Chapter 10: Books, Books and more...Jenova?

Disclaimer: Ahem…I don't own ff7, incase you were wondering.

First of all, thank you Dark Syren for your extremely encouraging review! I appreciate it very much!

Wow, that last chapter sure did make people happy! I'm sorry I couldn't get this one out sooner. I got a little bit of writer's block and couldn't seem to write up an ending, but here it is now. Read and enjoy!

It turned out that Elmyra had left with Reeve early in the morning because of certain duties that couldn't be kept waiting, mainly her flower shop, and Nanaki had gone to his Grandfather's grave in hope of getting some guidance. So that left just the three of us, Shera, Yuffie and myself to do the work for now. Nanaki would be back, but it was hard to say when.

The two girls were running around squealing and causing all sorts of racket making reading all the more difficult. You couldn't blame them though. They were only children so we put up with it the best we could. Or at least I put up with it. Yuffie was building up a stash of pencil erasers to throw at them if they got too close. She was convinced she would need hearing aids after today's fiasco, but Yuffie has a way of overreacting about things.

After 2 hours of non-stop reading Yuffie and I crept out of our concealed area to get a bite to eat sparing a hello to Shera as we left. Yuffie went to buy the food while I retrieved my boots, which were still sitting by my bed.

As I exited the room I came to a sudden halt my eyes widening on the top of Yuffie's head. The giant mound of food and drink in her arms hid her face from view. "Uh…Yuffie? Isn't that a little overboard as far as food goes?" I asked.

"Mmf!" She groaned and promptly dumped part of the items into my hands. "Whew! Well you know, I figure we'll be in the library for a long time and Shera might want something to eat too." She explained. "Might as well get food for the entire night."

"I guess you're right." I said eyeing a turkey sandwich with particular interest. "Let's go then."

Upon entering the library I noticed Nanaki sitting at the table by Shera. "Hello Nanaki!" I said in surprise as we came inside. "We've got some food if you guys are hungry."

Yuffie scrambled over to the table to lighten her load a little more and ended up dumping almost all of it, with some ending up on the floor too.

"This is certainly a pleasant surprise!" Shera beamed while picking up a bottle of water that had missed the table. "Thank you."

"No problem!" Yuffie answered and collected a few things she hadn't meant to leave. Her eyes lifted to Nanaki for an instant. "Find out anything?"

Nanaki shook his head sadly. "I'm no cetra making communicating with the deceased quite hard. If we are to find anything out it will be here. What about you two?"

"No." I responded. "Not even close."

"Well, there are many books here. They won't all have what we're looking for, but I'm almost certain that some of them do." He answered. "Please keep looking and if you do find anything notify me immediately."

"Will do." Yuffie said and disappeared behind a row of bookcases.

"Well, good luck then." I smiled and hurried after Yuffie.

She was already delving into the food when I rounded the corner. I seated myself beside her and took the turkey sandwich I discovered earlier.

My eyes trailed to the open book in front of me as I ate. It was the same book I'd pulled out last night and it was the only one I'd been reading all day. For some reason I was completely attached to it. It covered everything on Jenova from her first arrival to when the Cetra sealed her away along with a few other facts. Unfortunately, none of it would help us any.

Hours passed and still nothing had come up. Yuffie had her head leaning against her hand in a very lazy fashion while she dazedly looked down at her book. Finally she stopped and shoved it off the table in annoyance. "I don't care how the ancient Yavoblahblablah, whatever their name is, ate their damn food 4000 years ago! Just because they used some kind of ancient fork these authors have the audacity to call it a friggin artifact! It's a twig!"

I burst into giggles. "I think you're looking in the wrong place."

"What? You don't want to learn about the sporken? They've got thirty pages of garbage on it!" Yuffie answered hysterically.

I smiled. "No thank you." I answered politely.

"Neither do I." She said and picked out another book from the large stack on the table. "Uggghhh!" She moaned as she leafed through the pages with barely a glance. "We're never gonna find anything!"

