Chapter 21
The commons room was packed, several people crowding around the pool tables and dart boards to play games. The entire room was filled with energy as people caught up with friends and unwound from the long work week. Jake, Marcus, and Vincent had claimed a table in the corner, a bit further from the main floor, and had already ordered a roast for dinner to be shared between them.
"So, have you gotten any further with the General since our last bar trip?" Jake asked between bites, practically inhaling his food as if he hadn't eaten in days.
Marcus rolled his eyes beside his friend, reaching out to push the food away just a bit from Jake in an attempt to force him to slow down. "No one's gonna take it away from you, take a breath between bites and actually chew what you're eating."
Vincent's face had turned red, hidden partially by his hair, as he choked on his drink. He coughed a couple of times to clear his throat. "Um... well... a-about that..." he mumbled lowly, barely audible.
"Oh, something juicy happened!" Jake grinned, leaning over the table a bit while watching Vincent. "Spill the beans!"
"Well... I'm..." he scratched the back of his head, hiding more in his hair. "We might have had sex..."
Marcus rose an eyebrow. "Might have?"
"Okay we did..." he sighed. "On a couch..."
Jake laughed, leaning over to punch Vincent's shoulder. "Way to go, man!"
Marcus snorted and shook his head. "Congratulations," he mused with a smirk.
Vincent blushed harder. "Is... is that normally something you'd congratulate someone on?" he asked, embarrassed.
"Not normally... but considering it's your first and you were so nervous around him?" Marcus smirked.
Vincent chuckled softly. "Yeah, that's true." he looked up at them. "It was... nice, though. He was very gentle."
"How'd you win him over?" Jake asked, tilting his head while smiling.
"We just... talked about it." Vincent shrugged.
"And... talking just lead to sex?" Jake asked, tilting his head.
"Well... to be fair, it was just supposed to be seeing how comfortable we were with it and what would be too much too soon and then..." he shrugged again. "Sex."
Jake chuckled and relaxed a bit. "Well, I guess you two answered your questions. You two are very comfortable with each other," he leaned forward and lowered his voice to tease him. "Did you suck him off?"
Marcus beside him made a face, rolling his eyes before standing up to head for the bar so he could order something to drink and escape what Jake was talking about.
Vincent's blush returned. "N-No! We didn't do anything like that." he said.
Jake chuckled, sitting back. "It wouldn't be bad if you did," he shrugged with a gentle smile. "Maybe it can be a future goal as something to try."
Vincent's eyes widened. "I... I don't think I could fit that into my mouth... I'm honestly not sure how it fit inside me!" he blurted out without thought.
Jake stared at him wide-eyed before snorting, slowly breaking down into a fit of laughter.
Vincent groaned when he realized what he had just said, burying his face in his arms on the table.
"How big are we talking here?" Jake laughed as he calmed down, grinning. "Like, bigger than that toy I showed you and joked about or...?"
"Jake!" Vincent groaned before slowly peaking his face out. "... Bigger. Length and girth wise."
Jake's smile slid off his face, instead he was just gaping at his friend for a few moments before shaking his head. "How... How did you walk down here today?" he asked.
Vincent shrugged. "He might have used a Cure on me when I was asleep. I couldn't walk at all last night." he admitted.
"I'd imagine," Jake gave a low whistle as he thought it over. "Let me guess, you laid on your back for him? Try riding him next time, you can control things more and might not be as sore after."
Vincent blushed but chuckled. "I never thought I'd be talking sex positions with you. Or about how well endowed the General is."
Jake shrugged, sitting back. "I figured we'd get to the level of friendship to advise each other about positions eventually... but I agree I never thought I'd learn so much about the General's size," he laughed.
"And I never expected to get first hand knowledge of it." Vincent laughed back.
Jake snorted. "I bet you never imagined he'd be that big."
"Not at all." Vincent said.
Jake couldn't help but snicker. "You might want to buy some toys so you can better prepare yourself before next time."
"Well, yeah, but it might be hard to be sneaky with practicing. We do live together after all." he chuckled.
"Why be sneaky? He might take it as a compliment that you have to practice to take him easier," Jake grabbed some chips to eat while smirking. "He might even want to watch," he said in a sing-song tone.
