The days in Gaia were turning very slow. Even when Lucka lived on Earth, the times also felt so long. Yet, after she looked back, it had passed so quickly. Or is it just my thought?
It was Thursday. She'd spent the entire day only at the Headquarters, learning some Turks' jobs like hacking and improving skills to collect data on the high-level drug dealers. She wasn't too eager to have another field mission, though. She was okay with office work. And if she could be honest, she preferred it. Plus, it was such a good thing as a mental break.
As she looked at the date on her PHS, Lucka realized she'd turn nineteen according to Gaia's yearly calendar tomorrow. And she thought it would be nice to celebrate it here since she couldn't celebrate with Ryuu on D-day. It shouldn't be a festive party. Having a good conversation while mingling with some friends was more than enough for her. At least she had a companion to spend the time with.
Lucka was reasonably good at cooking, but she never baked her birthday cake alone. It had always been Ryuu's responsibility. The homemade cake had its warm touch. That's why she fancied it rather than buying from the pastry shop. But I'm on Gaia now. Should I just purchase it? Or should I experiment on my own? Lucka sighed. She couldn't decide which one was better. But suddenly, she had a brilliant idea when she saw someone walking down the hallway from the elevator door.
Without a second thought, she called and made a tiny run towards him. "Angeal!"
The man turned his head toward her, his face delighted in fascination. "Lucka? I haven't seen you around," he said with a smile, "the Turks keep you busy?"
"Yeah, the business is shit. I've been absorbed, just like in diapers." She replied with a shrug and watched Angeal laugh at her jest. "Angeal, I was wondering If you would do me a favor?" She looked up at him. Her eyes rounded expectantly.
Angeal raised his eyebrows, and both hands rested on the hip. His lips curled into a smile from leftover laughter. "Sure thing. It'd be my pleasure. How can I help you?"
"Are you good at baking? Tomorrow is my birthday. I have always celebrated it with my cousin for twelve years. He'd make me a cake and it became a tradition for me. But since he isn't around, could you please help me make one?" Lucka said while unconsciously playing with her skirt's hem and twisting the tip of her right toe to the floor a few times. She wasn't close with him, but it didn't mean she wanted to be aloof either. Angeal was a warm and lovely person. And if she had the chance, she'd spend her time with him rather than with his two friends. "But, of course, if you're not busy!" She added quickly while raising both of her hands.
Angeal pursed his lips in a thinking gesture. "I'm pretty good at baking. I have a proper utensil in my kitchen," he said, "I'm free this evening. Do you want to come over, or do you prefer to bake at your house?"
Lucka's face brightens up. She curled her finger into a happy fist in front of her chest. The corner of her lips raised a little. "I'll come and prepare the ingredients!"
"Great, I'll see you at seven then?" he said while shifting to his other feet and studying her rather excited expression.
"Sounds like a plan," she said with a small smile, "you're fab. See ya' Angeal."
"It's nothing. Bye, Lucka." He smiled, waving his hand mildly, and headed to the lobby.
Lucka stared at his back, and while walking down the hallway, she thought about what ingredients she wanted to buy.
"Have you had dinner?" Angeal asked.
Lucka shook her head while munching on the leftover chocolate bar. "No. I haven't."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Should we have dinner together?" asked Angeal as he opened the fridge, "we have 45 minutes of free time,"—he peeked at the closed oven door—"what do you want to eat?"
Lucka nodded. "Sure. Hmm, how about salad? And maybe protein from beef or chicken? Well, other substitutes will work too. Do you have them?" She walked toward him and stopped right at his side.
Angeal smiled and closed the fridge after pulling out a carton of orange juice. "Yes, I have them," he said with a wide smile.
"Then, let me cook for you," she said with a faint smile, "I wish it's appropriate enough to show my gratitude for your kindness."
He put down the juice on the counter. "Fine by me. Let's go," he said, leading Lucka to his rooftop door.
Lucka gave him a frown; she rested her right hand on her hips. "Go? Don't you store them here?" she pointed to the fridge and said in confusion, yet she kept trailing behind him to the rooftop. Shortly after, her eyes perk up from the sight. Her gaze swept the neatly lining hydroponic pipes covering almost half of the rooftop. There were various kinds of vegetables, starting from kale, radish, lettuce, and many more. "Wow, that's hella cool! How can you have the idea to propagate vegetables, like, here, in Midgar?"
Angeal's smile widened. "Yeah. The thing is, healthy food is pricey here because mostly they're being imported from another continent. So this is the cheapest and most convenient way for a long-term food stock that I have," he said while taking a basket hanging on the wall.
