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Final Fantasy VII: Angelic Threnody	By : DarkSeraphim1 Category: Final Fantasy VII > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1315 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core, Before Crisis, or Dirge of Cerberus. I do not profit from the writing and/or posting of this fic. I am just a humble fan paying tribute to another's wonderful creations.

Chapter List
- 47
- 48
- 49
Final Fantasy VII: Angelic Threnody
Chapter 49
'Ripples form on the water's surface. The wandering soul knows no rest.' -Loveless, ACT I
Rosso The Crimson crouched in the concealment of the lush Banora jungle, her vivid blue eyes narrowed on the ship that was pulling away from the Banora docks. She could see her General on the ship's prow, standing at the railing, that little redheaded bitch at his side. Sephiroth was tall and powerful and unbelievably handsome, his pale looks complimented by the shining black leather of his SOLDIER uniform. Miles of silver hair flowed around him, tossed to and fro by the brisk wind, only to settle against him again in molten perfection. Yes, he was perfect.
Rhapsodos reached up and began to stroke that silken mass, the action screaming possession, as though Sephiroth actually belonged to him, and she was flooded by rage. Sephiroth was hers, and by the time she was through with he and Rhapsodos both, the whole planet would know it!
Rhapsodos was a powerful man, there was no questioning that, but he was not a Tsviet. She and her brethren were the elite, the best that Hojo and Shinra had ever produced, and she looked forward to the day when the world finally realized it. No longer would they be forced to follow orders like an ordinary SOLDIER, begging scraps from Shinra's table like lowly dogs. Soon, Weiss would awaken, and he would show them what glorious fates awaited them in this newly opened world.
Freedom was a beautiful thing, Rosso thought, as the ship became a tiny speck on the horizon. To be allowed to hunt, to kill, with impunity was what had earned Rufus her respect. His order recalling her, as well as his rather harsh reprimand for Elfe's death, was enough to dissolve that tenuous link. Rufus Shinra was not the generous benefactor he had presented himself as, and Rosso knew it now, even if she hadn't before.
Weiss would see it, she told herself as she stood and stretched her cramped muscles. Weiss was the strongest of them, wise beyond his years, and perfectly suited for his role as their leader. Hadn't he defeated both she and Azul when they had fought him at The Restrictor's command? Weiss had then killed The Restrictor himself, even knowing that their commander's death would lead to his own, to buy them their freedom. That was the essence of a true leader, and why she would always follow Weiss The Immaculate, even if she didn't personally like him.
Well, she didn't actually like most people, so that came as no surprise, Rosso thought with a mental shrug. Weiss was a cold man, a hard man, but he was strong, and there was nothing Rosso valued more than strength. She would follow him to hell itself if he asked it of her, because he would allow her to kill as many as she wanted during her descent. He knew how to keep his people happy.
She might have despaired, if not for Nero's assurance that their leader was close to recovery. While Nero was not as strong as mighty Weiss, he was more powerful than both she and Azul. He was unmatched in ranged combat, and the darkness that was so much a part of him was so great that not even Weiss could possess it. The only thing that could possibly restrain him was his love for their leader, his brother.
Nero had only assumed a leadership role because Weiss had asked it of him before being laid low by The Restrictor's virus. He had not wanted to command anyone, had actually been content to follow his brother's orders, which had thoroughly bewildered Rosso. Power was something to be sought, something to be taken, and if she could have taken it from Weiss, she would have.
Azul had said something once about the bond between brothers being strong, but he hadn't really understood it, either. They had been raised to be dominant, to be loyal only to themselves. They were the ultimate life-form, born of mako and Fate, and none could stand against them. That Weiss and Nero were more powerful than them was all that kept she and Azul beneath them.
Too bad Rufus Shinra hadn't realized that, she thought with a sigh. He had seemed like a man after her own black heart, even though he was young. Unfortunately, he had shown himself to be weak, and therefore unworthy of her devotion. She would not kill him, of course; to do so would only bring Nero's wrath down upon her. But she would disregard his orders, unless Nero himself commanded otherwise. And with the way that The Shade was preoccupied with Weiss' condition, she thought that it would be quite some time before she was truly recalled.
"Mmmmm," she hummed aloud, her painted lips curving into a dreamy smile, "plenty of time to play with my darling General. Enjoy your time with your little whore, Sephiroth. It won't be long before you'll both be playing a very different game."
