Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.
20 – First Impressions
Genesis's eyes popped open and he sat upright. He swiveled his head around and spotted Reno on the far side of the bed, laying on his right side with his back to him. What's he doing all the way over there? Then his mind remembered last nights' events. Lifting his right arm he scanned it and found the skin flawless. He flexed his fingers and twisted it around to make sure everything worked. It was as it should be without even a minor ache.
"Gen?" Reno called, sitting upright and facing him. "You ok?"
"Yep," replied the auburn. The Turk must have been up all night or didn't sleep well if the dark circles and red eyes were any indicator. "Sorry to wake you."
"It's ok," Reno yawned. "Time is it?"
The STC craned his head to see the clock on the nightstand. "09:48. Aren't you late for work?"
"Told Tseng I'd be late," Reno shrugged. "Alarm's gonna go off at 10:00."
Genesis shifted to reach the alarm clock and shut it off. Reno crawled closer to him and gently picked up his arm to examine it himself. "I'm fine Reno," the STC chuckled as the redhead twisted his arm this way and that.
"Just checkin'," Reno replied, poking the arm a few times. "Damn ya can't even tell anything happened." Overcome with relief, he threw his arms around the SOLDIER. "Gods I'm glad you're ok," he breathed.
"I'm sorry you were worried. It wasn't that bad of an injury."
"You could have lost part of your arm or bled to death. That's bad to me yo."
Genesis shrugged. "I need to take a shower."
Reno sat stunned by Genesis's nonchalance. Yeah everything was fine, but he'd expected him to be angry or at least annoyed at Cissnei. If he was he was hiding it very well. For that matter, was getting your ass kicked such a regular occurrence for Genesis that it didn't warrant any discussion at all? "I'm gonna go make coffee," Reno said, deciding not to push it. "If I join ya, I'll probably end up fondling ya."
The STC chuckled and Reno watched him get out of bed and stretch. No way could I resist that, he thought, sliding out of bed. He kissed the auburn on the shoulder and exited the room. As he walked down the hallway he heard the shower come on and realized his muscles were relaxing in increments.
Through the course of the night Reno had managed to work himself up pretty good. After Sephiroth had left he'd been full of nervous tension and ended up pacing or simply watching the auburn sleep. In the back of his mind he'd known Genesis was fine, but the knowledge didn't seem to matter. The fact that he'd dealt with injuries, including much worse ones, didn't matter either. He'd finally managed to fall asleep a few hours ago, but it had been a light sleep and hadn't been the most restful. Thank Gaia he was used to operating with little to no sleep for long periods.
Reno yawned again and retrieved the coffee and a filter from one of the cabinets. He wasn't sure if it was the coffee, the caffeine, or both, but he was hooked on the stuff. Leaning against the counter, he poured some whole beans into a small machine then ground them down. The smell immediately filled the air and he smiled, perking up. Done grinding, he placed everything into the machine and hit the 'on' button. Almost instantaneously the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen and he inhaled deeply. He bent at the waist, stretched his back out, folded his arms on the counter, and dropped his head on them to wait.
"Don't fall asleep like that," Genesis called a few minutes later. Reno jumped, almost smacking his head on the bottom of one of the cabinets and he chuckled.
"Quick shower yo."
"No distractions."
"First I'm scrawny, now I'm a distraction?" the Turk teased.
"Oh yes. You are most definitely a distraction, albeit a delectable one," purred the auburn, wrapping his arms around Reno's neck.
"Good ta know," Reno grinned. He switched their positions and pressed the STC up against the counter. As much as he'd love to take advantage of this situation they didn't have time, so he reached into a cabinet and removed a black mug. "Want some?"
"Sure."
Reno nodded and pulled down another mug. "Black or with sugar? I ran out of creamer."
"Sugar please," Genesis replied, untangling himself. "Two spoonfuls."
"Heh, sugar junkie."
"It's what makes me so sweet," said the STC, batting his eyelashes.
Reno snorted and added sugar to one mug. He poured in the coffee, stirred it, and handed it to the STC before pouring his own. Genesis took a sip and sighed, making him grin. "Good?"
"Delightful," the auburn smiled. He took another sip and a knock sounded at the door. "You expecting company?"
"No," Reno replied, moving to the door. The simple act of answering his own door elated him. I'm free! Damn he was glad that mess was over! "Hey Angeal," he said as the door slid open. The redhead gestured the SSC inside with a smile. "It's fer you," Reno called, heading into the living room and sipping his coffee.
"Checking up on me Angeal?" Genesis asked, gliding into the living room.
"You aren't known for being on time," Angeal replied. Genesis sat down in one of the living room chairs with a 'humph' and he chuckled. After a pause he said, "This came for you. It's marked urgent."
"Who's it from?" the STC asked, raising an eyebrow and taking the envelope from the inky SSC.
"No idea. A messenger delivered it."
Genesis looked at the envelope. 'STC Genesis Rhapsodos, 44, 9' was typed on it. The coding signified it was an internal document. '44' was the floor he lived on and '9' was the apartment number. He tore open the envelope and found a folded sheet of paper with something hard inside. "It's my official order sheet and an instructor identification badge."
"Good thing I brought it then," Angeal chuckled.
