Old habits really die hard, it seems. Genesis had read this book and watched the theatre whenever he can get his hands on it for the last ten years, yet he's still not sick of it— yet. It was the same thing as this late night meetings with his childhood friend, Angeal. Nothing had changed between them, he still barges to his office to talk about mundane things before the end of day, or the other way around, the brunet man coming into his, pouring for both of them some booze from his small collection while he chatted away about something that he found interesting. Genesis might not admit it, but he liked these moments with Angeal. It was always peaceful with him. It felt like he can depend on him on just about anything. Sometimes he even thinks why he was not fed up yet with all his nagging.

"Are you worried about that lovesick puppy of yours?" The redhead asked as he flipped through the pages of Loveless, while he sat languidly on Angeal's chair.

"What do you mean lovesick? But yes, I'm worried." Angeal answered or rather asked, eyebrow rising in question. Genesis evaded the question and flipped another page on the novel, face still seemingly nonchalant.

"Clueless, aren't' we? So you're not going to tell him? But even if you do, I don't think he can leave that blondie behind, no matter what."

"He's strangely attached to him, I noticed." Angeal replied in slight confusion. He doesn't quite understand why he is being asked about Zack's love life of all things. The redhead finally lifts his eyes from the novel and returned the gaze that was fixated upon him. The other male across him crossed his arms over his chest as he anticipated his reply.

"Well, no matter what side he chooses, he will still be surely traumatized again. And there's nothing you can do about that." Angeal's brows furrowed in return, averting his gaze from the other male.

"Sometimes I wish I can do something about it though. He's like a little brother to me, after all." Angeal mused aloud. Where is this all coming from?

"Ah— am I like a little brother to you as well?"

Genesis retorted, as he watched the other man freeze on the spot. It seemed like he hit a sore point as the reply didn't come quickly like he expected. It somehow made him a bit conscious in return, but he ignored the bubbling feeling as fast as it came.

"Genesis— well, you're—"

"Don't answer it. Never mind." The redhead interjected, his eyes lowering once again to the book on his hand. He didn't speak any more than that, leaving the other man obviously bothered. Angeal felt his face heat up at the sudden question, as it completely caught him off guard. Out of all the questions he could ask—. How could he answer him immediately? Hell, he isn't prepared to see Genesis' reaction to whatever reply he thinks of saying. It was most probably just because of curiosity that he asked, right? Or will he use it for— leverage? He's definitely over thinking this. And yet Genesis doesn't look like he cared for his answer either way.

That alone seemed to be a reply by itself, isn't it?

.

"Why can't I do it?" Cloud asks, after his hazy brain recovered from pleasure. Zack just continued to lazily trace circles on his back while his other hand held his waist quite firmly.

"I want to preserve your innocence a bit more, I guess?" The brunet answers, a dreamy smile plastered on his face. He cocked his head lightly above the loose arms that encircled his shoulders, as he watched the blonde's every movement. Just what is going on in that head of yours?

"What innocence are you talking about? And what are you going to do about this then?" The blonde asked in return, grinding his hips on Zack's lap. The brunet groaned in reply, fingers digging deeper on the other's waist. Just a second ago he was on top of him but now it feels like he's at his mercy. It's kind of difficult to win against a warm body in a dishevelled shirt, topped with a breathy voice and half lidded blue eyes.

"You really like tormenting me, don't you?" Zack asked playfully, chuckling despite of himself. He inhaled a sharp breath as the other's hand went down and began stroking him over his pants.

"Not really.. Well— you really don't want to? This here feels like the opposite, though." Cloud replied; face inching closer to the brunet. He can't help but get drawn into the depths of his eyes, glowing irises going intense as seconds pass by. He does not understand why Zack was holding back when he purposefully went to his place to do this kind of thing. Sometimes he wonders if he had done it a lot with other men— He's pretty sure he's popular with the same sex, after all. He can seduce anyone with this face. Cloud was pulled out of his musings as the hand that was tracing his back was gone and both of Zack's hands were now gripping his waist in place.

He really wants it, despite what he says.

"Your hand is enough." Zack finally said, as he proceeded to undo his belt buckle and his fly, not breaking eye contact.

