Archive of Our Own ^beta

Angeal might have misplaced one of his uniform shirts.

It shouldn't be a big deal. Something many people may not even notice. Except as he went to dress himself that morning, Angeal found himself confused. There should be three in the closet, he was sure of that, he always counted them to plan when to deal with laundry. Now there were only two.

In theory, it was a minor problem. He wasn't out of clean clothes yet, and he could do the laundry this evening rather than tomorrow. A barely noticeable effect on his life.

However, Angeal liked to be precise about anything concerning personal hygiene. He had made it a point to be very thoughtful when it came to clothes since presenting, making sure to never wear the same shirt twice. Young alphas could stink horribly. No one needed to smell him coming from three floors away.

After a moment of contemplation, Angeal shook his head. He had training with the recruits, and being on time was more important than wondering about shirts. Better to put the matter aside until evening. He finished getting dressed, and went to make himself breakfast.

As he ate, someone knocked on the door of his flat.

"Good morning," Sephiroth said, standing in the hallway.

"Morning. Anything the matter?"

"I have to give you back this."

Sephiroth handed Angeal a clean tupperware container.

"How was the soup?"

"Good. Thank you."

It was a good thing that Angeal liked to cook, and had no problem with making an extra portion or two. No one had taught Sephiroth the meaning of seasoning before. The man would live off of unsalted grilled chicken breast and plain lettuce.

Still, it was a struggle sometimes to make him eat properly. Yesterday, Angeal hadn't had time to personally go and hand the soup to Sephiroth himself. It had taken a lot of texts to get Sephiroth to just go in Angeal's flat on his own and grab what Angeal had left aside for him.

Why Sephiroth argued was beyond Angeal. Something about not wanting to give Angeal unnecessary work. Like scaling up the ingredients he was going to throw in a pot regardless took any effort. One day, Sephiroth would understand Angeal was more than alright with him letting himself into Angeal's flat at any time and get something to eat. It was how friends worked.

"I'll have to save some for you next time too, then," Angeal said.

"If you want."

Angeal felt the beginning of a frown pull at his eyebrows. There was something about Sephiroth today. He looked tense. Not that he ever entirely relaxed, but there was a hint of extra rigidity in his shoulders.

"Is everything alright?" Angeal asked.

"Yes," Sephiroth said. "I should go now. I have a meeting in half an hour."

"Good luck with that."

Angeal placed the tupperware in his kitchen cabinet. If something was up with Sephiroth, it might be annoyance for his upcoming meeting. Those always put people in a bad mood in advance.

Later in the day, when he returned to his flat, one of the first things he did was put the laundry to wash. He picked the shirts one by one, counting them.

Still one short. Sitting on the floor, Angeal counted them again. This was starting to be weird. He knew exactly how many uniform shirts he owned. Keeping track of one's clothes was important, when one couldn't always afford to buy more. Of course, now Angeal would just need to ask Shinra for another set. Old habits, he supposed.

He stood, and went to check his bedroom again. Just one in the closet. Nothing shoved under the bed, not that he had expected anything. Being orderly was a virtue. All of his clothes were either in the closet or in the laundry, he never left any lying around.

This was getting annoying. Nothing left in Angeal's duffel bag, but then again he knew he had emptied it after coming back from the last mission. Nor was it in any drawer. He was starting to run out of reasonable places to look.

His best guess was that Genesis was playing a prank on him. Genesis had made fun of Angeal plenty of times, saying he was far too fastidious about clothes – as if Genesis had any room to speak. Genesis might have decided to mess with him. Aside from Sephiroth, he was the only one who had the code to enter Angeal's place.

And Sephiroth didn't play games. In fact, he even agreed with Angeal on this matter. Sephiroth too knew the exact number of clothes he owned, from how many uniforms to how many socks.

Angeal sighed. If this was Genesis, then he had to be waiting for Angeal's reaction.

Well, Angeal thought they were a bit too old for this. As much as he wanted to go knock on Genesis's door, it was wiser to be the bigger person. Genesis would get bored, and give up. For now, Angeal would just throw the clothes he had to wash.

In the next days, Angeal kept a careful eye on his closet. To his utter lack of surprise, the shirt reappeared a little more than a week later. It sat neatly between the others. So neatly in fact, Angeal wasn't even able to tell which one had been returned.

About time Genesis learnt how to properly fold clothes.

***

Genesis glared at the pile of clothes sitting on his bed. He had spent close to twenty minutes now taking out everything in his closet. Goddess forbid a guy wanted to put on something specific. There was this nice burgundy shirt he never got to wear, it would have been perfect for a night at the theatre, and it had vanished into thin air.

Now he could freely admit he wasn't always the best organized man. Sometimes a shirt's place was on the chair. That being said, the nicer things were always properly hanged, ready for when he needed to look his best.

Thinking about it, the last time he had worn that one had been for a date night with Angeal. Shirts didn't stay on for those occasions. It was possible that he had left it there. Strange, Angeal usually brought everything back to Genesis's the next morning, but he might have forgotten.

Not caring that he was currently shirtless, Genesis stepped out of his flat and to Angeal's. He put in the code, not bothering with knocking.

"Why, hello," Angeal said, seeing him. He had his laptop open on the kitchen table, most likely reviewing reports.

"Hello, darling," Genesis greeted. "Do you happen to have a shirt of mine here?"

"Are you out of shirts?"

"Do you have a problem with the view?"

Angeal leaned back against his chair. "No, not at all."

"I'd love to let you admire, but there I have to go out," Genesis said. "Have you seen a shirt of mine? Silk, burgundy–"

"That's a red, I assume."

Genesis glared at his most beloved mate. "Yes, love, burgundy is red. Dark red, not unlike wine."

"Haven't seen it," Angeal said.

"Are you sure? It's the one I wore a while ago, when I got you the flowers and you made that mouth watering lamb dish."

"I do remember that." Angeal's eyes had darkened in a way that suggested he mostly remembered what had happened after dinner. "Afraid it's not here. Are you sure it's not dirty?"

"I have checked."

If it wasn't clean, and it wasn't dirty, and it wasn't with Angeal, where had Genesis put it? He should check his flat again.

"I'll go look for it," Genesis said. "Have fun with work."

"Have fun out."

Genesis would, but he knew Angeal wouldn't were he to come with him. Angeal wasn't much of a fan of theatre. He only went every one in a while to accompany Genesis, and he had complained in the past about the shows being too pretentious. In Genesis's opinion, that was precisely the appeal.

