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

17 - Watery Identity

The elevator doors dinged open and Angeal stepped onto the 46th floor. The hallway was empty but faint sounds trickled out from behind closed doors, making him smile. Unlike the 50th floor, this floor contained at least 10 apartments, if not 12 or 14. While the apartments were smaller than those on the 50th floor, they still weren't as tiny as those on the 44th. The 44th floor held 20 apartments, a laundry room with 10 washers and 10 dryers, and a medium sized lobby. If he had to choose a floor between the three, he'd choose the 44th. Though the rooms were tiny by most standards he enjoyed the sounds of people going about their lives and the comfort of knowing they were close. He also didn't require a lot of space and a large apartment felt so empty to him.

Stopping in front of the fifth door on the right, he rapped his knuckles against the cool metal. He heard shuffling before a crisp 'Yes?' sounded. "It's SSC Hewley," he called, taking a step back. The door slid open and his eyes landed on STC Sebastian, who nodded and sheathed his sword.

"Sir!" Sebastian saluted once his hands were free.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me sir?" Angeal chuckled.

"It's protocol, Sir."

Angeal swiveled his head as though looking for something. "I don't see anyone to impress or any reason we can't break protocol a little. Rude won't mind and I certainly don't."

"Then what should I call you?"

Angeal placed his right hand on Sebastian's left shoulder and grinned. "How about Angeal?" The STC chuckled and nodded. "Any problems?"

"Nope, this Turk's quiet," the STC replied, hooking a thumb over his shoulder toward Rude.

"This Turk?"

"I had to watch the redhead a few times. He's got a big mo-," Sebastian cut himself off with a wince.

"Something wrong?"

"Eh, not unless either of you tell the redheaded Turk I said that. I keep forgetting the guy outranks me. He sure doesn't act like it," Sebastian said, shaking his head.

"He outranks you?"

"Reno is the Assistant Director of the Department of Administrative Research," Rude called without looking up from his book.

"Ah, I'd forgotten myself," Angeal replied. "I won't say anything. Will you Rude?"

"No," Rude called. "Besides, he does have a big mouth." When it suits him. "Don't make a habit of talking shit about my partner though, okay?"

"Okay," Sebastian replied, looking somewhat nervous. "I better get going. The others are probably starving by now." The SSC smiled and Sebastian nodded before exiting the apartment.

Angeal walked into the kitchen, pulled open the fridge, and removed a bottle of water. He hadn't asked Rude since he knew he wouldn't mind and the Turk already had a bottle on the end table beside his chair. The SSC opened the bottle and took a drink before heading back into the living room. He removed his sword harness and propped it in front the couch before taking a seat.

"How's your partner?" Rude called.

"Friend, not partner."

"Sorry, I forget SOLDIERs don't have partners."

"That annoy you Rude?" Angeal asked, picking up something unidentifiable in his tone.

"Annoy, no."

Angeal waited for an explanation, but when nothing more followed he said, "Oh." After a pause he added, "Genesis is fine, or will be. Reno and Tseng are fine as well," he finished, taking another drink.

"You saw Tseng?" Rude asked, closing his book and raising an eyebrow.

Angeal nodded. "He and Sephiroth were at Reno's. Tseng and Reno are supposed to work on something together so part of their confinement has been lifted. Doesn't apply to the rest of you though, sorry."

"I don't mind," Rude shrugged. "This may be the only vacation I get for awhile."

"Vacation?"

"Might as well be," Rude chuckled. "What did you mean 'or will be'?"

Angeal sighed. "I'm probably just worrying too much."

"About what?"

"Remember our discussion about Genesis's possible Mako imbalance?" Rude nodded so he added, "Sephiroth confirmed it."

"I see. How bad of a situation is this?"

It was Angeal's turn to shrug. "Not sure. He seems to be handling it right now, but I'm worried about how he'll react to future treatments."

"Understandable."

Angeal remained quiet for a few minutes and sipped his water. Genesis would be pissed if he found out he was talking to Rude about this. Aside from the fact he was talking about him, his auburn friend had trust issues. For better or worse, he trusted Rude and didn't think the Turk would tell anyone what was said for any reason nor use it against them somehow. Hell, Genesis trusted Reno and out of the two, Angeal would trust Rude first. He didn't have a problem with Reno; he just seemed unpredictable. Like Genesis. The thought made him chuckle and smile.

The SSC pulled himself away from his thoughts and found Rude watching him with a raised eyebrow. "Sorry, just thinking about Reno and Genesis."

"Good or bad?"

"Neither really."

"Does it bother you?"

Angeal looked at Rude with a confused expression. "Bother me?"

"That they're dating."

"Oh, no," Angeal replied, raising an eyebrow. "Does it bother you?"

"It... confuses and... worries me."

"Why?"

"I've never seen Reno take to anyone the way he did to Genesis," Rude replied, looking down at his lap. "You should have seen it Angeal. It was... bizarre."

"How so?" Angeal asked, shifting to face Rude and stretching his legs out in front of him on the couch.

"After our bird went down, Reno and I were separated," Rude said, thinking the best place to start was the beginning. "The next day Genesis found me and took me to Reno. He was hurt, bad. I still wonder how the hell he got so far without leaving a trail in the condition he was in," he shook his head before continuing. "After we made it back to Reno, the two started bickering almost immediately. At first, I was pissed at Reno, wondering why he couldn't be more professional. After listening to the two for a few minutes, I realized Genesis was just as bad. They finally stopped bickering but Reno chose the wrong moment to get serious. He pissed Genesis off so badly he broke his nose and I ended up knocking Genesis out."

