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Sephiroth had no clue how to decorate, and neither did his father. The kittens didn’t exactly have opposable thumbs, so it wasn’t like they could contribute much in decorating. They only got in the way.
Thank the goddess Genesis was here.
“What do you mean neither of you know how to set up tinsel? It isn’t even that hard! You just wrap it around the- no, stop attacking the tinsel you little shit!” Genesis glared down as one of the kittens started to attack the tinsel. He lifted it up, though that only encouraged the kitten to leap onto it. “You are the devil incarnate, why can’t you be like the rest of your siblings?”
“That’s mean.” Sephiroth said, and then picked the kitten up by the scruff. “Come on, Pumpkin. Stop bullying Genesis, even if it’s fun.” he set the kitten onto the couch, next to the others.
“Pumpkin.” Genesis scoffed, turning up his nose. “He’s not even orange, I still think we should name him shithead.”
“Isn’t that your name?”
Genesis stretched out the tinsel and started to slowly approach Sephiroth. “Hey, Sephiroth, how would you like to become an ornament?”
Vincent stepped forward and grabbed onto Genesis’ wrist, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t use the tinsel to strangle him, just… set it up, please.”
Genesis huffed and stepped away, wrenching his arm out of Vincent’s grasp. “Only because you asked oh-so-politely.” he said, finally wrapped it around the tree, keeping his eyes narrowed at kittens on the couch, watching them carefully just in case.
The tinsel was wrapped around neatly, Genesis doing a better job than Sephiroth and Vincent could ever do. The ornaments were up next, none of them were glass because of the cats. There was no particular order they were being set up in, the tree was a complete mess with colors, though surprisingly enough, Genesis didn’t complain once.
“When is Angeal coming?” Vincent asked.
“He said he’ll be coming next week.” Sephiroth answered, a small smile on his face. He’d be arriving next week, and would be staying until halfway through the first week of January. Sephiroth couldn’t be more excited for it, and it was the same with Genesis.
“It’ll be nice having some help to deal with you.” Genesis said, without looking at Sephiroth.
“You’re the one who keeps-”
“It’s only the morning, save your fighting for when we’re done with this.” Vincent sighed, narrowing his eyes at the both of them.
About an hour had passed until they finally finished decorating the tree, the kittens getting in the way, trying to climb the tree and smacking the ornaments with their paws. As chaotic as the morning was, Sephiroth had enjoyed it.
And despite Genesis’ pettiness, and his dad’s exhaustion… it was clear that they were enjoying it, too.
*
A week had passed, yet it felt like months. Sephiroth had been counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds that passed by. Angeal would be arriving today, and all he could do was pace around the living room, the cats watching him curiously.
Angeal would be arriving soon enough. Why couldn’t it be sooner? Sephiroth wanted to see him now, he'd waited long enough. Genesis certainly shared the same sentiment, as he was leaning against the wall, next to the door. His eyes occasionally flickered over to the door, and he started to tap his foot impatiently.
“Goddess, does he mean to make us wait? My friend, do you fly away now…” he sighed dramatically. And just as he said those words, there was a loud knock at the door, and both of their heads immediately snapped towards it.
Genesis and Sephiroth both reached for the lock on the door, fighting for control over it.
“Oh, I was here first, you little shit-”
“Need I remind you who’s taller?” Sephiroth shot back, managing to unlatch the first lock, and reached for the one on the knob. Genesis smacked his hand away, though.
“My friend, the fates are cruel.” Genesis spat, before shoving Sephiroth away from the door and quickly opening it up. Just like that, any of the annoyance that either of them felt was quickly wiped away. Angeal stood in the doorway, his bag thrown over his shoulder.
“Hey.” he greeted with a smile on his face. “Happy to see that neither of you have changed since I last saw you.” he chuckled, Genesis stepping aside to let him in. He then wrapped his arms around Sephiroth and Genesis’ shoulders, holding them both close to him.
Sephiroth rested his forehead against Angeal’s shoulder. “It’s been too long.” he mumbled, hugging him tightly.
“There is no hate, only joy… Sephiroth is correct.” Genesis said. “In all honesty, I’m surprised you’re staying for so long, being the mama’s boy that you are.” he teased. “... How has she been, by the way?”
The three finally separated, albeit reluctantly. “She’s gotten better. She insisted that I stay over for a bit- said that she’ll be fine on her own.” he said. “... She also said that she would be fine with you visiting for a bit, if you ever want to.” he said, turning to Genesis.
Genesis breathed in slowly. “... I’ll think about it.” he said, and then crossed his arms. “Well, want us to show you to your room? We’ve decorated a bit, since you would be the only person staying in it.”
