Hello everyone and first off, Happy New Year! I hope the start to 2015 has been a good one for you all. This author's note of mine is going to be a little longer than usual. I had meant to post this chapter a long time back and was thinking of putting it up for Christmas. However, my very dear friend and mentor, Steve Adamczyk, passed away on December 21, 2014 due to health complications. I still feel so raw inside from his loss and am actually tearing up a bit as I type. Thankfully I was able to make it in time to say goodbye before he passed.

Steve was a really special part of my life and one of the neatest guys you could meet. He has done practically everything creative- he was an actor, a playwright, a self-published novelist, a musician (he wrote around 700 songs, created a few albums, and posted them on different sites) and many other things. He was kinda like a second father, but also an encourager of my dreams. And on top of that, he edited whatever I wrote even if the story was a fanfiction like this one which I will be eternally grateful for. He was always seeking to have me improve my writing ("Gloria, read through your chapter at least ten times so you can catch your mistakes before you send it to me!") and was always nudging me to get my children's story I had written published. I will work hard to bring that into a reality, but right now my heart just isn't in it. He wasn't supposed to go yet and he was supposed to be here when I did get it published.

He called himself my personal "Nag-i-nator" and always wanted me to finish whatever I wrote. He was one of the reasons I decided to not let this story die. It will probably take me a while to put out another chapter in regards to this story, but I still plan on finishing it. It will be so strange not to be sending him a copy so that he can cover it in "red ink" as he used to joke when he would find mistakes. Steve also could always make me laugh and had the funniest sense of humor. He hated new technology like smartphones and created a hilarious tag-line for his email that I want to share and always made me chuckle when we would correspond: "Sent from my laptop which is plugged into a phone jack in the wall, right next to my honest-to-goodness REAL telephone, just like the cosmos, Kismet, and Buddha intended. This REAL phone has only one function - to make phone calls. No pea pods or strawberries here. This REAL phone never needs recharging, never loses its signal, never needs a battery replacement, requires no holster, and always has 1.3 zillion bars. On the other hand it doesn't take pictures, record music, or make toast but I'm okay with that. I'm also cool with being out of touch for the nine minutes it takes me to shop at the local grocery."

So this story goes to you, my wonderful readers and to Steve. I know somewhere you are watching and will always be with me. Also thank you if you have taken the time to read this long note. I just had to get that off my chest.

Now for the next chapter; this one is a bit more on the relaxed, romantic side compared to the last one. Sephiroth and Aeris need some time and things get a little heated :) I hope you will enjoy.

Also thank you so very much to catxangel, townberry, The 4SsAsSin 21, mao082, and Elspeth3Tirel for your amazing reviews! They mean so much to me and I am so grateful for you all taking the time to leave your comments! They are a real inspiration and makes writing all the better. Have a great night and an awesome year! (P.S. I do apologize if there are any mistakes. I am still a bit emotional and might have missed things, but I wanted to get this chapter out.)

Chapter Sixteen- A Chance

Aeris was finally able to break away from group and make her escape to the bathroom to shower. The hot water cascading down her grimy body made her all the more grateful for modern conveniences. She paid special attention to her hair, washing and conditioning it at least three times. Satisfied, she lazily turned off the shower, toweled dried, and slipped on a plain white tank top with pale pink pajama bottoms. Looking in the mirror she barely recognized herself. Her eyes appeared dim and her face haggard. After all she had been through it was understandable. She took a deep breath while griping the sink. She was finally home, but it almost didn't feel real. She opened the bathroom door which was conveniently connected to her modest bedroom. Tifa and Yuffie were currently seated on her full bed.

"About time you got out of there," Tifa teased. Aeris plopped on the bed with her best friends. "I think you used up all the hot water."

"A fact I am proud of. I know I had to smelled worse than Cid," Aeris bantered back. All of them burst out laughing. It felt so good to be in the company of females once more. Tifa's face became solemn after the laughter died away. Aeris did look far too thin and worn. The bubbly energy she was so accustomed to when it came to Aeris was sadly lacking.

"Are you really okay? What happened?" Tifa asked. Aeris pulled at a loose thread on the comforter.

"Elena of the Turks happened," Aeris replied.

"But I thought you were safe from them and they wouldn't capture you!" Yuffie exclaimed.

"That is just Tseng's prerogative. He's actually the one who helped my birth mom and I escape from the labs the first time. Reno and Rude go after me, but they aren't really into it. However, Elena is the latest recruit. I can see she is probably trying to make a name for herself and what better way than to capture the elusive little Ancient," Aeris fumed.

