AN: I really enjoyed writing this chapter, though it's not perfect. I did wonder whether I should maybe up the rating in this chapter, but decided to leave it as teen. However, I may do a bonus chapter as a oneshot after this is finished, if people want. Sorry this took a while. Life ate me.
Warnings: Male relationships, implied sex
Summary: Eighteen now, and they've waited for long enough.

Genesis shuddered as Hojo examined him, fingers running over the newly-qualified General's arms, checking them over for any injury. Being this close to the scientist made him feel sick, it always did. He hated this man, but he couldn't avoid him. Even as a child he had realised that. It didn't matter what he did, how hard he worked. Hojo would always be there, always examining him, telling him what he could and couldn't do. His life had always been bound by the restrictions of the other.

Hojo smiled, bright lights of the labs reflecting in his glasses, hiding his eyes. He smirked.
"You get the all clear for today. Send in Hewley."
Genesis nodded, leaving quickly, not even acknowledging the one concession Hojo had made to their ranks, referring to them by their surnames, rather than the letters he had chosen to call them by as children.

Angeal was stood outside, and embraced Genesis tightly when he saw him, cuddling him affectionately and kissing his cheek. It was clear to the dark-haired man that his lover had been shaken by Hojo, no matter how much he tried to hide it. There was something sad about Genesis, even more than normal, but he pushed such thoughts away, telling himself that he was just tired. Angeal decided he wasn't going to permit it to continue any longer. Hojo had had his influence for long enough. Angeal smiled slightly as he headed into the labs, planning how to surprise Genesis and help him to relax.

Genesis returned to Angeal's quarters, sitting on the sofa and waiting, quietly reciting Loveless under his breath in order to try and stay calm. He didn't like Hojo being near Angeal. He jumped, an hour later, when there was a knock on the door.
"Hello?"
"Gengen, you've locked me out." Angeal spoke gently, smiling a little. He had some very good news, and couldn't wait to share it with the other. He smiled when Genesis opened the door, sweeping the smaller man into his arms and cradling him close.
"It's alright Genesis. It's over."
"What?" Genesis frowned, not understanding what the other could mean. For a panicked second, he thought Angeal was letting him know they were breaking up.

Angeal brought his lips to the other's ear, kissing his sensitive skin and whispering.
"There's no more experiments. No more tests. We will go to the labs for healthcare checkups, but that's all. We're not test subjects anymore."
Genesis went weak in the other's arms, scarcely able to believe it. For so long, he had hoped that he would have a chance to be free, and now he had been given it. He collapsed against Angeal, unable to hold himself up.

Angeal kissed his forehead.
"It's over. It's really over." He smiled, stroking his fingers through the vivid red hair. "Genesis, go and get dressed up. I'm going to spoil you tonight."
Genesis nodded, still a little dazed by their sudden freedom, getting to his feet and going to get changed.

After he had finally got his hair to look perfect, Genesis returned to Angeal's sofa.
"So, what did you have in mind?"
"You'll see." Angeal teased, taking the other's hand, and walking with him down to the slums. As they walked, Genesis gained an inkling of where they were going, but he didn't voice it in case he was wrong, not wanting to upset the other or build his own hopes up. However, as they walked closer to the large building, adverts of the latest play plastered onto its walls, he couldn't help feeling his excitement growing.

Angeal smiled.
"Guess what we're doing Genesis."
"Are we going to see Loveless?" Genesis whispered, eyes shining with hope and delight.
Angeal nodded.
"We are... we've got our own box. Right at the front."
Genesis gasped, embracing him tightly.
"Oh...Oh Angeal thank you." He had always wanted to go, but until they reached eighteen they weren't allowed out unsupervised, and he had assumed Angeal was sick of the play. Angeal was sick of it, but didn't want to deprive Genesis of something which would make him happy.

So Angeal sat without complaint through the play, not even commenting on the other's decision to narrate under his breath whilst the show was going on. In his mind, tonight was all about Genesis, and it was worth every Gil to see the other so happy. After the play, they went to the Golden Saucer, going on the gondolas five times in a row, and playing all the games.

Eventually, it was getting late, and Genesis cuddled up closer to Angeal, holding his hand. Angeal kissed him with tenderness which Genesis skilfully converted into passion.
"How are you feeling Genesis?" He asked, smiling at how content the other looked.
"I feel incredible." Genesis answered, then smirked, grabbing Angeal's hand. "There's still one more thing I want to do tonight."
"Oh?" Angeal asked, amused by the mischievous expression on the other's face.
Genesis nodded sincerely, leaning up against the other's lips and whispering a single word.
"You."

Angeal's smirk mirrored his lover's as he picked him up and carried him back to the bed of their hotel room.