Chapter Summary:As time passes so do unpleasant affairs...

Sephiroth awoke first, breathing in deeply, flowers and earth, and a mix of that pine of his own scent filled his senses. He blinked away the haze of sleep, catching Aerith's soft face almost instantly. He smiled gently, he thinks no matter how many times they find themselves tangled in each other's arms, this sight he'll never get used to. Her face so impossibly soft and delicate, mind eased of the worries that befell her small shoulders the day prior.

He loves her nurturing heart, loves that she's trying so hard to get her friends to see outside the bad that he's caused. She doesn't even have to because their opinions don't hold a candle to him but she wants to, she wants to make it easier for him to be welcomed. To be accepted as a person that's made mistakes and has grown to atone for them.

He'll always hold that close to his heart because Aerith is so cultivating, she endures so much for his benefit. The rejection, the disgust of her friends' words towards her, all these may falter her but she's ready to re-stand her ground, sternly and confidently. Forever prepared to defend them still.

Sephiroth can never truly express to her in words how much that emotional sacrifice means to him. And yet he fears for the stress it brings her. Despite his diversions, Aerith will always have unsettling thoughts, her life was a compliant complication due to her heritage. Her bloodline will always bring about those anxieties as Shinra will never quit...Hojowill never stop hunting her.

Even now, in her arms, safe and warm and loved he can't deny the doubt that the reasons she's so full of distress are because of him. That he's at fault because it's his role in her life that's got her so beset.

Reaching a hand up, Sephiroth caressed the braided hair at her neck, solemnly staring at Aerith's face. Against his better judgment, what Zack said pains him. If Aerith hadn't gotten pregnant, would they still be here? Like this? He knows it's futile to think such ridiculous thoughts especially since the outcome of those findings brought about their world since Aerith's proven multiple times that nothing will sever their love. And yet, here they remain in the back of his mind, taunting, provoking.

He or she couldn't stop what was blooming between them, their binding was in fate's hands now and he had woven that red string so tightly around them there was absolutely no chance of escape. Even still, the words of her peers still punish him with doubts that his flaws eat up hungrily. This weak part of his conscious he hates the most withers him relentlessly. He has the best possible thing he could ever deem to gain and he still feels he doesn't deserve her.

Why must he unconsciously value others' opinions when he refuses to give them the satisfaction of leaving her?

Sephiroth slides his touch to her cheek, his gentle fingers lightly pressed to her skin so as not to wake her. Her breath skips, moaning quietly, her eyes remain closed.

Yes, that's why... it's because he wants her to be happy, to have the love of her friends and family. If they remain spiteful of his presence she'll undoubtedly grow unhappy, possibly unloving towards him because she'll come to realize no matter how much he repents, atones, heals he'll always look like a murderer to those around her. One person to the opinions of thousands was dampening.

Sephiroth sighs, leaning his head on his arm. With great mental strength, he cleanses those dark thoughts, locking them away to the deepest part of his mind with all the other perturbed thoughts he finds himself clouded beneath. Nothing, he vows will keep him from this...Aerith swears by all the gods that he deserves this and he will treasure those words because she is the planet's daughter, her mother acknowledged him, forgave him. Gaia saw something worth rewarding him with this priceless gift, this second chance at life so that outweighs the small-minded options of the world.

He will get them to see him for who he was because Aerith needed the stability of her friends, he may be her lover, her world, her soulmate...but there are things not even he can give her. Like that companionship with Tifa, there's a bond there between the two women that Sephiroth will never truly understand and that was okay because he didn't need to, it's just something Aerith needed and that was enough.

Sephiroth's eyes trail away from her face, his hand in tow as it travels down. He furrows his brows at the darkened marks on her neck and shoulder. Even though he had been gentle his strength was still presentable upon her pale skin.

He lightly traces them with a finger, sighing softly. She claims he hadn't been rough, that she was perfectly content with how he treated her, but the evidence of his action doesn't lie. He was stupid to think since his love was so powerful it'll stop him from marking her but not even that was a match to how much stronger he was compared to her lithe form.

He continues downward, the sheet around her sliding with his soft touch. It stops at her hips and he is once again welcomed to the dark bruises there too. Though they weren't nearly as black as the ones from their first encounter it still unsettled him. How could she allow him to do this to her? Did she not care for her well-being? She said she trusted him but after seeing this he wonders how could she? His strength was just as much of a monster as he.

He tears his eyes away, he can't bear to look at the disgust of his actions anymore.

Sephiroth turns away from her, moving completely off the bed. He searches for his discarded coat, grabbing the heavy leather, he removes the green Healing materia from the belt. Sitting back down at the edge of the bed he heals her, the green warmth nourishing her beautiful skin anew. The gentle magic falls from his hands to her, the bruises lightening up before there's nothing but her pale creamy flesh again. Aerith hums sleepily, snuggling further into the pillow. He finds the action adorable, the smile on his lips warm as the materia in his palm.

Suddenly there's a knock at the front door and he jerks towards it, immediately pulling his guards up. Just who would be seeking him? He slides the covers back up around her, kissing her temple. Quickly he slides on his trousers, forgoing the rest as he could care less what they thought of his nakedness. Besides, it would take quite a length of time. They knock again and he makes his way to the intruder. Yanking the door open he gives the person a hard unforgiving look. "What?"

