Riddled with nerves he was even after his call.

After the older male politely accepted his invitation to the LOVELESS screenplay, Cloud couldn't sleep throughout the night due to his mind not being able to shut the hell up. He kept reading his texts over and over again, having no sense of direction after his brain kept screaming, you're going on a date with the Genesis Rhapsodos!

It was strange.. he was never this wracked with nerves, even when he had his first date with the sweetest young girl to ever exist—okay Cloud, calm down. Tifa is a good friend, that's all the public needed to know. Tifa was his first try on love. Daughter of the Mayor of Nibelheim, Tifa was a modest young girl who befriended Cloud—probably out of pity as he didn't get along with his peers before moving to Midgar and to this Academy, a sweet friend of his who made sure he didn't enter scuffles.

Along with Cloud, Tifa was a shy little girl. The two were reluctant to enlarge their circle of friends knowing how children are—they often acted out of envy, wanting more attention than the other.. she only dated Cloud for the same reason: curiosity. They were fourteen when they went out to a park somewhere in the snowy lands to watch the first flowers of Spring grow. Over there, Cloud found that he was not very much attracted to women, just as how Tifa didn't really have a taste in men.

Cloud was considered slightly effeminate, and Tifa, with her rather tomboyish attire drew comfort in one another. They didn't do that sort of thing anymore, preferring to hang out as friends and nothing more—she didn't want her father to scrutinize the scrawny young boy or his mother to dote after her as she was the Mayor's only daughter.

Anyroad, that time, they tried kissing and the two only managed to trip over the couple swingset they were sitting on. They laughed for long minutes before telling one another that they should settle that with someone they love.

Meek that the two were, instantly agreed.

Fastforward… now he has a date with a rather pretty guy. Kinda tall, slender and with a sly smile half the time with the loveliest strands of auburn hair, bow shaped lips and hooded cerulean eyes adorned the boy he was going to sit beside in the theatre in a couple of hours.

Yes, pretty person who happens to be the GACKT. Holy.

Golly.. Gaia did offer miracles sometimes. She did bestow her gifts as it was written in the play, they were going to watch tomorrow. If Genesis was not his gift, he wasn't sure who would be.

Glancing at the photograph he took in the studio, Cloud sighed happily. He didn't care if he sounded like the most smitten fangirl the upperclassman had, none of them ever got the chance to take his hand and take him to the theatre to watch his favourite little epic!

He was definitely a lucky boy.

—Wait, what was he going to tell mother dearest? That he was going on a date with a very pretty and famous singer? Goddamnit..

"Cloudy-sky, y'lright there?" Zack's voice was sleep-heavy, and the blond turned his face to face the boy across the room. "You've been shuffling lot there."

"Yeah just.. can't sleep." What was he going to say to his best friend? He was going on a date with their upperclassman? If he couldn't tell his Mum or Tifa, how in the goddess' will was he going to tell Zack?
Guess the fact that he is a fella lad made it easier to embarrassingly blurt out.

"I'mgoingonadate!" all at once, he skipped no breath to jumble. At this, Zack perked up, rising on his elbows to pay closer attention.

"What'd you say there?" it was adorable how he was trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes in case he needed to give Cloud a good comfort. Did his friend think he had a bad dream and couldn't rest? Golly, was Zack so sweet..

"Zack, I…" he had to cease the stammering and scrambling. Of course, his nerves were cooking up a storm, not cooperating with him in the least. He ended up almost yelling, "I'm going on a date tomorrow night!"

"Whoa!" that woke up his raven-haired friend. Now he jumped off his bed to sit up closer to Cloud, sleep long forgotten. "Really? Tell me all the details of the lucky one who's going to date the Cloudy-sky!"

Cloud seriously regretted his life and all the choices he had made—except the one where he got scouted to ShinRa Academy and being friends with Zack. The rest were mistakes.

"Well…"

"Don't let the cat catch your tongue, tell me who it is. From start to the finish!" he was beaming adorably within the night atmosphere—Cloud could've sworn he brought the sun into the room with how it illuminated with Zack's smile. So adorable.. if Zack was the one he was going out with, it would've been the easiest little occasion.

Of course, he had to choose one who everyone wanted but took none to his calling.

"Do you really want to know?" he could foresee his friend deflate when the truth comes out, and he didn't want that. He wanted things to stay as simplistic and nonsensical as it was.

