ᴏ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ

Intently, Genesisgave Runaan his undivided attention. His eyes were trained on him, and onlyhim. The redhead had always been a careful study, despite the aspersions castby his fellow FIRSTs, and even director. He knew exactly what it was he wasgetting into. He knew the cost and risk every time. And still, he leapt intoit, both feet forward. Time and time again, he picked the worst of the worst.He seduced them, made himself want them, begged for them until he was tossedaside. All for a little excitement, a spark that died quicker on every repeat.He smiled pleasantly. He said nothing regarding his friend.

“Hmmm…” Genesis hummed, crossing one leg over the other,making no move to draw closer or further away from Runaan as he cametantalizingly close. All it would take was a little movement of his head beforehe could have stolen a kiss. “Wouldn’t you like me to beg?”

Spying the abandoned drink, the male gave a sinister smileas he followed Runaan upon retreat, lips brushing softly over the others, butnot any more than a butterfly would kiss a flower. Once he had made the advance,however, he was quick to abandon his less appealing glass for one far sweeter.The moment he took his prize, he withdrew back to his original position.

“Well, don’t you have all your ducks in a row.” He purred inamusement as he got to his feet. For a moment, his gaze flickered up atmovement near the back of the bar. His demeanor stilled, eyes narrowing somebefore he nodded. “I’ll tell you anything you want if we go now. I’d rather notbe here any longer than I have to.”

Innocence painted pretty pictures on faces that typically upheld anything but -- and Runaan, in that briefest of moments, was no different. “I think you and I both know,” came lavishly low reply, “that’s only a nice addition.”

Yet eyes blinked, once, ‘pon the followed retreat before it’s taken into stride. They two had brushed together but a small handful of times; there was still much to be gleaned past impish nature. And nonetheless, that which is already proven fact must never be forgotten. This, he reminded himself with a roll of his eyes at the stolen shape of his drink leaving his ownership. It was, after all, to be expected. The other glass remained, and it would remain prize rather than the spoils of defeat. Bringing it to his lips, Runaan paused a breath to ensure he held Genesis’ gaze, and only then deigned to slowly savor the rest.

“Old habits.” Fishing wallet from pocket, payment proper had to be left upon the bar before he himself rose. Whether or not something in Genesis’ expression caught his eye or not, his own left too great a guess for lookers on’s imagination. Though as if his pause were naught but consideration, he left another five gil with the rest, and promptly put the rest away and turned to the door. “Hope you don’t mind a walk.”

trigger warnings for murder / war.

❛  you always were an unruly child. i adored that about you. now fly.  ❜

❛  don’t blame yourself.  ❜

❛  you don’t know how it is. to see someone you love die. because of you, for you.  ❜

❛  who taught you to fight like this?  ❜

❛  hatred and prejudice will never be eradicated.  ❜

❛  to have a scapegoat — that’s the key.  ❜

❛  kings die, realms fall, but magic endures.  ❜

❛  i missed those awkward compliments of yours.  ❜

❛  it’s bound to come in handy. and, each time it does, you will think of me.  ❜

❛  do anything stupid, and i’ll kill you, too.  ❜

❛  kill me if you must. i’ve nothin’ to live for anyway.  ❜

❛  whisper to the wolves. tell them to stay away.  ❜

❛  i was attacked — had to defend myself.  ❜

❛  once i was free… i shall be free once more.  ❜

❛  come on, let me give you a taste of my life.  ❜

❛  well… some causes require a sacrifice.  ❜

❛  done my fair share of fighting. wouldn’t carry a sword if i didn’t know how to use it.  ❜

