Disclaimer: I do not now or before and most likely not in the future, own Final Fantasy, Square Enix or any of the characters.
A/N: After last chapter's semi-cliffhanger, I figure that you will be looking forward to see what happens to Davis... Well, go ahead and read on, but don't get mad at me!
Ryma: Thank you for the review! Yes, I love writing a caring Zack with a huge heart. To me, Zack is the quintessential good guy, but he has damages that will become clear later in the story. Davis, yes we all hate him, but oddly enough, I love writing him, although he is a difficult character to write, I have to really dig deep when writing him and I think that is why I like him.
Thanks to my after-post beta SubZeroChimera and my before-post beta Queen of Jokers!
(I wanted to say something a little off subject. Today, I was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I am so happy that I could just burst!)
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." -J.K. Rowling
Chapter 17
Sephiroth found the library a quiet retreat from the other Soldiers. It isn't that he didn't like them, it's just he preferred quiet reading to loud games and drinking. He was always more mature than most of the other teenagers. Growing up in Shinra had its downfalls in that way.
Shinra, and more to the point, Hojo, was very strict about what he was allowed to do and he didn't dare break the rules. Even asking a question that didn't pertain to the military or Shinra resulted in some form of punishment. Military knowledge and tactics were priority; anything else got done after, or on his own time. He enjoyed the freedom that the books brought him though. So he just stayed in his little bubble, did his job and tried to have his form of fun when he could.
Angeal and Genesis were the closest things to friends he ever really had. Since they were also Soldier First Classes, the three of them were closer because of the differences in the abilities of the First Class General and both Commanders compared to the other First Classes and below.
Angeal and Genesis seemed to know more about him than he was comfortable with, but they seemed to enjoy being in his company. Not wanting to admit it, he enjoyed being in their company on most days. He didn't mind the occasional joke or prank when they were younger. He likened them to various parts of his personality.
Genesis was usually the first one to come up with something, mostly illegal or ill-advised.
One night Genesis had an idea, which was dangerous on in its own merit. Although Angeal tried to talk him out of it, Genesis was adamant about having a little fun. They snuck into the labs, after hours, and released all of Hojo's lab mice and the mice ended up everywhere throughout the building and it took a week to gather them all back up.
Another time, there was a fountain in the main lobby of the main building and after everyone left for the day, all three of them poured a couple of bottles of dish soap in it. The next morning, the lobby was totally filled with bubbles.
The best one that Sephiroth came up with was when they switched out a disk on the main computer. The disk hijacked the intercom system for the entire building. The computerized voice started announcing that Hojo's main lab was hosting a surprise pizza party and everyone was invited. Soon, the entire lab was full of people wanting pizza. Hojo became so ragingly unhinged that the veins in his forehead just about jumped out of his head.
Now that they were older, they would sneak into the training room and try to beat the hell out of one another. However much he enjoyed being with his friends, he still preferred quiet solitude to the games and jokes. His birthday was in just a couple of weeks and Angeal and Genesis had something planned. Apprehensive about what they, mainly Genesis, would come up with, he planned on hiding in his apartment.
Before Shinra decided to make him the face of the Soldier program of the Shinra Corporation, Sephiroth could be out in public without being recognized, which was a blessing in more ways than one.
One day during his lunch break, he found himself sitting quietly in the library several blocks from the Shinra building. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed someone coming in. His eyes immediately became transfixed on the woman. She was tall, but not as tall as he was and she had all the right amount of plumpness in all the right places. Her hair was light brown and she had it up in a ponytail. Her eyes were dark blue and sparkled and were full of life. She noticed him staring at her and she smiled.
A light blush covered his cheeks and he returned his eyes to the book that he had since stopped reading. His eyes watched her from over the top of his book and when she walked to the rear of the library, he took the opportunity to dash out the door. He didn't want to, but he didn't know what to say to her. He wasn't exactly a people person.
Slowly he walked, turning the picture of her around in his head. What it might be like to finally have a girlfriend. He never had the opportunity to really be around girls, mostly because of work. As he was daydreaming, he tripped on a curb and fell forward. He "ran" forward trying to keep his feet underneath him, but he lost the battle to gravity, landing hard on his belly in a kind of slide. 'I never trip' he thought to himself, his surprise fall was highly unusual. He laid there for a second and then he heard a giggle from behind him. Turning his head, he saw the object of his daydream.
"Are you okay?" She asked with a smile that took his breath away.
As he got to his feet and dusted himself off, "Oh, yes, I uh…yes I am okay. Thank you."
Holding out her hand with another smile, "I'm Annabelle, what's your name?"
