'Ello, poppets, yes, finally, new chapter. Is anyone still reading? Even if they're not, I will keep writing and posting. You never know, in the future people as perverted as me might find this story and be very glad they did!

I still don't own the eye-candy, though I have their Choir selves. Mature content ahead, no kiddies. At least please no kiddies in school uniforms, Genesis only has so much control.

WITH THE DEAD
Chapter 15

Fifteen-year-old Zack Fair was nervous. He was so good-natured, so quick to think only of the good in people, that he was not prone to being star-struck, not likely to worry anyone would be unkind to him – and his experience in his life thus far supported that. Almost no one had ever reacted to Zack with anything but immediate softness and affection. After all, even his new mentor, the famous 1st Class Angeal Hewley, who had a reputation for seriousness about as much as he did for fighting prowess, was openly fond and protective of his student after only a few weeks of working together. Zack figured that if he could crack Angeal, no one was out of reach of his charms. They had yet to fail him.

Still…as he followed his tall, broad teacher through the 1st Class cafeteria (dining hall, technically), Zack's insides felt almost as wobbly as the dessert he was holding. He did want to finally meet the equally-famous Genesis Rhapsodos, who was newly home from a long mission, he did. Aside from Genesis being fascinating and a SOLDIER legend on par with Sephiroth, he was Angeal's partner. In spite of the tiny bit of faint jealousy the boy felt for him (as he was himself crushing pretty hard on Angeal), Zack really wanted Genesis to like him. He felt that if he passed whatever character test Genesis might set for him, that would please Angeal. Already, he would do anything to please Angeal.

The honorable 1st glanced over his shoulder for the hundredth time to make sure he hadn't lost the teenager, and chuckled. "It's very nice of you, Pup, but don't be offended if he doesn't eat it. Jell-o is not everyone's cup of tea."

"Are you kidding? It's the mint kind! The best there is! And did you see, I snagged the very last one, they always sell out super-fast, when they make it to the lower classes' cafeterias at all!"

Angeal smiled and shook his head. "Well, it's the thought that counts, and I'm sure Genesis will appreciate it. And I do."

Following in his mentor's wake like a boat behind a ship, Zack grinned and fought to keep his face from flushing. And his hands from shaking. He tightened his fingers around the plate, and peered around the large body ahead of him when Angeal stopped. While Zack had been composing himself, they had reached the four-person table, and Angeal stepped slightly aside to clasp hands with the seated man, who arose.

Damn, he's hot, Zack thought, then told himself to shut up, tried to look confident and casual, but his smile of greeting was shy, which Zack normally was not. For the beat or two before Angeal spoke, Genesis looked at the boy, not intensely probing, but seeming to be measuring him. Zack's insides relaxed a bit when the man offered him an indecipherable smile.

"Gen, my student Zack Fair, 3rd Class. Zack, Commander Genesis Rhapsodos, 1st Class."

"Sir." The teenager saluted even though Genesis waved to show him it was unnecessary. "I-It's an honor, sir."

Another moment of searching in silence, and Zack in a flash went over everything he'd heard about Genesis, that he was witty but sarcastic, that his humor was often deprecating, that he really didn't much like anyone but Sephiroth and Angeal. And Angeal himself had cautioned Zack that Genesis was protective of his close friends and might be a bit cool to him at first, to not take him too seriously, to understand if he wasn't immediately friendly. Then a much warmer smile lit up the handsome face.

"Oh, my, rumors didn't exaggerate. You are adorable."

Normally Zack pouted at that word, but having not expected it, he blinked in surprise, which made Genesis laugh, and not the haughty kind Zack had been warned to expect.

"I see what you mean, 'Geal, he is quite puppy-ish. Hello, dear. Just call me Genesis."

Zack looked at Angeal, who shook off his surprise, though not quickly enough for Zack to miss it. "Mission must've gone well, you're in a good mood."

"Oh, it was a breeze. But that can wait. Sit down, you two."