The woman gives a frightened gasp. "Sorry to disturb you, Sir," She begins but stops as her grey eyes visibly trail from his face to his chest. Sephiroth feels even more uncomfortable at her forward gaze. "Go on?" He has no doubt she's drawn to the love marks Aerith left on him. He radiantly swells with blissful pride. The woman stammers, shaking her head. She flushes. "Gods I'm so sorry. Y-You have a mission. I'm sent to give you the details, here!"

"Of course." Sephiroth groans displeased under his breath. The girl hands him a file and he takes it. He's about to shut the door but she continues. "Ah, this too." He looks back at her, at the black keycard in her hands. The gold bold letters of 'Shinra' plastered on its face. He sighs accepting it. She opens her mouth but Sephiroth doesn't give her a chance to speak as he shuts the door in her face. Her purpose was finished, he didn't need to endure her unprofessional gaze any longer than he had.

Sephiroth makes his way back to the bedroom, noticing Aerith hadn't moved. He sits at the side of her, opening the file. Such an absurd way to inform him of an upcoming mission. They should PHS him these details instead of treating him like an invalid. As his eyes skimmed the contents he realizes since his death he lost the device and never bothered to replace it. He scoffs, throwing the papers upon the nightstand. Perhaps he best remedy that. He loathes these unwelcome visits.

Exhaling, Sephiroth digs his hands in his hair, groaning low in his throat. Even reborn, free of the past he still found his way into Shinra's clutches. The only reason he went willingly was for Aerith and his daughter, to ensure their planet doesn't get sucked dry like Gaia. If it wasn't for those facts he would've downright refused until he was blue in the face. The last thing he needed was to be tied down to the birthplace of his misery and loneliness.

Standing Sephiroth makes his way to the bathroom, he turns the faucet on. He rests his hands on the countertop, staring at his reflection. He wants to say it's changed as his feelings had but the man that looks at him is the same as the one seven years ago. He hadn't even aged and that didn't necessarily matter as Jenova refuses him to but he hoped since her death he'll begin to. He wants to grow old with Aerith, to watch their children age into strong caring people, to die when his time came. He didn't want to remain twenty-eight his entire life.

Scoffing, he turns the tap off. Who was he kidding, he may be human but his blood was unpure. He might age mentally but not physically, like his father. And if he did it'll be at an alarmingly slow pace. Vincent looked a couple years older than he and even he knew that couldn't be right. Though Vincent was immortal, he can be killed, just not by age. Sephiroth fears it'll be the same for him.

Would he have to witness his family die before he did? Could he go through the heartbreak of Aerith dying while he remained on her planet, alive and well? His soul ripped from his chest as his entire purpose vanishes into the lifestream without him in tow? His children's souls? Alone and lost without their father to join? Would he even be welcomed back into the lifestream? Into the promised land they would undoubtedly be led?

Sephiroth's eyes narrowed at his reflection and he growls at such thoughts, running the shower instead. He strips and slides in. He didn't even care that the water wasn't warmed up yet, he just needed to rinse away the bitterness he was feeling. Was he a fool to ask Aerith such a sensitive question? Gods he wasn't lying, he truly wanted her by his side, to be entirely his, but would that further tie her down?

He leans his arms against the shower wall, the spray of the water chasing down his face. He closes his eyes. Perhaps this anxiety he was experiencing was thanks to the unpleasantness of the situation. As the hours pass he begins to worry that no matter what he does, Aerith isn't safe there. Once these missions pile in, who would look after her while he was gone? Who would take her back and forth to the slums? He couldn't predict how long these jobs could take and that scares him because he should be here, supporting Aerith, protecting her...

Sephiroth runs his hands through his hair, pushing his bangs back from his face. He looks ahead, the spray of the water in his eyes but he doesn't move away.

No, no matter what he refuses to rest easy until he finds a way to rectify that. Aerith wasn't a prisoner here and he will not keep her from visiting her friends while he was on call. One way or another he will make her presence safe there, so much so that she could come and go as she pleased.

He finishes up his shower, toweling off, folding it around his hips. He grabs another and pats down his hair throwing it over his shoulder till it stopped dripping. He returns to his bedroom, sitting back down next to Aerith. He reaches into the drawer of the nightstand, pulling out a pad and pen. Hastily he writes out a note for her, ripping it out and placing it next to her on the pillow. "I'll return, I promise." He murmurs softly.

"I know..." She replies, groggily. "I love you..."

He smiles, kissing the corner of her lips. "I love you, too."

She mirrors the gesture, sliding back into her slumber.

Sephiroth finds his clothing, dressing hastily yet quietly. He grabs the discarded file. As he looks at Aerith once more and the note atop his pillow, he suddenly remembers. He doesn't understand why it took him so long to return it but now was as good as any. Reaching into his coat pocket, Sephiroth pulls out the black feather. He leans over and places it next to the slip of paper.

Without further delay, he turns and leaves the apartment.

...

One Month Later...

Aerith lets out a shaky breath, suddenly fearful. Her heart hammered in her chest despite being excited about the outcome of her choice of coming here.

