Twinge Of The Forsaken Chapter 13, a final fantasy vii fanfic

A/N: ……………You know, I really should be updating my other fic…but I had to update here! Especially after reading all the appreciative reviews! (…note that I'm saying this after I just barely got to keep my life after last chapt' stunt! Lol. J/K.) n e wayz, hope you Seph/Gen fans are READY FOR SOME ACTION!!!!! Whoa, but I'm getting ahead of myself…it's a little uncomfortable at first…

To The Philosopher's Queen: Welcome!!! Yeah, I know; I didn't want to leave a cliffie for so long, but I was trying to avoid updating without updating my other one too. But then, I decided 'what the hell' you know? I'm glad you want to keep reading even though there's MPreg. Sorry bout that…glad you like it, though. I did put warnings for this chapter, if it helps! -_^ Enjoy.

To Consise Complexity: Welcome!!! Yeah, sorry about all the cliffies…but the way I see it, it just makes all my luvly readers want more, yeah? Glad you like! -_^ Trouble-prone, yes. Definitely. Poor Gen…or should it be 'Poor Seph'? Ahh, either way, life isn't gonna get easy for them for a while, I'm sad to report… :( Hope you enjoy nonetheless! Review again, plz!

To gothboymylove: Thank you for the thought! -_^ yes, I am feeling loads better, now! I'm still healing, but you have no idea how great it feels to be running and jumping and dancing around after two years of such inhibitions! N e ways, I think you're more interested in the story, so…glad you like the whole re-bonding thing…and you're right; NOT FOR LONG, MUAHAHAHAHA! …Uhm, on to business, I hope you like and review again!

To chibi heishi: Nope, can't be good at all. Why am I so cruel? Oh, yeah…CUZ Y'ALL LUV IT WHEN IT STARTS GETTING BETTER, RIGHT? I KNEW IT! Lol. …Maybe I'll be nice to Gen…or maybe not, lol. You'll just have to wait and see! -_^ …but don't come at me with an angry mob, -k-? *shivers* can't stand the horror! Enjoy!

Tsukikkage234: I knew you'd luv it! XOXOXO And, yep, you said it. Seophy's gonna have to get all in protective mode again! Glad you still like! Enjoy!

To Wilya: What can I say? You the best! -_^ I hope you like this chapt, too!

To gothicdragon752: Patience, oh homicidal one! Patience! You'll get your Seph/Gen satisfaction soon……and I thank you for showing me mercy…I never thought I'd survive after my last installment! So, thank you from the heart of my bottom…or, the bottom of my heart. Whichever way suits you! Lol.

Warning: Very morbid stuff up ahead, including: explicit violence, child abuse, attempted rape, language, and one very pissed off Sephiroth…again. (May God have mercy on whoever's in his way this time…)

Note: I wasn't sure whether to put this up as two chapts or one, but I guess one long chapt is good, no?

Chapter Twelve: Hate The Rain

Several Wutai grunts hit the ground, lifeless before their fall was over. Idiots. They were messing with SOLDIER, for Gaia's sake! Enhanced! The world's strongest! Practically invincible!

Genesis's scarlet sword slipped to ground. With a pained look, one of his hands went to his abdomen. He carefully eased his way over to lean against a nearby tree. The surge of energy was gone and the pain was back tenfold. How long had he run? A mile? Five? Wherever he was, he was far away from any kind of civilization—which was a good thing in one respect, but he'd obviously strained himself something terrible. And the blood flow kicked back in. Damn it. Could he never catch a break?

He couldn't take it anymore; letting his eyes slide closed, he sank onto the ground, leaning over to lay his head on a tree root. Gaia, it hurt. Badly. He wished he had some of his painkillers with him…

A piece of cold metal touched his jaw. Fuck. Twice in one day? You're really losing your touch, Genesis, he spat inwardly at himself.

"Nowhere left to run, ShinRa dog?"

With a curse, he slowly opened his eyes and sat up, still holding his aching abdomen. The Wutai General stood before him, smug as a child who just got away with smashing his Pasteur's window.

"How may I be of further service to you, Wutaian?"

One of the twin katana blades pressed closer, drawing a small amount of blood, "You killed many more of my men."

"Such is one of the many omens of war," Genesis retorted, tenderly standing up. The blade followed his movements. "Or don't they teach you that in Samurai school?"

The Wutaian chuckled darkly, "You certainly talk a lot for a SOLDIER. You'd think a whore should be assigned to remain at home where it's most useful. Let me guess: you slept your way up the ranks, even offered your unique talents to your company to further their research as well." Genesis's eyes hardened again. "Whereas the Silver General is considered the emperor of our enemy in my land, you must be the emperor's bitch."

Genesis's hand harnessed its incredible heat again, but when he moved to make the Wutaian suffer for his words, a stabbing pain erupted in his chest and he met the ground once again. Damn. Had he tired himself already?

A shadow loomed overhead; Genesis didn't have to look up to know it was his enemy standing over him. He wished he hadn't dropped his sword…

"Do you know what we do to filthy whores in my land?" the Wutaian laughed. "Especially those who provoke violence?"

Genesis's eyes widened as he gingerly pushed himself to his hands and knees.

