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Darkened Skies	By : Cynthia Category: Final Fantasy VII > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 949 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all characters are the property of Square Enix. I do not profit from this fanfiction, it’s for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
"Darkened Skies"
Chapter nine: Diplomacy
A Final Fantasy 7 AU fanfiction
~***********************************~

            He wanted to ignore the knocking. It seemed like it had only been a few hours since the last time someone had rudely awakened him, though he knew that days—perhaps even months—had passed since then.
            Vincent groaned. "Leave me be."
            "I wish I could do that, friend," Reeve answered, "but this really isn't a social call. This is about Sephiroth."
            Vincent's ruby eyes opened and a frown twisted his mouth. Perhaps he had over-estimated the young man's ability to take care of himself, or perhaps his situation was direr than Reeve previously let on. "What of him?"
            "It's complicated," Reeve answered. "Please, come out and discuss it with me. If you decide to sleep again after hearing what I've got to say, I won't argue with you."
            Vincent uttered a rare curse under his breath. "Move aside."
            "I'm already three steps away," assured Reeve's voice dryly.
            The gunman nearly smirked. In truth, Reeve Tuesti was the only person he thought he could call "friend" on Gaia, now. Though they only saw one another for a couple of weeks out of each year since they first met, Reeve seemed to understand him better than most. Vincent unfastened the inside locks of the coffin and shoved the lid off, leaving it to clatter hollowly against the earthen floor. He sat up and looked at his friend with a sigh, his mind briefly acknowledging the fact that Reeve cut quite the dashing figure in his indigo blue suit.
            "This had better be good, Reeve."
~************************************~

            Angeal and Genesis arrived with Lazard in Junon two days before the summit was scheduled to occur. Their early arrival gave Lazard time to prepare. He explained to his companions that his half-brother would likely do everything he could to discredit him and the SOLDIER department during this meeting, so it was essential that he have all department statistics and records in order for the meeting.
When they arrived in the VIP suite of the fancy hotel Lazard was staying at, Angeal immediately did a security sweep and Genesis helped him. After inspecting the suite from one corner to the other, they agreed it was safe and Lazard began to unpack.
"I requested two bedrooms," Lazard said with a frown upon realizing the lack of a secondary room. He shook his head and pulled out his phone. "I'll call the desk and have them book a proper suite for us."
"That isn't necessary, Director." Angeal looked around the living area of the fancy suite and a hint of a wry smirk curved his mouth. "This room alone is larger than the entire house I grew up in. Genesis and I can sleep in here."
Lazard frowned. "In the living room?"
"The couch and the recliner will suffice," Angeal said with a nod. He raised his brows at Genesis. "Won't they?"
Genesis sighed and shrugged fluidly. "Considering some of the bedding choices we've had over this past year, I concur this is nearly a palace. Pillows would be a nice addition, though."
"Of course," Lazard agreed, humbled. He looked up at Angeal's towering form thoughtfully. "I forget sometimes what it was like to live in poverty. It seems you don't share that problem, Hewley."
Angeal shook his head and lowered his gaze. "No, but some of the happiest years in my life happened while I was dirt poor. I don't mind remembering them."
Genesis' expression softened a little at his words and the redhead looked away, delving into his own memories of the past.
~**************************************~

            After settling in, Lazard got his laptop case out and set it on the dining table. Angeal expected him to get started immediately on his preparations for the summit, but instead he went into his bedroom, changed into a pair of white and blue swimming trunks and came out with a towel draped over his shoulders. He picked up his computer case, secured his VIP identification around his neck and gave his Soldier escorts a level, expectant look.
            "Coming?"
            Angeal exchanged a puzzled look with Genesis. "Sir?"
            "Socializing with the other participants of this summit is part of the politics, no matter how unpleasant it may be. Department executives generally gather around the pool for cocktails and relaxation in the evenings, so that we can at least pretend to have civil discourse between meetings. I'll of course be going over my preparations while we're there, but it's important that I at least greet whomever may be out there."
            "Including Rufus?" Genesis had a wicked gleam in his eye.
            Lazard wasn't ruffled. "Yes, even Rufus. Personal discord doesn't belong in a social setting like this, anymore than it belongs at the meeting table."
            Angeal nodded with approval. "I think that's a good attitude to have, Director."
            "We'll see how long it lasts," Genesis muttered under his breath.
            Lazard pretended not to hear. "Well, you should both change. We can't stand here talking about the finer points of social etiquette all evening."
            Genesis and Angeal looked at one another in confusion. "Is there a dress code for the swimming pool area?" Angeal asked. The only clothing articles he'd brought with him were a pair of pajama pants, a couple changes of underwear and regulation uniform clothing. The frown on Genesis' face suggested he'd packed in much the same way.
            "No, but if you both go in your uniform garb, it will give the impression that I'm insecure. That's unacceptable. The image I want to give off is one of confidence and self-assurance; not mistrust and insecurity. Gentlemen, tonight we mingle."
            "Sir," Angeal said politely, "we didn't come expecting to go swimming. Genesis and I packed for security management, not leisure."
            Lazard seemed a bit put out at first, but he shrugged. "That's all right. This hotel has a gift store that carries clothing. The two of you can go there and pick out some swimmers. Use your keycard to charge it to my bill and meet me at the rooftop pool when you've changed. It's my treat."
            The two Soldiers traded looks of covert frustration, but their parole status didn't allow for disobedience. Even Genesis refrained from arguing.
~***********************************~

            "I almost hope there is a terrorist attack on this summit," grumbled Genesis as he browsed through the swimsuit section. The hotel's "gift shop" was more like a department store, with a full line of clothing—including formal wear.