"Yes," smiled the auburn. "Thank you. I need to finish drying my hair and get ready," he added, standing.
"You want some coffee yo?"
"Is it fresh?"
"Just ground it myself."
"Then yes. The stuff in the SOLDIER room this morning was sludge."
"Heh, figures," Reno grinned, standing. He went into the kitchen with Angeal while Genesis darted down the hallway. "Black or with sugar?" he asked, pulling out another mug.
"Black." The Turk nodded, filled the mug, and handed it over before topping his off. Angeal took a sip and grinned, "Excellent."
"Thanks," said the Turk. "Let's go back into the living room."
The two settled down with Reno back on the couch and Angeal in the chair Genesis had occupied. He eyed the Turk for a minute while sipping his coffee before asking, "Shouldn't you be at work? I mean, I heard the board's ruling and all."
"Through the boardroom door?"
"No, it's soundproofed," Angeal chuckled. "A company-wide memo was issued last night after the meeting was adjourned."
"Heh, least no one will try ta kill me today… I hope," joked the redhead. He took a sip before adding, "I'm running late."
"Long night?"
"Somethin' like that," Reno replied, wondering if Angeal had somehow found out abo-, "Did Elena say something to you?"
"Ah, no," Angeal said, looking down at his mug. "Cissnei did."
"Cissnei?"
"Yeah. After the meeting Director Lazard called me into his office. I was there for quite a while and I ran into Cissnei and Rude in the elevator on my way home. She was upset and I asked if everything was ok. Rude told her she could tell me if she wanted, and she did."
"Huh, you musta shared something with Rude."
"What makes you say that?" Angeal questioned, eyebrow raised.
"He let her tell you Turk business."
"So?"
"So you've told him something he considers confidential and that was his way of evening things out."
"Is that a problem?"
"No," Reno shrugged. "Everyone needs friends yo and Rude ain't got many." He paused then asked, "So what all'd she say?"
"That she damn neared killed Genesis and she was sorry," replied the SSC, locking eyes with Reno.
"That's Cissnei. Dramatic yet to the point."
"Did she damn near kill him?"
"Kill who?" asked Genesis, stepping out of the hallway and pinning his new badge in place.
"Kill you," Angeal clarified.
Genesis narrowed his eyes at Reno and the Turk threw up his hands. "I didn't tell him yo, Cissnei did."
"Oh, sorry," the auburn said, looking truly apologetic. "It wasn't that bad," he said, turning to Angeal.
"How bad was it?"
"Bad enough I suppose, but I really don't think death was in the equation," Genesis sighed. "You tell him," he said, glancing at Reno, "I was unconscious half the time."
Reno sighed and quickly filled in the blanks for Angeal. Both SOLDIERs sipped their coffee and watched him intently. Angeal kept inching closer and closer to the edge of his seat and shooting concerned glances at Genesis.
"Why didn't you call me?" Angeal asked Reno, accusation in his tone.
"There wasn't anything you could have done," snapped the STC.
"Maybe, but he could have called after they'd gotten you in bed at least," Angeal snapped back.
Reno narrowed his eyes and started to speak, but Genesis beat him too it. "There simply wasn't a reason to call."
"I'm your friend!"
"Friend, not mother," Genesis bit. "You don't need to know everything."
"No I don't, but something like this would have been nice."
Genesis sighed and looked at his PHS. "He didn't do anything wrong Angeal and we'll finish this discussion later. Right now, I have to get to class and Reno needs to get ready for work," he said, finishing his coffee before standing and taking the mug to the kitchen.
"Alright," Angeal scowled, finishing his own coffee and standing. Genesis returned and took his cup, heading back into the kitchen.
"I'll come by and pick up my things sometime tonight," Genesis told Reno.
During the exchange Reno had sat back and silently watched the two, wondering if this was normal. He was somewhat pissed that they'd talked about him like he wasn't here, but let it go. "I should be back by six or seven yo."
"Ok," Genesis replied, moving in front of Reno, bending, and giving him a kiss on the lips.
"Don' be too hard on the Thirds," grinned the Turk as Genesis straightened.
The auburn rolled his eyes. "If I am they deserve it. Come on Angeal," he said, shooing his friend toward the door.
"Tseng said he wanted to talk to you sometime today Gen!" Reno called, heading for the bathroom.
The two SOLDIERs exited and walked toward the elevator in silence. Genesis was struggling with how to respond to Angeal's reaction about last night's events. Part of him was glad Angeal cared, part of him was annoyed at his overprotective nature, and part of him was pissed about his attitude toward Reno. He wanted the two to get along fearing that if they didn't things might get complicated.
"What's wrong?" Angeal asked as Genesis slammed the down button.
"Do you like Reno?"
"Huh?"
"It was a simple question 'Geal."
"I like him."
Well that's good, he thought as the doors opened. Maybe the attitude had just been caused by Angeal's worry and concern. "What floor?" he asked, fingers hovering over the buttons.
"49."
"You couldn't walk down a floor?" Genesis asked, raising an eyebrow and pressing the '48' and '49' buttons.
"You couldn't walk down two floors?"
Both SOLDIERs started laughing as the doors closed. "Gods we're lazy," Genesis laughed.
