A/N: Heya! I'm back... Finally.
Can't believe I haven't updated for almost two months (that's a new negative record). This time, I have a really good excuse though: I finally got a job, and the first weeks were marked by a constant lack of time and energy for anything not having to do with work.
However, I'm back on track now.
This upcoming chapter here might be a tiny bit… let's call it weak. It's actually just a (looong) transition to finally get closer to the main events of the story. I fought with it for a long time now, and it's not getting better anymore. So I figured I just upload it anyway…
However, thanks for all your patience and support so far! Love you guys!
~°oOo°oOo°oOo°~
When Genesis woke up again, the first pale morning light was seeping through the window, bathing the room in an almost surreal glow. Immediately, he felt irritated and still dead tired, as if he hadn't slept at all. To complete this perfect chain of unpleasant sensations, his head hurt, in an annoying way that resembled being run through by thin needles; and trying to get his mind to work took a lot more time and effort than it should have. Something had woken him, he knew that much… After concentrating hard for another moment, he realized what it was, almost too mundane to be true: His mobile. Ringing.
Although everything was still a mere blur in front of his eyes, he somehow managed to make out the name featured on the display.
Drowsily, he accepted the call with a short and almost impolite: "What is it?"
"Good morning, first of all. At least you sound alive, so that's something, I guess. Well, I just thought I'd better check on you. Good thing I did, for judging by the sound of your voice, you didn't even get out of bed yet…" The caller's tone shifted from slightly concerned to amused with an edge of underlying affection: "In that case: Rise and shine, darling. And hurry, I'm waiting."
Getting up? Already? The mere thought of opening his eyes again was causing Genesis more headaches. "For the love of the Goddess, Angeal, stop throwing profanities at me in the middle of the night."
The answer came almost immediately: "Oh dear… if you still think it's in the middle of the night, you should check your watch. Or get a new one, preferably."
What the…? With half open eyes, Genesis looked at his mobile display again. In the next second, he was wide awake and managed to get out of bed with a fast but slightly uncoordinated movement, a manoeuvre that would have cause anybody else to end up on the floor. Genesis, however, made it look almost graceful. Cursing under his breath, he ignored another intense attack of nausea almost blocking out the headache, reminding him that he should maybe consider getting up less fluently next time. If there would ever be a next time… He wasn't intending to make a habit out of it.
Meanwhile, Angeal had arrived outside Genesis' room and leaned to the wall in a casual waiting position. No one would have been able to tell, not by his expression at least, but he felt almost upsettingly relieved.
It was a kind of tradition that whenever they started their working day at the same time, Genesis would come down to pick his friend up, and even if it was just for the way over to the Shinra headquarter, it was something that belonged to their everyday routine like the uniforms they wore. As far as Angeal could remember, Genesis had never been late, not even once, so when he didn't show up this morning, he had begun to worry. Immediately, his rational mind had informed him that there were two options, and neither was significantly better than the other: This could only be a continuation of the somehow strange behaviour Genesis had shown last night, or a sign that something worse had happened.
Knowing now that Genesis had just overslept for virtually the first time ever, and ignoring that low, concerned voice at the back of his mind informing him that this unusual fact still deserved some kind of worried attention, Angeal decided not to broach the issue any further.
When the door finally opened just minutes later, Angeal realized to his surprise that despite the fact that he had obviously hurried immensely, Genesis somehow managed to look perfect as usual, regardless of that slightly-too-pale-to-be-healthy complexion and those bleary eyes.
One of their colleagues had once set up the theory that attractive people could be split into two groups, according to the secret of their perfection: The first group of those selected few simply never appeared tired or ill, and the second group still looked amazing when being completely exhausted or painfully sick. Genesis definitely belonged to the second group, for even on the brink of death, his looks had remained stunning, in a painfully fragile way reminding of certain dark gothic paintings.
"Hey." Just a single, almost inaudible word that still remained hanging in the air, making it oscillate in perfect waves of voiceless sound that could be felt rather than heard.
