Thanks to Gabriel for beta-ing. If there are errors, blame him. As a forewarning, this isn't a smut story. Yes there will be quite a bit of sex happening, but it's not the point.

Chapter II

With a skip in his step, Genesis crossed the hall and unlocked his apartment door to find Angeal watering his succulents on the dining table.

"Where were you at, Gen?" he asked, looking at his friend. Genesis smiled making Angeal frown, "Oh no…I know that look."

"What look Angeal?" the redhead said, heading to his bedroom.

Setting the small watering can down, Angeal sighed and ran a hand through his hair to follow his friend in his room, "You know what I mean…you're hiding something from me which means that you've either done something or are about to do something that I might not approve of."

Shirts went flying out of the wardrobe as Genesis searched through it, "I still don't know what you're talking about, my friend. I'm just going to spend the night with Sephiroth."

"The whole night?"

Realising what he was looking for wasn't in there, Genesis began rummaging through his vanity table beside it, "Is there a problem with that?"

"You two haven't talked in over a month."

"So? We're having a heart-to-heart. Finally ironing out the kinks in our troubled relationship."

"Ironing out the kinks or introducing kinks?"

"Hmm?" He pulled out the bottom drawer and tipped out all of the contents onto the bed, making a note that he really needed to organise his belongings, "Don't be silly."

"I think you're going to have sex with Sephiroth." said Angeal, folding his arms over his chest, but his words had no effect on Genesis at all who still sifted through his junk.

"Of course not. What a strange thought to have."

"Don't lie to me, Genesis."

"I'm not lying, Angeal."

"…Bathroom cabinet. Next to the floss."

"Oooh!" Quickly, Genesis followed his friend's instruction and pried apart the doors of the cabinet to pocket what he was looking for, "Thanks, Ang." He said, heading back to the door, only to stop as Angeal gave him a disappointed look.

"How did…you know I was looking for this?" he asked meekly.

Angeal cleared his throat, "You sure you're not sleeping with, Sephiroth?"

Genesis swallowed under his intense gaze, "What makes you think that?"

"Do I need to give you the talk again, Genesis?"

He sighed, "Angeal…I'm not going to have sex with him."

"You're holding a bottle of lube and heading straight to Sephiroth's room. Unless you're using it to shine your coats together it can only mean one other thing."

Genesis gaped for a moment, wracking his suddenly empty brain for a lame excuse, "…Yes…That is precisely the reason…"

"Genesis."

He was getting frustrated. So what if they were going to have sex? Their friendship was damn near ruined when Angeal opened up his trap, but now Sephiroth actually wants to sleep with him. What was the problem? It wasn't like they'd ever be the three friends they used to be. Genesis was furious on the inside – ever since Angeal began training the lower ranked soldiers and took on his protégé Genesis and Sephiroth had grown closer. They were taking missions together, had dinners together, broke into the training room and 'fought' together. For all those weeks, months and years Genesis was content being so close to the person he loved. But Angeal, for reasons beyond his own understanding, had to shatter the peace between them. No more could Genesis brush Sephiroth's hair or rest his head on his lap or exchange stupid romantic nonsensical jokes with him. It all became too serious, too real – that those joking 'I love you's and 'pass me the salt, honey's started to reflect an ideal he had for so long. And so Genesis had to hide and avoid Sephiroth some more than he already had. To try to rebuild that illusion of friendship and nothing more – that it didn't kill Genesis a little every day to know that his friend would never feel the same.

The redhead huffed, opened the door and walked out, "Look, it's just one night. I've been without for half a year. Be glad he isn't a stranger."

The best thing to do was to detach himself from it all. Sephiroth was his friend – a friend he deeply cared for – and Genesis was doing him a big favour. He could bask in the joy of being intimate with the man, heck he should be happy. He shouldn't feel ashamed – he wasn't taking advantage of Sephiroth…was he?

