Title :: Power Play
Authors :: alexj69(Genesis), whiskey (Rufus)
Pairing :: Genesis/Rufus
Rating :: NC-17 overall
Warnings :: Fluff, bad puns
Summary :: Lazard gives Genesis a mission he believes is beneath him, and he goes straight to the young vice president to appeal it. Part 10, WIP.

AN:: Whiskey is finally out of school, so this should be seeing updates more frequently.

AN2:: Thank you to everyone who's suck with us this far, and reviewed, favored and alerted. Our love goes out to you

*&PP*&

Genesis kept his blond boy lover at his side, holding the teen tight, not wanting this moment to end. Rufus at his core was starved for love and attention, and Genesis, being a man possessed by his passions, could easily give Rufus what he craved most.

Sweeping golden hair from his lover's forehead, the SOLDIER kissed him gently, making a silent vow to not leave the vice president now that they had made love. No matter what it took, Genesis promised himself he would stay in this relationship. Too many times had the redhead had one night stands, or a quick fling that ended with Genesis disappearing out of his conquest's life, never to be heard from again. Not this time; the kiss was a pact, a promise that Rufus didn't even realize was being made when warm lips brushed against his.

Rufus closed his eyes delicately as Genesis kissed him, feeling his small body fill with romantic bliss. He pushed from his mind any biased opinions about his lover that he had heard from young SOLDIER cadets and other individuals in the company. Clearly Genesis cared a good deal about him, despite the man's reputation of being a love 'em and leave 'em sort of man. And he had even called Rufus "my love". The boy beamed with pleasure.

The warrior gently pulled away from Rufus and scooted off the bed, his tall, sculpted frame dazzling Rufus yet again with its glory. A large black wing slowly retracted back into Genesis' body, and his generous soft length hung down between powerful thighs. Rufus knew he was being immature, but he couldn't look away. Then he noticed Genesis could see what he was looking at, and he blushed. The SOLDIER grinned widely in response. Rufus really had just bedded a SOLDIER First Class! Too bad Rufus had no friends his age to brag to. … Well, there was always Lazard. The boy smiled.

"So, first we get you into something not white," Genesis laughed lightheartedly, "then... lunch?" A perfect red eyebrow arched. "And then shopping for me." Of course there would be shopping for Genesis. He didn't go to the mall without getting something... or some things for himself. The man loved to shop more than most women did.

"This is my plan, you shower, I shower, then we're outta here." The red warrior started the laborious task of unlocking himself from the beautiful teen's embrace. "Oh, and don't forget, my love," Genesis sighed, "fangirls."

Another kiss, much quicker this time, and Genesis was dressed and leaving Rufus' apartment.

After his shower, Rufus dressed himself in a black turtleneck, white slacks and his favorite white jacket. He locked his apartment door and went to meet with Genesis.

"What's wrong with black and white?" he protested as soon as Genesis greeted him. "I mean, you always wear red. So clearly, if you are going to make me get something not white, I have to make you get something not red." He grinned.

"Fine, I will get something not red," Genesis smiled, only too happy to appease Rufus. There was just something about the boy's smile, and the way he blushed, and how he turned his eyes to the floor that caused Genesis' heart to skip a beat. The SOLDIER sighed mostly to himself, knowing exactly what the feeling coming over him was. He had been accused of it many times before, of course by Angeal, but still he knew. However, he didn't think this was the best time to say it, not those three little words, not yet anyway. The older man would first give Rufus time to adjust to having someone who cared about him in his life.

Taking the boy by the hand, Genesis led him out of the Shinra complex, and to a fancy, shimmering red Corvette. "This is my... other baby," the First Class proudly announced, hoping his lover would pick up on the term he just used. He opened Rufus' door for him, and once the youth was settled in, Genesis took the driver's seat, and floored it, racing through the streets of Midgar.

Rufus couldn't remember the last time he had ridden in a car, and found himself gripping the arm rests of his seat as the two of them jetted from the Shinra Building to where they would end up shopping. Part of him was a bit frightened, but he was mostly exhilarated. This was probably what other boys his age were doing quite frequently, he soon realized; perhaps they even drove their own cars.

Rufus wondered what that was like. He really was such an eccentric young man compared to what a normal teen experienced. Then again, he had the love of a SOLDIER... perhaps normal was overrated.