            Beside him, Angeal patiently searched through the larger sizes. "Why would you want something like that?"
            Genesis shrugged. "Because it would force the company to realize the error in treating a pair of highly trained Soldiers like errand boys, that's why. Lazard is pimping us out, Angeal. Remember?"
            Angeal stopped browsing and gave Genesis a frowning look. "I think you're being a little dramatic. Yes, there's an ulterior motive behind our being sent with him to this event, but security is part of that. Even without our weapons, we could put a stop to any potential threat to Lazard's safety faster than any regular MP. You know that."
            "That's the least of the reasons they sent us," insisted Genesis. "If the president actually thought there could be a threat at this summit, he would have authorized us to have our swords. Tell yourself otherwise if it makes you feel better, though."
            Angeal sighed and shook his head, giving up on the argument. He compressed his lips a few moments later and he voiced a complaint of his own. "I'm not seeing anything in my size. I may have no choice but to wear something I brought with me. I have some casual pants and a shirt in my bag upstairs—"
            "Oh, no you don't." Genesis grabbed him by the harness of his body armor as Angeal started to turn and go. "I'm not going to be the only one of the two of us trussed up like a poolside yuppie. Go claim a dressing room and I'll find and bring you something to try on."
            Angeal gave him an uncertain look. "You know my size?"
            The redhead returned his look with an impatient one of his own. "If you don't think I've memorized every measurement of your body by now, you don't know me very well. Now go, and leave this to me."
            Angeal managed a little smile. "Sometimes I forget about your anal retentive attention to detail."
~*************************************~

            Genesis selected three different briefs for himself to try on, but the only things he could find in Angeal's size were a pair of board shorts and a thong—the kind of thong that bodybuilders wore when they oiled up for competitions or posed for calendars. A sly grin curved his lips as Genesis took the black thong off the rack and studied it. His gaze went to the men's dressing room a few yards away and he came up with an idea.
            "I should get at least some entertainment out of this nightmare," he whispered.
            He took his findings to the dressing room and began searching the stalls for his companion. He almost called out for him, but he recognized Angeal's clothes draped over the top of one of the privacy doors and he smirked as he approached. He snatched the garments quickly, inwardly thanking his lover for being so inadvertently cooperative with his plans.
            "Hey," protested Angeal—evidently noticing that someone outside the stall nabbed his clothes, leaving only his boots and socks at his disposal.
            Genesis clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "One should have more sense than to leave his clothing hanging out where anyone could walk by and take it."
            "I didn't think that was a danger, in a place like this," Angeal responded dryly. "Put my clothes back, Genesis."
            Instead of complying, the redhead opened the empty stall behind him and set the bundle of clothes on the bench inside—which was what Angeal should have had the sense to do in his own dressing stall. "In a moment. I found something for you to try on, Angeal. Here."
            He tossed the thong over the top of the privacy door and waited with a grin for the expected reaction. He wasn't disappointed.
            "I'm not wearing this."
            Genesis told a little white lie. "You may have no choice. Everything else is too small."
            "Are you sure?" Angeal sounded very put out. "Genesis...I can't wear this in public. It barely covers anything and I might as well be naked!"
            The redhead cleared his throat to cover a snicker he couldn't quite hold back. "Naked works for me."
"Be serious."
Genesis tempered his amusement with difficulty. "Why don't you just put it on and see what it looks like, before you make a snap judgment? It might not be as bad as you think."
            "Trust me, it's as bad as I think."
            Genesis leaned against the wall space behind him, between two other stalls. "Well, I'm not giving your clothes back until you at least try it on. I can be the judge of whether it's too small or whether you're just being a prude."
            Angeal heaved a sigh. "No man in his right mind would need to be a prude, to see how disturbingly small this thing is."
            "Put it on. Time isn't standing still, you know. Lazard is expecting us and I know you wouldn't want to insult him by making him wait all night."
            "You're really going to make me try this thing on?"
            Genesis shrugged. "Be a little adventurous, for a change. If nothing else, you can honestly say you gave it a shot. I promise, if it doesn't hide your...endowments...to satisfaction, I'll have another look and you can wear your regular clothes if I fail to find an alternative. Just stop whining and put it on."
            "I can't believe I'm about to wear butt-floss," muttered Angeal.
            Genesis compressed his lips to control a smile. He listened to Angeal's soft grunts as the big man pulled on the skimpy thong and he waited for him to finish.
            "Okay...it's on. Happy now?" Angeal's voice sounded distinctly uncomfortable.
            Genesis pushed on the door. "Open up and let me have a look."
            "I'm not opening this door for everyone to see," insisted Angeal stubbornly.
            Genesis rolled his eyes. "Then let me come in there with you. I'll believe you're wearing it when I see it myself."
            "Why are you doing this to me?" sighed Angeal, but there was a "click" as the door was unlocked.
            Genesis almost felt sorry for him, but it didn't deter him from having his fun. He opened the door wide enough to squeeze into the stall with Angeal and he looked him up and down with appreciation. "You really do blush pretty, Angeal."
Genesis smirked at the high color in the taller man's cheeks and he leisurely scanned his toned, muscular body with intrigued eyes. Unlike some of those bodybuilders who abused steroids to get their shape, Angeal's package scaled properly with his powerful frame. Genesis could personally testify that the impressive bulge precariously concealed beneath the triangle of spandex was as generous in size as it appeared...more so, when woken up, in fact. With a gloved finger, he traced the fine dusting of dark hair that made up the treasure trail leading from beneath Angeal's belly button to his barely concealed groin.
