notepad that had fallen with him to the floor. He slipped the pen out carefully. His writing was a mess, but still legible. I'm sorry. I love you. Splashed across the page.
Another round of pain and another scream as, in a spray of blood, a large black wing pushed itself violently free from Genesis's back. When it was over, the man collapsed unconscious in a pool of crimson liquid that had flown from his body, certain that he had found his end.
Sephiroth was rounding the corner to their apartment when he heard the screaming. Without thinking he ran forward and slammed himself into to the door, barreling into the living room. His mind was racing with various possibilities, but he was ready for anything, in case someone had been stupid enough to attack them in their own home.
All the training in the world could not have prepared him for what greeted him in the kitchen. A strangled sound, mixed between disbelief and anguish, fell from the General's lips as he collapsed onto his knees before Genesis' form. His arms stretched out with shaking hands as he reached for the ginger hesitantly. He was dead?! Sephiroth's mind could not even begin to process it as tears threatened to well up in his glowing eyes while he touched a gloved hand to his lover's broken body.
Still so warm... and the sight of that wing. It was such an oddity, but at the moment he was not interested in its presence or the why of it for that matter. Sephiroth forced another choking sound back down his throat as he pushed the strength through his muscles to collect Genesis into his arms. The Silver General was breathing hard, too hard and too fast, on the verge of hyperventilating, but he couldn't stop it. He had never dealt with a situation like this before. Love and affection was so alien to him and to suddenly experience the loss of someone so important to him?! The grief was far too much for him to handle.
"No... no no no no no..." his voice shuddered as he spoke softly. That single word was the only thing Sephiroth appeared to be able to manage voicing, the proof that he was breaking down with each second as it passed.
Time, he needed more time. This could not be it! Sephiroth drew Genesis head up against his neck and cradled his body against his chest, rocking back and forth on the floor of their kitchen slowly. His mind was fracturing and breaking, he could feel everything start to slip away with the chaos of the situation and he found himself surprisingly content with the idea that he might just lose his mind with his lover gone. But then his fingers brushed along Genesis' neck and he could feel a pulse still there, faint and labored, but still there. Through the onslaught of emotions he was now having a first-hand course of, he had picked up on it. Faint, but alive.
Immediately he switched gears. It was like grasping at straws and he knew it, but the rational part of him had still been there and was desperately attempting to regain control of the situation. He had no time for a breakdown. Alarm bells were going off loudly inside of him. This was no longer an attempt to figure out how to mourn the loss of a lover, it was now time to administer any form of first aid he could manage. And calling this emergency in with the medics was, for some reason, the worst possible idea he could have come up with, though he was not sure why he was suddenly so wary of ShinRa's help. With widened eyes, Sephiroth pushed to his feet and rushed Genesis to the bathroom. He didn't know exactly what he could do to help his lover, but stopping the bleeding was among the first, and since cure materia was not going to work, he would just have to do it the old fashioned way.
He stumbled once or twice on the way to the bathroom, noting how distracted he was, mind running several thousand miles a minute in panic, and he forced himself to pause and take several shaky breaths before continuing. This was unacceptable behavior for a man who was as rigid and calm as could be on any other given day. Never mind the fact that the situation he was in at the moment warranted a bit of emotional lee-way. This was Sephiroth, after all. And he had little patience for his own shortcomings. Once he had Genesis in the bathroom, he stripped him free of his clothing and ransacked the linen closet for any and all of their towels. They might get ruined, but he didn't care. The cost of losing a few towels was nothing next to losing Genesis.
Pressing them tightly against Gen's skin where the wing had ruptured through, he started the water for a bath nearby with his free hand. His hands and form were still shaking, but he managed to get the work done within a few minutes. And by the time the bathtub was filled with hot, soothing water, Sephiroth was gently laying Genesis into it after he had pulled a chair into the bathroom to sit himself nearby. The blood was already clotting, and, from the looks of it, after he had cleaned the area, it all appeared to be mostly superficial, at least on the at first sight. He made a mental note, however, to brood over the idea that a wing rupturing from the shoulder blade of his lover could somehow be referred to as something like 'superficial' in his mind.