Then again.. he was the one who got rid of the freaking concept of "normalcy". Oxymoron or not.

"Yes!" he exclaimed so loud, he broke into giggles, "I'm really going to get in trouble in the morning for shouting in the middle of the night…"

1qq
"Tell them it was a nightmare." Cloud responded automatically, every trace of his shyness gone with a blank slate, "they can't punish you for that."

"Anyway, don't change the subject!" this time, his shout was a whisper as he jabbed his elbow with a light punch, "who is your date?"

Cloud only grumbled, turning away from Zack.

"It's… en."

"Who! Who?" golly, he should've had better control of his flappable tongue, now he couldn't escape the grave he dug for himself.

"I am taking my date to the Loveless screenplay, shouldn't that explain enough..?" the blush that fled his face returned in full force, unable to meet Zack's bright blue eyes. Of course, his response was an expected squeal—or a scream, whatever you want to call it.

He swore.

"No way! You're going out with Genesis!?"

Cloud hoped the silence that filled the room was a good enough answer. Zack quite practically slipped off the bed, laughing out loud.

"I was wondering if it was Angeal or Sephiroth.. you picked Genesis out of all of them?"

At this, the blond turned, exclaiming, "don't make him sound like a fiend!"

"Yeah but, consider this Cloudy—" he wiped a tear off his face, "Genesis is very, very selective!"

Yep, forget the date, just bury him. End his misery that longed for company.

Like a flap to the next page, Zack sobered up, resorting to sitting criss-cross on the floor. "At first, I thought it was his narcissistic tendencies that he didn't date. Then the show-biz reputation cleared that up."

Cloud rose to sit up, facing his friend.

"His show-biz reputation?" he didn't want to know what he was going to hear, well-aware that the tabloids were going to enter a frenzy when the news blares out, "GACKT dating a little student who resembles a Chocobo!" with the supporting line, "wasn't that boy the one he dedicated his concert to when he was invited to the ShinRa Academy?"

It was going to be a riot.

"Yeah, I think Gen's really selective because word goes very far.." meeting Cloud's concern filled eyes, he added a reassurance, "but don't worry Cloud. I doubt people even know Genesis is Gackt. His attire's completely different, remember?"

"Oh yeah.. we didn't even recognize him." A little smile crept up his face as hope was finally welling up in him—thank you, Zack. "And he's not silly enough to tell the world that he wasn't single."

"He could have a boy or girlfriend back in another apartment and we wouldn't know." Cloud began to deflate at Zack's sudden apprehensiveness, "but I'm certain he doesn't! Sephiroth and Angeal would've called him out on it."

Then Zack amended his reasoning, "at least.. 'Geal would. Sephiroth probably has not a clue as to what that is."

Cloud gave a prayer to the goddess that Genesis was not the kind who played with people and tossed them aside when he grew bored of them. He didn't want to be treated like trash—he was a human being who cared about him! He didn't want to be associated with him as one of the "groupies" that a celebrity gets.

"You don't think.. he'll dump me, do you?"

Zack's determined answer ran in an instant. "No way, Cloud! He knows he'd be the one at loss if he set you aside. Think about it! You're the only one he said yes to."

"The only one?" how was he so sure.. there could be dates under the rose.

"Because Genesis never hangs out with anyone who isn't Sephiroth and Angeal," he sounded a little exasperated, and Cloud wasn't sure if it was because of his redundant sense of questioning and doubting, or.. "and if he's not dating them.. there can't be anyone he has."

Cloud was going to be.. Genesis' first?

.

Wow.

Just wow.

"Still.. sweet mother of Gaia! You've scored." Somehow, Zack was in more shock than Cloud was, who was feeling pinches of relief coursing through him as well as the need to make the date special—it was his first! He had to make sure it was going to be a perfect one for the one who saved him so many times with whimsical prose. "Make sure he treats you well!"

"I'll be sure to take care of him too.. he's done so much for me without even knowing." Recalling the beautiful songs he had on his music player, he added with a soft undertone. Oh gosh, he was returning to the excited little puff once again.

He was.. going on a date with Genesis Rhapsodos.

Cloud could not catch much of the sleep that provoked him all night.

