Chapter 40. First Date
Elie's POV
I felt like I had been run away by a train.
I walked absentmindedly, only the presence of Sephiroth by my left side. As we left the arena where Zack's memorial had been, the cold breeze met our faces and bodies. The soft breeze felt good enough, I sure needed my neurons aerated.
I didn't know what shocked me the most. Aerith's speech, so cold and brutal, still lingered in the back of my mind. Then… him. Telling me those things and consoling me with the tenderest embrace I've ever felt in my life.
It felt surreal that I was living this. It was all too intense, too… shocking to absorb it all. I thought I could handle everything, I actually did… but I was coming to terms with my mind's fragility with this whole reality and the consequences of my actions.
As I dived inside this world, inside Sephiroth's life the way I did, it took a part of me every time a strong emotion overwhelmed me.
Without a word, we walked towards the Military Hospital again.
Inside, it felt warmer, and I sensed everyone's stare on me the moment I got inside. My face had to be a mess and I didn't hide the grieving feeling I felt inside.
Silence was our only companion as we made our way, framed by muted SOLDIER, who guarded the place. I had my arms crossed, as if the action would shield me from bad things.
When we finally reached the elevator hall, I was the one searching for the button - thankfully we didn't have to wait much for that metallic box to reach our floor and open the doors for us.
Me and the General got inside… and I pushed the button for the correspondent floor: 8th.
I took a deep breath as the elevator doors closed again, and I allowed myself to relax a little against one of its walls.
The general remained in the opposite corner; I stood right next to the elevator button board.
I allowed myself to close my eyes for a moment, resting my head against the elevator and feeling the upper movement. For moments I wondered if this would be how it would feel to fly in a ship, an aircraft. It was such a levitating moment-
Which had come to a halt so abruptly I had to open my eyes wide. And when I did so, the General's form stood exactly there - in front of me, his right arm in the button board, pushing the STOP button with his fingers.
I took my time realizing the man in front of me had actually stopped an elevator in the middle of its going-up ride… to do what?
There was a powerful silence around us - all the General did was to stare at me, with the strangest shine in his eyes, I couldn't actually grasp what the hell did he want, what was his purpose with all this.
Was it necessary? To stop an elevator to stare at me and not saying a word?
I stared back at him, genuinely curious… and, I had to admit, his sudden action teased my senses. I had never taken him for a guy who would do such thing.
His face, framed with his silver bangs, his usual black outfit, was like a recipe for temptation. I wanted to say something but all I could do was to stare back into those Mako eyes who seemed so… doubtful.
So, the General wanted answers.
"What is it?" I whispered, my voice failing.
His hand never left the button board and I wondered what he would do, for Christ's sake. My frail body was not going to stand so much overwhelming anticipation, I had suffered too many surprises in a day.
"You tell me." He answered back as he tilted his head a little. I had the sensation he was scrutinizing me just for the sake of it. "What's that?"
I blinked at him, honestly out of words to offer him.
"I don't know what you mean-"
He didn't let me finish. His left hand moved abruptly, and landed softly in my face - cupping it. Only now I sensed how huge his hand was, and even through the leather, it felt tremendously nice. Sexy.
My breathing stood to a halt. His fingers reached my neck, and I had a bad time finding coherence in the middle of such… action.
"That." He whispered, his face approaching mine. "That's not fear. But it's very potent, is it for me?"
I breathed heavily, our faces merely separated by a thick air column. For moments I wondered if he had any idea of what he was doing, if he had any idea of the power he had over me by now. Did he really do this because he was completely pointless in what concerned human relations?
My guess was - it had to be. Only someone completely unaware of his power over someone could make questions like the ones he was making, acting the way he did right now. This was beyond teasing. This was a man finding out a woman had interest in him, and wanting me to admit it, as purely as it got.
"Is there anyone else in here with us?" I dared to ask, my voice strangled by his proximity. Sephiroth's curiosity was evolving, and becoming possessive.
