Chapter Text
Cloud didn’t know what he had done in a previous life to deserve this. It was quite possibly the worst situation he had ever been in… outside of, well, what he was running from.
He supposed it wasn’t too bad. He was out of the sweltering midday sun, so that was a plus. He was determined not to return home, another plus. And the dude that had dragged him along inside was pretty damn gorgeous.
As if knowing Cloud was thinking about him, Genesis turned to him, trying once again to include him in his conversation. Cloud gave a tight-lipped answer, to which the redhead rolled his eyes, sighed dramatically and returned his attention to the exasperated male, Angeal, in front of him.
They were currently sitting in a very nice cafe and Cloud had never felt so out of place in his worn jeans and t-shirt then next to these guys and their more expensive clothing.
He was hoping that if he squeezed himself back into the corner enough then he would disappear. A hope that seemed to be shared by the taller guy across from him.
He had mumbled, ‘Sephiroth…” when Genesis was making introductions and hadn’t spoken much since. Genesis had tried to draw him into conversation too, but had been quick to give up. Staring at the two of them and muttering ‘Introverts’ in a despairing tone.
It probably would have drawn a laugh out of Cloud if he hadn’t felt so awkward and out of place.
Angeal finally decided to ask the question that was on Cloud’s mind, saving him from having to do so. “Why exactly did you bring Cloud with you, Genesis?”
Cloud flicked his gaze to Genesis, waiting impatiently for Genesis’ answer.
Genesis fell silent, a faint pink-hue rising to his cheeks as he ducked his head and muttered something into his hands, unheard by the rest of the booth.
Angeal stared down Genesis’ fidgeting frame, gesturing for Genesis to repeat himself. Even Sephiroth had lifted his head to watch the redhead.
Cloud began to wonder if he should say something himself when Genesis levelled his gaze on Angeal and spoke clearly. “He’s helping me… with the bus schedules.” The last part of the statement had been spoken begrudgingly, pride making the words hard to speak.
“And you dragged him to the cafe with you because…?” Angeal continued to prompt the redhead, ignoring the flush high on the other’s cheeks.
In a moment, all of Genesis’ discomfort seemed to vanish, his more confident self arising. “To make him eat something, of course. He’s far too thin, Angeal.” The haughty tone of Genesis’ voice made Cloud bristle where he sat.
Angeal made an exasperated noise, pressing his hand over his eyes. A server came by then asking for their orders. Cloud didn’t want to order anything as he still didn’t have any money on him, the route of all his problems.
But Genesis was quick to order something for him, reassuring him that he would pay for it, even as Cloud tried to dissuade him. He was starting to see that Genesis got his way, more often than not.
What would his Uncle call that? A steamroller personality?
Seeing Genesis and Angeal argue quietly, he couldn’t help but agree with the assessment.
The server soon returned with their drinks, informing them the rest of their orders would be along shortly. The cup merely gave Cloud something else to fidget with.
Angeal turned to him then, deciding to hear his side of the story. “Genesis didn’t drag you away from anything important, did he?” The larger glanced at the bag Cloud had kept close to him as he spoke, confusion apparent in his eyes.
Cloud froze, the cup halfway too his mouth. He didn’t want to tell these guys about that, it had been embarrassing enough to admit his mistake to Genesis.
Genesis saved him from answering though. He adopted the haughty tone again and spoke to Angeal before Cloud could stutter anything out.
“He was kind enough to help me when he didn’t need to Angeal. Aren’t you usually the one telling me I should repay kind actions?” The redhead ended with question with a cold look at the large man, daring him to ask anymore.
Angeal let the topic drop, not willing to cause a scene, Sephiroth seemed to come out of his shell a little bit and was cautiously attempting to make small talk with Cloud.
Cloud responded as best he could, still bewildered over Genesis doing that for him. When the redhead realised the two were finally engaging he conversation he was quick to join in, gently prompting them when they couldn’t think of anything else to talk about.
It was nice. Cloud couldn’t remember the last time he had a conversation this relaxed.
They went their separate ways sometime later, Angeal and Sephiroth going one way and Genesis leading Cloud off another.
Genesis had one of his arms twined around Cloud’s own and was chatting to him comfortably, leading him to the closest bus stop. He had gotten onto the topic of his favourite book and hadn’t stopped talking about it since.
Cloud liked the way his eyes brightened when he spoke about the piece of literature, a bright, excited tone colouring his voice.
When they reached the bus stop, they sat to wait for the bus to come patiently. Cloud decided that now would be a good time to thank the other.
“Thanks for helping me, I appreciate it.” His own voice was quiet, but sincere, genuinely thankful to Genesis.
Genesis stared at him for a moment before his face softened and a gentle smile settled over his features. He bumped his shoulder into Cloud’s own, leaning down to speak solemnly to him.
“It’s no trouble at all Cloud, I was more than happy to help.” He kept his gaze locked his Cloud’s not allowing him to duck his head away from him. His next words held a teasing, playful tone, “You’ve got my number now too, I’m expecting you to keep in touch.”
Cloud nodded, planning to do so anyway. He didn’t have many friends left after everything so he was looking forward to speaking with Genesis again. “Yeah, I’ll keep in touch.”
Genesis smiled at him confidently as the bus rolled up, making sure Cloud had enough to get to his Uncle’s house before getting on. Genesis settled in a seat by the window, giving a short wave as the bus pulled away.
Cloud hadn’t been expecting any of this to happen when he decided to leave his parent’s home today, unable to continue living with them any longer. When he discovered he hadn’t brought any money with him, he had thought he would be forced to return there.
But then he had seen Genesis, dressed well and glaring at the bus schedule information. Cloud had debated with himself momentarily before approaching the redhead to ask for enough to get to his Uncle’s place.
Genesis had agreed, as long as Cloud helped him ‘figure out this damned thing!’ Cloud had laughed lightly at the redhead, quickly finding the information the other had been looking for. His own bus wouldn’t be coming for quite awhile.
He and Genesis had sat down to wait together and had gotten to talking, Genesis eventually dragging an abridged version of why Cloud hadn’t had any money with him out of the reserved blonde.
Genesis had decided at that moment, that Cloud was going to come with him to get something to eat and no matter what Cloud said, Genesis wouldn’t be dissuaded.
Cloud found he hadn’t really minded, the food had been filling and Genesis’ friends had been nice. It had been good to relax with other people for once.
Cloud’s bus arrived and he got on without issue, settling into his own seat for the trip, texting his Uncle that he was on his way and would be there soon.
As the bus pulled away from the stop, his phone chimed with a new message. He opened it expecting a response from his Uncle only to discover that it was from Genesis instead.
He opened it, not sure what to expect, only to end up laughing at the contents.
Some very chatty old women just sat in front of me and they’re talking very loudly about some underwear model
Help me!!!
Gen
Cloud stared at the message disbelievingly, muffling his soft laughter into his hand and considered what to respond with.
Having Genesis for a friend was certainly going to be interesting.