Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.


45 – Calm Before the Storm

Sand squished between his toes and a pleasant breeze blew across Reno's bare torso as he made his way to the detached bathroom. He tossed his head back and looked at the clear sky dotted by millions of stars. More like billions. The Turk absorbed it all, briefly wondering what life would have been like had things turned out differently. Would he still appreciate such a magnificent view as the one spread out above him? Or would he simply take it for granted like the millions of individuals who lived peaceful lives? Hard ta say.

Minutes after setting out, the redhead yanked open the bathroom door and blinked against the sudden flood of light. After the moonlit walk, the bright light seemed harsh and unnatural, almost ugly. Once his eyes had adjusted, he stepped inside and knocked the sand off his feet.

"I thought perhaps you had decided not to join me."

"Nope," replied Reno, looking up and spotting the silver floating in the middle of the tub. The SSC's arms pin wheeled as he righted himself and he realized the man probably hadn't heard his conversation with Genesis due to the water.

"Will these supplies be alright?" the silver asked, waving a hand toward a pile at the tub's edge.

"Yep," the redhead replied, wiggling out of his pants and easing his way into the warm water. "Run into any critters out there?"

"No. It was a rather uneventful trip. What happened to your wrist?"

"Oh, it's nothin'," Reno replied, subconsciously submerging his left wrist below the waterline.

"Since it's unlikely there was a visitor while I was away and those are human teeth marks I shall assume Genesis got carried away."

"Eh, that about sums it up," the Turk replied with a chuckle.

Sensing the redhead's slight discomfort Sephiroth abruptly switched topics. "I added bath salt that helps relieve muscle tension and prevents soreness. I hope you do not mind."

Reno shook his head. "Don't need ya stiffenin' up. Want me to give you a massage?"

"That is unnecessary."

"Maybe but so what?" the Turk chuckled, half walking, half swimming to the silver. "Come on, turn around, put yer arms on the edge, and I'll rub yer shoulders."

"You don- if you insist," sighed Sephiroth, giving in to the Turk's persistence. Normally he shied away from contact but he was a bit past that point with the redhead. Decision made, Sephiroth turned and placed his arms in the requested position, giving the redhead his back. He tried to turn his head as fingers ran though his hair but Reno stopped him. "What are you doing?"

"Puttin' yer hair up so it doesn't get in the way yo," Reno replied. He gathered the long silver strands, stretched them out, twisted them, and then curled them into a bun. "Hold yer hand here a second," he said, guiding the SSC's hand to his handiwork. "Need somethin' to secure it with." The Turk went to the shelves and looked around for something to use. Spotting a pile of toothbrushes he grabbed one, popped it out of its package, and returned to the SSC. "Not the most stylish accessory but it'll do," he said, removing the silver's hand and sliding the toothbrush in place.

"Indeed," the silver chuckled. He closed his eyes as Reno's fingers glided over his skin. When the redhead began pressing and kneading his shoulder blades he practically melted.

"Shouldn't a been so stubborn. Yer all knotted up."

"In the future I will not resist."

"Does that mean it feels good?"

"It feels wonderful. Where do you learn to do this?"

"Before I joined Shinra I had this next door neighbor who ran a massage parlor. Sometimes I'd help out to earn extra cash and in turn I'd send customers her way. I got caught peeking into one the rooms and the owner asked if I was interested in learning some techniques and I said sure, so she taught me. Turned out I was pretty good at it so I went from bein' the restock and trash boy ta backup massage therapist."

"Did you enjoy it?"

"It wasn't somethin' I wanted to do for the rest of my life but yeah, I enjoyed it. It wasn't so much the massage part though. I mostly just liked talkin' ta people and listenin' to their problems. Hell for some of'em that was better than the massage."

"Somehow that does not surprise me," chuckled Sephiroth.

Reno grinned and worked on a particularity stiff knot in the middle of the silver's left shoulder. Once it relaxed, he continued to expertly glide his hands to different areas, applying pressure with his fingers as he went. For several minutes he alternated between focusing on individual areas and the SSC's entire back. "Hop up and sit on the ledge," he said once the muscles under his fingers were sufficiently relaxed. Sephiroth turned and eyed him with an arched eyebrow but complied without comment. "Heh, yer legs got muscles too yo," he chuckled, starting in on the SSC's left calf.

The silver purred as Reno continued his ministrations. Both of the man's legs received the same treatment as his back. As he worked, he couldn't help but notice at least one part of the silver was far from relaxed. Although they'd had sex together, he hadn't actually seen Sephiroth's member when it was erect. Impressive, he thought, subconsciously running his left hand along the inside of the silver's thigh as though drawn to the rigid pole. The man's eyelids fluttered as he mirrored the gesture with his other hand. Unable to help himself, he leaned forward and kissed the tip of the silver's dick.