"Why exercise before we exercise?" joked Angeal. "I'll see you later," he said with a wave as the doors popped open.
"Bye 'Geal."
Alone in the elevator various scenarios of Genesis's upcoming instructing played out in his mind. Unfortunately none of them were pleasant and he stepped out on the 48th floor and looked around with a sense of dread. He hadn't been down here since he was a Third but it didn't look like much had changed. A snort escaped as he remembered he was a Third.
There was more than one SOLDIER floor, though many thought only of the 49th. What most didn't realize was that access to the 49th floor was restricted to only those SOLDIERs who had earned it, regardless of rank. It was sort of like a treat. Shinra didn't want immature, unskilled SOLDIERs on the 49th floor because of the Materia Fusion and Virtual Reality rooms. In the past the VR and fusion machines had both been damaged by Thirds messing around. So Shinra instated the privilege system.
In contrast to the 49th floor, the 48th was mostly large, open rooms. These rooms were designed for large groups to train in. The walls, floor, and ceiling were layered with concrete then metal, padding, metal, and finally more concrete, making the surfaces harder to punch through with weapons. Like the 49th, this floor also held a gym, though it was larger. In addition both floors contained a lounge area, a conference room, and classrooms.
Genesis checked his PHS and sighed: 10:55. Least I'm not late, he thought, walking purposefully to Weapon Training 2. Once there, he cracked the door and peeked inside. There was a group of Thirds in a loose circle toward the middle of the room. He quickly slipped inside and leaned against the wall just inside the door. A few noticed his presence but paid little attention as they continued to chat away.
"A-TEN-HUT!" came a shout from the north side of the room. Immediately the group of Thirds, Genesis counted 15, snapped into formation and attention. An instructor appeared and Genesis inwardly groaned. This particular instructor had made it a point to ridicule, punish, and otherwise get on his case daily when he was a Third.
"Parade… Rest!" The SOLDIERs shifted their stance as a unit. "Gentlemen," the instructor began, "For the first time since this program began I have been granted a vacation," he paused but continued to pace in front of the SOLDIER formation. "As soon as my substitute gets here I am leaving and will not return for two weeks. Do I make myself clear?"
"Sir, yes, Sir!" the SOLDIERs shouted as the instructor checked his watch. Someone propelled off a wall and started walking forward. As he realized who it was, a vicious sneer broke his face in half. "Well look who's back! I knew you couldn't cut it as a Second!"
"I'm your replacement," Genesis corrected, coming to a stop.
"This some kind of a joke 'cause I ain't laughing."
Genesis reached into his back right pocket, removed his paperwork, and held it out to the man. The instructor glared at him but moved forward a few steps and took the sheet. The auburn had learned long ago to hold his ground, no matter how insignificant the distance, so he refused to budge.
"You wait right there," the instructor snapped, yanking his PHS out and walking a short distance away.
Genesis stood where he was and took in the group that was now in front of him. He spotted Luxiere, Kunsel, Sebastian, and Essai, and thought it was strange they were all in the same class. Either this was the only group of Thirds or Shinra had broken a larger group down to teach them separately. If that was the case this group likely had more potential than others. Or less and need more attention.
The auburn's attention shifted back to the instructor as he heard a 'yes sir'. The man withdrew the phone from his ear and started walking his way, a scowl on his face. "Apparently, this isn't a joke."
Genesis wanted to say 'no shit', but opted for, "No, it's not," as he took his paperwork back.
"I was gonna tell you boys to behave yourself, but now I could care less. Do what you want with him and we'll correct whatever he teaches you when I get back." With that, the instructor walked out, leaving behind Genesis and 15 confused Thirds.
"At Ease," Genesis said, fighting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose and sigh. Immediately the group relaxed more but didn't break formation.
"You're really going to be our instructor?" STC Sebastian asked nervously.
"Yes," replied Genesis. A SOLDIER snickered then jumped as Genesis instantly appeared in front of him. The guy was a foot taller than the auburn and put Rude's muscles to shame. "Do I amuse you?"
"Yes, Sir," replied the Third.
"Why is that?"
"I could break you with my bare hands. What are you gonna teach me? How to knit?"
"Everyone but him, Fall Out!" The rest of the Thirds broke formation and stood in small groups around the room, close to the walls. Genesis walked to the weapons rack, grabbed a broadsword, and moved to the middle of the room. He stuck the sword into the floor padding and moved a few feet away before yelling, "Whatever the hell your name is, get over here," he snapped. The Third immediately headed his way. He stopped in front of the sword in the floor with an arrogant grin on his face.
"Listen up," Genesis called loud enough that everyone could hear. "Your current instructor doesn't know a fucking broadsword from a katana, let alone how to use either. More than half of what he's taught you is wrong and will likely get you killed."
By this point the rest of the Thirds had moved closer to the center of the room, though they stayed a good distance away from Genesis and their classmate. "Having said that, here's your first lesson," Genesis continued, "In battle size doesn't mean a fucking thing. Skill, however, does," he paused and looked at each Third before eyeing the mountain in front of him. "Pick it up."
"You serious?" The Third replied.
"Pick-up-the-fucking-sword-SOLDIER," Genesis ground out. The Third did as he was instructed, yanking it up and taking a few swings to test its weight before resting it on his shoulder. "Attack me," the auburn said.