"…After all I've pounded into your empty little mind, you still went off and disgraced our family by becoming a filthy whore…!"

"You're no son of mine…"

"…nothing but a slut!"

A tiny crystal tear dropped onto the ground between his hands. A whore. That was what they all said. He was just a toy; nothing else. He wouldn't have been brought up to ShinRa if it hadn't been for that. He probably wouldn't have become acquainted with Sephiroth and Angeal if he wasn't so Gaia-damned pretty.

Hojo once told him he was pretty. Such a term that was usually taken as a compliment was a spawn of nightmares for Genesis. It was because he was pretty that all this happened to him. If he wasn't a SOLDIER, he'd probably be--

A handful of his hair was painfully pulled—an action he had zero tolerance for. Genesis tried to jab the bastard in the gut for all its worth and then beat the living hell out of him when he found an opening, but he only managed to get two shots in before he found himself on the ground again, unable to remember how he got there. Gaia, he hurt so badly…

He turned over on his back, attempting to get back up, but a heavy boot stomped down square on his abdomen, pinning him. The commander couldn't suppress a whimpering groan at the force and pressure. The katana blade was back at his throat.

"My people treat dirty whores like dirty whores." The boot pressed harder and it took every ounce of Genesis's energy not to scream.

"…You want to be a slut? I'll treat you like one!"

Blue eyes shut tightly against the bad memories. He just couldn't shut out the various voices ringing mercilessly in his head.

"…It's no fate that isn't fit for a pretty little toy…"

"…It's all your fault they treat you this way…if you weren't so pretty, maybe you would be spared from time to time…"

"…Whores don't belong here; they belong in a harem where they can be bought cheap by the hour…"

"…I wonder whose bitch you're gonna be next?"

One last surge of flame attempted to well up in Genesis's hand—it was too weak. And every time he tried, a shock of agonizing pain passed all throughout his body. He could faintly hear his opponent laugh. He became both angered and…scared. He hated feeling helpless.

He hated not being in control.

A sudden surge of adrenaline shot all throughout his body. He wasn't sure how he managed it, but he fought free and was staggering to his feet with his enemy taking a quite a fall that would definitely leave him in a bad mood. He spotted his sword in the midst of a circle of corpses not ten feet away. He shakily made for it.

The world around him suddenly spun. He threw his arms out just in time to prevent his face making a crash-landing to the rough ground beneath him. Then a heavy weight pushed on his back. He tried to throw it off, reaching vainly for the hilt of the red sword not two feet away, but…

SCHING!

Genesis's throat clenched with a pained gasp—judging by the intrusion of cold metal and sharp pain, a large blade stabbed straight through his shoulder blade and deep into the dirt, effectively pinning him. All mobility in Genesis's assaulted arm disappeared…and he couldn't reach to pull the weapon out with his other hand…dammit! Another blade slid beneath his throat. Too bad it was the dull side pressing against his skin otherwise he probably would have thrust himself down on it.

Genesis was feebly trying to push himself up a little with his one good hand when he felt hot breath near his ear, "I still haven't heard you scream yet. Is this why ShinRa has been so fond of you all these years?"

The SOLDIER's breath quickened just slightly. Oh, he's screamed before. Many times. But he wasn't keen to play role in another factor to a nightmarish routine he knew too well. He writhed around a little in effort to break free—he was in too much pain and he was so exhausted.

…A little more blood seeped into his uniform.

Genesis didn't even try to talk back this time. His whole body quit obeying his commands. He suddenly realized he was shaking.

A discreet scraping of metal sounded before a smaller blade came around and began to trace lines all around his belt buckles. One of his captor's hands came up to teasingly clasp around his throat, "Eager are we, pretty whore? Or is it…why, one of ShinRa's top officers isn't scared, is he? I would have thought you would have been used to this sort of treatment by now, no?"

Rage would have built up inside Genesis…if it wasn't for the overwhelming fear clouding his mind. So instead of a barking retort, his voice came out in a whisper, "So now I see how it is your methods of torture are for your enemies, then."

"Oh, this," the Wutaian chided smugly. The dagger blade slid to Genesis's upper right thigh, just inches below the waist line, dragging across and around to the back. The leather made a whispering zip sound as it was cut. Genesis became even more rigid than before. "No, my people are quite civilized and humane when it comes to our prisoners. This is just for you." On impulse, Genesis's non-injured arm jerked up to push himself away from the sinful hands touching him, but it was immediately pinned under a viselike grip from the hand that had seconds earlier been caressing his throat. The Wutai General laughed, "If only you knew how many of my men would have been thrilled to meet you. They would have so much fun just getting to know you." The knife grazed over Genesis's crotch line at this last comment.

His breath came out in short, labored gasps.

Sephiroth!

A countless mass of the dead bodies of some of Wutai's finest warriors lay at the General's feet. Many and courageous they all were…but they apparently forgot who exactly it was they were challenging. Hence the 'dead bodies' part.

Sephiroth scowled at the blood dripping from his prized blade. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he shook all the offending red from its silver elegance. The Masamune had done its job once again, but Gaia it got filthy fast! He put it away, and was about to search out his friend once again when he heard light footsteps approaching quickly from behind. He turned patiently, knowing they were no threat to him.