Rude paused, retrieved his water, and took a sip, glancing at Angeal in the process. The SOLDIER's face was scrunched in a slight scowl. "I know what you're thinking and you're right," he said, screwing the cap back on his bottle. "I overacted."

"That wasn't what I was thinking," Angeal replied with a smirk.

"It wasn't?"

"No. I was wondering what happened to Genesis's manners. Picking on the injured... shesh."

"Reno was dishing it out just fine," Rude chortled.

"Still," Angeal said, shaking his head. "As for hitting Gen," he shrugged, "sounds like he deserved it."

"The whole thing was an accident, though at the time I didn't realize that," Rude replied, blowing air out of his mouth.

"How does a person accidently break someone's nose?"

"He threw his PHS at Reno without looking."

"That's Genesis for you. Acts before he thinks," Angeal laughed.

Rude nodded with a grin. "Reno does sometimes as well."

"So what happened after that?"

"Reno started acting... weirder. He ripped my head off and started defending Genesis. After that," he shook his head, "he got real protective of him. Every time I got to close to Genesis, Reno would glare daggers my way, like I was going to dropkick him or something." He shook his head again. "He even covered Genesis's nose and mouth when Tseng showed up in a chopper. Hell, he refused to come back with us because we would have taken Genesis into custody."

"For what?"

"To make sure he didn't talk about anything that happened or know anything important."

"Ah," Angeal replied, leaning against the couch's armrest.

"For whatever reason, Tseng decided to let Reno and Genesis make their way to Midgar on their own. He gave him some Potions and we left."

"So that's how you got split up."

"Yes," Rude replied, flexing his fingers. "At the time I was upset due to personal reasons and didn't notice much. Looking back, I see that Reno obviously liked Genesis from the start."

"What makes you say that? Aside from him being protective that is."

"He wouldn't have bickered with him like that. Reno does have a mouth, but Angeal, he couldn't even stand up! He should have been conserving energy, not messing with a SOLDIER. On top of that, Reno was hurt far worse than your friend was yet he was worried about him! He pulled him into his lap to protect his face for Gaia's sake! If you're hurt as bad as Reno was, you just don't do shit like that for no reason. It's a waste of energy and you could hurt yourself worse."

"Maybe it was a way to take his mind off the pain."

"Perhaps, but I don't think so."

The two lapsed into silence while each thought. Rude still felt bad for his behavior and still wanted to apologize to both of them. Angeal pondered what Rude had said and agreed with him. It did sound like Reno had liked Genesis from the start, bickering and all. Love at first sight? Perhaps, but it sounded more like lust. He was almost positive there was more too it as well. But what?

"I see how it's confusing," Angeal began, breaking the silence, "So what worries you?"

"That Reno will hurt your friend."

Angeal blinked, thinking he'd misheard the big Turk. Rude was worried about Genesis? Shouldn't he be worried about Reno?

Rude chuckled. "I am worried about Reno, but more so about Genesis," he said, correctly reading Angeal's expression.

"Explain."

Rude inhaled deeply and slowly blew it out while wording what he wanted to say. "I don't want to give you the wrong impression, but Reno has always been a one-night stand kind of guy. He's not had a serious relationship the entire time I've known him. Hell, he's never had a relationship at all. I always thought his lack of seriousness extended into all aspects of his life. I'm afraid once he gets what he wants, he'll leave. Worse, he'll stick around for awhile then leave."

"I don't know what he would want from Gen aside from sex and he's gotten that. He didn't act as if he was going to ditch him anytime soon. Matter of fact, he seemed pretty serious about the whole thing," Angeal replied without thinking.

"Oh?"

I shouldn't have said that, Angeal thought. "I'm not a gossip Rude. I just have a big mouth apparently."

Rude wasn't surprised they'd had sex. A one-night stand sort of guy moved fast and he didn't know Genesis well enough to judge. He was surprised Reno was taking the relationship seriously though. "I did not think you were a gossip. Gossips discuss things that may or may not be fact: rumors. What you said I believe is fact." After a pause he added, "I'm relieved."

"Relieved?"

"Maybe we'll all get out of this intact, mentally and physically," Rude replied with a laugh, lightening the mood.

"Yeah," Angeal snickered, "maybe we will."

There was a knock at the door followed by a muffled, "Food, Sirs."

Angeal rose, pulled his sword from its harness, and leaned it up against the wall next to the door before hitting the open button. "Welcome back," Angeal teased, taking the offered bag of food. "What's for dinner?"

"No idea. They pack it, I deliver it," Sebastian grinned. He bent and picked up another bag. "Don't want it getting cold!"

Angeal watched him walk a few doors down before the door slid shut. He turned and held the bag out to Rude, who was standing a few steps behind him. "You trying to get a one up on me or is it training?" Angeal asked since the Turk came up behind him rather quietly.

"Training," Rude said, returning to his chair.

Angeal chuckled and grabbed his sword before returning to his own seat. The two were quiet as Rude unpacked the bag's contents. The Turk held out a foam container with a, "They're both the same."

Angeal nodded and took the offered food. "Smells like meatloaf."

"Meaning mystery meat."

"Exactly," Angeal chuckled, opening the container and grabbing some plastic utensils.

