Not So Different

by Requiem's-Razor

Genesis & Reno find out they are not as different as they first thought. As their friendship grows, so do other feelings. GenesisXRenoXSephiroth, RufXTseng, Pre-Crisis Core, Yaoi, Language, etc. Lousy summary, sorry.

34. Chapter 34

34 – Speculation

"Wakey, wakey," Reno yelled, pounding the wall behind his head with his fist. Less than a minute later Rude stumbled into the cockpit looking immaculate and alert as ever. "I ain't got no bakey, but I wish I did yo."

"Tseng would highly disapprove," scowled Rude after rapidly scanning the area for a target. "What's wrong?"

"Heh, he's such a stickler," Reno chuckled. "We're comin' up on our landin' zone."

"Already?" the bald Turk said in surprise. He was even more surprised when he noticed the streak of sun streaking across the horizon and he quickly glanced at his watch. "You let me sleep for eight hours?"

"I dunno, did I?"

"Damnit Reno! You need to sleep too you know!"

"Meh, sleepin's overrated. 'Sides I slept some yesterday," Reno shrugged, not wanting to admit his thoughts wouldn't have let him sleep anyway. Rude's scowl deepened and he chuckled. "Chill big guy."

Rude's annoyance broke in the face of Reno's humor and he sighed. "What's the plan?"

"We're still a couple miles offshore and should be a few miles south of our target. Once we hit the shoreline we'll skim north 'til we find a stream. We're supposed to land on the north side of it."

"Then what?"

"Then I dunno. All Tseng said was to await further instructions yo."

"That's not very specific."

"Tell me about it. I hate waitin' and he knows it so I'll probably jus' call once we land."

"This thing on?"

Reno and Rude exchanged grins as Angeal's voice crackled over their headsets. It was the redhead who spoke. "'Sup SOLDIER?"

"Everything alright?"

"Kind of a worry wart ain't ya?" Reno chuckled, thinking Angeal asked that a lot. "Everything's fine yo. You get any sleep?"

"Too much actually. Now I have too much pent up energy."

"Meh, that's probably from bein' cooped up. How's Gen?"

"No change."

"That's better than bein' worse. We'll be landin' soon so. You can either keep the headset on or I can pound again before we touch down."

"Pound. This thing is already driving me crazy. How do you guys put up with it? I can't hear a thing besides you two, even the chopper blades are muffled!"

"That's the point," Rude and Reno replied in unison. The pair chuckled as they heard Angeal shut off the headset.

"Look or fly yo?" asked the redhead as they made the shoreline.

"Fly."

Reno nodded and let go of the controls to scan the area below. Without so much as a bump Rude took over and steered the bird north. The redhead shifted in his seat, trying to regain feeling in his numb ass. Although annoying, it was a small price to pay for a night of peace and quiet in the sky. Ten minutes later Reno broke the silence. "LZ at 12 o'clock. About 2 klicks yo."

"Copy that."

The redhead twisted in his seat and pounded on the wall to get Angeal's attention. The SSC nodded, checked the straps securing Genesis, and sat on the bench just behind the cockpit. Reno faced forward as Angeal once again grabbed a headset.

"We're secure," came the SSC's voice.

"At your say," stated Rude, hovering over the landing zone. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Reno lower his goggles and touch one of the earpieces.

"We're clear yo."

The bald Turk nodded and slowly began to descend. The terrain below was free of obstacles but the mountain air colliding with the sea air created some nasty drafts. He handled the turbulence and sat the bird down gently but he figured it was only because he was a skilled pilot. This place would be a bitch to land in for most and would probably kill an amateur.

At Reno's slashing motion, Rude killed the power and removed his headset. Before his headset was halfway off Reno was in the cargo hold throwing the door open. By the time he'd joined Angeal at the open door the redhead was nowhere to be seen. He shrugged and hopped out of the chopper, the SSC on his heels.

"What?" Reno asked, returning a few minutes later to find Rude and Angeal blinking at him.

"You shouldn't run off," scowled Rude.

"I was close ta bustin'! You wanna hold my noodle or what?" the redhead replied, holding an index finger and thumb a millimeter apart.

"Ugh, I will never think of noodles the same way again."

"Heh, serves ya right," Reno chuckled. "Stretch yer legs but don't stray far. I'm gonna call Tseng." The redhead watched Rude and Angeal head for the stream as he pulled his PHS out. He scrolled though his contacts and hit dial. The call was answered after the second ring.

"Tseng."

"We're here yo."

"Until further notice you are Code Zero. Send the bird on to Junon and get some rest."

"Code Zero? Are you serious?"

"Yes. I believe there are some blueberries in the chopper. Take them with you. I hear they are a good source of antioxidants. Let Rude have the plums however."

With that the Wutain disconnected the call. Reno pulled the device from his ear and stared at it for a few seconds before putting it away. He leaned his back against the chopper, closed his eyes, and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

After a trip to the freshwater stream Rude returned, rounding the chopper with Angeal in tow. "What's up?" he asked, sensing his partners uneasiness.

"I just went Code Zero."

"Are you serious?" Rude asked in shock. Reno nodded.

"What's Code Zero?" inquired Angeal.

"It's the highest classification of a black op," the bald man replied. "Deep, deep cover. The agents are still on active duty but are completely off the grid. The only contact they have with SEPC is through their handler, assuming they have one."

"How do they pull that off?" asked the SSC. "I mean, you still have your PHS right?"

Reno nodded. "Normally an op will buy a non-Shinra issue phone at the beginning of an assignment. In this case I guess I'll have to leav- wait, have you switched the card in yer PHS back yet?"

Angeal arched an eyebrow in confusion until understanding dawned. "No. I still have the one Legend gave me."

"Good. Gimme."

Rude shook his head as his partner wiggled his fingers expectantly at the SSC. No manners. "So can you, or will you, tell me anything?"

Reno shrugged. "Boss told me to send you to Junon. I'm supposed ta take the blueberry and leave you the plum."

