He stared at her a long moment, letting his eyes cast appraising glances down her frame. Sathe could tell this wasn't done with sexual intent but it made her uncomfortable just the same. Why the hell did Sephiroth call her up here? She had never met him, only seen him briefly in the halls or training rooms. Whenever him and the other Firsts gave speeches or lectures he ignored the Third's quite pointedly. But she was a Second now.
"I have seen you in the hallways." He finally said, more to himself and so Sathe didn't reply right away. Her ride up here dried most of the sweat but now it was back with a vengeance.
"Sir?" She finally asked when he lapsed back into silence, those eerie mako infused cat eyes crawling over her frame again.
Sephiroth met her gaze and stood. "I've been informed that you've recently been promoted to Second." He moved to the window, his back to her she couldn't help but admire that head of hair. "I was also informed that your scores are among the highest we've had in some time, that you've also bested a personal pupil of a First."
"Zack Fair, Sir. Yes, but, if I may, Zack was not exactly at his best during that duel." She bit her lip nervously since he was not watching, instantly feeling the wound reopen.
'Just as I suspected' Sephiroth thought to himself, 'how odd to hear it from the victor'.
He turned to her again and walked back to the desk. "Do you admit this for modesty sake?"
She thought about it quickly, resisting the urge to run her tounge over the blood pooling in the corner of her mouth. "No, Sir. It's simply the truth."
He nodded, his eyes falling to her wounded lip; she could feel it running to her chin now, without the rush of adrenaline the sensation was highly irritating and she had to clench her fist to keep from breaking stance and wiping her face. Without a word Sephiroth walked to a materia cabinet and pulled out a high level Heal. Her wound didn't require something so highly practiced but she doubted that cabinet held anything lower. Then, he handed it to her.
Sathe looked down at his outstretched hand, the green orb glowing softly against the leather of his glove. "Sir?"
"Heal yourself." He found it irritating he had to state it out loud and didn't keep it hidden from his tone.
"I'm not authorized to use materia this high, Sir."
"I am authorizing you."
He said it with such vehemence that Sathe twitched. She looked him in the eye, having to actually tilt her head skywards (something she was not used to) and felt a shiver run the length of her spine when their eyes met. Slowly, without looking away from him she took the orb out of his palm and brought it gently to her face.
This was obviously a test. She had never used materia this strong and he knew it, overuse was almost guaranteed. She closed her eyes and focused on the energy flowing into her split skin; yes, it was powerful, far more that she expected since it was only a Heal. The pulsation was so strong Sathe could no longer keep track of her wound, how far it had or hadn't healed. Then, she was blindsided with a wave of dizziness and she suddenly felt herself pitch forward.
Strong hands caught and steadied her, she opened her eyes wearily to see Sephiroth literally prying open her hand in order to release the materia she apparently held in a death grip. She let it go.
"I… I'm sorry, Sir. I don't know… I don't know what happened."
Sephiroth was returning the materia to its rightful place, his back to her again so she gently touched her lips to feel solid, smooth intact skin.
"What happened was normal and, if anything, tells me your ready to begin training with higher forms of materia." He walked back to Lazzard's desk and sat down. Finally, he motioned for her to sit across from him. She quickly did, her legs feeling more and more like jelly since he'd steadied her.
"Are you familiar with the First-class SOLDIER, Genesis?" He asked her while lacing together elegant fingers.
She was. Every female SOLDIER was, no matter how lowly of a Third they may be. "Yes, Sir." She said simply.
Sephiroth eyed her hard, his chin pointing to his chest while the index finger of his right hand gently tapped the back of his left like a metronome. She pushed away the thought that he could read minds, trying her damndest not to break eye contact.
"Have you met him?" He asked her steadily.
For reasons beyond her own, Sathe knew she had to tread carefully here. "Yes, Sir. I was here maybe three months when he introduced himself as a First, welcoming me into the program."
She failed to mention the flirting and the fact she still has his phone number saved into her phone (which has never been used). Honestly, at the time she thought it to be a test of her character or, more accurately, he just want to get laid before tossing her aside again. While Sathe can do the occasional one-night-stand (on her terms), the idea of doing it with a superior when she was still struggling to prove herself was beyond foolish.
"Just the once?"
"Yes, Sir." This was true, but now she omitted the winks he would give her when they did cross paths. It seemed that her not using the number he gave her did little to hinder his opinion. Soon, though, Sathe discovered she was far from the only one.
"Hmm. Well, Sathe. I have an interesting offer to put forth, somewhat unprecedented, to be honest with you." He lowered his hands to the desk and leaned over them, mako eyes studying her again. This time, his eyes made her feel the sexual vulnerability she would expect from Genesis. He looked away.
"Sir?" She gently asked. He went silent again, staring at the corner of the desk he seemed quite contemplative as a light crease formed in his brow.
"Zack waited two months after promotion to Second before Angeal began personally training him."
Sathe knew this, Zack remained loyal to the Thirds after promotion, even passing on lessons from Angeal to them.
"Before him, two months was viewed as a ridiculously short period before consideration by a First. Unfortunately, times have changed. The numbers have changed, so have the wars." He studied her again, this time just her face. "You're from Mideel." He blatantly - and randomly - stated.
