Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.
11 - Something to Fight For
Sephiroth led Genesis to a small cove surrounded by mountains and ocean. There was a hut on the beach but the land itself was barren, nothing but sand, dirt, and water. He stopped and Genesis walked right into him causing him to turn and blink at the auburn. The shorter man had been following him like a mindless zombie the entire trip so he couldn't say he was surprised. Even so he wasn't used to physical contact of any kind. The auburn SOLDIER looked up and mumbled, "Sorry," before backing up a step.
Sephiroth didn't know what to make of Genesis. He'd met the other SOLDIER before but they hadn't really talked. The silver had never bothered to pull the man's file since they'd never worked together. The things he'd overheard from other SOLDIERs and Shinra personnel hadn't exactly been flattering: promiscuous, arrogant, capricious, audacious, feckless, and impulsive. None of those terms currently described the man in front of him.
The silver SSC couldn't help but wonder if he wasn't seeing any of the traits due to the extreme Mako absorption or if it was something else. He knew the difference between truth and a rumor, so perhaps what he had overheard were rumors instead of fact. Not for the first time Sephiroth wished he was more socially adept. Part of the problem was he never had time to socialize, part was he wasn't encouraged to do so, and part was that he either intimidated people or they irritated him.
During his inner reflection Genesis had walked around him and now stood gazing at the water. The auburn haired man had his arms crossed and his face was completely expressionless. Sephiroth gracefully joined him and cast his glance in the same direction.
"It's beautiful," Genesis said with no emotion.
Having turned to the auburn when he spoke, Sephiroth turned his eyes toward the water once more. "Is it?" At his words Genesis turned to face him with a curious expression on his face.
"You don't think it's beautiful?" Genesis asked.
Sephiroth shrugged. "I know the definition of the word, but it is not something I have ever experienced."
"How very sad," Genesis replied.
Abruptly Sephiroth walked away, heading toward the hut. Genesis tossed another look at the water before trailing after him. The taller man entered the hut and he followed.
Genesis was taken aback by Sephiroth's change in demeanor. His posture had gone from relaxed to rigid; back straight, arms stiff at his sides. His face and eyes had taken on a hard quality. It was the look that usually intimidated people. This was the Sephiroth he was used to seeing, yet now it was out of place since he hadn't seen this side of him since the man had found him.
"I do not like being pitied," Sephiroth stated in a harsh tone.
Genesis raised an eyebrow and Sephiroth scowled. He knew he had to word his next sentences carefully or risk further agitating the other. Usually he could care less about such things, but right now Sephiroth was offering help. He might be the only thing standing between himself and death... or worse. "I didn't mean to imply I was pitying you. I wasn't offering sympathy; merely stating a fact or observation," Genesis said in an even voice.
Sephiroth's face went blank while he considered the other's words. He tried to relax his posture but couldn't quite pull it off. "I... perhaps I misunderstood. I am sorry."
"Don't worry about it," Genesis replied though a sigh. "So what now?"
"Now we talk."
"We talk? That's it?" Genesis snapped. Immediately following his words he mentally cursed himself for his snapping habit.
"For now," Sephiroth replied, unruffled by Genesis's tone. "I need a... timeframe."
"Timeframe?"
"Yes. I need to know when your last treatment was and when the symptoms started," Sephiroth stated.
"Oh," Genesis said, deflating. He supposed he'd expected some kind of miracle fix. "My treatment was eight or nine days ago. Three days before I was assigned as a Turk bodyguard anyway. I got the treatment and they made me stay overnight for observation. Nothing unusual happened so they let me go the next day, which I had off, so I went to my favorite spot, a cliff not too far from Midgar. That was the day Reno..." Thinking about the Turk made his throat and eyes tighten. Until then he'd completely forgotten about his sore throat and for the first time he wondered if it was sore due to his uncontrolled sobbing fit or from other... activities.
Sephiroth noted Genesis's reluctance to talk about this 'Reno' and wondered what it meant. He let it go, asking, "And the symptoms started...?"
"Ahh... four days ago I think. Reno and I fought a Behemoth and I cast a spell without Materia," Genesis quickly replied, relieved at the change of topic.
"You cast a spell without Materia?"
"Yeah, a Fire Spell," Genesis cautiously replied. He looked for a reaction from Sephiroth but got none. "Is... that bad?"
Sephiroth gave a light smile before replying. "That would depend on perspective."
"Has it happened before?" Genesis questioned.
"Yes. Once."
"That 'once' bit keeps coming up doesn't it?" Genesis replied with a weary smile. It felt better to know he wasn't alone but being special was a pain in the ass. "Who is th-," he stopped himself. Why the hell hadn't he realized it before? "You! This has happened to you!" he exclaimed, walking toward Sephiroth.