She grasped her gunblade and turned, disappearing into the dense jungle foliage, and Fate rippled dangerously in response.

Sephiroth stood at the railing of the "yacht" that Genesis' parents had hired for them, hiding his displeasure with what was little more than an oversized sailboat. He had to remind himself that they were fugitives, and that their options were limited. Time had been of the essence, and they were lucky to have found transport so soon, even though the ship was unnecessarily extravagant.
He seemed to be the only one who thought so, however. He half-turned and glanced across the polished deck, smiling slightly as his gaze touched on the bridge of the ship. He could see Kadaj through the window, gesturing animatedly as he spoke to the captain, his childlike voice full of enthusiasm as he tried to convince the captain to let him steer. Cloud stood beside him, his fine features wearing a long-suffering expression, and Sephiroth was forced to stifle a laugh. Cloud certainly had his hands full with the youngest remnant.
Loz and Cissnei were standing at one of the rails, their heads bent close together, the rest of the world forgotten as they gazed at one another. Sephiroth had to admit that he was surprised by how quickly the two had bonded, but it somehow seemed. . .right for them to be together. Loz trusted the pretty young Turk, enough to have confided in her well before he should have, and Sephiroth found that he couldn't be angry with the boy for doing so. Cissnei had proven to be good ally, and as Kadaj and Yazoo had already accepted her, it told him that she was trustworthy. Otherwise, she would already be dead.
Another flash of silver caught his eyes, and he spied Yazoo and Vincent surreptitiously slipping away from the others, no doubt intending to find a quiet corner below deck in which to talk—among other things. While both had been quite subtle in the party's presence, even he could interpret the frequent glances and languid murmurs they shared as something wholly intimate. Apparently, they had worked through their differences, and were striving towards a better understanding of one another.
A sudden spat of animated chatter came to his ears, and his smile widened as he spied Zack doing squats near the ship's bow. Ever the hyperactive puppy, he thought with affection. He was trying to talk Reno into joining him, which was met with a dismissive wave of the Turk's hand as he fiddled with his phone. Unaffected by the rejection, Zack turned his attention to Angeal and Aerith, who both sat in deck chairs only a few feet away. They each watched him expressions of fond indulgence, sharing what seemed to be an unusually comfortable moment, and Sephiroth found that he was glad for it. He no longer worried that Aerith might come between the two men. Instead, she seemed to be actively pursuing both men, and doing quite a good job of it.
He could only shake his head at that. He couldn't imagine trying to woo two lovers at once. Indeed, he had not even 'wooed' Genesis. His friend had come to him, and had seduced him with very little effort.
Sephiroth's smile deepened at the memory. Genesis had come to his quarters under the guise of a concerned friend, and had left it as an adored lover. Sephiroth had never regretted giving himself to Genesis that night. How could he, when their union had brought him such happiness? He had learned what it meant to be a part of something more than himself, to live his life for something other than the obscure ideals of his employer. He had given Genesis more than his body that first night. He only wished that his beautiful, passionate lover had realized it.
Not that that mattered now, Sephiroth reminded himself firmly. He had changed things for the better, not only between the two of them, but for nearly everyone involved. His remnants were healthy and whole, but more importantly, they were happy, and that meant more to him than he could ever express. He himself was stronger than he had ever been, and his friends would soon be cured of the affliction that had once destroyed them.
The six days spent in Banora had been a risk, yet Sephiroth was glad that they had taken the chance. Regardless of the fact that he had been against going there in the first place, it had been important for Genesis and Angeal to see their families, to resign themselves to a lifetime spent away from their loved ones.
Perhaps, Rufus would relent, and such a sacrifice would not be necessary, he mused thoughtfully. Reno had already managed to convince Tseng of his sincerity, and the other man was seemingly dedicated to helping them save The Planet—or rather, to saving Rufus. The Planet's fate seemed to be secondary to his charge's, which told Sephiroth they that could only rely on him to a certain extent. Once Tseng deemed Rufus safe, he would likely pull his support and leave Sephiroth to his own devices.
Which was certainly fine with him, Sephiroth told himself. He was not comfortable relying on The Turks for assistance, considering his history personal with them. But, he had to admit that evacuating Nibelheim was a good idea. He had no way of knowing how powerful Jenova truly was. Without him, she may very well be unable to escape the confinement of the Nibelheim reactor. Then again, it was always possible that she was simply biding her time, waiting for the right moment to break free and wreak havoc on the humans in the town below.
