Smile

Of all the people who have come and gone in Sephiroth's life, Cloud is the only one he's ever wanted back. It disturbs him on some level – pricking the inborn Noble arrogance, he assumes – that he's become so fond of a child, and a slave child at that, but the rest of him doesn't care. The Strife Hunters haven't been true slaves for centuries, and Cloud was never treated so callously.

It's been years since Cloud was sent away, but still Sephiroth glances at the door whenever he's alone, half expecting to see bright blue eyes peering at him. It was a ritual of theirs; Cloud's silly excuses for coming and Sephiroth's awkward attempts to play along. He never did understand why the boy sought him out so often, but it was… pleasant. Cloud was so at ease with him it made Sephiroth relax, and ruffling the blond spikes felt natural. Odd, really, since he'd never thought to do it with his little brothers.

But it's nothing as simple as companionship or habit that makes him snarl whenever he catches Valentine's scent in the house. That's jealousy – rage that a demon halfbreed who shouldn't even be alive is caring for Cloud, that Cloud is caring for him.

Sephiroth misses the feeling of being important to someone. He knows that Jenova loves him, but he's two-hundred and seventeen years old and her heir. There are no articulated or physical signs of that love, not anymore. That's simply the Noble way. Cloud didn't care about that, was likely too young to know he should care. He'd check up on Sephiroth because he wanted to know he was alright. He'd know the moment he stepped inside if Sephiroth needed him to speak or be quiet, and he'd adhere to it with a smile.

That warm, open smile…

Yes, the smile is what Sephiroth misses most. The open affection that made age and rank insignificant and allowed Sephiroth to act however he wanted, no restrictions or expectations. He could be childish or playful, though it took a long time to learn, and Cloud would never laugh at him, only with him.

Cloud's smile was freedom, and Sephiroth misses it dearly.