Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.

08 - Fear and Hope

Legend touched the chopper down two and a half miles west of the outpost. He would move them closer later, but for now he just wanted out of the air. He was pretty sure Rufus was asleep and he didn't want to wake the poor kid yet. He'd have to before they got to close though; he couldn't control the weapons from the pilot seat. In addition he'd need the VP's eyes. He was almost positive the outpost didn't have anti-air weapons, but he wasn't going to risk it.

The blond Turk leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. Shards what a fucking day! Before joining Rufus he had spent the day trying to get in contact with both Tseng and Reno's group. When he'd been unable to, he'd clamored to find out why and had learned about the lightning storms. With communications down he'd spent his time gathering intel from his contacts both inside and outside of Shinra. He hadn't learned anything new but it hadn't been a total loss; he had gotten the scrambling device after all. Good damned thing too, he thought, scowling.

Even if he wanted to he couldn't really be angry or blame Rufus for blowing up at his father. What was said or done after the President's arrival didn't matter. From the second Shinra had walked through the door they'd both been fucked. Legend would have been killed and gods know what fate Rufus would have faced. As far as he was concerned the situation hadn't changed, they just had another Turk to keep safe. Rufus as a Turk? He smirked but it quickly vanished as he realized the kid would probably make a damn good Turk. Honorary Turk.

He readjusted his position and thought about the next course of action. Whether Legend agreed with it or not, Tseng had to be at that meeting. Someone had to speak on the Turks behalf and Tseng was the best person for the job. He'd just have to pray to Gaia they didn't kill the man on sight.

Knowing that Tseng had to attend the meeting and actually getting him there, alive, were two different beasts. He was mulling the problem over when his PHS rang. He removed the device from his pocket only to find the screen blank. What the-

"Hello?" Rufus's groggy voice sounded from in front of him. Shit! Should have taken his phone. "Jus' a sec," he heard Rufus say before the kid thrust the phone straight up in the air. "It's fer you," he said through a yawn.

Legend leaned forward and snatched the PHS out of Rufus's hand. He saw Rufus shift and close his eyes, almost immediately falling back to sleep. He pressed the phone to his ear. "Yes?"

"This the godsdamned Turk that kidnapped my son?"

Legend mentally swore before answering, "I didn't kidnap anyone Shinra and you damn well know it."

The President gave a full-throated laugh. "Course I do but for appearances sake..."

"What do you want Shinra?"

"I want you to bring in Tseng," the President replied with only a trace of anger.

"If you think I'm go-"

"Shut up you insignificant piece of chocobo shit," the President cut him off. "My board tells me this entire situation could have been avoided if I'd given the Turks a chance to talk. As the Executive Director, Tseng has a right to speak on the departments behalf."

Legend bit off the retort that wanted out. He couldn't tell if it was a trap or not but he didn't like it. What choice do I have? It wasn't lack of choice but his earlier decision that made him say, "Fine, but I'm not bringing Rufus or any of the others in with him." Silence followed his comment and he could almost see the veins in the President's face dance.

"Rufus needs to be here to vote," the President said.

"I'm not stupid Shinra and neither are you. We both know how he'll vote. Rufus stays with us until the meeting is over. Regardless of the board's decision, Tseng will be the one to notify us. If the board's vote is fair we'll accept the decision and let Rufus go." He would like to have added 'rescind the kill on sight order' and 'allow us access to a vehicle and fuel' to that but knew it wouldn't matter even if Shinra agreed. They'd still try to take them out, hostage Rufus or not.

"That's it? That's your grand plan?" the President replied in a mocking tone.

Legend kicked open the door of the chopper, held the PHS from his ear, and yelled Rufus's name. Rufus said 'wha' while he simultaneously shot his sidearm out the open door. Just as he'd hoped Rufus yelped. He used the hand holding the PHS to smack Rufus upside the head, causing him to yell this time. Thankfully the VP said nothing more. Instead he got on his knees in the chair so he could see him. When he heard his father's voice screaming through the PHS, he grinned and started to 'cry' and call to him. Catches on quick, Legend thought with a smirk.

Legend yelled for Rufus to shut up and the kid stopped calling to his father, but still quietly 'cried'. He pulled the PHS closer to his head and yelled, "Do you get the point Mister President? I don't give a damn about your son." When the elder Shinra was quite he placed the device to his ear again. "I didn't hurt him too badly... yet. Laugh at my plan all you want but I will kill the little bastard so start taking me seriously"

"You son of a fucking bitch! I'll fucking kill you for that!"