Thankfully, Zack did. He would've had to sit with shame that he deprived his friend if he caused him to lose time to rest for his silly shenanigans. It was rather hilarious that as soon as class ended, his friend had him race all the way back into their dormitory to prepare for his outing. They made sure to take the opposite turn whenever the auburn upperclassman came into sight, keeping communication off for the time period.

The blond missed the arch of those brows whenever his raven-haired friend pressed his hands onto his shoulder-blades and shoved him away, as if he was needed elsewhere. What he didn't miss was how it appeared that Angeal was in on this, assisting the two underclassmen as much as he could by keeping Genesis occupied with Sephiroth, advising that he stay with the silver-haired teen as he is in need of a "gentle heart".

Before Cloud was out of the scene, he got to witness Sephiroth breaking into a full laugh, tossing his head back and clutching his chest to the point it hurt. Genesis' shocked expression over it had the boy wonder if he was shocked by the fact that Sephiroth was laughing at a joke, or that he was insulted that either Angeal was underestimating his loving nature or making him sound better than he really was.

Sephiroth's laugh was one, and the latter half of the insult connected far too well.

With all this going on, it was rather difficult not to think that Zack and Angeal were trying to separate them. With the way they were not allowed to even glance at one another was pouring a fissure of despair through Cloud. Genesis was going to fall for Sephiroth who was beaming at him with those eyes so green, so full of life when they were with him.

Cloud should've known this was a losing battle.

There was no doubt that the silver-haired teen liked the auburn teen very much. The only possibility that the blond could win over him was the fact that he didn't seem aware of how he could express it—there was something in the way of his smile that told the younger that he was indeed holding some sort of affection for the fiery one.

Sephiroth didn't truly smile often, something he shared with Genesis.. heck, he probably taught him how to do that since the silver teen followed his cues, his actions and demeanor. The rumours had it that Sephiroth was raised in the ShinRa Academy—from start till now and how he didn't have the luxury of social interaction. His expressions were limited for he was still discovering himself through these years.

And if he knew correctly, most of his mannerisms are learnt by Genesis and Angeal. They were the only two he associated with—as far as Cloud could observe. The others were around, but none of them the way those two were.

He clung to them like a sanity line, the one who could keep him morale, in a stable state.

The adoration that he held within him was either not noticed by the two friends—particularly the auburn one, or it was deliberately ignored. While he was able to find love in those green eyes, those bright blue that glanced back.. he couldn't read.

Sure, Genesis showed he was fond of the younger boy, smiling small and sweet, at times running his thin fingers through moonspun silk, keeping him away from "heathens who aren't worth his time"—which was a harsh term he referred the Student Council to, who abhorred his presence with their Secretary. The auburn-haired teen shared food with him, although accidental as it was more like sitting around the area and then the silver-haired teen scooting closer as if he was a security blanket.

Admittedly, it was very cute to see. It was also one of the factors that had Cloud find himself unworthy of his attention. Did Sephiroth murmur curses as Genesis smiled at him, treating him as an important piece of his life? He was afraid to know.

Currently, he was in Angeal's club room with Zack who served as his distraction, his buffer, his calm before the storm of heartbreak roam his bleak path. He had to be prepared for the beatdown of rejection, of how Genesis will tell him with a sweet smile that he was incredible, but not to his taste. That the blond deserved someone better, someone who was not he who can't take care of him. All those kind words he didn't want to hear, that tender sympathy that he closed himself to.

He'd rather have Genesis spit in his face than speak those painful things.

His raven friend reassured him time to time that the auburn teen will not turn him down, he will not be left on the sidewalk while the older boy trudged further and further away, he would not be meeting a heel to his face for his foolishness. Zack was right, Genesis and he did not mindlessly decide to go out—Genesis was hinting interest by dedicating songs to him when they were around, teaching him with a surprising amount of patience, giggling each time Cloud failed rather than huff and clink his boots out of sight.

Cloud was the one who was taking too long, if he didn't offer a date last night, Genesis would've given up on him. It was only for so long one would pin after another. Thank Gaia, Cloud had a good head on his shoulders and caught the bite before it stepped in the opposite direction of the lure.

He had to make sure he would treat the teen well if he wanted this to continue.

"I think that's enough practice for tonight. Excellent job, everyone!" Angeal called out gently, bowing to the members in the squad as he thrust his wooden shinai to the ground. They all returned the bow with a loud 'thank you!' before taking their protective gear off.

