Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 27

Ashen Skies"

Chapter 27

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Warnings: Yaoi (graphic), Het (medium)

 

Author's note: I wanted to give Angeal and Genesis a little more attention in this chapter. Other characters will be back in the spotlight again soon. Don't worry, the nightmare near the end of this chapter is just the result of someone's imagination working overtime with his anxiety. There won't be any of that sort of thing actually happening in this story.

 

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*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all related characters belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can't get enough of this world and the characters.*

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"A dream catcher? My clothes?" Genesis stared at both of them as if they'd gone mad. "Zack, I think you've reached maximum capacity in your pranks."

 

"It isn't a prank," Sephiroth assured him softly. He leaned against the shut door. "Private Hill was keeping a little collection of articles from you. The clothing articles were rather worn, so I assume he collected them after you discarded them."

 

"He's been taking pictures of you for a while, Gen." Zack produced the confiscated phone from his pocket and handed it over. "Uh, don't go ballistic, okay?"

 

Genesis and Angeal looked at the photos stored on the phone. Genesis' eyes went wide and Angeal's narrowed.

 

"Damn," Genesis cursed when he was halfway through the picture collection, "I suppose I should be flattered but this is just...I feel violated."

 

"Where is he now?" Angeal's rugged features were hard with suppressed anger as he looked at Zack.

 

"Cloud brought him into headquarters," Zack said quickly. Angeal almost had the same expression he'd worn when he attacked the WEAPON the day before and Zack began to fear for Private Hill's life. "Don't fly off the handle, guys. Hill won't be in the military for long, after this stunt."

 

"I want to speak with him." Angeal's chiseled features may as well have been made of stone.

 

"Uh, I'm not sure that's such a good idea," Zack said, shifting boyishly from foot to foot. There wasn't much that could piss Angeal off but evidently, stalking his lover was a button-pusher.

 

Genesis picked up on the same vibe. He glanced sidelong at Angeal and shook his head. "I think you need to cool down, first."

 

Genesis keeping his cool. Angeal on the verge of explosion. Once again, It was so strange and out of the norm that Zack started laughing. His mentor glared at him and Sephiroth smacked him on the back of the head and muttered for him to get a hold of himself. Poor Zack tried...he really did. One look at Angeal's bitter expression undid him all over again, though.

 

Genesis gave Angeal another wary look and rolled his eyes at Zack. "Get it out of your system. Obviously, it's hilarious to you that I've got a stalker."

 

"No," Zack tried to deny, feeling shame through his inappropriate amusement, "It's not funny, it's just your reactions, man! Ah, shit...why can't I stop?"

 

Sephiroth heaved a sigh. "We'll just have to wait it out."

 

Unfortunately, Zack's laughter was infectious. Genesis began to grin as he watched the one-eyed fighter struggle to contain his mirth. Angeal's angry expression faded and Sephiroth's cool expression warmed a bit.

 

"Okay," Zack breathed, wiping at his good eye, "I'm cool, guys. Sorry about that." He blurted another laugh as soon as he finished speaking. "Uh, sorry."

 

"I'm glad my situation provides so much entertainment," Genesis remarked dryly. "Are you sure you're finished, Zackary?"

 

"Just give me another minute or two," Zack advised, putting his hands on his knees and drawing a deep breath. "Man, I haven't laughed so hard in years!"

 

Angeal's next words had a sobering effect on him. "I mean it. I want to talk to Private Hill." He looked at Genesis. "I would also like to decide his punishment, if that's okay by you."

 

Zack straightened up and looked at his former instructor. Angeal's expression had softened a bit but there was still a grim look to it. Zack glanced at Sephiroth, who was studying the big Soldier thoughtfully. Genesis regarded Angeal with subtle concern.

 

"I trust you to be creative," Genesis shrugged. "I'd rather not look at the twisted little freak right now, anyway."

 

"You'll control your temper, if I allow you to speak with him?" Sephiroth's jade cat eyes stared into Angeal's.

 

"Of course," agreed Angeal. "I just have a couple of things I want to make clear to him."

 

Zack could easily imagine what those "couple of things" were and he grimaced. At least Genesis didn't seem to have any interest in speaking with his stalker. By the way he was looking at Angeal, he probably figured the big man would say enough for both of them.

 

~*********************************~

 

Cloud seemed to share Zack's concern when he found out that Angeal intended to speak with the young man he'd taken into custody.