"Reno…" Sephiroth breathed, pulse speeding up. "If you… I don't know if I can... relieve you in kind," the silver stated honestly after a brief pause. Sexual encounters of any kind were still new to him and he wasn't sure how he felt about performing oral sex.

"Not expectin' ya too."

"I… it is your choice."

Reno grinned. "What kind a massage therapist would I be if I left ya all frustrated," he said, licking his lips and taking the SSC's head into his mouth.

Sephiroth hissed and watched as the Turk's mouth enveloped his member. After inhaling over half of it, he slowly withdrew while wrapping his left hand around his base and pumping slowly. The sensation was incredible and the SSC fought to keep himself still. Unexpectedly thrusting forward and choking the man seemed a tad rude.

The Turk released Sephiroth with a loud pop. He licked the long, thick shaft, moistening every inch of it before taking it back into his mouth. The redhead slid downward, taking in as much as was comfortable before reversing direction and sliding the other way. No wonder I was achy this morning, he mentally chuckled. A few trips later he's managed to establish a rhythm of alternately sucking and pumping with his hand.

Sephiroth leaned back and used his hands to support his torso while the redhead worked. The mixed stimulation of the Turk's moist, soft mouth, his hot, dry breath, and his solid, firm palm was incredible. Although it was an entirely different experience and feel from last night's encounter, it was equally pleasant in its own right. From what he could tell, aside from the variety of substances teasing his member, the biggest difference was emotional. Oral sex certainly felt good but it lacked the emotional connection and attachment that penetration had. For lack of a better description, it lacked the feeling of being almost one with your partner. That seemed useful since there were times one wanted to receive, or even give, physical pleasure without other sentiments. Pleasure for pleasures sake.

The silver's thoughts vaporized as the Turk removed his hand and dove downward. The man didn't stop until his nose was pressed into the soft hair of his groin. He half gasped, half groaned as his entire organ was surrounded by Reno's warm, wet portal. The man swallowed, causing his throat and mouth to constrict around his dick. He moaned as small bolts of lightening raced throughout his system, mingling with the larger bolts in his groin and abdomen. Even as the sensation receded every nerve in his body continued to tingle and vibrate with delight.

Needing air, Reno slowly released the SSC. As he inhaled his eyes locked with Sephiroth's celadon orbs and a mischievous smirk twisted his lips. Once he'd caught his breath he took the man back into his mouth, maintaining eye contact for as long as he could. The fingers of the silver's left hand gently skimmed across his face before settling on the side of his head. Without missing a beat he leaned into the touch and swirled his tongue around the man's dick.

Sephiroth's breathing sped up and his heart raced as the Turk continued to work his magic. Unlike the varied pace of last night the redhead never let up and he quickly found himself on the brink. For a moment he froze in uncertainty. No one had ever sucked his dick before and he wasn't familiar with the etiquette. Eventually he found his voice and called the redhead's name in a breathy, husky tone that surprised him. I didn't know I ever sounded like that. Reno paused and patted his knee before once again devouring his cock. The tongue wiggling and sliding on the backside of his shaft combined with the swallowing sensation sent him over the edge. A moan escaped his throat as his muscles tightened and his body shuddered with his release.

As the redhead released his softening member Sephiroth inhaled sharply and let his head fall backward. Before straightening himself the redhead leaned forward and kissed the inside of his thigh. A strange sensation shot through his body that tightened his chest and throat at the gesture. The effect was similar to a panic attack and it left him somewhat unsettled. He was far from panicked, in fact he was rather content, so the feeling made no sense. It was unsettling and he wished to analyze the sensation and its source, yet it seemed unimportant at the moment. He shoved it away and ran his hands though the Turk's hair instead.

Reno closed his eyes and purred as the silver's fingers caused his hair to gently ripple. He took a step back as Sephiroth slid into the water, but the man pulled him close and their mouths sealed together. He leaned into the embrace as their tongues sought each other out. A wave of melancholy washed over him and he drew closer to the silver. Quite simply he didn't want their time here to end. For the first time in his life he'd experienced what it would be like to have a family, or at least to have a semi-normal life, and he loathed having that taken from him. As much as he loved his job and his life in Midgar things wouldn't be the same there. Out here they were free from prying eyes, restrictions, judgmental minds, and rules. They could be themselves. In Midgar, that was something that would probably only happen behind closed doors. Maintaining their relationship, or relationships, would be challenging.

The Turk's gloomy reflections fragmented as fingers tentatively tickled his enlarged shaft. Startled, he broke the kiss as a gasp tore its way out of his throat. "I won't lie… about how… good that feels… but you don't- aahhh."

"I know," Sephiroth replied, spinning the redhead so that his back was pressed against the side of the tub. He may have issues with using his mouth but his hand was a different matter entirely.

Reno's eyelids fluttered and he groaned as the silver firmly grasped him with his left hand. Due to his romping with Genesis earlier, his body was extremely sensitive and even the barest of contact set off fireworks of pleasure. He shuddered and gripped the man's upper arms for support as the SSC pumped him. A few strokes later the silver stopped but before he could question it they'd relocated to the shallow end of the pool and the man began fondling him once more.

