IC Contact [City of Ariel]

[recitings]

Genesis Rhapsodos here. What do you need me for?

Comments

[waitedforyou]

[ ... ]

You said that I could [ ... ] This is Clovis la Britannia, Third Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire and I am ordering you to listen to me...

[recitings]

Your Highness...? What's the matter? [ this seems to be something worth being concerned over. Somehow, despite the order, Clovis doesn't sound as full of himself as he usually is. ]

5/07 - Voice

[starlight_of_the_sky]

Hey, Genesis-san. It's me, Nanoha. [ Wait, he could read her name from the message. Duh, of course it was her. But it's a bit too late now to worry about that. ]

Anyway, it's been a while since we talked. How've you been?

Voice

[recitings]

I've been well. And you?

Voice - morning of 5/9

[herplaceinthesun]

Hey, I was just letting you know I was going to be gone a while. Like, something's wrong and Aisha can't come back til it's fixed cause I . . .

Don't worry about me though. I'm safe, that's not what this is about.

[recitings]

Very well then. I'll take good care of the kitchen while you're out. [Heh.]

When she finds out Orihime is working at Rapier; voice

[shockshot]

...Genesis?

I know it's really none of my business, but I have a request.

[recitings]

Ah? What is it, Masaki?

[It must be pretty serious considering the tone of her voice.]

audio--6/2 before the open of the club

[indecent_butterfly]

One does apologize for bothering you on such a special day but there is a favor that needs to be requested.

[recitings]

Ah? What can I do for you, Hatter?

6/4 – Voicemail

[dark_to_dawn]

[The quiet of the room is only broken by the ticking of the clock. Sitting silently on the end of his bed, one leg drawn up, his arms around his shin. All he can think of is what happened a few days ago. What he had done. The blindness that drove his hand, his actions, and left not just a stain on someone else's body, but had torn a gouge straight into something he had tried his damnest to foster.

And now, here he is again, doing the same thing he felt constructed half his life. A guilt, a regret, and the onus of making up for his mistakes. He has no intention of expecting Genesis to respond to his message. But he can't just let this go by without somehow reaching out to him. Without motion, he makes the connection between himself and the man to leave this message.]

Genesis. My name is Riku. [He doubted he'd even said his name to the man that time.] I was the one who assaulted Zexion in your home a few days ago. … I don't have an excuse for my actions. I was angry over what happened and let it cloud my mind. And you were caught up in it. You and Zexion both.

I'm sorry.

For everything. If there is anything I can do to help, anything I can explain, I'll do it.

[recitings]

[It's just a few hours until the grand opening of Club Rapier and Genesis' nerves were on fire making sure everything was perfect from the very beginning. So Riku's message comes at a rather bad time. Despite that, though-- despite the way his shoulders were terribly tense now, especially as he is reminded of the assault in his own home, he does his best to keep a diplomatic face.

He takes a deep breath before answering.]

It is all right. To be fair, I also had no excuse attacking your friend either. I was also caught up in a cloud of anger. And for that, I sincerely apologize. I've apologized to your friend, too.

Present left on his desk at work, 6/28

[aidreamofsenpai]

There's no fanfare; in fact, since it's Ai's first day back at work, he's trying to be an attentive host and not hang out in the office. Still, at some point in the day he creeps back to leave presents.

Genesis will find on his desk a bouquet of chocolate roses. The note is a little slip of heart-shaped paper, writing a little too careful, as if Ai is trying to make it nice.

I know you're not fond of flowers, but just once I couldn't resist. Ai.

[recitings]

[Well, that is very thoughtful. Genesis picks one up to inspect and eventually unwraps to eat. It does help that he certainly has a sweet tooth and chocolate is right up his alley. He's very thankful for the gift. And he takes the note and slips it into one of his desk drawers for safekeeping.

He'll send him a text in reply.]

I got your gift, Aiichiro. Thank you. You've made my sweet tooth quite happy.