"No."
"Sometimes actions speak for themselves, Sephiroth." I declared, hoping my tone would remain coherent, and trying not to tremble.
"Actions, just like these?" He asked, and I felt his breath on my face. His mouth stroked my right cheek, oh so softly, as if experimenting alien ground.
Really, I didn't have the coherence to say a thing but to nod nervously. Geez, this guy would be the death of me if he kept doing this.
"I see." He whispered, as he didn't move an inch. I panted shamelessly, and perceived my own chest going up and down like crazy, my heartbeat rising. My right hand found his, the one on my cheek, and I sensed him hesitate for a moment. Physically and mentally.
Something big was coming.
"Do you want me?"
I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath as I processed his question. Man, why did he have to be so direct!? And what was I supposed to answer to that? A blunt, quick 'yes'?
Thankfully, before I could say or do something, something awfully acute interrupted us.
The Elevator Alarm.
Sephiroth immediately put space between us, standing in the middle of the elevator, and I took the liberty to unlock the STOP button, the noise ceasing at once.
I didn't look at him, my eyes were on the lights that changed place as we went up - fifth, sixth, seventh… and finally eighth floor.
I closed my eyes as the metal box stopped and hoped the situation would go along unnoticed, or I would hear it to eternity from Reno.
Thankfully, as the door opened, there was no one there, and I took my time exiting the elevator, completely and shamelessly aware of Sephiroth by my right side.
It felt mortifying. All of it.
There were so many questions I needed answered - mainly concerning his feelings. Why was he so curious about me and what I felt, want from him? Did he feel something as well? Was it… like me? The way I felt for him?
I paused next to Reno's ward door, and since we weren't alone - two SOLDIER were there guarding the area, I took my time staring back at the General. His face remained like usual, but there was something else there.
His boldness back in the elevator had left marks on him - it was obvious now. All I could do was to wonder… what would it mean to him?
"After Reno's discharged you can return home."
His eyes were tender on mine, in a very private, strange way. I nodded at him in response.
"And you can get back to work as well. When you feel ready."
Oh I am more than ready, my wicked mind answered and I gulped dry. Geez, get a grip, Elie.
"Okay." I said, wanting to sound a little more convinced than it did, but… oh, that strange and intense episode at the elevator didn't allow me to.
"Yo."
Reno's joyful greeting interrupted our strange dialogue, and we both stared at him - a mix of relief and sadness invading me. Part of me wanted out of this constricting situation, but another part wanted him to end up with what he had started in that elevator.
I smiled nervously at Reno, and I sensed Reno's stare fly from mine to the General, then back to me again. He was drawing conclusions - the right ones.
"Hey." I staggered, and tried to say something to save the moment. "I'm back, well, let's… I'm going inside, okay?"
I didn't say a word more. Reno still talked with the General for a couple of minutes, as I remained inside the word, pretending to mind myself with something inside my duffel bag with clothes and stuff. I closed my eyes and bit my lip as the adrenaline seemed to be finally resuming to basal levels.
Damn. All these strong sensations with the General would give me a heart attack. He was a piece of man, still discovering himself and… me. My interest in him and my reasons. I wanted to get control of this, but sadly… there was no way to control feelings. They just arose.
Which was my case.
"Was it that bad, Elie?"
"Uh… no. It wasn't."
Reno stood, giving me space to just be there. He didn't move.
"What happened?"
"We argued."
There was a pause and Reno spoke again.
"And made up."
I nodded, as the memories of the General holding me and telling me he had a soul as well… made the little hairs of my neck rise. I turned as I heard Reno snort.
"What are you laughing at?"
"I really hope you know what you're doing."
"I'm not doing anything."
"He's worried about you." Reno declared. "And frankly, so am I."
I just stared at Reno, feeling tired and wore out.
"Why?"
"Be careful when you return home. I'll try to guard you 24/7 but you know…" "If someone really wants to hurt you, that someone will try to find a way."
