Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wall Market was buzzing on this Friday night. Lots of SOLDIERs and troopers were marching the streets seeking free tables at bars, waiting under fluorescent lights for the Honey Bee Inn to open its doors again for the next show. The rush was expected by every worker of Wall Market. It was rotation week and many Shinra employees just barely came back to Midgar from their mission, dispatched all over Gaia for several weeks. It was almost tradition for them to move almost as a pack below plate, toward Sector 6 slum and abuse every entertainment and pleasures the underground market could offer. Many of them were still in uniform and Genesis should scold them, but there was no point to make a fuss in the crowd. Everyone knew Wall Market only existed because Shinra allowed it and benefited from it. All the drugs, underground fights and prostitution sent money in Shinra’s pocket. Besides, the company also needed to keep its men entertained, and there was no way for Wall Market businesses to exist anywhere on the plate.

Genesis didn’t want attention drawn on himself anyway. It was a rare occurrence for the Crimson Commander of Shinra to want to be discreet and not step into the spotlight. Yet Genesis was glad no one paid attention to him as he walked in Madam M’s massage parlor. Madam M was a classy woman offering high end services that were called massage only for the sake of modesty, a simple way to set herself apart - and above - the very straightforward pimping of the Honey Bee. The beta lady smiled behind her fan when she saluted Genesis. He nodded at her before walking the familiar way in the surprisingly silent corridor - Madam M knew in which kind of comfort to invest, soundproofing her rooms had been greatly appreciated by her clientele. Genesis knocked softly on his room before entering.

In the familiar red and gold room, Cloud was languidly lying on his side on a pile of cushions by the tea table, a playful smile on his lips. He had built a nest in a corner of the room, close to the actual bed, and the table was full of refined nibbles, a collection of alcohol bottles and water. They were in for all night after all. 

Genesis smiled, closed the door, removed his coat and boots slowly and then approached the omega spread on the floor whose eyes followed each of the officer movements.

Cloud was dressed in an exquisite wutainese yukata, all light blue, white and golden highlights, a gift from Genesis himself. He had it altered, the length of the cloth shortened to stop mid tight and allow Cloud to show off his legs. As much as a gift was the garment, the two omegas were under no illusion it was meant to be worn to any occasion but the commander’s visits. Genesis got on one knee next to the blonde omega and took his chin between his fingers to stretch his neck even more toward himself. Genesis’ crimson lips stretched in a slight smile. “Hello darling.” 

The omega on the floor replied with a smile of his own and a heated gaze. “Hello commander. I missed you.”

As most of the men in town tonight, Genesis was just coming back from rotation. Truth be told, he has been back for five days already from a two and half weeks mission in Costa Del Sol. Mission that had him delay his monthly appointment with Cloud. Truly, they weren’t really out of schedules, barely a week of delay. It could have been an even shorter delay, but the last five days had been blessed days of pack reunion and bounding time for Genesis. 

Genesis pack’s, the well named Firsts pack, was rarely complete as First class SOLDIERs often got assignments for far away missions. Genesis was the least susceptible to be sent for an extended amount of time on a far away location. Being the only omega in a pack otherwise only formed by alphas, the President of Shinra has been clear he wanted him in Midgar as much as possible, fearing that the remaining three alpha Firsts would be tense and stressed out in the absence of the delicate nature of their pack omega to mediate their interactions. No need to clarify that the audience of that specific reunion barely managed to refrain from laughing at the mention of the delicate omegan nature of Genesis. In turn, Genesis barely refrained from burning the whole tower down. 

So the last few days, when the pack reunited, has been a blurred mix of cuddling, grooming, appeasement and affirmation gestures and of course, of sex. Oh Gaia his pussy felt raw . His absence has been especially hard for Zack who had officially joined the back barely five months prior. It has been the longest they have been separated since and while waiting for Genesis returns, Zack, Angeal and Sephiroth had needed to found a new balanced dynamic. The three of them seemed to have worked together quite fine, but it didn’t prevent them from cornering their omega in their den for days to the point Genesis hadn't been able to properly send his report before the third day after his return. And finally he found the time to go out and blow off much needed steam in a way his packmates could not help him with. 

Genesis sat at Cloud side and let his hand roam on the smooth legs while leaning forward to check on the beverages. He poured wine in a glass and took it to Cloud’s mouth, pressing the rim against his lovely glossed lips. Cloud obediently accepted the wine, his head tilting back the slightest as Genesis pushed him to drink more. Once satisfied, the commander took the glass away and emptied it in his own mouth before putting it away. The mage could already feel his core warming in the mere presence of the other omega, excitement building in his stomach as he leaned in to kiss the slender neck. His hand was gripping the blonde hairs to tilt his head back. It wasn’t necessary, as Cloud offered his throat willingly and eagerly, but it was important . 

“I missed you so much , sir. I thought I’d have a night full of idiot alphas and betas only here to empty their nuts… I’m so happy to have you here. I’m all yours. I’m going to be so good for you.”

Genesis growled in his neck. The role play was on. “Oh yeah? Did you touch yourself thinking of me?” Cloud purred stronger and pressed his body flush against Genesis.

“I thought about you when there were Alphas in my room. I ride them thinking of you.”

Genesis smiled against Cloud’s neck. How could such a lovely mouth be so filthy? He leaned back to stare into his pretty blue eyes. “Yeah sweetheart? You wanna show me?” The blonde caught his lower lip between his teeth and nodded before Genesis got up. He walked toward a well-known drawer where he knew Cloud toys were stored and opened it to retrieve a flaming red grind mat.

The toy looked suspiciously like a monster tongue, which got a few playful comments from Genesis the first times they used it. Genesis strapped the mat around his thigh, as close to the hip as possible, before sitting on the couch and spreading his legs. His pants would be ruined but he could care less as he lied backward on the sofa, eyes following the beautiful omega that walked closer. The blonde undid his yukata and let it fall on the floor, revealing his lean, toned body. Genesis couldn't help but let his eyes fall on Cloud’s crotch. He had a lovely cunt, shaved to perfection for his client to see his swollen clit and his folds already slick with cyprin. Genesis licked his lips, feeling the warmth spreading further between his legs. “Eager, are we?”

“Always for you, commander.” Cloud replied in a purr, straddling Genesis’ thigh but not sitting. The SOLDIER approached his hand without shame, spreading Cloud’s folds to collect some of the velvety fluid between his fingers. He caged the huge clit between his index and major and stroked the gland with his thumb. Cloud twitched and squirmed, wailing in pleasure as the older omega massaged his sensitive sex. It took Genesis all his restraint to not simply flip the blond on his back and eat him out.

But that was plans for later. They had all night and for now Genesis wanted an eager blond riding his thigh and showing him how much he missed him. Instead of succumbing to his urges, Genesis grabbed Cloud by the hips and sat him in the pad before letting go of him and lying back on the couch with his arms finding the back of the furniture. Cloud complied to the silent order. He put his hands on Genesis’ shoulders for support and started moving his hips in a slow rhythm, his breath catching every now and then. 

The mage watched, enraptured, Cloud chase his pleasure on his thigh. Grinding, humping, bouncing, unashamed. His flat stomach beautifully moved with each thrusting of his hips. Genesis didn’t touch, only watched him work, showing him how good it felt to think about Genesis. He loved how focused Cloud was, eyes shutting close every time he forgot the other omega was right in front of him. But that was okay, it was all about Cloud’s pleasure after all.

Genesis slides his palm between the pad and Cloud’s cunt. The blonde moaned high and worked twice as hard on humping on the dry and rough skin of Genesis' hand. He ground faster, clit thrusting against the heel of Genesis’ palm, until he came with a high moan. His hips trembled as Genesis collected him, getting him to properly lean on the couch and flushing his hips against Genesis’ own. As he expected, Genesis could feel the wet warmth spreading through the fabric of his pants and on his skin.

The blonde was panting while recovering and Genesis stroked his back and purred for him. He started chanting praises in his ear. “Good boy” and “So pretty and wet for me.” They stayed like this for a moment before Genesis took Cloud’s chin between his fingers, angled his head and kissed him. He savored the kiss, knowing it was a privilege allowed to omega clients only. When they parted, Genesis whispered against Cloud’s lips. “You got me all hard and wet sweetheart. Planning to do anything about that?” 

Without replying, Cloud let himself fall between Genesis’ parted legs, dragging a cushion on his way to place under his knees. The commander removed his turtleneck while the blonde worked on removing his client’s shoes, the mat and undid his pants. The blonde didn’t waste time lowering Genesis’s pants and boxer completely for practicality and exposed his pube entirely. Genesis got more comfortable on the sofa, slumping lower, thrusting his hips forward and spreading his legs wider. He offered all of his cock and vulva to the pretty nacked omega between his legs. “Don’t use your fingers, mouth only and nothing goes inside.”

Cloud obeyed the order and closed his lips around the swollen clit while one of the commander’s hands came to rest on his head without applying pressure. Genesis sighed and threw his head back on the couch. He still felt quite raw and sensitive from the previous days, where the evening and morning were filled with pack bonding activities after his weeks long absence. His mates have been quite eager to have him back in their den and Zack has been especially demanding. Genesis opened his eyes and looked down at Cloud practicing his perfect submissive omega act and distantly wondered if that was how he looked like for his younger mate before brushing this thought off. Now wasn’t the moment to think of his the puppy.

Even with the thought away from Genesis’ mind, it didn’t make Cloud any less perfect. He was a professional in every meaning of the word, knowing exactly by now how to get Genesis off depending on his moods. Madam M’s protégés were expensive for a reason. Cloud was delicate to suck him off without touching his folds, bobbing his head, pinching his clit between his lips and pressing his tongue on the gland. Mindful, he put a hand on Genesis' stomach and pushed gently to expose more of the clit instead of spreading his cunt. He had the commander whining and moaning in a few tricks of his tongue, sucking, lapping and circling on the cock. Cloud had Genesis come on his tongue in no time. Genesis moaned loudly, his stomach muscle contracting under Cloud’s hand and his inner wall tightening under the pleasure. The commander gripped on the blonde hair to get it away from his pussy while catching his breath. Cloud pliantly let Genesis manhandle him, busying himself on kissing the toned abs and nipping at the skin on Genesis navel. 

