The moment the door opened, Sephiroth slipped his hand around Calluna’s and she instantly felt bubbly from the sensation. His hands were so much bigger than hers, and even his light hold felt so strong. Trying to control her emotions, she followed his gentle tug and headed inside, Sephiroth ensuring the door was shut and locked behind them.

“Has our hero finally returned?” Genesis’ dramatized tone echoed down the hall, somehow startling Calluna despite the fact she knew he’d be there.

“With company,” Sephiroth replied dryly, guiding Calluna out from the small entry hall and into the living room. They stood a few feet into it, hand-in-hand.

And like clockwork, Calluna could feel her face beginning to get warmer. Truly her least favorite habit that she had no control over.

Genesis was half-laying on the couch, a book in one hand and what seemed to be a half-dranken wine glass in the other. But upon glancing up at them, he set the glass down and snapped the book shut, raising an eyebrow at the sight before him.

“Don’t tell me. Has hand-holding become the norm between two completely platonic friends?” 

“No, I don’t believe so,” Sephiroth replied. Calluna could feel him repressing a smirk from the way he spoke.

“Oh? Then-“ Genesis’ light blue eyes widened, before he narrowed them and stared so hard Calluna almost started sweating.

“Angeal?” the redhead finally called out, “Come look at this.”

After a few seconds, the third SOLDIER appeared, stepping out from his room. “What?”

“Look at these two,” Genesis demanded, still not looking away.

Angeal smiled upon seeing Sephiroth, as they hadn’t seen each other since before his mission. “Ah, you’re back. And you’ve brought Calluna…?”

His tone shifted halfway through the sentence, finally noticing that her hand was intertwined with Sephiroth’s. But then Angeal smiled proudly, giving his friend a knowing smirk.

“So you finally did it, huh Sephiroth?” 

“Did what? You both are being extremely vague tonight,” he stated.

“So are you... And look at Calluna! Poor thing can barely look us in the eye, let alone the fact that she has yet to say a word,” Genesis added, that playful smile forming on his face.

Angeal glanced to her and nodded. “So you two finally started dating.”

“We have,” Sephiroth confirmed.

 Calluna meekly nodded, knowing her face was likely bright red by now.

“Finally!” Genesis shouted, getting up from his spot on the couch. “I knew our little hero wouldn’t remain a virgin forever— you owe me money, Angeal.”

Calluna gasped and clapped her free hand over her mouth, while Sephiroth rolled his eyes at their statements. Not to mention the fact they’d apparently placed bets. 

“If you must know, our relationship hasn’t progressed enough for that sort of thing,” he huffed. 

“Genesis, you’re being too crude,” Angeal shook his head. “Just be happy for them. I know I am.”

“Alright. Well then tell me, lovebirds. Who confessed first?” Genesis asked.

Finally, Calluna found her voice. “Well… umm.. both? Of us?”

“I brought it up,” Sephiroth clarified, “I asked her if she intended on kissing me the night before our mission. And when she confirmed, I confessed.”

“What the hell were you two doin’ before that mission?” Angeal then questioned. 

“My mother orchestrated a date night, essentially… reserved a table for us at that fancy restaurant in Junon,” Calluna clarified, “and then after… we watched the sunset.”

“And you didn’t confess then?” Genesis frowned, “that sounds more romantic.”

“I think Calluna enjoyed the docks at midnight more than she would’ve liked that,” Sephiroth replied. “Despite her injuries.”

“That’s right, I saw that you were injured on the mission report,” Angeal looked pointedly at her. “Are you healing alright?”

“I guess,” she shrugged. “I know my arm and ankle are fine, but I can’t handle looking at the wound on my ribcage, so…” 

“She’s healing just fine,” Sephiroth answered for her. “I’ve looked at the wound, and she’s been cleared to resume training as of today.”

Calluna could see the way Genesis’ eyebrow flicked up upon hearing Sephiroth’s statement about looking at the wound, but he supposedly chose to not comment on that. For now, at least.

“Well, in that case, how about we go in for a round of games?” He instead suggested.

“Games?” Calluna echoed.

“Yeah,” Angeal sighed, crossing his arms. “Regular training fights between these two get a bit… destructive. So instead, we play games sometimes.”

“Huh?” She glanced up at Sephiroth in suspicion. “Destructive?”