Gosh, I so knew that!
"I'm just saying."
Reno wanted only the best for me, I knew.
"Okay." I agreed, feeling a little fragile. My hands returned to the inside of my duffel bag, silence invading the ward again.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Zack's memorial." Reno declared, now sitting on his bed. "But I was expressively prohibited of doing so."
I sighed, knowing he was right. As much as that annoyed me, I knew he was telling the truth.
"It's okay." My voice came out as a whisper, and I put my pajamas on the bed. I needed a shower and some sleep. Really.
"Is it?" Reno asked, and my eyes found blue ones, worry all over him.
"I know you'd tell me if you could, Reno." I admitted. "Sephiroth didn't want me there and he…" Oh, boy, just the mere memory of that moment! "…he explained me his reasons. I understand it was necessary."
Reno blinked at me, and smiled faintly.
"I'm having a shower, I need to..."
Reno narrowed his eyes at my hesitation and I sensed an impending joke coming.
"…Relax after whatever happened between you two." He declared, completing my sentence.
Uh, damn. I shook my head at him and walked towards the bathroom.
"I'm not commenting that." I warned, and Reno laughed.
"You don't have to!"
I closed the door behind and me and put the shower running. I sure needed a break after today!
*Some days later…*
The return to routine had been soothing.
I've been sleeping in my own bed, returned to my apartment for a week now. Reno was okay, still and dedicated in his mission of protecting me. He seemed to be recovering well and he remained with me most of the day, walking around the company as I worked, catching me up for lunch, and then inviting me over the most varied events.
He was making an effort, and he wanted me to be safe and sound - as he stated most of the times. The Turks were all over us constantly. I had learnt to find them out in the middle of the crowd, hidden everywhere, always checking on me and Reno.
Security was tighter than ever.
And I knew the General was behind this. Speaking of which, the General was strangely calm and introspective lately.
He addressed me with neutrality, eyeing me with discretion, what made me wonder what was on his mind. Maybe he regretted being so upfront with me.
I hadn't offered him a concrete answer that day at the elevator. Of course, I had to protect myself. I didn't know what the hell did he want from me, it was a fact. There were times he seemed to disclose some interest in me… but it all felt so swift and strange.
Was this even true, should I be considering this as something… tangible?
My rationality didn't agree with me and told me every time to just stay away. But, my heart wondered. All the time, all my heart did was to beat faster when he showed up and the memory of his hand on my face and his lips on my cheek plagued me.
Innumerous times had I wondered: if I had turned my face, what would happen? If I had kissed him, what would he do, how would he respond.
Hell, that was the problem, wasn't it?
Him. I didn't know his feelings. And I wanted really bad to know exactly what he wanted with me.
So, I would try and find out… smoothly. I would be a little more discreet than a breathed out 'do you want me' in an elevator stuck in between floors.
Yeah, I had to be wiser than that. Go slowly with the man, and see what on Earth did he want with me after all.
I sat on my desk, and sighed as I considered my line of thinking.
What's the worst that can happen, Elie?
The thought sent chills over me, at the thought of rejection. It was an option, as well as many others. Sephiroth might be merely curious over me, and not the same way I was curious about him. Mental as the man was, the possibility was there.
I had given it considerate thought, but the absence of information on his personal life, namely love interests put me in a very uncomfortable position.
So, what could I do? I couldn't just remain like this, day after day, it was plain painful. I couldn't take one more day strangled in this limbo of indecisions.
I got up in a sudden move, arranging my work suit. I walked over to his office door, and put my hand up, preparing to knock. Hesitation took the best of me for brief seconds, but shook my head, focused on what I was about to do. Hell, I had to take the risk. He was worth it.
I knocked three times, and as I heard his voice, my legs trembled. So, it was time to do this, once and for all. I took a deep breath and opened the door.
His office was warm, and I took in his figure sitting along his desk, staring attentively at something on his computer screen.