7/1 Late-ish Text

[aidreamofsenpai]

[ He wants to ask for help, but there are a lot of reasons why he can't, won't. Still, if he has to choose a way to die, he doesn't want to do it feeling alone. Just like when he first arrived in this world again - so recently - his mind runs quickly through a list of people he cares about, would like to speak to, or hear from.

His mind does that, but his heart doesn't have to do anything at all. For his heart, the decision is already made, and since the chip records text at the speed of thought instead of fingertip, once his mind catches up, there's no reason he can't say everything he likes.

What to say, then? He can't say anything that would worry Genesis, not when he's already decided not to ask for help, that he doesn't - even if it means his death - want someone else hurt in his name, for his sake. So, what to say?

But that too, his heart already knows. ]

On nights like this when I don't see you, I think of you a lot. I wanted you to know. Even though we spend our days in different places, doing different things (or sometimes different people we both know that) I think of you, no matter what.

I thought you might want to know that.

That I imagine your arms strong and warm around me, or your lips against mine, or better yet, a moment of quiet peace outside of touch, a smile just for me, the way your eyes crinkle when it's a real nice one, or the smell of your cologne, left on my skin even after I step away.

I thought you might like to know I think about those things, and appreciate them, all the time. But for now, I'm going to sleep! So good night, and I love you.

[ Going to sleep is perhaps an understatement. And he doesn't have the heart for fancy hearts, not right this moment. But if he's very lucky, if he can hold on just another few seconds, maybe he'll get to hear those last few words back. That would be a nice way to go out. ]

Audio.

[recitings]

[Genesis doesn't think much when he sees the text while he was working. His first thought is that Ai is being very romantic. Maybe more so now that he has the day off and thus, no excuse to be with him that day. And indeed, he smiles for him. His eyes crinkle, too. He knows Ai loves him so fiercely and he treasures every bit of it.

Perhaps the boy was busy with someone else, doing something where he couldn't use his voice aloud. But that won't stop Genesis from replying in the way Aiichiro wants him to. He's done it a few times, sending him the message in text only to be asked right away to say it aloud.

And so tonight, he won't text first.]

Rest well, Aiichiro. I love you, too.

text; 7/6

[youwillrot]

Genesis.

I'm calling in a favor.

[recitings]

What is it, Sephiroth?

[voicemail]

[shifting]

Is this Mr. Rhapsodos? My name's Sam Merlotte, I was recommended here by a fellow named Zexion. I'm relatively new in Ariel and I'm lookin' for work. Zexion hinted you might need a floor manager or a bartender, and I'd be eager for an interview with you. I come from owning, managing and sometimes bartending at my own place, so I'm not stranger to the work. If that's the sort of experience you need in your place, I'd love to hear from you.

[voice]

[recitings]

Yes. I am definitely in need of either. From what you've just said, you might just be the kind of person I need on my team. When are you free for an interview?

7/9 Afternoon

[mentors]

[Okay, deep breathes.]

Hey, Partner ... I'm sorry, but I can't come in tonight.

[recitings]

Angeal? What happened?

[This was unusual.]

voicemail; 7/9 sometime...

[colorofthesky]

...Hey.

[ A beat, then- ]

I just wanted to check and see if you're okay.

[text]

[recitings]

[All day, Genesis had been keeping a strong face, posturing as the strong leader that he should be for Club Rapier and swiftly addressing any issue regarding how he was seen on the network the other night. But it isn't so easy. When he gets Zack's voicemail, he waits until he's alone in his suite to reply. And even so, he doesn't choose to use his voice or video.]

I'm not.

7/9 audio;

[occulthymns]

Are you back to normal?

[She isn't sure what his answer will be, or if he'll even bother answering. Aiichiro said he had been willing doing all that... stuff, so maybe he's thrown out everything Euri thought he stood for.

She's expecting that to be the case. She's learning that in this city, it's better to expect to be disappointed.]

text;

[recitings]

I am.

[Genesis was a busy man. He had much damage to control after what happened last night. And since his voice was preoccupied with speaking to his regulars and clarifying with them what they had seen last night, he only replies with text back to Euri.]