The moral dilemma of that wing's presence put firmly behind, now he would just have to wait and hope Genesis would come too soon, all the while attempting not to allow his ever ceaseless mind to remind him that the other man could be in a coma, among various other medical scenarios that were equally just as bad or worse. He carefully and gently washed his lover's form free of blood. He had to give himself something to do other than sit by idly and wait while he processed all the information this entire situation had given him. By the time his breathing had evened out and he could feel his nerves calming, he realized that there was a lot about his relationship with Genesis that he had not bothered dwelling on beforehand. But instead of losing himself in thought over the issue, he concentrated on the image of Genesis' pale face, unconscious and hauntingly at ease. For once, he shut his mind down before the rest of his pragmatic mind caught up and delivered several new situations and scenarios that would leave him tense and worried until his lover opened his eyes.
Time seemed to pass by, crawling inch by inch with each second a painful awareness to the Silver General. When Genesis started to wake, he wasn't sure where he was, just that the pain had subsided. His whole body still ached, but it was nothing like he had felt before. He wondered idly, if he was dead, why he felt anything at all? As he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Sephiroth and his voice was lost in his throat. The other man had not noticed him stirring just yet and he immediately noted the strain on his lover's features. Sephiroth could hide his emotions well, so perfectly in fact that it was infuriating most days, but today and this moment was a rare form for the General. He looked as if he had been dragged through the wringer and back.
Genesis had been so certain of his death. The pain had been too great to be anything else and he had resigned himself to never seeing his lover again. Now to awaken with him right there. He hadn't even hoped. Shakily, he reached out for Sephiroth's hand as his voice came to him.
"I thought I was never going to see you again. All I thought about was you; I love you." His words were cracked and dry but filled with emotion. This was a man who had faced his own death and he realized the only thing on his mind was how Sephiroth would be after, letting the man know he did love him.
The Silver General startled, quite visibly. It would have been rather amusing, in any other situation, and perhaps a matter of pride for Genesis, to note that he successfully dropped one over on the other man's head for once, however, such thoughts were very inappropriate and far from either men's minds. Sephiroth's eyes even widened in a very uncharacteristic show of surprise, though his expression melted just as quickly into relief.
"I love you too." He spoke hoarsely, the words a mechanical reaction by now, but this time the well of emotion behind it was all too clear.
"You gave me quite the scare, Genesis." Sephiroth replied seconds later, trying his best to keep that fear out of his voice as much as possible, "I saw you, laying in the kitchen when I returned, I thought I had lost you."
Genesis was still certain that he was going to die. Even if he'd had his time extended a little bit. And a sorrow filled him that hadn't been there since he had accepted his fate. He wanted to live, if simply so he could spend the rest of it with this man, spend eternity with him. He closed his eyes again, trying to content himself with the time he had left, shortened now, he was sure. The wing on his back hadn't even registered yet. All that mattered was Sephiroth.
Sephiroth's hand finally stretched out after Genesis had initially reached for it, allowing him to take it and have it for whatever he needed. With the other hand, he continued to draw hot water up with a rag and squeeze it over the red-head's back and shoulders, gently cleaning away the last of the blood. He was sure his lover still had to be in pain, but he didn't know whether there was anything he could give to the man to ease it. And the ignorance frustrated Sephiroth more than anything else, when it came down to it. But at least Genesis was conscious and that much was enough to keep him calm.
"It is a good thing you lived, because I managed to figure something out." He offered Genesis a small smile, deciding to switch gears with something a little more optimistic, gods knew they needed it right now. "I have found my answers, Gen. We just need to move as soon as you are able. I will need a few moments to deliberate and then we are going to take a trip to Nibelheim."
Nibelheim. The name still brought a mixture of feelings to the General and it was not often he willingly thought of that place. Or more importantly, the mansion and the lab that laid hidden below. Despite the discomfort the idea was bringing him, he had already known that it was his best option, even before letting the name of the small town leave his lips.
Genesis smiled, looking up at Sephiroth. In spite of himself hope blossomed in his chest. "I think I'll be alright, at least as all right as I'm going to get." The redhead smiled as he tried to sit up and winced, finally noticing the wing on his back. "Seph..." He choked out, fear in his eyes. "I really am a monster."
"You are not a monster." Sephiroth murmured softly, wrapping his arms tightly around Genesis' form.