The bald man's eyes widened. "How the hel-" he cut himself off and whirled on Angeal. "Have you been talking to someone? Tell them what happened on Mt. Coral?"

"What? No!"

"Relax, Rude. I dunno how Tseng found out but it don't surprise me. I swear that guy's got eyes and ears everywhere," Reno chuckled, sliding the back off his phone. "'Sides Angeal wouldn't rat him out because he knows what'll happen if he does."

"What are you talking about? Rat who out?" snapped Angeal, agitated that he'd been accused of something he didn't do.

"Turks call STC's blueberries yo."

It was Angeal's turn to widen his eyes. "He knows Genesis is with us," the SSC said, voice barely above a whisper.

"Heh, obviously. Now ya know why Fair thinks Turks are creepy," chuckled the redhead, handing the SSC's PHS back to him. "Incidentally plums are SSC's."

"I'm beginning to agree with Zack," blinked Angeal. "So… we're just supposed to leave you here? With Genesis?"

"Apparently."

"I don't like it."

"Who's your handler?" inquired Rude as Reno shrugged.

"No idea yo. Maybe I don-" the redhead stopped dead as a voice called out 'I am'. He arched an eyebrow but somehow wasn't surprised too by this development. Maybe I'm becomin' jaded.

Rude and Angeal spun and the SSC simultaneously pulled his sword at the new voice. Both jumped back, started as the newcomer appeared in front of them. Not wishing to offend his companions Reno bit off a chuckle.

"'Sup Seph?"

"Reno, SSC Hewley, Rude," said Sephiroth nodding at each in turn.

"Just call me Angeal." The SSC smiled nervously as the silver nodded and he turned back to Reno. "I still don't like this."

"Yeah? Well too damned bad," the redhead replied, propelling himself off the side of the chopper as Angeal scowled at him. "Look, I know you and Gen are tight but we ain't got a choice here. Least it sure as hell don't sound like it."

"I could stay," Angeal said as Sephiroth hopped out of the chopper carrying Genesis bridal style.

"Not a good idea. Too many people's gonna draw attention. Tseng put me on Code Zero for a reason yo."

"What about Sephiroth?"

"I am investigating reports on AVALANCHE sightings."

Angeal nodded, knowing SOLDIERs could be gone for weeks on those types of missions and no one would question it. Often one thing led to another, then another, then another, and so forth. The silver would have to report in from time to time, but that was it.

"Yer just gonna have to trust that me and Seph can take care of him and keep him safe yo," Reno said, placing a hand on the Angeal's shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

"I trust you. You'll call me if anything happens?"

"Course."

"Guess we better get going then," said Angeal, smiling faintly. He shook hands with Reno and nodded at Sephiroth before hopping into the chopper.

"Take care of yourself Red," the bald Turk said.

"You know it."

Rude nodded at both men then joined Angeal in the chopper. "Time for a crash course in helicopter weapons systems," he said, sliding the cargo door closed.

"Are you serious?"

"I believe it has already been established that I can't man both systems."

"Yeah but… oh hell who am I kidding, I'm dying to shoot something," chuckled Angeal.

"We'll use the ocean for target practice and hope that's all we have to do. Otherwise something's trying to kill me and that pisses me off."

"Same here," Angeal grinned. "Now show me how this thing works."

Outside the chopper, Reno and Sephiroth got clear of the heli and watched it take off. As it headed out to sea, the silver steered them north and the Turk silently followed. A few minutes later he chuckled as he heard sporadic gunfire. "Training," the redhead said at Sephiroth's puzzled expression. "Hewley's gotta man the weapons."

"I see."

"Where we goin' yo?"

"Someplace safe."

"Well no shit," Reno said, sarcasm dripping from the words.

"We are staying in a hut not far from here."

"Oh. The one you and Gen stayed at awhile back?"

"Yes."

"Cool," the Turk grinned. "I could use a beach vacation." A few minutes later he asked, "You mind if I carry him yo?" Although he was half-afraid to touch the auburn, the majority of him wanted the man close.

"No," replied Sephiroth, glancing at the STC in his arms. "It might be better if you do. I can better defend us in an attack."

Reno nodded and took Genesis from the silver's arms without comment. He wasn't a shabby fighter but there was no question that Sephiroth was better. Besides, his concentration would be off with the unconscious auburn too close to a fight. The redhead adjusted to the sudden weight and his fingers brushed the auburn's skin. He was relieved when nothing happened, but half-afraid as well since he didn't know whether that meant the auburn was worse off or that he was merely being patient.

The rest of the journey passed in silence. Sephiroth kept a close eye on the Turk but he never seemed burdened by the STC's weight. Not that he weights all that much. He was relieved when, three hours later, the hut came into view.

"Eh, we ain't goin' in?" Reno asked as the silver veered to the right and away from the dwelling. Sephiroth didn't answer so he continued to follow. Seconds later he spotted a structure partially built into the base of a mountain. "What's that yo?"

"The bathroom," replied the silver, reaching the door and swinging it open. He reached inside, flicked a switch to turn on the lights, then stepped back and motioned to the redhead. "The excess Mako should be washed off him."

"Shiva's Dust," the redhead exclaimed, entering. "Some bathroom ya got here."

"It is adequate."

"I'd say it's a bit more than adequate yo," Reno chuckled, gently laying Genesis on the floor a few feet from the large tub.

"Do you require assistance?"

"Eh… wouldn't be a bad idea. Probably need to scrub him and wash his hair a few times. Be stupid ta come this far and almost drown him."

"Very well," Sephiroth replied, walking to a corner and retrieving a backpack. "Fresh clothes."

"Ain't gonin' into my apartment when every knows I ain't there kinda obvious?" asked Reno, thinking about all the cameras in the building.

"I only went to Angeal and Genesis's. Cissnei obtained your things. There is a spare Turk uniform in the house, however I believe these are what you call street attire."

"Street clothes," Reno grinned. "Thanks yo."