"What?"
"Are you deaf SOLDIER?"
"This isn't a practice sword you dumbfuck! There's not even a condom on it!"
Genesis narrowed his eyes but inwardly grinned at the mention of a condom. To Thirds, condoms were a lightweight rubber piece that snapped around the entire length of the blade. It allowed them to spar with a real sword to get used to the weight and feel of it, but not cut each other to pieces in the process. "I am well aware of that."
"I'm not going to get kicked out of the program because you're an idiot!"
"No, you're going to get kicked out because you're insubordinate, a coward, or both," Genesis calmly replied, amazing himself. Good temper, stay in check.
The big Third's face went pink, then red, and settled on purple. He barreled forward and sliced downward, not caring if he hurt the auburn or not. His palms ached and his shoulders vibrated as the sword cut through nothing but air before slamming into the floor. He looked up, stunned to find the smaller man nowhere in sight. In front of him one of his classmates discreetly pointed a finger and he spun, coming face first with the tip of a sword.
"You would have been dead had I wished it," Genesis said, lowering his sword a fraction.
The Third brought his sword up and spun, slashing sideways in the process. Again it met nothing but air as Genesis deftly dodged the clumsy swing. The Third began to realize his mistakes and switched tactics. He started by bringing his sword straight down but changed to a sideways swing mid-motion. Genesis used his own sword to stop the blade completely. The auburn watched the Third wince as the momentum traveled backward and up into his hands, arms, and shoulders.
"Is this what he's been teaching you?" Genesis questioned, not even straining to keep the blade at bay. He saw movement out of the corner of his eye and knocked the Third's blade away to stop another one from making contact. "So you wish to play too eh?"
Genesis dodged out of the way as the big Third came up behind him. He rolled to the left and prayed neither Third would hit the other. While he was confident in his own abilities, he had no idea what anyone else here could or couldn't do. To his relief the mountain of a Third realized he'd moved and changed directions, as did the newcomer.
As the big Third swung for him again, he spun and met the blade with his own. The Third's sword flew out of his hands on contact and Genesis's blade shattered. The Third's weapon flew across the room, thankfully not hitting anyone, while he stood there in shock as Genesis watched silver pieces rain down around him.
Genesis didn't watch long however. The newcomer came at him from behind so he crouched, jumped, did a back flip in midair, and landed a foot behind the second swordsman. Closing the distance he wrapped his left arm around the Third's neck, stopping him in place. He used the hilt of his broken sword to hit the kid's wrist and his sword fell to the ground. Caught off guard, the newcomer didn't know what to do and Genesis brought his left hand across the kid's chest, latched onto his upper right arm, and pulled. The result was that the Third literally spun away from him, leaving him alone.
Confident he'd proved his point, Genesis eyed his destroyed weapon and retrieved the one by his feet that he'd knocked out of the newcomer's hand. The big Third stood a few feet away, head swiveling between the wall where his weapon was imbedded and the auburn. Disbelief and indecision were clear on his face. The rest of the group stood silent and motionless on the sidelines.
"I wouldn't try it," Genesis said to the big Third, breaking the silence. The Third's indecision vanished as he watched and the man took a step back with his palms out. Looking a touch green, the second swordsman moved up next to his friend making it clear he had no plans to resume the fight either.
Genesis retrieved the biggest pieces of his shattered blade as everyone looked on in silence. "Second lesson, constantly check and maintain your equipment," he said, holding the pieces out for all to see. "Or this will be the result. That could have cost me my life had this been a real battle out in the field." The auburn eyed each Third in turn before saying, "Any questions?"
"Why did your blade break and not his?" called STC Essai. "Aren't they made of the same thing?"
"Yes, they're made of the same metals," Genesis replied, finding a bag and stuffing the pieces of his sword into it, then laying it next to one of the walls away from practice area. "A Behemoth didn't like my sword stuck into the back of his head so he tried to squish me and my sword was fractured in the process. I had forgotten about the incident and haven't bothered to check my equipment since I've been on assignment in the building. My mistake."
"You fought a Behemoth? With how many people?" asked the big mouthed mountain of a Third.
Genesis swiveled his head toward the Third and narrowed his eyes. "There were two of us."
"You got a death wish or something? They even tell Seconds to stay away from those things!" called a new voice.
"No, I don't have a death wish and I would have been more than happy to stay away from it had it not snorted on my shoulder," Genesis replied. Quiet murmuring broke out as the Thirds started chattering to each other. After a few minutes he called, "Any more questions?"
"Yeah," STC Kunsel said, "How the hell did you do all that stuff during the spar?"
There were a few chuckles and Genesis smirked. "If you want to learn I'll teach you, all but that back flip anyway. I'm here to give you weapons training, not gymnastics," he paused as a few members of the group chuckled again. "On the other hand, if you think I'm wasting your time or you still think size matters," he said, walking to the sword still imbedded in the wall and yanking it out, "there's the door," he finished, using the sword as a pointer.
"Sir, I apologize for my earlier behavior, Sir!" the big Third called, snapping to attention. "I would like to learn, Sir!"
"I apologize as well, Sir!" replied the late addition to the fight.