He simply did not know, and that uncertainty bothered him. There were too many variables, a nearly infinite number of possibilities, to simply dismiss even one out of hand. She would almost certainly try to take control of him, and possibly the boys, as well. He had to find a way to fight her, to keep control of his own mind, preferably before they reached the reactor. The last thing he wanted was to find himself fighting the very people he had come back in time to protect!
Sephiroth inhaled sharply at the thought. He truly could not imagine being forced to battle Genesis as he once had Zack. To know that it was not a copy, but the man he loved, as he bore down on him with Masamune, unable to fight the compulsion. . .
He shuddered as he came back to himself, only to encounter a pair of striking, intense azure eyes. Genesis was lounging against the rail beside him, slumped against it in a rather dramatic fashion, watching him with a small, enigmatic smile that he found himself unable to interpret.
"You're thinking, again," the other man murmured, and Sephiroth only shrugged, not attempting to deny the other man's words. Genesis knew him far too well for such prevarication.
Genesis gazed at him for a long moment, his smile fading as he straightened and moved to his side. "What wrong, Seph?" he asked, reaching up to comb a red-gloved hand through thick silver tresses. "What is it that takes you so far away from me?"
The smile was wiped away by that wistful question, replaced by the intensity that had always unsettled those around him. "I went no farther than you, Genesis." At the other man's uncomprehending look, he added, "You always occupy the greater part of my thoughts, Gen. Everything I do, I do for you. Your happiness is more important to me than anything else, even my own."
"Seph. . ." Genesis felt his heart skip a beat at those intensely spoken words. He shifted until he could wrap his arms around the younger man, relieved when Sephiroth's arms closed around him in return. He hated it when Sephiroth got in these brooding, introspective moods, but unlike in the past, he knew how to respond now. "I know that you love me, Seph, but you're allowed to have your own thoughts, you know. I don't have to know everything."
Sephiroth grunted and set his chin of the crown of his lover's fiery head. "You do not like it when I withhold information from you, Genesis."
"Only when it's important information being withheld," Genesis retorted spiritedly. "Jenova trying to mindfuck you is important, Sephiroth. Thinking about me naked—while very flattering—isn't exactly vital. You see the difference?"
A startled laugh sounded above him, and Genesis smiled smugly. "I knew you'd see things my way."
Sephiroth could only shake his head at the utter uniqueness of his fierce kitten. He had never met anyone quite like Genesis Rhapsodos, and he counted himself truly fortunate to have such a person in his life. "You must promise never to change, Genesis," he said, his voice warm as he lowered his head and held him tighter. "I love you just as you are, kitten. Fierce, passionate, and utterly shameless."
Genesis laughed as he turned his head and pressed his lips to the other man's. "Don't you worry, moonbeam," he whispered seductively, "I'm going to spend the rest of my life being shameless, just for you."
Sephiroth smiled into the kiss, his emerald eyes glowing from beneath a heavy fringe of deep golden lashes. "I can think of nothing I would like more, koneko."
"Good," Genesis stated emphatically, one hand curling around the pendant that hung from his neck, "because you're stuck with me, Sephiroth. Now, start talking, and I'll consider being shameless for you tonight."
Sephiroth only chuckled and brought that slender hand to his lips, wishing he had the words to express how grateful he was to have Genesis at his side. It was a great relief to know that he could now share a part of his burden with the one he loved, and that he would no longer risk losing him if he did so.
"I was thinking of what lies ahead for us," he told the other man, his mirth fading with a sigh. "There is something that we—that I—must do before we take the boys to Wutai, something that will be dangerous for us all."
Genesis gazed up at him with steady blue eyes, undaunted by his words, even as he hoped that his suspicions were wrong. "You know where she is, don't you?" he asked in a hushed voice.
"If by she you mean Jenova, then yes," Sephiroth answered somberly.
He drew a sharp breath and eased away just enough to study Sephiroth's solemn, perfect features. "Nibelheim?" he questioned simply.
A nod of that gilded head, and Genesis was left biting back an instinctive protest. "You're right," he said abruptly, "that is dangerous."
