DOGS of War

Chapter 15 turned into a Rubik's Cube for a while... Every detail I fixed knocked three others out of place. And this chapter is full of important details. Very frustrating and extremely disheartening; I even considered giving up entirely. I'm still not very happy with how it turned out, but I'm hoping it's just all in my head. :/ Were it not for the few people who left comments, I'm sure I would have abandoned writing altogether some time ago. Even if I never know what to say in response to a review or comment, please know that every single one means the world to me and makes it all worthwhile. So, again, thank you.

Lots of love to my dear sibling for helping me make the first bit not suck.

No one's probably noticed this, but it's been bugging me so here's some clarification on Haine's name:

“Haine” is the original spelling of the name, directly translated from the hiragana characters 'ha', 'i', and 'ne'. It is also the only spelling that existed when I started reading DOGS. Since then, the “official” romanization of the name has been revealed as “Heine”. While I'm not opposed to the change, per se, I (and many others) still use “Haine” for several reasons. So, as of this moment, I have no real plans to switch to the new version of the name.

Also, since a few people have asked, Haine's name is pronounced exactly as it is spelled. Ha-i-ne, but when you say it quickly it sounds more like High-neh. Hope this helps. ^.^

I talked with my step father for a bit (retired Air Force) to get his take on what I've come up with for the military academy and he said it seems sound. There are some differences from the way things are set up here on Earth... because it's not Earth, let alone America. The majority of the changes I made are based mainly on the ages and the lacking education of the incoming cadets. Not to mention that ShinRa is a privately owned company and President ShinRa can run things however the hell he likes and can ignore what he doesn't care about. I tried to clarify as much as I could in the story, but I wanted to give you all a heads-up. :P

So here it is, the point of no return. Things are finally being revealed in this chapter that will begin to explain what's been going on with our boys...

~ ~ ~

Sephiroth walked with Haine and Cloud through the halls of the building that was the military academy. All who joined ShinRa as enforcement, SOLDIER or not, had to pass through it. Although Sephiroth had never taken classes there himself, he knew the layout, as well as Cloud's schedule. Not that he was the protective sort, mind you.

The first classes of the day had already begun, so the hallways were thankfully devoid of all life. As they ascended the stairs to the second floor, Sephiroth turned back to look at Haine. “There are a few elevators in this building, but they are for faculty and maintenance only. We are going to say that your time was in the highest bracket with Cloud, so your schedule will be the same as his. He can help you with getting from class to class until you know your way around. The six-month training program consists of two three-month semesters. The first is primarily academic with extra-curricular sessions on basic hand-to-hand combat and weapons maintenance. They are considered mandatory, but you will not be required to participate until you are comfortable with it.” He looked at Haine then, glad to see that even though Zack had certainly explained all of this previously, he was still focusing on him with rapt attention. That would please his professors.

“The second semester will focus more on physical training and will introduce materia use. At the end of the six months, if you have passed all your classes, you will have the choice to take the SOLDIER entrance exam or to join the regular army as an infantryman. Anyone who fails to pass the exam is rerouted to the infantry and can choose to retry once each year. I will be speaking with each of your instructors as soon as you are in your first class. I will inform them that you will be joining them. I will also be informing your combat instructors that you are not to be forced into participating.” Haine looked somewhat displeased at that but nodded to show that he understood.

As they walked the rest of the way in silence, Haine looked around himself, taking in the various pieces of art on the walls mingled in with the propaganda posters. Most of what Sephiroth had explained he already knew from Zack, as well as a good deal more that the silver-haired general had left out.

Good schooling was expensive and hard to come by in the large cities and nearly impossible in the small towns. Many of the students who joined ShinRa from the slums and small towns did so solely for the education. Nearly all of them came to pass their classes, serve their time in the infantry, then move on with their unspectacular lives. A rare few of those went on to become captains in the regular military, and occasionally one would move on to become SOLDIER, but it was almost unheard of.

The other type of student to pass through the academy each year was the one interested solely in becoming SOLDIER or - in Zack's case at least - a full-fledged hero. For them, the first six months of academics and basic training were simply a storm to be weathered - an obstacle they would have to overcome to reach their ultimate goal. Zack had also admitted (somewhat ashamedly) that many of the teachers in the first semester would give those students a bit of a break on the academic side if their physical scores were impressive enough. Some of the teachers, Zack explained, doubled as combat instructors in the second semester and were loathe to lose a promising SOLDIER candidate due to a few bad test scores.

They arrived at the appropriate doorway and Sephiroth looked back, giving Haine one last reassuring smile before smoothing his face into its usual expression of cool stoicism.

The instructor standing at the head of the classroom fell silent as Sephiroth entered the room, immediately snapping to attention as the entire class stood to do the same. The tense silence was broken by the buzzing of whispers as Cloud and Haine followed him in. The sharp-looking instructor recognized Cloud but narrowed his eyes at the unfamiliar boy beside him before turning to glare his students into silence.

Sephiroth gently placed a hand on Haine's shoulder, guiding the teen forward to stand beside him. “Instructor Razuvious, this is Haine. Beginning today, he is your student. Cloud will be helping him until he is caught up,” he said curtly, leaving no room for argument.

Instructor Razuvious was momentarily startled, but quickly hid his surprise behind a scowl. “A new student? Now? This is highly irregular, sir.” The new boy wasn't even wearing a uniform. And why was Cloud chosen? He looked between them. A distant relative, perhaps?

