Sorry, no Sephy in this one... Next chapter and further chapters after that. He will show up a lot more often after this chapter! ;) Promise!


Genesis sighed, flopping onto his bed in defeat. Two silver strands of hair... Two... That was more than one... But why was he so worried about that? Maybe it was because... He knew he wasn't entirely human... He could feel it... He could sense it. And that was why he knew he had to do what he was supposed to do...

Until he found out what exactly he was, he had to keep far away from those he cared about. So he wouldn't hurt them. Silently flipping through the one book he always carried with him, he muttered aloud a single quote written on its pages, "when will the beasts of this world bring their fight to an end? From the dark sky, the Goddess comes whirling down. The door to the light opens to happiness, together with the gift of the Goddess." An abrupt knock on the door caused him to jump slightly and he nearly dropped his book. With a sigh of defeat he muttered, "No one's home..."

Genesis rolled onto his side so his back was facing the door as it opened, heavy footsteps echoing across the floor. He could've sworn those footsteps belonged to someone he knew... But he refused to think that was the case... Under his breath he whispered another quote, so softly that only Mako-enhanced hearing would be able to detect it, "the most profound mystery is the Gift of the Goddess and in pursuit of this gift we set on a journey and take flight. Hopeless as it may seem we stand and carry onward with the ripples of water that surface on our hearts."

"Still reading Loveless?"

"Lieutenant Hewley..." Genesis sighed and rolled onto his back, staring into the familliar face of the first person who had ever cared.

"I would've thought that by now you would've finished... Still a slow reader, hm? You haven't changed..." Angeal chuckled, both hands on his hips as he smiled down at the elegant redhead.

"I believe I said no one was home."

"And you're right. No one of any importance anyways..." He smirked when Genesis rolled his eyes. "Of course... Since there's no one home... That means I can take what I want and get away with it..." Angeal eyed a hand crafted red blade as he spoke, taking a few, deliberatly slow steps towards it.

In obvious annoyance Genesis shut his book, leaving it on his bed as he got up and snatched away his sword, glaring at Angeal with his arms crossed. "What do you want Lieutenant?"

"Genesis... Cut it with the formalities, would you?" Although it had bothered him before, Angeal would have given anything for Genesis to call him, 'Angie,' again... Even if it was only once.

"Lietenant Rhapsodos. That, or nothing at all."

"So the past doesn't matter anymore, does it?" Hurt leaked through Angeal's voice.

"What is in the past remains part of the past. It is only the future that matters, as it is yet undecided."

"Genesis... What happened to you?"

"I grew up Lieutenant Hewley. We are no longer children." Genesis knew he was hurting Angeal with his harsh words, but it was for the best. Although he desperately wanted to return to those innocent days, he also wanted Angeal to leave. Leave and never come back. Angeal was so pure... He deserved more than Genesis could possibly give.

What Angeal did next shocked him. He had expected him to walk out the door, to look hurt... Never bother talking to him again... So... Why was Angeal walking over to him smirking mischievously! He knew that look... "Genesis Rhapsodos... You've been such a notty boy. You should see the General."

Genesis swallowed nervously, taking a step back. "A-An... L-Lieutenant Hewley...?" In his mind, Angeal couldn't help but feel pure and utter bliss at Genesis's near slip-up. He had almost used his first name... Almost. His Genesis was still there... Burried deep, sure... But still there... Almost maniacally, he grinned before throwing Genesis over his shoulder in one clean motion. "Angeal! what are you-!" Finally...

"Oh hush and enjoy the ride." Genesis struggled, protesting loudly at Angeal's, 'immature impulsiveness.' Although he was sure Genesis was going to be mad at him for quite a while, Angeal couldn't help but feel joy. Not once more did he say, 'Lieutenant Hewley.' It was only, 'Angeal.' He knew it wasn't normal to feel happy about it, or even excited, but it was how he felt. He imagined they were merely Recruits again, the time before Genesis had begun to change. He was able to imagine that this sort of thing happened every day... Just like it had used to. Despite himself, Angeal found that he was smiling...