I sighed as I stripped out of my uniform. I hated the Shinra logo, the coarse black outfit. Why did it always have to scratch? I grumbled.

The war with Wutai would be over soon, not that Shinra wanted it ended, but the Wutanese were finally falling faster than they could be replaced. It was sad in a way. The soldiers here, as well as most the brass, didn’t see why we had to fight Wutai. It just never seemed to sit right with me, or with several other high-ranking generals.

I was happy that for once I would be sleeping in a bed and not out in the mud and the rain. I gave a happy sigh as I flopped down on the soft bed. Another ‘for once’ was that I wouldn’t have to share a room. My eyes closed slightly as I laid there in my black leather bodice and black leather pants. The jacket . . . I would burn that as soon as the war was over.

My thoughts wandered to the man who would no doubt get all the glory for this war, and I was glad to let him have it. Maybe something good would come to his life. I sighed and brought my cut hand to my lips, gently tracing where he kissed me two days ago. I had been avoiding him like the plague since, but it was hard to do, knowing that he was wounded and would need attention soon. SOLDIER or no, he would still need stitches in his side.

I rose with a groan, stripping off my boots and tossing them in the corner of the room, as well as my black bodice, freeing my oppressed breasts. Quickly, I rummaged through my travel bag and pulled out a black shirt, slipping it over my head and smiling slightly. I doubt anyone would notice I wasn’t wearing a bra; they were too much in fear of the General’s Second-in-command.

I snorted. I was also his medic, but I was loathe to tell anyone that. Word would get around to Hojo and he’d make my life, as well as the General’s life a living hell. I snorted, remembering that Hojo had already made his life a living hell. I growled low in my throat remembering the screams . . . It wasn’t right that the General hurt.

I slipped out of my door, walking down the hall a little way before I stopped at the General’s door. Politely, I knocked, hoping that he was still awake. We had just arrived after all, and he seemed tired.

I was shaken out of my thoughts by his soft, “Enter.”

Slowly I opened his door and slipped into the dim room. Gently shutting the door behind me, I gazed around the room, noticing that it had beautiful Venetian doors with a balcony and a fireplace. The room was cold, even with the fire burning. Several candles were lit around the room, making it manageable light to work by.

My gaze finally settled upon the General’s tall form. He was sitting in one of the simple wooden chairs, his back to me as he gazed into the fire. The firelight played upon the silver hair, turning molten. It shimmered down and covered the back of his trench coat, spilling over his shoulders and arms. His eyes seemed distant, yet soft in thought. It was very rare that he would allow anyone to see him, let alone treat him.

Somehow, and believe me I don’t know how, I won his trust. Zack and I had actually won his trust. I think it when I won his was during the battle some months back. We had been cornered, and out of the thirty-five troops with us, only three of us made it out alive: Zack, the General, and Me. We had to trust the other until we got back to the rest of the army.

Our friendship was tentative at best, until the General was wounded during an ambush. I had healed his wounds, no questions asked and no pain. I think that’s what won his trust: I told him I didn’t want him in pain. I remember seeing those beautiful, glowing green eyes go wide in shock, something I’m sure no one save me had ever seen. I remember I couldn’t resist touching his hair as it had fallen into his face, so I reached out, my fingers gently brushing against his temple as I tucked it behind his ear.

He jerked away, jumping to his feet, his eyes shimmering with something. I’m not sure what happened, I only know I had frightened him. That didn’t stop him from relaxing around Zack and I, but no matter who was brave enough, or foolish enough, to touch him, the General would flinch, turn away or tense. For some reason, I believed that he was abused, and it would make sense. He didn’t like touch, although you could see in his eyes when people would greet each other fondly, or just casually touch, that he wanted that contact as well, but was afraid.

“General?” I quarried softly, not really wanting to disturb him. “Are you ready to get that wound stitched?”

I saw him start and turn to look at me. “How . . . did you know?”

I shrugged, slowly walking forward. “You hold yourself differently when you get wounded. It seemed like your side was stiff and I saw that the leather was darker than normal.” I sighed, noting his eyes on mine as I knelt down by the side of the chair, not touching him. “You should take better care of yourself. You are our general after all.”

His eyes studied me, the Mako depths seemingly swirled. He turned back to the fire, sighing and closing his eyes. “What else is there to do besides kill innocents? When this war is over, I have to go back to Midgar, back to hell. At least here I’m free.”

I became daring and reached out and placed my shaking hand upon his arm. He tensed, but didn’t pull away from me. “It’s all right, General. Life will be better thanks to this war, hopefully.”

He lowered his head, shaking it and letting his silver hair spill around him. “No it won’t, Narice. I will go back to Midgar and live through hell.”

“General,” I said softly, my fingers lightly tightening upon his forearm. “You’re not alone, no matter what you say. Zack and I will be there. We won’t leave you.”

“But you won’t. Shinra will see to that.” He shook his head again. “Hojo will make sure I’m still alone. He says . . . that one should not need friendship; that I should not need friendship.” His head hung lower. “If that is the case, then why am I so alone, so . . . cold.” He shivered and wrapped his arms around himself.

My hand now lay upon the arm of the chair as I looked at him, my eyes shimmering. “General, you are your own person. You need affection as much as anyone else. Hojo is just . . . I don’t know what, but he’s not human. He can’t be if he hurt you like he did . . .” My eyes grew wide as I realized what I had said.

The General froze, his head slowly turned to look at me, his eyes unreadable and wide. “What do you know about that?”

I lowered my eyes, gazing into the fire. I should tell the truth. “I . . . had been walking along the corridors and I had to have another ‘infusion’ of Mako from the good doctor. I was early and I heard hoarse crying. My ears perked, as I wanted no one to cry. I am . . . gentle by nature, and my past has made me realize that pain in life is wrong. I slowly slipped through the lab, noticing that Hojo was not there, and . . . I came across you, General, lying upon the floor in blood. I . . . I couldn’t leave you there, so I did what I could for your wounds and your fever. You were barely there, and I remember I asked where you stayed and helped you down the halls to you room. I stayed beside you until you fell asleep, but when I started to walk out, you screamed. I tried to calm you down, and finally resorted to casting sleep upon you. I went back to the lab to get screamed at about me being a ‘lowly-SOLDIER-who-knew-nothing-about-time-and appointments’, and I got smacked for missing the time.” I sighed and looked back at him. “I realized then that you had lived a hard life. This general that the troops know is nothing but a facade. A cold exterior to hid the child filled with pain.”

I reached out slowly, my fingers gently lying upon his cheek. He flinched, looking away. “See? You flinch when you are touched, General. I won’t hurt you. I never would, and never could. I . . . always wanted to see you happy, and I was thrilled that I was assigned under you. I thought that maybe, I could make you smile, and let you forget. I know I can’t erase eighteen years of abuse, but I can try.” I placed my fingers against his cheek again, hearing him breathing rapidly.

His eyes stared at me, slightly wild, as my fingers gently caressed his cold cheek. “You . . . I . . .” He shivered before he closed his eyes, accepting the touch by leaning into it slightly.

I sighed and looked at him, so vulnerable as he sat there, a slight look of wonderment upon his face at the touch. “General, why . . . why did you kiss me the other day?” I hated to break the moment, but I had to know.

He blinked and looked at me, uncertainly replacing the slight wonderment. “I . . . am unsure . . . I feel, Narice.” He closed his eyes. “I feel something that I’m sure Hojo would disprove of. I . . . don’t know what it is, but . . . since I saw you, I had wanted to do that.” He breathed out through his nose, a slight snort, but not quite. “I’m sorry. I should not have done that.” He sighed, hugging himself tighter.

I rose from my knees and stood beside his chair, slowly wrapping my arms about his neck, pulling him close. If he killed me, which was a good possibility, I would die happy.

He froze, shuddering as I held him close before he leaned into the hug with no protest. I gently ran my hand through the soft silver hair, trying to ease him. After a long while, I felt him turn and slowly, hesitantly and awkwardly, wrap his arms around my waist. He gave a shivering sigh as he tried to pull me closer.

My hand threaded through his starlit hair and I smiled slightly. “No need to apologize, General. I rather enjoyed the kiss.” My fingers twined in his silver hair. “I . . . was just sorry that you fled. You need not fear that I am afraid of you, General. That is far from the case. I’ve always wanted you to be happy since the moment I saw you curled up on that lab floor.” I pulled back slightly, gazing at his large, glowing eyes. My fingers trailed over his cheek, gently tracing his lips before they curled under his chin, tipping his face up to mine.

