(no subject)
Gen is standing, looking over his shelves of books when Seph walks in. Not the one huge shelf of various editions/publications of Loveless. His other books. Seph sees Genesis and walks towards him, standing beside him quietly, happily.
Noticing someone standing beside him while he looks over his books, Genesis turns to see Sephiroth. He immediately blushes a little, seeing his smile upon him.
Sephiroth remembers to look away when Genesis blushes, and does so, considering the books on the shelf, instead. At this movement, Genesis' attention moves back to the books. "Does anything catch your fancy, Seph?"
On the shelf are mostly books of literary criticism, but there are also a lot of poetry and classics. Lots of Greek and Roman classics. And Shakespeare. But there are also a few books bound in black-- they look rather suspicious.
Sephiroth reaches for one of the black-bound, untitled books, curious. "What are these?"
Genesis turns very bright red as he takes one of the books. Usually, he wouldn't be so flustered when people take a look at them out of curiosity, but it was Sephiroth who was holding one. "Ah... it's... part of my... um... private collection of sorts. Um... erotic literature." His speech is abrupt and a little nervous, his eyes wandering to other places like... the other side of the room.
The ex-general's hand nearly slips as Genesis defines it as erotic literature. He puts the book back on the shelf carefully, wondering how often Gen got around; sex seemed to be brought up in every conversation...
Although this Genesis had a mind fond of the sensual, he had only really had little experience of the actual act. Around this Sephiroth, though, Genesis found himself rather tamed, finding himself trying not to bring up any suggestive topic. "Does that make you think badly of me?"
"No." Sephiroth is a little surprised at the question. Genesis moved, then, to embrace Sephiroth from behind-- feeling a bit affectionate but, at the same time, doing so to hide the faint blush on his cheeks.
Sephiroth leaned into the embrace, feeling that he belonged, here. Not in the way he belonged with Strife and Tifa and the children... this was... another life. A better life. This was Genesis.
The auburn-haired SOLDIER found their relationship rather poetic; that he, a supposed figure of the past, was in love with a future Sephiroth and the way he loved him back. If he was a proper poet, perhaps he could put it down into writing, but then again, he believed he couldn't. Living the poetry was much better than creating it.
"Do you find anything else on that shelf interesting? Besides those black books?"
"Hmm. You." He'd come here to see Genesis, not to distract himself from his boyfriend by reading. Not that he minded Shakespeare; he used to have a complete edition, before the fall of Shin-Ra. Unfortunately, only a few very durable objects had survived the explosion.
Genesis smiled against his back and held him tighter. "That makes me happy."
A slight pause. The silver-haired man knew he should say something... "Glad to hear it." This is a happy Sephiroth.
Very pleased, Genesis leans against him contently for a while before parting for a moment to stand beside him again. "Would you like anything? Maybe to sit down?" There was a red couch nearby-- it looked very comfortable. It seemed like one of Genesis' favorite spots to read.
Seph gives a small smile, inwardly touched as he sits down. He was weary, in every way he could think of, but Genesis... that was why he'd wanted so badly to see him, again. It was odd. Everything felt... right, around him.
Like a content housecat, Genesis takes a seat beside him, cuddling up against him happily. This Sephiroth was truly different from most of the others he had met, including the one from his time-- then again, that Sephiroth was much more younger. This one he loved had an air of melancholy and world-weariness about him. Not that he was attracted because of it, but somehow... it made him tamed in some way. It made him more quiet.
Sephiroth felt he could sleep like this, holding Genesis.... but he didn't want to. "Has anything happened, since I was last here?" He gives Gen's arm a very slight caress, then stops.
"Nothing much, really," hummed Genesis idly, resting his head on Sephiroth's shoulder, "I've planted a Banora White seedling in the garden with Angeal recently, though."
Sephiroth gives a twitch as he forces a smile, which slowly becomes more of a real smile, but he begins to look distant. "He's been here? Or do you both live here?"
"He just visits from time to time," Genesis looks up at him with a smile.
Another distant smile, this one slightly sad. "How do I know if this is real?"
Genesis gets up and walks to the window, he gestures for Sephiroth to follow. In clear view is a Banora White sapling, nowhere near maturity. Sephiroth sees it, while trying to keep up a facade.