I closed the door behind me and walked towards him. Ten feeble steps took me to his desk, and I sensed him shift a little as I stood there, in silence.
Sephiroth dressed casually, as I could grasp as he stood up, slowly. Black suit pants and white shirt, like the one I had dressed that night I had slept in his bed. His room. Well, I didn't want to go that way, did I?
"What is it?"
His voice was so, so out of his natural, self-contained self. I took my time staring back at him, his unnatural handsome face overwhelming me, his figure having a definite impact in my physiology. The more I stared at him, the surer I was I had to figure this feeling thing as soon as possible. Or I would go crazy.
"I have a suggestion." I said, my tone consistent as our stares remained locked. He had his hands on his desk, and I wondered if he actually needed the support or if he was actually tense, just like me.
"Concerning what?" He asked, visibly curious.
"Something I'm thinking of."
He took a deep breath and focused now on the papers on his desk. Oh, he didn't like small talk, did he?
"Stop speaking in riddles Stevens, go straight to the point."
I bit the inside of my mouth, considering very seriously what I was about to do. Should I do this? Would it be safe? Will I regret it later?
"I-I'd like you to…"
I paused, trying to gather the nerve to go on. Crossing barriers like these was not only painful. It was consuming.
"… to come to my apartment…"
Words escaped me for a moment and his eyes met mine suddenly - and that was all I needed to get the rest of the words out.
"…to have dinner." There, you said it. But, facing his immediate silence, insecurity stroke at once. "If you'd like to, of course. If you're free to come, I mean-"
"When?"
His sudden interruption made me gulp dry, and I felt totally lost. Where was this headed? I couldn't figure it out!
"Tonight?" I dared to say, and made a face, smiling faintly. Sephiroth resumed staring at me, with a face that innerved me. I couldn't perceive a thing just by looking at him.
"8 p.m."
And Whooooa.
"Is that a yes?" I dared to ask.
"What does it seem like?" He asked back, his eyes and hands on papers all over the desk. I blinked at him, deciding I was going to be blunt honest with him. As always.
"I don't know. You just barked an hour at me."
I made a face, accusing him with soft words. His stare met mine again, and in there I found something. A glimpse of acceptance.
"Yes." He said, half-whispering. How truly sexy it sounded. Or, then, it was just my hormones pumping.
"Fine." I declared, with a soft smile. "See you there, then."
I turned, with a nod, and smiled widely as I walked away.
My first date with him.
In three hours.
I took a deep breath, amazed at how this man made me feel. Oh man, today I had so many things to do.
Namely dinner.
-/-
Reno was a cutie and took me to the closest supermarket. I had to prepare something for dinner, dessert and well, there had been much time since I had a date in my own apartment.
I tried to remain gathered, not to disclose how nervous and happy I actually was for having Sephiroth invited over to have dinner with me.
It sounded like crazy. And so amazing, at the same time.
I took my time preparing the table, and decided I would decorate it green. Just like Mako, it felt very adequate. Considering my living room had those chocolate brown tones, the contrast would feel fine. Cozy, I hoped.
And, on the top of all, I would put my Mako green dress on. The same that had been tainted with blood - Sephiroth had been kind enough to get it clean and returned absolutely spotless. It looked like a regular dress, and no one would say it had been so horribly stained with blood.
"Calm the heck down, girl." I whispered to myself, as I arranged the last details around me. The apartment was pretty okay, warm, fire cracking at the fire place, giving the living room a very ethereal glow. I didn't bother to put heels on, just my regular black flats and a soft hint of matching eye make-up, nothing else. Even my hair remained as regular as it could get. A few puffs of perfume after, I heard the door.
It's him. I exhaled my worries out and walked towards the door, trying not to mind the fluttering sensation in my stomach. It'll be okay, it's just a date.
I smiled at my innocent thinking. Really, just a date with Sephiroth.
"Hi." I said, as I opened the door. Sephiroth's stare met mine as once, and I sensed him staring at my dress, obviously recognizing it. "Come in." I declared, with a smile.