Genesis nodded. "Fall In!" At the command the Thirds instantly sprang to life and into formation. "Unless we have a visiting officer or board member that will be the last time I order you into formation, assuming you behave yourselves. Don't let the uniform fool you, I'm not a Third, I'm a Second in disguise and as such I expect you to call me sir unless I tell you otherwise."
Genesis began to pace in front of the assembled Thirds as he spoke. "If I see you aren't trying, I will quickly lose patience and be done with you. If I see you're trying and struggling, I will do my best to help you. Are you sensing a theme here?"
"Sir, yes, Sir!"
"What is the theme STC Luxiere?"
"You'll give back what we put into it, Sir?"
"Good," Genesis smiled. "What you learn, how well you learn, and how skilled you become largely rests on your shoulders. If you don't care, I don't care, and I'll focus on those that do."
"Sir, yes, Sir!"
"STC Sebastian?"
"Sir!"
"Has your bastard instructor placed you into pairs yet?"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Then Fall Out, grab a practice sword, and pair up. I want to see what I'm working with," Genesis commanded. He spent the next hour moving from pair to pair, correcting stances and other mistakes. During his rounds he started forming lists in his head. One list was composed of the weak while another was composed of the more skilled. A new list formed as he decided to re-pair everyone with partners that better suited them. Another list contained things to go over with certain individuals and the final list was moves he wanted to teach them, or re-teach in some cases.
After a few more minutes Genesis called, "Take five."
"Sir!" the Thirds called as they moved toward the walls and their water bottles.
The auburn walked to one of the walls and leaned up against it. Overall the group wasn't in terrible shape and more than a few had potential. He was beginning to think this assignment wasn't going to be as bad as he'd originally thought.
"Sir?"
"Yes?" the auburn replied, looking up.
"I brought an extra water bottle and thought you might want it."
"Are you sucking up STC Sebastian?"
"No Sir, just trying to be nice."
"Relax Sebastian, just messing with you," Genesis grinned, taking the offered bottle of water.
"So, ah, how bad did I do?"
"You're doing fine."
"You mean that Sir?" Sebastian asked.
"Genesis has a penchant for the truth, no matter how scathing," said a voice behind Sebastian.
"What brings you here Angeal?" Genesis asked, trying not to sound annoyed since he figured Angeal was yet again checking up on him.
"You got a minute?"
"Two actually," Genesis replied, glancing at his PHS.
"Sirs!" Sebastian saluted before returning to the others.
"I just got back from Director Lazard's office. He wants your report sometime tomorrow and I've been assigned a mission," Angeal said, leaning against the wall next to his friend.
"Details," Genesis demanded, no longer annoyed.
"Take a heli to Junon, then a ship to Costa del Sol, from there head southwest. Somewhere around the Golden Saucer there's a disturbance."
"What kind of disturbance?"
"Don't know. That's why they're sending me."
"No clues? Monster, AVALANCHE, anything?"
"Lazard said eyewitness accounts vary too much to put anything together. If it's a monster it's something we've never seen before. All we know is that there are a lot of dead monsters in the area and something out there has people scared."
"Could be something that lives in the sand," Genesis offered.
"That's a possibility."
"You're not going alone are you?"
"No. I'm taking two Thirds with me."
"From this class?" Genesis asked.
"No, there's more than this."
"So are these the skilled ones?"
"From what I hear," Angeal replied. "How are things going?"
"Pretty well actually."
Angeal nodded. "I need to head out. I'm supposed to be on the chopper in less than an hour."
"How long will you be gone?"
"At least a week. I'll stay in touch when I can. See you when I get back."
"Hey!" Genesis called as Angeal walked away. "Who's piloting the chopper?"
"Elena and Reno," Angeal replied, stopping and looking back at Genesis. "Don't worry, he'll be back before dinner."
Genesis raised an eyebrow and watched Angeal walk away. His friend's tone held something he couldn't put his finger on and it bugged him. Great, probably bug me for the rest of the day, he thought. He propelled himself off the wall and called, "Breaks over. I need a volunteer."
The rest of the three-hour class was spent showing the Thirds the proper way to perform certain moves and letting them practice. Genesis moved from group to group as he'd done earlier and gave each pointers. So far he hadn't found one Third that wasn't giving it their all, so he gave his all back.
"Time!" Genesis yelled at the end of class. As the Thirds replaced their swords and collected their gear he called, "I expect you all back here, on time, tomorrow!"
"Sir, yes, Sir!" they called, stopping in front of him with their gear.
"You all did very well today. Keep it up and you'll be climbing the ranks in no time. Dismissed!"
With that the group filed out of the room. Genesis grabbed the bag containing his destroyed weapon and walked around the room making sure there wasn't any trash or possessions left behind. In addition he wanted to make sure all weapons were put away. He was on the final wall when he heard the door open. "Just a second," he called.
"Take your time."
Genesis quickly turned around at the voice, instantly surprised, confused, and suspicious. "What are you doing here?" he asked with narrowed eyes.
"Unless cake is a weapon I'm unarmed," Cissnei called.
"I hadn't planned on letting you get that close."
"There are always long range weapons."
"So there are," Genesis replied, narrowing his eyes even more. "What do you want?"