Lucka nodded passionately. "That's brilliant, Angeal! You're also contributing to a more sustainable environment."
He nodded, pleased by her point. "Since the soil around Midgar is too dry, urban farming becomes a handy alternative to help the environment," he said, plucking some lettuce leaves and putting them in the basket.
Lucka became pensive after hearing his words. Her hands lightly touched one of the lettuce leaves. "If people started to grow their food like you independently, won't it also help the government?—In other words, Shinra—to cut the budget of food imports?"
Angeal eyed her momentarily. "Yes, right. It's better to divert the budget to sustainable food and farm-to-table movements. So it'll be more accessible for people, rather than wasting money on the distribution fees," he said, "besides, it can majorly lead into another pathway for poverty reduction in the slums."
She gave him a slow nod. Her eyes grew more serious. "You're so thoughtful, Angeal," she said, rocking her toes and heels in turns, "do you sell them? Or is it only for your everyday consumption? I mean, you'll earn a lot of additional Gil if you do."
Angeal gave her a sidelong glance and hearty laughter. "Yes, partly. I sold them to my two neighbors. Sephiroth and Genesis like fresh greens."
"Ah… Fair enough." She nodded in a knowing gesture.
"You two just sounded like gossipy environmentalist housewives at a symposium," said a familiar voice from behind them with an amused tone.
Lucka and Angeal turned their heads to find the General was casually leaning against the barrier between the rooftop. Huh? Symposium? Like what the Olympians always love to do? She mused. "Do you want to join the club?" she asked, facing him while Angeal only shrugged and resumed his work.
It was the first time after their last meeting in the cafeteria. And Lucka had been better with her emotion now. Not seeing him for a few days worked for her. Gladly the hard feelings had gradually decreased.
And she should use her brain more than her feelings if she still wanted to team up with him. Her feelings was valid and mattered. But it wouldn't help to elevate their situation. Or Did she just kill it? Didn't she just not want to feel? He was still her summoner. Oh wait, do I justify him now? Hell, I don't know. Regardless, do I have another choice?
The General shook his head vaguely. "No, I'm good. What are you doing in Angeal's house?" he asked in a dry tone, rounding a glass that looked like a milkshake in his hand. But, considering he was such an old man like Ryuu and must have a strong beverage preference, it shouldn't be it.
"We're baking," she said while eying his hand movement.
The General raised one of his eyebrows. "Didn't think you two that close," he said, then took a sip from his glass, his gaze still locked in her eye.
"Yeah, I'm stealin' your friend one by one," she said with a smirk. Then as casually as possible, she asked, "What are you drinking, General? It looks delicious."
The General glanced at the glass and stared back at her. He extended his hand and said, "Try it if you want."
Lucka quirked her eyebrow and glimpsed at Angeal, who was still busy picking up other varieties of vegetables. She walked to the barrier and took the glass to take a sip. The taste was somewhat familiar, with a mixture of coffee, a little dark chocolate, and rich cream with a punch of alcohol on the tip. "Is this white Russian?" she asked. And no, she wouldn't tell why she knew it.
The General raised his eyebrows in amusement. "It's the name in your world? You can call it that."
She nodded and took another sip, then handed it back to him. "Thanks," she said, about turning around.
"Wait," the General said. He brought his hand to her face, "the cream."
Lucka nearly froze as she watched him brush her upper lip lightly and stay there longer than it should. His expression was stony as ever, but she found something flickered in his eyes that could make her breath stop. Why should he put her into a situation that never crossed her mind even once?
"Lucka, are you coming?" Angeal called with a bunch of vegetables in his basket. He stood on the door threshold while displaying a curious look.
"Yep!" Lucka said abruptly and stepped back from the General. She hurriedly followed Angeal before she took a peek behind her shoulder and found he'd already walked toward his house.
That cream moment. Holy shit, that was creepy. The General touched me. After her feelings had progressed, then he just did that?
Yes, she knew they should make up their relationship, but who knew he'd make physical contact after he sexually harassed her? It shouldn't happen; the thought bothered her since. It was so awkward and downright wrong. No way. And why did she act like a heroine in a rom-com narrative, thinking about it over and over? Was it because the warmth of his hand lingered? She glanced at Angeal. If she asked about his friend, what would he think about her? But she was dead curious about this one.
After considering it again, Lucka gave up and pulled out her gut. She carefully asked, "Angeal, Please don't get me wrong, but can I ask you about something?" she said while pouring olive oil into the large glass bowl on top of the counter.
He paused to look at her briefly. "Yeah, 'course. Please feel free to ask, Lucka," he replied, then continued to prepare the dishes.