Slowly, I leaned forward so that our faces were a hairsbreadth apart, and I smiled slightly. “General, I feel for you as well.” My fingers gently stroked his temple. “I . . . I know what my feelings are, but I will not push you. Just remember, that I will always stand beside you. Always.” I closed the distance between us, my lips settling over his, gently brushing.

I felt him stiffen; his eyes must have been wide in shock. He was still frozen, but I wouldn’t let him get away with that, and slowly, started to increase the pressure of my mouth. I felt his body shiver as it relaxed again, and I smiled to myself in triumph when he tentatively started to kiss me back. The motions were awkward, but endearing.

His lips were soft and warm as they gently touched mine. It felt like heated silk, and I sighed though my nose, not wanting to release this contact for anything. His lips tasted like wine, sweet and delicate. I had never tasted anything so wonderful. Well, this was my second kiss ever, so I really didn’t have room to talk, but I knew that this man would taste like no other. My mind was gone when he gently flicked his tongue against my lower lip. I slowly opened my own mouth, my lips slanting over his gently.

I shivered as I felt his tongue touch mine, and I gently caressed back. Our tongues dueled carefully as not to startle the other. I never dreamed that another person could make me feel such pleasure. It was such a simple touch, but it was like electric racing down my skin, through my body to settle in my stomach.

My hand still caressed his cheek, slipping into that molten silver hair as my hand gently pushed him closer to me. I felt his hands around me loosen; his right gently sliding up and down my side. I shuddered, feeling the pleasure heighten a notch. My free hand tightened upon his shoulder guard, and I wanted to feel his skin against mine, but I knew that wouldn’t happen. We were both too nervous, too . . . awkward to continue.

I slowly pulled back, noticing that our breathing was rapid. The General’s face was covered in a delicious pale flush, his lips slightly parted and his eyes glazed. His hands had settled upon my waist, squeezing it slightly.

His eyes were languid as he looked up at me, his lips parted slightly, breathing softly. “Narice . . . I never . . .”

I smiled and placed a gentle finger against his lips. “Shh, don’t worry about anything, General.” I brushed my hand through his hair, and then traced the bones of his face with my finger. His body trembled as I ran the tip of my finger over him, his lips parting slightly when I touched them.

I leaned down, my lips lightly brushing his cheek. His face turned towards me, trying to catch mine, but I eluded him, letting my lips trail down to his jaw, fluttering kisses up to his ear. I was well rewarded as I kissed the area right behind his ear on his neck.

He gave a soft moan, his fingers tightening into my waist like a cat kneading. His breath hitched in his throat when I brushed my lips against his ear, giving me yet another soft moan. I gently grabbed his earlobe in my mouth and gently ran a tongue along the edge. The General gasped, his hands almost painfully tight upon my waist.

He was breathing faster by the time I slipped my arms around his shoulders, my mouth moving across his neck as his head arched back allowing me access. His skin was as soft as his lips, and tasted sweeter. I kissed my way up to his other ear, repeating the caresses there and was rewarded with a gasp.

I gently nipped a spot on his neck then licked it, hearing more moans pour out of his mouth. I murmured against his throat, “I never thought you’d be so vocal, General.”

His hands gently caressed around my waist, his fingers rubbing against the skin as my shirt had risen above my waist. “I . . . have never been touched this way, Narice.” He gave a soft gasp as my teeth slid against his skin again. “But I do like this . . .”

My free hand wandered down his chest, gently unclasping his buckles on his trench. My hand gently caressed his skin, while my right gently held the back of his neck. “You’ve never . . . been with anyone before?”

I felt him shake his head as he moaned when my fingers brushed against his hardened nipple. His soft breath fanned my face as I gently bit his neck again, hearing him cry out. I pulled back, looking at his bright green eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to . . .” I was cut off as he quickly grabbed me, kissing me soundly. It was my turn to moan as he gently slipped his tongue into my mouth again, stroking the insides.

He pulled back, his face flushed as he looked at me. “I wasn’t hurt . . . that felt very good . . .” He shivered as he held me, his hand gently stroking my hair. His gloved hand reached out to gently touch my face. I leaned into the touch, running my cheek along his covered hand. He kissed me again, and pulled back slightly, his lips moving against mine as he whispered softly. “Sephiroth . . . please, don’t call me general . . . call me Sephiroth . . . I am a man before I am a general . . .”

I smiled against his lips as one of my hands slipped down, hovering against his stomach, the fingers gently brushing against his hardened sword. He gave a sharp cry, shivering and arching his back. I pulled my hand back, whispering my apologies. I let my hands wander over his chest into safer territory, my fingers brushing against his hardened nipples as I wrapped my arms around his chest. My hand brushed against the wound, and he gasped into my mouth, his breath rapid.

“Sephiroth . . .” I whispered, tasting his name on my mouth. The syllables curled around my tongue, caressing it. “Sephiroth, I should check out this wound . . .” I trailed my hand along it again, eliciting a hiss from him.

He nodded, his silver hair falling around his shoulders as I stepped back. He looked so luscious sitting there, his eyes half closed and his coat opened. I giggled slightly, never seeing a lovelier picture than him sitting there, his coat half off. He slowly stood, his slender hands deftly unbuckling the last of the ties and let his coat fall into the chair, baring his chest to the soft firelight.

I was nervous as I grabbed my bag and gestured him to sit upon the bed. He complied, his eyes more open and honest than I had ever seen. I nervously sat at his feet, looking at the wound that was seeping blood still. My fingers were gentle as they brushed against the wound, seeking to know the damage. I pulled out a cloth and a bottle from my bag. Opening the bottle, I doused the cloth in the liquid and gently ran it over the wound. He hissed again as the peroxide cleaned out the wound. I found every opportunity that I could to touch his soft skin. He would shiver and sigh when I softly brushed my fingers against his waist.

The wound wasn’t as bad as I feared, just a minor scrape now due to his healing ability. I quickly wiped it down again before putting my things back into my bag. I sat there at his feet for a few moments before I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing my face into his chest. I couldn’t help myself. He was just so warm next to me and so vulnerable. I didn’t want him to be in pain any more.

He paused for a second before he wrapped his arms around me, his knees resting against my waist as he hugged me back. His hand shook as it brushed through my hair and brushed against my neck. I felt him take a deep breath before he spoke. “Aryun . . .” he whispered softly, using my first name. “I . . . want you to stay with me tonight . . .” He tightened his hold on me. “I mean, you don’t have to . . . but . . . I would enjoy it very much if you did . . .”

I tilted my head away from his chest, looking up at him and knowing that my eyes were wide. My hand trembled as it reached out to touch his shoulder. “I . . . would be honored to stay here with you . . .” My voice was soft and gentle as my fingers lightly touched his smooth shoulder.

I couldn’t help but give a soft cry when one of his strong arms wrap tightly about my waist as he hauled me up from my kneeling position upon the floor. I found myself straddled across his slender hips and I blushed brightly, looking away from his bright green gaze. I was shy, and I heard a soft chuckle rumble Sephiroth’s chest.

I felt his arm gently hold me against his body, while his other hand reached out, tilting my chin up to look at him. His eyes were soft, almost a delicate spring green, and they shone with something. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I was determined to make him happy. I couldn’t help but smile, my arms gently encircling his neck, the fingers twining in the starlit hair.

His gloved fingers gently caressed my jaw, nervously almost as I arched my neck. His covered fingers brushed against sensitive spots, making me give a soft cry. I shivered as he held me, his fingers eliciting groans from the back of my throat. His hand gently landed on the back of my neck, pulling me closer to him, as I felt his soft, sweet breath fan my face. It was warm as he breathed against my face, my whole body trembling.

He leaned closer to me and his lips gently claimed mine. His fingers gently caressed my neck in little circles, while the hand at my back slipped under my shirt, stroking my spine at my lower back.

I sighed into his mouth at the soft touches, and my fingers gently stroked his neck as well. I was shivering, my neck arched back and I felt him flutter kisses along my jaw and down my neck, mimicking my former actions. His lips were like liquid fire upon my neck, and I gasped when I felt the soft wetness of his tongue dart out, tracing my jaw before it captured my earlobe between his perfect teeth.

I was shuddering by the time that I felt both of his hands stroking my back gently along my spine, his tongue still working magic upon my neck. He brushed his lips against the area behind my ear, and I let out a trembling breath. My hands clutched his shoulders as his kisses fluttered down the edge of my neck, and I let out a soft cry when his teeth bit into the flesh.

He pulled back slightly, his lips gently nursing the spot before his lips slipped lower as he leaned me back. I felt that liquid warmth run down my neck, and felt as he nosed aside the fabric covering the base of my throat. I dimly felt one of his hands slowly slip between us, the fingers gently tugging at the silver buttons, slowly revealing my skin to him.