"It's a little early to be running amuck in the woods unattended, wouldn't you agree, Reno?"

The teenaged Turk-in-Training (or TIT, as Reno preferred to call it), met Sephiroth's patronizing remark with his own cocky grin, "Hey, you should be thanking me. If it weren't for me, your ass would be buried alive in Wutai troops."

Ignoring the fire to his pride, Sephiroth glanced around him, alert, "There are more of them?"

"Were more of them," the teen replied, tapping his nightstick on his shoulder. "Nah, but me and Rude took care o' the rest of 'em. And Tseng took off chasin' some crowd to the South end of the river. Rude's catchin' up."

"South?" Sephiroth turned and studied the area Genesis had run off to. Coordinating the sun's position and the river's flow of direction… "That's where Genesis went!"

Like a bullet he sped away, following the faint traces of his friend down an erratic path. He ran into some corpses here and there, but that only reassured him he was going in the right direction. And that Genesis had held his own…at least for a while.

It took him a while to realize Reno had followed him. The only thing that gave him away was the nearly-silent pants of breath right behind him. It made sense that he was almost undetectable—he was training to be a Turk, after all. Heh, Sephiroth could just picture this kid becoming second-best to Tseng by the time he was eighteen.

Oh, damn. Way to think about the most cursed age Sephiroth had ever witnessed. He shut his eyes briefly, willing the dark memories away again. He tried to ignore the phantom cry of his friend calling his name.

Sephiroth!

He tried to ignore the pain as best as he could, but he just couldn't shake off the heavy weight on his back…

Surprisingly, the Wutaian was much bigger than him…an unfortunately stronger. Genesis tried to convince himself that it was just because he was in a very vulnerable state right now…but that didn't help his situation any.

He wiggled around a little until he managed to get one of his legs under him. Holding his breath, he bucked up hard, sending his captor tumbling off of him, but not for long. With his uninjured hand, he reached forward in attempt to possibly reach his sword again. It was just out of his reach. Why did he leave his revolver in Sephiroth's tent..?

A small groan escaped Genesis's throat as a knee pressed into the small of his back and a sharp pain stabbed—literally stabbed—into his side, dragging along towards his waist. He could feel the blade scraping against his ribcage. That pain along with his untimely feminine issues, Genesis felt like passing out.

Gaia wasn't so merciful.

The knife pulled out only to stab through Genesis's good hand. With a barely-suppressed cry, the commander let his head fall against the dirt beneath him. What was the use of still trying to fight? He was weak, he was tired, he was in immense pain, and he had lost what willpower he had left against this bastard. Someone up there must really hate him.

He felt the tail of his red coat being pushed aside. Well, at least he had the fucking decency to spare his coat! After that, he shut is eyes and tried his best to shut out the rest. It was so unbelievable this was happening again…but this time it wasn't his close friend who was trying to be as gentle as possible; it was some sick bastard taking his fantasies out on the subject of international rumors.

Wait…how did the Wutai know..?

His two belt buckles came unfastened. He knew his fate, but that didn't stop him from panicking. His frantic breaths wheezed in and out like a dying mouse caught in a mouse trap. Then a gloved hand clamped over his mouth from behind.

"Do us both a favor, SOLDIER," the other hand reached down into his pants. Out of instinct, Genesis tried to squirm away, kick the Wutaian, anything, but to no avail. "Don't even think about screaming now. There'll be time for that later. But for now, you're all mine."

There was zero hope of getting away now; the bastard obviously had the upper hand and he wasn't relinquishing his grip. Genesis had no option but to await his impending doom.

It didn't come.

Instead, he heard a gunshot. Then another one. And another. Heh, his imagination must be running wild in hysteria, now. He could just picture himself holding his firearm that wasn't here, shooting the bastard everywhere it would hurt before finally killing him. He couldn't even feel the pressure on top of him anymore. Pain must have become a myth. Oh, yeah. He'd gone insane.

Hey, who was talking? He thought he recognized that voice, but whose was it? His brain had just about shut down and--Don't move? Sure thing. It's not like he could anyways. …Ouch. It felt like someone had just yanked all the muscles in his shoulder out…

Where's the ground going? It's going further away…oh. He was just pushed up to a sitting position. He could make out a couple of black blurs in front of him. One smaller than the other… What's that? Was he alright? Hahaha, he was just fucking dandy! What the hell just happened anyway?

He heard voices in front of him saying something, but he couldn't make out the words. His mind was so foggy and he--Wait, he knew that voice! Where was he?

Seph--?

"Commander, please stop fidgeting! Rude, help me out a minute," the very young Turk requested as patiently as she could and the older man gently held the SOLDIER still while she tried to pull out the dagger sticking nastily through his hand. Did he not realize it was there? He only seemed intent on finding whoever he was looking for.

"Is he alright?" a normally calm voice spoke a little unnerved to her.

"He'll be okay," Rude assured whilst handling a very delusional Genesis. "He's got a few wounds here and there and one ugly gash down his side. Cissnei's working on it, but he's pretty shaken up."