The SOLDIER slowly came down from his high, heart slowing down and breath becoming regular again. Cloud straddled both of his hips to sit on his lap again. This time, the playful smile on his lips was more genuine, edging less on the side of seductive. He even chuckled a little as he kissed Genesis neck and face. Genesis smiled back, putting his hands on the muscled hips of the other omega. “You came so fast Gen, no one took proper care of you dick in a while it seems.”

The mage only chuckled. “You are just too good, sweetheart, I wouldn't dream to resist your mouth just to be stubborn.”

Cloud hummed, leaning back to look Genesis in the eyes. “It’s exactly the kind of stuff you are stubborn about.” His hands lost themselves in the auburn hair to massage Genesis scalp. “You are tired, aren’t you? It’s okay, I can take good care of you, if you let me.” A soft smile stretched the blonde’s lips. 

Genesis sighed, loving the touch in his hair. Maybe the massage parlor was for modesty but Madam M definitely made sure her employees knew how to make best use of their hands in all kinds of places. “I’m well taken care of. Maybe even too much, so just let me take care of you instead.” His hands traveled the length of Cloud’s sides, appreciating his smooth body. “I will fuck you so good I’m the only thing you will think about for the rest of the month.”

Cloud purred louder in appreciation, he had always loved when other omegas would dirty talk to him. “I hope you live up to this commander.” Genesis felt the wetness of Cloud’s pussy slowly drip on his cock. “Will you mount me in the nest I built for you?” The question was asked with an almost innocent tone, but Cloud knew all the buttons he could push when it came to Genesis.

Groaning, the mage gripped the nape of Cloud’s neck, digging his nail in the tender skin where fangs would soon be. “I will fuck you so hard you won’t have heat for the next two years.” He let go of the blonde omega with a slap on the asscheek and  Cloud got up with a giggle.

Moving back to the toy’s drawer, Genesis put on a strap and his favorite dick, the silicone deliciously enveloping his clit. Meanwhile, Cloud had moved in the nest. He was ass up in the center of the pile of blankets, presenting for the older omega. On his knees and chest in almost buried the nest, he was making a show of fingering himself open, showing off his pink, gaping entrance to Genesis with his back so arched it could break. The Crimson commander of Shinra discovered in this exact moment there was nothing more gender affirming than to with a dick in hand toward a presenting omega watching him over his shoulder with an eager spark in the eyes. 

Genesis got on his knees behind the blonde, stroking his back with his palm and watching the spine and muscle move beneath the pale skin when Cloud arched his back to press against the commander’s hips. Bending over the blonde omega’s back, Genesis reached over toward the pump of lube next to the nest and coated his cock generously. Once done, he manhandled Cloud a bit roughly, maneuvering him to lean on his elbows and have his back flushed against Genesis’s front. Genesis wrapped his hands around the delicate wrist and pushed them in the soft fabric of the nest under Cloud’s head.

Genesis didn’t tease for long, just giving a few strokes of the silicone dildo against Cloud’s folds. Freeing on hand just the time to alight himself at Cloud’s entrance, Genesis slid in with a smooth, practiced move that had the other omega moan in his arms. He gave a few slow thrust and started kissing the nape of Cloud’s neck. In turn, Cloud let his head drop lower, offering more of his neck in a submissive gesture. Soon enough, the kisses shifted and Genesis opened his mouth as large as he could and took the teeth between his fangs, pressing just enough the sensation triggered both of their instincts.

With Cloud pinned in the nest, hand locked by Genesis grip on his wrists, Genesis teeth on his neck, growling in his ears to keep him well submitted. His large body pressed against the milky skin of the younger omega and their body moved in the rhythm of Genesis hips, Genesis had everything he came for. Cloud was moaning, squirming, crying lovely demands of more, deeper please, faster… The nest went quickly damp with their body fluid and the air saturated with the smell of their mixed pleasure and joy. Genesis felt the exact moment the blonde’s body tensed more, his smell exploding and him trying to squirm away from the overwhelming pleasure. The commander kept him in place, giving a few more trust while Cloud rode his orgasm with unfiltered sound before going still, trembling under Genesis’s body.

Genesis didn’t free him, keeping one hand on his wrist to restrain him, the other went to Cloud’s chest to supper him and keep him up. The SOLDIER didn’t allow Cloud to collapse on the nest. He kept him in position, replacing the teeth on the pale neck with lips, kissing slowly again as he started purring. The vibration forms his chest going through Cloud’s own ribcage, the last blow that had him gasping one more time and his arms and legs collapsed.  Genesis let go of him completely and straightened on his knees, towering over Cloud’s body. The blond twisted in the nest to face his client, panting, body trembling. He was utterly and completely wrecked. Genesis undid the straps and touched himself, staring at his work, panting as much as Cloud. He quickly came, his cock swollen, his cunt hard and trembling. He had been on the edge for a long time already. He joined Cloud in the blankets, lying next to him in the safety of the nest.

For a moment they didn’t move. They were both present, needing to recover their breath but too spent to do anything more. Cloud was the first to move, grabbing napkins to clean them up and picking extra blankets that lay around the nest and covering the mess they made. The blonde gently cleaned Genesis and quickly moved away to switch the lights for a dim glow, perfect for them to catch a few hours of sleep before going again. He came back to the nest, got Genesis down on the dry layer of blankets and snuggled against his chest, gently purring in contentment. Genesis draped his arms around Cloud’s body, equally content, and purred back. They would be out of it for a few hours at least, but the commander didn’t mind. The point of booking Cloud all night also was the aftercare, the closeness of their bodies, the rest in the nest. Genesis stroked Cloud’s shivering stomach with the not-omegan fantasy he filled this belly up with pups.

Chapter Text

Nobody but its workers ever really sees Wall Market in the morning. Whenever the light of the new day comes up and the sun lamp switches on, the business district of Sector 6 slums look like a completely different land. The streets were deserted from their clients, looking dull under the artificial lights and with the neon signs turned off. The silence felt weird without the music of the bars and clubs. When the artifice is gone, Wall Market looks as miserable as the rest of the slums.

It was not like the market was exactly empty . The night workers were still here, finishing their shift and collecting their money, but most of them just enjoyed the calm and silent morning after a busy night. They were tired. 

It was about 0630 when Cloud left the massage parlor after taking a shower and collecting his money. Cloud might be a high-end prostitute, one of the most expensive cunts of the entire slums, but there wasn’t much left after Madam M collected her share and another extra part for Cloud’s debt. He still didn’t complain, at least he could work in a secure place, with security ready to intervene anytime, and he was able to impose his condition on his clients and employer. Madam M was the best deal a sex worker could get in Midgar. 

Genesis had left one hour prior, flying before the lights could break the magic of Wall Market like any other John. Cloud had been honest when he said he was happy to have him for the night. Genesis was his favorite client. He, for sure, always has been biased toward his omega clientele but he had met regularly with the commander for two years and for better or for worse their nights became a comforting bearing for Cloud. It wasn’t even about his status as First Class and Commander of SOLDIER, mate to the Silver General Sephiroth, the Honour bond Commander Angeal Hewley and the Hero of the people Zack Fair. No, what Cloud loved was just how compatible he and Genesis were. How fun and good the sex was. How he would wake up after a night with Genesis fresh and relaxed. How it sometimes didn’t even feel like work. 

At some point during the night, they had woken up and cuddled in a very omegan fashion. Cloud could feel how tired Genesis was and had wanted to put him back to sleep by blowing him but instead the SOLDIER put Cloud on his back and ate him out to oblivion before snuggling back against his half-asleep body to finish his night. The blonde had almost felt bad in the morning knowing Genesis was the one who worked the most in the night. Still, the other omega had woken up by the morning as happy as ever, kissed Cloud goodbye and left. As always, he was utterly content to have a good dominating fuck and hours of sleep in the nest Cloud always built for them. Even the nesting material was specifically for Genesis’ appointments. Partly because by now the blankets had been so soaked in their fluids and pheromones the material still smelled of their mixed scent after a wash - and obviously Cloud washed the blanket after every appointment. The other reason simply was he only built nests for Genesis’ nights. 

It was not like Cloud had any other client he would agree to book a whole night with anyway. Not mentioning nesting with.

Cloud decided to roam a bit around the market before going home. He stopped by the Honey Bee Inn where some of his colleagues were either smoking outside or cleaning the trash left by the crowd of Shinra soldiers. For a few minutes he made conversation asking about How was your night? Not too many people? No, everyone was fully booked but we didn’t have any problems. Oh yeah? I heard Janine say Chocobo Sam’s girls would have SOLDIERs Second Class tonight … Yeah, have a good day! Rest well! See you later.  

He eventually left and took the long way toward Sector Five slums, trying to tire himself some. Nights where he could sleep was part of the unusual circumstances that came with having Genesis as a client. The influence of the nest worked on both of them and made it so easy to fall asleep, but Cloud would need to sleep again some more during the day as he usually would so he could keep up for tonight. If rotation week always was a big event, rotation week-end was almost worse. This time the omega would really have alphas and betas come to empty their nuts in the most expensive pussy or ass they could afford. Cloud might have always been popular, but he got even more demands since the rumors had started.  

So yeah, better catch any rest he could get. He had tiring days coming. He would take his Monday off, visit Aerith and the school in the afternoon and go to Seven Heaven during the night. He would drink and laugh with Tifa’s pack, hopefully all reunited in the bar they established as their den in. He would tell funny stories to Marlene and try to avoid Biggs’ not-so-casual flirtation. He and Tifa might start to argue again in old Nibel, and Aerith might challenge him to a drinking game. It will feel so great. Definitely something to look for going through the week-end. 