Sephiroth remained silent, his catlike eyes locked on Genesis' own, and Genesis lifted his chin fractionally. "You're not going alone, Seph."
"No," Sephiroth assured him quietly, "I wouldn't dare. My susceptibility to her is high, Gen, dangerously so. Were I to approach her alone. . .I don't believe I would be able to resist her. She makes me. . .weak."
The last was said so softly that Genesis had to strain to hear it. Once his lover's words registered, he found himself wishing that they hadn't. "You're the strongest man that I've ever known, Sephiroth, but you're not perfect. No one is," he told the younger man earnestly. "We all have our weaknesses. A psychotic Cetra with mommy issues just happens to be yours, that's all. It's nothing we can't deal with, right?"
Sephiroth only continued to stare at him with a damnably grave expression, and Genesis shivered in spite of himself. He framed Sephiroth's face with gentle hands, stroking those high cheekbones with his thumbs, and smiled tenderly. "You're not alone, Seph. You don't have to deal with this all by yourself anymore. I'm here for you; we all are."
Relief flashed across those beloved patrician features, echoed in the rich velvet of Sephiroth's voice as he whispered, "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Genesis' smile took on a wicked slant as he slid both hands into the shimmering wealth of Sephiroth's silver hair and pressed against him. "Now, kiss me, and show me how shameless you can be."
The corners of Sephiroth's mouth quirked upwards as he slid his arms around the other man's trim waist. "As you wish, kitten," he returned, his voice deepening seductively as he lowered his head.
Genesis let his eyes fall closed as the younger man's lips closed ever so gently over his. Sephiroth kissed him slowly, lingeringly, and—for once—he didn't try to rush him. He liked the gentle reverence in the lips moving over his, the quiet little catch in the back of Sephiroth's throat as he opened his mouth and gradually deepened the kiss. Sephiroth was so damned good at making him feel special, at showing him that he was loved, that he wondered how he had ever mistaken the other man's feelings for anything else.
Sephiroth broke the kiss and rested his forehead against the other man's, shivering as he felt the heat of Genesis' breath wash over his lips. "Souseiki," he breathed with reverence, "aishiteru."
"I love you, too, Sephiroth." Genesis combed his hands through rivers of silver satin and leaned in for another tender, albeit shorter, kiss. "So, any requests for tonight? Anything special you want me to do for you? Be as kinky as you'd like," he added heatedly.
A deep chuckle escaped Sephiroth even as he shook his head negatively. "Shameless," he repeated in a murmur, and then asked, "You could read to me, if it wouldn't be too much of an imposition?"
Sky-blue eyes lit up at that. "Loveless?" the older man questioned eagerly, and Sephiroth merely smiled indulgently. "You may read whatever you wish, kitten, so long as I can listen while you do so. Is that acceptable?"
"That's more than acceptable, Seph." Genesis looked delighted at the prospect of sharing his favorite epic, and Sephiroth knew that his request—simple though it was—had pleased the man who held his heart.
"It is decided, then." Sephiroth brushed his lips across tip of the other man's nose and reluctantly pulled away. "Come, kitten, let us find Kadaj and discover what mischief he has caused in our absence. Hopefully, it will not require too much restitution on our parts."
Genesis only laughed and grasped his hand, loving the other man's delightfully deadpan sense of humor. "Well, we haven't crashed or sunk yet, so I think it's safe to assume that the captain hasn't let him steer," he said humorously.
Sephiroth sent him an eloquent look. "Something to be grateful for, I'm sure," he returned drolly. "I would not like being forced to swim to the next continent."
"We still have the Underwater materia," Genesis pointed out with a grin. "We could walk most of the way."
Sephiroth merely slanted him a wry look and grunted in response, and Genesis laughed again. "Our boy is a hellion," he acknowledged, his pale blue eyes softening fondly. "He's so different from you, Seph. I wonder where he gets it?"
One silver brow arched as Sephiroth fought not to laugh aloud. "I'm sure I do not know, Genesis," he said facetiously.
"Mmmm." Genesis' aristocratic features took on a thoughtful cast as they approached the bridge. "He certainly doesn't get it from Vincent," he said almost absently. "Maybe, your mother?"
"Nah," he said almost immediately, imagining the quiet conversations he had witnessed the former Turk having with Yazoo all morning. "I can't imagine Vincent putting up with that kind of behavior."