Cloud felt his face heat up as the brunet guided his fingers along his hard shaft, pulsing with desire. Goosebumps formed all over his skin as quick breaths escaped the brunet's lips, a look of utter seriousness befalling his handsome face. Cloud just wanted to watch his face contort from pleasure but he was pulled close to an embrace instead, Zack's mouth hovering against his left ear. He can hear his sharp breaths and suppressed grunts more clearly now, as his hand pleasured him steadily. Teeth grazed his neck in return, warm breath teasing over his skin. He was undoubtedly aroused once again at this point and Zack must have felt it, because his hand was also stroking him gently now, trying to massage him at a same pace. Everything he does with him, he does so gently. He just can't win against him, does he? He bit his lip at the sensation of the brunet's hand, his roughened, calloused, fingers exciting him more than ever. He ended up closing his eyes, moaning in surrender. He stroked him faster like the rapid beating of his heart, until the both of them drove each other over the edge. His lips was caught in a deep kiss as a strangled moan left his throat, Zack pulling them together as close as possible. Cloud can't help but shiver in return, as Zack came into his hand, with him following soon enough. The brunet's moans died down as the blonde's palm caressed his heaving chest, giving him soft kisses as they chased the last throbs of pleasure.

Cloud felt utterly spent and satisfied as he fell limp to the brunet's chest, feeling cozy under the blanket. It did not go exactly like he planned but maybe this is fine as well. If he's gonna be honest, he was a bit scared actually. Zack was kinda in the large department, alright? He didn't know how it would go. But he wanted to do it nonetheless. It just felt like—they both needed this moment. Whether it's an assurance or just a simple wanting in his part, he just need to feel him right now, or else it feels like he'll just slip through his fingers, like some fleeting moment he could never get back. Zack was lazily stroking his hair as he rambled softly about something that he was so sleepy to comprehend. His eyes fell closed in contentment, the rhythm of the brunet's heart putting him at ease.

He looked so peaceful as he fell asleep, Zack thought. He never expected him to be the cuddly type, but time and time again they end up in his bed. Or was he really just some kind of pillow for him? He just wants to spoil him. Cloud alone dissolved the building gloom that he was feeling the past few days. Did he miss him? He even took the lead today. How bold. That thought alone could make his heart flutter and grin like an idiot. Bribe or not, or whatever ulterior motive the blonde has, it's not like he's going to leave him behind for anything, anyways. If anyone was scared to be left behind, it was probably him. How he wished this moment could last much longer. For in these moments nothing else existed but just the two of them. He cannot think of anything else, not Soldier, not Shinra nor not some lingering thoughts at the back of his mind. He felt like he was living two completely different realities, one inside the four walls of this room, and the other just behind the door, waiting for one of them to take a step outside; a kind of reality where the two cannot coexist with each other. Sleep wouldn't come so easily these days, but tonight it will.

.

Such a distasteful predicament, he thought, as he paced the training room, long silver hair fluttering slightly. He had thought about this moment for quite some time now, turning it over in his mind, as he try to envision the possible outcomes of this mess. No matter how he looked at it, the result was always unfavourable. Why has it come to this? Is this how it all ends? Should he wait much longer?

As always, they came on time. Sephiroth's train of thought was broken at the sound of the automatic doors opening and closing. An expected remark flew his way along with a flashy red coat. Angeal was closing in behind him, not saying anything.

"You're quite early today. Feeling lonely?"

"I was thinking about something." The silver haired General replied as he finally stopped pacing to look at the both of them.

"You seem to be a bit troubled. Is something the matter?" Angeal asked tentatively as he regarded the First. It was rare for Sephiroth to be anxious about anything. He always treats things with little to no concern at all for he was confident with his abilities to handle anything. For him to be bothered by a mere thought was something new and something that is a bit unnerving.

"Just what makes the great Sephiroth worry?" Genesis prodded, in a tone that what both teasing but taunting at the same time.

"How about you, Genesis? What are you thinking?" The red haired First returned his critical green eyes.

"I am thinking how this sparring session will turn out."

Angeal can't help but feel anxious himself as the tension in room rise steadily each passing second. Genesis and Sephiroth looked like two predators, eyeing each other, looking for some kind of opening to exploit. Does he know something? Has he heard about Lazard and Genesis' plans? Angeal's body went on full alert as the silver haired man drew his Masamune, the long, sharp blade glinting ominously against the dimly-lit room. Its long blade vibrated against the very air they breathed as he brought it forward threateningly, across Genesis.

"Sephiroth—" Angeal's warning voice called out as he took a tentative step forward.

"Angeal. Are you with him?" The silver haired man asked, his voice tight against his throat.

"And what if he is?" Genesis cut in defiantly, sharp blue eyes not leaving the silver haired man. He drew his sword in return; for there is no way that he's not accepting this invitation. He did not expect that he will be facing him on this early, but alas, their luck seemed to run out.