"No surprise," Sephiroth muttered to himself as he knelt down beside where his friend was being held. Shrugging Rude away with thanks and assurances he could handle it, the General carefully held Genesis up against his chest, strong arms holding his frame still. "Hold still, alright?" he muttered softly. He reached one hand up to pet his friend's mussed hair, "They're trying to help you." Hearing his voice must have been enough, for Genesis finally somewhat relaxed and let himself be treated.

"It's a good thing we got here when we did," the familiar voice of Tseng spoke over them. Sephiroth looked up to meet the Turk Commander's grave look and tone. "A minute later and…"

"What did you do to…him?"

Tseng's stone-cold expression hardened even more, "A rough tumble, admittedly. Still, he should feel lucky; I only shot him in one of his heads."

Sephiroth decided it was best he and Genesis head back to headquarters ASAP. Tseng accompanied them, trusting Rod and Rude to handle the civilian situation with the other SOLDIERS. Genesis hadn't spoken since he recovered from the little incident with the Wutai General. Sephiroth had apologized to Tseng for having to attack one of his own on account of them, the Turk Commander being from Wutaian descent and all. Tseng merely replied that anyone who dares harm any of the three he'd once been in charge of is no kin of his.

For a while, the helicopter ride was rather uneventful. Genesis sat on the opposite side from Sephiroth, gazing out the window for shame of meeting his friend's eyes. Sephiroth let him have his space; a lot had happened since they took on this mission. He had a feeling Genesis would take his time before embarking on another biggie like this one.

It was a long ride back to ShinRa and after about another hour, exhaustion began to catch up with the SOLDIER General. Between thirty-eight hours since his last rest (and even that wasn't very much with all the stake-outs for the first twenty-four after arriving) and all the excitement the mission contained, he could agree to a nap. He didn't want to, but his body and mind had different plans. Soon, without realizing it, his head drooped against the seat and he shut his eyes.

Genesis, meanwhile, didn't feel like sleeping at all; with sleep came nightmares and he'd already had his share for the day. Granted, he hadn't had much more sleep than Sephiroth, but after everything that had happened within the passed seven or eight hours…

Gaia, he wished he'd brought a book to pass the time and get his mind off of things. He hadn't had the urge to read in a while. He'd been trying to distract himself so much as of late, but books…he just didn't have the resolve to pick one up anymore. Even his prized copy pf LOVELESS—his favorite ever since he found it while wandering around in his father's study when he was young—had begun collecting dust. Besides, with all his racing thoughts 24/7, he wasn't sure if he could concentrate on any piece of literature.

Wow, what do you know, he already succeeded in clearing his mind of today's events. Ah, damn it. There they go again.

It was times like these when Genesis felt very much like a vulnerable child again. Sephiroth hadn't always been there to protect him. The first couple of years of his life before they met, Genesis was on his own, always fending for himself. At times when he wasn't being punished for whatever he may have done wrong, Genesis often forgot he even had a family. The only one who noticed him from time to time was Mariana, his parents' head maid. She was a nice lady; she never spoke harshly to him and she would try to give him warning every now and then to hide out in the fields or his secret place whenever his father would come rampaging. At times when his parents would deny him dinner, she would sneak him a piece of bread or two. After a night of sleeping outside in the rain, sometimes Mariana would try to greet him with a warm bath before he fled off to the orchards again.

They were simple little things, and they were rare, but he'd learned how to survive on his own the best he could. But growing up in Banora alone was one thing. Living what was left of one's childhood years in a place like ShinRa—where horrors of all kinds lurked around every corner—was something entirely different.

He thought he was strong, but only when he realized he how much needed Sephiroth—the one child he knew of that grew up in ShinRa's hellhole—did he realize how mistaken he was. Now it's gotten to the point where he can't handle a simple little assignment anymore. Dr. Freud, call your office, please.

For the first time since they began their journey 'home,' Genesis glanced over at his older friend for a moment. He seemed to be resting peacefully once again—the first time he'd allowed himself to since he'd slept with Genesis on his couch. SOLDIERS didn't sleep well on missions. Sephiroth slept very, very little. Genesis…didn't sleep at all.

The youngest suddenly felt bad for stressing his friend out even more with his presence and drama. He shouldn't have come. This whole mess was his fault. To top it all off, he'd been very reclusive to a friend who was only trying to help, among his many other duties. Some friend he was, huh?

After another long while, Genesis finally moved. Getting up from his seat—and minding his bandages while he was at it—he made his way over to where Sephiroth sat, lost in his own dream world. Hopefully. (Sephiroth had been known to sleep so deeply when he was exhausted that he claimed not to dream.) Carefully and quietly, Genesis settled himself next to his dear friend. He was sure not to wake him when he burrowed under one of his friend's arms and laid his head down on Sephiroth's lap. It wasn't long before the two friends were both in a different world.

It was nearly dark outside when Sephiroth woke up to the familiar whirring of chopper blades that had sung him to sleep. The first thing he saw was Tseng, seated calmly and patiently directly opposite of him with his arms crossed over his chest. Sephiroth was about to speak—offer his apologies for falling asleep on him—when he noticed a certain weight on his legs.

He was a might surprised to find a mass of auburn hair nestled on his lap. Genesis was still fast asleep. The General looked back up, shamefully at a loss for an explanation, but Tseng merely smiled without meeting his eye.

