Author's Note - First I want to apologize to all my readers here on FF for the long delays between chapters. As I have said in previous author's notes, I will never abandon this story. I know it doesn't seem that way when months go by with no update, but it is true nonetheless. Real Life has been a real bitch to me the past couple of years, particularly 2023. I have had to become the primary caregiver to my husband. He had a stroke 5 years ago, but this year his health has deteriorated. We are still trying to find out why. So Sephiroth and Shai have not only been my self-care, they have been a lifeline. I do hope you can understand. I wish my life could revolve around my writing. I really do. I have so many stories to tell, but I promise I will make a greater effort to write everyday so the posts are not so few and far between. Love to you all!
Chapter 22
Burning Embers, Flying Sparks
Shai wakes early on Sunday in good cheer, the dreamy threads of sleep broken by her high spirits. She clambers over her crumpled duvet and mounds of pillows in her exuberancy to begin her day and instantly regrets it. Pain erupts in her lower spine like a long dormant volcano exploding rock and fire into the atmosphere. Forced to observe greater restraint, she sits up, turns on the lamp, and swings her legs over the side of the bed. Her body wishes nothing more than to express her happiness by springing to her feet and proceeding to her bathroom with a bounce in her step and a twinkle in her eye. But due to the nature of her condition, she will sadly have to forgo the lively pace and settle for a slow progression. There are several elements influencing her mood this morning. The brand new easel standing prominently in her room, the beech wood's pale cream colour enriched by the oil finish. The final sketch of her bouquet propped against the easel's frame. Her hourly icing regimen ends today and the start of a light schedule of morning, afternoon, and evening begins. It also introduces the welcome integration of hot packs. And lastly, tomorrow begins the first day of her physical therapy and her slow road to recovery.
She abbreviates her morning wash-up, content to splash water on her face and hastily pat it dry. She slips an azure blue scoop neck t-shirt over her head and tucks it into the waistband of worn low-rise jeans. Combing her fingers through her hair repeatedly, she brings a messy order to her curls. She sweeps up the sides and pins them back with a barrette, a few rebellious strands springing free to tickle her face and ears. All the while she is preparing for the day, she's smiling to herself. Not for the reasons that have brought her such joy so early in the day, although they are no less significant. No, her thoughts are drawn to her conversation with the general last night. From the force of his knock cracking against the wood to his almost formal tone of voice to his commanding stride into her room, Shai sensed an urgency to his behaviour that initially put her on alert. Her first thought is there must be a pressing matter concerning Shinra or SOLDIER requiring his immediate attention. Imagine her surprise when he invites her to share the fireside living area with him whenever she wishes. Butterflies beat with nervous excitement within her chest at the very notion of her curled up in the club chair nearest the fireplace, reading her book, the general only a short distance away.
Shai opens her bedroom door and immediately hears the general working in the den, no doubt unpacking the remaining boxes of books. She steps across the hall and pauses in the doorway. She watches him place a hardcover book on a stack tilting precariously on a sofa cushion. Her lips form a soft smile as her thoughts return to the night before. The general was dressed elegantly in his black silk dressing gown and coordinating pyjama bottoms, giving off an imposing aura and looking handsome as hell. This morning is no different. His hair is resplendent as sunbeams slant through the windowpanes setting the silver alight. It contrasts beautifully with what he has chosen to wear; a black t-shirt forming nicely to his torso, the fabric rippling where it stretches across his chest, and a pair of blue jeans, faded from years of use, that tease the curves of his muscular legs. Shai looks away when she feels heat colour her cheeks.
"Good morning, Shai."
Good morning, general. Sephiroth's lips tip into a grin, his eyes bright with an emerald brilliance. She's been in this situation with him enough to know why. A moment's glance at her face and his keen perception tells him exactly why her cheeks are as red as ripe cherries. She hurries to fill the silence.
Have you had breakfast?
"No."
I am about to make some for myself. Would you like me to make some for you as well?
"No, thank you. I have little appetite this morning."