"You keep trying... and failing. Do we have a deal or not?"

The President started swearing but replied, "Deal," before breaking the connection.

Legend made sure the call was disconnected before handing the PHS back to Rufus. He thought about keeping the device but didn't see the point now.

Rufus said, "What the hell was that about?" with a grin. Legend gave him the run down and Rufus's eyes went wide. "You agreed? He'll kill him!" Rufus all but screeched.

Legend sighed. "Actually, I disagree." Rufus gave him a 'you're kidding right' look and he added, "Rufus, he thinks I just shot you and whether he hates you're guts or not, it did piss him off. It proves he wants you back and now he believes we will kill you if he pushes us."

"So?" Rufus snapped.

"So... I don't think he believed us before and therefore didn't take the threat seriously. Now he does and if he thinks not shooting Tseng before the meeting is over is the only way to get you back I think he'll comply with our request."

"You're playing roulette with Tseng's life," Rufus accused.

Legend nodded. "I agree and I don't like it. Neither will Tseng but he'll do it."

"There ha- "

"To be a better way?" Legend cut him off. "Not that I can see but we'll keep looking and we're sure as Odin not letting our guard down." Rufus's face said he clearly didn't like it but he nodded agreement. "Good, now stay awake long enough for us to clear the outpost and refuel."

Rufus nodded again before disappearing from view. Legend saw the VP replace his headset and heard the sound of the harness being secured. He shut his door, started the power-up procedure, and secured his own harness.

"Legend," came Rufus's voice.

"Yeah?"

"Next time don't hit me so fucking hard. Now I have a migraine."

Legend chuckled before lifting the chopper into the air.

Reno and Genesis had walked all of the previous day and all night. They had taken a few breaks, but neither one of them saw a point in stopping for long. Once the rain had started, it too refused to stop. It constantly poured down on them, flooding the low areas and turning the ground to a spongy, watery mush. They hadn't found anyplace suitable for a shelter and there wasn't any way in Gaia either could sleep out in the open. The only good thing about the rain was that it seemed to have kept the monsters at home.

Genesis kept a close eye on Reno but the Turk never appeared to be in pain or exhausted, just miserable. The rain was bad but he figured thoughts of his companions were plaguing him as well. Genesis had tried to get in touch with Angeal throughout the day but failed. He assumed the rain and lightning were causing a communications blackout.

The sky had lightened but there didn't appear to be an end to the rain anytime soon. Clouds stretched as far as Genesis could see; it was depressing. Both of them were soaking wet, covered in mud, and tired. While he was immune to colds and other ailments, Reno wasn't and it was really starting to worry him.

In front of him, Reno suddenly stopped and yelled, "You've gotta fucking be kiddn' me!"

Genesis pulled even with him, trying to figure out what had sparked Reno's outburst. He didn't see anything so he turned to Reno with a blank face.

"We've already had to go over two fuckin' mountains! Now there's another one!"

Genesis swung his head forward again. Mountain? To him it didn't look nearly as bad as the ones they'd already crossed. "Just a big hill," he said with a shrug.

Reno's eyes widened then scrunched closed as he started laughing. "Big hill? Isn't that a mountain yo?"

Genesis scowled, then chuckled. "I suppose so. I was trying to point out that this isn't as tall as those we've scaled."

"Bad enough," Reno grumbled.

Genesis once again faced forward and surveyed the land. It looked like everything else they'd already covered. If they didn't have a compass, he'd swear they were walking in circles. His eyes stopped at a dark area on the side of the 'mountain'. He squinted to keep the rain from messing up his vision and saw an outline surrounding blackness. His eyes widened and he turned to Reno.

"A cave!" he exclaimed.

"Wha'?" Reno distractedly asked as he adjusted the rucksack.

"There's a cave just a little over a half mile from here, in that... mountain," he said pointing.

It was Reno's turn to squint but he couldn't make out anything. "You can see that far in this shit?" he asked.

Genesis snorted. "Yes."

"Heh, let's hear it for Mako yo. Let's go."

