~!~
CHAPTER 3
~!~
"You should have let me teach a lesson or two to him!"
Genesis fumed in frustration, walking ahead of his fellow dark haired friend.
"That wouldn't have solved anything, Genesis."
Angeal spoke calmly, already used to the red head's fiery attitudes.
"Yes it would! It would help me calm down and feel better."
"Nonsense. It would make you look bad in front of your fans."
Angeal argued, watching Genesis pace back and forth. He managed to keep the Red General in control with his usual speeches about honor and common sense, but that wasn't enough to cool him down.
~This is going to take a while~
At that moment, Angeal wondered what was taking Sephiroth so long to return. He also wondered if the blonde's temper was just as bad as Genesis's for Sephiroth to be held back in the theater.
~One wouldn't think he had a temper…those blue eyes were so calm when he woke up during the play.~
"Are you listening?"
"Hardly."
Angeal reacted out of instinct. And when he realized what he said, it was too late.
"I give up! Nobody here understands me!"
Angeal rolled his eyes at Genesis's dramatic actions.
"Genesis, you're overreacting."
"Don't bother! I'm going to my room!"
Genesis announced and marched away, his footsteps synchronized with a poem that he began reciting along the way. Angeal let him go, trusting his friend's words, before making his own way.
~!~
Genesis logged on to his computer and on his personal web page, checking the users who were online at the moment. He felt his lips curve into a smile when he spotted a familiar name and clicked on it to start a conversation.
*I'M UPSET! : (*
It didn't take too long for the other user to respond.
*Was it Sephiroth? Or Angeal, this time? *
*None. It was some low simple-minded idiot that ruined my day! *
The response was immediate, which indicated that the person on the other side had free time and was giving his full attention.
*Tell me more, in detail, please. *
Genesis grinned to himself and proceeded to write a report of his day. The person on the other side appeared to be very patient or at least interested in the conversation.
*You have the worst luck with people. *
That simple sentence made him laugh out loud.
*So what did you do? *
*I was ready to show a piece of my mind to that buffoon, but mister honor and mister perfect got in my way! *
*Mister perfect? Is that any way to talk about your crush? *
That made Genesis blush, thinking about the Silver General in more than one way.
*You're such an idiot. *
He retaliated, typing quickly on the keyboard.
*I know. I hate to end this, but duty calls, Gen. *
Genesis was upset at the sudden announcement and made it visible through the messages.
*You're leaving? So soon? *
*Sorry. We'll talk later, okay? You can tell me more, then. *
*Alright. Thanks, Nero, you're such a good listener! *
The lack of response from the other side informed Genesis that his chatting companion had left. The Red General leaned against his seat, pondering on what to do for the rest of the night.
~It's still early…~
~!~
Angeal stepped into his apartment and lazily slipped himself out of his SOLDIER gear, only allowing his pants and shirt to stay on. He smiled lightly when he saw his little pet Cactuar wave at him from its vase, but soon forgot about the green creature's presence. The man had some trouble focusing his mind for the rest of the day.
~More like, ever since I laid eyes on that blondie~
The tall dark haired male pushed those memories into the back of his head. He didn't even know the man's name for that matter. And he certainly didn't know where, or in what section the blonde worked at, or where he lived.
~There goes my stalking habit, again~
Angeal scratched his head, messing the long hairs around his long fingers. He just had to forget about that short crush he felt today. It was most likely that he would never lay eyes on that man again.
He walked over to the couch and dropped himself on the center with a flop sound, while his eyes scanned for the remote.
'Angeal.'
The black haired man blinked, looking over at the door as he recognized the voice.
"Come in."
Genesis pushed the door open with a smile on his face and a bottle of whisky in one hand.
"Care for some company?"
"Is Sephiroth not back yet?"
Angeal knew that Genesis only came to his apartment when he (A) needed to talk about Sephiroth, or (B) Sephiroth was out/away for the time being.