Turning around, he looked over at Angeal who had the doorknob in his hand and a look of both sadness and regret. I'll be fine, my friend he thought, giving him a weak smile before heading back into Sephiroth's apartment. Stripping off in the bedroom, he tossed the bottle onto the bed and sank back into it beside his friend. What did he get himself into? What if he made himself fall even harder for him?

Seeing Sephiroth now, sated, asleep, his silver hair fanning out at odd angles, Genesis could not help but smile. He was a handsome man and if there was anything he knew about Sephiroth it was that he did care for Genesis…he wouldn't let him get hurt, right? Besides, sex and love were two separate components.

He needed time to think. Sitting upright he grabbed the book off Sephioth's bedside table and switched on the lamp. Sudoku puzzles. Genesis smirked – hopefully Sephiroth wouldn't mind if he did a few.

"Gen?"

Genesis turned at the raspy voice to find Sephiroth sitting up and rubbing his eyes, "Oh, you're awake." he beamed, watching Sephiroth stifle a yawn, "You sure you're not tired? You could do with a bit more rest. You were pretty worn out."

"What's the time?"

"It's almost one."

Sephiroth froze, "And you didn't wake me?"

Cocking his head to the side, Genesis frowned, was he meant to wake him? "No?" Sephiroth swore under his breath, startling the redhead who gingerly touched his hand, "Hey…"

"You obviously don't want this as much as I do. Maybe you just don't understand like you always do." Sephiroth snapped, pulling his hand away from Genesis, "So naive you are."

"What?" he bristled, now Genesis was confused and annoyed, "Are you seriously mad that I let you sleep when you so obviously needed it? Well I'm sorry I actually have some humility!"

"Humility?"

A sour taste entered Genesis' mouth, "Why do I get the feeling that I should regret this?" he muttered, only to have Sephiroth rudely glare at him, "Look, fine. If you're going to be a grump I'll go."

Sephiroth near rolled his eyes at him, "I need this done today, Genesis. I don't have time to waste and if you are going to waste my time at least leave quietly."

The situation had been too good to be true after all. Sephiroth looked livid, and over what? The fact that he had the heart to let him rest? First times greatly took a toll on the body and right now Sephiroth was being irrational and ungrateful. As the minutes ticked by and the general's annoyance didn't subside, Genesis gave himself a firm nod, sprang out of bed and began gathering his clothes in silence.

"No." said Sephiroth, stepping in front of the redhead just as soon as he pulled on his underwear, "I didn't mean what I said. Sorry. I'm just…feeling a little stressed. That's all."

"Uh huh…right." Genesis had dealt with this before – they always start apologising when he starts leaving, and like with any other guy he wasn't buying it, "Well strike a deal with your left hand or pay a slum whore for the night."

"Genesis, please." he seized his arms, green eyes drawn to the floor, "I just really want this."

Genesis was so close to give him a piece of his mind, but that melted away at the feel of Sephiroth's hands on him, "You're shaking." He said and the man let go and immediately hid his hands, "You're scared aren't you?" Sephiroth twitched and tried to look away, but Genesis took him in his arms and tried to comfort him with soft touches, "Come on. I'm not going to hurt you, criticise or shame you. This is between us, Seph. And that means no secrets – only honesty."

Sephiroth swallowed – in all honesty, he wanted no one to know what Hojo and the President had in store for him. His grip around Genesis tightened.

"I wish I could tell you." He whispered into his auburn hair then added, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright, I understand." Sephiroth could at times be difficult to deal with – partly because of his tendency to misunderstand people and also his dislike of admitting to certain emotions or weaknesses he has. However, Genesis felt something prod his stomach – something hot and hard, "Are you getting off on this?"

Sephiroth's eyes went wide – this was not a good time to be showing any signs of arousal, "I woke up like this."

"And this whole time I thought it was just your arm poking out."

"How about you…?"

Genesis shook his head, amused he said, "Not quite there yet."

To which Sephiroth whispered hotly in his ear, "I'm sure that could change."

