DOGS of War

~ ~ ~

The next morning found Genesis seated on his usual side of the sofa, a stack of paperwork in his lap. Once Sephiroth had determined that he was, in fact, going to be doing his own paperwork, he took the liberty of dropping off the rest. The huge piles now sat on the coffee table, winking at him mercilessly. He sighed, reading through another of the seemingly endless reports before signing on the line and setting it aside on top of the very short Finished pile.

Haine was beside him, reading a book while watching a movie. It seemed the boy was keen on trying to make up for everything he had missed in the years he spent underground, reading everything he could get his hands on and watching television and movies constantly. The redhead simply could not blame him.

Genesis glanced over then, his relaxed smile immediately fading. Haine sat motionless, ignoring both the book in his hands and the movie on the screen as he stared at the floor, his expression a mixture of thoughtful and sad. “Haine?” Genesis questioned quietly. “You okay?” He did not like seeing that look on the youth’s pale face.

Haine didn’t move, his eyes remaining fixed on the floor. “It isn’t fair,” he murmured at last.

Genesis hastily set his papers aside, leaning in toward him. “What isn’t?”

Haine remained quiet a moment longer, composing his thoughts. “Every day people die. People who want to live. People who have families and friends and would do anything for just one more day, but… there’s nothing they can do. And yet… here I am…” He didn’t go on, but Genesis could feel the weight of the implication bearing down on him.

Haine closed his book, setting it down and turning to Genesis, though still unable to meet his eyes. “My neck still hurts sometimes…” He placed a hand over the metal plate now hidden under white gauze. “When I sleep, all I see are things I want to forget. All the people that have died, and how I haven’t died. I understand now, the things I can’t take back… and so why? Why is an idiot like me left here? And what am I supposed to do?” He heaved a sigh, running a hand through his hair. “When the pain opens my eyes, I just go around and around in big circles, thinking about that, and for me that…” He looked up at the feeling of fingertips gently stroking his cheek, his words dying off as he took in the stricken look on the redhead’s face. He turned away, forcing a small smile and a weak laugh. “Sorry.”

Genesis had never felt so lost, so helpless. He reached out, embracing his inner Zack and pulling Haine close, the boy relaxing against him as though he were made for it. Silently, Genesis berated himself. Of course Haine would have no idea of his own worth, the boy had no sense of self. He had no family, no memories, and for as much as Genesis would like to consider himself and Zack to be the boy’s friends, in truth they were his guardians--and to some extent, captors. Haine had absolutely nothing of his own. He didn’t even have his own clothing. Well, that was one thing that Genesis could do something about--and he’d be damned if he put it off any longer.

Haine was startled when Genesis stood abruptly, grabbing his hands and hauling him up with a wide smile.

“Come on. I want to take you shopping.”

= = =

Getting down to ground level was the easy part. Once they had arrived there though, Genesis paused to assess the situation. The shop they were heading to was in LOVELESS Avenue-too close to warrant taking a car. He glanced sidelong at Haine, who was waiting patiently as he pondered. If they walked, however, they would more than likely wander into one of the roving packs of fangirls that tended to flock to the fiery first whenever he took a step outside of the ShinRa compound… and for the first time, Genesis considered that a bad thing. Haine had been making progress, true enough, but he didn’t really consider tossing him amidst screaming, rabid fangirls to be a very good first step on the road to female rehabilitation. He checked his watch. It was still pretty early, they probably wouldn’t run into any of the massive, hardcore packs… they came out in the evening since most of them had day jobs.

With a decisive nod, Genesis stepped out into the sunlight, deciding to simply hoof it and keep an eye out for fans of the female persuasion. He looked over his shoulder to make sure Haine was following, and noticed him squinting in the relative bright of the outdoors as he did. Genesis made a mental note to pick up some sunglasses for the kid while they were out today.

The minutes passed quietly as they strolled leisurely past the fountain, Genesis truly seeing it for the first time since arriving in Midgar, for once not in too much of a hurry or feeling too important to take a look around. As the two made their way down LOVELESS Avenue, Genesis offered up interesting facts and bits of background about the city, and LOVELESS, and anything else that came to mind, relaxing as a contented smile graced Haine’s features and the boy began to ask questions and share what little he had learned from reading and watching endless TV. There wasn’t much of it that Genesis didn’t already know, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the conversation nonetheless.

