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“Because it’s not safe,” Angeal reminded him. “Would you really want this thing to fly over open water only to have it explode? It’s a new prototype, mind you.”

“The fact they’re even trusting us at all with it is a miracle.” Milo turned a small knob on the side of his device, mind occupied with whatever his loupe was feeding him. “You’d think by now Shinra Corp would at least have an underground railway system put in place to make getting around easy—Eh…!”

Catching Milo’s sudden reaction, Angeal raised a brow. “Something wrong?”

The serious expression on the scientist melted into that of a smirk. “Ah, nothing. My mind was just wandering.” His green eyes shifted about, making sure nobody else was nearby. “Sooo, seeing as we’ll be stopping in Costa del Sol, how about we detour to The Gold Saucer like I suggested before?”

Angeal’s eyes narrowed, shaking his head. “You know you’ll land us all in trouble if you so much as suggest such a thing.”

Milo gave Angeal a pleading look—it made the SOLDIER groan. “Okay then, how about after Rocket Town? They can’t get mad if we arrive, report what needs reporting, and then enjoy some after work fun.”

His arms crossed, Angeal did everything he could to ignore the obvious puppy-dog look the scientist was giving him. Sighing in minor frustration, he shook his head. “Even if I said ‘no’, you’d still find a way to undermine me and my opinions regardless.”

“You know I will,” Milo chuckled with a wink.

Sephiroth found his time alone in the Research Room. He was looking at the available maps for the continents to see if anything of interest was about. A majority of the places he was well aware of given Shinra’s influence, but some were areas of interest if there was even a civilization of any sort residing there.

“Okay, okay, you got this,” the shy scientist muttered to herself as she bit at her lower lip. She had been pacing around just outside the Research Room where she knew Sephiorth was. “Just umm…make pleasant talk or something. I-I’m sure he’ll be fine with that.” She rubbed her face, trying to do everything in her power to bring the courage that was buried within her (somewhere) to the front.

Using the key card that she and the others were granted to access different areas of the Gelnika, she allowed herself inside.

Hearing the electric door slide open, Sephiroth’s green eyes looked over in her direction. He smiled, moving his attention away from the maps. “It’s good to see you.”

She wanted to remind him that they just boarded the aircraft a mere ten or so minutes ago, but she refrained. It was nice to just know he wasn't put off by her presence. “So umm, what are you up to? I’m mm..n-not interrupting anything, am I?”

Sephiroth shook his head, powering down the holographic map. “Not at all. I was merely interested in the area, as it’s not every day I am allowed to look at the surrounding territories unless Shinra directs me there.”

Her eyes widened briefly as if to substitute for a shrug. “Yeah, heh, that’s—that’s fair and true.” She was struggling to think of a topic that wouldn't be obvious she was flirting. “Do you have any ideas on our umm…our objective?”

“To seek out a suitable area for another Mako Reactor in Rocket Town as well as possibly destroy any monsters we encounter along the way.”

Hearing about monsters, she couldn't help but tremble a bit. It was one thing to hear stories about the creatures that SOLDIER and the others encountered, but it was another to actually be faced with the possibility of running into one in the flesh. “Y-You don't say…Heh!”

He could sense her anxiety, making him stifle a laugh at how innocent the whole experience was. “You don't need to worry. I’ll be taking the front with Zack while Genesis and Angeal will be at the rear. You and the other scientists will be fine between us.”

“I don't think I’ve met this Zack.” She pulled out her pocket computer, bringing up the SOLDIER database to look through the list of names. The name popped out at her, and she tapped it, accessing the information on this warrior.

“He’s yet to pass into 1st Class SOLDIER, but that’s what the majority of his training lately is to encourage,” Sephiroth explained, allowing her to take Zack’s information. “Angeal has been tasked with training him, but there are moments I’ve been asked to do so as well.”

She nodded, powering down her device. “He seems to be quite impressive as far as skills are concerned. Given you and Angeal are the best of the umm best, I am sure he’ll succeed in no time!”

Sephiroth shook his head with a smile. “If you say so.”

A page rang out about the aircraft.