Sephiroth mistook Genesis's excitement for anger and backed up until he hit the wall behind him. He could pull his sword but in the tight space he'd just as likely injure himself along with his opponent. Instead the silver crouched and tensed up, preparing to fight hand-to-hand when Genesis stopped. To his amazement Genesis suddenly tensed and whirled around, facing the door and drawing his sword. Sephiroth stayed motionless, wondering if the auburn was hallucinating. He knew there wasn't anyone or anything even remotely close to their location.
Genesis stopped when he realized Sephiroth had backed into the wall. On instinct he spun and drew his sword, figuring there must be something behind him. Not seeing anything, he slowly lowered his weapon and turned back to Sephiroth. "What did you see?"
At this point Sephiroth was completely confused. What did I see? He was the on-, he cut the thought off, feeling unintelligent. "I misunderstood you... again," he said though a sigh. He mentally added 'study body language' to his to-do list.
"You misunderstood me? You thought," Genesis stopped to chuckle. "You thought I was going to attack you?" he finished. Sephiroth nodded and blushed. "Sweet Minerva you must be an only child. Even so, didn't you have any friends?"
"Friends?"
Genesis blinked. He was becoming more and more convinced Sephiroth was an idiot only good for fighting. Yet fighting took an immense amount of strategy to win, and Sephiroth won. Given that the silver simply couldn't be an idiot. He jammed his sword back in its harness out of frustration. "Yeah, friends. You know, people you like to hang out with, have a good time with, talk to... excreta, excreta..." he said, waggling his right hand around.
"I know what friends are," Sephiroth replied, pulling himself up, "and no, I've never had any. Hard to make friends when you're raised in an isolation cell," he retorted, immediately regretting his words. He could feel the blood drain out of his face at the slip. Without waiting for a reply he stormed past the stunned Genesis and out the door. He wasn't mad at the auburn haired man, he was mad at himself and others.
The silver was so deep in thought he hadn't heard anyone approach. When he felt a hand on his back his training took over and he grabbed it, pulled his attacker over his head, slammed him to the ground, and kneeled over him, preparing to finish him off. When he realized who it was he abruptly let go and backed up.
"And that," Genesis gasped. Being slammed to the ground had knocked the air out of him and angered his already agitated throat. "Is why you... shouldn't be afraid... of me... ouch..."
"I'm sorry," Sephiroth said, pinching the bridge of his nose. He just kept making things worse.
"Don't apologize," Genesis said, sitting up. "Just teach me how to do that," he added with a grin and a cough. Sephiroth looked shocked, but nodded. "Great!" he said, jumping to his feet. "Now back to my problem."
Sephiroth nodded and let his mind shift gears. "What happened the first time you got a Mako treatment?"
Genesis cocked an eyebrow. "The one I just got was my first treatment."
"What?" Sephiroth asked, astonished. "SOLDIERs start receiving Mako injections when they make Third Class... you're Second Class... like me."
"So I've heard, but Angeal and myself just got our first treatment."
"I see." He really didn't see, but he wasn't going to say so out loud. He'd received Mako injections for as long as he could remember and normal SOLDIERs started the treatments when they were accepted into the program as Thirds. What made these two different? The silver made a note to pull their files when he returned to Shinra and moved on.
"What happened during the Behemoth battle before you cast the spell?" Sephiroth asked.
Genesis recounted the battle and finished with, "I think my emotions determine if I can cast without Materia or not."
Sephiroth listened to the story without comment. When Genesis finished he said, "I agree. Why did you abandon your mission?"
Genesis grimaced. He hadn't considered the fact that leaving the others was in effect deserting his post. Shit. "I was talking to Angeal and... I'd told 'Geal I was going to leave. I started feeling strangely and I was angry, confused, and frustrated..." He paused to think. "After that I... I don't remember what happened."
"I see..." Sephiroth said.
"I just wanted to be alone to think."
Sephiroth nodded, thinking.
Genesis waited but finally snapped. "Well?"
Sephiroth raised an eyebrow and watched the emotions play across Genesis's face. Though the information was sparse, he believed he knew what the problem was. "Mako... doesn't just heighten a person's strengths. It can also highlight... other traits." He'd almost said 'weakness' but stopped himself in time.
Genesis glowered at Sephiroth. "And that means what, exactly?"
Sephiroth thought about how to word what he wished to say before replying. "In addition to affecting your spell casting abilities, I believe the Mako has... heightened your emotions dramatically, to the point of overwhelming you."
Genesis gapped at the silver SOLIDER and thought about it. He'd always been emotional but the past 24 hours he'd been much, much worse. Usually he realized when he was being moody and could control it but lately he hadn't been able to do that. "Shit," he said. "Why the hell would Mako affect something like that?"
"Mako can affect hormone levels," Sephiroth replied.
"Oh for the love of Minerva you make it sound like I'm a pregnant woman!" Genesis bemoaned.
Sephiroth chuckled, earning a glare from Genesis. "Everyone has hormones Genesis. I suspect the mako has changed your brain chemistry, your neurotransmitter and hormone levels in particular. An imbalance could, and likely would, cause abnormal emotional responses."