Genesis skidded sharply around a corner, allowed his wheels to drift just for the hell of it, and then put on the brakes, safely parking his red beauty in the parking garage of the Midgar Mall.

Rufus realized that he had never actually gone to pick out his own clothes before. The ones he wore were tailored especially for him by someone his father paid. This would certainly be interesting, and he had no idea what to expect, or what was cheap or expensive. Maybe it didn't matter. Was Genesis treating him? Sometimes not knowing was frustrating. Too bad Lazard wasn't much of a role model; Rufus could really use some real world advice.

"You'll have to help me… I realized just now I've never actually been shopping," Rufus admitted somewhat shyly. "Father always just has a tailor dress me."

Genesis looked at Rufus, a soft understanding coming to his vibrant blue eyes. He remembered what it was like to be stuck in a world of luxury and privilege. It was quite stifling, but after getting a good look at Rufus and putting forth the effort to understand him, Genesis guessed he was the lucky one here. He had Angeal, who was dirt poor, but knew about what life outside the walls of a closed up manor had to offer; Rufus had no one.

Watching Rufus tremble at what the boy considered a major outing brought back memories of his first time in the village proper. He had been younger than what Rufus was now, only eleven, but he had clung to his father's hand, shaking while at the same time being excited by his new surroundings. He wanted to experience everything in that one day, fearing it may be his last time out in the real world. The SODIER knew that was exactly what Rufus was feeling at this point.

"Of course I will help you. We'll find out your sizes, what your tastes are, what kind of underwear you like." The auburn beauty smirked at the last part. "Don't worry. I'll be right beside you."

"Underwear?" Rufus asked shrilly. "They sell that at stores?" Well, of course, you twit. Where else would someone get it? "I mean, erm. Are you sure? You mentioned fangirls…what would they say? They practically trampled you to death before." The thought of fangirls watching Genesis Rhapsodos buying underwear made him feel sick and jealous. And the thought of Genesis' fangirls watching him buy underwear made him feel in some sort of danger.

Once they were out of the car, Genesis pressed a button on his keyring, and the doors locked and the alarm set. Taking the boy's small hand, keeping him close, the SOLDIER First led him inside the mall, leaving natural sunlight for the artificial, harsh glow of florescence and the onslaught of manufactured cloth dressing wooden people.

Rufus looked around. Food vendors were everywhere, and the nearest department store appeared to be to their right. The place was huge, and looked like it sold everything from car alarms to women's frilly lingerie to various strange machines that Rufus didn't understand the purpose for that he would later learn were things like weedwhackers and lawnmowers. And of course, there was always a materia shop and a weapons shop. Rufus thought longingly back on the sword he had won at the Gold Saucer and then subsequently lost. Well, Genesis had said they were here for clothes, so clothes they would look at first. He took Genesis' hand and the two of them entered the department store, Rufus unconsciously bracing himself for an onslaught of scary teenage girls.

The rush of teenage girls was still off in the future, and at first, the only person to pay the pair any mind was an elderly woman with a sweet face and way too much perfume. If the lady noticed them holding hands, she didn't say anything about it.

"Good morning, Sirs," the sales woman chimed politely, "Welcome to Shiva's. Is there anything I can help you find?"

Genesis looked to the boy to see his reaction, and when no words were forthcoming, the SOLDIER shook his head, "No, I believe we are just looking."

The lady nodded, a smile set on her face, "Alright then. If you need help with anything, just let me know."

"Thanks," Genesis was just as polite in return, and then led Rufus toward shirts, trying to gauge what the teen would like.

The redhead had started with an upper class store, doubting the blond would find much to his liking in places that catered to grunge, goth, and metal styles or lower end stores, where usually only underplate people shopped. "See anything that catches your eye? And no white."

To Rufus' relief, the only person they saw was the old woman. The vice president, being young and naïve, had no idea whether it was okay for two men to hold hands in public, but he clung to Genesis like a security blanket. Maybe if anyone got upset, he could claim to be Genesis' younger brother or something. He laughed nervously at the "no white" requirement, and they walked the aisles of the store.

Rufus felt mostly okay, seeing a lot of things that looked like what he himself wore. Suddenly he laid eyes on a ribbed turtleneck sweater the color of his eyes, a pale blue. "This is nice." He reached tentative fingers out to feel the fabric and was happy with how soft it was. "Um. Can I try this? What size am I?" He felt slightly frustrated with how complicated things were feeling, but the sweater was lovely, and he did want to try new things...