With a smirk, Sephiroth pulled Genesis down on top of him making the man gasp then shudder at the low rumble of his laugh.

"You're blushing." He said, stroking Genesis' elegant jawline with his finger.

Genesis hummed and smiled, "Am I?"

"Yes…" he brushed his thumb over his soft red lips – plump and moist, ready to be kissed. Subconsciously he licked his own which were dry from nervousness. "You're a really good kisser." He mused, speaking more to himself than Genesis.

Genesis leant forward, bumping his forehead with Sephiroth's as he gazed into his green eyes, "Would you like to kiss me, Seph?"

Sephiroth's fingers slipped through soft auburn hair, his right arm wrapping around his friend's waist, pulling him down even closer, "Yes. I would love to." He said, lips brushing against Genesis'.

Genesis laughed, "Then what are you waiting for?"

It was torturous – neither one wanted to make the first move as their lips twitched, begging to kiss. Genesis was testing, Sephiroth was nervous, but as the stalemate went on, the muscle against Genesis' thigh was growing more and more painfully obvious.

Sephiroth smiled, a strange warm feeling erupted in his chest and all he could see were blue eyes. He closed the small distance between them, crushing Genesis' mouth to his as he held him tight. A faint moan slipped from his lips and Genesis lay his hands on his broad, masculine shoulders. His soft hands moved down Sephiroth's muscular back, slipped around his waist and stroked up hard muscles, defined abs before settling to rub against his solid chest.

Genesis' caresses felt nice and his gorgeous body was asking to be touched. Sephiroth tried to slide his hand up his chest, only his palms were too sweaty and glued to Genesis' body, tugging and pulling at his skin as he tried and failed to stroke him. He pulled his hand back and made a fist, embarrassed and mad at himself for doing something so simple wrong. How was he going to have sex with him if he couldn't even touch him properly?

"Shhh Seph. It's okay. Look at me."

He refused to, but still Genesis cooed and kissed his face, "It's okay. Really. You're new to this. You have to touch lightly if your palms are getting sweaty. Like this – see?"

His dainty fingers brushed up his thick arms before his palms gently slid over his biceps and onto his shoulders. With a sigh, Sephiroth gingerly took his advice and traced lazy patterns over Genesis' torso – with his fingers, his hands…his lips. He couldn't resist. The relaxed look on his friend's face calmed him down considerably and built back his confidence – only someone so honest and genuine as Genesis could Sephiroth put so much trust in.

His lips brushed over a pink nipple and devilishly he licked it, teased it. This time it was Genesis' turn to get hot and bothered. But as his breaths shortened and pretty sounds escaped his lips, Sephiroth himself was becoming aroused. He looked so good, laying there, petting Sephiroth's hair as he looked down at him with eyes full of desire, his red lips beckoning for a kiss that Sephiroth granted. Tongues curling together, hot, breathy kisses exchanged, Genesis rolled his hips against Sephiroth's who groaned in response and mashed their groins together to have their cocks rub with each other.

Genesis moaned, breaking the kiss to catch his breath only to have it catch in his throat as Sephiroth sank his teeth into his neck and sucked a purple mark into his sensitive, erroneous flesh. He bucked his hips, feeling his balls collide with his lover's and the heat from their sex grow as fluid seeped from the slits of their cocks.

"Gen," he whispered in his ear, placing short hot kisses to his elegant neck, "I want you."

Genesis shuddered, "Seph…" he groaned, feeling the wet head of Sephiroth's cock slide across his entrance.

"I can't hold back for too long, Gen."

Sitting up, Genesis took Sephiroth's hand and poured a good portion of lubricant into it, helping him slick up three long fingers. Settling between Genesis' spread thighs, Sephiroth sat back and swallowed. It was intimidating. No one would put that word with sex, but for him, having the most beautiful man in the army with his legs open for him waiting to get pleasured by the most inexperienced adult male…Genesis was right. He was nervous. His hands were shaking again. His head filled with all of the meaningless insecurities he never had before until that moment.