They led the way to Angeal’s room, where Rosa was lying on the bed. Her tail flicked indignantly, and she looked up at Angeal, as if daring him to take her place.
“That one of your cats?”
“She is, yes. Good luck trying to get her to move, she’s more stubborn than the others.” Sephiroth wrinkled his nose. “Not that she’s hard to pick up, she just tends to get… spicy.”
“And why would you dare to move her? It isn’t Rosa’s fault that Angeal’s here.” Genesis scoffed. Angeal snorted, and then turned to Sephiroth.
“I’m assuming Genesis named her?”
“He did. There’s another kitten that I named Pumpkin, and one that dad named Matcha.” he answered, a small smile on his face. “Matcha’s likely hiding under one of the beds or inside a couch, he doesn’t do well with new people.”
“I see… kind of like you, then.”
Sephiroth wrinkled his nose and crossed his arms. “I don’t recall hiding away anytime I met somebody unfamiliar to me.”
“Always looked like you wanted to, though.” Angeal laughed, patting Sephiroth on the back of his shoulder. He set his bag down next to the bed, and pulled out three gift-wrapped boxes from it, holding them in his arms. “Anywhere I can set these down?”
“In the living room.” Sephiroth answered, heading over to the tree with him. Genesis stayed behind in Angeal’s room, cooing at Rosa.
Pumpkin was lying on top of the branches near the bottom of the tree, occasionally chewing on one next to him. His tail flicked when he saw Angeal, and then he crawled off the branches, sniffing him curiously.
“I’m assuming this one is Pumpkin?”
“Yes, he’s… rather chaotic.” Sephiroth responded, nodding his head.
“I can see.” Angeal said with a smile, kneeling down in front of the kitten and letting it sniff his hand. “Where’s Vincent?”
“He went to the general store, earlier. He should be coming back soon, though.” he said. Goddess, Sephiroth couldn’t feel more happier. Angeal was here, his family was whole once more.
*
Vincent had come back just a few minutes afterwards, holding a small plastic bag. His eyes softened once he saw Angeal.
“Hey.” Angeal greeted. “How have Genesis and Sephiroth been treating you?”
Sephiroth glared at him, and lightly kicked the back of his leg. “That’s the first thing you say to him?”
“Same amount of trouble as they were before.” Vincent answered with a smirk, approaching the pair. He ruffled Sephiroth’s hair, and soon they could hear Genesis approaching, holding Rosa in his arms.
“Did you get the movies?” Genesis asked. Vincent lifted up the bag and nodded.
“I did. How’ve you been, Angeal?”
“I’ve been fine. Banora’s as peaceful as I remembered it being.” Angeal smiled. “You got movies?”
“At Genesis’ demand. He wanted to spend the night binging holiday movies.” he explained, setting the bag down on the coffee table.
“Any good ones?” Angeal asked, kneeling down in front of the table and looking into the bag.
“I grabbed whichever ones were cheapest.” Vincent said, and apparently that was enough of an answer, since Genesis had his usual shit-eating grin on his face.
“There is no hate, only joy… Oh! We also have the special Stamp episode with-”
“No.”
*
Once night fell, the four sat around the TV. Rosa was curled up on Angeal’s lap, and Pumpkin was off by the tree, batting one of the ornaments with his paws. Matcha hid inside Vincent’s cloak, occasionally peering out to look over at Angeal.
The movies were cheesy and stereotypical holiday movies, according to both Genesis and Angeal. Not like Sephiroth would know, this was his first time watching a holiday movie. The ones that Vincent had bought weren’t great, Sephiroth could tell that much.
The dialogue was clunky, any conflicts were resolved through the ‘miracle of Yule’, which made no sense to Sephiroth.
He sighed and wrapped his arms around Angeal’s torso, leaning against him. Angeal wrapped his arm around Sephiroth’s shoulders, and set his hand on the side of Sephiroth’s head.
He watched the movie with half-lidded eyes, barely able to focus on it. He tightened his grip around Angeal. He could feel Vincent’s gauntlet land in his hair, lightly ruffling it.
*
Angeal couldn’t move. One of the kittens was on his lap, Genesis had his head on his left shoulder, passed out against him, and it was the same situation with Sephiroth on his right.
Not that Angeal was truly bothered by it. It’s been too long since he’s last seen his brothers. It felt quiet without their bickering, and Angeal would miss how their arms felt around him.
Hell, he even missed Vincent, the man that he once despised. Though Vincent had proven himself, back when they were still on the run from Shinra.
He showed that he cared about Sephiroth, and not just because of who his mother was.