Genesis took the shirt that his lover had pointed out, and holding it by its hanger, held it against the teen's frame. Deciding the one he was holding up would be too big for the boy's slender physique, Genesis replaced that one and took the one behind it, measuring the cloth by mere sight.

"I don't know what looks good either. There's what Father calls 'classy', but I'm not sure what that means. I think it means simple. We have a lot of simple clothes. Nothing like that," he murmured, pointing to a red and green candy cane striped dress shirt that was an incredible eyesore left over from the holiday season.

"Classy," Genesis began, scrutinizing the shirt. "Simple, yet elegant and stylish."

Deeming that the turtleneck was indeed up to Rufus' standards, the redhead nodded, and led him to the dressing room. "Go try it on."

It wasn't until Rufus blushed and squeezed his hand that Genesis remembered that Rufus had never gotten halfway naked in public before, even if he would be hidden in a private room. And though the dressing rooms in this establishment were nicer than in other stores, they still left one feeling slightly exposed.

A quick glance around let the SOLDIER know that they were probably the only shoppers in the store at this hour of the morning, so smirking slightly, he took the vice president into the now especially cramped space.

"Off with it." The auburn warrior pointed to the boy's shirt, his voice laced with just a little too much lust. If Rufus would have been anyone else, Genesis couldn't promise that he wouldn't try for a quickie right here in the dressing room.

Rufus blushed again at Genesis' somewhat forceful command. Shyly, he unbuttoned his jacket, avoiding looking at Genesis, and hung it up on the hook on the wall, then turned away, pulled his shirt up over his head and folded it neatly, setting it on the small shelf that looked too fragile to sit upon but too small for any other purpose.

Genesis couldn't help eying the teen as he removed his shirt, and though Rufus' back was to him, the older man could see the contours of the youth's body from behind and it took iron determination not to reach out and trace his fingers along the curves and developing muscles. Just to be able to feel the boy's skin against his was a privilege, one he would not abuse.

The teen gingerly removed the blue sweater from the hanger, noticing tags and some sort of plastic thing in the sleeve. "What's this?" he asked, pointing to it. It appeared to be fastened tightly to the sleeve. "Do people walk around with plastic things on their sleeves?" he wondered aloud as he pulled the sweater on.

"That," the SOLDIER said, hand toying with the white plastic, "is an anti-theft device. The cashiers will remove it once we've bought the shirt."

"Oh," Rufus replied. "Shame that some people can't afford clothing," he muttered, not sounding terribly empathetic, and turning to examine the fit of the sweater. Rufus gazed at himself in the full-length mirror. The color really did look quite beautiful. Perhaps a bit effeminate, but Rufus had never considered himself to be the brawny sort. The sleeves were slightly longer than he was used to, as the sweater had not been custom tailored to fit him, but he didn't mind. Somehow it felt refreshingly normal to shop at a store, even if he had never been to one like this.

He adjusted the collar of the sweater to his liking, and had to crack a smile. "Wow, I look great," he blurted. "Do... do you like it, Genesis?" he asked quietly.

Rufus had the blue turtleneck on, and was staring at himself in wonder, which brought a smile to Genesis' lips. The redhead encircled the blond's waist with his arms and pressed his chest to the boy's back, the two standing before the mirror. "You look stunning, sir." Genesis bent slightly and whispered into Rufus' ear. "It's a great color and fit on you." He nibbled on the teen's earlobe, before drawing away.

Chills ran down Rufus' spine as Genesis put his arm around him and whispered. The sound of Genesis' voice calling him 'sir' brought heat to his skin. It was definitely a turn-on to have a powerful SOLDIER First Class calling him by any sort of title. Something he could definitely get used to.

Genesis felt the heat coming from his young lover's flesh, and as much as he wanted to satisfy his and his boyfriend's urges right then and there, he knew Rufus had too much class to allow himself to be dicked in a dressing room at Shiva's department store. Besides, he doubted the blond had enough guts to do something so outlandish so early in their relationship. Hell, it was only this morning that he had taken the small beauty's virginity.

The SOLDIER leaned back against the farthest wall. "All right, get your other clothes back on. We have more shopping to do."