And the sheepish grin on the red head told Angeal that it was most likely the latter option.
"I'll get the cups."
"Great!"
~!~
It was unusual of the Silver General to use his other heightened senses, besides his vision. But when he did, he was hiding something. Of course, only he was aware of his own behavior. Sephiroth was using both his advanced hearing and scenting sensors to know whether he was going to run into Genesis in the next turn or not.
He was not one to avoid friends, unless under the influence of extreme stress, anger or, in this rare occasion, a date.
There were two reasons as to why Sephiroth didn't wish for Genesis to know about his date, tonight.
One, Genesis had something against Sephiroth's "dates". And he would always find a way to ruin them.
Two, Genesis would definitely make a scene if he found out that Sephiroth was going out with a certain someone he just argued with today.
And when was the last time that he had a date? Sephiroth lost count of the months, by now, and he wasn't willing to let the red head ruin this one for him. Not this time.
The silver haired male managed to enter his apartment without being seen, and proceeded to change out of his usual General outfit. He liked to show a different side of himself to his companions, to make them feel welcome, or less tense, if you will. Also, he liked to impress as well take full control of the whole situation.
After setting himself with a pair of fitting dark jeans, a casual dark grey button shirt, and tying half of his hair up (leaving his bangs to hang freely around his face, as usual), he picked up the phone and chose one of his favorite restaurants.
~He said he wanted to pay for his own dinner, but I'll make sure he won't be able to~
Sephiroth smirked mentally at his plan. He could assume from the blonde's appearance and lack of politeness that he did not come from a rich family, nor had a well-paid job (if he had any at all). In other words, his wallet should be very limited. And in this situation, he would have no other choice but to allow Sephiroth to take the lead.
~You're such a control freak~
~!~
Cid stood near the theater, in a place where he could be easily spotted. He was still wearing the same clothes, as he came over from his home straight to ShinRA, and there was not enough time to go back and forth for a change of clothes.
So the blonde just walked by a clothes shop, picked up a random shirt and made his way into the changing boot to fix himself up (mostly adjust his blue shirt, hair and check if his cargo pants weren't smudged with oil stains). After he was satisfied with the results, he walked out looking uninterested, placed that random shirt back into place, and walked out of the shop.
He had to admit that he was feeling nervous. This would be his first date with a man after a long time (the last one being two years ago with an infantryman colleague).
But this time he was going out with not just any man.
~A general, eh~
The blonde youth wasn't sure on what to expect from the date. Something serious? Something one-time only? He knew this wasn't just an apologize-dinner. The silver haired man's persistent told Cid that there was something else in his 'good' intentions.
Blue-sky eyes blinked. There was one particular tall figure heading his way and it took him a while to realize it was his 'date'.
~Now I feel stupid for not buyin' me a new change o'clothes~
Cid had to swallow dry at the view. As if the General wasn't sexy enough in his usual SOLDIER outfit, he just reached a new level of sexy with those casual clothes he was wearing. And as the tall man approached, a nice scent waved around Cid's nose.
~Vanilla?~
"Did you wait long, Cid?"
Came the deep voice, and the Silver General was pleased to see that he was causing several reactions on the shorter man who was trying his best to not stutter on his words. He still hasn't lost his touch.
"No, I jus' got here. Don' worry 'bout it."
"Follow me, then. I got reservations for us."
"Oh? Where is that?"
Came the curious question, but Sephiroth turned around, motioning the youth to follow.
"It's a surprise, Cid."
He heard the blonde 'hum' from behind him, and soon heard a gasp when he approached a deep red sport car.
"Holy…..fu…dge."
The Silver General turned around to take in the features of the blonde. He was gaping at the sight of the advanced vehicle, and wasn't sure if that was because he never saw a car before, or if it was because he admired these things.
"You have the latest 3D Ex.?!"
A silver brow rose. He didn't care much for engines or machines, so he couldn't be sure what model he was using.
~I have enough dealing with the machines back in the lab~
"You're a lucky guy! This baby here is the fastest one so far!"