"You two looked comfortable, so I didn't bother moving him," he said. "Besides, you both seemed dead on your feet when we met up. I thought it might be rude to wake you."

Sephiroth inwardly smiled. Yep, that was Tseng, alright. He was probably one of the most considerate people on the Planet. And he was almost always calm and patient. If SOLDIER's top three elites could ever claim to having a mentor…it would be Tseng, as odd as it may seem to many others. Sure, he wasn't that much older than them, but they did grow extremely close over the years.

One instance in particular responsible for that was when Sephiroth, Genesis, and Angeal as young teenagers were racing throughout the empty hallways, imitating a slightly different version of one of their favorite games they played in Banora, when they ran unceremoniously into Tseng rounding a corner. Three boys, a grumpy-looking Turk, and hundreds of papers made quite the mess in the otherwise deserted hallway. As per the friends' personalities, Sephiroth immediately helped the man to his feet and brushed him off, professionally and politely as he was raised to be; Genesis scrambled to gather up the scattered papers, apologizing repeatedly lest they suffer cruel punishment; and Angeal as the 'big brother' tried to explain and excuse their rather rambunctious behavior. Secretly, Tseng took an instant liking to the three mature and polite (although quite energetic) boys, but he had a reputation as an aspiring Turk and Company Officer. He frowned at them, taking his dropped forms from Genesis, and scolded that such behavior from ShinRa's potential elites was unacceptable in such a respectable facility and irresponsible in the first place; they should be ashamed and clean up their acts straight away if they knew what was good for them. After which, Tseng glanced around the corner from which he'd come and then back to the teens staring at the floor in shame before muttering lowly, "I suggest you take the Board Members' Elevator to get back to your quarters unnoticed before someone of higher brass comes along; they're scheduled for a meeting up here in about ten minutes." The friends looked back up at him, surprised at his sudden inexplicable kindness for an instant, before taking the Turk's advise and booking it to the nearest suggested elevator, knowing that these particular elevators were restricted.

Sephiroth pulled himself out of his musings and met Tseng's somewhat paternal gaze, "I never properly thanked you, Tseng."

The Turk looked up at him. He furrowed his brow slightly in question, "For what?"

"For everything, really. You've done a lot for us since the day we met you. And even just recently down in the Riverside Forest…I wouldn't have gotten to Genesis in time, but you…"

Another kind smile crept onto Tseng's face, "It wasn't heroics so much as it was chance; when we landed at the Glade and searched for you, we were informed that you weren't in camp, but someone had seen Genesis head off to the East River. I figured I could find one if not the other and still be on the right foot. That's when we spotted the Wutai tailing you. As Reno may have told you, we intercepted as many as we could, but then you and Genesis separated again. I couldn't get away at first, but I followed Genesis as soon as I was able. It was still difficult, considering the paths he took. He was trying to shake off some of them and he almost lost me with them, but," he let out a short laugh. "I know you all too well. I had to find him out of necessity to make sure he didn't get hurt. Again, that is."

Sephiroth lowered his gaze, his hand automatically resuming his habitual stroking of the tangled, yet soft hair, "I suppose, then, you heard of last night's events."

"Walters briefly filled me in on Genesis's 'injuries'. He appeared greatly concerned with his well-being—especially when he described the vast amount of blood and the commander's behavior. It was easy to put two and two together."

Sephiroth suddenly remembered something, "Tseng…when we were ambushed back at the river, the Wutai General spoke with us momentarily. The details aren't important, but he expressed some knowledge about…information only a select few are supposed to know about."

"I don't follow you."

"You know of Genesis's status," the General sighed. Tseng nodded patiently. "And you remember what…happened a few years ago." Another nod. "No one was supposed to know about it beside us and the Science Department. Sadly, that wasn't the case."

"You believe someone else may have found out?"

"The Wutai claimed to have heard certain rumors. Their version was obviously biased and bleak, but the details they elaborated on were…eerily accurate."

Tseng was silent at first. When at last he met Sephiroth's eyes, his expression was blank, but it was clear he was deep in thought, "This information is strange. If all of SOLDIER has been kept in the dark--"

"Hey, Boss!" Reno's voice erupted from the cockpit. "We're comin' up on Midgar!"

Tseng immediately made his way to where his protégé piloted the aircraft with little more than a quick, "Excuse me," and the two SOLDIERs were alone again.

Genesis stirred in his lap as the chopper began its descent to the landing pad, "We back yet?" he groggily wondered aloud.

Sephiroth nodded, forgetting that his friend couldn't see it, "It's about 1930 hours. We're landing now."

"Oh," was all he got and Genesis sat up. Sephiroth didn't fail to notice how he immediately slid to the far window.

As usual, Genesis was the first off, avoiding any possible confrontation. Sephiroth took his time, stopping to speak to the guard on duty. When finally he made it to the door leading from the helipad, he found Genesis leaning against it. The commander seemed a bit pale, even in the lack of light outside, and he was breathing slightly hard. Sephiroth gently took his arm—a gesture of both aid and concern.

