A/N: I apologized for the long wait, I just recently updated my other story entitled "New World" my mind is focused on that story so I wasn't able to update this fic for quite a while. Also, thank you for the reviews and really for those who don't like my AU for Aeriseph, I respect that. I swear with every fiber of my being that I did not create this to destroy the pairing. I'm an AeriSeph fan, besides this fic will not lean heavily on BDSM, there is already a story flow I've conjured up in my head.

For all the fans of this story, thank you so much, I appreciate you all for your support and constructive criticisms in which I can use to become a better fanfic writer. For those who hate it, you all have my gratitude as well, for if it weren't for you all I probably won't have a steely resolve to believe in myself.

Here's another chapter, Please R&R!

Disclaimer: The AU is Fifty Shades Trilogy and it's entirely owned by E.L James, her work was the inspiration of this fanfic. Characters are from Final Fantasy and are owned by Square Enix, some characters are OC. No copyright infringement intended, this fic is for pure entertainment only.


Chapter 7

Aerith's POV

After what happened, I have an overwhelming urge to cry, I feel so woebegone and it tugs at my heartstrings so painfully. Dashing back to my bedroom, I close the door gently and lean against it, trying to contemplate what has just transpired between me and the enigmatic Sephiroth Crescent. I can't deny that I'm head over heels with him but still, I don't want to love another soul and lose sight of my own. I went to my dresser table and look at the mirror. I can still see a part of my old self but somehow, I've changed. I stared at my reflection, trying to rationalize my feelings and when I'm not going anywhere, I covered my face with the palms of my hands and cried.

There was a soft knock on the door, it was Tifa.

"Aerith…?" she whispers. I open the door. She takes one look at me and throws her arms around me. I cried harder as I felt the love and concern in her embrace.

"What's wrong? What did that bastard do?" she asked vehemently as she strokes my hair gently.

"Oh Tifa, nothing I didn't want him to."

She slowly guides me to my bed and we sit. She fixes my hair and said, "You have dreadful after-sex hair."

In spite of my sadness, I laugh.

"Contrary to that, it was good sex. None of it was dreadful."

Tifa smiles.

"That's better. Why are you crying? You never cry." She retrieves my brush from my dresser, sits beside me and very slowly she starts brushing out the knots in my hair.

"I just don't think our relationship will work." I stare down at my fidgeting fingers.

"I thought you're going to see each other on Wednesday?"

"That was the original plan."

"So… why did he turn up here today?"

"I sent him an email."

"Asking him to drop by?"

"No, I told him I didn't want to see him anymore."

"And he rushed here? Aerith, that's genius."

"Actually, I meant for it to be a joke."

"Oh… Now I'm really confused."

Patiently, I explained the essence of our email conversation without touching the Dominant-Submissive subject.

"So you thought he'd reply via email."

"Yes."

"But instead, he turns up here."

"Yes."

"I'd say he's completely smitten with you."

I frown. Sephiroth, smitten with me? Hardly. He's just looking for a new sub, a new toy he can bed and do unimaginable things with.

"He came here to fuck me, that's all."

"Who said romance was dead?" she muttered horrified. I can't believe that I've shocked her legitimately. I just shrugged apologetically.

"He uses sex as a weapon."

"Fuck you to submission?" she shakes her head disapprovingly. I blinked rapidly at her and I can feel the heat spread across my face. You just hit the jackpot Tifa Lockhart.

"Okay… I do not understand this whole set up, so you just let him take advantage of you? Make love to you whenever he wants?"

"Tifa, we don't make love – we fuck – it's his terminology. He doesn't do the love thing."

"I knew it… that strange feeling I have of him, he has commitment issues."

I nod, as if in agreement but inwardly I yearned. Oh Tifa, how I wish I could disclose everything to you. And if I did I'm sure you'll tell me to forget about him and stop this foolish heart of mine.

"I guess… it's all a little overwhelming." I murmur.

Because I don't want to talk about Sephiroth any more, I ask her about Cloud. Tifa's whole demeanor changes at the mere mention of his name, she lights up from within, beaming at me.

"He's coming over early Saturday and we'll go on a date." She hugs my hairbrush as she tells me this, she got it bad and I feel a familiar faint stab of envy. Tifa has found herself a normal man and she looks so happy.

I hugged her and expressed how happy I am for her, she hugs me back in gratitude.

"Oh also, I meant to say that your mother has called you while you were uhmm… quite occupied. So I just told her you're busy and you'll just call her back. Just give her a call tomorrow, it's pretty late, aunt Elmyra might already be sleeping."

"Alright, thanks Tifa, I'm okay now. I'll probably get some rest."

