It gets too confusing trying to have that last bonus chapter as part 9.5, so I'm just gonna say that was part 10. Making this part 11. I'm not wrestling with chapter names, lol.
Today we have an Angeal and Genesis chapter! Tooth-rotting fluff! I really should be working on my cosplay why the hell did I decide now was a good time to write more fic!
Uhh. Anyway. It's a fairly short chapter and sickeningly sweet. There's slight talk of plot (ha, what plot) progression, but also I don't think we've actually seen the relationship between these two before, so I wanted to cover that a little as well.
"You seem awfully quiet," Genesis noted.
Angeal grunted as he beheaded an onion. "I think you're just particularly perky this evening. I only seem quiet by comparison."
Genesis was, as suggested, feeling particularly perky. He propped himself against the kitchen counter near where Angeal was preparing dinner. "But of course. The game is released in just a few days now. The anticipation is electric" he said, eyes bright with impatient expectation.
Angeal's mouth twitched up into an involuntary smile, fond but exasperated at the same time.
"I do hope someone writes a poetic ode to the beauty of my ass again."
"Genesis."
Genesis laughed. But although Angeal was humouring him, Genesis could tell his heart wasn't in it. He was still distracted.
Angeal finished dicing the onions and scraped them into the pot on the stovetop with robotic efficiency. He moved on to the carrots. Genesis placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You are quiet tonight, though. Tell me what's wrong."
Angeal hesitated a moment too long before answering. "Nothing's wrong."
Genesis gave a quiet snort. His other hand joined the first on Angeal's shoulders, massaging the muscle there. Angeal sighed and shifted his weight into the touch.
He was tense, but no more than would be expected after a decent amount of training. That was right; Angeal had been training with Zack earlier. Zack. Genesis paused on that thought.
"How was your training session this morning?" he asked, a small purr in his voice. He knew very well how Angeal felt about Zack, after all.
"It was fine," came the short reply.
"Only fine? But you were training with the puppy; you always have something to say about his talent and improvements."
Angeal gave a light shrug, nothing to add.
Genesis continued the backrub while Angeal chopped his way through the carrots and several potatoes, humming quietly to himself. "Did something happen with Zack?" he suggested.
Angeal tensed under his hands.
"Oh, so something did happen with Zack."
"Genesis, nothing happened. Can we drop this?"
"Absolutely not."
"Pass me a tin of tomatoes, would you?"
Genesis sighed dramatically, but made the trip to the cupboard to retrieve the requested item. He would simply have to remain patient. Angeal was not the sort to keep secrets; Genesis knew that. He would let Genesis know what was eating at him soon enough, and Genesis would do his best to help if it were within his power to. That was how it had always been, ever since they were children growing up together in Banora.
He took the liberty of opening the tin for Angeal before passing it over. Angeal nodded his thanks.
They both remained quiet while Angeal began compiling the first the ingredients for his stew. The onions were softened and chunks of meat nicely browned before Angeal spoke again.
"Zack and I had lunch in the cafeteria afterwards. Cloud was there too…"
"Oh, yes. How are the two precious lovebirds?"
Was Angeal jealous? It was certainly possible in the situation, but Angeal was more honourable than that.
"They asked me to join them."
Genesis broke into a slow grin. He was seemingly unsurprised by this development, if possibly a little bit too pleased by it. His expression lit up with anticipation, but Angeal cut him off swiftly.
"I turned them down."
"What?" Genesis spluttered. "Why? You've had your eye on Zack for years!And I know you're enamoured with Cloud as well - no, don't deny it, it's beyond obvious, you know. They just offered you everything you wanted; how could you possibly turn them down?"
"Gen, stop being dramatic."
He waved a the request away dismissively, but dropped the overly theatrical tone. His hand came to rest on Angeal's bicep in a comforting touch instead. "Do you think you made the right decision?"
"I don't know, Genesis."
Angeal added the stock to the pot. Some of it sloshed over the side, betraying his agitation.
"Why did you turn them down?" This time the question was genuine. It was clearly bothering Angeal, and, whatever else may be said about Genesis, he did not like to see his close friends suffer. "It can't be because of the number of partners, surely. You've been with myself and Sephiroth often enough."
"Exactly."
Genesis cocked his head. "What, were you worried about us? That's sweet of you, but you know we've always had an open relationship. Sephiroth and I have both had other relationships, we would hardly begrudge you for doing the same. Especially not if it was with those two."
The last of the ingredients were added into the stew. Angeal put the lid on the top of the pot and set it to a slow simmer. With nothing left to distract him, he turned to face Genesis.
"Do you really think you mean so little to me?" Angeal said softly.
"Hm?"
"Yes, I want Zack, and Cloud. But never so much that I would leave you."
"Why, Angeal," Genesis purred, "it almost sounds like you care."
Angeal shook his head in exasperation. How could Genesis not know? "Of course I…"
He trailed off when he saw the look on Genesis' face. Angeal couldn't work out the expression, even after all these years of being with him - he saw contentment, a note of teasing, and a strange, almost vulnerable tenderness beneath that smile. But then Genesis cupped Angeal's jaw and kissed him firmly, and Angeal forgot what he was worrying for.
Genesis had always been a passionate lover. His lips were warm and insistent against Angeal's, expressing his affection in physical touches rather than words.
Even when he finally drew away from the kiss, he kept his hands on Angeal in an absent-minded caress.
"Two things," Genesis said. "Firstly, it's worth asking the boys if they'd still be interested if you were in an open relationship. Be with them and us."
Angeal shook his head, but there was a warm smile pulling at the corners of his lips. "Really? You make it sound so simple."
"Secondly. How long is that stew going to take?"
"…at least two hours?" Angeal answered, clearly not quite understanding the relevance of this particular question.
Genesis' smile turned wicked. "Good. Plenty of time…" He trailed off, answering the unspoken question of 'for what?' by kissing Angeal again. Just as passionately as before, and this time with obvious intent. Angeal's arms shifted to hold Genesis with the same reverence and desire Genesis was holding him.
Angeal groaned. "Genesis…"
"I want to thank you," Genesis purred.
"For what?"
"For caring, you dumb, gorgeous beefcake."
Angeal seemed somewhat bewildered by this. Genesis shook his head and dragged Angeal towards the bedroom, kissing the confused little frown from his boyfriend's face. Genesis had never quite got the hang of saying 'I love you', but he had other ways to prove it.