I woke up at seven sharp, my alarm dragging me from dreams that were far too close to reality for comfort. Sephiroth's presence lingered in my mind—his smirk, his voice, the weight of his hand on my shoulder. Shaking off the vivid memories, I shuffled to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
As the water cascaded over me, I couldn't stop thinking about the texts from last night. The tone, the teasing—it was a side of Sephiroth I'd never seen before, and I couldn't help but check my phone again, toothbrush in hand, just to confirm it wasn't some elaborate dream. But there they were: the playful words, the subtle flirting. It felt surreal, like stepping into a different world, one where Sephiroth wasn't the untouchable General but someone… closer.
By the time I was dressed and ready for Field Training, my thoughts were swirling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Would he act differently today? More relaxed, perhaps? Flirtatious? Probably not in public, I reminded myself, but the idea stayed with me as I made my way to the training hall.
On his phone, more specifically in his texts, he almost seemed like a different person. I knew that it was him, though, and not someone making fun of me—at least I was pretty sure of that. Maybe there would be a way to test that today?
'I mean, that sounds pretty weird... but him acting differently is weird, too...' Now I would only have to think of something on the way to the training hall. I got an idea I was pretty content with when the bus almost arrived. After getting dressed, I rushed into the usual training area.
When I entered, my heart skipped a beat. Sephiroth was waiting just inside the door, his imposing figure as polished as ever. His silver hair shimmered under the lights, and when he turned to face me, a small smirk tugged at his lips.
His hands being free and arms slightly twitching upwards was enough of a sign for me that I could come in and hug him. He hugged back as much as a man like him would do with anyone else—which was still enough for me—and mumbled a "Hey" while I just smiled widely. For a moment, everything else faded, and I let myself enjoy the rare closeness.
"Hey!", I returned when he pulled away and took out his timetable.
The professional mask slid back into place. "Looks like this will be our last basic Field Training together—if you pass your Second Rank exam in two weeks, that is... but I have faith in you." His gaze was turned towards the little booklet, eyes browsing through assignments most likely.
"Wait, our last? Oh yeah, you are leaving on Monday...", I frowned a little, not really being happy with the fact that I wouldn't be seeing him for up to around two weeks or more. That timeframe seemed like an eternity...
He noticed my reaction and added, "Heads up, SOLDIER. I'll be back before you know it. The Second Rank Field Trainings are more challenging, but also more rewarding. I think you'll enjoy them."
I nodded, trying to suppress my disappointment, but also already looking forward to his return. "Do you think you'll have time to text while you're away?" I asked, the words tumbling out before I could reconsider. 'Well, that is one way to hint at our texting...'
Sephiroth glanced at the phone sitting on a nearby table, then back at me. "I can't promise anything," he said, his tone measured. "But you'll be the first to know if I have a moment." He offered a faint smile, one that sent heat rushing to my cheeks. I quickly averted my gaze, pretending to adjust my gear.
"Instead of progressing, we will do a mixed repetition of the Field Trainings you've had before today, so just see it as some kind of practice. They will be a bit different next Rank, anyway," he explained, walking to his usual observing position.
"Different? Can we still repeat old lessons if needed, though?" I wondered, one finger under my chin.
Sephiroth turned towards me once more. "Of course we can, though this Rank is just there to learn the basics. Second Rank is a bit more of a 'learning by doing'-situation that will teach you in a more natural and realistic manner."
Hearing that had me nodding eagerly. Either way, I was excited for what was to come, but also comforted that we could backtrack if necessary.
The training itself was uneventful, the General behaved as usual and I held myself back with flirting like we did in our SMS. I had yet to find a way to make him act like that in person as well... but out here, there could be eyes everywhere and neither of us two would likely fancy getting caught. Him because he had a girlfriend, a successful career and a reputation to lose, me... because people would probably claim I'd want to ruin his life by "forcing" him to start something with me... or who knows what else, I honestly didn't wanna think about it. 'Not even sure how anyone here would react to me or him being gay... or bi, for that matter.'
I concluded that the best for now was going with the flow, wherever it took me, as long as it was forward... I'd be fine. And happy.
When Sephiroth's next student arrived a few minutes too early, we skipped our parting ceremony and I was glad that we had hugged in the beginning. Everyone here and in the city, the country, if not even almost the whole world knew him, but I only knew of two—or most likely three—who ever had the honor to embrace him regularly. Possibly his two colleagues as well, but I barely ever saw them together since I did not spend that much time near the classrooms and training halls.
Nevertheless, I wished him a nice trip in case I wouldn't see him until his departure on Monday, as well as promised him I'd study hard for the theoretical exam a week later.
On the walk back to my dorm, I bumped into Zack, who greeted me with his usual energy. "Movie night tomorrow?" he suggested, already grinning.
"Sure," I agreed, knowing it would inevitably turn into a sleepover. Once I got back to my room, I packed a small bag for the occasion and settled down to study for the Second Rank exam.
The thought of Sephiroth's encouragement played on repeat in my mind. "I have faith in you." His words had been simple, but they carried a weight that made me want to prove myself even more. If he believed in me, then I had no excuse not to succeed.
Later that night, as I lay in bed, I couldn't help but scroll through our messages one more time. The playful tone, the teasing hints—it all felt so personal, so unlike the distant General I'd known before. Smiling to myself, I set the phone on my nightstand and closed my eyes. Whatever the future held, I was ready to face it.