[mentors]

[He doesn't deserve to be angry, not after what he did to Zack and Sephiroth back home, and yet...

And yet he is, if only because anything other than anger is heart wrenching sadness and guilt. If he had only been a better friend, if he had just gone along and not never done anything when the rebellion was brought up...]

Do you need help holding down the fort tonight?

[He knew it was coming but all the same. If he keeps his day off like he was suppose to tonight, Angeal is going to be stuck lost in his thoughts.]

[recitings]

Ah. Not really.

[Genesis is confused, this is rather out of the blue.]

Is anything the matter, Angeal?

[But then there's a beat after Genesis replies. A text from Fruling on the network. The words sink slowly into him and... he goes silent.]

... this is about them, isn't it?

[Voicemail] 8/4

[illicitresearch]

[[ He's out running errands, when he hears about Zack and Sephiroth's departure.

And along with that comes a terrible panic of abandonment. What if they'd all made plans to leave together? Angeal and Genesis too, without any parting words or explanations...

Surely that's foolish, but some reckless plan to catch up with them, try to change their minds, wouldn't be completely out of the question.

So his first instinct, after seeing the network, is to check in with Genesis, wherever he might be this time of day.]

Genesis? Are you busy? Please get in touch.

I just saw the message, about Masamune.

About Sephiroth and Zack Fair. I don't know what they've told you, or if they've told you anything, about leaving but... I... I just wanted to make sure we're still on the same page?

And what's going on with Maya, for that matter- No, No never mind, that's only of secondary importance, are you all right?

[recitings]

[It takes a while before Genesis replies. He's sullen about the whole thing. He still hates that he hadn't been told a thing about this. But he's constantly reminding himself that he had his present and future in Ariel, not out in the wastelands.]

If you're worried about me leaving too, I can assure you that I'm not going anywhere. You know how I feel about the city. I am not letting anything change that.

voice 8/4

[aidreamofsenpai]

[ The voice is very soft, and slightly hesitant, far too much thinking going on behind it. Usually Ai is a rather boisterous message-sender but obviously not today. ]

Um, Genesis, I'm sure that you're probably... talking to other people about what was said on the network, and you know I had issues there, so I'm not sure there's any reason you'd want to... I mean, I didn't think I was probably the person you wanted to hear from.

[ There's a slight pause, and the sound of Aiichiro taking a drink before he speaks again. ]

I just wanted to let you know that I saw, and that if you did want something, or need something, or need to tell me something or need to do something... well, that I'm here. Or can be there, or wherever or however you need me. Or if you need me to wait, that's okay too.

[recitings]

... I'm all right, Aiichiro. Sephiroth and Zack were both part of my past. A large part of it, really. But that is what they are.

My present is here with you and Zexion. And I will be all right, knowing that I still have the both of you.

voice

[strikingtwice]

I was advised to get into touch with you about hosting at Rapier. My name is Meallan Lavellan, and I have some experience that might be similar. I wouldn't be adverse to meeting in person if you wanted to discuss it further.

voice

[recitings]

Ah. I see. You've spoken with Angeal Hewley, haven't you? It's a pleasure to meet you, Meallan. You say you have experience... well, I certainly can't turn down a prospective new host for my establishment.

If you have time, please come by our booth at the Expo. I'll be there the whole time.

((ooc: the log thread isn't up yet, but I'm working on it right now! I'll update this once it's up It's up. XD))

Video

[otterbeswimming]

[Hi there. Meet Momo. He's bright and smiles a lot.]

Hi! Nitori-senpai told me about you and how much you mean to him! I just wanted to tell you thank you for taking such good care of him and that I hope you're always really happy together.

Thank you so much!

Video

[recitings]

[Well. This is a surprise. Genesis rarely got messages from Aiichiro's circle of friends. But it feels pretty good to hear that someone supports their relationship and hopes the best for them.]

Thank you as well, for your best wishes. I'll do my best to continue giving him the care he deserves.