He was back in his one room apartment before Sector 5’s day crowd was awake and tried his best to quickly fall asleep in his single person bed.

_____

Genesis’ head was blissfully empty as he stepped in the meeting room. Any other week he would have cursed the person that scheduled an inter-division board meeting at 0800 on a saturday morning. 

It really was only an Advanded Weaponeary and Public Security inter meeting. Genesis was certain the initial goal of it was solely for Scarlet and Heidegger to discuss Roboguards. He would have gladly ditched the meeting, especially since he still had paperwork to fill about his last mission, but Sephiroth had warned him the previous day.

“Rufus and the TURKs are coming as a pack. It’s been a while since we all have been together in Midgar at the same time, we should make an appearance as a pack too and stand our ground. Whatever Rufus has in mind, even if he has nothing in mind, I want to show him SOLDIERs are here .” 

Honestly, Genesis would also like to escape the dick measuring contest Rufus persisted in doing between TURKs and SOLDIERs, but he wouldn’t deny Sephiroth this specific request. Politics and inside power play were important and it was part of his duties to stand by his mate. 

He had stopped by his personal apartment in the morning to change into a clean uniform, voluntarily avoiding his den. While his mates knew he was visiting what they playfully called his omega last night, he was not about to bring Cloud’s scent in his pack’s living quarters. 

Just before throwing his pants in the dirty laundry basket, he couldn’t help but press his nose into the fabric. It was saturated with Cloud smell where he had come grinding on Genesis thigh and the strong omega musk was mouthwatering. It smelled of honey and mountain lilies, fresh and sweet. Cloud was a perfect omega down to the smell.

He made himself coffee in the apartment and directly headed to the meeting. He was, apparently, the last person to arrive and all eyes were on him when closed the door. Most eyes were indifferent, and Genesis didn’t care about them. But a deep feeling of belonging settled in his gust when the warm gaze on his three mates fell on him. He took his seat between Sephiroth and Zack, Angeal at the other side of Sephiroth. It was their usual sitting arrangement, Genesis and Angeal at Sephiroth sides as his commanders, direct second in commands, and Zack next to Genesis, because Gaia forgive, no proper pack would let their omega sitting next to an outsider in public setting. None of Genesis’ mates needed to ask Genesis what he thought of that rule of decorum he followed anyway. 

The TURKs did, indeed, come as a pack. Cissnei was the only absent member of the large pack, but she had been hardly spotted anywhere for months. 

Elena, their newest mate, even greener than Zack, was trying to hide her obvious anxiousness. She still felt not in her place in these meetings. It would pass, but Genesis was sure that, was she not under suppressants like it was requested for any Shinra employee, the room would smell distinctly of Beta distress. 

Rude was sitting by her side, as stoic as ever behind his glasses. His chin was supported on the back of one hand, and Genesis could bet the other one was resting on Elena’s knee or thigh to try and sooth his fellow beta. He was on the left of Rufus while Tseng was on the right of the Vice-President, sitting straight and as stoic as ever. He was a complete contrast with the second alpha of their pack, black suit versus white pristine one. The Vice-President himself was slumped in his chair, proud head of the TURKs and of his pack.

With a very upset Reno on one of his laps.

Truth be told, nobody but Genesis probably noticed how furious the redhead omega was. He held his head high, legs crossed, one arm wrapped over Rufus’ shoulders and body language screaming overconfidence. Still, Genesis knew Reno and the tension around his mouth and eyes was telling enough. 

It wasn’t exactly inappropriate for an alpha to display claim over his pack omega during public confrontation - if this meeting was even one. Not inappropriate but definitely old fashioned. The kind of things no one would comment on but everyone has a thought. Genesis’ mates knew well he'd rip their arms off if they tried to put this kind of shit up with him. 

Well, maybe that was exaggerated. Maybe he would just put a few things on fire and be nasty with them for a good week. 

Reno, however, would not publicly defy Rufus the way Genesis might with his mates, he could not, and it somehow upset Genesis. It was hard enough sometimes, to be taken seriously as an omega in such a high position. Reno had to make people understand the hard way he was not to be made fun of. Especially as the TURKs’ second in command. Should they make it a contest, Reno would probably have a higher count of how many Shinra employees they wiped the floor with over stupid sexist jokes.

Genesis could not really say he felt particular kinship or camaraderie with omegas over their shared social conditions. He liked to think himself a self-made man - well, mostly self made, but he had sympathy for the only other omega in the room. Rufus was no easy alpha to have, especially when the pack’s co-leader didn’t seem inclined to smooth the edges between these two.

It was truly weird. Rufus had been accepted in the pack about fifteen months ago after a good year of courting each of its members. Everything had seemed to go perfectly well in the beginning but for half a year Genesis felt like he watched a ship rush in the most gargantuan iceberg, on a clear day without even thinking about tack to dodge. This shit would sink because all of the crew was obstinately not mentioning the block of ice in their ways.

But was it his business? Certainly not. Neither was it his problem. So instead, Genesis tried to focus on Heidegger. 

By the end of the meeting, the only relevance to the presence of SOLDIERs was their input on roboguard abilities, settings, suggestion over training their AI to reply to certain preset situations and arrangement to crash test next models with 3rd Class SOLDIERs. The TURKs had barely more inputs, only Tseng asking about data protection and vulnerability over having every robot connected to the same system. Rufus would sometimes ask more general questions about budgeting, public outreach and reception over having new robots roaming the city, experimental engineering… Genesis tried to not be too distracted whenever the Vice-President talked with his hand absent-mindedly stroking his omega’s waist over his suit. 

Despite remaining perfectly still there was no doubt Reno was listening and registering not only what was being said but every detail over every participant of the meeting. The slight frown on his face was unmoving but his eyes were jumping on each person in the room beside his pack members. Upset but always professional. That’s what it takes to be a TURK.

When the meeting was over and the First pack finally exited the room together, Genesis stretched his arms with a yawn. “Oh Godess... Never again am I to play trophy wife on Saturday before ten. Especially if no one offers breakfast. Sorry, Love.”

He was not serious, they all knew it. Still, Sephiroth gave him a small smile. “Thanks for humoring me, Gen. I will make it up to you.”

“Oh yeah?” The red mage playfully replied. Slowing down in the hallway so he could be on the General’s level, an amused smile came on his lips. “I wonder how you will do that.”

Sephiroth passed an arm around his waist and pressed on his side. “I could take you to the theater to see the new LOVELESS play and dinner. I could accompany you on a shopping day and let you and your higher taste decide what I should wear for Shinra’s next dinner party. Or I could make up for your lost beauty sleep by keeping you in bed all day tomorrow.”

“Hum…” Genesis feigned to weigh the options. “Yes to all of those.” He finally purred.

_____

The next morning had Genesis weakening up to the feeling of soft lips kissing over the nape of his neck, shoulders and shoulder blades, and soft hands — so unbelievably soft even for a soldier that it could only belong to one person — delicately caressing his arms and back. His body felt delightedly heavy in the bedsheets. Genesis hummed in contentment. 

The previous night had, in the end, him falling in bed with all of his mates again. He was this time the one eager to ride Zack in a slow path that had the puppy turning mad and begging, completely unraveled and clinging to Genesis, howling in delight when he reached his peak. Angeal had finished Genesis, but most of the evening he and Sephiroth took care of each other while the omega was focusing on their youngest mate.

This morning however felt like Sephiroth was determined to fulfill his previous day promise. Genesis rolled on his back, looking up at the Silver General, lying on his side with head propped on his hand. He truly was an exquisite sight, all smooth and soft marble skin, shining hair catching the sun like a strand of pure silver and out-of-this-world eyes that watched him with the softest gaze. His free hand resummed stroking Genesis’ side and stomach, and the omega felt his inside melt. 

Finally, since he was back, the commander felt like he could breathe and relax. Nothing to run after for the time being. Sephiroth leaned in to kiss more kisses to Genesis’ neck and shoulder. Kisses turned to licking and sucking over the bite mark Sephiroth himself put on Genesis’ tender skin. The omega sighed and shifted on his belly while Sephiroth wrapped himself over his back, shifting one of his legs. In a well practiced dance, Sephiroth swiped inside. It got Genesis purring from the delicious stretch and Sephiroth moaning. It was a slow build up of long thrusts. The alpha’s body was flushed against Genesis’ back, his weight supported on his elbows on each side of the omega’s head. The warm breath of Sephiroth fell against his mate’s ear and neck and Genesis’ skin tingled whenever the long silky silver hair slides against his skin.

They build their high slowly and Genesis gasps when his mate falls over the edge and his inflating knock stretches him even more to make him reach his own orgasm. Genesis barely feels warmth and wetness that comes with Sephiroth but even imagining his walls coated with his mate’s seeds settles some deep-rooted kinky instinct. His alpha stays draped over him, kissing, stroking and praising while they are still locked together and then get up just long enough to grab something to clean Genesis before going back to bed. He takes his mate in his arms and they lay half asleep for a few minutes before Genesis finds the strength to ask what he had been wondering all week.

“So, how has it been? Zack is especially clingy…”

“Hum…” Sephiroth pensively caressed his arms, thinking of his reply. “He manages better when he is the one away on a mission, I guess. He has more things to focus on than your absence and he doesn’t have to tiptoe around a different pack dynamic.” Sephiroth half sigh. “He is still hesitant. Angeal and I tried to relax him about having sex without you, but it still reassures him when you are here. We didn’t get past masturbation except one time he let me blow him. But nothing more.”

The omega had grabbed a strand of silver silky hair he pensively wind around his fingers while Sephiroth spoke. “And that’s fine. Let him have his rhythm. Even if he never gets farther than that, it’s okay. We knew he might not be into other alphas when we added him to the pack.”