“Yes. It is.” Sephiroth offered no further explanation and his hard gaze indicated that to ask would be unwise. He briefly glanced around the room, almost hoping to find some reason to stay, but Cloud had already given him quite the lecture on special treatment and the dangerous backlash it might have - and he knew it would be even worse for Haine. After all, he would already be singled out for his small size, good looks, and late arrival. After waiting only for a nod of acknowledgment from the instructor - and with an inexplicable stomach full of butterflies - Sephiroth left.

Once the general had departed, Instructor Razuvious looked his newest charge over with an ill-concealed sneer before reaching behind himself to grab something off of his desk and toss it to the pale teen. “Here's your book. Have it memorized by the final. And don't damage it, you'll need to return it at the end of the semester. If it's damaged, you will be responsible for replacing it. Now, go take a seat and pay attention,” he said with a wave of dismissal.

Haine stared blankly ahead, ignoring the curious gazes of those around him as he followed Cloud to the back of the room and slid into an empty desk. Once seated, he shut out the soft flurry of whispers around him as he looked down at the book. The History of ShinRa. It was thick and heavy and Haine wasted no time in flipping to the first page. Zack had told him that the history teacher – Instructor Razuvious, apparently – was also the sword specialist in the second semester and in charge of the SOLDIER exams. Anyone who wanted to join SOLDIER would do well to be on his good side.

With one eye and both ears on his professor, Haine began to read.

= = =

Genesis sat on the couch reading a report that had been forwarded to him as he waited for Haine to return from his classes. He read the same line over again for the third time, still not absorbing the information. It was pathetic, really. The teen had only been gone for a few hours and already Genesis was beginning to fall apart. He was just concerned, worried for Haine's well-being, that's all. At least that's what he kept telling himself.

He heard the door to the apartment slide open and he grinned in relief as he called out a greeting without looking up. He expected to hear the teen's soft voice reply, for the boy to sit beside him and look over his shoulder at what he was reading. He did not expect his papers to be suddenly pulled from his hands and tossed to the floor. Genesis looked up in shocked surprise as Haine pushed him back on the couch, straddling his thighs and carefully placing a hand on either side of the redhead's neck to hold him steady as he leaned in, stopping just before pressing his lips against the first's. Haine's eyes were confident but questioning as they looked into Genesis' and it took the elder a moment to sort out his hazy, lust-and-shock-muddled thoughts enough to realize why. He was waiting for permission.

Genesis could no more refuse Haine than a drowning man could refuse air and his lips parted slightly in anticipation as he gave a tiny nod of acquiescence. Haine immediately closed the minute distance between them, bringing their lips together in a surprisingly chaste kiss.

Haine's pale lips were soft and warm against his own and Genesis gasped at the sensation, grabbing at the boy's thighs and desperately holding on to him. He had no idea what was happening, or where it would lead, but his body refused to obey him when his mind screamed 'stop!'. The redhead couldn't keep himself from deepening the kiss as Haine's tongue flicked out, just barely brushing against his before retreating. The boy was teasing, urging him to follow, to take part, and Genesis was unable to resist.

As he thrust his tongue into Haine's willing mouth and explored the cavity with lustful fervor, Genesis slid his hands from the boy's thighs up to tangle in his hair and pull him even closer. He moved one hand to the back of Haine's neck, pulling the collar of his shirt down and slipping his fingers under the gauze to caress his skin, though being wary of the scars and steel there. He chuckled softly as Haine moaned into his mouth, the teen's hands moving to grasp at the first's thin black turtleneck and tug on it impatiently. Genesis' quiet laugh turned into a gasp as deft fingers found their way under the soft black garment and began delicately exploring their way up his stomach.

It had been so long since he'd felt so good and it seemed that his mutinous body was going to get its way as Haine spread his legs, grinding against him. Even through the layers of leather, he could feel how hard Haine was and another groan escaped him. All sensation was suddenly gone as Haine pulled away, drawing a soft yelp of need from the redhead. His despair lasted only a second before he was roughly yanked to his feet and long fingers wound their way into his hair as he was pulled down for another heated kiss.

Genesis' thoughts were a whirlwind in his head as Haine dragged him across the room, his destination clearly the bedroom. He wanted to stop, to find out what had happened, why Haine was acting this way, but he found himself suddenly pressed against the wall in the hallway just outside his bedroom door. In an instant, the teen's tongue was thrusting into his mouth and rubbing against his own, disrupting any thoughts that might have had a chance to form.

Haine broke the kiss, pulling the redhead's shirt off and tossing it away, for once not caring where it landed. He nibbled along Genesis' jawline, using one hand to pull the taller man down as he stood on his toes so he could bite the side of his neck with a low growl. The soldier grunted loudly, the sound drawing out into a moan of pleasure as Haine continued to lick and bite the sensitive area just beneath his ear. With his free hand, Haine quickly unzipped his own shirt and slipped out of it.

Once Haine's shirt was gone, Genesis tentatively slid his hands up from the teen's hips, caressing the smooth skin of his chest, sides, and back as he pulled him close. Having Haine's bare skin against his felt better than he had imagined - the thought being one he'd only allowed himself to entertain in his most personal of moments. This time, when the youth pulled him toward the bedroom, he offered up no resistance. He would follow Haine, would give him whatever he wanted. Because, in the end, he probably wanted it even more.