Suddenly, a high-pitched squeal shattered the calm of the day, echoed by several other excited shrieks. Genesis immediately stopped, tense and ready for disaster to strike… but Haine simply kept walking, his face neutral even as his pace picked up a bit. He headed for the nearest alleyway, sidestepping into it and disappearing from view. Genesis smiled. That works. Now to get rid of the mob…

Haine settled comfortably against the brick wall, listening to the overzealous affections the womenfolk were showering the redhead with. He could hear the mild impatience in Genesis' voice, but the crowd seemed oblivious, each pushing forward to get an autograph, to touch, to introduce. It was clear that Genesis had substantial practice at managing crowds like this, his elegant words and quick efficiency keeping everyone happy while moving them along. Haine couldn't hold back a chuckle when he heard “Will you sign my breasts?” followed by “Eww! Mom!!”

Eventually the crowd dissipated, the quiet hum of city life flooding the streets once more. Haine smiled as Genesis flopped exaggeratedly against the wall next to him with a dramatic sigh.

“What can I say? They love me.”

Haine snorted. “They don't even know you, Gen.”

“Oh come on! You sound like Angeal! Next you two are gonna team up on me and try to convince me to stop eating chocolate because it's 'bad' for me!”

“No,” Haine looked thoughtful, “chocolate's actually pretty good for you. Especially dark chocolate. Has antioxidants and stuff.”

Genesis blinked at him. “Where'd you learn that?” he asked, motioning for Haine to follow him back out of the alley and on their way.

The white haired boy shrugged. “Got caught up in one of those all-night marathons of 'Good Foods' on the Yummy Channel. I don't think there's anything I can't cook at this point...”

Genesis frowned, recalling their earlier conversation. “Having a lot of trouble sleeping?”

Another shrug. “Not as bad as you'd think. But it is nice to have some background noise some nights. Besides,” he gave Genesis a sidelong smirk, “I think your couch is more comfortable than that standard-issue bed they gave me.”

Genesis laughed, figuring the boy was most likely correct. Nonetheless, he made another mental note to pick up a radio for Haine's room.

= = =

Flip.

Genesis was settled comfortably into the large-cushioned chair outside the fitting rooms, leafing contentedly through LOVELESS. Seeing Haine enjoying the work had reminded the redhead of his own fondness for the book and he'd been overcome with the urge to reread it.

As soon as they'd arrived, Genesis had left Haine on his own to pick out whatever he wanted and gone to take care of his own shopping. Like it or not, there was a substantial amount of truth to the old expression “you are what you wear,” and Genesis hoped that allowing Haine to make his decisions uninfluenced would help to bring out the boy's personality. Not that it was guaranteed to work.

Genesis snickered behind his book as he remembered the first time he and Angeal had taken Sephiroth shopping. The silver haired man was utilitarian at best, anything beyond that... well it was just a hot mess. Even the ever stoic Angeal had been reduced nearly to tears at the sight. After that, Sephiroth refused to even try on anything that was not his uniform. Genesis wouldn't be surprised if the man didn't even own pajamas, preferring to simply sleep nude. Not that any sane person would mind that. It wasn't until they were first sent into Wutai that Genesis and Angeal managed to convince him that leather was better protection than standard-issue cotton weave and his now-trademark black coat was made. Now if they could just get Angeal to actually wear the leather gear they had made for him...

Genesis turned to the next page, making sure that the little scrap of paper Haine was using as a bookmark didn't fall out as his eyes scanned the page, not really reading so much as enjoying the sight of the familiar, comforting words. Genesis couldn't help the dark turn his thoughts took as he was reminded of the many times this very book had been a source of comfort in his life.

* * *

Genesis often looked back on the years he spent growing up with Angeal with fondness. Those were the golden years, a time when everything was right and the future was a vast expanse just waiting to be filled with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Even in his youth, Angeal had been too stubborn to ask for any help, despite the fact that Genesis would have done anything and everything he could. To this day, Angeal had no idea just how many times Genesis had slipped money into his pockets under the guise of a friendly hug or a playful shove, or left some Gil or items in a place he knew his friend would find them. He would even play along, sometimes spending days helping Angeal search for whoever owned the “lost” items before managing to convince him that it was okay to keep what he had found. Secretly, Genesis had always hoped the larger boy would notice, would catch him and confront him and he would finally see just how much Genesis cared. But he never did.