Angeal gestured Zack to a chair opposite Genesis, and he himself sat down between them. The two 1sts looked at each other for a few seconds without speaking, smiling with such obvious love that Zack felt himself happy for their happiness. He had expected (and was fine with the expectation) the couple to talk to each other, at least at first, and forget he was there for a while, but Genesis looked right back at the boy.

"Enjoying working with Angeal, dear?" he asked in his melodic voice, causally, almost lazily.

"Oh, he's the best," Zack blurted out without thinking, as he often did with his honest opinions. "I mean, Commander Hewley has been very kind to give me so much of his time."

Angeal smiled and ran his palm over the boy's black spikes, Zack's physical nature already rubbing off on him. Genesis observed his lover's parental motion with a contentment that seemed to light him from within.

"It's we who should thank you, darling. Since acquiring you, 'Geal's been in the best consistent mood I've seen him in, well, perhaps ever. I hope you'll look after him whenever I have to be away."

Zack sensed he was being teased, but not in anything like a mean way, and grinned innocently. "I will, if you tell me some secrets I can use against him."

Angeal chuckled and rolled his eyes, while Genesis let out a full, lovely laugh. "Oh, I like him, 'Geal. He can stay."

It was said playfully, but Zack felt he had passed the test, and he felt his heart lift up with pride.

"Shall I flag down someone? What's this, 'Geal, you're not letting him eat his dessert first, are you? I mean, I've heard you can't say no to him, but really, he's a growing boy."

"Oh, that. Actually, Gen, Zack brought something for you."

"For me?"

Nervous again but emboldened by his success thus far, Zack remember the plate he had put in front of himself. "Uh, I don't know if you like Jell-o, sir, but the mint kind is the best and Angeal said the cafeterias are always out of it by the time you two get there, so I snagged the last one for you. Uh, sir."

"No need for the 'sir,' pet, my name is fine. That was very thoughtful of you. Actually, can't say I've ever tried Jell-o."

Zack's eyes widened. "Ever? Oh, you should, it's awesome, it even kinda wiggles going down your throat, and the strawberry one is good too, sometimes they put pieces of candied fruit in it…"

Mid-babble, Zack in his excitement tried to slide the plate across the tablecloth, but somehow, his fingers must have slipped, or a seam snagged the dish, because in almost cinematic slow-motion, the boy watched in horror as he flipped the plate up towards Genesis, with enough force to send the cube of green gelatin flying into the 1st's lap. A few of the closest tables to them went silent, Angeal sat straight up as if on alert, and Genesis blinked with surprise to find his scarlet coat dotted with blobs of mint-colored goo.

"I-I-I'm so sorry, sir! I really didn't…I mean…"

Trying not to cry, the boy looked down in shame, his mouth still working but no more words coming up. He wasn't surprised to feel Angeal patting his back, his mentor had already established a pattern of taking care of tough things for him, but when a gloved hand nudged Zack's chin up, he was shocked to find that it was Genesis touching him, Genesis who was showing none of the anger Zack anticipated.

"Don't be upset, dear." Zack had to hold back tears again; the musical voice was so kind. "It was just an accident. Leather is easy to clean, and even were it not, a rather humorous little mishap is not worth making my love's Puppy feel badly. Really, it's all right."

The smile, the sympathy beaming toward Zack told him Genesis meant what he was saying, and he himself managed a tiny smile of thanks. Genesis signaled a waiter, and as one approached the 1st grabbed a napkin and calmly began wiping off his jacket.

"Now that we're all sure we'll never forget this meeting," Genesis laughed, "'Geal, let's get some of that strawberry Jell-o Puppy mentioned with our coffee."

Angeal had been quiet because even he was a bit surprised at how friendly Genesis was being. Now he forced out a chuckle, and said, "I don't know if it'll suit you, babe."

"Nonsense, if Puppy says it's good, it must be. If we don't like ours, he can have them."

"Of course, since you're not the one who'll be stuck with a sugar-high kid," Angeal said with a gruff chuckle.

"Oh, but I will." Genesis looked at Zack, still smiling, but with a look that the boy couldn't otherwise decode. "As long as he's in your life, Puppy is stuck with me too. You don't mind, Zack, do you?"

