A/n:
Emi-chan: Wow! I received 10 reviews in one day! This makes me so happy. I thank all the people who reviewed, even that "Guess" guy or girl or whatever.
Tifa: That was mean. I'm not a selfish slut.
Emi-chan: I know that, Tifa, and so does other people. I actually admire you. You stuck by Cloud even when you knew he liked Aeris. Wasn't she the one being selfish and a slut for hang all on Cloud when she knew you liked him a lot? If it was I, I slap the guy and then hit on Vincent.
Tifa: * looks at Emi* You would?
Emi: Yeah! The other people guys on your team are too old. They could be my daddy! Anyway, I don't hate Aeris at all, but I just wish people wouldn't be so mean to my girl Tif!
Tifa: Yeah!
Emi: Well on with the fic!
Chapter 2
To Help One in Need
"Sephiroth..." I whispered.
How could he still be alive? I was there to witness the end of his life. How did he survive and why was he here? So many questions emerged into my mind. I looked at his bloody body trying to move. Suddenly, I started to hear mumbling come from his mouth. I walked closer to him to hear but giving me enough space just in case he tried anything.
"No..I will not.. I was almost killed..I won't take part of your plan anymore, Jenova...No more." murmured Sephiroth.
I froze at the moment I heard his word. Has he been under Jenova's command? I heard about how he was Hojo's experiment when he was born. Supposedly, his first as he wore the number 1 tattoo on his arm. He injected his own son with Jenova cells supposedly making him a Cetra. If his mind was taken over by Jenova, then Sephiroth was innocent from all the things he did. I didn't want to give hope for him not knowing if he is just trying to trick me.
I walked up to his body seeing how bad he was. I lowered to his slumped body and laid my index and middle finger next to neck as I checked his pulse. It seemed a little faint, but good enough that he would survive. I then looked from top to bottom of his body to see where the blood was coming from. I grabbed his shirt and opened it slowly. There were several large gashes on his chest. I looked at them in dismay. I was surprised he survived those many cuts, but he was the great General Sephiroth, of course.
I began to think what I should do next. I wasn't sure if a doctor would come and help him. Everyone knew who Sephiroth was and knew he was evil. Who out there would help restore an evil man's health? It looked like I would be doing most of the work then.
I was curious about the scars and wondered where they came from. I slowly reached to touch them when a hand took grasp of mine. It was Sephiroth! He looked dead at me with his eyes filled with stupefaction and alarm. I felt chills going down my spine, as his stare would not stop. I obtained my hand from him and stepped back him. He frightened me when he caught me off guard. I wanted and was about to run away until I heard his voice.
"Please, help me.. Lockheart.. I know I have done you wrong, but I did not mean to do the incidents to your family and village.. Please...." whispered the white hair man.
I turned to him and looked down at him. I was amazed that he would remember who I was. I was more amazed when he pleaded for me to aid him. I would have never thought the Great General Sephiroth would need the help of his enemy. Well, I might reconsider of calling myself his enemy. I still don't understand what is going on. All I know now is I can't leave anyone in a painful state possessing a chance to die. It wasn't how I was and raised.
I walked to him once more and bent down. I grabbed his arm and started to pull him up to me. He was heavy as I tried my best to keep him balanced. I never thought I was strong enough to hold an injured person who about two times my size. Nevertheless, I took a couple of steps and found it troubling to walk.
"Hey, Sephiroth, I need you to help walk a little." I said trying to hold him up. He slightly opened his eyes once more and gave a simple nod. He started to walk with me as we began to make better progress. We set forth up the stairs knowing they would be hell for us. I always hated the stairways. It took so long to get from one destination to the other.
We made it back to the mansion in one peace. I was a little short of breath as I started to look around. We walked in one of the other sleeping quarter as I decided to let him lay in the bed. I lowered him down to take a seat as he looked at me. His lovely, light green eyes looked into my ruby eyes. I was stunned at their beautiful, but shook the thought out of my mind. It wasn't the time to think of such thoughts as I helped him to lie in the bed.
I took off his cloak and placed it neatly on the side of the bed. I looked at his body once more to make sure his cuts were the only injuries he had. As I look, I could see his body move painfully up and down as seemed to have trouble breathing. I wonder if also had a fever or anything. I placed my hand on his forehead and his cheek. He was burning up!