 

"He's being held in the basement, for now," Cloud informed with a wary look at Angeal. "Are you sure you want to talk to him right now? You just found out, didn't you?" His blue gaze flicked to Genesis, who stood at Angeal's side with a puzzled expression on his face.

 

"Oh, don't worry about me," Genesis assured the young lieutenant, "I'm still trying to understand how in the hell this happened." He looked as though he were trying to solve a complex algebra equation in his mind.

 

"I believe Commander Hewley can control his temper," Sephiroth said with a glance at Angeal. "I imagine if I were in his place, I would have words with the culprit, myself."

 

Cloud took the basement keys out of his pocket and handed them over to Angeal without further argument. The commander thanked him and went to the stairwell. Sephiroth and Zack followed, but Genesis remained behind with Cloud. Knowing the redhead as he did, Angeal suspected that he simply didn't trust himself to be in the same room with Private Hill. He was playing it off as confusion but Angeal saw a flash of anger in his eyes. He wasn't so certain he would be able to resist the temptation to punch the prisoner and he was secretly glad for the company of his comrades. Between the two of them, Sephiroth and Zack would be able to pull him off if he did happen to lose his temper and attack Hill.

 

There was a military grunt guarding the basement door and he hastily moved aside for the officers as they approached. Angeal unlocked the door and stepped in, with his companions close behind him. Private Hill was sitting in a wooden chair against the wall and when he looked up and saw Angeal, all the color drained from his face and he hunched defensively in his chair.

 

Angeal felt a moment of unreasonable satisfaction over the private's reaction. Yes, he had every reason to be afraid. Angeal imagined what his face must look like right now: hard, grim and deadly serious. He'd been told that when he put on his stern expression, he could be very intimidating. His height and size no doubt contributed to the foreboding appearance. Ordinarily, he didn't like to cause fear in others. Outside of combat, he was by nature a peaceful man. The alpha male was rising in him now though, urging him to protect what was his—even though Gen hardly needed to be protected.

 

With calm, deliberate motions Angeal closed the distance between himself and the frightened prisoner. He leaned over him and placed his palms on the wall, on either side of the young man's head. He stared into his eyes intently and Private Hill licked dry lips and leaned back.

 

"Here is what's going to happen," Angeal said in a low voice. "I'm going to talk and you're going to listen as if your life depends on it. Understood?"

 

Private Hill nodded convulsively. By the expression on his face, he took Angeal's comment to heart and thought his life really did depend on listening.

 

"You have a problem," Angeal said. "A serious problem. Your obsession isn't healthy for two reasons. One, it isn't normal and it can only get worse if you don't control it. Two, its directed at my Second in Command. I'm sure you're aware of the nature of my relationship with Lieutenant Rhapsodos, off the field."

 

"Y-yes sir."

 

Angeal nodded slowly. "Then I shouldn't have to explain why the second reason is more unhealthy than the first."

 

"No s-sir. I'm s-sorry!"

 

"You lack credibility," Angeal murmured, "but arrangements can be made to ensure you don't pull something like this again. You will be stripped of your military status, immediately. You will be kept under watch and you will begin counseling for your problem. If you miss a single therapy session, this basement will become your permanent home, is that understood?"

 

The prisoner nodded and swallowed visibly.

 

"You will keep your distance from the Lieutenant. You aren't to speak with him, follow him or go within twenty feet of him or our home. If you violate this rule, our agreement will be null and void. Living locked up in this basement will be the least of your concerns. Is any of this unclear?"

 

"I...understand, sir."

 

Hill looked like he might begin crying at any moment and Angeal was frustrated to feel a hint of pity for him. He straightened up and nodded in satisfaction before turning his back on the pathetic young man. Zack had a relieved look on his face and Sephiroth's expression was cool and disciplined. The three officers left the basement, locking it behind them.

 

"Hold him for twenty-four hours," Angeal instructed the guard. "Private Hill is relieved of duty and he will be on probation watch when he's released from here, until I say differently."

 

The grunt saluted him. "Of course, sir."

 

~*******************************~

 

"I guess I shouldn't have been so worried," Zack said when they rejoined Cloud and Genesis in the lobby. "You handled that pretty well, big guy."