As soon as he was old enough, Angeal began working to help support his family, leaving Genesis to face his own life by himself. The Hewleys may have been poor, but they had the one thing that money could never buy. Each other. Without Angeal, Genesis spent much of his time alone, his father always too busy and his mother uninterested. He would lay for hours, watching the clouds as his mind conjured up images of faraway places and grand adventures. Eventually Genesis started writing some of his ideas down, planning to someday turn them into great pieces of literature. He began sneaking into his father's study to borrow books to read, knowing that the man would never notice they were gone. He never read himself.

One day, Genesis found it. The white leather of the spine drawing his gaze from across the room. He gingerly pulled the book down from its place on the shelf, the golden lettering on the cover glimmering at him invitingly. LOVELESS? Love...less... He knew it was illogical, but he couldn't help feeling a sort of empathy emanating from the book. It was the last book he ever took from the study, and the only one he ever kept.

By the time he was fourteen, Angeal had decided to join SOLDIER and spent every spare moment training. Genesis welcomed the chance to spend time with him again and was always nearby, lying in the grass reading, quoting the most meaningful passages from LOVELESS as Angeal practiced a new move or ran through his rigorous workout routine. Occasionally, Genesis could be coerced into joining Angeal for a playful spar or wrestling match, but he never put much effort behind it. After all, what did an author need fighting skills for?

For years, Genesis had dreamed of the day he would leave Banora behind. Tiny little Banora, where the marriages were arranged and everyone was too focused on surviving to enjoy the beauty of life around them. Despite how the stories tended to romanticize small-town life, Genesis knew that there could be no romance in a place like this. When Angeal had announced that he would be leaving for Midgar as soon as he was old enough to enlist, Genesis had immediately jumped at the chance, vowing to follow his friend wherever he would lead. He would finally be able to travel to the big city and see the world with a dreamer's gaze. He could just imagine all the inspiration that awaited in a glorious city like Midgar!

But all of that came crashing down on Genesis' fifteenth birthday.

“Absolutely not! No son of mine is going to become some queer poet!”

Genesis stood stunned, tears prickling the corners of his eyes. His hands were clenched at his sides as he stood with his head bowed in shame.

“You are going to join SOLDIER and make us proud, for once! It is what you were made for, after all...”

He had no idea what his father had meant by that, but he knew that it hurt terribly. With a choked sob, he turned and ran out of the house.

It was late afternoon and Angeal was running through one of his usual training routines when Genesis found him. He gaped in shock as the redhead tackled him to the ground and clung to him, sobbing. For several long minutes, he simply held the other, running his fingers through the smaller male's hair and rocking him gently. Angeal did not know what had happened, but his first instinct--as always--was to protect, to comfort. He never had Genesis' talent for words, but he tried his best to convey his feelings regardless.

Genesis finally calmed, relaxing against Angeal's firm chest as his sobs dwindled to sniffles. He closed his eyes, reveling in the feeling of strong arms around him and having Angeal so close. Perhaps it was his father's harsh words spurring him on, or his natural rebellious streak kicking in, but when Genesis turned to look up at Angeal, he felt nothing short of undying love for the other boy. He resisted the urge to act on his feelings though, not wanting to startle or disgust Angeal. The boy was the epitome of honor and tradition, and his parents were expecting grandchildren some day... but maybe-just maybe-some time in Midgar would open his mind to the possibility. Some time in SOLDIER...

At the sudden reminder of his misery, Genesis groaned, leaning forward to thump his forehead against Angeal's solid chest.

The dark haired boy grunted, looking down at Genesis with concern. He had never seen his best friend so unraveled, and it scared him. As gently as he could, he pushed the long strands of red away from Genesis's face and placed a few fingers under his chin, coaxing him to look up again. “Um, hey...”

Genesis smiled at his friend's attempt at conversation and leaned back to wipe the last of the tears from his eyes and cheeks with a soft sniffle. “Hi.” He realized that Angeal was still gently cupping his chin and a thrill of desire ran down his spine. He searched his dark blue eyes, hoping in vain to find some spark, some sign that his feelings were not one-sided. All he found was his best friend, looking after him as he always had. Knowing that Angeal was probably burning up inside with curiosity and worry, he sighed and nudged his face more deeply into Angeal's broad hand. “My parents enlisted me... I leave for Midgar tomorrow,” he mumbled into Angeal's palm.

Angeal was shaken by the news, but he buried it quickly. “H-hey, it's not so bad... My birthday's only nine months away, I'll be there before you know it.”