The general shrugged, making both of their bodies move. “I’m not the best judge for these things, but I think he is into other alphas. At least romantically. He is head over heels about Angeal, and I’m sure he would have never followed us into bed without you if he was not at least curious. I just don’t know how deep the backwater town traditional education runs. I think he is also still a bit skeptical about seeing Angeal get fucked.”

Genesis laughed at that. These were many funny statements coming from Sephiroth, but Genesis refrained from commenting on whether it was Sephiroth's place to judge backwater town sex education. “Angeal is almost praying for Zack to get a mission so you can finally rail him properly. I am sincerely impressed with his restraint.”

“I admit I’m getting impatient too. I want to pin him on his back.”

The mage chuckled some more, a pleasing heat came with imagining the tableau his mate could make, savagely mating like animals but as beautiful as gods. “Goddess, and here I am with the responsibility of the puppy’s sex aid.” He continued before Sephiroth could voice the protest they both knew was coming. “It’s fine, Dear. I’m the one he is comfortable talking sex with.”

Sephiroth hummed and kissed Genesis' hair. After a moment of comfortable silence, he added. “I think it got Zack a bit upset that you wanted to see your omega so quickly after coming home.”

The stretched silence broke with a sigh. “I will have to talk to him again.”

“Don’t get mad at him. He just has a hard time wrapping his head around the idea. I think that’s why he gets so clingy. He doesn't like feeling like he is - we are - not enough for you.” Sephiroth told him while stroking his side reassuringly.

It was not the issue of not being enough. They both knew that. Angeal too. 

What did truly upset Genesis however, was the difference of reaction. Zack, when learning about Angeal and Sephiroth having sex together , not just with having pack sex, but having specific desire for their fellow alpha, had not exactly reacted badly. But he was still a bit confused, and needed time to get the idea through his brain. He lived in Midgard long enough to know these people and this kind of dynamic existed, but not enough to imagine he could walk into one. Because Zack loved Angeal as much as Angeal loved Zack. Their evolving relationship during Zack mentorship was what brought up the idea of integrating Zack into the pack once he’d reach First. It had needed Genesis and Sephiroth to spend more time with the other alpha and Zack to be more regularly invited for small gatherings in the pack’s den. And Zack was absolutely lovely. Cheering, supporting, caring… He always offered small gifts just because I thought of you when I saw it and he was always considerate to talk in ways to not upset his friends. Zack had been far too easy to fall in love with.

Packmates didn’t have to be lovers. Alphas weren’t supposed to be lovers at least according to the alleged proper way of things. Omegas could, and were encouraged to, fool around within their pack. Encouraged to play sexy and tease each other for their alpha’s greater pleasure. But there was — allegedly — nothing possibly serious between omegas as much as anything between alphas was a scandalous idea.

So the idea of Genesis going to see an omega sex worker was even more ridiculous to Zack than Sephiroth being mounted by Angeal, which the puppy saw as embodiment of the perfect alpha anyway. The kind no one, not even alphas and certainly not Zack himself would not find attractive. 

Zack had obviously known about their dynamic before joining the pack. He had known right when the pack started courting him and while he had accepted Sephiroth and Angeal intimacy as something he would not necessarily have to play into, he was still curious. Curious of how his own relationship with Angeal could evolve into. On the other hand,  Genesis suspected the puppy had in mind to prove to the omega Commander that all he needed was just an additional enhanced alpha lover to fuck him all good. Because after all, Genesis was the most powerful pussy in Gaia, he might need three alphas super-dick.

Obviously the puppy has been even more disappointed and clingy when his plan had failed as it was doomed to. Genesis had been very clear that he didn’t plan to stop seeing “his professional” when Zack would joins, and so he hadn’t. And apparently Zack was compensating in fucking Genesis as often and hard as he could. That was not necessarily something Genesis would complain about, if it hasn’t been going on for months . He had almost begged for a mission if only so his pussy could get a break because everytime they started, Genesis’ resolve to reject Zack’s advances would melt away with a single kiss.

And he eventually got a mission. A mission during which he missed his mates so much.

Kissing Genesis' head again and bringing him back to the present, Sephiroth continued. “I love how relaxed you are after you see your omega. You know neither Angel nor I would take away something so obviously important for you and your well-being. I’m sure Zack is the same. He just the time and the words to understand it.”

Genesis knew this. He knew it very well. Would he have the patience the puppy needed him to have was the remaining, unspoken question.

Chapter Text

Tseng made a mistake.

And if there were things inacceptable to Tseng it was mistakes, especially his own. Once the reunion was over, Reno flew out of Rufus’ laps and the room as soon as it was socially acceptable for him to do so with Rude trailing behind him. Tseng didn’t move, still standing straight at Rufus' side as he was collecting his documents.

They all knew Reno hated this kind of public display of ownership, and as much as it was common enough occurrence for alpha to publicly state the claim on their pack omega that it didn’t bring any reaction around the table - except a sharp glare from Commander Rhaspodo, the only other omega in the room, the whole of Reno’s own packs knew he disliked it. Not only did he dislike it but his status of omega was challenging enough to get taken seriously as a TURK but he had complained several times to Rufus and the pack that it made him feel like a trophy omega. Obviously Reno could not protest or resist when Rufus would casually puts an arm around his waist and put him on his lap, because Rufus was both his alpha and his boss he could not challenge him around anyone but their packmates. 

He probably would not even challenge Rufus at all anymore. The arguments about Rufus' possessive behavior have been going for months, starting with complaints from Reno and escalating to heated arguments and now completely dying down the last couple of weeks. Tseng could interpret it as a good sign if he didn’t know his omega better, Reno had given up on the argument to simply avoid Rufus altogether whenever he would indulge in his public claims tendencies. Reno wasn’t even only avoiding Rufus but Tseng as well, putting distance between himself and both of his alphas and it leaned dangerously toward rejection. Tseng could not oppose Rufus in public settings more than Reno for several reasons. The first was because Rufus was also his boss. In the company’s hierarchy Tseng directly answered Rufus, no matter their personal relationship or pack dynamic. The other reason was they needed to stand firm and strong as a pack, and especially Rufus and Tseng as pack co-leaders. That was especially important considering they were not the only high ranked pack in the company. The TURKs might be a bigger pack than the SOLDIER First’s, but the latter had more alphas and arguably stronger members. Despite all technicalities related to hierarchy, everyone knew that, should Sephiroth desire to play in the company decisions, his voice would weigh as much as Rufus’. Having Rufus joining the TURKs pack has partly been a strategic reason. Tseng had needed to show SOLDIERs they were on an equal footing while Rufus needed to show the board members and his father he had strong support and resources.

Another reason Tseng didn’t want to pick too much on Rufus' behavior even in private however was that he was obviously compensating for something. At first, Tseng thought it was only reaffirming his new position as member and alpha of the pack by showing off his omega. Then Tseng thought it was a weird family pack issue. He knew Rufus grew up with only one alpha in his birth pack, his father, several omegas and a few betas. So he had expected Rufus to bring up the idea of finding another omega to expand their pack - which Tseng was ready to fight against - but the discussion never came up and it left him completely lost. 

Things were even getting worse. Elena was openly disapproving of her alphas and refused to participate to pack bounding and intimate moments if the alphas were there. The alpha knew it was especially against Rufus and himself when he walked on Elena sucking the soul out of Reno’s front hole last week but received a death glare from the beta the moment he walked with the intent to join them. Rude had been distrustful, challenging decisions more often during pack meetings and Reno… Reno was drifting away from the pack. It wasn’t only about avoiding or arguing with Rufus anymore. The omega would not seek for Tseng presence either. The usual make up sex would still happen, the affection answered when given but Reno didn’t come to him anymore. Tseng didn’t know if Rufus even noticed. And to complete the recipe for disaster, Tseng was suspicious Reno was seeing someone else. Someone outside the pack. Tseng had the sickening intuition Reno was cheating on them. 

When Tseng initiated the formation of the TURKs pack, he had been confident. He was their boss and knew how to coordinate them. He knew Cissnei, Rude, Reno and himself could work, even if feelings were to come later, and they did. It had taken some convincing, some trial period to feel how well they could work in pack dynamics before officially bounding. But it did work, Tseng didn’t make any mistakes. Reno has been the wildcard as usual, the one they needed to accommodate the most, not only because the role of an omega is always somehow special in a pack but also because they needed to understand how to dance around him in an intimate setting. And during this time Tseng learnt the most important thing to give Reno is respect. Respect his body, respect his choices. Respect his past and his identity. Respect his boundaries. 

And now Reno felt disrespected. 

Disrespected by Rufus feeling too comfortable, and disrespected by Tseng not engaging with the situation.

Once Tseng came back to the den that day, he asked Rude where Reno was. “I don’t know, he left a few hours ago. I’m not monitoring him, Tseng”. The alpha would have corrected Rude on his barely concealed disrespect any other day, but a nauseous feeling twisted his guts at the thought of his omega upset and leaving the den for an unknown location. 

_____

“So, does it sound ok to you?”

The frown between Tifa’s eyebrows deepened, deeply focused on the numbers as she shushed him out. Cloud refrained from any more comment while the beta counted and drew operations on a paper, his leg was bouncing in apprehension. He was glad Tifa was always happy to help him with numbers, but at the same time he was deeply ashamed of it. Nibelheim didn’t have school like big cities do, so Cloud’s entire education came from his mother who only could teach him so much. Cloud could decently read and write, but his knowledge of numbers only extended to the basics, basics enough to follow when he was a trooper in the army, but when multiple operations and decimals were involved the omega was helpless.

On the other hand, while Tifa has been raised in Nibelheim as well, she was the daughter of the mayor and a pup of the town’s biggest and most important pack. Her pack included merchants that never stressed enough on the importance of numbers. 

