DOGS of War

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The oven beeped, informing Genesis that it was now preheated. The redhead immediately stepped away from the balcony door, heading into the kitchen to put the roast into the oven. Haine was lounging on the couch, still absorbed in the book he was reading, LOVELESS. He had found it in the study a few days ago, and had been reading it ever since. Genesis smiled to himself as he slid the pan of meat and vegetables into the hot box, briefly re-reading the recipe before setting the timer. Once done, he turned back to the living room, pausing for a moment in the doorway and leaning against the frame, watching Haine reading. Genesis had been a little surprised when he’d come out to the living room one morning to find the white haired youth on the couch reading his very favorite book. It had been years since he’d stumbled across the book in his parents’ study, and it somehow felt very fitting that Haine would find it and be drawn to it as well.

A couple of weeks had passed since Reeve had removed the boys’ collars. Almost immediately, Zack had been clamoring to get back to his training, practically begging Angeal for a spar. The older male resisted the first couple of days, refusing to allow Zack to strain himself, but when Zack’s energy continued to build and Angeal began to fear for the safety of his belongings, he relented, taking Zack to one of the training rooms to help him work off his energy.

Zack, of course, had insisted that Haine come along to watch, obviously hoping to impress the boy. Genesis had gone as well, unsure of how Haine would handle seeing violence again, in addition to being a little intrigued by Zack’s talent himself.

The spar had gone well, Zack’s natural talent seeming in no way diminished by the surgery. Genesis had kept an eye on Haine, noting with surprise the intense gaze with which the youth studied Zack and Angeal’s moves. The two were practicing hand to hand combat techniques, Angeal not wanting to risk Zack hurting himself with a sword. Zack and Genesis had both rolled their eyes at the burly man’s overprotective tendencies, but the spiky haired student didn’t bother arguing, seeming happy enough to finally have someone to share the silent commiseration with. After Angeal was satisfied with Zack’s condition, he allowed his student to continue his training, Haine always happy to sit and watch as Zack sparred with Angeal or took on a VR simulation.

Genesis pushed off from the doorframe, moving to the couch and sitting down beside Haine. The red-eyed boy looked up at him, not fully smiling, but brightening slightly nonetheless before returning his attention back to the epic poem in his lap. Genesis studied Haine carefully. He was still dressed in borrowed clothing, but was beginning to fill out nicely, his ribs and shoulder blades no longer looking they were about to pop out of his skin at any moment. Zack had been around at least once every day to check in on Haine’s progress, make sure he was eating enough, make him eat more anyway, glomp and snuggle him, and every day he got a little closer to bringing a full-on smile to the boy’s lips.

Genesis picked up a book, holding it in front of his face… and not seeing it in the slightest, his mind lost in thought. In many ways Haine was pure genius. He picked up on things so quickly, Genesis couldn’t help but wonder whether his near-photographic memory was the result of or reason for his survival in Einstürzen’s lab-though neither was a pleasant thought. He was also utterly unafraid to ask questions when he didn’t understand something. He was quiet, but certainly not shy, oftentimes radiating a strange sort of impervious confidence that could border on being cold, even. In fact, he seemed unafraid of just about everything. Except females.

Part of Genesis wanted to find answers. To know what exactly had happened to the inconsistent youth, what had been done to him. Just what had he survived that claimed the lives of so many other children? Several other parts of Genesis wanted nothing more than to hide away the boy’s past, to offer him a fresh start with nowhere to go but up. The last part wanted to be like Zack or Angeal, just pull him into a giant hug and never let him go. Protect him to whatever end. Every day, the last part of himself grew slightly larger, and more encompassing, the first slowly fading to obscurity as Haine gradually progressed past being the broken and traumatized boy they’d pulled out of an underground prison.

There were times that it was all too easy for Genesis to forget that Haine wasn’t just a regular teenager. Especially when he would see the two boys together; watching movies, playing board games, eating, Haine almost-laughing as Zack made a fool out of himself in some new ridiculous-but-strangely-endearing way. Haine had particularly taken to movies, watching them with the same intense gaze as he did Zack’s sparring, seeming to be storing the information, filing it away for later use, and often pulling out quotes in situations where he was unable to find the words for himself. Genesis found himself more than a little thrilled to finally have someone around who was fluent in quotes, and there were times when he and Haine could carry out entire conversations using other people’s words. Sometimes this was the only way to get the quiet boy to speak at all. The first time Angeal and Zack had heard the two of them exchanging lines, the two dark haired men had been utterly confused until Genesis finally took pity on them, explaining why they were saying such seemingly random things. Zack had been intrigued and Angeal had simply rolled his eyes, all too familiar with Genesis’ tendency for recitation. After that, Zack had insisted on being around for more of their “movie nights,” so he would be able to understand what Haine was saying, and even tossing out a line or two of his own from time to time.

Genesis’ thoughts were interrupted as his door suddenly whooshed open, the aforementioned raven-haired soldier bounding into the room with his usual vigor. He stopped in front of the couch, bouncing in place and looking most pleased with himself. “Look what I got!” In his arms was a mass of small electrical appliances, their cords hanging down almost to the ground, Genesis was actually surprised the boy hadn’t tripped himself on the way to his unit. When he received nothing but blank stares, Zack deflated a little and pouted, dropping the items on the table. “Sheesh, I would have thought that at least you’d have recognized this stuff, Gen…” Zack grumbled, attempting to disentangle the pile on the table.

Genesis raised an eyebrow at that, moving to look closer. “Is that… an electric trimmer?”

Zack’s grin smacked itself back on his face. “Yup! I got a trimmer, a hair dryer, a… um… round stick that gets hot… uh.. this thing that smooshes your hair flat… Oh!” He reached into a pocket pulling out an expensive-looking pair of hair shears. “And fancy hair-cutting scissors!” he announced with a flourish.

“Where did you get all this stuff, Zack?”

“It’s a crazy story, actually, I was passing by the hair salon and—“

“You know what? I think we’re all better off not knowing. What are you planning on doing with these though?” the redhead asked warily.