“We’ll be arriving shortly at Junon Harbor in ten minutes.”

Sephiroth placed his hand upon the middle of her back, escorting her out the door and to the hallway. “We should probably take a seat before it lands. I don't trust it will be stable.”

She was relieved he couldn't see how much of a mess she was at just him touching her. If there was a readout of her brain activity, it would show that she had basically flatlined.

Junon wasn't exactly a pleasant place. Just like Midgar, it was clouded with such smog on the outside that the air was far from pleasant. Sadly, given how each one had grown up in Midgar for quite a few years, it was easy to ignore for the most part.

“I’m hoping Rocket Town has better air to breathe,” Civia sighed, checking the CO2 levels with her goggles.

“I’m shocked someone like you isn’t used to the shit air we breathe daily back in the city,” Milo chuckled.

“I’ll have you know I was born and raised in the Icicle Inn before joining Shinra sometime ago!”

The shy scientist laughed nervously, wishing the two would stop bickering while they were on this journey. “We umm…we’re still working, guys. It’s probably for the better that we don't gripe about work, all things considered.”

Sad to say that the Shinra Corp had eyes and ears nearly everywhere. Talking about them in a negative way was never advised. Leaving their corporation was even for the worse as you could be assasinated for it.

“Oh, are these the scientists you mentioned?”

That was a new voice. Civia and Milo paused in their banter to acknowledge the new recruit from SOLDIER.

“Yes, unfortunately,” Angeal joked. He introduced each one by name before motioning back to the spiky, raven haired SOLDIER. “Everyone, this is Zack Fair. He’ll be joining us. If at all possible, I would like for him to be the one to handle any monsters with us giving him as little backup as needed.”

“That umm… seems like a heavy responsibility,” the shy scientist confessed. “A-Are you sure he’ll be okay?”

Genesis shook his head, ignoring the idea that this Zack would handle everything just fine on his own. Sephiroth took notice but said not a thing. He merely placed his hand reassuringly on the mako scientist's shoulder.

“He’ll be alright. He’s battled far worse.”

Genesis nodded down the road ahead. “We better hurry. The ship is waiting for us at the dock.”

Taking in her surroundings, she looked to Sephiroth to notice his mind appeared to be occupied still. It was so unusual to see him this focused all the time. Granted, she never really caught him on the job that frequently. Not on the field, anyways.

“Are you alright?” She wanted to reach over and grab his hand, but she resisted—for some reason. Maybe because Milo and the others were nearby watching.

Sephiroth hummed aloud, looking down at her with that gentle look she rarely got out of him. It was nice to see every once in a while. “Ah, I am just planning out the road ahead.”

“All of that is prepared for us,” Genesis felt the need to remind his friend. “I wouldn't focus on something that isn't necessary.”

“Then you don't know Sephiroth all that well,” Angeal joked with a smirk.

The mako scientist stifled her own laugh. “It’s alright to just relax every now and again, you know.”

Sephiroth’s green eyes shifted down towards her once more. He didn't say anything, but he smiled in acknowledgement that it was another moment she hadn't stuttered nervously about him.

The boat ride was far more enjoyable for her than the aircraft. While she could hardly say she was born on the sea or in the air, the sea was just a bit more hospitable for her taste. Seeing as she didn't use boats often for travel, she was a bit shocked she didn't get sea sick right away.

She still remained sitting down, trying to fight the urge to look at her pocket computer. The last thing I need is to get horribly sick on this boat in front of him, she thought with a nervous sensation in her stomach.

The electronic door opened, and while she half expected Milo or Civia to show up, it was actually Zack.

She waved in greeting. In his curious look alone, she could tell he was hunting for something. “Hey, Zack. Do you need something?”

“Ah, I was half expecting Sephiroth or maybe Angeal to be around here.” He crossed his arms, lowering his head in thought. “Mm, isn't one of them your charge or something? I think Angeal told me something about that.”

For once there was somebody oblivious to her feelings about Sephiroth. That was a first and she embraced it. She couldn't help but laugh either way. “Ah, Angeal is Milo’s charge, or rather…those two can be reversed, depending on how you want to see their relationship.” She tried to keep her composure as she continued, “As for Sephiroth, yes, I am the scientist who kind of watches over him, but he doesn't stay at my side all the time.”