Rufus obeyed, pulling the sweater over his head and putting it back on the hanger carefully, the

way it had been before. He put on his shirt and jacket, leaving the latter unbuttoned casually like he had seen others do. Perhaps it would make him look more stylish and modern. He held on to the hanger as the two of them left the dressing room, in search of other garments. "What should we look for next?" Rufus asked. "I'm not sure I need anything, so I don't know what to look for. What do you like?"

Understanding quite well that Rufus lacked nothing except color in his wardrobe, the redhead took his lover on a shopping extravaganza, grabbing anything and everything that caught the vice president's attention—so long as it wasn't white. After three hours, Genesis found himself loaded down with two armfuls of shopping bags, mostly filled with his choice of clothing.

Genesis marveled over the wonder and excitement that etched its way onto Rufus' face as he took the teen further into the mall. He loved the way Rufus was aglow with everything he came into contact with. "Okay, love, only one more stop before heading to the food court for lunch." Genesis let his famous lopsided smirk grace his face. He couldn't wait to see the look on Rufus' face when he told them where they were going next. "Underwear. I think... nah, I'm the one who looks good in thongs," the SOLDIER laughed. "Maybe silk boxers... that are not white." The copper angel watched his boyfriend's face carefully as he began moving toward the intimate apparel store.

This was, as usual, completely unfamiliar territory for the boy, but he had to admit it was quite a thrill to be out in public with Genesis, as if they were displaying their relationship. Rufus was rather bashful about picking out underwear not only in front of his lover, but in front of the rather scarily made-up salesperson who seemed to be breathing down his neck at every opportunity. After the

creepy woman had asked him seven times if he needed help, Rufus' arrogance made itself known. "The name's Rufus Shinra, and if you want my family's business, you'll leave me and my companion the fuck alone," he spat. The salesperson ran off irritably, muttering something about old families, and Rufus finally had enough peace and quiet to examine the boxers.

Heaving a sigh, Rufus ran his fingers across a rack of what appeared to be silk boxers, just to make sure they were soft enough for his liking, then selected a pair that were a deep red color. Genesis liked red, right? He had to smile at the thought. "I like these. You don't try on underwear, do you?"

A sultry look played across Genesis' features. The idea of Rufus trying on the incredibly sexy boxers and then displaying himself for the First Class was a mental picture that caused a pulse to shoot straight to his groin.

Moving close enough to the boy so that their bodies were touching, allowing Rufus to feel the warmth spreading across his skin and the bulge growing in his pants, Genesis leaned down to whisper, "You do if you want to be arrested for having sex in a public place and make a certain SOLDIER lose his job." Then he backed away, needing the contact with his lover to end. By nature, Genesis was a creature possessed and obsessed by his urges, and though the thought of spending the night in the slammer didn't bother him, the fact that he would ruin his and Rufus' names did.

Rufus loved the feeling of Genesis' hardness pressed up against him, and tried his best not to get hard himself. Then his lover moved away, and Rufus breathed slowly, trying to fill his head with unsexy thoughts.

After purchasing the scarlet boxers, along with a host of other styles and colors of underwear, Genesis finally led the duo to the food court.

"And here we have a host of fatty, deep fried, unhealthy food. So, what do you think you would like?"

Just as Genesis finished his question, his head perked up, eyes straining, ears twitching. There they were. The onslaught of teenage girls. Genesis blinked a few times, but not because they were coming toward him. No, they were crowded around another figure. One who was just slightly more famous than him... but only slightly.

A pang of jealousy rippled through Genesis' chest as he watched the silver demon of Wutai force a smile onto his flawless face, signing autographs for his fangirls. What the hell was Sephiroth doing here, anyway? This was his time to shine and show off his new boyfriend.

Just as Genesis was about to walk over to the general, he remembered that he was here with Rufus and how uncomfortable the teen had been when he was surrounded by the groupies at the Gold Saucer. Just this once, and only because he was taking Rufus' feelings into consideration, Genesis conceded to let Sephiroth have the fans uninterrupted.

"So, maybe Chocobo's and Chips? Or maybe McShinra's? I still can't believe your father owns a chain of fast food restaurants," Genesis said, making small talk to mask his outrage.

The food court looked fun; Rufus, like most teenagers, enjoyed unhealthy food quite a bit, and was happy to be able to pick a restaurant. "I don't know why he does either. Probably because he wants to own the entire world," Rufus muttered. "But whatever. He also owns Shinbucks, a chain of coffeehouses. They have good muffins. But I'm really hungry, so let's go to Gongaga Fried Chicken."