"Don't say that!" I scolded. "Sooner or later something is bound to come up."

"Before or after I turn 50?" Yuffie mumbled irritably.

I scowled. "I'm hoping before." Hoping…

Several more hours passed taking us well into the night and our pile of food had diminished into a near nothing. We had resorted to using torches and candles for lighting now that darkness had fallen.

Pages and pages flashed by my eyes the words dismissing themselves from my mind the moment I moved onto the next. Somehow I managed to gather up some sort of idea of what was happening though and I didn't like it. A theory was developing in my mind that I was deliberately trying to avoid in fear of discovering something very bad. So I pushed it away for the time being and tried to focus on the words.

My eyes ached from the constant strain they were under and insisted on a rest that I was not so hesitant to give. I myself was tired in general of reading and wanted nothing more but a breath of fresh air. I closed the book and let my eyes roam elsewhere and eventually land on a window.

A pointy elbow nudged me in the bicep catching me by surprise. I immediately spied Yuffie sitting beside me feigning innocents, but unable to hide the mischief that glistened in her eyes.

I nudged her back silently a smile tugging at my lips as I waited for another attack.

She elbowed me again as I expected and I retaliated.

Again she jabbed me, this time slightly harder.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair. "What is it?" I drawled.

She looked around cautiously, checking for anyone who might be spying and drew her head near mine. "Guess what?" She whispered.

"What?" I asked uncertainly, my eyes narrowing suspiciously. A very unnerving feeling settled itself in my stomach as I studied her all too bright smile. She was up to something and in no way could it be good by the look on her face.

"Somebody's in looove!" She sang in a hushed voice and burst into soft giggles.

"W-what?" I stammered and bolted up right in my chair. My face flushed with embarrassment and I looked away to avoid being caught by her prying eyes. That little snake! "Don't be ridiculous!"

Yuffie's head poked into my line of vision. "Oh, oh, oh! Look at you! I've never seen you blush so red before!" She cried. "Come on! You can tell me! You know you want to."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I stressed, faking annoyance.

Her forehead wrinkled in agitation. As quickly as it came it disappeared though to be replaced by a sneaky smile that had mischief written all over it. "I'm gonna tell everyone what I saw this morning!"

"No! You can't!" I exclaimed loudly nearly reaching hysteric heights. She wouldn't dare! Actually, that was just something Yuffie would do. Why I was surprised in the least bit I have no idea.

She cocked an eyebrow curiously. "So you'll answer my questions then?"

I stole a quick glance at the two halls that met at our corner making sure that no one else was in the premises. "Ok then." I answered softly. "IF they're reasonable." I added quickly. One had to be careful when dealing with Yuffie. She wasn't afraid to ask anything.

"Oh yeah!" She exclaimed excitedly and rested her head in her hands. "Soooo, have you kissed yet?"

"…Maybe." I said quietly while toying with a pencil.

"No maybes!" Yuffie said sternly, giving me a poke in the ribs.

I brought up two fingers and wiggled them in front her face without saying a word.

Her eyes widened. "Twice!"

I nodded and grinned.

"Wow!" She breathed. "Was it good?"

My eyes widened in astonishment. "I'm not going to give you a play by play on it!"

Yuffie frowned. "Why not?"

"B-because!" I protested lamely. "That's for Sephiroth and I to know only."

Yuffie's face brightened. "So it WAS good then!"

I rolled my eyes and decided to give up on it. "Whatever you say Yuffie." His kiss was far better than good actually. The thought dawned on me that by saying it was just 'good' was a large insult. "No, it wasn't good." I started.

"It wasn't?" Yuffie blurted out in confusion.

"It was much, much better than good." I finished and fell into a dreamy state as I remembered the occurrences of the night before. The entire scene played itself over again before my eyes. Everything had been so perfect and then he had to go and leave in the morning! I hoped I would get to see him before the night was over.

It was a while before I realized my name was being called or rather shouted and a hand was waving frantically in front of my face. I snapped out of my daze and looked at Yuffie blankly. "Did you say something?"