"Are you alright?" his friend weakly nodded. The General opened the door, ushering them both inside. Genesis shied away from the touch of his grip, but followed. "I'm relieving you of all duties for the next few days. I don't want you leaving your quarters unless necessary, either. Either I or Angeal will--"

"Seph, I know," Sephiroth stopped in his tracks and did a double-take. Genesis didn't look at him, but his words were clear and sure. "I wasn't gonna try anything…reckless; I'm tired. And I'm sore as hell. I think I've had enough excitement to last me until my next assignment. I just want to rest for a while."

Sephiroth stood still for a moment, trying to piece together a coherent thought before settling on, "Just so long as we understand each other." He continued his trek down the hallway to the nearest elevator. "I need to fill out the procedural post-mission reports and then I'm turning in for the night. I suggest you do the same."

"Seph, I can file the reports; it's about the only skill I'm allowed to practice around here anyways."

"You need to rest. Besides, even without all the previous excitement, you'd be too fatigued to concentrate." Genesis opened his mouth to protest, but Sephiroth beat him, "Don't worry about it; a little paperwork once in a while won't kill me. Get some rest."

"Seph--"

"Genesis, please do not argue with me," the General pleaded, turning around to face his friend once again. "If I have to, I will make it a direct order."

"I-I was just going to ask…" Genesis pointedly avoided looking at him. Instead, he focused his attention on a very interesting chip in the wall next to him. "…Do you mind if I stay…in your quarters tonight?"

Sephiroth had to admit he was a bit surprised at his friend's request; normally, Genesis's reclusive attitude led him to be rather a loner, especially in big instances like this mission had. Of course he agreed, but as he numbly stood against the tiled wall of his shower, he couldn't help but wonder about the change in the commander's demeanor.

Mood swings weren't exactly a strange occurrence with Genesis; however something seemed a bit…off this time. Usually, when the copper-haired commander needed company, he'd usually request it in his own home or something similar. In fact, Sephiroth couldn't recall the last time he'd actually had Genesis for the night at his place. If he wasn't in his office or the training room, Genesis could almost always be found in his quarters. (Sephiroth supposed it was the only place that felt somewhat safe to his friend.)

After about ten more minutes, Sephiroth exited his shower feeling a might refreshed. As he patiently brushed through his long, silver locks, he could faintly hear the other shower in the other side of his apartment suite still running in the bathroom connected to his bedroom. Sephiroth arrived 'home' at least half an hour after he'd sent his friend away… Was Genesis…okay?

He certainly hoped so as he slipped on his silky black robe and made his way to his room. His mind ran over all the gruesome events that the mission displayed for them and hoped the younger wasn't falling into the pits off trauma due to it all.

The enslaved village, innocent civilians dead and dying all around, his vain attempt in rescuing a lost child, nearly getting trapped in the fires of the destroyed town due to certain circumstances, Sephiroth himself nearly flying off the handle at him, the Wutai ambush…other things…

Not exactly a great combination.

Sephiroth hesitated for a minute before lightly rapping his knuckles against the door, only to be answered with nothing but the sound of spraying water. He tried again, this time lightly calling his friend's name. When he again received no answer, he tried the door. It was unlocked.

Inside, the room was filled with so much steam, Sephiroth could barely see through it in the few seconds before it began to air out due to the open door. To his right, a crumpled form lay behind the glass shower doors under the too-hot spray, unmoving. Concerned, Sephiroth asked if he was okay, but did not enter lest Genesis greatly preferred his space at the moment.

It was a few seconds before the younger answered, but eventually, he croaked out, "Can…can you please bring me some painkillers?"

Sephiroth nodded, trying not to vocalize his relief, "Alright. I'll be right back."

Genesis didn't usually like using supplements to dull pain; he'd been through worse, so why for a simple case of really…bad…menstrual cramps?

Why?

Because every surge was a reminder—a reminder that he was…different. Not normal.

A freak of nature?

Angeal and Sephiroth would kill him if they heard him using the term to describe himself again.

Everyone's a little unique, they said. In some cases, a few were greater than others. Genesis just wanted to be normal. Sephiroth isn't normal, Angeal said. Who ever heard of growing up in a military/executive company? By the creepiest 'caretaker' possible, no less?

The same one who used both Sephiroth and himself for another little project? Yeah, him.

To be honest, Genesis couldn't understand how Sephiroth did it. He himself probably would have lost his mind if he'd stayed with his parents. How could Sephiroth put up with…everything that Hojo put him through? Sephiroth wasn't as inhuman as everyone thought he was. The General was once a child, too. He once had the desire to run, laugh, and play. There was a time when he didn't even know what sexual attraction was—or what it was used for.

Genesis let a shudder run through him as he pulled himself into a spare robe of Sephiroth's. It was a dark, velvet blue. It was quite soft and Genesis couldn't resist hugging it closer to himself. It was a little comforting to say the least. One major thing Genesis and Sephiroth had in common was the growing up without parental guidance or comfort. The tight little circle of friendship they and Angeal shared was…really all they had.

So why had Genesis started to pull away?