I sat in a chair not far from the bed and started to think. Should I bring him to my home? I know he knows where it is, but it would be such a long walk for the both of us in his condition. It was also wrongful if I woke him and said we were only halfway to the destination. I could tell he wanted to sleep right now as he turned his body away from me. I decided that I would take him to the house. I had everything there to help cure him and I just couldn't stand to stay in this mansion that long. It creeps me out.
"Sephiroth, wake up. I need you to come with me to my house. You think you still can help me walk you over there?" I asked softly.
He turned and sat up on the bed painfully. He gave a loud sigh and then nodded his head to me. I sat beside him on the bed and slipped his large muscular arm onto my shoulders. The smell of his odor he was giving was nauseating. He smelt as if he hadn't bathed in weeks. I understood his first task was to take a bath. I lifted him up and we began to motion out the door.
We were doing very well until we came to the stairs. I assumed that going down the stairs would be much easier than walking up the stairs. I was incorrect as I found out. We had to take a slow pace so we wouldn't lose balance and fall down the steps. I could sense the general trying his best to position not so much of his weight on me. It was pleasing to see that, but I knew I could handle it. I was strong woman who could take on anything, right?
We made it to the door as I closed it behind us. I looked out to see any of the villagers were out tonight. It was fairly late and so they all would be inside their homes close to turn in. Fortunately, I was correct as to see no one at all in the streets and outside. We took haste a little to my home where I began to turn the knobbed. I remembered I locked the door before I left. I pouted knowing I had to get the key out my pocket. It doesn't seem like a problem, but I was tired and we were just so close to being inside. I reached down into my pocket and pulled out the item.
As I opened the door finally, I began to contemplate on where he could sleep for the night. My room was upstairs and tonight I didn't feel like dragging him upstairs again. My parents' room was off limits. I have never even touched it and I wanted left that way. I decided with a simple nod to place him in the fold out couch bed in the living room. It was a good size room and he had enough room in the bed for him to sleep wildly.
I placed him in a chair and walked over to the living room. I piled all the pillows and parts of the couch in a pile of a corner. I pulled out the bed neatly and placed sheets and a thick blanket on it. I smiled in triumph as I made this bed in less in than one minute. I made the littlest things into games when I was bored. Oh, how my life is now.
I walked to Sephiroth and was going to try to let him lay in the bed. As I was about to help him up, his horrifying odor rekindles in my nose. His smell had to go immediately. I turned and walked to the bathroom trying to prepare for the general's bath. I acquire a towel and washcloth and placed them on the sink beside an unused toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel. I assumed he would need shampoo. He had such long, beautiful silver hair that felt so soft and tamed. He seemed like a man who took much pride in his hair. I turned the water faucet in the tub on and made sure the water would be very warm and soothing. With the bath, he could also wash out the bad chemicals and germs in his cuts.
I advanced back to where Sephiroth was and saw he was looking up at the ceiling. His head was cocked up and his light green eyes wouldn't turn away from my dull cream colored ceiling. I began to worry hoping he didn't die right there. I was right beside him when I saw his eyes turned to me. I gave a small startled gasp, but then returned to my calm state.
"Sephiroth, I need you to take a bath, okay? You need to clean yourself and your cuts," I said as tactful as I could muster up.
"I am too weak to move my arms and legs now, Lockheart.. I will need your assistance, please," said Sephiroth.
As he finished his sentence, I couldn't help but to redden at his request. If I helped him, I would be touching his body from top to bottom. If it were any guy who asked that, I would box them in the face and give a karate kick for being a pervert. I looked at Sephiroth once more and saw him heavily breathing and barely could keep his eyelids from shutting. He was in a great deal of pain. I couldn't say no, so I reluctantly gave in.
"Come on then, so we can get it over with," I said with groan.
I helped Sephiroth up and led him to the bathroom. The water in the tub was right about finish as I placed Sephiroth down on the toilet. I bent down to the faucets and turned the knobs for the water to discontinue from flowing. I turned back to the general and looked at him. He was barely keeping awake. Should I ask him if he could take his clothes off himself or should I do it for him? The question made me blush and I tried my best to not show it but I could see Sephiroth looking at me with a small smirk. Does he have humor when he's in so much pain?