He stood there for a second, studying her delicate beauty in the natural light, "Annabelle," He repeated softly.
She giggled again, "Your name is Annabelle too?"
He snapped out of the daze, "Uh, no, I am Sephiroth."
"It's nice to meet you," She still held out her hand until he took it and the softness of it warmed him, "Listen, would you like to go with me over to the café for some coffee?" He nodded and smiled. "Your eyes are really pretty Sephiroth, I don't think I have ever seen eyes like that." As they walked, "So what do you do? Well besides trip on curbs." She giggled again and he blushed lightly again.
"Well I am a Soldier First Class. You?" He asked back.
"I'm a student over at the University. I'm studying physical applications of science." He held the door for her and she found a seat in the back, where it was quiet. They talked for hours and before he knew it, he realized he was really late for a meeting.
As he got up from the table and she asked, "Can we meet and talk again sometime?" She handed him a piece of paper.
He took the paper and put it in his pocket, "I would very much enjoy talking with you again."
Over the next several weeks, they saw each other as often as they could.
One night they went to a movie and he walked her home after dinner. Holding hands, she had her head rested on his shoulder. Once arriving at her apartment door, he wanted to kiss her. He hadn't kissed her yet, hell he had never kissed anyone. His fingertips gingerly touched her cheek as she looked up into his eyes. "Good night Annabelle," he said quietly.
Sephiroth, disappointed in his weakness and cowardice; he had faced monsters of all different sizes and species and armies of soldiers and yet he couldn't find the courage to kiss a woman.
He turned hesitantly to leave, but she grabbed his hand as he turned and she said with a sensual grin, "If you won't then I will." She took a hold of the sides of his face and pulled him toward her. Her lips were so warm and inviting and for a moment his hands stayed at his sides not knowing what to do. She let go of him and he watched her curiously as she reached for his hands and put them around her waist. She pulled him back into a kiss and the feeling was overwhelming to him.
Once inside her apartment, she led him toward the bedroom, but he stopped half way and she looked at him puzzled and asked, "You don't want to?" She asked with her eyes looking over him.
"It is not that, it is…well, I have never been with anyone," He took a step backward toward the door.
"Wait!" She took hold of his hand and quietly said, "It's okay, really." Annabelle's smile lit the dark room with a brilliant radiance. She reached for him and her hand closed gently around his as she pulled him to another kiss. Her lips pressed on his with a pleasured need. A strong arm wrapped around her and drew her closer as he joined her in a spinning world that only they occupied.
Breaking the kiss, she put her hand up to his hair and she ran her fingers through it in a curious fascination. She looked back up at him and as he gazed into her eyes, he fell into the spell she seemed to cast on him and he slowly drifted back to her lips, warm, moist, and comforting lips.
Pulling her to him, he deepened his kiss and her arms went around the back of his neck, he inhaled and held it. Breaking the kiss, she moaned in disappointment. Taking a small step back he bent down and swept her up into his arms and she squealed and marveled out loud about his strength, as she kissed his neck softly as he walked to the bedroom.
He awkwardly undressed her as he studied every curve and she reassured him with tiny kisses on his now bare chest. Goosebumps erupted all over his body. She had a way that put him at ease.
Laying her down, he looked at her face, needing to know that she was okay with him touching her. Getting down next to her so they were facing each other lying on their sides. With his hand propping his head up, he slowly caressed her waist as he studied her more and she traced the muscles in his chest with her fingers. Looking up into his eyes she put her fingers through his hair again. Pulling him to her, they kissed deeper than any before. He let his guard down around her and he allowed himself to get lost in her arms.
The next morning, he got up to go to work. Never before had he not really wanted to go to work, "May I see you again tonight?" He asked, praying she would say yes and she answered him with a smile and an arousing kiss.
He walked to work that day with a new confidence that he had never thought existed. His work day was full of paperwork and meetings and never seemed to end. Once he got back to her apartment, hoping she was home from school, she opened the door. She gently touched his face and he took her hand and held it to his cheek, kissing the inside of her wrist and they enjoyed being present with one another.
For a little more than two years they were together and Sephiroth felt strongly that he was in love. The thought of being with her, would put a smile on his face that Angeal and Genesis got used to seeing. He didn't ever talk about his private life to anyone, but Genesis and Angeal knew he had a girlfriend though. Genesis always kept tabs on him so he knew everything going on in his life. Sephiroth had learned that you could never keep anything from the red-haired Soldier.