Looking only mildly affronted by Genesis’ interruption, Zack continued enthusiastically. “I’m going to give Haine a hair cut, of course-hey!” Zack shouted as Genesis suddenly lunged forward plucking the scissors and electric trimmer out of Zack’s hands.

“No. No, you absolutely are not.”

“What? Why not??” Zack pouted.

“Because you are not qualified, Zackary. I doubt you have even the slightest experience in the matter, considering the only hair care tool you seem inclined to use is a weed-whacker.”

“That’s totally not true! I shaved a dog once! Besides, at least my hair has some style to it, yours is just… just poofy!”

Genesis’ jaw dropped for a split-second before he recovered enough to reply. “Poofy?! It’s not poofy, it’s layered and classy, damnit! At least I don’t look a malboro is humping the back of my head!”

A soft snorting sound distracted the two, directing their attention to Haine who was sitting on the couch with a over his mouth, looking off to the side, trying to pretend like he hadn’t just been stifling giggles. Zack immediately burst out laughing, and even Genesis couldn’t resist a few chuckles at the situation.

Zack walked around the table to flop onto the couch beside Haine, wrapping him up in his usual, snuggly hug. “Myaaah, you like my hair, don’t you?”

“If I say yes, will you let Gen cut my hair?” Haine spoke softly, but his eyes were bright with laughter.

“Wha?! So mean! My snowflake is so mean!” Zack yowled, flailing backward with a dramatic gesture.

Genesis could not have looked more pleased, grinning down at the pouting raven now flopped exasperatedly back onto the couch, his arms flung up over his eyes with one foot on the ground, the other leg stretched out over Haine’s lap.

“Heartbreak. Betrayal,” Zack whined piteously from behind his arm, Genesis and Haine exchanging a look. “I am so unlov-ahhh!” Zack looked up from the floor, pouting at Haine for pushing him off the couch. “See… meanie.” The pout lasted for only a second though, Zack going utterly soft inside at the sight of Haine’s adorable-albeit feigned-innocent expression. He smiled up at the white haired boy, wrapping his arms around one of Haine’s legs and resting his chin on the other’s knee.

Haine had yet to reciprocate Zack’s affectionate touches, but there were subtle signs that he enjoyed it nonetheless. Whether something as enthusiastic as a bear hug or gentle as a brush of his fingertips, Zack would feel Haine relax, leaning ever so slightly into the touch, his eyelids drooping the scant fraction of an inch that showed his complete trust. Eventually, Zack figured, Haine would either return the gestures or push him away, but until then he would simply enjoy the comfort he felt from the closeness they shared and try not to dwell on it too much.

Zack hummed, his eyes sliding shut as he settled comfortably against Haine’s leg. Watching the pair, Genesis chuckled softly, sitting lightly on the arm of the couch next to Haine. He reached out, gently brushing the hair out of Haine’s eyes, the crimson orbs turning to look up at him. “So how do you want your hair to look?”

Haine gave a small shrug reaching up to tug a lock of white that fell over his eyes, pulling it away and looking at it. “I don’t really know. Just short, I guess.” He dropped the hair, letting it fall back onto his face and turned to Genesis, his eyes lighting up with humor. “I don’t want to look like anything’s humping my head.”

Zack snorted to cover a laugh, pushing Haine’s leg in mock irritation. He grumbled something about being mean, but the grin on his face undermined the effect of his words.

“Well, if we’re going to be cutting hair, we’re relocating to the bathroom. I don’t want hair in my carpet, I’ll never get it out.”

“You don’t clean your carpet, Gen,” Zack said, hopping to his feet and taking Haine’s hand to pull him up as well.

“That is irrelevant. Now go grab a chair from the kitchen and bring it to the bathroom.”

Zack rolled his eyes, but headed for the kitchen anyway, Haine following Genesis toward the bathroom.

Genesis set the scissors on the counter and plugged the trimmer into the wall outlet, checking the attachments to figure out what range of length he had to work with. The redhead wasn’t exactly experienced in these things either, but he’d never let Zack know that. “How hard could it be?” Genesis hadn’t realized he’d spoken aloud until he heard a small laugh and looked down to see Haine’s eyes filled with amusement.

“Hey, what’s for dinner? It smells really good.” Zack appeared in the doorway, pulling a chair in after himself.

“Just a roast, I take it you’re inviting yourself?”

“You better believe it. Angeal usually stays in his office until late, so dinner is either cafeteria garbage or whatever I can find in the fridge. Just want me to put the chair here?”

“Mhm. I don’t know if I want to tell you what I’m making for dessert then, you might never leave.” Genesis turned the chair so Haine could sit in it sideways, facing the shower, so Genesis would be able to easily access the back of his head. The tiny albino pulled off his shirt, wrapping a towel around his shoulders and sitting down.

“No way! Dessert too? That’s it, I’m so moving in, I’ll sleep on the couch.” Zack grinned at Haine as he sat on the toilet lid, leaning to rest an elbow on the corner of the counter. His eyes traced Haine’s bare chest and stomach, appreciating how the boy was beginning to look more healthy. Zack had been concerned that he wouldn’t be eating well enough, but Genesis had more than risen to the task, making home cooked meals every day and refusing to leave Haine for anything less than an emergency-though Zack wondered if that had more to do with avoiding office work than the white haired boy’s well-being.

A comfortable silence fell over the three as Genesis began to cut away the longer strands of hair, clearing the way to make using the trimmer easier later. Haine had closed his eyes at the feeling of Genesis’ nimble fingers in his hair, humming appreciatively at the sensation, but they opened again a few moments later, his gaze meeting Zack’s with a thoughtful expression gracing his features.

“Zack?”

“What’s up?”

Haine paused for a moment, looking him in the eye. “Why do you call me that?”

Zack sat up, confused. “Call you what?”

“Snowflake.”

Zack blinked. “Oh, uh, you remind me of one, I guess.”

“You think I’m cold and melty?” he deadpanned.