Sephiroth nodded and headed toward the shelves. He acquired two bottles of shampoo, two bottles of conditioner, a large bottle of bath soap, and a handful of washcloths. Returning to the tub he sat the items down then moved to another shelf and picked up four large bath towels. He placed the towels within arm's reach, but far enough away that they wouldn't get wet.

Reno watched Sephiroth for a moment then eyed the large bathtub before dipping a finger in to test its warmth. To his surprise it was warm, almost hot. Natural hot spring, nice. The silver sat next to him and removed his boots, socks, and shirt before sliding into the tub.

"You always take a bath with yer pants on yo?"

"Of course not," Sephiroth replied, smiling faintly. "However I usually bathe alone. Besides, wet flesh is slippery and fabric is not."

"Point," replied the redhead, peeling everything off but his pants. Sephiroth was right, the auburn wouldn't be able to squiggle away from cloth as easily as flesh. Not that he expected him to flip out or anything, but it wasn't like he actually knew what to expect either. The fabric might give them a better grip if they had to pin him or something.

Finished with himself, the Turk turned to the task of stripping Genesis. He started on his shirt, gently pulling and tugging until it came free. Tossing it aside, he moved to his lower half and removed his pants, wondering what had happened to the man's boots and socks. Before long the auburn lay naked six inches from the tub.

"Heh, even in a coma yer sexy, but don't worry I ain't gonna take advantage or anything," Reno chuckled. He stood and noted Sephiroth's arched eyebrow but said nothing. Moving to the shelves he removed his goggles and sat them down before returning to Genesis's side. "You ready yo?"

"Yes," the silver replied, moving to the edge of the tub.

Working together the pair eased Genesis into the water without incident. Reno heard a faint noise and locked eyes with the SSC. "Did he just sigh?"

"I believe so," replied Sephiroth, gently supporting the STC's head.

"That's a good sign, right?"

"I do not know for certain but I would think any response to outside stimulus would be good." The silver slowly glided backward, steering Genesis toward the center of the tub.

"I'll take it as a good sign then," Reno replied, sliding into the tub. He shuddered as the warmth of the water surrounded him. The redhead took a moment to float and let the heat ease some of the tension from his muscles before getting down to business. "Alright, I'll wash; you make sure he doesn't suck water," he said, retrieving a washcloth and the bottle of soap.

The silver nodded and the Turk got to work. Under normal circumstances it would be sexy as hell, but right now all Reno could think of was getting the damned Mako off. After a few minutes he finished with Genesis's left leg and watched as Sephiroth slowly glided next to him and ran his hand all over it.

"Eh, that whole not takin' advantage thing applied to you too." His left eyebrow rose as the silver blushed and looked away.

"That wasn't my intention. I was feeling for any sticky spots."

"Sticky?"

"Mako feels like glue in water."

"I don't feel anything," Reno said, sliding his hand down Genesis's right leg.

"You have soap on your hands. The moisturizer is probably preventing you from feeling it."

"Oh," blinked the redhead. "If yer lyin' to me and copin' a feel I'll kick yer ass." Sephiroth scowled, then grabbed his right wrist. "Hey! What are yo-"

"Feel," the silver said, sliding the Turk's forearm across Genesis's chest.

"Ugh, yer right, it's gummy."

"Exactly."

"Alright, alright, I won't kick yer ass yo," Reno chuckled, moving back to the auburn's right leg and scrubbing.

The pair established a rhythm of scrubbing, testing, and scrubbing more if need be. At least on everything except the STC's 'intimate area', which the silver politely refused to touch. Reno awkwardly managed, gently using his upper arm and shoulder to test for residue. As soon as he was finished, he started chuckling. "I musta looked like a total perv yo."

"At least you didn't use your mouth."

Reno's eyes widened and he burst out laughing. After a minute or so he got control of himself and wet back to work. After forty-five minutes the pair were satisfied that the only Mako remaining was in the auburn's hair.

"Hold his head up, I will wash it," Sephiroth said.

Reno nodded, grabbed a shampoo bottle, and handed it to the silver. He placed his hands on either side of the auburn's neck just under his chin, figuring it was the best place to be able to lift his head up and tilt it forward. As soon as he had a firm grip both of his hands began to tingle. Surprised he sucked air in though his teeth, making a hissing sound. Guess he was just bein' quiet and patient earlier.

"Are you alright?"

"Yep."

A silver eyebrow rose but Sephiroth remained quiet and focused on his task. After three washes he was confident that all of the Mako had been removed from the auburn strands. He glided to the edge of the tub, retrieved the conditioner bottle, and then returned to his place. The SSC conditioned the hair, rinsed it out, and nodded.

"Yer taller, so you lift and I'll get out and pull?"

"That is fine."

Reno slowly let go of Genesis and took the conditioner bottle from Sephiroth. He sat it next to the shampoo, then put his palms on the edge of the tub and hauled himself up. Once out he grabbed one of the towels, laid it on the floor, and turned back to Sephiroth. The silver had positioned the auburn next to the side of the tub and the redhead hooked his hands under the unconscious man's arms and pulled. In one swift motion Genesis was out of the water and lying on the towel.

Sephiroth exited the tub and pressed the button to clean it. As the machine began to whirl he moved next to Reno, who had finished drying the auburn. Without a word he stuck his hands under Genesis's arms and pulled him upright. The redhead nodded, dug in the backpack, and began dressing the auburn. Once finished the silver carried him to a warm dry spot and laid him back down.

The Turk sat on his haunches, tilted his head back, and sighed. Though relaxing, the warm water had made him feel sluggish and tired. He jerked his head upright and opened his eyes at a grating sound.

"Showers," Sephiroth called, giving the hidden panel another tug and revealing two shower stalls. He chuckled at the Turk's perplexed expression. "We more or less just took a bath in Mako." The confusion fled from Reno's eyes and he nodded, standing.