He smiled very discreetly, and got inside. He wore exactly the same clothes he had on hours ago, and I felt a little embarrassed. Maybe I had exaggerated, dressing up and stuff only for a date. Thing was, now there was no turning back, so I shoved away bad depressing thoughts from my head. He took his time scanning the surroundings before speaking.
"I apologize for being late, I-"
"You're five minutes late, it's not like a felony or something." I laughed, and walked towards the living room area.
"I like punctuality."
"Me too." I said, not minding his strange humor. Maybe he was just nervous, like me. "I hope you like Pasta." I said, as I walked over the kitchen.
"Pasta."
I turned around, surprised to see him right behind me, and took my time realizing he was actually asking me what Pasta was.
"Spaghetti with ham, mushrooms and lots of cheese on top of it."
He blinked at me, and seemed to consider my words. I minded myself with the oven area, where the Pasta was just finishing.
"Sounds… tasty."
"It is." I smiled, and I managed to get the tray on the table. It smelled divine, and I could only hope it would taste accordingly. "Let's go and eat, I'm starving."
Sephiroth nodded and walked me towards the living room table. He stood for seconds and I urged him to have a seat.
"Here?" He asked and I nodded.
"Wherever you like." I declared. The table was simple and medium-size, enough for four people, which allowed us space enough. I didn't want him to feel choked or something.
"Nice tones." He said, his eyes finding mine. Hot invaded my cheeks and I hesitated, not knowing if I should tell him my real motivation.
"I inspired on Mako." I said, as I sat right in front of him.
And the moment I said it, I knew it had been wrong. His face changed, subtly, and I felt a little oppressed.
"Really?" He asked, now serious.
Oh, damn.
"It's not like a bad thing." I said, casually. "No matter the potential, I like the color very much."
I had tried to justify myself and I hoped things would soften up between us from now on. I wanted this to go along fine, not transforming this in a date from hell of something.
So, I went along as if nothing had happened.
"May I?"
Sephiroth nodded, serious, and as I served his plate, I decided I should change subject.
"So, what do you think of it?"
"What?"
"My new inside decoration."
"It's… colorful." He admitted, and his eyes met mine - finally. "I had seen it, before you went out with Reno the night he was shot."
His dryness wasn't helping and I wondered why would he say these things. What, was this his usual self? I couldn't just believe it. He was grumpy most of the times, but come on.
It was time for subject change, again.
"What do you want for drink?" I asked, making a consistent effort to smile.
"Anything you have will be fine."
I got up and went towards the fridge. I opened the door and basically described what was inside.
"I have… white wine." I said, my tone loud, thinking the General remained in the living room. But as I turned, here he was, like a living shadow right behind me. Scrutinizing me with those eyes of him! "A-and orange juice." I staggered. "And w-water, as well, if-"
"Are you nervous, Stevens?" He asked, serious.
I blinked at him, as I gathered the bottles in my arms.
"N-no, why-why would I be nervous?" I kicked the fridge door as I talked, and stared back at him. "We are over that, General."
"Are we."
He didn't seem convinced at all, but what could I do but to ignore his horrid humor and just… chill out. I wanted this date to be relaxed and cool, not a freaking nightmare.
"Let's enjoy dinner."
I said, with a faint smile, and we just resumed eating in silence. I didn't look at him for a long time, feeling a little offended with his provocations of late. Why did he have to do this, ruin the mood like this. Geez.
No one said it was going to be easy, Elie. My mind warned me and I tried to gather patience, so I gave it another try. My eyes searched him but he ate, with the most refined manners I had ever seen. He was basically done with the whole portion I had offered him.
"Is it good?" I asked, and his stare found me.
"Yes… very."
I nodded at him, not knowing what else to do, considering he didn't give me space to ask him about whatever the subject. His dryness didn't let me.
So I basically stared at my fork and knife and wondered what on Earth was I doing.