I gasped as I felt him nuzzle the skin of my collarbone, giving soft little kisses before working his way back up and claming my lips with passion.

His hands finished unbuttoning my shirt as he held me tightly against him, the shirt exposing the center of my chest. I shuddered as I felt his smooth, warm skin touch mine. My arms wrapped tightly around his neck as I kissed him hard, my lips slanting over his, dueling with his tongue. The only thing that kept my shirt on was my arms because they were wrapped around his neck.

I pulled back, smiling shyly before looking away. I slowly moved one arm, then the other, down, over the edge of the bed, allowing the shirt to slide off the shoulders, baring my breasts. I know my face was flushed slightly, when I felt his soft fingers tilt my face up to gaze into those deep, fathomless pools of green.

“Narice . . .” He whispered softly, his eyes gazing at me. “You are . . . beautiful . . .” He sighed as my hands came back up to lightly touch his bare shoulders.

“So are you,” I whispered softly before I bent my head, my lips gently caressing the area under his ear again. He groaned, panting slightly as his hands clutched me closer, my breasts molding against his chest. I felt one tentative hand slip between us, cautiously touching my left breast. I smiled against his lips. “I won’t bite, and I want you to touch me.”

I took his hand in one of mine and cupped his long, slender fingers around my breast, squeezing it slightly. He looked at me, surprised by my actions, and I slowly felt his fingers caress the top of my breast gently. The fingers were hesitant as they slowly explored me, my breath coming a little harsher.

His eyes were riveted upon his hand, and he whispered, “Soft . . . they’re soft . . .” His fingers brushed against my nipple which was hardening, and I bit my lip as I tried not to cry out. His eyes flicked up to me and he smiled slightly. “Do you like that?”

I nodded my head and let a moan slip when his fingers gently circled my nipple, drawing it tighter and harder. His index finger and thumb gently rolled it between them, and I panted slightly, the feelings going straight to my loins. I saw him smiling at me and I smiled back, taking his other hand and placing it upon my other neglected breast. My hands clutched his hair, as he leaned down, his lips gently brushing from my collarbone further down to flutter delicate kisses upon the tops of my breasts.

My breathing was ragged as his soft lips explored my flesh, and I cried out when his warm mouth descended upon my nipple. He drew it gently into his mouth, suckling it lightly. Those perfect teeth carefully scored me, making me moan loudly. His left hand didn’t stop its gentle exploration of my right breast, his fingers making me shiver.

He slowly kissed his way over to my right breast, his left hand held onto my waist as I gave another cry into the velvet night. I was trembling by the time he gently kissed my neck and I claimed his lips passionately with mine. I felt his hands tighten around my back as he slowly fell back onto the bed, my legs straddling his hips.

I felt vulnerable lying like that, mounted across the man I love, and I opened my eyes, gazing at him with wide blue eyes. My hair fluttered around us like a curtain, and I brought my hand to gently touch his cheek. “Is . . . this what we both want?” My hand trembled badly, feeling the fluttering of those gloved hands up and down my spine. I shivered, feeling his erection pressing between my legs, even through the layers of cloth, and could feel the warmth.

His right hand reached out and brushed the backs of his gloved fingers against my cheek, an infinitely gentle motion. “I only want what you want, Narice. I want this to happen . . . I . . . will understand if you wish to stop . . .” He tenderly leaned forward, giving me a soft kiss. I noticed his body shook under mine, from what I wasn’t sure. “I . . . don’t quite know what to do . . .” His cheeks stained a pale pink and he looked away.

My hand trembled as I turned his face towards me. “Sephiroth, you are beautiful, and it’s ok if you don’t know what to do . . . I don’t really know despite things that have happened to me . . . I . . . want to be with you, and if you want to, that’s enough for me.” I bent over him, kissing his cheek as my breasts brushed against his chest. “I don’t expect you to say that you love me, or anything, but this night is enough. Touching you is enough to make me happy when you don’t flinch away.”

His hands fell down to hold my hips, and he looked up at me, his Mako green eyes bright. “I’m not flinching now,” he whispered, the shadows highlighting his pale skin. His right hand wrapped around my neck, slowly bringing me down so that he could kiss me deeply.

I gave a soft moan into his mouth, and I gasped as he turned over, pinning my body beneath his. My body was trembling, feeling the strength within his slender form as he settled between my legs. He pushed his hips against me slightly as the toes of his booted feet dug into the floorboards to steady him. His breathing was rapid, and he bit his lip, looking down at me. He gave a soft groan as he leaned over me, his hands resting beside my shoulders.

He looked at me with passion within his emerald gaze, and brushed his lips against mine. “I need you, Narice. I can’t explain this feeling, but in here,” he moved one of his hands to bring mine to his heart. “I need you.” His eyes softened to something deeper, and he lifted my hand from his chest to gently kiss the tips of my fingers, finally laying a soft kiss in the middle of my palm. He never took his eyes off mine, and I shivered at the eroticism of the scene I was playing in.

His silver hair rained down from his shoulders, brushing against my heated skin causing me to shiver in pleasure. His hair was so long, I could just wrap myself within it and be contented. He was like a Lady Godiva with hair long enough to cover his vital areas. My free hand threaded through the soft strands, making me smile.

He smiled softly when he saw this and shook his head, sending more slipping over his shoulders to cocoon us in warmth. He leaned down, gently touching his lips to mine, then kissing my cheek, my ears, and my neck. He buried his face in my neck, resting his head upon my shoulder and sighed.

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, holding him close, shivering. I had never felt so tranquil, but I knew if things went the way that it felt like it was going to, and then I would be as passive as a kitten. I brushed my lips against his forehead, murmuring with good humor, “Why don’t we move the other way. You must not be that comfortable, Sephiroth.” I tucked a few strands of his hair behind his ear. I shivered again as his gloved hand gently ran along my bare shoulder down to my hand and back up.

“I suppose so . . .” He whispered softly. “Only if we do something about these.” He gently tugged on the waistband of my leather pants. He laughed softly as a blush colored my skin. His cheek rubbed against my shoulder before he slipped his head lower, softly kissing my breasts again.

I gasped as he slowly kissed his way down my body, slipping off me a little at a time. His mouth placed warm, wet kisses along my ribs, further down to my navel, his tongue gently thrusting inside. My hips arched and I gasped out at the soft, wet tongue that ran around my navel. My hands tensed in his hair, my breathing rapid as he slipped off me completely, his head resting against my stomach, kneeling upon the ground, his hands gently wrapped around my waist.

Slowly, he ran his hands down, along my sides, and my hips, my thighs and gently touching my knees through the leather. He pulled away fully and held his hands out, and I took them without hesitation. His strength was awesome as he hauled me to my feet, his face at the level of my waist.

He looked up at me through silver lashes, and smiled as his hands slowly came to rest upon my flat stomach, his fingers resting upon the laces of my pants. His breath was warm and soft as it fanned against my bare stomach, the band of the pants resting just underneath my navel. The fingers were slow, delicate, as they cautiously pulled at the laces.

My hands came to rest upon his bare shoulders, squeezing lightly, as I felt the laces slowly slide out of the eyelet. There was no noise in the room save for the whispering of the laces and our soft breathing. I shivered as I felt those gloved hands gently grasp my waist, the fingers pushing lightly into the skin as they slowly slid down my backside, softly touching my rear before he hooked them under the waistband, slowly slipping them over my hips.

He softly kissed my stomach that had been honed through many months of fighting, and still he slowly slipped down the fabric of my pants, the fingers gently caressing the revealed skin. I felt the gloves brush against my calves, and I slowly lifted one slender foot, allowing him to slip the leg off completely. This process was repeated for the other leg, and within a matter of seconds, I was standing nude in front of the General.

I shyly turned my face away, not looking at him, hoping he didn’t notice my scars. I nearly jumped when I felt the soft touch of his slender, gloved fingers trace a scar upon my thigh, and I knew he looked up at me with a question.

“Narice,” his voice was a soft whisper as clearly carried through the room. “How did these happen?” His fingers softly traced a vicious gash that covered my left side, from my hip to just under my navel. I winced in the soft light, remembering the pain and what had caused it. I noticed that he looked at my body closely now, the fingers tracing all my scars, especially the ones on my wrists.

Tears pricked my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Sephiroth was so gentle as he touched the scars, but I knew there was an air of sorrow around him as he touched my wounds. Also, there was slight anger mixed there as well. I opened my mouth, but no words came, so I bit my lip instead, fingers tightening against his shoulders.

