The scowl seems to do little to dull that cocky smirk Genesis wears. If anything, it may just widen it by a fraction. It certainly makes his fever-bright eyes shimmer with something akin to predatory delight. A tiger, finding its prey bleeding, instead of just unaware. He can hear the strain in Cloud's voice, see the deep, embarrassed flush under his skin. It's decadent.

If only this were his Cloud. Where he could lean in, take him by the chin, and tease and taunt him into a perfect frenzy of a storm. His lovely little thunderbolt-

Genesis has never been good with things like impulse control. His mind wanders, and his hand follows without hesitation. Catching Cloud along the jaw, he tilts his head up to have the blond look at him, despite the brewing resentment towards his own inadequacy in the face of someone that has no qualms with showing off. Ah, well. He's here now, isn't he?

"Oh, I do not doubt you'd have come out alive. But at what cost? A missing limb? Bleeding to death out here? As pretty as you look in red, Strife, I do prefer you alive. Alive, and lively." Genesis breathes out a low chuckle, thumb stroking Cloud's jaw. "The fight in you is truly the best part."