She let out a long groan. "You didn't hear a word I said, did you?"

I paused thinking really hard as I tried to recall any words that I might have heard during my minds little escapade into yesterday. "No." I answered. "I didn't hear anything at all."

Her shoulders slumped forward in irritation. "Ok, what were you thinking about then?" Yuffie asked.

"Last night." I said softly as I tried to grasp the wonderful feeling I'd experienced in his embrace.

Yuffie's eyes widened. "You mean you two actually did-"

"No!" I blurted out and eyed her skeptically. "And that, by the way, does not fall under the reasonable question category!"

Yuffie eyed me innocently. "I was just-"

"No, no, no. I don't want to hear what you just. Nothing serious happened last night and leave it at that." I paused. "…Well not really serious." Confessing that you loved someone is actually kind of serious now that I think about it.

"What do you mean 'well not really serious'?" Yuffie prodded. "What kind of an answer is that?"

I blushed. "Uh…well…he…I…we…Ugh, forget it." I groaned placing my head in my hands.

"Come on!" Yuffie pleaded her excitement bouncing her up and down in the chair. "Tell me!"

I shifted my gaze to her. "He said he loved me." I stated simply. It felt like a hundred butterflies were fluttering about in my stomach and all I wanted to do was shout out with glee. He loved me! Sephiroth, the greatest General ever not to mention the most handsome looking man I've ever seen loved plain old me. For some reason I was still trying to cope with the sheer improbability of the fact.

Yuffie's jaw dropped and her hands flew to her mouth as a small cry slipped out from the back of her throat. She stared at me overcome with surprise, disbelief and a hint of joy. "Are you serious? Sephiroth said that- that he loved you?"

I nodded.

"That's…that's amazing!" She gasped. "Do you love him?"

"Yes." I answered softly. "But…"

"Tifa!" She beamed. "That's awesome! I mean I knew something was going on, but who knew that he'd actually come to admit it! I didn't even think it was possible!" She stopped momentarily and frowned. "Wait, that didn't come out right. I mean, I didn't think it was possible for Sephiroth to admit it! That sounds better. What do you mean 'but' anyways?"

"He's immortal." I mumbled. "I'm not."

"Oh." Yuffie verbalized her eyes blinking at me as if I'd said something that made no sense whatsoever. "So?"

"So? So that means we can never be together!" I cried feeling tears form in my eyes. Why was I suddenly so unhappy? He said we would find a way, but right now I was not so certain anymore.

Yuffie tilted her head thoughtfully. "Tifa, it doesn't really matter that he's immortal. If he loves you than he'll stay with you till you breath your last breath. He won't leave you just because you're growing old and he's not. You can still be together!"

I held my breath as I gaped at her, the sincerity and truth to her words stunning me. She was right. "Yuffie…" I mouthed quietly. "When did you become so grown up?"

She giggled and flushed scarlet. "It HAS been four years!" She answered. "But that's just common sense!"

"Thank you." I said softly. "But still, I-I don't want to leave him behind. He'll live on all alone."

Yuffie frowned. "That's true. We'll find a way!" She declared, her eyes shining brilliantly in the candlelight. "So, I guess we better get back to work huh? Before Nanaki catches us goofing off."

"Probably." I answered. "Although I'd rather not read another word."

"Ditto to that." Yuffie mumbled. "How about we just brainstorm for a while and try to come up with something there?"

"Sounds good to me. Anything as long as it doesn't involve reading." I groaned. My thoughts bounced about and eventually wound up on Jenova of all things. You'd think the Cetra would have killed her rather than seal her in a rock. It seems somewhat odd to me. Very odd… Wouldn't you rather kill something that had so much power?

An instant passed and I had the nagging feeling that something very important was hovering right under my nose. Nanaki thought that Vincent might be still alive and so did I. Vincent's last words still echoed freshly in my mind. Goodbye for now… The question in my mind was, how could he survive? He'd been shot through the heart and then buried under tons of rubble!