"I'm nowhere as good as Angeal is when it comes to gardening, so-- well, I was really lucky when he dropped by one day," Genesis chuckled, looking at the sapling with much admiration. "I hope it grows big like the one that my family owns."
Sephiroth honestly gulps, though he tries to keep it quiet. "I should leave," he murmurs.
Genesis looks at him with much worry in his eyes, he grabs his hand, not forcefully, but out of concern. He holds it tightly, wanting to reassure him. "Why?"
Sephiroth shakes his head and clenches his jaw slightly. "This isn't real." He looks worried.
Genesis' look of worry turns into a distraught expression. There was no way he couldn't be real-- everything in the manor was real, wasn't it? It had a form, it was tangible. "You could feel me, right? If this isn't real, then why is it that I can feel you-- hold you this tightly--" As if to demonstrate, the grip on his hand becomes tighter.
"I want to believe it.... I don't know how far that goes. Every time I have the chance, I come here. Every time I'm alone, with no one else to witness it. I can feel you, I can hear you but that may be a memory, an imagining... insanity." He's deep in thought and more than a little worried.
At those words, Genesis feels a welling up of emotion in him. A mix of fury, disbelief and the most powerful of all-- sadness. It was a sadness of knowing that Sephiroth didn't believe in his existence. He looks at him, his eyes full of emotive fire, "how could I make you believe that I am real?"
And Seph suddenly looks so lost. He looks away, realizing he was revealing too much. Ask Cloud to follow him. It was the only way. Pair the pain with the beauty and see if it would hold together.
Genesis looks at him, his expression softening to a plea, holding a single hand of Sephiroth's with both of his: "How do I prove myself real to you?"
"You can't," Sephiroth answers, "I have to. If I brought someone here- someone from my time- if the two realities fit together, this is real... yes?" He's wrapped one arm around Genesis, wanting to keep him with him, wanting Gen's feelings of betrayal to diminish.
Genesis nodded, holding on to Sephiroth. "Alright, go ahead. Bring someone from your time to see me, then." He reached up a hand to touch his cheek. "I want you just to know that I'm real."
Sephiroth held him, nuzzling for a moment before letting go. "I'll return quickly." He exits the door, disappearing.
Genesis then waits, sitting on the couch as he got a dumbapple from a nearby basket, munching on it, until Sephiroth returns with a Cloud in tow. Cloud's eyes flash with mako as he sees Genesis. "You...!"
Sephiroth looks away. "He's fought no one," he answers quietly. "This is long before he became a threat to you."
"Yeah. Right."
Genesis looks up at the stranger who Sephiroth had brought in. Mako-bright eyes...? Another SOLDIER? Genesis frowns a little, his gaze moving to meet Sephiroth's. "Who is he?"
Genesis will find Sephiroth's expression much guiltier, much more awkward and reserved, around Cloud. "Cloud Strife," Sephiroth answers.
"You said you'd changed." Cloud's not looking at Sephiroth, but that statement wasn't aimed at Genesis.
Genesis looks at Cloud, feeling an aura of hostility. His eyes narrow slightly in the haughty way he was known for, crossing his legs as he leaned back on the couch, taking a bite out of the apple in his hand.
"You're in love with him. The man who fought my friend- fought your friend. Though I shouldn't be surprised- it's not like you were ever loyal to him, in the first place."
Sephiroth gives an almost-imperceptible twitch at that last, then tries again. "Genesis is Angeal's best friend and half-brother. You owe him some respect."
"He fought Zack."
"So did I, at one time." Sephiroth's voice is quiet, sad.
Cloud looks like he's going to snap back at Sephiroth, but thinks better of it. "Yes. This is real. Come back with me."
Sephiroth looks torn, turning to Genesis with a somewhat encouraging look. Say something...
Genesis looked at Sephiroth, a little confused by whatever he had said. But then again, he remembered-- he was still a younger Genesis and could change the future in his reality. Thus this all did not apply to him. But he couldn't deny feeling some confusion at being called Angeal's half-brother. "Seph..." he murmured, solemn and pleading. He wanted Sephiroth here with him.
Cloud turns and walks out. Sephiroth looks from the doorway to G and then back. Tensing and closing his eyes, he followed Cloud.