Two steps from his door, Genesis stopped, and backtracked. It was a small chance, but he might as well give it a try.

He knocked on Sephiroth's door. Sephiroth, he knew from experience, didn't appreciate having people walk in his private space without warning. Never let it be said Genesis wasn't a considerate friend.

Genesis only had to wait a few seconds before Sephiroth opened.

"What is... Why are you naked?"

"I'm not naked, merely shirtless," Genesis said. "And I was hoping you might help me with exactly this predicament."

Sephiroth narrowed his eyes at him. "How so?"

"Have you perhaps seen one of my shirts lying around?"

"No, and I don't know why I should know where your shirts are."

"Are you sure?"

Genesis took half a step towards Sephiroth, just to mess with him a little. He didn't expect Sephiroth to physically recoil.

"I am very sure," Sephiroth said.

Genesis raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you this bothered by people's skin?"

"You... smell."

Genesis almost replied that he had just had a shower. However, given how rigid Sephiroth was, the clipped tone with which he spoke...

"Are you in pre-rut?" Genesis asked.

The corner of Sephiroth's lip tightened. His version of what on a normal person would be a visible twitch. "I was about to send a leave request."

That explained it. No alpha in pre-rut liked another, shirtless alpha in their space. Unless Genesis was the one in pre-rut, and Angeal was the one invading his territory, or vice versa. That could be quite enjoyable.

"I'll leave you to it, then," Genesis said.

Sephiroth closed the door in his face.

After a moment, Genesis took in a deep breath, looking for any lingering pheromone in the air.

Nothing. As always. Genesis had no idea what kind of scent blockers Shinra gave Sephiroth. Even this close to rut, nothing escaped. To Genesis's memory, Sephiroth had never let his natural scent slip.

Honestly, if not for the fact he took rut leaves, Genesis wouldn't even know for sure that Sephiroth was an alpha. And he took very few of those. Only once or twice a year, and probably because rut blockers were known to lose their effect if one didn't take a break from them every once in a while.

Genesis turned on his heels. What he wouldn't give to see Sephiroth in rut. Not even for the erotic appeal, but just to see what it was like for him to lose some of his control. He was always so painfully repressed. In all the years they had known each other, Genesis had heard him growl maybe twice. Absurd, given how often Genesis had to bare teeth at recruits.

Although it would also be extremely, undeniably hot. Genesis felt no guilt about fantasizing about Sephiroth trying to get him submit, because he knew Angeal had also thought about it plenty. What was an alpha attracted to alphas to do, when regularly sparring with an unfairly handsome alpha?

Genesis closed the door behind him, and took a look at the time. He swore. There was no time to look for that specific shirt anymore. Time to quickly figure out a different kind of outfit.

The show took his mind off of it, and then with Sephiroth on leave he and Angeal had to pick up his share of work too, and stray shirts became the last of Genesis's worries.

Only a couple weeks later it crossed his mind again. When he noticed the missing shirt neatly hanging in its proper place in Genesis's closet. A sign, he guessed, that he too could occasionally be an idiot.

***

Angeal scowled at the TV. Not that it had done anything to piss him off. Well, aside from not having anything interesting on at this time. Maybe he should take Genesis's advice and subscribe to those new streaming services. Except then he would have to choose what to watch. Sounded annoying too.

Everything sounded annoying when Angeal was this close to a rut. Too hormonal to think clearly, but not hormonal enough to be horny yet. Just irritable and territorial.

And hot. Earlier this morning he had been fine, but now he was covered in sweat. It was building up even under his scalp, and that in turn made him itchy. His mouth was getting dry.

With a huff, Angeal stood from the couch. A glass of water. It was cold from the tap, but barely refreshing.

Hoodie off. Angeal had put it on over a t-shirt, normal clothes to spend the day home during a cooler winter day. It had since become suffocating. He took it off quickly, as if that would solve all his problems.

It didn't. In fact, a new source of irritation presented itself. Someone knocking.

Angeal marched to the door. People wanting to be in his house, while he was in rut. That shouldn't be allowed.

It would only be acceptable if it was Genesis. Angeal could bite Genesis. A good stress relief, and it often helped kickstart the rut. But Genesis had been sent on a mission, and Angeal had been cruelly deprived of his mate and chew toy.

Angeal opened the door, forcing down a snarl. "What."

Sephiroth stood two steps away from the door. Scentless, as always. Not smelling alpha meant Angeal wouldn't risk going ballistic. Not smelling anything, however, also put Angeal on edge. His hindbrain wanted to know who was in front of him, and 'your friend Sephiroth' wasn't a good enough answer.

"You asked me to bring you these," Sephiroth said.

Angeal looked down at the stack of paper in Sephiroth's hands. Right. Those came from his office. Shinra still insisted on printing some things, despite also pushing for everyone to use their company issues computers whenever possible. Angeal had texted Sephiroth earlier, asking him to bring those to him.

"Thanks," Angeal said.

Sephiroth remained where he was, at a safe distance in the middle of the hallway.

Angeal swallowed. "I won't bite."

Sephiroth took a step towards him.

Nope. Angeal's brain wasn't working right. Even if it was Sephiroth, Angeal wanted to slam him into a wall for approaching.

Especially because it was Sephiroth. Strong and attractive and he could keep up with Angeal's rut. They would end up bruised and sore, for sure, but Angeal was sure he could get Sephiroth to scream his name–

"Put them on the table," Angeal said, and rushed to lock himself in the bathroom.

There was no amount of cold showers that could cool him down now. He was burning. His clothes were too tight, hell, his skin was too tight. To know that there was a potential partner right there drove him insane.

Sephiroth's voice reached him from the other room. "I will go now."

Angeal forced himself to count to twenty before leaving the bathroom. Sephiroth was gone. No trace of him lingered in the flat. Aside from the documents on Angeal's kitchen table.

As if Angeal would get anything done in this state.

He ripped his shirt off, heading for the bedroom. Time to get this out of his system.

It took him four days to feel like a human being again. Four days involving various texts from Genesis that were very close to torture, one set of sheets ripped to shreds, and a lot of things that made Angeal quite disgusted with himself once the hormones went down.

Everything ended up a mess. Angeal would need to do many loads of laundry. Later, however. Rut killed his appetite, and Angeal hadn't had anything but a few snacks. He was starving, thirsty, and he was going to sleep for twelve hours straight once he had taken some care of himself.

He sat heavily at the table. In front of him, a bowl of re-heated soup and the documents Sephiroth had delivered. Angeal didn't even remember what was in them.