As I sat there trying to make loose ends meet I began to realize that the theory forming in the back of my mind was starting to make sense. The Cetra had to seal Jenova in a rock making it seem like that was their only option. Sephiroth was immortal, Vincent was immortal, Lucrecia was in a sense immortal. Nanaki, who knows, but his life was plenty long already. They all carried the Jenova cells. Cloud? He'd gone with Aeris to the promise land excusing him from the picture. It all matched up far too well.

I sprang up from my chair overcome with a sudden urgency. "Yuffie, I think I found something!" I breathed. It isn't a good something, but it IS something.

"Really?" She asked in surprise. "Cool."

"Come on!" I exclaimed.

I was already sprinting down the hall when Yuffie's disgruntled voice shouted out from behind me. "Wait!"

I managed the corner well even in the dim light and stopped just short of where Nanaki and Shera sat. Yuffie came to a rough halt beside me and almost catapulted over the table in her attempt to stop.

Both Nanaki and Shera were staring at us a bit startled.

"I take it you found something?" Shera asked.

"Maybe." I answered quickly. "I'm not entirely sure. It's only a theory."

Nanaki shut his book immediately. "Please share it with us. Anything would do right now."

I chewed my lip rather vigorously as my mind raced through all of the things that I was trying to piece together. "Nanaki, your Grandfather explained to us once the way the lifestream worked and how life flourishes on this planet. He said that the souls of all living things return to the lifestream after death to be reborn again. Is that right?"

"Yes." Nanaki nodded slowly. "Why?"

"Jenova came from outer space, not from this planet." I explained. "Is it possible that the lifestream would reject her and her cells because she's foreign?"

"Well…" Nanaki started and came to a sudden stop his eyes narrowing in contemplation.

Shera let out a tiny gasp and dug her nails into the tabl..

"No way." Yuffie stated shaking her head. "No, no and no. That is not possible! Jenova is dead and she's staying dead! It's been 5 years! If she were still alive she would have come back ages ago!"

"Not necessarily." I answered. "Sephiroth rejuvenated for 4 years in the crater before he was strong enough to come out."

"Oh man!" Yuffie moaned. "This is really bad!"

"This is indeed, very, very bad." Nanaki spoke. "How could we've not realized this before?"

"A-a-are you sure about this?" Shera stuttered nervously. "I mean, we could be wrong, right? It all seems rather impossible to me."

Nanaki's tail twitched back and forth uneasily. "On first thought, yes it would seem very impossible, but we all saw Sephiroth fall. He should have never come back and yet he is here now with us. And then there is Vincent who may or may not be still alive though we believe him to be alive. He hinted to Tifa as she left that he was not going to die. Also, the Cetra sealed Jenova into a rock. There is no reason to do this unless it is their only choice."

"I agree." I said. "And this would explain why Vincent might still be alive."

"So, what now?" Yuffie asked.

"I think we should go to Lucercia's cave." I announced. "Vincent told Sephiroth to go there. It might have some special significance."

"That's an idea." Nanaki replied. "Right now we've got several things to focus on, one the black materia, two Jenova and three Chaos. It's possible that Jenova may try to take the other half of the black materia. If she does disaster is surely to come. We must find the other piece! As for Chaos it's hard to say. He's very spontaneous making it hard to figure out what he's doing, but I worry little about the demon at the moment." Nanaki stopped to catch his breath. "Tomorrow morning I'll contact Reeve and have a search party sent to the crater to look for any suspicious activity. We'll decide the rest in the morning once the others have returned."

"Does that mean we're through for tonight?" Yuffie piped hopefully.

"Yes, it is getting late." Nanaki sighed. "I'm quite tired myself, I have no doubt you three are too."

"What time is it?" I asked curiously.

Shera broke out of her trauma and glanced down at her watch. "10 p.m." She responded and stood up shakily. "I better go find those girls. Anybody know where they went off to?"