Once inside the bedroom, Genesis found himself pressed against the wall again with Haine mercilessly teasing a trail down his torso with tongue and teeth as the youth slid to his knees before the taller man. The redhead let out a sigh that was a mingled mixture of relief and disappointment as Haine passed over the first's eagerly straining erection and turned his attention to the numerous buckles holding his boots up. Faster than Genesis could have imagined, Haine had his boots off and had begun working on unbuckling the redhead's pants. In seconds, those, too, were gone and Genesis was left in nothing but his skin with the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen panting up at him from between his legs. He bit his lip and dug his fingers into his own hips to keep from bucking as Haine's sharp teeth bit into his inner thigh, though not quite hard enough to break the skin. A soft whimper escaped him as the teen continued to lick and suckle on the shallow bite as he unzipped his own boots and pulled them off. With every movement, Haine's cheek gently brushed against Genesis' balls, the almost-sensation driving the redhead mad with need.

Now far past the point of being capable of cognitive reasoning, Genesis couldn't keep his hands off of Haine as the albino stood, wriggling out of his pants as he did so. Genesis leaned down, kissing him passionately as his hands roamed over every inch of Haine's skin that he could reach now that the teen was as naked as he was. No. Not quite, he amended.

Genesis broke the kiss, looking into Haine's lust-glazed eyes and hesitating for just a moment before he slid his hands to the teen's slim neck and began carefully unwinding the gauze there. His hands nearly trembled as Haine closed his eyes and tilted his head back, exposing his throat in submission. Once the white fabric had been removed, Genesis stared at the smooth, flawless skin and licked his lips hungrily as he followed the curve of pale flesh to where it met with cold, hard steel. Slowly and cautiously, he pressed his lips to the smooth skin just beneath Haine's ear, taking his time and savoring the taste and feel as he made his way down to the deep scars around the metal collar. Genesis could feel his heart pounding in his throat and he swallowed nervously as he ghosted feather-light kisses over the sensitive area. When Haine tensed against him but didn't pull away, he grew bolder, gently lapping at the area with his tongue. With the albino's body flush against his, he easily felt the long, heavy erection pressed against his own throb as he swept his tongue over the junction of metal and skin. Throwing caution to the wind, Genesis placed a hand on one side of Haine's neck to hold him steady as he began lavishing the other side with kisses, licks, and little bites. He wanted to cover every inch of the boy's marred neck with his attention, wanted to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the unsightly damage was in no way a detraction from his appeal, wanted to show him that Genesis loved every single part of him - even his flaws. It was something he'd secretly wanted to do since the day they brought him home.

Genesis gave a low groan and paused his movements as Haine let out a soft whimper and began thrusting lightly against him. He could tell that the teen was doing his best to hold out, but without the experience and maturity that the first had, it was a battle he was quickly losing. Genesis nearly fell forward as Haine once again pulled away without warning, staring slack-jawed as the albino crawled his way up from the foot of the bed to the headboard before turning around and nestling himself down into the redhead's pillows. When Haine propped himself up on his elbows, spread his legs, and looked at Genesis expectantly, the first's brain short-circuited and he hastily checked his nose for bleeding as he moved across the room to the bed.

Still unsure of what to expect, Genesis felt dizzy as he crawled up the comforter to situate himself between the other's legs. Haine's eyes were filled with desire as he stroked Genesis' face and ran his slim fingers through red hair before pulling him down and kissing him. With Haine's tongue tangling with his and the teen's arms around his neck and legs around his waist, pulling him down, Genesis couldn't hold himself up any longer. He carefully lowered himself down onto the small body beneath his, gasping into Haine's mouth at the delicious friction between them. He moaned loudly as one of Haine's hands worked its way between them to wrap around both of their dripping lengths and begin slowly stroking. Genesis lifted himself up onto his elbows to give Haine more room to move and his blue eyes rolled back in pleasure as the youth increased the pace of his stroking and began to thrust up against him.

Genesis looked down at Haine and had to bite his lip to keep from coming right then and there. His face was flushed, his breath was coming in quick puffs from between parted lips, and his crimson eyes seemed to smolder from beneath lowered lids as he looked up at Genesis. As soon as their gazes met, Haine's eyes rolled back and his spine arched as his orgasm ripped though him, tearing a desperate whimper from his throat. As the teen came beneath him, Genesis was driven to the edge of his own peak but as Haine rode out his release, the stroking slowed and eventually stopped just before he reached his completion.

Genesis hadn't come, but in no way did he feel unsatisfied. Just seeing the look on Haine's face, hearing his soft whimper, and feeling his shudder of climax had been more than enough to sate him. It was a welcome surprise, then, when Haine shifted his grip so that he could continue stroking only Genesis and placed his free hand on the back of the first's neck, pulling him down again for a deep, passionate kiss. With Haine's mouth sucking on his tongue and his hand rapidly stroking his cock, Genesis was teetering on the brink again in seconds. Haine's soft moan of pleasure sent him over the edge and he came hard, adding his own stickiness to the mess already splattered over the teen's stomach and chest. Fully spent and sated, the last of his strength gave out and he collapsed onto Haine, heedless of the mess now sandwiched between them.

For several minutes, the only sound in the room was rapid breathing and Genesis' mind reeled in the silence. He felt like he was floating, giddy and high as though from the finest drug. “Don't tell me you learned that from TV too,” he panted breathlessly, grinning against Haine's shoulder.