Suddenly Rufus saw what Genesis had been looking at. "Is... is that... General Sephiroth?" There was no mistaking the amazement in his voice. "Does he go shopping just like you? Can... can we

meet him? I mean... after he's done with the scary girls. That is, unless you don't want to."

Raising an eyebrow, Genesis glared down at his boyfriend. "You've never met the general? I admit to being somewhat shocked, seeing that he grew up in the tower as well." The red SOLDIER got in line, thinking about it for a minute, then his face relaxed. "Though I guess I really shouldn't be surprised, seeing that your father basically hid you away, and Sephiroth spent most of the time down in Hojo's lab."

The fighter ordered two lunch meals, one for himself and one for Shinra. "After we eat, if he's still here, then I will take you to meet the general."

Taking Genesis' words to be an incentive, Rufus basically inhaled his food in three bites. (Actually, he was more refined than that, but from Genesis' perspective, that's what it seemed like.) However, the SOLDIER First was looking forward to the run-in with the general like he was looking forward to bleeding ulcers. He always hated introducing his newest lover to the silver-haired man, and while the other SOLDIER First would be polite and courteous to Rufus' face, he would make the most snarky remarks to Genesis when the pair were alone or in the presence of Angeal.

Of course, Lady Luck couldn't be on Genesis' side when he finished his meal. Sephiroth was still there, though his crowd had thinned substantially. Plastering his prettiest faux grin to his lips, and discarding their boxes and trays, Genesis took Rufus over to meet the almighty General Sephiroth.

At this moment, Genesis really did feel like an older brother taking his sibling to meet the legendary hero. The crowd of squealing girls parted for him, at first not recognizing the crimson warrior. Being unrecognizable didn't last long, and when they witnessed the two SOLDIER Firsts standing this close to them, the teens pierced the air with another squeal.

Genesis held the hand of the vice president through the chaos, making sure not to lose track of him to all the pawing.

Sephiroth's head shot straight forward when the screaming urchins started to make more noise and upon seeing Genesis, a genuine smile touched just the corners of his usually stoic lips. The taller, silver SOLDIER took a few steps forward, meeting his comrade in arms halfway.

"General," Genesis said respectfully, stopping when the two men were almost chest to chest.

Sephiroth had yet to notice the teen clutching the redhead's hand. He whispered lowly, so that only Genesis and Rufus caught the sound. "I missed you greeting me this morning."

Genesis turned his head away, breaking the stare between himself and Sephiroth. "I was... busy this morning, sir."

The demon's smile faded when Genesis took a step back. "I... see." His face returned to chiseled marble.

"General Sephiroth," the second-in-command addressed his superior, "I would like you to meet," a wicked grin darkened Genesis' face, "my boyfriend, Rufus Shinra." He urged his teen lover forward, ignoring the ohhs and awws of the surrounding teens. "Mr. Vice President Shinra, this is General Sephiroth."

Camera flashes started flaring like a fireworks display.

Rufus clutched Genesis' hand, staring arrogantly at all the girls surrounding them as if they were monsters in a sewer. He eyed the way Genesis was looking at Sephiroth, and it occurred to him that there was some previous history there that he was not yet aware of. Something to ask Genesis later that day, perhaps. He had to suppress a smile when Genesis said he was "busy", as he knew exactly what

the warrior was alluding to.

Rufus beamed when Genesis addressed him as his boyfriend, and stepped forward proudly, giving the general a firm handshake as was his custom. "It is an honor to meet you, sir," Rufus murmured humbly. "My family and the city of Midgar owe you tremendous gratitude for your hard work and sacrifice both here and in Wutai, sir. I hope you are enjoying your time away from the front, General." He bowed, and then retreated to Genesis' side shyly, as if he were a little boy, though not without first glaring daggers at everyone who had a camera.

Sephiroth took the youth's hand and shook it as etiquette dictated, though his grasp was maybe a little too firm. Oh, well, the general rationalized to himself, if I break this kid's hand, I can always explain to the president that I forgot my strength being caught up in the excitement of meeting his little brat. Not that I would use the word brat. And for the first time ever, Sephiroth wondered if Shinra's son was expendable. After all, he did have two, though one was illegitimate. He wasn't supposed to know that little tidbit of information, but Sephiroth happened to be privy to a lot of information he shouldn't know.