Tifa smiles but somehow her eyes were still filled with concern. She closes the door gently as she leaves my room.

After she's gone, I sit and read the contract again, making more notes as I go. Once done, I've opened my laptop, ready to respond. I found Sephiroth's email in my inbox.

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: This evening

To: Aerith Gainsborough

Miss Gainsborough I look forward to receiving your notes on the contract. Until then, sleep well baby.

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

From: Aerith Gainsborough

Subject: Issues

To: Sephiroth Crescent

Dear Mr. Crescent

Here is my list of issues. I look forward to discussing them more fully at dinner on Wednesday. I've summarized them all per your contracts content. Please read through my rebuttal.

Not sure why this is solely for MY benefit – to explore MY sensuality and limits. I'm sure I wouldn't need a ten-page contract to do that! Surely this is for YOUR benefit

As you are aware you are my only sexual partner. I don't take drugs, and I've not had any blood transfusions. I'm probably safe. What about you?

I can terminate at any time if I don't think you're sticking to the agreed limits. Okay – I like this.

Obey you in all things? Accept without hesitation your discipline? We need to talk about this.

One month trial period. Not three.

I cannot commit every weekend. I do have a life, or will have. Perhaps three weekends out of four?

Using my body as you see fit sexually or otherwise – please define "or otherwise."

This whole discipline clause. I'm not sure I want to be whipped, flogged, or corpo rally punished. I find it as part of my hard limits and I am sure this would be in breach of the "Hard limits" agreement– besides you told me you weren't a sadist.

The Rules Clause – More on these later.

Touching myself without your permission. What's the problem with this? You know I don't do it anyway.

Discipline – Please see no. 8.

I can't look into your eyes? Why?

Why can't I touch you?

Rules:

Sleep – I'll agree to 6 hours.

Food – I am not eating food from a prescribed list. The food list goes or I do – Deal breaker.

Clothes – as long as I only have to wear your clothes when I'm with you... okay.

Exercise – make it just 3 hours not 4.

Soft Limits:

Can we go through all of these?

No Fisting of any kind.

What is suspension?

Genital Clamps – you have got to be kidding me.

Can you please let me know the arrangements for Wednesday? I am working until 5pm that day. Good night.

Aerith

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: This evening

To: Aerith Gainsborough

Miss Gainsborough,

That's a long list. Why are you still up?

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

From: Aerith Gainsborough

Subject: Burning the midnight oil

To: Sephiroth Crescent

Sir

If you recall I was going through this list, when I was distracted and bedded by a passing control freak.

Goodnight.

Aerith

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: Burning the midnight oil

To: Aerith Gainsborough

GO TO BED AERITH.

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

Oh… shouty capitals! I switch off. How can he intimidate me when he's six miles away? I shake my head. My heart still heavy, I climb into bed and fall instantly into a deep but troubled sleep.

The following day, I call my mom when I'm home from work. It's been a relatively peace ful day at the Harding's, allowing me far too much time to think. I'm restless, nervous about my showdown with Mr. Control Freak tomorrow, and at the back of my mind, I'm worried that perhaps I've been too negative in my response to the contract. Perhaps he'll call the whole thing off.

"Aerith honey, I'm really so sorry for not being able to give you a call this past weekend," my mom whines down the phone.

"Mom, it's fine."

"Aerith, you sound distracted – are you okay, baby?"

"Yes, Mom," Oh if only you knew. There's an obscenely rich guy I've met and he wants some kind of strange kinky sexual relationship, in which I don't get a say in things.

"Have you met someone?"

"No, Mom." I am so not going there right now.

"Well, know that I'm always thinking of you. I love you… you know that hon ey?"

I close my eyes, her precious words give me a warm glow inside.

"Love you too, Mom. Say hi to Aunt Sasha for me."

"Will do, honey. Bye."

"Bye."

I have strayed into my bedroom with the phone. Idly, I switch the computer on and fire up the email program. There's an email from Sephiroth from late last night. My heart rate spikes instantly, and I hear the blood pumping in my ears. Holy crap… perhaps he's said no – that's it – maybe he's canceling dinner. The thought is so painful. I dismiss it quickly and open the email.

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: Your Issues

To: Aerith Gainsborough

Dear Miss Gainsborough,

Following my more thorough examination of your issues, may I bring to your attention the definition of submissive.

submissive [suhb-mis-iv] – adjective

1. inclined or ready to submit; unresistingly or humbly obedient: submissive servants.2. marked by or indicating submission: a submissive reply.

Origin: medieval era; submiss + -iveSynonyms: 1. tractable, compliant, pliant, amenable. 2. passive, resigned, patient, docile, tame, subdued. Antonyms: 1. rebellious, disobedient.