“Huh. That’s funny.” Zack rubbed the back of his head. Confusion was written all over his face. “I thought Angeal and even Milo said you and Sephiroth were at the very least inseparable.”

Hearing that, she did her best to ignore how hot her face was getting. “I-I-Ignore them!”

Noticing her response, Zack hummed a bit louder as if having stumbled upon some piece of a puzzle he was putting together. “Ah-ha! So it’s true then!”

Again with this. She recognized the tone instantly. “Oh, will you stop it?” she grumbled. “I don't need all of Shinra Corp to know about my feelings for him.”

He could tell she was just embarrassed, making him stifle a laugh. “Okay, okay.” Zack raised his hands, trying to lower her emotions towards him. He still thought it was funny, her response. “So, has he asked you out or anything?”

“N-No! Of course he hasn't!” She didn't mean to yell that, but it was so embarrassing to have someone she just met being so nosey about her personal life.

“Ooh, well that’s weird.” Zack cradled his chin, thinking of why that could be. “I would think someone like him would be more forward or something. I mean, I asked a girl out on a date not too long ago, and that went fine. I’d like to think he has far more courage than I do.”

She covered her face, trying her best to not let her emotions show. Of course, she was doing a lousy job.

“Ah, why are you down here by yourself then?” Zack grabbed her wrist, pulling her up from where she was sitting. “Come on! He’s probably above deck or something. I can help you find him.”

“Wa-Wa-Wait! St-Stop it! I can’t—!”

“Yes you can,” Zack interrupted with a playful laugh.

Damn him for being so strong. It was impossible for her to even pry a finger loose where her wrist was concerned, and before she knew it, she was above deck making quite the scene. When the eyes on the boat looked her way, she quickly silenced herself and just went along with it. The quieter she was now, the less painful it would be.

After looking everywhere he could, Zack finally found Sephiroth at the back of the boat. “Ah, there he is. It sure took a while.” Grabbing onto her shoulders, he pushed her forward gently. “Go on then!”

She almost stumbled. Catching herself, she released a heavy sigh before nervously making her way towards Sephiroth. “Why umm, why are you all the way back here? Alone?”

The SOLDIER just smiled, shaking his head. “I would hardly say I’m alone now, wouldn't you agree?”

“I-I didn't mean to barge in—!”

“It’s alright.” Sephiroth said in haste, opening his hand for her to take. “Come.”

Seeing his invitation to join him, she felt her heart twisting painfully in her chest. Walking closer, she slipped her hand into his to stand beside him. “S-Sorry. It uh… It was—.”

“Zack’s idea? I heard him a moment ago.” Sephiroth stifled a laugh.

I’m sure it was somebody else’s, she thought to herself with a shake of her head. “Anyways, I don't mean to bother you.”

“You’re not bothering me.” His expression was so gentle for a man of war. It wasn't something she was used to seeing. “I do hope you’ll forgive me for seemingly keeping my distance lately. I just…” Sephiroth stalled, wondering if he should even go further with his thoughts.

“Just…what?” She was nervous to pry. Was it something she had done?

He looked about them, making sure nobody was nearby. All he wanted was the wind to carry his words away and for her to keep them secretly locked in her heart. “It will sound silly when I say this, but I promise you that I mean every word.” Witnessing the eager look on her face, he turned away for a moment to admire the sea once more. “I just feel I can be myself around you, and I don't want that emotion to ever be fleeting.”

“What do you mean…?”

He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, smiling once more. It was another rare moment she didn't fall over her own words. Each time that ever happened, he had mentally taken note. Not because it was daunting, but because he was trying to find a way to make her feel more at ease when around him. Whatever he could say or do to make the atmosphere feel less pressured for her, he’d do it.

“People often harbor emotions for another without bothering to know the person in question. It’s only their reputation they love more often than not,” Sephiroth confessed. His hand remained on hers, and his grip tightened for a mere moment before his thumb rubbed over the back of her hand. “The fanclub that Shinra insists SOLDIER 1st Class fighters have is…it muddies the waters to a point I often cannot sense when someone’s emotions for me are to be honest or merely just the heat of the moment.” He shook his head. “How long have we known one another now?”