"Hey," Angeal returned a tiny bit firmer, without being able to achieve the same effect. For a moment, he was hypnotized once again, rooted to the spot by the sheer intensity of those bright blue eyes looking up at him.
As if he was aware of this fact, Genesis finally lowered his glance. "Guess we will be late…"
"Not necessarily. I recommend we better get moving, preferably at a faster pace than usual," Angeal returned, and with a sigh, Genesis nodded. I can't believe I'm doing this. It's so… childish.
Still, right in the next second, they were both running down the hallway as if someone had called out a summon right behind them.
Over in the main building, and still at the same speed, they avoided a collision with a few Turks basically in the last minute; and despite Genesis' brief apology, one of them shouted: "For Gaia's sake, you are Firsts and not some infantry rookies. Act accordingly, or I'll file a complaint for inappropriate behaviour!"
At the very last second, they made it to their destination, which didn't disguise the fact that they were the last two people arriving there. Of course Instructor Marlowe noticed that circumstance, too. Ignoring Angeal completely, he gave Genesis an impatient look and announced: "Well, Rhapsodos, I'm glad you made it. Should I send you a written invitation next time?"
"Not necessary, Sir," Genesis returned in a rather cold, but not yet impolite tone. Still, if looks could kill, Shinra would have been in desperate need for a new senior instructor.
Some people would not really understand what had happened between the two of them, and why they still hadn't resolved their disputes during the two years that Genesis had been a member of the SOLDIER unit by now.
That excluded, however, all those who had been there on the fateful morning when Marlowe had been given the order to address a speech to the whole unit, especially to the new cadets. And Genesis, one of those newly promoted Third Classes back then, remembered their first meeting almost too well…
It was nothing extraordinary, just one of those pathetic speeches you get to hear after every promotion. Once Marlowe had finished, he called out the names of the newly promoted, to introduce them shortly to the rest of the SOLDIER unit.
When he called out Genesis' name, the addressed stepped forward like all the others to join their line, not expecting anything to happen. But to everybody's surprise, Marlowe frowned, paused for a minute, and after giving Genesis a long, not very polite glance he announced: "So that is you. I'm really surprised you made it, and far from pleased, of course."
Genesis looked at him in utter surprise. "Sir?"
"Oh, come on," Marlowe returned, "Don't play dumb now, will you? Let me tell you something: I was with this unit from the very beginning, amongst the first instructors who formed it into what it is today, a symbol of strength, determination and loyalty. The SOLDIER unit is Shinra's elite force, and therefore, entering is not like joining a club. Only a very small percentage of people deserves to belong to the selected few, but things changed quite a bit in the recent years, and every now and then someone who obviously shouldn't be here manages to sneak his way in. Unfortunately, there's not much I can do, but that doesn't mean I'll accept it."
Listening to that speech, Genesis' mood had darkened considerably. True, he hadn't performed as well as some of the others in the required exams, but he had fought hard for his place, even harder than most of them, considering the hell that initial Mako treatment had put him through. Speaking up to a superior was almost always considered suicidal, but Genesis felt he had to try at least: "Sir, do you intend to criticize me?"
"I'm not criticizing you, not at all. I'm criticizing that person who had the stupid idea you could be a valuable asset to this unit."
Genesis couldn't believe it. He had never met this man before, meaning that the other did not even know him at all and still dared to deliver such a judgement. Although anger started to rush like a flood wave through his veins, Genesis had learned what he could afford in his position and what he should better leave undone. Angeal's constant lectures about composure seemed to show some effect after all. So he pulled himself together and returned: "Sir, I ask permission to speak."
Marlowe flashed him a bright grin that did not really look encouraging, and stepped closer. "Should I really listen to whatever it is you have to say? Well, chances are it could be entertaining. Permission granted."
"Sir, with all due respect, but this is the first time we meet, and therefore you have never seen any of my abilities, so I don't think you can legitimately judge…"
He should have known that Marlowe would not even give him the chance to finish the sentence. "I take the freedom to interrupt here, before things get too pathetic. Tell me, Cadet, do you know what experience is?"