What if he wasn't good enough? What if he did something wrong? What if he hurt Genesis? Some part of him somewhere told him he should have watched an X-rated film or two beforehand. But then Genesis smiled and put his hand over Sephiroth's that lay on his hip.

"You're so sexy, Seph." He said, tucking a strand of his lover's hair behind his ear and stroked his cheek, "So handsome and so sexy…"

"Gen…" he couldn't do it.

He had a pang in his chest. Genesis was too patient, too encouraging…too caring. It made him want to scoop the redhead up in his arms and kiss him again. He really liked kissing Genesis – a lot. And whenever he saw that beautiful face now he wanted to kiss it again and again. He was intoxicating. And yet, his cock was hurting so much. What drugs did Hojo give to him? But more importantly, why wasn't he doing anything?

It was damn hard to look at Genesis' pelvic region and just see an ordinary penis and an ordinary hole for him to pleasure himself with. Because Genesis, anybody, was more than just that. They were people, they had minds and thoughts, they could think – they could look down at him. He wanted to bang his head against the wall. There was no way he could do it, there was no way he could use someone like this. Looking up at his friend, then back down to his lubricated fingers and between those inviting spread legs, the whole situation felt alien to him, felt sick to him. He knew what he had to do, but he couldn't do it.

In a weak and quivering voice that sounded nothing like the General he was, he asked, "You…You're not going to tell anyone about this, right?"

"I wouldn't dare." Genesis leant forward and kissed him softly, "Seph…this is a big step. You shouldn't have to force yourself. Not saying that we are embarking on a relationship, but I wouldn't label you as the sort for a one night stand. I've had relationships that lasted months without the ship setting sail so…we've come a long way in a few hours, dear."

He sighed and fisted the sheets. He had to force it. Genesis was good looking and willing, he was aroused and determined – so what was stopping him?

"I'm scared, Genesis." He finally admitted.

It wasn't about getting intimate with his best friend. It was about the days and years that would follow. His life wasn't his own, in fact, it never had been, but now it was set in stone. She'd get pregnant. He'd get married to some woman and Genesis…Genesis would live a free life, probably settle down with a nice, well-educated man with a PhD in something and can afford to take him to the theatre every Friday night. And to think that Genesis was jealous of him. Here he was inept at something people are biologically predisposed for.

"It's okay to be scared." He lifted his head to look at Genesis who smiled weakly at the sad look on Sephiroth's face, "New experiences are scary, however you really need to stop thinking. The more you think, the less able you'll be. You just…have to let go and give in to your senses."

He scoffed, "You make it sound so easy."

"It isn't." wrapping his arms around his neck, roughly he pulled the man above him down against his slim frame.

"Wha-?"

"Shhhh…" He chided, pressing a slender finger to his lips, but the playfulness in his eyes vanished and his voice lowered, "You know I really love you."

"I do."

"Then you know that this isn't easy for me either."

"Genesis…" he tried to sit up, but Genesis gently pushed him back down.

"But I really love you, so much I can't say no to you," a strange feeling twisted in Sephiroth's chest that wasn't helped by the sudden dewiness in Genesis' blue eyes, "And I could wait all night if we have to. Just know you can trust me, because I'm putting a lot on the line just to make you happy."

"I trust you," Sephiroth said, touching his forehead with his own, lips barely touching, "If I could love you, I would in an instant."

The kiss that followed was different to the kisses before. It was almost empty, slow, shy, yet strangely warm and moving. He didn't think that kisses could communicate so much and in this one he could taste something bittersweet. Genesis' soothing fingers stroked his back and his hot, breathy kisses tasted him thoroughly. Sephiroth's hand brushed a smooth, white thigh against his hip, his lips pressing firmer, deepening the kiss further as he took charge and held him close. Genesis' grip tightened around his lover as his breath was stolen. A quiet, pleased moan slipped between moist red lips and Genesis sank back into the pillow with hooded blue eyes.

