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Somewhere I belong

Summary:

"It was war, after all, and no surprise that the Soldier had lost his usual finesse. A few months of that hell were enough to dull even the most vain among them. Still, there was a urgency in the blue-mako eyes—a predatory sharpness—that weighed on Sephiroth when they met for debriefing.

The sex, however, was extraordinary." - Or In a bleak war‑camp, Sephiroth and Genesis reunite for the first time since the return of the war.

Notes:

Almost 20 years later and SquareEnix decided to bring back my unhealthy Genesis Rhapsodos addiction. The responsible thing to do, you ask? Write a duzen of fanfics based on my Sephgen headcanons and commission stunning art to accompany them.

I'll likely revise and update these works as we get more from Ever Crisis (Young Genesis, I'm looking at you).

Art by the wonderful @pink-nubes / http://pink-nubes.tumblr.com

Work Text:

Sephesis Week 2026 Day 3: Urgency

Somewhere I belong fanfic art by pink-nubes

[ μ ] – εγλ 1995 - March

 

I wanna heal, I wanna feel like I'm close to something real
I wanna find something I've wanted all along
Somewhere I belong
Somewhere I belong – Linkin Park

 

It was the first time Sephiroth saw Genesis without his usual signs of vanity.

The subtle smile no longer showcased shiny, crimson‑tinged lips but dry, gloss‑less ones. His auburn hair had lost the extra glow and softness it usually obtained from weekly treatments. Even the expensive clothes were coated with a thin layer of dust, like everything else in the war camp.

Sephiroth and Genesis have been together for a while—friends for three years, lovers for over a year. Fifteen months of delicious yet erratic encounters, both in frequency and flavor. Sometimes their meetings were hasty and rough: a quick tryst in a locker after training, a burst of violence and adrenaline that fed their well‑known competitive spirits. Other times the pace was slower: a chance encounter without Angeal, a pleasant afternoon around Midgar, a fancy restaurant here or there, and a long night to savor each other.

Regardless of the circumstances, Genesis always looked good at their meetings. More than good— flawless. The redhead enjoyed the game of crafting his allure, engaging all of its lovers' senses: glowing appearance, soft, scented skin, a backdrop of ambient music and the most expensive wine mingling with their kisses.

Not that night, though.

It was war, after all, and no surprise that the Soldier had lost his usual finesse. A few months of that hell were enough to dull even the most vain among them. Still, there was a urgency in the blue-mako eyes—a predatory sharpness—that weighed on Sephiroth when they met for debriefing.

The sex, however, was extraordinary.

As soon as they slipped into the general’s tent, Genesis’s mouth claimed Sephiroth’s in a ravenous kiss. Their bodies moved with a desperate hunger, pulling, and sucking at each other as if the two men had been apart for much longer than two months.

They swiftly shed every piece of clothing, belt, and armor. Even then, Genesis’s eyes never wavered from Sephiroth’s, burning with mako‑charged desire. They barely spoke; no words were needed to negotiate the arrangements of their mutual pleasure.

Genesis was on top, straddling Sephiroth’s lap—a position he especially cherished on days when there as an urgent need. That left a perfect view of the scene for his partner, who had both his hands cradling Genesis’s waist, guiding the rhythm.

“Mmh…!” the redhead bit his lip, not to tease but to stifle the moans that threatened to escape. To Genesis’s dismay, they had to stay quiet. Riding Sephiroth with his eyes shut, the Soldier wanted nothing more than to gasp his lover’s name with each thrust. “Aah, Seph…!”

A furtive moan escaped when Sephiroth pulled the smaller body down, his full length sliding into the lithe form atop him. Genesis arched his back in a feline curve, the sensation too intense to contain. Pleasure rippled through him everywhere— pleading moans arising despite the need for silence.

Sephiroth felt equally unable to hold back any longer. In a swift, calculated motion, he pulled the red-head’s down, shoving him onto the mattress and lifting his thighs, arching over the gorgeous frame beneath him.

“Aah‑.” Genesis couldn’t suppress a cry of pleasure as Sephiroth drove himself deeper inside him. He loved when their encounters were a bit rough, and in that moment both were equally thirsty for contact.