Cid spoke, trying to control his excitement, but his love for machinery spoke louder than his mind.
"You like cars?"
"Not jus' cars, Sephiroth. All machines and engines in general."
As if to prove his point, Cid spread out his arms from side to side. Sephiroth just watched with amusement at the pure love the blonde was demonstrating.
~He has an obsession too~
"Can I take a look inside?"
Came the question, and Sephiroth smiled.
"Yes, you can."
But before Cid could speak, a loud rumble stopped him. Sephiroth watched the man's face turn slightly pink with embarrassment.
"Well, what do ya know…my stomach's complainin'."
Sephiroth chuckled, and with one swift motion, opened the door of the passenger's side.
"Then we shall eat first, and do 'other' things later."
The blonde agreed, obviously not catching up on the hidden meaning behind those words.
~Or pretending to not understand them~
Sephiroth allowed Cid to get in by himself, when he noticed that the blonde was unwilling to take the door that was opened for him. This indicated the general that the man was obviously shy or had some controversies about gentle or kind actions.
~He will find that I won't be so gentle when inside my room.~
The silver haired man blinked at his own thoughts. He hasn't realized how tense and sexually frustrated he was until today.
But he wasn't sure how the night would proceed. With each person, it was different. He had gone out with Genesis and Angeal before, but he already knew them, and they all behaved just like he had expected them to. Angeal practically didn't 'exist', except when he spoke, because he would always stay quiet and watch. Genesis, on the other hand, was like a bright shooting star wearing a target from both front and back. Not only did he never shut up, but he was always having people coming over and greet him. On Sephiroth's side, sometimes someone brave enough would try and approach him, but his serious demeanor would scare them off completely.
As for his other nights out, one with a very nervous fanboy Zack (upon Angeal's request), was a complete disaster. Zack's lack of control over his hyper personality had caused a few waitresses to drop plates of food or cups of wine around the restaurant.
Sephiroth tried to ignore the entire scene, and had to spend the rest of the night reassuring the spiky head youth that it was alright and that accidents do happen.
~Not like the ones Zack had caused, though…but I couldn't tell him that~
The other date was with Lazard. And that was one to be forgotten. That date was going well; the conversation was light, switching between work to other interesting topics. Until a very jealous Genesis made an entrance and joined the table, cutting off any chances that both males thought would happen that night. That little action made Sephiroth become annoyed to the point of wrecking the Virtual Room of Level 49. He was pleased when he saw Hojo's displeased face, though.
And let us not mention other dates with other people that had no affiliation with SOLDIER, but to which Sephiroth had tried to work with. Because of Genesis, Sephiroth stopped bothering with dates, but out of annoyance, never gave it a thought about 'dating' Genesis.
~I never felt anything besides friendship towards him~
But today, Sephiroth was sure that Genesis was out of sight, because he knew that when Angeal took action, Genesis listened wisely.
Now, Sephiroth had to admit that he felt bad for ignoring the Red General's feelings like that. But how was he supposed to reject his friend's feelings, especially when Genesis hasn't even declared himself? He thought that his 'ignorance' of the red heads obvious emotions would make Genesis stop, but if anything, each day he seems to be more and more fierce.
~How do I even make it clear that I'm not interested without hurting him?~
The silver haired man sighed mentally as he drove through the streets in his car, noting how his date was mesmerized by the interior's design of his car.
Sephiroth knew how to act with dates. He had a lot of social duties to perform for ShinRA and that was almost the same as going on a date. The only difference was that there were some intimate moments along the 'social events'.
But how to deal with relationships in general, now that was an enigma. Genesis never allowed Sephiroth to reach that far ahead. The red head always managed to scare away everyone. Even Lazard never once spoke to Sephiroth about the day they went out together, nor was willing to.
~Genesis must have threatened him really badly~
The man couldn't help but wonder if he was going to allow his red head friend to continue interfering with his choices on relationships.