Genesis tilted his head back and sighed. Ifrit he hated to admit it, but it made sense. Mako had turned him into a basket case! "I don't think Mako has affected everything though," he said, leveling his head. Sephiroth cocked an eyebrow and he blew out a breath before continuing. "I think only the negative emotions have been effected; anger, anxiety, paranoia, stress... things like that."
Sephiroth nodded. "It is possible."
Genesis turned away from Sephiroth, looked at the ground, and ran through recent events. When Rufus had hugged Reno he'd wanted to slice the little bastard in half simply for being close to him: jealousy. The fight with Rufus had triggered feelings of insecurity and paranoia. He'd unintentionally cut himself out of the group before he'd run off then blamed them. Due to that he'd felt insulted and rejected even though it had been his fault, not theirs.
The auburn then closely examined his feelings for Reno. He couldn't find any sign of 'Mako taint' and his feelings for Reno were the real deal as far as he could tell. Hell when he was around Reno, all his emotions, his entire personality, had been more stable. Interesting...
He'd like to blame the Mako messing with his chemistry for all of it, but it had only intensified existing thoughts and feelings, not made new ones. Sephiroth was right; his emotions were overwhelming him to the point of breakdowns and his normal methods of control weren't working. Guess I'll have to find new ones.
Genesis turned back to Sephiroth, who was watching him intently. "So what now?" he asked, giving a halfhearted smile.
"I can give you some pointers on controlling your thoughts and feelings, but ultimately you'll have to find what works best for you," Sephiroth replied. "If that doesn't work there are medical options."
Genesis's eyes widened. "You told me to stay away from the scientists until I had this under control!"
"Yes," Sephiroth agreed. "But if all other options have been exhausted..."
"Godsdamnit," Genesis snipped. "What about my emotions... casting spells?"
Sephiroth smiled. "I can help you with that, as well as teach you how to control your speed and strength."
Genesis smiled. "Great! Let's get to work then!"
Reno stopped the buggy about an hour outside of Midgar. He saw Rude release his death grip on the dashboard and smiled. The redhead twisted in his seat and noticed Elena, Cissnei, and Rufus had fallen asleep. Can't be that bad of a driver if they can sleep. Angeal blinked and gave him a questioning look but said nothing.
Rude and Reno opened their doors and got out. A few minutes later Angeal stuck his head out of Rude's door then exited. The three paced around and stretched, enjoying the movement and night air. Once finished they came together in a triangle.
"What happened to your eye?" Angeal exclaimed, looking at Reno.
"My ey-, oh, eh, nothin'," Reno replied with a shrug.
"It's black and purple. That's not 'nothing'," Rude said.
Reno felt the weight of both Angeal and Rude's gaze. He sighed and kicked the ground with the toe of his shoe. "Rufus."
Angeal and Rude exchanged a grin, but it was Rude who said, "You got beat up by Rufus Shinra?"
"He didn' beat me up! Jus' got in a good shot's all. Damn!" Reno replied indignantly.
"Why did he punch you?" Angeal asked.
"I was holdin' him down so he couldn' run to Legend's chopper when he left him with me and Genesis."
Angeal nodded, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a Cure Materia. He held the sphere out to Reno but the Turk shook his head 'no' and backed up. "You don't want to heal it?" he asked in disbelief.
"Nah, make Rufus feel guilty for deckin' me. Maybe I'll get a raise or a bonus or somethin'," Reno said, grinning.
Angeal and Rude both raised eyebrows. The SOLDIER put the Materia back in his pocket as Rude said, "Like that'll happen."
"Never know yo," Reno replied. There was a pause before he said, "So, anyone got a plan yet?"
"No," Angeal and Rude said in unison.
Reno chuckled and thought Angeal was starting to act more like a Turk than a SOLDIER. On the other hand, he hadn't worked with SOLDIER before, so maybe the departments were more alike than he knew. He hoped to Gaia someday Genesis would get along with everyone as well as Angeal did. The redhead sighed and looked at the SSC. "Gimme your PHS."
"What? Why?" questioned Angeal.
"Mine got blown to bits, I want to make a call, and you got the number."
Angeal raised an eyebrow and went for the phone. "Who's number?" he asked curiously.
"Eh... if I say none of your business will you still let me borrow it?"
"No," Angeal said, holding the device tightly in his hand.
"The number would be in the recent calls list. Can't ya just check when I'm done?" Reno said, trying to convince him.
"Yeah, like you don't know how to clear that," Angeal replied, not taking the bait.
"Fine damnit! I want to call Genesis," Reno snapped, looking at the ground.
"Genesis? Why?" Angeal asked, amazed.
"Ya don't need to know everything." Angeal glared at him while Rude stood back looking curious. "Just gimme the damned PHS!" Reno snarled, exasperated.
Angeal hesitated but finally held the phone out to Reno. The Turk grabbed the PHS but the SOLDIER didn't let go. "If you hurt him, I'll break every bone in your body," he said, finally releasing his grip. The redhead glared at him before walking away.