It took an enormous amount of restraint on Zack’s part to keep his laughter from bursting forth, but the managed to suppress it to a slight choking sound he covered with a small cough. “No… that’s not quite the part I mean.” He looked behind Haine, seeing Genesis also struggling with keeping his humor in check, the redhead’s shoulders shaking with the effort. Zack looked back to Haine who was still awaiting an explanation. “I mean, snow’s white for one. And snowflakes are unique and… um, delicate.” Zack looked up sheepishly, hoping his explanation was sufficient. Haine seemed like he was about to question the matter further when Genesis spoke up.

“Don’t worry about it, Haine. It could definitely be worse. You should hear what Angeal calls Zack when he’s not around.”

“What?!” Zack sat up in surprise. “What does he call me??”

Genesis merely smirked, leaning down to whisper something into Haine’s ear, the albino immediately smirking in kind.

“That’s… fitting.”

“Hey! You aren’t going to tell me?? No fair! Haine, come on, that’s so mean!” Zack wailed. “That’s it, forget moving in here! As soon as I get my own place, you’re moving in with me, Haine!”

“So I can make fun of you alone? That’s not as enjoyable…”

“Augh! See, Gen is such a bad influence on you! How dare you sully my precious, pure snowflake?!” He pointed at Genesis comically, the redhead flashing a false look of shock before dropping the facade to stick his tongue out and smirk as he turned his attention back to the job at hand.

Haine shrugged. “I think I’d rather stay here… Gen has better taste in movies than you do,” he teased, knowing it would get Zack riled up.

“That’s so not true! Just because I don’t like those angsty woman-movies, doesn’t mean I have bad taste!”

“It’s not angst, it’s drama, Zack.” Genesis corrected. “And it’s good to let your emotions out once in a while…”

Haine gave a small, sad smile. “Ah… ‘Requiem for a Dream.’ That one will make you cry.”

“I just don’t get it though. I mean, why would you want to watch something that makes you sad?”

“Even the saddest movies usually have a happy ending. The hero always saves the day,” Haine responded, looking almost wistful.

Zack slumped again, leaning heavily on the countertop. “Yea, but they’re all so fake.”

“My hero's real.”

Zack’s eyes widened as he looked up to meet Haine’s open, honest gaze in surprise, a strange tingling tightness in his chest suddenly making it difficult to breathe. His lips parted, but no sound came out. For the first time in possibly his entire life, Zack was struck speechless. Unable to speak, he simply closed his mouth, forcing a shaky smile as he took one of Haine’s hands in his own, the glow of his eyes reflecting luminously in the tears that suddenly sprung up, threatening to fall.

Uncertain of how to deal with the strange emotion he saw welling up in Zack’s eyes, Haine turned away.

“Ahh, don’t move. I don’t want to mess this up,” Genesis said gently, pulling the scissors away to keep from accidentally cutting something he shouldn’t.

Haine looked over his shoulder at the redhead. “Sorry, Gen.”

Genesis smiled warmly at the teen, reassuring him as he turned back to face front again. “Hey, it’s okay, I’m not mad, I just don’t want to accidentally cut you or mess up your hair.” He moved to Haine’s side, carefully snipping the hair framing the teen’s face, the silky strands of white sliding down the towel and onto the floor.

…Gen… No one called him anything but Genesis. No one but Angeal--and occasionally Sephiroth when they were able to get the stoic man to relax a bit. Genesis drew his eyebrows together. If anyone else had dared to call him by anything other than his full name, he would have reduced them to ash in a split-second, and yet… there was something undeniably endearing in the sweet, almost childish way that Zack called him his childhood nickname that Genesis just couldn’t find it in himself to be angry about. In truth, it somehow seemed so right that he’d not even realized it until just now. And then there was the way Haine said it…

“Gen?”

Genesis snapped to attention at the red-eyed boy’s soft call, finally realizing that both Zack and Haine were now looking at him with confusion as he stood motionless, scissors poised for the next cut. “Ah, sorry. I was just thinking…” He trailed off, smiling to cover his lapse as he quickly made the last few snips and set the scissors down on the edge of the sink, picking up the clippers and looking over the range of attachments. Logic dictated to start with the longest and work his way down to the desired shortness so he picked up the largest one, snapping it onto the small electronic device. “Okay, almost done. Just need to even things up in the front and take down the length in the back.” Haine nodded, obviously trusting the elder male, and Genesis was determined to concentrate, not wanting to prove that trust misplaced.

As Genesis started up the trimmer and set to work, Zack studied the pale hand in his own as he ran his thumb over the back of it and down the fingers. Haine had surprisingly large hands, the long fingers slender and soft, free of the thick calluses that Zack had developed through years of sword-wielding. He gently pressed the pad of his thumb against the tip of a dark fingernail, vaguely wondering what caused it to grow in such an unusual color as his mind swirled with thought.

Haine watched Zack through half-lidded eyes as the raven haired youth examined his hand, clearly deep in thought. Zack’s hands were rough but gentle and as he ran them over Haine’s skin, and the albino could not help but melt under the attention, his eyes sliding fully shut as he relaxed into the sensation. The feel of fingertips stroking his wrist and moving up his arm prompted him to open his eyes again. Zack was still lost in thought, most likely unaware of what he was doing as he traced the smooth, flawless skin of Haine’s forearm. Seeing Zack so distracted had Haine concerned and he reached up, placing two fingers underneath Zack’s chin and lifting it gently to meet his gaze, silently asking if the other was alright.

Zack seemed startled for a second, but recovered quickly, grinning brightly at Haine and shrugging. Haine dropped his hand once again, but continued to feel a slight twinge of concern over Genesis and Zack’s bouts of deep concentration. Especially Zack, seeing as the teen seemed to enjoy giving the impression that he didn’t put much thought into anything.

“Okay! Done!” Genesis switched off the clippers, setting them down on the counter as Zack beamed at Haine, standing to help pull the towel off of him and brush the hairs that clung to his skin and clothes. “What do you think?”