At some point in the past few days Angeal may have thought about Sephiroth. Just a couple times. In ways that made him feel like he should apologize to his friend for allowing his mind to stray that far.

Either way, it was Genesis's fault. Everything was always Genesis's fault, but this particularly so. The bastard had been sending Angeal all sorts of ideas on how to alleviate his rut without him there. Including some weird scenarios involving Sephiroth and Genesis fighting him. His ideas were the worst.

Then again, it wasn't as if Angeal hadn't spared a couple of his own thoughts...

Angeal sighed. Not the time to think about this. He was exhausted. Anything involving sex sounded gross, and would for at least a couple more days. Some recovery time was in order. If only he could have someone to cuddle and spoil in his post-rut haze.

His eyes ran over the room. Hadn't he left a hoodie around here the other day? It wasn't on the chairs anymore.

He must have done something with it. It would pop out when he did his rounds collecting all the dirty laundry.

Losing or breaking something during rut wasn't in itself strange. What left Angeal baffled was that a few days after he rejoined polite society, the hoodie reappeared. Clean, and neatly folded on his couch.

It hadn't been there when Angeal had left that morning. It most definitely hadn't been clean the last time Angeal had seen it.

That hadn't been Genesis. He wasn't back from his mission yet.

Sephiroth...? But he would have no reason to take Angeal's hoodie. That thing's stench must have been horrible after he had worn it in pre-rut. Smell aside, Sephiroth had no reason to take it.

Angeal scratched his head, staring at the item. Something wasn't right here.

***

"It's not that cold," Sephiroth said.

"Not all of us are made of ice," Genesis replied.

Or had grown up in this kind of climate. Every winter in Midgar, Genesis missed old, warm Banora. As a child, he used to dream of snow. Among the many disillusions of adult age came knowing that white crap falling from the sky existed to spite him.

The streets had been cleaned and covered in salt, but they remained slippery. What snow was left had been stepped on until it turned to ice. The cold valiantly fought against the layers Genesis wore, pushing its way between the threads of his clothes.

Good thing Genesis had the perfect shield. His favorite scarf, his most trusted ally this season. Leaving the book store, he made sure to wrap it around the bottom half of his face. So soft against his irritated skin.

"I have seen people cover themselves less to go on missions in the northern glaciers."

Genesis looked at Sephiroth with disgust. He wore nothing but his leathers, and his chest was exposed to the elements. The most offensive thing was that his skin was unaffected. Pale and perfect, no hint of redness.

They passed a group of squealing high schoolers. Someone must be taking pictures of them, because that was what people did every time a First Class was around. It was the reason it was so hard to get Sephiroth to go anywhere with Genesis. Dragging him out of his house was a pain.

Not that Sephiroth was wrong in desiring his privacy. Genesis simply thought it would do Sephiroth good to see the outside world from time to time.

It was also nice to be out with him this way. Almost like a date. Troubling, for Genesis to think about their outings like that. He and Angeal should have a long discussion one day. Genesis had been aware of his physical attraction to Sephiroth for a long time, but as of late it was veering into some kind of emotional territory as well. Angeal too had confessed he had found himself thinking of Sephiroth in strange ways. What a worrying situation.

However, Genesis had a more pressing concern. Namely, that he was sure Sephiroth's online fans would start saying Sephiroth was so much tougher than Genesis, on grounds of Sephiroth not having any form of human response to the cold.

"You know you don't need to prove that you are the toughest alpha in the world."

"Nor have I ever tried."

"Please, you cannot tell me you don't feel cold at all."

"I don't," Sephiroth said.

Genesis rolled his eyes. "Liar."

"Should I also suffocate myself to avoid some air?"

"Suffocate yourself!" Genesis scoffed. "This is the opposite of suffocating. The softest fabric you will ever wear, which you would know if you tried."

Sephiroth glanced at the scarf, unimpressed. "You know I dislike things on my neck."

A bizarrely mundane preference, so mundane is had surprised Genesis when he had learnt about it. It was the reason Sephiroth paraded around half naked. He never fidgeted, but force him into a regular SOLDIER uniform and he would not stop tugging at the turtleneck until he was allowed to take it off.

"Scarves aren't restricting, if you know how to wear them," Genesis said. "They are more akin to a wonderful blanket."

"If you say so."

Genesis took the loose end of the scarf and brushed it against Sephiroth's chest. "Tell me this is not like the gentlest embrace of a lover."

It occurred to him after saying it that that was very akin to flirting. Oh well. It wasn't as if Sephiroth would get the hint.

"I wouldn't know that," Sephiroth replied.

And Genesis could teach him about it. Not that he wanted to be gentle. He wanted to drag Sephiroth in a bed and spar their way through it. Bared teeth, growls, clawing hands. Struggling until they were covered in bruises that would fade far too soon.

After all, they were two alphas. Genesis and Angeal, despite having been friends for years, despite being in love, had been unable to do gentle for quite a while. They could now, and it was great. But at first there had been struggles. An uncontrollable reaction to another aroused alpha. Until their instincts had caught up with Angeal being his mate, Genesis had turned into a snarling beast as soon as shirts came off.

Angeal too. Goddess, Angeal was hot when he was growling.

Between Sephiroth and Genesis's usual relationship and them being unmated alphas, Genesis struggled to imagine how they could do slow and sweet. Most likely, there would be blood.

Although. Sephiroth was a virgin. Genesis had pried that out of him some time ago. It made sense, the man barely understood what human connection was. Maybe it would be nice to do something... kinder with him. Instincts allowed.

Ah, but Genesis a mated man. There was no point in wondering until he and Angeal had decided what to do about Sephiroth.

Besides, if Genesis thought too much about Sephiroth in bed, Sephiroth would be able to smell it on him. Was Genesis ashamed? No. However, Sephiroth always got so rigid if he smelled too much alpha. As much as Genesis liked to poke at him, it was good to have him relaxed around him too.

Wanting to fuck someone who wasn't Angeal didn't trouble Genesis too much. Being soft on them? Deeply, deeply unsettling.

They reached the Tower in silence. A comfortable silence, and that was also disturbing. Genesis wasn't at ease with quiet. Words had always poured out of his mouth like a waterfall, enough that their volume forced other people away from him. There had been few people who had ever made silence comfortable. Mainly Angeal.

Getting into the elevator leading to the SOLDIER floor, a small amount of tension bled from Genesis's shoulders. Blessed privacy. No general public, no random Shinra workers. Some space for him to unwind.

They headed for Genesis's flat first. Both of them had bought something, but they had gotten a single bag, which Sephiroth had carried.