~!~
TBC
CHAPTER 3
"You should have let me teach a lesson or two to him!"
Genesis fumed in frustration, walking ahead of his fellow dark haired friend.
"That wouldn't have solved anything, Genesis."
Angeal spoke calmly, already used to the red head's fiery attitudes.
"Yes it would! It would help me calm down and feel better."
"Nonsense. It would make you look bad in front of your fans."
Angeal argued, watching Genesis pace back and forth. He managed to keep the Red General in control with his usual speeches about honor and common sense, but that wasn't enough to cool him down.
~This is going to take a while~
At that moment, Angeal wondered what was taking Sephiroth so long to return. He also wondered if the blonde's temper was just as bad as Genesis's for Sephiroth to be held back in the theater.
~One wouldn't think he had a temper…those blue eyes were so calm when he woke up during the play.~
"Are you listening?"
"Hardly."
Angeal reacted out of instinct. And when he realized what he said, it was too late.
"I give up! Nobody here understands me!"
Angeal rolled his eyes at Genesis's dramatic actions.
"Genesis, you're overreacting."
"Don't bother! I'm going to my room!"
Genesis announced and marched away, his footsteps synchronized with a poem that he began reciting along the way. Angeal let him go, trusting his friend's words, before making his own way.
Genesis logged on to his computer and on his personal web page, checking the users who were online at the moment. He felt his lips curve into a smile when he spotted a familiar name and clicked on it to start a conversation.
*I'M UPSET! :(*
It didn't take too long for the other user to respond.
*Was it Sephiroth? Or Angeal, this time? *
*None. It was some low simple-minded idiot that ruined my day! *
The response was immediate, which indicated that the person on the other side had free time and was giving his full attention.
*Tell me more, in detail, please. *
Genesis grinned to himself and proceeded to write a report of his day. The person on the other side appeared to be very patient or at least interested in the conversation.
*You have the worst luck with people. *
That simple sentence made him laugh out loud.
*So what did you do? *
*I was ready to show a piece of my mind to that buffoon, but mister honor and mister perfect got in my way! *
*Mister perfect? Is that any way to talk about your crush? *
That made Genesis blush, thinking about the Silver General in more than one way.
*You're such an idiot. *
He retaliated, typing quickly on the keyboard.
*I know. I hate to end this, but duty calls, Gen. *
Genesis was upset at the sudden announcement and made it visible through the messages.
*You're leaving? So soon? *
*Sorry. We'll talk later, okay? You can tell me more, then. *
*Alright. Thanks, Nero, you're such a good listener! *
The lack of response from the other side informed Genesis that his chatting companion had left. The Red General leaned against his seat, pondering on what to do for the rest of the night.
~It's still early…~
Angeal stepped into his apartment and lazily slipped himself out of his SOLDIER gear, only allowing his pants and shirt to stay on. He smiled lightly when he saw his little pet Cactuar wave at him from its vase, but soon forgot about the green creature's presence. The man had some trouble focusing his mind for the rest of the day.
~More like, ever since I laid eyes on that blondie~
The tall dark haired male pushed those memories into the back of his head. He didn't even know the man's name for that matter. And he certainly didn't know where, or in what section the blonde worked at, or where he lived.
~There goes my stalking habit, again~
Angeal scratched his head, messing the long hairs around his long fingers. He just had to forget about that short crush he felt today. It was most likely that he would never lay eyes on that man again.
He walked over to the couch and dropped himself on the center with a flop sound, while his eyes scanned for the remote.
'Angeal.'
The black haired man blinked, looking over at the door as he recognized the voice.
"Come in."
Genesis pushed the door open with a smile on his face and a bottle of whisky in one hand.
"Care for some company?"
"Is Sephiroth not back yet?"
Angeal knew that Genesis only came to his apartment when he (A) needed to talk about Sephiroth, or (B) Sephiroth was out/away for the time being.
And the sheepish grin on the red head told Angeal that it was most likely the latter option.