“In this world full of greed, my girl, nothing matters more than making good deals and realizing when someone tries to scam you.” Tifa recounts one of her dads saying, finger pointed in the air with a solemn look on her face. They both burst in laughter on the roof of the water tower.

It for sure helped Tifa in life, and now in Midgar she became the successful - relative to what successful could mean in the slums - owner of her own bar. She was also part of a big, happy pack. Tifa, Barret, Biggs, Wedge, Jessie and Aerith were already co-parenting a pup, Marlene, they adopted in circumstances Cloud wasn’t fully aware of.

Well, there were many things about the pack Cloud wasn’t fully aware of, but it was probably for the best. 

“Well if things keep going this way… And your average income stays about the same... You could pay off your debt in about 2 years. I don’t see any anomaly or hint that Madam M takes for than she should either.”

Cloud frowns but nods. It seems ok. Too long, way too long, but the calculation seems right. The blond had hoped Tifa found reason to believe he could get away form the parlor sooner but his employer knew how to keep her business clean. Still… There is a way to make it less than two years.

“I might get a big amount of money soon, will you be okay helping me with it ?”

“Of course Cloud.” She looked slightly suspicious. “But what are you planning to do exactly?”

He straightened on his stool. “Was thinking about working during my heat.”

Her expression was unreadable before her scold deepened. “This is such an incredibly dangerous idea, Cloud…”

Managing to keep his expression neutral but guarded. “I think we can organise to make it happen safely.” 

Tifa’s shoulders sags and she sighs through her nose. “I know you can take care of yourself but I-” 

The door slammed on its hinge as Jessie's voice enters the bar before herself. She is throwing a joke at Biggs and Wedge. Their voices are loud and joyful and Tifa greets them with a smile.

One of the things Cloud loves about Tifa is every one of their conversations stays between the two of them. Never would she overstep and talk about Cloud’s business with or in front of her mates. The blonde collects the paper with his finances in his pocket and spin on his stool to face her friend’s packmates. 

Biggs beams with a smile upon seeing the blonde omega, his smile turns quickly lopsided and teasing. “Cloud, so good to see you here.” He comes over to Cloud and wraps an arm around his shoulders. “Missed me, Blondie?”

“Every day.” The blonde replies with his most charming smile. “But I was about to leave.”

The line between flirtation and genuine interest was blurry when it came to Biggs. The Alpha had never really assumed a leading role in his pack and it seemed that, while being in Barret’s pack was something both convenient and he liked, the man was looking forward to starting his own pack someday. And sometimes it looked uncomfortably like he had views on Cloud. 

Cloud had many alphas trying to carve their way in life over the years, but none he was so close with. While Biggs didn’t look completely serious about it, Cloud didn’t always know how to manage the situation. Cloud learned to like the attention. Sometimes it even was welcome. Cloud could fantasize about it sometimes. Join a pack and form a happy family like a good omega. But as soon as I would think about it the whole thing would sour and disgust him. From his job as a sex worker to his general wariness toward alphas, without even talking about his preference for omega. The idea felt impossible. 

Skillfully removing himself from Bigg’s hold, he waves amicably at the pack. Tifa doesn’t try to stop him but offers anyway. “You could stay for dinner, if you’d like.”

“Next time! Promise! I have a shift tonight”. They all gave him their good bye and Cloud quickly checked on the clock to evaluate the time left before he’d need to be at the parlor. 

_____

The door bursts open but it barely startles Cloud. He was scrolling on his PHS, fresh and cleaned from his last client and waiting for his next appointment. He had changed in more casual clothes, knowing that the man he was meeting cared little about that. The hyperenergetic redhead stepped inside without further ado and started to undo his jacket and shirt with a “Yo Blondie.” The omega was rather straight to the point. 

Cocking his head to the side with a playful smile on his lips. “Heya Reno.” Now shirtless, the TURK went straight for the alcohol left to access on the coffee table. He poured himself some vodka and drank it down in one go. He then walked toward Cloud’s waiting form and straddled his laps. “Got some shitty day so ya better make me feel real good.”

Cloud leaned forward with a predatory smile on his lips, grabbing Reno’s waist before stroking his sides and back. “Don’t worry, I will fuck you stupid.” Immediately Cloud slides his hands in the redhead’s pants who grumped when he groped his ass.

“I’m so funking horny, doll.”

“Yeah?” The blonde freed one hand from Reno’s ass to the front of his pants. He quickly undid the button and zipper to pass in the boxer and tease the soft and already wet warmth of his folds. “Knew you’d need an urgent fuck, I had to cancel two clients just for you babe. Madam M was not happy to make the calls, you better be extra generous with the tipping.”

Groaning, the redhead grinds his hips against the fingers pressing flat on his clit. “Fuck, I’m paying twice your price if I have to. Just fuck me.” 

Cloud grins and takes a nipple in his mouth, nibbling at it while his other hand teases the other nipple, stroking his chest and feeling the barely visible scar on the side of his pectoral. Reno grinds deliciously against his hand, and going with the flow Cloud lets two fingers slip inside the redhead’s welcoming cunt. One thing Cloud knows about Reno, is that the omega is very well fucked. He does not exactly know why the TURK runs to his room when he gets too frustrated but it is definitely not because his pack doesn't know how to handle him in bed.

It is an issue with his alphas, that much he knows. But it’s not his business.

Instead, Cloud removes his fingers and carries Reno to the bed, tosses him on the sheets and strips them of their clothes before his head gets buried between his client’s legs. And Reno puts on a show. Hot Reno, sexy Reno, bend and squirms beneath his tongue, moan and sight under his fingers. Cloud’s hands lovingly stroke his supple skin and hard muscles. 

Reno never wants penetration other than tongue and fingers. Those are his hard rules and Cloud can never point out if he set them out of guilt, feeling like he is less cheating on his pack he is not fucked like they would fuck him, or simply because Reno needs something else than what his alphas give him. Cloud knows Reno comes over when he is fed up with his pack, when he wants to think about something else - preferably nothing.

So once Cloud got a first orgasm out of Reno’s, he then slows his mouth down to give unhurried strokes of the tongue while the other omega went limp beneath him. The redhead sighs and puts a hand to the blonde locks of Cloud’s hair.

Parting from Reno’s body, Cloud goes to retrieve Reno’s favorite lubricant - cold effect - and generously coats his fingers with it. He smiles at his fellow omega, who smiles back, and hurries back between his legs. Their session was only starting…

Chapter Text

Walking through the hallway, Genesis hears the heartbeat before he opens the door of the omega restroom, already knowing who he will find inside. Reno is there, casually leaning forward on the marble sink to keep close to the mirror while fixing his eyeliner.

The omega restroom on floor 51 is a lavish thing in red, peach and golden tones. The wall-mounted row of washbasins is carved in a block of rose marble with golden pipework. Above it, the full wall mirror is made of a single unit. The states themselves are relatively simple but an alcove near the exit door is furnished with comfortable red couches as if the place is meant to be this little meeting room for giggles and sharing secrets. Realistically, Genesis imagines it was designed to allow comfortable makeup touch up.

While Reno worked on his wing, the Commander flops casually on one of the sofas, extending his arms over its back. He thought it was a shame that this seat wasn’t used more often, as Genesis was the only omega working on the 51st floor.

“Should I start searching for the bugs now or are we cutting the bullshit short?” He casually asks the TURK.

“Nah don’t bother.” The redhead fishes something out of the inner pocket of his jacket, a small, transparent bag filled with round shaped devices. “Didn’t have time to put them in.”

The redhead must have heard Genesis walking as well and retreated. Still, Genesis will search for bugs. The TURKs managed to get their hands on some models that almost passed through SOLDIERs’ hearing, he had to be extra cautious now. “You know it's ridiculous, right? I’m not going to hold secret meetings in the toilets.”

Reno scoffs “Don’t tell me about it. Wouldn’t do it if Tseng wasn’t insisting.”

Genesis sighs. The places TURKs are bugging and how often they check and replace their devices is borderline ridiculous. 

The commander takes the opportunity to seize Reno. His enhanced omega nose often can peak on smells that should usually pass under the radar. Reno smells abnormally clean, and abnormally his own scent - ozone and petrichor. There is no trace of his pack’s pheromones or scent on his skin. The TURK hasn’t been in physical contact with his pack members and coworkers for more than ten hours.

It should be a good thing for Genesis to know how bad his rival pack is doing, yet he doesn't feel half the satisfaction he should. Reno never had it easy. Omegas always get the short end of the stick. 

Genesis remembers despising Reno, back in the days when the rumors of Verdot agreeing to pick up the omega slums con artist that Tseng picked somewhere in the trash. Skyrocketing him from a low-life criminal, who the whole company thought should be in jail, to the top floor of Shinra Tower. He had to sleep his way into TURK. It made no sense otherwise. A young pretty omega with a fake name, no manners and pretending to be a sex he is not. How could he possibly enter Shinra’s intel department so easily when he has been nothing more than a slum rat?

Not to be said, Genesis hated himself for his thoughts back in the day. Goddess! He hated himself back in the days. He was utterly jealous of this omega that didn't have to prove himself, to climb the Shinra ladder, to fight head on in a war in Wutai and sexism in his own rank to get to the top. It was unfair. 

Unfair, until any notion of fairness made sense anymore in Shinra.

Things never were fair in Midgar, but at least Reno truly made it on his own. He’s been smart, he’s been strategic, loyal to TURKs. He’s simply been better. And unlike Genesis, Reno truly knows who he is.

Genesis didn’t feel camaraderie with other omegas, but he feels sympathy for one he respects to be caught in a situation where being the best in the room will ever be enough, because he is an omega. Time had made him realize that for all the shit he got his way for being born with a pussy and scent glands there was truly no point to send some of that shit Reno’s way.