Genesis merely snorted, his eyes set in fierce determination. “I'll be long gone by then. My parents may force me to go, but they won't make me stay!”

Angeal gaped. “But you can't just leave ShinRa once you enlist! You'll be MIA, they'll hunt you down!”

Water-blue eyes lit up over a wide smirk. “Not if I'm so bad they kick me out...”

Nine months later when Angeal finally arrived, he nearly didn't recognize his childhood friend. Clad from head to toe in red and black leather, with both ears pierced and a cocky smirk that never seemed to leave his face, Genesis had earned himself quite a reputation. He was ShinRa's “bad boy.” A wildcard, a rebel. But he was also SOLDIER Third Class. It wasn't until later, up on the rooftop of the ShinRa tower where they could be alone, that Angeal caught a glimpse of the redheaded boy he knew from Banora.

Genesis had wound around him then, pulling him close with arms and legs and clinging to him like a lifeline. No words were spoken, they didn't need to be. Genesis' plan had failed. He was in it for the long haul and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

A few months later, fourteen year old Sephiroth was introduced to the SOLDIER program. Genesis had immediately taken the lost boy under his wing, finding a therapeutic sort of satisfaction from helping him. In return, Sephiroth had become the counterbalance to their lopsided friendship. The three of them had formed an unbreakable bond. One that not even the ravages of time and war could damage. Or so he had thought.

Throughout their years in Midgar, Genesis' feelings for Angeal had never faded. No matter how many nameless fans he took to bed, male or female, his thoughts always returned to the one he'd first fallen for. Initially, he had clung to the belief that Angeal had simply not noticed his affections. Over time though, Genesis began to believe that perhaps his old friend was just uninterested and unwilling to address the matter for fear of upsetting him and risking their friendship. After all, it was selfish and unfair to expect Angeal to reciprocate his attraction when the man was most likely not even interested in members of the same sex. Then Zack came along, and everything went wrong.

When his childhood friend had told them about his new “student,” there was no mistaking the light in his eyes or the spring in his step. He was in love, and that was that. Needless to say, Genesis was upset. He wasn't able to fully recall the events of that night, but alcohol had certainly been involved... and he had awoken the next morning with Sephiroth in his bed.

When Genesis had tried to explain his mistake, Sephiroth had been crushed and the following argument had not been pretty; the outcome being that their friendship would be best served from a distance. For the sake of appearances, the three continued to carry on with their lives as they always had, though their once strong bond was strained, at best.

Genesis had tried to hate Zack, he really had. But how could he hate someone who made the one he loved so obviously happy? The days and weeks turned into months and before they knew it, a year had passed and everything had begun to fall back into place. That was when Zack was abducted. It had only been a few weeks ago, but in that short time, the energetic youth had managed to weasel his way into Genesis' life just as thoroughly as he had Angeal's. And now? Well, he was no longer quite sure of how he felt...

* * *

Something hit Genesis' calf and he jumped in surprise, looking down at the plastic bag whose contents had shifted, dropping to lean against his leg. He closed the book, picking up the plastic bag of his day's purchases and slipping it inside. That's enough of nostalgia for today... He looked into the bag, smiling a bit at the contents. Perhaps he'd gone a bit overboard, but a little-known secret about the redhead was that he enjoyed shopping for others just as much--if not more--than he did for himself. And he loved surprises. Giving or receiving, didn't matter, he loved them. He poked the gift-wrapped boxes excitedly. He couldn't wait to see Haine try on the sunglasses he'd picked out--several pairs just to be sure--and the tiny, lime green portable music player with docking station was bound to make him do that little thing that showed he was happy. It wasn't as blatant as a smile, but it was far more rewarding because it was so rare, a sort of straightening and looking down that Genesis found himself unable to really describe, but he'd do anything to see.

He held in a laugh as he realized how he was acting. He set the bag down again, shaking his head. For the first time since Haine had asked about it, Genesis found himself hoping the boy really would be able to make SOLDIER. If he had to leave, Genesis wasn't so sure he'd be able to cope. Well, he supposed if SOLDIER didn't pan out, he could always adopt the kid...

The sound of a door opening caught his attention and Genesis looked up as Haine emerged from the fitting room, flinching at the near-audible 'whoosh' as all thoughts of adoption flew straight out of his head.

Haine stepped forward, stopping a few feet from the redhead and looking down at him almost shyly. “So... what do you think?”

= = =

“No seriously guys! It was this big!”