"Yes, Sir, I do," Genesis replied slowly. He just knew there had to be a catch…
"So would you agree that if I have been to a certain place often enough, I don't need to go there once again in order to tell you something about it?"
"Sir, I honestly don't think that…"
Marlow's grin disappeared within seconds. "I did ask you a question, if I remember correctly. Do you accept the value of experience, yes or no?"
"Yes," Genesis answered, a bit lower than before and omitting the omnipresent 'Sir' at the end, an impoliteness Marlowe seemed to ignore for the moment being, which , however, did not mean that his mood had softened. Quite the opposite.
"Well, in case you didn't listen to what I told you before, which wouldn't surprise me at all, I was with this unit from day one. I have seen countless young men, and my first impression never betrayed me. I could always tell with only one glance if someone had what it takes to make it, or not. I've been looking at you for a few minutes now, and it's not getting better. To make this point entirely clear: in my very personal opinion, you haven't got what it takes to be here, and therefore you shouldn't have been promoted to this unit in the first place." With these words, he turned around to return to his former position. Obviously, the conversation was over for him.
"Sir, I respect your experience and your opinion," Genesis continued nevertheless. "But don't you think if everybody else has a different impression, that yours could be wrong?"
Marlowe spun around, first confused, then obviously downright angry. "How dare you speak to me like that? Well, tell me, Cadet, did or didn't you suffer from major adverse reactions after the initial Mako treatment?"
Of course he knew about that. It was somewhere between the lines in Genesis' official report. True, that file did not mention how bad exactly those reactions had been, but the point as such, however common it was, seemed enough for the instructor to form a killing argument.
"I'm waiting for your answer. Or have you gone mute now?"
There really was no other way than to admit it. "That's true, Sir."
"So it is true. And why did this happen?"
How was Genesis supposed to answer a question which, according to the whole bunch of scientists who had been responsible for his case, was still unclear? It didn't really matter, because before he could even get a single word in, Marlowe continued: "Because you are weak. That's the whole point here. You are too weak, Cadet, and that's exactly why you don't belong here. Somebody obviously had a different impression, I can't help it, but rest assured that I will do my best to correct that mistake."
While they hurried over to the rest of their group, Angeal tried to steal another glance of his best friend. If he had learned one thing in all these years, it was that telling Genesis he would not be able to achieve something was almost guaranteed to make him try even harder. Reverse psychology at its best, maybe the very reason why he was proving Marlowe wrong for two years now.
"Well, Gentlemen, now that we are complete, let me briefly remind of next week's Annual Company Ball," the instructor started to announce.
"Oh damned, I almost forgot about that…" Genesis whispered, careful not to draw any more unwanted attention.
"Guess you are not the only one," Angeal returned equally low. Nothing to get too exited about, just one of those superior show-off events President Shinra felt obliged to host every once in a while, with the result that some people ended up seriously overworked organizing and running the whole thing, and others completely bored – or drunk – attending it. Ignoring the small percentage that actually seemed to enjoy those gatherings, of course.
"As you might recall, I have the pleasure of organizing security measures for this event. And in addition, President Shinra has stated explicitly that all available SOLDIERs are expected to take part in some way or the other," Marlowe paused shortly, before he continued: "You will now receive a detailed order in print, informing you about your exact position and tasks for that night; and an additional copy will be sent to your email account as we speak."
He handed the first SOLDIER standing next to him a pile of paper to pass along. After just a few seconds, the first comments and sighs became audible.
"Any questions?" Marlowe asked briefly, in a tone that basically shouted You better don't dare to ask or criticize anything.
Nevertheless, Genesis immediately raised his hand. "Excuse me, Sir, but is that supposed to say…"
A faint grin appeared on the instructor's face, showing some sort of satisfaction. "I thought you were at least able to read, Lieutenant. However, if that's not the case: Your status is stand-by. Do I need to spell it for you?"
"But Sir…"
Marlowe's face darkened. "When will you finally learn not to contradict superior officers? That's a lesson taught during the first days in the infantry, Lieutenant. Obviously you have not been paying attention back then, which is not really surprising at all, considering your generally short attention span. I don't think I have to justify my decisions; but for your personal information, I would like to add that you can't possibly expect me to trust you in a major matter of security with a current capability level of only 75 percent."