Please bear this in mind for our meeting on Wednesday.

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

My initial feeling is one of relief. He's willing to discuss my issues at least, and he still wants to meet tomorrow. After some thought, I reply.

From: Aerith Gainsborough

Subject: My Issues… What about Your Issues?

To: Sephiroth Crescent

Sir

Please note the date of origin: "medieval era". I would respectfully remind Sir we are now in the modern era. We have come a long way since then. May I offer a definition for you to consider for our meeting:

compromise [kom-pruh-mahyz] – noun

1. a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjust ment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of de mands. 2. the result of such a settlement. 3. something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house. 4. an endangering, esp. of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise one's integrity.

Aerith

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: What about My issues?

To: Aerith Gainsborough

Good point, well made, as ever, Miss Gainsborough. I will collect you from your apartment at 7:00 tomorrow

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

From: Aerith Gainsborough

Subject: Modern era – women can now drive

To: Sephiroth Crescent

Sir

I can borrow Tifa's truck, I can drive. I would prefer to meet you somewhere. Where shall I meet you? At your hotel at 7:00?

Aerith

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: Modern era – Stubborn young women

To: Aerith Gainsborough

Dear Miss Gainsborough

Do you ever think you'll be able to do what you're told?

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

From: Aerith Gainsborough

Subject: Willful Men

To: Sephiroth Crescent

Mr. Crescent,

I would like to drive.

Please.

Aerith

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: Exasperated Men

To: Aerith Gainsborough

Fine.

My hotel at 7:00.I'll meet you in the Crystal Bar.

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

From: Aerith Gainsborough

Subject: Not So Willful Men

To: Sephiroth Crescent

Thank you

Aerith

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: Exasperating Women

To: Aerith Gainsborough

You're welcome

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

It was a swift day at Harding's and at exactly 5pm I was out of the door of the DIY shop and went straight home to get ready for the dinner, Tifa helped me by lending me one of her formal cocktail dresses. I try to put on some light makeup, and Tifa's recommended red lipstick. Then I decided to just let my hair down. Looking at myself in the mirror, it made me wish that I would feel enthused with these things: clothes, make up, jewelry. Like all normal girls feel, but growing up in the slums made me adapt the simple lifestyle we have here and thus, I really have not much interest in glamour. It's not just my thing, it's not me.

'What is your thing Aerith?' Sephiroth's softly spoken question haunts me, I wish I knew. I shake my head to quell my nerves and stand up, I took my purse and the Manila envelope with the contract, then grab the car keys from the dresser. Tifa entrusted me her truck and it's what I'm going to drive to get to Midgar Suites to settle the contract with Sephiroth.

I put on the stiletto gladiator sandals Tifa lent me to match up with the dress, This is gonna hurt but I need to bear with it just for this evening. Besides I'm not gonna drive the truck with these on, I have to step on the gas and the break for better maneuver.

I went down and I saw Tifa talking with somebody on the phone, given by that grin on her face I know it's Cloud. She looks at me and she grins, she covered the mouthpiece and said, "Aerith Gainsborough, look at you!"

I shrug my shoulders shyly and said, "Well…?"

"You look absolutely gorgeous, no, let me rephrase that, you look hot!"

"Hot? But what I'm trying to aim is to look business-like."

"Well that, too. Hot and business-like. That dress suits you, it clings in all the right places." She winks and smirks at me.

"Tifa!"

She laughs and said, "Just keeping it real Aerith, the whole package,-looks good. Keep the dress. You'll have him eating out of your hand"

Oh no, you have the wrong way around, girl. Once I sign that contract, I'll be the one who's going to be eating out of his hand.

"Wish me luck."

"You need luck for a date?" her brows furrowed.

"Yes Tifa."

"Well then – good luck!" She kissed me on the cheek and she resumed chatting with Cloud while bidding farewell, I bid her farewell too and I'm out the front door.

I arrived five minutes before our agreed time, I handed the key to the valet for parking. Taking a deep breath I entered the spacious lobby of The Midgar Suites. I approach the concierge and ask for the Crystal Bar. The lady pointed the farthest glass door to the left, I said my thanks and walk over to the direction she provided. Upon entering the classy restaurant, a butler approached me.

"Table for how many madam?"

"I have a reservation with Mr. Sephiroth Crescent."

"Your name please?"

"Aerith, Aerith Gainsborough."

"Just one moment please." he went to the podium and checks the computer, he then returned to me and said.

"You are expected inside the VIP Room Miss Gainsborough, Mr. Crescent is already waiting for you."

I took a deep breath and gave a nervous smile as I follow his lead. We approach a huge glass door with gold plated door handles and the butler opened the door for me.

