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Of all of the infinite possibilities involving Cloud that Sephiroth had considered, this was not one of them. He never thought that Genesis Rhapsodos of all people would be better at clinging to life than himself, yet here he was, alive and kicking. Even more surprising (or not at all, really—Genesis was his friend once, much as he loathed to admit it) was the fact that Genesis had begun… pursuing Cloud.
His dear nemesis was painfully oblivious, a fact that he was grateful for. Watching from the Lifestream, Sephiroth was able to keep an eye on Cloud whenever he pleased. He refused to call it stalking, but his behavior, whatever it might be called, had allowed him to witness the first time Cloud and Genesis met.
Cloud and his little ragtag group of friends had cleared out mako reactor zero, finally purging the world of the last of Shinra’s mistakes. They were good for something, at least. But with the defeat of Deepground came Genesis, which meant problems for everyone involved.
When he and Cloud first met, it was explosive, to say the least. Sephiroth relished the sight of his nemesis besting others in combat, and this was no exception. Genesis was more of a challenge than Cloud was used to, but nowhere near his caliber, of course. It was satisfying in the strangest of ways to watch Cloud take down someone who had betrayed him long ago. But when Cloud didn’t kill him after, the way he always did with Sephiroth, he found himself seething with rage. Though he was contained within the Lifestream, he was sure that Cloud felt his fury.
After their first meeting, Genesis kept seeking Cloud out. Though the man started out somewhat hostile (he claimed to want to challenge himself by facing Cloud in combat, but Sephiroth saw through that), relations between the two quickly became friendly.
First their all-out brawls turned into spars, with Cloud occasionally giving Genesis tips and accepting pointers about materia usage in turn. Then, they started to spend time together after sparring, which quickly led to the two of them doing activities that didn’t involve fighting at all.
Genesis was quickly becoming a problem (but when had he ever not been, honestly?).
From the very beginning, Sephiroth was aware that Genesis found Cloud attractive. Of course he did, anyone with a functioning set of eyes would. But Sephiroth also watched the exact moment in which Genesis became attracted to Cloud, which was very different.
The difference was immediately noticeable—to him, at least. Cloud was oblivious as ever, which was a good thing in this case, but Genesis had always been known for his determination.
“Dearest Cloud, would you allow me to take you out to dinner tonight?”
“Sure, but we always eat at Seventh Heaven anyway, so I don’t know why you’re bothering to ask.”
Sephiroth was beyond frustrated, but he did take satisfaction in the fact that Genesis was clearly feeling the same way. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the way Genesis pulled at his hair in exasperation as soon as Cloud turned his back.
The next day, Genesis tried again, much to Sephiroth’s dismay.
Genesis clung to Cloud as they rode Fenrir, holding Cloud closer and tighter than was strictly necessary.
“You’re so strong, Cloud, to be able to control a…mechanical beast…such as this with such ease.”
“Thanks.”
Though Cloud’s hearing was beyond perfect, enhanced as he was, even he was unable to hear Genesis, as the combination of the wind rushing past at high speeds and his low muttered curses was just enough to keep him from noticing that he was talking. Sephiroth found himself cursing as well, hoping that Genesis would inadvertently do something to push Cloud away.
The worst part about all of this was how stagnant it seemed to be. Cloud was so oblivious he could almost be called clueless, and Genesis was too determined to give up on something he wanted. It seemed that as more time passed, the sincerity and intensity in which he wanted to be with Cloud only increased. Which was a problem. Surely Cloud would notice eventually, and what would happen then? Sephiroth would not allow himself to be a memory, and he certainly wouldn’t be content to rot away in the Lifestream while Cloud took on a lover. Cloud was his.
“I got you a little something.”
“What is it?”
“I’m sure you already have one of these, but since you love the damn creatures so much…”
“A Chocobo Lure?”
“Yes, mastered too. I remembered you talking about maybe someday getting a ranch, so I thought that I’d help you get started.”
“Thanks, Genesis. That’s… sweet.”
While it was clear that Cloud still had no idea what Genesis was trying to do, his advances were starting to become more readily received. He thanked Genesis for his efforts, accepted his gifts, and began to go out of his way to spend more time with the man. Sephiroth’s problem was quickly spiraling out of control, yet he was stuck somewhere in which he was essentially powerless. It was infuriating, to say the least. He wasn’t used to vying for Cloud’s attention, and he certainly wasn’t used to doing it when he had no way to demand Cloud’s recognition in the first place.
“Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess–”
“–We seek it thus, and take to the sky. Blah, blah, Loveless Act something or other.”
“Dearest, I’m touched that you’ve learned Loveless.”
“It would be impossible not to when you’re spouting it all the time.”
Clearly Cloud’s efforts were unintentional, and he was surely unaware of what that stupid play meant to Genesis, but Sephiroth knew that this would be the biggest problem yet. Genesis was obsessed with Loveless, obviously, but Sephiroth saw the look on his face when Cloud finished the quote. If Genesis wasn’t already in love with his greatest adversary, then he certainly was now.