"Mmm, yes...I see what you mean," Genesis conceded in a sultry murmur. "If you were to go out in this, I think I'd have to fight off all manner of admirers. The sight of you in this could very well endanger the lives of any guests that suffer heart conditions, Hewley."
            Angeal averted his gaze and his face was fairly glowing pink. "Can you please find me something else or return my clothes, Gen?"
            Genesis smiled in a predatory manner, thoroughly enjoying himself. He stroked his hands possessively over the hard planes, bulges and angles of Angeal's gorgeous body and he took a moment to gently squeeze his nipples, making them harden. He spoke in a low whisper, mindful of the fact that someone else could come in to try something on and overhear. "In a moment. You have to give me the chance to fantasize a little, Angeal."
            "Fantasize about what?" challenged the big man in an equally soft whisper, "Me suffering the worst wedgie I've ever had in my life? You're a sadist."
            Genesis' shoulders trembled with silent laughter and he continued fondling and tweaking Angeal's pebbled nipples. He leaned closer and pressed light, teasing kisses on the taller man's throat and clavicle.
            "I'd love to oil your body up while you're wearing this," he purred. "We could pretend to have a photo shoot for one of those muscle magazines—followed by a hot, gay porn session." He licked the column of Angeal's throat and he smirked when the other man's breath caught.
            "Genesis," whispered Angeal in a husky, warning tone, "You're making the situation worse."
            The redhead glanced down and took his lower lip between his teeth at the sight of Angeal's cock starting to peek out of the top of the scant latex covering. The thong could barely contain his groin to begin with...it had no chance against an erection. He should have let it go at that and stopped teasing his companion, but Genesis couldn't resist sliding a hand down to pet the exposed, flushed head of that gorgeous example of manhood. Angeal hissed softly between his teeth as Genesis rubbed the tip in circles before boldly cupping his palm over the entire groin.
            "Some might argue that I'm making the situation...better." Genesis caught Angeal's lower lip between his teeth and tugged gently on it as he rubbed the swelling package beneath his gloved hand. When the big man instinctively rocked into the touch, it turned Genesis on even more and he tugged the top of the thong down to expose the growing erection.
            "That's right," he realized aloud between soft little kisses, "I've never done this to you with the gloves on, before. The friction is interesting, don't you think?"
            "Oh, god," gasped Angeal in agreement. His hands went around to the small of Genesis' back to press him closer, before cupping his bottom and squeezing it. He began to reciprocate the teasing kisses, thrusting his tongue demandingly past Genesis' lips to plunder inside his mouth.
            Pleased that he'd "won" the encounter despite his own misgivings about screwing around this much in a public place, Genesis stroked the length of Angeal's exposed dick with eager, practiced motions. He couldn't help it...Hewley just had that effect on his sensibilities. Angeal's raw, hunky magnetism had a tendency to overpower his will and make him a slave to his hormones. The funny thing was that the man didn't even have to try to get him worked up...Genesis managed to do that all on his own just by looking at him or listening to his deep, authoritative voice.
            "Gen...wait," mumbled Angeal after a moment. He reached down to grasp the redhead's wrist, attempting to stop his fondling. "We've...got to stop this. We can't...do this here."
"Why not?" Genesis refused to stop stroking him and he reveled in the other man's quickened breath and shudders of pleasure. "So long as you control the volume of your voice, we can easily get away with it."
"B-but—"
Genesis kissed him aggressively, stifling his weak protest. He put more friction and speed behind his strokes and he knew he'd won a second battle when Angeal reached up to grab the hanging bar overhead. He didn't give his companion the chance to try and talk him out of it again. Genesis sank to his knees and ran his free hand over Angeal's chest and stomach as he went. When he reached the desired location, he put his lips around the head of Angeal's cock and he kept them sealed tightly around the girth of it as he started to suck him off.
"Gen...esis..."
Angeal held onto the bar with one hand and reached down with the other to stroke Genesis' hair encouragingly, despite the protesting tone of his murmur. Genesis looked up at him with passion-glazed eyes and watched his expressions as he gripped the base of his cock with his hand and molested the length of it with his mouth. He smiled around the thick shaft as he slowly drew back and let it slide out to the tip. Angeal's restrained, soft groan was satisfying and he did the trick again twice more, before starting up a smooth, steady sucking rhythm.
To Angeal's credit, the only sounds in the booth were the occasional grunt and sigh from his lips and the sound of Genesis' sucking and swallowing motions. His face began to flush for a different reason as the persistent redhead teased, licked and deep-throated his bulging length with the enthusiasm of a starving man having a prime rib steak. Genesis was confident in his abilities, having received confirmation before that his blowjobs ranked supreme. This was the first time he'd had the opportunity to demonstrate that fact to Angeal and he intended to give him the very best experience he possibly could.
Angeal stopped stroking his hair and he held onto the clothes-hanging bar with white-knuckled hands, his jaw clenching tight as he visibly struggled to keep quiet. He began to pump his hips gently in synch with the motions of Genesis' sucking mouth, whispering his name raggedly. He was getting close and like the boyscout he was, he was attempting to warn Genesis of that fact beforehand.
Given that he had no tissues on hand to wipe up a mess, Genesis decided that swallowing was the best option. It wasn't always his preference, but even if he'd had something to clean up with, he probably would have done it anyway. He simply couldn't see himself not swallowing for Angeal. He looked up at his companion again and he watched as Angeal's brows furrowed and his lips parted. The blank expression of ecstasy growing on the big man's face, combined with the way his balls were tightening in Genesis' palm, warned him to deep-throat and begin swallowing.