"I'll break the both of you if Reno gets hurt," Rude said, adjusting his tie. "SOLDIER or not."
"Great! We have an understanding," Angeal quipped with a smile. Rude inclined his head in agreement.
Phone in hand, Reno started walking away, wondering how far he had to go before he was out of Angeal's hearing range. He didn't want to get too far away, but was wanting some privacy such a bad thing?
The redhead looked back and could barely make out Angeal and Rude's figures in the distance. Surely he'd gone far enough. Maybe too far. Something could jump out and eat him before anyone could help. I'll risk it.
The Turk woke the PHS up and scrolled through the contacts. There wasn't one with Genesis's first or last name, but he found a 'Gen' and figured that was it so he clicked 'send'. His hand shook as he brought the phone to his ear. Heh, nerves. His heart was beating against his ribs so hard he thought it might bruise. He hadn't been this nervous since he'd met Legend.
"'Geal?" Genesis's smooth voice flowed into his ear.
"Eh, no. It's Reno."
"Reno?"
"Yeah."
"I'm glad you called," Genesis replied.
"Really?" Reno cursed the excitement, hope, and anticipation in his voice.
"Yes. We need to... I need to tell you something."
Oh shit, Reno thought. It felt like his heart and stomach dropped into the dirt. "O-oh," he stammered. To his amazement Genesis chuckled. Can't be 'the' talk then... right?
"I wanted to say I'm sorry."
Gaia, maybe it is. "S-sorry?"
"For leaving. For now I just want you to know that it wasn't anything anyone said or did. I'm not angry, and I'm sorry I left like I did," Genesis stated.
"Thank Gods," Reno breathed. He hadn't realized he'd said it out loud until Genesis chuckled again. "Wha-," he paused to think and swallow the heart that had suddenly returned to his throat. It must have brought some dust with it because his mouth was incredibly dry. "So, eh, about us..." he trailed off, not entirely sure where he'd been going with that.
"There's an us?" Genesis asked when Reno paused.
"I-, We-," Reno stammered but was cut off by Genesis.
"Relax Reno, I was just messing with you."
Sweet Shiva thank you! "Oh. Well in that case... I'd like there to be... you know... an official us." There, I said it. There was such a long pause that he started to fidget.
"Did you just ask me out?"
"Eh, yeah. I- I guess I did." Stop stammering you idiot!
"On a date or... ?" Genesis queried.
A date? Oh hell. Reno had never been on a date before. Not a real one anyway. "Ah, we could go on a date but eh, I guess I was doing this backwards and was thinking more... boyfriend."
"Yes," Genesis whispered.
"Ok well ma-," Reno stopped. "Wait, did you say yes?" The SOLDIER giggled causing his suddenly unpredictable heart to flutter. That was cute. "To which part yo?"
"Both." A pause. "You sound surprised."
"N-, yeah, I guess I am," Reno chuckled. "Not the most romantic way to go about this and I guess I'd convinced myself you already had tons of prospects so I figured you'd turn me down." He paused, thought about what he'd said, and hastily added, "I mean, not that I think you're a who-, I figured people would be lined up to be wi-, that you had yer pick so why m-, Godsdamnit you know what I mean!" he finished, frustrated. Genesis gave a full-throated laugh and his frustration washed away.
"Yes, I know what you mean. No one's waiting on me Reno. Except you maybe."
Reno let out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. "I already told you, you're worth waiting for."
"I didn't really believe you, you know."
"I meant it then and I mean it now."
"Thank you," Genesis whispered.
"Heh, you thanked me enough already."
There was a short pause before Genesis said, "I've never had a boyfriend before."
"Girlfriend?"
"Never had one of those either."
"Guess we'll figure it out together yo," Reno said in a light voice.
"Should be interesting," Genesis chuckled.
Silence followed until Reno broke it. "Genesis?"
"Hmm?"
"What did Rufus say to you?" Reno asked. He couldn't help it; it was eating him alive.
"Don't worry about it Reno."
"Too late. I tried to strangle it-," Reno stopped himself, mentally cursing. He hadn't meant to let that slip.
"You strangled Rufus Shinra? Are you insane?" Genesis yelped.
Reno chuckled, "I asked you out and barely know you but since we met, you're always on my mind. To top that off, you're a Turks greatest rival, a SOLDIER, and I could be dead tomorrow so why bother... Hell, I'm getting ready to take on Gaia's biggest, most well-armed corporation with five or six not so well armed people... So yeah, maybe."
Genesis hesitated then said, "Will it help you focus if I tell you?"
"It might yo."
"Promise not to say or do anything else to Rufus?"
"I can't promise that." There was another long pause and Reno figured Genesis wasn't going to tell him.
"Oh hell fine," Genesis sighed, and then recounted the incident in a rush.
"That little motherfu-," Reno started but was cut off.
