*Just a friendly disclaimer. I don't own right to Final Fantasy VII Compilation. Final Fantasy VII Compilation and the characters herein is/are the property of Square Enix Co., Ltd, and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

CHAPTER 10: THE CALL

Sephiroth lay in bed, his hands resting behind his head, his feet crossed at his ankles; his mind racing over the events of the past few days. He had lost his last friend on earth and gained another that was so very different from anyone he had ever met before. Not that he had 'friends', more of close acquaintances, but he supposed if he were to have friends Angeal, Genesis and Zack would have been the only ones he ever had. He closed his eyes and savored the image of her that he automatically found there; her soft face glancing over her shoulder at him as his train departed.

He had made it back to his apartment in the Shinra building over a half hour ago and still hadn't got a phone call from her. He was worried about her; a foreign feeling to him until the past year. She had plenty of time to make it back to her house by the time I got into the city. Again he thought of her face: her thick lashes beneath his fingers, her soft pink lips, and her gorgeous eyes. Why do I care though… Why should I care about a woman I just met; me of all people, at that… She's bewitched me. He scoffed at the thought as he sat up in bed. I've known her less than a few hours and I already trust her so freely… It took Angeal and Genesis years to attain that much from me, but yet this girl has done it in a night. I find myself to attracted to her; physically drawn in as well as emotionally… I want to be near her. I'm aroused by the mere thought of her. The energy I felt when we touched, she felt it as well… He stood up, shoved his hands into his pockets, and walked over to the window; looking out over the city he finished his thought –

Is this love? Is this what it feels like?

His thoughts were broken by the ringing of his phone. He closed his eye and smiled Right on cue. He grabbed the phone up off the desk and saw a foreign number on the screen. It must be her.

"Sephiroth." he said into the receiver. He held his breath waiting to hear her voice on the other end of the line.

"Oh good, you answered! It's Aerith. I'm sorry I just now called. I stopped by the church and lost track of time."

Silence. He almost let out a sigh of relief. His stomach felt as if it was in his throat, he couldn't make a sound.

"I'm sorry if I made you worry…" she continued, hurt by his stillness.

"You're home now?" he finally got out, as he sat back down on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah, I almost called when I realized how late it was…but I figured that wouldn't be the same as confirming I made it home safe and sound. So I decided to wait…" She paused for a second and shyly added "I thought you wouldn't take that as fulfilling my end of the deal… and be upset with me."

"Well…" he let his voice linger on the line. "you assumed correctly."

"You're mad at me…" she sighed. He couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the situation. Here he was actually worried about her… caring about her, and she was worried about upsetting him; caring about his feelings. The thought was strange to him. Even moreso he found it amusing that she would automatically assume he was mad at her. He could see her face all pouty and hurt; those eyes dim with disappointment. It was endearing; she was so innocent and sweet, and he actually liked it. "Why are you laughing at me…"

He let out a sigh. "I'm not mad."

"Then why laugh… I don't understand…"

"I just think…I think its cute that you thought I was upset with you. I was worried about your wellbeing, but not mad. Next time I'd prefer you call sooner, but—"

"Next time?" she asked excitedly cutting him off. "…Meaning I'll get to see you again?"

The corners of his lips turned up to another smile. "…Yes." He paused again "If you want."

"I'd like that very much," she hesitated for a moment then added "Sephiroth." Even her voice aroused

him, it was like silk engulfing him; giving him chills, making his heart beat faster. He had never felt this way his entire life. He had bedded women before, but none of them made him feel how this girl did.

"Sephiroth? You still there?"

"…Yeah, I'm here." He replied snapping back to his senses. "Just thinking."

" 'bout what?"

Again another pause as he tried to put his words together. "Everything." Was all he could manage.

"…Well that's a lot for one person to have on their mind, don'tcha think?" she continued playfully.

"I suppose so." He said smirking again. "Actually…" he let his words linger, wondering to himself if he wanted to say what he was thinking or not. "I was curious when I could see you again…"

"Well… I guess I could squeeze you in sometime tomorrow… I'm a pretty busy person ya know."

"Well, if it's an issue I can always wait in line I guess." He said continuing on with her playfulness; he enjoyed it.

"Might have to. I run a pretty tight schedule; don't need some hot shot coming in and stirring things up."

"Hot shot, huh? I see…"

"Okay Mister Modest, maybe I can pencil you in after lunch. How's that sound?"

"Well, I suppose that'll work."

"Well, by the time I get in bed and actually get some sleep, wake up and get the day going, it'll be around that time anyway. You've kept me out awful late tonight." She teased.

"Me? You're the one who kept me up worrying."

"Awww, now I feel bad… Did I really make you worry that much?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, Sephiroth. I didn't mean to."

"I know." He chuckled. "It's fine, now get some sleep, I'll see you tomorrow Small One."

"Goodnight Sephiroth."

He smiled as he closed his phone, and let out a small sigh. What is going on with me? What am I getting myself into? He thought as he lay back in bed. Her stunning features flashed through his mind, her floral scent, her sweet voice lingered in his thoughts. I don't care. He answered himself as he drifted off to sleep thinking of her.