Sephiroth’s hand covered his commander’s mouth, two fingers sliding lasciviously inside the other man’s lips, welcomed by tongue and teeth that eagerly sucked at the general’s calloused digits.

“Nngh…” Even Sephiroth’s famed self‑control failed him. The stoic man inhaled raggedly, reminding himself to stay silent…yet the wet mouth on his fingers and the raw burning sensation of being inside his lover weren’t making it any easier. Pleasure assaulted his senses, amplified by how cold and lonely his previous nights had been.

Genesis’s hand reached for Sephiroth’s hair, loosening the strands and pulling his face forward for a desperate kiss. Their tongues met in an awkward clash, more thirst than affection.

Climax hit them intensely, both trying their best to stay quiet. Sephiroth came first with a muffled low groan and Genesis followed a few moments later, his cries stifled by Sephiroth’s hand and lips, drinking in the pleasure of the more expressive man.

Then, silence.

The peaceful wave of the orgasm engulfed Sephiroth’s body, a pleasure that seemed as forbidden as the sex. 

Quiet white noise… Sephiroth realized how badly he needed that fleeting release—a single instant free from the weight of his body. The feeling was so different from the stillness of the war camp at night, where quietness meant uneasiness, not relaxation. 

The silence, however, was interrupted by an odd statement.

“I’m going to wash your hair”

Sephiroth slowly opened his eyes for the first time after his climax. His long lashes dripped with sweat and the gorgeous view of Genesis appeared in front of him, forming slowly.

“Excuse me?” Came the formal question, its tone slightly strained by the recent climax.

Genesis left out a small laugh, the redhead commander looked relaxed, radiant in his post-orgasm glow.

“Oh, I'll excuse you all you want… I happen to be in a very forgiving mood” the older man playfully touched his lover’s face ”after you so expertly fucked me.”

Genesis kissed Sephiroth again, slowly savoring it for the first time that night. Not the urgent crave of time apart, but the quiet pleasure of a satisfied lover. The touching of lips had lost some of its static and brushing that warm mouth felt as natural as breathing.

“I'm gonna wash your hair” insisted the redhead, calmly.

Those arrangements proved a bit more difficult. Genesis demanded him to ask for hot water and a fresh towel—not as soft as the ones they were used to in Midgar, but a clean one nonetheless. They each perched on a low wooden bench, naked except for the towels wrapped around their waists, following the Wutai bathing style that Shinra had adopted in its war camps.

"Now relax, darling" Genesis whispered in his ear.

Sephiroth struggled to admit, but the gentle touches on his hair and shoulders felt oddly embarrassing, as if he were suddenly ashamed of his own nudity. It was a ridiculous feeling, given that he never cared about being naked. Raised in a laboratory surrounded by scientists, he was accustomed to being unclothed and bathed by others. It made no sense to him why Genesis wanted to do that.

When the water streamed down his back, his shoulders tensed at first, then relaxed under the warmth. Genesis held a towel to dry his shoulders and back, careful not to let too much water run down his muscular body.

A lid clicked open, and a soothing fragrance drifted into the air—lavender mixed with a spicier note, one of the many essences the redhead adored.

“The scent is pleasant,” Sephiroth admitted.

“Better be… for what I paid for it.”  Genesis worked the shampoo into Sephiroth’s scalp with circular motions, his fingertips careful and deliberate. “It’s not my top pick for your hair, though… When I’m back in Midgar or Kalm I’ll look for something for straight hair, a bit oilier.” The red‑head continued calmly, “But beggars can’t be choosers. Still, it’s far better than what we have here.”

Genesis tended to talk more whenever Sephiroth grew stiff and silent, it was his way of lightening the mood and easing his lover’s tension.

“Stop looking so scared… I won’t bite.” “Genesis’s lips curled mischievously. “No more than I already did, anyway.”

Naturaly… Sephiroth thought, feeling some of the tension washing away. His senses were focused on the way Genesis’s hands massaged his scalp, spreading the shampoo gently over silver strands of hair.

“Your word is not always trustworthy on these matters”

“Only one way to find out, though…” Reddish lips whispered seductively near Sephiroth’s ear, the sudden warmth making his flesh tremble slightly. A slow kiss landed on the sensitive spot near his shoulder, and the general had to swallow a low hum as the caress turned into playful scraping of teeth and tongue.