Lucka blinked slowly at him. Her eyes flashed with uneasiness. "Say, does the General ever have a partner? I mean, have that kind of relationship with a woman... something like that, yeah?" she said while awkwardly lifting her hand mid-air.
Angeal stopped at his work. His eyes were glimmering with mischievousness. "Are you into him?"
"No! I said, don't get me wrong, okay." She nearly shrieked while suppressing her embarrassment. "I'm just curious. He's always cold and distant. Like that."
He still wore that look, and his smirk only widened. "He never let women get close to his personal space. He never had any relationship." He brought his fist to his chin and continued, "Even if he got caught, it's something casual."
Lucka frowned at his answer. "Um, okay. Well, do you think maybe he prefers… men? It doesn't mean I judge him, and it's not my business, but you know." She blabbed poorly. "Sorry." The whole conversation was so uncomfortable that she barely couldn't stand it. Why did I start, tho?
"Yeah, no." Angeal laughed with an incredulous expression. "Genesis, and I will be aware if he's not straight. It's more like we're always wondering if he's gray, you know? Like in between."
Lucka only nodded absently. It's such a significant dissonance, she pondered. Her mind instantly recalled their last wrangled; God, he ain't that crazy into women. Even his friend thinks the General is gray (even if he is, it also doesn't mean he won't be interested at all, right?). Still, how come he can be that lewd? Or is it just his personality? She shuddered at the idea. Whatever the circumstance was, it'd be best to avoid being alone with him.
Lucka had a good time that night. With Angeal's warm and amicable company, she could relax and forget a while about the mountain of problems she had. And thank Zeus, he didn't bring up his friend any further. Tomorrow was her birthday, after all. At least she could spend the last time in her eighteen in a pleasant way.
Lucka woke up early the next day. She had two chocolate cheesecakes with one large pan for her team, and the other was in a smaller size to enjoy with her SOLDIERS colleagues. The cakes were still perfect in their shape. Angeal and Lucka hadn't tried them yet. She almost thought it was a crime to cut for tasting. She was entirely entranced by the delicious smell and its mouth-watering looks alone. So the taste should be incredible too because she fully trusts in his skill.
Lucka had carefully stored them in the pantry fridge. She even purposely put a sticky note with her name to avoid someone that'd be tempted to eat them. And when the morning meeting on the Turks floor was over, she brought the larger one to the room.
"Lucka brings us a cake for the meeting's snack." Announced Tseng on the far end of the table while tidying up some paper sheets in his hands.
All the Turks members cheered for her. There were only eight of them, and she hadn't seen Veld and Cissnei until today. It seemed they were in another contingent since they'd been gone for more than a week.
Lucka nodded to Tseng with a small smile and opened the big box from his opposite seat. Yesterday night she'd briefly informed him about it. Though she didn't tell him it was her birthday cake.
"You can't eat sweets before lunch." Quipped Reno as he walked toward her cheerfully. He put both of his hands on the back of his neck, making a clicking sound with his tongue.
Lucka frowned, but she couldn't hide her suppressed smile. "Are you seven?"
"By charm and youthfulness, yes," Reno smirked and tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with joy after seeing the cake. "Wow! That's wonderful! You got a special occasion, huh?"
"Uh-huh, kind of. It's my birthday," Lucka said with a shrug and started to cut the cake into smaller pieces as the other members began circling them.
"So you're adulting. We should put on some candles!" Reno rested his elbow on her shoulder.
Emma chirped in and took a peek at the cake. "She didn't need the candles if she's adulting."
Reno pursed his lips into a mocking gesture. "Duh, even the granny at the slum proudly put on a 90 years old shaped candle."
Emma only rolled her eyes at him. And Lucka's smile was only widening from their banter. While in the corner of her eyes, Rude cleared his throat after listening to his friend's ridiculousness.
Tseng quirked both of his eyebrows. He casually walked toward them. "You didn't mention it before," he said, "well, happy birthday. Welcome to adulthood." He smirked.
Lucka looked up and gave him the first cake. "Thanks, sir," she said almost shyly, while the other started to congratulate her after the Boss made the first move.
Tseng nodded and started eating the cake. His eyes shone in delight. "This's incredible. Did you buy it from the patisserie downtown?"
She handed the other slice to her team as she glimpsed at him, "No, it's Angeal. He helped me bake it," she said, then started to eat her cake too. Tseng was right; the taste was fantastic. The dark chocolate complemented the sweet-salty cheese. It was still cold, and the texture's density was great. The vanilla also smelled rich but not too overpowering. It was just a perfect balance. It quickly melted in her mouth in no time.
