A/N: HOLY CHEESECAKE. I updated. It's a freaking miracle. Anyway, I am eternally sorry for the sporadic updates, and hope you enjoy the pile of fluff that's to come. :D
'An Unlikely Prospect'
Chapter V ~ Hope
Beep…beep…beep...
Genesis rolled his eyes, moaning.
It had only been a few hours, but he was already sick to death of the heart rate machine Hojo had attached to him. Every beep was like a keening burst of sound, rattling his feverish head.
Beep…beep…beep…
Wordlessly, Genesis laid his head against the cold metal floor. The only thing keeping his sanity intact was the fact that she was coming to visit him again that night. Though he lacked a proper sense of time due to the absence of windows, he could conclude that since Hojo had departed, it was probably rather late. The scientist never liked to separate himself from his laboratory when he could help it. This means…she'll be here soon…
Beep beep beep beep-
A long sigh escaped his lips. Perhaps it was best if he didn't think about her…
Of course, he knew this to be impossible. She had been his only source of comfort over the last month…his only reason to keep on enduring Hojo's horrific treatment. Whenever she paid him a visit, which was often every three or four nights, she succeeded in distracting him long enough from his situation to prevent him from losing all hope. No matter what degradation caused him to do, she remained steadfast in her loyalty to care for him…and because of that, he had managed to prevent his health from declining as quickly.
The faint echoes of a smile touched his pale lips as he remembered their latest conversation. All she had been doing was telling him a humorous story from her early days at ShinRa, probably in an attempt to make him laugh, when she suddenly stopped. He had looked at her quizzically, wondering why she had paused. Cissnei, meanwhile, looked at him suspiciously.
"You…smiled," she had murmured, raising her eyebrows at him. "You actually smiled."
He had ducked his head, feeling as if it were wrong to even feel any happiness in his current situation. Reality had then started to creep back to him after Cissnei had said this, and he had shaken his head.
"Do it again."
"…what?"
"…smile. You look…" Cissnei had then trailed off, lowering her gaze from his. "…you look lovely when you smile."
"…even looking like this?" Genesis had questioned, exposing his heavily scarred neck.
She had nodded warmly, her lips curving upwards in approval. "Yes."
And now, as Genesis thought back on that conversation, he had to admit…there was something quite nice about…her smile, too…
Beepbeepbeepbeep!
Suitably distracted from his affectionate thoughts, the rogue SOLDIER let out an irritated growl. If he didn't learn to cope with his increased heart rate and the infernal beeping it caused every time he dared to think of Cissnei, he was quite certain he would go mad. Of course, with what remained of his mako enhancements, he was able to detect the familiar, delicate footfalls that had begun steadily approaching his location. He couldn't deny that this raised his spirits.
"Genesis?" Cissnei had stepped into the area by then, her eyes scanning him quickly to assess his condition.
"Hey," he said softly, his lips forming into the barest hints of a smile. "It's…good to see you."
The female Turk smiled warmly, secretly pleased with the openness in which he said this. It amazed her to see the transformation in his attitude towards her since they had first stumbled across each other. "How are you feeling tonight?"
Before Genesis could reply, he was caught off guard by the urge to yawn. Although he couldn't realistically stretch his body due to his confinements, he managed to completely extend his large wing before settling down again. "Tired…and stiff…but otherwise, alright."
Cissnei giggled, moving over to sit beside him. "I'm very glad to hear that, since only a few weeks ago you were in such a bad state."
"I don't know how long it will last," he sighed, shifting about to get into a comfortable sitting position. "I can only assume that Hojo is tinkering around with what effects certain drugs and medicines have on my condition. He keeps on fiddling with my IV fluids."
"Well, whatever he's doing, it's helping," she replied, watching him carefully. "Your symptoms seem quite reduced." Not to mention…you talk so…calmly, almost like your old self…
Genesis nodded, annoyances forgotten as he focused on Cissnei. However, he failed to realise the results of her noticing the heart rate machine as she pulled him in for a friendly hug. As her arms gently moved around his bare shoulders, the erratic and fast beeps of his heartbeat triggered a sudden nervousness inside of him. The Turk paused, only then noticing the change in tempo from the beeps she had dismissed to the back of her mind.