Sathe felt her own forehead furrow. "Yes, Sir, I am." 'What the hell does that have to do with anything?' She thought 'Stay away from that part of my past and we'll get along just fine, Sephiroth.' She mentally continued with more surety then she ever would have spoken aloud to him.
"It's something that might be valuable in the future." He finally said, back into a contemplative mood. "Sathe, would you like to be mentored? You have the right to refuse, as this is a big decision and one you don't have to make right away. Know that if you say yes, a lot more responsibility will be riding on your shoulders. You will become responsible for groups of Third's both on mission and back here at headquarters. You will also, often, be mission leader, something that as of yet you have no experience in. You will be expected to portray yourself with a certain level of respect and dignity higher than your peers, effectively become a role-model. Your free time will diminish and certain grades must be kept in order to maintain the training."
He paused and gauged her reaction, giving her points for remaining stoic though he saw a fire of excitement in those ruby eyes. "The only issue," he continued, "is who is going to mentor you."
Sathe had assumed it would be Sephiroth, considering that's who was giving this information, or perhaps Genesis since the former brought him up in the first place. It wouldn't be Angeal, busy with Zack and any of the other Firsts weren't nearly as important on the 'ole resume as these three were. Granted, Sathe reminded herself, her being here had nothing to do with a job and everything to do with revenge. Regardless, didn't she still deserve to be treated at her worth?
"I beg your pardon?" She asked, forgetting the 'Sir' though luckily Sephiroth didn't seem to mind.
"Genesis or I, is the consensus."
Sathe felt both relieved and worried. These were two very intimidating men, particularly Sephiroth, and accepting as their pupil was a serious commitment. She could easily see this current, calm demeanour washing away the second she was alone with him in a training room; a guaranteed visit to the infirmary after. With Genesis too, she knew he'd drop the games when it called time for it and he would likely be rougher on her, as he is known to be a strict mentor.
"May I ask a question, Sir?"
"Of course." Sephiroth cocked his head, voice lightly betraying annoyance. "If we are alone, speaking like this, you may ask anything impertinent to the matter at hand."
Sathe nodded, glancing away quickly and feeling somewhat foolish. "Why is it up for debate? I mean, regarding who should mentor me."
"Debate?"
"You said it was a consensus. More people would have had to weigh in on the issue, besides the two of you, then."
Sephiroth stared directly at her with dead, expressionless eyes. Then, right as Sathe was beginning to feel as if she was about to be beheaded, he showed a very small smile in the corner of one side of his mouth, his eyes loosening.
"A few people have been asked, yes. Angeal, for example, thinks I am better suited but that Genesis is just as good an option."
"I'm inclined to agree." She didn't mean to speak those words out loud, but it was too late and she knew the cringe was visible to him.
"Why is that?" He asked as she knew he would, a tone that said gently 'tell me everything'.
She sighed. "I simply think, from what I know about the way you two strategize, that I would be more in tune with your style of leadership. Sir."
Sephiroth almost wanted to clap. That was good. She spoke a truth, he could tell, but it effectively covered a deeper reason she'd prefer him; maybe even two. So, she was silver-tongued too.
"Judging from some of your statistics, your strengths and weaknesses, I can see why you'd make that assumption." He could have drawn it out of her, but what was the point? He'd have time, because at that moment he made up his mind. "Well, Sathe, Genesis' is not even in headquarters at the moment and I am quite intrigued by you. Take the night to think this offer over, tomorrow you can reach me by this number." He slid a white card across the table. "If you like, we can begin tomorrow. When Genesis comes back, perhaps you can train a bit with him as well and we can assess clearly who the appropriate choice would be." He already knew it would be him but it was a necessary step after he'd shown such reluctance to Angeal (and many others in regards to mentoring in general).
Sathe took the card slowly, running her finger over his title and name. Much more professional; Genesis had taken her phone straight out of her hand and programmed his own number in. "I will not think lightly on this opportunity, Sir." She informed him, looking back to his eyes.
That small smile again. "Good. If I were you, I would take the rest of day off from training, I understand today is a day off for you."
"Yes, Sir. It is."
"So take it to think. If you agree to this, you'll have much less days simply for thoughts."
She thanked him, bowed and walked out, clutching the card the entire time.
After Sathe left Lazzard's office, Sephiroth allowed himself to stretch back in the ergonomic chair, eyes to the ceiling and hands behind his head. She was attractive, alright, and now that he put a face to the name he can remember seeing her in the halls and thinking the same thing.
Still, it was her eyes that caught him the most and though he didn't quite know it yet (or perhaps just didn't want to acknowledge it) they were the reason he had settled on being her mentor. No one stared him in the eye as long - or as easily - as she had with her first meeting him.
Despite his admission to her looks (and even aura) he had no intention or desire to pursue her in that regard. He would, however, need to put a stop to any other fraternization she may be involved with, especially if she was to be perceived as the first SOLDIER to be mentored by him. If anything, he'd show her the clubs Genesis like to frequent; she could do whatever she wanted there.