40 minutes later found them standing outside the entrance to the cave. The trip would have been faster but they'd constantly had to yank their feet out of the mud. From the outside the cave didn't appear to be large, but it certainly looked big enough for them. He pulled his sword from its harness and looked at Reno.

"I know you can take care of yourself but let me handle this okay?" Reno opened his mouth but he rushed on. "It's damned near pitch black in there and thanks to the Mako, I have almost perfect vision in low light."

"Be my guest," Reno muttered and flicked a hand toward the cave entrance. Genesis moved in and he called out, "Don't get dead yo," as the SOLDIER disappeared into the darkness. He didn't like that Genesis had to go in alone, but he had a point. Besides Reno's EMR was electric and didn't always mix... predictably with water. He was soaked and with his karma, the cave floor would be flooded. Turning it on might cause him more harm than the monsters. Sure it worked without it, but Ramuh it wasn't as fun!

Reno estimated Genesis had been gone for at least 15 minutes and he was starting to get jumpy. He hadn't heard any noises, which could be good or bad. The redhead dropped the rucksack in the driest place he could find and grabbed his EMR with his left hand. He took two steps forward when a hand landed on his shoulder causing him to instinctively swing his weapon up and out. The hand disappeared and he felt the EMR make contact.

"Minerva Reno that was almost my head!" Genesis yelled.

Reno went still. Genesis was looking at his left arm with a scowl. "Shit I'm sorry yo!" He dropped the EMR and moved forward, gently pulling the SOLIDER's arm toward him to examine it. There was an angry red welt on the smooth skin and Reno figured it would bruise like hell, but at least the arm wasn't broken.

Genesis sighed. "It's my fault, I shouldn't have scared you." He chuckled before adding, "At least you didn't shock me."

Reno scowled. "Ya."

"The cave's clear. The ground is dry and if we have anything to start a fire with, there's wood in the back."

"There's some kindling in the bag if it's still dry and you have that Fire Materia," Reno replied. The SOLDIER froze in place with an undecipherable look on his face. "What?" Genesis backed up a step and turned away. "What'd I say?" Reno asked, both annoyed and concerned.

"I don't have any Materia," Genesis whispered.

"What?" Reno chuckled, "Yeah you do. I saw you blast that Behemoth with it yo."

"I don't!" Genesis snapped, turning to face Reno again.

The two stood staring at each other and Reno found himself getting pissed. The SOLIDER had to have Materia; he'd seen the damned flames! What was the point in denying it? Did Genesis think he was going to steal it or something? He started to snip that he didn't even use Materia but stopped himself. What if he really doesn't have any? He shook the thought from his head; it made no sense.

Genesis had avoided this conversation and hoped it wouldn't come up. But it had to rain and now we need fire. During the battle, he hadn't stopped to think about the suddenly appearing fireballs. After the battle he hadn't wanted to think about it. He brushed it off as being a fluke. Now he was facing down an angry Turk and he had to say something.

He was going to tell Reno that he'd lost the Materia or that it broke. Instead the truth rushed out, "Reno I swear I don't. I don't know what happened with the Behemoth. Search me if you want!"

Reno raised an eyebrow at Genesis's words. His anger evaporated at the raw fear, confusion, and panic in the SOLIDER's tone and body language. He looks like he's gonna cry. The redhead moved forward and pulled Genesis into a hug; he didn't know what else to do. At first Genesis stayed stiff, but eventually he started to relax in inches.

"I believe ya," Reno said gently.

"Reno I threw a spell without Materia! That's impossible!"

"Apparently not yo."

"What the hell does it mean?" Genesis's voice was rising in panic and fear.

Reno hugged the SSC tighter before replying. "I don't know. You're just that good?" Genesis gave a strangled chuckle. "Look don't worry about it ok? Hell, maybe it doesn't mean a damned thing."

Genesis pulled away and quickly wiped his eyes. He felt like an emotional idiot but it had been bothering him and it felt good to let it out. "Yeah ok, I'm sorry," he said.

"Don't be sorry yo," Reno said. He turned, picked up the rucksack, retrieved his EMR, and then turned back to Genesis. "I'll start a fire." If I can remember how. That wasn't exactly a skill he'd had to use much since joining the Turks.

Genesis nodded and led them into the cave. About half way in Reno had just enough light to not bump into shit. Damn it's cold in here. He heard Genesis shuffle away and sat down on a partially fallen rock. Mako vision must be killer, he thought, staring at the gloom. The redhead closed his eyes and leaned backward with a sigh. Gods it was good to be out of the rain!