“No...” Haine snickered as he shook his head. “But when you spend all of your time locked up alone in an empty room, you have to find some way to amuse yourself.” He laughed as Genesis gaped down at him incredulously. “What? Just because I grew up in a lab doesn't mean I don't have hormones. I'm serious. Puberty hit and it was all I could do to keep from going sexual predator on inanimate objects. It's a good thing there weren't any holes in the walls; I might have hurt myself. After a while even Kenny was starting to look pretty good. I mean, think about it. He's huge.”

By this point, Genesis had buried his face in the side of Haine's neck in an attempt to stifle his laughter, though the shaking of his body and the occasional snort that slipped out more than gave him away. “S-stop it,” Genesis stammered, losing his fight against the wave of giggles. “That's not funny!” He began to pull away, not wanting to smother Haine. A small yelp escaped him as he was pulled back down and arms and legs were wound tightly around his neck and thighs.

“Mmh... stay...” Haine cajoled, still grinning as he nibbled at the redhead's smooth throat.

Genesis moaned, all too happy to comply. He wormed his arms underneath Haine's lower back, holding him and reciprocating the gentle kisses and nibbles, all the while listening carefully for any signs that his weight was causing the teen discomfort. He could feel the slimy, sticky mess between them beginning to break down and dribble away and he giggled. “If we don't get up soon, we're going to stick together.”

“Don't care,” came the muffled reply.

“Yea, me either,” he mumbled, burying his face in the pillow next to Haine's neck. It was a little hard to breathe, but he couldn't care less. Genesis felt better than he had in a very long time, being entangled with the one he loved-

The gravity of the situation crashed down on him in an instant.

He lifted himself up on his elbows, studying Haine's face intently as the boy looked up at him in surprise. What had just happened? Was Haine just being a hormonal teenager who came to him for release? Was Genesis trying to make something of nothing again? Should he want more, or pretend that it never happened? Was it another mistake? His heart throbbed painfully at the thought of having to hide his feelings from yet another of the people in his life.

Understanding sparked in Haine's eyes and he reached up to stroke Genesis' cheek. “It's okay. I'm not going anywhere.” He pulled the redhead down for a slow kiss, languidly caressing the other's tongue with his own. “I love you, too,” he murmured against the first's lips.

Genesis felt dizzy as Haine's words struck him. It was all so surreal. He lifted himself up on his elbows again, searching the teen's face frantically as relief and confusion warred within him. “How did you...?”

Haine froze up, looking like a chocobo caught in headlights. He looked away, biting his lower lip as he seemed to be internally debating something. “I want to tell you. But I'm afraid...”

“You can tell me anything. I promise. Nothing you say could ever make me not want to be with you,” Genesis reassured, his concern for Haine momentarily overriding his guilt.

Haine nodded. He knew that Genesis was being genuine, but he nibbled on his lower lip for a moment longer before taking a deep breath. “Icansensepeople'sfeelings,” he mumbled in a rush.

Genesis blinked for a moment as he tried to sort out what he'd heard before smiling in relief and gently cupping Haine's cheek. “Oh, sweetie, that's nothing to worry about. All SOLDIERs have enhanced senses. Didn't Zack tell you about mako and how it affects us?” Genesis couldn't believe that Zack would overlook such an important detail. If Haine didn't know about the injections...

“He did. Gen, that isn't what I'm talking about.” Haine gently grasped Genesis' wrist, pulling the first's hand away. “I mean, I can feel what other people are feeling, just from being near them. I can 'smell' their emotions and it triggers the same feeling in me. It's like... when you smell something familiar and it brings up a memory and the feelings associated with that memory. It's like that, but for me it's not a memory, it's what I'm feeling from someone else.”

Genesis swallowed, attempting to sort his thoughts out to understand what Haine was saying. “S-someone else's feelings? So, if I was feeling sad, you'd feel it too, and if I was feeling...”

“No,” Haine said firmly. “I can tell the difference between my own feelings and others now. I did feel your affection for me, but it didn't make me love you.”

“I don't understand. Then why now? Why so suddenly? Did something happen today? Did someone say something to you?”

Haine smiled up at Genesis. “You told me. And you didn't have to say anything. And it wasn't sudden Gen, I've been thinking about it since, like, five o' clock this morning. You've been on my mind all day. And even before that...” he said teasingly, nipping at the redhead's throat, trying to distract him. “I would have even been okay just being your... roommate and your friend, but then this morning, when I told you I wanted to stay and you felt so happy and so... hopeful. I just knew...” Haine trailed off, giving up on words and running his hands over Genesis' skin and nuzzling against him in an attempt to show the first how he felt.

Genesis struggled to resist giving in to happiness and simply melt against the body beneath his. Haine was trusting him and he couldn't risk even the slightest chance that this was all a mistake. “Is this really what you want?” he whispered.

“Absolutely,” Haine grinned up at him.

“So, you can really sense every emotion?” Genesis asked, wonder and tentative hope coloring his voice.

“Just about. Fear, nervousness, happiness, excitement, arousal... anger... I don't have every feeling mapped out just yet, but I'm getting there. Being around you guys has helped so much. Before... before Zack, the only ones I knew were fear and pain... madness. They all feel terrible. Being around the other kids... it was so painful sometimes. Especially at first, before I realized what was happening. Before I knew that it wasn't my feelings. It was so easy to get overwhelmed then. But Zack was different. He didn't smell like fear. I mean, it was there, but it was so faint. Being near him made me feel... light. Like maybe I really did want to live. I know now that the feeling was hope. Just like I know now that what I feel from you is love.”