"Be thankful it comes with mashed potatoes. Even Shinra's cafeteria can't screw those up."

"Tell that to Genesis," Angeal snorted.

"He complained about mashed potatoes? "

"Yep," Angeal laughed. "He had a point though. One day the things were so runny they were like soup. Only way you could eat them was with a spoon."

"Ugh," Rude replied, poking his potatoes with his fork to test their solidity. "What'd he do?"

"Asked the cook how she could be so incompetent that she couldn't make mashed potatoes properly."

"Seriously?"

"Uh-huh," Angeal replied, taking a bite of the 'meatloaf'.

"What did she say?"

"Nothing, she just glared at him. The next time we had mashed potatoes however, they were so stiff you had to add milk or water to them."

"Serves him right."

"Didn't need to punish the rest of us though. Of course Genesis pitched another fit."

"Oh?" Rude questioned, trying the mystery meat for himself. Not bad.

Angeal nodded and chuckled. "He gathered a big lump onto his fork, walked up to the counter, and said he was sorry she was so brain-dead she couldn't manage mashed potatoes and that she should really check her medical insurance to see if Shinra would cover a transplant. After that he flicked the fork and the whole blob stuck to the wall behind the cook."

"Shit, he get punished for that?"

"Oh yeah. He got written up and had to clean the entire wall with a toothbrush. To top that off, he had to work in the cafeteria for two weeks along with his regular duties and training."

"Bet he loved that."

Angeal shrugged. "His response was 'Fine, I can teach the bitch how to cook.'"

"What about the write up and cleaning?"

"Those didn't bother him either."

"Get too many write ups and they'll kick him out of the program."

"I don't think he cares," Angeal sighed.

"Why'd he join then?"

"You'd have to ask him that."

Silence again settled over the two as they ate. Regardless of all the grumbling everyone did, the cafeteria food was rarely inedible, though it wasn't five-star quality. The company understood that if people didn't eat here, they lost money. On top of that, they felt hungry people were not as productive or focused. The final aspect was the SOLDIER program. Spending outrageous amounts of time and money on their SOLDIERs made zero sense if they weren't well tended, and that included food.

20 minutes later dinner was finished and they stuffed the trash back into the bag. Angeal took it to the kitchen and threw it in the waste bin. He returned to the couch, grabbed his bottle of water, and took a drink before asking, "So what's the deal with Elena and Tseng?"

"What do you mean?"

"It was kind of hard not to notice some of the looks and tension between the two."

"Oh, that," Rude replied. "It's Elena, not Tseng."

"Eh?"

"Elena is interested in Tseng, but it seems pretty one sided. She shifts between trying to get his attention and being pissed off at him."

"Oh," Angeal replied, drumming his fingers on his knees. "Is Tseng homosexual or does he just not like Elena?" Rude started laughing and he stared at him dumbfounded.

"Angeal, I didn't even know my own damned partner was gay and you're asking me about Tseng?" Rude said, still laughing.

"You didn't know Reno was gay?"

"He's shown zero inclination for the same sex around me."

"Could be he thought you'd disapprove."

"Wouldn't know why. We both have friends that swing that way and it doesn't bother me."

Angeal shrugged, "Maybe he thought it might be different since you two are close."

"With Reno who knows," Rude sighed. He wasn't going to add they probably weren't as close as Angeal thought. "Did you know Genesis was gay?"

"Yes," Angeal replied, subconsciously looking away. By the time he realized what he'd done he knew it was too late.

"You two dated?" Rude questioned in shock.

"Not according to Genesis," Angeal replied, wincing at his own tone. Even to him it sounded bitter.

"Ouch," Rude paused before adding, "Angeal, you know what I'm going to ask."

"Whether I'm gay?" Rude nodded and Angeal sighed. "You want the truth?"

"That would be nice."

"I don't know," he started fidgeting and looked back toward Rude. "Genesis and I fooled around but we never had sex."

"Did you want to?"

"Gods Rude," Angeal replied, feeling his face heat up. "Do we really have to talk about this?"

Rude thought for a minute before saying, "No, but you have to understand my confusion. I mean you asked Elena out so I figured you were straight. Now… don't take this the wrong way, but Elena might have been the wrong choice to help you figure this out. She can be a real ball breaker."

"Actually I already said something to her. She was fine with it."

"What?" Rude said, leaning forward in his chair.

Angeal felt his face heat up even more and stood so he could pace. "It seemed like the thing to do Rude. I mean, I asked her out on a date but I didn't want there to be some weird misunderstanding down the road, so I told her the truth."

"When did this happen?"

"When you were off with Cissnei," Angeal grinned. Rude blushed and he was pleased he wasn't the only one who was embarrassed or uncomfortable. He was also wondering how they'd gotten so far off the original topic. What the hell was the original topic?

"You're telling me you talked to Elena about this and she was ok with it? She didn't slap you or anything?"

"She really understood. We were talking about Reno and Genesis. She asked the same thing you did, whether I knew that Genesis was gay. One thing led to another, like this, and my confusion sort of came up."

"Damn," was all Rude could reply, feeling like he didn't know Elena at all. She was the newest recruit but he thought he had a decent handle on her by now. Apparently not. First he finds out Reno is gay, then he finds out Cissnei has been trying to get his attention for months, and now this? He suddenly wondered if he should even be wearing a Turk uniform. It was slightly depressing. Yet... "Angeal, she could be using you to try and get a rise out of Tseng." Angeal's only reply was a shrug and he asked, "Doesn't that bother you?"

