The Perk, Thursday Afternoon

[apples_n_poetry]

Genesis was in a good mood.

He was stretched out in one of the comfier seats that the Perk had to offer, a coffee by his side and Loveless in his lap. Rather than reading, he was idly reviewing his notes for the various projects he’d chosen to involve himself in

Comments

[likesbigdogs]

Angeal had been working, you know, Genesis. Hard at work. Puppysitting.

Which made for interesting timing for that particular text message, yes.

Now, I know that isn't Loveless.

He had a few minutes while his student proved that he was learning nothing at all. He could most certainly spare a moment to reply to Genesis' text.

[apples_n_poetry]

His phone went off, vibrating against the table, and Genesis smiled slightly at the response.

Entirely wrong style for Loveless, old friend. I'm surprised you noticed.

Well, no. He wasn't. But it amused him to say so.

[likesbigdogs]

Angeal's next reply was going to have to wait for a moment while he sorted out a small helmet-related crisis involving his 3rd Class student and a bit of difficulty seeing through it.

Gods only knew why. Nevermind the lack of eyeholes.

Old friend, Genesis. Not senile. Is there any particular reason you decided to send me that specific quote?

[apples_n_poetry]

I was only thinking of you. It reminded me of your puppy. How is your puppy? You haven't drowned him yet?

... There was a reason why Angeal was the one who mentored SOLDIERs, not Genesis. ShinRa wanted to increase their ranks, not decrease them due to the number of recruits who'd crumple under his disdain.

He leaned back in his chair, smiling.

[likesbigdogs]

That definitely earned a raised eyebrow. Genesis never really did take any interest in his pupils, and so this was an interesting turn in the conversation already.

Zack the Puppy is currently... tripping into the wall.

Angeal hit send, sighed, and then took a moment in order to tell Zack to just take off the damn helmet entirely. He'd put in the paperwork for an exemption from that particular piece of equipment for the boy later.

Drowning is not yet on the agenda, no.

[apples_n_poetry]

The quick bark of a laugh that got out of Genesis made the counter minions glance over at him. Genesis ignored them in favour of finding the words to reply to Angeal.

Dare I ask why he's lost the ability to walk? I thought training was meant to improve them, not have them backslide.

[likesbigdogs]

Technical difficulties. I might have to take away his helmet.

Which, really, probably wouldn't come as a shock to Genesis, Angeal was certain. After all, not many 1sts opted to keep the damn thing.

He's got the potential. It would be put to better use if he could see where he was going.

[apples_n_poetry]

The helmet had no style.

No argument from me. For once. Genesis supposed that wasn't all that much like him either. How do you tell potential when he's walking into walls?

[likesbigdogs]

Really, Genesis. Did you have to ask?

He dreams big.

Very big. Wanting to be a hero while tripping on his own feet.

And he's enthusiastic.

There. Much better.

[apples_n_poetry]

Dreams need to be backed by skill.

Truly, was that not obvious?

Enthusiastic people fail with great earnestness every day in their pursuits.

[likesbigdogs]

Angeal took a moment's pause at that, looking thoughtfully at Zack, who was now doing squats while waiting for more orders. He shook his head, and then set up a training program for the boy to face off against. That would keep him occupied for a while, at least.

You don't suppose he's got potential, then?

Angeal was stubborn. He'd beat potential into the boy yet, now if only to prove his old friend wrong.

[apples_n_poetry]

Peculiarly, Genesis had already been proven wrong.

Oh, and if a text could be airy this one was trying, I never said he didn't have potential.

[likesbigdogs]

This text, too, was held up, while Angeal tried to puzzle out what Genesis was playing at.

And then he decided, to hell with it, and he simply decided to call Genesis' PHS.

[apples_n_poetry]

"Nothing for days and now a call?" And there was Genesis, warmly amused. "Is training going so very badly?"

[likesbigdogs]

"Well, he hasn't run into any more walls," Angeal greeted, allowing just a touch of amusement into his own voice. "I'm trying to remain optimistic about as much."

[apples_n_poetry]

"Your dreams will carry the day for you," Genesis replied, and if that was mockery... it was kindly mockery. They were very old friends, after all. "As they always do. Was he truly running into walls?"