Genesis had gone to the back of the cave to retrieve some firewood. He was so pissed at himself! Just because he couldn't explain something didn't make it bad. Hell they'd told Angeal and himself that the Mako injections could have side effects so maybe this was one of them. Or maybe his new earring had something to do with it?

The SSC grabbed a few pieces of wood and went towards the entrance. He stopped a few steps away from Reno and dropped the wood on the ground, startling the Turk. Minerva he doesn't look good. Reno's hair was plastered to his face and he was as white as bleached paper. He also noticed the Turk was starting to shake. It was cooler in the cave than outside but Genesis hadn't really noticed. Another Mako benefit. Reno didn't have the same protection and wet, he was going to get cold. We need a fire! His pulse sped up with anger and worry.

Suddenly his arms started to tingle and he shook them out. Wait a second, he thought as the tingling subsided. Didn't that happen during the Behemoth battle? He bent his arms at the elbow and stared at his hands. Can I do it again? He focused but nothing happened. It didn't help that he didn't know what to focus on.

"What's wrong yo?" Reno asked in a wavering voice.

Genesis snapped his gaze to the Turk and noticed he was starting to shake more violently. Minerva's Gift! With a fresh spike of emotions the tingling returned. That's it!

"I think I can start a fire!" he said with excitement.

"Wha'? You said... you didn't... have Materia..." Reno replied through chattering teeth.

"I don't," Genesis hastily replied. He ran to the back of the cave and grabbed more wood to dump on the pile, not caring how Reno got so cold so fast; just knowing he had to fix it.

Has he lost it? Reno thought as he tried to control his shaking body. Damn it's cold. He knew he needed to get up and move around, but Shiva he was tired. Shouldn't have sat down. Distantly he knew the tiredness was a bad sign but he couldn't remember why. A loud bang snapped his eyes open and he turned his head toward the noise. When did I close my eyes?

"Hang on Turk," Genesis mumbled as he adjusted the wood. Once satisfied he closed his eyes and prayed, something he didn't do often. Please Minerva let this work! He reopened his eyes and turned his head toward Reno. The Turk was trying to rub his hands up and down his arms but was shaking so badly it wasn't doing much good. He was obviously having a hard time keeping his eyes open as well.

Genesis closed his eyes and let the worry and anger crash to the surface. His hands immediately started to tingle and he visualized the feeling leaving his left hand and going to the right. It worked! he thought as the sensation slid though his body and down his right arm. His right hand started to tingle so badly it burned and he visualized fire while flinging his hand toward the woodpile. The wood ignited with such force he had to take a few steps back. He briefly worried that he'd scattered the wood but as the fire simmered down, he noticed it was fine. The SSC gave a loud sigh of relief and smiled.

"Holy... shit yo," Reno said.

Genesis was momentarily afraid to look at the Turk. What if Reno rejected him or was scared of him now? Then he is, you'll deal. He jerked his gaze around and quickly realized he had nothing to be worried about. Reno's face was covered in wonderment and awe.

"That... was badass..." the Turk said. "Now... move me... closer... please..."

Genesis lunged toward Reno. He bent down next to the Turk, swung one of his arms around his waist and used the other to move Reno's right arm over his shoulders. Once done, he hauled him up and slowly moved him toward the fire. He tried not to think about Reno's ice-cold skin as they went. When they were close enough Genesis gently lowered him to the ground.

"Ifrit that... feels good," Reno said. He was already starting to shake less and felt more alert.

Genesis went back to where Reno had dropped the rucksack and brought it closer to the fire. He opened the top flap, noting the bagged contents seemed to be dry. He untied the wet blanket, shook it out, and laid it on a rock close enough to the fire that it would start to dry; hopefully quickly. "We need to get you out of your clothes," he said to Reno.

Did I hear him right? Reno gave Genesis a blank look then the light clicked on. Wet clothes... not good for getting warm... need to dry. He looked at the blanket Genesis had spread out then back at the SOLDIER. "I hate to sound stupid yo, but what am I supposed to wear?"

Genesis blushed, looking away. "Eh... just take off the jacket and shirt until the blanket dries."

"Alright," Reno replied. He shrugged out of his unzipped jacket and started messing with the buttons on his shirt. His fingers were warmer, but still stiff. Getting two buttons undone took him far longer than he'd like to admit.