She thought this might be a test. In all honesty, it was hard to keep track. “Umm…About…three years now? I think?”

“Only three? Mm, time sure does fly, doesn't it?” He brought her hand closer to his chest. Her heart felt as though it would burst at any moment. She couldn't even think straight. “I thank you for being patient with me—for being here with me.”

All the words she wanted to say were traffic jammed in her mind. If she wanted to speak, she was certain she’d make a fool of herself, so she said nothing. She merely nodded.

Milo used the jeweler’s loupe to enhance the scene before him as he hid out of sight right around the corner with Angeal and Zack.

“Close! Close!” Milo chanted quietly.

“You remind me of that annoying protagonist in a romance novel sometimes,” Angeal scolded with a shake of his head.

“Says the man who also teases his friend for not confessing how he feels to the woman he obviously loves,” said Milo with a wave of his finger.

Zack grinned widely at the playful remark from his mentor’s scientist.

Angeal looked over at Zack with a mischievous scowl. “You’re just as bad for helping him.”

“Drat,” Civia grumbled on the other side of the cabin, watching the scene unfold. “I swear, we need to lock them both in a room when we get to Rocket Town.”

“Never would have guessed out of all the things Sephiroth wasn't great at it was confessing his feelings,” Genesis murmured.

The arrival at Costa del Sol was a bit of a relief for the quieter scientist. She wanted to grab Milo and shake him for being so open about how she felt about Sephiroth to someone like Zack, but she’d have to wait till she was alone with him to have that chance.

“Should we stay here or continue onward?” Genesis asked, looking to Sephiroth.

He shook his head. “It’s best we continue to Rocket Town.”

Civia brought up a holographic map from her own pocket computer to get a general idea of where it would be best to go. “If we have a means of transportation, we can probably get to Rocket Town just fine. However…” She enlarged the map, pointing to the road that led towards the mountains. “There is a town not far from here, North Corel I believe it’s called.”

“I would advise staying away from there,” Sephiroth insisted. “I’ve heard they’re…less than welcoming to anybody from Shinra.”

“Oh. Right,” Civia sighed. “The mako reactor explosion, was it?”

Milo frowned when hearing that for some reason, crossing his arms with a shake of his head. “That’s what the documents say.”

The shy scientist could tell he was hiding something, but she did her best not to dive deeper into why he was being so cryptic on the matter. Perhaps it was for the better.

“Shame,” Angeal remarked with a hidden laugh, “That’s the only way in which you’d be able to get to The Gold Saucer, from what I am aware of.”

Hearing that, Milo grumbled. “Well, aren't you supposed to be training Zack? Seeing as there is the old mako reactor, why don't we head through the mountains and get to the town anyways to take a small detour from Rocket Town?”

The other scientist opened her pocket computer to bring up a few files and numbers she had on hand. “Well, umm…I could get a Shinra vehicle to pick us up if—.”

Milo ran to her side and brought her in close with a goofy grin. “We could do that—OR we could go off and have some fun at The Gold Saucer.”

Civia shook her head while Genesis pinched the bridge of his nose to quell a headache. The two of them were no doubt questioning how someone like Milo managed to make it into the Shinra company to begin with.

“Sephiroth,” Angeal began sternly, “it’s your call either way.”

Sephiroth knew what the company would want, but he couldn't say he was one to always follow direct orders. Odd to admit to even himself, as he was supposed to be the shining example of SOLDIER 1st Class. He felt her eyes on him, making Sephiroth look at her in turn. He tried to understand what she might want over himself or someone like Milo.

To be honest, she was thinking about all the times she used to frequent The Gold Saucer. There were many old yet pleasant memories surrounding the place. She didn't want to sway Sephiroth to take such a detour as she worried it would land them all in trouble.

He nodded over his shoulder. “There will be plenty of monsters to fight along the way…” His voice trailed off as he headed for the entrance of Costa del Sol. “...to The Gold Saucer.”