The Turk once again grabbed the backpack and dug out a pair of jeans and black button down shirt. One of my favs. It had long sleeves but was lightweight and comfortable. By the time he carried his clothes to the showers Sephiroth had stepped inside one of the units and pulled the curtain. He sat his clothes nearby, turned the water on, and peeled off his pants. After a quick temperature check, he tossed a look at Genesis and stepped in.

Although the redhead soaped and washed everything twice he still finished before the silver. Probably all that hair, he thought with a grin, drying quickly and pulling his clothes on. He gathered the scattered, dirty clothes, put them in a pile, and sat down next to Genesis.

"Reno?"

"Yo." The redhead sat up and heard his neck and back crack. "Sorry, fell asleep."

"No problem. Let's go inside."

"Okay," yawned Reno, standing and stretching.

"Would you like me to carry him?"

"Nah, I got him yo." Sephiroth nodded and after another stretch, the redhead bent and picked Genesis up. The silver held the door open and they made the short trip to the hut in silence. Once inside the SSC gestured toward the couch, which was folded out to a bed. Reno lay the auburn down, pulled the covers up to his chest, and then sunk into a nearby chair. "So what's goin' on?" he called to Sephiroth, who was in the kitchen.

"I'm going to start lunch."

"Not what I meant yo."

"I see. Then shouldn't I be asking you that?"

"Not really. You have a good enough grasp on the situation to convince Tseng to send me here and cover for me… and Genesis."

"It wasn't my knowledge that convinced him, it his concern for you."

"Eh?"

"I simply stressed that you were in danger."

"Am I?"

"I am uncertain," Sephiroth said, cutting potatoes. "It is obvious someone at Shinra knows more about Genesis than they should so it's highly possible they know of your relationship."

There was a long pause and Reno finally said, "So am I wrong in assumin' this is the Science Department's doin' yo?"

"No… and yes. It is likely not the entire department, rather an individual or group within the department."

Reno thought for a moment then said, "I can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. It may mean not everyone's against us but it also means it's gonna be harder to figure out who's responsible."

Sephiroth finished cutting the potatoes and set them aside before turning. He leaned against the counter, crossed his arms, and sighed. "I had an appointment with Professor Hojo before I left Midgar. He was extremely agitated, abrupt, and unfocused."

"That's normal for him ain't it?"

The SSC nodded. "I heard a few of the assistants talking about a project that hadn't gone as expected and his face and hands were badly scarred. It looked as though he'd taken severe damage; severe enough that a Cure Materia or Potion wouldn't fully heal it all."

"Coulda been some kinda chemical accident. Acid maybe," replied the redhead absently.

"I've often heard that if one plays with fire they're bound to get burned."

Something in Sephiroth's toned made Reno's head shoot up and caused his eyes to widen. "You think Gen nailed him? That Hojo's behind this?"

The silver shrugged. "It's possible."

"He created the SOLDIER program didn't he? The hell's the point of destroying what he created?"

"First of all he alone didn't create the SOLDIER program. Secondly, Hojo is obsessed with perfection so he wouldn't see it as destruction, rather improvement. Third, Genesis is not, and has never been, Hojo's patient, he's Hollanders."

The Turk blinked, processing Sephiroth's words. His stomach clenched as he began to understand the implications. "Please Seph, please tell me you're kidding. Hojo did not do this to get to Hollander."

"I do not know for sure but I believe it's entirely possible. Hojo would do anything to gain full control of the department."

"Even this?"

"He has very few, if any, morals Reno. He wouldn't care if he killed him so long as he got what he was after. To him the betterment of science has few, if any, boundaries."

"Son of a fucking bitch," the Turk yelped, bolting to his feet. He paced and muttered in agitation and thought. "Don't know why this is pissin' me off so much. I mean, shit, not like I didn't suspect the Science Department anyway." With that, he stopped and spun toward Sephiroth. "Do you think he's got the backing of Shinra?"

"No. Shinra's morals are as questionable as Hojo's, however he takes pride in his SOLDIERs. I do not think he would allow Hojo to… risk damaging such a promising operative as Genesis."

Reno took a deep breath and looked at the ceiling before releasing the air. "That's somethin' I guess. Fucking Hellfire Sephiroth. I'm going to wring that four-eyed fucker's neck."

"That is unwise."

"Unwise, unwise? I don't give a damn if it's unwise or not!" the Turk almost yelled.

Sephiroth shoved off the counter and approached the redhead. When he was close enough he grabbed the redhead's upper arms with his hands. "Listen to me Reno, right now we have the upper hand. If you go after Hojo we will lose that and we will most assuredly lose not just the battle, but the war." The Turk winced and he wondered if it was from the sharpness of his words or if he was squeezing him to hard. He let him go in case it was the latter.

"We don't have a fucking thing Seph!"

"Your emotions are coloring your thoughts. We have Genesis and I would bet my life Hojo is terrified of him right now."

"What?" Reno blinked, not understanding.

"Think Reno. If we're right and Hojo was… experimenting on Genesis then that means he held him captive, as I certainly don't see Genesis giving his consent. Unfortunately for him Genesis escaped." The Turk's eyes widened and he smiled faintly. "He has no idea where Genesis is, let alone what he may or may not have told anyone."

"Gen could destroy him and his precious career."

"Exactly."

After a moment Reno's shoulders slumped. "Would be easier just to kill him yo. Kill Gen I mean."

"No, it wouldn't. It would draw to much attention and Hojo can't afford that."

"What do you mean?"

"If Genesis blasted Hojo with a fireball then Hojo is at least partially aware of what he's capable of. At the very least he knows he would have to send a decent sized, highly skilled team to take him down. Normally the Turks would be used, but in this situation he can't do that nor can he gather an outside group. Both scenarios would require a lengthy explanation to President Shinra."

"I'm sure he could make something up to convince Shinra. Or worse, send you."

"Unlikely. Even if he made something up the group he sends would have to know their target, which means he'd end up either having to silence them all or trusting them afterword. Yet another reason he wouldn't consider using the Turks."