The last of Genesis' willpower was decimated as Haine pulled him down, nuzzling against him with a contented sigh. It was clear that Haine had made his decision, and Genesis simply did not have the strength to fight it. “I do love you. So much. And we all care about you. Haine, you don't have to hide anything from me, or anyone else.”

“I know. I just...” Haine paused, trying to compose his thoughts. “People don't like it when you know what they're feeling. Because... that's almost like knowing what they're thinking. I don't want anyone to have to worry about what they're feeling around me.”

“I understand. We can keep this just between us for now. I promise I won't say anything unless I have to.”

“Thanks, Gen,” Haine replied gratefully.

“Hey, we could even have some fun with it. We could be like the guys in that TV show and pretend like you're psychic.”

Haine laughed, playfully pushing Genesis' shoulder away. The movement served as a reminder of the mess still between them and Haine grimaced as he looked up at the redhead. “Okay, maybe we should start keeping some tissues or something by the bed.”

Genesis snickered as he peeled himself the rest of the way off of the albino teen. “Yea...” He was struck by a sudden idea and his grin returned with renewed vigor. “How about a bubble bath?”

“Now?”

“Why not? One of my fans sent me some bubble stuff a while ago; I think I still have it somewhere. We have to get clean, might as well have fun with it.”

“You sure you don't just want to see me naked and dripping?” Haine purred.

“You sure you aren't really psychic?”

“Nothing psychic about it. You're easy,” Haine said with a smirk.

“Hey, I don't ride around in a garbage truck,” Genesis laughed, crawling over Haine and off the bed.

Haine rolled onto his side, admiring the view as Genesis stretched languidly before disappearing into the bathroom. With smirk still firmly in place, he slid out of the bed and followed after him.

Genesis was crouched down, shuffling through the contents of the cabinet beneath the sink when Haine pressed up against him from behind. The teen's hands caressed his stomach and chest as sharp teeth carefully grazed the side of his neck followed by the soft, warm wet of a tongue tracing the shell of his ear. Genesis could feel Haine's reawakened length gently bumping against his lower back and he grinned. Ah, the joys of youth. With a soft hum, he wiggled a bit, rubbing himself against Haine.

Haine's grip tightened and he thrust reflexively against the redhead with a soft moan before pulling back and lightly slapping him on the arm. “Hey! None of that. We're trying to clean up a mess, not make another one,” he admonished.

Genesis snickered, sending a sultry, teasing look over his shoulder. “You started it.”

The playful gleam in Haine's eyes abruptly shifted. “Maybe I should finish it, then,” he growled hungrily.

Genesis barely had time to turn around before Haine attacked, kissing him ferociously and pressing him backward into the cabinet. He flailed his arms, grabbing onto the counter top in desperation, barely keeping himself upright in his crouch as Haine pressed himself between the redhead's thighs. Genesis' back arched and he moaned loudly as Haine bit and licked at the side of his neck while thrusting against him. Without doubt clouding his mind, the pleasure was so much more intense. As Haine's long fingers wrapped around his length and began quickly stroking him, he could feel his release building within him already.

Genesis was hardly even aware when Haine slid the hand from his hip to his ass and he gasped loudly as fingertips brushed over his entrance. His knees and ankles were beginning to protest his being in a crouched position for so long, but the pain didn't even register as Haine teased and probed the redhead with his fingertips, using just enough pressure not to penetrate. Genesis was already on sensory overload and before long, he was shuddering and clinging to Haine as he came hard.

The first's orgasm assaulted Haine's senses and he began thrusting frantically against the older male, biting down on the soldier's smooth collar bone as his own release washed over him.

As Genesis slowly regained himself, he blinked up at Haine from where he was currently laying half in the cabinet under the sink. He glanced around himself dazedly for a moment before reaching up to grab a pink bottle beside his head and hold it out to the teen. “Found it,” he panted.

+ + +

“I don't think I've ever actually been in here,” Haine mused as he looked around the ornate bathroom.

“Not much to see, really. It's a bathroom. It's pretty, but still a bathroom,” Genesis said with a shrug from where he stood in the center of the deep whirlpool tub. He grabbed the shower head from its rest on the side of the tub and turned the water on, holding a hand under the spray as he waited for the temperature to rise. Once it was warm enough, he motioned for Haine to join him.

The massive basin was deep enough in the center for the water to reach up to Haine's hips and big enough around to comfortably seat four to five adults. He stepped carefully over the edge and onto the seating ledge to get down to the center where Genesis was waiting. He hummed in appreciation as Genesis rinsed him clean, the warm water trickling down his body only serving to heighten the soothing sensation of the redhead's fingertips on his skin.

Once the mess on his chest and stomach had been rinsed away, Haine sat down to watch the first repeat the action on himself. He longed to reach out and run his hands over the flawless body before him but restrained himself, instead devouring every inch of the redhead with his eyes and committing it all to memory. Warmth flared in his chest and he drew his gaze up to meet Genesis'. The brilliant green of passion had receded to reveal soft water-blue, though the intensity of emotion had certainly not waned. Seeing such affection in those watery depths startled Haine. Was that really for him? He grinned woozily up at Genesis, receiving a warm smile in return before the elder turned to shut off the shower head and turn on the taps to fill the tub. Haine watched in a trance as Genesis grabbed the pink bottle from the side of the tub and poured nearly half the contents into the basin before settling in beside him.