"Reno please just leave him alone. It shouldn't even have bothered me. I had things going on that I wasn't aware of and my emotions got the better of me."
Reno huffed out a breath and said, "Still pissed at him yo."
"I know. Just..." he sighed, "leave the kid alone."
"Pfft."
"Reno!"
Reno chuckled, "I'll let it go." Yeah right.
"Good," Genesis replied, relieved. "I don't want to, but... I should go."
"Yeah, me too."
"Be careful ok? I don't want to lose you already."
"I'll be careful yo." He paused then added, "Love you."
"Better find that special place so we can finish what we started in the cave," Genesis said and disconnected.
Reno pulled the phone away from his ear with a huge grin on his face. It didn't bother him that Genesis hadn't said he loved him back; he would when he was ready. I hope. He mentally chided himself for that and walked back to Angeal and Rude. On the way he realized he hadn't even asked where the auburn SSC was. Dumbass.
As he got closer Rufus poked his head out from behind Rude and anger flooded him, wiping the grin off his face. The redhead scowled but said nothing as he returned the PHS to Angeal. "So we have a plan yet yo?"
Rufus slowly moved out from behind Rude and said, "I have a plan."
"You? You have a plan?" Reno said, disbelief and scorn lacing his words.
Rufus pulled himself up to his full height and took several steps away from Rude. "Yes, I do," he said defiantly.
Reno found he suddenly couldn't control his body. Rufus had moved within reaching distance and he snapped. He used his right hand to reach out and grab Rufus by the collar of his shirt. As he pulled him forward, he raised his left hand and swung. The redhead backhanded Rufus across the face while simultaneously letting him go. Sure a fist would have been better, but he didn't want to hurt the little bastard too badly. The slap was enough and combined with Rufus losing his balance and falling on his ass, he was satisfied.
Rude was suddenly blocking Reno's view of Rufus and Angeal was restraining him but he didn't care. He knew Rude wouldn't hurt him just for slapping the kid, neither would Angeal. "Now we're even yo," Reno calmly said, peering around Rude's arm.
"What the hell was that for?" Rude demanded. "He's just trying to help."
"For fucking with my boyfriend's head." Hope I wasn't supposed to keep that a secret...
"Boyfriend?" Angeal and Rufus said in unison. Rufus's tone was full of disbelief while Angeal's was full of shock. Both of Rude's eyebrows shot up but he said nothing.
"Yeah, boyfriend," he said, twisting to shoot a look at Angeal, ignoring Rude and Rufus. "So what's this plan of yers?" he asked, smirking down at Rufus around Rude.
Rufus sighed. "Get out of the way Rude."
"Sir!" Rude protested.
"Godsdamnit Rude that's an order and let him go Angeal," Rufus snapped. Rude clearly didn't like it but moved out of the way as Angeal released the redhead. He fought not to rub the left side of his face as he looked at Reno. "First I need to use someone's PHS to call Legend."
"What happened to yours yo?"
"Nothing, but I doubt either he or Tseng will answer a call from my number right now."
"Agreed, but why do we need to call Legend?" Reno said.
"For starters to tell him we have a plan so we don't screw up any possible plan he may have. Assuming hehas a plan that is. Next I need him to leave his PHS somewhere that we can retrieve it before the meeting." Angeal, Reno, and Rude exchanged confused glances so he figured now was a good time to add, "Then I need someone to shoot me."
Angeal exclaimed, "What?", Rude said, "Sir!", and Reno said nothing, but his eyebrows shot upward.
Rufus had expected such reactions so he was undaunted. "I know, it sounds stupid, but hear me out. My father thinks that Legend shot me," and with that he explained the incident in the chopper.
"What's this got to do with your plan yo?" Reno asked.
"We're going to kill Legend," Rufus replied with no hint of emotion.
A long silence followed during which Rude and Angeal both looked at Reno with shocked and confused faces. He looked right back at them until he remembered he was the active director. They'd both fallen into subordinate mode. "I'm listening," he said, sighing.
With that, Rufus told them the rest of his plan.
"Everything OK?" Sephiroth questioned as Genesis disconnected the call with Reno.
"Yep!" Genesis replied in a chipper voice.
Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, wondering if the Mako was unbalancing his emotions again. Perhaps he'd been pushing too hard in trying to teach him how to control his newfound abilities. The past few hours had been grueling, but Genesis seemed to have taken it in stride. His only complaints had been about himself and his lack of skill. Not exactly arrogant...
"I believe we should take a break," Sephiroth replied in his usual, almost monotone voice.
"Why?" Genesis asked.
"I'm hungry."
"Oh..." Genesis replied, thinking. "Now that you mention it so am I."
Sephiroth gave a shy smile and waved his right hand toward the hut. "Shall we?" With that he started walking, assuming Genesis would follow; he did.
"I hope you have food because I don't. I left everything with the Turks and 'Geal."
"The hut has ample supplies," Sephiroth said, not turning around.