"80," Genesis insisted defiantly.
78.5, to be precise, Angeal immediately corrected him, but only in his thoughts. Ignoring the fact that Marlowe had a point, he completely understood why Genesis was that upset. It was not because he had been particularly keen on this assignment, but with every mission he was held back from his position within the SOLDIER unit was weakened and became questionable.
"Whatever," Marlowe returned in a slightly less tame tone, "Under 90 percent, you are not eligible for most official First Class missions. You know the rules, damn it!"
Doubtlessly, Genesis knew those rules in question, but he would have contradicted anyway. Simply because. In the end, it was not the instructor's immediate threat to interpret any further comment as insubordination that kept him from doing so, but something much more subtle, namely Angeal putting his hand lightly on his arm for not more than a second.
Composure, dear. You are only getting yourself in trouble, and neither the subject nor this guy are worth it anyway...
"Oh, and before I forget…" Marlowe turned to face Angeal for the first time that day, "Your order reads exactly the same. Feel free to file an official complaint because of that, Hewley."
"Not necessary, Sir," Angeal replied in a firm voice. Part of him was cringing inwardly, for being on stand-by meant in this case to attend said event like a regular guest, and Angeal downright loathed all the etiquette and formal socializing involved in that task. Yet another part was somehow grateful for the chance to be at Genesis' side, wherever that was.
"All right, than maybe we can turn to work now," Obviously the matter was solved for Marlowe, and he continued his lesson as usual. "All eyes on the screen please. What you see here is a make-shift plan of attack for a battle taking place in a mountain range. Using the strategic knowledge I was trying to beat into your heads for the last weeks, who can tell me why this plan is likely not to work out?"
~°oOo°oOo°oOo°~
Some extremely long strategy lessons later, it was lunch hour. The canteen was filled with the sounds of voices and laughter, forming a constant background pattern, another well-known song on the playlist of every-day life.
Sitting in a somehow quieter corner of the large room, Angeal looked at his best friend with an obvious frown, before he stated calmly: "Actually, you are supposed to eat that, not play with it." Goddess gracious, I'm sounding exactly like my mom now. No wonder he accuses me of mothering him all the time…
Surprisingly enough, Genesis did not react at all. He kept his attention focused entirely on the carefully arranged pattern of vegetables he had created on his not even half-empty plate.
After watching him pecking at his food for a few more minutes, Angeal decided to reach out for his hand. Not to hold it - too obvious and therefore not recommendable in a place like this - but to squeeze it for a moment in order to get the other's attention.
It worked as foreseen. Genesis immediately forgot about his artistic ambitions and looked up at him. Angeal registered almost instantly that those bright blue eyes resembled a clouded sky by now, veiled with an expression of deep concentration and a slight hint of something that might be pain, or discomfort at least.
"Mind telling me what's weighing so heavily on you mind?"
Genesis showed him a tired, almost invisible smile. "Oh, it's something completely stupid. I was thinking about that assignment next week. I hate it already, I really do. And I don't even know if that formal uniform still fits me. It's been ages since I wore that thing…"
"Well, it's not like you've grown a lot since then, not in terms of height, and certainly not in terms of size either."
It was actually supposed to be a compliment, but recalling Angeal's concerned remark at the beginning of this conversation, Genesis chose to interpret the statement among the very same lines: "In case I'll ever need someone to lecture me about my eating habits, I'll let you know."
"Point taken," Angeal returned with a slightly ironic undertone. "Anyway, what's next on your schedule?"
"Territorial geography."
"Isn't that a subject we have together?"
Genesis sighed softly. "We used to, unless I underachieved in the last test before First-Class-Exams, and my geography result during those wasn't sufficient to even it out… What are you doing later that afternoon?"
"I promised Seph a little training session," Angeal replied. "You can tag along, if you want…"
"Thanks for the offer. But it's about time you get the opportunity to train with someone who really pushes you to your limits… I guess I wasn't too much of a challenge lately."