❛  have you killed humans?  ❜

❛  i want to see how you manage in a fight, if you can fight at all.  ❜

❛  nothing wrong with having a drink in good company.  ❜

❛  i merely know when to indulge my pride, and when i must swallow it.  ❜

❛  we can fight another time, in another place. where the walls have no ears.  ❜

❛  next time you wonder why i’m so bitter… well, there’s your answer.  ❜

❛  suddenly, i’ve an immense desire to drink.  ❜

❛  i trust you have an explanation for this. a very good one.  ❜

❛  i’ve had nothing but nightmares lately, pretty horrible.  ❜

❛  i was afraid you were dead.  ❜

❛  they’ll know where we’ve gone, they’ll know how to find me!  ❜

❛  if i’m to die today, i wish to look smashing for the occasion.  ❜

❛  women only ever beautify themselves for their own satisfaction.  ❜

❛  always believed attack was the best defense.  ❜

❛  don’t treat me like a child.  ❜

❛  i like it when you smile. come here. everything will be all right.  ❜

❛  i won’t let them take you, you know that?  ❜

❛  you gotta keep clear, stay out of trouble.  ❜

❛  i cannot hide forever. i must face them!  ❜

❛  you humans are so… impractical.  ❜

❛  i’ll remember your teachings always. and the sacrifice you made.  ❜

❛  we all knew what we were signing up for.  ❜

❛  no. i will flee no more.  ❜

❛  lying didn’t always come easily to you.  ❜

❛  we’ve done the hardest part. only got the pleasant bits now.  ❜

❛  you worry too much. what will be, will be.  ❜

❛  you were born to greatness.  ❜

❛  appearances can be deceiving.  ❜

❛  you’re so charming when you try to be funny.  ❜

❛  we may not survive this. in fact, our chances are slim.  ❜

❛  we’ve come a long way, and i’ll be damned if we’ve come to fail.  ❜

❛  i admire your optimism. wish i shared it.  ❜

❛  i wish to leave, go far away. and i’d like you to come with me.  ❜

❛  you know me. nothing i like more than breaking rules.  ❜

❛  what can you know about saving the world, silly?  ❜

❛  you know who i am. and why i’m here.  ❜

❛  how many have you already killed? how many more might you still?  ❜

❛  i sense your pain. i see your fear.  ❜

Eager, observant, Genesis considered the lack of a properrejection to be a success. And a smug look curled on his lips as the barkeepbrought two drinks over. True to Runaan’s supposition, the redhead glanced atthe unattended beverage but left it untouched. Instead, his eyes traveled tothe one which Runaan had selected as his own. Genesis knew for a fact whichtasted better.

Grin widening, the redhead gave pseudo-innocent look. To beaccused of ever dreaming of using a façade to get what he wanted was entirelyaccurate and all too amusing to deny it outright. Besides, what fun was therewithout mystery? So, he decidedly remained silent until Runaan spoke again.

For a flicker of a moment, not unlike the dance of a candle,Genesis’ expression shifted from smug and impish to something apathetic andhorribly cold. But his countenance resumed too quickly to lose any warmth or passion.“He means well.” He reached for the second drink, fingers brushing against theglass but not taking. “The good ones always do.” And then, he took it, taking aheavy gulp.

And then, an all too pleased smile split across his featuresas he leaned in close to Runaan, muttering in an obscenely sultry voice. “I’llbear anything you want. Play with me, break me, and at the end, you can throwme away.” He pulled back.

“Oh, let’s see. Two months maybe? Oh, I know, I was soworried that my dear friend would not accept you and so I kept you my dirty littlesecret.  All you have to do is beperfect. Not too much trouble, I hope.”

Precious little escaped the eyes of a turk -- least of all something so painfully obvious. Either that frigidity was in response to the insult of taste, or the man didn’t know better enough to see the trash of flings past.... Or both. But what sort of sordid history did a person have to have to not see garbage people for what they were...? Likely an answer best left beneath its rock. This was meant to be a temporary foray into the illusions of deceit, not a bonding session; with any luck, Runaan would be well out of dodge and far distanced from Genesis for the rest of their existence long before things got sticky.

“Yet you appear to think this some great imposition of his.” For the first time tonight, his tone lacked the typical barbs of he who people watched at a distance. Almost, the statement, for as much time for response as it was given, was meant to be little more than observation -- for as quickly as it had arrived, its time was put to an end.

“What a tantalizing offer,” came low, sultry tone of his own. “I might just have to see if you earn it.”

Flirting aside, and consideration at the helm, gaze shifted to the wall in thought. “Turning tricks like that will be relatively easy, inasmuch as you’re willing to let me get to know you better. For surely” glancing back to Gen, the drink in his hand was finally set aside, in favor of leaning in closer himself, “I would know a stunning man like you quite well by two months.”

Perking at the sound of his name, the redhead smiled aroundthe rim of the stolen drink before tilting it back for a taste. It wasn’thorrible, by any means. And if Genesis were in a complimentary mood, he mighthave said it was delicious. Then again, it always tasted better when it wassomeone else’s.

As Runaan spoke, Genesis made it his sole focus to study theman’s face. Undoubtedly, he had seduced, or be seduced by the calm-mannered manbefore. So aloof and disinterested… it sounded like the perfect disaster toplay around with. Besides, it was not as though it was without purpose.

“You remembered—I’m charmed.” He hummed, eyes falling to ahalf-lidded gaze. He could easily trace the angles of the man’s face all dayand be content. But when pressed for information, the redhead gave a nonchalantshrug.