Vincent's face went bright red as he buried his face in his arms. "Oh, Dear Lifestream! I do not want to think about that right now!"
Jake laughed, reaching over to rub Vincent's shoulder. "I'll stop now, I think I've teased you enough."
"Thank you." Vincent sighed, shaking his head. "That last one is a thought I won't get out of my head for a while..."
Jake snorted. "Can't be that bad of an image, though, right?"
"Oh, I never said it was a bad image." Vincent chuckled.
Jake laughed again. "Have I signed the General's death warrant now by corrupting you?"
"Maybe. Or maybe you signed mine as I die of embarrassment." Vincent joked.
Jake chuckled again, looking up at Marcus walking back towards them.
"Is it back to safe topics?" Marcus asked as he sate down.
"Just in time." Vincent laughed. "We just finished."
"Thank the Lifestream," Marcus muttered, sipping at a new drink and relaxing in his chair.
Jake laughed. "Oh come on, we weren't that bad!"
Vincent shook his head, smirking. "I can't agree with that, Jake."
Jake shrugged. "I was saying 'we', not just myself. I'm that bad, but you're so easily embarrassed you would've melted if I went any further," he smirked, leaning forward on the table to poke at Vincent's chest.
Vincent groaned but chuckled, agreeing. "Yeah, I suppose you're right."
"You'll get used to it over time, though. One day you'll get the chance to tease me just as mercilessly back," Jake laughed.
"I don't think that will happen at this rate." Vincent sighed.
"Hey, don't just assume I won't ever get with anyone!" Jake retorted, pouting back. He was teasing for the most part, trying to make his movements and tone more over dramatic than needed.
"I didn't mean it that way. I just meant I don't think you can out embarrass me when you do." Vincent chuckled, correcting himself.
Jake laughed back. "Hey, it's not a competition," he assured.
"I almost wish it was. Then I know you would at least try to win." Vincent teased.
"You want me to embarrass you, then?" Jake smirked.
"No! I want you to embarrass yourself!" Vincent said quickly.
Marcus rolled his eyes. "He's teasing you again," he pointed out gently while smiling into his drink.
Jake was simply laughing on his side of the table, hiding his face.
Vincent huffed, pouting before glancing up. His face instantly brightened as he saw Sephiroth entering the room with Angeal, Zack following after them. The General's posture was relaxed but poised, some files in his hand that he was handing to the other two to examine. He didn't seem to notice Vincent just yet, too absorbed in work as Angeal corralled him towards a free area to sit, asking Zack something before he broke off from their trio towards one of the small counters to get coffee.
Jake noticed Vincent's reaction and looked back himself, observing the three before looking back to Vincent, calming. "Do you want to greet him or should we all move towards the pool tables and stuff to give him space?" he asked seriously.
"Well, he seems to be working, but they haven't really noticed us yet and don't seem bothered, so I think we can at least finish our drinks and food before moving." Vincent said, shrugging.
Jake nodded and gave Vincent a smile. "Figures they're working during their lunch break, though," he mused while looking back at the trio.
Vincent gave a sigh nodding. "Yeah. I'd like to have lunch with Sephiroth here sometime." He glanced at the General again.
Jake paused in thought. "Well, you guys aren't keeping your relationship secret, right? I mean... you two told us," he began.
Vincent nodded. "We talked about it and said we didn't want to keep it secret." he said.
"Then you should be able to say hello, at least... Don't distract him from his work, obviously, but just go over and greet him, maybe ask if he wants to join all of us for dinner tonight?" Jake offered.
"I suppose I could do that..." he nodded, getting up before hesitantly approaching the three SOLDIERS.
Angeal looked up at him as he drew near, raising an eyebrow while continuing to listen to what Sephiroth was speaking about. Zack was setting down the coffee he'd gotten the three of them, also turning to look at Vincent while tilting his head gently in curiosity. Sephiroth hadn't noticed Vincent just yet, his back to him as he focused on the files before him.
Vincent waited for Sephiroth to finish speaking before getting his attention. He smiled shyly. "I'm... I don't mean to bother you at work, but I was wondering of you'd like to join Jake, Marcus and I for dinner here tonight?" he asked, nervous. "If you're free!" he added hastily.