 

"I think after the incident with the WEAPON, your concerns were valid." Angeal smirked faintly. "All we can do now is wait and see if Hill cooperates with the terms of his probation." He looked at Genesis. "Is this a satisfactory outcome, for you?"

 

Genesis shrugged. "What else can we do, without killing him outright? If it keeps the little fool from doing this again, I suppose I can live with it." He smirked at Angeal, his aqua gaze sliding over him with subtle admiration. "Did he wet himself?"

 

"I think he was just about to when Ange walked away," Zack chuckled. "I felt kind of sorry for the kid."

 

Genesis gave Zack an incredulous look. "Why? He's getting off easy, Fair. We could have tossed him out of the city to fend for himself, until a WEAPON finds him."

 

"I don't know," Zack sighed. "Yeah, what he did was creepy and not normal, but he doesn't strike me as an evil guy. He just likes you a little too much, is all."

 

"And if someone took naked pictures of your wife, would you feel so inclined to mercy?" Genesis raised a brow.

 

Zack's expression predictably hardened at the very thought of someone doing that to Aerith. "Okay, I get your point. I'd kill anybody that pulled that with Aerith." He looked at Angeal again, as if seeing the man differently. "Kudos to you for keeping your cool, Ange."

 

~*************************************~

 

When they returned to the house, Angeal demonstrated that he was more troubled by Hill's actions than he'd let on. As soon as the door was shut and locked, he pulled Genesis closer and commenced to showing him how possessive he could really be. Genesis offered no complaints or resistance. Usually, he was the one to initiate their encounters with such raw aggression. Angeal's reason for being so abruptly assertive was fairly obvious to Genesis. He'd held back when he confronted Private Hill and Genesis didn't mind him taking out his aggression in a sexual manner with him.

 

They didn't even make it to the bedroom at first. Angeal was careful to use plenty of lube and prepare him, but once he began taking him, he hardly took a breather before doing it again. Genesis cursed and hollered with pleasure as the larger man literally humped him senseless, over and over again. When he finished with him on the dining table, he pinned him against the wall. Somehow, they ended up in the linen closet—how in the hell they got in there, Genesis couldn't say. Angeal came with him that time and Genesis thought he'd had his fill of him, but he stayed inside of him and kissed, fondled and stroked Genesis until he recovered and stiffened up again.

 

Genesis reckoned his butt and face prints were on every surface in the house, by the time they finally made it into the bedroom. They were going to have to mop the kitchen floor before the day was finished, too. Genesis lost count of how many times he came during the course of Angeal's passion. The brunet finally eased up when he got him into the bed, possibly because one of Genesis' groans expressed the fact that he was getting sore. Angeal stared down at him as he gentled his thrusts. He lowered his mouth to kiss him and he supported himself on one arm so that he could stroke his erection with his free hand. Genesis shifted beneath him to angle himself better and he moaned as the rigid length slid in just right. His body was shiny with perspiration and his hair was damp with it. Angeal was likewise sweaty and breathless and Gen wondered how much longer he could go on before collapse.

 

"What do you think I'm going to do," Genesis questioned breathlessly, "run off with my stalker?"

 

Angeal brushed his lips against his and smiled a little. "Of course not. Testosterone doesn't always inspire sound reasoning, though."

 

"No," agreed Genesis, licking his lips, "but it does inspire pleasure." He gasped softly with Angeal's next thrust and he shut his eyes as the wonderful tension began to build again.

 

Angeal didn't slow or stop. He kept his pace even and constant and he muffled Genesis' cries with kisses. The redhead became more vocal as each pelvic thrust brought him closer to orgasm. Angeal's expression was strained and Genesis guessed he was on his way to a climax, too. He embraced that hard, muscular body as his pleasure reached a peak and he groaned against Angeal's shoulder.

 

Angeal kept stroking him off as he unloaded between their shifting bodies. Genesis shuddered in utter exhaustion, panting heavily as it ran its course. Angeal groaned his name and drove himself deep inside of him, one last time. His mouth sought out Genesis' as he filled him. Genesis combed his fingers through Angeal's dark, sweat-dampened hair and caressed his tongue with his own. Angeal's tension faded and he released Genesis' softening cock to support his weight on both elbows.

 

Genesis wondered for a moment if Angeal was going to wait for recovery and start again, but after taking a few moments to catch his breath, he eased off of Genesis and rolled onto his side next to him. He rubbed Gen's chest and stomach with one hand as he laid his head on the pillow. "If you're sore, I apologize."