"Did they do anything to you in the labs?" Tifa asked hesitantly. Aeris gave her a weak smile.

"No, thankfully. Sephiroth released me before Hojo could have his fun."

"So what happened next? You have been gone for so long," Yuffie pressed.

"We were mostly on the run, trying to get as far away from Shinra as possible. Then we had a rather nasty encounter with a bounty hunter. He locked me up in a cage and there were these mercenaries. Again if Sephiroth hadn't been there..." Aeris shuddered at the memory of the men circling her enclosure at Harvey's compound. Tifa wrapped Aeris in a comforting hug while Yuffie awkwardly patted Aeris' back. Aeris gave Tifa a big squeeze and then backed away.

"Thanks guys," she said appreciatively. "You know what's weird. I feel like I should be traumatized or something. Heck, I was kidnapped, imprisoned, attacked...but at the same time I feel all right. Almost like I was empowered. I knew I would come home no matter what it took and that gave me strength. Plus having Sephiroth by your side, you do feel a bit invincible," she chuckled.

"Soooo what is the story with you and Mr. Scary Pants, besides the fact that he rescued you and blah blah blah," Yuffie asked. Her index finger drew imaginary patterns on the green comforter.

"What do you mean?" Aeris asked, trying to feign innocence. She wasn't quite sure she was ready for where this conversation might lead.

"You couldn't seem to keep your eyes off of him. He had the same problem," Tifa replied pointedly. Aeris sighed. Of course, trust a martial artist master like Tifa to catch onto them.

"Um well, it is kinda a long story..."

"So you do have feelings for him. We were right Teef! Have you guys kissed? Have either of you said the L word," Yuffie rattled off. She slyly grinned at the flustered Ancient. "Have you slept with him?"

"Yuffie!" Aeris exclaimed. She felt embarrassed beyond belief at this point.

"That was a bit much," Tifa admonished Yuffie before training her gaze on Aeris. "How about you start at the beginning," she coaxed. Her own curiosity was about to burst over. All the times she had been with Aeris, the young woman had never mentioned boyfriends or past lovers. Of course they had fun ogling over boys, but Aeris never went past that point. She always had this unspoken rule about her: Look, but don't touch. Now someone had breeched her defenses and it was the greatest general of Shinra no less.

"Well, in the beginning everything was very tense between us. He has a very painful past and for a long time he didn't trust me when I would try to help him. And having physical contact was like Wutian torture for him. He actually freed me to spite Hojo," Aeris said.

"It was no small feat on my part to get him to open up. But the longer we were together, the more we found we had in common. I got injured and that was the major turning point for us," she continued. Her eyes became unfocused as she vividly recalled the beach, their kiss, and his strong arms holding her tightly. Yuffie snapping her fingers in front of Aeris' face broke her out of her trance.

"You still with us?" Yuffie joked. Aeris blushed and nodded.

"I can't quite explain it. I feel a connection with him. It just feels right," Aeris said.

"Do you know how he feels towards you? I know when it came to Cloud, I had use every trick in the book to get him to overcome his shyness and say he was actually interested in me. And they complain about women being complicated," Tifa chuckled.

"We haven't actually voiced anything or confessed our undying love to each other," Aeris replied with a wry grin. "We both are still pretty new to this. I think now that we aren't running for our lives we might be able to cultivate something more."

"Cultivate? That's your word choice," Yuffie said. She shook her head in dismay. "You make him sound like he's one of your precious flowers you are waiting for to bloom."

"Who knows? Maybe some kisses and showing a little skin and he might just set down some 'roots' in Midgar," Aeris said, enjoying her play on words while Yuffie groaned. Aeris then became serious.

"Tifa, I know Cloud has his reasons for not liking Sephiroth. However, could you try talking to him? Sephiroth is a bit rough around the edges and has some issues, but he does have a good heart," she implored. She reached for Tifa's hand and grasped it. Tifa gave Aeris' fingers a squeeze.

"Yes, I could do that," she replied. "I have to admit, I haven't seen you this excited over someone. If he can make you happy, I can live with that. But if he ever does anything to make you cry, you can count on us to whip his ass," Tifa said, giving her knuckles a crack. They continued to talk and laugh for hours until Aeris began to yawn widely several times.

"It is great to have you back. Get a good night's rest," Yuffie said. She gave Aeris one more big hug before bounding out of the room.