"We're coming!" Came Marlene's shrill voice. The thundering of small footsteps followed and the two girls appeared from behind one of the bookcases. "We're hungry!" They both cried as they came to a stop before Shera.

"Alright, let's go get something to eat." Shera said with a smile and departed with the girls.

"I'm going strait to bed!" Yuffie announced and started out the door. She turned at the last minute. "Goodnight!"

"Night Yuffie!" I waved.

"Goodnight." Nanaki said giving her a short nod. He shook his mane tiredly and looked up at me. "Will you be going to bed soon?"

"Not till the others get back." I answered.

He smiled lightly. "I thought so. I'll be up as well. If you wish to sleep I can wake you when they arrive."

"That's alright Nanaki." I assured him. "I don't mind staying up for a while. I'd rather be completely awake than only partially when they get back anyways."

"That's understandable." Nanaki chuckled. "Don't overwork yourself though. I hope you don't have trouble sleeping tonight, I heard that last night was not quite so comfortable."

I looked down at him a bit startled. "How did you know about that?"

"Yuffie told me. She knew you woke up in the middle of the night and left." He replied. "You were in good company it seemed though."

"Nanaki!" I gasped feeling a blush coming on.

He grinned. "You needn't try and hide it. It's so obvious what's going on between you two that it's practically blinding."

"Hmf." I grunted and looked away.

Nanaki broke into laughter. "Forgive me for being so strait forward. I'll be outside at the bonfire."

I nodded silently and watched as he disappeared. Everyone knew! They'd know before we admitted it to each other! I smiled and twirled around as I headed for the door to the stairs. I couldn't help but feel happy about it too.

I stopped to absorb the fresh air and admire the breathtaking light show above me. Stars glimmering everywhere and a giant circle of beauty shedding her silver light upon the land. Another lovely night comforted by the warmth of the air. It's a lot more satisfying when you can watch the stars without freezing in the process. That was one of the many pluses of Cosmo Canyon.

Sparing one last glance at the sky I spun on my heel and skipped down the stairs. I swiftly made my way down to the grounds where I spotted Nanaki lying by the bonfire, his form silhouetted by the flames. I approached quietly and sat down beside him.

"Hello Tifa." Nanaki murmured his eyes leaving the fire for a moment to spare me a quick glance.

"Hi Nanaki!" I replied brightly, flashing him a brilliant smile. The fire emitted pleasant warmth that drew me into a semi state of meditation while I gazed deep into the flames. I let myself roll onto my back to look up at the stars, a smile tugging at me lips. What could be more perfect than this? A comforting fire, a clear star speckled sky and a friend by your side. Moments like these were ones I cherished, I only wished they occurred more often.

I let out a long sigh and closed my eyes peacefully. They should be here soon. He would be here soon. I strung my hands through my hair out of boredom and yawned. There were so many things to think about and yet Sephiroth was the only one on my mind. It wouldn't be much longer though.

As time passed nothing really changed except the moon appeared to have made some progress in its slow journey across the sky. Every once and I while I'd catch a glimpse of Nanaki and find him staring into the fire like before. He no doubt had a lot on his mind tonight.

What on earth was taking them so long? I hated to think too hard on it. A number of things could have happened to them most of which were bad. I wasn't going to think about that, I had enough bad things to think about already.

I sat up curiously at the sound of a distant rumbling that sounded vaguely familiar. A smile crept across my face as I realized it was actually the Highwind approaching in the distance.

Nanaki raised his head immediately, his excellent hearing having no trouble picking up the sound. "It seems they've finally made it."

"Almost." I answered and found myself sprawling out on the ground again. "I'm too lazy to get up though." I giggled and looked into the flames.

"I fear that the fire has made lazy bums out of the both of us." Nanaki chuckled. "They won't be here for another ten minutes anyways, we can loaf around for a little while longer."

"Mmm, sounds good to me." I grinned. "You don't think they'll mind if we don't meet them at the entrance do you?"