"Shall I make you something?" Genesis asked, unwinding his scarf.

"No, thank you," Sephiroth said. "I should get some work done."

Genesis looked at him mild annoyance. "Work? Isn't this your day off?"

"I have some documents to review. Better to start working on it."

Horrible. Couldn't Sephiroth leave all his work for the last minute and then sign it all in a flurry while barely reading it like every sane and self-respecting human being?

"Your work ethics disgusts me," Genesis said, leaning down to unlace his boots. He wasn't walking around his flat with snow wet shoes. Mainly because he doubted he could convince Angeal to clean the imprints in his stead.

"Noted," Sephiroth replied. He was rummaging through the book store bag. "This is yours. And this."

Genesis took the two books from his hands. "Are you seriously meaning to work?"

"Yes."

Not only was it revolting, but it was also effectively putting some paperwork in front of spending time with Genesis. Which was a thought Genesis would never voice aloud. In the secret of his own mind, however, he could be allowed to be maybe slightly clingy.

"Have a most miserable time, then," Genesis said, turning away. "Meanwhile, I intend to go and have a warm bath to defrost my extremities."

"Very well. Goodbye."

"Bye, bye," Genesis said, not bothering to look at Sephiroth as he said so. When he heard the door of his flat close, he was placing his books down on the coffee table.

He took his PHS out of his pocket. For a moment, he looked at it, thinking. It would be easy to type a message to Angeal, telling him they should talk about Sephiroth.

They had agreed to each give the matter some thought. If they came to the conclusion the matter should be explored, then discuss it in depth. A conversation Genesis would hate, but one that may becoming necessary.

It would be nice if Sephiroth joined them. They would work well together. His personality balanced well with theirs, this they already knew. Genesis may be a jealous man, but he thought he wouldn't mind too much if he and Angeal added a mutual party. The sex would be amazing.

In the end, Genesis tossed the PHS on the couch. Another time. His day had been nice so far, why complicate it with this kind of discussion? Let him have his bath first.

After a long soak in the warm water, he moved to reading his new books. Then, it came time for dinner. Angeal came by for it, exhausted after a mission he just returned from. Genesis decided not to add weight on him now.

The next day he had a flurry of meetings and trainings, which effectively managed to make his good mood evaporate. Goddess curse them all. The Board, Lazard, Third Class recruits thinking they were entitled to his time. Thoughts of setting them on fire didn't work to calm him down anymore. Maybe he should start physically throwing people down the stairs and see how many flights they could roll.

When he came home, he noticed something was off. He couldn't put his finger on what immediately, all he knew was that not everything was it should be. His eyes narrowed.

After a moment, he noticed it. His scarf wasn't there.

Angeal should be home already. Genesis strode to his flat and walked in.

"Hello, love," Angeal said. He was cleaning his kitchen, spraying a product on the counters as Genesis came in.

"Angeal. Did you stop by my place today?"

"No."

Genesis crossed his arms. "When you came by yesterday, was there a scarf hanging next to the door?"

Angeal turned to him. "I don't know. Maybe. Why?"

"I am fairly sure I put it there yesterday, and haven't used it since. Now it's not there."

With a thoughtful hum, Angeal placed his spray bottle on the table.

"This is getting ridiculous," Genesis said.

"Are you really convinced of your theory?"

"Yes."

Both of their clothes had been going missing for weeks now. Something vanished, and then reappeared a few days later. Genesis had thought he had been getting careless at first. But it was undeniable. He was sure someone was taking his things.

The only other person allowed in their space was Sephiroth. However, he had been discarded as a suspect. There was no reason for him to be taking their things, especially as he wouldn't wear them. He wasn't the type to mess with others for the sake of it.

Basically the only other people that may have access to their quarters were the Turks. While the thought of them sneaking into their flats made Genesis's skin crawl, it was an undeniable possibility.

But why would the Turks steal their clothes? Why would they let Genesis and Angeal know they had come in, and in such a way? Was this some bizarre power trip? Besides, they weren't always plausible culprits. Some of the clothes had gone missing at times when someone would have noticed a Turk lurking around, not matter how sneaky.

The problem was that Angeal didn't believe him. He said they both must be stressed. Of course, it was nicer to believe than thinking they had a thief.

"Let's keep an eye on it," Angeal said. "You keep searching for it. If someone did take, we'll find out."

"And they'll better not damage it."

"We'll pay attention, see if anyone suspicious walks by."

Genesis sighed, leaning his back against the fridge. "I hate that someone could be coming into my house."

"You don't have proof yet."

"What, do you think shirts and scarves can walk away on their own."

"No, but we also have no real suspects or motives."

Genesis nodded. "We don't. But do note that I have said the scarf wasn't where it should be."

"Will do." Angeal took a step closer to him. "I can come over and search."

"Why would it be anywhere but hanging where I put it?"

"Can I do something else for you, then?" Angeal asked.

Genesis's eyes traveled down the line of Angeal's throat. "Maybe some arduous physical effort could help me unwind."

"Of course it could," Angeal said, and pulled Genesis in by the lapels of his coat. Close enough for Angeal's scent to overpower that of cleaning products still on the counters.

The scarf did reappear. Genesis found it days later in the drawer he kept the rest of his scarves. In a way, it was in its place, but it also wasn't. He was absolutely sure he had no put it back there.

Bringing it to his nose, he sniffed it. The neutral scent of clean fabric. It should have had Genesis's scent clinging to it.

***

A knock came on Angeal's door. He looked at the clock, confused. Ten in the evening. No one should need him at this time, at least no one who couldn't call him rather than show up at his place. Genesis was on a mission, but he wouldn't knock.

"Sephiroth," Angeal said outside. "Is everything alright?"

Judging from his face, it wasn't. He was too pale. His eyes were sunken, and too bright, as if he was running a fever.

"I'm fine," Sephiroth answered. It took him a moment too long.

"Do you need anything, then?"

Sephiroth shook his head.

Angeal frowned. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you since yesterday morning."

Not a long time, but they shared a floor, and their offices were next to each other. Rare for Angeal not to run into Sephiroth at least once a day.

"I had to get a mako dose," Sephiroth said.

That explained it. Top ups were a pain. The shine in Sephiroth's eyes may be the fresh mako, or a genuine fever. He should have told Angeal he had to go down to the labs, Angeal would have helped him come back after the injections.

No, Sephiroth never would have asked. He was too proud. It was impossible to make him admit the injections affected him, even if everyone struggled with those.

