Sephiroth lay still for what seemed like hours, but only mere minutes had passed. Reno and Cloud lay in bed after their tryst, whispering softly to each other. Soft laughter could be heard here and there. "We should be quieter," Sephiroth heard Cloud say. "Nah," Reno whispered. "He would have told us to knock it off if he had heard anything already." He snickered lightly and pulled Cloud closer to him and squeezed the blond's thigh that was resting on his hip. "Mmm, I love it when we get the chance to do this. I like just laying here with you," Reno mumbled. "So warm. I love you so much." Sephiroth lay like a statue, afraid to even breathe. Their quiet confessions bled into silence after a moment, then Sephiroth heard the unmistakable sound of someone performing a blowjob.

Gaia… again? They are like animals! Oh, but we were like that once. So long ago, we held each other night after night. How many times did you make me come each night before we fell asleep? How many times did I make you come? You always slept with my hair wrapped around you, said it felt like home. You were my home too, Genesis, but then you left. When I see you again, I won't know whether to fight or fuck you. I love you, then I hate you. I love you, I hate…

Sephiroth was seething. His jaws were ground together, his fists clenched in rage. He felt the fury rise inside of him as he thought of Genesis leaving him. The scene played out over and over in his head, until at once the fury burst into sadness, choking him. He let out a loud cry and grabbed his head. Pulling at his hair, he screamed until his throat felt as if it would rip apart. The cry jolted Cloud from underneath the covers, his mouth sticky and sweet, and the screaming made Reno jump up to action. Cloud jumped down from the bed, not bothering to cover himself up, and ran to Sephiroth's side.

"Sephiroth! Sephiroth! Stop!" He lay a hand on Sephiroth's shoulder and soothed him as the screaming ceased almost immediately. "There. It's okay now. Were you… having a bad dream?" Cloud asked him. Sephiroth shook his head furiously, his face red and streaked with tears. "No," Sephiroth whispered hoarsely. "I want to see Genesis."

"I know. We'll get ready to leave as soon as I've made us some food, okay?" Cloud gave him a final soothing rub and stood up. He turned to Reno, who tossed him a pair of pants. He mouthed a thank-you to him and hastily put them on, quickly making his way through to the kitchen area. He put together a few sandwiches and tossed them into a bag after wrapping them in plastic.

"Reno. We go now," he said, his voice even and firm. Reno nodded and finished helping Sephiroth into his large, black boots. "We're ready."

They piled into the helicopter, and Reno was all too happy to take control of the bird. He threw on a headset and tossed two pairs to Cloud. Instead of sitting in front with Reno, Cloud sat in the back with Sephiroth, who was still and silent. Reno glanced back at them a few times, finding himself surprisingly concerned about Sephiroth's well-being. He sighed and lit a cigarette with one hand.

He really needed something heavier than a cigarette.

They arrived at the Northern Continent - nowhere near Icicle, but Sephiroth had insisted on stopping in the middle of nowhere - and he was the first one out of the chopper. Coming here, he felt like his strength was completely renewed. Hell, he felt like his old self… almost. He began to walk without looking back, and heard Cloud call his name. He stopped for a moment, then picked up the pace.

Needed him. Needed his black-winged angel now.

I will find you. I told you that I would find you if we ever got separated. I'm here, Genesis. Remember… Remember how you could guide me with your lips and bring me to my knees with your hot breath in my ear? Remember when I took you out for your birthday that one year and I asked you to be with me forever? You said yes, angel. Say yes again… Just say the word and I will be on my knees for you, your every wish my command.

I will find you. I will find you, love.

Snow began to fall and a cold wind bit at his skin. His teeth chattered and he wrapped his arms around him, wishing he had his long coat, but only finding the mediocre warmth of a fleece jacket Cloud had given him. Still, he walked and kept up his pace, a fire burning in his soul. An hour. Two hours. The cloud-hidden sun began to fall and darkness approached him quickly, and he found himself running out of stamina.

I can't find you… Genesis, help…

He collapsed in the snow and lay still, trying to catch his breath. Shadows overtook him and he felt the snow begin to cover him quickly within the hour.

Genesis…

As his eyelids fluttered closed, he felt strong familiar arms wrap around him. He was lifted up and felt himself floating. The beating of a raven wing echoed through the snowy trees. He opened his eyes slowly and looked into the face of his angel, who gazed back at him with longing.

"I'm... home."