"You ready, Cloudy sky?" Zack giggled as he removed his helmet that somehow held both their spiked hair together without flying high into the sky and breaking a window. Cloud gave him a small smile, contemplating his answer.

"As can be. A shower and I'll be off."

"Don't forget to wear lots of perfume and bring Genesis some flowers!" the boy elbowed his arm lightly, goading a laugh from the blond.

"You make it sound like Genesis is a woman.." to his mutter, Zack bellowed a guffaw.

"You mean he's not?"

"You be careful with the outbursts, Zack. If Genesis hears you say that to him.." Angeal stepped in with a wide smile that spoke of the dangers of Zack's free spirit. Cloud smiled at him.

"Angeal, any advice you could give me when it comes to Genesis?"

Turning his attention to the blond, Angeal's smile dipped with care like a father to a son. Perhaps, it was that kind of feeling as Genesis was their friend that was being given to an underclassman. It was possible that after this date, the two would be intimate together—they were offering their hearts to one another with this fateful night, and if Cloud messes up, he'd lose his upperclassman.

If Genesis returns with a heart full of pain, Sephiroth would have their heads. All of theirs for making his friend go with these small friends and snap his love in half.

"I am going to tell you as honest as I can be that you should stay as candour with him as you naturally are. Don't try flashy moves to impress him."

It was as straight-forward as Cloud hoped Angeal could be. It was easier to open his mind to their Captain as he weighed the odds with uttermost patience and care. He couldn't imagine asking Sephiroth the same and getting a response as clear as Angeal's. Genesis and Zack would probably open up a magazine and giggle around, pulling the questionnaires and embarrass him.

Besides, his date was Genesis, he couldn't possibly address something like that to him.

"Wouldn't Genesis appreciate a little 'finesse?'" Zack jumped in, eyes wide and eager like a child to whom Angeal petted.

"Manners are important everywhere, pup," ruffling raven spikes, he returned his focus to the blond, "if you are interested in what he stands for, it shouldn't be hard for him to reciprocate it. While playful, he is an honourable man."

That was true. While particular, he was very passionate in methods Cloud had never seen. One of that was shown with the way he takes the time to get to know the people who pique his interest. Genesis sets aside any personal opinion on them to hear them out then judges according to that.

Not that dealing with Sephiroth was something of a nightmare, just.. different. It was the same as parenting a child, and Genesis surprisingly did well—of course, with Angeal's help.

"Should I be concerned about Sephiroth's.. viewpoint?" how was he to ask about how the silver-haired teen felt. All he was worried about was a gut feeling that he drew conclusions from. There was no proof that the silver-haired teen was possessive, pining after the auburn teen. The boy would've had it mentioned—make a haughty statement about how he had gotten the star pupil of ShinRa Academy fall for him, just some boy from Banora who happened to be very pretty.

And Cloud would not deny the pretty part. He had his fair-share of pretty, but Genesis was on a different level altogether.

"Seph? Did he give you a warning or something?" As he expected, Angeal answered with a query, brows raised up and incredulous. Perhaps, Cloud's guts were a little too high-strung. He must've been imagining the fact that Sephiroth seemed a little close to Genesis that exceeded a natural friendship. Taking a glance at Zack was no different of a response as Angeal, only gaping more than the older friend.

Cloud shook his head in response.

"C'mon, Cloud. Let's get you ready for your date!" Zack slung an arm around his shoulders, breaking into a bright smile where once again, Cloud wished for some sunglasses for. He was so radiant, so bright and free like the sun.. like fair weather. Why couldn't he simply fall in love with him and get through the knots of difficulty right there? Life just had to be a bastard and have him love someone who was impossible to.

Not that Genesis was unlovable—not that he was.. loveless, it was just that he chose none to be his life's companion beyond friendship or comradery. It was intimidating, to say the least.

Finding nerves spike up the same way as his hair, he allowed himself to be led away by Zack, excusing himself from the club room.

Now if he thought Genesis was pretty in his prim school uniform, he had another truth coming.

He glanced at the teen who was dressed in a maroon turtleneck that was a size slightly larger than usual, with a twin chain of bright beads grooving down his neck and reaching his chest. Black jeans and a black long vest that resembled a sleeveless coat and a set of ankle length brown boots, Cloud found that he was drop-dead gorgeous. His auburn hair was swept a little neater than the usual, showing a bit of his right eye that was often obscured in it, silver dangling earring more in emphasis than anything else.

