Hi guys, this is 2 chapters in 1 in 3rd POV, coz both are quite short, so I merged them! Once again, emphasis on Seph's feelings! -Soranryu
He placed the groceries on the table before shifting the girl in his arms so that he is carrying her bridal style. Moving swiftly, Sephiroth headed for Genesis' room, more like hers now, and sat on the bed. Looking down at Flame, his heart clenched at the tears rolling down her cheeks.
Wait, what? No female, not even the most appealing, was able to make him feel any emotions except annoyance, and yet this young girl is able to invoke emotions within him. Ever since he joined Shinra and was declared the strongest, Sephiroth thought he had destroyed his emotions. However, Flame, a girl who is six years younger than him, made his heart feel for the first time.
Sighing, he brought up a thumb and gently wiped her tears away. At his touch, Flame looked up in surprise, as though she didn't know she was crying. She looked down once again, as if embarrassed, "I'm sorry…"
"Don't be; there's nothing wrong in crying, you said so yourself," Sephiroth cut her off softly, keeping his arms around her. Besides feeling heartbroken when she was upset, the ex-General also developed a strong desire to protect her ever since he saw the gang's treatment towards her. This sixteen-year-old is really breaking apart his walls. And to be honest, Sephiroth doesn't care.
Why should he care? Shinra was in ruins and Jenova no longer have control over him. He finally has the freedom he's been yearning for. Maybe…just maybe, he can conquer his twisted past and start a new life. Looking down at Flame, who fell asleep from the shock, he tightened his hold around her. Maybe, he could also try to love, try to feel again.
Please, old friend, protect her…in my place…a soft breeze dance around Sephiroth, playing with his hair. His eyes widened at the voice of Genesis carried by the breeze, before closing his eyes and placed a soft kiss on the girl's head, I promise, Genesis…
Sephiroth stayed with her as she slept, knowing that if he leave, her nightmares will hunt her. For the past hour, he pondered on many things while the girl slept. Besides his own growing feelings for her, he also realized how vulnerable Flame actually is in this place. The pack is a threat, and he doesn't like it one bit.
However, he can't leave. If he does, Jenova would be free to take over him and he might end up hurting her. Closing his eyes, he found Jenova sitting quietly, but glaring at the bars that locked her. When she saw him, she hissed, "Unlock me, son, now…" "And let you control me? Never!" he hissed back with hatred.
The alien then sprang up and hit the bars with rage, trying desperately to break out. However, when she touched the bars, she pulled back with a pain-filled cry. All of a sudden, a golden light surrounded the ex-General, bringing him away from Jenova.
Listen, child. I will try to expel Jenova from your mind and grant you freedom. When she is expelled, you have to kill her and destroy her once and for all. Otherwise, you will never be free. However, this might take some time and I will tell you when the time comes…the ancient voice of the Planet sounded.
He would be free if he kills Jenova? Anytime. How long has he yearned to sink his sword into that freak alien? He would certainly enjoy taking his "mother's" life, like how she took his life away. Oh yes, he certainly will. "Se-Sephiroth?"
At the soft sound, he broke out of his musings to look down at the girl in his arms. His mind went back to this morning, when he woke up to her soft eyes. Does she feel for me, like how I feel for her? He vaguely wondered, startling himself for thinking these thoughts. A soft touch to his chest brought his mind back again and he looked at her questioningly.
"Yo-you looked really scary just now," Flame muttered, looking down with a faint blush. Hearing her words, he gave a smile that softened his face, "Sorry to have frightened you. Are you hungry?" She nodded, giving a small smile of her own.
With that, he carried her down despite her protests to the kitchen where he settled her down. He then started to whip up some dishes for their dinner. Luckily for him, he remembered to put an Ice Materia so that the raw food products don't spoil. After putting everything to where they should be, Sephiroth sat down and they started eating.
Seph is plotting against his 'mother'! Read on to find out! -Soranryu