Angeal felt the urge to add something reassuring again, but before he had the chance, Genesis continued in a surprisingly light tone as if he wasn't really bothered: "You know what? I haven't done any running in ages. Judging by my current endurance, it's no wonder my capability is stuck around 80. So I would really like to do some laps tonight, and I was wondering if you wanted to join me." Giving Angeal a knowing smile, he added: "Don't worry; I'm not intending to win a competition just yet…"
"Sounds good to me."
"Oh, and in case I forget, remind me that I need to try on that formal attire tonight; for those stupid outfits are custom-made, and if I need to get it altered, it's going to take ages…" Genesis got up from his chair, another smile playing on his lips. "So, see you later? I promise to improve my general mood until then."
And returning the smile, Angeal replied: "I'll take you up on that."
~°oOo°oOo°oOo°~
Training with Sephiroth was not only an advanced challenge. It also offered the chance to forget about virtually everything for a while, for one had to concentrate entirely on the opponent's fast, very often unforeseen movements, without a chance to think about anything else than the next attack or defence move.
Rumour had it that SOLDIERs First Class hardly ever broke out in a sweat, but situations like this reminded Angeal that some rumours were definitely untrue, concerning 'ordinary' Firsts, at least. Looking at Sephiroth, all composure and completely untouched, he wondered if his breathing or heart beat had quickened at all.
"You look like you need a break," Sephiroth pointed out, as if he had read his friend's thoughts.
"I'm just not used to your pace anymore. Don't forget that you were in Wutai for almost a month," Angeal returned, lowering his sword. "How were things going down there, by the way?"
"Perfectly ordinary. Ceasefire, only occasionally broken by small attacks or sabotage missions of rebellious splinter groups. At the moment being, they are having peace talks for the umpteenth time, but it's only a matter of days until things turn out as usual…"
Angeal agreed: "Shinra can't accept Wutai's conditions; Wutai can't accept Shinra's demands. Talk turns into argument, the war continues… Always the same."
Sephiroth studied the sword he was holding for a while. It was not his trade mark weapon, but an ordinary Shinra-issued one. "Better tell Genesis not to recover too soon. Chances are he gets send there as soon as he does."
That sentence hurt annoyingly much, but Angeal successfully managed not to show any signs of that. "He recently told me that he would currently prefer even the war zone of Wutai over Midgar…"
"And besides, it might bother him much more that they could send you there and hold him back," Sephiroth added.
Angeal looked at him in surprise, before he slowly nodded in confirmation, and then turned to sit down on the training room stairs for a moment.
Bet you didn't expect that. I'm finally starting to understand at least some of those emotional bonds between the two of you. There was a reason beyond the obvious why Sephiroth valued the friendship with Angeal so much. It gave him the chance to try and study the way more ordinary people thought and felt. Especially the latter, for emotions were still partly a mystery to the famous SOLDIER, a fact that bothered and irritated him more than he chose to admit. On the spur of the moment, Sephiroth decided to practise something called 'showing commitment': "How is he doing anyway?"
"Improving. A lot faster than predicted. His capability level went up from 70 to 80 in less than a week. Still, he's far from pleased. As long as they keep holding him back from certain assignments and exercises, I guess his mood will be a bit … unpredictable."
"And I though this was his normal condition…" Sephiroth returned, without the slightest hint of irony that would have indicated a joking remark. Jokes were a concept he understood very well, but what was the point in saying something you didn't mean? Just because it entertained others?
Watching the famous SOLDIER walking over and sitting down next to him on the stairs, a movement far too mundane for a person with almost unearthly looks and strength, Angeal realized he sometimes still couldn't believe that their friendship really allowed him to train with this living legend. "Anyway, it's good to have you back. I really missed our training sessions. It is always an honour to know you are wasting your precious time on me."
Knowing quite well by now that Angeal usually meant what he said and despised unnecessary flattery equally much, Sephiroth decided to return the compliment: "The pleasure is all mine. I enjoy having a slightly more equal opponent for once, someone who is not immediately star-struck by my appearance or irritated by the mere fact of fighting a left-handed person."