"Come in," Angeal said, moving aside.

"No need."

"Why did you come to me?"

Sephiroth hesitated. "I don't quite remember."

He was definitely running a fever. Angeal would never understand how the doctors down in the labs thought. So long as a SOLDIER wasn't dying after an injection, they stopped caring and sent them on their way. It was clear Sephiroth shouldn't have been left unattended.

Not that being in the labs ever did anything to help people feel better. A warm meal, a bath, and a long night of sleep, that was what Sephiroth needed.

"Come in," Angeal insisted.

"I don't need to."

"Sephiroth. Please, come in."

After a moment, Sephiroth did. He walked through the door, past Angeal, and stopped completely still in the middle of the room.

"Why don't we go sit on the couch?" Angeal suggested. "And take off your boots, too."

Sephiroth nodded. "No tracking mud in your house."

Not that he would be bringing any mud from the labs. However, if that made the request easy to accept in his out of it state, Angeal wouldn't correct him. Sephiroth bent down to unlace his boots in the most rigid way possible. It was as if the mako had made him forget how human beings were supposed to move, and he was trying to clumsily imitate them.

Maybe Angeal should have sent him off to his own flat. From experience, he knew there was a good chance Sephiroth would fall asleep within a couple hours, and his bed would be more comfortable than Angeal's couch. But there was also a good chance of Sephiroth throwing up all night. Better to supervise him for a while.

And keep him in Angeal's house. Which was safe. Cozy, and not distressingly aseptic like Sephiroth's. Angeal did his best to ignore the part of him that wanted to ensure Sephiroth's safety and health. They weren't mates. Instincts had no space here.

Plus, this was Sephiroth. He didn't need Angeal to keep him safe, nor would he like it. Showing weakness wasn't his style. Even if they had been friends for years, he kept his distance. And in general, a strong, commanding alpha like him didn't appreciate other alphas trying to care for him.

Genesis said he hated it when Angeal "smothered" him. Angeal did it anyways. They both knew Genesis was just too proud to admit he liked it. Maybe Sephiroth would grow to enjoy it too. He might even learn to ask to be treated nicely, instead of stumbling feverish into Angeal's place.

Sephiroth sat down on the couch, and Angeal chased away those thoughts. Not the right moment. Trying to invite Sephiroth into the pack would be a delicate matter. Certainly for a time when Sephiroth was feeling better.

"Here," Angeal said, handing Sephiroth the blanket he kept on the couch.

"What for?"

"It's a little chilly. Thought you may appreciate it."

Sephiroth stared at Angeal as if confused, and then wrapped himself in the blanket. Somehow, he managed to fold his whole body under it. Cute. If only Angeal could lay next to him and wrap his arms around his shoulders.

"May I touch your forehead?" he asked.

Sephiroth frowned. "Why?"

"You know mako gives people fevers. I want to check."

"I'm fine," Sephiroth said.

Sure he was.

"Amuse me?" Angeal tried.

After a moment, Sephiroth nodded. Angeal reached out, resting the back of his hand against Sephiroth's face. Hot. Not dangerously so, but that was a fever alright. Between that and mako's tendency to alter mental state, his behavior wasn't even that erratic.

"You're warm."

Sephiroth's eyes narrowed. "I feel fine."

"Does anyone ever right after a mako dose?"

There was nothing Sephiroth could say to that other than clench his jaw.

"I'll get you some water," Angeal said. And a bucket, too. One never knew when it could be useful.

It turned out neither was needed. When Angeal came back, he found Sephiroth with his eyes closed, breathing slowly.

That blanket had to smell like Angeal and Genesis both. Seeing Sephiroth asleep while wrapped in it had affection bloom in Angeal's chest. How he'd like to see it again. With Sephiroth there not because he was out of it, but because he wanted it. Angeal could see it, him and Genesis bickering for couch space, snapping at each other without any real heat.

Stop that. This was way too early for him to get domestic fantasies.

Angeal stayed up another hour. Sephiroth didn't stir. It seemed he was out for good. Staying up all night would help neither of them, and eventually Angeal reasoned he should sleep too. If Sephiroth needed something, he could wake him up.

At some point in the night he thought he woke up to noises in the bathroom. He decided not to investigate. Mako symptoms could vanish as suddenly as they had come. Sephiroth's fever may have broken already.

In the morning, he was gone. Angeal would have wanted to see him, but if Sephiroth had left on his own legs it had to mean he was doing well. No smothering him. If he was coherent now last night's behavior would be a blow to his ego.

The blanket was folded on the couch. The bucket had been placed in the bathroom, clean and with no signs of having been used. What a considerate guest. Nothing at all like Genesis.

Angeal forced his worries down until lunch time. Then, he tried Sephiroth's office. To small surprise and mild disappointment, he found him there behind the desk.

"Are you doing better?" Angeal asked.

Sephiroth didn't look up from what he was typing. "Yes. My fever has passed, I have checked this morning."

"And other than that?"

"No major symptoms."

Which didn't mean there were no minor symptoms. By Sephiroth's standards, nothing less than bleeding out was worth reporting.

"Let me know if you need anything," Angeal said.

"Will do."

His voice was clipped already. It was impossible to worry about anyone around here. Between Sephiroth and Genesis, it was as if Angeal expressing concern was equivalent to spitting in their faces.

Trying not to be too obvious, he kept an eye on Sephiroth for the rest of the day, passing by to ask his opinion on something, looking in when he took a bathroom break. Sephiroth didn't collapse. He sent emails and read reports. In Angeal's expert opinion, he didn't look rested. But he wasn't on the verge of death either.

With his focus on Sephiroth, Angeal failed to notice something else. He was very distracted, to be honest. It took him a whole two days to realize, and then it was just when he saw the clothes on his bed.

Two shirts. One pair of pants. A hoodie Angeal was sure he had thrown into the laundry basket at the start of the week. All clean and folded on his bed.

Angeal was already tired from a long training session, and the sight left him more dumbfounded than anything else. Had he done the laundry and forgotten? That was impossible. No way he would wash and fold clothes and erase it from his mind.

He went to the bathroom to check the dirty laundry. Some was still there. Socks and underwear for the most part. In his confusion, Angeal found himself glad that at least the mysterious clothes thief had no interest in those.

That had to mean Genesis's theory was correct. Someone was taking their things and then bringing them back. There was no other explanation. Unless Genesis was playing some very weird prank, but that wasn't his steal.