"Night Yuffie," Aeris murmured. Tifa pulled the comforter over Aeris. She tucked her in just like she would a small child. Aeris grinned sleepily at Tifa's motherly antics.

"Make sure you get him to open up about what he is feeling inside. Relationships are all about communication," Tifa said.

"I will. Thanks Teef and good night," Aeris said. She snuggled deeper into her blankets. Tifa gave Aeris a fond smile before turning off the bedroom light and heading to the guest bedroom she and Cloud were currently sharing.

As Tifa walked into the room, she noticed Cloud was ready for bed. He was shirtless, wearing only his black sweat pants. No matter how many times she saw her man, he always looked attractive. Lean, corded muscles that rippled with suppressed strength covered every inch of him. Tonight, though, his usually handsome face was marred by a scowl. Tifa sat down on the bed beside him.

"I don't like this one bit, Teef," he said. "I don't trust him." Tifa snuggled up to him, resting her head on his chest. Cloud wrapped an arm around her.

"What is it that you don't like?" she asked. She turned her face to look up at him, wine-colored eyes catching his troubled ones. Cloud sighed. He gave her one more squeeze before he got up from the bed to pace.

"He used to be my hero. I idolized him. But then I saw how he could kill without the slightest remorse. And it was brutal, savage killings. Even when men were begging for mercy...he had none for them," Cloud murmured. Tifa tried to reconcile the two, very different portraits Aries and Cloud painted for her of Sephiroth. Could somewhere along the way Sephiroth had changed?

"How can a man like that be safe for her to be around? Or for us for that matter? What if something pushes him over the edge and he just snaps? No, it is better if he is gone," Cloud said with finality. Tifa rose from the bed to wrap her arms around Cloud. He rested his chin on her head, his left hand absently stroking her dark silky strands of hair.

"But what if he changed Cloud and he is no longer the man you remember? Could it be that your pride is bothering you, knowing he was the one to rescue Aeris? Or maybe you feel guilty you weren't there to protect her?" Tifa asked softly. Cloud stiffened in her arms. Tifa gently stroked the tense muscles on his back, causing him to relax once more.

"You remember when were kids and I decided to hike Mount Nibel alone. I thought my mom was on the other side of the mountain waiting for me even though she had died," Tifa said. Cloud nodded.

"You were eight," Cloud replied. "I was afraid something bad would happen to you so I offered to be your guide and protect you."

"Then we tried crossing that rickety, snow covered bridge, but it ended up collapsing on us. I was badly injured and my dad blamed you," Tifa reminisced.

"I was so scared when I called him about what had happened. When he came I thought he was going to beat the hell out of me and then forbid me to see you," Cloud said with a wry chuckle before becoming serious. "But I was more worried you wouldn't okay." He held her tighter in his embrace, relishing the feel of her soft curves and knowing she was alive.

"I probably would have not been if you hadn't been there," she whispered back. "I think you have always wanted to be a protector Cloud. Ever since that day. You were an insecure, shy boy back then. Now you have become a strong leader. You are no longer the same person and I have to believe that applies to even men like Sephiroth. Give him a chance."

Cloud sighed deeply. She did have a point and so far Sephiroth hadn't given him any reason to distrust him. Yet.

"All right. But if he even hints at something violent or shady, he's getting the business end of my sword," Cloud stated firmly. Tifa smiled up at him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"Thanks Cloud," she said. Her eyes suddenly took on a mischievous look. She extracted herself from his embrace and turned until her back was facing him.

"My, it feels like it has gotten a bit hot in here from all this heart-to-heart talk. I think I need to remove some layers," she said. Oh so very slowly, she began to pull her white tank top over her head. Cloud could just see the swell of her full bosom held snuggly in a lacy white bra. His mouth became dry as he watched her bend over to untie the laces on her brown hiking boots. She had no sooner stepped out of the shoes when Cloud was upon her. In a flash, he gathered her in his arms and deposited her on the bed. He came to hover over her, eyes glinting with desire.

"You always were such a tease," he growled before claiming her lips in a passionate kiss.

4

Aeris turned one way and then the other. It was no use. She couldn't fall asleep. Maybe she had become accustomed to all the nights sleeping on the hard ground and now her bed felt too soft. She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Perhaps now would be the best time for her to visit her church. She donned a light brown sweater over her tank top and hurriedly slipped on her brown garden boots. Grabbing a blanket just in case she decided to stay longer at the church, she paused at the door.

Best to write a note where I am going in case someone comes to check on me and finds I am not here. She scribbled her location and laid the note on her pillow. She carefully climbed down the stairs so as not to disturb the other sleeping occupants.

