Sharing is Caring

Word Count: 998

When he first heard Angeal was taking on a student from among the cadets, Genesis pouted. It may not have been obvious to the casual observer, but he made sure Angeal could tell he was upset in subtle ways: he shifted the emphasis of LOVELESS quotes to those about abandoned lovers and comrades, and found opportunities to annoyingly cling in ways that were only barely professional, like showing up for meetings he wasn't invited to (but nevertheless had the clearance for, of course).

It may have gone on like that indefinitely if Angeal hadn't finally snapped, but even then it wasn't exactly in the way Genesis had been hoping he would. "Why don't you try meeting him before you judge him unfit for my attention?" Angeal growled one afternoon.

Well. If his best friend wouldn't give up a passing interest some stupid cadet for him, Genesis would just have to take matters into his own hands.

When Genesis found his way to the cadet training room that Thursday morning, he had expected to find Fair a miniature version of Angeal: not quite as buff yet, maybe, but generally built along the lines of a powerful physical fighter, or built in the teenage approximation that indicated he would grow into one. Not so.

The intensive training of the cadet program was obviously taking its toll, and the boy was showing some impressive musculature. But he was built on wiry, not sturdy, lines. And while he and Angeal did have a (striking) physical resemblance in terms of coloring, it was there that comparison ended.

Cadet Zack Fair was beautiful.

Until that moment, Genesis' list of beautiful people had included himself, Sephiroth, Rufus, and that girl in that hotel he stayed in with Angeal on their first trip to Midgar from Banora. (What? Angeal might be his best friend, and the man was attractive, but he wasn't beautiful. Although apparently, if the people he chose to spend his time with were any indication, he did have excellent taste.)

A few of the cadets had noticed Genesis and were trying to subtly stare at him in awe (trying being the operative word – it was not the first time Genesis considered that Turk stealth training might serve the SOLDIER program well). Genesis pretended to ignore them, although of course he reveled in their attention. They should look at him like that. He was a glorious First, after all, was he not?

Fair had not noticed him, or if he did, he was doing much better at feigning disinterest. Was this why Angeal had chosen him? He was friends with Genesis, so perhaps he liked people who played coy. After a moment, though, Fair seemed to realize that his friends' attention was not on their morning workout, and turned to find the source of the distraction. His eyes landed on Genesis and he considered the First for a moment with a look of mild confusion, as if wondering what Genesis could want with him. Then he turned back to his routine as if nothing was out of the ordinary at all.

For his part, Genesis seethed. How dare this cadet dismiss him?

It didn't matter. He would force the cadet to engage if he had to, in a way Fair wouldn't soon forget. Striding across the room to the brunette, Genesis called out, "Cadet Fair?"

Zack looked up and then snapped to attention. "Sir!"

Was it just Genesis or did the word sound mocking on those perfect Cupid's bow lips? "You are the cadet receiving additional training and attention from SOLDIER First Class Angeal?" Genesis made sure his voice sounded demanding, although he rather hated the drill sergeant routine.

"Sir, yes, sir!" Definitely mocking. Did the boy think Angeal's protection would serve him even here?

"I would like to see the effects of Angeal's guidance. Are you prepared to demonstrate, Cadet?"

"Uh…" Ha. So Fair wasn't always perfectly prepared with a subtle, witty counterattack. Genesis could tell he had won this.

Trying and mostly succeeding to stifle a smirk, Genesis quirked an eyebrow and pivoted to gesture to the open training mat behind them. "Let's go."

Now Cadet Fair grinned. Excitedly, he strode past Genesis onto the mat before turning back to bow slightly, not taking his eyes off his new opponent. Good form, Genesis silently complimented. Not good enough.

Genesis let Fair attack, since he was the one who was supposed to be showing off his skills, and noted with indifference that the boy did seem to have benefitted from Angeal's attentions. Unfortunately for Zack, Genesis had been training with Angeal for years, and knew all the tricks in his arsenal. It was mere moments before Genesis was able to tackle Fair to the ground and hold him there.

Zack struggled, of course, and Genesis was again struck by the youngster's beauty. The cadet's age wasn't a big deterrent – Genesis was a connoisseur of loveliness, and couldn't care less about something as insignificant as a birthdate – but there were rules about this sort of thing. Or rather, rules against it.

Still, Genesis shifted his weight until he was very subtly planking just above the boy so that he could enjoy the boy's struggling a little more. Honestly, in their current position, it was more surprising it hadn't happened sooner, but when finally their eyes met, Genesis felt a jolt pass through him for just a fraction of a second.

He wondered later if that fascinating jolt would have lasted longer if Angeal hadn't chosen just that moment to grab him and pull him off the cadet. Genesis endured Angeal's speech (about honor, discipline, and respect) until his friend gave in, glaring. Sauntering out of the gym, Genesis still couldn't shake his interest in that strange jolt; curious, he turned one last time to find Cadet Fair staring after him. Genesis did the only reasonable thing in that situation: he winked, twitching his fingers in a coy little wave.

Zack's blush was worth it.

A/N: Whew, barely made the word limit with this one. For those of you who are confused, these chapters are not always going up in chronological order and are definitely not cohesive. Over time, you will see themes emerge among installments that "go" together, but generally speaking, this fic is just a way for me to practice being a fic writer. I have a couple of self-identified areas for improvement, but I do always welcome your comments and insights.

As ever, thank you for reading!