There was no point in trying to shout over the din of splashing water, but there was no need, either. Genesis slid an arm behind Haine's back, just holding him close in silence as the foamy, sweet-smelling water rose up around them. The water was hot and soothing on his aching joints and Genesis let out a short laugh at the tiny squeak that escaped Haine when the wet heat finally rushed over the level of the seat and onto their most sensitive flesh.

At long last, the tub was full enough and Genesis reached out with a foot to turn the water off. He smiled as Haine blew some bubbles out of the way and slid himself to sink down into the water with a soft hiss as the soothing heat warmed the cold metal around his neck. Genesis hummed contentedly as he kissed the top of Haine's head. A thought struck him and he grinned. “You've really been thinking about me all day?”

Haine chuckled, opening his eyes and looking up to Genesis. “Yea. I almost told you this morning, but there really wasn't time. I guess I was a little impatient to get home... I read like half my history book already.”

Genesis laughed at the casual way he said it. “What do you think of the history of ShinRa so far?”

“I think it's a touch biased,” he said with a smirk. “But don't worry, I know better than to say that to Instructor Razuvious.”

Genesis smirked. “You've got more sense than I ever did. So... back to the topic at hand... Exactly how did 'I love you' turn into 'molest me'?” Genesis never was very good at subtlety.

“Is that a serious question? Did you already forget what I said earlier?” Haine laughed. “I mean, it's not like I planned for it to happen like that... I was just going to sit on your lap and talk to you but then you looked up at me all confused and vulnerable and somewhere between brain and mouth, cock took over.”

“Vulnerable?? I am not vulnerable! I am strong and powerful and graceful and gorgeous and- stop smirking at me like that!” he shouted, splashing some of the foamy water at Haine.

The slim albino put his arms up, blocking the majority of the liquid before launching himself at the redhead and tackling him in a soggy glomp, drenching him and splashing some of the water out of the tub and onto the floor. “That's what you got out of that?? And you say Angeal fixates on weird shit!”

“Hey! Don't make a mess of my bathroom!” Genesis shouted, flipping Haine onto his back and pinning him against the side of the tub, sending an even bigger wave over the edge.

“You don't even like this bathroom! Ha!” Haine snapped back, grinning in triumph as Genesis lost traction against the slippery ceramic and was pulled down under the water, the pair of them slipping below the surface with a large splash.

They slid off the seat and down to the center of the tub where they wrestled around for a few moments before Genesis managed to get his feet underneath himself and stood. The water level was around his mid-thigh at this point and it dipped even further as Haine surfaced, sputtering and shaking himself to send water flying in all directions before looking up to Genesis with a soggy, pouty glare.

“That... is not the point,” Genesis purred with a grin, panting loudly.

“Then what is?” Haine panted back, challenging him.

Genesis pulled Haine close, pressing against him fully as he wrapped both arms around him and nuzzled against his neck, heedless of the water dripping from the teen's white hair onto his face. “That I love you.”

Haine melted against him. “That doesn't even make sense,” he murmured, unable to remember what they'd even been fighting about in the first place as he slid his arms around Genesis' neck. “But I'm happy for it.”

+ + +

More than an hour had passed and the water had long since cooled when Genesis reluctantly decided that they were, in fact, clean enough. Once they had both rinsed off and Genesis had set the tub to draining, he crossed the puddle-laden floor with a grimace and pulled a couple of large, fluffy towels out of a small closet. He wrapped one around his waist before turning back to Haine and draping the other over the teen's head. He proceeded to dry him off, all the while ignoring the flailing and muffled protests emanating from beneath the towel.

Haine finally managed to grab an edge of the towel and pulled it off of his head as he looked up at the grinning redhead with a glare. “Zack's the puppy, not me!”

“Oh, my mistake. You're both so cute, it's hard to tell you apart sometimes,” Genesis snickered.

“I'm not cute,” Haine lied, wrapping the towel around himself and looking up at the first with the poutiest puppy face he could muster.

The effect was immediate, erasing every thought in Genesis' head and making him want to smoosh Haine up into a little ball and squeeze him and snuggle him and never let him go. Instead, he settled with leaning in and capturing the teen's pouting lips with his own and languidly kissing him as his fingers threaded through damp, white hair at the base of the boy's skull. It felt so good, he didn't even care when the corner of Haine's mouth quirked up into a smirk. He knew he was being played and he was more than fine with that.

Some water dripped from Genesis' hair onto Haine's cheek and pulled back to brush it away with his fingertips. He watched in confusion as Haine made a strange face and grasped his hand, holding it still to study it intently.

“You're wrinkly.”

Genesis pulled his hand back to look at the tiny prunes his fingertips had become. “It's from being in the water for so long... it happens to everyone.”

Haine held out his hand, fingertips splayed out for Genesis to see. Sure enough, not a soggy wrinkle was to be found. “Not me,” he said softly.

“Eh, well, don't worry about it. Seph doesn't get pruny either. The rest of us SOLDIERs do, but it still takes longer than a normal person,” Genesis said lightly, unwrapping the towel from his waist and beginning to dry his own hair.

Haine frowned thoughtfully and continued to study his fingertips for a little while longer before murmuring quietly, “It must have been hard for him...”