 

Genesis turned his head to look at him and he smirked. "Don't apologize if you don't mean it. You like it when you wear me out."

 

Angeal shrugged and the corner of his mouth curved upwards, despite his attempt to look sincere. "And have I? Worn you out, that is."

 

"I'll be walking bow-legged for days," assured Genesis. He sighed in satisfaction, despite the ache in his nether region. "So, did you satisfy your inner caveman, or do you need more?"

 

"The caveman is satisfied," Angeal confirmed dryly. "For now, at least." He closed in for a sensual, unhurried kiss and then he sat up and got out of bed. "I'll go and run a bath for us."

 

Genesis laced his fingers behind his head and admired the other man's nudity as he retreated. He squirmed a little and grimaced at the sticky feeling between his buttocks. Yes, a bath was definitely in order.

 

~****************************************~

 

Randal Hill was carefully monitored once he was released from custody. He was allowed to remain in the house he'd been sharing with the three other troops, but as they were assigned to keep an eye on him, he likely wasn't too thankful. Each day, one of the troops living with him reported to Angeal and Genesis. If he missed any therapy sessions or tried to resume his stalking behavior, they would find out about it quickly. Genesis saw him in passing now and then and he rolled his eyes when the boy stared at him with longing. Fortunately, Randal never tried to initiate conversation or go within twenty feet of Genesis. He clearly took Angeal's warning seriously.

 

When a month came and went, Genesis began to realize how many pregnant women were waddling around the city. It never completely dawned on him until so many of them started to show their condition. With that realization came awareness of how many babies had recently been born. It didn't become a problem until people began asking him to feel rounded bellies, as if seeking his blessing as an officer of SOLDIER.

 

The other officers and high-ranking officials were likewise accosted. Genesis noticed with envy that Sephiroth wasn't getting baby-stalked left and right. Vincent was likewise rarely troubled. While Genesis had unpleasant sarcasm down to a fine art, Sephiroth and Vincent seemed to have an innate privacy zone surrounding them that deterred new and expecting parents from hassling them.

 

Cloud began to make himself scarce during the day, as uncomfortable as Genesis with being asked by strangers to touch pregnant bellies. Zack loved it, of course, and he was always happy to take up invitations to hold someone's infant and dote on it. Reeve was likewise amicable and so were Angeal and Barret. Cid Highwind grumbled about it but he was enduring the baby boom with more patience than Genesis.

 

"Dear goddess, they're everywhere," Genesis muttered one afternoon as he left the market area. He looked around with a shake of his head. Nearly every female belly he saw lately was distended with pregnancy—at least, most of the civilian ones. He'd only seen a couple of Turk women and military operatives showing signs of pregnancy, but considering their careers they probably used birth control regularly.

 

A little blond woman with a huge baby bump noticed him and she started to waddle his way with a hopeful expression on her face. Genesis looked around almost desperately for an escape route and he considered manifesting his wing and taking to the air. He was so occupied with figuring out the best way to retreat that he wasn't watching where he was going. He felt feminine curves bump into him and he heard a soft exclamation of surprise. He'd nearly run over Aerith Fair.

 

"Oh good, my favorite one," Genesis said—almost sincerely.

 

"Favorite one what?" She looked up at him in confusion and rubbed the small of her back.

 

"Pregnant lady," he said quickly. He cast a look over his shoulder. The blond woman was still approaching, but at a slower pace.

 

"Are you okay? You look a little um...spooked."

 

"I'm fine."

 

Aerith leaned to one side and saw the woman approaching from behind him. She smirked. "Are the big bad mommies harassing you, Genesis?"

 

He glared at her. "I'll have you know these people have been molesting me all day long. Next they'll be offering me samples of breastmilk to compare."

 

Aerith covered her mouth with one hand and giggled. "You're over-reacting. Look, why don't you come inside for a while and I'll make us some tea."

 

He sighed in relief without meaning to and he nodded.

 

~*****************************************~

 

"So you really don't like pregnant women," Aerith observed as she poured the tea. She glanced sidelong at him. "Why?"

 

"It isn't that I don't like them," he argued. He looked at her belly, which was now very pronounced. It was obviously reaching the stage where it caused discomfort for her to be on her feet for long. She arched her back again and winced. "Here, sit down," he ordered. "I'll bring the tea to the table."