“Well, that one is hard, really. What information willconvince you? Is it that I am lonely and somehow think snaring you this way willfulfill my life fantasy? Maybe I am bored and have nothing better to do with mytime.” He finished off the drink before courteously returning the empty glass toits original owner. It sent a warm thrill down his body.

Purring low, he then offered, “Or maybe I need someonestunning to convince my dear friend that he has nothing to worry about in mydate choices…. Take your pick. I’m desperate and will make it worth your while.”And if none of these half-truths were appealing, he was sure to come up withmore. Given time, Genesis was sure he could get one hook.

Lovely. Sitting front and center at the bar, left without a lap to drink. ( Wasn’t that the metaphor for the evening, mm? ) Flagging down the barkeep, voice quieted for thought -- liable to be a frequent need; best to stay sharp -- before ordering... Fuck it, two of the same, sans the alcohol. One to sate his own thirst, and another to stave off another theft. Or, at least, that was the idea. Eyeing Genesis from the side, everything about the man suggested another heist for the sake alone of being impish was likely. At least with preparation, the favor could be returned.

“You could start with the truth. Or keep up this little facade of yours; it may yet prove entertaining.” Dainty fingers brought freshly delivered drink to his lips long enough for a deep drink perhaps a touch too purposeful at heart. Quirk at the corner of his lips, however, brings him back into their conversation, glass barely an inch from the bar.

“Hm... You and I have both been regulars of this particular bar at the same times enough that I’ve seen who you tend to take home. Your friend should be worried.” Maybe it was what little of a soul he had left. Maybe some semblance of a heart had grown in. But the man’s choices.... Were truly awful. The sort Runaan wouldn’t allow to touch him in the depths of alcohol’s strongest embrace. Surely, no one was really deserving of that. “That said, you so easily bearing your throat has convinced me.”

If Genesis had known his offhanded request would have causedhim so much trouble, he would have kept his mouth shut. Sephiroth was… loyal,to say the least,  and he took his newdate-screening duty seriously.  At first,the redhead thought it would be fine. Of anyone, he knew his friend had themost stable relationship, and by that, somehow Genesis had got it in his headthat it meant it would produce someone… a bit more tolerable than his usualunflattering tastes. Only… Sephiroth was too good at his task. No one remotelycame close to meeting that man’s standards.

Perhaps it was because of how well Angeal treated him…

Sighing, Genesis desperately scanned the bar. He needed apoker face. He needed someone who was convincing. Someone who could somehowcircumvent Sephiroth’s keen eye for bullshit. And when his eyes settled on afigure sitting pretty on a barstool, he knew immediately his first choice.Perhaps it was the white hair that initially caught his eye. Maybe it was thoseexotic horns that drew him there or the vague sense of familiarity of an oldfling. Then again, there were few in the room Genesis had not seen bare and wanton.

Sliding into the seat next to Runaan, Genesis gave a charmingsmile. “Hey there, beautiful. You look a little bored, and I don’t like smalltalk.” He began leaning his back against the wood of the bar, propping eitherelbow on it. He caught a glimpse of the other man’s face, blinking a moment. Inthe least, his ‘beautiful’ comment was not just flattery. “Would you like to pretend to date me for a week or two?” He said nonchalantly,reaching over to steal the poor man’s unattended liquor. @boundbyhonour

Had an hour yet passed from arrival til now? Runaan’s mind oft strayed to the already-handled checklist of the day -- breakfast, pack lunch, work shit, homework, dinner, check in with Saoirise, de-stress -- yet time had long since slunk away into some alley or other to trifle around the bins. It was like to be for the best; wasn’t as if the bar exactly kept a clock lying around in the first place. Finger danced listlessly round clean rim, successfully tuning out the vast majority of the bar’s swill vying for some attention or another from him between it and half listened-to talk from the television above.

Yet, whether from the prior warning of being watched, or some shred of genuine interest, bright blues flicked from screen to... One of SOLDIER’s Firsts -- and at that, one he’d bedded at least once prior, of all people. Hm. Curiouser and curiouser... “Genesis, wasn’t it...?”

Still, thus far his apparent new suitor had only earned a turned head and no more. Genesis was, for his part attractive, and if memory had served, quite entertaining for the night or so spent, but that hardly made him worth further investment; repeats tended to be messy. Clingy. Well... Perhaps not the latter, for the vibes picked up, but like to be a poor choice all the same. And despite himself, there he sat, giving the man another chance all the same. More so, if little else, than he’d deigned to give much of anyone else who’d approached him any other point of the night.