Wet and soaking, he didn't seem to care for once that the famous leather of his coat might dampen. It, like everything else in their apartment together, was much more easily replaceable than Genesis himself. And it was clear that his lover was attempting to address something that threatened to break his mind down.
There wasn't much color in Genesis's face to begin with at the moment, but the last of it drained away. He threw his arms around Sephiroth and clung, he knew the other man must have seen it and he prayed he wouldn't push him away. It was a ridiculous notion, but the irrationality seemed so commonplace in moments like this.
"How am I going to go anywhere like this?" He shook as he spoke. Genesis had never felt so out of sorts in his entire life. Thankful for Sephiroth's presence.
The Silver General looked the wing over and thought deeply, reaching out to touch it gently with a gloved hand. It was real and seemed functional, the feathers gleaming beautifully in the light of the bathroom. Now that the gore had been cleaned away and he had acknowledged its existence fully, he was admiring it while poking and prodding and even petting curiously.
The redhead couldn't help it when a small moan escaped his lips as Sephiroth touched his wing. The new appendage was very sensitive. He was still unsure of it, but Sephiroth wasn't turning him away and seemed to actually like it. That did a lot for his mental state. He didn't know what he would have done if he'd woken up alone with the thing.
"Honestly, I think a wing suits you. Beautiful and exotic, truly." Sephiroth finally stated, sounding rather matter-of-fact. Of course he wouldn't see something like this as strange, considering the fact that he grew up in a lab.
"There is nothing wrong with you that cannot be fixed. I am sure of it now. Perhaps, once you gain a bit of strength back, we can see if you can't retract it somehow. Until then, I would not pay it much mind." He paused, sighing as he caught a look from Genesis out of the corner of his eye, then continued, "Yes, I know, that will be easier said than done."
Pulling his hand away from the wing, he tilted Genesis' head up and pressed a deep, loving kiss to his lips. He would not be pushing the other man away, wing or no wing. Genesis was his completely.
"I want to go now. I just- you've given me some hope despite everything, and I just... I want to go." Genesis was almost pleading. "I thought I was dead too and I don't know what this did to Hollander's time table. I don't want to wait. I want to live. To live with you. And when this is all over, we can sort everything else out."
He closed his eyes, using Sephiroth as leverage to stand. He was a bit shaky from the blood loss but still managed to lift himself up. "Had to pick someplace cold, didn't you." Genesis laughed a bit, trying to lighten the mood. Even with the wing and the pain. Having Sephiroth and having hope, it was all he needed to feel better.
"My apologies." Sephiroth murmured absently, lifting to his feet to steady Genesis further. His eyes went to that wing once more and he caught himself from reaching out to touch it yet again.
The moan hadn't gotten pass him. And he supposed that that was part of the reason why he wanted to get a feel of it again. But this was highly inappropriate for the situation. Genesis was in no condition for him to be seducing him, even if indirectly. He dropped his hand and reached for a clean towel, then helped Genesis out of the tub to dry him off.
"The only reason I want to go there is for the lab. It is well out of the way and I will have time to do my research and refine a cure. Not to mention the fact that ShinRa will not approve of my actions. Hojo was kind enough to offer me an idea that I want to work with, at least as a basis, if nothing else. And I can't just give you a blood transfusion, not if our blood types don't match. Though I am not even entirely certain something that simple would work to begin with either..."
He knew he was talking about things Genesis likely wouldn't understand, considering that he hadn't explained what it was that Hojo had told him. But that didn't matter just yet. All that mattered was Genesis and making sure that he was comfortable and capable of moving.
"Blood transfusion?" It was obvious that Genesis was confused by his lover's words. "Blood type? I'm A+." Genesis rattled off. Most men in Shinra knew what their blood type was. It could save their life.
Sephiroth paused and looked at Genesis, frowning with a soft "Damn." Falling from his lips.
"Well, that will complicate things, but it won't push me back any further." He offered Genesis a faint smile before leading him out and taking him to the bedroom to get dressed.
"We can gather some things and prepare. I would prefer to get there as quickly as possible, but we can't risk stealing a helicopter. And I don't trust anyone else enough to ask them for help. We'll just have to take the long route by boat."
Genesis stood and wrapped himself in the towel. It was more for the chill in the air than modesty's sake. Sephiroth had seen every inch of him several times over. He noticed the man reaching for his wing again and didn't miss the look in his eyes. Sephiroth really did find it beautiful. That more than anything helped his mood. He really didn't care what anyone else thought, save maybe Angeal.