Haine turned to the mirror, tilting his head to the side at his short-haired reflection. He reached up, running a hand through his hair and watching the strands spring up in disarray. He smiled thankfully at Genesis and Zack through the glass, pleased with the look and feel of his new hair cut. Genesis grinned smugly at Zack, who couldn’t quite find it in himself to be insulted and grinned right back, Haine rolling his eyes at the exchange taking place over his head.

As Genesis swept up the hair on the floor, Zack carried the chair back out to the kitchen, Haine behind him carrying the hair cutting implements and placing them back on the coffee table.

Once everything had been cleaned up-and Genesis had checked on dinner, assuring Zack that it would be done soon-the three of them fell comfortably into their usual places on the couch, Genesis on the end near the balcony, Zack on the end near the door, and Haine in between them.

As soon as they settled, however, Zack was once again lost in his thoughts, his brows drawn together and a tiny frown on his lips. Haine looked to Genesis, seeing that the elder male had also noticed the change in Zack’s demeanor. Genesis leaned in, sliding his arm behind Haine and reaching out to poke Zack lightly in the side. He immediately looked up, once again startled by an unexpected touch.

“Hey, you okay? You looked awfully lost for a second there…”

Zack snorted. “You’re one to talk, at least I’m not spacing out with scissors in my hand.”

Genesis rolled his eyes but acknowledged the statement with a nod. “Seriously though, are you alright?”

Zack sighed, resting his chin on his palm, his elbow on his knee. “I guess… I was just thinking about something… about Cloud.” Zack saw Genesis raise an eyebrow and could practically feel the disquietude rolling off of Haine. “Hey… no, it’s nothing bad. Just… he’s fifteen. And… I know it probably sounds crazy, but I’ve noticed he’s kinda… pretty similar to you in some ways, Haine, so I was thinking that maybe… you are… too.”

Genesis processed the information, noting the small hint of hope in Zack’s voice. Haine’s age was something he hadn’t put much thought into himself, and Zack’s speculation did raise a valid point. Haine, too, seemed to be trying to follow Zack’s thought process, a pensive expression on his face.

“You think I’m fifteen?”

“I’m just saying you could be. It’s not like we’re getting any answers from what they found in the lab,” Zack said, unable to keep the shadow of bitterness out of his voice. “So… if it seems right to you, maybe we could just, y’know… go with it?”

Haine blinked, looking at the floor, trying to sort through the few memories he did have. No, it didn’t feel right, but he really had no way of knowing for sure and there was no way he could refuse the hopeful look on Zack’s face. He nodded slowly, his lips quirking upward in response to Zack’s brilliant grin.

Genesis watched the exchange, silently agreeing that Haine did seem like he could be around Zack and Cloud’s age-not quite as young as he had seemed when he’d first been pulled out of that miserable dungeon. Seeing that Zack had returned to his usual cheerful, chatty self, Genesis settled back, slipping his arm from around Haine and picking up a manuscript that a fan had sent, along with a note pleading the first to read and critique it. And what kind of man would Genesis be to deny his adoring fans? He flipped open the ornate box it had been sent in, pulling out the unbound stack of pages, leafing slowly them.

Haine suddenly blinked as realization hit him. “Zack…”

The raven stopped mid-word, unused to Haine interrupting him.

“If I’m fifteen… I can join SOLDIER, right?”

The question caught Zack totally off guard and he jumped slightly at the soft 'blat' of papers hitting the ground, looking around Haine to see Genesis leaning off of the couch, scooping up the pages of the manuscript he’d dropped in surprise. The redhead’s eyebrows were drawn together as he hastily gathered up the papers, attempting to shuffle them back together in some semblance of order and failing.

“Look, Haine,” he started, finally giving up on the bundle of paper and tossing it onto the coffee table. “I won’t say that Zack hasn’t told you the truth about being in SOLDIER… I mean, it’s not all…” He huffed, trying a different route. “It’s just, there are certain things…” He struggled to find the words that usually came so easily, but Haine simply shook his head.

“That’s not it, Gen. I don’t really care about ShinRa, or even SOLDIER… But, you and Zack are here because you want to help people. And I think I want to, too.”

Though it was obvious that there was more to Haine’s reason than he stated, the boy remained silent and Zack and Genesis shared a brief look before Zack let out an enthusiastic shout, wrapping his arms around Haine and squeezing the air out of him in a 'whoof'.

“Oh man, this is great! You’re gonna be amazing in SOLDIER, I know it!” He rested his chin on Haine’s head, looking at Genesis, his eyes sparkling with glee and just a hint of mischief. “Unfortunately, Haine, you just missed the last recruitment, and there won’t be another one for months… If only we knew someone who could maybe do something about that…” He turned his head to the side, exaggeratedly stroking a beard he didn’t have and Genesis couldn’t help but laugh.

“Alright, alright, I’ll see what I can do.”

“Awesome!” He turned his attention back to Haine. “You’re only a couple of weeks late, it’ll be no problem for you to get caught up! Oh!! And you and Cloud can totally work together! He can help go over everything you’ve missed so far! I can see it now, you two are gonna get along great! He’s really quiet, but once you get him to open up a little, he’s really smart and pretty funny too. With you two working together, you’ll both make it into SOLDIER in no time! Maybe even faster than me!” Zack babbled on, laughing as he leaned back against the arm of the couch, pulling Haine to rest against him. “Oh yea, and once you guys make it into SOLDIER, we totally have to go visit Nibelheim to celebrate! Then you can see some real snowflakes, and I know Cloud would be really excited to see his mom-” As soon as the words left his mouth, Zack fell silent, biting his lip and looking nervously at Haine who had taken on a look of contemplation. Zack studied his eyes furiously for signs of pain, but relaxed when Haine looked up, his gaze full of thoughtful curiosity, not suffering.

“What about you?”

Zack hadn’t been expecting the question and had no idea what Haine meant by it. “Huh? Me?”

“I mean, your parents. Are they… alive?”

Zack looked away. “Oh, uh… yea.”

“Did you go see them when you got into SOLDIER?”