The sound of the eyeliner cap clipping back home brings Genesis back into focus. Reno is looking at him in the mirror reflection, teal eyes sharps while he is inspecting him. Genesis feels like the other omega is about to ask something, but he apparently changes his mind last minute. He gives a smirk to the mirror instead. “Gotta have to try again, at least I don’t get to leave through the vent today.” and Genesis is not completely sure he is just joking. Reno winks at him and leaves the restroom, Genesis waving his hand when he passes in front of him.

The Commander waits, unmoving, until Reno's steps fall out of his SOLDIER hearing range before moving to check for bugs. The red head didn’t lie, Genesis finds none and goes back to his office once he is done with his business.

On the way he retrieves his mail from the 1st Class secretary. Most of it has been opened and carefully reclosed, as per Shinra’s protocol, but Genesis can tell it has been read. If the official statement says it is to check for threats toward the employees, everyone knows better and has no doubt every external mail at least was thoroughly read. For that reason, Sephiroth asked all mail to be destroyed immediately upon delivery, whatever anyone wanted from him he didn’t want to know once Shinra touched it, and Angeal goes through a screening process of his — and now Zack’s as well — mails every Friday. As far as Genesis knows, Angeal leaves most mail unread and otherwise unanswered. The only one he gives some attention to are the letters from wannabe SOLDIERs still too young to enter Shinra or the program and yet Genesis is not entirely sure if and what he replies to these.

On the other hand, Genesis does have the role of carrying the public image of SOLDIER and that requires him to do most the PR work, therefore his external mails are quite important. There are far too many envelopes, even after the secretary did her own sorting of the things Genesis told the beta woman was important to keep. 

Back in his office, Genesis tosses aside the fanmail. He could tell Shinra to dispose of those before they reach him but Genesis would rather not have the company keeping around too many things related to him. He then sorts the other mail, mainly invitations. He stops on the red envelope from the theater’s classical company. Inside is a handwritten invitation in red ink, kindly inviting him to the premiere of the new Loveless performance. Alongside the letter is an information pamphlet about the — already famous and familiar to Genesis — company, the cast, actors, inspirations, costume and decor design. And then two premium, balcony tickets for the premiere. Genesis smiles, genuinely excited by the idea of the incoming performance.

He obviously had been aware of the preparation of the performance and was expecting the invitation. Genesis is known to be a theater aficionado in general, but his adoration for Loveless is outright famous. It has been quite some time since a company in Midgard made a new production of it, and the last time Genesis saw a performance in personne was the previous year at Golden Saucer. Far too long ago, in the omega’s opinion. He carefully files the letter and tickets in his ‘important stuff’ drawer before continuing sorting his mail.

Later that day, Genesis’ PHS buzzes from messages in the pack group chat. A first time then, about thirty seconds later a quick succession of four vibrations for as many messages — Zack, he guesses. 

A few minutes later he checks on his PHS to confirm his guesses and is delighted by the messages. The original message is from Angeal announcing he will cook a special dinner tonight. The text is followed by four all caps texts from Zack that summarize to him being excited and telling Angeal he is the best cook - something Angeal already knows, but he still loves to be reminded of. Genesis chuckles at the single thumbs up emoji sent by Sephiroth as reaction to Angeal message and Genesis can only guess this is the default reaction he can send without unlocking his PHS.

          Gen > Delightful, Dearest! I’m looking forward to dinner!

There were little things that would make Genesis’ day even better after receiving an invitation for a premiere of Loveless but Angeal claiming to prepare a special dinner was definitely on the list.

The rest of the day went around smoothly. Most of his jobs in these relatively peaceful times were limited to organization of SOLDIERs training, overview of plans and programs, reviews of mission and training reports, planning for rotation and SOLDIERs deployment around Shinra’s places of interest. He somehow ended up finding a “Handbook to gender equity in the workplace” issued by Shinra in his pile of documents to review and refrained from rolling his eyes.

When he comes back to the den, the savory sweet smell of Angeal’s cooking welcomes him the moment he opens the door. The even warmer welcome was when he stepped inside properly and saw Angeal behind the stove. He is delighted by the nostalgic smell of spicy apple curry and feels extra cuddly when he slips behind Angeal to circle his waist and snuggles on his back. “Isn’t that a lovely smelling meal cooked by my lovely mate.” 

Angeal chuckles and lets go of his preparation to stroke Genesis’s hands joining on his stomach. “You seemed upset yesterday, I was thinking a nice homemade curry would do you good.”

“Me? Upset? Never.” Genesis purrs, amused.“Thanks Darling, I love it. Seph is going to be happy as well.

Sephiroth didn’t have a proper childhood, that much each of his packmates knew. Which means he didn’t have any childhood comfort food either. Yet, over the years, Genesis and Angeal sweet spot for apple curry recipe from Banora bleed into Sephiroth. The omega was glad for it. With time and effort, he and Angeal managed to build a positive association with food for Seph. It had been both dreadful and beautiful to see Sephiroth slowly unfold and develop his taste. From telling his mates about the food he discovered he liked, then to telling Angeal about those he disliked, to discovering the textures and actively voicing when he wanted certain dishes and learning how to cook them. It was mainly thanks to Angeal, if Genesis were to be honest. The home cooking of the big Alpha was a blessing of a love language. 

It didn’t really start when they formed their pack — or rather when Sephiroth joined their couple — but some years after that. The main reason being, back in the day, they were at war. The Wutai front had become a test run for the new SOLDIER generation and no one had the time or mind for food. Sephiroth never complaining about the ‘complete nutrition covering’ soldier ration that tested like cardboard should have been their first red flag, though. Every SOLDIER complained about it at least once except for the silver-haired swordsman. He wasn’t general back then, he was just a teen, like Gen, like Angeal, but he never complained. Neither from the food, nor from the cold, nor from the rain, nor from the occasional injuries.

In truth the only thing he complained about was Genesis. Their relationship hasn’t been great back then. Well it was pretty shit actually. It only got better when Angeal started to fall for Seph and hang out for longer time with him in the camp. It was then that Angeal realized there were things fundamentally wrong that had been taught to Sephiroth. Few years afterward they would be coming back to Midgar as heroes and a newly formed pack. When the fuzz of their comeback calmed down, it took a few months for them to accommodate living in the city again, in addition to navigating their pack dynamics in a more social and calm setting. They now truly had a den. Genesis had nested for the first time in years, Sephironth had been welcomed in a nest for the first time ever, and Angeal had properly cooked for his new mate for the first time. It was also, apparently, Sephiroth's first non-Shinra supervised meal. Genesis could think about it with some fondness now, but it had been a surprisingly distressing moment for Sephiroth.

They entered the war as boys and left it as deeply wounded men, but adult ones. It took a bit of pushing from Genesis and Angeal both to convince Sephiroth he didn’t have to return to Shinra’ science department’s full supervision. Thanks to the authority gained during the war, Sephiroth had broken free from Hôjô’s hold, and it was for the best.

Genesis hugged his first love from behind and kissed between his shoulder blades. A chuckle agitated the broad shoulder before Angeal shifted in his arms to turn around. He circled Genesis' waist and looked at him with a soft smile before leaning in and kissing him. “Well, it is meant to lift you up. But I love to beat two birds with one stone.”

Genesis got free from Angeal’s hold, letting him go back to the curry, while he busied himself to set the table and select a wine bottle.

It is a genuine surprise when Sephiroth is the next to return home instead of Zack. The general goes straight to Angeal who smoothly wraps an arm around his waist and pulls him close in a heated kiss. Sephiroth and Angeal’s intimate moment have been spaced and short since Zack joined the pack as the three older SOLDIERs eased him into a queer pack dynamic, so Genesis was not mad to be ignored for a few minutes. 

Sephiroth came to him next. They also kissed, and Genesis grapes the opportunity to pull Seph’s hair a bit harshly and to make him growl. “Did you hurry home to catch us, Love?” He gives a wolfish grin to his alpha, seizing his jaw in his free hand to force him to show his throat. 

There is a low, pleased growl in Sephiroth's throat as he lets Genesis handle him. He grabs the omega by his hips to press his body against him. “I sent a last-minute assignment to Zack. He wasn’t happy about it.”Genesis giggles and kisses the general again.

Leading the taller man toward one of the couches, the omega helps Sephiroth out of his coat, his leather belt and into more comfortable attire. He then pulls him on the sofa, getting Sephiroth to lie on his chest like an oversized cat. The general sighs and rests his head on the crook of Genesis’ neck. The omega purrs and plays with his mate’s silky hair while they relax. 

This is how Zack finds them later, sleepy and snuggling on the couch with Angeal humming a tune from the kitchen. The youngest pack member gave his omega this soft, charming smile Genesis loves and leans in to leave a peck on Genesis forehead and — to both of their surprise’s — Sephiroth hair. When their mate withdraws, Genesis purrs slightly louder and snuggles his nose in Seph’s hair, his happiness diffusing in the hair like a taste of cider. 

Sometime later, they all are gathered around the table, a plate of delicious curry in front of them. Genesis and Sephiroth sitting on one side of the table and Zack and Angeal on the other. As often Zack and Genesis carry most of the conversation. When the subject of SOLDIERs training comes up, Angeal has more input, while Sephiroth, attentive to their every word, gives occasional comments.

“By the way.” Genesis interjects. “I’ve got two tickets for the new loveless play next month. Would one of you accompany me?”

Sephiroth put down his fork. “The premiere?” He then shakes his head when the omega acquiesces. “Sorry.” With a small smile on his lips, Genesis slips his hand on Sephiroth’s lap under the table in a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay Darling. There will probably be many journalists, I got you.” The commander wasn’t surprised. From all his mates Sephiroth was the one to like theater the most, but he dutifully avoided mediatized performances. The general hated PR, and for good reasons.

Zack seems embarrassed when he replies “Sorry Gen, not my thing.”Followed by Angeal. “I would not be good company I think. I’d rather you go with someone who can appreciate the show to the fullest.”