"I don't mind a boat." Genesis muttered. Flying right now seemed rocky anyway with the wing. "What do we need? It might help if you told me what you found out."
His mind was having trouble keeping up anyway. Likely part of the degradation. He'd do whatever Sephiroth asked though. He loved the man and right now the General was his only hope.
"I had already planned on having to refine my blood to begin with, to some extent. As for what I found out, Hojo was very willing to offer information, even if he didn't realize he was doing so at the time. He seemed to be riding on the hope that I would just let you go."
Sephiroth snorted as he spoke and started moving about the room, gathering a fresh pair of pants and shirt for Genesis as well as several other articles of clothing they would need while being away for so long.
"We had the same genetic therapy done to us. But the processes by which they were given to us were starkly contrasted. According to Hojo, whatever methods Hollander used, they weren't nearly as refined or perfect. And I believe he hinted at the fact that what you were given was a slightly different strain. Perhaps even more unpredictable than the normal Mako infusions that most SOLDIERs receive. While, naturally, Hojo is an arrogant bastard, he is intelligent enough to warrant that kind of assessment and likely knew about the differences first hand. It would account for why I haven't suffered the same fate.
Whatever the case is, what I received was far more pure, or at least stable. And so, if I can find a way to refine it from my blood, it should help you. The only problem is..."
He sighed and shook his head, "It would be like forcing you through the treatment again, unless I figure out another process for it. Gen... this is going to take a lot of work. And we'll have to take every bit of research we can before we go. I was lucky in that the lab assistants left me alone long enough through my blood work to get copies of some of Hojo's work, but... it's incomplete. I'm hoping... more so than I should, that they were sloppy when they left the lab at Nibelheim and left more of it behind there."
Not to mention the very serious fact that all of this was riding on a theory and one he had dragged up on a spur of the moment. But he could not bring himself to mention that much to the other man. It was enough that he sounded confident enough to give Genesis hope. Sephiroth did not want to think about what might happen if his convoluted theory proved wrong. There simply would not be time for second chances.
And to make matters worse, Genesis walked over and placed a hand on the side of Sephiroth's face before kissing him. The look of complete confidence and trust in him might have broken his heart, if he allowed it to. Failure was not an option. And yet, the hardest lesson he learned today was how fallible they just might be after all. Such a sobering concept was not easy for someone like Sephiroth to swallow.
Then Genesis spoke, "I know I wasn't very optimistic at first. But I believe in you. I believe you can do it. We both know Hojo has always been secretive about you. You're right, it's the one option Hollander would have never had. I believe that my cure is within you. And if it's not, then I still get to die at your side."
Oh, well, that certainly made the Silver General feel loads better. Sarcasm aside, Sephiroth appeared to have regained his composure and was currently attempting not to level a very irritated glare on his lover. After all, Genesis was completely unaware of Sephiroth's train of thought, so he could not very well blame him.
Genesis pulled away and threw on a pair of pants, but remained shirtless for now, with the wing it would be nearly impossible to put on a shirt, unless, like Sephiroth suggested, he would be able to retract it. "I may have to get some button ups, cut a hole in the back." He muttered before closing his closet door.
"Going through the SOLDIER process again would be nothing and I'm certain your hands will be more gentle than Hollander's. If it's what it takes to stay with you, then I will endure it." He walked back over as he spoke and put his arms around Sephiroth.
"Just tell me what you want me to do." He offered before claiming Sephiroth's lips for his own again. Black feathers floated through the room with each step he took.
Sephiroth hummed softly into the kiss and smiled when Genesis pulled away. His hands had reached up to stroke affectionately up and down along his lover's shoulders. He wanted nothing more than to sweep him off of his feet and make love to him slowly, but he was also afraid such an act might hurt the other man. And so he refrained from letting things go too far. And only just barely this time.
"We need to figure out if that wing of yours can be retracted. If it can, that would make traveling a lot easier on us." He exhaled slowly and grew thoughtful. "Perhaps a bit of meditation and calming might help? If you want to settle down and attempt it, that is. It couldn't hurt and, if nothing else, you'll be a bit more relaxed by the time we leave. I can pack in the meantime and get everything else ready."