Zack grinned with relief and happiness and a great liking for his new friend. "Sounds good, si-uh, Genesis."

"You're a darling thing," the auburn-haired 1st cooed, reaching over to ruffle the boy's hair. "Now, let's be naughty and order those desserts."

agzagzagz

Zack had awoken from the dream-memory with cold tears on his cheeks, because it had been so vivid, because he got to see his sires in it now with greater understanding of them, and of course because he missed Angeal and Genesis almost to the point of physical pain. As he sat up and wiped his face, he felt Dagan's mind gently probe his, asking if he was all right. Zack responded that he was, he'd just been dreaming, volunteering no more information, and the lord didn't ask, didn't say anything else until the vampire himself appeared a short while later, entering the room after Zack had showered and dressed.

Dagan was always eager to get to Zack's feeding when it was time for one, and enjoyed holding and caressing the boy this time as he always did, but sensed Zack's thoughts were distant. Unusually, the newborn didn't come even once, and as the boy was so preoccupied, Dagan reluctantly let him pull away when he wanted to. He gently framed Zack's face with his cool hands, finding the porcelain skin damp, though Zack forced a weak smile in answer to the elder's obvious concern.

"You seem far away, little one."

"I'm okay."

"Perhaps my timing is good. I've asked Merrick and Alan to visit again tonight. Perhaps your friend will cheer you up."

Encouragingly, Zack's smile became a bit brighter. "Cool. Yeah, I'd like to see him. But…um…"

Dagan, who could read people pretty well even without telepathy, understood Zack's hesitation and worry. "I am not upset about last time, little one, it was a misunderstanding, and perhaps I overreacted. You're just very young and your hormones might lead you into something you'll later regret. I was worried about you, not angry."

Dagan was pleased that Zack looked relieved, and now sweetly shy. "So, um, you're okay with…that he and I…"

"Well, Angeal and Genesis are probably right to let you experiment a little, and it's normal for newborns to play with each other that way. When our friends arrive, we'll set some simple ground rules that everyone is comfortable with. And I have other news that may please you." Dagan smiled. "My friend I mentioned to you will have time to visit next week. He's very eager to meet the grandson I keep blathering on about, and when I mentioned your interest in Malfidus, he seemed quite willing to talk to you about him."

"Really?" Zack bounced slightly, which made the other vampire chuckle softly. "He will? Awesome!"

"He's eager for the meeting as well, not least because you surely know more about Sephiroth than most people."

"I guess so." Zack pushed down a wave of sadness, of missing his stoic, but secretly-warm friend. "I mean, I wasn't as close to him as Angeal and Gen, but yeah, we were friends. I have some stories he might like."

"I look forward to that visit, though not at all the days surrounding it." Dagan sounded sad, wistful, prompting a questioning look from Zack. "That week will be your fourth with me, Zack. The last of our visit."

"Oh…right." Zack, who was always concerned for the feelings of those around him, caught the rush of relief building up in him and did his best to push it down. He was unsure if Dagan noticed it, but at least managed to keep his expression mostly neutral. "I guess I lost track of time."

"Little one." Dagan reached out to cup Zack's chin in his hand, stroking one of the cheeks with his thumb. "I told you, your emotions will never get you in trouble with me. It's perfectly natural to want to return home to your fathers you've missed so much. You need not hide it."

The voice and gaze seemed so sincere that Zack visibly relaxed, replied with a genuinely warm and grateful smile, and didn't object in any way when Dagan stepped closer, slid the touching hand behind his head, the fingers into the boy's sleek hair. Zack didn't have time to analyze or consider the fact that he didn't tense up or want to refuse when Dagan's arm encircled and drew him close. Craving familiar touch as all newborns do, Zack let his head be settled just below the taller man's shoulder, one hand petting his hair, one moving in a massaging motion up and down his back. A bit awkwardly, Zack slowly returned the hug, loosely wrapping his arms around the taller body.