She takes a deep assertive breath. "Sephiroth should be here with me."

There's a playful gasp next to her, a gloved hand overlapping hers. "Hey, you trying to say I'm not good enough?" Tifa teased and Aerith shook her head. "No, gods no I love that you are but he should be too, this is his child, he deserves to see her like I am now."

"Don't worry, miss I'll send you home with a sonogram." Aerith smiles gently at the woman.

"This is to remain anonymous, no one must find out about this you hear!" Tifa tells the doctor sternly, her mahogany eyes sharp. "Sephiroth does not need this news reaching the headlines, okay?"

The kind doctor smiles, "I understand, as a celebrity it's natural to wish their loved one to remain out of the public eye, especially one so vastly popular as he. Your secret is safe with me, Ms. Crescent. You're my patient so the reasons you are here remain confidential and are unable to be released unless you wish it."

Aerith sighs relieved, "Thank you, the stress of anyone finding out and further digging into our private lives just isn't good for me and the baby."

"There, all good! Now relax, take a deep breath, and let's look at this baby!" Tifa exclaimed. She seemed more chipper about this than she. It's not that she wasn't she just felt a bit nervous without Sephiroth there with her. Unfortunately, he had been called on a diplomatic mission...again, and instead of revealing just how deep their relationship woes to Shinra he chose to accept.

That was a week ago.

Aerith didn't hold it against him, he hated working for Shinra as much as she hated his abrupt departures. They don't even care to ask if he'd want a break, they just threw him into the battlefield without care. His opinion wasn't valued and he didn't once complain because he was doing this for her, for their daughter that grows bigger and bigger every day inside her.

Yet as those days pass she grows to miss him more and more. Luckily she had her friends the past month to help her through his absences, Tifa and Yuffie lately have her mind occupied, buying maternity clothes for her growing belly, and little onesies for Aeris, both oohing and awwing at one in particular of a baby Chocobo. They provide her comfort when she silently cries alone, once again not coping with the frequent disappearances of her other half.

Aerith has the others and they too show their support, Barret brings her books he's read to Marlene, the little Ancient helping pick ones that her "little sister" would like. Vincent is there as well, possibly more than the others, she knows it's a paternal instinct he picked up and she finds it strangely adorable. Cid and Nanaki had returned to their homes, but she receives letters from them and that's okay with her.

She's most thankful to have her mother, when she finally gave Elmyra the whole truth of her journey, Elmyra was so understanding and proud of the strength her daughter went through. She was a bit skeptical about her pregnancy as she claimed she was too young and had her whole life for such treasures but as time passed she grew to accept it and even found herself adoring the thought of having a granddaughter.

Aerith went on to tell her that Sephiroth asked her to marry him, perhaps not in those words and Elmyra glowed with so much radiance of the accomplishments her daughter was rewarded after going through so many hardships in her life. Aerith told her she hadn't said yes but she didn't say no either. It was on the table and Sephiroth was okay with that because he knows nothing about marriage, except that he wanted no one at his side but her. Elmyra thanks the gods for this, that Sephiroth was proving quite the man, and had no plans of breaking her heart. Aerith just giggles, exclaiming cheerfully that she told her so.

Sephiroth always tries to keep in touch, calling her, messaging her over the PHS during his missions, and though some were only a couple days this one was taking a bit longer than Aerith liked. Throughout the week since his leave, she's heard nothing. She began to worry that something must have happened, that she was about to have a repeat of Nibelheim all over again. She doesn't think her heart could handle such heartbreak. Alone to raise their daughter without her father, was the cruelest thing fate could give her. Aerith shakes it away because she refuses to think such horrid thoughts.

Suddenly there are tears in her eyes and the doctor gives her a tissue. "I know this is an emotional moment but I promise it's painless." Aerith sniffles, not correcting her about what she's truly upset over. Tifa smiles comforting, grabbing her hand. "Ready?" Aerith nods. The doctor puts warm gel on her belly, she reaches for the ultrasound tool, and spreads it around her abdomen.

"There's nothing to be nervous over, Ms. Crescent, I promise." The lady tries to be uplifting but Aerith still felt sour.

"She's excited, she's just upset the father couldn't be here. Instead, she's stuck with me, her bestest friend in the whole world." Aerith chuckles softly, her mood lightening, heart warm.

"It's true, I'm overjoyed to meet my little girl."

"Is that what you're wanting? A girl?" The doctor inquired.

"I already know it's a girl." She catches the stunned look on her face and Aerith rushes to the reasoning behind it. "Women's intuition...and maybe Sense materia." She admits.

Suddenly there's a gentle heartbeat that reaches Aerith's ears and she quickly turns her head to the monitor. "There's your baby." She takes a few measurements, silently, her fingers dancing across the keyboard, mouse clicking. Aerith feels her heart swell with so many emotions. This moment was the birth of life, beautiful and pure. Aeris sounded healthy and strong, the very beats of the planet's heart.

"Wow, would you look at that?" She turns the monitor towards Aerith. "Right on the mark. Congratulations it's a girl."

"Awww way to pick 'em, huh?" Tifa winks. The doctor wipes her stomach removing the gel from it. She helps her sit up.