She wasn't the only one who was currently having sleeping issues. Elmyra had made up the couch as a bed for Sephiroth, but sleep was just as elusive for him. What Vincent had told him kept replaying in is mind. Finally he grabbed Masamune, put on his trench coat, and went outside.

Aeris was only mildly surprised to Sephiroth standing next to the house, sword loosely clenched in his hand. She came to stand beside him.

"You can't sleep either?" she asked.

"No," he replied distantly.

"Does it have anything to do with your walk with Vincent?" she ventured.

"Yes. I was enlightened about my origins. He knew my mother. However, she is no longer alive." He gave a small smile at her surprised expression. How on Gaia did Vincent know Seph's mom? This world was really too small.

"I am sorry she is no longer here," she replied. She laid her hand on his arm before trailing it down to hold his hand.

"I expected as much. I am happy, though, to know her name. Lucrecia Crescent. She was a scientist," he said. There was not much more he could really say on the matter. Everything still felt so fresh and raw inside. Happiness and acute sadness were strange partners for the soul. He knew it would pass in time, but for now he would welcome these feelings and accept them with open arms. They made him feel human.

"Why can't you sleep?" he asked while gazing at their linked fingers. Aeris shrugged.

"I haven't the faintest idea." She sighed. "I guess it feels surreal, like a dream. I am home and everyone is happy, but I am still trying to process all that's happened. I think I am stuck on fight-or-flight survival mode. I can't seem to relax and I feel all jittery."

Sephiroth nodded at her explanation.

"Highly stressful situations can have strange effects on a person. I witnessed many SOLDIERS returning from Wutai suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. After being in life or death situations for so long, they didn't know how to react to a peaceful, normal setting. You might experience nightmares or have episodes of reliving your ordeal. It will pass in time and you will adjust," Sephiroth stated.

"Oh joy. Thanks Hojo. Now I will be saddled with nightmares," Aeris muttered. "What about you? Are you okay?"

"I have been exposed to stressful situations and stimuli all my life. My body is so accustomed to it I no longer have even an adrenaline rush in combat."

"Ah," Aeris replied. Of course he wouldn't be fazed by multiple attempts on his life. "Is there anything that can be done to help speed up the adjusting time?"

"I believe going to a place that is familiar and has brought you comfort so you can safely manage your emotions can help." Aeris brightened up immediately at that answer. She knew just the place.

"Would you like to go with me and see my flowers? Of course you would," she said excitedly. He didn't even get a chance to reply before she was dragging him along. He followed good-naturedly. Aeris knew the route well and they were in no time approaching the venerable white stone cathedral. Amazingly the stained glass windows were still intake though time had ravaged the sagging wooden roof.

Aeris gave one of the heavy oak double doors a push. It protested loudly on its hinges, but allowed the pair admittance nonetheless. In the center of the church, passed the numerous wooden pews, grew white and yellow lilies in abundance. Aeris raced to them and plopped down on the soft earth. Sephiroth came to stand behind her, fascinated by the expression of joy on her face from just looking at plants.

"They are even more beautiful than I remember," she said. She reached out a hand and stroked one of the white lily's petals.

"It is such a miracle. From this tiny, insignificant seed growing in a polluted area sprouts a beautiful flower." She patted a patch of bare ground beside her. Sephiroth carefully knelt down, making sure not to crush any of the lilies.

"They are nice," he replied hesitantly. He personally saw them as being worthless. You couldn't eat a flower, use it for warmth, or any other practical purpose. Aeris giggled and gave his shoulder a push.

"You are such a guy," she teased.

"I would hope so," he replied. They continued to tease and talk until the moon was well overhead in the night sky. Aeris began to yawn profusely once more. She was glad she had taken her blanket. She didn't want to make the trek back to the house. She got up and unrolled it beside the flowers. As she laid on the blanket, she heard the rustling of Sephiroth's clothes as he rose to leave.

"Sephiroth, stay with me," she called quietly to him. She kept her gaze firmly locked on the white lilies before her. The other times she had shared sleeping contact with him had been out of necessity. Now she was initiating it. She didn't hear anything from him for several minutes and she vaguely thought perhaps he had taken to the skies through the hole in her church. Aeris closed her eyes. They flew open and a blush crept on her cheeks as she felt Sephiroth settling behind her, drawing part of the blanket over them. She shifted her head to look up at him. All she could see was current of silver falling over her.

"Seph?" she asked hesitantly. She felt heat rise from the tips of her toes to the crown of her head when as he moved closer.