The now panting Turk's head began to dip forward but Sephiroth quickly stopped it with the fingers of his right hand. The movement was subconscious and surprised him, but he didn't drop his hand. He was transfixed by the redhead's face, especially his eyes. Behind the pleasure and lust was raw vulnerability. Normally he would see such a thing as a weakness, yet not now. Right now he saw the fact that Reno was willing to expose himself in such a manner to be a strength. He almost felt as though it was a gift and that he was privileged enough to be the receiver. Despite not quite understanding the emotions behind what was happening his stomach flipped. I want him. All of him. He finally removed his fingers from the Turk's chin and slid them to the man's backside, running them over his entrance. "It's still soft."

"Shit," Reno gasped as the SSC's middle finger penetrated him without preamble. The silver's left hand was again gliding over his cock and the duel sensations were incredible. As he instinctively shifted closer, he couldn't help but feel the man's dick beginning to harden anew. "How can you… already?"

"There are many benefits to being in SOLDIER. Not all of which are advertised," Sephiroth replied, knowing what the redhead was referring too. "Did you have sex with Genesis while I was gone?"

Reno's eyes briefly narrowed defensively, but he shoved the feeling away. The silver wasn't being accusatory nor did he sound jealous. Sounds turned on, he thought. Aloud he said, "Yeah."

"Who was where?"

"I topped."

"I see," Sephiroth replied, leaning forward and inhaling slowly. "Your combined smells are… intoxicating."

Incoherent words that sounded suspiciously like curses tumbled from the Turk's lips and Sephiroth smirked, wiggling his finger inside the man. Unable to resist he once again inhaled the smell of his lovers. It caused his thoughts to cloud over and goosebumps formed on his arms. Yes… delicious.

Contrary to popular belief water was not an effective lubricant so Sephiroth withdrew his finger then darted to the sink and retrieved the small tube of lotion that he'd begun stashing there a few years ago. Since he wasn't fond of using spit and he never knew when the urge would strike him he took care to make sure he was stocked and that his supply did not expire. The redhead started when he returned and he wondered if the man had even registered the fact that he was gone. He quickly applied gel to his fingers then resumed his ministrations. This particular lotion was water friendly and stayed in place even when submerged. All it took was a little soap when one wished to remove it.

So much pleasure was coursing though his veins that Reno could do little more than utter unintelligible sounds of passion. He was already on the verge of losing it but knew that because he'd already come so many times today he wouldn't just yet. Although it was pleasurable, it was torture. A good kind of torture, but torture nonetheless.

"Reno… may I?" The redhead gazed at him with bleary, lecherous eyes and bobbed his head up and down. He adjusted the Turk's right leg and entered him quickly, burying himself to the hilt in one thrust. "I'm sorry," he whispered at the Turk's cry.

Reno panted and hid a wince at the abrupt penetration. Distantly he felt Sephiroth reach behind him. He hissed and locked his limbs around the silver as he sunk deeper inside him. Before he'd caught his breath the man lifted him out of the water and gently placed him on something soft. Towel, he thought as the SSC leaned over him. The initial pain of insertion had already begun to fade, leaving behind a dull ache and a burning desire for more.

For a few heartbeats the pair simply stared and panted at each other. As if by magnetic pull their lips drew together and parted so their tongues could rub together passionately. Neither was certain how long the kiss lasted but when it finally ended, both were out of breath.

At last Sephiroth slowly withdrew from the redhead. After adjusting his knees for comfort, he applied lotion to the Turk's opening and his member, allowing a smoother re-entry. He sighed and shivered as his dick was once again surrounded by the redhead's hot, tight heat.

"Mngh," Reno moaned as his back arched slightly. His right leg snaked around the SSC's waist while his left remained beside him, bent at the knee. A thrill shot through him at the feel of the SSC between his inner thighs. He rested his left hand on the man's right collarbone while his right idly rubbed his chest. Sephiroth stayed motionless for so long that the fireball inside his stomach mercifully lost some heat, however he began to question whether something was wrong. Just as he decided to say something the SSC spoke.

"I finally comprehend what beauty is."

"I'll, eh, take that as a compliment yo."

"It was intended to be," the silver replied, lightly brushing the Turk's face with the fingers of his left hand. Until now he hadn't completely understood the gesture. He'd known that it was a sign of affection, however he now believed that it was also a sign of trust and appreciation. After all, most didn't let just anyone touch their face because it was such a delicate and personal area. By touching someone's face, you were acknowledging that you wouldn't injure or otherwise harm them and that you were grateful to and for them. In the same light, if someone allowed you to touch them they were silently acknowledging the same. Or perhaps I'm reading too much into it. Obviously all that went out the window if one intended harm but otherwise it was another way to be intimate.