 

"Thanks," she sighed. She took a seat at the dining table while he picked up the tea tray and brought it over. "What is it, then? You were starting to look panicked."

 

Genesis dropped a couple of sugar cubes in his tea and stirred it, shrugging. "It isn't about dislike. It's about power."

 

Aerith frowned at him. "Power? What kind of power do you think pregnant women have over you?"

 

"Creation," he admitted. "You're goddesses in your own right. You nurture life in your bodies and bring it into the world. Being surrounded by that sort of power, being faced with it at every turn...makes me feel rather insignificant."

 

Aerith was openly surprised by his admission. "I never knew you felt that way, Genesis. But you know, men are part of that power too. We women might have the hard part of making babies but it takes a man's participation to start the process."

 

"Not this man," Genesis countered with a little smirk. "I understand what you're saying, though."

 

She smiled at him and took a sip of her tea. "I think that's the nicest thing I've ever heard you say about anyone. It's flattering to be called a goddess."

 

Genesis shrugged. "Don't let it go to your head. I might respect your powers of creation but your tempers are horribly unbalanced while you're expecting."

 

"Hey!"

 

"See? You've just demonstrated my point." Genesis chuckled dryly and took a swallow of tea. "And how does one defend himself against an angry pregnant woman? You can't very well push her away if she starts slapping you—not if you don't want to risk harming her or her unborn."

 

"When was the last time a pregnant woman attacked you?" Aerith grumbled.

 

"I think you came close, the day after the Cosmo rescue."

 

"I wouldn't have hit you," she scoffed. "I wouldn't hit anybody unless they meant harm to me or someone I love."

 

"You didn't see the look on your face," he argued. "I half expected your head to spin on your shoulders."

 

She chuckled and shook her head. "So pregnant women do scare you, at least a little. What about babies?"

 

"I avoid them like the plague."

 

"Genesis! How can you not like babies?" She looked honestly puzzled.

 

"I didn't say I don't like them. I just don't like being around them." He thought it was perfectly reasonable but the look on her face told him she disagreed.

 

"How is that any different?" Aerith pressed.

 

"I'm uncomfortable with strangers trying to hand me their little miracles. I'm not in love with the thought of micromanaging a herd of squealing toddlers. I'd never wish harm on a child but I prefer adult company or solitude."

 

She refilled her cup of tea and nodded reluctantly. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I know kids aren't for everyone but Zack wants you to be one of our baby's godfathers. If something happened to all of us and you were the only one left to take care of our child, how would you manage?"

 

"You're projecting too much," he sighed. "If something takes out you, Zack, Angeal, Sephiroth and Cloud then odds are it will take me out too. However, you can rest assured that I'd do my best to raise the little puppy. I may not be the most traditional father figure but I'd see to it that the kid is safe, fed and educated."

 

She bit her lip and nodded. "I'm sure you would. Um...Genesis, can I talk to you about something a little personal?"

 

He looked at her warily. "That depends on the nature of the conversation."

 

"It's Zack," Aerith said. "He hasn't been...that is, we haven't been intimate for weeks."

 

Genesis groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. "This falls into the category of forbidden subjects."

 

"I don't know who else to talk to about it!" She gazed at him pleadingly. "Cloud would get too embarrassed, Angeal's so reserved and I won't even consider approaching Sephiroth about this!"

 

"And what makes you think I'm the one you should be talking to about this? Has it escaped your notice that I'm gay?"

 

"I know that," she argued, "but you're Zack's friend and you don't mince words. I just thought maybe you could talk to him for me and find out what's wrong." She looked down at her belly and rubbed it slowly. "I feel like he's not attracted to me anymore, now that I'm bigger."

 

"Nonsense," Genesis snorted. "He thinks of you all the time. I should know—he drives me mad talking about you and worrying about you whenever we go on scouting missions. Have you tried initiating it yourself?"

 

"I've tried," she sighed. "The touching and kissing is nice but he never lets it go further than that. Please talk to him? You owe me for throwing him anyway."

 

Genesis gave her an exasperated glare. "You are never going to let that incident go, are you?"

 

"If you do this for me, I'll let it go," she promised.

 

He stared at her searchingly. "I'd like that guaranteed. Swear it on your first born child."

 

Her mouth fell open. "That's horrible!"