"Sort of a fair trade off isn't it? I use her to try and figure my... sexuality out, and she uses me to annoy Tseng," Angeal replied. "As long as I don't end up with a pissed off Wutain on my back, I'm oddly okay with it."

"What if you start too really like her?"

"I'll deal with it. Not a great solution, but that's all I've got right now."

Rude raised an eyebrow and watched the pacing SOLDIER. That hadn't been the answer he'd expected. If he was confused, shouldn't he have said something like 'then I guess I'm not confused anymore?' 'I'll deal with it' implied he wasn't expecting to like her beyond friendship level. "Seems to me that you might have already made up your mind; sexually speaking that is. You just don't want to admit it, even to yourself." Angeal's only response was to continue pacing and after a few minutes Rude finally said, "I have to ask you one more thing, then we can go back to Elena and Tseng, Ok?"

Elena and Tseng! That was the original topic. "Ok."

"Since you and Genesis have a history and you're… confused… is this going to bleed over onto Reno somehow? I mean, are you really ok with them dating and all?"

"I'm fine with their relationship. I think part of the reason Genesis and I never had sex was because I was too afraid to screw up our friendship. That hasn't changed and honestly, I think we're better off friends."

"I'll take your word for it bu-"

"I know, you'll break me if I'm lying or if I interfere and Reno gets hurt," Angeal replied with a grin.

"Ok, back to Elena and Tseng."

"Not sure what else to say on that. Elena likes Tseng but he doesn't return it for whatever reason. That pretty much explains the interplay between the two," Angeal replied, sitting down hard on the couch. "I feel like all my emotions have been sucked dry."

"I believe they call that being emotionally drained," Rude chuckled. Angeal nodded and he added, "You know what's strange?"

"What?"

"During this conversation I've probably talked to you more than I've talked to all the Turks in the past six months combined."

"Guess we're all going through some changes huh?"

"Possibly. Here's to changes," Rude said, raising his bottle of water.

Angeal retrieved his bottle from the coffee table and joined the toast, "To changes and new friends."

Genesis blinked and discovered something was seriously wrong with his eyes. They were open but he couldn't see shit and they hurt! It wasn't until he jerked his head back that he realized he'd been face first in a pillow and the cloth had gotten into his eyes. Gods I'm dumb when I wake up.

As his mind slowly defogged, he registered the fact that he was laying on his stomach. He heard breathing to his left and tilted his head in that direction. Reno was laying about a foot away on his left side. The position gave him a clear view of his face and he smiled. Gods he was enchanting when he was asleep. Enchanting? Better not say that one aloud, ever. He was sure Reno would highly disapprove of such a 'girly' word being used to describe him.

The thought made him chuckle and he eased onto his right side so he was facing the Turk. Serene, he looks positively serene. Reno's face was completely relaxed in his sleep; not a muscle twitched, no lines marred his beautiful features. His eyes weren't even moving under their smooth lids. The only indication that the Turk was alive was his deep, rhythmic breathing. Doesn't even snore, Genesis thought, thinking Reno was entirely too perfect and wondering how the hell he'd gotten so lucky.

Genesis had been asking that question since the beginning. The more he learned about Reno, the more he felt like he'd been custom made for him. It was almost too good to be true and he kept expecting to wake up any second. When he didn't, he was left wondering what on Gaia Reno saw in him. He was temperamental, emotional, and downright obnoxious at times. As Angeal would say, he was a prima donna. Probably just doesn't know me well enough yet. Genesis scowled and quieted his mind. It was too early for such scathing thoughts.

With a still mind, Genesis slowly reached forward and moved a few stray chunks of hair off the redheads face. The Turk didn't move and he gently laid his left hand on his upturned cheek. While he risked waking him, he couldn't seem to help himself. Reno's head shifted slightly, almost as if he was nuzzling his hand, but otherwise he didn't move and his breathing remained even. Thought he was a light sleeper? He smiled and enjoyed the feel of Reno's smooth skin underneath his palm. After a few minutes, he began to move his thumb slowly back and forth, closing his eyes in contentment.

Genesis drifted somewhere between sleep and wakefulness for an indeterminable amount of time. He was completely aware of his surroundings, yet he felt like he was floating out of his body. The auburn felt Reno shift and his hand, which was still on the Turk's face, was covered by another. His thumb stilled and Reno's took up the action on the back of his hand.

"Time is it?" Reno groggily asked.

"No idea."

Reno moved the STC's hand and kissed the palm before rolling onto his back and stretching from head to toe. He felt Genesis sit up beside him and soon followed suit. "Awe, do we have to get up yo?" he whined.

"You don't, but I do or my bladder's going to burst."

"Heh, move it. I ain't got rubber sheets and if you pee in my bed, yer buying me a new mattress."

Genesis chuckled and stood up, quickly straightening his twisted sleep pants. He extended his arms above his head and stretched before padding into the bathroom, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he went. After relieving himself he called, "I'm taking a shower," and turned on the water. He adjusted the temperature and removed his pants. A sigh escaped his lips as he stepped underneath the warm spray.

The STC stood for a moment and let the water rain down on him. The sound of bare feet registered over the noise of the water and he focused his ears. For a minute, he thought Reno was going to join him, but the sound faded and he realized the Turk was probably heading to the guest bath. He began to work shampoo into his hair, enjoying the tingling and smell as the gel turned into lather.