His rosy lips flattened, and he looked away like he didn’t know what to say to that. Almost like he was embarrassed.

“My, my. She’s even gotten strict with him. You keep a tight leash on your men, hm?” Genesis laughed.

“Wh- what does that even mean?!” Calluna pouted. “I’ve never known Seph to be destructive! So what the hell’s going on?”

“It’s better you just observe it,” Angeal sighed. “Let’s go before it gets too late, yeah?”

“Of course,” Genesis headed into his room, presumably to put on the rest of his uniform. Angeal, at the same time, left to retrieve his gear, leaving Sephiroth and Calluna alone. 

And the very second they were, she let go of his hand and snapped her head up at Sephiroth, a stern expression on her face. “What the hell are they talking about? Sure you’re a menace on the battlefield… but training?!” 

Sephiroth took in a deep breath before sighing, still not looking at her. “We’ve destroyed a training room… once or twice.”

“Seph!” She groaned. “I can’t believe this… you seriously did that?” 

“Is this how it feels to be scolded by your mother?” He mumbled, finally allowing his eyes to meet hers.

Calluna let out a snicker, taken by surprise. “What?! Hah, I mean… yeah. I do sound like I’m scolding a child, don’t I?” She grabbed his arm as she laughed, leaning into him. 

He hummed, and when she looked back up at him whilst her giggles faded, she found he was gazing at her fondly— a soft smile on his lips, eyes half-lidded and his pupils thin. She, of course, immediately became bashful and began to blush from his loving gaze, but she also couldn’t help but to smile back at him. 

“Looks as though I beat Angeal-“ Genesis stumbled out from his bedroom, causing both Calluna and Sephiroth’s heads to snap in his direction.

“It would seem I’ve interrupted a tender moment,” he commented. “Aren’t you two just adorable.”

Sephiroth rolled his eyes, and Calluna began to wish the floor would just open up and swallow her whole. 

Then, a second later, Angeal reentered the room as well. “Ready to go?”

“If these two are done making love through eye contact alone,” Genesis chuckled. 

Calluna allowed her face to fall into her palms. “Oh my god…”

“Let’s just go,” Sephiroth shook his head.

—

To say Calluna was shocked by the type of “games” the first-class trio played would be an understatement. 

As they arrived into the training room, the same one she and Sephiroth had just left, all three men began to prepare their weapons, with Genesis holding a bag of apples. That alone wouldn’t be suspicious, knowing he favored apples, but when he pulled one out and didn’t take a bite, that’s when Calluna began to worry.

“Who will be our first target?” Genesis hummed, examining the apple. It was a regular red one, rather than the Banora White variation he typically favored.

“I think Sephiroth should be the first thrower,” Angeal replied, “it’d be a good way for Calluna to see his childish side that he’s supposedly hidden from her.”

“He hasn’t hid that from me,” she huffed. “He’s apparently only hidden his destructive side.” 

“Whatever,” Sephiroth summoned Masamune to his hand and stood in the dead center of the room. 

“I suppose I’ll take the target role,” Genesis lamented, going to stand by the wall. 

“What kind of game-“ Calluna cut her sentence short as Genesis placed the apple atop his red hair, balancing it on his head. “No!” She gasped, “you can’t be fucking serious!”

“Language, darling,” Genesis crossed his arms, the apple not moving an inch as he changed positions. That gave her the indication they’d done this countless times and had perfected their ability to not tip the apples. 

“Are you guys insane?! You could kill each other!” She shrieked. 

“We haven’t so far,” Angeal chuckled. 

“I can’t believe even you are participating,” she frowned at Angeal. “This is…”

“Fun,” Sephiroth finished for her. “Just watch.”

Calluna stared in horror as Sephiroth lifted Masamune single handedly, and focused on his target: the apple. He looked terrifying, and, admittedly, attractive doing such a thing. But the fear and anxiety she was feeling about this whole game was far too strong to allow her to even think about admiring the way he looked right now. 

He pulled his arm back slightly, before throwing his sword as though it were a spear with a “hmph”. Calluna instinctively threw her hands over her face, terrified of what she may see if he happened to miss. She could hear the thud of masamune striking into something, followed by the three SOLDIERs’ laughter. 

She peeked out through her fingers, finding Sephiroth pulling Masamune out from the wall, with an apple pierced into its blade. She let out a sigh of relief.