Dagan felt a rush of happiness at this gesture, and let Zack feel it; the boy smiled to himself, thinking he must have done the right thing. And it seemed Dagan sensed Zack's hope that the innocence of this moment not be broken or changed, because he didn't begin touching more intimately as he usually would, just held the teenager close as any grandparent might a grandchild.

I hope you'll have a few good things to say about your time here to your fathers, little one.

Zack laughed teasingly. So far, so good. But you still have time!

Dagan's own smile was secretive. He still had time.

agzagzagz

"It's funny. It never looks quite how I expect it to."

Angeal walked the last few feet up the hill that Genesis had sprinted. The site of what had once been Banora came into his view, and with it, a faint, brief feeling of tightness in his chest. They had run over these hills so many times as boys, and it was strange to think that had been so long ago, and would be even longer as the years to come passed.

He knew what Genesis meant. Part of him, too, half-anticipated each time they made this ascent to see the houses below expelling smoke through their chimneys, and men working in the apple groves, and women hanging out laundry. Instead, the site was still and silent, the ruins of buildings overgrown with moss and weeds, the apples still growing but mostly for the benefit of animals now. Angeal had heard rumors that outsiders sometimes came to collect what had once been the famous Banora White, but the village was too isolated to make doing so regularly practical. Like every other time so far, they seemed to have the place to themselves.

He placed a comforting hand on his lover's back, and Genesis shook off his thoughtful expression for a smile. "Race you."

Just as when they were children, Genesis rushed off at once without waiting for a fair and formal start. The normally cautious-of-his-dignity Angeal Hewley chased after him, laughed as Genesis stopped at the bottom and pulled him close for a kiss.

"I won. But you always let me, don't you?"

'I would never," Angeal laughed wryly. He had been doing so since they learned to walk.

"I wonder if there are any left," Genesis murmured to himself, plucking a rock from the ground and heading to the right.

Again, Angeal understood. The former mayor's house, two-story and brick compared to the other small cottages, was as deserted and overgrown as the rest, but it had many more windows than any other residence here. And every time Genesis came to Banora, he searched for one still intact (or partially so) so he could break it.

Angeal wasn't sure if the practice was healthy, but he never tried to stop it. He'd known all his life how cold, neglectful, and emotionally-distant Genesis's snobby parents had been to him, and if his partner was still angry, and this little thing helped him, Angeal didn't object. Genesis did always seem more relaxed afterward, and sure enough, after a tinkling, breaking sound came from the house's far side, Genesis walked back to him with less tension in his shoulders.

"I'm running out. Maybe I should have someone come fix them."

Angeal pulled him close to hug and kiss, wanting now even more than usual to remind Genesis how loved he was. Genesis melted into him for a minute, but when their hands began wandering, he regretfully pulled back.

"Better wait till we get the tent up."

Angeal nodded. For some personal reason, the usually-exhibitionistic redhead didn't like having sex out in the open here. Maybe he worried the ghosts of his parents would be watching disapprovingly from behind the shattered windows.

There are ghosts here, of some kind anyway. Angeal glanced at the third cottage in a row of four, and swallowed. Genesis took his hand, and pulled him that way.

"Come on."

They stepped through the open door, and the well-known way the sun came through, the familiar swirls in the wood of the doorframe and the floor made Angeal, just for a second, half-expect his mother to be sewing at the table, for her to turn and greet them and offer them iced tea. Gillian Hewley never knew what happened to her missing son, as it wouldn't have been safe for her to know what he became. Angeal wondered if the guilt of that would ever leave him.

"Be at peace, Mom," Genesis was saying into the static air, his melodic voice almost singing. "Your little boy is well and loved."

Angeal took and squeezed his hand. "Both of her little boys."

Genesis smiled. True, Gillian had been like a mother to him as well, and probably the reason Genesis had grown into such a warm, caring person despite the coldness of his own house. Even when they were small, Angeal had noticed how much Genesis relaxed when he came over, and therefore both the Hewleys had made it known he was always welcome.

After what felt like a respectful time had passed, Angeal stepped out into the fresh air, Genesis closely behind. "I bet there are some apples ripe. Or do you want to put the tent up first?"