Sephiroth blinked before nodding and offering Vincent a small smile. "Of course. Are they here with you now?" he added as an after thought, glancing behind Vincent in an attempt to spot the two. Jake eagerly waved from their table. "Good. I don't want you wondering around alone, given some of the problems going on lately," Sephiroth mused softly towards Vincent. "Have you already eaten lunch?"
Angeal and Zack just stared at the two, Zack smirking in amusement while Angeal seemed confused.
"We're in the middle of eating it." Vincent said. He blushed and shifted then. "I saw you all come in and wanted to say hi, but I didn't want to bother you. Jake said I should just go and say it and offer the invitation to you since... since we aren't really hiding anything." he said shyly.
Sephiroth nodded. "Would you like to join us, then?" he offered. "Jake and Marcus can join as well, if they'd like."
Angeal rose an eyebrow. "You two aren't hiding... what?" he questioned them, setting down his own files to lean forward.
Vincent blushed brightly, shifting. "Oh… Um... we're dating." he said softly, not quite looking at Sephiroth, a little nervous actually saying it out loud to someone other than his friends. "And... if it wouldn't be a bother to everyone, we'd love to join you."
Sephiroth nodded. "I'd like you to join," he encouraged.
Angeal blinked in shock across from them before glaring at Sephiroth. "You've started dating and didn't say anything to Zack or me?" he questioned while folding his arms.
Sephiroth glanced back and shrugged. "It didn't come up."
"So, how long have you been dating?" Zack asked, smiling as he passed their meals out and took his seat.
Vincent had motioned for Jake and Marcus to come join them before sitting down himself. "A few months," he said.
Angeal pouted at the news, glaring at Sephiroth. "You've been in a relationship that it magically never came up?" he interrogated while leaning forward. "I thought we were friends."
Sephiroth sighed, shaking his head tiredly. "It honestly never came up. You never asked and I didn't think to tell you. It's not like Vincent and I are hiding our relationship," he explained while massaging the bridge of his nose.
Jake and Marcus came to sit down, choosing to seat themselves in between Vincent and Zack. Jake had brought over Vincent's food along with his and Marcus's, while Marcus brought over all their drinks.
Vincent smiled at the two, thanking them softly. "To be fair... a lot has been going on around here, Sir." Vincent said timidly to Angeal.
The older man looked Vincent over before sighing and offering a smile. "So, how did the two of you meet?"
"It was after my arm..." Vincent stopped talking, hiding a flinch. "I was in the hospital. He came to ask if I remembered anything."
Angeal glanced at Vincent's prosthetic while giving a nod. "I remember hearing about that, you had a lot of back luck following that incident from what I remember of the reports. Part of your grew got taken out soon after when all of you went back down," he let his thought trail off at the discomfort he saw on Vincent from the topic. "Are you the class three he took in when the attacks started happening? I heard you were found deep in the labs after a mission around the time they started."
Vincent nodded. "I am. I... don't remember much about what happened while I was down there. Just flashes and even those are usually fuzzy." he said softly.
"I'm glad you're recovering," Zack cut in before Angeal could speak, reaching out to put a reassuring hand on Vincent's shoulder, despite having to lean back to reach around Jake and Marcus.
"Vin's strong," Jake mused with a smile, glancing at his friend and nudging him. "He'll just get stronger as the days go by and the General's been a huge help in his recovery."
Vincent blushed a little. "I'm not that strong." he objected softly. "But Sephiroth really has helped a lot."
"I think you're very strong," Sephiroth mused, taking Vincent's hand. "You wouldn't still be here if you weren't."
Vincent's blush deepened a little at that, but he smiled. Angeal and Zack both looked over the new couple before glancing at each other.
"Perhaps you can get Sephiroth to take a break once in a while," Angeal mused, sipping at his drink while watching Vincent. Zack chuckled gently beside him when Sephiroth glared in his direction.
Vincent gave his own small chuckle. "I can certainly try to." he said lightly.
Sephiroth sighed, shaking his head as the others chuckled.
"So, are you Sephiroth's secretary now along with dating?" Zack asked Vincent while tilting his head.
Vincent blinked at that. "Well... I suppose I am, for now." he nodded.
"I must thank you, then. The reports we've gotten from Sephiroth haven't been this put together for years, and he usually sets times himself instead of being on time to the meetings that were already planned," Zack laughed.