“You guys are insane,” she breathed, feeling like she needed to catch her breath. 

“You didn’t even watch,” Sephiroth frowned, “next time, keep your eyes open.”

“I… I’ll try,” she stuttered. 

And when Sephiroth was the next one to grab an apple, Calluna felt her heart sink. “Oh my god…”

“You underestimate our precision,” Genesis chided. “I won’t harm your precious Seph.”

Sephiroth stood by the wall, much like Genesis had, and placed the apple on his head. Calluna couldn’t help but to start nervously playing with her hair, almost breaking out into a sweat when Genesis took aim. And when he threw his rapier, Calluna unintentionally let out a shriek, feeling like she were watching it move in slow motion as it soared towards Sephiroth’s head.

Of course, Genesis pierced the apple cleanly. But that didn’t stop the sheer terror Calluna felt from seeing a sword go flying at her beloved. The men once again laughed, and Sephiroth quickly approached her, placing a gloved hand on her shoulder.

“You’re shivering,” he hummed.

“I think I’m gonna pass out,” she groaned. “This is terrible…”

“You don’t trust us?” He teased, tilting his head. 

“I do, but…” Calluna watched with a deeply uncomfortable expression as Angeal took his turn, throwing one of the Shinra-provided swords at Genesis. “Ugh.”

“Why don’t you be Sephiroth’s target?” Genesis suggested, a smirk Calluna would call evil on his face. “The ultimate trust test.”

“I think I’d faint,” she shook her head. “Please, no…”

“You know I’d never hurt you,” Sephiroth said, sliding his hand down to hold hers. “Calluna?”

She squeezed her eyes shut, knowing there was no winning in this situation. “I hate all of you,” she huffed, stomping over to the bag of apples and grabbing one. 

Why are you doing this??!! Her mind screamed at her, and suddenly she felt like her body had turned to stone. She held the apple in her palms in front of her. It was perfectly ripe and looked like it was a sweeter variation— her favorite. Biting her lip, she began to raise it up, slowly, hands trembling the whole way up. 

“You’ll be perfectly fine,” Angeal nodded. “We both know Sephiroth would rather throw himself off of the top floor of this building than hurt you.” 

“And it’s good to be daring every once in a while,” Genesis added. 

Calluna sucked in a sharp breath, placing the apple on her head. She noticed her hair felt rather disheveled, likely due to the training she and Sephiroth had done earlier. But due to how much she was shaking, the apple of course tumbled to the floor. 

“Here,” Sephiroth plucked it from the floor, and put it in place on her head. But before walking back to the center of the room, he smoothly grabbed her by the wrist, bringing her knuckles to his lips, pulling all the air from her lungs. “I promise you’ll be unharmed.”

“Can’t even kiss her on the lips?” Genesis taunted. “Come on, Sephy.”

“They’re still in a new relationship, Genesis,” Angeal elbowed his friend. “Leave them be— I’m surprised he even had the courage to do this much.”

“Shut up, both of you,” Sephiroth lowly said, before looking at Calluna. “Ready?” 

She didn’t reply verbally. Instead, she placed her hands over her eyes. 

“Three-“

“Don’t count down!” She shouted, trying her best to not move. 

The room was silent, void of even Genesis and Angeal’s remarks. Calluna was so terrified she could hear her heart pounding, so fast she was certain she was going to die of a heart attack before Sephiroth could even throw his sword. 

And then, she heard the swoosh of Masamune flying towards her, followed by the sound of an apple being violently pierced. She didn’t even wait to make sure she hadn’t just been stabbed to fall to her knees, still holding her hands over her eyes as she let out a deranged half cry-half laugh.

Naturally, Sephiroth was the first one to reach her side, followed by Angeal.

“You’re unharmed,” Sephiroth reassured her in a more soft tone. 

Pulling her hands from her face, she stared up at him with widened, teary eyes. “I can’t believe I just let you do that!” She yelled, “you asshole!”

Angeal stifled a snort before retreating. 

Calluna tried to get up to continue berating her boyfriend, but found that her legs were incredibly unstable. Slipping back to her knees, she placed her hands on her thighs and tried not to scream, out of fear she’d look clinically insane.

“Alright, clearly that was your last turn,” Sephiroth placed his hands on her upper arms, helping her stand up. 