Disappointed but not truly surprised, Genesis tried to not let his disappointment show too much. His mates rarely accompanied him when he was going out nowaday. Thankfully, he had a literal list of plus one to go with.

Shinra has a list of rich, young omega from Midgar’s golden youth or kids of the company’s business partner or board members that Genesis should go out with as his plus one. A PR and business thing again. It does happen fairly often, as Genesis’ mates do not share his love for theater or music. Obviously Genesis could not be seen with another alpha or even a beta, but it was perfectly socially acceptable for him to go out with a fellow omega.

Usually, it doesn’t bother him. He gets to mean many very cute omegas and sometimes even charming ones. High society’s young omegas are usually sweet shy things, unfortunately raised to be behaving passively so much that Genesis could probably attempt to abduct one and they’d let him do it. But as unfortunate as it was, they often ended up often being good company, when they were not boring. This is not a compliment Genesis could extend to the alpha and beta of similar upbringing.

He still had dared to hope to see this one performance with one of the men he loves.

In an overdramatic fit, Genesis threw his hand up. “Oh! You hurt me, my lovers. And I thought you’d be there following me to the end. Oh… The fates are cruels…”

Angeal sighs while Zack looks dubitative when Sephiroth follows the omega in his antics, smiling with mischief. “I may miss her gift this time, but I can be ‘the one to guide us to bliss’.”

Turning to the general by his side, Genesis is chuckling, eyes narrowing in laughter, a hand over his mouth to try to mask his amusement with a faked outraged expression. “How scandalous! To twist the goddess' sacred words in such a way. My friend, you have me shocked.”

To Genesis’ own surprise the alpha doubles down. “I would not stand the idea of you being robbed of your fate, my mate. So, I shall lead you, ‘to become the dew that quenches the land’.” He finalizes and the omega bursts into laughter while Angeal chokes on his wine.

Chapter Text

From the top of the Shinra Tower, the world is so small that people and cars aren’t even discernible. Around the edge of the plates, the green glow of the reactors elevates in the toxic cloud of mako waste in the night sky. No stars to see, even from that height, with the light pollution from the city below. From the balcony of his den, Reno struggles to reconcile that he is, technically, one of the most powerful omega on Gaia. Mate of the second most powerful alpha in the world. 

Reno’s mamas always told him to aim for the top. He is arguably successful on that part. Still, what a shitshow…

Trustfully, Reno always hated Midgar. Yet until joining the TURK, the city is all he ever knew. Born in the slums, he could never see the sky, and when he moved up plate, he realized no one ever cared to look up and simply watch. They already spoiled the sky, anyway. 

The first time Reno properly stargazed was during one of his early missions. He went to Cosmo Canyon with Cissnei, and once their mission was done, Cissnei insisted they delay their departure to the following morning. “This is the best place on Gaia to watch the stars Reno, it’s beautiful.” It had sounded stupid to Reno, but he was in no position to go against the beta at the time. When she pulled him out of the inn at the dead of the night, Reno only complained for a few minutes until he saw stars and nebulas shining like thousands of diamonds around a far away moon. He doesn’t know what face he pulled at the time, but when he turned to look at Cissnei, she was staring at him, wearing a deeply moved expression on her face. Oh, he misses her so much.

The glass door of the den opens and brings the smell of ashes and leather. Rude leans on the guardrail next to his mate, lighting a cigarette. Sometimes, Reno misses the easier days when it was only the two of them. But only sometimes. ”You know I wouldn't do anything against you, right?” The redhead nods. “Tseng asked me to follow you.”

Reno tsks, instantly upset. “What a fucking idiot.” He throws his half consumed cigarette from the balcony. He watches it fall for a couple seconds before it disappears. “Is he back?”

Nodding, Rude gives a head movement toward the den. “In the office.”

Grabbing his mate by the shin, Reno pulls Rude toward him, gentle yet firm. Rude lets his omega lead and kiss him, almost too chastely, for long seconds. Putting his free hand on his omega’s hip, Rude pulls Reno close, and kisses his temple when their kiss breaks. Reno leans on the beta and purrs. “I’m gonna have a discussion with Tseng. When I’m done, I’m joining you and Elena for the night.”

Leaving his mate alone, Reno strides back into his den and makes a beeline toward the office. Entering without knocking, he finds Tseng standing and sorting papers on his desk. The alpha lifts his head and looks obviously surprised to find the redhead bursting into the home office.

“Ren-” Grabbing the alpha by the lapel of the suit he is still wearing, Reno pushes and slams Tseng against the closest wall. Paper sheets flies before falling around them. Tseng lets himself get handled as Reno has him against the wall. “I guess Rude spoke to you.”

“What kind of blow did you get to the head to think Rude would hide from me that you asked him to spy on me.”

“I admit it was an error in judgment. I should not have asked this. I’m sorry. I trust you.” He says this with the stoic voice Reno knows him to use when he lies.

“Oh, do you now?” Reno replies with an obviously upset tone. “Maybe you shouldn’t. Or maybe you should get off your ass and wonder why I don’t wanna see your fucking face every day.”

“Reno, don’t speak to me like that. I’m still your superior.”

“The hell ya are. In this den you are my alpha, and maybe ya should start acting like it again  because if I didn’t like ya sorry ass I’d be out of Midgar months ago.” He shouts in Tseng's face.

The loud sound of their heavy front door closing echoes from the open door and surprises Reno. The second Tseng feels the redhead's attention split toward the door, he moves. His hands find their way under Reno’s thighs and in a swift move he lifts him up. Reno yelps and his own arms secures around Tseng’s neck. The head of TURK spins them so he has his omega trapped between his body and the wall. Their eyes meet. “You said you like me.”

Reno frowns and hiss. “Of course shitface. Don’t be so smug ab-” He gasps when Tsengs goes for his neck. Reno’s body reacts on his own and his head throws back as he feels the sharp fangs on his alpha against his scent gland. 

He is still mad. But not mad enough to not feel his desire grow when Tseng moves him on the desk to kiss him. He welcomes his alpha’s body between his legs, and leans back on the wooden surface when the alpha cages him between his arms. The scent of clove and sandalwood fills his lungs, spicy and warm. A stark contrast to Tseng's usual icy demeanor. 

They only stop when a citrus scent from the door announces the other alpha’s presence. They look up at the same time to see Refus on the threshold watching them, pupils blown wide, nostrils flaring, and an aroused note in his smell. His gaze is intense on his mates and Reno shivers. “Looks like I’m right on time.” He is already out of his coat, but Reno sees him removing his gloves and he can only think of long, manicured gunman’s fingers smoothing his skin. “Mind if I join?” 

The redhead turns toward Tseng, who looks at him in turn. Reno already heard these stories of mates so in phase they can read each other's mind with a single eye contact. This is definitely not what is happening in that moment, but as he looks in Tseng’s eyes they are both aware there is unfinished business to their conversation, and promises to be made and to be kept. But with that single stare they commonly decide now is not the day.

So, Reno holds out his hand for Rufus to take.

Later, he is pressed between two bodies, burning hot. Rufus pushes him on his back against Tseng’s torso. Rufus is gorgeous, pale skin, a complexion so fair it hardly flush but to turn a soft peach color on his neck. Shinra’s vice president crawls between his omega’s legs with the confidence of a wolf and Reno whimpers, overwhelmed when Rufus grabs him by the hips to slide inside once more. At his back, Tseng circles his waist, strokes his thighs while he recovers from his own orgasm. His long hair sticks on Reno’s sweaty skin like hundreds of threads while he arranges Reno against him, moves his arms and legs, handles him and makes him bend like a doll for his and Rufus' comfort. Tseng feels Reno’s shivering thighs and passes the redhead bent legs over his own, forcibly keeping them open and exposed to Rufus' hungry eyes. The blonde alpha let go of Reno’s hip to support his frame on the bed, caging both Reno and Tseng between his arms, taking advantage of his fellow alpha holding Reno to thrust his hole readily.  

Overwhelmed, overstimulated, Reno is swearing, moaning and he loves every minute of it. “Shit. Sh- shit. Fuck, it’s- Fuck it’s too mu-” Tseng make him bend and grab his jaw to pull him into a kiss. It’s messy and nothing like a proper kiss, but Tseng manages to get his tongue into Reno’s mouth and the redhead is happy enough with just that. There is a swearing above them and Rufus grabs Reno’s loose hair to force him out of the kiss. Without a second to breathe, he is pulled into another kiss by Rufus. The alpha went still above and within him and the redhead is almost relieved to feel the warmth of his spills in his inside. He can't help but purr at the idea of it joining with Tseng’s seeds in his womb.

They cool down, Reno still sandwiched between the alphas, but as minutes pass his satisfaction sours. Tseng and Rufus haven’t touched each other during their intercourse. And as usual they each are reverently avoiding the other alpha’s touch as the three of them are cuddling in the bed. Hands replacing another on the same spots just when the first is gone, without brushing. Rufus’ shaking thighs stubbornly refusing to let go and to rest on his alpha mate’s legs…

Finally, Rufus sits next to his two mates, Reno still resting on Tseng’s chest. The pale hand strokes Reno’s stomach with affection, and the redhead can still feel the phantom on his mouth all over his body. He is exhausted, yet his mind is not at peace to see Rufus so far from them only to refuse to cuddle with Tseng.

Yet, Reno can see Rufus doesn't have only eyes for him. He sees and feels, when they have sex, in the kiss Rufus had his climax to, right at this moment, that the desire and affection in these blue eyes is not for him only. 

Once again he finds himself bitter. He feels again like a proxy for his alpha to fuck. Like a fucking security blanket thrown in the way of two idiots who wish nothing more than to be left alone in a room.

Fucking coward.

Wouldn't that be nice? His alphas acting on their feelings.

The frustration gives him the strength he needs to lift himself from Tseng’s hold. The alpha resists only the slightest before letting go. By now, Tseng knows better than to keep Reno against his will. As the omega goes for the door however, he hears the wutaian calling him. “Stay.”