It was an intimate dining room, just one secluded table. The room is small but sumptuous. Beneath a shimmering chandelier, the table is all starched linen, crystal glasses, silver cutlery, and white rose bouquet. An old-world, sophisticated charm pervades the wood-paneled room. Sephiroth casually sits across the table, a glass of white wine in hand. I peek up at him.

He's dressed in his customary white linen shirt, black jeans, black tie, and black jacket. His hair is as silky as ever. I sigh. Of course he looks gorgeous. I stand for a few seconds in the entrance of the bar, gazing at him, admiring the view. He is beyond beautiful. He glances, nervously I think, toward the entrance and stills when he sees me. Blinking a couple of times, he then smiles a slow, lazy, sexy smile that renders me speechless and all molten inside. Making a supreme effort not to bite my lip, I move forward aware that I am delicately dressed for the night. He walks gracefully over to meet me.

"You look stunning," he murmurs as he leans down to briefly kiss my cheek.

"A dress, Miss Gainsborough. I approve." Taking my arm, he leads me to the chair opposite his. He pulled it away so I can sit on it, I thanked him and I gasp as he gently puts the napkin on my lap.

"What would you like to drink?"

My lips quirk up in a quick, sly smile– well, at least he's asking me.

"I'll have what you're having, please." See! I can play nice and behave myself. Amused, he orders another glass of Sancerre and slides in opposite me.

"They have an excellent wine cellar here," he says, cocking his head to one side.

Putting his elbows on the table, he steeples his fingers in front of his beautiful mouth, his jade eyes alive with some unreadable emotion. And there it is… that familiar pull and charge from him, it connects somewhere deep inside me. I shift uncomfortably under his scrutiny, my heart palpitating. I must keep my cool.

"Are you nervous?" he asks softly.

"Yes."

He leans forward.

"Me too," he whispers conspiratorially. My eyes shoot up to meet his. Him. Nervous. Never. I blink at him, and he smiles his adorable lopsided smile at me. The waiter arrives with my wine, a small dish of mixed nuts, and another of olives.

"So, how are we going to do this?" I ask. "Run through my points one by one?"

"Impatient as ever, Miss Gainsborough."

"Well, I could ask you what you thought of the weather today?"

He smiles, and his long fingers reach down to collect an olive. He pops it in his mouth, and my eyes linger on his mouth, that mouth, that's been on me… all parts of me. I flush.

"I thought the weather was particularly unexceptional today," he smirks.

"Are you smirking at me, Mr. Crescent?"

"I am, Miss Gainsborough."

"You know this contract is legally unenforceable."

"I am fully aware of that, Miss Gainsborough."

"Were you going to tell me that at any point?"

He frowns at me.

"You'd think I'd coerce you into something you don't want to do, and then pretend that I have a legal hold over you?"

"Well… yes."

"You don't think very highly of me at all, do you?"

"You haven't answered my question."

"Aerith, it doesn't matter if it's legal or not. It represents an arrangement that I would like to make with you – what I would like from you and what you can expect from me. If you don't like it, then don't sign. If you do sign, and then decide you don't like it, there are enough get-out clauses so you can walk away. Even if it were legally binding, do you think I'd drag you through the courts if you did decide to run?"

I take a long draft of my wine. My subconscious taps me hard on the shoulder. You must keep your wits about you. Don't drink too much.

"Relationships like this are built on honesty and trust," he continues. "If you don't trust me – trust me to know how I'm affecting you, how far I can go with you, how far I can take you – if you can't be honest with me, then we really can't do this."

Oh my, we've cut to the chase quickly. How far he can take me. What does that mean?

"So it's quite simple, Aerith. Do you trust me or not?" His eyes are burning, fer vent.

"Did you have similar discussions with um… the fifteen?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because they were all established submissives. They knew what they wanted out of a relationship with me and generally what I expected. With them, it was just a question of fine-tuning the soft limits, details like that."

"Is there a store you go to? Like uh…Submissives kingdom?"

He laughs.

"Not exactly."

"Then how?"

"Is that what you want to discuss? Or shall we get down to your is sues, as you say."

I swallow. Do I trust him? Is that what this all comes down to – trust? Surely that should be a two-way thing.

"Are you hungry?" he asks, distracting me from my thoughts.

Oh no… food.

"No."

"Have you eaten today?"

I stare at him. Honesty… tsk, he's not going to like my answer.

"No." My voice is small.

He narrows his eyes.

"You have to eat, Aerith. I've already ordered something for us while I was waiting for you. I hope you don't mind."

"No, that's fine," I replied.

"It's good to know that you can be amenable. Now, where were we?"