"You know what will happen to the likes of you. You'll get executed for treason." Sephiroth stated in a matter-of-fact tone, fuelling the other's vulnerable state. It's a bit worrying how one can easily stir up Genesis, or maybe he just dislikes him that much.

"By whom? You? Shinra's lapdog, or should I say labrat to be exact?" The redhead spat as he lunged forward, his blade clashing against Spehiroth's in full force. He isn't going to hold back, no matter what. If he won't be able to beat him at this very moment, then there is no chance that he'll beat him in the near future. But if he can, here and now, can he persuade him?

He does not like this at all; it shouldn't be like this, Angeal thought as he watched the two Firsts fight. It looked like Genesis was giving his all into this while Sephiroth— parried him with his ever calculating mind and skill. Their difference is astonishing. He wished for once that the buster sword was here in his hand, as his grip tightened around the hilt of a standard, fragile, sword. How sad it is to think that the bonds of people can easily be broken just like this sword. Now that he sees it with his own eyes, he really won't be able to bear it. He puts both of them in high regard, and watching them try to destroy each other is just, really painful.

.

For the first time in his existence, he felt so utterly lost. His stunned face still lingered on his mind, and he didn't like the feeling it left at the pit of his stomach. Did he overdo it? If anything, Genesis only confirmed the rumours surrounding him and the Soldiers. How long had he been planning this? Does Lazard know? Should he ask him? Is he the only one who doesn't know? But he cannot harm Lazard in any kind of way. Shinra might have all the power over Soldiers and everything under his name, but Lazard is the one doing all the work. He's like the backbone that holds everything together for Soldier. He takes care of anything that concerns Soldier. Without him, the whole program will just fall apart. A look of disgust replaced his once sombre face, Sephiroth realized, as he gazed upon his reflection over the towering glass walls of Shinra. Even until now, he can't do anything. The scope of his authority proved to still be very small.

Just what are you thinking, Genesis? What will you gain from all of this?

What is so important that he rather face death than admit that this is such a foolish idea and give up? Angeal chose his side as well. They were friends after all. He does not understand any of this.

He wished he would make him.

.

"How's your injury?" Angeal asked, concern dripping from his voice. His brows were knitted on his forehead, and the other male found it quite endearing.

"It's just a scratch. It will heal in no time." The red haired man answered rather dismissively, waving the distraught away from Angeal's face.

He still looked hurt, Angeal thought, as he continued to scrutinize him. His beloved rapier broke and struck him with such force that he was stunned for a moment. Sephiroth looked uncharacteristically shaken as well from what had happened and prodded no more. If he had not intervened, worse things might have happened. But more importantly, that kind of wound should have somewhat healed by now even without a materia.

"What do you think he'll do?" Angeal asked, as a foreboding feeling clawed at him from deep within.

"Nothing. He's very good on following orders after all. He needs someone to order him around, doesn't he?" Genesis sneered, though his face quickly dissolved into somewhat a tiresome state.

"I think you should rest for now." Angeal replied, placing a gentle hand on the other's shoulder. He visibly stiffened in response, and it made his jaw clench hard. The red haired man briskly turned away from his grasp, and proceeded to walk away.

"I'm fine, really. Stop worrying about me Angeal." Genesis finally said, before leaving the other's office.

Genesis gritted his teeth as he examined his blood soaked uniform. It looked like it has got no plans of healing itself anytime soon as the throbbing pain continued. He has not dealt with such a deep wound before, but most of the time, injuries just gradually healed itself. Maybe he should have Hollander check it. How bothersome. This is his fault for getting carried away. He should've bluffed his way out instead of trying to provoke Sephiroth. It seemed like taking sides affected the both of them more than they would admit, isn't it? It's as if the great General would take his side though. It's more like, take Shinra's side or die. Lazard needs to take that seat as soon as possible, that is, if they wouldn't get killed before they do so.

.

"You know, I have been meaning to ask, but is it really okay for you to follow me here? Aren't your family against you leaving the household?" Ramza asked, not looking at the boy beside him. He was feeling really embarrassed, and he might not be able to talk straight if he looked at him. He was thankful about the empty training room because they just don't have any sort of privacy in the infantry bunkers.

"They were. They were expecting me to just take care of our small family business and marry some girl. But then one day I learnt that you're deciding to run off somewhere far away to do this kind of stuff. I was really surprised." Delita replied, as a long sigh escaped his lips. Okay, maybe he really isn't that surprised because he had known Ramza since they were children and he just have this strong sense of nobleness in him. He was type to dream about doing greater things in life. What surprised him was that he realized that he can just leave like that, talking about it like it's the weather, and that he was being left behind. He debated with himself if he'll just ask him to stay, but how can he convince him? There was nothing holding him back. He cannot see himself sending him off in a farewell instead as well. So he decided then and there and he'll just go to wherever place he is going.