"Why should they?" Nanaki asked. "They probably aren't even expecting us to be awake."

"I think we're justified then." I said.

"As much as we can be." Nanaki replied amusedly.

The buzzing sound of the Highwind gradually got louder as it approached and soon enough it stopped. Nanaki and I were still stationary by the fire giving no hint of moving in the future either.

"I think I heard a voice." Nanaki said suddenly and yawned. "Must be Cid. He's the only one with a voice loud enough to carry that well."

I burst out laughing. "I'm shocked Nanaki!"

He sat up and scratched at his side in irritation. "You've heard the man. He'll be hoarse by the time he's 45 if he continues on like that."

"Them are fightin words!" I grinned and closed my eyes tiredly. "I'm so exhausted.".

"Then sleep by all means." Nanaki replied. "You needn't be awake to hear what you already know besides."

I nodded slightly and felt myself drifting off into a light doze. The sounds of voices penetrated my ears, but it wasn't enough to draw me completely out of unconsciousness. My mind focused on the voice that I knew to be Sephiroth's for a moment before drifting away again.

Cid, Barret and Sephiroth all sat down around the fire and began conversing quietly with Nanaki over today's happenings.

I was left to my slumber and glad of it. Every once and a while I'd pick out something Nanaki was saying and recognize it, but most of the time my mind was elsewhere. They moved onto some other subject as time passed to relieve them selves of the days wears and I continued to sleep.

"How long's she been sleepin?" Barret asked, his voice bringing me back to reality all of a sudden.

"She fell asleep shortly after we heard you coming." Nanaki replied. "She was pretty tired after today, but insisted on staying up to make sure everyone got back ok."

Cid chuckled softly. "That's Tifa for ya. She really doesn't give herself enough credit, you know?"

"Yeah." Barret said in agreement. "She's da backbone of dis here operation if you ask me. Always keepin us together. We wouldn't a stuck together wit out her."

My ears strained to listen harder, their conversation perking my curiosity. I'm not usually an eve's dropper, but come on! They had to have known they were taking a big risk when starting a conversation about me right over my head!

I was glad that I listened though because their words comforted me and reminded me of what good friends I had. It let me know that I was needed by them and important to them.

"Shoulda never wasted her time on him though." Cid grumbled jolting me out of my thoughts.

"She couldn't help it." Nanaki said quietly. "Cloud was the only family she had left from Nibelheim. I think perhaps that's why she found herself so attached. Anything that linked to her past she held on to because there was so little left."

Barret let out a long sigh. "It's about time somebody took care of her n'stead of da other way around. Anyways, I'm headin off to bed. Where's Marlene?"

"She's with Shera and Melony. You and Cid may have to share a room for tonight." Nanaki replied.

"Whatever." Cid grunted. "Works for me as long as there are two beds."

Cid and Barret's fleeting footsteps faded into nothing as they went inside leaving just Nanaki, Sephiroth and myself.

"I'm quiet tired myself." Nanaki announced roughly and walked up beside me. "Goodnight Tifa."

My eyes shot open in surprise and I bit my lip nervously. "Err, night Nanaki." I mumbled. It seemed that Nanaki had known all along that I was awake.

His eyes twinkled with amusement as he trotted passed and disappeared up the stairs that led inside.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes, feeling a bit less tired for the moment. My gaze lifted to Sephiroth who sat across the fire from me his eyes a motionless stare. "Hello." I said quietly.

"Hello." He replied in a hushed manner.

I tiled my head confusedly. "What's wrong?" I asked sensing tension in the air.

"Nothing." He answered quickly and placed his eyes firmly on the fire.

I scowled and got to my feet. "You're lying." I stated in annoyance and walked over to sit beside him. He still continued to avoid my gaze, but my pestering didn't cease. "Your not mad at me are you?" I asked worriedly and poked my head in front of him so that he was forced to look at me.

He shook his head. "No." He answered. "I was just thinking."

"And avoiding me." I added. "Is that how you treat somebody who's been missing you all day?"

