Chapter 5: Dates and Messages

(Haruka POV)

After that kiss between us, Sephiroth and I began going out whenever we could. I loved spending time with him because even though he was rigid in work (I knew that when he answered his phone his voice and expression would go neutral), he was very loving and gentle towards me. We'd spend time at the park talking, laughing, holding hands, and kissing (when the kids weren't looking). Passer-bys would watch us and smile gently like we were a couple in movies. Of course Sephiroth ignored them and held me like we were alone.

One night, he accompanied me and Hikari to a mellow night club and I was surprised to find out it was karaoke night. Instead of jumping up there like I wanted to, I simply went to the bartender and requested for an orange soda. The bartender, an woman older than me, gave me a small smile and handed me my drink. Just as I took a sip from it, I heard the feedback from a microphone and the crowd hushed to hear what the performer had to say. I turned and saw Sephiroth standing up there on the small stage with the spotlights flooding his majestic form. He locked eyes with me for a second before addressing the crowd.

"I would like to dedicate this song to someone I love very much," he said calmly, causing the crowd to whoop in appreciation, "and her name is Haruka Gainsborough."

He turned towards the DJ and said a few words my ears couldn't catch but before I could wonder an old song flooded the speakers, expelling my curiosity. I recognized the song as "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley and a small smile grew on my lips as I watched Sephiroth stand on the stage like it was the most natural thing in the world to him. My heartbeat increased when he locked eyes with me and opened his mouth to sing; when he did I thought I would die of heart attack because of how good he was.

"Love me tender,

Love me sweet,

Never let me go.

You have made my life complete,

And I love you so.

Love me tender,

Love me true,

All my dreams fulfilled.

For my darling,

I have you,

And I always will…"

Because of how sweet the song and his voice were tears began to well up in my eyes and I smiled, feeling totally loved at the moment. No one had ever taken such a risk to perform in front of people for me but Sephiroth made it the best. The whole time he sang the song, his beautiful green eyes locked with mine, inviting me in. If it wasn't for the fact that he was singing, I would have jumped on that stage and glomped him like crazy but I kept my cool. Hikari, on the other hand, goggled at him like she had never seen him before; I supposed that was natural because she probably had never heard him sing before.

As soon as the song ended, I stood up from my seat, darted past through the small crowd, and jumped up on stage to hug my darling. He fully welcomed the hug, holding me like I was his life support, and gave me a sweet yet chaste kiss on the lips; he probably didn't want to do anything too inappropriate because there kids there watching us. Despite it all, I held onto him, letting my tears soak into his coat because I was too overcome with shock and joy to say thank you.

"I love you," he whispered in my ear before nuzzling my hair.

"I love you too," I whispered back tearfully, burying my face in his coat.

The crowd let out a loud whoop and applauds for us when we exchanged another kiss. It was short-lasting because we had to get off the stage to let the next performer sing but we found a nice spot near the fireplace in the corner of the club. I sat next to him on the old couch, resting my head on his shoulder, listening to his almost audible heartbeat. No words needed to be said right at the moment because no moment was better than the one we were sharing. Sephiroth pulled me onto his lap and cradled me like I was a porcelain doll which caused me to rest my head on his chiseled chest and listen to the rhapsody of his heartbeat.

Only one problem was left unsolved: Where was Hikari?

"Hey, all," I heard her say in the microphone, "I'd like to dedicate this song to my best friend and her boyfriend who are sitting on the couch having a cute moment."

I had never been more embarrassed in my life because it was like she was telling them to look at me while I was naked. Sephiroth smiled and patted me on the back gently as if he was trying to reassure me but it wasn't working. I would kill Hikari if it was the last thing I did.

(Sephiroth POV)

I noticed the tight expression on Haruka's face and nearly laughed out loud because she looked like she wanted to kill someone. Well, Hikari was embarrassing Haruka so she deserved it. Before I could speak, I felt my cell phone vibrate in my pocket so I stood, gestured to Haruka that I was going out, and went out of hearing range. Judging by the caller ID, it was Lazard and he probably had another mission that involved me leaving Haruka.

"Hello," I said quietly into the receiver. "Lazard, is it another mission?"

"Yes," answered the man on the other side. "Shinra needs you to go to Wutai. This war has gone on long enough. Don't worry about Haruka; I've assigned Reno and Rude for her protection. You may say your goodbyes to her if you wish to do so."

"How long will this mission be?" I asked curiously. "Do you think Haruka would be safe in the hands of Reno and Rude?" I didn't mind Rude; he did his job. Reno on the other hand was a constant flirt who tried to woo women into bed with him.

"I wouldn't give them the protection detail if they couldn't," answered Lazard reassuringly. "Haruka will be in good hands. Don't worry. Be back here in twenty minutes. Goodbye."