Stop it, the emerald eyed man scolded himself, you're acting just as jealous as Genesis normally does. But, his mind screamed in inner turmoil, if Genesis wanted to get me back for last time, to slap me in the face, then couldn't he have picked someone who wouldn't be so high profile if I killed them?

The demon of Wutai did not reply to the boy's comments, but that wasn't unusual for him. He was not known to be much of a talker. Rufus did, however, notice the slits in the general's eyes tighten and elongate.

With a nod of his head to Rufus, "Mr. Vice President," then one to Genesis, "Commander. If you'll excuse me," he began to walk off, nothing of his irritation showing in his movements. "Oh, and Commander Rhapsodos, please meet me in my office at seventeen hundred hours... today."

Genesis watched as Sephiroth stormed off, although no one knew that Sephiroth was storming except him. Feeling a slight victory, but worried he would pay for it later, Genesis rubbed his lover's hand. "Well, what did you think of him?" He pulled his boyfriend through the mass of girls still snapping pictures.

Rufus' face was red with irritability at all the fangirls, but when they were free from the crowd, he turned to Genesis. "As ominous and unfriendly as the rumors say. But why does he want you to meet with him? He seemed mad at you, Gen."

Rufus looked around. The mall was beginning to fill with people now, it being afternoon and a time when more people were free to wander around town. Rufus didn't like crowds, and wasn't used to them. "And can we go home now? I mean, I had a lot of fun with you... but I'd still feel safer back in the building. And there are some... questions I have about the General."

*&PP*&

On the return trip to Shinra, the speeding red sports car was filled with the sound of the radio blaring. Genesis wasn't trying to avoid conversation, but the talk Rufus was looking to have would best be held on home ground, just in case things got too heated. An argument shouldn't break out, but one never knows how the new boyfriend will react to stories of the old.

The First Class SOLDIER remained a gentleman, carrying all of Rufus' bags up to his room for him, and it wasn't until the teen's purchases were on the couch in his living room that Genesis opened a chance for discourse.

"So," the warrior sat in the armchair and crossed his legs, "what about our illustrious general would you like to know?" Genesis knew that once this conversation got to the part about his and Sephiroth's past, that Rufus would become very uncomfortable, and that he would become very uncomfortable, especially when it came to why they were no longer together.

Rufus realized that this was a delicate sort of discussion; though he had never previously had lovers himself, he had seen what relationships or even mere crushes could do to people. Cissnei, one of his father's Turks, had been angry for weeks after something had happened between her and someone else in the office, and Rufus had seen numerous examples of social awkwardness brought on by breakups in various parts of the Shinra machine. He was surprised Genesis felt like answering any questions at all.

"Why did he want you to meet him later? Is he going to make you go on a mission? And um, Genesis... are you friends with the General? He seemed upset with you personally. Is he, um... well..." Rufus blushed. "I've heard around the building that you, um, have a reputation for sleeping with and leaving lots of people. Is he... is General Sephiroth one of them?"

Genesis took a deep breath, and seemed to think this through before answering. He had been hoping his lover would have started with the simple questions, like "What is Sephiroth really like?" or "What is his favorite color?"... but leave it to Rufus to go straight to the hard part.

"Well, knowing Sephiroth, he's probably going to send me on some stupid mission as a way to get me back for having a new boyfriend... that is, after he quizzes me about how serious you and I are. Now, as to whether or not Seph and I are friends, I'd like to think so, but sometimes it's hard to say. To be honest, we both have egos the sizes of mountains, and he gets upset that I am just better than he is." Genesis shrugged as if his statement was a matter of fact. "Lastly... Rufus, are you sure you want me to answer that question?"

When the boy only raised an eyebrow, silently saying, would I have asked if I didn't want to know? Genesis continued. "Yes, I have had my fair share of sexual encounters with fellow co-workers. And yes, Sephiroth was one of them. Do I sleep with them and leave them? I guess you could call it that, but the way I see it, everyone but Seph was a one night stand. It isn't my fault if some poor sap fancied himself in love with me after a night of great sex. And before you ask, Sephiroth and I were in a relationship. I ended things because he is always gone. I wanted more. So, to get me back, he turned around and fucked my best friend."