His Mako green eyes looked up at me, expecting the answers as he gently pulled one hand off his shoulder and rubbed his fingers against the scar. “Please, Narice. I trust you, now trust me.” He was so handsome kneeling there, looking up with those green eyes that I started to talk.

I looked away, shaking slightly. “I was sixteen, and had things happen to me . . . I . . . don’t want to taint the night with what happened, but afterwards, I tried many times to take my life . . . I wasn’t quite myself for many years, and I would always take the dangerous missions, the black tags . . . It all changed when I saw you lying on that lab floor . . .” I bit my lip and looked at him. “I felt emotions again, and I knew that I wanted to meet you, even if you did ignore me, but I just wanted to tell you that you weren’t alone . . .”

I started to shake, looking down into his deep green eyes. I wrapped my arms around his neck and brushed my lips against his forehead. “Please, no more. I don’t want to delve into my past at the moment.” I saw his mouth start to open before I placed a soft finger upon them, silencing him. “I will tell you all in the future, Sephiroth. I promise you that. You deserve the truth.” I closed my eyes, a tear falling. “But not now. At this moment, I want nothing more then us, at this moment, together.” I opened my eyes, my hand gently caressing his face. “I promise you that if this happens between us, I will never leave you. I will always be at your side, my hand always within yours. I will never allow you to come to harm again. My soul couldn’t stand it . . .”

Sephiroth and I looked within each other’s eyes, and finally, he nodded, wrapping his arms around me, holding me. “I understand and will wait for that day.”

I leaned into him, running my fingers through his long silver hair as he pressed his face against my chest, gently nuzzling me. His soft lips brushed against me as he slowly stood, wrapping me in his arms. With infinite gentleness, he pulled me up into his arms and I gazed at him in wonderment.

He smiled softly, and pulled me tighter against his chest, his fingers tightening upon my back and knees. I looked into those glowing green eyes, and I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around his neck as I pushed my lips against his. I heard his moan as I flicked my tongue against his lips, wanting entry. His wine-coated lips opened and his tongue stroked against mine.

Sephiroth moved from where he stood, and stopped at the edge of the bed. He broke the kiss and smiled down at me before he gently lowered me upon his bed for the night. His knee still sat upon the edge of the bed, as his hands wandered across my body cautiously, as if I would break under his strength. They were soft as they brushed across my breasts, the gloved fingers circling my hardening nipples.

I gasped softly as he leaned down, kissing my neck and trailing down to my breasts, gently suckling the nipples before slowly slipping lower. His breath was soft as it fanned my stomach, his lips brushing the gentle curve of my stomach. The soft fingers brushed against the skin just above my leg, making me gasp.

I closed my eyes, leaning my head back into his soft pillow. I felt the feather soft touch of his silver hair as he breathed kisses lower and lower, his fingertips touching me lightly. I was trembling when his fingers traced my hipbone, following the curve to the sensitive area at the joint of my hip. I bit my lip, arching my back when I felt those fingers gently brush against the soft hair at the junction of my legs.

I bit the knuckle of one of my fingers, trying not to cry out as he gently nudged my leg over. I trembled before I complied, trusting him not to hurt me. I slowly parted my legs allowing him access. I couldn’t help myself and I cried out as his gloved fingers brushed against me. I reached out, my fingers twining in some of his silver hair that pooled on my stomach. Gingerly I tugged at a strand, making him stop and turn those beautiful glowing eyes at me.

“Please,” my voice was soft as I toyed with a lock of his hair. “Would you . . . please remove your gloves?” I felt the tension bloom in his body as he watched me. I sat up, gently pulling him up with me. His knee was still braced upon the bed, and I cautiously took his hands in mine. I tucked his hair behind his ear, and then took his hand again. “I want to see your hands. I  . . . know about the mark. I have seen it before.” My thumbs gently rubbed the back of his hands. “I see nothing in you that is a fault, Sephiroth. I don’t care about this mark that Hojo carved into your flesh.”

He looked down at his hands, gently taking them out of my grasp. Slowly, he lifted his right hand to the tips of his left hand. He still wouldn’t look at me, seemingly absorbed in his task as one by one, he slowly pulled the fingers out of the gloves. He hesitated slightly before he slipped the glove completely off. He held the glove in his hand, his right covering the uncovered left.

I reached out, taking the long, elegant hand in mine, finally feeling the smooth skin against mine. I brought it to my face; studying the long, slender hands, the delicate bones, and the smooth, perfect skin. I gently kissed the tips of his fingers, kissing down the long fingers, kissing his palm, then turning his hand over and kissing every inch of his hand.

His body trembled, like a leaf in the wind, as I continued to kiss his hand, running my own fingers along all the flesh. His mouth opened, and he swallowed convulsively. I slowly took his other hand, the marked one, I knew now, and slowly started to slip his fingers out of the glove. He was trembling more by the time I slowly started to uncover the black tattooed ‘1’ upon his hand.

I ignored the scar of his childhood, and laved his right hand with the same attention, if not more. He swallowed yet again, his fingers flexing under the gentle caresses.

“Your hands are beautiful, Sephiroth, and I am privileged that I am able to touch them. They are so delicate, yet so strong . . . so slender and elegant.” My fingers gently twined with his, as I looked at him, smiling and knowing that he was looking at me through his silver lashes.

His body trembled as he leaned forward, his eyes still down cast. He brushed his cheek against mine, before touching his lips to mine in a very soft kiss. His right hand wormed out of my grasp to brush the backs of his now bared fingers against my flushed cheek.

I shivered, never feeling such softness. The touch of his fingers, of his hand, was indescribable. They were smooth, gentle, soft, and had no calluses upon them. Sephiroth’s hand was one that artists would die for; they were so perfect. The feel of his fingers upon my skin sent a rush of electricity down my spine, shivering in my stomach as I leaned into the soft touch.

His uncovered hands gently pushed me back against the bed, and I shivered yet again at the touch. His hands and fingers gently trailed over my body, caressing me yet again. I groaned as I felt those soft, elegant fingers gently stroke my breasts, teasing my nipples. The tips of his fingers stroked down my shivering sides, across my hips and my thighs.

My head lay against the pillows again, my eyes closed, and my lips parted slightly. My legs trembled as he ran his bare hands down them gently before caressing the insides of my thighs. For someone who said he knew nothing about sexual relations, he was doing a damned good job of turning me on. I seriously hope he knew that.

His fingers trembled slightly as they brushed through the soft hair at the apex of my thighs. I let out a soft moan, my fingers twining in his soft silver hair as he softly kissed my stomach. The hair was an erotic touch in itself, and coupled with the soft fingers that brushed slowly lower, it sent my stomach into knots of desire.

My eyes closed, and I gave soft moans as his warm fingers brushed against me. I was wet, and his fingers slid against me, soft cries coming from my throat, urging him to continue. I shifted my legs, allowing him greater access to my private parts, and I gave a sharp cry as his fingers slipped around my clitoris.

I felt his slender fingers explore me, his glowing Mako eyes shifting between my response and his fingers. I was lost in a pleasantly warm haze as his fingers rubbed against me very lightly, and I arched my hips, wanting deeper contact with those fingers. My movements were slow, moving in time with his fingers.

My eyes shot open and I gave a long, low moan before my eyes fluttered back closed. The feeling was utterly delicious, as he had slipped one finger inside of me. Just the tip rested within me, but I knew by the warmth he was there. The finger slipped deeper into me, and I bit the pillow, wanting to cry out. The feeling of his finger within me was completely indescribable as he slowly slid it out, then back in. I arched my hips in time with his finger, and I moaned again, feeling his beautiful eyes upon me, watching my reaction for pain.

He watched me intently, smiling at my moans, yet alert if they changed pitch. He knew that I was floating in a haze of ecstasy, barely aware of my surroundings. A sensual smile curved his lips as he slowly slipped a second long finger within me, stretching me. I felt a twinge of pain, and I winced slightly, eyes tightening.

Instantly, the pressure stopped, and I felt his gentle left hand grab mine, squeezing. “Aryun,” he whispered.

I blinked back the hazy pleasure, and opened my eyes to be drowned by his soft green eyes. He very rarely used my first name. “I . . . I’m all right, Seph,” I gasped out breathlessly.

“But you were in pain . . .” he whispered, his fingers stilled within me, and I groaned in frustration.

“Seph,” I groaned. “It didn’t hurt. It felt very, very good . . .” I panted lighting as my hand grasped his, my other, clutching his long hair. “Please. Oh, light, please keep going!” My head fell back to the pillows, my eyes half-lidded as I gazed at him. I tugged him up towards me, and he leaned over me, his face hovering close to my flushed one. “Sephiroth, please . . . I . . . want you . . .” My face flushed brighter as I gazed into those delicate green eyes. I took a shaking breath before I wrapped my arms around his neck, slowly pulling him down. My lips whispered against his before I claimed those sweet, wine-coated lips for my own. “I want you.”