Voice 8/17, Mid-Afternoon

[illicitresearch]

Genesis...

[ Zexion's voice is a strange mixture of defeated, exhausted, frustrated... and strung through with anxiety]

I can't take this anymore. I'm a mess and it doesn't even feel good anymore, I'm so sore and it hurts and it's still not letting up, so I wanted to let you know that I'm headed down to the hospital now. If they check me in, it might wind up an overnight, so... don't expect me at work.

Whatever sort of bad reaction it is... or maybe my hormones are just flat out wrecked, there has to be something they can do to fix it.

This has just gotten ridiculous. My balls are twice the size they should be!

I'll let you know, as soon as they tell me what's wrong. Maybe they can drain it somehow without making me come, I'm just... it's not even attractive like this, and the wiping up's got everything all red, I'm worried!

(Ugh. This is no good at all.)

I'm afraid, Genesis. They must know how to treat it without just milking me to death, right?

[recitings]

[The message makes Genesis strung up with worry. He isn't very good with the thought of illness. Belanus had made him worried enough before. And for the past days, he had been trying to help Zexion out as well, helping him soothe the unending tightness in his balls. But then there's talk of going to the hospital and getting everything red.

The words trigger memories in Genesis' mind: the blood gushing endlessly from his shoulder turning everything red, collapsing, and getting carted off to the laboratories.

I'm afraid.

The words echo his own thoughts in those memories and all other thoughts leave him.]

Zexion...

[He isn't sure himself if the doctors at Ariel are to be trusted. They could help, this city was free from most illnesses, after all. But still, his distrust of anyone in the medical profession was still very high.]

I... [He swallows. He's anxious.] I don't want you to go in alone. [He has his business, but still a thought hounds the back of his mind-- a fear that if Zexion comes in, he won't come back to him.]

8/16 Audio

[aidreamofsenpai]

He called you before he called me, right? What do you need?

[ It's a very straightforward message, and much more terse than usual, coming from Ai. ]

[recitings]

Cocoa. That nice one that you brought me that one time. Warm milk, too. I can't keep my nerves under control, Aiichiro.

9/9, A handwritten letter left carefully folded on the desk, in the office

[illicitresearch]

So I've been thinking you should share me.

Please take the moment to read this, Genesis, don't crumple this proposal right up? It's an altogether serious suggestion, and I think I would be good for you, for us, for the club.

I want you to share me. We could try it with with one of your VIPs that you take up to the suite. You could offer me to them as an added hospitality, and call me up to come join you. Everyone knows you wouldn't normally do it so lightly, that your personal assistant isn't typically on the menu, so it would make the guest seem all the more special.

It would be a healthy change of pace, to work on someone together. If it would make you feel any better, more in command of things, I wouldn't mind promising to only do exactly what you ask of me to help with. We could put on quite the private show, you and I, which I'm sure could be an impressive display of power and generosity.

I'm willing to place myself at your disposal, on your terms, however you'd like. You need only trust me. Trust what we could be.

- Zexion

[ Folded within is not one of the cheap plastic, lockable slap bracelets that they're giving away on the street for the festival, but a gift certainly meant to convey something along those same lines. They're elegant wrist cuffs in red and black snakeskin leather, a matched pair of them, with magnetic clasps.]

[Text]

[recitings]

[Genesis reads the proposal carefully. Reads it a few times, really. A part of him feels unsure about the idea of sharing one of his lovers. But at the same time, he knows Zexion has a point and Zexion has fed him the right words to feel at ease with the proposal. The idea of Zexion still under his command makes his throat turn a bit dry. He has always been a sucker for the dominant position.

He supposes that it's worth a shot. And if he doesn't like it, he can just stop it, right?

He takes a breath and sends a text message in response.]

Zexion, I've read your proposal. And I will try what you suggest.

Since the preparations to open the new rooftop level are almost done, would you like me to offer you as part of the celebration?

[He's still thinking about who to share Zexion with. But he feels so unsure about it... he wants to try, though.]