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, general. It is the foundation of a healthy diet. It refuels the body, enhances your mood, and improves your concentration. Eating a good breakfast can provide you with benefits that will last you the entire day.
"Are you lecturing me?"
Not at all. I am simply reminding you of why it is essential to eat breakfast.
"You know, if you didn't want to eat alone, you just had to ask." She can feel the heat that flushed her cheeks minutes ago reignite with a fury.
I am simply looking out for your well-being, general.
"I understand, Shai." He sighs and glances around the room. "I am in no rush. I will take you up on your offer."
Lovely! What would you like to eat?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
They are in the kitchen. Shai stands before the refrigerator, the door wide open, scanning the neatly arranged foodstuffs. She can sense Sephiroth's nearness as he towers beside her. She turns towards him.
I can cook you a soufflé omelette or French toast made with brioche bread?
"Whatever you're having is fine." A crease wrinkles her brow and she shifts her weight from one foot to the other, her expression and body language suggesting she suddenly feels unease.
"Is there something wrong?"
No, no. It is just that I was going to have cereal and fruit.
"And?"
I figured you would prefer something more to your taste.
"In other words, you think cereal and fruit are beneath me?" Shai bites her lower lip, her eyes lowering for an instant before rising to make contact with his.
Yes. A man of your distinction should have a meal that befits your cultivated palate.
"Well, I have a surprise for you, Shai. This cultivated palate is going to have cereal and fruit with you."
If you insist, general.
"I do." Preparing for breakfast is an awkward dance of shuffles and bumps. Shai begins by pulling a carton of almond milk and a tub of vanilla bean yogurt from the fridge. She turns to set them on the counter and promptly collides with Sephiroth on his way to the pantry cupboard to grab the cereal. Minutes later, they make contact again at the counter, bouncing off one another, the cutlery and bowls clattering in his hands while she nearly spills a container filled with plump strawberries. When they bump into each other a third time, Sephiroth sets his foot down, figuratively.
"Shai, sit." She chooses a stool at the island bar.
Okay, but I need a knife and cutting board for the strawberries.
"I will get them." With skill honed from years of repetition, she quickly hulls and slices the strawberries into two bowls, then drizzles yogurt over the berries. Meantime, Sephiroth fills two additional bowls with bran cereal and seats himself beside her. He pours the almond milk over the flakes and passes a bowl and spoon her way.
Thank you, general.
"You're welcome, Shai."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"I will take care of the dishes. You need to ice your back before applying heat." Shai is not at all surprised that he remembers the instructions given to her from Dr. Carlyn. She inches off the stool and walks to the freezer, removes a cold pack, then steps to the pantry. Inside is the second package of gel packs Sybelline bought for her. She removes one and places it beside the microwave to be warmed later. Sephiroth closes the dishwasher and turns to her.
"Should we take this time to plan this week's menu and organize a shopping list?"
Yes, general. I think that is an excellent idea.
"Where do you store the notebook and pen?"
Drawer. Over there. He retrieves the paper and pen and waits for Shai to select a cookbook titled Cooking for Two. With their respective items in hand, they relocate to the living area. Though her icing regimen has changed, their routine has not. As he places the pack between Shai and the cushion, Sephiroth explains the practice of alternating hot and cold packs is known as contrast therapy.
"It creates a pumping action in the lymph system as the cold contracts and the heat relaxes. This helps the lymph fluid flow throughout the body, reducing inflammation and aiding in the natural healing process." Satisfied Shai is comfortable, he moves from his position behind the chair to the front.
"It is imperative you continue to keep each session to twenty minutes."
Is this a lecture, general? Her eyes twinkle with mischief.
"Take it as you will, Shai."
I will take it with the sincerity with which it is given. He nods in reply, a devilishness teasing not only his lips, but his eyes as well. He seats himself on the end of the couch nearest to Shai, flips the notebook open to a blank page, and clicks the ballpoint from the tip of the pen.
"When you are ready." Shai opens the cookbook to browse through its pages. She pauses periodically when she comes across a particular entrée she feels would satisfy the general. She commits the page numbers to memory and continues on until she has sufficiently scanned the book from cover to cover. Pleased with her selections, she flips to the first recipe, Spicy Turkey Tenderloin, and begins to sign, but is interrupted by Sephiroth.