He fell against the bed with me, our lips locked in a gentle dual, as his body molded against my side. The hand that was between my legs came up to gently grasp my waist, while his left snaked under my neck, pulling me into his body. I felt his erection press against my thigh and I trembled, itching to run my hands along it, but settled for laying my right hand upon his neck, and my left to play with the fasting of his leather pants.

Our kiss broke off as his head fell back, spilling silver hair around him like a halo, when my fingers brushed against his stomach. His breathing sped up rapidly as my left hand gently tugged at the buttons of his pants, loosing them one by one, freeing his restrained member. His silver head fell back against the bed, and he started to gulp air, his breathing ragged. A fine sheen of sweat covered his delicate face, and his lips were parted. His tongue darted out and licked his lips slightly; his eyes completely closed as my fingers gently ran over his contours.

His erection was warm, and felt like silk as I ran the tips of my fingers over him. The head of his shaft was blunt and rounded, made of the finest silk over steel, the little indention was slick with something and I rubbed that over his shaft, feeling the warm, smooth skin. The skin warmed my hand like a dry heat, and I smiled, kissing Sephiroth’s arched throat, making him moan. Every touch I gave him, made him moan, groan or cry out, and it felt good to have this power over him. My small, slender hand encircled him, my fingers just barely touching each other. Slowly, I ran my hand down the length of him, measuring and reassuring.

He released a choked cry as my slender fingers brushed against the underside of his shaft, under the head. My general was sensitive, and very vocal, as I slowly ran the tips of my nails down his length and back up.

I pushed my lips against his, hearing the softly incoherent words of praise pour from his mouth as my fingers gently caressed his sword. I giggled slightly, feeling uncharacteristically playful. “Let’s get these off, and we’ll see where we go from here, love,” I murmured into his mouth.

He eagerly complied, deftly stripping his boots and tossing them to the ground. He wiggled out of those tight leather pants, and those too soon joined the ground beside our bed. He gently fell back down beside me, his head propped upon his left hand as his hair spilt down around us. He placed his right hand upon my stomach, his fingers making small circles in my flesh.

I saw nothing but love within those eyes, and I nearly cried. I reached out my hand and touched that delicate face, the pale cheek that was flushed with arousal and pleasure as he bent forward and kissed me with all the emotions that he could never express. Our kiss was passionate, full of emotions and love as his fingers gently brushed against my stomach.

Very slowly, and cautiously, he slipped between my parted legs, making me widen the cradle of my thighs for him. I groaned, feeling that warm heat press against my wet curls. We both were trembling as I slowly wrapped my legs around his slender waist, feeling him slip against me.

His silver hair shone around us, pooling to our sides as he held himself up on his elbows above me. My hands trembled as I cupped his face, his eyes closing and leaning into the touch. His soft lips brushed against my palms before slowly opening his eyes again as I placed my shaking hands against his slender, trembling shoulders.

His glowing eyes were soft and gentle, as he bent forward, gently kissing me before murmuring, “I don’t want to hurt you, Narice, but tell me if I do, please.” His fingers gently traced my cheek before falling back to the soft bed.

I needed no words, knowing that my eyes were open windows as we locked gazes before he slowly started to push against me. I felt his hips gently pushing mine into the bed, as his hardened sword cautiously pushed against me.

We both gasped as we felt his head catch, shivering as he continued to slowly move forward. He was trembling badly; a soft cover a sweat adorned his face as he pushed within me. I felt pressure building between my legs as he slowly stretched me with infinite patience. My legs tightened around him, my fingers tightening against his shoulders as I felt the gentle pressure turn slightly painful, but I pushed it out of my mind. Of course I was going to feel pain. I had only been with one man before, but it was not consensual.

In my heart I was still pure, and I was willing to give every part of my being to Sephiroth.

My fingernails pierced his skin on his shoulders, and he hissed slightly, tossing his head back with a moan as he slid deeper into me. I was enraptured by my feelings and this connection that was developing between the general and me. I watched his head arch back, his eyes fluttering closed as he moaned several times as he slid deeper and deeper into my slick sheath.

He paused for a second for some reason, slowly looking back down at me and claimed my mouth in a harsh, passionate kiss as he thrust fully into me, making me cry out loudly into his mouth. Tears fell down my cheeks as I felt him fully seated within me, and gave a soft groan at the dull ache between my thighs.

Sephiroth bent down, gently kissing my tears away as he whispered to me. “Narice, you should have told me,” he murmured into my mouth.

I was panting through the kisses and the tears, the feeling of him within me was breathtaking. “Would you have stopped if I said I had only been with one man, and that was without my consent?”

His eyes were fathomless wells that reflected his emotions, the love, the worry, and the concern that fluttered in his soul. “I likely would have, damn my feelings.”

I arched my back, my legs tightening around his hips, pushing him slightly deeper into me. “Well, we are where we are, aren’t we? Let’s just go from here, koi.” I moved my hands from his bloodied shoulders and pulled him down into a gentle kiss before I felt him nod, his forehead against mine.

He slowly started to move within me. The withdrawals and entries were soft, gentle and long as they rocked me, my hips gently pushing into his. The slow rhythm never increased, nor did the force of his thrusts. Each one brought both of us closer to our climaxes, and our eyes gazed into each other, feeling the connection like a palatable hand caressing us.

My neck arched, and I felt him place soft kisses along my neck. He bit into one side of my neck, causing me to gasp as he started to nurse the wound, making my body tremble more and more. After a while of this play, he kissed my lips again, this time, with such tenderness I nearly cried again.

His powerful body was smooth in its motions, gently rocking against me, proving that he could be a gentle creature. He gave me a soft smile as I gasped through another slow, heated thrust into my body. His penetrations left me breathless, nearly weeping at his retreat until he returned, as slow and as gentle as before.

Sweat stood out upon his skin like a fine layer of cloth as he arched his head and back, sliding slightly deeper into me at the motion. I shuddered as I heard his soft moan, allowing my left hand to gently caress and squeeze his slender side. He shivered and his silver hair was tossed back, his eyes fluttering closed as he hung his head, his long bangs tickling my face.

My body was tensing up, my legs tightly held his waist between them, and I felt on the brink of something. I only knew that I was in pleasure, in a fiery torrent of emotions that made me shiver. It was a pleasure so intense, that it was almost pain. My breathing came in ragged gasps, my breasts heaving and brushing Sephiroth’s chest lightly. My hips rose to meet his slow, controlled thrusts, and I closed my eyes, feeling him moving so carefully within me, stretching me, filling me, gently caressing me.

My hand fell back on the bed, landing near my head, and I gave a soft cry, hearing his soft musical voice cry out after my own. My eyes fluttered open as I felt Sephiroth’s long, slender fingers entwine with mine.

He gently squeezed my hand, not loosing his rhythm, not changing speed, or force. His hips still moved me in that gently rocking motion and he nuzzled my ear as my body tensed under his, shivering upon the pinnacle of something. My hand squeezed his tightly, my nails making little half moons upon his hand, while my left hand clutched his shoulder, opening the already healed wounds.

My eyes locked with his before my body arched, convulsing lightly and crying out his name. My body was drenched in sweat and fire, and I felt myself contract around his erection. I fell back limp against the bed, my eyes closed and panting heavily.

The world around me had broken into thousand shards of many colors. I felt tired, yet awake at the same time. I felt his hand gently squeeze mine before I looked up into his glowing aqua eyes. What I saw, took my breath away. His green eyes were filled with passion, with love and with pleasure.

He brought his other hand over to brush my face, wiping away the tears there. Sephiroth slowly leaned forward, warming my lips with a soft kiss before he started to kiss my tears away. As he stretched forward to brush a kiss across my forehead, I felt him slide within me, and I gave a soft moan, pushing up my hips despite the dull ache.

He shuddered, pushing his forehead against mine, breathing very ragged. “Narice,” he whispered. “I . . . felt you around me . . .” His eyes opened and they were drowning. “I feel . . .” he whispered softly against my mouth. “I feel as if . . . I am dying within this pleasure . . . I never . . . have felt such . . . intense feelings . . .” The kiss he placed upon my lips was tender, full of love. “Narice, help me . . . die sweetly within your arms . . .”

My blue eyes glazed with more tears as I pulled him down with my free hand, kissing him deeply as I tried to push him back. I felt his right hand slip under my waist, hefting me up to straddle his legs, and I gasped at the feeling of him sliding deeper. I was opened to his member, moaning as he shifted his body to support mine.