Sephiroth remained silent as he allowed his lover to work through this on his own. If Genesis truly wished to discover which of Sephiroth's memories had influenced Kadaj's rather difficult behavior, then he would. Sephiroth certainly wasn't stupid enough to assist him in a realization that would be less than complimentary to himself. While Sephiroth enjoyed the spirited nature of his youngest remnant—and the man whose behavior he instinctively emulated—Sephiroth knew that Genesis would be appalled to realize exactly how he was viewed by those around him.
"Loz is a lot like Zack and Angeal," Genesis continued to muse aloud, "and Yazoo is almost exactly like you, so that leaves the three of you out. Kadaj is loud, opinionated, antagonistic, and arrogant as hell, and we don't really know anyone like that, so. . ."
Genesis frowned as they came to the open cabin door, his pale blue gaze finding the boy in question. Kadaj was half-draped over Cloud's right side, his left hand stroking the blond warrior's back. The youngest clone turned his head to whisper something into his lover's ear, and Cloud turned bright red in response. The boy only smirked and dropped his hand to Cloud's ass, causing Cloud to jump and hastily reach back to restrain him, hissing his name in an embarrassed tone. Kadaj looked pleased as he laughed and retracted his hand, probably loving the fact that he'd gotten a rise out of his normally stoic boyfriend, and something about the gleam in his bright green eyes struck a chord within Genesis.
How often had he done the very same thing to Sephiroth? Genesis asked himself, stunned. He was always touching the other man, teasing him, testing his boundaries, just to see how far his reserved lover would allow him to go. He was completely confident in his sexuality, and in its effect on Sephiroth, so much so that he himself had become a bit arrogant over the years. Sephiroth never turned him away, never rejected him, was always sensitive to his feelings, even when he felt that the contact was inappropriate. Much like Cloud, Sephiroth merely grasped the wandering hand and directed to what he felt was a more proper place on his body.
"Oh, fucking hell," he exclaimed, appalled. He turned wide blue eyes to the man beside him, who simply gazed at him with an inscrutable expression, and blurted out, "The little shit is just like me."
Patrician features softened as Sephiroth squeezed his hand meaningfully. "You say that as though it is a bad thing," he murmured with obvious affection.
"That's because it is a bad thing, Seph!"
Sephiroth only smiled warmly at that. "You are merely spirited, Gen."
Genesis shook his head, sending short strands of auburn fire into his face with the motion. "I'm not spirited, Sephiroth. I'm a pain in the ass, and you know it!"
Jade eyes gleamed into his own as Sephiroth tightened his hand and tugged him closer. "Ah, but you are my pain in the ass, kitten."
"Hhhmmppphhh." Genesis jerked his hand free and crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?" he demanded crossly.
"It was intended to, yes." Azure eyes narrowed on his, and Sephiroth took it as the warning it was meant to be. "I love you as you are, Gen. I would change nothing about you—nothing," he added for emphasis.
"Shit." Genesis' beautiful, fine-boned features took on a sulky cast as he looked away. "I have a horrible temper."
"You are passionate," Sephiroth countered mildly.
"I have no patience," he shot right back.
"You are impulsive," came the maddeningly calm response.
Genesis made a frustrated sound and dropped his arms. "I swear like a dockside whore," he snapped in return.
Sephiroth laughed then, he couldn't help himself. "I like your rather colorful way of speaking, Genesis. Particularly, when we are alone."
The other man opened his mouth to respond, and then closed it as his summer-bright eyes took a gleam. "You like it when I talk dirty to you, huh?"
Sephiroth fought not to blush as he nodded positively. "I find it quite. . . exciting," he admitted in a low voice.
"Is that so?" Genesis threw his fiery head back and stepped into his body, completely ignoring the ship's crew as he slid his arms around Sephiroth's waist and thrust his hips into the other man's. "Take me to our cabin and prove it, then."
Sephiroth only stared down at him, his innate shyness battling with the desire the other man's sensual challenge had ignited within him. Unsurprisingly, the desire won. He swept Genesis up into his arms and carried him away from the cabin, only vaguely hearing Kadaj as the little one called out after them, all of his attention focused on the man who smirked up at him so arrogantly. If it bothered Genesis to be carried across the deck like a child, it didn't show as the other man nuzzled the side of his neck and bit down gently. He could only shudder and quicken his stride, knowing that his kitten would show him no mercy until he had gotten what he wanted.
