Author; :sighs and drops her five hundred pound backpack on the ground: Man, oh man, is my workload heavy this semester. It's utter insanity. I'm not really feeling that great and that doesn't help much either. I hope some of you out there are still reading this and that I'm not just talking to myself. Lol. :looks around: Wait. I am just talking to myself. Dammit!
Sephiroth; :points and laughs:
Author; :pulls out her author wand and yaps him into a cookie :takes a bite:
Cookie Sephiroth: OW!
Author: Mmmmm. Platinum hair flavored….. :drools: Ahem. Thanks to everyone who is still reading this and I want you guys to know how much I truly appreciate your reviews. Even though I tell you that like every chapter, it's really true. :throws out free 'I love fanfiction' t-shirts to all readers: Here's what I thought of the stupendous reviews I received.
Rayne B – yay! Ass kicking! I agree. There should be more Cloud getting his butt kicked by Sephiroth, but just because I agree doesn't mean that it will happen. ;) Sephiroth is a million times more man then Cloud and he could whoop Cloud's butt any day. :huggles and chocolate for you: Thanks for your continuous wonderful reviews! I really appreciate all the love and support. Enjoy the chapter and I'll try to make your ass kicking dream come true. (No promises. :P)
Ezri-Candy – I don't think Tifa is very happy about you always cuddling her Vincent. And he's going to make such a cute daddy. Wait, I guess he already is a cute daddy. They're just going to have another one. Awww. Little Vincents and Tifas! Heehee! So cute! My A/ drive still isn't fixed but I've solved the problem by writing the chapter down on paper and typing it on other people's computer (like my bro's). :superhuggles: Thanks for being so awesome and always leaving such nice reviews. I probably wouldn't even continue my fics if it weren't for you and two or three other dedicated reviewers. Maybe your wish for Sephy to get Aeris might even come true…….. ;) Thanks again for the fantastic review and I'll see you next chapter!
Mr. Flames – DO NOT EVER COMPARE MY WRITING TO LORD OF THE RINGS! Begone heathen. I shall never speak to you again. :her manager runs in and whispers in her ear: Oh. Really? Damn. :manager runs out: My manager has just informed me that I don't have many reviewers for this fic as it is and if I scare any more away it could be devastating to my writing career. So yah, sorry and yadda yadda yadda.
Sephiroth; :grins: Don't worry love, I'll take care of him :chases Mr. Flames out of the fic:
Well………um……..bye?
Author: Anywho, thanks everyone for the reviews and sorry for the slow update. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Hi ho, hi ho, it's on to the fic we go!
THISISTHESTUPIDLINESEPARATINGTHEFICANDTHEAUTHORSNOTES
Sephiroth awoke to the soft sound of Aeris' breathing. He ran a gentle hand down her soft cheek and smiled at her sleeping form. Remembering the night before, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged gently. They had talked long into the night, sharing things about themselves, Aeris discreetly trying to con him into saying or doing things he shouldn't. He hadn't kissed her, much to Aeris' and his own dismay, and now that he was caught in a sleepy haze he regretted it a lot more then he had the previous evening.
His gaze fell to her full lucious lips and a shiver went through his entire body. "Get a hold of yourself, Seraph," he growled at himself, "you can't just pounce on her while she's sleeping." Sephiroth shifted closer to the woman who consumed his mind and filled his every thought and studied her carefully. Why was he so powerless against a single frail female? He could easily destroy her and be done with it...and yet...there was something about her...
Moving his face ever-so-slowly down towards hers, a knock at the door caused him to jump and then tense as to not wake Aeris. The retired general grumbled to himself as he climbed out of bed and pulled the covers up until they hid Aeris from view. Stumbling quickly over to the door, Sephiroth un-clicked the lock and pulled it open, blinking sleepily at Squall. "Um, good morning?"