"Good!" Genesis said excitedly as Sephiroth pulled open the door and waved him inside. "Thanks."
Sephiroth inclined his head and followed Genesis into the small shelter. The auburn SOLDIER stood awkwardly in the small living room, looking around. "Make yourself comfortable," Sephiroth said, moving into the tiny kitchen. He busied himself with gathering ingredients and equipment.
"Anything I can do?" Genesis asked.
"I will handle it," replied the silver. He placed some vegetables and herbs onto a cutting board when a thought occurred to him. Sephiroth turned around and asked, "You aren't allergic to anything are you?" Genesis shook his head indicating he wasn't. "Is a soup ok?"
"Sure."
Sephiroth nodded and began chopping up ingredients. As he worked he remembered the backpack he had stashed here before dropping off the buggy and finding Genesis. He stopped and turned again. "Would you like to bathe? It will be awhile before dinner will be ready."
"Are you saying I stink?" Genesis asked, putting his hands on his hips and cocking them sideways, head slightly tilted.
"I did-... you're teasing again, aren't you?" Genesis laughed, confirming his suspicion and he smiled. "There is a change of clothes in the backpack on the couch."
Genesis looked around before replying. "I hate to sound stupid but I don't exactly see a shower... hell I don't see a toilet!"
Sephiroth chuckled lightly. "It is not attached, though it is fully functional. It is around back."
"Weird," Genesis replied, grabbing the backpack. "I take it you come here often. You seem pretty comfy," he said as he removed the fresh uniform. Sephiroth had started chopping again but at his statement the silver SOLDIER stilled. He turned and eyed the taller man, wondering at his expression. It was part pain, part sadness.
"I... used to visit here often when I was younger. I haven't been here in many years until recently, then I began returning."
"You make it sound like you're ninety," Genesis replied, trying to lighten the mood.
There was a pause before Sephiroth replied, "Sometimes I feel I am."
Genesis blew out a puff of air. "Me too."
Sephiroth regarded his companion. The auburn's tone had been wistful and his eyes thoughtful. "How old are you?"
"16, same as you." He knows my uniform size but not my age? Weird.
Sephiroth nodded and returned to his task. Genesis, fresh uniform in hand, walked out the front door and around the dwelling in search of the bathroom. He saw a decent sized structure and wondered how he'd missed it before. It was a strange place to build a bathroom but still, he should have noticed the building.
Genesis approached the door and turned the doorknob. The door swung outwards and he took a step back, peering into the dark interior. The fact that it was night didn't hamper his vision at all and what he saw made his jaw drop open.
Inside was a large bathtub carved of natural rock. It was at least eight feet long and six feet wide. He assumed it was a natural hot spring since there was already water with steam rising from it. The auburn also didn't see any faucet components and the water had to come from somewhere.
One entire wall was lined with shelves and held everything one could possibly need to get clean; shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, bath gels, bar soap, bath salts, bubble bath, and more. The shelving also contained towels, robes, and slippers.
Off in one corner was a toilet and a sink with a mirror hanging above it. He wasn't about to ponder how someone managed to get plumbing all the way out here or why they wouldn't have at least placed the sink and toilet inside the house. There was a kitchen sink, so both buildings had running water.
Genesis entered, found a switch close to the door, and flipped it. Immediately the entire area was bathed in soft light. He walked to the shelves and picked out some soap, shampoo, and conditioner. After placing the items next to the 'tub', he returned to the shelves. He said to make myself comfortable, he thought as he picked out a small vial labeled 'jasmine and lavender - relaxing'. There were several of the vials so he didn't think using one would be a big deal. The auburn popped the cap and was immediately greeted by a flowery scent. Yep, that's relaxing. He grinned as he returned to the spring.
He found no directions on the small vial so he dumped the entire thing into the water then began removing his clothes. Though not overpowering, the scent of lavender was the strongest and began to fill the area. Finally relieved of his clothes, he dipped a toe into the water and found it warm, bordering on hot. Perfect.
Genesis slowly eased down into the water and felt the heat prickle along his skin. Gods it felt good. He was almost neck deep before he finally found the smooth bottom. The auburn briefly wondered how the thing stayed clean but decided he didn't care. It was clean and felt heavenly.
The SSC swam around a bit and realized one side was deeper than the other, like a pool with multiple depths. On the shallow side was a rock that felt hand-carved into a seat. Someone had found a way to smooth the bottom and side rocks as well so nothing was jagged. Another curiosity.
For the time being the auburn let his feet drift upwards and he floated on his back. Every now and then he moved his hands to make sure he didn't get to close to one of the sides but otherwise he was motionless. As a result his mind began to drift and he let it.
His thoughts turned to Reno and he smiled happily as he thought about where they might go on their date. A playful smirk replaced the smile as he wondered what else they might do. That brought visions of what they'd already done and once started, his mind flooded with remembered images.