"I know you're weak, Sephiroth, but am not going to take your pants off." I said as I tapped my cheeks to make the blushing go away.
"Heh, very well, Lockheart.." He replied.
He slowly rose from the toilet and stood before me. He was very tall and muscular. I never knew he was the tallest person I've ever met. He began to take off his shirt and placed it on the ground. His muscles were gigantic and impressive. I was never one for muscle guys, but his muscles were tempting. Oh my gosh, I can't believe I thought that. Still, I couldn't take my eyes off of him until he went to take off his pants.
"I'll turn around now!" I yelled in surprise.
I turned and laid my hands over my eyes. It was so unladylike for me to see him in his birthday suit. I had too much decency than to look. I then heard splashing of water and a loud groan. I suspected he was in the water, so I turned back to him. He sat in the bathtub looking at me to proceed. I gave a small gulp as I looked to see if the bubbles inside would cover up his bottom half of his body. Fortunately, they were and so I was all right for now.
I took a knee beside the tub and rolled up my sleeves. I took the soap and washcloth from the sink and started to work on his shoulders. They were very broad and rough and yet muscular as I scrubbed him on both sides. Next, I moved along his arms and armpit. He tried to lift them up for me, but I told him with a smile that I could handle it on my own. They were a little heavy, but I got to every corner in each side. I then moved to his back. I awed for a slight moment at how built he was. The front was so built and muscular, I never thought his back would look as impressive. I moved from the top part of his neck to almost down to his butt. I decided to stop right there and work on his chest. I tried my best not to hurt him as I gently touch his scars. They went across his chest like mine except they were wider. I could sense him wince and tense up every time I touched them. I felt sorry but it had to be done.
Suddenly, I realized his upper body was cleaned and that only left the bottom. I looked down at the bubbly water and then at Sephiroth. He was still out of it. I wasn't about to touch anything done there for him even if he was unconscious.
"You had enough energy to take off your pants, you have enough to wash down there," I said.
I grabbed his hand and placed the washcloth in it. He opened his eyes wider than he did earlier as I just rose from the ground.
"I'll go get some clothes for you. I think I have something you can wear in this house. Be right back!" I said as I turned from him.
I walked hastily upstairs to my room and closed the door. I gave a loud sigh of relief. I was so glad I stopped there. Still, it would have been interesting to see if it was as impressive as his other body parts were.
"Tifa girl, snap out of it! He is an enemy. You don't know him, so you can't think that about him," I thought.
I walked over to my mirror at my closet and looked at myself. I looked dreadful. Blood was on my sweater and my hair was a mess. I can't believe he saw me like this in the bathroom. I opened my top drawer and pulled out a pair of navy blue pajama pants and a white tube top. I wanted to feel comfortable even if the most dangerous person alive was in my house.
Moments later, I was in my new clothes and I placed my hair in a messy bun. I looked at myself in the mirror again and sighed. I looked so plain and dull. No wonder Cloud went for Aeris. She was wonderful. I never could compare to her beauty, grace, and charm. I felt myself fall into a sudden depression. No, I couldn't think this way. I was being selfish. I needed to push my needs and depressing state away so I could help the poor soul downstairs.
I opened my bottom drawer to see a pair of black men pajama pants. I remembered I bought a pair for Cloud for his birthday. I never did have the chance on the journey to give it to him, but it didn't matter now. He was gone and he sure didn't need me for right now.
I took grasp of the men pants and went downstairs. I knew I didn't leave Sephiroth too long by himself, but I had to make sure he was fine. As I walked down the stairs, I saw him open the door from the bathroom. He came out wearing a pair of briefs and wet hair. He looked at me with an arched eyebrow as I came to his side. I was interested to what he was looking at. It sure didn't look like he was looking at my face. Typical for male's to act this way.
"Um, I'm up here, scumbag," I said a little annoyed.
"I wasn't looking there. I'm thinking why Lockheart is all dressed up for little old me," replied Sephiroth.