Squall grinned and leaned on the doorframe casually. As he opened his mouth to speak, a sound came from inside the room and both men looked at the bed. Sephiroth's eyes widened when he saw Aeris' form roll over under the covers. "Who's that?" Squall asked suspiciously, "you're not sleeping with the students are you?"
"No! of course not!" Sephiroth exclaimed, looking insulted.
"Then who's in your bed?" Squall asked again.
"She's...an old friend," Sephiroth said slowly.
"Were you guys together yesterday?"
"Well...," Sephiroth stalled, "we kind of met up last night because she wanted to talk about some issues we've been having, problems with our relationship and stuff. One thing led to another and she ended up spending the night." Squall's grin widened and he elbowed Sephiroth's side with a suggestive wink.
"So, do I know her?"
Sephiroth paled and something he could say to end this dangerous subject. "So what did you come and see me about?"
"Oh, yah," Squall nodded, facing Sephiroth again, "I wanted to apologize for my behavior last night. Rinoa thinks I was grumpy and rude so I have to find everyone I talked to last night and say sorry." He rolled his eyes. "And if I don't, she'll find out somehow and hunt me down."
"Don't worry about it," Sephiroth said, waving it away with a hand, "you shouldn't have even bothered apologizing. But that woman of yours does scare me a little."
Squall laughed and looked around quickly like someone might be watching him at this very moment. "Anyway, I should get going before I'm caught loitering. Later." Sighing in relief as Squall walked away, Sephiroth relaxed against the smooth wooden doorframe. He was surprised Squall hadn't asked him how his "friend" got onto Garden since it had been moving all of yesterday. He had to get Aeris back soon or someone might catch them together and assume things.
"Sephiroth?" a sleepy voice called to him. He felt Aeris' eyes on him and turned to go back into the room.
"Coming."
Locking the door again and slowly moving back over to Aeris, he sat beside her on the bed, feeling the springs depress beneath him. "Good morning."
"What time is it?" she groaned, rolling onto her side.
"Time for you to get back to your room before we're caught." She smiled and tugged on his arm, pulling him off balance. He fell face down on the bed and glowered up at her.
"You're awfully spineless today," Aeris smirked, "afraid of a little danger?" Grunting in reply, he pushed himself up again and indulged in a smile. She sure was persistent.
"I'm going to have a shower," he said firmly, "and when I come out, you'd better be where you belong." Her gaze followed him into the bathroom and he shut the door, leaning against it weakly. It was all he could do to keep from dragging her off the bed and having his way with her. The teasing didn't help much either. Turning on the water, Sephiroth shed his clothes and stepped into the shower. The warm, soothing water relaxed his muscles and cleared his mind.
Why did it matter so much to him that Aeris and Cloud were married? That would've never stopped him in the past. If a willing woman came to his door, he almost always accepted. Even generals had sexual tension. Of course, when his clone had gone psycho and killed everything in its path, the steady stream of women had mostly stopped.
He finished washing his hair and rinsed himself clean, turning the water off again. Sephiroth toweled his wet hair until it was only damp and wrapped a towel around his waist. He sighed and went to grab a clean outfit, glad Squall had lent him a bunch of clothes.
Aeris appeared to be gone, but he secretly wished she had stayed. He dropped the towel and pulled on a pair of snug, black pants, jumping when arms snaked around his waist. He turned to find Aeris, who ran her hands along the soft, clean skin of his well-toned stomach, smiling up at him.
"I thought I told you to go where you belong," he frowned scoldingly.
"I am where I belong," she whispered, leaning her head on his chest. The intercom buzzed to life suddenly and Squall's voice boomed through Garden.
"Everyone, this is Squall speaking. We're going to be stopping for a couple days at Fisherman's Horizon to refuel and sort out some business with our new guests. Students have the day off to enjoy the sights. Avalanche members, please report to my office. That is all." As the room became silent again, Sephiroth looked down at Aeris, his mind a turmoil of emotions.
"What about Cloud?" he asked gently, smoothing back some of Aeris' crazy bed-hair.