Beepbeepbeepbeep-
"Your heart rate," she whispered; her smile widening. "It's so much faster."
The former SOILDER didn't reply, his cheeks warming. He couldn't deny the feelings he was experiencing towards her…after all, she was the only pretty girl he had ever seen since being captured. The other female Turks that sometimes silently observed him were much too stoic and hardened for his appreciation.
Cissnei concentrated, holding him closely as she matched the quickened blips to his heartbeats that thumped inside his chest. She laughed, pulling backwards. To her surprise and delight, Genesis was blushing.
"Alright," he mumbled, looking away. "So…I might…think you're pretty."
Now it was Cissnei's turn to feel her face redden. However, despite her bashfulness she touched a hand to his cheek, gently turning his head to face hers. In that brief moment she leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on his pale lips. "Thank you."
Genesis shrugged, giving her a small, half-hearted smile.
"Oh…by the way…" the Turk replied, moving a hand about inside her pocket, "I brought you something."
He looked over at her curiously, watching her pull out a miniature chocolate bar.
"Here," she smiled. Genesis felt the treat being pushed into his palm.
"…thanks," he nodded gratefully, tearing off the thin plastic wrapper to reveal the goodness within. "Did you want some?"
Cissnei shook her head, revealing her own. "All set."
Satisfied by her response, Genesis snapped the chocolate in half and popped the first piece in his mouth. Oh…Gaia, it was good.
The Turk giggled at his apparent ecstasy, watching him close his eyes and savor the heavenly taste. She could only assume that he hadn't eaten anything in a very, very long time. She had no idea IV fluids were capable of sustaining a person for so long.
"By the goddess," Genesis breathed, licking his lips. "That was…that was...exquisite!"
"A fancy choice of words for such a simple treat," Cissnei laughed. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"'Enjoyed' is an understatement," he replied, shifting his weight to sit more comfortably. "When you haven't eaten proper food in weeks, being given chocolate of all things is mind blowing."
"Well, expect more for future visits." Cissnei smiled warmly at him, inwardly pleased that he was behaving so normally despite his rather unpleasant circumstances. He had been confined in the science department for over a month, and somehow he was finding the fortitude to keep going. She had her suspicions that perhaps what she was doing really was the right thing, even if it meant betraying her own workplace behind their backs. But, ShinRa's track record was hardly one to be praised, either…
"So," Genesis began, giving her a wry look, "how was work?"
"Work was work," Cissnei shrugged. "Although, Reno did tip coffee down Tseng's shirt…"
The former SOLDIER felt the corner of his mouth twitch upwards in amusement. If there was anything at all that he missed about that forsaken company, it would be interactions with co-workers…simply because most of them involved humorous situations. He hadn't experienced a laugh over social situation in…years, almost…
"…and I got stuck in the elevator."
Genesis blinked. "…really?"
Cissnei looked irritated just thinking about it. "Yes. It was most inconveniencing. I'm surprised it happened, since Reno wasn't actually with me at the time."
"That is rather shocking…did it take long for them to notice and get you out?"
"About twenty minutes…but it felt like forever," the Turk mumbled, shuddering at the oppressive feelings of confinement she had experienced. "I hate tight spaces."
Genesis gave a sympathetic wince. "I can relate…"
"Anyway, they got me, and that was that," she concluded, wishing to change the subject. "And in regards to the coffee incident, perhaps that's why Tseng never takes his suit off at the beach. Burn marks."
"A very probable theory," he agreed, smirking at her. His leave had sometimes coincided with the Turks, and the rumors of a shirtless Tseng at the beach were always disproved upon his suited arrival. Genesis could remember back to those long, sunny days at Costa del Sol, unable to fathom how the man wasn't dying from heat exhaustion. His fellow colleagues at least had enough sense to enjoy the surf in respectable swimwear, including Cissnei…
"Anyway," she continued, snapping the former SOLDIER out his bikini thoughts, "…how was your day?"
Genesis resisted the urge to scoff. "It was…uneventful, and a little painful, but Hojo's wonder drugs seem to have removed any unpleasantness for the time being."
Cissnei nodded in approval, wondering where to lead the conversation next. She didn't mind the comfortable silence that settled around them, but she wished to take advantage of his considerably pleasant mood.