"I don't think this is time for you to make jokes!" I said with a roar
I glared at him with anger and threw the pants at him. I wasn't wearing this for him. This was my house and I can wear what I want to wear. I pushed him to the side as I went back into the bathroom. I went into the cabinet and pulled out the first aid kit. Even if he was acting more annoying, we needed to make sure his cuts are clean. After I apply the medicine and wrap it up, I'll know he'll be okay.
I walked out back to his side to see him in a bit of pain. I guess I pushed him too hard. I felt a little bad, but all the help I'm giving him will make up for it. I took his arm and aided him to the fold out bed in the living room. I placed him down gently on the bed. He sat slumped and was looking at the ground. He was quiet once. Was he sleepy again? I knew before he would try to lie down that I should have him all bandage up.
"Hey, Sephiroth, give me a moment. I just want you to place your pants on and then I can bandage your scars up," I said trying to make him look at me.
He nodded his head once more. As he began to place his pants on, I looked into the first aid kit and pulled out some Iodine, healing cream, and bandage. I looked up to him to see him finish. It was my time to finish this last thing. I started to place iodine on his scars with a large medical q-tip. I could sense him watching my small hand as I transport the iodine on his injury. It looked a bit clean and ready for the healing cream.
"This will sting a little, but it works," I said as I opened the healing cream.
I took two-finger amount of cream into my hand and I began to apply it on the scars. I felt him wince the first time, but after that he was tensed up. He was taking it like a soldier. I remember when I was little I use to wail when I had my mother or father apply it on my sores or scrapes. Even today, I whimpered a little at the pain.
After I finished with the cream, I started to bandage up his chest. He raised his arms in the air making it easier for me. He wasn't the bad of a patient. It seemed I could have been a nurse if people obeyed happily like him. I was a people person, but some how I knew I probably would get bored with the job. I was more of an action pack kind of woman anyway.
"There, finish! Now, you can get some rest," I said as I arise from the ground.
I watched him slowly arrange himself under the blanket and placed his head on the pillow. He gave a sigh and looked at me. I was getting a little annoyed by him looking at me so much. I wasn't his mother or anything!
"Well, I'll clean up a little then got to bed myself. You do anything and I promise I'll make your life hell, Sephiroth. I don't trust you still, but I can't leave a person in pain. You are lucky I have a kind heart!" I commented with a glare.
I turned to leave when I heard him give a small chuckle. I turned back to him and saw him with his eyes closed as if to portray an innocent child. I hated cocky people and I could tell he was one of them. I turned once more to leave.
"Thank you, Lockheart..." said Sephiroth softly.
I stopped at my tracks and was stunned at the sentence. He thanked me? I would never think HE would thank anybody. I didn't care. All I knew is when he was well enough; he would have to explain himself.
I walked to the bathroom and looked at his black outfit I always saw him wear. I picked the clothes up from the floor and took them to the washing room. I looked at his tore shirt as I placed it in the washer. I pressed the machine to start and walked to the stairs.
"I guess I'll sew it up for him. I still can't believe I'm helping him! He did so much and took so much away from me," I thought with a groan.
I looked into the living room before I went up the stairs. He looked so peaceful as he slept. His face looked so handsome and pure. With his face, you could never tell he was evil at all. I started up the stairs and was to the top when I heard his voice again.
"Goodnight, Lockheart..." said Sephiroth.
I closed my door and jumped into my bed. I wonder was that down there the REAL Sephiroth or was he just trying to hide himself? I knew as being a woman and one person, I would have to be very careful around me. After I arranged myself in the bed, I could feel myself falling into slumber. I never thought he would tire me out. I closed my eyes and gave a simple silent prayer for protection.
"Goodnight, Sephiroth..." I whispered as I fell asleep
A/N: Wow, what did you guys think? This chapter was a little more difficult to write than the prologue. I hoped you enjoyed it.
Can't believe Sephiroth was there, huh? Well, that doesn't mean it's a Sephiroth/ Tifa fic. Vincent, Reno, and the other guys have a good chance to still be paired with her, but I'm kinda going for a Sephy/ Tifa. I might change my mind. I make things more fun like that.
Didn't Sephiroth seem like a good guy in this chapter? I can't wait till be the next chapter. It'll be a hoot. Plus we'll get some answer on how he survived and why was he at the mansion?