Angeal gave him a grateful smile, and Sephiroth added: "It's a task that would terrify most First Classes, and you make it look like child's play."
"Well, at least for the left-hand part, it literally is. Don't forget that the first person I ever practised with was Genesis."
Sephiroth frowned. "Genesis is left-handed, too? I never realized…"
"He will be very pleased to hear that. It's one of his best kept secrets."
"I'm not supposed to understand that, am I?" Obviously Sephiroth could see no sense whatsoever in disguising such an unimportant fact. From their first days in the guard or infantry on, members of the Shinra Army were trained to wield any weapon with either hand, if necessary; and in the SOLDIER unit, this process was more or less brought to perfection.
"Well, let's just say that our native country, the Mideel area, is a place where traditions are very much alive and some people still believe in things that are definitely outdated by now. Even though Banora is hardly stuck in the Middle Ages, Gen was raised to believe that being left-handed is not really appreciated."
"Are his parents that superstitious?" Sephiroth inquired.
"Not really, but very concerned not to stick out overly much… As stupid and senseless as it was, it had a somehow positive effect. He's one of the only two people I know that come close to being ambidextrous. The other one would be you, by the way."
The famous SOLDIER showed one of his rare faint smiles. "Finally one thing Genesis and I have in common."
"You could say so. Still, it's a talent caused by entirely different reasons."
"So? Enlighten me…" Sephiroth seemed genuinely interested.
"I guess that you were somehow born with it. Being left handed is more your choice than a natural disposition. You are far too perfect for that. Gen acquired that talent rather… involuntarily."
"Because his parents forced him to?"
"Only partially. There were two crucial phases in his life, when he had to concentrate on using his right hand only, and that's what brought him quite close to your inherent perfection. The first of these incidents was pretty early. We were still children at that time and had just started to train basic moves, with sticks if I remember correctly, when Gen had to deal with a complicatedly broken left wrist." While he still spoke those last words, Angeal's mood darkened considerably.
"An accident?" Sephiroth asked, trying to get to the bottom of this sudden mood swing.
"Sort of. He told me he dripped over and fell down the stairs."
"And you doubt that?"
Angeal shook his head. "You have seen him fight before. Gen's strongest point is his dexterity, and it has always been like that, even when we were children. He's not the person who just stumbles and falls down the stairs…" Not that frequently, anyway…
Angeal knew pretty well that his words were not convincing, the lack of rational and acceptable arguments was too obvious. Still, all those years, he had had his strong doubts about the 'accident-version' Genesis held on to. The truth was that Angeal had his own dark theory about what really happened, and as cruel as it was, his logical mind had pointed out remorselessly that it made so much more sense. Looking into his best friend's blank eyes when he had told his alibi story just confirmed this initial suspicion. But he could not tell that to anybody else. It felt like betraying Genesis' trust. A trust that never existed in the first place… Not in this matter.
Before Sephiroth could ask another question, Angeal continued: "And the second incident years later, during our time in the infantry, was actually my fault."
"Your fault? You'll have to explain that…"
"Long story. The short version is that we were out in the field and his rifle was playing up. Again. Something had never been right with that thing in the first place, but you know how the infantry works; unless you complain a dozen times, nothing's going to change. Usually, it was a magazine problem, so you had to take it out, check everything and put it back in – standard drill. Sometimes though, you needed either brutal force or the right technique to do so. That day, none of those two options seemed to work. After watching him for some time, I decided to step in. In that very moment, I only concentrated on solving the problem, and when I almost succeeded, he suddenly pulled me to the ground."
"Let me guess: enemy attack?" The jade green eyes showed no obvious hint of emotion.
"Indeed. To my shame, I have to admit that it took me quite a while to figure out Gen had saved my life."
"And got hurt in the process."
Angeal nodded in confirmation. "Shot right through the left shoulder. Bleeding heavily. Healed surprisingly well later, still he wasn't able to use his left arm properly for quite a while. Watching him like that made me feel incredibly guilty…" Angeal suddenly noticed that those green eyes had meanwhile assumed an absentminded expression.