He had already pulled out a suitcase, which he used on rare occasions when he knew he would be out on a mission for more than one day. Packing clothes was the easiest part and of course he needed to bring a few extra things with them.
"Hmm... I don't even know what state that mansion is in. And I do not think it would be wise to stay at the inn so openly. We will likely have to head into town and up to the mansion at night. I'm sure we can get in without being noticed then. But unless there is a bed somewhere in there...
To hell with it, I'll pack some sheets and blankets just in case our luck turns out for the better, for once."
Genesis shifted and sat down on the bed, wing draped out behind him. He wasn't sure where Sephiroth got the idea that his wing might just... disappear, but he wasn't going to question him, not right after promising to do what the man said.
He crossed his legs and closed his eyes. Genesis had meditated a few times. It had been recommended to try and tame his fiery temper, but hadn't been nearly as successful as his relationship with Sephiroth at softening his attitude and thus he had fallen out of practice.
Genesis took a deep breath and tried to lose himself in his mind before envisioning pulling his wing in, it becoming part of him again. He lost track of his surroundings, something he could only do when he felt safe. And anymore he only felt that way when he was alone with Sephiroth. A peculiarity anyone else might have balked at, if it wasn't for the fact that most people only saw or heard of the more dangerous and cold sides of the Silver General.
He was so lost in himself that he almost gasped when the weight of his wing vanished in a flurry of feathers. Genesis's eyes snapped open, out of his trance, and he looked at Sephiroth. "Seems you were right about the wing, love."
"Something else we can just add to the list." Sephiroth replied absently as he stuffed the last of the items they would need into the suitcase.
He had returned with another bag, one that looked like it held a laptop that belonged to one of the scientists in the science department rather than a personal one that may have been issued to the Silver General. Evidently, Sephiroth's idea of 'getting copies of Hojo's work' meant relieving some poor lab tech of his laptop. Subtlety was not one of Sephiroth's strong suits. The General set that aside and looked over at Genesis finally to address his success.
"Well, that is convenient. I honestly was not sure it would work. But it is good to know I can make an educated guess and be correct. At least now you can finish getting dressed."
Genesis looked like he would have made some comment about whether Sephiroth really wanted him to get dressed, but honestly right now his body wasn't up for sex and he just wanted to get out of here. It was a strange sensation, having your body and your mind at war with something that both normally would have been ready to take at a moment's notice.
Slowly he stood, letting his aching muscles stretch and walked back over to his closet, pulling out a black turtleneck and slipping it on.
"It feels weird." Genesis muttered, he knew the wing was there just below the surface, he could feel it. "But you're right, this I can deal with. I may never have to drag it out again." As he spoke, he looked back at the mess of feathers.
Sephiroth followed his gaze and noted the very same feathers, then smirked and murmured, "You're molting."
Genesis leveled a fiery glare on Sephiroth that was reminiscent of his much more characteristic temperament and something that the Silver General found himself missing suddenly. It was a fleeting moment, but the preciousness of it would be enough for Sephiroth to grasp at greedily and tuck away to fuel him through his research, when the time came.
Genesis wrapped his arms around himself a bit, it felt odd right now, thinking that he might actually be around for the holidays this year after he'd been so sure he'd never see another harvest. "What do you need me to do?" He asked for the third time, hating sitting idle, feeling useless.
"I hope the molting can be stopped, at least." Sephiroth mused as he swept back towards his lover and wrapped his arms gently around him. "I think it only serves to make you look that much more beautiful."
"Now, as for what I need you to do... is get a bite to eat. We have everything packed. We just need to eat something before leaving and that emotional breakdown I had earlier has me famished. It will be a long drive to Junon, as it is. So. Lunch, then we make our way out of the city. Does that sound fine?"
Genesis moved over to the other man and gave him quick kiss. "Thank you, for everything, really." His voice sounded lighter than it had since this whole ordeal began. Genesis knew that, in the end, this would draw them closer and knew that he had made the right decision in telling his lover. Why he had even considered keeping it from him he couldn't recall.