Eyes closed, he let the visions assail him. He remembered his hands as they roamed Reno's naked torso. He remembered the taste of the Turk's skin and the feel of his collarbone as his tongue glided across it. The auburn shuddered recalling the Turk's fingers brushing his neck and his warm breath rushing across his ear.
His hands began to slide along his body as the images continued. As he started to lick and suck Reno's cock in his mind, his right hand gripped his own rock hard organ and moved up and down. He let his hand sync with his mind, the pace of his hand matching the pace of his bobbing head. Just like with the Turk, his speed started out slow but sped up.
The auburn bit back the moans and groans that were trying to escape his parted lips. His hand began to pick up speed and he gripped himself more firmly, enjoying the pressure and the feel of the veins and bumps of his dick on his palm. The sound panting filled the air and he felt the fire build in his abdomen and balls.
He now pictured the look on Reno's face as he stared down at him lustfully. His eyes had been beautiful and full of surrender, need, and desire. Genesis was panting, chest rising and falling, sending water rushing around and over him. He enjoyed the sensation as his chest became chill then warm again when the water returned. The auburn fought not to drown himself and floated towards the shallow end, deciding death simply wasn't an option.
Once there he shifted into a seated position. While moving his hand never stopped its ministrations on his cock since he enjoyed the gentle tugs as he positioned himself. Now that he wasn't worried about drowning, he threw his head back and completely relaxed, focusing on the feel of the organ in his hand. He visualized the Turk as he might appear if he were watching him masturbate. The auburn could see the need, desire, and arousal on the man's face as he licked his lips and whispered encouragement.
The fire built and Genesis welcomed its release. He moaned as he felt his seed spill out into the water and gave a final shudder as he pictured Reno's face when he'd released in the cave. The auburn finally let go of his member, satisfied but missing the Turk fiercely.
Genesis stayed motionless as the adrenaline slowly left his system and his breathing returned to normal. Without the adrenaline he was tired and his hunger returned. He was about to swim to his supplies when there was a knock on the door. The auburn stayed where he was and called, "It's open."
Sephiroth opened the door and peered in. Satisfied Genesis wasn't exposed he entered. As the door swung closed behind him he closed his eyes and inhaled, a smile tugging up the corners of his lips. "I see you found the salts."
"Eh, yes. I hope you don't mind," Genesis replied with a smile of his own. Gods he hoped that's all Sephiroth could smell!
"Not at all."
"This room is amazing," Genesis said, glad his body was back to normal.
Sephiroth smiled wider. "Yes. Professor Gast built it around the hot spring. He smoothed the rocks out and turned it into a hot tub. The tub is why the bathroom isn't attached to the house; he opted to keep it in one room. When you are finished press the button over there," he waved his hand toward said button, "and it will clean the tub."
Professor Gast? Where have I heard that name? "Ok."
"I came to tell you dinner will be ready soon."
Genesis looked at the unused shampoo, conditioner, and soap. "I'll finish up and join you in a few minutes." Sephiroth nodded and left.
Damn, Genesis thought. He hated to leave the tub but was thankful that if Sephiroth knew he'd masturbated, he'd said nothing. The SSC sighed as he swam to his supplies and finished washing up.
Once he was done, he hauled himself out of the water and dried himself off with a towel. He put on the fresh uniform and pressed the button Sephiroth had indicated. There was a humming noise as mechanical components came to life, but he couldn't locate the source.
Genesis shrugged and looked at the soiled towel and uniform, having no idea what to do with them. He folded both and placed them on the floor just inside the door, deciding they could stay there until he asked Sephiroth what to do with them.
The auburn trudged through the sand barefoot, holding his boots and socks in his left hand. To his surprise the sand was still warm and felt good on his feet. He loved the way it squished through his toes.
Arriving at the hut he opened the door, wiped his feet on the mat, and placed his shoes by the door. The smell that wafted to his nose made his mouth water. "Gods that smells good," he said aloud, looking at Sephiroth who was standing by the tiny stove.
Sephiroth briefly returned the gaze, but quickly looked away, busying himself with filling two bowls. He placed them on the table with a loaf of bread and some butter. "Chocobo stew with vegetables."
"Chocobo eh?" Genesis asked. He'd had chocobo before, but surprisingly it wasn't commonly consumed.
"A wild chocobo decided he didn't like me much," Sephiroth replied, smiling. "Seemed a waste to leave it there."
Genesis chuckled at the mental image of a pissed off chocobo attacking Sephiroth. "It would have been," he replied, moving to the table and taking a seat. Sephiroth sat across from him and started buttering a slice of bread. Genesis started on his soup and moaned out loud after the first bite, earning him a puzzled look from Sephiroth. He chewed quickly and swallowed, noting his throat wasn't nearly as sore. "It's fantastic!"
Sephiroth gave a shy smile and the two started eating in silence. It was a companionable silence and he inwardly smiled. It had been so long since he'd eaten with someone else that Sephiroth had forgotten how pleasant it could be.
"Sephiroth?"
"Hmm?"