Everyone muttered a sound of confusion as Milo cheered with his hands in the air.

“Ya-ha! Awesome!” He leaned against Angeal. “I can’t wait to show you how I managed to get the gil needed to pay off my student loans! Chocobo racing is the way to go!”

“So you gambled.” Angeal shook his head teasingly at the thought as they all set out for North Corel.

“Oh, c’mon, don't say it like that,” the mako scientist scoffed.

The way through the mountains wasn't something she was used to. For some time now, she had mostly lived in Midgar, using public transportation or just walking down a road that was as flat as a surface could be. Having to watch her footing and even be aware of her surroundings was something completely new.

Noticing her struggling where some of the rocky terrain was concerned, Sephiroth offered her his hand. “Be careful. I don't need you to trip and hurt yourself.”

She accepted his help, sliding down the nearby rock to join him. “Th-Thank you…”

“We better be alert,” Genesis piped in. “Quite a few monsters have been documented to roam these lands.”

Civia’s entire body tensed as she held her miniature computer close to her chest. “You mean like that thing!”

Every SOLDIER grabbed onto their weapons the moment they felt the energy swell around them. It wasn't a normal looking bird, that was for sure. To anybody who saw this monster from afar, it would appear as such, but at closer inspection, it was obviously mutated with its size far larger than that of a normal bird. Even a single thin horn upon its head showed it was now more classified as a monster.

Sephiroth urged his charge behind himself, getting on the defensive as he watched the monster summon three others to join the fight.

“Be on your guard!” Genesis ordered, not sure what to do with three defenseless scientists on the battlefield. He grabbed Civia’s shoulder and urged her to his side as he raised his weapon in case he needed to cast a barrier of protection.

One of the monsters unleashed an attack that Sephiroth recognized as Thunder Kiss. Harnessing Wall, he managed to lessen the damage he himself would take, making sure the woman beside him suffered nothing.

“Zack!” Angeal ordered as he grabbed the large Buster Sword to assist his colleague in taking down one of the Needle Kiss monsters.

Milo’s demeanor switched. It was the first time anybody would see him turn serious in a long while. Moving his coat sleeve up and out of the way, he showed a device he had on his arm. Pressing a single button, he activated a shield for himself. The lightning rocketed off of the barrier he created, but the percentage value lowered just a bit from the damage it took.

That’s something at least, he thought to himself.

Zack used the sword he had been entrusted with to slice down one of the Needle Kiss creatures while Angeal took down the other, leaving only one alive. His eyes locked with Angeal’s, and it was in that moment Zack knew he had to continue to down the monsters alone.

Swinging the sword once more, he delivered a crushing blow with a simple Ice level I accompanying his attack. The creature took heavy damage, falling to the ground where its body evaporated—returning to the lifestream.

Resting his weapon on his shoulder, Zack looked to the others with a wink and a nod. “I’ll go on ahead and clear the way!”

“Don’t overdo it,” Angeal cautioned. “If you need assistance, we won’t be far behind.”

Zack nodded, heading onward just over the hill.

“Are you sure he’ll be okay?” Civia questioned, pulling from Genesis’ side.

“He should be.” Sephiroth looked to his charge with a furrowed brow. “Are you alright?”

Words failed her. All she could do was nod for the time being. “What about you? You took that attack for both of us.”

Sephiroth shrugged. “The Wall materia managed to absorb most of it. I will be fine.”

Angeal noted the device on Milo’s arm he was messing with. “Impressive response to that attack. I wasn't expecting you to have anything like that prepared.” He sheathed his sword, while the scientist lowered the shield.

“Ah, it is a work in progress,” Milo confessed. “While I don't expect to ever become a fighter, I do have a way to keep myself protected.” Remembering what Angeal just said, he flinched. “...And yet you let it almost hit me? How kind of you, SOLDIER 1st Class…”

Sephiroth couldn't help but laugh.

Zack managed to clear the path ahead for everybody just fine on his own. The mako scientists expected he would have problems but nothing arised. Even when Civia ran a scan on him, everything turned up normal.