"I'm…just curious," she began, pausing as he glanced at her inquisitively. "How…exactly does it feel to…have wings?"
Immediately she regretted asking what she did, seeing the apparent uncertainty play about on Genesis' face. "I'm sorry…did I make you feel uncomfortable?
"No, not at all," he replied, giving her a half-smile. "It's…difficult to explain, but…I'll try. In a way, it's a bit like having an extra arm…or at least, the sensation resembles using an arm…" Carefully, he extended his feathers outward so she could see how they unfolded.
"…what about… having feathers?" Cissnei whispered, transfixed.
"Light, and airy," he murmured, taking the time to gaze at his own wing with interest. "Sometimes, I can hardly tell they're there… but if one gets ripped out before it should, I will most certainly feel it."
The Turk nodded, seeing a few gaps in his secondary and primary feathers that indicated he was speaking from experience. "You're so…lucky."
Genesis didn't respond. For the longest time, he had thought himself as monstrous, beastlike, for having an extra appendage. To be fair to his judgment, he didn't even have a pair of wings…and ever since he had discovered it, that dog of a scientist Hollander had callously referred to him as a monster, a failure, simply because of it. And…he had believed him…especially when coupling his wing with his unpredictable and beastlike degradation…
"You think?" He whispered, lightly ruffling his soft feathers.
"To fly…to escape everything that bothers you and to soar through the sky unchained…yes. You are lucky." Cissnei nodded firmly, slightly envious.
"If I ever get out of here…and before I die," he mumbled, his eyes softening at her gaze, "maybe…one day, I could take you for a fly. You deserve that much."
His sincere words made her blush profusely, but she didn't look away. "I would like that very much."
'It might…cost you a favor, though," Genesis smiled, his expression turning mischievous. Cissnei looked back at him with confusion, her face still rather pink.
"And what's that?"
The rogue SOLDIER shifted slightly closer to her. "Come closer."
His gestures were open and calm, and she trusted him, but she still wondered what he was up to. She shuffled towards him until their knees were touching. "Okay?"
"Now, stay still…" Genesis whispered, his chained hand gently touching hers. Carefully, he leaned his face towards Cissnei, until he was able to gently brush his lips against hers. Instinctively she closed her eyes, a little shy in understanding that he wanted to kiss her. Certainly, she'd already made such contact before with him, but…it was different, when he was the one who took the initiative.
But, she didn't mind. His lips were soft and smooth, and he was very gentle as he moved them against her mouth. When the fleeting moment ended and he finished, Cissnei felt her stomach overwhelmed by butterflies.
"Thank you," Genesis said simply, giving her a small smile.
The Turk found herself overcome by shyness, her once non-existent nerves spiking up a notch. "You're welcome," she responded quietly, her face burning. "I, um…if you want to do that again, I…"
"…are you alright?" He looked at her curiously.
"I wouldn't mind at all," she gushed, biting her lip. "You can ask me." Alright, so she had kissed him before, but why was it so different now?
"…can I do again?" Genesis allowed himself to smirk at her ever-reddening face.
Cissnei swallowed. She was surprised at herself for being elated he had made the request a second time. However, instead of giving him a verbal response, she simply leaned in and planted a light kiss on his pale lips.
"I'll take that as a yes," Genesis laughed, gently pressing his mouth against hers once more. Admittedly, he was tempted to take their second kiss further, but knew that in this situation their feelings, if at all, were still in the very early stages of development. She was so kind and compassionate towards him that scaring her was the last thing he wanted to do.
Cissnei, meanwhile, was a little shocked at her actions, but could not deny she liked the situation she was in. As they kissed, she felt the jolt of Genesis trying to bring his hand to her face. In sympathy, she placed her own palm against his cheek, but felt her heart squeeze as her fingers traced his skin. She could feel the old, painful scars that marred the edges of face like cracked earth.
A few more moments passed, and then Genesis gently pulled backwards, slightly out of breath. He couldn't remember the last time he'd shared such intimacy with anyone. He could only thank whatever higher power there was that fate had caused Cissnei to find him.