Once she was on her feet, she grabbed his coat. “I’m never trusting you guys to pick a game again,” she pouted, planting her head into his chest. “I seriously think I could pass out… shit.”

“Looks like the game’s over, then,” Genesis shrugged, going to clean up the mess. 

“You’d better take her back to the apartment, before her legs give out,” Angeal nodded to Sephiroth, who wordlessly agreed.

“Think you can walk?” Sephiroth mumbled to her, voice softened.

Calluna carefully extracted herself from him, trying to stand on her own. But apparently there was simply too much adrenaline rushing through her, and she felt overwhelmingly dizzy again. “No…”

“Alright,” Sephiroth didn’t ask for permission before lifting her into his arms, this time. Not that she minded.

Gripping onto him, Calluna laid her head against him in hopes it would help with the dizziness. But for now, her entire world was still reeling.

“I’ll see you both later,” the silver haired SOLDIER said his goodbyes to the other two as they finished cleaning up the mess of pierced apples.

“Don’t drop her,” Genesis teased.

“You really think there’s a possibility of him doing that?” Angeal rolled his eyes. 

Shaking his head with a light smile, Sephiroth turned and carried Calluna out of the training room and back over to the first class living quarters. 

—

Filling two glasses with water, Sephiroth found himself repeatedly glancing over to the living room, where Calluna was resting on the couch.

“I still can’t believe I let you do that,” she said, voice barely reaching the kitchen despite the apartment space not being very big.

“I’m sorry if it seemed as though I was forcing you, that was not my intention,” he replied, feeling a familiar heaviness within his chest: guilt. “I should’ve just accepted the first ‘no’.”

Calluna turned to look back at him, shaking her head. “No, no. That’s not it at all. I just… thought I should be brave for once in my life.”

Holding the filled glasses in each hand, Sephiroth brought them over to the couch and sat beside Calluna, handing her the one in his right hand. “Even if you aren’t the bravest, you’re still strong to me,” he offered.

“I don’t ever feel like I am,” she sighed. “I’m physically weak, and shy…”

“Being strong doesn’t necessarily include your physical abilities,” he disagreed. “But anyway… I’m sorry about pressuring you before.”

“You didn’t,” Calluna took a sip from her glass. “…but I’m not letting you do that again. Ever.”

He let out a huff, amused. “Understood.”

A moment later, she shuffled closer to him, until their arms were pressing up against one another’s. 

“So…”

He hummed, raising an eyebrow. Her tone of voice had shifted.

“When are you gonna kiss me?” She asked, sight focused on the floor. 

“I-“ Sephiroth nearly choked on his water, feeling the back of his neck heating up. 

She giggled, finally looking at him. But her eyes gave away her true feelings— she was clearly feeling shy.

“Whenever we’re at your apartment, I guess,” he finally answered, barely able to make eye contact with her. “If we’re interrupted again…”

“I don’t think they’d bother us,” Calluna shrugged, “Genesis and Angeal, I mean.”

“You never know.”

“Hmm. Can’t we just go into your room?” She begged.

“You’re being awfully desperate about this,” he commented. 

She pouted, blush dusting her cheeks. God, the sight was adorable. “I just… I really wanna kiss you, I don’t know…”

Sephiroth took another drink of water, thinking it over. “We should shower. Then we can circle back to this topic.”

Calluna let out a light gasp, hurriedly looking away from him.

“What?” 

“Nothing…”

“Have you forgotten already, Calluna? I can read you like a book. What did you just think of?” He pressed.

“I thought- um,” she stammered, playing with her hair, “for a second I thought you were suggesting that um, we should…”

Sephiroth’s eyes widened in surprise as he figured out what exactly she’d been thinking, and that heat creeped back up on the flesh of his neck. 

“…shower together,” she finished, voice barely above a whisper.

“I… was not suggesting that,” he replied. “Would you… even be comfortable doing such a thing?”

Her head snapped up to look at him, blue eyes wide. “Why are you asking that?! Seph…?”

“I’m not insinuating anything,” he frowned. “I just… didn’t think you’d be comfortable, considering what you told me last night.”

“Yeah, but considering what you told me last night, that makes me think you do wanna shower with me!” She huffed, “you want an excuse to see my stomach, don’t you?”