Getting past North Corel (what remained of it, anyways) and to the ropeway that would take them to The Gold Saucer was easy enough. The moment Sephiroth showed up, a lot of the people hid in their makeshift homes.

It wasn't the response anybody was expecting to see. At least, not the one Civia, Milo, and the other scientist were expecting anyways.

She ran to his side, grabbing at Sephiroth’s arm. “Your name must be heard far and wide, huh?”

“Shinra and their SOLDIERS are far more infamous than you give them credit for,” Sephiroth whispered to her.

She could tell he was being melancholy about something, but she didn't press the topic. Instead, she quietly got onto the ropeway ride to head to the amusement park in the sky. It had been a long time since she last had been there—far too long.

It was as bright and loud as she remembered. Nothing had changed. Not even that old Welcome sign. The moment they left the ropeway ride, Milo was already eager to grab Angeal and haul him away to the chocobo racing side of The Gold Saucer.

“Come on, come on! This way!”

Angeal sighed, following behind Milo whether he wanted to do so or not. Zack and Genesis couldn't help but take note of the Battle Square, wondering if Sephiroth wanted to join.

He shook his head. “I’ll be fine, really. Why don't you both go on ahead?”

Civia found herself worried about being out having fun when this wasn't what Shinra wanted them to do. “Somebody has to keep those two from causing trouble,” she muttered, following behind Genesis and Zack. “Wait for me!”

Sephiroth looked over at the last scientist remaining. “It’s just you and me now, isn't it?”

“Yeah,” she chuckled with a shrug. “Have you…been here before?”

Sephiroth shook his head. “Not really. I’ve never had a reason to. However, I am to believe you seem to have a fondness of the place.”

“H-How did you know that?”

He smiled with an innocent tilt of his head. “There was a way your eyes seemed to light up when Milo mentioned the place. It wasn't because of an eagerness to unwind, but it felt far more personal than that.” He motioned over his shoulder. “Come. I am sure you can show me around.”

“Yes, I…I actually can.” She took his hand, leading him through the many attractions that The Gold Saucer had to offer. Intentionally, she avoided the Battle and Chocobo Square knowing that was where the others were. She just wanted a moment alone with him.

The Wonder Square. That would be the perfect spot. It had a lot of fun minigames and even just a nice place to see the view of the world from up high.

Sephiroth admired the appearance of it, not expecting something like an amusement park to have anything resembling Midgar. “Well, this place is quite charming. Did you come here often?”

She replayed her old childhood memories and shook her head. “No, it was actually the Chocobo Square I went to often as my parents used to raise chocobos to race.” She shrugged. “I didn't want to go there for obvious reasons. I could use a small break from Milo, even if he’s a friend.”

“More than understandable.” He did his best to hide his laugh. Noting her looking up at him as if trying to figure something out, he gave her a curious gaze in return. “Something the matter?”

“N-No, it’s just…it’s not often I get to see you laugh. It’s…I dunno how to say it, but it’s just nice to see or even hear every now and again.”

Sephiroth reached over, the side of his finger gracing under her chin. “Afraid this world robbed me of the wish to laugh let alone smile sometimes. But I guess it resurfaces when around the right people.”

“Ah! Hey there!”

The voice wasn't one either of them recognized. She almost wanted to say it was Milo given how energetic it was, but the tone had an accent she couldn't place. The two of them looked around, wondering who was calling out to them.

“Down here! Down here!”

They glanced at their feet, and it was there that the two were met with a rather curious sight. Sephiroth couldn't say it was a familiar being, but the scientist tensed and wondered if it could truly be the same thing…

A black and white tuxedo looking cat with a golden crown and a red cape. It was that toy Reeve had her help with—it had to be. Cait Sith.

“You two adventurers must be here to test your luck, aren't you? I’ll have you know, I can predict your fortunes! Anything you like! Just tell me what you need answers for, and I’ll give it my best!”

“Fortunes?” Sephiroth parroted. Never had he confronted a fortune teller before.

“Yes siree!” The animatronic cat posed rather victoriously. “I can predict your future regarding business or even your love life, if you so wish!”

Her face felt as though it was on fire. “N-No! That won’t be necessary!”