He turned back to kiss his lover properly. It was a quick kiss, but when their eyes met, Genesis expression appeared at ease—somehow seeing a tranquil look on the face of his hot-headed lover always managed to relax him.

“When we get back to Midgar… you’ll find us a proper bathtub,” Genesis said in a demanding tone.

“Will I?” Sephiroth asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes. It’s the least I deserve for caring for Shinra’s greatest war asset.”

The provocation felt oddly familiar, a soft gift in the strange terrain where they stood. 

“What? I’m deadly serious” Genesis continued in a playful tone “I should be getting a medal for helping their new General release some tension.”

Sephiroth shivered by the mention of his recently awarded “promotion”.

“You know that title has no real use,” he replied quickly. “It’s meaningless—a PR move to garner public sympathy for the war’s return.”

“All that’s true, but…” Genesis’s hands crawled down his back in a seductive way. “I can think of one use for it… I think it’s hot.”

Sephiroth glanced back at the redhead, a faint judgment flickering across his face.

“It’s true. When I think to myself, ‘I’m fucking the hero of Shinra, Soldier First Class…’ I mean, it’s a nice title, but ‘I am fucking the Soldier General’ has a nicer ring to it. Don’t you think?”

Sephiroth reluctantly gave a small chuckle. “I’ll refrain from commenting on the matter.”

“You’re no fun, General.”

They exchanged a few more playful remarks before slipping into a quiet, synchronized rhythm. More at ease with the situation, Sephiroth relaxed under Genesis’s careful ministrations of conditioner. He paused to consider his lover’s motives, still finding it an odd choice to spend their limited time together, yet he couldn’t deny the intimacy of the act.

Since early in his life Sephiroth had rarely been on the receiving end of care and affection. That began to change when Genesis and Angeal entered his world, but it never came easily to him. Every small act instantly put him on edge, as if any misstep would ruin the moment irrevocably. Sephiroth needed a minute to breathe in the kindness, to allow himself to feel…good.

The soft touch in his hair, the warm presence of Genesis, playful words whispered in his ear while his lover washed away some of his lingering tension...

A new stream of water fell down Sephiroth’s back, and Genesis dried the excess with the towel. It was a hot evening—as most Wutai spring nights are—but a gentle wind slowly rattled the tent’s walls.

A breath of reality swept the room, a sad reminder that, tempting as it was to imagine only the two of them existed, the world outside was far from gone.

"Is it always like this?" Genesis’s voice became lowered, more somber. Though the topic hadn’t shifted, the general understood that the question was about the war.

"I thought you had your war time as a Second"

“It was different.” The soldier’s hand rested on Sephiroth’s shoulder. “I mean, it was worse in many ways—the missions were simpler, but awful at times. Once we spent two months besieging a settlement half our size, and they wouldn’t let us strike. For two months we just waited, watching the casualties pile up. A lot of good men and women died just because commander dickhead couldn’t make a decision” 

Genesis’s voice grew increasingly irritated with the memory.

“…but Angeal was there, so it didn’t always suck.”

Both fell silent, thinking of their dearest friend. Genesis’s hands began to massage Sephiroth’s back lightly, without any particular focus.

“Have you seen him?”

“Not since the first attack on North Wutai,” recalled Genesis “A month ago. Complete radio silence since then”.

“Hewley is skilled,” Sephiroth reassured him. “There’s nothing to fear.”

“It’s not that,” Genesis exhaled softly. “I guess I miss him more than anything. Being a First is lonelier than I imagined.” He paused, as if considering if he should say what followed it. “And it doesn’t help that my men hate me...”

Sephiroth couldn’t suppress a soft giggle. Genesis’s difficult nature had made many commanders’ lives harder, and he was no exception. To think that the fiery redhead was struggling with his temper now that he was the one in command truly amused Sephiroth.

“Oh, but you’re the charmer…” the Soldier exclaimed, his gestures growing more heated. “How can you do it? I keep asking myself that… “  each sentence adding a sharper edge to his words “You’re the least warm‑hearted people‑person we know, yet every soldier gets… wet the moment they see you. Half fear you, half pine for you, but they all admire you—both halves would die to catch a glimpse of you as if you were some mythic figure!”