"Are you enjoying this?"
His question interrupted my thoughts.
"What?"
"This..."
I took my time realizing that he meant the 'date' itself. What innerved me. Come on, was it something that stupid? And if so, why did he agree to come by?
I honestly didn't know what to say. But, on the other hand… How about the truth?
"It's not like having dinner with me is such a bad thing. Or is it?"
The words were out of my mouth so fast that I couldn't just stop myself even if I wanted. His stare met mine, hard and focused, and he took his time answering me.
"Listen, I-"
"I understand, really." I interrupted, and decided I should be the one saying the words. Because if he was the one saying it, it would hurt me much more. So I'd preferred it this way. "I shouldn't have insisted on-"
"I am glad we met outside our daily routine."
His statement sounded so genuine. So unlike his actions since the beginning of our dinner.
"It really does not show on your face." I admitted.
"I'm not very expressive, Eleanor." The sound of him mentioning my first name tickled me, and made me melt. He said the words with such decisiveness, that I couldn't say a word against. "You know that." He added, and I gulped dry.
I grabbed the glass with wine in it and down it went. I needed reassurance.
"I know, I know…"
My tone had been feeble and I suddenly I had the most urgent need of getting up the table and just… leave.
"But it doesn't mean that I…" As he said the words, I got up and walked towards the kitchen again. He followed me. Sadly. "Look. If I didn't want to see you outside the usual work day routine I wouldn't have come. You know I don't do what I don't feel like to."
My eyebrows went up as I processed his words, washing my hands by the sink.
"Yeah, I do."
"What-"
"Do you like chocolate? I have, for dessert… chocolate mousse." I was categorically running away from him, from the damn subject that made me feel uncomfortable, but I didn't care. Dessert seemed a nice way to break up the tension.
We sat at the living room table again, and I minded myself in search for bowls. When I returned to the living room again, the General seemed immersed in thinking, so I went along and served him dessert, then myself. I was going to need a lot of chocolate to overcompensate my state of mind.
"This is almost sinful." I joked, as I ate the mousse with the swiftness of a little kid. "I could eat the whole thing."
Sephiroth snorted and I smiled back, our eyes locking for a moment.
"What's in your mind?" He asked, with a subtle tone.
I blinked, considering if I should be bluntly honest with him. Or not. But, then again, alcohol did things to one's body.
"I was recalling…" I admitted, with a soft smirk. "…the way you looked like, back in my world. The amount of… fangirls that would kill, in a matter of speaking, just to be close to you. Just like I am now, in this weird concept of date."
My words had had an impact on him and I wondered, for a while, if I had said something inadequate. I never knew, with this man. He merely blinked at me.
"You don't realize how popular you are amongst RPG videogamers, General."
"I guess I don't." His words were so flat.
But I had to go on, hadn't I? Since I was at it.
"Everybody worships you – the power you have, the skills, the humongous sword, the insan-…" I paused, thankfully, even if I knew I had definitely screwed things up. "Don't make that face." I whispered at him, before putting a spoonful of mousse in my mouth again.
Geez, why don't you shut up, Elie?
"All that is incomprehensible." His sudden declaration made me look back at him, surprised.
"Why?"
"Because that is not what I am." He paused, putting the spoon to rest and cleaning his mouth with the napkin. "None of those persons actually know me. And none of them knows, in reality, how hard my life actually is. Do those persons have an idea of what my days and nights are, the missions, the responsibility? I seriously doubt it."
I closed my eyes and regretted heavily all of it. The date, the dinner, everything. This had turned into a nightmare and I felt nausea invade me.
"I am sorry I've brought this issue up." I declared, my spoon landing on the bowl with no patience for manners anymore. I sighed, considering what should I do now. I felt clueless. Out of options.
Jesus Christ, how could this be even possible!?
Sudden movement made me look up, as I saw Sephiroth, in person, standing.
"What are you doing?"
"Dinner was great, thank you." And with that, he turned towards the door. I blinked, and stood as well.