Sephiroth shook his head to clear it and focused on the man beneath him. The top of the Turk's hair was damp and stuck out at odd angles. The chunks surrounding his face were soaked and plastered to his face. His normally sharp features comprising of a high cheekbones, triangular chin, straight and thin sharp nose, and almond shaped sky blue eyes, were softened with passion. A combination of water and sweat made his creamy, fair skin positively glisten, which was accented by the rapid rise and fall of his chest. Yes, this is beauty, he thought, because Reno was beautiful. Although males tended to prefer the term handsome that simply didn't describe how ravishing the redhead was.

Despite being taken by the Turk's allure the silver had managed to establish a slow-to-medium paced rhythm. He hadn't prepared the man much and it was a snug fit, but Reno didn't seem to mind and he certainly didn't. The pressure and resistance that accompanied each advance and retreat was breathtaking. His skin tingled and his midsection felt as though he'd swallowed several butterflies.

Whether entering or exiting, the SSC's member was so long and thick that Reno's prostate couldn't escape it. The constant friction made every nerve in his body thrum with pleasure. Abruptly the silver dove into him, hitting his prostate head on with the tip of his dick before it slid deeper. His back bowed and his legs tried to close but Sephiroth's body interfered. The silver gripped him by the hips, slid him closer, and then slid his hands to his inner thighs, spreading his legs wider. The position left him completely exposed with nothing to do about it, yet the knowledge seemed to turn him on more and his body quivered and pulsed with excitement. "Ngh."

"Does it feel good?" Sephiroth inquired, bending forward and breathing the question into the Turk's ear.

"Y-ye… ha-ahhh…"

The SSC chuckled and nipped the right side of the Reno's neck. He slid his right hand down the side of the man's head and removed the toothbrush, allowing the bun to come free. As the long silver strands fell back into place he raked his fingers though them before settling his hand at the base of the man's skull. With the aid of his left leg, his hips began meeting the silver's thrusts and the movement caused the invading member to wiggle from side to side. It felt exquisite and he moaned and groaned appreciatively.

Sephiroth's pace quickened as the redhead writhed beneath him. The man's fingers dug into the back of his neck and he purred as he suckled on his right ear. When the Turk's ass began to contract around him, he straightened and gripped the man's shaft at the base. "Not yet."

Reno's back came completely off the ground and his arms slammed down beside his body, fingers clawing the rough surface uselessly. Unable to think straight he mewled and squirmed, silently cursing the hand that prevented his release, yet doing nothing to remove it. It might be annoying and driving him insane but he felt good and didn't want that feeling to leave just yet. Seemingly of its own accord, one of his hands lifted and locked onto Sephiroth's wrist, ensuring the man's hand stayed on his organ. The silver smirked and his hand flitted to the man's face, fingers brushing it lightly before darting to a shoulder.

The SSC slammed into Reno and he cried out, completely unable to escape the overwhelming pleasure and sensations flooding his body. He thrashed about, practically convulsing before finally calming slightly. As soon as he was able, he propelled his torso forward so that he was half sitting, half lying down. He placed his right hand on the back of the silver's neck for leverage then jerked him forward, smashing their mouths together with such force that he tasted blood. The slight coppery taste didn't faze him. Reno felt like a dying man whose only hope for survival was Sephiroth and if a little blood was involved, then so be it.

Tongue flitting against the redhead's, Sephiroth finally released the man's shaft, not particularly caring which of them had gotten cut. He wrapped an arm around the Turk's back and let his fingers trail along his spine. Though the position was awkward, he drilled into him several times before effortlessly lifting the Turk and spinning. He now sat on the edge of the tub, legs partially submerged, with Reno straddling his lap.

Minutes passed with the only movement being their tongues. After a while, Reno's legs began to go numb from the disagreeable position they were in and he rose slightly, folding both legs back before lowering himself once more. His motions caused him to slide along the silver's pole and he shuddered with pleasure. As soon as he'd settled Sephiroth immediately placed both hands on his hips then began pounding into him. He placed his hands on the silver's shoulders as he matched the man's pace and rode him.

The Turk's head tilted back and Sephiroth licked the front of his neck. His tongue vibrated as the man moaned and he chuckled, thrusting into the man unmercifully. Eventually the redhead leveled his head and his half-lidded eyes locked onto his. Pinned by sky blue, the strange, almost panicky sensation returned and he squirmed. The odd feeling abated as Reno cried out from the momentarily jerky movement, though it was hardly a cry of pain. The man licked his lips and his stomach suddenly felt as though he was experiencing a moment of zero gravity. An unfamiliar surge of emotion tore its way through him and his pace slowed. Reeling and at a loss for words, the silver wrapped his arms around the Turk and pulled him as close as he could.