Genesis grabbed Reno's jacket and spread it out next to the fire. He watched the Turk fumble with the buttons of his shirt for a few minutes before removing his sword, placing it near the fire, and approaching the Turk. The auburn knelt down in front of him and covered the Turk's hands with his own. Reno's head snapped up and their eyes locked. Genesis gave a small smile. "Let me help."

Reno sat rigid before finally nodding his head and letting his hands fall out from under the SSC's. Any other time this would be erotic as hell. Right now he just felt like a fucking baby. Genesis stopped with two buttons remaining, the last two. The auburn raised his head and gave him a look before slowly undoing them. Ok... still erotic as hell... and doing wonders for my circulation, he thought as his fingers started to feel decidedly less stiff.

Genesis was trying to keep his arousal in check and was mostly winning... mostly. He knew this wasn't the time for such things but could he help it that Reno's chest and stomach were amazing? The auburn finished with the last two buttons, removed the shirt, and laid it next to the jacket to dry. Turning back toward Reno he stopped, breath stalled in his throat. He's stunning.

The Turk was leaning back on his elbows soaking up the heat. The firelight bathed him in an orange glow, flickering and dancing across his bare chest. His hair was still flat but it was starting to dry and hung around his face in an alluring way. He'd taken his shoes and socks off and was wiggling his toes in the warmth. Genesis moved forward and grabbed the socks, placing them in the pile.

"Ya know, you're clothes are wet to yo," Reno said to his back.

He took a deep breath before replying, "True, but the cold doesn't bother me like it does you."

"They should still dry."

"They're fine where they are," Genesis snapped. He hadn't meant to snap but when he was nervous it was automatic. The SSC went back to Reno and, trying not to fidget he said, "You look better."

"Feel better too," Reno replied, opening his eyes to look up at the SOLDIER, a smile playing on his lips.

Genesis lowered himself next to the Turk and held his hands out to the fire. They weren't really cold; he just needed to do something so he wouldn't stare at Reno. He felt fingers brush the left side of his neck and tensed. The SSC knew it was Reno and knew he wasn't going to hurt him; he just wasn't used to being touched. He took a deep breath and forced the sudden tension out of his muscles.

Reno felt the SOLDIER relax and took that as an invitation that he could get closer. Could always claim I'm still cold and that body heat would help. He smirked but quickly realized he wouldn't use such a poor excuse to get close to him. If the auburn didn't want him close he'd back off.

The Turk slid behind Genesis, putting the SSC between his legs, and nuzzled his nose into the back of his neck. He inhaled his scent and that made him feel just about as good as the fire had. The redhead used the fingers of his left hand to gently stroke the side of Genesis's neck. The skin was soft and smooth, making him want to touch it all the more. He wrapped his right arm around the SOLDIER and leaned into him a bit more, feeling content.

Reno playing with his neck certainly was not helping Genesis control his arousal. He knew he should tell him to stop but damn it felt good. Besides Reno knew how he felt and if he felt well enough to flirt...

The SSC twisted around in Reno's grasp until their faces were centimeters apart. He moved closer and licked his lips like he had the other day, seeking entrance. The request was immediately granted and Genesis closed the distance. Their tongues slowly started to dance and twist, giving him goose bumps.

Reno lost himself in the kiss and the pleasure it brought until Genesis pulled away. He was disappointed and started to say something, but suddenly the SOLDIER straddled him and the words died in his throat. Genesis reached his right hand behind his neck and brought them back together. Any lingering coldness and sluggishness washed away in a rush of adrenaline.

The kiss was gaining a life of its own. The pace was speeding up and the pressure increased, but it was far from being brutal. No longer having to fight his urges, Genesis let his left hand start to slowly trail down Reno's chest.

After a few minutes Reno pulled back, gasping for air. He stared into Genesis's eyes as the SSC's fingers kept running up and down his chest. Something felt off but he couldn't quite figure out what it was. The thought vanished as Genesis started laying gentle kisses down the left side of his neck. From his neck he worked his way down to his collarbone, licking, nipping, and kissing all the way. Genesis scooted backwards, being careful not to slam into his groin, and continued downward. The SSC stopped just above his stomach and looked up at him with lust-filled eyes. Gods don't let me fuck this up.