Zack frowned, studying his boot for a few seconds. “No… I… We didn’t really part on the best of terms.” He looked away, avoiding eye contact with the boy in his arms. “They didn’t want me to join SOLDIER, to leave. We fought… and I left anyway. That was the last time I talked to them.” He finally managed to meet Haine’s eyes, the sadness he found there making him feel like the biggest heel in Midgar.

“So, you haven’t told them? Do they even know you’re alive?”

That hurt, and Zack fell back, letting his head drape over the arm of the sofa, running a hand over his face and through his hair. “I know it’s wrong of me. I mean, I don’t think my parents are even mad any more. At least, my mom isn’t… she sent me a few letters… and that scarf, y’know. I just… I guess I just don’t know what to say. I can’t say I’m sorry… because I’m not.” He gave Haine a meaningful glance at that. “But I can’t just pretend like nothing happened, either.”

“Why didn’t they want you to join SOLDIER?”

Zack looked at the redhead, seeing a sympathetic expression on Genesis’ face. “I dunno… I guess they were worried about me. Probably thought I’d get distracted and get myself blown up or something.” Zack had expected some bit of advice from the senior SOLDIER, but he seemed lost in his own thoughts, perhaps reliving his own departure from his family.

“They just didn’t want to lose you, Zack. No parent wants their child to die.” Zack flinched at that, but Haine continued. “I think it would be even harder though, to not know. To wonder if you should be waiting or mourning. I think that would be the hardest.”

Zack looked positively miserable. “So, what? Do I just say, ‘Hey, I’m alive’?”

“It’s a start. And knowing you, once you get started, the poor mailman’s gonna have a broken back by the time you’re done.”

“Hey!” Zack pushed lightly on Haine’s shoulder before pulling him back onto his chest again and burying his face in Haine’s short, spiky hair.

“Can’t decide what you wanna do with me, can you?” Haine teased, causing Zack to chuckle into the top of his head, the two relaxing against each other completely.

Genesis had scooped up the scrambled mess of manuscript into his lap and was currently attempting to sort the pages in order, watching the two boys on the couch lay together with a soft, amused smile. Zack, it seemed, had the uncanny ability to worm his way into anyone’s heart. Including Genesis’.

Zack suddenly let out a loud, exaggerated sigh, hugging Haine tightly and kissing him on the top of the head. “Well, I guess I’d better get going.”

Genesis looked up at him in confusion as he stood and began gathering up the hair cutting supplies. “I thought you were staying for dinner…”

Zack tucked the scissors away in a pocket, smiling at Genesis as he arranged the rest of the pile in his arms. “That’s okay, I’ll just grab something out of the fridge when I get home.” He grinned at Haine. “Looks like I’ve got some writing to do.” Zack waved an elbow back at the pair before bumping the keypad to open the door and bounding through it.

Zack made it roughly two and a half steps before colliding with something tall and solid, nearly making him drop his bundle of small appliances. He looked up sheepishly into confused green eyes, snapping to attention and giving an enthusiastic elbow-salute. “Ah, sorry sir! Didn’t see you there. If you’re looking for Gen, he’s inside.” He gestured to the still-open door with his chin, and with that, he was gone.

Genesis and Haine both watched the doorway as Zack’s steps faded down the hallway, waiting for their guest to enter. A moment later he did so, Genesis’ suspicious glare immediately morphing into a pleased smile as he jumped up.

“Sephiroth! So nice to see you! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Genesis asked brightly, the grin on his face fading somewhat as Sephiroth held up a thick folder full of paperwork and held it out.

“You are on probation, not under suspension. I’ve been asked to forward all of your work here, since you seem so disinclined to actually come in to your office… or shall I simply reroute these to Angeal’s desk, since that is most likely where they will end up?” Sephiroth asked, the corner of his mouth quirking upward in a tiny smirk.

Genesis snatched the papers dramatically, feigning great insult. “O, thou hast cut me to the quick, old friend. To insinuate such a thing!” Genesis grinned up at the general, swatting him lightly on the arm with the folder. “Now that you’ve insulted me, sit your ass down, I haven’t seen you in forever.” Genesis ushered the taller man onto the loveseat against the wall and tossing the folder of paperwork on top of the manuscript that he was fast beginning to decide never to read. “You’re just in time, dinner’s almost ready, and since Zack’s abandoned us for the evening, there’s enough for two extra people so you’re staying.” As he spoke he headed for the kitchen, flipping the lights on and standing in the doorway, looking over his shoulder at Sephiroth with a gaze that declared resistance futile.

Sephiroth knew better than to try arguing with Genesis once the fiery redhead had made his mind up, and he settled back in his seat. “I assume that was Zackary who ran into me, then.”

Genesis turned, leaning back against the doorframe. “Yes, Zack tends to be a bit… high on life when he’s not on a mission. You could learn a thing or two from him.”

“I’m sure. And do I want to know why he was carrying an armload of hair care appliances?”

Genesis snickered quietly at the fact that Sephiroth had been able to recognize the items at a glance. “I don’t know the whole story, but it started with ‘I was walking past the salon’ and somehow ended up with Zack bringing an entire hair styling arsenal with him to give Haine a hair cut. I swear, that boy could charm the feathers off a chocobo.” As he spoke, he leaned over the back of the couch, hugging Haine from behind and ruffling his newly shorn hair for emphasis, finally drawing attention to the previously unnoticed boy.

Sephiroth blinked in surprise as red eyes met his own green, no sign of fear or recognition in the crimson orbs. Surveying the situation, Sephiroth realized why he had not seen the boy at first, his unmoving, pale countenance hardly standing out from the white couch he was currently nestled into.

“Okay Seph, you play nice. I’ve got to go finish cooking dinner and get my soufflé into the oven so it’ll be done by the time we’re through eating.” He stood up, combing his fingers through Haine’s hair, hesitant to leave the youth.

Sephiroth raised a sculpted eyebrow. “Cooking? I’ve never seen you so much as roast a marshmallow, Genesis, and that involves open flames.”