"He's pretty preoccupied," she sighed bitterly, "and I'm sick of all his excuses. Just take me away somewhere, or something. Please, let's spend the day together and forget that everyone else exists." Her green eyes were weakening him and he was helpless against her power.
"All right," he agreed slowly, "let's go."
:-
Cloud paced back and forth worriedly, not really listening to the discussion going on around him. When he had woken up, Aeris was gone. No note, nothing. She still hadn't returned and he didn't have any idea where to start looking for her.
"Calm down," Squall's voice broke through his thoughts, "I'm sure she's fine."
Sitting down at last, Cloud nodded and tried to focus. "Sorry. You're right. I'm being stupid. She's probably just going to see the town with the students. She wanted to get an early start. Yah……" He ran a hand through his spiked hair and smiled forcedly up at Squall.
"Okay," he nodded, relieved that Cloud was finally chilling out, "back to business." Vincent, Cid, and Tifa were seated around the room, Tifa looking slightly ill. From what he'd heard, Red XIII was downstairs somewhere watching Sarah. "So have you come to a decision about how much Avalanche is willing to donate to Garden?"
Cid cleared his throat and took a sip of tea. "Yah. We figured since we've got gil coming out our-"
"Cid," Vincent warned, shooting him a look.
Cid rolled his eyes and continued. "Since we have so much gil that we don't know what to do with it, we could give you a couple hundred thousand to start with."
Squall stared in shock at the small group for a moment and then leapt out of his seat, crushing Cid with a tight hug and moving to Vincent and Tifa afterwards.
"Can't breathe," Tifa wheezed, causing Squall to laugh and release her.
"Thank you so much, everyone!" he beamed tearfully, "you have no idea how much you're truly helping us."
"I'll accept your thanks when you stop blubbering all over me," Cid commented, smiling. Lastly, Squall hugged Cloud, squeezing his friend's arm in thanks for everything he'd done.
"Sir!" a SeeD cried, bursting into the room.
Squall's smile disappeared as he straightened and saw the panicked look on the young woman's face. "What's wrong?"
"Seifer is in the town!" she said, wide-eyed, "he told me to deliver a message to you!"
"What! Seifer!" Squall grabbed the student by the shoulders and shook them urgently. "Well? What did he say!" The girl's wide eyes blinked a couple times before she answered.
"Um…..he said, 'tell Squall it's not what he thinks. I'm in control now, not Ultemicia. Ask him if he'll meet me in private so we can talk. I'll be at the harbour tonight at eight thirty.' Then he placed a hand on my shoulder, trying to ease my fear, I guess, and he left."
"Is that all?" Squall asked carefully, "you're positive that's exactly what he said?"
"Pretty positive," she said slowly, looking at him nervously, "you aren't going to go all alone at night are you, Sir?"
"He most certainly is not," Rinoa spoke from the doorway, "now what's all this panic about?"
"Seifer's back," Squall said quietly, watching her for a reaction.
Rinoa frowned and took a step away from him. "What?" Her eyes darkened and she shook her head. "No. You're lying."
"Rinoa," he whispered gently, "it's okay. Come here." She turned and ran out of the room, not wanting to believe Squall's words. Seifer had hurt her enough already and she didn't need anymore pain from her ex-boyfriend. Squall started after her and Cloud put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Wait a while Squall. This is probably going to be hard for her. Let her have some time to herself to figure things out."
"You're right," Squall nodded, "we need to decide how to handle this situation before we act." He paused and turned to the SeeD who was standing beside him still, waiting for orders. "You're dismissed young lady. Good work."
"Thank you, Sir," she nodded, quickly exiting the room.
Squall turned back to his friends to discuss the plan. "I'll need a backup team hidden close nearby tonight in case anything does wrong."
"We're with you all the way," Tifa promised, making a fist.
Squall smiled gratefully. "Just make sure you're in the harbour by eight. I'll handle everything else."