"All done. Now by the looks of her growth, I'd range her around fourteen weeks. Just barely into your second trimester. Since you don't know exactly when she was conceived I can't give you a direct due date but as you proceed further in your pregnancy we can figure it out then. Okay? Now, go ahead and re-dress, I'll go schedule your upcoming appointments, be right back."

"Fourteen weeks..." Aerith whispered, thinking. "That's a little over three months. So she truly was conceived in the Ancient City. Our love was strongest then, ironic that a life was taken there but also that it was given." Aerith reminiscents back on the memory, of the beautiful unity they shared. It was the first time Sephiroth let out his true feelings. His honest beautiful self. Perhaps it was that dormant power that risen the chances of her getting pregnant. She smiles a bit bashfully.

"Okay, didn't need to know that but glad you didn't get pregnant after the first time right?" Tifa chuckles, handing her her dress. Aerith stands, removing the gown that was given to her upon arriving. She stops and looks at her abdomen affectionately. "You're beginning to show." The fighter pointed out.

Aerith smiles wider, rubbing the small bump. "Yeah, we're so ecstatic to meet her. Just a bit longer, little one." She coos gently.

Swiftly Aerith dresses before the doctor returns, pulling up her hood, gathering her chestnut waves from bunching up, sliding them out onto her shoulders. "Still don't trust it?" Tifa questions, arms crossing.

Aerith smooths out her dress, snapping the white cloak around her neck. She hums, "No, I can't afford anyone recognizing me, I won't put Sephiroth in a worse position than he is already. At Shinra I am known as Aurora Crescent, even here outside Shinra it will remain. Aerith Gainsborough is dead. Only my friends and family know the truth and it'll stay that way until I can come out of hiding."

The doctor returns minutes later, Aerith's papers of upcoming appointments and the pictures she had taken of baby Aeris. Aerith thanks her, wishing her a good day, and hopes to see her in the coming months.

...

When Aerith returns to Shinra she is stopped by a man in uniform. "Hey, miss?" She holds her hood, turning to the voice, a smile on her face. "Yes? Can I help you?

"Aurora right?" Aerith lets out a relieved breath. "Yes, that's right."

"Great I ran into you, would you do me a favor since you are close to Sephiroth?" He asks professionally, his voice intelligent. If she had to guess he was sent from high up.

"Sure, what do you need?"

"Would you pass this message along, I'm supposed to but he's not in, and it's quite urgent." The man hands her a sealed envelope, she nods and he thanks her profusely, leaving as his purpose was finished.

Once she's in the elevator she notices the stamp of the President's seal on the back. Against her better judgment, she rips it open. She's sure Sephiroth wouldn't mind. Her green eyes skimmed the descriptive writing. Her brows furrowed.

It's a demand of audience from the President himself. At the earliest convenience. Aerith rolls her eyes, yeah more like when he returns. Rufus was not one that liked to be kept waiting.

Leaving the elevator she makes haste to their shared apartment, unlocking the door with her key. Letting herself in she leans heavily against the closed door. Just what would Rufus want with Sephiroth? Clearly, it wasn't good, perhaps they found her out? She hoped not, she was careful, she stuck to their story.

It's been over a month and instead of Sephiroth constantly having to carry her up and down sixty floors he arranged an alias for her. Giving her a fake name and a reason for her consistency in his chambers. With her own VIP keycard, she was allowed to happily come and go whenever she so pleased.

All that time of her departures, Aerith didn't once draw attention to herself, she kept to the shadows, hiding her appearance as best as she could and staying far away from the Turks or anyone that might recognize her. The last thing she wanted to do was blow the cover Sephiroth worked so hard to build.

After a while, Sephiroth updated her employee status to include her relation to him. It was smart as eventually it would be asked why this random girl kept to his apartment on a daily basis. To everyone, she was Sephiroth's newest lover, someone that shares his bed but not his heart. It was easily plausible at the time as he used to have such desires before his death. However, unlike them, she was seen as special to him as he called it, and was the only one ever allowed into his quarters nightly.

Frankly, if she were honest, it was none of their business anyway, Sephiroth renounced his role as a General, as their hero. As a soldier, if he was given the option. He didn't need to explain his every move to everyone but Shinra insisted. What they say goes and rather than raise red flags, Sephiroth obeyed like the tool that he was in Shinra's eyes. He swallowed his pride and went on live television, announcing his return.

Aerith watched from their flat, heart wrenched in unbearable pain at the look of sadness in his eyes, of the burning hate he felt for having been put back into the spotlight. He never wanted any of this but he's enduring it for them. Aerith thought saddened for his inner pain never felt more proud of her man.

Sephiroth went on expressing his greatest regret of disappearing for so long, for not coming forward instantly to explain what truly happened in Nibelheim. He further tells that he couldn't because he needed to recuperate, that he needed time away to reflect on his mental status. It was scripted, Aerith knew it was, everything that fell from Sephiroth's mouth was Shinra's voice, not his.

Sephiroth apologizes so sincerely, his green eyes so brokenly beautiful Aerith cried for him. It was the only part of his speech that was from the heart and not an earpiece.

The fact that Shinra tries to explain that Nibelheim was a terrible accident that shouldn't happened is a stretch but the people didn't question it, perhaps fear or unwillingness to start something they knew couldn't be finished.