What was that supposed to mean? Who the hell broke into people's houses just to wash some shirts? This brought Angeal back to the times his mother would come into his room to clean and he would end up not finding any of his things anymore. Except more disturbing. Violating. And inexplicable. Should he file the accident for security?

Shit, he had to tell Genesis he was right.

***

Genesis was not nervous, because Genesis did not get nervous. Not in the sense of being anxious, at least. He could get impatient, irritated, annoyed, frustrated, and many other states one could identify as nervous. But not jittery.

He was, therefore, perfectly calm throughout the whole evening. He chatted, complained about work, ate the dinner Angeal had made, all as he normally would. It wasn't unusual for them to invite Sephiroth to eat with them. For all Sephiroth knew, this was normal.

They had a plan. Finish dinner, and after that move on to the serious conversation. Angeal had insisted he take the lead, claiming Genesis would risk spooking Sephiroth. Genesis could agree it was for the best. If it was up to him, he may just grab Sephiroth, kiss him, and accept the punch to his lips if it came down to it.

But realistically, it wouldn't go well. Even if Sephiroth was interested, he wouldn't appreciate it. For all that Sephiroth should loosen up, Genesis had some investment in respecting some of his boundaries. To get the best results out of this. And also because he did on some level care.

His fingers tapped the table as Angeal brought the last few dishes over to the sink. Time to talk.

"Sephiroth," Angeal started, "we have something that we want to discuss with you."

A moment of silence, with Sephiroth's eyes moving between Angeal and Genesis. "Something important, I take it."

"Yes."

"Is that why Genesis looked ready to jump out of his own skin all day?"

Genesis narrowed his eyes at him. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Your listening comprehension is usually quite good," Sephiroth replied.

"Can we reschedule the argument for tomorrow?" Angeal asked, sitting back down.

Genesis crossed his arms. Sephiroth was doing this to get a rise out of him, he had been utterly and completely relaxed. "Yes, let's not get off track."

"It's a personal matter," Angeal said. "And before continuing, I want to say we don't want you to feel pressured. We will not hold it against you if you say no."

He should speak for himself. Genesis would be resentful if he got rejected. Being offended was far preferable to being hurt.

"Continue," Sephiroth said. His voice was slow, measuring each syllable.

Angeal breathed in slowly. "You're our friend, and we appreciate that. A lot. I care deeply about you, and enjoy the time we spend together. You're... You're great. And Genesis shares the same opinion, even if he's allergic to admitting it."

This would usually be the time Genesis rolled his eyes and said something dismissive. Now he refrained. He could survive being uncomfortable for a few minutes. It was for a greater cause.

He studied Sephiroth's face instead. There was some uneasiness in his features. A brief glance towards Genesis, and then back to Angeal.

"Thank you," he said. "I... appreciate your company as well."

Genesis could almost hear the scratching of those words dragging against Sephiroth's throat. Stilted, awkward. Like always, when Sephiroth had to express his feelings.

"Good," Angeal said, with a kind smile. An expert in reading him, Genesis could see the tension behind the curve of his lips. "I suppose you'll prefer for us to be direct. What we wanted to ask is if you would be interested in joining our pack."

Sephiroth's back went so rigid so fast that Genesis worried it would hurt his spine. "Could you repeat that?"

"We are inviting you to join the two of us. Become our mate, that is. In whatever way makes you most comfortable, we are not asking that you try to match the exact dynamic me and Genesis have, if you were wondering."

"I certainly couldn't handle a second Angeal," Genesis added, deciding to break his silence. "But I could handle having you in my space more often."

Not the most passionate love declaration, but for Sephiroth it should do.

"What kind of dynamic do you expect then?" Sephiroth asked. It wasn't an outright rejection, which meant there was some hope.

"Personally," Genesis said, "I was thinking of something along the lines of our existing relationship, but with more sex."

Angeal kicked him under the table. "That's... alright, that's kind of my idea, too. If you are attracted to other alphas, that is."

And wasn't that the million gil question. What was Sephiroth into? He had never given any sign of attraction to alphas, betas, or omegas, or even just the mere concept of another human being. It would be a problem if he wasn't into alphas. Or anyone at all.

Internally, Genesis prayed Sephiroth was not the kind of alpha who dreamt of petite submissive little omegas waiting at his feet. He didn't look like one, but one never knew what fantasies other people had. Male alphas attracted to other male alphas were a small demographic.

Then again, not every member of a pack needed to be physically attracted to everyone else. There could be many types of pack interactions. Genesis didn't know if he could work with a partner who wasn't into him. However, he could make an effort. Just because it was Sephiroth, and he wanted Sephiroth in whatever way he could. Goddess, he was so desperate.

Some torturous silence later, Sephiroth swallowed, and spoke. "There is something I believe I should make you aware of."

"What is it?" Angeal said.

"I imagine directness is also for the best. I'm an omega."

Never before had Genesis so keenly felt the sensation of some wiring in his brain snap.

"What?" Angeal asked, incredulous.

"I'm an omega," Sephiroth repeated. He was staring at Angeal with the same expression he used to report a failed mission. "My apologies for not disclosing it before. I was given instruction to hide it, Shinra prefers to publicize me as an alpha."

"Because an omega can't be a First Class SOLDIER," Genesis said, the words rolling of his tongue without his control.

There barely were any omegas in SOLDIER. Hell, even in the regular army the percentage was low. The image Shinra liked to present was of powerful, virile alphas fighting for glory and to protect their families. It was no secret how much harder it was for omegas to get in, let alone promoted.

Sephiroth being an omega was unacceptable. But beyond that, Sephiroth being an omega was ridiculous. Genesis considered himself above stereotypes, but he had never seen an omega with Sephiroth's physique. Even the fittest omegas tended to be more lean, wiry muscle. Out of the people in this room, Genesis could pass as an omega the best, and many people would already see it as a stretch.

But thinking back on it, had Sephiroth ever said he was an alpha? Explicitly? Genesis didn’t remember. Everyone knew Sephiroth was one, because there was no reason to think otherwise. Shinra implied it. Betas didn’t need periodic leave to take care of their reproductive cycles. And omegas… Genesis knew nothing at all about omegas.

Angeal shook his head. "You hide it well."

"I have a subdermal implant to suppress my pheromones," Sephiroth explained. "I have also received coaching in how to better act as an alpha. It's medically too dangerous to suppress my heats entirely, but they can be kept weaker than average."

Genesis's first thought was an image of Sephiroth in heat. It was good that said thought didn't last long, because this was a very bad moment to get hard.