"Can we talk?" asked Cissnei, shifting from foot to foot.
"Apparently so since that's what we've been doing."
"Gods you're not going to make this easy are you?" Cissnei sighed, turning around as the door opened. Two Third classes stopped in their tracks at the sight of a Turk in their training room. They started whispering and while she couldn't hear them, she scowled.
"That's incredibly impolite," Genesis snapped at the newcomers. "No, she can't hear you but I can."
"Sir!" one of them said.
"He's only a Third," said the second.
"He's also an instructor," replied a monotone voice from behind them, causing both to freeze. "Sir!" both said, snapping a salute to Genesis, then Sephiroth as he moved out from behind them.
The silver SSC ignored them and glided smoothly over to Genesis, scowling at Cissnei along the way. "Did things go well today?"
"Far better than I expected. Checking up on me?"
"No, I was asked to observe the next group of Thirds."
"Sounds like fun," Genesis chuckled.
Sephiroth shrugged as more Thirds began to file in. "Have you recovered sufficiently?"
"Yes. Thank you for helping me last night."
"You are welcome."
"I'd better get going. Oh, the wall needs patched over there." Sephiroth raised an eyebrow and he shrugged, "Had to get their attention somehow."
"Very well," Sephiroth replied, looking at the gash in the wall. "Are you free for dinner?" he said as Genesis started to walk away.
The auburn stopped in his tracks and turned around. "A date? Why Sephiroth, I had no idea."
"Since I do not understand I will assume you are teasing."
Genesis chuckled, "Gaia, you really are clueless, aren't you?"
"About some things, yes," Sephiroth replied, shifting and looking at the ground.
Genesis sighed. To him it was obvious Sephiroth was already going past his comfort zone in trying to socialize. Confusing comments weren't helping matters. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I'm supposed to meet Reno sometime tonight, but other than that I'm free. Are we staying in or going out?"
"Is my apartment alright?" Sephiroth questioned, returning to his normal stoic self.
"Sure. What time?"
"You can arrive anytime between 1600 and 1700 hundred."
"Ok," Genesis smiled. He turned when a thought occurred to him. "Where do you live?"
"58, 3," Sephiroth replied, nodding before gliding away.
Genesis raised an eyebrow as Sephiroth all but disappeared right before his eyes. He walked toward the door, passing Cissnei without a word. "Wait up," the Turk called, rushing to keep up with him.
"What do you want?" he asked once they were in the hallway.
"I told you, I want to talk."
Genesis eyed the Turk and realized she was like a puppy with a stick. There was no way he was going to easily escape her. "So talk."
"Isn't there somewhere we can go? I feel like an idiot standing here with a cake."
"Then why'd you bring it?"
"I baked it for you." The STC raised an eyebrow and she narrowed her eyes. "I didn't poison it or anything."
"I didn't say you did," Genesis paused and finally sighed, "My apartment ok?"
"If you were straight I'd say no."
"I'm straight."
"Nice try, but I know your boyfriend."
"Damn," Genesis said, clicking his tongue in disappointment.
The two made the elevator in silence and Genesis hit the 44 button. The carriage arrived and the pair exited. The auburn walked to his apartment with Cissnei on his heels. He slid his keycard through the door lock and the door whished open. This floor wasn't as secure and didn't require number codes access the rooms, just a keycard.
To his surprise the apartment smelled fresh and clean. Then he remembered Angeal had stayed here last night and must have cleaned. Angeal didn't mind dirt and grime where it was supposed to be, but like himself he liked a clean house. Add to that their Mako enhanced smell and the apartment didn't stay dirty for long.
"Come in," Genesis said as he stepped inside, turned on the lights, and laid the bag containing his sword on the coffee table.
"Nice place."
"No need for faked pleasantries. I'm sure yours is much nicer."
"Bigger does not mean nicer. Yours is comfortable and feels lived in."
"Yours doesn't?"
"No."
Genesis raised an eyebrow but the Turk didn't elaborate and he let it go. "You can put that on the kitchen table."
"Thank you. To be honest it's getting kind of heavy."
"What is it anyway?"
"I told you, a cake." Genesis scowled and she giggled. "Red velvet with coconut cream cheese icing. I didn't know what you liked so I just made one I'm really good at. If you don't want it that's fine, I'll take it with me when I leave."
"It can stay but you're going to eat a piece with me."
"You really don't trust me do you?"
"No, but that's not the problem. Angeal is away on a mission and I can only eat so much. I'm not even sure Reno could eat all that."
"He could. I've seen him do it," Cissnei smiled.
"He ate an entire twelve inch cake?"
"All but two slices. He probably would have eaten those too but others beat him to it."
Genesis shook his head and moved into the kitchen. It was dinky and depressing compared to Reno's. He sighed as he removed two dessert plates, a serving knife, and two forks. The items went on the tiny kitchen table and he opened the fridge. Angeal went shopping, he thought, noting that it was stocked. "Milk, orange juice, dumbapple juice, soda, or bottled water?"
"Dumbapple juice?"
"Eh, Banora White juice."
"That I've heard of it. Is it good?"
"Yes," Genesis replied.
"I'll try it. Why did you call it dumbapple juice?"