Reno's eyes fastened onto celadon orbs but he couldn't read them. At the silver's urging he snuggled in close, bringing his left hand to the back of the man's neck and lightly pressing their lips together. Sephiroth joined the kiss without hesitation so he assumed whatever he was thinking wasn't bad. The SSC's pace slowed slightly and he shuddered, feeling every inch of the shaft within him. He whimpered and squirmed at the sensations building up inside him once again. The feeling was hard to describe but only one other person had ever made him feel such a thing, and that was Genesis. Suddenly Reno didn't just feel, he was acutely aware of his movements. He swore he could feel every vein, bump, and curve on the cock that was gliding in and out of him. Swore he could feel exactly how long it was and where it stopped within him. It felt incredible but it wouldn't last much longer no matter how much he tried.

"You may succumb. I will not stop you this time."

The breathy, guttural quality in the SSC's voice was too much for Reno. It was as though the words transformed into something physical and they reached out and drug his orgasm right from his very core. It burst forth in a mind numbing, searing pleasure that set his every nerve alight. He cried out and forced his arms to tighten around the silver's neck as his body began to shake forcefully. "Hhaa-aahhhh… Seepphh!"

Sephiroth slowed his pace and held the redhead snuggly as he trembled almost combatively against him. The silver somehow managed to wait until the Turk settled somewhat before driving deep into him and letting go. It started small, with a mere tightening of his stomach, then built until he feared it might rip him in two. Finally the pleasure became so great that it spilled out of its invisible container and gushed throughout his system. His body felt hot and cold at the same time and he groaned loudly at the conflicting sensations. Words could not describe how amazing it all felt.

As his heart finally began to slow, Reno was slammed downward and he felt the silver's release. He shuddered and yelped as his over stimulated body struggled to handle the new sensations within him. Finally Sephiroth went still and brought their mouths together. Just as his body began to settle down the SSC scooted forward until he dropped off the edge of the tub and into the water below. "Tsk."

"I apologize," Sephiroth said, settling onto the underwater bench that his feet had been resting on. "I should have disconnected us first."

"It's alright," gasped the Turk, trying to blink the spots out of his eyes. "Just a little oversexed yo."

"Is that a grievance?"

"No," Reno chuckled.

"Good," grinned the silver, lifting the redhead to separate them. He chuckled at the man's shiver. "Mmm, you're even more sensitive now than previously," he purred. For a moment it appeared as though the Turk was going to sit on the bench next to him, but he ended up settling back down on his lap.

"No shit. It's maddening yo."

"Maddening?"

"Yeah. I feel like a damned junkie. Every touch, no matter how light or innocent, goes straight to my stomach and groin and I want more, but the more I get what I want, the more I crave it and in the end it's never enough. I just keep wanting more and more, like I can't get satisfied, but I am satisfied."

"That is vexing."

"It's frustrating," Reno replied. After a pause he added, "And infuriating." The Turk sighed and snaked his arms around the silver's neck.

"Perhaps we should refrain from touching you."

"Tck, wouldn't do any good. I'd just end up touchin' you. I mean, that's like putting a cookie in front of a kid and sayin' don't eat it. You guys would be the cookies and I'm the kid. I got pretty good self-restraint, but not that good."

"Quite a predicament."

"Tell me about it," the redhead muttered, lowering his head onto the silver's right shoulder so that his right ear was facing down. Several minutes later he sighed and untangled himself from the SSC. "I hate ta say it but we should probably get cleaned up yo."

"Indeed," Sephiroth sighed, reluctantly letting the Turk go. The man pushed off the edge and floated on his back to the center of the tub. "Did Genesis have any trouble while I was gone?"

"Nah. Did ya think he would?"

"Barring an emotional disturbance, no," the silver replied, joining the Turk.

"Aside from bein' a little nervous about what's ta come and worried about you he was fine."

"I was worried about both of you as well. Are you nervous?"

"Yeah," Reno replied, hopping onto the edge of the tub to soap his body.

"You don't act it."

"Neither do you."

"Who said I am nervous?"

"No one said it."

"Yet you think I am?"

"I know you are."

"You hardly know me," scoffed the SSC.

"True, but part of bein' a Turk is knowin' people, whether you actually know them or not is irrelevant," Reno replied, sliding back into the water. "In yer case I know you've never done anything like this. Yer used to gettin' orders and carryin' them out. Yer used to knowin' yer enemy and fighting things head on."

"Are you saying I am not capable of planning?"

"No, that's not what I'm sayin' at all. Yer not used to slinkin' in the shadows nor are ya used to goin' against orders or yer superiors. Yer not used to subterfuge."

"I have no orders."

"True, but if ya did I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be to help Gen and I. In fact if Shinra was, or is, involved, yer orders would probably be ta catch us yo."

"Perhaps."

"Look, my point is that while you've done mission after mission, you ain't done anything like this, which makes this an unknown and when people face the unknown, they tend to get nervous, even if only a little. On top a that, there's even more nerves when friends or lovers are involved because you wanna keep them safe. No matter what ya don't wanna let them down because if you do you may lose them and you may never forgive yourself."

"You speak from experience, yes?"