“Do you need any help there?” Vincent asked, a small, soft smile on his face that was oh so reminiscent of Sephiroth’s.
Angeal shook his head. “It’s fine. I don’t mind waking up with a sore neck as long as they’re fine.” Not like it would matter much, the enhancements would take care of that.
He didn’t want to wake either of them up, and he didn’t want to move away from them. Vincent just nodded, and patted the top of Angeal’s head. “Sleep well, and… if there’s anything you need, just say so, alright?”
Angeal nodded. “Thank you, and good night, Vincent.”
*
Genesis had gone to the general store the next day to pick up another gift for Vincent and Sephiroth. He had already gotten an actual one for each of them, something that would be perfect for them, as Genesis never settled for less.
“What’s that?” Sephiroth questioned, wrinkling his nose as Genesis approached the tree to set the ‘gift’ under it.
“Something for both you and Vincent, of course.”
“You already got the two of us something.”
“Yes, well, the two of you have been extra good this year, so I figured you both deserved another!” Genesis grinned. Sephiroth narrowed his eyes at him, not believing him at all.
Pumpkin and Rosa approached the newly placed gift, sniffing it curiously. Matcha was still hiding away, most likely under Vincent’s bed. Despite nearly getting used to Angeal’s presence, the kitten would run away each time he started to walk.
“Where’s Vincent?” Genesis asked, scratching Rosa’s head.
“He’s with Veld.” Sephiroth answered. “He should be back soon, though.”
“Of course he is. Goddess I swear he’s been spending more and more days with that man.” he said, rolling his eyes. Not that Genesis could really blame him. It must have sucked sleeping inside a coffin for fifteen years, never allowed to spend time with those who were close to him.
He’s certain that if he had to stay away from Sephiroth and Angeal for fifteen years, he’d never let the two of them out of his sight ever again.
*
“How have things been for the two of you?” Angeal asked when they were in the kitchen, sharing lunch with each other.
“They’ve been fine- ah, I got a job, a normal one, something that doesn’t involve fighting.” Sephiroth said, a small smile on his face. Clearly he was excited to tell Angeal about it.
“What is it?”
Genesis snorted before Sephiroth could answer, causing the boy to glare at him.
“What? I’m not making fun of you.” Genesis said, waving his hand flippantly. “… It’s just that the second Angeal hears what it is, I’m sure that he’ll agree that despite it being unpredictable, that it makes the most sense.”
Sephiroth huffed, though soon that smile was back on his face. “It’s the nearby chocobo ranch.”
… Genesis was right. That was definitely not want Angeal was going to guess, but goddess, it was perfect for him.
“It’s… nice. They treat me like I’m human, instead of a tool for them to use.” he said softly.
“It sounds nice, I’m happy for you, Sephiroth.” And he meant those words with all his heart. Sephiroth’s smile has gotten shyer and he looked away from Angeal, whispering a quiet, ‘thank you.’
“And what about you, Genesis?” Which was a question he’s had at the back of his head since he got here. He knew that Genesis had started to live with the both of them, but he didn’t know why.
“Hm, yes, well about a week after we separated, I decided to drive here and broke into their house!” Genesis answered. “And I’m not exactly looking into going ranching or farming, nor retail… so for now I simply volunteer for the community theatre here. Not like I’m going to be strapped for gil anytime soon.”
Just like Sephiroth’s answer was very Sephiroth, Genesis’ answer was very… Genesis.
“And what about you, Angeal?” Sephiroth asked.
“… Ah, I’ve just been helping people around Banora, like I used to before we joined SOLDIER. Mostly been helping my mom, though.” he said with a smile. The three were alerted by the sound of the front door opening, Vincent holding a small bag in his hand.
“What’s that?” Genesis asked curiously.
“Coal.” Vincent answered curtly, a small smirk on his face. He then walked past the kitchen, into his bedroom instead.
Genesis huffed in annoyance, and once Vincent came back from his room, he decided to pester him with more questions. “Seriously, what were those for?”
“Sephiroth’s birthday.” Vincent answered
Sephiroth rushed to say, “You didn’t have to-”
“I wanted to.” Vincent cut him off. Sephiroth didn’t speak again, only letting out a quiet hum. Angeal had gotten him something for his birthday as well, it was a knit scarf. Not the best that Angeal could do, it had been a while since he was last able to, though it should fit him fine.
“Infinite in mystery, is the gift of the goddess…” Genesis mumbled. “You think he got you catnip?” he teased.
Sephiroth wrinkled his nose. “I’m not a cat.”
“You look like one, though. And act like one.” Genesis pointed out. Angeal could tell that there was an argument beginning to brew between the two of them, and he sighed.