"Mind if I join you?" Reno asked, grinning when Genesis's silhouette jumped.

"How in Ifrit's Horns did you do that?"

"Do what yo?"

"Creep up on me," Genesis scowled, swinging the shower door open.

"I dunno. Guess you were engrossed with shampooing?" Reno shrugged, eyes roving over the SOLDIER's naked hip and thigh.

Genesis narrowed his eyes. "Sneaky little Turk," he said, swinging the door closed.

Reno stood for a minute and debated what to do. Genesis hadn't exactly invited him in, but he hadn't said no either. Screw it, he thought, slipping his sleep pants off, taking the tie out of his hair, and reaching for goggles that weren't there. Really need to get those replaced... and not crash choppers.

The Turk sighed and slid the door open. The stall could easily accommodate four decent sized people so there was plenty of room for the two of them. That was why he was getting in uninvited. They didn't have to be right up against each other unless they wanted to be. He closed the door and faced the SOLDIER, waiting to judge his reaction to his presence.

Reno's breath stopped in his throat at the sight of Genesis rinsing his hair. The SOLDIER was facing him with his eyes closed and his head tiled back under the spray. His hands were on either side of his head, fingers deftly running through his hair while suds flowed down naked flesh. He knew Genesis wasn't trying to be sexy, but Shiva he was. "Who you callin' little yo?" he asked, taking a step forward and running his fingertips along the SOLDIER's sides from hip to rib.

Genesis leveled his head and eyed Reno from head to toe. "You are kind of scrawny," he said with a tsk, trailing an index finger down the Turk's chest and letting it fall away at his waist.

"Scrawny?"

"Um-hmm," Genesis replied, reaching toward the built-in shelving unit and retrieving the bottle of conditioner.

"I'm not scrawny! I'm lean," Reno stated, snatching the bottle out of the SOLDIER's hand. He squeezed a quarter-sized amount onto his palm, replaced the bottle, and started working the conditioner into Genesis's hair.

"Mmm," Genesis replied, closing his eyes. "I like lean."

"Is that so?" Reno questioned, tilting Genesis's head back and rinsing the conditioner out. Once finished, he leaned forward and kissed the left side of the SOLDIER's neck.

"That's so," Genesis purred.

Reno chuckled, wrapped his left arm around Genesis's waist, picked him up, and switched their positions so that he was now under the spray. Surprised, a girly little squeak escaped the auburn's lips and he chuckled again, reaching for the shampoo bottle. He stuck his tongue out and worked the shampoo through his hair.

"Humph," Genesis pouted, transfixed as Reno rinsed his hair, applied conditioner, then rinsed it again.

Reno was aware that he had the SOLDIER's full attention and made the most of it. Finished with his hair, he squeezed some shower gel onto a pouf, worked it into lather, and began applying it to his body. Genesis's eyes followed the movement of the pouf and he hid a grin. Once he was finished soaping himself, he stepped forward and began working on the auburn.

"I can clean myself," Genesis giggled.

"Pft, where's the fun in that yo?" Genesis gasped as he glided the pouf down his thigh and he grinned wickedly. Done with the SOLDIER's front he rose and whispered, "Turn around."

Genesis turned without complaint. Reno began rubbing the pouf across his back and he shuddered with arousal and delight. His heart was pounding and his member was beginning to throb. He heard a wet plop and before he could turn his head, the Turk's hands began to massage his shoulders. He sighed and tilted his head backward in surrender.

Reno slowly worked his hands down the auburn's back, amazed at how soft the flesh beneath his palms was. His hands finally landed on firm cheeks and he palmed the globes, gently rubbing and pressing his thumbs into the flesh. He stayed there for a moment before shifting to the left a step and slipping his left hand between the SOLDIER's arm and torso. His fingers trailed up his chest and neck before stopping on his chin. Gently turning the auburn's head sideways, he leaned forward and began licking and kissing his lips while simultaneously slipping his index finger into his passage. Genesis gasped and he darted his tongue into the now open mouth.

As Reno's tongue entered his mouth, Genesis's gasp turned into a moan. He lifted his arms and pressed his palms onto the shower wall both for support and for something to do with them. The Turk had him pinned in such a way that he had little room to move. It was both exciting and frustrating. If anyone but Reno had even tried to pin him like this they would be on the floor bleeding profusely. His thoughts were sliced to ribbons as Reno hooked his finger and found his pleasure spot. He mewled and broke the kiss for air, fingers scrapping the wall.

Reno and Genesis's eyes locked as the SOLDIER pulled back. Mixed in with the passion, desire, and need was something else. For a moment, the redhead struggled to identify the unfamiliar emotion. When he finally did, his heart skipped a beat and his cock twitched. Love, it's love. Panting, he kissed the STC's jaw line, adding a second finger in the process. Genesis moaned and titled his head to the right, giving him more access to his neck. He gently bit the delicate skin and his lips vibrated as Genesis moaned again. His left hand drifted down the SOLDEIR's chest and his fingers started toying with his left nipple.

Genesis inhaled sharply and leveled his head for a second before tilting it forward and pressing his forehead against the wall. His hips started moving back and forth of their own accord. Every time he shifted forward, his dick slid against the shower wall and the slight friction shot lightening through him. The sensations built until he thought his body was going to rip itself apart from pleasure. "Reno, please," he whispered between pants, fully aware of the pleading tone in his voice.