Tseng nodded, " I see."
"The man has talent. He should open a cake shop," Katana casually said. Lucka looked up at him. It was only their second meeting. When she joined the Turks, the man had a field mission at his hometown in Gongaga. He was the only one who used swords in their team before her. She was told his katana sword name was Murasame, yet she didn't know his original name.
"I also heard he's good at cooking. The other 1st likely visit him only to join dinner," Freyra said after elegantly wiping the corner of her lips with a tissue. Her blonde ponytail smoothly swung when she moved closer to put down the empty plate. Lucka raised her eyebrow in amazement. It seemed the hunter was a quick eater.
Reno joined in like a gossip queen while purposely displaying a mischief eye and said with an eager tone, "Yeah, man! You know, even the other SOLDIERS encourage him to open a catering…. "
Lucka stared blankly. Suddenly all the sounds in the room went mute. The chatter and laughter were only a background noise behind her existence. In the corner of her eyes, everyone distorted. The room blurred into slow motion while her finger twitched in a stiff gesture. The time could nearly stop pretty soon. Her eyes swept around her teammate. They were happy, smiling, laughing, and joking with each other. Lucka was also enjoying the moment. But why didn't her smile reach her eyes? Why did she feel suffocated? The warmth didn't embrace her. The stillness shielded her from the outside world. Did she unexpectedly have feelings as an outsider? No. It wasn't about it.
It was Lucka's old friend again, wanting to attend the celebration. But she never invited them to begin with. Why would they still come to ruin her mood?
She never knew.
After lunchtime, Sephiroth tried to ignore Genesis, who dragged Angeal to his office room. If he couldn't abide his restraint, absolutely, they'd have long ago tried to behead each other. The said rogue man had always been bad at managing his temper.
"What did you say to her? Why hasn't she contacted me yet?" Genesis asked with a dramatic allegation from his seat.
"I said it's from you. That's all," Sephiroth said impassively.
"Are you sure?" His eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Sephiroth sighed and looked up from his paperwork. "Why don't you contact her first?"
Genesis' eyebrows puckered. "I just want to know her reaction."
"Being mysterious doesn't help at all, you know," Angeal said in an amused tone, "and it's out of your character, Gen."
"Then what am I supposed to do?" he said, crossing both arms in front of his chest, reclining in his seat harshly.
"Playing dead suits you best," Sephiroth replied with a dull tone.
Genesis shot him a glare. "You're the one who nailed it, Seph."
Angeal shook his head and said in amusement, "Yesterday Lucka asked me a wacky question, and seeing you two like this may make things more thrilling."
Genesis snapped his head to him. "What do you mean?"
"Well, she asked me if Seph ever had a partner," he said with a shrug, "and if he prefers men instead." He ended with a good laugh.
Sephiroth frowned at the report in his hand when he heard Angeal's remarks. It caught his attention. Yet, it didn't stop him from doing his task.
"What? Why did she even ask that? Is she interested in you?" Genesis emphasized the last words. While turning his head sharply at him, his expression grew more suspicious. "Is that why I haven't heard anything from her?"
Sephiroth let out another sigh. When he'd stop accusing him? "Look, I don't know," he said coldly. Because, in fact, he honestly didn't know anything.
"For real? Nothing happened between you?" he asked, still accusing him shamelessly.
Sephiroth blinked. Indeed, something had happened, but he'd never spill anything. Besides, it wasn't Genesis's business. His face didn't betray any emotion as he said, "Certainly, no."
"Why are you—" Genesis was about to shove another remark at his face when a knock cut him mid-sentence.
Sephiroth ignored him and let the person behind the door come in.
"Heya." She greeted them. It was the girl who became the source of the fuss between the two friends.
Genesis turned his head toward her as she admitted herself to the room. A dark box lay in her hands, and she put it on the edge of Sephiroth's desk.
"What have you brought?" Asked Genesis out of curiosity. His temper somehow subsided after her arrival.
"It's a cake," she said, then turned her face to Angeal, "Angeal, it's amazing, you know, my team loved it!" She finished with a small smile. She opened the box, lined some paper plates and plastic forks, then cut the cake into a small triangle.
"Why, out of the blue, you're bringing a cake? And, did Angeal make this?" Genesis's curiosity grew when he tilted his head to take a closer look at the cake.
Angeal raised his eyebrows in delight. "Really? That boosts up my confidence," he said while taking a slice.
She handed a slice of cake to Genesis. "It's my birthday, Genesis." Then she addressed Angeal. "You should."