Reno looks back. Tseng does look like he is hurt, and hopeful. Unfortunately, Reno made up his mind already, and Tseng is smart enough to know that make up sex is not enough anymore. “No.” He leaves the room under Rufus’ confused stare.

Crossing the corridor to one of the bathrooms, Reno takes a shower and dries himself before walking, naked, to a different room, guided by his nose. There he finds Rude and Elena. The two beta are in bed, Rude is reading a book while Elena is scrolling on her PHS. Lifting their heads when he enters the bedroom, they immediately make space for him to crawl between their bodies. 

The omega grunts, he lies on his side and Rude immediately switches off the light and spoons him, wrapping himself over his back like a weighted blanket, nose at the nape of his neck. On the other hand, Elena cuddles his front, her arms wrapping around his waist and head in his collarbone. The touch soothes him, he feels the exhaustion setting and is ready to fall asleep between his mates.

“They need to fuck each other so bad.”

_____

Snuggled together in the nest that shares their smell, Cloud is wrapped over Genesis’ chest, warm and soft. Their naked skin is faintly sticking from the sweat of their intercourse, but Genesis doesn’t mind. He likes having the blonde omega close, he keeps him against his body, he feels his breath on his neck and his heart against his chest. It feels good to have his omega relaxed and open. Genesis lazily stokes his skin, he doesn't know if it is the afterglow of his orgasm, the lasting frustration of the previous day or the satisfaction radiating from Cloud’s scent that triggers him into voicing his thoughts.

“Say, Cloud.” He runs a massaging hand on the nape of his neck. “Have you ever watched a performance of Loveless?” The blonde lifts his head, his vivid blue eyes are heavy lidded. He is beautiful.

Cloud needs a few seconds to process Genesis’ question and the SOLDIER finds it even cuter. “Hum… No. But one of my friends from the slums used to play it at The Golden Saucer, I think.”

“Oh really? Certainly I have seen her. Did she come back to play with the company in Midgar?”

Cloud shrugs, he seems mildly uncomfortable. “No. Her dad got mako poisoning from working at the reactor, so she came back to help her mom out.”

Genesis gets the gut feeling there's more to this story than what Cloud is telling, but the blonde is apparently over with the topic. Instead, Genesis smiles at the younger man, he slides his hand from his neck to his cheek. “Did you ever read the original text yourself?”

Cloud shakes his head softly enough to not dislodge Genesis’ hand. “I’m not super good at reading. I tried at some point, but the words are too complicated.”

Genesis isn’t surprised by the declaration. Contrary to popular belief, Genesis is neither a fool nor an idiot. He obviously did run a background check on Cloud at some point. He then knew that Clouds grew up in a backwater shithole of a town on the mountains of Nibel and left it for Midgar to enrol in Shinra’s military. Genesis had access to Cloud’s old file from the archives of the infantry and is thus vaguely aware that despite being an omega, Cloud had applied for the SOLDIER program and has been rejected twice.

Barely any omega makes it into SOLDIER, and the few, beside Genesis, usually never graduate from 3rd Class. Cloud’s service record is, honestly, unimpressive, but since the success of Genesis as an omega SOLDIER, Shinra’s guideline explicitly says the company can not refuse omegas to apply to the program nor reject their candidature based on gender. In addition, Cloud had been a teen at that time, there was, theoretically, room for him to grow, and repeated applications were a good way to monitor possible talents in the infantry. 

Eventually, Genesis found out Cloud had been discharged, a few months from turning seventeen, due to an injury. The report he found suggested that said injury would prevent Cloud from effectively operating infantry standard weapons. 

No one knows better how cruel Shinra can be, but its high officers. From Genesis' point of view, he could guess the public security department would see no use in a crippled, uneducated countryside omega kid. He also knew they’d be of no help once they dismissed said kid.

From his discharge, the commander could only imagine the thread of life that led Cloud to Madam M’s parlor. In the two years they have seen each other, Cloud did on and off mention the infantry, because “ Of course I’d assume you’d run a background check on me “. However, he stays dutifully elusive about his live underplate. 

All of this to say, the commander could understand well enough why Cloud didn’t turn to old poetic literature. He still thinks it’s a shame, but he does understand this mustn't have been in the blonde list of priorities. 

“Would you like to see it for yourself then? I’d be more than happy to fill you with context, meaning and subtext.” Cloud looks up at him visibly confused. “My mates are killjoys. None of them wants to spend three hours of a bit of discomfort to make me happy. So now I have to go with an omega but I truly don’t want to go with the kid of the bullet supplier or someone like that. “Cloud scoffs, and what a beautiful music it is to Genesis’ ears. “This play has a special place in my heart, and I’d like to share it with someone I reasonably enjoy the company of, and care about.“

The last sentence has the surprising yet charming effect of making Cloud flush a soft peach colour and avert his eyes. Genesis is, once more, marvelled by the sheer beauty of the young man. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

“Please, I would book your night, obviously. And supplies for everything you’d want” He fondles the pale skin of the blonde’s cheek and tilts his head, trying to catch the sky blues eyes.

Genesis gives it time however, there are probably weights in this balance the redhead isn’t aware of “Well, if we do that, I’d rather you actually don’t book me.”

The soft smile that comes to Genesis’ lips isn’t one he could control if he’d want to. “Is that a yes?”

“It’s a maybe .”

Huffing, the redhead circles Cloud’s waist and shifts them in the nest: He gets the blonde on his back and slides between his legs to cuddle. “I wouldn’t want to force money on you, but just so you know, I’d be happy to provide for you. I have gils to spend and not enough people to spend it on.” Cloud huffs again and Genesis knows he is hiding his genuine embarrassment. Despite his job, Cloud turns out surprisingly shy sometimes. “May I ask why, though?”

The deep blue gaze finds Genesis’ mako stained irises again. “I wouldn’t want it to feel like work.” He lifts his arms to wrap them around Genesis’ neck. “Unless you expect it to be like work.”

The sentence feels both like a question and an affirmation. A test. “Of course not. I expect it to be a date.” The blonde smiles and his eyes are soft as they search something in Genesis’ face. He seems to find what he was looking for as he pulls Genesis head down for a kiss.

Just one date . That’s what Genesis tries to convince himself it is all he wants.

_____

Gardening is dirtier than sex work, Cloud decides, not for the first time, with his hands full of humus which Aerith harvested for her garden. As a boy from the remote mountains, Cloud had his fair share of outdoor activities, it wasn’t really omega-like but he and his mother were two omega living by themselves after all. Yet, Cloud had always hated having wet dirt sticking to his fingers and getting stuck under his nails. He will be working in the evening, he really needs to clean the dirt once they are done. Gods help him, he loves Aerith.

“I was just a bit surprised, you have never gone on a date since I met you, and I wouldn't have expected you to go with a client.” Aerith says two meters away from him, patting rich soil on the ground around a batch of yellow flowers. Cloud knows these are her favorite, they are his as well. 

The blonde omega blushes a bit. “I know it sounds bad…”

“That’s not what I meant, sorry. You must really like them.” 

Cloud pause at that. Does he like Genesis? Sure. But does he like Genesis? “I don’t know… I have known them for years, and I care about them. I think they care about me too. I’m just thinking… Maybe just this time.”

“Hum…” Aerith pensively reroot flowers. “What are you going to do anyway? Are they taking you up to the plates ?”

Cloud clears his throat. “Yes, they are taking me to see a new performance at the theatre.” Suddenly, Aerith moves next to him with a speed Cloud would not have suspected her to have.

“Are you having a date with Genesis Rhapsodos?”

Cloud leans back from her, his blush intensifies. “What are you even talking about?”

“The only new performance coming soon to Midgar is a Loveless play. There are not many omega obsessed with Loveless and that would go to Wall Market and afford your services.”

“How do you know they are an omega?” He asks, put-out.

The woman has the audacity to chuckle “Come one, Cloud. As if your first date would be with an Alpha. So? Commander Rhapsodos?”

Frowning, Cloud averts his eyes. “I always forget how perceptive you are sometimes, especially about Shinra stuff.” He is pouting.

She let out a huff of amusement. “Well, let’s say I know them well. Although I know the TURKs better than the SOLDIERs.”

Trustfully, Cloud doesn't know that much about Aerith's story. He knows the important things about her. She likes her flowers, she is compassionate and understanding, always advocating for peace, she loves her pack, which means she loves Tifa.

Aerith and Cloud bounded over being omega at first. When Tifa came to Midgar, she joined Barret’s pack fairly quickly, and some time later she met Aerith. The pack soon started to court Aerith, and it had been very cute for Cloud to see Tifa being so lovestruck over her flower girl. After she joined Tifa’s pack, Cloud and Aerith found themselves becoming genuine friends over time. Aerith was kind of his confident. He helped her with her garden, and to tend her church from time to time, and she would sometimes come with him to help at the school and teach the kids about flowers and plants. She really has a green thumb.

Her past however, he doesn’t know so much. But years of living in the slums taught Cloud that the past never really mattered. He cared about Aerith now, whatever links she has to Shinra.

“I guess it sounds even worse when you know it’s Genesis.” He looks at her. He isn’t really afraid of being judged by Aerith, she isn’t the kind. But he still knows what it looks like. He also knows the rest of her pack, Tifa included, hates Shinra.

“He seems to be one of the best of the batch. And I think you deserve to have people taking care of you for once.”

Cloud feels something soft and fluttering in his stomach. He felt a lot of guilt, accepting Genesis’ date. It felt nice to have someone encouraging him to act on that strange relationship Cloud keeps with the red commander. And if someone was to support him into it, it was definitely Aerith. “Thanks Aerith.” And after a moment. “I am also curious about the play Jessie used to play.”

Aerith chuckles more, a delightful song to anyone’s ears. “ You better tell me all about it afterward.”