He was at work one day and the receptionist called over the intercom that he had a phone call. He got to his desk and pushed the button to transfer the call. Angeal, Sephiroth and Genesis were arguing about who would win in a fight, an Armored Golem or an Adamantoise. Sephiroth trotted to his desk and picked up the receiver and then asked Genesis, "Can you quiet down?" Sephiroth went back to the caller, "Sorry about that, how may I help you?" Sephiroth talked a few moments and threw the phone back in its cradle as he jumped and ran out the door.
Sephiroth ran as fast as his mako enhanced body would take him. Reaching the emergency room, the doctor met him right outside a patient room, "You're Sephiroth, right?"
Distracted and trying to see what was going on, "Yes. What has happened?" He was quickly losing his patience with the doctor.
"I need to speak with you. Let's go over here in this room so that we have some privacy." The doctor gestured to a door. Sephiroth and the doctor walked toward the room labeled "Family Room." Getting to the hospital shortly after Sephiroth, he noticed out of the corner of his eye Angeal and Genesis came in. They went and sat on a bench across from to the door to the family room and waited for someone to emerge.
"Sir, please have a seat." Sephiroth remained standing. The doctor sighed, "Annabelle was returning from school when she crossed at the crosswalk. The driver of the vehicle never saw her. I need to tell you that we did everything that we could do but we still lost them. I am very sorry."
Sephiroth crossed his arms and then dropped them down to his sides, "May I see her?" Shock made a tremble come out with his words.
"I don't think it would be a good idea, the accident was very bad."
"I do not care! I need to see her!" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The one thing in his life that was a ray of light and joy was gone. He shook his head, "No, this cannot be happening." The woman who showed him that love and friendship is more powerful than any weapon. His eyes flinched, he looked at the ground and then back at the doctor, "Wait a minute. Could you repeat that?"
A confused glance quickly crossed the doctor's face and then was gone, "Repeat what part?"
"You lost them, what exactly do you mean them?" Sephiroth's mind tumbled and he didn't know what to think or do. Numbness trickled over his body and he swore that his heart had stopped beating.
"I'm very sorry. I didn't realize that you didn't know. Annabelle was 3 months pregnant." The doctor reached out and touched Sephiroth's arm. Sephiroth took a step back and fell into a chair. "I am very sorry sir."
When the doctor left, Angeal and Genesis looked in and saw Sephiroth, in shock and just staring down at the floor. They gently walked into the room and Sephiroth, not realizing at first that he wasn't alone, "Annabelle was pregnant? She is gone?" Angeal and Genesis looked at each other and waited for Sephiroth to need them.
Stunned and in shock, Sephiroth walked toward the exit and a nurse started toward him but Angeal intercepted and took Annabelle's belongings. Sitting on top of the items, was a card that she had just bought on her way home. The front said, "Something Special is on its Way!"
They followed him as his walk was slow and painfully shaky, back to the main building and up to his apartment. He stayed in his apartment for three weeks. He only left once, to attend the funeral. Sephiroth didn't talk, eat, exercise and his sleep was restless. Angeal and Genesis picked up his work duties.
After work, they took turns staying in his apartment for when he needed them. Once he had returned to work, the walls that Annabelle worked so enthusiastically to remove, he built them back up. Shutting himself off from the world and essentially he became a Soldier automaton; he vowed that he would never love again...
He'd lost Annabelle almost four years before the Nibelheim fire. He closed his eyes and pictured the card that still set on his dresser in his apartment. It set right next to a picture of the two of them when they went on a picnic just outside Midgar. He remembered having to hold the camera out and taking several before he finally got a good shot. The picture and card were probably gone now since he was most likely considered dead, it was the only thing he had left of her.
Now he stood off to the side, out of sight from the cell door and he looked at Cloud, his fragile frame, his youth, his innocence and the brightness in his eyes that Sephiroth hoped would never go out. Zack had this opportunity to do what he wasn't able to do back then. Cloud looked uneasily at him and Sephiroth looked him in the eyes. With a single nod of his head he tried to reassure Cloud that he had nothing to be afraid of, at that moment.
Barber and Lawrence knew the routine of the guards and techs. On this particular day, the boys had gym activities before their injections. Davis was usually a little late his first day back after his days off and they hoped he would keep that trend.
Before Davis and Charles got there, Barber went and got Drake. They gave him two sets of the restraints to put outside of the gym and left the other set outside the cell. They told Drake to stand on the outside of the gym door and instructed him on what to do. Lawrence kept his ears actively waiting for the sounds of Davis on his way through the cavern with Charles.
After an eternity, Lawrence came back in the door and let Barber know that they were coming. They stood at their post to guard the door to the cavern and waited. They tried to look as perturbed as they could.