"I do."

Sephiroth nodded and slipped under the water to rinse shampoo from his hair. It was the last thing he had to do since he'd cleaned his body while waiting for Reno. When he broke the surface he said, "It would seem I was correct in stating that you are good at reading people, and situations for that matter."

"Does that mean I'm right?" Reno asked, lathering his hair.

"It does."

"Then we're all on the same footing, though of the three of us Gen's is the diciest. Probably a good thing he's so graceful."

"Agreed," the silver replied, watching the Turk submerge himself. "Reno?" he called once the man had resurfaced.

"Yo?"

"Tell me, not as a friend but as a Turk, what do you think the chances of us pulling this off are?"

"What do you think they are?"

"I believe we have about an eighty-five percent chance of success."

"We'll go with yours."

"You consider our odds less?"

"Yeah."

"By how much?"

"I… you really want the truth?"

"Yes."

"I figure it's fifty-fifty." The silver blinked at him, clearly surprised, and Reno chuckled nervously. "Not what you were expectin' huh?"

"Obviously. You really believe the situation is that precarious?"

"Yes and no," the redhead sighed. "Part of me thinks we'll do just fine, that we got at least a ninety percent chance at everything goin' smoothly. The other part, the professional part, tells me that there are too many variables to be so optimistic. Unfortunately, it's the professional, pessimistic side that I gotta listen to, even if I don't want to."

"What variables concern you the most?"

"Basically boils down to the human element. The most concerning being Hojo and Gen, but there's also me, you, and possibly even Fuhito and Hollander."

"Explain."

"I knew you were gonna say that," the Turk grinned, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking. "Guess I'll start with Hojo. The problem with him is that he's almost completely unpredictable. We think if we show up and act like nothing happened that he will to but we don't know that. What it comes down to is that we don't know his endgame so we can't really know how he'll react."

"Which means we cannot be offensive, only defensive because we cannot plan ahead."

"Exactly. We can try to plan but ultimately all we can really do is react to things after they happen, unless we get lucky and get some intel. That ain't a good strategy to win a battle, let alone a war." The silver nodded and he continued. "Gen's also unpredictable but less so than Hojo. Major problem there is that we can't be with him all the time."

"You are concerned about his imbalance?"

The redhead nodded. "If he goes off kilter we know how to handle it but we ain't with him all the time. He could kill someone or level Shinra Tower without even realizing it and we might not know until after the fact."

"If it helps I've gotten much better at sensing an imbalance when it occurs, regardless of distance."

"Helps a little but what happens when the three of us are scattered all across the Planet?"

"I… had not considered that," Sephiroth replied at length, moving to the shallow end and sitting on a bench.

Reno applied conditioner to his hair and rinsed it. At the silver's distant look he said, "You obviously thought of something. Whatever it is just spit it out yo."

"If you recall during our discussion on the possible bond you have formed with Genesis I thought that proximity could be a factor."

"What's that go-" the redhead stopped speaking and his face paled as understanding dawned. "Yer sayin' that the greater the distance and the longer we're separated the more likely it is that his imbalance will flare up, right?"

"Correct. Assuming I'm right about the bond in the first place anyway."

"Fuckin' hell."

"My sentiments exactly."

"How do we- what do we-"

"We have no choice but to play it by ear. Perhaps your bond has, or will, strengthen to the point where distance and time apart are no longer factors."

"Maybe but we won't know unless we test it."

"True," Sephiroth said as Reno joined him on the bench. "When we return to Midgar I will request to accompany Genesis on a mission so that I can evaluate performance. I should be able to tell how much of a factor proximity to you is as well. Possibly even distance."

"Alright," the redhead sighed. "Back ta the original topic, there's one other thing to keep in mind when it comes to Gen: his temper. We already established that emotions make his imbalance worse and he's got a hair trigger. Worse, I'd bet my paycheck he holds a grudge. Havin' said that I've no idea how he'll react if Hojo, or anyone for that matter, provokes him."

"Over time the extent to which emotions will cause an episode will lesson. In the meantime perhaps we should discuss having him call you when he is, or believes he will become, overly upset. If you are unavailable there is always Angeal and myself."

"Sounds great in theory but I don't think he'll be too receptive of that. In case ya ain't noticed he's kinda closed off."

"We will discuss it," replied Sephiroth. "In regards to you and me what are your concerns?"

"As for me it's normal shit really. What if I can't handle all this? What if I let him down? What if I fail? With you it comes down to the fact that I don't know where your loyalties truly lie. By now I pretty much trust you but there's that little voice that says how do I know you won't sell us out for some reason or another?"

"You don't."

"Bingo. Don't get me wrong, I really don't think ya will but I have to consider your relationship with every member of the board aside from Rufus. Then there are your ties to President Shinra, not to mention Hojo himself. Not tryin' ta be a dick, I can't ignore all that and some of those guys are good at twistin' arms."