Which was just fine with him, Sephiroth thought as he tightened his hold. He enjoyed their sensual encounters, and the aggression with which Genesis always pursued him. His kitten was fiercely passionate, and Sephiroth wouldn't have it any other way.
Genesis clung to Sephiroth as he was swiftly carried below decks, running his hands through endless strands of molten silver, whispering the nastiest things he could think of into his ear. Sephiroth only chuckled, the deep, evil sound that spoke of darkness and sex, and Genesis felt his cock jump in sensual response. Sephiroth was going into alpha-male mode again, and damned if he wasn't trembling in anticipation of being thrown on his back and fucked into oblivion.
Gods, but he was a lucky man!
Sephiroth paused outside of their cabin door, shifting his hold just enough to turn the knob, and then they were inside. Genesis found himself set on his feet and unceremoniously dragged against a hard, muscled body. "Now," he said, his voice as sultry as he could make it while it quaked with unsatiated need, "where were we?"
Sephiroth's only response was a slow, wonderfully malevolent smile that ripped away what little bit of self-possession that Genesis possessed. Strong hands began to move urgently over his body, those stunningly angelic features stamped with predatory intensity as Sephiroth lowered his head, and Genesis surrendered with a faint moan.
His clothes were stripped away from his aroused body with only enough care to ensure their survival. Sephiroth's mouth moved over his own with devastating dominion, one which Genesis could never hope to match, though it never stopped him from trying. He kissed the other man with every bit of passion he possessed, aggressive even as he silently acknowledged his lover's unquestionable dominance. His own hands moved blindly over the other man's body, finding buckles and fastenings and making short work of them. He managed to get Sephiroth's armor and trench coat off of him before the other man lifted him off of his feet and shoved him up against the door.
Genesis whimpered and locked his legs around that lean waist, no longer caring about anything but the passion that flared so hotly between them, as Sephiroth wet his own fingers and began to probe at the heart of him. One finger, two, and then he was being stretched, prepared for the sensual invasion that couldn't come soon enough for him.
"Gods, Seph!" he gasped, tossing his head as lightening shot through his body. His prostrate was brushed again—gently—and he cried out in a frenzy of pleasure. "Please, Seph, please. Fuck me. Don't make me wait, fuck me now."
"Yes," Sephiroth rasped, his hand shaking as he withdrew and guided himself into position, "now!"
He surged forward, and was rewarded with the music of Genesis' rich voice raised in passion. He shuddered and withdrew, only to thrust deep. Genesis went wild in his arms, arching against him, crying out with every breath that he took, his hands clawing at Sephiroth's shoulders as he sought to pull him even closer. Sephiroth gripped his ass tightly to anchor him and bent over him, joining their mouths for a fiercely ardent kiss. Genesis clung to him with all of his SOLDIER strength, grasping tight fistfuls of flowing silver hair, returning his every thrust with sensual power.
Sephiroth groaned loudly and lifted him slightly, changing the angle of his thrusts as he pinned him to the door. Genesis let out a breathy, high-pitched moan and broke the kiss, burying his face in Sephiroth's hair, his body trembling uncontrollably he neared completion. Sephiroth's teeth found his favorite spot on his kitten's shoulder and bit down hard, and that was all it took. Genesis' body tightened almost painfully around his aching length, and then he was coming, his gasps becoming screams of endless pleasure.
Sephiroth swiftly followed, his mind emptying itself even as his body did, the only thought to survive the avalanche of pleasure of the man who shook so sweetly in his arms. "Genesis," he gasped, his voice little more than a hoarse whisper, "my kitten."
Genesis could only tremble as his own voice failing him. He settled for stroking Sephiroth's head with gentle hands, and pressing tender kisses to his ear and neck. Sephiroth seemed to understand as he lifted his head and gazed down at him with dazed green eyes. Soft lips brushed over Genesis' own, and then he was being carried across the room. Sephiroth gently disengaged himself and set Genesis on the bed, smiling at his disappointed mewl.
"I'll be right back," he murmured, running a hand down the side of his neck as he straightened.