My left arm wrapped around his neck as I pulled him to me for a deep kiss, keeping our hands entwined. I cried out when Sephiroth leaned back, slipping his legs out from under him to sit upon the bed. This caused me to spread my legs further, wedging him tighter in me. I leaned back slightly and gazed down between us, my body shivering.

Sephiroth lowered his head, resting it upon my shoulder as his free hand gently caressed my back as I leaned my head into his shoulder. We held each other as tightly as we could, and I felt Sephiroth gently nuzzle my neck, giving me soft, fluttering kisses.

His breath was warm as it cooled my sweat-soaked skin, making my body shiver against his.  His right hand slowly trailed up by spine to my neck, then slowly back down. The fingers gently brushed down my rear, going further until he brushed my tightly stretched sheath.

My eyes went wide, and I moaned, my teeth biting into his strong shoulder. I nosed aside that soft silver hair to nip more of his sweet flesh. I heard him groan against my ear, his soft cheek rubbing against mine as his sweet, musical voice whispered praise in my ear for the slow rocking of my hips.

It was a different feeling, but not unpleasant. I rocked my hips against his, feeling him slide within me, and I pushed my face against his neck, biting it softly. With every motion, I shivered in his arms in a backlash of my climax. He was deep within me, barely moving as I rocked my hips, but I liked it, and I know by the way he shivered against me, moaning in my ear, that he liked the feeling too.

I braced my left hand upon his shoulder, and I slowly rose up from my sitting position, feeling him slide out of me. I heard his breathless groan of my name as I slipped back down his shaft, not letting go of his hand. He leaned back slightly, his free hand clasping my hip while trying to give me more room. The tips of my breasts gently brushed against his chest as we locked gazes again, my body slowly sliding against his.

His eyes were soft, yet intense with desire and passion. His lips were parted, and a luscious flush covered his cheeks and tinted his chest a soft pink color. His right hand squeezed my hip as I rose up, then slid back down, and he gasped, his head falling back so that his silver hair fell behind him like a waterfall. It was so beautiful as it shimmered in the soft firelight, falling down in rivers of molten quicksilver.

I leaned forward taking the flesh of his throat in my mouth, gently suckling the sweat-slicked skin before I bit down. He let out a startled cry, his hand clutching my hip with enough power to leave a nice bruise there tomorrow. His hand tightened upon mine, his perfectly filed nails bit into my flesh as I continued to tease a mark onto his flesh. He was gasping, nearly writhing at what I was doing, and his long, slender hand was convulsive upon my hip.

He rocked his hips against mine, slightly harder, as his hand pulled me down hard upon him. I had to release the hold I had on his throat to cry out in pleasure. I opened my eyes to see his lips curled in a sensual smirk as he leaned back, his hand releasing my hip to lean back, widening the space between our bodies.

I closed my eyes with a gasp as his angle within me changed. I felt so warm, almost as if I was basking too close to the fireside. I felt his fingers loosen from my hand, and I grasp his wrist as he placed his left hand upon my other hip, guiding my thrusts. My hand never stopped touching his skin, still keeping that contact between us. My eyes opened slowly, and I watched him gaze at our joined bodies before looking into my eyes.

He pushed his hips up towards mine as he pulled me back down on him, and I began to pant heavily. His pace was a little faster than it was before as he slid easily in and out of me. I groaned, watching him bite his lip before he arched back, pushing himself into me hard as his silver hair fell back again, spilling around him like a cloak.

Once he had established a rhythm for us, he leaned back on both his hands, concentrating on moving his hips in time with mine. He rotated them as he lifted himself against me, making me cry out softly. My hands trailed down his chest, my fingers brushing against his hardened nipples, making him gasp before I ran my hands lower, nails scraping his stomach, his hips. They made nice, light lines upon the pale perfection as I rode him.

My hands grabbed his waist as I ground myself against him, feeling that tightening within my lower stomach again. My head fell back as my spine arched of its own accord, and I froze, releasing a low cry, his name splintering upon my lips as I convulsed for the second time. I felt Sephiroth lean back forward, wrapping his arms around me as he lowered me down upon the bed, still sheathed within me.

I was panting harshly, blowing several strands of his silver hair out of my face. I looked up into shimmering Mako eyes, and I gave a lazy smile. That was the second time I had climaxed, and he hadn’t once. I ran my hands along his sides and back, brushing his face with the tips of my fingers.

I thought for a few moments before his lips claimed mine in a soft, loving kiss. It made sense. He was a SOLDIER, so he probably had stamina. I mentally grinned at myself, shaking my head. ‘What did I get myself into?’

He tossed his head back, sending the long silver hair flying before he bent down, kissing me hard, his tongue invading my mouth to plunder the warm depths. I felt him smile against my lips as he started his thrusting again, faster than the last time, and he entwined our hands again, gently stroking the backs of my hands with his thumbs.

My eyes closed as I felt him moving faster within me, making me writhe, my hips moving in time with him. I felt his hair spill over one shoulder, covering my heated skin in liquid coolness. I was gasping when he bent forward, his lips caressing my throat, biting at my collarbone before he gently nibbled the tops of my breasts.

He was panting harshly against my throat, placing gentle kisses there as he worked his way back up. Sephiroth slowed for a few thrusts, then suddenly thrust within me harshly, then he went back to the gentle thrusting. I was panting at his ministrations, and I gasped out as I felt his warm breath fan against my ear.

His voice was breathy as he whispered to me, his lips lightly brushing my ear. “Narice,” he whispered as I buried my face in his neck smelling his scent which was like sandalwood and vanilla, but utterly masculine. “Narice, I feel . . . as if . . . I’m going to unravel.” His gasps were music to my ears and that soft, sensual voice sent shivers up and down my spine. “My heart burns . . . with emotion, emotions that I’ve never felt.” His soft pants, and my soft groans were the only sounds within the room save for the crackling of the fire.

“Narice,” his voice was husky with restrained passions. “Narice, I feel . . .” I felt his soft eyelashes flutter against my cheek before he spoke again. His voice immeasurably tender and soft. “I feel . . . as if I am dying within . . . your arms . . .” He broke off, gasping as his pace slowed yet again, matching our first round. “And . . . that I am being . . . reborn . . .” He nuzzled the curve of my neck before he rose above me, his chest against mine, our foreheads touching. His eyes flashed with many emotions, but first and foremost of these was love and tenderness. “You are my phoenix . . .” He rubbed his cheek against mine before whispering against my lips. “My phoenix and no one else’s.”

I looked up into his eyes that held a possessive glint to them. They were absolutely beautiful to see those eyes so expressive, so demanding, yet loving. There was a sheen of sweat that covered his face as he softly kissed me for many long moments, shivering and shuddering within my embrace.

I slipped my left hand out of his grasp, gently caressing his sweat-soaked face as he closed his eyes, leaning into the touch. His body shuddered violently, and I brought his face down to meet my lips as I whispered against them, almost on the verge of another climax. “Unravel for me, Sephiroth. I want to feel you.” My voice was low and passionate as my I let my tongue slide against his trembling lips. “I’ll stitch you up, I can promise you that.”

I felt him shudder above me, his forehead pressed against mine as his left hand squeezed mine. He slowly opened his eyes, and we locked gazes; heated, glowing emerald met burning sapphire.

His lips brushed mine, whispering a phrase that I would lock within my heart, memorizing it for eternity.

“Omae . . . wa ore . . . no . . . mono da . . .”

That softly whispered phrase in Wutanese, sent me over the edge, and I convulsed yet again, crying out his name, tears coursing down my cheeks, but this time, I wasn’t alone in my pleasure. I felt Sephiroth shudder violently, before he cried out my name, releasing into me.

He was trembling badly, slowly lowering himself down upon my body, as he rested his forehead against mine. His soft pants fluttered across my skin, cooling it as we both shivered. I felt his release, the warm strands coating my insides, and I shuddered in infinite pleasure. My hand gently brushed back the wet strands from his face, gently kissing him.

His lips were sweat-slicked, but still soft and tender as they kissed me back. He ran his cheek against mine, his nose running along my jaw line before he opened his eyes. The green was a very soft color the likes of which I have never seen before, or since. They were shining with adoration, worship, awe, love, and tenderness.

His right hand came up to gently caress my cheek, the tips of his fingers laying feather-light touches upon me. The soft fingers brushed against my jaw, my lips, my cheeks and finally settled down to lightly stroke my temple. His left hand gently squeezed my limp hand before he snuggled his body closer to me.

Tenderly, I traced his face as his words rang in my mind and my ears.