"Yeah. You know that the Beoulve family isn't the way they were before, right? I at least want to be the head of the family that they deserved." Delita's face frowned in response.

"What are you saying? You are more than enough even if you don't try to prove yourself here. Your old man is just being too dramatic." To bring honour once more to a noble family—ah, he really don't know much about those kinds of things. He's just some commoner after all that was somehow befriended by a noble's son. In the end, he just followed Ramza here because he was being selfish and he just simply doesn't want to be apart from him. He had watched over him for such a long time that his presence at his side was like breathing.

"Alma was sadder when she knew you were leaving as well. She liked you since we were kids, you know." Ramza replied as he chuckled softly at the memory. Or should he say that he's just missing his sister. He chanced a peek at the boy beside him and felt embarrassment wash over him once again. He was staring back at him with his intense eyes, just like he always do. The only difference was just he was more aware of him now, and it makes him quite uncomfortable sometimes.

"Do you want me to be with her instead?" Delita asked in a serious tone. Ramza was so close; he can practically feel his warmth as he sat cross-legged beside him. The blonde boy seems to be surprised from the question, amber eyes widening slightly. He can see as he panicked inside, feeling a bit cornered. He clearly doesn't know how to react. Ramza was met with a sudden peck on his lips when he didn't reply, and his poor self just flushed in a bright colour.

"What are you doing!? Don't just suddenly do that out of nowhere—" The blonde boy finally replied in a hushed voice, as he tried to recover some sense to himself. The brunette beside him just smiled slightly.

"Think about me as well." Think of me, only. If he could just stop thinking about other people for once, Delita thought, then he might regard him in higher place than where he is now. How selfish of him, but if he wouldn't do anything, he is just as good as some random person around him. Sometimes he wonders if it was right for him to pursue these feelings. He at least wanted to try, than to be seen as a friend for life. Someday Ramza might think of marrying a nobleman's daughter as well, if his father tells him to, he surely will. Where does that leave him? Absolutely nowhere.

.

Cloud steered away from the training room, as he saw the two talking quite seriously. It seemed like they were discussing something private and he didn't want to disturb them. He cannot hole himself up in Zack's quarters as well, that's just like him wanting to take advantage. It felt good being spoiled by him though. What time should he go back to the training room then? He does not want to set his foot in there and see something he isn't supposed to. Why the hell is he over thinking this anyway..

"Hey Cloud, what are you doing here? Waiting for Zack? Or that First?" Cloud whipped his head to a somewhat familiar voice, seeing a helmed Soldier approaching his way. It was that Kunsel guy. He had now somewhat wandered to the Soldier floor's cafeteria. It sure was a perfect place to be spotted by chummy Soldiers.

"Ah no, I somehow just wandered here to get some food." The blonde replied, eyeing the ever-creepy Soldier.

"Is that so, well I can't blame you. Food here is better. Like to have some coffee with me?" Kunsel replied cheerfully. It's not uncommon nowadays for him to see this kid, he thought, because he was often times tagging along or being dragged along by a certain First.

"Hey, can I ask you something? You're close with Zack aren't you?" The blonde followed through carefully, as he accepted Kunsel's gesture to take a seat.

"I'm not gonna say that were that close but we definitely trust each other. Your level of closeness is on a different level though, if you ask me." Cloud didn't give him a reply and frowned lightly.

"Never mind that, what is it that you want to know?"

"Well—It's just that.. Zack's really gloomy the other day, it was really bothering me. Anything special that happened? If you're not allowed to, just ignore my question." Cloud was getting a bit nervous if he's gonna be honest. It feels like he's snooping around Zack's business behind his back.

"Hmmm. The other day huh.. Well, you know, he might have visited his comrades that day, that's why. They're already gone though, for quite a long time now."

"I see.."

"Yeah. Just—how do I say this? He really kinda changed since that day you know. He's the type to fool around, a lot. Not saying he didn't take Soldier seriously, on the contrary he does anything to accomplish every mission they gave him. He does not like failing. To him, Soldier First is like, the ultimate goal. But reality hits and suddenly he realized it's not always about chasing your Soldier dreams. There comes a time where you need to decide what's more important, your comrades or your mission?"

"What did he chose?" Cloud asked, as he somewhat predicted where all of this is going. A heavy sigh came out of the Third. It was unnerving that he cannot see his whole face as he recounted this sort of story to him, and it leaves him feeling terribly uneasy.