"I'll get the cups."
"Great!"
It was unusual of the Silver General to use his other heightened senses, besides his vision. But when he did, he was hiding something. Of course, only he was aware of his own behavior. Sephiroth was using both his advanced hearing and scenting sensors to know whether he was going to run into Genesis in the next turn or not.
He was not one to avoid friends, unless under the influence of extreme stress, anger or, in this rare occasion, a date.
There were two reasons as to why Sephiroth didn't wish for Genesis to know about his date, tonight.
One, Genesis had something against Sephiroth's "dates". And he would always find a way to ruin them.
Two, Genesis would definitely make a scene if he found out that Sephiroth was going out with a certain someone he just argued with today.
And when was the last time that he had a date? Sephiroth lost count of the months, by now, and he wasn't willing to let the red head ruin this one for him. Not this time.
The silver haired male managed to enter his apartment without being seen, and proceeded to change out of his usual General outfit. He liked to show a different side of himself to his companions, to make them feel welcome, or less tense, if you will. Also, he liked to impress as well take full control of the whole situation.
After setting himself with a pair of fitting dark jeans, a casual dark grey button shirt, and tying half of his hair up (leaving his bangs to hang freely around his face, as usual), he picked up the phone and chose one of his favorite restaurants.
~He said he wanted to pay for his own dinner, but I'll make sure he won't be able to~
Sephiroth smirked mentally at his plan. He could assume from the blonde's appearance and lack of politeness that he did not come from a rich family, nor had a well-paid job (if he had any at all). In other words, his wallet should be very limited. And in this situation, he would have no other choice but to allow Sephiroth to take the lead.
~You're such a control freak~
Cid stood near the theater, in a place where he could be easily spotted. He was still wearing the same clothes, as he came over from his home straight to ShinRA, and there was not enough time to go back and forth for a change of clothes.
So the blonde just walked by a clothes shop, picked up a random shirt and made his way into the changing boot to fix himself up (mostly adjust his blue shirt, hair and check if his cargo pants weren't smudged with oil stains). After he was satisfied with the results, he walked out looking uninterested, placed that random shirt back into place, and walked out of the shop.
He had to admit that he was feeling nervous. This would be his first date with a man after a long time (the last one being two years ago with an infantryman colleague).
But this time he was going out with not just any man.
~A general, eh~
The blonde youth wasn't sure on what to expect from the date. Something serious? Something one-time only? He knew this wasn't just an apologize-dinner. The silver haired man's persistent told Cid that there was something else in his 'good' intentions.
Blue-sky eyes blinked. There was one particular tall figure heading his way and it took him a while to realize it was his 'date'.
~Now I feel stupid for not buyin' me a new change o'clothes~
Cid had to swallow dry at the view. As if the General wasn't sexy enough in his usual SOLDIER outfit, he just reached a new level of sexy with those casual clothes he was wearing. And as the tall man approached, a nice scent waved around Cid's nose.
~Vanilla?~
"Did you wait long, Cid?"
Came the deep voice, and the Silver General was pleased to see that he was causing several reactions on the shorter man who was trying his best to not stutter on his words. He still hasn't lost his touch.
"No, I jus' got here. Don' worry 'bout it."
"Follow me, then. I got reservations for us."
"Oh? Where is that?"
Came the curious question, but Sephiroth turned around, motioning the youth to follow.
"It's a surprise, Cid."
He heard the blonde 'hum' from behind him, and soon heard a gasp when he approached a deep red sport car.
"Holy…..fu…dge."
The Silver General turned around to take in the features of the blonde. He was gaping at the sight of the advanced vehicle, and wasn't sure if that was because he never saw a car before, or if it was because he admired these things.
"You have the latest 3D Ex.?!"
A silver brow rose. He didn't care much for engines or machines, so he couldn't be sure what model he was using.
~I have enough dealing with the machines back in the lab~
"You're a lucky guy! This baby here is the fastest one so far!"