Vincent chuckled. "I'm glad to be of help then."
"I was always on time, thank you," Sephiroth retorted while glaring at Zack. "You're the one who always made us late."
"Speaking of," Angeal smirked at the younger man, "you still haven't introduced us to your supposed girlfriend."
Vincent smiled. "You have a girlfriend, Zack?"
Zack's face immediately turned red. "W-well there's a girl I like... a-and I visit her a lot... I-I wouldn't say we're dating just yet..."
"That's great!" Vincent smiled encouragingly.
Zack looked down at the table while Angeal chuckled and rubbed his shoulder comfortingly. "You'll win her over soon. From how you speak of her, I'm sure she likes you back."
"I'm sure he's right." Vincent said.
"She's very kind," Zack mused and shrugged. "I was planning on attempting to ask her out later today."
"You'll do great!" Jake encouraged with a bright smile.
"You will." Vincent nodded.
Zack cleared his throat, blush still in place, before glancing at Vincent and Sephiroth. "So, do you guys have a weekly date night or anything?"
"Well, more like monthly, but yeah we have an agreed date night."
Sephiroth nodded in agreement. "We felt it best to start small, given how busy my schedule can get at times," he explained.
"Sounds reasonable enough," Angeal mused. "You know I don't mind covering for you if you ever need an extra day, though. You're always working, so it's nice to see you relaxing now and then."
"He still works a lot even back at our room." Vincent chuckled.
"Oh, you two live together?" Angeal asked with a smirk. "Separate bedrooms or a shared one?"
"Normally separate, but Sephiroth stays with me sometimes. I'm still having bad nightmares and his being near me seems to help."
Marcus frowned at the mention of the nightmares. "Is any of the tea I gifted you helping?" he asked gently.
Jake rubbed Vincent's back gently. "Hey, they said that psych was supposed to help with those, yeah? I'm sure it'll get better eventually," he offered.
Sephiroth had reached over to take Vincent's hand reassuringly as Angeal's teasing smirk slipped from his face, eyes softening as he took in Vincent's form. Zack was watching the younger SOLDIER while shaking his head gently in sympathy.
"The tea and therapy started to work, I even had pills to take, but it's been getting worse recently. I don't always remember what I dream, but I know it's violent... mostly" he sighed.
"You went through something very traumatic," Zack mused, leaning back in his chair and resting his chin on his palm, "I wouldn't be surprised if it's glimpses of that in your dreams."
"The question is why they would be getting worse when they'd originally been doing better," Angeal commented, leaning against the table.
"Yes, we've been trying to figure out why," Sephiroth nodded. "He's talked with the psychiatrist about it and she's adjusted his medication, but it hasn't done much."
"Hmm... You mentioned they get better when Sephiroth's near?" Angeal asked, turning to Vincent again.
Vincent nodded. "Yes. I don't have the nightmares then, or at least they aren't bad enough for me to remember or be affected."
Angeal nodded and relaxed a bit, resting his chin on his hand in thought. "It could be stress, then, if you often feel calmer around Sephiroth. The current events going on could also be frightening you, whether you know it or not, and his being near makes you feel safer after all the he help he's given."
Vincent tilted his head, nodding slowly. "It could be..."
"If it's stress-based, then perhaps doing something to take your mind off things before bed could help," Zack offered with a shrug.
"Hmm... like what?" Vincent asked curiously.
"Puzzles might help or meditation," Zack mused before taking a bite of his food.
"If it's just ways to take your mind off things, then possibly TV shows or games might help," Marcus suggested.
"Music and exercise help me blank my mind," Jake smiled.
"I'm sure Sephiroth can help you clear your mind," Angeal commented offhandedly while sipping at his drink.
Vincent gave a soft smile, honestly not having expected so many suggestions. "I'm sure you're right." he said to Angeal.
Angeal just smirked, motioning to Vincent's neck. "You know I'm right, I bet you didn't have any nightmares the night you got those marks," he teased.
Vincent blushed darkly, a small sound escaping his mouth as he hid face in his hair. Jake chuckled beside him, trying to hold in his laughter.
On the other side, Sephiroth gently took his hand. "There's no marks, he was simply trying to get a rise out of you," he said softly.
Vincent peeked out at him. "Really?"