“You, my friend,” Zack pointed across the cafeteria table at Kunsel with his spork, “are full of shit.”

“Hey just because you don't have any experience with really big things...” he teased.

Zack facepalmed as the boys around the table erupted into fresh peals of laughter. He looked up as the others grew suddenly quiet and looked quizzically at Kunsel and Luxiere who were now staring over Zack's shoulder toward the doorway.

“Oh damn. Who is that?”

Zack whipped around to look at the newcomer, his jaw dropping at the sight of Haine making his way slowly toward them, weaving through the crowds and tables.

Gone were the borrowed loose button-down shirt and baggy pants, now replaced with skin-hugging black leather. The high-collared sleeveless top covered the bandages around Haine's neck completely, but stopped short just at his bellybutton, leaving an expanse of pale, flat stomach exposed above the thick belts holding up the tight pants that settled low on his hips. The pants, too, stopped short, the cuffs rolled up to reveal a thin band of smooth calf above heavy, thick-soled boots that added at least a few inches to the diminutive albino's stature.

Zack stared as Haine slowly meandered over, the spiky haired soldier completely oblivious to the whispered conversation going on around him.

“He's gotta be new, I know I'd remember seeing him.”

“Oh Shiva, he's coming this way. How's my hair look?”

“A mess, as always. Idiot.”

“Shut it, jerk!”

“Well you asked!”

As Haine drew closer he gave Zack a small smile and wave. The raven stood up so fast his chair tumbled over, clanging against the floor as he gaped ungracefully down at the youth who had stopped directly in front of him.

“Haine?”

The white haired youth chuckled. “You can't tell?” he teased quietly, a smirk lifting a corner of his mouth.

“What are you doing here?” Zack blurted.

“Gen sent me to come get you. He wants us to meet him in the gymnasium.”

“Gen?” Zack looked up then, finally noticing the overly appreciative stares of the others in the room and his confusion was immediately replaced with anger. He reached out, slipping an arm around Haine's waist and pulling him through the crowd and out of the cafeteria, leaving a table full of very confused and intrigued friends behind.

+ + +

To say that Zack was angry would be an understatement. Just what the hell was Genesis thinking, dressing Haine up like some kind of wet dream come to life and sending him into a room full of hormonal soldiers!?

“Zack?”

Haine's quiet voice stopped him in his tracks. He hadn't realized just how forcefully he'd been dragging the smaller boy and he immediately turned to apologize, but the hurt uncertainty in Haine's crimson eyes made his throat tighten up and his tongue turn to ash. Zack stood frozen, suddenly feeling like a huge ass. Haine was still pressed against him, one hand wrapped around a strap of Zack's sword harness as though he'd been trying to slow the larger boy down. As Haine searched his face nervously, Zack felt his heart sink. When he moved to pull away and Haine actually flinched, it shattered.

“Haine, I'm so sorry! Gaia, I didn't mean to-I just-” Zack babbled apologies incoherently as he held the other boy even more tightly, clinging to him in near desperation. He knew he should let go, should give him some space, but his body refused to obey as he ran his fingers through soft white hair and buried his face in Haine's neck. His frenzied rambling faded to a quiet murmur as Haine gently stroked his wrist and turned his head to nuzzle against the side of Zack's face. The raven haired soldier melted under the soft touches, nearly groaning as a sharp scent, strange and intriguing, filled his nostrils. It was strong and intoxicating and he could not get enough. He inhaled deeply, no longer aware of the words tumbling from his lips.

Zack finally pulled back when Haine chuckled, more than relieved to see soft amusement in his eyes and an increasingly familiar tiny smirk curving up the corner of his mouth. “I can't decide whether I should be flattered that you think I look hot, or insulted that you think I let Gen dress me.”

Zack immediately tensed, horrified at what he'd let slip. “I, um, no, wait, I mean-” he sputtered, flushing crimson before he slumped in defeated embarrassment. “He didn't?”

Haine shook his head. “No, he left me to pick out whatever I wanted...” He dropped his chin, looking up at Zack with soft eyes. “So, do you like it then?”

Zack swallowed loudly and his blush flared anew as he realized that Haine's fingers were still lightly wrapped around his wrist, his slim body still pressed firmly against him. “Um, c'mon, we, uh, shouldn't keep Gen waiting...” He pulled away from the albino, turning quickly to head down the hallway without waiting to see if the other would follow.