All his life he knew something was different about him. Yes, of course the obvious defect, but there was something in all of them he could sense. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but…it didn't feel…right. He sometimes wondered if Angeal and Sephiroth could feel it too, but they had been so preoccupied with Genesis that…no, they couldn't have. Genesis' head was so muddled and confused that he wasn't exactly the sanest person in the world. Maybe everything—all the world's happenings around him—was all just his imagination.

A long sigh escaped his lips before he turned and prepared to head out of the bathroom and face his friend.

He sat on the edge of the large bed facing away from the auburn-haired SOLDIER, a book lying open in his palms. He must have heard Genesis emerge, for he immediately looked up at him over his shoulder before standing to face him completely. The awkwardness in the air was so thick between them one could almost reach out and touch it.

"Uhm…"

"Right…"

"Uh, Seph, I," Genesis paused, unsure of what to say. In a moment like this, Genesis liked to distract himself so he didn't have to focus on the subject at hand. His eyes wandered over to the oak dresser beside him. The little black box he kept his earring in when he showered was sitting right there.

He grabbed it, numb fingers prying it open and began fitting the dangler back into the open lobe. He heard Sephiroth chuckle a little.

"You sleep with that in?"

Genesis' eyes narrowed a little in confusion, "Of course. Why?"

"Doesn't it hurt you? It's not exactly a dull stud."

"It's never bothered me…"

The tension broken a little. Genesis moved to sit on the foot of the bed, a little lost despite the several nights in his youth he'd stayed in this apartment. After setting his book aside, Sephiroth spoke again.

"There's supposed to be a storm coming tonight. I might be called for early patrol tomorrow with Angeal. You know how flooded the Plate tends to get," Genesis only nodded in response. "Will you be alright? Here by yourself, I mean."

A light huff erupted from the younger's throat, "I'm a big boy, Seph. Besides, I'll probably just end up filing paperwork in my office anyways--"

"I'd prefer it if you stayed here."

The room froze for a moment.

That was…unexpected.

Genesis nodded discreetly, standing back up again, "Alright, then. I should get some sleep. I'll let you do the same."

He was just about to the bedroom door—ready to crash on the couch—when Sephiroth's voice stopped him, "Wait." Genesis waited. "You need to sleep in a real bed. I'll sleep in the living room."

"It's alright; I don't mi--"

"I won't take 'no' for an answer."

Another pause. Finally, Genesis dropped his hand from the doorknob and turned back to the oversized bed. Sephiroth nodded and prepared to take his leave. He was halfway out into the hallway when his friend spoke, quiet and a might unsure of himself.

"Seph? …Could you please stay?"

A/N: Again, I was tempted to leave it off here for now since the chapt was already this long, and I didn't want it to stray, but I had a promise to keep to gothicdragon752…here you go!

The smell reminded him of freshly-blooming fruits in the trees of the small village—sweet and ripe. The sound was almost like red chocobo eggs frying on his best friend's mother's stove for Sunday breakfast. The cold…reminded him of things he'd rather not remember…

Mud and water splashed beneath sprinting feet as their owner fled in no particular direction, but anywhere that would take him away from his pursuers. Midgar was dark and dead; not a star in the sky was visible behind the heavy rain clouds. His hair was plastered to his face and his cheeks were so drenched that one wouldn't be able to tell he was crying.

His jacket was shiny with the sky's tears, but the bundle he cradled so close to his chest beneath the soaked material was dry and warm. They would not take it from him—not after all they put him through. Even if…even if he had to desert SOLDIER.

The pounding footsteps of boots on brick and concrete steadily increased behind him. He was exhausted and sore, but he pushed his body passed the limit and urged himself onward. If he made it to the train station…maybe he could buy himself a few more days to make it out of the city undetected. From there, he could travel to Kalm—hide out there for a few days…perhaps buy some necessities with what little gil Angeal was able to give him. He could stow away or hitchhike to Junon afterward. From there, he could take a boat. Corel was a remote place; it wouldn't be easily found. He would have a chance to think and strategize his next step.

Another fork of lightening streaked across the sky. He caught sight of a small alleyway not twenty feet from him. It wasn't much of a hiding place, but…

The thunder was getting louder overhead. The bundle stirred, shifting around a little. He didn't dare breathe. He could only pray the angel in his arms would go back to sleep. They were so close.

The large squadrons sprinted passed, the Lieutenant barking orders to find the subject before they lost him. Men scampered this way and that. In the midst of the chaos, he could make out a familiar dingy lab coat. The wearer stood calmly, glancing around him for any sign of the escapee.

Said escapee peered out just barely from the shadows of his hiding place, anxiously watching for when the living nightmare would move away. They were too close.

The bundle released a whining coo. He nearly panicked, retreating and attempting to shush the child.

But it was too late.

There pursuer turned in their direction, a sadistic gleam in his eye that sent the eloper into a surge of adrenaline, taking off deeper into the alleyway just as the men changed direction to follow. It was a dead end.

With a dumpster against the back wall…

And a fire-escape off to the right.

Time to put all his years of training good use.

He held his breath and charged forward. He held the whining bundle securely with one hand and leapt up onto the dumpster. He jumped again, kicking off the wall to propel himself upwards toward the rusty ladder hanging just above his head. His slippery gloved hand clamped onto the third bar from the bottom. The bundle cried openly, but he could not comfort him, now. Instead, he focused all his energy to pulling them both up with one hand until he could reach a foothold.