It was as if he didn't need to put effort into appearing like a model off a magazine—Cloud was at a loss, finding his black leathers over his baby blue V-neck shirt was now lacking. His friend insisted on keeping it informal with a tinge of style within the limited wardrobe of his, and so Cloud did just that. It was either this or his uniform.

Thank Gaia once again that Genesis did not go full on Gackt mode, he would've been a puddle of rain.
He was met with a smile of cerise lips.

"You look cute, Cloud."

And wow, how did Cloud not reply with, 'you too' was beyond him. It was on the tip of his tongue.
Of course, he gave a worse response. He gave him a big, goofy grin.

"I ask you again: like what you see?" he gestured to his attire with a suggestive wave of his hand. On his middle finger, the blond found a set of silver rings on his middle finger, one arching down softly, embellished with tiny pink stones, the second ring dressed by two swans holding a little heart of the same ruby-like stone.

He really was one for fashion.

"You look gorgeous." He beamed, unaware if he sounded the same as usual or sadly desperate. The giggle he received in return was worth the goof-up.

"I may know that, but hearing it from you.. I am glad. Thank you, sweetheart." Gosh, he really was caught under a spell. The upperclassmen's smile had him wishing he could always appear this way, all bashful and giggling. That demure nature that appeared only to special people in his life filled Cloud's heart with too much love.

It was overwhelming him.

The teen extended his hand to him, "are you ready to go?"

"Are we going by transit?" it may have been a silly question, but he wasn't sure if Genesis drove or not. He certainly did not at the moment, all the while having his eyes locked on a beautiful motorbike waiting for him. Even though he doesn't own it, he named it Fenrir.

"I did hail a cab.."

Taking a peek at the clock had him perk up. They were right on time—despite Cloud's fear of being a good 15 minutes late. Taking the teen's hand, he allowed himself to be led out of the lobby of the dormitory and to the cab that awaited them.

As they made it to the lovely theatre, the blond sat to the left of the auburn teen, observing him rather than the actors who were currently preparing the stage. They were a little early it seemed, Genesis insisted it was better that way as they could finally spend some "quality time" without all the hubbub of their friends who were keeping them apart.

"And why, pray tell, were they trying to hide you, dear?" the older teen crooned, smile long, sweet and full of a tease. Cloud really wasn't sure why they were doing so. He didn't ask them to, they were not preparing him for a wedding—that was where the bride and groom did not meet until the time came. It seemed that even Angeal was in on this, keeping Genesis as far off from Cloud as possible, keeping him in Sephiroth's arms that.. golly, almost broke Cloud's heart.

What if he settled there that he wanted Sephiroth instead?

"I have to ask you the same: Why was Angeal hiding you?"

"He.." the boy glanced away from him and the blond caught those cheeks beginning to flush. He did have a natural rosy tint to his face, but that was the freckles that he stood out when his hair shifted from his face, this was definitely a blush from embarrassment. "He wanted me to tell Sephiroth I was going out with someone. Explain what happens in it."

The younger boy's eyes widened, "and what is supposed to happen, Genesis?"

While curious, he just wanted to see the boy flush more, scream things in his humorously dramatic fashion and shake up his hold in their situation overall. Cloud didn't want to be the only one flustered about dating Genesis Rhapsodos.

"Typically.." the boy's fingers raised to his lips as he gnawed upon it, "typically, a date is a hangout that helps us decide whether we want to stay as friends, or as.."

Lovers.

"As what?" was he afraid of loving the young blond? He needed to know. This was as important to the boy as it was to Cloud who wanted this to be the point where he sees whether he wanted them as a relationship or just a fan-idol friendship. For as Cloud went, he wished to say he was alright with either choice Genesis made, but the nagging thought of someone else's lips upon his, someone else holding him in their arms, running their hands through his auburn hair and speak those words of their heart…

He was not alright with being the one who watched that pass him by.

"When it doesn't work out, there's a chance one becomes friends with benefits or just friends.." he wasn't sure if he was relieved that Genesis didn't meet his gaze or not, "and if it works out, the two can date some more, or become intimate."

As the older male offered his two cents, it gave him an idea of what he could reasonably expect. Genesis might be afraid to initiate intimate happenings; they were too personal for his liking. He was not interested in the date more than a mere outing with a friend.