With an odd flash of pride, Genesis took Angeal's spunk down his throat and let go of his balls to pat his tense ass approvingly. He followed up with slow, gentle strokes and he kept swallowing until the organ stopped twitching. He pulled back and released the sated member from his mouth and then—stricken by nameless impulse—Genesis hugged Angeal around the waist and laid his cheek against his lower abdomen with a sigh.
            As Angeal recovered and caught his breath, he looked down at Genesis and stroked his hair. They stayed like that for a while, until Gen became aware of how sore his knees were getting. He got to his feet with Angeal's help and he smirked up at him as the big man put his arms around him.
            "I take it you forgive me for taking advantage, then?"
            Angeal caressed his face and traced his mouth with his fingertips. "I think that's a foregone conclusion," he whispered in agreement. He kissed Genesis lightly on the lips. "I'd like to return the favor."
            Knowing they'd already dawdled for too long, Genesis sighed and shifted uncomfortably. "Later. Far be it from me to practice responsible work etiquette, but I'd rather not have Lazard come searching for us." He looked down at the device strapped around his ankle. Angeal's tracking device was with the bundle of clothes in the adjacent stall.   "It isn't as though we can hide from the man."
~*********************************~

            "This is more like it." Angeal studied the blue, abstract-patterned board shorts Genesis tossed over the door for him and he felt a sense of relief.
            "Hmph, I thought you'd approve," sighed Genesis, "you ninny."
            Angeal smiled and he tried on the swimmers. He nodded in approval at the fit and then he changed out of them and back into his clothes—which Genesis had thankfully returned to him. He left the dressing room and waited for his companion to come out. Together, they went to the cashier and paid for the swimsuits with their copy of the keycard to Lazard's suite. They returned to the suite to change and when Angeal saw what Genesis had chosen for himself, he was sorely tempted to make use of the Director's bed and repay the redhead for his earlier actions—with interest. The briefs were Gen's signature colors of black and red they looked great on him.
            "Well, lets go mingle," sighed Genesis without any real enthusiasm. He draped his towel around his shoulders and started for the door.
            Angeal couldn't have said what possessed him to do it, but he reached out on impulse and hooked a finger under the elastic of Gen's briefs as he passed by. He released it immediately to let it snap against the redhead's skin and he gave him a half-hearted shrug of apology when he stopped and stared at him.
            "Payback," Angeal excused, "for the thong."
            A slow, wry smile curved Genesis' lips. "Oh? Well then, it's a good thing I purchased that thong while your back was turned. You're definitely wearing it again."
            Angeal frowned. "Why would you buy that thing?"
            Gen's sly little smile didn't fade. "It's a gift."
            Angeal shut his eyes and shook his head. "You realize a gift is generally something you know the other person wants, don't you?"
            Genesis patted him on the butt. "I didn't say it was for you, did I? My birthday is approaching and your gift to me is going to be to wear that thong, allow me to coat your body liberally with flavored oil and then lick it off of you."
            Angeal opened his eyes and watched him go to the door. He found it difficult to resist a grin despite his dread over the thought of wearing that thong again.
~***************************************~

            Lazard was satisfied when Angeal and Genesis arrived at the pool and approached the chase lounge he was relaxing in. They both looked good in their new swimmers and seeing as they were trained Soldiers, they had the kind of build that attracted positive attention—and not just from women. Lazard noticed how uncomfortable Angeal looked with the admiring stares he was getting and he almost felt pity for him. Hewley was a country boy, humble and dedicated to his honor as a Soldier. He wasn't the sort of man to seek attention from others and by the looks of things, he was bound to get plenty before the night was through...whether he wanted it or not.
            "Good of you to join me," Lazard said, glancing briefly at the document displayed on his laptop screen. "I'm almost finished here, for now. When I'm done, I'll introduce you both to some of my colleagues."
He motioned to a waiter passing by with a tray full of cocktails. "Please," he invited his two companions, "have some. There's no reason you two can't enjoy some beverages, while we're here."
He selected a blue tropical drink for himself and he watched with covert amusement as poor Angeal stared in confusion at the selection of cocktails. Genesis came to his rescue, of course. The redhead picked up a simple rum and soda, handed it to Angeal, then selected a Bloody Mary for himself. Angeal sipped his drink cautiously and when he evidently found it to his liking, he drank deeper.
            The pop music playing in the background set a light mood and Lazard resumed his work, sipping at his drink every few minutes. It seemed some of his associates weren't willing to wait for him to give introductions. The overweight, bumbling head of the Space program noticed that Lazard was now in the company of two unique Soldiers and he took it upon himself to come around from the other side of the pool and introduce himself.
            "Well, you must be Rhapsodos and Hewley," guessed Palmer. He set his mug of tea down on the end table by Lazard and offered his hand to the swordsmen. "Palmer. I run ShinRa's space program."
            "Good to meet you, Sir," Angeal said politely, shaking his pudgy hand.
            Lazard gave Genesis a warning look when he saw the subtle curl of disgust on the redhead's lips. He gave the director a look that said he'd never forgive him for this and he shook Palmer's hand with barely veiled reluctance. "Pleasure."
            Palmer nodded, his eyes going between Genesis and Angeal with interest. "So which one of you is Rhapsodos?"
            "That would be me," answered Genesis coolly.
            The fat man looked genuinely surprised. "Really?" He sized Genesis' graceful swimmer's build up and then looked at Angeal's substantially heavier build. "I thought for sure it must be this lad, after I heard about Banora."