Feelings or not, enemies or something else, Cloud belonged to him and no one else. It was even more insulting that the threat was Genesis of all people, someone who had betrayed him years and years ago. Though he’d clearly changed from that time, it still stung, and he was clearly still obnoxious despite his overall calmer temperament and shifted morals.
“Why do I feel like I’ve walked into an ambush?”
“Because you have. So, Miss Cloud, Tifa told me all about your exploits in Wall Market back in the day.”
“I’m going to kill her.”
“You will do no such thing. Miss Lockhart is a lovely woman, and without her, how would I have known that you apparently look more lovely than most women when in a dress? I know about your beauty already, of course, but to hear about something like this? I need all of the details.”
“It was all Aerith’s fault. That’s all I’ll say.”
“Oh come now precious, don’t be a tease.”
“Well…”
Sephiroth was absolutely fuming. The only thing that kept him from exploding due to his anger was the fact that he had seen Cloud in that dress, and what a stunning sight it had been. Of course he’d been busy planning vengeance for his mother and the subsequent destruction of the planet, but he had been keeping tabs on Cloud during his first stay in the Lifestream. He found himself unable to wipe the smug smile off of his face, satisfied that at least he had this over Genesis.
Then he realized that Genesis was casually calling Cloud sweet little pet names in conversation, and was promptly set off again. His anger was only made worse when he realized that Genesis had called Cloud beautiful, and while his nemesis was clearly confused, it was obvious that he didn’t find the behavior off-putting.
Sephiroth felt like he was going to lose his mind all over again.
“I bet I could carry you.”
“You’re enhanced, Genesis, of course you could. I could carry you too. But if you try, I’ll kill you.”
“You need to stop threatening to kill the people you care about. It’s not very nice, you know.”
“I’m not very nice.”
“You’re one of the nicest people I know, you just don’t want other people to think so. You’re being quite dramatic, Cloud, and we both know that that’s my thing!”
“You are absolutely ridiculous. Hey! Genesis– Put me down right now! Genesis!”
It wasn’t the first time that Genesis had gotten too… familiar with Cloud, touching him in ways that were both normal and beyond friendly. But this had never happened before. Genesis had never held Cloud before.
Cloud was protesting, of course. But Sephiroth knew him. He’d fought him many, many times and had died by his blade three times now. Whether Genesis was aware or not, Sephiroth couldn’t be sure, but he did know that if Cloud didn’t want to be picked up, he wouldn’t be. He was more than strong enough to escape Genesis’ hold.
Despite Cloud’s protests, he had allowed Genesis to carry him around like some sort of precious cargo. For the first time since this entire mess had begun, Sephiroth actually worried that Genesis might be successful.
“Is it really just called ‘Rapier’?”
“Like you’re one to speak about on the nose names, Mr. Fusion Sword.”
“Hey!”
“I jest. It’s the most exquisite weapon I’ve ever seen, truly.”
“Would you let me take a closer look? At Rapier?”
“Of course, but I must insist that you show me all of the intricacies that allow your Behemoth of a blade to turn into six.”
“Alright.”
Then, silence.
“It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. Did you choose red on purpose, or does it have to do with all of the magic nonsense?”
“What do you think?”
“Hard to tell with you.”
“Sometimes you’re too witty for your own good, you know. Alright then, Cloud Strife, show me these six swords of yours.”
Sephiroth was a swordsman himself. He had been since he was old enough to hold a sword aloft, quivering hands and all.
As a swordsman, he knew how special one’s sword was. The Masamune was as much a part of him as the wing upon his back, after all. A sword was less a weapon and more of an extension of the self, to the right person.
Given all of these things, Sephiroth knew how closely men of his caliber tended to guard their swords. To allow someone else to examine one’s sword was a sign of trust. To allow them to hold and touch it represented a level of trust so deep it could almost be considered intimate. But to mutually explore each other’s weapons, to ask questions and explain tactics and even expose weaknesses? Sephiroth knew that meant, even if Cloud did not.
Idly, he wondered if Cloud would find the Masamune as captivating as he apparently considered Genesis’ Rapier to be.
His ire was so great that he could feel the Lifestream shift around him.
“You know what Cloud? I would love to date someone like you.”
“Why?”
“‘Why?’ he asks! Cloud, you are a beautiful man, and stronger than anyone else I have ever known. But those things are surface level, and it is through knowing you that I understand just how special you are. You’re kind for the sake of helping others, rather than seeking recognition. You’re incredibly humble, rejecting the notion of being a hero—when I was younger and much more foolish, I would have killed to be in your position, yet all you wish for is to live quietly and help others. It’s admirable, really. You’re fiercely loyal to your friends and protective of those weaker than you without ever making them feel as if they are lesser. For Goddess’ sake, Cloud, you’re the Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds! I could go on, but you’re growing quite red, so I’ll refrain for now.”
“Oh. Alright. Well, I don’t think I know anyone like that, but if I think of someone, I’ll let you know.”