Sephiroth nodded reassuringly.
"Yeah, you're good. I don't see anything," Jake added with a soft smile.
Vincent relaxed a little, sighing.
Angeal chuckled and shook his head. "Your reaction is proof he's at least attempted to mark you up a bit before," he teased.
Vincent blushed harshly. "M-maybe."
Jake and Angeal both chuckled at that while Zack shook his head in sympathy and Marcus snorted. Sephiroth merely sighed, rubbing Vincent's back consolingly.
"Ignore him," the general offered. "He's just attempting to embarrass you for his own amusement."
Vincent let out a chuckle and looked at his two friends. "That sounds familiar." he teased.
"We're your friends, it's our job to embarrass you now and then," Jake smirked. "It'll keep you from getting a big ego."
"I wouldn't be sure of that, my teasing's never stopped Sephiroth's ego," Angeal joked back.
Vincent chuckled. "Well, I think Sephiroth deserves his ego." he said.
"Thank you," Sephiroth said softly before glancing at Angeal. "I don't have a large ego," he defended.
"Sephiroth, you've been general for years despite how young you are, you're bound to have an ego by now," the other replied with a laugh. "Or should we bring up how you're always certain you'll beat me in a spar?"
"You have a track record of losing."
Vincent chuckled softly at their friendly spatting, just watching them interact. Their conversation lasted for almost an hour before Sephiroth checked the time and sighed, standing up. "We have to go," he stated calmly while gathering the files he'd been going over earlier. Angeal and Zack stood up with him, Angeal looking drained at the mention of leaving while Zack just looked accepting.
"I hope we can see all of you again soon," Zack smiled at Vincent and his friends.
"Yes, I have a lot of questions for you," Angeal offered towards Vincent.
Sephiroth rolled his eyes at the two, motioning for them to start moving before he turned back to Vincent. "I'll see you tonight at home, I just have a lot of work right now. Should I cook tonight or do you want to?"
"You'll be working, so I can." Vincent smiled. "Is there anything specific you want?"
"I'm not really picky," Sephiroth shrugged, "everything you make is good so surprise me."
Vincent brightened a little at that and nodded. "Okay." he said happily. "Don't overwork yourself, alright?"
"I cannot make any promises," Sephiroth mused with a small smirk as he walked off, Angeal laughing as they walked away.
Vincent chuckled and gave a small, happy, sigh as he watched them leave.
Jack nudged his shoulder with a smirk. "So, what are you planning on making tonight?"
Vincent blinked before tilting his head. "I'm not sure yet. Any suggestions?"
Jake shrugged. "Any thing the two of you really like?"
Vincent nodded. "Alright. I have an idea now." he smiled.
Jake laughed. "So, since we're done eating, want to go play in the commons room for a bit?"
"Sure." Vincent said happily.
Jake gave a small cheer of victory at that before digging into his food again. Soon they were moving to the commons area, Jake already shuffling a deck of cards in his hand. "So, what should we play?"
"Do you know how to play rummy?"
Jake nodded. "Yeah, used to play with my sisters all the time!" he declared with a smirk, almost dropping the cards when he tried to perform a trick shuffle.
Marcus laughed, picking up the few that fell to the floor and slipping them back to Jake before answering. "I've played before with some of the other recruits," he admitted.
Vincent chuckled lightly. "Then let's play that."
They found a table and sat down to play excitedly. They managed two hours before Marcus had to leave for a drill. Jake played another hour before he was needed to prepare for a mission.
Vincent bid them each goodbye when they left, cleaning up their mess and headed back to his and Sephiroth's room to start dinner. Sephiroth looked exhausted when he entered the suite, dropping his bags by the door before moving to sit on the couch.
Vincent was almost done with dinner and he peaked into the room to check on him. "Dinner is almost ready. What would you like to drink?" he asked softly.
Sephiroth sighed, sitting up and stretching before standing. "I'm fine with tea or water," he mused while making his way to the table.
Vincent nodded and went to finish their dinner, deciding to make some tea to try and help relax Sephiroth, setting the table when he was done.
Sephiroth moved to the table, watching him. "Thank you for cooking."
Vincent smiled. "It's not a problem. I like cooking." he said, looking Sephiroth over gently. "Would you like a shoulder massage before we go to sleep tonight? You look really tense."