Genesis laughed and shrugged a shoulder, giving Sephiroth a challenging stare. “Eating takeout every night may be easier, but it’s not very healthy, and I think Zack would skewer me in my sleep if I didn’t take good enough care of Haine.” Though even as he said it, Genesis knew that Sephiroth could tell it had less to do with Zack’s feelings than his own. “Besides, it’s not like it’s difficult. Cooking is just following directions and not being an idiot, and I’d like to think both of those are still requirements for being one of the top soldiers in ShinRa,” he said, his eyes glowing playfully.

Sephiroth let out an amused snort. “I’m beginning to wonder…”

“Hey, just because I don’t doesn’t mean I can’t.”

“Indeed.” Sephiroth’s eyes danced with insinuation, the corners of his mouth lifting a touch at the rude gesture that Genesis made as he disappeared into the kitchen.

Sephiroth glanced over at Haine, noticing with no small amount of shock the book that he was currently holding and reading. The very same book that Genesis had once attacked a man for touching now rested comfortably in this frail teen’s hands. Any doubts that Sephiroth may have had about the fiery first’s feelings for his younger companion were immediately erased, replaced with a vague curiosity.

Sephiroth could feel someone watching him, and he dragged his eyes away from the book in Haine’s hands, nearly flinching under the boy’s sharp, penetrating scrutiny. It was not the adoring stare of his fans or the fearful glare of his enemies, but rather a look of intense investigation. The silver haired general suddenly understood why people were so unsettled by his presence, and why Genesis had a tendency to “accidentally” poke him or step on his foot during introductions.

The general waited. He looked away, preparing himself for the inevitable questions. But they never came. The minutes stretched on in silence and Sephiroth could still feel the youth’s eyes on him. Normally in these situations Sephiroth would glare the offender into the floor or simply walk away, but neither option was viable this time. He began to wonder if perhaps the boy was waiting for him to initiate the conversation. He wracked his brain, trying to think of something Genesis or Angeal would say, and wishing he had paid more attention during the times his friends had spent trying to pull him out of his shell. He finally settled on something neutral to say and looked up, meeting Haine’s open gaze.

“The last person who tried to read that book wound up in the infirmary.” Well that was not what he’d intended to say.

Haine blinked blankly at Sephiroth before turning to look down at the open book in his hands. “Really? I don’t think it’s that bad…”

“Haine, can you come set the table?” Genesis’ voice floated in from the kitchen.

Haine immediately stiffened, snapping the book shut and moving to stand, stopping himself half out of his seat. He froze, closing his eyes and taking a breath before sitting back down, shaking his head with a small frown on his lips. “One second, Gen.” He reopened the book, flipping through it in an attempt to find his lost page, wanting to mark it before setting the book back down.

Haine turned back to see Genesis appear in the doorway, grinning brightly at him. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I can get it while the egg whites whip up. You just relax, it’s only going to be a few more minutes anyway.”

“Genesis, what are you wearing?” Sephiroth’s amused voice stopped the redhead just as he was about to return to the kitchen.

“What does it look like I’m wearing?”

“Well, it appears to me that a vegetable garden has regurgitated all over your front.”

“Very funny. It’s an apron and you know it.”

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow at the blue fabric that was profusely covered with large images of vegetables, and Genesis crossed his arms over his chest with a huff.

“It’s Angeal’s okay? I’m just borrowing it. Now shut it before I refuse to feed you,” he grumbled, stomping back into the kitchen.

As soon as Genesis had vanished again, Sephiroth’s smirk faded, his eyes inevitably drawn back to the small form on the sofa. Haine was slumped forward, obviously disappointed in himself.

“You’re doing better than I did.” Sephiroth didn’t even realize the words had come out of his own mouth until Haine turned to look at him, confused. His face suddenly feeling hot, Sephiroth looked away, now compelled to explain his statement. “I was raised in the labs here at ShinRa headquarters. I wasn’t allowed to associate with anyone but the lab techs until I was fourteen. Genesis and Angeal befriended me then… but it was years before I stopped jumping up at commands. There are times I still do. You’ve only been here a couple of weeks. You have no reason to be disappointed with your progress.” Sephiroth looked back to Haine, not knowing quite what he expected to see. The pale boy was studying him again, the intense gaze replaced with one of quiet understanding and a hint of curiosity. He had expected a multitude of questions, but not the one that Haine asked.

“There were times… you wanted to die?”

Sephiroth was taken aback, but he thought the question over thoroughly before answering. “Yes. There were.”

“Was it worth it?”

Sephiroth’s brows drew together in confusion. “Was what worth it?”

“Living.”

The silver haired general was stunned. He floundered for several moments, searching Haine’s patiently curious face as his mind raced. From such an early age Sephiroth was taught to survive no matter what, yet there had been times that he’d wanted nothing more than to end the torture he had endured alone. Once Angeal and Genesis had come into his life, the pain had lessened and he began to move beyond the horrors of his childhood. But the nightmares, the pain, Hojo…

“Dinner’s ready!” Genesis practically pranced into the room, the apron now gone and tucked back into wherever it was hidden while not in use. He leaned over the back of the couch again, hugging Haine enthusiastically, his eyes flashing possessively at Sephiroth before calming to their usual mellow glow. “Um, slight change of plans though… that soufflé? Well, we’re having chocolate soup instead.”

Haine looked away, attempting to hide his amusement but Genesis saw it regardless and pulled away.

“Oh shush! It’s going to be delicious either way, it’s chocolate! Now let’s go eat before the food gets cold.”

As Genesis flitted through the doorway, followed closely by Haine, Sephiroth marveled at the changes that the young albino had inspired in his friend in such a short period of time. When Angeal had taken in his puppy, Genesis had teased the burly first mercilessly but the proof of Zack’s influence was more than enough to silence the teasing and Zack slowly earned the redhead’s respect. Now Genesis had his own puppy and the fiery first was beginning to once again resemble the lighthearted poet he’d first met nearly ten years ago. Sephiroth gave a small smile as he followed the pair to the table. Maybe I should get my own puppy…


= = =


Dear Ma and Dad,
I’m alive.