"My issues." I take another large sip of wine. It really is delicious. Sephiroth Crescent does wine well. I remember the last sip of wine he gave me, in my bed. I blush at the intrusive thought.

"Yes, your issues." He fishes into his inside jacket pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. My email.

"Number 1. Agreed. This is for the benefit of us both. I shall redraft."

I blink at him. Holy Planet… we are going to go through each of these points one at a time. I just don't feel so brave face to face. He looks so earnest. I steel myself with an other sip of my wine. Sephiroth continues.

"My sexual health. Well, all of my previous partners have had blood tests, and I have regular tests every six months for all the health risks you mention. All my recent tests are clear. I have never taken drugs. In fact, I'm vehemently anti-drugs. I have a strict no-tolerance policy with regards to drugs for all my SOLDIERS, and I insist on random drug testing."

Wow… control freakery gone mad. I blink at him shocked.

"I have never had any blood transfusions. Does that answer your question?"

I nod, impassive.

"Your next point I mentioned earlier. You can walk away any time, Aerith. I won't stop you. If you go, however – that's it. Just so you know."

"Okay," I answer softly. If I go, that's it. The thought is surprisingly painful.

The waiter arrives with our first course. How can I possibly eat? He's ordered oysters on a bed of ice.

"I hope you like oysters," Sephiroth's voice is soft.

"I've never had one." Ever.

"Really? Well." He reaches for one. "All you do is tip and swallow. I think you can manage that." He gazes at me, and I know what he's referring to. I blush scarlet. He grins at me, squirts some lemon juice onto his oyster, and then tips it into his mouth.

"Hmm, delicious. Tastes of the sea," he grins at me. "Go on," he encourages.

"So, I don't chew it?"

"No, Aerith, you don't." His eyes are alight with humor. He looks so young like this.

I bite my lip, and his expression changes instantly. He looks sternly at me. I reach across and pick up my first ever oyster. Okay… here goes nothing. I squirt some lemon juice on it and tip it up. It slips down my throat, all seawater, salt, the sharp tang of citrus, and fleshiness… ooh. I lick my lips, and he's watching me intently, his eyes hooded.

"Well?"

"I'll have another," I say dryly.

"Good girl," he says proudly.

"Did you choose these deliberately? Aren't they known for their aphrodisiac quali ties?"

"No, they are the first item on the menu. I don't need an aphrodisiac near you. I think you know that, and I think you react the same way near me," he says simply. "So where were we?" He glances at my email as I reach for another oyster.

He reacts the same way. I affect him… wow.

"Obey me in all things. Yes, I want you to do that. I need you to do that. Think of it as role-play Aerith."

"But I'm worried you'll hurt me."

"Hurt you how?"

"Physically." And emotionally.

"Do you really think I would do that? Go beyond any limit you can't take?"

"You've said you've hurt someone before."

"Yes, I have. It was a long time ago."

"How did you hurt them?"

"I suspended them from my playroom ceiling. In fact, that's one of your questions. Suspension – that's what the karabiners are for in the playroom. Rope play. One of the ropes was tied too tightly."

I hold my hand up begging him to stop.

"I don't need to know any more. So you won't suspend me then?"

"Not if you really don't want to. You can make that a hard limit."

"Okay."

"So obeying, do you think you can manage that?"

He stares at me, his jade eyes intense. The seconds tick by.

"I could try," I whisper.

"Good." He smiles. "Now, term. One month instead of three is no time at all, espe cially if you want a weekend away from me each month. I don't think I'll be able to stay away from you for that length of time. I can barely manage it now," he pauses.

He can't stay away from me? What?

"How about, one day over one weekend per month you get to yourself – but I get a midweek night that week?"

"Okay."

"And please, let's try it for three months. If it's not for you then, you can walk away anytime."

"Three months?" I'm feeling pressured. I take another large sip of wine and treat my self to another oyster. I could learn to like these.

"The ownership thing, that's just terminology and goes back to the principle of obedience. It's to get you into the right frame of mind, to understand where I'm coming from. And I want you to know that as soon as you cross my threshold as my submissive, I will do what I like to you. You have to accept that and willingly. That's why you have to trust me. I will fuck you, any time, any way I want – anywhere I want. I will discipline you, because you will screw up. I will train you to please me. But I know you've not done this before. Initially, we'll take it slowly, and I will help you. We'll build up to various scenarios. I want you to trust me, but I know I have to earn your trust, and I will. The "or otherwise" – again it's to help you get into the mindset, it means anything goes."

He's so passionate, mesmerizing. This is obviously his obsession, the way he is… I can't take my eyes off him. He really, really wants this. He stops talking and gazes at me.

"Still with me?" he whispers, his voice rich, warm and seductive. He takes a sip of his wine, his penetrating stare holding mine.