The second thought was how utterly fucked up this was. Subdermal implants? That had to be experimental, he had never heard of that. They were putting things in Sephiroth's body to prevent him from so much as having a scent? And without any input from him. Knowing him, he would likely use some form of suppressant either way, but it was clear Sephiroth's opinion had never been asked.

"That's... Shinra should let you make your own choices," Angeal said.

Sephiroth raised an eyebrow. "You have told me before, about many things."

"Why did you never share with us?" Genesis asked.

Between the shock and outrage, there was some space for him to feel hurt as well. They had known each other for years. Sephiroth had seen Genesis sick from mako doses, wild from pre-rut, and bleeding on the ground with bullet holes going from one side of his body to the other. Even if everything else was complicated, Genesis trusted Sephiroth. He didn't know if he had ever said it, but he knew Sephiroth was aware of it.

He could have trusted Genesis a little, too. Genesis didn't know what he would have done with the information, but he would have liked to have it.

"It was never relevant," Sephiroth said. "Besides, I have no interest in being treated the way omegas often are."

Genesis almost snapped that he wouldn't have started acting like Sephiroth was a wilting flower or sentient sex doll, but didn't. When had Sephiroth ever seen Genesis interact with omegas? One that wasn't a secretary or a nurse, at least. Genesis himself wasn't sure when he had last been around an omega with an equal position to his.

Angeal spoke up instead. "We won't. Your designation doesn't change who you are. I... Don't get me wrong, it's a surprise, but I swear I don't see you in a different way."

"Thank you," Sephiroth said, clipped. "Returning to your offer."

Genesis and Angeal glanced at each other. Sephiroth being an omega didn't change some things, but it would have an effect on them as a pack. Genesis liked omegas, he could work with this. He thought Angeal did as well, although it had been a while since he had last heard him talk about it.

But how did an omega fit in their pack? Genesis thought he had an idea of how to handle a third alpha, but an omega had a wholly different set of instincts. Sure, Sephiroth acted more as an alpha. However, how deep did that go? Within a pack, where people could act on their baser impulses without shame, would Sephiroth continue to act the part?

Let alone the newly discovered pile of trauma. Every time something new about Sephiroth came up, it was wrapped in medical malpractice with a neat little bow of dehumanization. Genesis could only imagine trying to get Sephiroth be spontaneous. Not that it was ever easy, but.

"The offer still stands," Angeal said, "at least on my side."

Genesis nodded, and turned back to Sephiroth. "It does for me as well."

"I see."

Did that mean Sephiroth was interested? Or that he wasn't? Genesis and Angeal had tried to guess whether or not Sephiroth could have an interest, list the pros and cons. Now that all went out of the window.

But thinking about it for more than a second, this made sense in a convoluted way. Of course Sephiroth acted so uncomfortable whenever someone talked about ruts. Of course he rarely ever growled, even when furious, it wasn't the way omegas reacted to anger. Of course he preferred to be in Genesis's or Angeal's flat rather than inviting them into his own, that was his nest, omegas didn't like non-pack in the nest.

A spark of understanding had Genesis's eyes widen.

"It was you!"

Both Sephiroth and Angeal stared at him with bewilderment.

Genesis leaned across the table. "You're the one who keeps taking our clothes."

The panic flashing across Sephiroth's face told Genesis he had struck gold.

All omegas had a nesting instinct. The way alphas had it written into their subconscious brain that they had to keep their territory safe, omegas knew they had to made a comfortable den for pack and children. It wasn't something that could be overridden, not through self control nor drugs.

Sephiroth must also need to nest. He had been sneaking into their flats and smuggling out clothes. Then he brought them back, maybe because he knew the theft would be noticed, maybe because he was trying to suppress his own instincts.

Genesis was this close to jumping him. An omega didn't grab things with random people's scents on it. Making a nest was about safety, and it wasn't safe if it smelled like foreign people. It had to smell like pack.

"You're kidding me," Angeal whispered.

Eyes fixed on Sephiroth's, Genesis leaned in even further, the edge of the table digging into his stomach. "Why are you using our things to nest?"

"Leather isn't as comfortable," Sephiroth said.

"Bullshit. You have more clothes than your uniform."

Sephiroth looked away. "Not many."

"You are–"

Angeal didn't even attempt to hide that he had kicked Genesis again.

"Sephiroth," he said, while Genesis hissed in pain.

"Yes?"

Angeal opened his mouth, taking a long moment to speak. "You can ask next time."

Sephiroth looked away.

"And please stop fishing things out of the laundry hamper. It's dirty."

But a shirt that had been sweated in all day would smell much stronger. Disgusting, but understandable. Hormones did strange things to people's sense of hygiene.

Genesis tried to think of how often his things had gone missing. If it lined up with Sephiroth's heat breaks, then it could be chalked up to the pre-heat making him feel like any alpha was good to have around. That wasn't the case. It was much, much more often. It meant something.

Sephiroth nodded. "I apologize for the inconvenience."

Like he worked for the public transport department and was announcing that a train would be late.

"That is the opposite of inconvenient," Genesis said. "You are warmly invited to take my clothes whenever you want, and you know it's not an offer I extend easily."

"Should I worry for your health?"

"Only the mental one."

"Genesis," Angeal said.

Genesis turned to him, and raised a finger. "Let me take it from here, alright?"

Angeal looked dubious, but he gestured for him to continue.

"We want you in," Genesis continued. "I was ready for another alpha, but honestly alpha or omega you would have been a fucking challenge either way, and you know how I am with challenges. You can't tell me there is nothing you want, because I don't buy that you just wanted a cashmere nest. So what is the problem?"

Sephiroth didn't answer.

"Allow me a small moment of sincerity. I hate talking about my feelings as much as you do, and especially to you. So don't think about getting used to me telling you that you are one of approximately two people in the world I trust with my life, or that I want to personally burn down every thing or person that ever so much as vaguely annoyed you – minus myself, of course – or that I want to rip whatever it is they gave you from under your skin just so I can walk around covered in your scent."

That had Sephiroth swallow hard. Good, because Genesis's own throat was getting quite dry by saying those words.

"But now that I've told you, you tell me what the issue is on your side."

The I dare you was implied. Sephiroth would never, in any circumstance, allow Genesis to one-up him.

Sure enough, Sephiroth glared, but started talking. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do in a pack."

"No one does," Angeal said. "You figure it out as you go."

"Shinra would find the arrangement unacceptable."

"Shinra can swallow battery acid," Genesis replied.

"The idea of people seeing me in heat makes me quite uncomfortable."

And there it was. The trauma dumpster fire.