"Are you leaving?" I asked, as I walked towards him, who was now reaching the door.
"This was a bad idea."
I stared at the man in front of me, my mouth aghast. What an idiot! Seeing him leaving my apartment, opening the door to just leave… like this? No way I was going to let that happen!
So I put my hand on the door, locking it. The door closed again and Sephiroth stared back at me, shock in his face. I could tell he wasn't used to be told against, but I didn't care.
He was going to listen to me, damn it!
"What is wrong with you, Sephiroth?" My tone was harsh. "I invited you to my home with sincerity. You have so much to offer, you are not just that unpleasant person that eyes everyone from above. I would like to find and see what is there in you that you haven't shown yet." I paused for a couple of seconds, gathering courage to continue. "In spite of what I had knowledge of you and your past, and that almost-real-future… I honestly believe you are so much better man than that."
His eyes were lost in mine, and I wondered if my words had had any impact... or not.
"You… can't be serious."
"If you don't try, you'll never know."
He took his time answering me.
"I admit I didn't understand your motivation to ask me to your home. Why would you, considering the altercations between us, what you knew about me and-"
"Let it go. Really. You have your reasons, I only wished you shared them with me more often."
The look on his face was enough for me to know I had hit a sensitive spot. His mind and his problems - problems he insisted in keeping to himself no matter what.
"I can't."
Bullshit.
"You don't want to, that's different."
He made a face and smiled weakly at me.
"You're partially right."
"Of course I'm right." I admitted, feeling the environment less tense. Finally. Sephiroth snorted and flashed a sample of smile - something I hadn't ever seen. And that made me feel very inadequate things, considering we both stood right next to my door, staring at each other.
"You should do that more often." I dared to say.
"Do what?"
"Smile. Laugh. That kind of thing." I declared, as I nodded. "It does not do you justice…"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Videogames. They don't do you justice."
"Really?"
"Not even close."
I sensed him take a deep breath, as if considering what to say next.
"And what does that mean… specifically?" Sephiroth took a step ahead as he spoke, which inevitably got us closer. Bodies almost touching, my face angled up and his wonderful, Mako stare on mine, leading me to say the most inappropriate things. To speak my mind out about him. Oh-uh. He had gotten me.
"You are… uh…" My coherence was failing. "… a lot more…" handsome, beautiful, hot, not real enough to be real "…uh, good-looking live than in screen. And all your capacities, as well."
He blinked at me, as if considering my words. Thoroughly.
"Are my capacities good-looking too?"
Damn.
"I mean, uh… well, faultless is more like it."
"Ah."
"Don't mock." I smiled, embarrassed.
"Don't blush."
And I had to react at that.
"Well, if you-"
His hand traveled towards my face, and my heartbeat peaked at once. His finger touched the corner of my mouth and he made a face.
"Chocolate Mousse."
It was mortifying. All this. Arghhh.
"You mean… all this time I had dessert standing in the corner of my mouth and you didn't warn me? You're cruel, General."
He smiled, as he cleaned what was left of the mousse… and slurped his thumb, taking away what was left of it. My eyes were in his finger and I wondered… well, in how lucky that finger had been seconds ago.
"I have a reputation to keep."
I laughed, genuinely, as the General spoke again.
"Tomorrow?"
And what was he talking about?
"What?"
"Tomorrow. 8 p.m. My apartment." His suggestion almost made me fall apart with joy, but the surprise had caught me unprepared. Just like all nice surprises must be. Shocking. Just like this one.
"O…kay."
My slowness seemed to amuse him, and as he took my hand from the door, it finally opened and he left.
"Good night."
"Good night…"
I had answered him, out of reflex.
What, was this real?
A/N - So it seems real, but handling Sephiroth will prove very difficult. Can't wait to read your reviews, thank you so much for reading. :)
(I know this was a strange date but that's Sephiroth we're talking about, it couldn't be a regular stuff).