“While I have to admit I’m curious about it, no, I am not searching for an excuse to see your stomach,” he shook his head. “And you’re being awfully accusatory.”

“Sorry,” she mumbled, averting her eyes. “It’s just… a sensitive subject.”

“I know,” he reached out, running a hand through her hair. “I’ll wait however long it takes for you to feel comfortable, though.”

She blinked rapidly, looking around as if pondering something. After a solid ten seconds, she finally spoke again. “I’ll show you… soon.”

“Okay,” he hummed, still feeling the softness of the light waves in her hair beneath his fingertips. She had the most beautiful hair in the world, he decided. Sephiroth couldn’t help but to adore it, considering it was similar in length and color to his mother’s hair; at least, what he could make out of her’s through the locket he’d once had. But regardless, the similarities brought an odd comfort to him. 

“Ugh, you’re right. We really should shower. I feel like my uniform is sticking to me,” she said, pulling away from him.

“Did you bring a change of clothes?”

“Of course. No way I’m gonna train and then stay in sweaty clothing,” she stood up, picking up a bag she must’ve dropped by the hallway earlier. 

“So you’re inviting yourself to stay the night, is that it?” He teased, a playful smirk rising to his lips.

“…maybe.”

“I won’t deny you,” he forced himself to get up, and took their glasses from the coffee table, bringing them back to the kitchen. “You can go ahead and use my shower.”

“Thanks,” she chirped, heading into his bedroom. 

Watching her vanish behind the door, Sephiroth found himself smiling at her yet again. 

He couldn’t blame her for being so needy tonight. The silver-haired SOLDIER was desperate to get even the slightest taste of her lips against his own, too. And if Genesis and Angeal— mostly Genesis— didn’t insist on hanging out after their showers and dinner, he’d take her suggestion of attempting another kiss in his bedroom. Only this time, he was determined to have it be a success.

He shook his head, letting his eyes fall to the floor, his smile never fading from his lips. 

Sephiroth was completely smitten with her.

—

Waiting for Sephiroth to finish up with his shower, Calluna sat at the edge of his bed, brushing through her hair. 

Her dark locks, still wet, clung to her skin, causing her to shiver a bit. Maybe wearing a dress with thin straps wasn’t her best idea, considering the fact that the Shinra building was always cold. But she didn’t really care. 

She couldn’t even admit it to herself, but in reality, she knew that she’d chosen this specific dress in hopes of enticing Sephiroth to kiss her. It wasn’t overly showy or anything, it was a simple, off-white summer dress. However, it did fit her figure rather nicely, especially around her chest. She wondered if Sephiroth even noticed such things. 

Pulling the brush downward, she paused. 

He absolutely does. 

Last night, when he’d called her body shape ‘alluring’, or that weird look he’d given her back in the Junon hotel room, when she was wearing that tight green dress. 

He’d been secretly admiring her body this whole time. 

Calluna found herself blushing and feeling flustered. She almost didn’t know what to make of it. Sure, she thought his tall and muscular build was attractive, but she couldn’t recall ever staring at his more… intimate regions. But then again, maybe he didn’t realize what he was doing. He’d barely ever been around women, certainly not in a situation like theirs, so perhaps he just didn’t understand his own feelings; maybe his glances were innocent after all.

I could test him…

Just as she finished brushing her hair, she heard the water shut off from the bathroom. Sephiroth was done, then. The thought made her nervous and nearly embarrassed, but she’d need to try giving him a clear view of the area her dress highlighted, if she wanted to figure out whether or not he’d been staring at her in a slightly perverted way.

And a moment later, he emerged from the bathroom, in a pair of casual sweatpants and a standard Shinra tee-shirt.

“Hey.”

He tilted his head a tiny bit, looking at her. “Something wrong?”

“Nope,” she lightly shook her head. “So… dinner?”

“Genesis and Angeal are bringing food.”

“Oh? What kind?”

“Pasta, naturally.”

“Aw,” she grinned, “did they remember that it’s my favorite, then?”

Sephiroth nodded, making her light up even further. She couldn’t believe they’d cared enough to remember that about her. 

She then made her move, leaning over the slightest bit to set the brush down on his nightstand, knowing Sephiroth would have a direct view of her. She wondered if he’d finally take notice of the dress she wore.

And based on his eyebrows flicking up, combined with his thin pupils becoming tiny slits, it seemed that he had. 