The redhead then sat back and waited for the sparks to fly. He really hoped Rufus wasn't about to consider himself one of those one night flings. Genesis had never gone out of his way for others like he had for Rufus, and if the teen even thought about lumping himself in that crowd, Genesis was going to be pissed.

Rufus had to withhold a bit of a snort at Genesis' somewhat arrogant comment that he was better than the general. Word on the street, though Rufus' street was the Shinra building and not a street at all, was that Sephiroth was highly regarded and Genesis was a poor man's Sephiroth. Rufus knew way better than to bring up such an idea, and decided in his mind that they were likely equals, though

Rufus of course had a strong preference for Genesis.

Ah, Rufus thought. So Sephiroth was the serious one of the bunch. The one Genesis had feelings for. It sounded like they all had feelings for Genesis, but Genesis was not a man who loved lightly. So Sephiroth had been before him. Rufus had to wonder about Genesis; it was not every day that one went from loving the greatest general on Gaia to loving somebody like him. Rufus had a particular liking for himself, but even he didn't think he was as good as Sephiroth. Genesis must have been terribly lonely to break up with the General.

Now, Rufus' desire for gossip got the better of him. "Your best friend? Who is that?" He felt bad momentarily for not knowing who it was. He supposed it was another SOLDIER, and that it was not Rufus' fault that the military was a world away from him.

"And... so, you broke up with the General because you wanted someone who would be around all the time?" Rufus continued slowly. "I... I fit that qualification, right? Or was there some other thing that he did? I mean... from what I've heard, a lot of people wanted to get to know General Sephiroth. I saw some blonde SOLDIER type staring at him while we while we were at the mall."

Genesis knew where this could head if he didn't do something to let Rufus know that he was the only one in Genesis' eyes. He stood, and moved to where Rufus was sitting. He gathered the golden boy in his arms. "Yes, Rufus; you met all my qualifications and then surpassed them." He placed a soft kiss on his lover's lips. "Not only are you here all the time, but you want to spend time with me. At least I hope you do, and you want to go places, and do things. Sephiroth isn't like that. And I will tell you something else... when I said he tried to get me back by sleeping with my best friend, whose name is Angeal Hewley by the way, we grew up together in Banora. Anyway, Seph's plan didn't work out like he'd hoped. It didn't bother me that he slept with Angeal—he wasn't my boyfriend anymore. And was there something else other than not spending time?" Genesis began to run his hand up and down the inside of the vice president's thigh. "We didn't and still don't have much in common. So, I hope there are people who want to get to know him better, and I pray he picks one of them. If he does, then he leaves you and I alone."

Rufus had to smile when Genesis hugged him. He could definitely get used to feeling this appreciated. "Of course I want to spend time with you," the boy murmured, beaming. He nodded when Genesis mentioned Hewley; he had heard about the man before, and had seen him a few times in the building. He looked like a strong, righteous sort of man, who seemed to be well liked and respected among everyone. Rufus liked him. Rufus liked most people who appeared to deserve the respect people gave them. He wondered briefly what Banora was like, or what it would be like to grow up in a town rather than a complex.

The teen had to admit he was somewhat distracted by Genesis' hand on his thigh, but he swallowed and kept listening, knowing the touch was meant to be affectionate and not much else. "Leaves us alone? But he isn't bothering us, is he? Or do you think he will?"

Genesis moved his hand away from his blond lover's thigh to run it through his hair. "Don't worry about it, love. You are too important for him to mess with. However, I will say that if you weren't who you are, then you'd somehow accidentally fall off the Junon Canon. Now, what you were doing on the Junon Canon in the first place, no one would bother asking."

The SOLDIER took his young lover's face in his palms before kissing that pink, pouty mouth. He let the kiss linger before pulling back. "You have a ton of clothes to put away, and I have a very pissed off General Sephiroth to go deal with. Stay in your apartment, and I'll come to check on you when the meeting is over." For a moment, he thought of taking Rufus with him to the meeting with Sephiroth; he was after all, still the boy's bodyguard. The thought of his own temper, and Sephiroth's cold nature, kept him from doing so. There was no need for Rufus to hear whatever Sephiroth might say about him, and the general would not hold back just because the VP was in the room.

"Be thinking of me while I'm gone." And with a blown kiss goodbye, Genesis went to his own apartment to prepare for the dreaded meeting.