"Pardon me, Shai, but before we begin, we should switch out your gel packs." He sets the notebook aside, stands, and approaches the back of the chair. On cue, Shai leans forward. Once the source of her discomfort is removed, she breathes a massive sigh of relief. She will not have to be subjected to that unpleasantness again until well after lunch. Amused, Sephiroth smiles to himself as he walks into the kitchen to implement the second phase of Shai's treatment. She listens to the low hum from the microwave, imagines the pack spinning round on the glass turntable as the timer counts down its final seconds. The appliance beeps sharply and the door clicks open and closed. Sephiroth wraps the hot pack in a clean tea towel before rejoining Shai in the living room.
"Always remember, Shai, to avoid burns, never apply heat directly to your skin."
Thank you, general. I will remember. She bends forward, expecting him to situate the pack between her body and the backrest. Imagine her astonishment when she feels his fingers slide into her waistband, pull against the denim, and slip the gel pack between her jeans and underwear. She is so stunned by his actions, she fails to sit back in the chair.
"Shai? You may return to an upright position." She turns her head towards him, doe-eyed and dazed. After several seconds, however, Sephiroth can see the exact moment it occurs to her that she is still bent over her legs. In true Shai fashion, she bites her lower lip, furrows her brow, and red roses blossom on her cheeks. She turns her face away from him. Slowly, she rises until she is supported against the cushion, the cookbook fanned open upon her lap. The general returns to the couch and picks up the notebook and pen as if nothing untoward has happened. Shai flattens the pages with her hands and stares blankly at the glossy photographs of meticulously arranged food. In all honesty, she does not know how to proceed. Once more she feels impelled to say something regarding his intrusion on her person, but makes the decision to remain silent. She has set the precedent for his behaviour, weeks of turning a blind eye to his unsanctioned visits to her bedroom. She has no one else to blame but herself. Her distress must be as plain as day because it prompts the general to put her at ease.
"Shai, it was my assessment, based on the temperature of the gel pack, that it would not be as effective pressed against your jeans as it would be against the thinner fabric of your undergarment. So, I made a judgment call. My apologies if I made you upset. That was not my intention."
Thank you, general. I was merely caught off guard. I am fine now.
"You are sure?"
Absolutely.
"Then shall we continue?"
Yes, by all means. Shai turns to the page she was on previously, a recipe for a main course prepared with a succulent turkey breast spiced with chilies and cayenne pepper and garnished with homemade black bean salsa and lime wedges.
OK. Let us start with a half pound turkey breast tenderloin.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Time flies by when you are busy. Soon, twenty minutes has passed and Shai is disappointed when the general is forced to remove the hot pack, though the temperature has cooled considerably. Still, the heat felt glorious on her injured tailbone and surrounding muscle. With her morning treatment completed, she and Sephiroth move into the kitchen to complete the shopping list by adding essentials used daily throughout the week. Shai tears the list from the notebook and returns the book and pen to the drawer.
"Leave the list on the counter, Shai. I will have a subordinate of mine pick it up tomorrow and deliver it to the grocery store."
A subordinate?
"In truth, he is a First Class SOLDIER."
And he will not mind? Does he not have more important duties to perform?
"He's in between missions at the moment, and he will do whatever I order him to do."
But is not this a job more suited for your secretary?
"She has more pressing matters to tend to. Besides, I want you to meet this individual. He's known around the office as The Puppy."
The Puppy?
"For his boundless energy, among other irritating traits." Shai purses her lips to suppress a smile. Sephiroth gives the impression of a superior officer exasperated by a SOLDIER's lack of discipline, but the hint of a smile and the twinkle in his eyes tells her he clearly has a soft spot for this man. Why else would he want them to meet?
What is his real name?
"Zack."
And when will Zack be arriving to pick up the list?
"I will arrange for him to come at 0700. Does that give the store enough time to prepare the order for an afternoon delivery?"
Yes. They are very efficient.