"Please what yo?" Reno breathed, gnawing on the STC's left earlobe and hooking his fingers.

Genesis cried out and his fingers clawed at the wall, looking for something to grab on to though he knew there was nothing. He blinked his eyes, trying to clear the white and blue dots from his vision. Determined not to flat out beg, he pulled his left arm toward his body, then slithered it sideways and downward. Thanks to the soap and water, his arm was soon free at his left side. He reached out and firmly grasped Reno's cock, giving it a squeeze for good measure.

Reno gasped and hissed when Genesis grabbed his member. He'd been so focused on other things that he hadn't noticed the STC wiggling himself free. As the hand began to glide over his slick organ, he dropped his head onto the auburn's shoulder and panted.

"Please," Genesis repeated.

Unable to fight his desire any longer, Reno withdrew his fingers and reached out to rinse them under the spray. The water temperature hadn't changed and he was glad he lived in a place with a huge water heater. Probably a whole fuckin' room of them somewhere. While the thought was random the distraction helped him edge back from the brink.

Most of the shower gel and suds had long ago vanished, so he reached down and squeezed the pouf a few times. Once he had enough lather, he smoothed it over his erection and ran his fingers up the SOLDIER's sides, grinning as the auburn shuddered and sighed at his touch.

Genesis brought his head back to an upright position and tried to move back a step, but was quickly pushed back into the wall. The Turk's left hand trailed down his side, past his hip, and stopped on the back of his upper leg. Everywhere the fingers touched tingled with pleasure. Reno's hand slid to the back of his knee and before he even wondered why, his leg was shifted sideways a bit and lifted.

While he had no trouble keeping his balance in the new position, it left him feeling exposed. That's the point, he thought, fighting back his need to feel secure. His insecurity completely dissipated as Reno began easing his way inside him and he once again leaned his forehead against the wall. He whimpered, not out of pain, but at the slowness of the redhead's entrance.

Reno heard Genesis whimper and smirked. He wasn't worried about hurting the SOLDIER; they'd done enough foreplay and he knew he was stretched well enough. His slow pace was because he knew there was more than one way to make a person beg, and he wanted Genesis to beg. He had no idea where the desire came from, but it was powerful. It was a need so strong his veins ached with it, which scared and confused him. The redhead was doing his best to control it as he certainly didn't want to piss Genesis off, but he couldn't get a complete handle on it either, which freaked him out more.

Once he was fully encased in the SOLDIER, Reno rested his forehead between his shoulder blades both to let the auburn adjust and to get control of himself. The need to dominate and pure desire had set his entire body on fire, not to mention the painfully gorgeous man currently impaled by his member. As his mind calmed, Genesis wiggled and sensation raced from his groin and found every nerve in his body, making him shudder and gasp. The SOLDIER wiggled again and he groaned at the sheer pleasure and began to withdraw himself slowly, but faster than his entrance. His hand was still supporting the STC's upraised leg and he gave it a gentle squeeze while he licked the back of the man's neck.

Genesis moaned and tilted his head back onto Reno's right shoulder. He quickly adjusted to the feeling of being full and began to move to the slow pace the Turk had set. It was a bit difficult with his leg in the air, but he used the wall for support and soon the two found a steady pace. Every now and then Reno would slam into him, hitting his prostate head-on in the process. It drove him insane with pleasure and desire.

The SOLDIER's passage was incredibly tight, but Reno moved in and out with ease thanks to the soap. He firmly bit the side of the auburn's neck and the top of his shoulder, stopping just before he drew blood. His right hand slid to the SOLDIER's front and his fingers played lightly on his neck and bottom of his chin.

Genesis brought his head upright and wrapped his lips around the Turk's index and middle fingers. He sucked on them as though they were a cock. Reno growled, picked up the pace, and bit the back of his neck. The auburn cried out and raked his left hand down the Turk's arm, careful not to break the skin.

To keep himself from drawing blood, Reno pulled out of the SOLDIER, lowered his leg, and spun him around. Genesis let out a surprised yelp that turned into a mewling sound as their lips locked in a passionate kiss. He pulled back, gripped the auburn around the hips, lifted him up, and once again pierced him with his member.

Genesis wrapped his arms around Reno's neck and his legs around his waist. His upper back slammed into the wall, though not painfully so. The new position increased the friction on his throbbing member as it was pinned between himself and the Turk. In addition, the position had Reno's cock constantly grazing against his inner spot and he squirmed and bounced in bliss.

Reno once again pressed his lips to Genesis's and their tongues twined. The SOLDIER slid his right hand up and his fingers began stroking the back of his head and hair. Rapture and peace settled his mind and he reveled at every twitch and noise Genesis made. He fought back his building orgasm, not to make the STC beg, but because he wanted to give him as much pleasure as possible for as long as he could. With the same thought in mind, he slowed their pace slightly and pulled back from the kiss. Genesis's eyes were sparkling with lust, elation, and love and he shuddered. He smiled and removed his right hand from the auburn's waist so he could touch his face. Genesis had such a grip on him he didn't think removing his hand would matter; and it didn't. "I love you nushi," he breathed.

"I love you too, koibito," Genesis panted, bringing his right hand out from behind Reno's head. He mimicked the Turk's action and placed his hand on his face, causing Reno's smile to widen and his eyes to dance with so many emotions he couldn't read them. After a minute he moved his hand, wrapped his arms back around the Turk's neck, and pulled them as close together as he could. He closed his eyes and savored the feel of Reno gliding in and out of him, of being pressed against him. Hell, he just savored him.