"What are you alright with?"

Cloud no longer cared if he was prying a little too much into the shy, older male. There was no other time he wanted to try this, he couldn't take the heartbreak once.

Cerulean met sapphire with nothing but hesitation down his brow, and the younger watched as rosy lips parted, taking in a small breath before attempting to answer. Problem was.. Cloud was not going to hear his response as the ones on stage took over, greeting them this evening—separating the two from the topic that begged for clarity.

They were here for the LOVELESS stage play, not to discuss emotional matters.

At that moment, he knew it would be rude to interrupt Genesis when it was a story so precious to him being read out and adapted right in front of them. They were close to the front rows, any word spoken will be noted by the crew.

He couldn't do that to Genesis..

Heaving a sigh, he backed all thoughts to the side in favour of watching what they came for. What Genesis was here for.

As the play ended, the actors on the stage were taking in questions and comments, opening the panel to discuss LOVELESS with the audience. The blond found his voice caught in his throat, so clogged and stubbornly stuck, he offered not a word. Smiling to the hardworking actors was all he could give.

He severely wished for Genesis to talk on their behalf, make them feel appreciated that one of his nature had been the witness to a great screenplay, offer praise that they deserved, expand on topics they were eager to discuss. He hoped that the auburn male could do all that he couldn't in his moment.

And wordlessly, he complied with a rather long smile. What caught Cloud's attention and had his heart jump was how tightly Genesis was holding his hand as he spoke to the beautiful actors and actresses, showering them with loving words and intrigue in his laced words and gleaming bright blue eyes. Sure, he could expect a little brush of those long fingers, but a full-on hold? A possessively tight hold?

Cloud was up in the sky—probably the only one that was not raining. He soared so damned high; his emotions were in a heat rush like a clearing of a traffic jam. Genesis was holding his hand, his hand with such love as if he couldn't contain his own exhilaration.

Sure, it was excitement over the film, but to think of choosing Cloud's hand to hold.. meant Cloud was not just backdrop to him. It didn't help that he snuck glances at him, each time with a smile so radiant, it rivalled Zack's. Genesis was really happy to be here, elated to talk about LOVELESS and.. and be with a friend who had a partial understanding to it.

Boy, did Cloud feel so important in that moment.

"There is no hate, only joy. For you are beloved by the goddess."

Cloud must've been going insane, thinking he heard Genesis quote that to him.

"Your boyfriend must have something to say about it too!" the lead actress exclaimed with a sweet smile, locking her gaze at Cloud, "I saw him clutching his heart at some moments."

Genesis offered him a smile once more before glancing at her, "he really is so shaken up by it."

Did he not hear her call him his boyfriend? For sure, Cloud himself heard it and he was pressing his embarrassment far back to avoid showing them his tomato redness.

"Strong and silent, he is?" the woman glanced at him as a proud mother would, as if she too, was a friend of Genesis', that she might be.

"So sweet and cute too." Genesis answered back and Cloud almost combusted, "he brought me here, this kind Chocobo of mine."

"That really is so sweet of him… if he knows how important this beautiful work is to you, he's a keeper!"

At that, Cloud's eyes widened at Genesis who blinked as if he received an epiphany of sorts. She had a point that was sticking out like an elephant in the room. The hand holding must've been something he did unconsciously, and how lovingly he did.. the blond didn't want his hand to part, offering a reassuring squeeze in hopes that would assist him in some way.

For someone whose emotions were expressed in whimsical rhapsodies, Genesis really was too unreadable. Erratic, perhaps. There was no telling what he truly felt, all the while spurting words of truth. In fact, Cloud could go on a limb and compare his ineptitude with understanding his passionate emotions to Sephiroth's silent ones.

While Sephiroth didn't use words as eloquently as Genesis naturally did, his actions were what spoke out—something that Genesis had trouble in doing, so used to waving his arms in the air carelessly. He seemed to be the one who struggled the most with the innermost feelings, even more than Sephiroth who merely had no knowledge of the existence.

"He really is." Nothing appeared and sounded more foreign than that. Genesis let out a breath before letting his eyes meet Cloud's another time, smile so small. It was that smile that held the most truth, the one that held his heart and ripped it out of the protective ribcage. "I should repay him, somehow."