With that thought he suddenly realized what was wrong. He didn't want to screw this up. He couldn't explain what he was feeling but he knew it was... special. Somehow throwing Genesis on the floor of a cave just didn't seem right, not for their first joining. He deserved better than that and Reno wanted to give it to him.

Genesis was too busy fighting his own turmoil to notice Reno's mood shift. He was suddenly nervous and unsure of what to do. Just because half of Shinra thought he was a whore didn't make it true. If he was being honest, and with himself he could be, he'd never gone farther than using his hand and mouth. In all those cases he'd been with Angeal. They'd called it experimenting, but it had really been an excuse to get rid of pent up hormones. They found each other attractive so why the hell not? Genesis had been the one to break it off, much to Angeal's surprise.

After a few months of 'experimenting', Genesis knew that for Angeal it was a way to blow off steam and... have fun he guessed. While oral sex and handjobs didn't bother Angeal, he was pretty sure he was straight if it concerned actual sex. Genesis was also pretty sure he wasn't nearly as straight. He broke off their experimenting before he got too attached or something happened that couldn't be undone. Angeal hadn't minded and that stung, reaffirming that he'd made the right decision.

"Ah wai- wait a second," Reno said. Immediately Genesis's hands went still and he looked at him with panic, confusion, fear, and lust in his eyes. "It's no- I- damnit!"

Genesis shifted back, his butt resting just above Reno's knees. Surely he wasn't going to reject him? Oh Gaia if he did... "It- it's ok Reno, just say it." He subconsciously crossed his arms over his chest, taking a defensive posture.

"Shit, n- no, don- don't do that," Reno stammered. Part of the stammering was pent up frustration and desire; part of it was sudden nerves and not knowing how to say what he wanted to. Genesis's eyes started to darken and he knew he had to just spit it out.

"Aahh! Genesis I really like you. I- you mak- what I feel for you is something I've never felt before; it's special. This sho- I want it to be special. I don't want our first time together to be on the cold stone floor of a cave. I know that probably soun-," ds stupid, he finished in his head since Genesis's lips were suddenly pressed to his mouth again. Well that's not what I expected. He tried to pull back once but the SOLDIER stopped him and he gave up, melting into the kiss.

Genesis didn't know how to respond to Reno's words any more than the Turk knew how to say them. His throat constricted and he felt tears well up in his eyes. Gaia what's wrong with me? His chest warmed up and the tears tried to break free. The SSC pressed their lips together both to stop the Turk from finishing his speech and so he wouldn't see the tears slide down his face.

When he had his emotions under control Genesis pulled back and quickly wiped his eyes. He was sure Reno noticed but didn't say anything, thank Gaia. His member was still hard and he noticed that Reno's was in a similar state. An evil grin started tugging at his mouth and all his doubt and nervousness vanished.

"Well," he said, slowly leaning forward and trailing his fingertips down Reno's chest, "we don't have to... complete the act tonight," more trailing of his fingers, "there are other things we can do though." The SSC finished with his mouth so close to Reno's that the last few words vibrated back at him.

Reno groaned at the SOLDIER's actions and words. It was clear Genesis didn't want to stop and he didn't either. He didn't think a little messing around would make anything that came later less special. The Turk's thoughts were wiped out as Genesis returned to kissing, licking, and nipping his collarbone. No one had really played with that area so much and Genesis seemed to enjoy it. Me too...

Genesis took Reno's groan as a good sign and resumed his ministrations, dropping lower and lower until he was where he had stopped before. He glanced up at Reno and found him breathing hard, intense eyes focused on him. A rush went through his body and he dropped lower, keeping their eyes locked the entire time.

Genesis used his tongue to slowly circle Reno's navel, every now and then flicking the tip into the little hole. He loved the texture, taste, and feel of Reno's skin under his tongue. He finally allowed himself to go lower, following the little line of fine hair until the back of his tongue hit damp cloth. He scooted backward, dipping the tips of his fingers just inside the pants. The SSC had every intention of getting under that cloth.

Reno moaned and marveled at the sensations Genesis was causing. His heart was beating so fast and hard he was sure the SOLIDER could hear it. When he stopped at his pants, he fought not to whimper in need. Gods he was throbbing so hard it was almost painful.