"I understand. I have had the same thoughts about Genesis and yourself."

"Heh, part of me wants ta be pissed about that but the other part just thinks it's funny, and kind of a relief. Least I'm not the only paranoid bastard in the group."

"I'm sure Genesis has his doubts about us as well."

"Probably."

"I cannot make you trust me however I do not have a relationship with any member of the board besides President Shinra, and I cannot stand the man. My relationship with Hojo is simple: I detest him."

"I figured as much on all counts but what really worries me is that you'll cave if they squeeze. Like I said before, you ain't used to this kinda shit."

"That is a valid concern for all of us, though probably less so for you. You are 'used to this kinda shit.'"

"Yeah."

"I believe you should keep in mind that both Genesis and myself have had extensive training on how to handle interrogations, and torture. Much of the material was provided by the Department of Administrative Research."

"Heh, no shit?"

"No shit. Whenever possible it is always best to seek information from the best source, and there is no source better for information on both interrogation techniques and ways to resist them than the Turks."

"I know that's not exactly somethin' to be proud of but I kinda am. Pretty fucked up huh?"

"Maybe, maybe not. I am proud of what I do yet I've slain thousands without a care."

"No wonder we get along so well," Reno chuckled. "We're both fucked up."

"I believe we all are," grinned Sephiroth.

"True. At least some part of Gen loves bein' a SOLDIER and that means he loves what he does too. We're all fucked up. I like it."

"As do I," the silver chuckled. "Now then what about Fuhito and Hollander?"

"Fuhito may not even be involved but I'm worried he, and AVALANCHE, are still on Mt. Coral. If so we're headin' straight for a fight and a nasty one at that. I can handle it and I know you and Gen can to, but Fuhito is a total fuckin' wild card. He's just as likely to kill us as capture us."

"Why would he wish to capture us?"

"He's tried on multiple occasions to snuff me and failed. I think I caught his interest."

"You believe he may wish to know why you keep surviving."

"Yeah. Lucky fuckin' me. Then there's you. His Raven's are modified SOLDIERs. Not hard to imagine how he might wanna test, experiment, and pick you apart to see if he can improve his pets. Maybe even pit you against his pets ta see how they fair. Gen's the same way. The one and only time they met Gen wasn't even Gen, he was possessed Gen. That probably caught his attention in a big way."

"Capturing us, any of us, will not be easy."

"I know but you asked why I was concerned so there ya go. Last but not least there's Hollander. We kinda touched on it the other day and you said you didn't think he'd be a problem, but again we don't know that. It ain't a big secret that the guy wants to head the Science Department. If he sees Gen as a way to gain an edge no telling what he'll do. With the way those guys think, if he has to lose his best subject to reap the benefits he just might do it."

"Unfortunately I agree. Like Fuhito, he is a wild card."

Reno nodded. "So there ya have it. Like I said before there's just way to many variables fer me to be confident that we'll succeed."

"Thank you for sharing your concerns. I stick by my earlier percentage however."

"Glad ta hear it," the Turk grinned. "Discussions like this can rattle people."

"I do not rattle easily."

"Honestly I didn't figure you did or I wouldn't have said anything even though ya asked."

For several minutes the pair didn't speak as each considered the situation. There were more issues than Reno had spoken of but he really did think that, all in all, things would work out. For his part Sephiroth also felt the Turk's issues were valid, however it did no good to worry over such things. At least not yet.

"I gotta admit soaking in this tub is nice but we should probably get back."

"I agree," the silver replied a touch reluctantly. "The water is making me tired as well."

"Me and Gen can take a walk or somethin' if you wanna take a nap yo."

"That is not necessary."

"Ya sure?"

"Yes."

"Yer call," the Turk shrugged, using his hands to haul himself out of the water.

"Your posterior is most tantalizing," the SSC smirked.

Reno's stomach tingled and a shudder traveled along his spine. How, when he'd spent the better part of the day having sex, could he possibly want more? Damnit I am an addict! Perhaps I should stop traveling with two unbelievably hot guys with overactive libidos. He wondered if all SOLDIERs had hyperactive sex drives. Although that was possible he wasn't a SOLDIER and had the same issue. "Remember that touchin' thing we were talkin' about earlier?"

"Yes."

"Yer makin' it worse yo."

"I would apologize but it would be insincere," the silver smiled slyly, joining the Turk to dry himself off.

"Heh, wouldn't want that now would we?"

The pair finished drying, dressed, and made their way back to the hut in comfortable silence. Reno immediately began digging though his clothes for something clean while Sephiroth joined Genesis in the kitchen. He came up behind the auburn and wrapped his arms around him. The STC sighed pleasantly and leaned into his embrace.

"Have fun?" Genesis inquired, stirring the soup.

"Yes. You should have joined us."

"I admit it was tempting, very tempting, but I needed some me time. I will join you next time."

"I eagerly await it."