The general paused before giving a slow nod. "That sounds nice," he admitted with a sigh, sagging in his seat. "I apologize for not being more energetic, it's just been an extremely long day."
"It's alright. I understand." Vincent said softly. "I figured after I saw you today that you would have a lot of work."
Sephiroth nodded. "I did, Angeal just made things more complicated."
"How did he do that?"
"Angeal always finds a way," Sephiroth shrugged while laying his head on his hand. "He told Genesis about us, and Genesis kept spouting quotes from the latest book he was reading and attempting to pry more out of me about our relationship. Angeal just smirked as it went on and didn't offer any help to make it stop."
Vincent frowned a little. "I don't think Genesis and I would ever get along." he admitted.
"He's not a bad person, he's just... extremely eccentric."
"And either super jealous of you or super in love with you. Or both." Vincent chuckled.
"I doubt he loves me," Sephiroth reassured.
"I don't know... the way he looks at you sometimes..." Vincent commented.
Sephiroth shrugged. "I think he just likes making me annoyed."
Vincent gave a small chuckle. "You really don't see it..." he said mostly to himself before shaking his head. "What do I look like when I look like you? Was it different before we got together?" he asked curiously.
Sephiroth thought about it for a while. "I'm unsure. I know for a while you looked at me the same as all new recruits. You were awestruck."
Vincent nodded. "That's true. You are the face of SOLIDER. Most think they'll never actually see you up close or in person."
"Which is exactly why the higher ups have me be present at so many practice drills. They can't have people being star struck during a battle, so having me meet all of you in small doses helps make you less shocked when I'm around."
"Well, less star struck." Vincent chuckled. "You're still much more beautiful in person than on the posters." he teased lightly.
"You're flattering me," Sephiroth mused with a smirk, glancing at the stove. "What did you make for dinner, anyway?" he questioned, sipping at his tea.
"I made some Gyūdon." Vincent said, smiling as he served it.
"It smells amazing," Sephiroth complimented, shifting in his chair to sit up straight and watch Vincent move about the kitchen.
Vincent's smile grew as he set their dishes down, taking his own seat. "I hope it tastes good."
"You made it, so I'm sure it does," Sephiroth smiled, starting to eat contently.
Vincent waited for Sephiroth to start before happily eating. "So other than your friends giving you a hard time and the, assumed, massive amount of paperwork, how was your day?"
"Alright, I suppose. We're still no closer to finding the source of those murders... though, I'll admit I'm grateful there hasn't been another body for almost a month now. It's unsettling not knowing what the cause is. Angeal's admitted he hopes the reason behind the lack of sightings is that the creature died in a ventilation shaft somewhere."
"We can only hope so." Vincent said, sighing, then frowned. "But... weren't the wounds different?"
"On a few of the bodies, yes. Angeal believes it might still be one thing, though, because there were chimeras in the lab."
Vincent frowned but nodded. "That makes sense."
Sephiroth watched Vincent for a few moments, mulling over his thoughts. His eyes drifted to Vincent's prosthetic as he let his mind wonder before going back up to Vincent's face to observe him. The general could only sigh before reaching a hand out to grab Vincent's good hand, giving a light squeeze. "I promise we'll catch this thing. I won't let it harm you."
Vincent's smile returned slowly as he looked at Sephiroth warmly. "I know you will." he said softly, squeezing his hand back. "And I might be ridiculous, considering it's you who I'm saying this to, but you don't get hurt either."
"I'll do my best not to," Sephiroth promised, squeezing his hand again before taking a deep breath and going back to his meal. He washed the dishes after they finished eating then began getting ready for bed. He kissed Vincent's forehead as they got situated to sleep, pulling him close and hoping the tea he'd given Vincent would help calm his nightmares.
Vincent curled up close to Sephiroth, closing his eyes and relaxing a little, falling asleep soon after. His dreams were filled with screams and blood, unfamiliar hallways and gunfire. A siren blared overhead as security doors began to close around him, cutting off his escape from the noise and smell. He saw Sephiroth screaming out towards SOLDIERs rushing at him, yelling orders that Vincent couldn't make out. Shots fired and a burning pain cut through his middle. Vincent awoke with a start soon after, cold sweat clinging to his skin.