Sephiroth smiled back and nuzzled his neck, making Genesis laugh then hum at the mouth on his throat and the fingers pinching his nipple. His skin tasted good and when he pulled back and looked at the bruise he left behind something primal within him stirred. Genesis caught that flicker in his eyes, saw the hunger and desire flash for even just a moment. Rolling his hips up against the larger man's, he groaned deep in his throat and pulled back away from Genesis.

He needed to calm down – take things slow like Genesis said, yet as he closed his eyes, the gorgeous image of Genesis' nude and alluring form was burnt behind his eyelids. The redhead had other ideas, before Sephiroth could doubt his way out of this again he had to stop him from doing so and that meant every cheap trick in the book.

"Do you think I'm sexy?"

What? Sephiroth opened his eyes and looked at him, confused. "Uh...ye-yes. I do."

Genesis raised a slender brow and smirked, "Oh really?" flipping over onto his stomach, the redhead stuck his ass up in the air, his head in the pillow, slowly swaying his hips from side to side, "And now?"

Turning his head to the side, Genesis shot him the smuggest and most sultry look he had to offer and was a little uncertain with the shocked, yet empty look Sephiroth had on his face. In Sephiroth's mind every insecurity, thought and doubt vanished when he got himself a faceful of his best friend's ass. That sexy, round, smooth ass that bobbed teasingly from side to side in front of his eyes, only mere inches away, only vaguely catching a glimpse of that tight, puckered hole.

He tilted his head to one side, curiously studying the sight in front of him before slowly grabbing those moving cheeks to drink in the beautiful view of Genesis' erotic anatomy. His pupils suddenly dilated and his mouth watered, his cock burning with need as the most overwhelming rush of arousal hit him like a giant wave, consuming him entirely so he became a mess of sensory responses. Genesis was a little concerned by the silence so he pushed himself up on his elbows to try to turn back around – perhaps he offended the guy – only to smack his head back down with a loud moan as Sephiroth buried his face in between his ass cheeks.

He placed hard kisses over his entrance, his lips pressing as his tongue flickered back and forth over the tiny hole before circling it. A hand fisted itself in long silver hair – tugging and rubbing his scalp – every jolt of pleasure making Genesis' body shiver only encouraged him further. A part in Sephiroth's mind registered how good Genesis' flesh tasted, and how good pleasuring him like this felt. Against the flat of his tongue, he felt his lover constrict and he laughed in a low hum that sent vibrations straight to the taut balls that he continuously nudged with his chin as he sucked and licked.

Genesis was nothing short of vocal, his pitch getting higher and higher each time. Sephiroth loved every little noise he made and was bent on wringing out every possible sound from his lover's throat. As that hole kept tightening, so did Sephiroth's sexual curiosity and with a cocky grin he plunged his tongue through the constricted hole. Genesis' back arched harshly and Sephiroth pulled his hips closer as he drilled his wet, flickering muscle deeper into that too small passage. He was getting light-headed – his blood all gone to his pulsing cock from the deliciousness of Genesis' narrow opening. He moaned, hands kneading Genesis' firm ass as he was slicking up and fucking Genesis with his tongue.

The hand in his hair was pulling at him painfully now, but he only smirked, not wanting to stop and tightened his grip when Genesis tried to pull away.

"Ah! Seph – Stop!" he shouted, pushing Sephiroth's head back, but the man clung to him and dragged his tongue down to his balls and paid them special treatment, "Sephiroth, please! Please, just…ngh – hah! Sssss-s-stop!"

It didn't take long for him to be back to tongue-fucking him, but not long after he did Genesis started quivering – only not from pleasure this time. Snapping out of the moment, Sephiroth turned him over only to find his beautiful face twisted in agony.