Genesis wilts on the couch, curling up with the apple in his hands. Somehow, he felt so empty then and there. For once, he actually felt a deep sense of loneliness and helplessness.
Helpless because he was ignorant of everything. He looked down at his apple, wanting to return to his time and know. But he knew that if he did, things would change. He wouldn't even know if he'd still remember the Sephiroth he loved here or the Angeal who visited from time to time-- or even his alternate who came to visit.
Two minutes later, Sephiroth walked back in, breathing arrhythmic as he rushed forwards to hold G, unable to prevent the slight shaking. That had been one of the most strenuous moments of his entire life.
Genesis embraced Sephiroth back tightly, not wanting to part from him at all. "Seph..." he whimpered against him.
The shaking intensified at hearing Gen's whimper. He held back tightly himself, trying to get his breathing and heartbeat under control.
"Don't leave me..." Genesis sighed, reaching to caress his back, trying to help calm him. "I won't leave you."
The caresses broke through what was left of his facade and he buried his face in Genesis' shoulder, his hold relaxing and encompassing more of Genesis as he let loose the few tears he couldn't hold back. "You're everything to me. I won't leave you."
His breathing and heart rate were returning to normal. Good. He did not wish to seem so weak.
Gen's body softened against the weight against him, fitting snugly against him as he moved to kiss his cheek, trailing more kisses down to his jaw. "I love you, Seph."
"Mmph.... Love you, too." The words were heartfelt, but they sounded so weary. Sephiroth didn't move, lying partially on top of Genesis, on the couch.
Genesis let him stay there. Even without anything sexual between them, he felt contented and satisfied to at least be there for him. He continued to caress his back, still soothing him.
Sephiroth kissed Gen's temple and cheek, then nuzzled the side of his face lazily.
He blushed at the kisses, very happy to have them. "Tired?"
"Mm... Very." He sighed and inhaled Gen's scent. "Glad to be here," he added quietly.
Genesis smelled like apples, and probably a bit of cinnamon, too. He smiled, running a hand through Sephiroth's hair. "So long... have you ever had your hair cut?"
Sephiroth smiles a little sadly, looking wistful. "Not- since I was young. Not in 17 years."
Genesis chuckles. "Amazing that you're able to take care of hair this long..."
A small smile, "It takes a little effort," Sephiroth answers, partially into Gen's shoulder.
Genesis begins to feel a little playful-- more like his usual self around most Sephiroths he had met. "Would you like me to help you maintain it one of these days?"
"Hmh." A little amused, Sephiroth asks, "How so?"
"Oh... I could help comb it... or wash it with you..." Genesis mused, keeping his hands away from the bare chest.
"Hmmm... alright." He whispers into Gen's ear.
And the whisper sends a little shiver of glee through Genesis' being. He had to curse whatever science had done to give Sephiroth such a beautiful voice that always sent such shivers through him. It didn't help as well that his SOLDIER hearing only intensified it.
Content, Sephiroth stays where he is, quietly curling around Genesis a little more.
Genesis pouts a little at him, still in a playful mood. "Your voice always sounds so sexy when you whisper. Is it always naturally that way?"
"...I have no idea. Hnh." This last is an amused little sound, while still curled around G.
Genesis chuckles, cuddling up to him. "What do you think of my voice, then?"
"Warm," he answers, "with a husk- and you smell like apples," he adds slowly, sounding slightly amused, happy.
Genesis chuckled again, enjoying the sound of Sephiroth's voice and the feel of his warmth so close by. "Apples, hm?" He pressed closer to breathe in his scent. "I can't exactly describe your scent... it's something distinctly you. It's... heady, almost exotic."
"Mm. The odd one out, again." He's not upset about it, or even amused, just making a content observation.
"But it's one of the things that keep me wanting to stay with you-- I want to find out how to describe it," Genesis smiled up at him. "Spices, maybe? A kind of herb? But I love it, nonetheless."
"Mm." Someone's happy, and not moving much.
Genesis leans over to kiss his hair and he reaches out for a book to read while Sephiroth stayed in his arms.
It's not long before Sephiroth accidentally allows himself to sleep, as weary as he was from earlier.