Before long Reno once again picked up speed and thrust in as deep as he could. Genesis moaned and cried out in his ear, finally settling on suckling an earlobe to quiet himself. The redhead loved it and found it increasingly more difficult to keep a steady rhythm and to fight off his release.

Genesis clung to Reno until he couldn't take it anymore. He pushed his upper body up against the wall as his orgasm sprang from his stomach and overtook every part of his being. His vision blurred and a keening sound escaped his lips. Reno's mouth covered his own and the Turk swallowed the noise. He grabbed the back of the redhead's head with his right hand and pressed them as close as he could once more. His tongue frantically roamed the Turk's mouth as he rode out his release.

Genesis's muscles began to expand and contract. It felt like his ass was nibbling on his cock and after a few minutes, Reno finally let himself surrender to the ecstasy he'd been fighting back. His fluid shot into the SOLDIER and the auburn broke the kiss, moaning and squirming. The movement heightened his orgasm and he rested his forehead on Genesis's shoulder, gasping for breath.

As the adrenaline faded Reno's legs started to feel weak and he lowered them both to the shower floor. It wasn't so much lowering as it was landing hard on his knees. Both men yelped in pleasure as they were still attached and the jarring brought a spike of pleasure to sensitive parts that hadn't calmed down yet. Reno chuckled and gasped, "Sorry, shouldn'ta done that."

Genesis giggled and repositioned himself, which made a heavenly sensation course through his still recovering system. "I'm not complaining but your knees might later," he replied after he'd regained his breath. He rested his chin on the top of Reno's shoulder and lazily stroked his hair.

"Heh, probably."

Genesis unlocked his legs, placed his feet on the floor, and slowly raised himself off Reno. The movement sent chills running across his flesh and he delighted in the sensation. Suddenly the Turk gripped his hands, effectively stopping his movement.

"Don't leave," Reno said, shocked and irritated at the tone in his voice.

"I'm not. Just readjusting," Genesis replied, not missing the fear mixed with pleading in Reno's voice. He bent his legs at the knee, folded them under himself and outside of Reno's legs, and went back to straddling the Turk. At least in this position his entire weight wasn't resting solely on Reno's knees. The auburn placed a hand on either side of the redhead's face, smiled, and leaned in for a kiss, dropping his left hand so he could tilt his head sideways without hindrance.

Reno's emotions were in complete chaos. He was beginning to feel overwhelmed and as though he would rip himself apart when Genesis kissed him. At the contact, his mind screeched to a halt so abruptly he was dazed for a few seconds. The only thing that existed was the SOLDIER in his lap and the wet muscle languidly brushing against his own. He wrapped his arms around the auburn, feeling like he was the only solid thing in the world.

Genesis felt the Turk tense a second before his arms pulled him into a crushing embrace. While not painful, it did knock some air out of him. After a minute or so, he finally broke the kiss and pulled back enough to take in a full breath of air. Reno's eyes seemed glassy and unfocused and he wondered if it was the after effects of amazing sex or something else. "You okay?" he asked, rubbing his right thumb back and forth across the Turk's cheek.

"Wha'?" Reno said, sounding somewhat confused.

"Are you okay?" Genesis repeated, growing concerned. Reno's eyes focused and cleared as he watched.

"Better than okay yo," Reno smiled.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, why?"

Genesis thought for a few seconds before replying, "No reason. Have you been taking your antibiotic?"

"Ugh, yes," Reno replied, face scrunching in disgust. "Damned things dissolve the second you put them in yer mouth. Taste like shit yo." He shook his head and shivered before adding, "Why? What brought that on?"

"I just remembered you were still hurt. That was rather strenuous you know," Genesis grinned. And you're acting strangely.

"Heh, strenuous my ass. You weigh like, 50 pounds," Reno sniggered.

"I weigh more than that," Genesis replied, swatting Reno lightly upside the head. While he was still concerned, and now somewhat confused, he let the matter drop. All he could do was keep a close eye on the Turk.

"Uh-huh," Reno said, winking. "Now we're all dirty again," he added, bouncing upwards an inch.

Genesis squeaked a little as he slid backward and latched onto Reno's neck. While he was sitting on his legs, if Reno stood he'd knock him on his ass. "Wonder if the water's still warm."

Reno shrugged and suddenly shifted backward, yanking Genesis with him. He curled his back and the momentum of the SOLDIER caused him to roll. The redhead landed on his back, legs still bent at the knees, with Genesis straddling him just above the groin. Enticing, he thought, looking up at Genesis with a grin. They'd fallen backward enough that both of them were now under the spray of water, though it mostly hit Genesis. "Yer not yelping so I guess it's warm yo," he said as drops of water splashed from the SOLDIER to him.

"I do not... yelp," Genesis replied indignantly. He rose and once his legs were solidly underneath him, he held his hand out to Reno. The Turk grinned and took his hand, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet.

"Yeah ya do," Reno chuckled. Genesis snorted and he used their still attached hand to yank the SOLDIER toward him. "I think it's cute," he added, pecking him on the lips.

Genesis withdrew and narrowed his eyes. "You ever call me cute in public, I will deck you," he said, pulling away as Reno laughed. He found the long forgotten pouf, squeezed some fresh gel onto it, worked it into lather, and soaped himself up. When he was finished, Reno reached for the pouf but he yanked it out of reach with an 'aht' sound. Reno raised an eyebrow but dropped his hand and Genesis began to soap him.

