Title: Not in Blood, but in Bond

Word Count: 771

"Angeal, what do you think of when you think about death?"

"You."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means that whenever I have a thought about death, I normally think about you because you're so fascinated by it."
Genesis grew quiet, and Angeal went back to sharpening the new sword that he had finally purchased after saving for it for two and a half years. Genesis had offered to buy it, but Angeal had told him that it would be more satisfying if he brought it himself especially since he had been saving for so long.

Genesis had only shrugged and changed the topic. Genesis had learned quickly and early in the relationship that Angeal wouldn't accept items that Genesis would offer to give or buy him. Angeal was surprised that he had even offered to buy the sword.

"So," Angeal said, curious, "What do you think when you think about death?"

"Since you didn't answer the question, I don't believe it fair that I answer it."
Angeal chuckled. Genesis was stubborn, but the problem was that Angeal was nearly as stubborn. He wouldn't bring up the topic again until Genesis did. It would be a miracle if they even talked about it ever again.

They were silent. The only sounds were Angeal's whetstone running across the silver blade and Genesis flipping the pages of Loveless. Then the door creaked open behind them.

They had been sitting on Angeal's porch, and now they both twisted around to see Gillian walking carefully onto the stone porch. She paused, perhaps forgetting what she had been going to say.

"Mother, is there something you needed?" Angeal asked.

"No," She said, removing her eyes from Genesis' since he turned around, going back to his reading.

There had always been a strange relationship between Gillian and Genesis. She talked about him with affection whenever Genesis wasn't around and Genesis had even admitted that she was more like a mother then his foster parent. Angeal wasn't sure if he liked how much attention his mother gave to Genesis, asking him for help with things that Angeal use to do for her. But because of his character, he kept his mouth shut.

"Oh, I just wanted to talk to you, Angeal, but if you're busy…"

"No, I'm not. What do you need?"

"Would you come in for a second?" She said, walking back inside.

Angeal looked at Genesis, who hadn't moved since he had turned back to his book. Angeal noticed that his eyes weren't moving though, so he wasn't reading. Angeal stood up and walked into the kitchen after his mother.

Since he had gotten tall over the summer, he had to duck his head slightly to go through the door. It lend to a homey kitchen, small and simple. Gillian believed strongly in simple.

She was seated at the table, in her favorite chair. "Angeal," She said, "I don't want you to go to the military school next year."

Angeal was so taken aback that he could only gape at her. "What?" He said, "Why? All you ever talked about through my childhood was about enrolling, and then getting into SOLDIER. What changed your mind?"

"Angeal…" She said his name like it was the last time she would, "I just…it doesn't feel right. I don't want you to go."
"I'm going." He said, the words coming out before he could think. "It's my duty. There's no life here, I have a future in Shinra, I'm going to come back being somebody."

"But you're already somebody to me." Said Gillian, lowering her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I can't turn back."

She sighed.

"What are you worried about?" He pried. "I'm going to be fine. I've probably practiced more with the sword then most of the people enrolling. And Genesis has really helped me with my technique. We got into the same school. You don't have to worry about me…"

"It's not that." She said, "I'm not worried about you getting hurt. I'm worried about…about…" She paused, "About who I'll cook dinner for."

Gillian had never been a good liar, but even then she always came up with better excuses then that.

Gillian refused to look back up at Angeal.

"I'm going to go." He said finally.

She sighed again, "Okay." She stood up from the table, hugged him, then headed to her bedroom.

Angeal walked back outside, only to notice that Genesis had left. Angeal sighed, sounding a lot like his mother. The walls of the house were thin; Genesis had probably heard every word they said.

Angeal wasn't sure why that embarrassed him so much.