            Palmer demonstrated unbelievable gall by poking Angeal appraisingly in his rippling abdomen. "Now this fellow could do some damage!"
            Genesis' eyes flashed dangerously and Lazard swore to himself and started to put his laptop aside, foreseeing trouble.
            "Excuse me," snapped Genesis, "but who do you think you—"
            "Palmer," interjected Lazard quickly, somehow getting out of his chair without scrambling like a crab, "have you seen the buffet inside? I understand they're serving doorbull oysters, this year."
            Palmer lost all interest in the Soldiers and he smacked his lips and looked around at the pool club building. "Really?"
            Lazard nodded solemnly, keeping a straight face. "You may want to hurry and get your share, while supplies last."
            "Good idea! See you around, boys!" Just like that, the portly man was off and moving as quickly as his heavy stature would allow, without running outright.
            "Doorbull 'oysters'?" Genesis queried with a curious frown.
            "The creature's testicles," explained Lazard. "Marinated and tenderized. Some consider it a delicacy."
Both Soldiers appeared openly disgusted and Lazard was hard-put not to chuckle at their expense. "Not to worry...you two aren't expected to eat them, and I doubt Palmer will be leaving any behind to begin with."
"If the putrid fatass touches Angeal like that again, he'll be dining on his own testicles," promised Genesis grimly.
Lazard blinked at him. Yes, Palmer's crude invasion of Angeal's personal space was uncalled for and as the big man's oldest friend, it was no surprise that Genesis was offended on his behalf. His reaction, however, was more like that of a jealous lover. Comprehension dawned for Lazard as he watched Angeal give Genesis a pacifying pat on the shoulder and a soft, warning look.
Before Lazard could fully comprehend what he was seeing between the two men, a familiar and very unwelcome sight greeted him from the right. Scarlet was approaching, on the arm of his half-brother, Rufus. The vice president wore a pair of black and white swimming shorts—a simple yet attractive choice on him. Scarlet's swimwear was far more elaborate. The administrator of Weapons Development was wearing her platinum hair down and it fell in waves around her shoulders. She wore a fashionable, risqué red bathing suit that technically counted as a one-piece, except most of it was composed of a transparent mesh. The opaque parts cleverly hid her nipples and loins from view, in the shape of tulips. The sides of the bathing suit were split open and connected by interweaving gold chains. She wore a pair of red wedge sandals with the suit and she reminded Lazard of someone competing in the swimsuit category of a beauty contest.
Pity she was such a powerhungry bitch. He would have considered her a beauty, if it weren't for her personality. Lazard nodded politely at his brother, noticing the ever-present Turks a short distance away. He kissed Scarlet's offered hand, as the social occasion warranted for a lady—even when the title didn't actually apply.
"Rufus. Scarlet. I see you made it early too."
            "Considering I've been living here and I arranged this event, it shouldn't surprise you," Rufus said coolly. Eyes that were nearly identical to Lazard's in color and shape sized him up with subtle disdain. "I see you've brought your pet Soldiers with you. I hope those tracking devices around their ankles are waterproof, Director."
Before any of the could comment, Scarlet eyed the two attractive Soldiers up and down and announced her thoughts aloud, effectively distracting them from their righteous indignation over Rufus' insulting comment.
"Aren't you two just...delicious."
Whatever Genesis had been about to say to Rufus died on his lips, and he stared at Scarlet with something resembling shock. Lazard felt a rush of ironic gratitude for the ambitious woman, because her comment seemed to have frozen Genesis' razor-sharp tongue in his mouth and prevented what could turn into a very nasty exchange for everyone.
"Bring your appetites to heel, Scarlet," Rufus advised dryly, "I don't think Lazard is offering his pets up as escorts for the evening."
Genesis couldn't look more offended if he tried and Lazard gave Rufus a severe, warning look. "If you really need to turn this into an exchange of insults, please have the panache to direct them at me, rather than these men. They have fought for our freedom and safety, putting their own lives at risk for this company and this nation. You at least owe them the courtesy of respect for that."
Rufus smiled nastily, his handsome face losing some of its appeal in the utter contempt of his expression. "I hardly think some street rat my father did a favor for has the credentials to lecture me on panache...or tell me whom I owe respect to."
Lazard clenched his jaw and bit back an angry retort. Every time he and Rufus had a disagreement about something, it always came back to his "illegitimate" status. The smug look on Rufus' face told him the VP considered himself the winner of the argument and Lazard allowed him to walk away with Scarlet. He said something to her and she laughed in that raucous way of hers, looking over her shoulder one last time at Angeal and Genesis.
"You handled that well," complimented Angeal.
"That...that flaxen man-eater referred to us as 'delicious'," fumed Genesis. "Like we were prime beef cuts, here for her amusement."
Lazard could have told him that to Scarlet, that was probably exactly what he and Angeal were. She thought of Soldiers as tools to be used by the company, nothing more. He briefly wondered how many she had seduced or coerced into her bed and he finished off his drink with a grimace.
"Well, that's over with," sighed Lazard, trying to put the unpleasant encounter out of his mind. "I suggest we put it behind us and try to at least pretend to enjoy the rest of the evening."
            "I don't take kindly to being treated like livestock," Genesis said in a coldly dignified tone. "I think you should tell your people not to take further liberties with us. I don't care how curious they are about us or what they've heard, Director. We aren't your exotic pets and the next time some idiot treats us as such, I'll give them a reason to stare."
            Lazard was about to ask him exactly what that meant, but then he saw the raven wing begin to emerge from Genesis' back and he felt a rash of horror at the thought of people's reactions to the sight. Lazard looked around warily to be sure nobody saw the mutation that was beginning to manifest.