Cid spoke, trying to control his excitement, but his love for machinery spoke louder than his mind.
"You like cars?"
"Not jus' cars, Sephiroth. All machines and engines in general."
As if to prove his point, Cid spread out his arms from side to side. Sephiroth just watched with amusement at the pure love the blonde was demonstrating.
~He has an obsession too~
"Can I take a look inside?"
Came the question, and Sephiroth smiled.
"Yes, you can."
But before Cid could speak, a loud rumble stopped him. Sephiroth watched the man's face turn slightly pink with embarrassment.
"Well, what do ya know…my stomach's complainin'."
Sephiroth chuckled, and with one swift motion, opened the door of the passenger's side.
"Then we shall eat first, and do 'other' things later."
The blonde agreed, obviously not catching up on the hidden meaning behind those words.
~Or pretending to not understand them~
Sephiroth allowed Cid to get in by himself, when he noticed that the blonde was unwilling to take the door that was opened for him. This indicated the general that the man was obviously shy or had some controversies about gentle or kind actions.
~He will find that I won't be so gentle when inside my room.~
The silver haired man blinked at his own thoughts. He hasn't realized how tense and sexually frustrated he was until today.
But he wasn't sure how the night would proceed. With each person, it was different. He had gone out with Genesis and Angeal before, but he already knew them, and they all behaved just like he had expected them to. Angeal practically didn't 'exist', except when he spoke, because he would always stay quiet and watch. Genesis, on the other hand, was like a bright shooting star wearing a target from both front and back. Not only did he never shut up, but he was always having people coming over and greet him. On Sephiroth's side, sometimes someone brave enough would try and approach him, but his serious demeanor would scare them off completely.
As for his other nights out, one with a very nervous fanboy Zack (upon Angeal's request), was a complete disaster. Zack's lack of control over his hyper personality had caused a few waitresses to drop plates of food or cups of wine around the restaurant.
Sephiroth tried to ignore the entire scene, and had to spend the rest of the night reassuring the spiky head youth that it was alright and that accidents do happen.
~Not like the ones Zack had caused, though…but I couldn't tell him that~
The other date was with Lazard. And that was one to be forgotten. That date was going well; the conversation was light, switching between work to other interesting topics. Until a very jealous Genesis made an entrance and joined the table, cutting off any chances that both males thought would happen that night. That little action made Sephiroth become annoyed to the point of wrecking the Virtual Room of Level 49. He was pleased when he saw Hojo's displeased face, though.
And let us not mention other dates with other people that had no affiliation with SOLDIER, but to which Sephiroth had tried to work with. Because of Genesis, Sephiroth stopped bothering with dates, but out of annoyance, never gave it a thought about 'dating' Genesis.
~I never felt anything besides friendship towards him~
But today, Sephiroth was sure that Genesis was out of sight, because he knew that when Angeal took action, Genesis listened wisely.
Now, Sephiroth had to admit that he felt bad for ignoring the Red General's feelings like that. But how was he supposed to reject his friend's feelings, especially when Genesis hasn't even declared himself? He thought that his 'ignorance' of the red heads obvious emotions would make Genesis stop, but if anything, each day he seems to be more and more fierce.
~How do I even make it clear that I'm not interested without hurting him?~
The silver haired man sighed mentally as he drove through the streets in his car, noting how his date was mesmerized by the interior's design of his car.
Sephiroth knew how to act with dates. He had a lot of social duties to perform for ShinRA and that was almost the same as going on a date. The only difference was that there were some intimate moments along the 'social events'.
But how to deal with relationships in general, now that was an enigma. Genesis never allowed Sephiroth to reach that far ahead. The red head always managed to scare away everyone. Even Lazard never once spoke to Sephiroth about the day they went out together, nor was willing to.
~Genesis must have threatened him really badly~
The man couldn't help but wonder if he was going to allow his red head friend to continue interfering with his choices on relationships.
TBC