:-
Aeris radiated excitement as they walked down the street. SeeDs and people from Fisherman's Horizon bustled all around them, heading in and out of shops and enjoying the pleasant weather. Rumors of a concert in the evening were going around and everyone was getting prepared for the unusual event.
"Oh! Over there! Let's go in that shop!" Aeris exclaimed, waiting for Sephiroth impatiently as they headed into the Antique shop. She was immediately drawn to a crystal display that looked similar to un-processed material. While Aeris scrutinized each of the beautiful crystals, Sephiroth strolled casually around the shop, stopping every once in awhile when some caught his interest.
On his way back to the front, he noticed an elegant hairpiece sitting on the counter. "How much is this?" he asked the storeowner, picking up the delicate item. The man didn't answer and Sephiroth looked up to find him shaking fearfully and backing away from the counter. "Look," Sephiroth said in annoyance, "I'm not going to kill you. I just want to know how much this barrette thing is."
"P-Please, take it," the man stuttered, reaching far enough to push the item across the counter. Giving up, Sephiroth placed two hundred gil on the counter and took the hairpiece carefully. The beautifully carved flowers would look lovely in Aeris' hair. He tucked it into his long jacket and went back to where Aeris was still examining the gems.
"Ready to go?"
She seemed startled at the sound of his voice and spun around, holding a hand to her heart. "You scared me," she breathed, frowning and taking a couple calming breaths.
"Now who's spineless?" Sephiroth smirked.
Her frown melted into an amused smile and she turned back to the gems, selecting an almost clear on and starting for the front counter. "I'm going to pay for this and then we can go. I know you're probably bored out of your mind."
Sephiroth was about to protest, but she had already hurried over to the still shaking owner, and he let his eyes drift over her curvaceous figure as she moved. She came back carrying a small paper package and smiled again as she linked her arm in his.
"Hungry?" he asked, finding it hard to ignore the rumbling in his own stomach.
"Starved," she nodded, "I was just about to ask you the same thing. And I'm feeling a tad faint from lack of breakfast. Hold me." Her mischievous smile did not go unnoticed.
Rolling his eyes, Sephiroth led her out of the store. They went to a small restaurant that over-looked the water and both ordered the lunch buffet that looked particularly appetizing. Once they were happily munching, Aeris glanced up from her food and watched Sephiroth eat, studying him intently. Although he seemed unaware of her scrutinizing stare, his shoulders were tense and he was frowning as he chewed.
"How late were you planning on staying?" Aeris asked quietly, hoping she wasn't the reason he was upset.
His eyes shifted up towards her and he shrugged. "As long as you'd like to. I'm only in it for the company of a beautiful woman." Aeris blushed and looked back down at her plate. "Would you be interested in seeing the concert that the town seems to be buzzing about?" he asked casually, sticking another forkful of food in his mouth.
Nodding silently, Aeris ate the rest of her meal quickly and looked out the window while Sephiroth finished his.
"I didn't mean to cause you embarrassment," Sephiroth apologized softly, "I just assumed that you hear similar compliments from Cloud all the time." She winced at the name and he mentally kicked himself for bringing up that pansy.
"I'm not embarrassed," Aeris protested, turning an even deeper shade of red.
He smiled and ran a finger down her soft cheek. "So I see."
"Would the happy couple like to see a dessert menu?" a voice asked to the side of them.
Sephiroth jerked his hand away from Aeris, nodding at the man to hide his own embarrassment. "Y-Yes, please." After they decided on the chocolate cake and the waiter left to fulfil their order, Aeris gently placed a hand over Sephiroth's.
"He's right, you know," she agreed softly, "you do make me happy." She seemed to get a little flustered and began talking faster. "I mean, it's not like I'm really, you know, well maybe you don't, but I know it's strange and that you shouldn't make me happy, but you do. Right?"
Sephiroth smiled and leaned forward to kiss her when a slab of chocolate cake was placed between them, blocking the way. "Thank you," he growled, shooing the man away.
"We need to work on your people skills," Aeris remarked, starting in on the cake.