            "No...Genesis please, put that away. Angeal, talk to him."
            "Genesis," murmured Angeal obligingly, evidently on the same page as Lazard, "showing this entire crowd what we are isn't the way to make people stop staring at us. Don't make a scene."
            Genesis pressed his lips together and the wing withdrew again, leaving his back smooth and free of any evidence of its existence. He glanced at his companion and then fixated Lazard with a chilly aqua glare. "Consider yourself fortunate, Director. Angeal has far more patience than I do. I'll restrain myself for now, but I swear to Minerva, the next fool that lays an improper hand on us or treats us as pets will be getting a grand display. Now if you'll excuse me, I feel the need to boil myself alive for a while."
            Seemingly satisfied that he'd gotten his message through, Genesis turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Angeal and Lazard staring after him. He went straight for one of the deluxe hot tubs lining the outer edges of the rooftop pool and he eased himself into an unoccupied one, sipping his drink as he went.
            "I think he's hot enough under the collar as it is," sighed Lazard. He looked up at Angeal's stoic visage and he noticed the way he was watching Genesis. It shouldn't really surprise him, he supposed. The two of them had been through a lot together and it made a certain kind of sense that their friendship evolved into something deeper. He'd always thought of Angeal as almost asexual, though. The man had never shown an interest in dating at all, and given his burly masculinity, Lazard always assumed he'd go for women, if he went for anyone at all.
            "Go and talk to him," suggested Lazard. "The two of you should try to relax, for the rest of the night. I'll be fine without your company."
            Angeal gave him a quietly grateful nod and he went to join his old friend in the hot tub. Lazard watched him go and he sighed, contemplating all the changes that had occurred over the past year. He'd gone from plotting to bring the company down to fighting with all his might to keep the SOLDIER department from disbanding. He watched Angeal and Genesis speak to each other in the hottub and he saw Angeal smile warmly at something Genesis said. At that moment, watching the comradery between the two of them and the way Genesis' walls seemed to come down for Angeal, Lazard had his answer.
            He came to the realization that SOLDIER was the only family he really had. They watched out for each other and in some cases, they watched out for him—even when he didn't deserve such loyalty. Likewise, he tried to watch out for them as well. He only hoped his efforts would be enough. Rufus resented the fact that their father gave Lazard a staff job at all, let alone one so important as overseeing the most powerful military branch in the organization. Scarlet seemed to back Rufus in everything, though the two of them often insulted each other with abandon.
            "What a strange match," mused Lazard, looking across the pool at his younger half-brother and the blond woman at his side. Still, he had to give Scarlet credit for giving Rufus the same shit he so often shoveled out at everyone else. It was difficult to say whether there was anything sexual between them, but they certainly seemed to work well together—even when they disagreed.
            Lazard noticed a beautiful young woman with red-gold hair watching him from across the pool, several feet away from Rufus. She wore a forest green bikini and her fair-complexioned body was toned and curved in all the right places. He met her eyes as he motioned a waiter over to him and he lifted his cocktail in greeting to her, smiling. She smiled back and lifted the martini in her hand. Thinking he had every right to seek out some pleasant female company, Lazard patted the chase lounge next to his invitingly and gave her a questioning look. She took her feet out of the water with a smile and as she circled around the pool to join him, he relaxed.
~**************************************~

            "Maybe you should slow down a little," suggested Angeal when Genesis started on his third cocktail. "If you keep tossing those back that way, your senses are going to get dulled."
            "That's the point," said Genesis after a couple of swallows. "This place is a nightmare for a sober man. Admit it."
            "It's only a 'nightmare' for us because of our recent history," reminded Angeal. He finished his first drink and set it near the edge of the hot tub. "Think of this as part of the penance and it's more bearable."
            "I'd rather be stuck in purgatory," muttered Genesis.
            Angeal was about to comment on that, when a familiar Turk with fair skin, fiery red, spiky hair and crimson, crescent-shaped tattoos over his cheekbones approached. Angeal looked up at Reno to find that he was, as always, in the company of his taller, bald partner.
            "Yo, guys. Mind if we join ya?"
            Genesis made a careless gesture at nothing. "Be my guest. I'm just getting drunk."
            "Ain't nothing wrong with that," sighed Reno as he sank into the heated water. He wore a pair of plain red trunks and his partner Rude wore board shorts with black and white patterns on them.
The bald man got in beside his partner and he lifted his ever-present shades up to rest on his head. Rude was a man of few words, but Angeal could see the unspoken question in his dark eyes as he studied the two of them and exchanged a look with his partner.
"We aren't permitted to talk about the incident, if that's what you want to ask about," said Angeal. "It's a condition of our probation."
Rude nodded in understanding and Reno sucked his teeth in thought. The redheaded Turk looked like he was about to say something, but he got distracted by a group of three bikini-clad women walking by. He watched them with obvious interest and he winked at the one in the middle when she glanced his way.
"Man, get a load of the chicks at this party!" Reno reminded Angeal of a kid in a candy store as he looked around at the various women enjoying the poolside entertainment. As he turned his head, Angeal noticed that he seemed to be letting the hair in the back grow into a tail.
"Go talk to one of them," encouraged Rude. "See if you can get one for me, too."
"Right," agreed Reno. "I'm on it. Uh, good to see you guys again, yo. Duty calls for the booty call, ya know?"