Lawrence started as soon as the door opened, "I just think he needs to grow a pair and shut the fuck up."
"Hey guys, how are ya'll this morning?" Davis cheerfully said as he went to pass them. They waved absent mindedly to him but kept their eyes on each other.
"Cloud is such a fucking little wimp," Barber continued just loud enough to get Davis' attention.
Hearing Cloud's name, Davis' ears perked up. He stopped walking and turned to look in Barber's direction, "What's up with you guys?" Charles stood next Davis.
Swallowing down his stomach contents, Lawrence looked at Davis and Charles and said, "Oh yeah that guy, he's such a baby. 'Leave me alone, I want to be left alone.' He's in his cell pouting like a little momma's boy."
"Yeah, no shit. You would think that he would grow up a little," added Barber.
"Well, where are the other two?" Davis raised his eyebrows.
"Those stupid fucking bastards, I'm really getting tired of getting elbowed in the face! I ain't here to do your job. You better start showing up on time!" Lawrence hitched a thumb toward the gym, "We had to take those two mongrel sons a bitches to the gym for your dumb ass!" Lawrence hoped he hadn't pushed the envelope too much and hoped he would take the bait.
Davis scowled at him and then looked at his watch. He held his hands up in mock surrender, "Okay, sorry guys." Davis looked at Charles then they walked slowly toward the cell, "I tell you what, he was a real sweet piece! I wouldn't mind going and getting another slice." Lawrence strained to hear what they were saying.
"Well hell, me and Drake got these other fuckers. They'll be in there for a while. But you owe me big time." Charles elbowed Davis in the arm, "You already owe me! How about next time you can keep watch so I can get me some of that fine ass of Fair's?" Lawrence quietly followed just a bit to see if the bait was enough.
"Hey no problem. You're gonna need to drug him though! He's liable to kill you if you don't," They laughed and Davis elbowed Charles in the arm, "Well hey, I'll catch ya later," Davis waved Charles off and headed for the cell.
One of the monitors started beeping, then another one. Harding looked up from his paper work. The stupid monitors kept going off and it was starting to annoy the hell out of him.
The lab assistant was already pretty agitated to begin with because of his last communication with the commander was not pleasant. The information he had gotten was of no use, again. He figured it would be useless, but the information that he was privy to was not on the military type things they wanted. He had to try to get into secret lab's computer, but Hojo never left him alone.
With a loud sigh and a light slam of his hands on the counter, he got up. Walking to the monitors, there was something different from the other times. Bonnie's heart rate had increased, there were definite contractions and the baby's oxygen level was low, "Sir! We've got a situation. Bonnie…err, I mean specimen B appears as though she is in labor."
"What? We still have two more weeks of gestation left! Quickly get her out and on the table. I need to check the condition of the fetus," Hojo began to gather instruments for delivery.
Harding moved fast getting her back to the table. Checking her vitals manually, he confirmed the monitor's displays, "Sir, the oxygen level of the baby is dangerously low. I am increasing B's oxygen saturation." After adjusting the oxygen, he got her ready for the delivery.
Once Bonnie was on the table, he sterilized the incision site and waited for Hojo, who came over fully scrubbed and began the c-section, and within minutes the baby was breathing on its own and the baby girl looked full term. When she cried it sounded unlike any baby he had ever heard. It sounded like it almost echoed in on itself.
Her had eyes so deep blue, they reminded him of specimen C's eyes. Her pupils were cat-like and then they went to a normal round pupil. She had two arms and two legs, but she also had what appeared to be wing buds above her shoulder blades. She had beautiful soft facial features and when she looked directly at Harding, it caused him to feel a little uncomfortable.
"Mr. Harding, get specimen B stitched up, we may need her again," Harding worked on getting her stitched. Stealing a glance over to Bonnie's face, he was reminded that she may never get out of here and then his thoughts were interrupted by a phone call. Hojo looked extremely annoyed, and waited for him to answer the phone. Great, now he felt like he was a secretary too.
"Hello … Excuse me? They what? … Okay I will let him know immediately." Harding hung the phone up and relayed the reason for the phone call, "Professor, there has been an incident in the holding cells."
A/N: Thanks to everyone who reads, favorites, subscribes and/or reviews, I appreciate your time and I dedicate all of this to you. To quote another author, "Getting reviews makes me feel all warm and squishy."
Please send me your reviews if you want. It is really easy. Just click your arrow in the little box, write what you thought or felt about the chapter and then click right down there, just below the box. A little lower… a little to the right… yeah, right there! Click it! *grinning*