He let out a heavy sigh. "No, I'm sorry."

I frowned and turned away from him. "What were you thinking about?"

"Nibelheim." He answered softly. "I still can't believe I was so weak. Quite frankly I don't deserve to live and I know it, but I'm cursed. Cursed to live forever alone with my sins. I'd prefer death."

A single tear rolled down my cheek and I hesitantly put my arms around him. "You don't have to." I whispered. "I'll gladly live beside you for eternity."

Sephiroth's head shot up in response his eyes staring into mine. "Tifa, are you sure about this?" He asked.

I nodded. "You can't stop me if it is what I want and I don't understand why you'd want to. If you really do love me then you will let me try." I answered softly.

"Eternity is a long time." Sephiroth warned me his hands taking me firmly by the shoulders. "How you plan to do this I have no idea, but perhaps you should give it a little more thought. It's a burden my lady, not a gift. You would have to watch all of your friends grow old and die before your eyes while you stay young. Is it worth having to live on and endure all the hardships of life with no rest?"

"You will always be there and that is all I need." I replied sincerely. "I can't possibly leave you to suffer alone. I won't let you do that. Nothing you say will change my mind and as far as I'm concerned I think it is worth it."

Sephiroth pulled me into his arms and held me tightly. "You're such a fool, but that's why I love you so much." He gasped. "I envy your compassion. There are very few people in this world with your kindness. You deserve better."

I lifted my hand to brush aside a lock of his silver hair. "No Sephiroth, you're the only man that I want, no one else." I said and placed a gently kiss on his cheek. "You've given me your heart, not many are willing to do that. It's more than I ask of you and yet you still give it. No one can compare to you in my eyes."

He placed a warm hand on the side of my face and captured my mouth with his. A massive surge of emotions spread through out my body as he pushed me onto my back and pinned me to the ground. His entire body pressed down against mine and set my skin on fire with desire. My arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer, the need for more overpowering my will.

One of his hands slid down my side and found it's way beneath my shirt. His touch sent shivers up my spine and drew a muffled moan from my throat. For some reason on this night a kiss did not satisfy me. My heart wanted more, much more and it was losing its patience.

We parted eventually though it was very reluctant, but I was going to lose control of myself if we didn't.

Sephiroth grinned down at me mischievously. "You trembled my lady." He said quietly and ran his fingers across my stomach.

I let out a cry of surprise and started to giggle as he continued to tickle me. "Stop!" I begged and started squirming beneath him, but his weight held me fast.

"I suppose I could." He sighed and pulled his hand out from under my shirt. "We should think about getting some rest ourselves."

I frowned sadly. "Ok." I mumbled and let him pull me to my feet. "But I've waited all day to see you and now you've got to go and leave again!"

He smirked. "Says who?"

I looked up at him confusedly and my eyes widened as I realized what he was implicating. After further consideration of his suggestion I smiled. "You don't mind if I stay with you?"

"Not at all." He replied. "Just as long as we don't sleep on the couch again. My neck hasn't given me a moments peace since I woke up this morning."

"Would you like me to massage it for you?" I asked.

"Tomorrow." He answered. "I'm exhausted." He jumped off the platform of dirt that the bonfire sat on and snatched me into his arms. It wasn't long before I realized he didn't plan on putting me down. He carried me up the stairs and inside before he finally set me down outside of his room.

His hand pushed the door open and bid me enter first. My eyes fell on the bed as fatigue seized me. I yanked off my boots and crawled under the covers while Sephiroth removed his armor and over coat. I had no intention of waiting for him though and closed my eyes immediately.

In a matter of seconds I was fast asleep.

Author's Notes: Say hello to plot twists! I just can't seem to stop throwing those out here.

Thank you everyone a thousand times! I feel like I'm not giving you all your due respect for all the support you've given me, I'm sorry! I appreciate each and every one of you for your wonderful reviews.

If you have questions or just want to talk to me, then send an e-mail - I don't mind at all. Thanks again!