He thought again about the fact he was actually deciding to mentor someone, how unusual the pull of her files had been. Angeal, Lazzard, Genesis and even Hojo have all attempted, at one point or another, to get someone under the most prestige SOLDIER's wing, and they've all failed. Well, he supposed he could give credit to Angeal for this one.
It was her stats; he knew that. They so reflected his own. Not the scores. The strengths, the strategy and the intelligence behind her decision making. She was right to say they have a more similar approach to leadership than she would have with Genesis.
She was too up-tight, though. Ironic, since most would use the same word for Sephiroth. He would disagree with that, he wasn't up-tight, he was self-controlled; resigned. Sathe would learn, he had little doubt. In time she'd grow comfortable in his presence, drop the extent in which she say 'sir' and get used to the way his eyes will continue to study her; body language is more telling than verbal.
With a push of his thighs the chair snapped up right and he was on his feet. He was positive she'd agree. Almost positive he'd hear from her before tomorrow. He pulled out his phone and opened Angeal's contact, clicking on 'messages', he then typed out;
"Just spoke with Ms. Rain. I offered to train with her until Genesis gets back, we'll see who is better suited for her after."
He put his phone away and started to lock up the room. He had asked Lazzard for permission to use his office and after hearing what it was for, Lazzard couldn't have been more willing (as Sephiroth knew ahead of time). He didn't want Sathe to know who summoned her until they were face to face and, as he expected, she was unable to contain her surprise but he silently praised her for the quick recovery. He picked up her file - which had been resting to the side of the desk, closed - and tucked it under his arm before locking the door behind him. His phone vibrated in the pocket of his long jacket as he made his way to the elevator.
"Good! Genesis doesn't have the patience you have though, she only just made it to 2nd!" Angeal had written back.
Sephirorh smirked to himself. 'Perfect,' he thought, 'all I have to do is agree'. Which is exactly what his fingers began to do as the elevators doors smoothly slid shut with a crisp 'ding'.
"Holy fuckin' shit!" Sathe yelled to herself the second she was alone in the elevator after leaving Sephiroth in Lazzards office. "Oh my God." She followed it up with, the base of her palms digging into her scalp. Then, she laughed, and laughed louder still until she was borderline hysterical and floors on the other side of the doors began thinking an injured animal had been trapped on the lift.
Calming herself down, she wiped the tears from her eyes and stared, for the hundredth time, at the card in her hand. Again, she ran a finger over his name. As much as she hated ShinRa, she had always admired SOLDIER as a group of people genuinely wanting to protect the weaker population. That was why, when she decided to come to Midgar and infiltrate the conglomerate company, SOLDIER was her best bet; she could still respect herself in that program. And Sephiroth, well, everyone knew who Sephiroth was, even as far as Mideel. It was an honour to not only be given this offer directly from him, but to be, as far as she knew, the very first person he has ever extended it to. She felt this heavy truth, this personal victory and pride-mark just as she felt the weight of her vengeance, she realized.
The doors chimed at her, letting her know she had reached her floor. She was in a flurry of thoughts and confused movements, half running to Orion's door before realizing she really should shower she half ran to her own room, unlocked the door, kicked off her shoes, screamed 'fuck it' and charged back to Orion's room with only socks on, leaving her door wide open. She ripped her hair out of its ponytail as she knocked violently with the other hand.
"Orion!" She called, impatient. "It's me! Open! Open, open, open!" She was literally bouncing.
The door opened to a very tired looking Orion, dark blue eyes hidden behind puffy lids. He yawned, then got a good look at her. Her hair was wild, it stuck in crazy directions and waves, the sweat drying it in an up-right position. Her bloodied lip was completely gone and so was a small scar on her forehead. It was her eyes, even more than her hair, that woke his ass up. He'd seen them glow before, happened to all SOLDIER's after their first mako infusion, but not like this. It almost hurt his eyes to look directly into them, they were less like rubies and more like actual fire.
"Sathe? Oh my God, what the hell is wrong with you?" He glanced her up and down, noticed both that she was without shoes and still in her training gear. She had left him for Lazzard's an hour prior and he had come to his room for a shower and nap.
"Is Thorn in?" Sathe asked, ignoring the concern in his voice and referring to Orion's new roommate.
"No... No, he's not." He reached over and moved a piece of her hair that fallen directly down her nose. "Sathe, really, what's wrong? You're kind of scaring me, I can barely look at your eyes."
"My eyes??" For a second she forgot that happens. Shit. Whatever, she could explain it away. "Oh, fuck, it must just be the mako fucking with my excitement." She lowered her lashes to spare him some of the irritating sting she now realized he was experiencing. The word 'excitement' was also used with strategy and Orion bit, dropping the subject of her eyes.
"Excitement? Over what? What happened with Lazzard?"
"OooOoOoOOoo." She expelled from her throat with giddy regard. "It wasn't Lazzard." She looked up and down the hallway, dropping her voice. "Is Thorn on patrol?"
"Yea, wont be back until ten, tonight."
"Good," she brushed past him into the small communal space. "Let me shower here and I'll tell you all about it, we are hitting the fucking town to-night!"