The waiter comes to the door, and Sephiroth subtly nods permitting the waiter to clear our table.

"Would you like some more wine?"

"I have to drive."

"Some water then?"

I nod.

"Still or sparkling?"

"Sparkling, please."

The waiter leaves.

"You're very quiet," Sephiroth whispers.

"You're very verbose."

He smiles.

"Discipline. There's a very fine line between pleasure and pain Aerith. They are two sides of the same coin, one not existing without the other. I can show you how plea surable pain can be. You don't believe me now, but this is what I mean about trust. There will be pain, but nothing that you can't handle. Again, it comes down to trust. Do you trust me, Aer?"

Aer!

"Yes, I do." I respond spontaneously, not thinking… because it's true – I do trust him.

"Well then," he looks relieved. "The rest of this list is just details."

"Important details."

"Okay, let's talk through those."

My head is swimming with all his words. I should have brought Tifa's mini voice recorder so I can listen back to this. There is so much information, so much to process. The waiter re-emerges with our entrees.

"Salmon and Fennel, with Roasted Lemon Vinaigrette, sir."

Sephiroth nods and motion for the waiter to place it on the table.

"I hope you like fish," Sephiroth says mildly.

I make a stab at my food and take a long drink of my sparkling water. I vehemently wish it was wine.

"The rules. Let's talk about them. The food is a deal breaker?"

"Yes."

"Can I modify to say that you will eat at least three meals a day?"

"No." I am so not backing down on this. No one is going to dictate to me what I eat. How I fuck, yes, but eat… no, no way.

He purses his lips.

"I need to know that you're not hungry."

I frown. Why?

"You'll have to trust me."

He gazes at me for a moment, and he relaxes.

"Very well." he says quietly. "I concede the food and the sleep."

"Why can't I look at you?"

"That's a Dom/sub thing. You'll get used to it."

Will I?

"Why can't I touch you?"

"Because you can't."

His mouth sets in an obstinate line.

"Is it because of Scarlet?"

He looks quizzically at me.

"Why would you think that?" And immediately he understands. "You think she trau matized me?"

I nod.

"No Aerith. She's not the reason. Besides, Ms. Hamilton wouldn't take any of that shit from me."

Oh… but I have to. I pout.

"So nothing to do with her."

"No. And I don't want you touching yourself, either."

What? Ah yes, the no masturbation clause.

"Out of curiosity… why?"

"Because I want all your pleasure," his voice is husky, but determined.

Oh… I have no answer for that. On one level it's up there with, 'I want to bite that lip', on another, it's so selfish. I frown and take a bite of the salmon, trying to assess mentally what concessions I've gained. The food, the sleep, I can look him in the eye. He's going to take it slow, and we haven't discussed soft limits. But I'm not sure I can face that over food.

"I've given you a great deal to think about haven't I?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to go through the soft limits now too?"

"Not over dinner."

He smiles.

"Disgusted?"

"Something like that."

"You've not eaten very much."

"I've had enough."

"Three oysters, four bites of salmon, a little bit of the salad have been touched and you've not eaten all day. You said I could trust you."

Jeez. He's kept an inventory.

"Sephiroth, please, it's not every day I sit through conversations like this."

"I need you fit and healthy Aerith."

"I know."

"And right now, I want to peel you out of that dress."

I swallow. Peel me out of Tifa's dress. I feel the pull deep in my belly. Muscles that I'm now more acquainted with clench at his words. But I can't have this. His most potent weapon, used against me again. He's so good at sex – even I've figured this out.

"I don't think that's a good idea," I murmur quietly. "We haven't had dessert."

"You want dessert?" he snorts.

"Yes."

"You could be dessert," he murmurs suggestively.

"I'm not sure I'm sweet enough."

"Aerith, you're deliciously sweet. I know."

"Sephiroth. You use sex as a weapon. It really isn't fair," I whisper, staring down at my hands, and then looking directly at him. He raises his eyebrows, surprised, and I see he's considering my words. He strokes his chin thoughtfully.

"You're right. I do. In life you use what you know, Aerith. Doesn't change how much I want you. Here. Now."

How can he seduce me solely with his voice? I'm panting already – my heated blood rushing through my veins, my nerves tingling.

"I'd like to try something," he breathes.

I frown. He's just given me a shit load of ideas to process and now this.

"If you were my sub, you wouldn't have to think about this. It would be easy." His voice is soft, seductive. "All those decisions – all the wearying thought processes behind them. Those – is this the right thing to do? Should this happen here? Can it happen now? You wouldn't have to worry about any of that detail. That's what I'd do as your Dom. And right now, I know you want me, Aerith."

