Genesis bites into his lower lip. Sealing their promise with blood. It's rare that Sephiroth tastes his own blood, because it's rare that he bleeds - it's thrilling. And more thrilling yet are Genesis's words. Praise, and a promise that he could be more than a weapon.

This, this is why he has always wanted Genesis. Where others shrank before him, Genesis only ever saw Sephiroth as an equal, a rival, someone to overcome. And though Sephiroth would never just hand it to him, he always wanted to be overcome. For Genesis to overcome him. To prove that he was not untouchable. To touch him.

"Yes," Sephiroth whispers into him, kissing him again. He wants to hear that praise again. Even the grip in his hair, against his scalp, sends tingles through his body. That firm, steady touch reassures him.