“Oh really?” Sephiroth noted her response, finding it adorable. What could it harm either way? Their future was theirs to make their own. “Alright, how about our future—the two of us, together?”

Hearing such a thing, she felt she would faint. I swear to the gods, Reeve, if you’re somehow controlling this thing—! She wanted to believe that wasn't the case. How in the world would he be able to get the toy even up to The Gold Saucer in merely a few weeks time? And more to the point, why was it even stationed here?

Cait Sith tapped the side of his head, humming to himself before motioning his hands about to reveal a slip of paper in one of his gloves. It was like a magic trick at best. “Let’s see here…” He brought it close to his squinty eyes to read it over. “Love, because it is the only true adventure you will share—embrace the chaos and the bumpy roads ahead.”

“How interesting,” Sephiroth said softly to himself. “Sounds positive, at least.”

“Well, all love is fraught with hardships, but if you work hard, you can persevere!” Cait Sith posed once more in another victory stance, his white tipped tail wagging back and forth.

This was becoming embarrassing. “Th-Thank you so much! I-I don’t think we—!”

“You know, couples usually go to the Round Square to enjoy the gondola ride that is there,” the animatronic suggested. “Why don't you both go there for a spell?”

“Thank you!” she shouted, grabbing Sephiroth’s hand and hurrying in that direction. “That umm sounds like a wonderful idea!” She hadn't realized how quickly she was jogging to get away from that fortune teller Reeve was no doubt controlling. I help that man and this is how he repays me, she thought, nervously sweating. Oh gods, Sephiroth is gonna hate me for this!

“You can slow down,” Sephiroth encouraged, digging his heels into the ground to prevent her from carrying onward. “Is something the matter?”

She hadn't even gotten to the Round Square by the time he stopped her. “I’m…Maybe it’s better we go somewhere private to talk that doesn't have a limit on it.” She thought for a moment. “Mm, Ghost Square has the inn, so let’s head there for now.”

It was a haunted mansion, but she had to confess, it held a lot of memories she remembered fondly and even cringed at. She wouldn't forget being so scared of ever trying to sleep in the inn when she was a child, worried it was actually haunted. Wasting no time in putting down GP for a room, she was glad to finally be alone.

She wasn't sure she should even tell Sephiroth that the toy was actually a creation of Reeve’s. From what she knew, Reeve was trying to hide it.

“I’m…sorry about all of this,” she whispered.

Sephiroth sat beside her on the bed. “About what exactly?”

“Everybody is just…trying really hard to kinda be too personal where we’re concerned.”

He wasn't sure what to say to that at first. His brow furrowed, and she worried she might have said something he was either oblivious to or didn't want to acknowledge. A sigh parted from his lips as he shook his head. “I would be lying if I said it was bothersome.” He smiled, his hands folded in his lap. “I notice it, but I feel if I pretend I don't, it would make it less stressful for you.”

“E-Eh? Oh, umm…Please, it’s not like that at all.”

His green, glowing eyes looked her over in the dimly lit room. “It isn't? Then please, tell me why it embarrasses you so.”

“I, mm…” What could she say? “I worry that…I won’t exactly meet your…expectations.”

He frowned for the first time in awhile. It wasn't the response he was expecting. “What expectations of mine do you assume I have?”

She shook her head, hearing all too well there was a tenor of melancholy to his words. “I just look at you and feel like I don't deserve you. I mean, look at me. I’m this bumbling, nervous mako scientist that can hardly get a coherent thought out when I’m around you.”

“Shouldn't I have a say in that?” He reached over, grabbing her hand and holding it in such a way that reminded her of someone begging in their own way not to let go. “As for being ‘bumbling’ as you so put it…” Sephiroth tried to reach for her cheek but he recoiled his fingers halfway there. Finding the courage to continue, his gloved hand rested upon her cheek. “There have been two moments in which you didn't stutter. There have been others, but those are the two most recent.”

Her eyes widened, a bit speechless.

