A Past Long Forgotten
Chapter 7: Loose Ends
Sandy and Sephiroth stood staring at each other. Sephiroth's mind was working out exactly how he could ask her anything without her realizing he had no idea who he was.
"What do you need to ask me?" Sandy asked, feeling awkward at the thought of her answering questions.
"There was a book you dropped, about ShinRA." He began, "I was wondering-"
Sandy thought about it, and realized which one it must've been.
"Oh! That book's outdated, I hope you didn't take it too seriously!" She laughed nervously again, a habit she couldn't quite shake. "I mean- I know you are-... you WERE a great commander. but the world's not too keen on ShinRA anymore." She thought about what she'd said, "I mean- that is... The book is biased- and err... though I agree with everything it said about you, Sephiroth... I can't base anything on it."
Sephiroth nodded. His suspicions were confirmed, and she didn't seem to know anything. A long silence followed.
"Well." Sandy began, clearing her throat. "Though I'd love to stay and chat."
"Are there books like that about Aeris?" Sephiroth began hesitantly.
"Are there books about Aeris!" Sandy looked like she might break into hysterics, "Just as many as there are about you! Sheesh- you two have buildings dedicated to you- people that dress up like you! For heaven's sakes you guys are worshipped! OF COURSE there are books about Aeris!"
Sephiroth looked a bit taken aback by this outburst. Sandy noticed his expression and quickly straightened her pants suit, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Well...now that THAT'S out of the way... what would you say to scheduling an interview? I came to talk to Aeris today. but she's indisposed- obviously- but maybe sometime next week?" She had pulled out a small planner eagerly.
"Erm... I don't think so, Ms. Lamont." Sephiroth began, "And I would suggest that now would be an excellent time for you to leave."
Sandy's mouth hung slightly open, but she gave up and walked toward the door, "Yeah. I'll be going- give Aeris my reg-"
"Goodbye, Ms. Lamont." Sephiroth's full attention was now on the unconscious Aeris, and Sandy pouted slightly before leaving and shutting the door quietly behind her.
Vincent sat in Lucrecia's cave, pondering all that could have happened. Aeris... alive? He didn't dare tell any of his old friends and teammates, especially Cloud and Tifa. But if Aeris was alive. then wasn't there a chance that others could've been revived as well? He let that thought sink in before he resolved to make sure what he saw was actually Aeris. He smiled slightly to himself. He had missed Aeris, though he didn't show it. The long talks that she could so effortlessly start up, andthe degree of openness she could bring out in almost anyone...made her unlike any other person he'd ever spoken to. Aeris was special, and he dared to hope that she was still alive. Part of his mind thought he was a hopeless dreamer, but the other decided to go back to Midgar and make sure.
Aeris' eyes opened slowly; she was unsure of where of she was and what was going on. She remembered seeing someone at the window, having memories that she assumed were her own, and that was it. Her eyes focused on someone hovering above her, and her vision cleared.
"Sephiroth!" She bolted to a sitting position and threw her arms around his neck, happy to see someone real and familiar.
Sephiroth looked slightly embarrassed, but returned the gesture awkwardly. Aeris pulled away from the embrace, her mind beginning to remember, "Sandy... where's Sandy?"
"She left." Sephiroth shrugged. "I asked her about me being General Sephiroth... she said I was."
Aeris grinned, "I knew it! Did she say anything else?"
Sephiroth looked slightly uncomfortable, "I asked her if there were books about you... she said we were famous."
Aeris frowned, "I don't know if I WANT to remember who I am."
Sephiroth sighed, "I know how you feel." An awkward pause followed, each of them deep in thought. Sephiroth decided she should break the silence.
"Why did you pass out? Do you feel alright?" He suddenly felt silly for not asking her sooner.
She smiled a thanks to him, "I'm fine. I thought I saw a man at my window... and he jogged some memories. I was just overwhelmed."
Sephiroth looked worried. "Are you sure you'll be okay?" She nodded.
"You worry too much." She smiled at him.
"It's only because I care about you... you're all that I have." He looked embarrassed at having said that out loud, and a slight blush crept over his face.
Aeris blushed as well, and feeling the need to assure him that those feelings were okay, she smiled, "I understand how you feel, I care about you too."
She took one of his hands in her own, and smiled gently at him. He didn't know how to act in this kind of situation, but gently squeezed her hand, his eyes not leaving her own.
Aeris couldn't bring herself to look away; she was lost in his gaze. Sephiroth finally let go of her hand.
"I should go." He began uncertainly. He wasn't sure what he was feeling, and he was afraid. For one of the first times in his life, he was afraid.
"It's late." Aeris began, not wanting him to go, "You should stay in the guest room here tonight."
He blushed even deeper at the thought of spending the night in her house, but composed himself quickly and accepted her kind offer, mainly because he didn't want to see disappointment in her hopeful gaze.
Aeris smiled, "I appreciate it, to tell you the truth, I'd feel a lot safer if you were here with me."
Sephiroth nodded, "Whatever you wish."
Aeris paused, then smiled a smile so warm it would've melted the snow in Icicle Village, "Goodnight, Sephiroth."
The next morning in the local Kalm newspaper, Cloud Strife was annoyed to read yet another story by the infamous Sandra Lamont. He was tired of people saying that Aeris was alive, or Sephiroth! He hated thinking of Aeris, she had meant a lot to him and it hurt that she was gone. Unfortunately, he knew that they both were celebrities in their own respects, as well as he and the rest of AVALANCHE. Regardless of how they themselves felt, there would be gossip and stories- it was what the public wanted. He was almost angry enough to go down and speak with Sandra Lamont.
He was brought out of his reverie by Tifa, who set a steaming mug of coffee in front of him and wrapped her arms around his waist, pausing to kiss his cheek gently. Cloud turned and smiled at her. There were other things to worry about besides that reporter for the time being.
Author's Notes: I'm really sorry for taking so long- and I know this chapter isn't exciting or long! I'll try harder next time. I just needed to get some things together- hence the title "Loose Ends." Expect Vincent again next chapter, and Aeris and Sephiroth getting closer still I think and hope it'll end up longer. Sorry if I disappointed anyone, and as always, reviews, ideas, and Emails are always welcome!