No, Angeal didn't know, but he nodded politely anyhow. The world of pickup artists was a strange thing to him...one that he was happy not to be a part of. Guys like Reno and Zack were perfectly at home in that world, though. He decided to try and engage Rude in some conversation, though he wasn't much better at socializing than the bald Turk.
"Have you been to one of these summits before?"
Rude nodded. "Once. Last year" He twisted a little in his seat and looked around for Rufus. Seeing him on the other side of the pool, he spoke in a low voice. "Watch out for our bosses. You may have noticed they don't get along."
            "No, really?" Genesis said sarcastically. He got the attention of a passing waitress and retrieved a fresh cocktail from her.
          Rude didn't seem offended, but then, he was a very monotone person and difficult to read. "Tseng told me the president always sends someone with them both to these summits, to make sure nothing gets out of hand. Apparently, they got into a fistfight the year before last."
            "Then why doesn't the president get off his substantial ass and come to these summits himself, if his boys can't play together nicely?"
            Either Rude already knew that Rufus and Lazard were half-brothers, or he didn't get the reference. His returning comment suggested the latter. "President Shinra expects his son to learn how to handle these things without him. That's all I know."
            It made sense, because Rufus was going to be the next president of ShinRa inc and naturally, his father would want to prepare him for his leadership role. The three of them talked about other things while Reno was off trying to procure some female company for the night.
~*********************************~

            "I think I've...*hic*...had enough."
            Angeal helped Genesis out of the hot tub and supported him when he stumbled. "You couldn't have come to that conclusion two drinks ago?"
            "I have an excushe," slurred Genesis. "The fat shlob, the shnooty VP and his blond whore made me do it."
            "Okay, Genesis," Angeal agreed patiently, biting back a smile of amusement. "It's everyone else's fault you decided to throw back nearly ten drinks. It will be their fault in the morning too, when you wake up with a hangover."
            Genesis nodded and stumbled against him again. "That'sh right. I need coffee...*hic*."
            "I'll make some for you when we get back to the suite," promised Angeal, remembering that he'd seen a coffee machine in the kitchenette. "Let's just get you safely there, first. I just need to tell Lazard we're going back in."
            Most of the guests had retired to their rooms by now and Reno had indeed succeeded in convincing a couple of girls to join him and Rude in their room. Thankfully, Palmer left early and Rufus and Scarlet only stayed for about an hour afterwards. Only Lazard remained of all the summit participants, and when he located the SOLDIER director, Angeal could see why. Lazard was deep in conversation with an attractive redhead, who had scooted her chase lounge close to his and was tracing patterns on his bare arm as she talked to him.
            "Steady, Gen," advised Angeal.
He led Genesis to a chair near the entrance into the building and he helped him into it before approaching Lazard. H e had to clear his throat to get the blond man's attention. Lazard looked up and his flirty smile faded a bit into something more reserved and polite.
"Yes, Agent Hewley?"
"Sorry to disturb you," apologized Angeal, "But we're going to retire to the suite and I wanted to clear it with you. There seems to be plenty of security here."
"It will be fine. Go on without me." Lazard waved it away casually; appearing more relaxed than Angeal had ever seen him before. The woman keeping him company leaned toward him and whispered something into his ear that made him smile. Lazard looked up at Angeal again. "Why don't one you take the bedroom tonight...or both of you, if you prefer. I'll be spending my evening in another suite and I'll see you in the morning."
Angeal glanced at the woman, then at Lazard's laptop and he tried to think of a way to voice his concerns delicately. "Director, I feel obligated to ask permission to take your computer back to the suite with me...for security purposes. I also need your companion's name and room number, if you don't mind."
Lazard looked slightly confused for a moment, but then the light went on and his common sense kicked in to override his male urges. "Oh, of course."
He retrieved a pad of paper and a pen from his laptop bag and he had the girl write the required information down in it, before sticking it back in and securing his computer inside.

            "Here. I'll see you in the morning, Angeal."
            The big man nodded and took the container from his boss. He returned to Genesis to find his head nodding in a telling way. He gently nudged the redhead to wake him from his stupor and he helped him up again.
~**********************************~

Genesis fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. Angeal chuckled at him, unused to seeing the man in such an inebriated state. He pulled off Gen's briefs and put them in the bathroom until morning. He removed his own swimmers and dropped them on top of Genesis' before joining the redhead in the king-sized luxurious bed. He kissed Genesis on the temple as he spooned him and he sighed, wondering if he'd be able to sleep in a bed like this. Now that he thought of it, this was probably the first time he'd ever slept in anything larger than a twin-sized bed, and never on a mattress this comfortable.
Angeal nodded off before he knew it. It seemed like he'd only been asleep for an hour when a panicked yell frightened him out of the dreams that were forming in his mind. Genesis was sitting straight up in the bed, frantically wiping at his naked body as if he had bugs crawling all over him.
"Gen?" Angeal sat up tried to grab his companion, confused and worried by his behavior. He understood what Genesis thought he was wiping at a moment later, and his throat tightened with the knowledge.
"It's all over me," gasped the redhead. "I'm stained...the blood...my parents blood...I can't wash it off!"
            It occurred to Angeal that Genesis wasn't awake...not truly. He took him by the shoulders and called his name urgently, gently shaking him. The wide, staring aqua eyes glowed in the dark with Mako and his skin felt clammy to the touch. It was probably the most startling thing Angeal had ever seen—though he'd heard of people having "night terrors" before. Until now, he didn't really believe they happened.
            "Genesis!" He forced himself to calm down and he gentled his voice. "You're safe. It's over now. We aren't in Banora."
            "An...geal?"