My frown deepens. How can he tell?

"I can tell because… "

What the- he's answering my unspoken question. Is he psychic as well?

"… Your body gives you away. You're pressing your thighs together, you're flushed, and your breathing has changed."

Oh, this is too much.

"How do you know about my thighs?" My voice is low, disbelieving. They're under the table for heaven's sake.

"I felt the tablecloth move, and it's a calculated guess based on years of experience. I'm right aren't I?"

Oh right… he's the General of SOLDIER, he's trained to read through the non-verbatim, ughh.

I flush and stare down at my hands. That's what I'm hindered by in this game of se duction. He's the only one who knows and understands the rules. I'm just too naïve and inexperienced. My only sphere of reference is Tifa, and she doesn't take any shit from men.

"I haven't finished my salmon."

"You'd prefer a salmon to me?"

My head jerks up to glare at him, and his cyan eyes burn molten jades, with compel ling need.

"I thought you liked me clearing my plate."

"Right now, Miss Gainsborough, I couldn't give a fuck about your food."

"Sephiroth. You just don't fight fair."

"I know. I never have."

My inner goddess frowns at me. You can do this, she coaxes – play this sex god at his own game. Can I? Okay. What to do? My inexperience is a weight around my neck. Forking up a fennel, I gaze at him and bite my lip. Then very slowly put the fennel in my mouth and suck on the fork.

Sephiroth's eyes widen infinitesimally, but I notice.

"Aerith. What are you doing?"

I bite off the fennel from my fork.

"Eating my Fennel salad."

Sephiroth shifts in his seat.

"I think you're toying with me, Miss Gainsborough."

I feign innocence.

"I'm just finishing my food, Mr. Crescent."

The waiter chooses this moment to knock and, unbidden, enter. He glances briefly at Sephiroth, who frowns at him but then nods, so the waiter clears our plates. The waiter's arrival has broken the spell. And I grasp this precious moment of clarity. I have to go. Our meeting will only end one way if I stay, and I need some boundaries after such an intense conversation. As much as my body craves his touch, my mind is rebelling. I need some distance to think about all he's said. I still haven't made a decision, and his sexual allure and prowess doesn't make it any easier.

"Would you like some dessert?" Sephiroth asks, ever the gentleman, but his eyes still blaze.

"No, thank you. I think I should go." I stare down at my hands.

"Go?" He can't hide his surprise.

The waiter leaves hastily.

"Yes." It's the right decision. If I stay here, in this room with him, he will fuck me. I stand, purposefully. "It's getting late and both of us have work tomorrow."

Sephiroth stands automatically, revealing years of ingrained civility.

"I don't want you to go."

"Please… I have to."

"Why?"

"Because you've given me so much to consider… and I need some distance."

"I could make you stay," he threatens.

"Yes, you could easily, but I don't want you to."

He runs his hand through his hair, regarding me carefully.

"You know, when you fell into my office to interview me, you were all yes sir, no sir. I thought you were a natural born submissive. But quite frankly, Aerith, I'm not sure you have a submissive bone in your delectable body." He moves slowly toward me as he speaks, his voice tense.

"You may be right," I breathe.

"I want the chance to explore the possibility that you do," he murmurs, staring down at me. He reaches up and caresses my face, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "I don't know any other way, Aerith. This is who I am."

"I know."

He leans down to kiss me, but pauses before his lips touch mine, his eyes searching mine, wanting, asking permission. I raise my lips to his, and he kisses me and because I don't know if I'll ever kiss him again, I let go – my hands moving of their own accord and twisting into his hair, pulling him to me, my mouth opening, my tongue stroking his. His hand grasps the nape of my neck as he deepens the kiss, responding to my ardor. His other hand slides down my back and flattens at the base of my spine as he pushes me against his body.

"I can't persuade you to stay?" he breathes between kisses.

"No."

"Spend the night with me."

"And not touch you? No."

He groans.

"You impossible girl." He pulls back, gazing down at me. "Why do I think you're telling me goodbye?"

"Because I'm leaving now."

"That's not what I mean, and you know it."

"Sephiroth, I have to think about this. I don't know if I can have the kind of relation ship you want."

He closes his eyes and presses his forehead against mine, giving us both the opportu nity to slow our breathing. After a moment, he kisses my forehead, inhales deeply, his nose in my hair, and then he releases me, stepping back.

"As you wish, Miss Gainsborough," he says, his face impassive. "I'll escort you to the lobby." He holds out his hand. Leaning down, I grab my purse and place my hand in his. Oh no, this could be it. I follow him meekly down the grand stairs and into the lobby, my scalp prickling, my blood pumping. This could be the last goodbye if I decide to say no. My heart contracts painfully in my chest. What a turnaround. What a difference a moment of clarity can make to a girl.