 

"So is blackmailing me into playing the role of your sex therapist, but that isn't stopping you. I want to know you're sincere."

 

Aerith grumbled in defeat. "Fine. I swear on my firstborn that I'll never bother you about the WEAPON event again, if you find out what's happening with my husband and help me fix this."

 

Genesis reached out and offered her his hand. "You have a deal."

 

They shook on it and he finished drinking his tea before leaving to find Zack. Aerith told him that he was at the craft shop, working on a crib for the baby. The poet grumbled under his breath the entire way there.

 

~*******************************************~

 

Zack was a little surprised when Genesis walked into the craft shop but he smiled in greeting at him, assuming he was after a bookshelf or something. He was utterly surprised by what Genesis said to him when he walked up to him.

 

"For Minerva's sake, start putting out for your wife again."

 

Zack stared at him with his hammer poised in mid-swing and his mouth hanging open. He started to speak but he had no idea what to say and his mouth worked silently. Genesis slipped a hand under his chin and forced his mouth shut.

 

"Yes, I've spoken with Aerith and she let it slip that you've been an inattentive husband, lately. Shall we go somewhere more private to talk?"

 

Zack looked around with his good eye wide. There weren't many people within earshot but he didn't want someone walking by and overhearing the discussion. He couldn't for the life of him imagine what provoked Genesis to involve himself in his and Aerith's private business. He nodded mutely and walked outside with the other man, still carrying his hammer absently. They moved around to the back of the building and Zack's confusion mutated into indignation.

 

"Okay, what's with you sticking your nose into our love life?" Zack hissed. "I mean, it's totally not like you in the first place and in the second place, it's kind of disturbing."

 

"I agree," Genesis murmured back, "it's disturbing. She invited me in for tea and we got on the subject of babies. Then she mentioned your...problem...and she seemed upset about it. What sort of friend would I be if I didn't say anything?"

 

Zack stared at him suspiciously. "There's got to be more to it than that. What's in it for you, Gen?"

 

"The satisfaction of knowing you two are getting laid," he snapped. "What difference does it make? Your wife thinks you aren't attracted to her anymore and if this causes a rift in your relationship, the others and I are going to be subjected to the effect it has on your fighting performance."

 

Zack sighed and scratched the back of his head. He didn't think Aerith would care so much at this stage of her pregnancy. He thought she might even appreciate a break from him pawing at her all the time. "It isn't that I'm not attracted to her," he admitted, his cheeks warming. "That's not the problem at all."

 

"Then you'd better let her know that," advised Genesis. "Not that I'm an expert on women but I imagine low self-esteem isn't good for her emotional health." He considered Zack for a moment before reluctantly speaking again. "If attraction isn't the problem, what is?"

 

"You'll think it's stupid," mumbled Zack.

 

"Probably," Genesis agreed casually. "I think a lot of the things you come up with are stupid. My opinion isn't what you should be worrying about."

 

"You're really not going to drop this until I tell you, are you?"

 

Genesis shook his head. "I'm afraid not."

 

Zack scuffed his shoes in the grass and twirled his hammer unconsciously. "Okay, but remember, you asked." He looked sidelong at the other man and took a deep breath. "I'm afraid the kid will see it coming if Aerith and I have sex."

 

Genesis' brows furrowed. "See what coming?"

 

"You know...IT." Zack grimaced down at his crotch.

 

Genesis blinked at him, his expression softening with disbelief. "Your cock? You think your child is going to see it?"

 

Zack shrugged and bit his lip.

 

"Zackary, it's a fetus. Even if Aerith's womb was equipped with a tiny flashlight and it were possible for it to 'see' your penis, it wouldn't know what it was looking at! Where did you learn your biology?"

 

"I told you it was stupid," Zack grumbled. "I know it's not logical but I keep thinking; 'what if the baby can see it? Wouldn't that traumatize the poor thing?' Besides that, I'm also worried about making Aerith go into labor early. I mean, women's orgasms involve spasms in there, right? I don't want to be making love to her and all the sudden have to run for a midwife because she's having contractions."

 

Genesis was beginning to grin, even as he shook his head with exasperation. "Zack, an orgasm won't make a woman go into labor unless she's close to her due date. Aerith still has nearly three months to go before you have to worry about something like that happening—unless she's already been experiencing early contractions?"