“Hm?” 

He didn’t respond. He just… stared, a tint of red growing on his cheeks.

“Seph…?” She finally stood up, removing the view Sephiroth had just gotten.

He then furrowed his brows, frowning at her. “You know what you’re doing, don’t you?”

“What?” She feigned innocence. But she and Sephiroth both knew that she was a terrible liar.

He inched closer to her, almost like he were approaching an enemy on the battlefield; eyes darkened, the tiniest of cockiest smirks on his lips. Calluna felt a rush of… something in her veins. Whatever it was, she liked it.

“You’re teasing me,” he muttered, looking as though he were going to eat her alive. “You want me to kiss you that badly, hm?”

Just before he could reach her, she dashed around the bed and to the other side of the room. A mistake, really, with how inhumanly fast Sephiroth is. Within half of a second he was on her. Letting out a playful, quieted scream, Calluna dove onto his bed to try and get back to the side of the room with doors to escape through. 

But Sephiroth yet again caught up to her, this time swiftly grabbing her by the ankle just as she twisted her upper body to look back at him. He began pulling her back towards the other side of the bed, closer to himself.

Another mistake, this time on his part.  

Her dress got caught up with the bed’s comforter, dragging it up and exposing her lower body entirely. Her stomach that she’d desperately tried to keep hidden from him, along with the basic pair of black panties she always wore, were fully on display for him. Nothing too obscene, but it still felt humiliating.

Calluna shrieked, immediately pulling her dress back down as her entire body felt scorched with embarrassment. But it was too late, Sephiroth had seen it all, and was now completely frozen, staring down at her.

She searched his eyes, feeling her own start to tear up. She could only hope he wasn’t repulsed.

“I’m sorry-“ he stammered out, freeing her ankle. But he still seemed very choked up, like something was wrong with him.

“It’s fine…” she half-lied. She was of course embarrassed that he’d seen her like that so unexpectedly, but at the same time, she’d already come to the conclusion that she was comfortable enough to let him see her body. She just didn’t want it to happen tonight. 

Sephiroth didn’t say anything, but he did let out a shuddered sigh. 

“It was childish of me to jump on your bed like that. It’s my fault, please don’t feel bad,” she began pleading, concerned that he was upset about it, despite it being an accident. 

But, to her confusion, Sephiroth muttered a quick “I’ll be right back,” before hastily making his way to the bathroom. 

Now she was really worried. Getting off of the bed and smoothing out her dress, Calluna carefully approached the door, playing with her still-damp hair, nervously. “Seph? Are you okay?”

She leaned in towards the door, hearing nothing but heavy breathing. Was he… crying? 

“It wasn’t your fault… I’m sorry,” she said, starting to feel like she was going to cry too.

“Just… give me a moment,” he muttered, voice muffled by the door between them. His words sounded oddly strained, though.

“Are you sure? I’m worried about you…”

“Don’t…” he sucked in a sharp breath, “don’t work yourself up getting worried. I’m fine.”

“Okay… I’ll, um, be out here, then.” She accepted defeat, going to sit at the edge of the bed again. 

—

This was certainly a first for him.

He couldn’t believe himself. The so-called strongest man alive, and here Sephiroth was, hunched over his bathroom counter, desperately trying to regain control over his own body; caused by a weakness only Calluna could bring forth.

Sephiroth knew it was normal for these sorts of things to happen throughout a typical person’s teenage years, through his fellow first-class friends informing him. But he had never experienced this, not until now. And it was all because of Calluna.

He let out a hiss just at the thought of her. Sprawled out on his bed, her entire lower body on display for him. He couldn’t get the image out of his mind— her skin that was even paler beneath her dress, how soft and plushy it looked, especially around her waist. Her thighs and rear were deliciously thick, a sight he couldn’t have even imagined through her clothing. And her stomach, god. The way some of it hung over her underwear, how soft and squishy it was. He wanted nothing more than to grab it, feel her pillowy skin smushed underneath his palm. 

Not to mention the sight she’d intentionally given him beforehand. When she leaned over to put his brush back, her dress ended up hanging low, exposing the upper half of her breasts to him. Shamefully, he wished to bury his face within them.

All of those things led to his current predicament: the borderline painful hardness within his sweatpants. 