"Shh," he ordered. She gulped, paralyzed. She suddenly felt very small as she could feel the length of his tall body pressing against her back and legs. Yet, he wasn't satisfied. His left arm wound around her waist pulling her until she was flush against him and his breath on her neck. He moved his right arm upward from under her and nudged her head with his, his lips grazing the base of her neck. Her breath hitched in her throat as she complied and laid her head to rest on his bicep. He continued to make adjustments with her placement along with throaty sounds of approval as he did as he pleased. There, her hips were matched to his, her shoulders tucked under his pectorals. Now her back was secured against his hardened abs, and her head set in the hollow of his throat so she could feel every vibration of noise he made.

The funny thing was she hadn't voiced any objections whatsoever. Truthfully, she didn't mind in the least bit. Her brow furrowed slightly. Should she be bothered? Yes, she should, shouldn't she? What would her mother think if she saw her now? Another gulp. She had always considered herself a 'good' girl. On other occasions, she probably would have shied away, set up some boundaries. Right, a part of her mind lazily murmured. Shut up, she thought in reply. Besides he felt so darn good moving around her. Really good. Impossibly good. She could feel her own body curling into his, as if on its own accord and wanting to be as close as possible.

Aeris felt her cheeks turn to flaming scarlet as his leg moved slowly up the length of hers. It came to rest over her hip, locking her securely to him in a very intimate position. He gave another rumble of contentment, pleased at last with his arrangement of her body to his. She was completely encased by his large muscular form. She heard herself exhale shakily, definitely feeling more awake than moments before. What she didn't know is that it came more out as a very soft moan. She also didn't know Sephiroth heard her.

He smiled to himself, gripping her more tightly and was rewarded with another one her soft sounds. He inhaled deeply, taking in the delicate feminine scent of her hair. He could feel his blood beginning to slowly boil under his skin, but he waited. A large part of him wanted to explore her more intimately, to illicit more of those sounds from her. The smaller part of him, the cautious and restrained general, wanted to wait until he knew without a doubt she desired his advances. The smaller part won out. He could be a patient man a bit longer.

Aeris finally relaxed as she felt Sephiroth's breath even out. She couldn't help but sleepily think how romantic it was. Her lips curled up into a smile and she entered the world of dreams.

4

Aeris awoke to sunlight streaming on her face from one of the numerous holes in the church's roof. She lazily opened her eyes and tried to stretch. She couldn't. She became aware of several things at once as memory flooded her. The fact she could feel his body behind her, that she was nestled in his arms, and his steady breath could be felt on the shell of her ear.

Oh, was all she could think. She shallowed faintly, her mouth suddenly going dry. All the sensations she was feeling were deliciously unnerving. They seemed even more magnified now that she was very much awake and conscious compared to last night.

She turned ever so slowly in his arms until she was facing his bare chest. Her eyes slowly roved up and down taking in his muscular form. She saw the scars, but they didn't detract from his body in the least. Instead, it seemed to make him even more appealing. It was amazing how different a man's body was from a woman's. Firm solid muscles formed on his body, while her own were soft and yielding. She gazed at his neck, his broad shoulders, and his face. His features were relaxed and unguarded, free of all tension. It caused her to smile to see him so peaceful in sleep. Finally her eyes drifted back to his pectorals. A thought popped into her mind, an idea that was irresistible.

She looked up at his face and saw his eyes were still shut. Closing her eyes, she placed her cheek on his chest. Slowly she rubbed her face against it, reveling in the wonderful feel of his skin. Turning her face slightly, she let her lips brush and move across it in gentle patterns. She made a soft contended humming noise in her throat.

Unbeknown to Aeris, Sephiroth was awake. He had been awake for quite some time, but felt so complacent holding her he didn't make any movements. He smiled to himself as he felt her small caresses.

"You enjoy sleeping with me I take it," Sephiroth said. He moved slightly so to prop himself on his right elbow. His eyes were filled with mirth as he gazed down at her small form snuggled against him.

Aeris froze instantly, her lips barely touching his skin. She gulped nervously and knew her cheeks were flaming red. He's awake. I'm am so embarrassed, Aeris thought in humiliation.

"Aeris?" Sephiroth asked.

"Ah..."Aeris couldn't seem to choke out any words. Suddenly she felt his left hand curl around the base of her head and tilt it up to look into his eyes. His eyes still held some mirth, but they were also warm.

"Why did you stop?" Sephiroth queried, a broad smile on his face.