"The trees bear fruit whenever they feel like it instead of on a regular schedule," Genesis replied, removing the carton from the fridge.
"How stupid."
"Hence why I called them dumbapples," the STC chuckled, pouring juice into a glass he'd retrieved from the cabinet. "Have a seat," he said, waving at one of the two kitchen chairs and handing the glass to Cissnei. He turned around and started pouring juice in a second glass.
"This is good!"
Genesis hid a grin but said nothing as he replaced the carton. He moved his glass to the table and sat down in the other seat, taking a sip. The juice was fresh and clean. Must have had a recent harvest.
"Where do you buy this?" The SOLDIER got up and she raised an eyebrow. He returned to his seat and held out a small card. "What's this?"
"All the stores in Midgar that sell Banora White juice."
"Thorough aren't you?"
Genesis shrugged, took the lid off the cake, and started easing the serving knife into it. He cut off a piece, plopped it on a plate, and handed it to Cissnei. He had to admit the cake smelled very good as he cut off another piece. The STC replaced the lid and moved the cake to the counter so they'd have more room on the table. He sat back down, picked up his fork, cut a bite off, and ate it.
"Do you like it?" Cissnei asked, taking a bite.
"As much as it pains me to say, it's stunning."
"Please," Cissnei said, rolling her eyes.
"It really is quite tasty," replied the auburn, taking another bite.
"Oh, well, thank you."
Silence settled over the two as each finished their cake. Genesis took the dirty dishes to the sink and had just finished rinsing them when there was a knock at the door. Busy day, he thought, drying his hands. He quickly went to the door and slid it open. "Hello Tseng." He heard Cissnei cough as though she'd choked on her juice. "Come in," he said, walking into the living room.
"What are you doing here Cissnei?" Tseng asked, instantly spotting the small auburn woman in the kitchen. There was a slight edge to his voice and she winced.
"I'm sorry, Sir. I couldn't just sit there and do nothing!"
"So you went against my orders?"
"It's my career! My family!" Cissnei said, looking down at the ground.
It was Genesis's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Being a bit dramatic aren't you?"
"While unnecessary, it is understandable. Her future as a Turk is in question. Do you wish to file charges for last night?"
"Please don't," pleaded Cissnei, voice barely above a whisper.
"Why the hell would I press charges?"
"Cissnei attacked you and you suffered serious injury as a result."
"True but it was partially my fault," Genesis replied, crossing his arms. "I hardly see a reason to get anyone in trouble."
"Is that your final decision?" Tseng inquired.
"It is."
"Thank you!" exclaimed Cissnei, running to Genesis and throwing her arms around his waist.
"Wow!" Genesis said, barely regaining his balance before toppling. "Ah, you're welcome?"
Tseng pulled a folded piece of paper out of his inner jacket pocket. "Will you please sign this?"
"What is it?" Genesis asked, raising an eyebrow.
"An affidavit stating that you do not wish to file charges now or in the future. It will not go on file unless it has too. Think of it as a safety net for Cissnei."
"Alright," Genesis shrugged, untangling himself from the female Turk. He took the document and sat down on the couch so he could use the small coffee table as a writing surface. Tseng offered him a pen and he took that as well. Pen centimeters from the paper, he looked up at Cissnei with narrowed eyes. "If I sign this you aren't going to go berserk on Reno again are you? Or me for that matter."
"No, I swear."
"You're my witness Tseng," Genesis said, signing the paper. Cissnei visibly relaxed as Tseng took possession of the document. "Would you like a piece of cake? Cissnei baked it."
"You baked him a cake?" Tseng said, not entirely able to keep the amusement out of his voice.
"Yes, Sir."
Tseng gave a rare chuckle. "While I am sure it is delicious, I must attend to other matters. Thank you for the offer STC Rhapsodos."
"No problem," replied Genesis, standing. "I'd see you out, but the door's right there."
"You may pick up Rekka anytime," Tseng said to Cissnei. "However we will talk before you are placed on active duty," he added, inclining his head at Genesis before leaving.
"Rekka?"
"My shuriken," Cissnei replied.
"Do you still wish to talk or was that all?"
"I'd still like to talk, if that's ok."
"As long as you don't hold me at the point of a weapon," replied the STC. Cissnei gave a weak smile. "Have a seat."
"Why did you help us? The Turks I mean."
"Seems none of you are used to people helping," Genesis said. At Cissnei's confused looked he added, "I've been asked that more than once, by different Turks each time."
"I see, sorry," Cissnei replied. "We probably keep asking because it's strange that a SOLIDER would disregard an order."
"Not strange for me," shrugged the auburn. "Besides, when I first encountered Reno I didn't know there was a KOS order."
"Would you have killed him if you had known?"
Genesis took a deep breath and inhaled slowly as he thought. That was something he hadn't been asked before and hadn't considered. Would he have killed him? It would be nice to just be able to say 'of course not' but he honestly didn't know. In the end he said, "Probably not, no."
"Probably?"
"Reno was severely injured when we happened upon each other. I might have just walked away, figuring if he lived or died was up to him and the Gods."
"That's nice," replied Cissnei in a cold voice. "What about Rude?"
"I would most likely have killed him, or vice versa."
"Why?"