‘You belong to me.’

My tears flowed down from my face as I gently wiped away the crystalline drops from his own cheeks. We had completed each other, and it wasn’t just a physical completion, but a total emotional completion. It was almost as if something was slid into place between us.

His body finally stopped shuddering, settling into a soft tremble as he murmured against my ear. “I shouldn’t lay here . . . I’m too heavy . . .” He started to slip to the side before my hand settled on his neck, stilling him with a deep, loving kiss.

“You’re not heavy, Sephiroth,” I whispered against his mouth, between kisses. “You feel right to be here, laying on top of me and inside me.” I shivered at that thought, still feeling him stretching me most intimately. I looked up through my lashes at his beautiful face, seeing the most open expression I had ever seen.

He gave a shy smile before he removed his left hand from mine to gently caress my face softly. The long, slender fingers brushed against my left cheek, and they trembled badly. “Did I . . . I mean . . . was I . . .”

I laughed softly, gently kissing the trembling fingers, running one of my hands through his starlit hair. “I climaxed three times, and you ask me if you did well.” I laughed softly again, softly kissing his flushed face. “You have no complaints from me, Seph.” I smiled as his pale cheeks turned pink.

My fingers gently touched his cheek, the soft touch making him shiver. “Did you enjoy your first time?” I whispered, slightly afraid.

His eyes softened more than what I ever could believe, and he gently kissed the tips of the fingers. “I adored it . . . No matter what happens these next few days, I shall always remember this night . . . the soft, gentle and daring woman who even now still lays beneath me.” He bent forward, gently claming my lips. “Do you mean what you said, Narice?” He whispered softly, his eyes filled with hope.

I brought both of my hands to gently cup his face, tenderly brushing the soft silver strands of hair out of his face and tucking them behind his ear. I looked deeply into his soft green eyes, conveying all the love I’d felt since that first moment I touched him.

"Atashi no yariki nara ai ga... kimi ni totte da yo..." I breathed softly in Wutanese before he branded my lips in a fiery kiss.

‘My endless love . . .is only for you. . .’ Somehow, it sounded more beautiful in the Wutai language. There was something mystical about the tongue that I had noticed when I first came here. I meant every word I said to him and more. I couldn’t convey in a few hours what I had felt for the longest time.

He gently gathered me close to him as he moved onto his side. His left hand, his stronger hand, gently gripped my right as we lay upon our sides. Slowly, he brought the wrist to his lips, tenderly kissing my scars there, and lingering over the newest pink wound.

“There is no need for this anymore, Narice. We . . . have each other now.”

I snuggled against him, my face resting in the crook of his neck as I nestled my head upon his right arm. “Yes,” I murmured against his skin. “We do, and I won’t leave you, Sephiroth. Never.” I felt his fingers twine in mine before he pulled them between us.

“I’m glad . . . I was so alone . . .” He nuzzled my hair, placing a kiss on the top. “But now that I’ve had warmth . . . I won’t let that flame go . . . I can’t . . . I hope you understand . . .”

I laughed lightly. “Are you asking me to date you?” I pulled back slightly to look at his delicate face with a soft smile.

He watched me, his face flushed before he nodded, a strand of silver hair fluttering to lay against his cheek. “If . . . that’s what it means for you to stay beside me, and I, you . . . then yes . . . I guess . . . I want to date you.”

The simple sincerity in that voice made my heart flutter as I leaned against him once more, snuggling tightly against him. My left hand gently stroked the back of his neck as I wrapped myself around him.

My eyes were fluttering in drowsiness, and I had nearly nodded off before I felt gentle lips brush my temple. The soft words made me smile and whisper back.

“Narice, I love you . . .”

“And I, you, Seph. And I, you.”

I fell asleep in the warmth of his arms. Never feeling safer in all of my life than I did at this moment. His arms were warm, yet strong as they encircled me. I don’t remember how long I slept, only remembering the feel of his warm skin against mine and the soft brush of his sweet breath against my forehead.

I awoke some time later, not really wanting to move. I reached out to my left where Sephiroth had lain and my hands met the sheets. Slowly I moved my hands along the sheets, feeling the cool cotton touch me back. My eyes shot open, nearly panicked. For some unreasonable reason, I wanted to cry. I felt like my whole soul was shattered by just the silly fact that the sheets were cool.

He had thought to wrap me in the soft blanket, keeping the chill away as the candles had dwindled to fragrant pools of wax. I wrapped the sheet around me, like covering some mark, as I sat up, surveying the room for my lover.

My eyes softened when I saw him standing upon the balcony, the moonlight striking him and bathing his regal form in silver radiance. I watched him for a while, thinking. He obviously went out there for a reason, but why did he?

Slowly, I slipped my legs off the side of the bed, my bare feet gently touching the wood before I stood, wrapping the sheet around my middle like a towel. I held it in place with one hand at my breast as I slowly walked forward, my body throbbing with a dull ache. The area between my legs was sore, but at least that’s what I expected.

I continued walking slowly until I stood behind him, and cautiously wrapped one arm around his waist, leaning my face against his back. His skin was cool, yet slightly damp as I nuzzled my face into the sculpted muscles. My arm rested against the fully healed wound, and I was still amazed at his healing properties. I gathered he’d have to be seriously wounded, probably mortally before he needed a doctor’s care.

His muscles were tense under my arm, my cheek, and my hand that lay against his flat, smooth stomach. Bit by bit, his body relaxed so that he leaned back against me, allowing me to hold him.

My eyes were half closed as I bushed a kiss across his back, making him shiver. “What are you doing out of bed?” I whispered softly. “I missed you . . .”

I felt his left hand grasp my right as I pressed myself against him. He shivered slightly, his beautiful glowing teal eyes gazing off towards Midgar, and I finally think I understood, but I knew he wanted to talk.

“Narice . . . what will happen when we return to Midgar? I mean . . . what will become of what we have this one night? Will we be allowed to continue this?” His fingers gently played over the back of my hand, making me squeeze him tighter.

“I mean,” he sighed as he turned around, leaning up against the railing as his right arm wrapped around my waist, tugging me close to him before his left hand brushed against my cheek. The moonlight made him glow with a soft fire, showing all his beauty to the world that didn’t want him. “What will happen?”

I sighed, closing my eyes and leaning into his touch before I tried to answer. “I . . . don’t know, Sephiroth.” I sighed, before I rested my head against his chest, listening to his wounded heartbeat. “I will try to be with you when you need me . . . but we’ll likely be parted for missions and the like. I can try and get assigned on with you . . . Shinra likes me since I watched over Rufus when he was a baby.” I sighed, not wanting to think about the future. “I made a promise, Sephiroth, and I intend to keep that promise.” I pulled back, my fingertips gently brushing his cheeks. “I told you I would stand right beside you, your hand held in mine as we faced this together. I will be there, Sephiroth. Never doubt that, koi. Never.”

He sighed, closing his eyes before he wrapped me in his arms. “I trust that you will be, Narice. I trust you.”

We stood that way in the waning moonlight for several minuets as we watched the darkness start to lift to a murky gray. Slowly, the velvet night receded into it’s lair as the pink-tinted dawn rose to take it’s place. I felt Sephiroth sigh as the wind gently caressed us. He turned his head, starlit hair spilling over his shoulder at that motion. His eyes gazed off in the direction of the Da-Cho mountains.

“This will likely be our last day of peace, Narice. I . . . want to tell you, that whatever happens on the battlefield today, or tomorrow, that what this feeling that burns my chest . . .” he gently took my hand in his, placing it above my heart. “That this feeling, is love . . . Ai shiteru, Narice. I love you.” His beautiful teal colored eyes were soft with emotion. “I need to say it before . . . if something happens to either of us in this battle . . .”

I smiled, my fingers of my free hand brushed against his cheek. “Don’t worry, Sephiroth. I will come back from the lines. I have to keep my promise, koi.” For some absurd reason, my eyes fell upon my signet ring. The ring was delicate silver, with etchings of ivy leaves. A beautiful dark black stone sat in the middle. It was alexandrite. One of the most rare jewels in the known universe. It was my ring of regency over the Youja-kai. I wanted to grin when I saw it.

Without thinking of the consequences, I pulled my hand back, gently slipping the ring off my finger and slipping it over his smallest one. It was a perfect fit and was lovely there. I smiled up at Sephiroth’s bewildered expression. “This is my oath of truth. I will come back. That ring means a lot to me, and I trust you to hold it for me until I return to claim it, and you as my prize.” I gave a playful laugh before I drew him down in a very passionate kiss.