It struck him like lightning, a sick feeling in his gut that he did something very wrong. The very first time he completely lost control and here he's made a great mistake. He could never see Genesis again, he couldn't see him without this horror, without the thought that he hurt him. Was what he did right? Was it normal? Was it even a part of sex or was it wrong, disgusting…taboo? He barely even registered what he was doing at the time, it felt like he was on auto-pilot and was driven purely by arousal. Was sex meant to be like that, or was that something completely abnormal and…threatening?

"Genesis…" he started, looming over his friend's delicate frame and taking his face between his hands, "Genesis…I'm sorry. I-I don't know. D-Did I do something wrong?"

Genesis laughed and pecked him lightly on the lips, "You better hurry up and get me ready for you because I really want that hot cock of yours to fuck me."

Sephiroth's eyes went wide – he didn't think Genesis was capable of talking like that – but Genesis was happy, a lusty fire burning in his eyes and he sucked the side of Sephiroth's neck as the man quickly re-lubed his fingers. Inserting two at once, he groaned at the mouth on his neck and the hand hardening up his cock with firm strokes. Pulling his hand up to his face, Genesis did not disappoint as he made a display of licking the pre-cum off his fingers – sucking and humming, imitating the sinful pleasure he had given to Sephiroth a few hours before.

Sephiroth grunted and increased his pace, slipping in a third finger that sank in slowly and made Genesis shiver and grasp onto his lover's forearms, hissing as those long fingers bumped into his prostate with every good thrust. He was growing impatient now – his breath catching and Sephiroth was unconsciously moving his cock closer and closer to Genesis' ass. But he needed control – that's what he lacked here. He needed to be patient as he stretched and prepared his lover for his superior to be able to fit such a petite passage.

Genesis was going mad with pleasure, for a virgin Sephiroth had far too much resolve in his books, perhaps a direct result of his shyness, but the redhead wasted no time in greasing up the long, thick organ hovering next to his thigh. Taking the hint, Sephiroth removed his fingers and gripped the base of his cock, gingerly bumping and rubbing the tip against his ready entrance. Before he proceeded he looked up at his friend who took his face in his hands and kissed him.

"Just look at me," he said, stroking his cheek.

Wrapping his arms around Sephiroth's neck, his ankles crossing around his hips, Genesis pulled him closer and Sephiroth sank into his willing form. He stilled from the shock – the sudden warmth and tightness making him want to grit his teeth and shudder, to curl up in a ball and hide. It was crazy, intense and far too soon – he didn't know if he could make it. But those lips against his started to move, calming him down from his near climax and the legs around his waist pushed him closer – pushed him a little deeper into a seemingly bottomless pit of torturous ecstasy.

He was nowhere near where he wanted to be. He shook his head and came to a stop, barely halfway in. Opening his eyes he saw Genesis panting, mouth wide open with his brows pulled together, a weak smirk coming to his lips and as Sephiroth pushed in a little more he shouted, nails digging into strong arms.

"Are you okay?" he whispered into Genesis' ear, kissing him just below it.

Genesis nodded and breathed, "Just…Go slow…"

Pushing in excruciatingly slow, stopping at every constriction and hitch in his breath that Genesis made, partly for his sake and partly for his own so this experience didn't end too soon, he finally reached the end. And stopped, rested. Basked in the feeling of his accomplishment and the whole world suddenly became only two people – himself and Genesis. As their heavy breaths calmed somewhat, their lips met and slowly they moved their hips, whispering each other's names until the desperation grew too much for them to hold back.

Sweat coated his body, drenched the hairs that stuck to his face and dripped onto the porcelain cheek of his lover beneath him. He was consumed – lost. All he knew was touch; of Genesis' smooth, strong limbs embracing his body, of the hot skin of Genesis' torso against his, of the feel of Genesis' arching back against his rough, callused hands, of the feel of Genesis' lips moving with his own as their tongues twisted in each other's mouths. He felt like their bodies had been set on fire – the heat was unbearable, yet he wanted more of it and damn well needed to have that heat.