As he reaches the conclusion he finishes with the promise that all the Gil that he earns will be donated to help rebuild Sector 7, to further help all the residents in the slums so they could live a bit easier, to provide the protection Shinra should've offered. It was his way of giving back all that he's taken, even if some refuse to accept it. It's a thought that says a thousands words. One no one but Aerith will truly comprehend.

The uproar of that blew up all over the world, and like all gossip, it was frowned upon as equally as it was forgiven. Alas, after a couple of weeks, it began to die down, becoming old news that grew stale after too many headlines. Eventually, no one seem to talk about it anymore since Nibelheim was restored and welcomed to anyone who wished to return and in turn reside there.

And yet, behind closed doors, it was anything but easy for them. Upon his recurrence, Sephiroth's PHS was bombarded by hate and love emails alike. And her presence only seemed to make it worse as his fans whom he shockingly still had, were more outraged that he keep some nobody who clearly was using him close in his apartment, rather than his involvement in Nibelheim.

Never before had Aerith felt so much like a whore. They didn't know her, they just wanted Sephiroth to themselves. She shouldn't have read them, she knew that but she couldn't help it, Sephiroth finally had to block all incoming alerts, to silence all media from reaching him just to release the stress that she was putting on herself.

In the end, he had to address such disrespect with another briefing, stating that the harassment was uncalled for and unwelcome. He threatened to end the entirety of this fan club if things didn't change.

He had been stern but gentle, soft-spoken as he admits that that was the last thing he thought he'd need to do as he thought they respected him and his choices enough to not be verbal about them.

Sephiroth finishes with a small smile, stating firmly and truthfully that he was not anyone's possession and Aurora was as genuine as their love for him. That it was her that helped him return to them...to Shinra.

It was heroic and touching and it let up quite considerably afterward. Since then no one gave her judging looks or acted like they wanted to shun her the first chance they got. She was actually respected for taking care of their hero. And that if anyone deserved him it was the very person that helped him get back to his feet. She couldn't begin to express how touched she was to gain their approval. Finally, after so much rejection, the change was well worth the fuzzy feelings her body radiated.

Returning to the present Aerith walks over toward the kitchen, setting everything she bought with Tifa down on the countertop. She'll go through it later and put it away, but for now, she wanted to be alone in solitude with her thoughts. She wasn't entirely in the mood to go through all the baby clothes and maternity wear alone. It just hurts too much. It further reminds her that she should be doing such activities with Sephiroth.

Sighing heavily, Aerith removes her cloak, it puddles at her feet. She walks over towards the window, resting her palm against the cold glass. Sector 7 was coming along nicely, Aerith could see the construction from where she stood, she does not doubt with Sephiroth's earnings it'll be repaired by the time Aeris was born.

She pulls out her PHS, dissatisfied that she had no new calls or messages. She sends her fiftieth text to Sephiroth, telling him that she's okay, that Aeris is beautiful and healthy and strong like her father, that she spent her day with Tifa again. She tells him everything, how she hopes he's okay, that she misses him dearly, that she loves him even if he has to be away. She leaves none of her emotions out. She bears her heart in her messages hoping he'll feel the intensity of her love.

Aerith spent the remainder of her day in blissful solitude, though she preferred a certain silver-haired man there with her, she finds ways to distract herself. She cooks herself a nice meal, preparing enough for two in case he returns.

She calls Tifa, filling the silent walls with laughter and happy memories. She tells her how Cloud's doing and how he's remaining a mercenary, taking quests for the residents at no cost. Aerith laughs heartedly and asks if that's possible considering how their engagement started. Tifa chuckles with her.

Tifa proceeds to inform her that she's welcome to stay with her and Cloud till Sephiroth returns. Just so she doesn't feel lonely and Aerith politely declines, telling her maybe another time, she didn't want to miss him were he to suddenly come home with her not there.

When her call wraps up she bids Tifa good night and promises to call her tomorrow. Aerith puts her PHS down, immediately rushing to clean up the kitchen, Sephiroth shouldn't be welcomed home to a dirty environment.

When she finishes she unpacks the bags, separating them to where they go. She puts all the clothes she purchased in one bag, saving the reveal for later along with some other things Tifa forced her to get. She flushes at the reminder of how utterly embarrassed she was but she powered through it because she was a "grown ass adult", as Tifa worded it. Aerith giggles at the memory, sliding the bag into the closet.

Lastly, she sits at the bartop. Staring, thinking hard at the pots before her and what plants she should try to plant first. She had already brought snippings of her lilies from her church and placed them in their bedroom. They are holding up beautifully so Aerith wanted to try her luck with other flowers.

The merchant swears they will not grow in Midgar's soil but Aerith had hope that she retains her green thumb. As she chooses, working in the soil of her home in diligently, she hums a soft tune, her voice soft as she talks to them, encouraging their growth. Once done she places them on the fireplace, nearest the sunlight.

With her day coming to an end, Aerith showers, using Sephiroth's soap just to have his lingering scent on her skin. It's been far too long since she's had him on her or inside her. She sighs deeply, leaning against the shower wall, licking the water from her lips.

