#battleworn

The voice was low and silken near her ear, and Séra nearly jumped out of her skin upon hearing it, and realizing how close he was. One hand flew to her chest as if to contain the suddenly racing heart within, caging that bird within her chest as certainly as if her ribs were jail bars made of silver. She recognized the voice without turning around, and stared straight ahead, her eyes focusing on the groups of couples weaving and spinning around one another in the latest dance. It was true that this was the first one she’d sat out; her dance card was not full, exactly, but had most of the spaces taken up, and it was debatable as to whether this was because she so dearly loved to dance, or because she had such a hard time saying no to any of her suitors. 

Well –– any of her suitors except one. 

When it became clear that the Baron Somers was not intending to move away from her side, Séra angled her head slightly towards him, her back remaining ramrod straight, her chin lifted. He’d meant it as a compliment...she thought...but somehow, still, the words felt targeted. They always did. Something about him made her feel hyperaware of every inch of her body, knowledgable of every centimeter of exposed skin, every hidden bone, every droplet of blood running through her veins. It was an odd sensation, and, though she would deny it –– not an entirely unpleasant one. 

“I happen to enjoy dancing, Lord Ryder,” she finally said in response, her voice soft, as if she were hoping he might not hear her over the music. “But I found that I required a moment’s respite.”  

Commission for the lovely @sakurablossomhime ❄️🌸❄️ A battleworn and slightly shellshocked Sephiroth contemplates his actions after a bloody battle. 

You’ve gone through your darkest times alone, so you’re not used to needing anyone

You’ve kept your armour on and you’ve built walls around your heart for so long that you’ve forgotten the way out

When the right people show you the stars

Set down your sword and let them break through your walls

Let them take away your shield

Don’t stop them until they’ve taken you in