"Because they, we, might talk," Reno said, pinching the bridge of his noise. Damn my head hurts.

Sephiroth nodded. "So a team is too much of a risk no matter how you cut it. As for me, I don't take orders from him."

Once again Reno began pacing. "Okay, so maybe the situation isn't as bad as I thou-" The redhead caught his reflection in the large picture window and stopped dead in his tracks. Shit, he thought, realizing the silver was, and probably had always been, thinking five steps ahead. "You're afraid he'll go after Gen indirectly."

"Yes," the silver reluctantly admitted. "I am afraid he will use alternative methods of gaining Genesis's silence and cooperation."

"Just say it Sephiroth, you're afraid Hojo's going to snag me and use me as bait."

"I am afraid he will snag you and use you as bait."

"Damn," chuckled Reno. "That sounded so much worse when you said it."

"I am sorry."

"Nothing to apologize for," the Turk replied, returning to the chair and sitting heavily. Not once in his life had he ever considered himself a liability. In battle he'd fight to the death for those that believed and trusted in him. During the worst kind of torture and torment, he could keep his mouth shut and not give away intel or other secrets. If he was injured and couldn't be assigned missions he had other uses, even if he didn't always like or agree with them. Despite all his strengths and skills, in this situation he truly was a liability. Unless…

"It won't do any good if you leave him." The redhead jerked his head up and glared at him. "Unless you manage to make him hate you with every fiber of his being he will still come after you. Frankly I don't believe you can make him hate you that much, but if you did I fear he might just give himself to Hojo."

"Oh bullshit," snapped Reno. "He isn't going to fall into some kind of deep, dark despair without me."

"You don't know that for certain."

"Neither do you!" the Turk yelled.

"True, but no matter what you do to try and make him hate you, you will likely end up destroying a part of him, and yourself in the process."

"The hell does that mean?"

"It means you may well end up inadvertently damaging his confidence, self-worth, pride, ability to trust, and other aspects so badly he would simply give up and see no point to existence. I'm sure you can figure out what parts you would destroy within yourself."

"Or maybe he'd just get so pissed off no one would dare fuck with him," Reno snapped, not particularly caring about himself at the moment.

"I suppose that is possible as well," sighed Sephiroth. He'd be the first to admit he didn't understand emotions or people very well, but even to him this sounded like a terrible idea. Surely Reno could see that, but if he couldn't then how did he make him see it? Frustrated, the silver said the first thing that popped into his mind. "This line of thought and discussion may be pointless. I don't feel him and haven't for quite some time."

"Huh?" Reno blinked, following the silver's hand as he gestured toward Genesis.

"I can sense SOLDIERs," Sephiroth replied. "Or rather individuals who are infused with Mako. That's how I found Genesis during the Turk Desertion and how I knew Genesis was with you now and why I called Tseng."

"You, eh, wanna explain?"

"After I spoke with you on the phone a few days ago I tried to find Genesis, tried to sense him, but couldn't. I couldn't figure out why and was puzzled. Then yesterday I felt an anomaly."

"Anomaly?"

Sephiroth nodded. "There was a large shift, or spike, of Mako in Midgar. At first I thought nothing of it, figuring it was a Mako spring or something the Science Department was doing, but then it surged again, only this time it was much farther away. While I was trying to discover what it was it surged and disappeared again, but in its place I felt Genesis. He was where it had been. Then I felt other sources nearby, one I couldn't identify but the other I knew was Angeal. I tried to reach Angeal via PHS but couldn't. I knew he was supposed to be in Gongaga with the Turks, but he clearly wasn't because he was too far north. Seeking answers, I tried to contact you but couldn't reach you either, so I called Tseng."

"Who told you Angeal was with me."

Once again the silver nodded. "As soon as I heard that I told Tseng that I didn't know how or why but that Genesis was with you and that you were both in grave danger."

"And he believed you?" asked Reno, sounding a bit skeptical.

"He may not trust me but he knows some of my… peculiarities and knows they are more than mere rumor."

The redhead thought for a moment then realized the SSC was fidgeting. "Relax, I believe you," he said, wondering if it was Sephiroth he believed or Tseng, because clearly his boss did believe the SSC. "Alright so you can, or should, be able to feel Gen but can't, what does that mean?"

"I'm not certain," Sephiroth replied, wishing to Gaia he hadn't brought it up in the first place.

"Want to try that again yo?"

"Usually when I can no longer sense something or someone it means they are no longer there."

"Eh, he's right there," said Reno, cocking his thumb toward the auburn.

"I can see that," the SSC scowled as the Turk went completely still. There was a long pause before the man spoke.

"By 'no longer there' you mean dead, don't you?" Sephiroth nodded once, very slowly. Reno blinked and fought to swallow as his throat tried to shut. "Are you… are you trying to tell me you think he's dying?" The silver didn't reply and Reno traded his concern and fear for anger. "Oh for Planet's Sake Sephiroth! He's not fucking dying!"

"I don't know that Reno, and neither do you," whispered Sephiroth, flinching at the sheer rage and hatred on the Turk's face. "Honestly I don't know what's going on nor do I know what to expect. I've never seen such an extreme case of AMP before."

Reno closed his eyes and forced his emotions away. He gave a jerky nod, knowing AMP stood for Acute Mako Poisoning. He'd suspected that was the auburn's problem since he'd first held him in Mt. Coral. The faint shimmer and almost overwhelming smell of Mako had been one of the first things he'd noticed. In a way having someone else confirm his suspicion helped, but even so… Godsdamnit he wasn't dying. He just wasn't! They'd both heard him sigh earlier, although he supposed that could be some weird reflex, but he… "Seph?"

"Yes?"

"You said you hadn't been able to feel him for awhile. How long is awhile yo?"

"I stopped feeling him almost right after I sensed him on Mt. Coral." The SSC arched an eyebrow as relief washed over the redhead's features.