Was he scared of slipping? Absolutely. Was he scared of falling? Undoubtedly. Was he scared of dropping the child? Indescribably. Of getting caught?

Terrified.

He couldn't remember how he managed to make it to the roof, but that didn't deter him from running as soon as his feet touched walking ground. The men were right behind him. He kept running…

And running…

Until he came to the roof's edge. Without thought, he ran even faster. He held the child tightly in both arms, his eyes shut as he soared to the next building. He landed in a roll, making certain to land all his weight on every part of his body except the area where the infant nestled. He was up in an instant, still not letting up.

Until a half dozen of his pursuers emerged from the other edge of the roof. He turned back and ran the other direction again only to be met with more troops. On all sides more surrounded him. The child began to cry louder.

Another lightening strike.

He didn't have his sword.

He was too weak to sauté these bastards.

And he was all alone.

He didn't say anything—only cradled the infant closer. He did begin to tremble slightly, however, when the one man who made nightmares reality idly strode his way. His hair was stringy and mussed as ever with the pounding rain and the shadowy grin seemed even more sinister when a clap of thunder echoed above them.

"Last chance, Little Genny," he cackled. His glasses reflected the terrified and distraught face of his escapee. "Let us avoid conflict, shall we?"

He shook his head defiantly, "You can't have him," his voice was supposed to be firm and strong, but a whisper just barely made it out. "He's mine."

The wicked grin only widened, "I don't recall giving you a choice."

He backed up, only to be halted by the men behind him. He was instantly trapped and all he could do was hold onto the little bundle as tight as he could. The wails were impossibly loud and equally heartbreaking. The tears were falling faster than the rain.

"No…no…"

"Suzuki, if you please."

He struggled fiercely—he had to get away.

He couldn't tell which tears on the little cheeks were the infant's or his own.

A violent kick sent Suzuki stumbling back, but more assistants held him firm. The maniacal laughter mingled in with the roaring thunder and hissing rain. The child still cried.

"Shh…" his quivering voice hushed too quietly for his captors to hear as he crouched and folded in on himself—a feeble attempt keeping the bundle from reach. "Don't cry…don't weep…forget the world, just go to sleep…" he tried to sing…the little lullaby he used to listen sometimes as he would sit outside the window in the April rain to Angeal's mother sing to her son.

They were pulling his arms away, prying the angel from his grip. He tried his hardest to hold on.

Something stuck his arm.

It was getting harder to focus.

The wails of the child were drifting further and further away…

Another streak of lightening blinded him, followed by a deafening clap of thunder--

"Stop it! Stop it! Don't!"

"Genesis, wake up!"

"NO! Don't…take him!"

Genesis was strong, even in unconsciousness. Sephiroth found it increasingly hard to hold him still. He tried to shush him, but his friend was still trapped in the world of dreams. He struggled and fought, but only when one of Sephiroth's hands found its way to smooth and comb through the layered trusses of hair did he begin to relax little by little.

"Shh," the elder friend soothed, holding Genesis securely in a loving embrace. "It's alright; just a bad dream."

"St…stop…" the copper-haired commander weakly urged in the last traces of sleep. When his eyes opened, they were drowning in moisture. He looked up at his friend before burying his face into the crook of his shoulder. Sephiroth meant safety. Seph would never hurt him, "I'm sorry. I hate the rain."

"I know."

"I hate it; it scares me."

"I know, I know. It's okay."

Another lightening strike ripped a yelp from Genesis' throat, causing him to cling to Sephiroth with every fiber of his being. The general clung back. He hated the rain, too. Only because it cause his friend so much pain.

"Why won't it stop!" the younger cried to the ceiling, tears already streaking from his eyes.

"It will stop soon."

"I hate it!"

"I know. So do I."

Another loud strike made Sephiroth himself want to shout at the sky to cease its cruel game.

He probably would have, but…

The sad blue eyes were eerily close to his own green—closer than they ever had been before. He could feel Genesis' breath on his lips. It shuddered—he could feel it. The rain outside was a silent hum compared to its sound.

The entire room lit up with the next strike. Both SOLDIERS jumped, holding onto the other tighter than one could imagine.

No space was left between them. Both pairs of eyes were clenched tightly shut, but they could feel the fierce press of their lips on another's. They stayed like that for a few seconds before pulling back just by a hair's breadth. They stared at each other, a might confused at what had just happened.

Thunder boomed just overhead.

Two childhood friends were pressed against each other again. This time it was questionable whether or not it was an accident.

Angeal lay prone next to Zack in their large bed. He ran a soothing hand across the younger's shoulders, both taking a quick breather. It wasn't often they got to spend this kind of time together, but tonight was different.

"Angeal?"

"Yes, Zack?"

"…I love the rain."

A/N: Okay, now it's the end of this chapt. I know the action's been a little slow-coming, but now it's time for all our Seph/Gen fans to REALLY enjoy the story, lol. I know this chapt wasn't the prettiest I've written thus far, but…ah, y'all know the drill. Let me know how I did!

…don't murder me in sleep? Or worse: while I'm awake?