“What?” Genesis asked, peering from beneath his towel.

“Whenever you want to cheer me up about something, you tell me that Seph went through the same thing or something similar. I'd like to say that I don't need that reassurance, or that it doesn't help, but it does. It means a lot to me. So, I think not having someone to look up to like that would have been so much harder.”

Genesis froze, realizing just how right Haine was and frowning as he thought back to all the times that he hadn't been as patient with Sephiroth as he probably should have been. As he had grown in power and reputation, it had gotten easier and easier to forget that, not long before he'd grown into the silver haired powerhouse that he was today, Sephiroth had been every bit as fragile and broken as Haine. No. He had been far worse. Even if he couldn't remember it, Haine at least had a life before the labs, the experiments, the torture. Even if they were dead, Haine once had a family who loved him. Genesis had been the first to stand up for Sephiroth, to look out for him, to teach him to stand on his own. As a result, Sephiroth had looked up to Genesis, had trusted him, and he had abused that trust. All these years, he'd thought himself to be so mature, so generous. Was he really seeking good, or just seeking attention?

“I'm sorry.”

Genesis looked at Haine in confusion, seeing sympathy in the teen's eyes.

“You're upset. I shouldn't have said anything.”

Genesis shook his head, mildly surprised at how natural it felt for Haine to read him so easily. “Don't be sorry. I was just remembering something that happened a long time ago. You shouldn't feel responsible for that.” He gently stroked Haine's damp hair away from his forehead, placing soft kisses on his cheek and temple. Genesis rested his chin on top of Haine's head and watched the thin foam of bubbles that remained slowly melt and dissipate as the water swirled its way down the drain.

After they were both drip-free, Genesis headed back into the bedroom. A sudden thought struck him and he stopped, turning back to look at Haine. “Do you think Zack can sense emotions too now?”

“I don't know,” Haine said quietly as he followed the first into the bedroom. “He doesn't seem to be affected by what she did to us. Maybe he's lucky. Maybe it just didn't work. Or maybe I'm just...” he trailed off, turning away as he felt the first's mood shift to one of stubborn protectiveness. “Sorry.”

Genesis immediately dropped the issue, turning his thoughts back to the matter at hand and gently using his fingertips to guide Haine to face him again. “Well, it sounds like a pretty drastic change. I'm sure Zack would have let us know if he felt it happening. And if not, he would have at least told Angeal. And I know him, he'd have come straight to us, looking for answers.”

“Yes and no. It is a huge change, but it's not easy to tell what it is. It's kinda like when you walk into a room where someone's moved something without telling you. In the back of your mind, you might notice that something's different, but until you go looking for the item that was moved, it won't really register in your brain. I noticed it right away because I was surrounded by powerful emotions that overwhelmed me. And even then, it wasn't until I really stopped caring if I lived and stopped being afraid that I was able to know for sure that it was something else influencing me. Fear and love are the deepest of human emotions and if you were to put them on a line, they'd be at opposite ends with everything else in between. They're both powerful and easy to detect, which is probably why soldiers can too, but others are really tricky. Especially arousal. It's just intoxicating. It smells like want but, um... delicious? Most emotions are like that. They're very subtle and can easily be overlooked or ignored, especially the pleasant ones and even more so if you're feeling the same thing to begin with. Like, Zack could be picking up how much Angeal wants him and if he felt the same, all that might register is that Angeal feels good or smells good.”

Genesis didn't even bother with clothing, opting to simply flop onto the bed naked. “I think I remember him saying something like that about you the day he brought donuts...” he said as Haine flopped beside him and wriggled his way into the redhead's arms with a chuckle.

“I'm pretty sure that was just your shampoo. And that I didn't smell like dungeon anymore. Your shampoo does smell quite nice, by the way,” he finished, nuzzling against him.

Genesis laughed lightly. “I think it smells better on you, but thanks.” His smile faded and he closed his eyes. “I know you don't want anyone to know, but should we tell Zack?”

Haine buried his face in Genesis' shoulder. “Can we just wait a little longer?” he asked in a tiny voice.

“Haine, I promise, he won't think any less of you.”

“No. I know. It's not that. I just don't want him to... worry. Please?” Haine pleaded.

Genesis gently combed his fingers through the teen's hair. “Hey, it's okay. We don't have to tell him right away. You're right, we shouldn't worry him. He's got enough to deal with,” he soothed. Genesis knew it wasn't fair to Zack, but he couldn't help the welling of pride in his chest. Haine was trusting him. Not Zack. Him. He made a mental note to keep an eye on the young soldier for any possible signs of change, but as Haine settled against him, he decided to just move on. “So, uh... for your example... Sounds like you were speaking from experience. How did you already know what that felt like?” he asked, trying and failing to keep any suspicion out of his voice.

“What? Horny?” Haine shrugged with a small smirk at Genesis' one-track mind. “Same as all the others. Just paid attention to when I sensed it. First time was on the plane, when Zack was sleeping on Angeal. After that it was easy to pick up whenever they got close to each other. I smelled it faintly from you the day I got my new clothes. Zack, too. A little trial and error and it wasn't too hard to pinpoint.” He took a moment to study the redheaded first's soft features. “Hey, Gen?”

“Hm?”

“You love Angeal, don't you?”

Genesis closed his eyes. There was no point in trying to lie when Haine already knew the answer. “Yea. I have for a long, long time, but... he doesn't feel the same way.”