Feeling the General's breath still in the familiar pace of slumber, Genesis closes the book in his hands and decides to watch him instead-- far more interesting than any other piece of literature he had ever read. Maybe except for Loveless, that is.
Noticing someone standing beside him while he looks over his books, Genesis turns to see Sephiroth. He immediately blushes a little, seeing his smile upon him.
Sephiroth remembers to look away when Genesis blushes, and does so, considering the books on the shelf, instead. At this movement, Genesis' attention moves back to the books. "Does anything catch your fancy, Seph?"
On the shelf are mostly books of literary criticism, but there are also a lot of poetry and classics. Lots of Greek and Roman classics. And Shakespeare. But there are also a few books bound in black-- they look rather suspicious.
Sephiroth reaches for one of the black-bound, untitled books, curious. "What are these?"
Genesis turns very bright red as he takes one of the books. Usually, he wouldn't be so flustered when people take a look at them out of curiosity, but it was Sephiroth who was holding one. "Ah... it's... part of my... um... private collection of sorts. Um... erotic literature." His speech is abrupt and a little nervous, his eyes wandering to other places like... the other side of the room.
The ex-general's hand nearly slips as Genesis defines it as erotic literature. He puts the book back on the shelf carefully, wondering how often Gen got around; sex seemed to be brought up in every conversation...
Although this Genesis had a mind fond of the sensual, he had only really had little experience of the actual act. Around this Sephiroth, though, Genesis found himself rather tamed, finding himself trying not to bring up any suggestive topic. "Does that make you think badly of me?"
"No." Sephiroth is a little surprised at the question. Genesis moved, then, to embrace Sephiroth from behind-- feeling a bit affectionate but, at the same time, doing so to hide the faint blush on his cheeks.
Sephiroth leaned into the embrace, feeling that he belonged, here. Not in the way he belonged with Strife and Tifa and the children... this was... another life. A better life. This was Genesis.
The auburn-haired SOLDIER found their relationship rather poetic; that he, a supposed figure of the past, was in love with a future Sephiroth and the way he loved him back. If he was a proper poet, perhaps he could put it down into writing, but then again, he believed he couldn't. Living the poetry was much better than creating it.
"Do you find anything else on that shelf interesting? Besides those black books?"
"Hmm. You." He'd come here to see Genesis, not to distract himself from his boyfriend by reading. Not that he minded Shakespeare; he used to have a complete edition, before the fall of Shin-Ra. Unfortunately, only a few very durable objects had survived the explosion.
Genesis smiled against his back and held him tighter. "That makes me happy."
A slight pause. The silver-haired man knew he should say something... "Glad to hear it." This is a happy Sephiroth.
Very pleased, Genesis leans against him contently for a while before parting for a moment to stand beside him again. "Would you like anything? Maybe to sit down?" There was a red couch nearby-- it looked very comfortable. It seemed like one of Genesis' favorite spots to read.
Seph gives a small smile, inwardly touched as he sits down. He was weary, in every way he could think of, but Genesis... that was why he'd wanted so badly to see him, again. It was odd. Everything felt... right, around him.
Like a content housecat, Genesis takes a seat beside him, cuddling up against him happily. This Sephiroth was truly different from most of the others he had met, including the one from his time-- then again, that Sephiroth was much more younger. This one he loved had an air of melancholy and world-weariness about him. Not that he was attracted because of it, but somehow... it made him tamed in some way. It made him more quiet.
Sephiroth felt he could sleep like this, holding Genesis.... but he didn't want to. "Has anything happened, since I was last here?" He gives Gen's arm a very slight caress, then stops.
"Nothing much, really," hummed Genesis idly, resting his head on Sephiroth's shoulder, "I've planted a Banora White seedling in the garden with Angeal recently, though."
Sephiroth gives a twitch as he forces a smile, which slowly becomes more of a real smile, but he begins to look distant. "He's been here? Or do you both live here?"
"He just visits from time to time," Genesis looks up at him with a smile.
Another distant smile, this one slightly sad. "How do I know if this is real?"
Genesis gets up and walks to the window, he gestures for Sephiroth to follow. In clear view is a Banora White sapling, nowhere near maturity. Sephiroth sees it, while trying to keep up a facade.