With that, I hung up and racked in my brain how I would say goodbye to Haruka without it hurting or sounding awkward. I didn't want to leave her but I had to in order to keep Midgar safe. Haruka would be upset if I had to leave, I knew that but I had to. Sullenly I stepped into the club and sat down next to Haruka, who was conversing with Hikari happily. The light in her eyes would go out when I would have to tell her I had to be sent away so I kept my mouth shut just to treasure that light. She must have noticed my sad expression because she gave me a concerned look.

"What's wrong, Seph?" she asked, touching my hand with her own. "Why do you look so down?" Her brown eyes were full of concern and question that I knew I couldn't keep my little secret anymore.

"Rukie," I sighed stressfully, "can we take a walk…without you, Hikari." I added when I saw her lean up against the table as if wanting to join us.

"You suck," she laughed, standing up to go dance on the dance floor.

"Tell me now," ordered Haruka sternly, giving me the hawk eye. "What is it that you're hiding from me?"

I inhaled and let out a huge sigh, closing my eyes so I wouldn't see her pain. "I've been ordered to go back on the battlefield. Lazard ordered me to come back to Shinra immediately. I have to go." I sounded firm but it was mostly for her sake so I wouldn't break down like a little girl.

"Oh," she whispered tearfully, touching my arm empathtically, making me want to lose it even more. "I see. I'll miss you, Sephiroth."

I opened my eyes and saw tears running down her fair cheeks, making feel an odd pain in my chest all over again. "It'll only be for a little while," I lied quickly; I lied because I didn't know how long I had to be in Wutai. "When I come back, I'll come visit you and we can go out to dinner like I promised. Even though I don't know how long I'll be gone, I'll always know one thing." I leaned forward to whisper in her ear, "I love you."

"That," she whimpered, clinging to me like a grapevine, "is what will get me through this. Promise me that you'll write to me."

"I will," I promised, giving her a kiss on the lips briefly and then making in more passionate.

I figured since I would be gone for a while that I would get my fill of her before I had to go. Our lips moved in a synchronized frenzy, fearing the separation that would come. Like a picture painted in heaven, she gave me a tender embrace, one I would keep in my heart forever, and rested her head against my chest. For a moment, the world faded and all I could hear was her breathing against me. I could die this way, knowing that I would be with her, and then I nearly laughed at myself for thinking such. I never had the patience for the whole "star-crossed lovers" deal because Genesis always spouted it at work but it was here that I realized why the lovers in all the books he read acted as such: They were willing to throw everything away so they could be with their loved ones and I understood that desire now.

"Rukie," I murmured against her hair, "I have to go. Lazard will be wondering if I got lost."

After I gave her another kiss and hug, I stood up to go. "Do you want me to take you home?" I asked gently.

"No," she said with a slight smile as she wiped her tears. "I have to be with Hikari so she doesn't do anything stupid. I love you, Sephiroth. Please come home safely." Her sweet brown eyes were full of begging and sadness that I had to say I would.

"I'll be back," I assured her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before leaving.

As I walked back to the Shinra building, tears escaped my eyes and I realized I was crying for the first time in my life.

…

Once I made it up to Lazard's office, I frowned stoically and assumed my usual grave demeanor. No matter how much I wanted to rage at him for making me leave Haruka, I kept a steady face and a composed frame. Knowing Lazard, he probably though I was just usually angry because sometimes I was when I had sleepless nights; the Mako in my body kept me from sleeping because it was kind of like a stimulant. Everyone called it insomnia; I called it the bane of my existence.

"What do you want to discuss?" I asked a little stiffly, crossing my arms over my chest—a dangerous sign to everyone who really knew me.

Lazard cleared his throat awkwardly as he sat down in his chair, saying, "Genesis hasn't reported back in. The mission in Wutai is currently in limbo. I wish for you to go there and end the war once and for all. Angeal and his apprentice Zack will be there too in the A unit; you'll be in the B unit. This mission is top priority matter so be extra cautious for Genesis and Wutaiian troops."

I merely gave a nod as I turned to the door to leave but Lazard's voice stopped me.

"Are you ready for this?" he asked, studying my tense frame over his glasses.

"Not really," I mumbled to myself.

"What?" he asked, arching an eyebrow at me like he was wondering if I was being funny.

"Nothing," I answered, shaking my head. "Let's go."

As I walked with Lazard, my thoughts flew to Haruka and I noted as if I could speak with her telepathically. Soon, my darling, I'll be home.

A/N: SAD! Poor Sephy and Rukie! Sorry it took me so long! Here's my list of excuses:

I got bronchitis

I had a massive writer's block when I got better.

I had TONS of makeup work from school (blegh)

I've been doing other projects lately

I have the Junior Research Paper so I'm breaking the rules of updating

But all in all, I hope you like this chapter! Leave reviews they always keep me going!

Sephiroth: Or I will torture you all in the worst ways possible *smiles evilly*

Me (sweatdrop): Don't scare them, Sephy! Ignore him and review!