"Ya know what happened last time we did this yo," Reno snickered.

"As much as I would enjoy a second round, we have to get ready. For all we know STC Sebastian tried to deliver breakfast and we didn't answer the door. That won't look good."

"No it won't," Reno sighed.

Genesis didn't like the tone in Reno's voice and he jerked upright. Luckily, he was done soaping Reno up so his action didn't cause suspicion. He looked into the Turk's eyes and found faint traces of what he'd heard; depression mixed with irritation and annoyance. Not knowing how to respond, he glided forward and kissed Reno on the lips. "It'll be over soon," he said, pulling back.

Reno snorted and rubbed his hands up and down the SOLDIER's upper arms. "I'm fine." Once again Genesis was not comforted by Reno's tone. This time it was a mix of relief and fear. What's he afraid of? Given the redheads odd behavior earlier, he thought it best not to force the issue. To top that off, the Turk pushed him under the spray and used his hands to assistant in the removal of the suds and Genesis happily returned the favor.

Soon the two stepped out of the shower and dried each other off before heading into the bedroom to get dressed. Genesis glanced at the clock and noticed it was only 09:48. Sebastian usually didn't show up until at least 10:00 so they should be in the clear. We must have woken up pretty early, he thought, tugging his shirt over his head.

Reno had decided there was no reason to wear his uniform and shuffled around in his closet until he found a pair of jeans and a short sleeve, black button down shirt. The buttons were silver and there was a breast pocket on the right side. He pulled the jeans on then the shirt, buttoning all but the top two buttons.

"Nice," Genesis grinned.

"Heh, thanks."

Together the two made their way to the living room. Reno sat down on the couch while Genesis went to door. He unlocked and opened it, finding a box sitting just outside. Poking his head out farther, he looked around and saw no one. There was a note on top of the box so he grabbed it. 'Snacks for Reno' was written on the folded sheet. He recognized Tseng's handwriting from the reports.

As Genesis sat the box on the coffee table Reno's stomach growled. "Apparently your boss knows you rather well," he chuckled.

"Eh?"

"Snacks from Tseng."

"No shi'?" Reno replied, bringing the box toward him and opening it. "Fuck yes!" he exclaimed, pulling out a rectangular black tin with red markings. "I love this shit yo," he added, prying the lid off.

"What is it?"

"Homemade yōkan," Reno replied with a grin. "A friend of Tseng's makes it and ships it all the way here from Wutai. Must be feeling generous or something. Usually he won't let me touch the stuff."

Genesis grinned and turned at a knock on the door. "Yes?"

"Breakfast!" came Sebastian's now familiar voice.

Genesis moved to the door and realized he'd left his sword in the bedroom. Careless of me, he thought, speeding away and retrieving the sword. He reappeared to a whispered, 'I fuckin' hate that!,' snickered, and opened the door with a "Good morning." The door across the hall slid open and he added, "To you as well Sephiroth."

"Good morning," Sephiroth replied in his normal monotone. "STC Sebastian?"

"Yes, Sir?" Sebastian whipped around with a salute.

"After lunch you will no longer need to deliver food to this floor."

"Yes, Sir! Where should I deliver it to, Sir?"

"You are to continue to deliver food to the other Turks, just not here."

"Sir?" Sebastian questioned, confused.

"I'm going shopping after lunch," Genesis said, noting Sebastian's nervousness and tension. "Sephiroth is more than capable of handling both Tseng and Reno."

"Yes, Sir," Sebastian crisply replied, picking up another bag and holding it out to Sephiroth.

"How come I've never seen you deliver food there before?" Genesis asked the STC.

"Usually SOLDIER Second Class Sephiroth is waiting for me, Sir."

"I hear the elevator doors open so I spare him the trouble of knocking," Sephiroth added.

"Oh," was all Genesis could think to say. "I better get this to Reno." Shit, too informal. No one noticed the slip though, or at least if they did they didn't point it out. Of course he wasn't worried about Sephiroth, rather STC Sebastian.

"Dismissed SOLDIER," Sephiroth said, noticing STC Sebastian standing at attention as if awaiting orders.

"Sir!" the STC replied, snapping a salute before heading to the elevator.

"We will be over around 1300 hundred," Sephiroth said.

"Ok. Until then," Genesis replied with a wave. He slid the door shut, moved to the coffee table, and plopped the bag down. "Eat real food first," he teased, closing the tin and moving it into the kitchen.

"Awe," Reno replied. "That is real food!"

"It's dessert," Genesis called as Reno unpacked the food. He placed the yōkan on the counter before returning to the living room. The STC grabbed some utensils off the coffee table and the Turk clicked his tongue. "What?"

"Let me," Reno replied, taking the utensils. He speared some scrambled egg and held it out to the SOLDIER.

Genesis decided fighting was probably pointless and he was getting used to Reno's quirks so he settled back and let Reno feed him. Once breakfast was done and the trash placed in the kitchen, they curled up together and watched television, waiting for Sephiroth and Tseng to arrive.

Side Note: Yōkan is a Japanese dessert made of red bean paste, red algae geltin, and sugar (though honey, molasses, or brown sugar can be substituted. Chestnuts, fig, persimmons, and sweet potato are commonly found in yōkan as well, along with a variety of other things that can vary from region to region.