I would like 15 more reviews before I update the next chapter! Bye ^_^
Emi-chan: Wow! I received 10 reviews in one day! This makes me so happy. I thank all the people who reviewed, even that "Guess" guy or girl or whatever.
Tifa: That was mean. I'm not a selfish slut.
Emi-chan: I know that, Tifa, and so does other people. I actually admire you. You stuck by Cloud even when you knew he liked Aeris. Wasn't she the one being selfish and a slut for hang all on Cloud when she knew you liked him a lot? If it was I, I slap the guy and then hit on Vincent.
Tifa: * looks at Emi* You would?
Emi: Yeah! The other people guys on your team are too old. They could be my daddy! Anyway, I don't hate Aeris at all, but I just wish people wouldn't be so mean to my girl Tif!
Tifa: Yeah!
Emi: Well on with the fic!
Chapter 2
To Help One in Need
"Sephiroth..." I whispered.
How could he still be alive? I was there to witness the end of his life. How did he survive and why was he here? So many questions emerged into my mind. I looked at his bloody body trying to move. Suddenly, I started to hear mumbling come from his mouth. I walked closer to him to hear but giving me enough space just in case he tried anything.
"No..I will not.. I was almost killed..I won't take part of your plan anymore, Jenova...No more." murmured Sephiroth.
I froze at the moment I heard his word. Has he been under Jenova's command? I heard about how he was Hojo's experiment when he was born. Supposedly, his first as he wore the number 1 tattoo on his arm. He injected his own son with Jenova cells supposedly making him a Cetra. If his mind was taken over by Jenova, then Sephiroth was innocent from all the things he did. I didn't want to give hope for him not knowing if he is just trying to trick me.
I walked up to his body seeing how bad he was. I lowered to his slumped body and laid my index and middle finger next to neck as I checked his pulse. It seemed a little faint, but good enough that he would survive. I then looked from top to bottom of his body to see where the blood was coming from. I grabbed his shirt and opened it slowly. There were several large gashes on his chest. I looked at them in dismay. I was surprised he survived those many cuts, but he was the great General Sephiroth, of course.
I began to think what I should do next. I wasn't sure if a doctor would come and help him. Everyone knew who Sephiroth was and knew he was evil. Who out there would help restore an evil man's health? It looked like I would be doing most of the work then.
I was curious about the scars and wondered where they came from. I slowly reached to touch them when a hand took grasp of mine. It was Sephiroth! He looked dead at me with his eyes filled with stupefaction and alarm. I felt chills going down my spine, as his stare would not stop. I obtained my hand from him and stepped back him. He frightened me when he caught me off guard. I wanted and was about to run away until I heard his voice.
"Please, help me.. Lockheart.. I know I have done you wrong, but I did not mean to do the incidents to your family and village.. Please...." whispered the white hair man.
I turned to him and looked down at him. I was amazed that he would remember who I was. I was more amazed when he pleaded for me to aid him. I would have never thought the Great General Sephiroth would need the help of his enemy. Well, I might reconsider of calling myself his enemy. I still don't understand what is going on. All I know now is I can't leave anyone in a painful state possessing a chance to die. It wasn't how I was and raised.
I walked to him once more and bent down. I grabbed his arm and started to pull him up to me. He was heavy as I tried my best to keep him balanced. I never thought I was strong enough to hold an injured person who about two times my size. Nevertheless, I took a couple of steps and found it troubling to walk.
"Hey, Sephiroth, I need you to help walk a little." I said trying to hold him up. He slightly opened his eyes once more and gave a simple nod. He started to walk with me as we began to make better progress. We set forth up the stairs knowing they would be hell for us. I always hated the stairways. It took so long to get from one destination to the other.
We made it back to the mansion in one peace. I was a little short of breath as I started to look around. We walked in one of the other sleeping quarter as I decided to let him lay in the bed. I lowered him down to take a seat as he looked at me. His lovely, light green eyes looked into my ruby eyes. I was stunned at their beautiful, but shook the thought out of my mind. It wasn't the time to think of such thoughts as I helped him to lie in the bed.
I took off his cloak and placed it neatly on the side of the bed. I looked at his body once more to make sure his cuts were the only injuries he had. As I look, I could see his body move painfully up and down as seemed to have trouble breathing. I wonder if also had a fever or anything. I placed my hand on his forehead and his cheek. He was burning up!