"Excellent." They leave the kitchen, the list placed conspicuously on the island bar. When they reach the doorway to the den, Sephiroth turns to Shai.
"Enjoy drawing your bouquet. From the glimpse I had of it last night, I am sure it will be stunning once it is finished."
Thank you, general, but I am joining you in the den.
"Whatever for?"
To help you finish unpacking.
"Shai, I can-"
Are we seriously going to have this conversation again? With my help, we can have the rest of the books unpacked, alphabetized, and shelved by lunch. I will have plenty of time in the afternoon and evening to work on my drawing.
"If that is your wish."
It is.
"Then let us get to work." Ever the gentlemen, he steps to the side to let Shai enter the room first. She walks to a half empty box on the sofa and begins to remove the remaining books while the general slices through the acrylic tape sealing the rest of the boxes. They work non-stop, diligently stacking, sorting, and shelving the second bookcase. Talk is eerily similar to yesterday's: slow down, do not lift more than she is capable of, if her back flares up, rest on the couch. Shai would have found his admonishments annoying if not for the well-meaning intentions behind them. He is only looking out for her. As she predicted, they finish by half past noon. All that remains now is the installation of the flat-screen TV tomorrow and the den will be officially unpacked. When she asks about the audio system, Sephiroth tells her it will be hooked up in the living area.
Shai makes them lunch. Despite the general's insistence they have something delivered from the tenth floor, she tells him she can cook them something simple, delicious, and it will save them money. He asks if she needs his help and she politely declines. He seats himself at the island counter and watches her make grilled cheese, but not just any grilled cheese; Gruyère and provolone cheeses melted over bacon and tomato on Pullman sandwich bread. Fifteen minutes later, when he is sinking his teeth into his sandwich, he admits Shai's choice for lunch is far superior to his. She smiles wide then takes a bite of a dill pickle spear served with their sandwiches.
"Since you did all the cooking, I will do the clean up." Shai raises her hands to sign, but he stops her short.
"Do not say anything. The decision has been made. Spend your time now drawing your bouquet. Your next treatment is not until an hour or so. Go." Shai cannot help herself. She salutes before quickly crossing the living room and disappearing down the hall. She enters her room and claps her hands together. Where to begin? She needs to light the bouquet properly. She maneuvers the torchiere closer to the dresser, taking great care not to strain her back. She then unplugs the bedside lamp, carries it to the dresser, and places it beside the bouquet. She adjusts both lamps to get the best highlights and shadows until she is pleased with the result. She takes down last night's sketch, tapes a blank sheet of paper on one of the drawing boards, then secures it to the easel. She balances her cushion on her stool and perches gingerly on its seat. She takes a pencil in hand and begins a light outline of one of the sunflowers. She will take her time now. This is the final drawing. With this one, she will break out all her graphite pencils and create a black and white rendering so realistic, it will be comparable to a photograph. She will take days to complete the bouquet, and though the flowers may wilt, she has her sketches to fall back on for reference.
Shai is working on the petals of a rose when all of a sudden she hears classical music wafting down the hallway and through her open door. Piano music. She puts down her pencil, goes to her doorway, and peaks around the corner. She smiles. The music is unmistakable to her ears. The composer is Chopin. Frederic Chopin. She walks to the end of the hall, and turns her head to the right, towards the source of the music. There, stands Sephiroth with his eyes closed, his arms crossed over his chest. The fingers on his left hand tap on his bicep in time to the rich, mellow notes of the piano. When she steps into the living area, he opens his eyes and looks at her.
Chopin. Nocturne in E flat major. Sephiroth's eyes brighten beautifully.
I love Chopin.
"I do too." He looks down at the audio system. "I don't know why I waited so long to unpack this. Music soothes me." He looks up and turns towards Shai.
Me too.
"Perhaps I've been waiting for someone who enjoys listening to classical music as much as I do." Sephiroth takes a step towards Shai, gazing into her eyes with an intensity she has not seen since Friday night. She does not move, though her heart beats furiously.
Perhaps. He takes another step closer.