Across the room, Reno finally settled on a clean pair of jeans and a short sleeve, cobalt blue button down shirt. Even though Genesis had urged him to join the silver and likely expected a sexual outcome, he felt like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Unfaithful, disloyal, adulterous... "You finish everything up yo?" he called, mentally telling himself he'd done nothing wrong and that the auburn was cool with it.

"Aside from packing any dirty clothes and the soup, I did. Are you hungry?"

"Seriously?"

"I've no idea why I even asked," Genesis grinned, watching the Turk button his shirt. "I made turkey sandwiches and potato chips. Help yourself."

"Ya made potato chips?"

"Something wrong with that?"

"No. Just not used to people makin' 'em since they're so readily available these days. Anyway, what kind did ya make?"

"Plain, salt, salt and vinegar, tomato, barbeque, and jalapeño."

"Wow," Reno blinked. "We gone that long?"

"No," Genesis chuckled. "They just aren't difficult to make and there are plenty of spices here."

"You are rather industrious," stated Sephiroth, picking a chip out of a bowl and popping it into his mouth.

"I don't know about that but I do like to stay busy. Those are the salted. Do you like them?"

"I do," the silver replied, fingering another chip.

"Good. I bagged the others so we could take them with us but you can try them now if you'd like. They're in that sack over there."

"We can sample them on the way."

"Don't be a chip hog yo," Reno teased, shooing the silver's hand away from the bowl so he could grab some.

"I made plenty Reno."

"Heh, so?" replied the Turk, sticking his tongue out at the auburn.

Genesis crossed his arms and mock scowled at the Turk, who merely grinned at him in return. He laughed as the man licked a chip rather seductively and plopped down in one of the chairs surrounding the table. As Sephiroth sat, he opened the refrigerator and retrieved the plate of sandwiches he'd made. He peeled off the thin plastic covering and tossed it away before setting the plate on the table. "There is lettuce, tomato, and onion on them. Would you like a condiment?"

"Mayonnaise," Sephiroth said.

"Got any mustard yo?"

The auburn fished the condiments out, grabbed a spreading knife, and joined his companions at the table. Even when eating the difference in his lover's was noticeable. Reno tore into his food with speedy gusto while Sephiroth was much more methodical and paced. I can see why Reno values difference, he thought, realizing he valued them as well.

"Thaks fer da foo," Reno mumbled around a mouthful of sandwich.

"You're welcome," the auburn chuckled, resisting the urge to tell the Turk not to speak with his mouth full.

"Did Tseng manage ta slip me a laptop Seph?"

"I didn't check however Rude told me the equipment we requested was on board. Would you like me to retrieve it after I finish eating?"

"Nah. Don't really need it til we get ta Mt. Coral."

"Speaking of which, are we still going to leave after dawn?" Genesis inquired.

"We can leave whenever you wish."

"Ya in a hurry yo?" asked Reno, dropping a fresh handful of chips onto his plate.

"Not really. I am getting antsy though."

"Ya turnin' into me?"

"Pfft, hardly. I'm not that jittery."

"Yet."

"Yet my ass, but I admit I do get a little jumpy before a mission."

"Think that's kinda normal."

"Do you get jumpy Sephiroth?"

"No."

"I said normal yo," Reno chuckled. "So you wantin' ta leave early then Gen?"

"I don't know," the STC sighed. "Part of me wants to stay here and bury my head in the sand while the other part wants to get on with it."

"How about we take off in an hour or so? That'll give us enough time ta finish eatin' and take care of any last minute shit plus the soup can cook a little longer."

"Okay," Genesis said though a weak smile. "If it's okay with Sephiroth that is."

"It's fine with me."

"It's settled then," stated Reno, munching on a chip. The silver nodded and the auburn took a huge bite out of his sandwich. "I knew ya had a big mouth but damn yo." The STC scowled and delivered a swift kick to his leg under the table. "Ouch!"

"Hmpf, serves you right," snorted Genesis after swallowing. Sephiroth hid a smirk as the frowning Turk bent to rub his leg.

"Watch it or I'll make ya carry me."

"Carrying a sexy guy around to use as I see fit doesn't sound like much of a punishment," Genesis quipped.

Sephiroth chuckled and finished off his sandwich as the redhead's bantered. Not a trace of the loneliness he'd felt only hours earlier remained. While his encounter with Reno had definitely helped it wasn't the only cause. It was the repartee that was playful enough to temporarily make them all forget that they were about to walk into the unknown. It was the lightheartedness that was able to cut through the tension so easily. It was the feeling of unity, of belonging, that wrapped around him like a warm blanket.

Sephiroth still felt some anxiety and apprehension about letting others into his life, however it seemed to him that the reward far outweighed the risks. Only time would tell if his hunch was correct and in the meantime he was content to go with it and see where it led. After all, if he turned out to be wrong he could simply shut down again and over time it would be as though nothing had happened. It would be painful but he'd recover and life would go on. Perhaps with a bit less liveliness, but go on it would.