"We can leave you alone if you prefer," Angeal said. "You are also not forced to be with us while in rut."

Although that would be interesting. But if Sephiroth truly didn't want to, Genesis and Angeal could handle each other the way they always had.

It looked like Sephiroth was trying to find more things to say. Maybe what it all really boiled down to was him being scared of this. But he wouldn't admit it. Genesis wouldn't either.

His apparent internal struggle took far longer than Genesis would have liked. His heart skipped when Sephiroth opened his mouth again.

"I could make an attempt."

Yes.

"Thank you," Angeal said, the relief palpable in his voice.

Still uncomfortably rigid, Sephiroth nodded. "What am I supposed to do now?"

Kiss me and make up for the kind of conversation you put me through, was very high on Genesis's list of options. That would have to wait, he feared. Physical contact of the non-violent kind was a whole can of worms on itself. Slow, cautious approach was key. Genesis would need to put more strategy into this than in any battle.

"Anything you want." Angeal paused. "But I would like it if you let me scent you, if that doesn't make you uncomfortable."

Genesis whipped his head towards Angeal. Here he was, trying to be responsible and put Sephiroth's comfort before his own wishes, and Angeal just dropped that?

"How so?" Sephiroth asked.

"Just my jaw glands. Nothing too long or intimate. I will understand if you don't want to, but it would be nice. For me, and maybe for you as well."

"I suppose that's alright," Sephiroth said.

Transfixed, Genesis watched as Angeal stood and walked around the table. Sephiroth was stiff as a board as Angeal pushed his hair to the side, revealing his neck.

"It might be more comfortable if you stood up," Angeal said.

With Genesis, he wouldn't have hesitated before bending down and rubbing all over him. This approach was better with Sephiroth. It would avoid trapping him between Angeal and the table.

Genesis had thought it would make him jealous to see Angeal get close to another man, but now there was none at all. Not even Angeal's soft, affectionate smile at Sephiroth caused it. Angeal leaned in. The side of his face, with that terrible scratchy stubble, rubbed against Sephiroth's.

Scenting, while intimate, was in itself a casual enough gestures. Packmates did it with each other, but so did parents with children, siblings with one another, even close friends. Comforting and reassuring, but nothing else. Genesis had never seen anyone outside of heat or rut have a particularly strong reaction to a quick scenting.

Until today, at least.

Sephiroth's eyes fluttered close. His mouth parted, his breaths growing slightly deeper. The rigidity in his limbs didn't entirely leave, but it turned into something different. Heavier, shakier. Like he was being given something he had craved his entire life.

It might be. Who in Shinra would go around scenting Sephiroth? No wonder he was so desperate for other people's clothes. People weren't made to go without scenting their whole lives, no matter their designations.

Unable to resist, Genesis got to his feet. Angeal stepped back.

"Let me," Genesis said, halfway between a statement and a request.

Sephiroth nodded.

His scent should be exploding in Genesis's nose. But nothing. Underneath the faint residues of Angeal's scent, there was only Sephiroth's shampoo.

Genesis could fix that. He pressed close, rubbing his whole face into Sephiroth. Too bad he couldn't quite reach enough to press their necks together as well, push his major gland against him.

It got a little better. There was still that distressing nothing beneath it, but some of Genesis's scent managed to stick as well. Not much, a shower would wash it off. For the moment, it was acceptable.

Packmate. Not yet maybe, but it was turning into a real possibility. How would Genesis resist more than a couple days without claiming him?

"Are you alright?" Angeal asked.

"Yes," Sephiroth replied. His voice had deepened. If this kind of contact got that sex voice out of him, Genesis couldn't imagine what a proper touch would do to him.

"We didn't overwhelm you, right?"

"No," Sephiroth said, worst liar of the century.

He moved away, and he looked like he was hanging by a thread. Breath heavy, pupils blown round. Genesis wanted to push him down on bed and do nothing but scent him for the next hour or so.

"May I take some time to think?" Sephiroth said.

"Of course," Angeal answered.

Considering how he looked, he might as well ask for some time to jerk off. Impossible to tell if he was just overwhelmed or also aroused. Damned lack of scent.

Sephiroth greeted them with a quick nod, and left.

As soon as the door had locked, Angeal smacked Genesis upside the head.

"We had agreed to be gentle."

"Oh, sorry, Mr Can I Scent You Hewley."

Angeal narrowed his eyes at Genesis. "Scenting is a normal thing to do."

"Tell that to Sephiroth."

That made Angeal pause. "Yeah, you're right. I knew he wouldn't be used to it, but I didn't expect that."

"They fucked him alright," Genesis commented.

"Like that is any news. Did you have any idea he was an omega? Ever?"

Genesis shook his head. "No more than you did."

They looked at each other, Angeal scratching the back of his head, Genesis tapping his fingers on his crossed arms.

"I mean, that doesn't change much for me," Angeal said. "He's still Sephiroth. Designation doesn't matter aside from sex."

"And clothes stealing, apparently."

"Yeah, that's... That's..."

Angeal was apparently at a loss for words. No wonder about that. Any alpha would be shaken if an omega was taking their clothes to nest. For that omega to be Sephiroth... Genesis felt himself swell with pride at that. The basest side of him preened at the thought of having been declared a worthy alpha by such an omega.

But that also meant the stealing problem was solved. The two of them had been searching for any answer, and neither of them had so much as suspected Sephiroth. All was well what ended well.

"Can you believe tonight was even more eventful than we expected?" Genesis asked.

Angeal laughed. "No. Hell no. But it went well."

"Much better than expected."

"That it did," Angeal said, and walked towards Genesis.

Genesis let out a pleased rumble as Angeal leaned in to scent him. He did need that. A proper scenting, not a barely there touch. "We're officially a pack now."

"Give it some time," Angeal said, and nipped at Genesis's jaw. "He still has to come around it."

"Think a few shirts will help?"

"Maybe."

Genesis placed his hands on Angeal's arms. "This got you cuddly."

"I was stressed, alright?" Angeal said. "And we have to talk about what to do, with Sephiroth being an omega."

"What to do? I'd say it's fairly straight forward. Might even be easier without an additional knot involved."

Angeal bit him again, now harder. "I'm not talking about sex."

Of course not. He never focused on the best parts.

"You heard him," Genesis said. "He doesn't want to be treated any different."

"That's not what I mean. We'll need to navigate his issues."

Genesis sighed loudly. "It's Sephiroth. He had idiosyncrasies on everything."

"You're not any better, you know that?"

It must be a mark of greatness, Genesis supposed.