Finally, chapter 2, and the conclusion!
"Angeal, come on!" Genesis urged, pushing the burly SOLDIER further into the clothing store; a place which Angeal considered to be nothing more than a full-scale assault on his senses. "It's too colorful and noisy in here," Angeal complained gruffly. "I thought you were against this sort of thing, Genesis." "Not when it comes to clothing stores," Genesis said solemnly, shaking his head. "Come on, Ang - we'll get you fitted for a new suit!"
"No," Angeal barked, folding his arms across his chest, shaking his head stubbornly. "No suit. I am not a 'suit' type of guy." "Are you...a leather type of guy?" Genesis purred, sidling up alongside Angeal, gently touching his fingers to the man's vast, muscled forearms. The redhead began to feel a bit aroused, envisioning Angeal outfitted in tight, black leather...
"You have the stupidest look on your face right now, Genesis," Angeal taunted, smirking. "What are you thinking about? How many shoes you'll be buying?" he teased.
"If you only knew what I was thinking about," Genesis muttered softly, blushing. Angeal quirked an eyebrow at him curiously; it wasn't like Genesis to feel discomfited or embarrassed.
"Well, I appreciate your intentions to revamp my wardrobe, Genesis," Angeal said kindly, smiling at his friend. "But I beg of you, no suits! I'll look like a big gorilla."
Genesis gasped. How dare Angeal negate himself in that way! Here was a specimen of manhood at its finest, in Genesis's opinion, and he was criticising himself horribly. "I don't want to hear you say that again, Angeal," Genesis said firmly. "You are magnificent!"
Angeal chuckled deeply at this, the corners of his eyes crinkling up in a manner that Genesis found pleasant. "Magnificent?" he echoed. "Now I know you're really laying it on thick, Gen. What do you want from me now?" he said teasingly.
You, Genesis thought of the words he still couldn't bring himself to say. I want you. Instead, Genesis steered Angeal toward the exit, and smiled.
"I just want us to enjoy our time here together," Genesis murmured. "And, if you don't want a suit, you don't have to have a suit. Now, what do you say to the leather store, then? Perhaps some leather pants?"
"Maybe," Angeal said, relenting. "Just...don't go overboard with this, Genesis. Please."
"When do I ever go overboard?" Genesis asked, feigning innocence. "There's supposed to be a fine leather goods store somewhere in this facility," he muttered, studying the brightly lit storefronts of the Gold Saucer's shopping complex.
"Can we get something to eat after this?" Angeal said, feeling the grip of hunger in his stomach. "I'm starting to get hungry."
"Of course we can!" Genesis chirped agreeably. "There are several five-diamond restaurants at the Gold Saucer-"
"I want a burger," Angeal interrupted, grinning at Genesis, "a beer, and perhaps some onion rings."
"Well, we can do that also," Genesis said with a sly smile. "In fact, I believe there is a gourmet burger restaurant nearby!" he exclaimed, fumbling with the resort map.
Angeal groaned. "I just want a burger," he said firmly. "What is this gourmet burger nonsense?"
"Well, it says here," Genesis replied, poring over the burger bistro's menu, "that they have a truffle burger that is served with a balsamic reduction - oh! You can also have a fried chocobo egg on top of your burger!"
"Why would I want an egg on my burger?" Angeal, ever the burger purist, puzzled.
"I don't know," Genesis admitted, shrugging. He folded the map back up, shoving it into his pocket. "Honestly, I don't know why I would want truffles on my burger, either," he said, laughing. Angeal grinned good-naturedly. He was starting to relax, and he was starting to enjoy himself with Genesis - even though shopping for a new wardrobe sounded like hell to Angeal.
They came to a small area with an atrium; skylights were overhead, and a large fountain was in the middle of the area, almost like a mock town square. As the two friends walked along, a beam of late afternoon sunlight shone through the skylights and caught Genesis's russet-red hair, highlighting it so it almost looked like his rapier, edged in fire.
Angeal caught sight of this and was taken aback. "Beautiful," he whispered, not even realizing he'd uttered the words until after they were spoken.
"What?" Genesis blurted, fairly certain he'd heard what he thought he heard. But, being a tiny bit vain, he wanted to hear it again; and, to make sure neither he nor Angeal had lost their minds.
"Nothing," Angeal muttered, embarrassed. "Um. Your hair. It...looks nice."