Haine watched him go, standing for a moment with a hand on his hip and scratching the back of his head. With a small “huh” and a shrug, he headed after the black haired soldier.

= = =

“There you are. I was getting worried.” Genesis was leaning against the wall when Zack opened the door, holding it for Haine to follow him through. He pushed off the wall, walking over to meet the two, not missing the lack of loud, enthusiastic greeting from the larger of the pair. He didn't mention it, but filed it away to deal with later if need be. “Great news!” he said enthusiastically, feeling a surprising wave of relief as Zack perked up. He turned to Haine. “In one week, you'll be running the ShinRa cadet placement course.”

As expected, Zack let out a triumphant shout, bouncing in place with excitement. “So he's in? I knew you could do it, Gen!”

“Don't thank me just yet, he still has to run the course before he's in.” Genesis tried for a neutral tone, but his excitement came through nonetheless.

“Aw, come on. It's just an obstacle course. I bet you could run it in your sleep, Snowflake!”

Haine rolled his eyes, ignoring Zack's use of his silly pet name. “So what are we doing here? Practice?”

Genesis shook his head. “Nope. Can't run the actual course 'til your placement test day, but I don't see any reason why we can't do a little work on the side to get you caught up on what you've missed.”

Haine looked nervous at that. “And what if I can't run the course?”

“Trust me. Zack's right, I'm sure it'll be no problem for you. It's not designed to prohibit anyone from joining, merely to determine how far along in the program they should be placed, and who they should be teamed up with for group activities.”

“And I'm sure you'll end up in Cloud's bracket. He was the fastest in this set of recruits. All those years growing up in the mountains, I guess. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if you beat his time!”

“Zack, stop encouraging me. You're both making it sound way too easy, at this rate I'll fail for sure.” Haine kept his voice light and joking, but a shadow of doubt hovered in the back of his mind.

Genesis smiled reassuringly, settling an arm around Haine's shoulders. “You worry too much. Now, let's get you a sword, hm?”

After spending a few minutes sifting through the practice swords, Zack managed to pick out a couple that were of decent quality. He handed one to Haine, grinning broadly as the smaller boy give the blade a few twirls to test it out like he'd seen the black haired soldier do before his own sparring sessions. The swords were metal for accurate training, but dull as could be so the users would be safe.

Genesis seemed content to let Zack take over, and he settled comfortably back against the wall as the younger soldier helped Haine with his stance and a few practice swings before taking his own stance and preparing to spar.

Zack could never have expected what happened next.

The spiky haired youth had barely taken a step when Haine seized up, stark terror flashing in his eyes before he dropped his sword. Zack winced as the loud clang resonated through the room. A second later when he opened his eyes, Haine was nowhere to be found. He searched the empty room wide-eyed, finally looking to Genesis. The redheaded first was wearing a similar expression of shock, but his gaze was fixed upward toward the high ceiling. Zack followed his line of sight, an audible gasp of surprise escaping him as he spotted one of Haine's slim legs dangling down from the beam he was sitting on.

Genesis crouched, tensing his leg muscles and propelling himself upward. He grabbed onto the beam a few feet behind Haine and pulled himself up onto it. Haine was curled in on himself, one knee drawn up to his chest in the image of dejection. Genesis scooted over to him, stopping a few inches away. “You know... maybe close combat just isn't your thing. There's no rule that says you have to use a sword. Do you think you'd maybe want to try learning how to use a gun?”

Haine didn't answer with words, but the relieved look he gave Genesis after he flopped backward into the redhead's lap was a sufficient enough “yes.”

Genesis smiled down at the boy, gently running his fingers through his hair. “Well, that's fine, then. And I know just the man to teach you.”

~ ~ ~

Oh, Genesis. Why did you asplode all over this chapter? A good bit of this one was unplanned so it took some time to figure out how it should all fit together.

Notes/Quotes:

-Haine's speech- "When I sleep" through "Sorry" is quoted from the manga. :3 Actions manipulated slightly to fit.

-"Good Foods" show- C'mon guys, it's totally Good Eats. (My favorite show XD)

-"Yummy Channel"- Food Network/Sims food type channel. Whichever you want to see it as.

-Gen's "get kicked out of ShinRa" plan- Totally Police Academy. Wanted to mention it, but couldn't get it to fit... Bummer.

-Haine's clothes- Fans of DOGS may recognize Haine's outfit as the one he wears in his chapter of the prologue. 'Cept no spikes on his boots, that was a little odd...