"My people skills are fine," he grumbled, "if they have a problem with me then I'll introduce them to my sword." Giggling, Aeris ate another bite of cake to muffle her laughter. "You know what I meant," he growled, grabbing a fork and stabbing at the cake.
"Aww, don't be grumpy," she teased, waving a forkful of chocolate cake in front of his lips. He tried to turn his face away and only succeeded in smearing chocolate icing across his cheek. "Sorry," she apologized, grinning and jumping up to wipe his face with a napkin.
While she was distracted with cleaning him, he dipped his fingers into the icing and smeared it across her lips and face, finishing with a dot on her nose. "Y-you……….," she spluttered, staring at him in shock.
"Sorry," he smirked.
Aeris tried to wipe her face with the same napkin and got more icing on her chin and clean cheek. "Ugh, what a mess," she groaned, wiping her hands clean, "look what you've done."
"Here," he gestured, still smirking, "let me help you." Dipping a fresh napkin into his glass of water, he carefully began wiping the chocolate smear from her face. Her eyes closed as Sephiroth's touch moved down her cheek. She knew she shouldn't be so attracted to him, but she just couldn't help it.
When he stopped, Aeris opened her eyes and frowned at Sephiroth's strange expression. "What? What is it? Is it gone?"
"There's a bit left," he said quietly.
"Where?" she frowned, trying to see her face, "is it noticeable?"
"I'll get it." He leaned close again and kissed her tenderly, running his tongue along her chocolate covered lips. He stopped as suddenly as he had started and gazed at Aeris with a hint of a smile. "There. I think I got it all."
"O-Oh……thank you…..," she stammered, blushing. The rest of the cake was eaten in silence and Sephiroth followed their waiter up to the front to pay their bill. Leaving a tip on the table, Aeris went up near the front door to wait for him to finish up. After grabbing the receipt, Sephiroth took a deep breath and went over to his waiting woman. Her eyes shifted up to meet his when he stopped in front of her and he could see a warmth shining in their depths, causing a smile to creep onto his lips.
"Where to now?"
She tore her eyes away from his hypnotic stare and shrugged slightly. "I'd just like to wander for a bit."
"All right," he nodded, holding the door for her. They squeezed through the people on the boardwalk, going against the flow of traffic on purpose, to reach the quiet section of town. There wasn't much to see, but they finally settled down on the wooden pier where boats were loading up with cargo.
Aeris dangled her legs off the edge, letting them swing slowly in the air, and glanced sideways at Sephiroth's thoughtful expression. She wasn't really sure how to act now. Since he had kissed her so wonderfully in the café, her stomach was all fluttery and it was easier to stare out over the water then to try and make any sense of it. She could feel her pulse quicken as he slid closer and placed his hand over hers. As their fingers intertwined, he leaned forward so he could see her face.
"Are you just going to pretend I didn't kiss you again?" he asked, sounding slightly hurt, "or was I right in thinking you enjoyed it?"
"I………," she trailed off, stunned by is boldness. A gust of wind blew his silvery locks over his face, masking it in a shimmery blanket. She knew she was hurting him by continuing to lead him on, acting as if she wanting nothing more then him and then not allowing him to show the same affections. Her husband was faithful enough and she didn't know if she had the guts to betray his trust.
Sephiroth brushed back his wild hair and gave Aeris' hand a squeeze to encourage her to speak her mind.
"Can't we just….," she began, "I mean, if we……" She bit her lip, trying to think of the right words, willing them to come, but her mind was too jumbled to organize a single train of thought.
He watched her stumble over her words, fighting for the right thing to say, with understanding eyes. She brought out a gentle side in him, as much as it sickened him to admit it; he was apparently a hopeless romantic where Aeris was involved. Her hand pulled out of his and went to his cheek, turning his chin a bit so she could look into his eyes. He realized then that he wasn't just a hopeless romantic.
He was hopelessly in love with her.