As the strong scent of pine fills her nose, she is tempted to ease the ache between her legs but she resists the urge because not even her fingers could satisfy her as he could. She'd for sure just ache more, in turn frustrating her further.

As she brushes and combs her hair of the tangles of the day she yawns, tired and exhausted from the long day. Laying down, she pulls out a book, one of Marlene's favorites from the nightstand. With a hand on her belly, Aerith reads aloud to Aeris. She smiles as she thinks she feels her kick but it's much too early for that.

Only when she begins to doze off does she prepare for bed. Putting the bookmark back in place, she rests it back on the nightstand, turning the lights off.

Letting out a shuddering breath, Aerith snuggles into Sephiroth's pillow, his side cold but not forgotten. She reaches beneath it, pulling out her feather. She smiles at its soft press against her lips, his scent still so fragrant. If she closes her eyes she could imagine it was his lips.

That day he received his first mission, the first thing she expected to see was his beautiful sleeping face, their bonding of bodies the night before wearing them out enough that they could sleep in and be lazy. Of course, that wasn't how it played out at all. He explained in a note left for her, the onyx feather beside it, that he was forced to depart immediately upon receiving his orders. Naturally, he could've easily refused, but Aerith knew Sephiroth would've done anything to divert attention to himself so did as he was told. As he's always done.

Aerith exhales. "Come home soon..." She whispers to the feather at her lips, falling into a cold sleep without the warmth of her other half for the seventh time.

...

Sephiroth returns three days later, the moment Aerith hears the key turning she smiles so impossibly brightly. She stands up from her seat, waiting in the center of the room, practically jumping. Sephiroth sees her and doesn't get a chance to even push the door shut before she's embracing him. He stumbles back, bracing his hand behind him. "Welcome home. I missed you so much." Aerith murmurs into his chest.

He smiles, returning her hug. "I can tell." He jokes lightly and Aerith pouts.

"What you didn't miss me at all? How cruel!" Sephiroth shakes his head.

"Of course, I missed you, silly girl."

She pulls back, glaring at him. "Then why not answer my calls or texts? You had me so worried, you know!"

He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a completely shattered PHS. He gives her a sheepish look. "Not my fault, I swear. I had a run-in with a rather large beast that didn't like it."

Aerith softens, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You're so hopeless sometimes. Gods, I love that." She pulls him down to kiss her, the device sliding from his fingers onto the floor as she was far better to draw his attention to.

Just as Sephiroth begins to show that deeper side of his attention that Aerith honestly needs she pulls away. She couldn't get distracted. Not when more important, unfortunately, matters needed to be addressed. "As much as I need to be ravished by you, there's something you need to know." He groans and Aerith giggles, grabbing his hand, leading him to the kitchen.

She grabs the more important item first. A picture frame of four black and white pictures. "Our daughter." She holds the frame up, a wide smile on her face as she peaks out from behind it. He reaches for it and stares at the little human, with tiny feet and hands, her tiny body, her thumb clearly in her mouth. Sephiroth's lips curve so beautifully. "She's gorgeous. I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you. I should've been."

Aerith dismissed his apologies, grabbing the frame and placing it back on the countertop. She rests her hands on his chest. "Don't be, as much as I would've to, we have plenty others you can join in. Besides I had Tifa there. With all my morning sickness this past month she thought it was the time to find out how far along I was." She pauses for dramatic effect, and Sephiroth raises a silver brow, questionably. She grins. "Four months!"

He notices her hyperness and he can't help but point it out. "I take it you wanna tell me more?"

She leans up on her toes, sliding her hands to his shoulders. "The Ancient City..." She whispers into his collarbone seductively. Sephiroth grins, instantly remembering and he lifts her up to sit on the counter, sliding her legs open with his body. She laughs with anticipated joy.

"I believe it was something similar to this..." He purrs huskily in her ear. She turns her head and greets his soft lips with hers, moaning as he slid his tongue past her parted lips without reluctance. She yanked him closer by her limbs, refusing his escape.

Sephiroth reaches up, holding her chin in his long fingers, the other snug behind her knee, holding it up against his hips. She slides her own hand up, locking her fingers into his at her jaw. She gasps when he nibbles at her bottom lip with his teeth, gazing into her heavy-lidded eyes, his own dark and dilated with pure loving arousal.

Aerith breathes thickly between them. "It was the only time you made love to me in your true form, that beautiful wing upon your back bathed us in your soft black aura. Dark feathers caressing my skin like your touch. It was the most majestic of our lovemaking."

Sephiroth strokes her cheek with his forefinger. "My emotions were so potent than, I think it's when my heart unconsciously realized just how much I loved you. I didn't want to hold back from fully expressing myself to you anymore."

Aerith stares lovingly into his eyes so close to her own. "It's no doubt why we were gifted our daughter, those raw feelings, you unlocking your pure potential for me was powerful enough to break past all impossibilities."

Sephiroth kisses her, gliding his hand to the nape of her neck, further deepening his kiss. She groans, gripping the collar of his coat with her fingers. He trails his mouth to her neck, Aerith leaning back, her hands sliding away from his front to brace herself on the counter behind her. A paper crinkled and she was about to push it over until she looks and notices the seal of President Shinra seemingly glaring at her.