Genesis leaned forward and bit the edge of Reno's pants just above the button. Reno swore and he looked up with the material still in his mouth, causing more swearing. He grinned around the cloth, let it go, and dropped his mouth to the button.

Reno raised an eyebrow when Genesis put the button of his pants in his mouth. The cloth shifted a bit, brushing over his swollen member and fire shot up his arms. He fought not to close his eyes or drop his head back; he wanted to watch. Finally Genesis raised his head back up and Reno noticed the button was undone. Oh fuck me he used his teeth. He couldn't stop the growl that escaped.

The Turk kept watching as Genesis placed the zipper tag between his teeth and started inching downward. "Shit," he breathed. The SSCs gave him an amazingly sexy smirk as the zipper stopped, reaching the bottom of its track. "That's fu-... damn yo," he panted.

"Glad you liked it," Genesis replied, lust clear in his voice. Glad I could do it. Never did that with Angeal. He used his hand to shift the cloth a bit and Reno's organ suddenly sprang up in front of him. The auburn leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. "Not wearing underwear, I see," he said.

Reno grinned. "Nope."

"Naughty, naughty boy," the SSC said and used his tongue to lick up the underside of the swollen member. He wasn't touching it with anything else and it bobbed and moved. To him the movement was wholly seductive and he loved it.

Reno couldn't keep his head from falling backwards this time. As Genesis licked, every nerve in his body seemed to come alive. The sheer amount of pleasure left him stunned and gasping for breath. Genesis's tongue completed its journey and he felt warm air flowing over his tip. He jerked his head upright and locked eyes with Genesis. The SSC flashed him a seductive smirk before lowering his mouth. Inch by inch, his cock disappeared. "Genesis," he whispered.

Genesis loved the little growls, moans, and groans escaping Reno; they added to his own pleasure. He savored the taste of the man in his mouth, thoroughly enjoying it. The SSC found a rhythm and moved his head up and down, using his tongue to circle, twist, and lick as he went. He tugged on Reno's pants so he could get his right hand in and started playing with his balls, earning him a gasp and a cry.

As Genesis worked, Reno felt the pleasure continue to build until he thought it would rip him apart. He had no thoughts; no words seemed to exist. The Turk finally felt himself start to fall over the edge and yelled out to Genesis in warning. The SSC raised up and grinned but immediately slid back downward.

Genesis knew what Reno's warning meant but had no problem with what was to come. Instead of pulling back or withdrawing, he picked up the pace. Reno reached down and grabbed his left hand, locking their fingers together before he let go. Genesis stayed there, swallowing everything down and licking the Turk clean before rising.

Reno grabbed Genesis when he sat up and yanked him forward, slamming their mouths together. He still couldn't talk, couldn't find any other way to express what he was feeling. Genesis relaxed into him and they moaned in unison. Reno used his left hand to yank the SOLDIER's shirt up and unbutton his pants. It was tricky with the weapon harness but he managed. Genesis didn't protest and he plunged his hand down into his underwear and gently gripped his cock.

Genesis growled and groaned and Reno swallowed the sounds, refusing to break the kiss. The SSC jerked forward, and Reno leaned back, finally forced to break the kiss for air. Their eyes locked, blue on blue, and the Turk shivered at the intensity in the gaze.

He could tell the SSC was trying not to put all of his weight on him but right then Reno didn't give a damn if Genesis flattened him. As he continued to move his hand, Genesis's hips started sliding forward and backward. His head started to tilt back but Reno gently used his right hand to keep his head in place; he wanted to look into his eyes as he let go.

Genesis understood Reno's silent demand and fought his instinct to look away or close his eyes. It wasn't like they weren't already being intimate, but looking into the others eyes during something like this was somehow more. To his surprise, after a few minutes he found he didn't want to look away. Looking at Reno like this was... he couldn't describe it, but it didn't bother him in the least.

A few more pumps and Genesis let the pleasure overtake him. "Reno!" he yelled as he shook from his release. He never looked away and felt vulnerable, but for once it didn't bother him.

Reno leaned forward and pressed their lips together once again. He moved his hand a few more times as the SSC began to still. Genesis finally put all his weight on him and the two fell backwards, locked in embrace. They stayed that way for a few seconds before Genesis moved off to the side a bit so that he wasn't lying directly on top of the Turk.