She stare uncertainly into his affectionate gaze, realizing he was looking at her the way Cloud used to before they were married. Now that look was reserved for special occasions. It made her heart swell to be so close to someone who could smile down at her like that unashamedly. "Sephiroth…..," she whispered, trailing her fingers through his hair wistfully. He waited silently for her to continue what she had been saying, until she finally close the distance between them and hesitantly kissed his soft lips.
Their mouths moved against each other gently, almost carefully, and Sephiroth wrapped his arms around Aeris' waist, pulling her in closer. Eventually breaking apart a few moments later, Sephiroth kissed her forehead and pulled her into a hug. It relieved him immensely that she could finally let him kiss her without that haunted look in her eyes.
Aeris could feel his heart beating rapidly in his chest, almost faster then hers. Was it possible that she wasn't just another challenge for him? That she actually meant something more?
"If this is the result, we should get out more often," Sephiroth murmured, letting her go again.
"I agree," she smiled in return.
"Hey, you two!" a high pitched voice squealed excitedly. They both turned to face the source of their intrusion and saw Selphie running over with Irvine trailing behind. "Aeris!" she cried, throwing her arms around the surprised woman, "I haven't seen you in ages! I saw your man not too long ago. I guess you came to straighten him out, huh?" She paused to catch her breath and glanced at Sephiroth. "So what are you and 'tall, dark, and handsome' doing in Fisherman's Horizon?"
Irvine finally caught up to them and bent down to give Aeris a hug as well. "Sorry I didn't squeal and run over too," he grinned, wrapping his arms around Selphie and propping his chin on her shoulder, "she gets mad when I act like a ditz too." Selphie stepped down hard on one of his feet and he winced noticeably, biting back tears.
Aeris smiled and shook her head. "Well, I don't know where you two have been, but today Garden is being refueled and it's a free day for the students. I figured I might as well relax and do some sightseeing."
"And who's he?" Irvine asked, gesturing to Sephiroth.
"Remember?" Selphie said impatiently, "Squall was trying to keep him a secret in the infirmary for a while until he was feeling better. Then we headed off on our mission so you never really got a chance to meet him."
Irvine rolled his eyes. "Of course. How could I ever forget a guy I never really met." He held out his hand to Sephiroth, who had just stood, following Aeris' lead. "Name's Irvine," he smiled, shaking Sephiroth's hand.
"Sephiroth," the tall man nodded back. Irvine studied Sephiroth for a moment and then pulled Selphie up beside himself.
"Oh, and this is my fiancé, Selphie. She's a little high strung so watch yourself."
"We've met, stupid," Selphie laughed, kissing Irvine.
"Fiancé?" Aeris asked, surprised.
"For two weeks now," Irvine nodded, "she finally beat me into submission."
"Oh, whatever," Selphie smiled, slipping an arm around his waist and checking her watch. "Shoot. We'd better check in with Squall and catch you guys later. See ya Aeris, Sephy." Selphie winked at Aeris and pulled Irvine away with her.
"Well………..," Sephiroth trailed off, staring after the couple, "that was the shortest, most one-sided conversation I've ever had."
Laughing, Aeris plopped back into her spot. "That's Selphie for you. That girl could talk anything to death."
"I just pray that no one ever gives her caffeine," Sephiroth sat again beside Aeris, grinning, then changed his mind, laying back to stare up at the sky. She laid her head on his chest and nuzzled under his chin, wishing she had seen him in this light sooner. They seemed doomed to be star-crossed lovers, neither willing to give up what they already had.
Would she be able to give up Cloud if he asked her to?
They talked quietly, content in each other's arms, until the sun began to set and the air cooled. Crimson sunlight poured over the two as they enjoyed the momentary comfortable silence. Sephiroth stopped running his hand along her soft hair and pushed himself up, pulling her with him. His sensitive hearing had picked up music playing near the center of town.
"Ready for the concert?" he asked her, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Aeris smiled mischievously. "Only if you'll dance with me."