"Rude wasn't injured and I'm sure you know he's a tad touchy. One of us probably would have done something to make the other think 'threat'. Things would have gone downhill from there."
"So it's not a personal thing?"
"No," Genesis replied with a shake of his head.
"What about Tseng then?"
"Are you trying to decide if I'm going to take the Turks out one by one or what?"
"No," Cissnei giggled. "Trying to get a feel for how you think."
Genesis raised an eyebrow. "Fair enough I suppose. I didn't meet Tseng until much later so I can't say what might have happened."
"Hypothetically if you ran into him now, didn't know him, and the KOS order was still active, what then?"
"Too many variables to say."
"Variables?"
"Yes," Genesis replied, shifting positions. "Is he alone? What threat level do I consider him based on his actions? What are his actions? Things like that."
"So it's not that you won't follow orders, you just won't do so blindly."
"Exactly."
"Even if the consequences could be severe?"
"Even if."
"You'd make a great Turk."
"Perhaps, but I doubt it," Genesis chuckled.
"Why?"
"I'm too ambitious."
"I see," said Cissnei in thought. "Was helping us a career move then?"
"More like a career killer," Genesis laughed. "I might not have known about the KOS order, but I'm not stupid and knew something was up. Once I found out it wasn't just Reno but the entire department that was in trouble, I assumed the Turks were clashing with the company for whatever reason. From there, it doesn't take a genius to assume that if I got in the middle of it, I was just as likely to go down with all of you if things went south."
"Did you get demoted because of us?"
"No. I got demoted because of my temper."
"What about your suspension?"
"That was for being AWOL for a week."
"AWO-, Gods, you weren't placed on a mission?"
"No, but it's alright. Everything worked out."
"Except it goes on your record!" Cissnei exclaimed.
Genesis shrugged, "Fuck my record. More good than bad came out of the experience. That's what matters to me."
"You really like Reno, don't you?"
"I wondered if you were going to go there," Genesis grinned. "Yes, I do."
"I'm glad," smiled Cissnei. "He's always there for everyone, but I'm not sure we're always there for him."
"What makes you say that?"
Cissnei shrugged. "There's a side to him he doesn't show often. It's… sometimes he looks so grave."
"Haunted?"
"Yes!" Cissnei exclaimed. "Someone doesn't develop a look like that overnight. Whatever the cause he hides it very well, but I've seen it. The fact that it exists at all tells me there's more to him than meets the eye."
"Yet you seemingly won't believe a word he says." Cissnei looked angry and he held up his hand to stop her retort. "Sorry, couldn't help it. Isn't everyone multifaceted?"
"Yes but they usually aren't so good at hiding."
"What does that tell you?"
"He's been hiding for a very long time." There was a long pause before she said, "Thank you again for not pressing charges. I owe you."
"As I said I'm to blame as well. I'd tell you that you don't owe me, but it won't matter."
"No, it won't," Cissnei smiled. "Are we ok?"
"So long as neither of us draws down on the other I think we're fine."
"Good," Cissnei beamed.
"Now I have a question for you. What's your problem with Reno?"
Cissnei's smile slipped but it wasn't due to anger, more like annoyance. "Aside from the fact that he's sloppy and lazy? Nothing."
"I don't believe that. You've already stated he's good at hiding. On top of that you should know better than to judge things by appearance alone. How many times has a mark's appearance thrown you and they ended up being a bigger or lesser threat than you first thought? How many times have you changed your own appearance to appear less threatening? Hell, how many times have you used your womanly wiles to disarm men into thinking you're harmless?"
"I resent that implication."
"Why? Any operative worth a damn knows how to use every tool at their disposal. Appearance is just another tool don't you think? I've used my appearance before and I'm not ashamed of it."
"I never thought of it that way. I suppose you're right," Cissnei sighed.
The auburn smiled. "Don't wait too long to work things out with Reno ok?"
"Why? What do you care?"
"Like you the Turks are his family. You all mean the world to him and I hate to see him torn up by something like this. I do care about him you know?"
"You're good at reading people, aren't you?"
"Usually," the STC nodded.
Cissnei smiled. "I'd planned on talking to him tomorrow or the day after. Is that acceptable?" she said, a hint of playfulness in her tone.
"Yep," Genesis grinned.
Cissnei stood and walked around the coffee table. "I don't mean to cut this short, but I feel naked without Rekka. Maybe we can talk again sometime?"
"If you'd like," Genesis replied, standing.
"I'll see myself out," Cissnei joked, taking the few steps to the door. She gave a little wave before opening the door and disappearing into the hallway beyond.
Genesis sat down, leaned his head back onto the couch so that he was gazing at the ceiling, and sighed. It felt good to be alone, but a little strange as well. He couldn't actually recall the last time he was alone. Usually he went out of his way to get away from people at least once a day. Granted he'd been on assignment guarding Reno, but he was positive the Turk would have given him some space if he'd requested it. The really strange thing was that he hadn't even thought about it, and it wasn't because he was afraid to leave Reno alone.
The auburn sighed, pulled his PHS out of his pocket, and leveled his head. It was 15:00 hundred and he had a dinner date in an hour. As he stood he realized he was relieved. For the first time in a long time he didn't want to be alone. While confusing he'd go with it… for now at least.