He turned just as Genesis opened his eyes, and a pang of almost-physical pain went through Angeal. "How is he?"

Genesis's expression was closed off, hard to read when he was normally an open book. "The same."

Genesis was better at reading other people, but both of them reached out to check on Zack at least several times a day. He was far away, too far for words or anything but vague feelings, and the boy always promptly answered with contentment, a sense that he missed them but was doing well. The two sires were grateful that Dagan had apparently been on his best behavior – after all, doing otherwise would've unmasked him and barred him from future contact with Zack – but this relief did nothing for how much both men missed their baby.

Angeal went to Genesis and pulled him close. "Less than two weeks now, babe. It'll be over soon. We've just got to hold on. Hold onto me."

Genesis rubbed his eyes against the other's broad shoulder, leaving a smear of wetness from his eyes. "When we get him back, he's never leaving us again. I can't do this again."

"I know." Me either.

agzagzagz

Zack tended to zone out a bit when he played video games, at least ones he was well-practiced at, and Demon Destroyer was one of those. As he jabbed expertly at the buttons on his controller, he went over the events of the past hour. Merrick and Alan had been welcomed warmly by Dagan and Zack, and the newborns had been allowed to retreat to Zack's room to play a game on his own large TV, after Dagan had – to his credit, very amiably – set a few ground rules, or rather one that encompassed others.

"Nothing goes inside him, including blood," the lord had said, pleasantly enough but with a bit of sternness, to Alan, and the blond boy had nodded respectfully and agreed while Zack somewhat wished the floor would open up and swallow him. On their way upstairs, Alan had nudged the newborn and told him not to be embarrassed, and Zack had felt the emotion fading in his friendly, easy-going presence. They had jumped right into the game, and Alan seemed to sense when Zack was mostly done thinking, because he waited until then to pause the game for a moment. Zack turned to face him and found the handsome young man looking serious.

"You're okay, right? Still?"

"Yeah, fine." Zack forced a smile that was convincing enough for someone who didn't know him well. "Why?"

"Master just told me to keep an eye on you. So, if Lord Dagan isn't being nice to you…"

"He is. He's really nice."

It was half-true, after all, at least, and anyway, Zack didn't want to chance any bit of the whole truth getting back to Angeal and Genesis. He desperately didn't want his beloved sires going after Dagan and risking their safety.

"I sense you're sad, though."

"I just miss Angeal and Gen." Scowling at himself, Zack roughly wiped his eyes. "Gaia…"

"Hey," Alan said gently, catching his wrist. "Be more gentle with yourself. I'd be upset too if I'd had to leave Master at your age. I won't think less of you if you cry."

Zack still tried to hold back, but a couple blood-tinged droplets trailed down his cheeks. Alan reached out to brush the tears away, then let his hand stay where it was to frame one half of the younger boy's face. Their controllers lay forgotten beside them now, and the boys sat on the carpet facing each other with a growing want rising in both of them. Alan was particularly entranced by Zack's glowing pale eyes, and the other thing that vampires noticed about the boy most. Alan gently took hold of Zack's hand again, bringing the wrist to his nose to deeply inhale.

"Your scent…even Master says he's never smelled anyone so good."

Alan pressed his lips to the pale skin hiding a vein, and this alone was enough to set the newborn off. Zack inhaled sharply, his eyes rolled back, and he started to moan and move in such a way that made what was happening obvious. With vampiric speed, Alan lowered the boy to lay down, ripped down his jeans and underwear, and latched onto his spurting erection, drinking down the semen as though he couldn't get enough. In it was Zack's scent in taste form, and Alan only regretfully sat back after the orgasm was over and he had licked every bit from Zack's body.

"You okay?"

Alan moved to offer to help Zack sit up, but instead the newborn pulled him until the elder boy was hovering on top of him. Taking that as permission, Alan let his body lay gently on top of and flush with Zack's, looking with need at the lust in the pale-blue eyes. Hesitantly but with his mind made up, Zack lifted his arms to wrap around Alan's neck, and the latter smiled, leaned in and kissed him.