He made his way into the kitchen, bypassing the bloody feathery mess on the floor and opened the fridge, pulling out various items to make a few sandwiches. He hadn't seemed to notice that the mess was still there and neither had Sephiroth. The silent tension of the moment and the feeling of haste was enough to make both men dangerously oblivious. On top of everything else, Genesis really didn't feel like cooking, not after what had just happened, but food was needed. He grabbed the bread and went about making them sandwiches, feeling at least a bit useful in this menial and domestic task.
The idea of life had nearly invigorated the man. And he smiled slightly as he worked. Genesis knew that they still had a fight ahead of them, but that didn't matter anymore because there was hope.
"Here." he offered Sephiroth as he sat a plate down in front of the man, cleaning the mess up on the coffee table before he took his own seat and began to eat. He finally felt like he could face the world.
Sephiroth nodded and reached out to take a sandwich, then leaned back as he bit into it. His gaze fell onto the suitcase that held their thing, and a few other essentials, and then to the laptop case. He was already running another checklist through his mind, making sure they hadn't missed anything.
"Your sandwiches are always amazing." He finally murmured, turning his head to offer Genesis a rare warm smile. "I find it mind boggling that you could master something so simple and make it taste ten times better than anything I might make myself."
"Now you're just flattering me." Genesis returned as he finished his sandwich. When this was over, Genesis knew they would have to sit down and talk. He had enjoyed the turn of their relationship immensely, but these past few days had been some of the best he'd had. He almost hated to admit it, but he enjoyed this almost domestic life. It was certainly a drastic turn from his previous dreams and goals to become a Hero beside Sephiroth.
And that was the real point, thoughts of the war and being a hero had grown distant in Sephiroth's presence, somehow. But then, he supposed, nearly dying could have that kind of effect on someone. He stood and grabbed his red leather coat, before he glanced at the bags, then looked back up to his lover. "Ready?" he asked a bit heavily as he bent down and gathered a few of them.
"And just in case, what are we telling people if they see us with these bags? I don't think we want to cause much of a fuss getting out." Genesis asked looking over at Sephiroth, curiosity dancing in his eyes.
Sephiroth was finishing the last of the sandwiches, as having quite a bit of his blood drawn had left him a little more famished than he had let on. When he swallowed the last bite, he nodded and pushed to his feet.
Taking the time to return to the kitchen and to set the dishes in the sink, Sephiroth only paused when the question was posed. And then he turned to regard Genesis with a faint smile.
"Simply that I am dragging you to Wutai myself, after a long, heated lecture about responsibilities." He laughed softly at that and rinsed the last dish before turning on a heel and trudging back into the living room to grab the suitcase.
"We should not have too many problems and, given the situation, I am sure you can manage looking dejected and a bit put off, if the question comes up? You are, after all, an amazing actor. Perfect for the stage."
Sephiroth leaned over and kissed Genesis gently before offering him the laptop case to carry. He would have let him take the suitcase, but since his lover was in a lot of pain and his wounds were not healing properly, he didn't want to risk him straining any muscles in the process to add to his injuries. And yes, he did consider Genesis to be rather delicate at the moment, just because of his degradation.
Genesis raised an eyebrow. At one point Genesis might have bristled at the thought of Sephiroth treating him like this, but he knew his actions were out of love and concern so he couldn't fault him too much.
"You seem to like buttering me up this evening." The redhead replied with a smile. "But it does sound like a plausible explanation for our actions."
"I am not where I am without good reason." Sephiroth finally replied softly, sounding a bit distant and brooding.
He took the things Sephiroth had given him and followed the man out the door. Genesis didn't glance back, knowing that, depending on how things went, they would never be coming back here. Genesis had yet to share his desire to leave the fighting permanently no matter how this scenario ended. Mostly because it had been a split second decision made while he was feeling so out of sorts. It could change later, even if he might not think so at the moment.
The redhead knew that life on the battlefield was all Sephiroth had ever known. Genesis didn't want to take that away from him. At the same time, a desire to show this man a peaceful life like what he'd had back in Banora grew. It was a subject he'd decided to breech only after he'd been cured, otherwise the conversation wouldn't matter.
The General looked over to the ginger, giving him a quick glance, he knew the image of Genesis lying on the floor in a pool of his own blood would stick with him for some time, haunting his dreams as much as his conscious mind. Finally, after affirming the redhead's condition, he asked him, "Are you ready to leave?"
Genesis just nodded, shifting the weight he was carrying a bit, before heading towards the door.