"He's in there, somewhere." Reno smiled faintly and fought the sudden urge to cry. He fully believed Genesis was there and staying calm as he'd asked him to, but even he had wondered, still wondered, for how long. Didn't mean he liked talking or thinking about it though. "I don't know why you can't feel him but I… sort of talked to him." I think.

"You did?" Sephiroth replied, sounding both surprised and skeptical.

"Yeah."

"Do you feel him now?"

"No, but I felt him earlier in the tub. Before that I felt him, sorta talked to him, in the heli."

"In the tub?"

"Remember when you started washin' his hair and I hissed?" The SSC nodded. "When I touched him my hands started to tingle. I think he was either lettin' me know he was still there or tryin' to talk to me."

"Were you touching him the first time? In the helicopter?" The Turk nodded and told him what happened in the chopper.

As the redhead spoke, Sephiroth's mind began to reel. There was much more going on here than he had been aware of. He didn't fully understand it but he understood enough to put disconnected bits and pieces into some semblance of order. As he did anxiety began to eat away at his insides. If he'd put it together, did that mean Hojo had as well? No, or he would have taken them both at the same time.

Although the pieces seemed to fit, Sephiroth was struggling to actually believe it. It was a pain in the ass because it was seemingly impossible. He'd never heard or read of anything like this and his sources were solid: leading authorities, cutting edge textbooks and innovative science. The silver knew that if he were to truly help Reno and Genesis, he first had to convince himself.

"Think I'm ready for a padded cell, huh?"

"Hmm?" mumbled Sephiroth. During the Turk's story, he'd begun to pace and now found himself in the kitchen. Tapping a finger to his lips his eyes landed on an orange. He picked the fruit up and threw it at the auburn. There was a wet splat and he was suddenly looking into grayish blue eyes made sharp by anger.

"The hell's your problem yo?" snarled Reno. He took a step back as Sephiroth arched an eyebrow and stared at him with something akin to surprise.

"You have no idea what you just did, do you?"

"I caught a fucking orange," the redhead snapped. His irritation turned to bewilderment as Sephiroth pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

The comment was all the answer he needed so Sephiroth ignored it. "How long has it been since you were exposed?"

"Exposed… to what yo?"

"To Mako."

"Mako?" Reno chuckled, staring at the half-squashed orange in his hand. With a scowl he took the fruit to the sink and rinsed his hand. "I've never been exposed to Mako."

"You don't need to lie to me Reno. Was it an accident?"

"I'm not fucking lying," the Turk growled, drying his hands and spinning to face the silver. "I-have-never-been-exposed-to-Mako."

Sephiroth fought to control his expression as the redhead over pronounced and spit each word at him. The way he saw it there were three possibilities. One: Reno was lying. Two: The Turk didn't have Mako in his system and what he was sensing was something else. Three: The redhead had Mako in his system but was honestly unaware of it. The silver finally moved to the desk, opened the bottom drawer, and pulled out a yellow Materia.

Reno's anger began to dissipate as the SSC pulled a yellow Materia out of a desk drawer. As soon as the silver touched it the Materia began to glow faintly. When he palmed it, the light strengthened until it was a steady, glowing yellow bright enough to read by. "What's that yo?"

"It doesn't have a name however it is a modified Sense Materia. Instead of enabling a user to perceive an enemies statistics, its only purpose is to detect the presence of Mako. The brighter it glows, the more Mako is present," Sephiroth replied, moving next to Genesis and placing the Materia in the man's hand. Suddenly half the room was bathed in a warm, yellow glow. He nodded, retrieved the Materia, and moved to the door. "Do you believe me?"

Reno thought about that. Did he believe him? He thought about it but could find absolutely no reason for the silver to lie. "Yes." Sephiroth nodded, walked forward, and held the Materia out expectantly. The two stared at each other for a moment but he finally sighed and held out his hand. As soon as the SSC let it go the light went out, but as it landed in his hand it glowed once more. It was a third as bright as when Sephiroth held it, but it was glowing just the same. "Shit," Reno breathed. Shit, shit, shit, he mentally added, swallowing audibly. The Turk's mind completely reeled at the notion that he had Mako running through his veins. "G-gongaga. It must be because of that. I got it on my skin." The silver slowly shook his head. "Then I inhaled it! Ate it! Maybe because I bathed in it this afternoon! Something yo!"

"After arriving in Gongaga the first thing the scientists did was test Mako levels in the air, the town's water supply, rainwater, and food. The amounts were negligible and would take years, years, to accumulate enough to faintly register in a human." The redhead opened his mouth to protest but he held up a hand. "Many of the villagers, Tseng, and the Third Classes that arrived with Angeal were tested as well. None show any sign of contamination. Not even a drop Reno, let alone enough to make the Materia glow like this. As for the bath, the tub water was extremely dilated and we showered immediately after. It is not the cause either, trust me."

"Then on Mt. Coral, after Gen showed up!"

"I do not know what happened on Mt. Coral."

The redhead scowled, remembering he hadn't told Sephiroth anything that had happened. He wasn't sure why but the fact that the silver hadn't asked made him feel like he already knew somehow. Apparently not. He wasn't sure where to begin so he started when he, Rude, and Angeal had split up. When he got to Genesis's appearance, the SSC made a noise and he stopped. "What?"

"Hmm? Nothing, I was just thinking he showed up to protect you."

"Yeah, well, that might make sense if it had been him yo."

"Excuse me?" With that, Sephiroth listened intently as the redhead explained the oddly layered voice, the inhuman eyes, the Mako tornado, Fuhito's escape, and the disappearance of the remaining Ravens. He arched an eyebrow when Reno stated the 'possessed Genesis' had healed him, and then the entity had fled.

"After that Gen said my name a few times then lost consciousness and Angeal and Rude showed up," Reno ended, staring at Sephiroth expectantly.

"I will… need to time think upon this, however I do not believe you were exposed to enough Mako on Mt. Coral to make the Materia react like this. It seems the… possessed Genesis was protecting you and bathing you in Mako would have had the opposite effect. Had it thought that healing you would harm you I highly doubt it would have done so. In addition, had you been exposed to that much Mako so quickly you would still be suffering from it. That is also why it cannot be from the bath earlier."