"Should we listen to the Nocturnes while sitting for your afternoon treatment?"
I would like that very much.
"So would I."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
After her treatment, Shai returns to her room. She seats herself on her stool, picks up her pencil, and continues with the rose. From the den, she can hear the familiar clacking of nimble fingers typing on a keyboard. To say she is impressed with the general's typing skills is an understatement. It should come as no revelation to her. He excels at whatever he sets his mind to. Why should typing be any different? As she draws the pencil over the paper, she does her best to concentrate on studying the lines and values of the rose, but finds herself distracted by the constant clicking coming from the den. Not by the typing itself, mind you. No, it is her imagination envisioning Sephiroth's long fingers moving gracefully over the keys, emerald eyes scanning the monitor screen, and his long legs crossed at the ankles stretched out underneath the desk. Shai squints her eyes shut, shaking her head lightly from side to side. Focus, girl, or it will be his face that will end up on the paper, among the flowers and oregonia.
Engrossed in her work, Shai loses track of the hour. She is unaware that dinnertime is fast approaching. Sephiroth, however, knows exactly what time it is. He turns off his computer and leaves the den. He walks across the hall to the door to Shai's room and is about to knock, but hesitates and lowers his hand. Instead, he leans against the door frame and watches the artist at work. He watches her hand as it skims over the paper and marvels how seemingly random marks form a cohesive whole and when she steps back, behold, there is a rose. As Shai studies the bouquet, her hand takes on a life of its own, drawing shapes and lines while her eyes only glance intermittently at the paper. His focus moves from Shai's creative process to Shai herself; how she futilely keeps tucking her hair behind her ear only to have the curls pop loose one at a time, the way her slender fingers cradle the pencil, how she bites her lower lip when she concentrates. Those lips. That natural pout. How he longs to brush his fingers over that silken skin again without fear of rebuke, to know his desire is shared. His eyes shine like his body is on fire. He would not rush. No. He would cup her face in his hands, lock her in a slow, deep kiss, and luxuriate in the feel of her mouth against his.
He's drawn from his fantasy when Shai turns to face him. She looks at him questioningly, no doubt from the devil's fire raging behind his eyes. He turns away to stand in profile in the doorway.
"I've come to see what you would like to have for dinner?" Shai walks over to stand closer to him. She waits patiently until he looks at her.
Sybelline and I had a tasty lunch on Thursday from a burger joint not far from here. Would hamburgers and curly-Q fries interest you?
"Curly-Q fries?" Shai smiles broadly.
I will get their menu!
An hour later, Sephiroth is walking through the front doors with a brown paper bag, the restaurant's name advertised in bright, bold letters on the side. Inside the bag are takeaway containers carrying hamburgers garnished with bacon, apple, and brie and sides of curly-Q fries. Joining the burgers and fries are two bottles of Jarritos soda, one mandarin, one fruit punch. Shai goes to dish the food onto plates when Sephiroth stops her.
"I think we can make do eating out of the containers, don't you?" Shai nods and the general carries their meals to the dining table while she brings the sodas. Once seated, she wraps her thumb and index finger around the bottle top and turns sharply, then suddenly yanks her hand away. She looks down where the pain is at its worst and sees red triangles pressed into her skin. Sephiroth grabs her hand to examine the marks more closely.
"Are you alright? What were you trying to do?"
I was trying to open it. Glass bottles usually have twist-off caps. These do not. I will go get the bottle opener. Before Shai can rise from her chair, Sephiroth grips his soda and without a hint of resistance, screws the cap off the bottle.
"Give me your soda." Shai does as she's told, hears the hiss of CO2 escaping from the bottle, and the clink of the cap as it is dropped onto the table. He places the bottle beside her meal. Not thinking of the implications of her actions, Shai grasps Sephiroth's hand in both of hers, searching his thumb and forefinger for the same marks, torn skin, or blood. Surely, there should be blood. But all she sees is flawless skin. But how?
"May I have my hand back please?" She releases his hand as if burned by it.
Yes! Of course!I am so sorry! Forgive me!