"Do you have your valet ticket?"

I fish into my clutch purse and hand him the ticket, which he gives to the doorman. I peek up at him as we stand waiting.

"Thank you for dinner," I murmur.

"It's a pleasure as always, Miss Gainsborough," he says politely, though he looks deep in thought, completely distracted.

As I peer up at him, I commit his beautiful profile to memory. The idea that I might not see him again haunts me, unwelcome and too painful to contemplate. He turns suddenly, staring down at me, his expression intense.

"Since you weren't able to attend the opening of the orphanage, can I invite you on Scarlet's event this Friday evening?" He sounds hesitant.

"We'll see. Maybe," I breathe. Momentarily, he looks relieved, and then he frowns.

"It's cooler now, don't you have a jacket?"

"No."

He shakes his head in irritation and takes off his jacket.

"Here. I don't want you catching cold."

I blink up at him as he holds it open, and as I hold my arms out behind me, I'm re minded of the time in his office when he slipped my coat onto my shoulders – the first time I met him – and the effect he had on me then. Nothing's changed, in fact, it's more intense. His jacket is warm, far too big, and it smells of him. My car pulls up outside. Sephiroth's mouth drops open.

"That's what you drive?" He's appalled. Taking my hand, he leads me outside. The valet jumps out and hands me my keys, and Sephiroth coolly palms him some money.

"Is this roadworthy?" He's glaring at me now.

"Yes."

"Will it make it to Sector 5?"

"Yes. She will."

"Safely?"

"Yes," I snap, exasperated. "Okay she's old. But she's Tifa's car and she's been using it, I've been using it and we're still alive right?"

"Oh, Aerith, I think we can do better than this."

"What do you mean?" Realization dawns. "You are not buying me a car."

He glowers at me, his jaw tense. "We'll see," he says tightly.

He grimaces as he opens the driver's door and helps me in. I take my shoes off and roll down the window. He's gazing at me, his expression unfathomable, eyes dark.

"Drive safely," he says quietly.

"Goodbye, Sephiroth." My voice is hoarse from unbidden, unshed tears – jeez I'm not going to cry. I give him a small smile.

As I drive away, my chest constricts, my tears start to fall, and I choke back a sob. Soon tears are streaming down my face, and I really don't understand why I'm crying. I was holding my own. He explained everything. He was clear. He wants me, but the truth is, I need more. I need him to want me like I want and need him, and deep down I know that's not possible. I am just overwhelmed.

I don't even know how to categorize him. If I do this thing… will he be my boyfriend? Will I be able to introduce him to my friends? Go out and have dates with him? The truth is, I don't think I will. He won't let me touch him and he won't let me sleep with him. I know I've not had these things in my past, but I want them in my future. And that's not the future he envisions.

What if I do say yes, and in three months' time he says no, he's had enough of trying to mold me into something I'm not. How will I feel? I'll have emotionally invested three months, doing things that I'm not sure I want to do. And if he then says no, agreement over, how could I cope with that level of rejection? Perhaps it's best to back away now with what self-esteem I have reasonably intact.

But the thought of not seeing him again is agonizing. How has he gotten under my skin so quickly? It can't just be the sex… can it? I dash the tears from my eyes. I don't want to examine my feelings for him. I'm frightened what I'll uncover if I do. What am I going to do?

I park up outside our house. No lights on. Tifa must be out. I'm relieved. I don't want her to catch me crying again. As I undress, I wake up the laptop and sitting in my inbox is a message from Sephiroth.

From: Sephiroth Crescent

Subject: Tonight

To: Aerith Gainsborough

I don't understand why you ran this evening. I sincerely hope I answered all your ques tions to your satisfaction. I know I have given you a great deal to contemplate, and I fervently hope that you will give my proposal your serious consideration. I really want to make this work. We will take it slow. Trust me.

Sephiroth Crescent

General, SOLDIER First Class

Shinra Electric Power Company – Military Division

His email makes me weep more. I am not a recruit. I am not an infantryman who's made to follow his orders, I have my own free will. Reading this, I might as well be. I don't reply. I just don't know what to say to him. I fumble into my PJs, and wrapping his jacket around me. I climb into bed. As I lie staring into the darkness, I think of all the times he warned me to stay away.

'Aerith, you should steer clear of me. I'm not the man for you.'

'I don't do the girlfriend thing.'

'I'm not a hearts and flowers kind of guy.'

'I don't make love.'

'This is all I know.'

And as I weep into my pillow silently, it's this last idea I cling to. This is all I know, too. Perhaps together we can chart a new course.