Sephiroth got up slowly and moved towards the middle of the room. Halfway there, he stood still for a minute. When he spoke, it sounded confused, with an edge of something Angeal could not put down… Jealousy? Complete lack of understanding? Regret? The will to sacrifice everything, even your own life, for someone else… I wonder what that feels like… "You know, what I usually do is reading facts instead of people. For me, an action like this spells out plain stupidity, while in your world, it's seen as a sign of how much he obviously cares about you. I guess I partly understand that connection, but at times it is somehow… irritating. I'm not quite sure if I should envy or pity you."
~°oOo°oOo°oOo°~
Genesis' hair showed a soft shimmer in the artificial glow of the ceiling lighting, and the genuine smile on his lips created tiny bright sparks in his eyes, resembling stars in a clear summer sky. For the sheer fragility of the moment, Angeal could not resist but pull him close to indulge in the sensation of holding him, feeling his heartbeat close to his own, knowing for a few precious seconds that they were both alive, alive and together.
Totally caught by surprise, Genesis gave in to that sudden proof of affection at first; but then he reacted to the unusual intensity of the embrace by gently trying to free himself, in a way that reminded Angeal of the kittens they had used to play with when they were children. Those tiny creatures had also fought for their freedom once you held them too closely.
He still felt lost in his thoughts, until Genesis asked with a voice carrying both surprise and fondness: "What was that for?"
"Let's say I remembered only today that you are the very person I owe my life to."
Within a second, Genesis' tone changed to pleading: "Angeal, please. We've been there before. That's ancient history, four years ago now. Why don't you just forget about it?"
In return, Angeal lightly put his hand on Genesis' left shoulder. "How can I possibly, when I have your scars to remind me?"
"Those are still MY scars." My scars. My pain. Don't touch on it. "And besides, I need more than one hand to count all those times you saved my life. Therefore, I owe you much more…" The glimmer in Genesis' eyes had changed again, resembling electric sparks by now. Right in the next second, he broke the dark intensity of the situation with a smile. "Let's just say we are even, ok?" And as if to change the topic once and for all, he added: "And now, you get the chance to deliver a judgement about my outfit for next week… Wait a second."
Officially, the SOLDIER unit had no specific gala uniform, but president Shinra, concerned about the appearance of his elite force at high class events, had introduced some sort of formal attire a few years ago. Minus slight modifications to indicate the rank of the person wearing it, said outfit was the same no matter which class one belonged to, and its primary colour was an almost black dark blue, combined with white and silver.
"And? What do you reckon?" Genesis asked, returning from his bedroom after changing uniforms.
Angeal actually wanted to say something, but he found himself unable to. He was far too mesmerized by that sight. Goddess gracious, has he looked that stunning last time I saw him in that outfit? I can't believe it, for this means that I have been virtually blind back then…
"That bad?" To his surprise, Genesis interpreted the silence completely wrong. His bright blue eyes met his friend's darker ones with a questioning expression, and Angeal could not help but to realize first of all that those eyes seemed even more radiant in contrast to the dark colour of the uniform, like stars intensified by the contrast to an almost black velvet sky. It left him breathless.
"No, no, not at all," Finally, his ability to speak returned. "It's just… Wow." However, complete sentences were still pretty much out of the range of possibilities, meaningful sentences at least. "I mean… just look at you…"
Genesis frowned. "Done that already. I own a mirror, you know. However, I'm not too sure if I like what I see…"
Angeal knew without a doubt that a lot of people would have interpreted that statement differently. As one of those typical tries to catch attention maybe. Or as irony. Anyway, as something that Genesis didn't really mean when he said it. Gillian Hewley, Angeal's mother, had used to say: 'It's easy to lie using words, but hard if not impossible to lie with your eyes.' and therefore, Angeal was completely sure what to make out of that statement.
You always impressed me with your ability to see beauty in the smallest things, in a stone, a feather or a flower petal. So how on this planet can you miss it when it's so obvious?