"There is no need for forgiveness, Shai. You and I have been through much worse together, wouldn't you say?"
Yes. Absolutely. Sephiroth can see she is still flustered by the way she tucks into her dinner. He must restore the mood to its previous conviviality.
"Shall we listen to music while we eat?"
That would be lovely.
"Do you have a preference?"
Tchaikovsky? Sephiroth raises a brow.
"Which piece?"
Your choice. He nods and walks over to the audio system. The next thing Shai hears are the strings and woodwinds of Symphony No. 1 in G minor. She is not at all surprised that the general likes this genre of music. Adagios to calm him, intense dramatic symphonies to stir his soul, operas in the evenings while reclining on the couch. Sephiroth seats himself at the table and begins to eat, but does not fail to miss Shai's smile.
"You are pleased with the selection?"
Yes. Very much so.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Sephiroth finishes his burger and picks up a particularly long curly-Q fry coiled like a spring.
"What a ridiculous way to cut potatoes. How is one supposed to eat this?" Shai picks up one of her fries, leans her head back, and lowers the fry into her mouth. She looks back at him, her cheeks puffed out as she chews.
"Are you serious?" She nods her head. Raising a skeptical brow, he tilts his head back and eats the fry as demonstrated. Shai quickly eats another fry to prevent herself from smiling. Damn, he looks so adorable.
"Must I do this for every fry?"
No, just the long ones. Or you can pull them apart and eat them normally.
"You failed to mention a second option. Are you teasing me, Shai?"
Not at all, general. They stare intently at one another until she cracks.
Well, maybe a little.
"You have been very bold this evening. Is this the behaviour I am to expect from now on?"
No, general. My apologies. I will conduct myself accordingly.
"Shame. I thought we had finally progressed past the awkward phase of our arrangement." They eat the rest of their dinner in silence, Shai not only stunned by Sephiroth's remark, but by the sudden shift in his demeanour, chilly and withdrawn. With a stony expression, he stands and clears the containers and bottles from the table. She rises slowly and is about to walk to her bedroom, but knows she cannot leave it like this. She takes a deep breath, and goes into the kitchen instead.
General?What you said just now.
"What about it?"
I am sorry if I have offended you.
"Offended me?"
Yes.
"No, you did not offend me."
Then what did I do? He leans in closer to her.
"Do you want the truth?"
Yes.
"You retreated behind the role of an employee."
But-
"I want you to be relaxed around me, Shai. I want you to feel like you can be you."
But that would be inappropriate. He stands to his full height.
"Would it?"
Yes.
"It wasn't a moment ago. Why is it now? Explain."
Because...you...are my employer.
"But minutes ago you were treating me differently without regard to the roles we are told to play."
Then that was a lapse in propriety on my part.
"Hmm." He paces the length of the kitchen, then turns to lean his hip against the counter, his arms crossed in front of him.
"So, if we adhere to your rules of conduct, as your employer, you must abide by my wishes, yes?"
Yes.
"Then, Miss Montgomery, you will no longer follow your professional protocols while in my employ." Shai balls her hands up into fists, her chest heaving, her eyes bright with indignation. He is asking her to compromise the principles she has maintained since she started her business, to remove the professional decorum between employer and employee. Everything in her being tells her she should be furious. Even her body is displaying all the characteristics of outrage, but it is all a façade to hide the emotions truly tearing at her: doubt, fear, hope. Yes, hope. Precious embers that still burn despite the endless threat of being extinguished by the deluge. Dare she hope that he might feel something towards her too? She's dismissed the notion in the past, but it was the fear buried deep within her influencing her thoughts. Now? Now she wants to know. Resigned to combat her fears and learn the truth, she releases a sigh and relaxes her fingers.
Yes, general. If this is what you truly wish.
"It is. And you may start by refraining from addressing me by my rank." Shai's eyes widen to the size of saucers.
You want me to call you by your name?!
"Yes."
No. No. Absolutely not. I could not possibly.
"Give it a try. Sign it." Closing her eyes, she shakes her head emphatically.
No. No. No.
"Shai." She opens her eyes, but does not make eye contact.