Zack let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. That wasn't so bad... but it wasn't enough. Not really. Nibbling at his lower lip, he put his pen back down on the paper in his lap.

I… understand now why you didn’t want me to leave. I understand that you were just afraid something bad would happen to me and you’d never know it. Well something bad did happen. I’m okay now, but I guess the experience made me realize how important it is for me to not take you for granted. No. Not an experience. A Person. Gah, I know I’m not making any sense. I guess I’ll just start from the beginning. Well, not the very beginning. You were there for that part and then once I left… things were actually pretty boring for a while. Then I met Angeal. He’s a great guy, maybe you’ve heard of him… he’s one of the three most famous SOLDIERS in the world. And he’s my mentor, and my best friend. Oh, I guess I forgot to mention… I made it! I’m SOLDIER! Second class now. I just got promoted. Oh, but we’re not to that part yet. Anyway, Angeal’s been helping me a lot with my focusing and training. I know I’ve given him a lot of headaches over the last year (I can always tell because he does this thing where he kinda squints and then he squeezes the bridge of his nose) but he hasn’t given up on me. Actually, I don’t think I’d even be alive right now if Angeal wasn’t so overprotective. It’s funny… I always roll my eyes or laugh when he tells me I can’t do something or tries to protect me from something I know I can handle, but when I got in some real trouble… it was like I just knew everything would be ok. I knew he’d find me. And he did. I know it’s not a good way to feel, and I know I need to be able to take care of myself, but I still can’t help but feel just happy and safe then I think about him. I guess that brings us to the next part… the bad thing that happened. I was leading a mission by myself. Angeal-well most of SOLDIER really-was in Wutai when the mission came in. Oh, I dunno if you heard, but the war’s finally over! I just hope it stays that way… Um, but anyway, it was one of those missions that I just knew I had to take. I had to, so I begged Angeal to recommend me for it. He didn’t want me to go, but I promised I’d be extra careful and he gave me something so that if anything happened or the mission went bad, he’d be able to find me real quick. It was so frustrating though, I couldn’t find any information or any leads or anything so I did something about it. I guess it was kinda dumb, but at the time it was just so important. You know the stories of all the kids who have vanished in the past ten years? Well, I was one of them. Don’t freak ma! I told you, I had that tracking thing, all I had to do was live long enough for my guys to find me. I’d be taken to where the missing kids were and we’d be able to find and rescue them and they’d be safe and we could send them all home to their families. But I never would have thought… I don’t know what she did to them, ma. What she did to us. She was crazy. She used the kids like science experiments! I don’t know if she did the same thing to everyone, but I woke up in so much pain. And there was a heavy, metal collar around my neck. I tried to pull it off… but it was attached! I was so scared, but all I could think about was how I had to find those kids. Had to get them out of there. She put me in a room and made me fight a huge monster. She did that to all the kids! Normal kids with no fighting training at all! They were torn apart! They were all dead, I was too late… all of them… except one. One boy who wasn’t dead yet, but ma, he didn’t look far from it. He was so thin and weak. He was so… he just looked empty. It was so heartbreaking, I just wrapped my arms around him and never wanted to let go. And I didn’t. Even when Angeal came and killed the crazy scientist lady and got us out of there, I just couldn’t let him go. I held onto him the whole ride home in the helicopter. He fell asleep in my arms and all I could think was please, please just keep breathing. When we got back to Midgar he told us what happened. About how the kids were brought in-all the same, all scared and hurt-and how she made them all fight those huge monsters, how they were all torn to pieces. But it wasn’t just monsters, ma. It was awful. He said that one day she just put all the kids that were left into that big room… and she told them that only one would leave. Only one got to live. And when Haine woke up, he was the only one left. He was all alone in that dark, cold, place with the monsters and the crazy woman whispering horrible things in his ear. He doesn’t even know how long he was down there. He has no memory of his family or where he’s from. He doesn’t even know if Haine is his real name! But… that isn’t the worst thing. He told us… mom, she wanted me to kill him!! And… oh Gaia… he wanted me to… When he said that… it was the most awful feeling in the whole world! I didn’t know what to do… but I didn’t give up on him. I didn’t let go. And you should see him now! He’s been eating and getting better, and he even smiles at me a little bit now! He made fun of me today and even though I pretended to be hurt, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my whole life. And guess what! He wants to join SOLDIER! Even though we don’t really know how old he is, there’s a cadet I ran into the other day who’s kinda the same size as Haine-his name’s Cloud, I borrowed some of his clothes so Haine would have something to wear until we can go shopping-and he’s 15, so Genesis and I think Haine might be 15 too. Oh, right, Genesis is Angeal’s friend. He’s another one of the three famous SOLDIERS. He offered to let Haine live with him and I’m staying with Angeal, just until we can be sure there won’t be any permanent damage from what happened. See, ma and dad? They’re taking really good care of me here. Anyway, Genesis (who’s nice but a little eccentric) agrees that Haine is probably around 15 and that would make him old enough to join. I was really excited and I was rambling about what we’d do once Haine and Cloud got into SOLDIER and I wasn’t thinking and I kinda said something about Cloud wanting to see his mom again-I forgot that psycho lady murdered Haine’s parents when she kidnapped him, did I mention that Genesis told me Angeal cut her in half? I was pretty happy when I heard that-and I was worried that he’d get upset but he didn’t… he asked about you though. He told me that you were just afraid of losing me and that you were probably worried because I never wrote back. I’m not sorry for leaving. I could never regret it-especially now-but I am sorry that I never wrote to you. And I’m sorry I made you worry about me. I just wanted you to know that I’m okay and let you know that I’ve made some really good friends here. Maybe even more than that… ma, the truth is

Zack jumped as the door slid open and Angeal walked into the apartment. He released his sword, setting it down gently beside the door as it swooshed shut. He looked up then. Noticing Zack on the couch and smiled. “You’re home.”

Zack smiled back. “Is that a problem?”