Of course he knew why it was happening and how to get rid of it, but what was he supposed to do? Dealing with it on his own while his girlfriend was sitting in his room, likely in tears seemed unforgivable. And it’s not like Sephiroth had ever wished to partake in doing such a thing. But that was because he never had a reason to, before. 

A worse thought crept up from the deepest pits of his mind, one that made his face burn even more. He could ask Calluna for help… but would she be willing to do such a thing? She didn’t seem ready for that level of intimacy yet. He wasn’t so certain he was ready, either. 

Gripping the marble counter and avoiding looking at himself in the mirror, Sephiroth caught sight of his lower region and wanted to die from his embarrassment. He certainly couldn’t leave the bathroom, as it was far too obvious to hide at this point. 

“…Damn,” he let a rare curse escape his lips, squeezing his eyes shut as he tried willing it to go away. 

But he couldn’t erase Calluna’s enticing image from his mind. Her shocked expression as she looked back at him, the slight blush dusting her cheeks, her thighs he wished to drown in. She was so beautiful, and he wanted nothing more than to feel her bare form against his own body. How soft and pliant she’d be, pressed up on his more toned form. 

A notification lit up the screen on his phone, a message from Angeal pulling him out from his lustful mind. “We’ll be back in ten.”

Huffing, he pushed the phone further back on the counter until its screen was out of site, and squeezed his eyes shut. He had to do something about this, quickly. He couldn’t stall much longer.

Sephiroth could hear some shuffling from outside the bathroom, and he nearly cursed again, having lost track of time. How long had he been hiding at this point? For all he knew it could’ve been over ten minutes since he’d asked Calluna to leave him be.

She softly knocked her fist against the door. “Sephiroth?”

The way she spoke his name like that, ditching her usual nickname for him to instead say it in full; he was forced to suppress a groan. 

“I’m sorry, really,” she sniffled. She’s been crying… “And if you’re upset about what you saw… I can leave. I understand.” 

“No-“ he gasped, hissing at the way the countertop dug into his pelvic area. “Calluna… I know you didn’t wish for me to see that, but,” he had to pause to breathe, finding he was struggling to do so, “you’re so beautiful, I…”

“…h-huh?” She sounded confused, now.

“I’m going to take another shower,” he then landed on, not even understanding why he’d decided to say that. 

“Wha-okay,” she hummed, “just… tell me if you’re having.. second thoughts, or anything.”

“I’d never,” he muttered, pushing himself away from the counter to turn the water back on. “I just need a few more minutes.”

“Alright…” he could hear her walk away from the door, presumably to sit on the bed again. 

Sephiroth allowed the water to run as cold as possible, stripping himself of the light clothing he’d been wearing. He truly had no idea if what he was doing would work, but as his sweatpants met the floor and his eyes flicked down to see just how bad it was, he figured it was better than nothing.

Kicking his pants away, Sephiroth stepped back into the shower, hissing as the icy water met his skin. The freezing bite of it almost felt searingly hot— it was nearly unbearable. But he pushed through, knowing he’d been through worse.

And after a few minutes… that awful strain in his lower region dissipated, his senses- aside from the pain of the cold water- began to return to normal. He slowly raised the shower’s temperature, washing himself of all the sinful, lust-filled thoughts of Calluna that shrouded his mind. 

When he finally felt a bit more sane, Sephiroth shut off the water and dried himself, returning to the clothes he’d discarded. He then brushed through his hair again, lightly styled his bangs, and reached for the door’s handle, embarrassment still coursing through him. But he couldn’t leave Calluna waiting any longer.

As he emerged from the bathroom, he found her sitting on the bed, anxiously scratching the skin around her fingernails. Her head popped up to look at him, and before their eyes met, he noticed she’d tightened the straps on her dress, raising the neckline a bit. 

She looked worried. He wanted to reassure her, yet had no clue what to say.

“Do you… feel better?” She asked, sincerely.

“…yeah,” he muttered, feeling his ears burn with shame. 

“That’s good. Should we go wait for Genesis and Angeal, then?” 

Sephiroth merely nodded, unsure of if he’d be able to keep his composure, now that he was seeing Calluna in a new, much more intimate light. He couldn’t decide if her being oblivious to what he’d just gone through was making it worse or not, either. 

Regardless, he followed her out of his bedroom, using all of his willpower to forget about everything that had just happened.