...Sephiroth.
"Look at me, Shai." She takes another deep breath and looks into his eyes. They burn like the embers she treasures in her heart.
Sephiroth.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Shai walks to her bedroom to put on her pyjamas. This evening is the first she will be spending with the general relaxing and reading by firelight. No, not general. Sephiroth. Just...Sephiroth. Her face flushes and her heart palpitates at the mere thought of saying his name again. Sparks fly from the embers as if prodded roughly by a wrought iron poker. They alight on the adjacent coals, flare bright orange then fade to black. She grabs her hairbrush and begins to gently brush through her curls. The only other person she is aware of that calls him by his name is Sybelline. She assumes everyone else uses his rank. But not her. Not anymore. She sets the brush down on the far side of her dresser, and walks to the cheval mirror. Piercing blue eyes gaze at a young woman wearing satin Pjs and fuzzy socks, her hair draped over her chest in long, lustrous waves. How have you come to be here, Miss Montgomery? She grabs her book off the bedside chest, turns off the torchiere, and heads down the hall.
Sephiroth is already seated on the couch dressed in his black dressing gown and pyjamas, his leg crossed over the opposite knee, the astronomy book open upon his lap. He's flipping through its pages at a speed impossible for reading. It is obvious his thoughts are not with the printed word. They're reliving the conversation with Shai. He doesn't know what got into him. All he knew was he saw an opportunity and he needed to seize upon it, but it wasn't enough to just cross the employee/employer line separating him from her. No, he had to obliterate it, and he did it the only way he knew how; utilizing the skills and stratagems crucial in defeating an opponent. He closes the book and stares into the fire. It's been over a half hour since she went to change into her pyjamas. Shouldn't she be out here by now? He pinches the bridge of his nose. Sephiroth is well-versed in seduction and sex, but beyond a woman's body, he knows very little about their lives, their routines, or their passions. He intended to keep it that way, but from the moment Shai shook his hand that first night, he knew he had to know more about this woman with ice blue eyes.
Standing at the threshold of the hallway, Shai takes a deep breath and walks into the living area. The fire has been turned on and all the lights have been turned off except for the ones surrounding the couch and club chair. The light is low enough to be cozy, but bright enough to read by. She looks over at the general and sees his hand partially obscuring his face. Did she take too long? She steps nearer to the couch, hoping she will attract his attention. It works. His hand falls away and he stands, setting down his book behind him.
"Good evening, Shai."
Good evening, general.
"Shai."
Sorry. Force of habit. Good evening...Sephiroth.
"No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I realize I need to be more patient."
Thank you. I would appreciate that.
"Are you ready for your final treatment of the day?"
Yes. Sephiroth walks into the kitchen and brings the cold pack back to the living room.
"Why don't you sit here tonight, Shai?" He stands behind the left side of the couch instead of the chair. Another prod at the embers. More sparks flying.
Umm, OK. She sits down, setting her book aside on the center cushion, and bends forward. The frigid cold wastes no time seeping through the fabric of her pyjama bottoms. How she wishes they could skip this part and go straight to the soothing heat. With the pack in place, she leans back and grabs her novel. Sephiroth moves around the back of the couch, picks up his book, and seats himself in his customary seat. Even with a full-sized cushion in between them, Shai feels like she is directly beside him. She glances his way. His feet are resting on the coffee table, ankles crossed, his book open on his lap. She chances a longer look at his outstretched legs: long, muscular, covered in black silk. How is she supposed to get any reading done when the apotheosis of sexiness is sitting next to her?
"Is everything alright, Shai?" Did he just catch her admiring his body? The glimmer in his eyes tells her all she needs to know.
Yes. With a slight toss of her hair, she settles into her seat and opens her book to chapter one. Suddenly, she turns abruptly to face him, shifting the ice pack lower on her back in the process.
General, thank you for this. Sitting out here with you...This is lovely.
"It's my pleasure, Shai. I enjoy your company."
I enjoy yours too.
"And Shai?"
Yes?
"Must I remind you every time?"
No. Of course not...Sephiroth.