“Genesis…”
“Save the fighting for later.” Vincent said, ruffling Sephiroth’s hair.
Genesis rolled out, grumbling, “Fine.”
Goddess, the two of them fought like children.
*
“... And how are you winning!? You haven’t played in-”
“I used to-”
“You haven’t played in fifteen years!” Genesis shouted, slamming his hands against the table.
“I used to play with Veld and the other Turks, when I was younger.” Vincent answered calmly. They were playing a board game right now, one that he had played when he was young. Sephiroth’s never played it before, his nose scrunched up in confusion the whole time. He was doing well, though, he was right behind Vincent.
Angeal was in last place, though he didn’t seem to mind. His hand was petting Matcha, who was lying down right next to them, finally used to Angeal’s presence.
“My soul, corrupted by vengeance…” Genesis breathed in sharply.
Rosa hopped onto the table and ignored Sephiroth’s attempts at shooing her away. She lied down on the center of the board, right on top of the dice. She reached out and smacked Sephiroth’s piece, dragging it close to her and batting it around playfully.
“Looks like you’re out of the game.” Vincent said with a smirk. Sephiroth’s confused expression was finally gone from his face as he reached out to scratch the top of Rosa’s head.
“Is that in the rules?” Sephiroth asked, raising his brow. He didn’t seem to bothered by it, he wasn’t that interested in the game in the first place.
“Rosa, sweetheart, can you move so we can get the dice?” Genesis asked softly, reaching out to scratch her chin. She purred loudly, and made no move to get up.
“I suppose that means I win.” Vincent smirked.
Genesis’ cooing tone immediately switched to anger. “No! Just wait for Rosa to move.” And just as he said that, Rosa lied down onto her side, stretching out her arms and legs. Vincent’s eyes flickered over to Genesis, who then let out a sigh. “The wandering soul knows no rest…”
“We’ll play again tomorrow.” Angeal assured him. “Probably best to call it a night, Sephiroth looks like he’s about to pass out.
“Am not.” Sephiroth wrinkled his nose, though the boy was obviously lying. His eyes were half-lidded, and he was leaning against Angeal.
“Angeal’s right, it’s getting late.” Vincent said, standing up. He reached over to ruffle Sephiroth’s hair, and the boy leaned into the touch, shutting his eyes.
*
About a week after Angeal arrived, Yule had come. The kittens had tried to tear open the gifts, and started to play around with the wrapping paper once the gifts were opened. The last one under the tree that Sephiroth was looking over at with disdain was Genesis’ gift meant for both him and Vincent.
“My friend, do you fly away now?” Genesis asked, a smile on his face. Vincent didn’t make any move to open it up, instead watching Pumpkin who was trying to climb the tree. Genesis dramatically sighed, and reached for it. “Fine, I suppose I’ll open it for the both of you.”
Vincent then turned to the gift in Genesis’ hands, eyes narrowed. Sephiroth was looking anywhere but at the gift in Genesis’ hands.
He tore open the wrapped and tossed the wrapping over at Matcha, and then set his thumb over the button-
The reaction was instant. Sephiroth’s gaze snapped over to the laser, his pupils dilated. Vincent’s eyes had momentarily glowed yellow, before he cleared his throat and looked away. The sound snapped Sephiroth out of his interest in the laser, and he instead turned to Genesis, glaring daggers at him.
“Genesis…” Angeal sighed, covering his mouth with one of his hands as if that would hide his amused grin.
“It was a laser pointer?” Sephiroth questioned.
“Yep!” Genesis answered, raising the object in his hand. “Oh relax, the two of you already got your actual gifts. This is for the kittens.” he then set the light on, seeing Sephiroth’s eyes flicker to it again, before he stared straight at the tree, Angeal patting the back of his shoulder.
Pumpkin had leapt from the tree and started to chase after the dot, purring loudly. Vincent wrapped his arm around Sephiroth’s shoulders, holding the boy against his side. Sephiroth, despite his initial annoyance, had a small smile on his face.
*
When night came, they decided to watch another movie. It wasn’t as bad as the ones they watched when Angeal had first gotten here. Sephiroth sat in between his brothers, and with the both of them at his side… he felt safe.
His family was with him once more. He wrapped his arms around Angeal’s torso, and felt the other hug him back. Even if Sephiroth found it hard to say out loud… he loved them. He loved all three of them, they were his family.
Something that Sephiroth had only ever dreamed about having. He never thought that he’d be able to love and feel love, to have a family that he could call his own…
But now he had one. He had people he loved, and people who loved him in return. People he cared about, and people who cared about him.
And Sephiroth would cherish them for as long as he lived.