For a few minutes the only sound that could be heard was their breathing and the crackling of the fire. Genesis snuggled against Reno's left side and listened to his racing heart. The Turk was rubbing his right hand up and down Genesis's side. It was almost too comfortable to break and SSC sighed.

"What's wrong?" Reno asked in a lazy voice.

"I need to clean up," he replied, pulling away. Reno made a little sound of protest that was cut off short by a kiss. "I'll be right back," Genesis said as he stood.

His legs were still a bit shaky but he managed to get to the rucksack and some wet wipes. Those in hand he moved to the blanket, finding it warm and dry. Items in hand he went back to Reno, who was in the same position he'd left him in. He laid everything on the ground, bent down, and started yanking the Turk's pants off.

"Hey! What're you doing yo?"

Genesis chuckled, still tugging. Finally the pants came free. "They're still damp," he said.

"How come I'-," Reno stopped as Genesis began undoing his weapons harness. "Never mind yo."

Genesis snorted. "No you won't be the only one naked. My clothes need to dry too, right?" Harness undone and removed, he pulled his shirt up over his head in a slow, seductive fashion.

"Tease," Reno said, enjoying the show.

Genesis chuckled and finally removed his shirt. He removed his pants, then bent down and collected everything before moving it all to where the blanket had been. Upon returning he noticed the smirk on Reno's face. "Yes?"

"You forgot something," he said, pointing to the SSC's underwear.

"Pfft, no point in drying these," he said as he slipped them off. He used them to clean himself up a bit then tossed them into the fire. The SSC used the wet wipes to finish cleaning up and handed a few to Reno so he could do the same. "Someone will not find my soiled undergarments," he mumbled and Reno started to laugh. "What?"

"What would they want with your dirty undies yo?"

"I don't know but I'm not giving them a chance to find out," Genesis huffed, hands on his hips.

If the SSC was embarrassed to be naked he wasn't showing it and Reno let his eyes take in the sight before him. He wondered if it was creepy that he'd jerked him off without seeing the whole picture. No more so than him going down on you. Reno smiled at the memory.

"What?" Genesis asked.

"You're beautiful," Reno replied. Hadn't been what he'd been thinking but it was certainly true. Beautiful is a pale word to use for such a sight.

Genesis laughed, suddenly feeling odd standing there naked. He laughed again to cover his nervousness, grabbed the blanket, and returned to Reno's left side. The SSC kneeled down before laying on his side. "The rock isn't going to be all that comfortable but the blanket is covering us. I will not have someone walk in here and see me naked." The auburn gave Reno a sharp glance. "Or you naked."

The tone in the SOLDIER's voice told him there would be no discussion on the matter. He shrugged and pulled Genesis close, once again enjoying the smell of him. After a few wiggles the Turk found he was pretty comfortable and shut his eyes, but he had too much on his mind to sleep.

After several minutes Reno tentatively called out, "Genesis?"

Genesis was half-asleep when Reno called his name. "Hmmm?"

"I... I think I'm... falling in love with you yo," Reno said in a rushed whisper.

Genesis's eyes shot open but otherwise he didn't move. He was afraid of the sudden emotions that were welling up in him. His mouth went dry and his words, which were always with him, now abandoned him. Finally he gave a forced laugh that caused him to wince. "Impossible. You've not known me for a week yet."

Reno was quiet for a few minutes before replying, "Yeah... tell my heart that." Genesis's head lifted so quickly it startled him. He closed his eyes and braced himself for the anger he was sure was coming. When it didn't he cracked one eye open and found Genesis staring at him, expression unreadable.

"You meant that, didn't you?" the SOLDIER hesitantly asked.

Reno opened the other eye and titled his head up. "Yeah... I did." Tears started silently sliding down Genesis's face and he didn't know what to make of it since he still couldn't read his expression. Please don't let me have screwed this up already, the Turk silently called to any Gods that might be listening.

Genesis, tears still falling, leaned forward and gave Reno a gentle kiss. He pulled back, smiled, and snuggled back into Reno. The auburn didn't know what to say so he said the only thing he could think of, "Thank you."

Reno was a lot smarter than many people gave him credit for. He knew he must have triggered some emotional struggle within Genesis and felt bad for that, but he didn't regret his words at all. That Genesis had snuggled back up against him, closer than before, told him what he needed to know; that he hadn't fucked up. "You're welcome," he replied. The redhead closed his eyes and knew that now he could sleep.