I sat in a chair not far from the bed and started to think. Should I bring him to my home? I know he knows where it is, but it would be such a long walk for the both of us in his condition. It was also wrongful if I woke him and said we were only halfway to the destination. I could tell he wanted to sleep right now as he turned his body away from me. I decided that I would take him to the house. I had everything there to help cure him and I just couldn't stand to stay in this mansion that long. It creeps me out.
"Sephiroth, wake up. I need you to come with me to my house. You think you still can help me walk you over there?" I asked softly.
He turned and sat up on the bed painfully. He gave a loud sigh and then nodded his head to me. I sat beside him on the bed and slipped his large muscular arm onto my shoulders. The smell of his odor he was giving was nauseating. He smelt as if he hadn't bathed in weeks. I understood his first task was to take a bath. I lifted him up and we began to motion out the door.
We were doing very well until we came to the stairs. I assumed that going down the stairs would be much easier than walking up the stairs. I was incorrect as I found out. We had to take a slow pace so we wouldn't lose balance and fall down the steps. I could sense the general trying his best to position not so much of his weight on me. It was pleasing to see that, but I knew I could handle it. I was strong woman who could take on anything, right?
We made it to the door as I closed it behind us. I looked out to see any of the villagers were out tonight. It was fairly late and so they all would be inside their homes close to turn in. Fortunately, I was correct as to see no one at all in the streets and outside. We took haste a little to my home where I began to turn the knobbed. I remembered I locked the door before I left. I pouted knowing I had to get the key out my pocket. It doesn't seem like a problem, but I was tired and we were just so close to being inside. I reached down into my pocket and pulled out the item.
As I opened the door finally, I began to contemplate on where he could sleep for the night. My room was upstairs and tonight I didn't feel like dragging him upstairs again. My parents' room was off limits. I have never even touched it and I wanted left that way. I decided with a simple nod to place him in the fold out couch bed in the living room. It was a good size room and he had enough room in the bed for him to sleep wildly.
I placed him in a chair and walked over to the living room. I piled all the pillows and parts of the couch in a pile of a corner. I pulled out the bed neatly and placed sheets and a thick blanket on it. I smiled in triumph as I made this bed in less in than one minute. I made the littlest things into games when I was bored. Oh, how my life is now.
I walked to Sephiroth and was going to try to let him lay in the bed. As I was about to help him up, his horrifying odor rekindles in my nose. His smell had to go immediately. I turned and walked to the bathroom trying to prepare for the general's bath. I acquire a towel and washcloth and placed them on the sink beside an unused toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel. I assumed he would need shampoo. He had such long, beautiful silver hair that felt so soft and tamed. He seemed like a man who took much pride in his hair. I turned the water faucet in the tub on and made sure the water would be very warm and soothing. With the bath, he could also wash out the bad chemicals and germs in his cuts.
I advanced back to where Sephiroth was and saw he was looking up at the ceiling. His head was cocked up and his light green eyes wouldn't turn away from my dull cream colored ceiling. I began to worry hoping he didn't die right there. I was right beside him when I saw his eyes turned to me. I gave a small startled gasp, but then returned to my calm state.
"Sephiroth, I need you to take a bath, okay? You need to clean yourself and your cuts," I said as tactful as I could muster up.
"I am too weak to move my arms and legs now, Lockheart.. I will need your assistance, please," said Sephiroth.
As he finished his sentence, I couldn't help but to redden at his request. If I helped him, I would be touching his body from top to bottom. If it were any guy who asked that, I would box them in the face and give a karate kick for being a pervert. I looked at Sephiroth once more and saw him heavily breathing and barely could keep his eyelids from shutting. He was in a great deal of pain. I couldn't say no, so I reluctantly gave in.
"Come on then, so we can get it over with," I said with groan.
I helped Sephiroth up and led him to the bathroom. The water in the tub was right about finish as I placed Sephiroth down on the toilet. I bent down to the faucets and turned the knobs for the water to discontinue from flowing. I turned back to the general and looked at him. He was barely keeping awake. Should I ask him if he could take his clothes off himself or should I do it for him? The question made me blush and I tried my best to not show it but I could see Sephiroth looking at me with a small smirk. Does he have humor when he's in so much pain?