"Who is Professor Gast?" He regretted asking when Sephiroth stopped eating and pinned him with green eyes. "Sorry, sorry," he said, "None of my business."
"It is fine," Sephiroth replied. "Professor Gast Faremis was the led scientist at Shinra before Professors Hojo and Hollander."
"That's where I've heard the name! I read something about him during training. He left Shinra didn't he?" Sephiroth nodded so he asked, "Why?"
"I... do not know," Sephiroth replied, looking down at his soup.
Genesis noticed the reaction but let it go and the two went back to eating in silence. He wondered how Sephiroth had known Gast and how close they'd been. The auburn figured the silver haired SOLDIER had to be a kid when Gast was at Shinra and that brought another question to mind. Just how long had Sephiroth been at Shinra? He remembered his earlier comment about an isolation cell, which puzzled him more. Maybe he was sick as a kid.
When the two were finished eating, Genesis helped Sephiroth clear the table and clean the dishes. Again the two didn't talk, but talking didn't seem to be required. They seemed to have quickly become comfortable with each other, like longtime friends. Oddly Genesis never once thought about Sephiroth being his childhood hero or crush. He figured a certain Turk had something to do with that.
Genesis smiled to himself as he again thought of Reno. My boyfriend, he thought, rolling the concept around. He wondered what Reno was doing right now and felt a stab of panic. The SSC still felt guilty for leaving but after talking with Sephiroth it was probably for the best. Reno didn't seem to hold it against him, but still, the damned Turk better stay alive or he was going to be pissed. Reno wouldn't even be safe from his wrath in the Lifestream. He'd kill whoever killed the Turk then go after Reno himself.
Once everything was cleaned and put away Genesis turned to Sephiroth. "Where are we going to sleep?" The place didn't have a bedroom that he could see and he was once again reminded he needed to sleep.
"The couch and chair both fold out into beds," Sephiroth replied, waving a hand at the furniture. "They are both surprisingly comfortable."
"I'll take the chair," Genesis said. "If that's ok."
"That is fine."
The two moved into the living area and unfolded the beds. Sephiroth opened a cabinet and retrieved pillows and blankets. He handed a set to Genesis and threw the rest on the couch-bed before removing his shirt.
Genesis had already removed his shirt and crawled onto the chair-bed. He snuggled down and realized just how tired he was. He knew the sun was peeking over the horizon and he prayed that Reno and the Turks would be alive this time tomorrow. The auburn shook the thought from his head as Sephiroth climbed into his bed.
"Night Sephiroth," Genesis said through a yawn.
"Goodnight... Genesis."
Genesis fell asleep fairly quickly and Sephiroth listened to the sound of his breathing. He was impressed by the other SOLDIER, but was generally confused by many things. The silver decided he had much to do when he got back to Shinra: look up files, learn how to read body language, read up on conversational techniques, and more. He sighed, repositioned himself, and forced his mind to clear. Within a half hour he too was fast asleep.
Angeal sighed as he made his way through the Midgar slums. After Rufus revealed his plan, everyone had agreed with little reluctance. No one could come up with anything better and honestly, the kid had put some thought into it. Reno had called Legend to confer with he and Tseng; they'd agreed as well. The plan wasn't foolproof, but now they all thought the Turks actually had a chance to see tomorrow.
And so Angeal found himself wandering the lower sectors in search of the area Legend said he would leave his phone in. He was currently traveling through Sector 7, heading into Sector 6. He'd been chosen for this part of the mission since he wasn't likely to be shot on sight in addition to his speed. The last they'd heard, neither Genesis nor himself had been added to the kill on sight order but no one had been in contact with anyone inside Shinra, so they weren't certain. Angeal really wished Lazard would call and give them an update.
As he walked further into Sector 6 his jaw dropped. The Turks had warned him that parts of Sector 6 were in disarray but he hadn't expected this. Rubble was strewn everywhere and he figured at least half of the Sector was uninhabitable. They hadn't explained what had happened, just said a fight had taken place. He made a mental note to ask exactly what happened and started picking his way through the debris.
About 10 minutes later he finally spotted a swing set and other children's toys; it was the park he was looking for. At this point he wasn't even sure what Sector he was in but it didn't matter. He was just glad he finally found the place. The SSC walked in and noted that everything was deserted and it saddened him. This was supposed to be a place of merriment, not a wasteland. He could say it was deserted because of the time of the day, but he knew that wasn't it. It was unsafe for anyone, let alone little kids.
After looking around for a few minutes he finally spotted a wire jutting out of the ground, bent into the shape of an upside-down 'L'. He walked over to the spot and noted the soil had recently been disturbed. The SSC bent down and gently started to scrap the dirt away. Hearing a crinkling sound he scrapped faster and spotted the corner of a bag so he used his fingers to pull it out. The bag was clear and inside was Legend's bloodstained PHS. He smiled grimly, placed the bag into his pocket, and quickly threaded his way through the slums and back to the waiting Turks.