"It was his first mission in Wutai when he was promoted to be a Second. He chose his friends to accompany him with that mission. But you see, he was promoted for a reason Cloud, he's good at being a Soldier. Most of the Thirds stay that way for most of their Soldier life in here. But even if he chose them, they didn't survive. And he never got over it. Nobody blamed him about it, but he did. In the end it doesn't matter what he chose. Everyone here knows they're life is on the line when they joined the army. It's just a matter of whether you're gonna follow this person you admire the most and his ideals until the end. But it's very different when their lives were on your hand. You'll realize it's very easy to fuck up someone's future for the expense of someone else. But hey, they always say it's for the greater good, no?"

Cloud does not know if it was a good thing to know about this. It makes him want to bite his nails and furrow his brows deeply. Should he have asked Zack directly instead?

"We really should get that coffee. It's on me, don't worry!"

He really should not be loitering here in the Soldier floors, really, the blonde thought, as he saw a particular brunet's figure walking by. Zack saw him and came over. No shit.

"Hey. What are you doing here? Are you with someone?" The brunet asks, taking a seat in front of Cloud. He looked a bit surprised but undoubtedly happy.

"He's with me!" Kunsel cheerily interjected, coffee cups on each hand. Zack stared at his friend and asked himself why.

"Why?"

"Well before you over think things, we were talking about you, that's why." Kunsel replied as he set the two cups on the table, seating himself as well. Zack looked at the Soldier and then to Cloud, cocking his head to side.

"What exactly is this about?" The brunet pried, but the blonde does not seem to budge even a little.

"It's nothing important really. I just happen to bump into him today." Cloud shrugged, taking a sip from the steaming coffee.

"Hey you know what Zack—I heard Cissnei was back! I haven't seen her in ages. You gonna go say hi? I bet she missed you." The brunet obviously stiffened at the statement, Kunsel noted, and smiled inside. Cloud on the other hand looked—well, his impassive face didn't change a bit alright. Did he guess wrong this entire time? He was pretty sure there's something going on..

"I probably would, then." Zack replied indifferently. He wanted his friend to shut his mouth this instant as he bore holes into his helmet. Yet he seems to purposefully ignore him in return to face the blonde.

"Yeah, why not? You know what Cloud, that turk is really something! Small, cute, but deadly. And did I say she was pretty as well?" The Soldier continued babbling on, seeing as how uncomfortable the brunet has become. It's fun teasing him once in a while. Cloud looked uninterested as hell.

"Really.. Well, I'll leave now, I'm training with my friends, they might be wondering where I went." The blonde replied as he suddenly stood to leave. Zack wanted to smack Kunsel at this point.

"Oh, really? How unfortunate. We just started talking about the interesting stuff—"

"Uh.. Cloud—" the brunet called out instinctively, not really knowing what to say.

"Got something to say?" The blonde replied, staring down the other male.

"Wanna grab some dinner or something later?" Zack asks tentatively. Cloud moved closer to his side then, bending down a little as if going for a kiss. He almost stopped breathing as his heart skipped a beat at how close Cloud was, his oceanic eyes focusing on his own.

"You looked so troubled." The blonde replied, as he tried to ignore the irritation he was feeling. He needs to get out of here before he says something unnecessary and make a fool of himself.

Cloud's soft voice tingled on Zack's ears, and the brunet can't help but get captivated. This blonde boy in front of him owns every inch of his being and he doesn't even realize it. He was the only one who can make every fibre of his body respond in this kind of way without even touching. And he loves every second of it. But he's also afraid that he'll destroy him one day, no matter how careful he is. Cloud has pulled away that moment, leaving him speechless.

"See you later then." The blonde finally said as he turned to leave. Kunsel felt as if a lifetime had passed before him. He wasn't able to drink his coffee or pretend he didn't see what just happened. Zack looked more troubled than before.

"I'm just teasing him alright? He can get quite—" Kunsel blurted out but he cut himself, still eyeing the now silent brunet.

"Quite what?" Possesing? Zack asked, not looking at his friend. He cannot tell him how hard he is trying to restrain himself from possessing Cloud in return. It looked endearing when the blonde is the one doing it, but he doesn't think so with himself.

"Never mind. You're both hopeless." Kunsel replied, revelling in his small discovery. His friend has never looked this serious over someone. And nobody has ever tied down Zack Fair as well, but it seems like he has found his match, no? Too bad though, with how things are going, just what are you gonna do, Zack?

.