"I'm nowhere as good as Angeal is when it comes to gardening, so-- well, I was really lucky when he dropped by one day," Genesis chuckled, looking at the sapling with much admiration. "I hope it grows big like the one that my family owns."
Sephiroth honestly gulps, though he tries to keep it quiet. "I should leave," he murmurs.
Genesis looks at him with much worry in his eyes, he grabs his hand, not forcefully, but out of concern. He holds it tightly, wanting to reassure him. "Why?"
Sephiroth shakes his head and clenches his jaw slightly. "This isn't real." He looks worried.
Genesis' look of worry turns into a distraught expression. There was no way he couldn't be real-- everything in the manor was real, wasn't it? It had a form, it was tangible. "You could feel me, right? If this isn't real, then why is it that I can feel you-- hold you this tightly--" As if to demonstrate, the grip on his hand becomes tighter.
"I want to believe it.... I don't know how far that goes. Every time I have the chance, I come here. Every time I'm alone, with no one else to witness it. I can feel you, I can hear you but that may be a memory, an imagining... insanity." He's deep in thought and more than a little worried.
At those words, Genesis feels a welling up of emotion in him. A mix of fury, disbelief and the most powerful of all-- sadness. It was a sadness of knowing that Sephiroth didn't believe in his existence. He looks at him, his eyes full of emotive fire, "how could I make you believe that I am real?"
And Seph suddenly looks so lost. He looks away, realizing he was revealing too much. Ask Cloud to follow him. It was the only way. Pair the pain with the beauty and see if it would hold together.
Genesis looks at him, his expression softening to a plea, holding a single hand of Sephiroth's with both of his: "How do I prove myself real to you?"
"You can't," Sephiroth answers, "I have to. If I brought someone here- someone from my time- if the two realities fit together, this is real... yes?" He's wrapped one arm around Genesis, wanting to keep him with him, wanting Gen's feelings of betrayal to diminish.
Genesis nodded, holding on to Sephiroth. "Alright, go ahead. Bring someone from your time to see me, then." He reached up a hand to touch his cheek. "I want you just to know that I'm real."
Sephiroth held him, nuzzling for a moment before letting go. "I'll return quickly." He exits the door, disappearing.
Genesis then waits, sitting on the couch as he got a dumbapple from a nearby basket, munching on it, until Sephiroth returns with a Cloud in tow. Cloud's eyes flash with mako as he sees Genesis. "You...!"
Sephiroth looks away. "He's fought no one," he answers quietly. "This is long before he became a threat to you."
"Yeah. Right."
Genesis looks up at the stranger who Sephiroth had brought in. Mako-bright eyes...? Another SOLDIER? Genesis frowns a little, his gaze moving to meet Sephiroth's. "Who is he?"
Genesis will find Sephiroth's expression much guiltier, much more awkward and reserved, around Cloud. "Cloud Strife," Sephiroth answers.
"You said you'd changed." Cloud's not looking at Sephiroth, but that statement wasn't aimed at Genesis.
Genesis looks at Cloud, feeling an aura of hostility. His eyes narrow slightly in the haughty way he was known for, crossing his legs as he leaned back on the couch, taking a bite out of the apple in his hand.
"You're in love with him. The man who fought my friend- fought your friend. Though I shouldn't be surprised- it's not like you were ever loyal to him, in the first place."
Sephiroth gives an almost-imperceptible twitch at that last, then tries again. "Genesis is Angeal's best friend and half-brother. You owe him some respect."
"He fought Zack."
"So did I, at one time." Sephiroth's voice is quiet, sad.
Cloud looks like he's going to snap back at Sephiroth, but thinks better of it. "Yes. This is real. Come back with me."
Sephiroth looks torn, turning to Genesis with a somewhat encouraging look. Say something...
Genesis looked at Sephiroth, a little confused by whatever he had said. But then again, he remembered-- he was still a younger Genesis and could change the future in his reality. Thus this all did not apply to him. But he couldn't deny feeling some confusion at being called Angeal's half-brother. "Seph..." he murmured, solemn and pleading. He wanted Sephiroth here with him.
Cloud turns and walks out. Sephiroth looks from the doorway to G and then back. Tensing and closing his eyes, he followed Cloud.
Genesis wilts on the couch, curling up with the apple in his hands. Somehow, he felt so empty then and there. For once, he actually felt a deep sense of loneliness and helplessness.