The Turk lowered his gaze and stared at the glowing orb in his hand. Once again he believed, and agreed, with Sephiroth. He didn't truly believe the incident on Mt. Coral had anything to do with the Mako in his system. Simply put, he'd been grasping at straws to make sense of it. Why? Because his mouth had gone dry and his mind screamed that there must be a rational and logical explanation. Maybe the silver was even playing a trick on him. Yet try as it might he couldn't find the slightest reason why Sephiroth would toy with him. He squeezed his eyes shut, fingers curling around the globe in his hand. The redhead finally told his mind to accept the information whether it liked it or not.

"There are worse things Reno," the silver said quietly, somewhat startled to discover he felt sorry for the Turk. He had no idea if that was sympathy, empathy, compassion, pity, or some mix of all the emotions.

"Yeah," Reno sighed. He paused then asked, "Why? Why the hell does this matter? What does it have to do with anything yo?"

"It might explain how you were able to communicate with Genesis and also why you could not hear him. Either there is not enough Mako in your system for a solid connection, your connection to him has been damaged somehow, or the previously established equilibrium has been shattered."

"Okay," nodded the redhead, setting the Materia on the desk. He fought not to wipe his hand on his jeans as he sat on the edge of the bed. "I understand the former, not the latter two."

"As I mentioned before I can sense people imbued with Mako."

"Yeah, so?"

"I might not have worked with you before, but I knew of you. We work and live in the same building and have therefore been in the same room before or passed each other in the hallways. Until recently however I did not sense you."

"So, what, I didn't make a ping on your Mako radar?"

"Not until a few weeks ago, no, which means something changed."

"Nothing changed," Reno replied, rubbing his index and middle fingers on his temples in thought.

"Didn't it?"

"Not really. There was the Turk Desertion, I got shot out of the air, met Gene-" The Turk snapped his head up and locked eyes with Sephiroth. "I met Genesis." The silver nodded. "I still don't get it. What could that possibly have to do with anything?"

"In the Sector 5 alley, the first time we truly met, you felt odd but still didn't 'ping my radar'. We met the following day in Shinra's office and I did sense you, but barely. The next time I encountered you, you were a little stronger. It continued like that, as though you gained power over time." Reno blinked at him. "It seems the more time you spent with Genesis, the stronger you became."

"Maybe it's a coincidence yo."

"Possibly, but I don't believe so. There are other factors to consider."

"Factors?"

Sephiroth nodded. "The more time Genesis spent with you, the better he was able to control his imbalance."

"Again, coincidence. Even you said the imbalance would right itself over time."

"I believed that's what was happening. That is until you left for Junon. Two days later Genesis's imbalance flared so badly that I had to forcefully drag him from the building and attack him to get him to return to his senses."

"I-I didn't know that," stammered Reno. He was sort of pissed at Sephiroth for attacking Gen, but he also kind of understood. Probably did what he had to do.

"I know. At that time I thought perhaps his imbalance had been kept in check by your… physical exertions or simply by your proximity. Either way you were a factor."

"So which is it yo?" the Turk asked, amused by the physical exertion comment.

"I do not know. At the time I assumed it was the physical activity."

"You've changed your mind since then?"

"Yes. It would seem the most logical conclusion is that you and Genesis have formed some type of bond. It's possible the Mako in your system and the Mako in his system resonated and soothed each other or that the excessive Mako in his system spilled into you. There are also a few rare cases where powerful Mako or Materia has awakened other Mako or Materia of the same kind or type. Regenerated it if you will. Regardless of cause, I believe you became more physically able and he became calmer, more in control. Under normal circumstances you may well be able to telepathically communicate with him, however if your budding bond was broken by Genesis's current state or the base balance between you two was interrupted, the telepathic communication could suffer as a result. It is also possible it isn't working simply because you haven't been trained."

Reno dropped his chin to his chest with an outward puff of air. He wanted to deny it. All of it. To tell Sephiroth that his speculations were ridiculous and that there had to be another cause, yet he couldn't. Even he'd wondered if he was mentally communicating with Genesis somehow. He didn't know if he could 'under normal circumstances,' but that didn't matter right now. "Earlier, when you threw that orange, you threw it, didn't you?"

"A normal person shouldn't have been able to catch it, if that's what you're asking."

"Shit," the redhead grumbled as snippets flashed though his mind's eye. He pressed the palms of his hands into his eyes as pictures raced by his mind's eye. Genesis scowling at him because he'd crept up on him. Rude's raising an eyebrow when he told him someone as the door. Tseng's gun pointing skyward because Angeal had startled him. All of those incidents implied his hearing, eyesight, and agility were above average, but there were other memories that hovered above all the others.

Most recently was the battle with Fuhito and the Ravens. Though he hadn't escaped unscathed, he'd managed to block and dodge most of their attacks. Hell, he'd even managed to kill one of the bastards, singlehandedly, while others tried to take him out. Ravens were every bit as strong, fast, and agile as Third Class SOLDIERs or higher, but he'd held his ground. Somehow he didn't think the Ravens had been holding back either. In the end Fuhito's Ice spell is what had gotten him, not the Ravens.

Then there was the Golden Pyramid. It was one thing for Genesis to be able to cast Fire spells with Materia. There was no doubt the auburn had Mako running though his veins and Materia was nothing more than condensed Mako. For him to be able to cast a spell without Materia or Mako? Impossible.

Last was a picture of Genesis. Every time they were together he had an almost uncontrollable desire to touch him. It wasn't mere attraction or a want, but a need. There was also his desperation and uneasiness when he hadn't been able to contact the STC, not to mention his haunted dreams, his illness, and the day he'd woken up with his skin and eyes on fire. If Sephiroth was correct, he may have subconsciously known the STC was in danger and had possibly even experienced some of his thoughts and physical sensations.