Genesis watched him disappear into the bathroom, only to return moments later with a damp cloth. He smiled up at the other man with sleepy satisfaction, unable to do more than lie there bonelessly as Sephiroth cleaned them both. Sephiroth set the cloth aside and lifted him long enough to pull the coverlet down. He slid into bed beside him and pulled Genesis to him, marveling at the way that muscular body turned to fit itself to his own so perfectly. Genesis yawned and snuggled against him, finding a more comfortable position, and Sephiroth's heart filled to overflowing.
"I love you, Genesis."
"Mmmm," came the mumbled, sleepy response, "love you, too, Seph."
He smiled and closed his eyes, lulled into slumber by the comforting sound of his lover's heartbeat, wholly at peace with himself. Life was good, indeed.

Rufus stood inside of Dr. Hollander's laboratory, his pale blue gaze locked on the mako tube which stood upright before him. Shelke, the youngest of The Tsviets, floated inside, receiving the treatment which would extend her artificially enhanced life for another day. Her large, tilted blue eyes gazed into his own, a vulnerability in their bright depths that was at odds with the deadly skills she now possessed. For all intents and purposes, she was a child, but thanks to Professor Hojo, she would probably remain this way for the rest of her life.
He suppressed a sigh and managed a smile for the young girl who had had her life stolen from her only a year ago. Shelke was only ten, but she had already lost most of her childhood memories. They had talked a bit since he had freed her and her brethren from Mako Reactor 0, and she remembered very little of her life before her abduction. Save for another girl, one she believed was close to her in age—possibly a sibling—she remembered only a gravestone in a flower-filled cemetery.
Rufus had to stifle a surge of anger as he reached up and placed one hand on the glass portion of the tube. Shelke merely raised her own hand and set it on the other side, her expression as solemn and unreadable as always, and he nodded once. One corner of her mouth tipped up in the very faintest of smiles, and then it was gone, but it was enough for Rufus.
He lowered his hand and returned to his silent vigil, his mind inevitably turning to Reno, and the loss that was never far from his mind. He missed the irreverent young Turk who had befriended him last year, the boy had shown him that there was more to life than Shinra Tower. He remembered breaking out of Shinra Tower with his partner in crime, scared as hell but determined not to show it. Reno had seen through his façade, of course, and had kept to his side as he'd led them both deep into the bowels of The Slums.
That was when everything had changed. Rufus had seen the squalor in which the people below The Plate were forced to live, and he had been determined to do something about it. Reno had told him about the rumors of a branch of AVALANCHE in Sector 6, but had advised him against going there himself. So, he had sent Tseng and Reno into The Slums, and they had returned with an invitation to meet with Elfe. And so had begun his association with The Planet's largest band of ecological terrorists.
Rufus shook his head and took a hard look around him. He was now the president of The Shinra Electric Power Company, his bastard of a father was dead, and the world was now his to do with as he pleased.
And none of it made a damned bit of difference, he thought with a shake of his white-blond hair. He was alone now, in a way that he was all too familiar with, and had hoped never to be again. Without Reno, he was the same scared, confused kid he had always been, and he hated it. Maybe Tseng was right, and it was time to try and make things right with Reno.
He thought of his last sight of his boyfriend, covered in blood from wounds that he had inflicted, and flinched inwardly. He'd made Reno cry, and he knew that he wouldn't be forgiven so easily. Reno needed time away from Shinra, time away from him, so that he could heal, both physically and emotionally. Rufus could wait long enough to let him do so, couldn't he?
"Sir?" He looked up to find Elena, one of his finest Turk's younger sister, as well as the newest Turk recruit, nodding her blond head towards the capsule. "It's nearly time, sir."
He looked to see Shelke's mako tube draining, her treatment done for the day, and quickly stepped forward. He made a sharp gesture with one hand, and Elena hastily came forward with a large towel. Rufus took it from her and then waved the girl away, waiting as patiently as he could for the tube's automatic lock to release and free Shelke.
She only gazed at him emotionlessly as the draining water set her slowly, gently, on her feet. The mechanism was released, and Shelke reached for the switch that Rufus had installed just for her. The front section of the tube slid to one side, and the young Tsviet calmly stepped out of it.
He held out the towel, and she took it with a steady hand. "Thank you," she said flatly, wiping the glowing green liquid from her clothed body as best she could. She set the towel aside, looked up at him with those wide blue eyes, and he silently extended his hand.