Genesis quirked one of his eyebrows, smiling. "Oh, happy birthday!"
"Happy birthday," Angeal also added brightly.
Lucka gave them a small smile in return. "Yeah, thanks, guys."
Lucka also handed Sephiroth a plate of sliced cake when she openly stared at him. "General, you like dark chocolate, don't you? I'd asked Angeal to add it, so you could still enjoy it," she said, then sat beside Genesis on his other armchair.
"Oh... you have a reason. I thought you just wanted to add the chocolate randomly." Angeal nodded in acknowledgment.
Sephiroth frowned. She did that again. How come she knew my preference? Is it because she tried my drink last night? But the baking time should have started beforehand if they decided to pick some greens. It'd save more time, and she said it herself they were currently baking. Nonetheless, why does she care if I won't eat them if there's no chocolate?
Genesis ate the cake while his expression became more serious. "Hey, how do you know that?" he said and pointed his thumb lazily at Sephiroth, "though, yes, that's true. He's such a picky eater, and it's only us who know about it."
Lucka blinked and glanced at them in turns. "I'm not certain. It's just a hunch."
Sephiroth frowned in suspicion. Although he couldn't detect any lie in her tone, he wouldn't merely believe it.
Genesis watched her closely, then he said, "Lucka. The show, have you made up your mind?"
Lucka faced him. She looked taken aback. "God!" She gasped with round eyes. "Bro, sorry I forgot about that. All the Turks' stuff has been toiling me."
Genesis seemed relieved that all his accusations toward him were proved wrong as he gave her a wide grin (that looked like a dork in Sephiroth's eyes).
"So? Are you still unavailable?" Genesis asked.
Lucka didn't look straight at Genesis. Her eyes were a bit cast down, and her voice sounded weaker. "Is it a date?"
Genesis propped his chin with one arm that rested on the Sephiroth desk, a deep frown on his eyebrows. "Why are you so afraid I'm asking you out?"
Lucka murmured, "... It's just…It's… Well…I'm not sure..." She turned away and did something down there with her hands.
Sephiroth studied her demeanor. Indeed, she'd be uncomfortable surrounded by men and asked such an awkward question. Is he an idiot? Is he not aware he's been badgering her and romanticizing it all the time? He thought. But querying it would only make him a hypocrite. He'd harassed the girl before. Although he should feel bad, he couldn't resist how she defied him. It was so alluring.
"Are you seeing someone?" Genesis stole his gaze to Sephiroth. Lucka followed his eye movement.
Sephiroth narrowed his eyes on him. Oh, how plausible, Gen.
Lucka frowned deep, her lips pursed with obvious irritation, and her tone suddenly became fierce as she said, "Nope, dude."
Sephiroth eyed her as she blatantly showed her resentment towards him now.
Genesis curled his lips. "You can think whatever you want. I don't mind. But the show is only held once a year. Are you sure you don't want to come?"
The girl seemed relieved after hearing Genesis' statement as she finally agreed. She said, " 'kay. I'll go," she paused, "but, actually, I have another plan this weekend. I want to buy some clothes. Is it okay if I go shopping first?" Lucka raised her shoulder and both of her hands.
Genesis' eyes gleamed. He sounded delighted with her reply. "Sure, by all means, let's go shopping. The show will start in the evening. I'll pick you up after lunch. What do you think?"
"Sounds good to me, "she said and stood, "I must go back to work, bye guys."
"Bye," said Genesis and Angeal in turns, and after she disappeared to the hallway, Genesis turned his face towards him. "I must say, I'm curious what has happened between the two of you." His eyes narrowed, though there was no accusation like before. It was just pure curiosity. Perhaps, Genesis also had caught her icy attitude.
Sephiroth said nothing. He ignored him and ate the chocolate cheesecake calmly.
The skyline of simulated Junon Harbor in the training room was simmering orange. The late summer breeze cooled the heat surrounding them. That afternoon, they took the chance to spar when the Second Class SOLDIERs were gone.
Genesis sat casually at the top of the big pipe of the Mako Cannon. A copy of LOVELESS in his hand, and he recited, "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess. We seek it thus and take it to the sky. Ripples form on the water's surface. The wandering soul knows no rest."
"LOVELESS, Act. I," Sephiroth said.
"Humph. You remembered," said Genesis, closing the book and stepping down to stand beside Angeal.
"How can I not when you've beaten into my head?" Sephiroth said, tapping his index finger to the side of his head.
"Don't take Sephiroth lightly," Angeal said.
Genesis snorted. "Noted," he said, charging forward Sephiroth alongside Angeal, and soon their swords clashed perilously with each other.