Angeal chuckled, sitting down beside his student. “Of course not, Zack. I’m just surprised, that’s all. I thought you’d be eating dinner with Genesis and Haine.”

Zack shrugged, looking down at his letter. “Hey Angeal? Are your parents still alive?”

Angeal studied Zack carefully, concerned by the sudden question and its accompanying change in demeanor. “My mother is… Zack, did something happen?”

“No. It’s just… Haine wants to join SOLDIER.”

Angeal’s eyebrows shot up at that. “What? Zack, he just got out of danger, you can’t just throw him back into it. And he’s too young.”

“Angeal! Why do you guys assume I had something to do with it? I was just as surprised as Genesis, and he dropped a bunch of papers all over the place he was so shocked. Although…” He looked thoughtful for a few seconds. “I guess maybe it was my fault. It’s just that he seems so much like Cloud… I think Haine might be fifteen too. Genesis agreed with me and then he just asked if he could join.” At Angeal’s dark expression he continued quickly. “Of course, at first I disagreed! I wanted to tell him no way, he couldn’t join, but… Angeal, whatever’s happened to him… we don’t know the full extent, so we can’t know that he won’t become some kind of target. If someone does come after him… I want him to be able to fight back this time.”

Angeal worked through his student’s reasoning and had to admit, it did have some logic behind it. He sighed shaking his head, chuckling inwardly at Zack’s grin of triumph. “Okay, alright, so we’ll see about getting him some training. Now what does that have to do with my parents being alive?”

Zack’s grin faded slightly as the conversation turned again. “Well I was really excited, and I wasn’t really thinking about what I was saying, and I kinda said something about Cloud’s mom. Haine asked me about my parents and pretty much guilt-tripped me into writing a letter to them.” He held up the letter, making sure that he didn’t hold it still long enough for his mentor to actually read it. “And then you came home and I just realized that you never talk about your family… it’s not a sore subject, is it?”

Seeing Zack’s honest concern made his stomach do a little flip and Angeal found himself settling in beside the spiky haired youth, shaking his head to assuage the teen’s concern. “Like I said, my mom’s still alive. She lives in Banora, where I grew up. You know, Genesis actually grew up there too, we’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. Banora Is famous for its apples, the whole place is covered with apple trees called Banora Whites that bear fruit at random times throughout the year. For that reason, the townspeople affectionately call them Dumbapples. Gen and I used to sneak out and climb those trees and gather up the apples when they were ripe,” he said, feeling nostalgic.

“You stole them?”

“Zack… we were poor. But even then, I had my honor. The largest Banora White tree grew on
a wealthy man's estate. It was rumored that those apples tasted the best. But I never stole apples from that tree, because the wealthy man’s son was my friend.”

“Wait, so Genesis was always rich? Why didn’t you just ask him to share?”

Angeal chuckled. “Honor can be quite a burden at times…”

Zack rolled his eyes at Angeal incredulously, before looking back down at his letter with a frown. “So… what happened to your dad?” he asked quietly, watching the large man from the corner of his eye.

Angeal sighed, motioning to the massive sword next to the door. “When I left to join SOLDIER, my father had that sword made for me.” Angeal closed his eyes, bowing his head in respect. “While trying to work enough to repay the debt, he succumbed to fatigue. That sword represents my honor. My dreams.”

“Is that why you like never use it?”

Angeal nodded. “Use brings about wear, tear, and rust. It was the final gift from my father, I cannot waste it like that.”

Zack gently placed a hand on Angeal’s thigh, the older male turning to look at him. “Angeal…” Zack struggled to get his words in order. “You didn’t ask for that sword. Your dad bought it for you because he felt you were worth it. Because you are worth it.” Zack reached out, tucking a few strands of long hair behind Angeal’s ear, keeping them out of his face. “That sword doesn’t represent dreams, or honor. It represents your family’s love for you. And I think it’d be much more of a waste to let that rust away without even using it.”

Zack’s hand was still on his thigh, the boy’s eyes glowing brightly with devotion and Angeal tried hard to swallow the lump of emotion that had built up in his throat. Like so many times before, Angeal found it impossible to do anything but nod in agreement at the absolute truth in Zack’s words, smiling warmly as his puppy grinned up at him happily. Angeal turned away, glancing sidelong at his companion. “Hey, Zack… can I have a sheet of that paper?”

Zack immediately beamed, holding out a blank page and pulling out a spare pen, handing both to his mentor. As Angeal focused on writing his own letter, Zack turned back to finishing the one in his lap.

Angeal stared at the blank paper, his mind roiling, unable to decide where to begin. His eyes were inescapably drawn to Zack, simply watching the boy write as his mind wandered. Angeal’s gaze roved over Zack’s form, his blue eyes glowing as they devoured the smooth skin of his face and arms before settling on watching his hands. For the first time, Angeal realized just how much Zack had grown and filled out since coming to Midgar, his body now covered in firm muscle where there once was only softness.

“Angeal!!”

The SOLDIER first’s head snapped up as Zack shouted at him, hastily covering his paper as a blush flooded his cheeks.

“No copying! Write your own letter!” He yelled, bracing socked feet against Angeal’s leg and pushing him away before turning back to his writing, now using his body to block the view of the paper.

Angeal laughed as he was shoved over, a rare devious grin stretching itself across his face as Zack turned his back to him. That seems like a challenge to me… He tossed the paper and pen over his shoulder, Zack looking back at the sound just in time to see the larger man pounce.

“Angeeeeeeeeeal!!!”

~ ~ ~

Only Zack could manage to be long-winded in a letter...

Quotes/References:

"How hard could it be?" -Fans of Top Gear will recognize this line as Jeremy Clarkson's infamous "I'm about to make a fool out of myself" lead-in. x3 Hence Haine's laughter.

"'Requiem for a Dream.' That one will make you cry." -There is just something so satisfying about having characters quote themselves in completely AU situations... XD

Note:

"No parent wants their child to die." -We in the real world know that this is (unfortunately) not true. However; I have included it to illustrate that, in his own jaded and disillusioned way, Haine is still an idealist at heart.