In the air he could smell their sex, which became more apparent as he began to thrust and make love to Genesis. Their sweat, their arousal – mingling and staining the room with a temporary reminder of their passions. He could smell in the heady mix the sweet and slightly fruity scent he had become to know as Genesis. He could also smell something woody and burning, like an open campfire in the woods – possibly part of Genesis' natural fragrance without the perfume and the obvious lavender and rose scent from his soft, auburn hair. He felt the sticky fluids from Genesis' cock glue to his abdomen as he shifted back and forth slightly with each thrust that grew in intensity as they adapted to each other.

He could hear Genesis – his moans and cries filling the room were loud in Sephiroth's ear and fuelled his drive, making him plunge himself into his lover deeper, harder and faster with each stroke. Genesis' prostate swelled and one particularly hard thrust that drove straight into his pleasure point made him chock on a scream and sink his nails deep into Sephiroth's back. He took the hint – his own orgasm had neared, and far too soon, but try as he might he couldn't hold back or turn around and start again on this one way street – and directed each thrust up into that cluster of nerves that made Genesis' ass tighten even more.

In his mouth, he could taste him – taste the sweetness of his mouth as they kissed and the softness of his lips against his. He could taste his passion, his desperation, his desire…

Opening his eyes, Sephiroth pulled back and watched Genesis. His face was flushed, eyes squeezed shut, rosy skin covered in sweat, back arched painfully, hair wild and clinging to his sweaty cheeks as he moaned and yelled with his mouth wide open. Sephiroth was struck by the chaotic look, by how unmistakeably beautiful it was.

"Ahh! Oh- Hah, hah…Sephiroth!" As Sephiroth fucked him with such ardent ferocity, Genesis came undone at the seams and burst with the feeling of a million butterflies taking flight. His cum spat hard against their bodies and his ass clenched as his whole form became wrapped in pleasure and he took Sephiroth to the very peaks of heaven with him.

"Genesis!" His thick fingers bruised Genesis' waist as he released his orgasm inside of the tight, pulsating passage. His whole body shook as he was flung out of this planet and into the cosmos, but he continued to thrust and fill his lover with his desire. The world had vanished as pleasure overtook their senses and they clung onto each other from desperation, for warmth, to conserve the climactic bliss and let the beauty of the moment outlive its destined short stay.

With ragged breaths, Sephiroth's quaky arms could no longer hold him upright and he fell back down on top of his lover, his face buried in auburn hair – spent, sated, coming back to his senses. Genesis' fingers trailed up and down his back, gathering up some silver hair and toyed with the locks as he too tried to catch his breath. When his strength had returned, Sephiroth pushed himself up onto his elbows and looked into his lover's kind, smiling face. He smiled back, moving aside the hair stuck to his porcelain face and kissed him with a deep passion. Rolling over, he pulled Genesis on top of him who straddled his hips and after one final languid kiss he lay his head on Sephiroth's chest and a hand over his heart. Instinctively, Sephiroth bundled the redhead up in his arms and let him fall asleep to the beating of his heart while he fell asleep with the knowledge that Angeal had been right.

He did love him.

Rays of sunshine spilled in through the open curtains and Sephiroth's alarm blared at 8:00. A lazy, sleep heavy hand hit the clock then covered Sephiroth's mouth as he yawned. Rubbing his eyes he sat up feeling naked, cold and very alone.

Genesis was gone.

Looking at the space beside him it all felt so surreal, like a dream. A part of him couldn't believe that he actually had sex, so much so it began denying it, but catching the sight of his friend's red coat over his chair proved that theory wrong. But if his coat was here then that meant…

His bedroom door opened and in came Genesis with a silver tray of freshly cooked food. Closing the door behind himself he smiled brightly at Sephiroth who just looked at him a little confused.

"Good morning." He said, walking over to his stunned friend, "I made you breakfast."

"Is this normal for the 'morning after'?" Sephiroth asked with a frown as he stared at the food questioningly.

"Only if I don't have something scheduled before noon." Genesis said, still beaming as he lay the tray over his friend. Handing Sephiroth his cutlery he looked him in the eye and added, "And if I really care for the person I just slept with."