“I count, not because I am annoyed, but because it is nice to see you comfortable around me and what we’re doing together.” Sephiroth shook his head, his fingers slowly pulling from her cheek. “Not many are at ease in my presence. With you, I know it is a matter of wanting to express yourself but worry of seeming like a fool.” His brow wrinkled as he nodded at nothing in particular. “You are no fool. Everything you’ve said and done, I find to be endearing.”

Tears blinded her vision. She knew Sephiroth was a patient man, but she didn't think he would be this patient and understanding with her. Throwing her arms around him, she fell into his embrace. It may have startled the SOLDIER, but he easily accepted her hug in a moment of seconds.

The cold night was soon warmed. She smiled brightly, even if unseen by him. “Thank you, Sephiroth,” she whispered. “I…”

She remembered an old saying: actions speak louder than words. Gently, she pushed away from his chest and looked up at the warrior sitting beside her. Her hands cradled his cheeks, encouraging him closer to her and it was there she kissed him.

Genesis, at first, liked his wing (when he was much younger and didn't really understand why he had it)

He enjoyed the poetic meaning to it, especially when he was first learning about Loveless

It took many years for him to realize what it actually meant

Genesis was... a monster, and that wing symbolized it

Soon, he began to hate it, he wanted to hide it from the world

No hero had a wing, because they wouldn't be heroes if they did

It was so hard to keep up with, especially with his feathers falling everywhere

Doing normal tasks were just as hard

Genesis didn't realize how much of a fire hazard it was until after he used fire materia for the first time

As soon as he casted it, he hadn't realized one of the sparks had landed on the feathers and caught on fire

After becoming soaked by having water thrown on him (probably by Zack), he decided that his wing was a nuisance (and he was probably right)

After the first incident, Genesis' list for reasons why he hated that damned wing began to grow

Sleeping was a pain in general

He couldn't sleep on his back, because he'd wake up extremely sore

He preferred to try and avoid sleeping on his stomach, suffocation by pillow did not sound appealing

He couldn't sleep on his left side, simply because of the wing, it would stretch out and become sore

or he would accidentally sleep on top of it and feel it grow numb

Sleeping on his right side was the only feasible option

It covered him like a blanket most of the time, so that was a plus (warm wing makes sleep time better)

It also got feathers all over him by morning time (warm wing makes mess makes sleep time worse)

It was insanely frustrating trying to get comfortable with it, which is why he absolutely dreaded trying to sleep

When it comes to simple things like showering, he struggled. 

Mostly because he struggled to fit in a shower with himself and the obnoxious wing

Eventually, he gave up trying to shower in that tiny box shower and decided to place a shower head in the bath tub and use that instead. 

He started looking up “feather shampoo” on his computer (causing anyone who went through his search history to laugh)

One day, he saw one of those Dawn commercials where they use the soap to clean baby ducklings

Finally, he gets his hands on some of the dish soap and decides that he prefers that than foam soap

Most of his energy was used for cleaning and taking care of his wing 

He’d remove falling off feathers and toss them in the trash, before carefully cleaning it and then himself

Trying to dry it was difficult to say the least.

Genesis used blow-dried his hair (how else do you think it looks that good?)

Then, he’ll blow dry his wing. 

From anyone else’s point of view, it looks absolutely ridiculous

From his, it seems like the simplest way to take care of the wing, it’s not like they have wing driers (which he also looked up on the internet)

Cooking was a different kind of beast that Genesis was never ready for

Even though he convinced Angeal or sometimes Sephiroth to cook, when he was out on his own, it was a pain

Sometimes, Genesis would just forget that his wing was there

He’d make himself a cup of coffee, turn to make himself toast, then *CRASH* 

a broken mug on the floor, and ruined coffee

The amount of times feathers have ended up in his food is ridiculous, it appalls him

How does he even shed that many feathers????

Not to mention he sometimes gets burnt (not sure if that's because of the wing, or because of how bad he is at cooking)

At the end of the day, Genesis just wants to relax, sit back and read Loveless, he deserved it, didn’t he?

Well, his wing had other plans

Genesis swore that it had a mind of its own, just as he was going to sit, it popped out and completely got in the way

A loud and exhausted groan left his lips as he shut the book, glaring at the wing as if it were going to go away

(He may or may not have scolded it as well)