It wasn't the same as with Angeal and Genesis, but the contact was friendly, loving in its own, casual way, and so comforting, so…uncomplicated. Alan would never do anything he didn't want, would never confuse him like Dagan. As his arms went around the smaller body to hug it close, Alan took delight in kissing his beautiful, still a bit sweetly-shy young friend, sensing that he was giving something Zack needed while Zack was in turn giving him something he very much wanted.

Vampires breathed mainly out of habit rather than need, but these were young ones, and were thus quickly out of breath. They rested their foreheads together a few moments, exchanging smiles of reassurance and encouragement, before Alan edged down to press his face to the boy's neck. He didn't stay there long, because the smell of his blood was so strong there and Alan feared he'd bite and thus be breaking a rule, and shortly went further south. He pushed Zack's shirt up and rubbed one nipple with his thumb while latching his mouth on the other.

"Oh, Gaia," Zack groaned. "Gaia…"

Good? Alan said mentally, and chuckled to receive a telepathic Duh in response. Just tell me if you want me to stop.

He didn't want Alan to stop. If anything, he wanted more than he was allowed to have; he very badly wanted something inside him, ideally Genesis or Angeal, but right now Alan's manhood would've been very welcome.

I wish you could…

Gaia, I know. I'd give anything to be inside you. But…

I know.

"I've got an idea," Alan said, sliding up to meet Zack's face.

"What?"

"Let me show you."

With puzzlement but agreeably enough, Zack allowed and helped Alan to pull up and refasten his pants, then let the elder boy turn him around, so he was on all fours on the carpet, facing the floor. Zack remained confused until he felt something warm and hard pressing very tightly against his backside; Alan erect was big enough to, through both boys' clothing, make Zack feel that it was not only against him, but pushing into him. Alan made a thrust, and Zack yelped with pleasure and surprise; the motion of the organ was enough to stimulate him inside.

You like that?

Do it again, please.

He needn't have asked. Alan established a slow, strong rhythm, possessing an impressive control for one not yet fully out of vampiric childhood. His aim was also perfect, giving the gland hidden inside Zack enough force and pressure to make him groan prettily and almost continually. Alan was imagining he really felt the tight heat of Zack's hole, and Zack pretended the organ he felt, that he wanted so badly, was truly plundering him, soothing as much as anyone could the physical loss he felt of Angeal and Genesis. The newborn himself hardened and began to release, but communicated to Alan not to stop, and the older boy happily obliged.

Little one.

Zack suddenly stiffened and stopped making noise.

"Zack? What's wrong?"

Is the boy breaking a rule?

No, Grand-sire. We're…pretending.

Zack felt a now-familiar consciousness sort of sweep his mind, and somehow felt it through his body as well.

Ah, I see. Forgive me. Young ones sometimes have trouble obeying. Good boy.

"Zack?"

"Don't stop," the younger boy pleaded. Though he'd had his own orgasm, he wanted to feel Alan's.

"Okay."

The blond boy finished quickly after that, and Zack smiled a little to feel his friend's satisfaction and happiness. A bit boneless, Zack allowed Alan to pull him back onto his lap and wrap arms around him.

What was that? Before?

Grand-sire…checking. Zack didn't realize the tears had started again until Alan was turning him and guiding the newborn's face to his shoulder. Damn it.

Cry if you need to. Zack…please be honest. Is this guy hurting you, in any way?

No, really…I just miss Angeal and Genesis. I don't know what Grand-sire wants from me. I want to go home.

It's okay, cry. I've got you. It's only one more week after this one, right?

Yeah…

Are you gonna be okay till then?

Yes, Zack said, sounding and already feeling stronger. "I'm okay."

"Let me hold you a little longer."

It wasn't Angeal or Genesis, this comfort, but it was friendly, given gladly, full of a love that was understandable and uncomplex. Zack buried his face against the offered shoulder, and took it.

To be continued. Sorry it's a bit short, I want to get a chapter up sooner rather than later.