“I wouldn't be so sure of that... It's strange, though.”

“What is?”

“Angeal's scent. Especially when he's near Zack... it smells... off. Like I can sense the attraction - and definitely the love - but it's tainted. Something painful, unpleasant. Like sadness, but... not.”

“Knowing Angeal, it's probably guilt,” Genesis shrugged.

Haine thought for a moment, closing his eyes and trying to recall the range of emotions that the unfamiliar scent stirred up within him. “Yea, that sounds right.”

“I'm not surprised, then. Honestly, I couldn't believe it when I found out about them. Angeal's just so stubborn about his damn honor and all that. They've been trying to keep it a secret, but anyone with eyes can see they're mad for each other. And especially now, after what happened to Zack... I know Angeal blames himself.”

“Mh, maybe.”

Genesis suddenly giggled. “Well, even without special senses I know that you love Zack.”

Haine snorted. “I think he's the only one who doesn't know.”

“Oh come on. Even Angeal can see how much he cares about you, and he's about as observant as a rock sometimes. I swear though, every time he sees you two together, he looks like someone just took his birthday away.”

“Why? It's not like I'd ever try to get between them,” Haine said, puzzled.

“That's not the point. Angeal's used to having Zack all to himself. He's used to being Zack's everything. Now that he has to share, I think he's starting to feel less important. But don't worry about him. He truly cares about Zack, and I know he'd do anything that makes him happy – whether he wants to admit it or not. And don't worry about Zack, either. I know he's crazy about you. You should hear how he talks about you when you aren't around. And he'd be insane not to want you,” Genesis teased.

Haine sighed. “He does. I can sense that he does. A lot. And I haven't exactly been subtle about how I feel, but something stops him every time. It's not like Angeal, it's not sad or hurting or cold or anything like that it's just... frustrating. I can't even explain it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it really isn't me he wants.”

Genesis stroked his face gently, kissing him on the forehead. “Hey, don't think that. This is probably one of those times when feelings can't explain everything. Try just thinking it through from a psychological rather than physiological standpoint. Zack's your hero, you've made that very clear. In his mind though, that means that there's a line between you two that he shouldn't cross. I grew up with Angeal, I know how honor can twist your mind if you let it. Even if you do want it, he'd probably feel like he's taking advantage of you.”

Haine pouted. “How the hell does that make sense?”

“Zack may be taking it too far, but I can understand where he's coming from. We saved you, Haine. It's logical that you would look up to us. Maybe even mistake your feelings of admiration for love. It's not unheard of.” Genesis traced Haine's face with his fingertips. “It's part of the reason I've held back my feelings for you,” he admitted.

Haine rested his head on Genesis' shoulder with a sigh. “I've gotta say, I'm pretty relieved to hear that. I was beginning to think mako killed your sex drive. And I don't think I could join SOLDIER if I had to give up the old yank an' splatter.”

It was several minutes before Genesis had recovered enough from his fit of laughter to respond. “Where the fuck did you come up with that?” he wheezed. “And, gods, no. If anything the mako sends it into overdrive! I can assure you, no matter how stubborn Zack is, I bet you drive him nuts every time you get close.”

The humor of the moment was short-lived, however. “So what do I do?”

Genesis sighed, holding Haine tightly and resting his chin on top of the youth's head. “You be there. No matter what. No matter how long or how much it hurts. Real love isn't about what you can gain, but what you can give. So you stay by his side, you do whatever it takes to make him happy, because that's what makes you happy.”

Haine lay still for a few moments, mulling over Genesis' words. “Have you ever tried just kissing him?”

“Um, no.”

“Huh. Maybe I should just do that.”

“... You are so unromantic.”

Haine grinned. “I can live with that.”

~ ~ ~

Post-orgasmic Genesis is apparently very giggly. Who knew?

Haine seems to think that Genesis doesn't laugh enough and is doing his best to remedy that. I swear I have no clue where half of the crazy shit he says even comes from. You can be damned sure he didn't get it from me. I'd probably turn purple and die if I said things like that. XD

Obligatory Citations Section:

Instructor Razuvious – I'm so sorry. I simply could not resist. I got tired of just using pronouns all the time and I'm not fond of OCs so I just snagged him to be my teacher here. *snicker* Hopefully he won't be nearly as much of a pain in the ass when he's not being all undead and such. (Non World of Warcraft players or anyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about but would like to can google 'Instructor Razuvious' or search on wowhead.com and that will tell you all you need to know as well as give you an idea of his appearance. :3)

“Hey, we could even have some fun with it. We could be like the guys in that TV show and pretend like you're psychic.” - Psych. I've only seen a couple episodes of the show. It's okay. Pretty funny.

“Nothing psychic about it. You're easy.” - Hellboy. Abe to HB. (Hellboy's response is “How am I supposed to get a girl? I ride around in a garbage truck.” Hence Genesis' reply.)

“Was he really seeking good, or just seeking attention?” - As I was writing that bit it made me think of the line from “No Good Deed” from Wicked, so I changed “I” to “he” and used that. Not really a quote or reference per se, but it's a really great song nonetheless and you should go listen to it anyway. :P It could be Genesis' theme song.

“Fear and love are the deepest of human emotions” - lol Donnie Darko. That part really had nothing to do with the movie and wasn't any sort of clear reference, but my brain made the connection anyway. o.O