 

"No," Zack shook his head. "She hasn't had any complications or false labor. She's hardly even gotten any stretch marks. The doctors say her pregnancy is one of the healthiest ones in the colony."

 

"Then stop being so damned paranoid and do your husbandly duties," advised the redhead. "And while you're at it, read a pregnancy book and rid yourself of these bizarre ideas you've got."

 

"I have been reading up on pregnancy," argued Zack. "Like I said, I know the whole 'flashing my kid' thing is silly."

 

"If you know it's silly, then quit worrying about it."

 

Zack sighed. He knew Gen was right and poor Aerith thought he didn't want her, now. "I'll try. I still want to know what convinced you to talk to me about it, though."

 

Genesis smirked. "Peace and quiet."

 

~**********************************~

 

That night, Zack made love to Aerith for the first time in nearly a month. He was tender, attentive and considerate with her. She didn't mind that he handled her almost gingerly at first; she was just happy to have him back in her bed as her husband, rather than a sleep-mate. He saw to her needs first, orally pleasuring her until she was writhing and trembling in bliss. After that, he spooned against her so that he wouldn't put any weight on her. The period of abstinence evidently had him more worked up than she thought. It didn't take long for him to reach his climax and the groan that burst from his lips was long and loud.

 

When it was over, he embraced her and kissed her lovingly, whispering an apology for being childish. Aerith asked him what he meant and he bashfully rehashed what he'd said to Genesis earlier that day. She giggled at first but she didn't make fun of him. There was something really sweet about him being so worried about scaring their baby or hurting her.

 

"Aerith, did you ask Genesis to say something to me?"

 

She turned her head to look at him in the moonlit darkness and she nodded. "I was really concerned," she explained, "and I didn't know how to ask you myself. Genesis is the only one of your friends I thought would be willing to say something, though he took some convincing."

 

"What did you bargain with?" Zack asked with a grin.

 

"I promised I would stop bringing up him tossing you at a WEAPON."

 

"Wow." Zack traced her features with his fingertips. "I didn't know it was bothering you that much, honey."

 

"I've missed this," she confessed. "I'm glad the problem wasn't what I thought it was."

 

He stroked a hand over her naked belly and shook his head. "Not a chance. You're beautiful and that's our kid growing inside of you."

 

She relaxed further, comforted by his words. "I love you," she sighed as she closed her eyes.

 

He brushed his lips over her temple. "I love you too, Aerith."

 

~*********************************~

 

Genesis lay on the examination table and sighed. "This is utterly ridiculous. Why is it taking them so long to find out what's wrong with me?"

 

"Just try to be patient," Angeal soothed. "You've been throwing up every day for two weeks now. It's probably just a flu bug."

 

"I can't remember the last time I even had a minor cold," Genesis grumbled. "If it's the flu, why is it taking so long for them to diagnose it?"

 

"They're busy today, Gen. I'm sure we'll have results in a little while."

 

He tried to be patient but the sound of children running back and forth through the hallway made him squirm. What were kids doing running around the medical building unchecked, anyhow? Where were their parents? A nurse walked in and Genesis frowned when he recognized her as Aerith. She hummed softly in content as she approached, patting her rounded belly gently.

 

"Hi Genesis. Your results came in." She smiled benignly at him before looking down at the clipboard in her hand. "You aren't sick, so don't worry."

 

"Then what is the problem?" He sat up and rested his hands in his lap.

 

Aerith gave him a happy, broad smile. "Congratulations. You're pregnant!"

 

Genesis was sure his eyes were going to roll right out of their sockets. "Very funny. Now, what's really wrong with me?"

 

"I told you, you're pregnant—with twins! Here, look at the ultrasound." She handed over the ultrasound image.

 

"When did we do an ultrasound?" Genesis only remembered having some blood drawn. He stared down at the image and Aerith pointed at it.

 

"See? Those are your babies."

 

Genesis shook his head slowly, with growing horror. Were ultrasounds supposed to be this clear? He could plainly see two infants smiling up at him from the image. They were sitting side-by-side and looking quite smug.

 

"Well, I suppose we need to start child-proofing the house." Angeal didn't sound the least bit shocked.

 

"I can't be pregnant! I'm a man!" Genesis put a hand over his stomach.

 

"You're a gay man," Aerith reminded him with a shrug. "And a uke. Didn't you know this could happen one day?"