Mentally shaking his head, he answered, "there's no need for that!"

"If he says that, you really have to, Gen." The lead actress blew out a giggle. "Why not take him for dinner? It is that time already.."

Giving her a nod, he snickered, "dinner in my dorm, dear?"

And Cloud could only blink owlishly. Holy Gaia, could this day get better or worse?

There was only one way to find out.

"If you don't mind…"

Genesis tsk'ed. "Yes or no, Cloud."

Swallowing a lump in his throat, he replied, "yes, please."

When the little blond took his call at the evening, he didn't expect to be invited to a LOVELESS screenplay.
When he returned home to his dormitory room, he quite literally fell onto his bed in a boneless heap, leaving dinner away from his schedule. It was half past twenty-two hours, and he did not eat when that hour struck. He couldn't stomach anything other than water or tea at that time.

He was deeply and thoroughly spent after a day of class, some after class hangout with his two friends and then work. He loved work to death, he adored every friend he had, but he couldn't deny that it was so exhausting. Socializing was never his strongest suit, and mingling was a nightmare.

When working with people, he had to remind himself that these people are not standing by him to bother him—they share the same ambition as he, they respect him just as much as he respects them, they wanted his dream come alive as he wanted theirs. They all worked hard together, all rose and fell together.

It was amazing.

He was just about ready to flop into the world of slumber and dreams when he thought of giving the younger boy a call. He put the effort earlier the day, he should try and return it. Besides, that dream was not something he wanted to be a witness of if it was going to be reoccurring.

His intention was playful with Cloud, just call him, tease him for being so easily flustered, and then turn in for the night. The fella had guts for calling him in the middle of work where he would rather chuck that PHS through the wall and watch it smash into smithereens.

He did not expect the boy to have the guts to ask him out. No one has ever dared to take him on a date—he never was one to request one, so no one returned it. He never even dated Sephiroth nor Angeal—those two he wouldn't have refused if they ever wanted to take him out.

So, when Cloud did, he had to lift his tired head off the pillow and think.

Cloud was.. interested in him? It was probably that interest in Gackt that he wanted to spend more quality time with Genesis, but that cynical thought was quickly removed with the remembrance that.. before he even knew he was that singer, Cloud held an interest in him, seeking him out by practicing materia, or agreeing to mingle with Angeal and Sephiroth when he and Zack were not accustomed to going as a squad.

And the fact that Cloud adored his bestest friends in the Planet had his heart swell. The boy was so sweet, so caring, so adorable.. and his heart was in a good place. Genesis adored the boy, he was very glad that Angeal and Sephiroth found the same. They didn't leave him nor Zack the puppy out of their clique, in fact, the two readily accepted them with open arms and open eyes. It was such a lovely sight.. and Genesis was overjoyed that he didn't have to fight for it.

Cloud was someone he didn't want to lose so quickly.

And thus, he agreed with shivers unrelenting. Why was he so afraid? If he knew the answer, he wouldn't be in this predicament. There was something deep inside of him that screamed that this was a terrible idea, that he was setting himself up for harm—that he is betraying someone in some way.

Even when he isn't, and perhaps wouldn't. If Cloud wanted to be tied to him, it didn't sound like a bad idea—in fact, he would readily give him what he wants.

Just as long as he stays.

Golly, why was infidelity so strongly engraved in him? Was it because…?

'I am not of theirs..'

'I am.. a nobody, a freak!'

Curling to himself, he ended the call before slapping his PHS onto the night-table, hoping it would break, or at least crack a little. At the same time, he hoped it didn't incur any damage—it was his gateway for too much business.

Goddess.. now he wished Angeal and he were never moved from their old dormitory. While they were still next to each other, their larger dormitories left voids where it used to be filled. Tonight was those nights where he would even excuse the goddamned bugs that invaded Angeal's plants.

That much.. he needed Angeal in this current moment, but he knew he couldn't disturb him. The lad was asleep since 21:00 hours. Sephiroth.. Sephiroth disdained the night so he didn't bother with sleeping, but Genesis would not want to enter his dormitory at this hour unless he wanted to be in Masamune's reach. He had too much griping memories that haunted him, he could barely tell a difference between a student or a soldier in battle.

Genesis knew.. he couldn't be selfish. He had to be alone, no matter how much he disdained it so.

This was his only way to prepare for the worst.