Helpless because he was ignorant of everything. He looked down at his apple, wanting to return to his time and know. But he knew that if he did, things would change. He wouldn't even know if he'd still remember the Sephiroth he loved here or the Angeal who visited from time to time-- or even his alternate who came to visit.
Two minutes later, Sephiroth walked back in, breathing arrhythmic as he rushed forwards to hold G, unable to prevent the slight shaking. That had been one of the most strenuous moments of his entire life.
Genesis embraced Sephiroth back tightly, not wanting to part from him at all. "Seph..." he whimpered against him.
The shaking intensified at hearing Gen's whimper. He held back tightly himself, trying to get his breathing and heartbeat under control.
"Don't leave me..." Genesis sighed, reaching to caress his back, trying to help calm him. "I won't leave you."
The caresses broke through what was left of his facade and he buried his face in Genesis' shoulder, his hold relaxing and encompassing more of Genesis as he let loose the few tears he couldn't hold back. "You're everything to me. I won't leave you."
His breathing and heart rate were returning to normal. Good. He did not wish to seem so weak.
Gen's body softened against the weight against him, fitting snugly against him as he moved to kiss his cheek, trailing more kisses down to his jaw. "I love you, Seph."
"Mmph.... Love you, too." The words were heartfelt, but they sounded so weary. Sephiroth didn't move, lying partially on top of Genesis, on the couch.
Genesis let him stay there. Even without anything sexual between them, he felt contented and satisfied to at least be there for him. He continued to caress his back, still soothing him.
Sephiroth kissed Gen's temple and cheek, then nuzzled the side of his face lazily.
He blushed at the kisses, very happy to have them. "Tired?"
"Mm... Very." He sighed and inhaled Gen's scent. "Glad to be here," he added quietly.
Genesis smelled like apples, and probably a bit of cinnamon, too. He smiled, running a hand through Sephiroth's hair. "So long... have you ever had your hair cut?"
Sephiroth smiles a little sadly, looking wistful. "Not- since I was young. Not in 17 years."
Genesis chuckles. "Amazing that you're able to take care of hair this long..."
A small smile, "It takes a little effort," Sephiroth answers, partially into Gen's shoulder.
Genesis begins to feel a little playful-- more like his usual self around most Sephiroths he had met. "Would you like me to help you maintain it one of these days?"
"Hmh." A little amused, Sephiroth asks, "How so?"
"Oh... I could help comb it... or wash it with you..." Genesis mused, keeping his hands away from the bare chest.
"Hmmm... alright." He whispers into Gen's ear.
And the whisper sends a little shiver of glee through Genesis' being. He had to curse whatever science had done to give Sephiroth such a beautiful voice that always sent such shivers through him. It didn't help as well that his SOLDIER hearing only intensified it.
Content, Sephiroth stays where he is, quietly curling around Genesis a little more.
Genesis pouts a little at him, still in a playful mood. "Your voice always sounds so sexy when you whisper. Is it always naturally that way?"
"...I have no idea. Hnh." This last is an amused little sound, while still curled around G.
Genesis chuckles, cuddling up to him. "What do you think of my voice, then?"
"Warm," he answers, "with a husk- and you smell like apples," he adds slowly, sounding slightly amused, happy.
Genesis chuckled again, enjoying the sound of Sephiroth's voice and the feel of his warmth so close by. "Apples, hm?" He pressed closer to breathe in his scent. "I can't exactly describe your scent... it's something distinctly you. It's... heady, almost exotic."
"Mm. The odd one out, again." He's not upset about it, or even amused, just making a content observation.
"But it's one of the things that keep me wanting to stay with you-- I want to find out how to describe it," Genesis smiled up at him. "Spices, maybe? A kind of herb? But I love it, nonetheless."
"Mm." Someone's happy, and not moving much.
Genesis leans over to kiss his hair and he reaches out for a book to read while Sephiroth stayed in his arms.
It's not long before Sephiroth accidentally allows himself to sleep, as weary as he was from earlier.
Feeling the General's breath still in the familiar pace of slumber, Genesis closes the book in his hands and decides to watch him instead-- far more interesting than any other piece of literature he had ever read. Maybe except for Loveless, that is.