"I know you're weak, Sephiroth, but am not going to take your pants off." I said as I tapped my cheeks to make the blushing go away.
"Heh, very well, Lockheart.." He replied.
He slowly rose from the toilet and stood before me. He was very tall and muscular. I never knew he was the tallest person I've ever met. He began to take off his shirt and placed it on the ground. His muscles were gigantic and impressive. I was never one for muscle guys, but his muscles were tempting. Oh my gosh, I can't believe I thought that. Still, I couldn't take my eyes off of him until he went to take off his pants.
"I'll turn around now!" I yelled in surprise.
I turned and laid my hands over my eyes. It was so unladylike for me to see him in his birthday suit. I had too much decency than to look. I then heard splashing of water and a loud groan. I suspected he was in the water, so I turned back to him. He sat in the bathtub looking at me to proceed. I gave a small gulp as I looked to see if the bubbles inside would cover up his bottom half of his body. Fortunately, they were and so I was all right for now.
I took a knee beside the tub and rolled up my sleeves. I took the soap and washcloth from the sink and started to work on his shoulders. They were very broad and rough and yet muscular as I scrubbed him on both sides. Next, I moved along his arms and armpit. He tried to lift them up for me, but I told him with a smile that I could handle it on my own. They were a little heavy, but I got to every corner in each side. I then moved to his back. I awed for a slight moment at how built he was. The front was so built and muscular, I never thought his back would look as impressive. I moved from the top part of his neck to almost down to his butt. I decided to stop right there and work on his chest. I tried my best not to hurt him as I gently touch his scars. They went across his chest like mine except they were wider. I could sense him wince and tense up every time I touched them. I felt sorry but it had to be done.
Suddenly, I realized his upper body was cleaned and that only left the bottom. I looked down at the bubbly water and then at Sephiroth. He was still out of it. I wasn't about to touch anything done there for him even if he was unconscious.
"You had enough energy to take off your pants, you have enough to wash down there," I said.
I grabbed his hand and placed the washcloth in it. He opened his eyes wider than he did earlier as I just rose from the ground.
"I'll go get some clothes for you. I think I have something you can wear in this house. Be right back!" I said as I turned from him.
I walked hastily upstairs to my room and closed the door. I gave a loud sigh of relief. I was so glad I stopped there. Still, it would have been interesting to see if it was as impressive as his other body parts were.
"Tifa girl, snap out of it! He is an enemy. You don't know him, so you can't think that about him," I thought.
I walked over to my mirror at my closet and looked at myself. I looked dreadful. Blood was on my sweater and my hair was a mess. I can't believe he saw me like this in the bathroom. I opened my top drawer and pulled out a pair of navy blue pajama pants and a white tube top. I wanted to feel comfortable even if the most dangerous person alive was in my house.
Moments later, I was in my new clothes and I placed my hair in a messy bun. I looked at myself in the mirror again and sighed. I looked so plain and dull. No wonder Cloud went for Aeris. She was wonderful. I never could compare to her beauty, grace, and charm. I felt myself fall into a sudden depression. No, I couldn't think this way. I was being selfish. I needed to push my needs and depressing state away so I could help the poor soul downstairs.
I opened my bottom drawer to see a pair of black men pajama pants. I remembered I bought a pair for Cloud for his birthday. I never did have the chance on the journey to give it to him, but it didn't matter now. He was gone and he sure didn't need me for right now.
I took grasp of the men pants and went downstairs. I knew I didn't leave Sephiroth too long by himself, but I had to make sure he was fine. As I walked down the stairs, I saw him open the door from the bathroom. He came out wearing a pair of briefs and wet hair. He looked at me with an arched eyebrow as I came to his side. I was interested to what he was looking at. It sure didn't look like he was looking at my face. Typical for male's to act this way.
"Um, I'm up here, scumbag," I said a little annoyed.
"I wasn't looking there. I'm thinking why Lockheart is all dressed up for little old me," replied Sephiroth.