Taking her hand, he spun her gracefully and pulled her back in against his body. "Let's go," he smiled at her blushing face, "I'll see if you can keep up with me."
:-
Squall waited impatiently, glancing at his watch every few minutes. It was already a quarter after eight and there was no sign of Seifer. He was sure that his old enemy would show up early so he could be waiting for Squall. For some reason, it made him uneasy that Seifer might show up on time. That just wasn't his style. He liked to be five steps ahead of everyone else.
Soft laughter to his right startled him and he spun on that direction, gripping his gunblade so tightly that his knuckles were white. Seifer dropped down in front of him, pushing the gunblade aside with his own and fixing a smug look on his face.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, old buddy, but I had to make sure none of your little followers were waiting to ambush me."
"Why are you here?" Squall growled, not lowering his weapon. Seifer raised his hands in surrender and put his weapon on the ground behind him.
"I just came to talk. Keep your pants on. Didn't your SeeD give you the message? I told her that no one's controlling me anymore. You guys destroyed the Sorceress. I'm not gonna go psycho on you."
"I'm not so sure about that," Squall spoke slowly.
"You don't understand," Seifer protested, "I've just been wandering around, getting into trouble and not knowing who to turn to. I realized that I miss you guys. I miss Garden. I am human you know. Rajin and Fujin are tired too. Couldn't you use some experienced fighters? Couldn't we come back?"
"WHAT!" Squall exclaimed, running his free hand through his dark locks, "you want me to let you live at Garden! After what you put people through? After what you put Rinoa through?"
Seifer sighed in frustration and frowned. "I'm not saying what I did in the past was right. I'm just asking you for another chance." Squall shook his head in disgust and turned to leave, but Seifer blocked the way and grabbed his arm desperately. "Please, Squall. Have you ever heard me ask for anything? I've tried everything else. Don't turn me away."
"Let me think about it," he sighed, still not letting down his guard.
"I'll contact you again soon for your answer," Seifer nodded, releasing Squall. He reclaimed his weapon and disappeared into the fading twilight.
Letting out the breath he didn't even realize he had been holding, Squall slumped angrily to the ground. Did Seifer honestly believe he would let him anywhere near Garden? He fingered his wedding ring thoughtfully and sighed again. He definitely needed to consult Rinoa first.
"You can come out now," he called, remembering the two men that were hidden between the boat supplies and the wall. Tifa had stayed behind to rest since she still wasn't feeling well and Sarah was playing doctor. Vincent and Cloud emerged from their hiding places and came over to Squall with worried expressions.
"Do you believe this to be a trap?" Vincent inquired.
"Maybe," Squall nodded, "I still need to talk to Rinoa anyway about her feelings on the situation."
Cloud frowned suspiciously. "I think he's lying."
"Who knows?" Squall sighed, "let's just get back into town and enjoy the rest of our night."
"I must decline," Vincent smiled, brushing hair from his eyes, "I need to go cuddle my wife and hold her hair back while she's sick."
Squall smiled as well, placing a hand on Vincent's shoulder, "sounds like fun. Any chance you'd send my wife back here for me?"
"Certainly. I'll tell her you want to enjoy the concert together."
"Thank you," Squall nodded gratefully, "how 'bout you Cloud?"
"I'm going to look for Aeris and when I find her, I'm going to kiss her 'til she's blue and drag her home with me."
Squall saluted. "Good luck, soldier."
Vincent said a quiet goodbye and him and Cloud went off in separate directions, leaving Squall to himself. He put his sword back in the sheath and shook off the gnawing feeling of worry in his stomach. "Now to find this concert."
:-
Aeris laughed as she was dipped down, head almost touching the ground, and swept back up into Sephiroth's arms. She wasn't sure if any of the drinks she'd had with dinner were alcoholic, but she felt light-headed and her mind was swimming in the most delicious way. Sephiroth had loosened up a bit as well, even allowing a few other men to have dances with her. She giggled again at the memory of the poor terrified man who had tried to slow dance with her. All of her slow dances were reserved for her sexy silver-haired general.