'Shit, I almost forgot about that.' She internally whines, she didn't want to stop, not now of all times but they needed to address it before anything else. "Sephiroth...god I need this so bad but there's something else."

He groans hotly into her neck. "Now?" He pants, just as frustrated as she.

She swallows thickly. "Unfortunately, yes. Sorry."

He slides away from her throat and looks so defeated. Her heart clenched so painfully, she feels so fucking awful. Being the source of cock-blocking was the cruelest of the cruel. "I'll owe you I promise. But this can't be put on hold, not if he knows something."

This captures his attention and he releases her leg. "What are you talking about?" She grabs the letter, handing it to him to read. "This was given to me personally a couple days ago. I'm worried."

Sephiroth cups her face, his eyes warm and sincere. He once more gathers his attention to the letter, eyes scanning the demand, green eyes absorbing its contents.

"It's mandatory I'm afraid."

Sighing heavily, Sephiroth helps her down, tossing the letter behind her. "It could also be nothing, your cover is rock solid, I made sure of that. I'll find out, I won't let them take you away from me."

"Hey, that's my line." Aerith smiles up at him. "Go, hurry back. Love you."

He kisses her, telling her back before turning to leave.

...

When the elevator dings Sephiroth steps out, Rufus glancing up from the paperwork before him. "Ah, Sephiroth, welcome. Great of you to come. Your reports are as pristine as ever."

"What is this about? I'm sure this isn't a social call so stop the formalities, we both don't want to be here."

Rufus hums low in his throat, lips tight in a hard line. "Leave us." He tells the bystanders, and they offer a curt nod leaving without a word.

"What is it you want, Rufus?" Sephiroth asks again.

"I've have a lot of time thinking about this Sephiroth, of the sacrifice of my position and what I planned to execute. This power of ruling is infectious, the thought of succeeding where my father failed." He laces his fingers together. "Did you know I orchestrated Avalanche? That I was Shinra's mole. I know, it's quite the spoiler but I was so tired of being second best. That just wouldn't do."

Sephiroth's face reveals nothing, his words blank so Rufus resumes, turning away from him. He walks to the open windows. Blue hard eyes cast to the city. "Whether you choose to believe it matters not. I wanted my father dead, he was a pathetic human being that brought shame to this once great nation. I figured eventually Avalanche would do my dirty work, and yet, in a stunning turn of events, it was you that made the killing blow. You have my gratitude." He crosses his arms behind his back. "I thought being in power was going to be exhilarating but as the days pass I'm beginning to find it...distasteful. Perhaps even realized why my father let it fall so hazardously."

Sephiroth stands tall, crossing his arms across his chest. "What exactly am I here for? A lesson? I don't care what you feel or what brought you here. The fact that you have to tell me this is just a lack in your judgment."

"Perhaps not but you should. We can work together you know?"

"And why would I want to do that? I dislike working with Shinra, working with you will be just as unpleasant. No matter the outcome of your orders I will always remain trapped under your boot."

"It's not so torturous is it? Never had you complained? You've done exactly what we ordered, you're a dog Sephiroth but you're welcome to an opinion also."

Sephiroth scoffs. "That's fucking rich, did you ever think to ask, to care if your subjects had lives? If your consistent missions affected their families? Or was it just me?"

Rufus faces Sephiroth, his face passive. "You don't need such delicacies, you are a weapon, the fact you must diverse these question is quite irregular but not entirely...repugnant."

"Enough of this back to back, what is it you are offering? Why me? Present Cloud this position, his conflict with Shinra is just as potent as mine."

Rufus smirks. "Because I know your secrets...the ones that are far more valuable than his."

"Oh?"

"Tseng paid me a visit a month ago, you know. He had quite a bit to say about you and a certain girl who I could've sworn was pronounced dead...Words you strongly swore by."

Sephiroth's eyes widened and he felt his heart race in his chest. "Yeah, so what? I lied to Shinra, she may be alive but she is dead to you. It wasn't necessary that much of a falsity."

"Now now, Sephiroth you misunderstand, I have no means to report it, not if you cooperate."

"Are you blackmailing me? Is that smart? I can easily kill you like my clone did your pathetic father. I could without you even moving a muscle. I suggest you re-think before ever thinking to threaten me again."

"I'm not that daft, Sephiroth we are both considerably high importance to die at the moment. I could've easily had Tseng tell Hojo about your little Ancient, about what his findings truly weigh but I persuaded him. I take that as you owe me one."

"We don't like one another why spare us this?"

"Oh? Us?" The President laughs, "Has the General...excuse me, ex-General fallen in love with the girl? This is quite shocking. So Tseng wasn't exaggerating when he told how passionately engaged you were. It's sickeningly sweet that joy of love, is it not?"

"Don't patronize me, Rufus."

There's a pause before the President continues, speaking truth to the reasons for his summons. "I'm asking you if you'd help me take down Shinra, you have the resources, the strength, and with my help, and all of Avalanche at your back we can rectify this shameful existence my father built."

Sephiroth was definitely caught off guard and it showed on his face. "Why? Why now?"