"I don't think this is time for you to make jokes!" I said with a roar
I glared at him with anger and threw the pants at him. I wasn't wearing this for him. This was my house and I can wear what I want to wear. I pushed him to the side as I went back into the bathroom. I went into the cabinet and pulled out the first aid kit. Even if he was acting more annoying, we needed to make sure his cuts are clean. After I apply the medicine and wrap it up, I'll know he'll be okay.
I walked out back to his side to see him in a bit of pain. I guess I pushed him too hard. I felt a little bad, but all the help I'm giving him will make up for it. I took his arm and aided him to the fold out bed in the living room. I placed him down gently on the bed. He sat slumped and was looking at the ground. He was quiet once. Was he sleepy again? I knew before he would try to lie down that I should have him all bandage up.
"Hey, Sephiroth, give me a moment. I just want you to place your pants on and then I can bandage your scars up," I said trying to make him look at me.
He nodded his head once more. As he began to place his pants on, I looked into the first aid kit and pulled out some Iodine, healing cream, and bandage. I looked up to him to see him finish. It was my time to finish this last thing. I started to place iodine on his scars with a large medical q-tip. I could sense him watching my small hand as I transport the iodine on his injury. It looked a bit clean and ready for the healing cream.
"This will sting a little, but it works," I said as I opened the healing cream.
I took two-finger amount of cream into my hand and I began to apply it on the scars. I felt him wince the first time, but after that he was tensed up. He was taking it like a soldier. I remember when I was little I use to wail when I had my mother or father apply it on my sores or scrapes. Even today, I whimpered a little at the pain.
After I finished with the cream, I started to bandage up his chest. He raised his arms in the air making it easier for me. He wasn't the bad of a patient. It seemed I could have been a nurse if people obeyed happily like him. I was a people person, but some how I knew I probably would get bored with the job. I was more of an action pack kind of woman anyway.
"There, finish! Now, you can get some rest," I said as I arise from the ground.
I watched him slowly arrange himself under the blanket and placed his head on the pillow. He gave a sigh and looked at me. I was getting a little annoyed by him looking at me so much. I wasn't his mother or anything!
"Well, I'll clean up a little then got to bed myself. You do anything and I promise I'll make your life hell, Sephiroth. I don't trust you still, but I can't leave a person in pain. You are lucky I have a kind heart!" I commented with a glare.
I turned to leave when I heard him give a small chuckle. I turned back to him and saw him with his eyes closed as if to portray an innocent child. I hated cocky people and I could tell he was one of them. I turned once more to leave.
"Thank you, Lockheart..." said Sephiroth softly.
I stopped at my tracks and was stunned at the sentence. He thanked me? I would never think HE would thank anybody. I didn't care. All I knew is when he was well enough; he would have to explain himself.
I walked to the bathroom and looked at his black outfit I always saw him wear. I picked the clothes up from the floor and took them to the washing room. I looked at his tore shirt as I placed it in the washer. I pressed the machine to start and walked to the stairs.
"I guess I'll sew it up for him. I still can't believe I'm helping him! He did so much and took so much away from me," I thought with a groan.
I looked into the living room before I went up the stairs. He looked so peaceful as he slept. His face looked so handsome and pure. With his face, you could never tell he was evil at all. I started up the stairs and was to the top when I heard his voice again.
"Goodnight, Lockheart..." said Sephiroth.
I closed my door and jumped into my bed. I wonder was that down there the REAL Sephiroth or was he just trying to hide himself? I knew as being a woman and one person, I would have to be very careful around me. After I arranged myself in the bed, I could feel myself falling into slumber. I never thought he would tire me out. I closed my eyes and gave a simple silent prayer for protection.
"Goodnight, Sephiroth..." I whispered as I fell asleep
A/N: Wow, what did you guys think? This chapter was a little more difficult to write than the prologue. I hoped you enjoyed it.
Can't believe Sephiroth was there, huh? Well, that doesn't mean it's a Sephiroth/ Tifa fic. Vincent, Reno, and the other guys have a good chance to still be paired with her, but I'm kinda going for a Sephy/ Tifa. I might change my mind. I make things more fun like that.
Didn't Sephiroth seem like a good guy in this chapter? I can't wait till be the next chapter. It'll be a hoot. Plus we'll get some answer on how he survived and why was he at the mansion?
I would like 15 more reviews before I update the next chapter! Bye ^_^