"That was…really nice," Cissnei breathed, embarrassed. She had vowed to prove Genesis that he could be loved…but what she was feeling was…more than that. Winged ex-SOLDIER or not, she...really liked him.
"It was wonderful," he replied, feeling a tad too warm after their contact. "You have my immense gratitude."
"Oh, I didn't mind, really," she giggled, allowing herself to blush. "You might not think so, Genesis, but degradation or not…"
"…or not?" He looked at her with his eyebrows raised, a smile tugging at his lips.
"…you're still handsome." The Turk looked at him shyly.
"Oh?" Genesis felt a small amount of pride welling inside his chest.
"And…I know, deep down, your heart is good."
"I'm…not so sure about that part," he responded dully, guilt slowly creeping into his conscious once more.
"You've treated me like a gentleman would," she said simply, smiling at him, "when your head is in the right place. I don't blame you for anything degradation has caused you to do."
The former SOLDIER felt so blessed to have her understanding, since it was most rare amongst other people. In thankfulness, he gently touched his feathers around her shoulders. "Don't be so kind. You flatter me too much."
"I can't have you hating yourself for things beyond your control, can I?" Cissnei stated, looking at him reassuringly. "There's always a glimmer of hope."
"You…are my hope," Genesis whispered.
The Turk looked at him in surprise, her eyes wide. "…what?"
"Without you, I…would have broken," he continued, feeling shy.
"I…I don't know what to say," Cissnei replied quietly, unable to suppress her bashful smile. "I don't think I ever could have ignored you."
"And that's…why you're my hope." He looked into her eyes, managing to form his first warm smile in months.
Naturally, all she could do was blush. She hadn't really noticed before, but he…looked so sweet, smiling like that. Somehow she had managed to bypass all that anger, all that frustration and all that rage…and had found this precious side to him. Why can't anyone else see him for who he is?
"How sweet," Genesis laughed quietly, eyeing her cheeks.
"Oh, come here," she replied quickly, feeling rather flustered as she quickly slipped her arms around his broad shoulders. Despite her shyness, she felt her smile widen further with each little tremble of laughter he produced. Maybe she really was working wonders on him…
"I meant what I said," he mumbled into her shoulder, wriggling as close to her as he could.
"It's the least I could do," Cissnei replied, beginning to rub the downy feathers near his shoulder again. Just as she was about to continue speaking, Genesis sighed in apparent pleasure.
"Mm…that feels really good…" He closed his eyes, rapt in gentleness of her hands.
The Turk giggled slightly, caressing her fingers across the join between his shoulder and wing. He sighed again, relaxing his weight against her body.
"Is this a spot you can't really reach?" Cissnei questioned gently.
Genesis moved his hands, causing the chains around his wrists to jangle slightly. "Sadly, it's true…"
"Well, I don't mind doing this one bit, just to let you know."
"…thank you," he replied, grateful.
"Well, with your feathers being so soft and all," she smiled, "it's…hard for me to resist."
Now it was the former SOLDIER's turn to feel embarrassed. First he was still handsome, and how his feathers were soft…maybe she was buttering him up too much. But, he didn't mind. Someone finally appreciated him, and actually…cared.
"You know what, Cissnei?"
The Turk paused for a moment. "What?"
"I really like you."
She blinked, feeling a shiver of elation shoot through her. Genesis touched his wing around her shoulders, shielding her from their harsh surroundings. For some reason, despite the implications of betray to ShinRa...Cissnei knew the feeling was mutual.
"I…really like you too, Gen," she replied, finally brave enough to use his nickname.
In response, he gently pulled backwards from their embrace, and kissed her cheek. He could never have dreamed that, with his debilitating circumstances and horrendous actions, he could be worthy of love ever again…
…but he was so thankful that he had been proved wrong.
A/N: -faints from cuteness overload-
I hope there wasn't too much fluff in there. –shifty eyes-
Anyway, I have a slightly better idea where this story is going, so anticipate developments in the coming months! [I say months because it's just under a month before university semester ends…and only then will my muse likely come back XD]
Anyway, I hope you guys loved it! –bounce-
~ Lioneh
Disclaimer: I don't own Cissnei, Genesis or anything to do with Final Fantasy VII. :( All I own is the chocolate.