"Fuck me," Reno muttered with feeling. Somewhere he'd known he'd changed and that his abilities had increased, he'd just not wanted to believe it. "My life just got a lot more complicated didn't it?" he chuckled, removing his hands and rubbing them along his upper legs.

"Not really. Even if Genesis's excessive Mako is flowing into you, you still would have had to have Mako in your system beforehand otherwise it would have killed you," replied the silver, thinking that his statement might not be entirely true. There was a slim chance that if Reno hadn't had Mako in his system he may not have been affected by Genesis's excess. If that were the case, the bond may never have formed and Genesis may have died.

"Oh, gee, that woulda sucked. Guess I should thank whoever stuck it in me then yo."

"The point is you're really no different than you were before. Speaking of which, do you have any ideas about who 'stuck it in you'?"

Reno leaned back and put his weight on his elbows, making sure he wasn't squishing any part of Genesis. He stared at the ceiling as though it held the answers. At a scrape, he brought his head forward and eyed Sephiroth, who'd moved one of the kitchen chairs and sat on it. "Coulda sat in the comfy chair," he said, tossing his head toward the stuffed chair in the living room.

"I am fine."

"Heh, I wouldn't want to get to close to me either," muttered the Turk, unable to help it. Mmm, bitterness.

"You are no different than you were before," the SSC repeated.

"Yeah right."

"So you're closer to being a SOLDIER than a Turk, does it really matter?"

"Y-n-yes damnit it does!" Reno stated a bit louder than he'd intended. "I don't have a problem with the SOLDIER program but I didn't sign up for SOLDIER godsdamnit! I didn't sign away my life or give anyone permission to use me as a lab rat!"

"Neither did I," the silver said so quietly it was almost inaudible.

"What?" Reno breathed, sitting upright. One look at Sephiroth and the anger drained out of him almost instantly.

"Nothing. I shouldn't have said that."

"No. No, no, no," the redhead said, standing and moving toward the SSC. "You can't say something like that and just expect me to act like I didn't hear it yo."

"I…" Sephiroth trailed off, cursing himself for his slip. What the hell was wrong with him? He knew better than to say things like that. Yet you did. "From the age of three I was trained and prepared to be a SOLDIER. My opinion on the subject was inconsequential." He was leaving a lot out but the statement was true nonetheless.

Reno blinked, completely unsure of what to say. From the age of three? "Son of a bitch," he breathed, unable to stop the words. "I'm sorry."

"Why? It was my purpose."

"You're purpose? Shiva's Tits you make it sound like SOLDIER is the only reason you were born." Sephiroth closed his eyes and lowered his head. "Seph?" The silver remained motionless and refused to look at him. "Why? Why would you think something like that?" The SSC was quiet for so long he figured he wasn't going to answer. In a way he wished he hadn't.

"That is what I was told."

"What? Who the hell would tell you something like that? You're parents?"

"I don't have parents."

"Everyone has parents."

"This is irrelevant," Sephiroth snapped, standing and moving to the refrigerator. He yanked the door open, pulled out a brown wrapped package, and dropped it on the counter with a loud thud.

Reno stared at the silver, stunned by his sudden change in demeanor. He knew Sephiroth's past was shady and that he was uncomfortable talking about it, but he hadn't expected that. Musta gone too far. He didn't want to piss him off further so he changed the topic. For now. "Hollander and Fuhito."

The SSC stopped and stared at the partially opened package of ground Elfadunk. "They are your suspects?" he asked, turning toward the redhead.

"Yeah," nodded Reno. "Both of them know about Mako and they've both had the opportunity yo."

"Perhaps Fuhito tried to turn you into a Raven."

"Maybe. When he held me captive I did something that pissed him off or confused him. Could be I didn't respond to his 'treatment'," replied the redhead, placing quotes around treatment. "Have to say I'm kinda leaning toward Hollander though," he added, running a hand through his hair. The silver arched an eyebrow. "He got to me first."

"That does not me-"

"I damn near died when I was 14. Tseng brought me to Shinra for treatment and Hollander was my doc. I've only been sick once since then and that was in Gongaga when Gen was missing. Top a that, after I spent my quality time with Fuhito, Hollander saved my ass again so he's had more opportunity and only Gaia knows what he did to keep my from croakin'," the Turk sighed, not liking admitting any of that out loud. He momentarily froze, wondering if Tseng knew anything about what Hollander might have done. Still could be Fuhito.

Sephiroth nodded as his mind spun once more. Something he'd overheard in Midgar raced through his mind and he locked eyes with Reno. "Is it possible Hollander knew you were ill before he left for Gongaga?"

"Probably. Tseng knew something was wrong with me a day or two before Hollander got there. If he was afraid it had something to do with the Mako in the area, he would have reported it to Rufus, who would have reported it to the Science Department for investigation. Why?"

"Hollander specifically requested to be sent to Gongaga," the silver replied, wondering if it was a coincidence that he was both Genesis and Reno's doctor.

"Godsdamnit yo," muttered the redhead, plopping into the chair in the living room. It seemed like lately, regardless of the topic, all he ran into was unanswerable questions. Bahamut's Megaflare, he thought, thinking soon his head would burst and that all that would come out would be little questions marks.

Focusing on the current topic, Reno wondered if Hollander had given him Mako when he was 14, had it been authorized by Shinra or had he done so without the company's knowledge. Either way, why had he been given Mako? Was he an expendable subject to test out something for the SOLDIER program? Or was he an experiment unto himself? In the end he decided it didn't matter, he couldn't undo what had been done and it sucked regardless.

Reno slumped in the chair, closed his eyes, and put his left elbow on the chair arm. Leaning his head onto his left index and middle fingers, he wondered how many people's asses he was going to have to kick to get the answers he so desperately needed. Even more pressing, how many would have to die. He couldn't help the smirk that spread across his lips and probably made him look less than mentally stable. Payback was a bitch but it was sure as hell fun to dish out.