The sob was so out of character, it threatened to tear the big man's heart in two. He nodded and he traced the fine-boned face of his lover, stifling his own anxiety so as not to feed his. "That's right. Just calm down, Genesis. You don't have any blood on you."
The eyes were still wild and unfocused, but Genesis allowed him to draw him into a comforting embrace and his cries stopped. He was trembling all over and Angeal held him tighter, rubbing his back. He murmured against his hair, reassuring him over and over again that he was safe in bed and it was just a nightmare.
"I'm...going to hell."
Angeal shook his head. He personally didn't believe in religious philosophy involving eternal punishment or eternal joy in the afterlife, but he knew Genesis believed some of it. "No, you aren't. You don't deserve hell, Genesis."
"How would you know?" demanded the traumatized redhead. He was still half-drunk and that didn't help matters.
Angeal cupped Genesis' jaw and urged him to look at him. He spoke to him as if he were a child, because he could see the lack of coherent thought in those tormented, glistening eyes. "I know because I've seen the good you can do, Gen. You know you did wrong and you're trying to atone for that. You aren't going to hell, okay?"
Genesis swallowed, still panting softly. "You're sure?"
Angeal nodded again and forced a reassuring little smile, kissing him softly on his dry, parted lips. "I'm sure. Come on...lay down with me and close your eyes. I'll be right by your side and you'll feel better in the morning."
            Genesis nodded convulsively and allowed Angeal to guide him back down. He rolled to face Angeal and he snuggled against the bigger man's body as Angeal drew the covers up over both of them and stroked his back. It was a little disorienting, to see Genesis so openly vulnerable. Angeal held him close and whispered reassurances to him until Gen's breathing was deep and even with sleep. Angeal pulled back a little to study his lover's face in the moonlight and he was assured that Genesis had fallen asleep again by his relaxed expression.
            Kissing his slack mouth once more, Angeal shut his eyes and waited for sleep to return to him as well.
~*************************************~

            Genesis awoke the next morning to a pounding headache—just as Angeal had predicted. He groaned and rolled clumsily out of the bed. He saw a bathrobe draped over the armchair next to the bed and he assumed it was meant for him. He snatched it up, put it on and tied it shut before staggering out of the bedroom. He stopped at the threshold of the door and looked back over his shoulder into the bedroom, wondering why he'd woken up there.
            "Angeal?"
            The big man's voice came out of the kitchenette. "Yes?"
            "Where's the director and why did I wake up in his bed?"
            "Lazard spent the night in someone else's suite," explained Angeal. "I've got her room number and I'll call to check on him, if we don't hear something in an hour. Come have some coffee. I picked up some aspirin from the gift shop downstairs."
            Genesis walked into the kitchenette and he tried to appear dignified. He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror behind the counter and he grimaced. So much for dignity. His hair looked like a mop and even from the distance, he could tell his eyes were bloodshot. Angeal set a steaming cup of coffee before him on the bar as he had a seat and Genesis muttered his thanks. He saw the two tablets waiting on a napkin by the coffee cup and he picked them up and popped them into his mouth before having a drink of coffee.
            "Hot," he complained a moment later, after scalding his tongue. He spit the pills and the mouthful of coffee out into his palm and he blushed with humiliation as his companion looked at him. Angeal had just procured a bottle of water from the mini fridge and he stood there with a patient look on his face, offering it to him.
"It's fresh coffee," Angeal said dryly, "that's why I was getting the water for you. Are you all right?"
Genesis nodded and put the pills into his mouth again, before taking the bottled water from Angeal's outstretched hand and drinking from it. He sighed as he finished and he set the water back onto the bar.
"I think I drank away some of my IQ points last night."
Angeal chuckled and wiped up the mess on the bar. He smelled good and Genesis leaned toward him a little, appreciating the scent coming from his damp, recently washed hair. Angeal met his gaze and he sobered, searching for something in his eyes.
"How much do you remember from last night, Gen?"
"I remember everything up to the point where Reno and Rude joined us in the hot tub," answered the redhead. He took a cautious sip of his coffee before finishing with a shake of his head. "That's it." He looked at Angeal with a frown. "Goddess...tell me I didn't say something absurd."
Angeal smirked and lowered his gaze. "Nothing worse than your usual snarks. You were just tipsy and I had to help you to bed. It wasn't that bad."
Genesis tilted his head and regarded him suspiciously when the big man cast a quick, fond glance his way before turning to pour some coffee for himself. "Are you telling me the truth, Angeal?"
            Angeal finished pouring his drink and he turned around. "Yes. You didn't say anything stupid, Gen. Don't worry."
            Genesis relaxed. "I should probably thank you, for getting my ass to bed and for nursing my hangover this morning."
            Angeal shrugged. "You'd do the same for me."
            Genesis didn't deny it.
            If he'd had the ability to read Angeal's mind, he would have known the big man really had told him the truth as far as he was concerned. Angeal didn't find anything silly or stupid about the things Genesis had blurted when he awoke with his night terror.
~***************************************~

            Lazard awoke to the interesting experience of having a complete stranger pressed up against his back. He frowned in confusion and cautiously reached down to touch the feminine arm flung around his waist. He lifted his head off the pillow and twisted on the bed carefully, dreading what he might find but too curious to see who he'd woken up with. All he could see at first was a mass of reddish-blond hair. He cautiously lifted it with one hand and when he saw the face of the pretty young woman beneath it, he recognized her from the night before. With that recognition came a recollection of some of the things they'd done the night before, and he couldn't decide whether to grin or groan.
            "Oh."
~*************************************~

-To be continued
- 8
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- 10
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