 

"Like hell it can!" Genesis argued, "I want a second opinion! Where are they even supposed to come out?"

 

Aerith cleared her throat. "Well, where does your partner go in?"

 

"I'll look for a double crib when we leave here," Angeal said calmly. "We should look at the school districts, too."

 

"School districts?" Genesis repeated. "What school districts? No, no I can't do this. This has to be a mistake!" He tried to get off the examination table but Angeal restrained him.

 

"Calm down, Gen. You can't get worked up in your condition."

 

"Fuck that, I'm getting out of here," Genesis grunted.

 

"Easy, Genesis," Aerith soothed. "Just relax and let nature take its course."

 

"This isn't nature, damn you!" Genesis struggled against his lover's hold on him. "This is your fault, Angeal!"

 

"Guilty, as charged." Angeal looked ridiculously satisfied. "Maybe now you'll settle down."

 

Genesis would have responded to that but a tortured scream reached his ears. He managed to break Angeal's hold...

 

...And he woke up in his own bed. The scream he'd heard evidently came from his own throat and Angeal had his hands on his shoulders, shaking him and calling out to him.

 

"Genesis, it was a nightmare! You'll have the whole colony thinking I'm murdering you in here if you keep shouting."

 

Genesis stared at him with wide, confused eyes and then he put a hand over his stomach and licked his lips, trying to drive away the last vestiges of the terrible dream. Angeal turned the bedside lamp on and gazed at him with quiet concern as he drew a few ragged breaths and tried to calm down.

 

"What did you dream about?" Angeal asked him softly when Genesis shut his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair. "Banora, again?"

 

Genesis shook his head. He had on more than one occasion suffered nightmares about the terrible things he'd done in their hometown. It had been a long time since he last dreamed of the incidents, though. "It wasn't Banora," he answered in a tense whisper. "It was worse!"

 

"I don't know what could be worse, to make you scream like that." Angeal rubbed Genesis' tense back with slow, comforting strokes.

 

Still disoriented from sleep and the nightmare, Genesis blurted it out without thinking. "I was pregnant." When the other man went completely silent, Genesis looked at him. "Well?"

 

"I'm not sure what you want me to say." Angeal's tone was carefully neutral. "Genesis, you know that isn't possible."

 

"I'm aware of that," Genesis gritted out. "Regardless of probability, it was horrifying. Aerith showed me an ultrasound of twins and you were blathering on about school districts."

 

Angeal's lips twitched before he could stop them. "And you never thought any of this was too odd to be real?"

 

"I was asleep," Genesis defended. "Even illogical dreams seem realistic when we're having them."

 

"Fair enough," conceded Angeal. He stroked Genesis' auburn hair away from his sweat-beaded forehead. "You can relax now. It wasn't real."

 

"It's all these women, throwing their stomachs and babies at me. It seems like every straight civilian female in the colony is either pregnant or showing off a new infant."

 

"Well, peace and security bring prosperity," reasoned Angeal. "The baby boom is a natural result. It happens after war and it makes sense for it to happen now, when we've finally found a place where people can raise families safely."

 

"That's all well and good," Genesis sighed. "I just wish they wouldn't thrust their 'prosperity' at me. I can only tolerate so much before it frays my nerves."

 

Angeal smiled and turned the lamp off again. "They're just excited. Try not to let it bother you so much. Things will settle down again eventually."

 

Genesis lay down on his back and stared up at the ceiling. Angeal lay down on his side and watched him. "Are you feeling better, now?"

 

Genesis shrugged. "I suppose. I just hope I don't have another nightmare like that. I'd prefer not to spend my nights waking up with a scream on my lips, thank you."

 

"I'm sure it was just a result of over-exposure," Angeal soothed. "You had it on your mind when you went to sleep and the nightmare was the result."

 

"I think I'll take a page from Strife's book and avoid going out in public during the daytime," Genesis sighed. "At least until some of those kids are born." He absently reached out and traced the muscles of Angeal's bare chest with his fingers.

 

Just as Genesis was about to fall back to sleep, Angeal spoke up in the darkness. "Genesis, were the babies boys or girls?"

 

"Hmm?"

 

"The twins," elaborated Angeal, "in your nightmare."

 

Genesis frowned and shook his head. "I don't know...they were babies. I was too distracted by terror to check their plumbing."

 

Angeal chuckled softly.

 

~******************************~

 

-To be continued