"Because I've tasted death, Sephiroth. Since my assertion to his chair, I've seen what my father's company has done to the people. It's a parasite, a stain of deceit that Midgar, that the world greedily eats up."

"How am I supposed to believe you? You could be tricking me. That day in the conference room you were pretty intent on killing the planet. Of building Neo Midgar, leaving this one to rot and all its citizens with it."

"It's called a ploy, if you play your cards right no one suspects. But if you deal a large enough hand, your opponents will bow out, if not fall completely off the face of the earth. With stakes like those, what do you have to lose? Aerith is your main priority is she not? With Shinra taken down what's keeping you from being with her?"

"Again why? What brought this sudden change? Who changed your mind?"

"Not "who" but what."

"Geostigma." He realizes and Rufus smiles. Sephiroth scoffs. "So you had it too. That's oddly satisfyingly symbolic. Serves you right I suppose."

"Yes and only as I slowly withered away did I begin to see the light. So I ask again will you help me end Shinra's suffering for good?"

"No."

Rufus looks at him with shocked eyes. Sephiroth finishes. "I won't take Shinra down, I will reshape them. It was Aerith that said it's not all the company that's bad but the select few that spread the rot of hate. Shinra can remain loyal, secure, protective if we rid the people that are tarnishing its image. I have quite the list of just individuals."

"That's strangely thoughtful but it's for naught. Shinra has already given its reputation a bad name, it's time we end the despair it caused."

"We shall see. If you are genuine then I will help you, but if I sense one shred of deception I will kill you where you stand. I will not let you harm Aerith or me, or anyone else. The planet had already fallen to that harsh fate, this one won't."

"Your secret is safe, Sephiroth, the Ancient isn't my priority, but I know that she is to a certain professor. He knows she's alive but you already knew that didn't you?"

Sephiroth clenched his fists and Rufus assured him. "No fear Sephiroth, Tseng gave him exactly what I told him too, he knows as much as I allow. Of course, you've already taken matters into your own hands...Aurora Crescent? It's not that hard to decipher just who you are protecting by that pseudonym. Her status is solid, no one will know her identity, least of all by me. Hojo however, now I can't vouch for him. He may be mad but he's not stupid. He will discover her whereabouts, eventually. Of course, your love life isn't his main concern, you are his prodigy not some lowly slum girl with no apparent background is worth investigating."

"Aerith will never be Hojo's science specimen again, he better be prepared to pry her from my dead hands before I ever let her fall back into his lab."

"So protective, It's nice to see the change Sephiroth, that hard man you were isn't who you are anymore, perhaps we both changed into better men upon resurrection. Hmph, how unfortunate really."

"I don't take credit for that, it was Aerith's healing. She arose this planet in a cleansing rain, her magic is beyond compare and it widens the eyes of those clouded in darkness...perhaps not all though, as some are too far gone to ever be repaired."

"Hmm I like the sound of that, give her my obligation, perhaps there's a happy ending in this little arrangement after all."

Sephiroth furrows his silver brows. "What do you mean?"

President Rufus returns to his seat, leaning his elbows on the desk. "You haven't heard? We're going to war."

...A/N:I know this chapter is way shorter than the last but I felt confident leaving it here, I had other plans to add more but I didn't want it to feel too rushed or out of place so I didn't include them. There was originally going to be smut as well but I will add that next time.This chapter, though a filler has a more depressing, dark element that shows inner feelings rather than external. Hope it's not too bland compared to what's been portrayed in the last couple chaps.Gods this stumpted me...I have no idea how babies are looked at in the FF world, I imagine it's not much diffrent than ours so I didn't try to make some crazy weird futuristic way of how the imaging of fetus' portray. If there are fics out there that dive further into this, perhaps maybe not in this paring than send them my way because I'm at a loss and would love to see how other authors play these scenes out, if they had. (No steals, I promise, I would just like the better angles on this topic.) I actually wanted to add materia into the visit but I thought it'll be difficult and just wouldn't play right as for imaging and printing out the sonogram pictures. So its only mentioned by Aerith. Though Sense is powerful it only gives information, not images. Least to me. I truly hope it's not too modern and doesn't slide into this type of world. Please just let me know and I promise to further tinker with it.Now I know the ending is a bit cliffy but I wanted that build up, (was either this or Hojo and sure the latter is preferable all the way ) to give the readers a chance to digest all the gloom this chapter gives off. We have our sweet and spicy moments too so that brightens it up a bit but the atmosphere still remains tense.Hope you all enjoyed, I'm going to be skipping around later in some chapters but not crazily. Simular little snippets like this chapter just to further move on the story. Day by day though is preferable in some cases but not here. Besides do we really need a repeated process of what all our heroes do everyday? Not necessarily. That can get boring and repetitive quickly.Lastly I chose Aurora for many reasons, though it's meaning is "dawn" and "luminous" and i know why not something more "Aerith" (earth, flowers, pink, green etc etc) I personally thought it fit Aerith's rebirth character quite comfortably. As not only had she brought the dawn of the new reborn world but also that fact that she is a bright luminous ray of sunshine wherever she goes. Crescent well that's homage to Sephiroth naturally. Too cliché?

Love you all leave your thoughts if you have any, love, questions, I'm here to reply to them all. See you next chapter!!