"Um, well, you're awake now and ah..." Her voice trailed off as Sephiroth again hooked a leg around her waist and drew her to himself.

"I don't mind," he murmured. He closed his eyes once more and with a slight smile guided Aeris' head till her lips were again pressing against his chest.

"Continue. I was enjoying that," he stated. Shyly, Aeris snuggled her head on his upper body, inhaling his unique masculine scent. She started this time with small kisses on his soft skin. She explored every dip in his flesh, every contour of muscle. Slowly, her lips traveled over a scar and caressed it with her mouth. She hesitantly flicked her tongue out and gave it a quick lick. She heard Sephiroth let out a small rumble, obviously enjoying her ministrations. Becoming bolder, she let her teeth scrape lightly across his skin giving him little licks with her warm tongue.

The flickers of desire Sephiroth had felt before were nothing compared to the flames that were scorching ever nerve ending in his body. He had his confirmation. Aeris let out a squeak of surprise as Sephiroth rolled on top of her body. Immediately his lips covered hers in a searing kiss. His right hand cupped the back of her head while his left fingers stroked down the side of her body. After a minute they broke apart for much needed oxygen. Aeris left out a soft moan at his caress on her sensitive hip which caused Sephiroth to recapture her lips. Suddenly she could feel his tongue probing, seeking entrance. She shyly opened her mouth and let him plunder her warmth depths. Their tongues twined and stroked together as their desire continued to mount. She could feel an unfamiliar hardness pressing against her inner thigh which caused her hips to instinctively buck. Sephiroth growled his approval.

"Going to check on the flowers. Sure. Okay you two lovebirds, break it up."

Aeris' eyes flared open in mortification. Her head snapped to the side to see Yuffie standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips. Aeris' note was clenched in one of her fists. The ninja looked like a cat that had just swallowed a canary at catching them in such a passionate moment. Sephiroth also turned his head, eyes smoldering at the cause of their interruption.

"Tsk, tsk, none of that frowny face Mr. General," Yuffie said smugly. "You had your fun, but it is time to get back to business. Everyone is gathered. We got some information about Zach you are going to want to hear."

"Yuffie, please don't say anything?" Aeris pleaded. Yuffie tapped her finger on her chin in mock concentration as if she was thinking over Aeris' request.

"Do you have any good materia to trade?" she asked.

"Well, no..." Aeris began.

"Sorry then. Guess everybody is going to know about yours and Sephiroth's lip locking match," Yuffie said evilly before racing out the door.

"Yuffie!" Aeris cried. She tried to squirm her way from under Sephiroth, but the man wasn't letting her go. Instead he chuckled.

"At least we weren't in the house for everyone to hear us," he said before bending down to plant kisses along her neck and jaw.

"This isn't a laughing matter Seph! Yuffie has the biggest mouth ever. I don't even want to think what she is going to say," Aeris said miserably. Her right arm flopped over her eyes blocking out his smirking face.

"What is wrong with a man showing his woman affection?" Sephiroth asked. Aeris' removed her arm instantly. She began to pull herself out from under him. Sephiroth allowed her and they both sat up facing each other.

"Well nothing is wrong with that, but what exactly are we Sephiroth?" Aeris said seriously. Sephiroth was quiet for a beat, his brow furrowed in thought.

"Aeris, I am not sure how to say this. When I am with you, I feel at peace. Then at the same time aroused. My heart feels like it wants to pound out my chest. I don't want to leave your side," Sephiroth replied. "I want to have a companionship with you that goes beyond friendship."

"You would like a relationship with me?" Aeris supplied. Her own heart was beating a staccato rhythm at his attempt to express his feelings.

"Yes. I would," Sephiroth said softly.

"So would I," Aeris replied. She suddenly leapt into his arms, knocking him on his back. She showered his face in kisses before settling on his mouth. She gently nibbled on his lower lip before he took over. It was several minutes before they broke apart once more.

"We should get going," Aeris said at last, starting to disengage herself from Sephiroth. He begrudgingly let her go. As Aeris was attempting to fix her hair, Sephiroth noticed a simple flower cart in the corner of the church. His eyes widened as Zach's voiced echoed in his mind.

"So after I present her with a new, improved flower cart that I have personally fashioned, she will leap into my arms, all smiles and teary-eyed, thanking me profusely...Then I will say, 'Would you do me the honor of going on a date?'"

Sephiroth suddenly felt another unaccustomed feeling clutch his stomach: guilt. He had just wooed and taken his best friend's girl.