Sephiroth fell still. Genesis wasn’t angry or looking for a fight—just spiteful, letting a little frustration vent. The content of the Soldier’s words, however, forced Sephiroth into an introspective mood, sulking over the uncomfortable truth they revealed.

“…I hate it,” he whispered at last.

Genesis scoffed, paying little attention to his lover’s subtle introversion.

“Yeah, it must be terrible… instant respect! What a hassle.”

Sephiroth looked down, reflecting on his lover's words. Genesis didn’t understand, no one else did. Inside Shinra building he could disappear—retire to his room and his training without having to interact with anyone. In the war camp that was impossible. No matter how hard he tried to keep a low profile, the place was crowded with soldiers whose eyes were full of expectation—hopeful, hateful, demanding. It overwhelmed him. They didn’t see him for what he truly was: a puppet crafted by Shinra, a weapon and nothing more.

Genesis didn’t notice the dark train of thought running through his friend’s mind; he was too absorbed in his task. Gentle hands brushed Sephiroth’s hair, pulling delicately. Looking back, Sephiroth saw a satisfied smile on his lover’s face, clearly enjoying the intimate chore.

Neither he nor Angeal ever saw him as he was either. They thought of him as a comrade, a friend. He had grown used to being treated as someone who mattered—not the hero, not the General, but simply…him.

“There you go. Not my finest work, but decent enough” The redhead inclined his body and slowly slid his arms to hugged Sephiroth’s waist, breathing on the back of his neck. “...If only we had more time”

Sephiroth’s green‑mako eyes closed softly, savoring the closeness. Time was something they would soon be very short of. Is it always like this? he thought. No— it will get worse, much, much worse.

“I believe we have until morning” he said, then added with a hint of sarcasm, “Then your General will send you on another mission”

“That guy, huh…” Genesis replied “You know, I think he needs to get laid”

Sephiroth felt the playful smile of his lover settle against his skin, the tone that always preceded their intimate games.

“What did you say about caring for Shinra’s asset?” he teased at last.

Genesis’s grin widened. With fluid agility he settled onto Sephiroth’s lap, facing him and delivering a long, hungry kiss.

“Kinky… I like it.”



X-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x



Sephiroth was alone at night.

Not a full day had passed since he said goodbye to Genesis, and sleep was already eluding him. The General left his tent to get some air, thinking of how much he missed his friends.

What a disconcerting feeling, to miss someone. It wasn’t just their absence or the loneliness of the war; he missed himself—the version of him that he allowed himself to be when he was with them.

During his brief friendship with Glenn he felt…good, but was constantly anxious about damaging that fragile bond. With their abandonment, Sephiroth hesitated, trying not to get too close to his two best friends. Now he couldn’t sleep, longing for the feel of Genesis’s flesh against his, or for Angeal’s solid laugh.

Alas, a goddess’s gift, as his lover would say. A few hours into his sleepless night his PSA rang, a message popping in the group chat that he shared with his comrades.

Angeal: “You read me? We just secured the communications tower in Jeju town.”
Angeal: “Should be working now…”

Sephiroth: “Well done.”

A few seconds later another ping came—this one from Genesis.

Genesis: “Took you long enough.”
Genesis: “You’d better not have a scratch on you.”

Sephiroth smiled fondly. It was Genesis’s way of asking, “Are you okay?”

Angeal: “It’s all good. And you two, doing okay?”

Sephiroth looked around the camp. Reflecting deeply on the question. His previous war experiences had been the worst moments of his life. Even though he was finally free from Hojo’s experiments, everything else was overwhelming—death and violence, lies and isolation. He had never felt more alone.

“...but Angeal was there, so it didn’t always suck” Genesis’s words echoed in his mind. The war against Wutai would only get worse: months of pointless death and conflict, perhaps years.

But things were different now. Their time together could be short, but every moment was precious to him. For the first time in his life Sephiroth didn’t feel completely alone - an unseen, calming wind swirled inside him 


"Yes...all is good" Sephiroth entered the message in his PSA, then softly read it aloud.