The only thing keeping Sephiroth from losing his last shred of sanity was Genesis’ reaction to Cloud’s obliviousness: he’d promptly shut his mouth. Sephiroth had to admit that silence was a good look on him. Genesis then excused himself, flying out to the middle of the Midgar wastes to pull at his long hair and scream out his frustration.
And there was another point in Sephiroth’s favor—though Genesis’ hair had grown long over his years of self-isolation, it was still not as long or voluminous or anywhere near as lustrous as his own. At this point, it felt important to savor even the smallest of victories.
He also relished the fact that somehow Cloud was still oblivious to Genesis’ affections. He feared it wouldn’t remain that way for long, however. Though Cloud was beyond clueless in regards to emotional matters, he was an intelligent man. He’d either catch on, or Genesis’ determination would lead him to saying something outright (though Sephiroth honestly thought he’d been quite direct with that long-winded confession). Either way, it was only a matter of time until Cloud finally realized the extent to which Genesis felt about him.
Sephiroth wasn’t sure if he could feel panic anymore, but whatever he was feeling was certainly close.
“Cloud, you are the most spectacular man I have ever known, and I have never wanted someone more than I want you. I want to take you out tonight.”
“Are you… flirting with me?”
“Yes! Of course I’m flirting with you! I’ve only been doing so for months now.”
“Oh.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“Well a lot of things suddenly make more sense.”
“So is that a yes?”
“Alright, Genesis. I think I’d like that.”
That was the last straw for Sephiroth. For months, he’d been watching Cloud and Genesis steadily grow closer, unable to do anything about it. That was about to change.
He was determined, and had Cloud as an anchor. If he had to drag himself out of the Lifestream, so be it.
Reaching out to Cloud—his nemesis, his other half, his everything—he grabbed ahold of their connection and pulled.
It was time to put an end to this nonsense with Genesis.
“Hello, Cloud.”
“What the fuck?! Why can’t you ever just stay dead?”
Sephiroth didn’t answer. Instead, he approached Cloud. He watched, wordlessly, as Genesis pulled Cloud into his side, observing the way that Cloud didn’t protest the action and even grabbed Genesis back. He growled.
At that, Cloud seemed confused. As oblivious as he was, he seemed to put two and two together that Sephiroth didn’t like his closeness with Genesis. A cursory glance at Genesis revealed that he knew exactly what was bothering Sephiroth. He wanted to wipe the triumphant smirk off of the man’s face.
Addressing Genesis rather than Cloud, Sephiroth’s voice was almost a growl, “I see that you have something of mine. Remove your hands from him, Genesis.”
“I’m not yours–”
Cloud was cut off by Genesis before he could finish, “Well, well, old friend. It’s strange to see you after all this time, but I’m afraid that I won’t be listening to you.”
Sephiroth summoned the Masamune into his hand, the sight of it alone serving as a threat.
“Now, now, don’t get testy. I’m sure there’s a solution that can work out for all of us.”
It was frustrating to admit, but he was intrigued. Sephiroth tilted his head, indicating that Genesis should continue, his silver hair pooling behind his back with the motion.
“Well, we clearly both want to get our hands on our dear Cloud. Why not share, then? The three of us.”
Sephiroth thought it over. It took him longer than he would have liked to truly consider Genesis’ proposal, but it wasn’t a terrible one. He wanted Cloud, and if getting rid of Genesis wasn’t an option, then wasn’t joining him the next best thing? Though he and Genesis had a colored past, they knew each other. They’d never been quite so close all those years ago, but if Sephiroth had to share Cloud with anyone, Genesis would be the only person he would ever consider.
“I could be… amenable to that.”
“Perfect! I already promised Cloud a date tonight, so you’d best help me with the planning. I can’t be the only one pulling the weight in this relationship.”
For his entire life, Sephiroth had carefully schooled his features so that they wouldn’t betray his emotions. However, it was nearly impossible to keep the confusion off of his face at Genesis’ easy acceptance. He’d expected to have to kill him, to have to pry his cold, dead hands off of the man who was his everything. And yet, that hadn’t happened. It was perplexing, but had worked out in his favor. Maybe Genesis wasn’t a problem, after all.
“Hey!” Cloud spoke up, clearly indignant that they were having a conversation that directly involved him while pretending he wasn’t there. “Don’t I get a say in this?”
“No,” Sephiroth deadpanned.
At the same time, Genesis took a gentler approach, delivering his words with a warm smile on his face, “No, dearest.”
Cloud grumbled as they moved to flank his sides, gently holding his hands as if to trap him between them. Sephiroth knew full well that if Cloud wanted to get away, they would have already lost him. He’d watched Genesis carry him around without him struggling, after all. Interesting.
He supposed that in the end, he got what he wanted. Of course, Genesis was still a factor, but he was no longer a problem, and Sephiroth predicted that he would prove himself valuable in keeping Cloud by their sides.
Cloud was finally his in all the ways that mattered, and even though having him meant that Genesis came along too, Sephiroth found that he didn’t quite mind. Coming back from the dead had never worked out so well.