"Hn." He rolled his eyes and Genesis laughed, pulling up a chair and sat beside his friend. As he stabbed his bacon on his fork, Sephiroth turned to his best friend and said seriously, "Thank you, Genesis. For everything."

The redhead just shook his head, "There's no need to thank me. I'm just happy that you're happy. Besides, it's not like I didn't get something I wanted out of it."

He took a bite of his perfectly cooked bacon. Genesis was a good cook too. Looking at his state of full attire though save for his coat, he asked, "Are you thinking of leaving so soon?"

"Not unless you want me to stay."

Sephiroth smirked and asked deviously, "Do you have plans for tonight?"

"Hmm," Genesis crossed his legs and feigned ignorance, "And oh why are you asking me that question exactly, General Sephiroth sir?"

"To put it bluntly, I enjoyed myself."

"And so you're hoping you could get more of last night?"

"If you don't mind."

Genesis laughed, "I don't." he said, then regretfully added, "But sadly, I do have plans. I'm having dinner at that fancy restaurant you always said you'll take me to, yet never did."

"One day, I promise." Sephiroth said, feeling a little deflated at his failure to make some 'plans', then raised a brow as he considered Genesis' statement, "Sounds like you have a date."

The redhead gaped for a moment then shook his head, "N-no…No! Just…dinner."

Too tired and busy with his coffee to pay much attention to Genesis' mannerisms, Sephiroth's brilliant one track mind was still glued to the events of last night. He did have a good time and he did value Genesis' company and Genesis' company in a few romantic locations couldn't be so bad.

Setting his mug down Sephiroth said, "I don't mean to be so forward, but I'd like to learn what a romantic relationship is like."

"That's a lot you're asking." Genesis murmured, patting his arm, "And dangerous too. I don't want a broken heart. Not with my best friend."

Sephiroth never took rejection well, but he was right. It was a major risk and with a smile he nodded and returned to his meal, "Understood."

When he was done eating Genesis took the tray to the kitchen, Sephiroth hot on heels as he talked to him about the exhibition on Wutai historic art in Midgar.

Sephiroth smiled, "Think Don Corneo might attend?"

Genesis snorted, "For a moment I was thinking no since the man can't go ten minutes without a whore in his lap, but then I realised he'd do what he did at my parent's Yule Ball – buy himself some classy over-priced escort for the evening."

"Buy?"

"Oh did I say buy? I really meant 'pick up off the slums and promise a future of glamour'."

Sephiroth laughed and Genesis smiled as he cleaned up the dishes.

"You're really beautiful when you smile."

Genesis' dropped the plate in the sink and turned to Sephiroth, "Uh…thanks?"

The taller man chuckled deeply in his throat, a low rumble that made Genesis' cheeks flush which only turned a darker shade of red when Sephiroth came up from behind him and hugged him close with his nose in soft auburn locks.

"Seph…"

"Mmm…You smell good."

"Really?" he asked, then let out a low moan as Sephiroth kissed the sensitive spot on his neck.

"Can you stay a while longer?" his warm breath and deep baritone spilling over Genesis' ear as he stroked up his chest, "Please. This time, it's all about you."

Genesis huffed, amused, "You make it sound like pleasuring you is a chore and not a joy for me."

"Willing to prove me wrong?"

Taking Sephiroth's hand in his own, he dragged him out of the kitchen and shoved him down into the couch and straddled him before he could even register what happened.

With a devilish glint in his sapphire eyes, Genesis smirked, "Game on, General."

A/N – I had a lot of trouble with this chapter mainly because I've been a guy pretty sure about my sexuality that it's hard to write from the perspective of someone who has no clue or doesn't want to know. I think the biggest struggle though was making the sex not too 'smutty', but smutty enough that it doesn't sound like no one's having a good time. I have no idea what messages I have or haven't gotten across so feedback is a big plus for this.