He does fancy me, Genesis thought, unable to hold back a grin. I knew it. "Thank you," Genesis replied, thanking him. They walked along in awkward silence for a few moments, when Genesis suddenly decided to confess his feelings. This is ridiculous, he thought. I love him...I am fairly certain he loves me...why are we both so stupid?
"Angeal, I need to - " Genesis began.
"Oh, here's the leather store!" Angeal said with a smile, gesturing to the store they were now approaching. Genesis groaned inwardly. "Great," he said sarcastically. My timing sucks, as usual...
"Hey, that cowboy hat looks nice," Angeal observed, pointing at a mannequin in the display window. Genesis nodded enthusiastically. "Ride 'em cowboy!" he quipped, cackling with glee.
This was met with a raised eyebrow and an eyeroll from Angeal. "Genesis. That's enough."
"Oh, Angeal, loosen up!" Genesis urged. "Let me pick out something for you, okay?" Angeal shrugged, relenting, as they entered the store.
"Okay," Angeal replied hesitantly. "Nothing...too risque."
"Of course not," Genesis replied, grinning cheekily. He made his way to the back of the store, Angeal following close behind. Genesis began thumbing through a display rack of leather pants, when a familiar duo came into his line of sight. When he saw who it was - and how they were attired - Genesis burst out laughing.
"Angeal! Look!" Genesis cried. It was Reno and Rude. Rude was dressed from head to toe in leather; vest, assless chaps, and biker boots, along with a leather cap. Reno was clad in a skin tight leather suit, with a spiked dog collar around his neck. A leash dangled from the collar, and the end of it was held tightly in Rude's hand.
The bald Turk smirked, while the redhead twitched, glaring at Angeal and Genesis.
"This is not my idea, yo," he said irritably. "Rude's into this shit, not me. Ow! Stop it, Rude!" he yelped as Rude jerked on Reno's chain. "You will not tell anyone what you saw here, understand?" Reno warned Genesis and Angeal.
"Bullshit," Genesis replied, smirking. He fished his cell phone out of his pocket and flipped it open, aiming the camera at Reno and Rude. Reno's eyes widened and his mouth fell open. "No! Don't!" he pleaded.
Click. The flash went off, and the picture was taken. Genesis laughed as he pocketed his cell phone. "Oh, don't worry, guys," he said, chuckling. "This is for my own personal amusement. It's not as if I'll post the photo on Facebook..."
"You do that, you're fucking dead, yo," Reno snapped. "I told you this was a bad idea, Rude!" he complained. "In the privacy of our own home is one thing, but out in public like this, this is bullshit!" Rude frowned, and yanked Reno's leash sharply, pulling the angry redhead away from Genesis and Angeal, waving casually at them. The two Turks were bickering loudly as they exited the store, and Genesis and Angeal burst out laughing.
"That was really rotten of you, Gen," Angeal said, grinning in spite of his protest.
"You have to admit that was funny, though!" Genesis replied, wiping away tears. "Oh, Gaia. Well, I suppose that's one way to control someone like Reno."
"I suppose so," Angeal said, still laughing. "Okay…so…I guess I need to pick out some clothing here…" he muttered, continuing to thumb through the clothing racks. Genesis rudely shoved next to Angeal, practically squealing as he found a pair of leather pants done in a snakeskin motif.
"These, definitely," Genesis insisted, shoving the garment at Angeal. "In fact – why don't you go and try those on now, grab a dressing room….I'll just pick a few more out for you and bring them to you. Don't worry, I know your size!"
"Genesis, I don't think this – " Angeal began to protest, but Genesis waved him off.
"No, I don't want to hear it," Genesis retorted, shaking his head. "Go ahead now, and try them on. Now shoo!"
Angeal groaned audibly, and shuffled off toward the row of dressing rooms, grumbling as he did so. "Gaia only knows what Genesis will pick out for me when he's done going through those racks." The SOLDIER selected a dressing room, and shut the door behind him, hanging the pants on a hook inside. He slipped off his own pants, and tried on the snakeskin ones.
"Angeal? Where are you?" Genesis called.
"Over here," Angeal answered, opening the door a crack. He groaned again, as he saw Genesis march toward him, arms laden with several pairs of pants, a few shirts, and a leather vest.