Sephiroth twirled her again and caught her arms when she staggered slightly. "Aeris, maybe we should sit down for a little bit," he offered, "I think you're getting tired."
"No," she frowned, wrapping her arms around his neck, "I like this song."
He smiled down at her indignant expression. "Okay, okay. I was just asking." He slid his arms around her waist and leaned his forehead against hers. "Maybe if I keep wishing, then the music will go on forever," he whispered, sighing quietly.
"Maybe it could go on. If we-"
"Aeris?" a surprised voice spoke, "what are you doing here?" Their heads jerked up and Sephiroth relaxed when he saw it was only Squall.
"I'm just dancing," she replied defensively, letting go of Sephiroth.
"Scuse us for a moment," Squall said to Sephiroth, leading Aeris off to the sidelines. "You don't understand," he spoke quietly to her, "Cloud has been panicking and looking for you all day. You didn't even tell the poor guy where you were going."
"I figured he'd be too busy to notice anyway," she said with a hint of malice in her voice.
Smiling at the annoyed woman, Squall touched her shoulder in understanding. "I know he's been busy, but that's why he came, remember? To help me out. We should be done soon, after a few unexpected surprises are dealt with. Just…….go easy on him, okay?"
"I'll apologize when I see him," Aeris promised, "but I not really in the mood for dancing now. Excuse me." She brushed past Squall and headed back to Garden on her own. The last thing she needed was for Squall to make her feel guilty. Cloud was the one who should feel bad, not her.
Sephiroth watched Aeris hurry away and frowned over at Squall. What had he said that upset her so much? "Aeris?" he called, running after her, "Aeris, wait!"
Squall was confused as to why Aeris would be so upset with Cloud and spend the day with Sephiroth, but he figured Cloud would sort things out. Once him and Aeris talked everything would go back to normal. He had too much on his plate to get very involved at the moment.
"Aeris, wait for a minute," Sephiroth ordered, stopping her.
"I want to go to bed now Sephiroth," she said quietly, pulling out of his grasp, "I'll talk to you tomorrow." She hesitated, and then turned around and kissed his cheek gently. "Goodnight."
He stared in bewilderment as she left him standing there, and went back into Garden.
Strife. That had to be it.
He could hardly wait to kill that stupid asswipe and get his plans back on track. World domination could only wait for so long. Tomorrow, he would plan and cause the death of Cloud Strife.
THISISTHESTUPIDLINESEPARATINGTHEFICANDTHEAUTHORSNOTESAuthor: Duh duh duh! Now Sephy's gonna open a can of whoop-ass! Yay :huggles Sephiroth: You kill that Cloud, you good evil person you!
Sephiroth; :smiles proudly and sharpens his sword: With pleasure. I just have to finish off that Mr. Flames guy. The little runt escaped again. You wouldn't believe the tiny holes he can fit through when someone's about to run him through with a sword.
Author: Now Seraph, you need to play nice with the other kids or I'm going to have to punish you again.
Sephiroth; :eyes widen: No dessert for a month?
Author; :nods:
Sephiroth; :pouts and puts his sword away: Fine. I won't kill anyone except for Cloud.
Author; :pats his head and gives him a Cloud cookie: Good boy. :turns to readers: Well, I hope that chapter was worth the long wait. Lots of exciting things happened in this chapter. Seifer's back! Kisses! Cloud's gonna die! ICE CREAM! (Well maybe not ice cream, but I can dream can't I?)
Sephiroth: You're crazy.
Author: Crazy like a fox :smiles when he just stares at her: Never mind. Anywho, give me comments, critique, praise and suggestions for where you'd like this fic to go in the future. (If it even has a future :P) Thank you everyone for your lovely reviews and all the wonderful things you said that inflated my ego. Keep 'em coming and I'll be sure to keep writing more :huggles and love and chocolate and balloons for all: See you next chapter. :D