She only slipped her hand into his and let him lead her from the room, probably as bewildered as she had been the first time he had held her hand. She was only five years younger than him, and he didn't doubt that she had seen much more than he during her first year in Deep Ground, but he couldn't stop thinking of her as a child. He had been lucky enough to have Tseng, who had practically raised him, even if he hadn't been able to keep his father from hurting him. Shelke had no one to protect her, and he couldn't help but want to be the one to do so.
"I've sent Rod and Alyssa to Kalm," he informed casually. "They will see if there are any girls matching the description of the one you remember. Should they find a relative, she will be brought here to you immediately."
Shelke only nodded as she walked beside him. "Are you sure that is wise?" she asked at length. "I am hardly normal, now. It is likely that I would not be welcomed by an unenhanced human."
Rufus squeezed her hand and flashed her an amused smile. "Family ties are the hardest to break, Shelke. If you have a sister, you will be welcomed by her, I promise you."
"If you say so." The young girl shrugged, as though the matter was of no consequence, and Rufus stifled a laugh. "I do, Shelke. Now, would you like to train with Azul tonight, or would you rather spend the evening with me?"
She tilted her head back and looked up at him knowingly. "Azul does not care for me, Rufus. He believes I am too weak to be a Tsviet."
One flaxen brow shot up at that. "Does he now?" he asked quietly, his patience already worn thin with the brutish, shape-shifting Tsviet. "Well, you don't need to worry him. Nero has promised to speak with him about his behavior."
"I am not worried, Rufus," Shelke returned tonelessly. "I was merely stating a fact, and explaining why I do not wish to train with Azul."
"I have recalled Rosso," he said abruptly. "She has proved. . .problematic for me."
"Rosso is a psychopath," she returned with another shrug. "She would prove a problem for anyone other than Weiss."
"Hmm." Rufus pondered that as they came to a stop before the Presidential Suite. He released her hand and gesturing Elena forward. "Elena will accompany you to your quarters. If you decide to spend the evening with me, tell her and she will bring you back here. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, it is acceptable," the young Tsviet told him in a quiet voice.
"Good." He stepped back and nodded at Elena, who saluted him and then very gently took the girl's hand. "Come on, Shelke. Let's get you cleaned up."
"Very well."
Rufus waited until they had disappeared down the hall, headed for the suite that had once belonged to General Sephiroth, and entered his own apartment. He wasn't surprised to find Tseng standing just inside the doorway, but he was surprised to see Lazard Deusericus standing a few feet away, looking nervously determined as he met his gaze.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Mr. Vice President?" he inquired in a deceptively light voice.
The older man, his senior by nearly ten years, straightened and reached up to adjust his glasses. "I had hoped we could spend some time together," Lazard told him in a quiet voice. "We haven't had much chance to talk since you took The President's Chair, and I would like to the opportunity to get to know you, Rufus."
"Really?" Rufus flashed a quick glance at Tseng, who merely returned his gaze with inscrutable black eyes, and looked back at his older brother. "You showed no such interest before I took over, Lazard. I fail to see why you would bother to do so now."
The older man merely sighed and shook his blond head. "It was not safe to approach you before, Rufus. Our father. . ."
His voice trailed off, and Rufus had no problem interpreting the grimace which followed. "The old man kept you away from me?" he asked sharply.
"Yes, he did." Lazard met his gaze evenly. "You were his heir, and I was an embarrassment he would rather have forgotten."
"I. . .see." Rufus flicked another glance at his best Turk, and the man inclined his head in the slightest of motions, confirming his brother's words. "Come in, then, and we'll. . .talk."
Lazard only smiled tentatively as Tseng opened the doors to Rufus' living room. Rufus gestured for him to precede him, and watched with wary blue eyes as his half-brother entered the room. He waited until his brother had taken a seat on the edge of the sofa to turn to Tseng. "You're sure this is a good idea?" he asked in a nearly inaudible voice.
"He seems to genuinely care for you, sir. I would not have allowed him past the door otherwise."
Rufus smiled then, relieved to know that Tseng trusted Lazard's motives—well, as much as he trusted anyone's, anyway. "Thank you, Tseng. That will be all."
The Wutaian man bowed low and left the room, pulling both doors closed behind him. Rufus turned to the stranger who was now his only living relation, realized that he had no idea what to say to this man, and sighed to himself. It was going to be a long night.
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Final Fantasy VII: Angelic Threnody