"That's too much stuff," Angeal protested. "I am not trying all of that on."
"Angeal, please don't be difficult," Genesis retorted. "Just try on what you want. Ooh! Try these first," he said with a mischievous grin, handing a pair of black leather pants over to him.
"I'll wait out here !" Genesis called as he shut the door. "But let me see when you have them on!"
"Fine!" Angeal snapped, grumbling once again. "Never should have mentioned needing a new wardrobe…" Angeal took the snakeskin pants off, having decided they were a bit too snug, and put them back on the hanger. Sighing, he pulled on the pants Genesis had selected him. He was surprised to find that they fit very well, and were comfortable, but somehow…felt odd.
"Have them on yet?" Genesis prodded. "I want to see!"
"I have them on," Angeal said, opening the dressing room door, "but they feel odd. Comfortable, but…odd. I feel a draft….oh no, Genesis! What have you done!" The SOLDIER had suddenly caught sight of his backside in the mirror, and was horrified to find out that the pants he was wearing were assless.
"You really fill those out well, Angeal," Genesis said huskily, licking his lips as he entered the dressing room, shutting the door behind him. Angeal swallowed hard, and tried to steady his now-rapidly beating heart.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were coming on to me," Angeal said coolly, trying to act and sound casual, despite his nerves starting to get to him.
"You would be correct," Genesis said, smirking up at Angeal. "So…what are you going to do about it?"
"This," Angeal said in a low growl, grasping Genesis by the wrists and pinning him against the wall, as he kissed him hard. Genesis groaned, tilting his head back as Angeal kissed and nuzzled his neck. The redhead's hand wandered around Angeal, and grabbed his ass.
"You're groping my ass," Angeal observed, smirking.
"Yes," Genesis purred, nodding. "So…do you like the pants?" he asked, laughing.
"I fucking love them," Angeal declared, grinning. "I'll take them. Let's…head back to our room, Genesis. I think we have quite a bit to talk about."
"Who says we have to talk?" Genesis said playfully, nipping at Angeal's lips before capturing them in a kiss.
"Well, I guess we'll see when we get there," Angeal replied. He kissed Genesis again, and gathered up the pants he'd been wearing in his arms, and proceeded to the checkout.
"I'm buying these pants, and I'd like to wear them out of the store, if that's okay," Angeal told the sales clerk, who nodded.
"Certainly, sir," she replied, as she ran Angeal's credit card through the register. "Shall I cut the tags off for you?"
"Already taken care of," Angeal said, smiling, as he tugged on the price tag, easily removing it. "Thank you."
Genesis followed Angeal out of the store, hanging back slightly. "What are you waiting for, Gen?" Angeal demanded. "I'd like to get back to our room – "
"Just admiring the view," Genesis replied, letting out a low whistle as he blatantly stared at Angeal's perfect ass.
"You're horrible," Angeal replied, chuckling. "I can't believe I'm wearing these in public – the things I do for you Genesis."
"Oh my gods, Ang – " Genesis hissed, pulling Angeal by the arm, ducking behind a corner. "Do you see that?" he demanded, pointing at Zack and Cloud, who were heading toward them, but had not seen the two SOLDIERS yet, hiding as they were.
"It's Zack and Cloud, so?" Angeal muttered, slightly irritated with Genesis's gossipy tendencies. His eyes widened as he saw the reason for the redhead's shock and surprise.
"Is….is Cloud wearing a bridal veil?" Angeal whispered, rubbing his eyes. Looking further, he noted that Zack and Cloud both appeared to be happily inebriated, stumbling into each other.
"Did they get married?" Angeal asked, nudging Genesis, who was grinning maniacally and nodding.
"I believe they did!" Genesis crowed, chuckling. "You know, they have those twenty-four hour wedding chapels here. Oh gods, those two are in for a rude awakening when they sober up."
"Good thing they also have twenty-four hour divorce proceedings here as well," Angeal commented.
"Well," Genesis quipped. "What happens at the Gold Saucer…stays at the Gold Saucer."
Angeal shook his head, smirking, as he wrapped his arms around Genesis.
"No," Angeal murmured, kissing Genesis tenderly. "Not everything.
A/N: Okay...I realize, they probably DON'T have Facebook on Gaia. But they probably have some equivalent, so humor me here. :)
Gold Saucer = Vegas. It just seems to fit.