I pulled back, glancing at the lightening day, and sighed. “I guess we should get ready to go on march.” I brushed my fingers against his cheek before I started to walk away. “We need to go wash up, koi.” I threw him a wink before I bent over to gather my clothes as I dropped the sheet.

I heard a hiss; quick foot falls, before I felt a gentle hand touch my inner thigh. Strong hands wrapped around my waist as he carried me to the bed, gently checking out something. I finally looked down at my thighs, and my eyes widened.

There were streaks of dried blood upon my thighs, and Sephiroth looked up at me with a guilty expression. His hand was gentle as he laid it upon my thigh, his fingers gently squeezing. “I . . . I never meant to hurt you, Narice.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his expression. Such sincere guilt, pain and concern that shone in his eyes. I just couldn’t help it. I gently reached out, brushing his hair back. “It is the nature of women, who have never held a man within, or those who have only been used once . . . It’s nature for them to bleed. It reminds us that even in pain, there is pleasure . . .” My hands reached out to gently cup his face. “Sephiroth, it didn’t hurt. I only felt the soul-shattering ecstasy as you took away the pain of my past.” I gently kissed the worry away, pulling him into my arms as I brushed his hair away from his face.

I shuddered as I felt the backs of his fingers brush against the juncture of my thighs. A slight pain going through me, but I’d not let it show. I kissed him softly, before I rose and gently took his hand, leading him to the bathing area. My gait was slightly wobbly as I led him towards the bath chamber.

There was a soft tug on my hand as we reached the bathroom, and I turned to look over my shoulder. I felt very light fingertips brush against my back in a pattern, and I nearly fainted.

My tattoo . . . I had forgotten it.

“I didn’t notice this, Narice. It’s actually quite becoming on you . . .” His voice was soft as his left hand traced my tattoo. “Very delicate and beautiful . . . nearly a shame that it covers your whole back . . .”

I sighed, feeling the gentle fingers tracing the pattern. “I’ve had it as long as I’ve been alive. Not more than an hour after I was born, the priests took me to their temple and marked my flesh with this, the emblem of my Father. I don’t mind it any more, but it used to really bother me after . . . well,” I shrugged lightly. “After the whole incident that caused me to leave. I hated him more than ever because he was never there. I’m marked with my Father’s symbol, and yet he refuses to protect me.” I know I made a bitter face as I walked into the bathroom and pulled out the washcloth.

Sephiroth stood in the doorway, watching me meticulously clean off the blood on my thighs and I sighed before I looked up at him again. “Well? Aren’t you going to wash up?”

That got a reaction out of him. His sculpted face flushed a delicate red, and I realized he was embarrassed. He fiddled with his laces and I slowly got up, and walked past him, my hand gently lying upon his shoulder. “It’s ok, Seph. I’ll wait out there if you’d like.” I smiled at him and tenderly tucked a strand of hair behind his ear before I walked out, shooing him into the room and shutting the door behind him.

I shook my head, and smiled gently at the thought of Sephiroth being shy. It had never occurred to me as I stretched languidly before I slowly finished cleaning off the blood. I was happy, even though he was still shy and worried about the situation, but that, I guess, was to be expected. I made a mental note to remind myself to ask him about his past. The way he flinched from my touch at the start . . . He had to have been abused.

I sighed, running the clean part of the cloth over my neck, wetting some of the hairs at the nape. I gazed at the bloodstained washcloth in my hands before I folded it gently and placed it on the floor. I silently slipped into my leather pants, deftly lacing them up and I caught sight of my back in the mirror and nearly growled.

My eyes narrowed at the sight of that tattoo, and I studied it a while. It was the image of a Phoenix with its wings out spread, one wing curling around my shoulder. The feathers were exquisitely drawn, each little part was visible, as well as the eyes of the bird. They were a beautiful bright blue, just like mine. The most astonishing fact was that they looked alive. I sighed, noticing how it had gone down below my waist, covering the area just above the swell of my buttocks. The tail feathers flared over my hips, the tips barely brushing the indention at the end of my spine.

I guess it was beautiful in its own way, that is, if I detached myself from it. I sighed, reaching behind me to gently touch the flesh that was marked, as surely as Sephiroth’s was. I sighed before I slipped my silk shirt up my arms and buttoned a few of the silver studs, and tying it at my midriff.

Closing my eyes, I created a ‘mini-gate’, a specialty of mine, and grabbed my pack and items, pulling them into Sephiroth’s room. Dawn was stretching her fingers into his room as I pulled out a bra, slipping the shoulders off after undoing the buttons again before I quickly slipped it on. I really didn’t need to get washed off, just wanted the joy of a bath.

Personally speaking, I wanted Sephiroth to relax a little. I sighed as I heard the soft padding of wet feet before I saw Sephiroth come out of the bathroom, still in his leather pants, but his wet hair hung in shining rivulets to his knees.

The beauty of him took my breath away. He was true perfection, and sure, I had seem him many times in the halls of Shinra, and that one time in the lab . . . But now, he was sheer perfection in motion as he slowly walked across the room to sit down in the chair by the fire, a towel held to the ends of his hair as he rubbed at them.

He didn’t even look at me before I heard his voice snap me out of gazing at his body. “That’s not a Shinra uniform, Narice.”

I blinked as I looked down at the clothes I was wearing. “Um . . . that’s true . . . but I’ve never liked Shinra, so why should I wear they’re emblem?”

He tilted his face towards me, and I saw it was set back into the lines of ‘The-Best-SOLDIER’, but his eyes were fluttering with emotions. “I just wanted to compliment how lovely you look.” He gave a slight smile before he went back to his long hair.

I felt myself blush at the soft compliment, before I watched him stand, slowly slipping on his trench coat and buckling it up, then slipping on his boots. He pulled on the gloves and gracefully brushed a few strands of his silver hair out of his face before he looked at me, with an arched eyebrow.

His musical voice was laced with amusement when he looked me over. “Do you want to march barefoot?”

I blushed before I tugged on my own boots, untied and tucked in my shirt before throwing on that horrid Shinra jacket. I quickly fastened it before I looked back at Sephiroth.

I was mesmerized by the way he walked slowly over to me and gently took my chin in his gloved hand. His face softened as he leaned forward, gently brushing his lips over mine before he drew back, watching me. “We have got to be back to the way we were when we step out that door, Narice . . . and I don’t want that . . .” He sighed, his thumb gently caressing my cheek before he continued. “But we must, for all intents and purposes, be friends . . .” His soft lips brushed against mine again. “Then, we shall be lovers under the moonlight.” He sighed, gently wrapping his arms around me before he squeezed tightly.

I sighed, and relaxed into his embrace. I had opened so many doors within him, and it was such a thrill for him to drop that big-bad-SOLDIER attitude. I wrapped my shaking arms around him before I nuzzled the soft, smooth skin of his flesh. I felt him shudder, his arms holding me tighter as I placed soft little kisses on his bared flesh, and slowly kissed his way back up, nuzzling the pale purple mark on the flesh of his neck.

I grinned to myself for I had a similar mark, but it was slightly darker than his. I didn’t have nearly the same healing capacity that he did. I gently kissed his neck where the bruise was, and he shivered again against me.

“Narice,” his voice was breathless, near desperate. “Please . . . I don’t think I could stand . . .” His voice trailed off as I ran my hand through his hair, bring him down to me in a searing, and passionate kiss.

We didn’t notice the polite knock upon the door, nor when the door slowly swung open allowing the intruder in to witness the kiss. We didn’t hear the clearing throat, but we did hear the crack comment that the intruder made . . .

“Well, now that’s a site I thought I’d never see! The Ice God and Goddess kissin’ hot enough to melt ice!”

Sephiroth and I both parted hastily to see the person who intruded, and we both blushed, seeing Zack standing there with a wide grin. Sephiroth wouldn’t look towards Zack and continued to blush, trying to speak.

Zack walked up to him and chuffed him on arm. “Hey! It’s ok! You got Aryun; She’s got you. What more do you need?” He winked at me before continuing. “I won’t let the cat outta the bag.” He scratched the back of his head. “Then again, I think most of the inn heard you guys.”

My face flushed crimson and looked over at Sephiroth who was having the same problem. “Well, this is just great,” I muttered half-hearted.

Zack laughed at us before he patted my back. “Eh, don’t worry. I’m the lightest sleeper of them all and my room was across from Seph’s.” He threw me a wink. “I never thought he would make that much noise . . .”

Sephiroth finally managed to spit out a few words. “Zack, please don’t . . .” He looked up at Zack, his eyes serious. “I don’t want her hurt, and you exactly what I mean.”

Zack smiled at Sephiroth, laying his hand against the taller man’s arm. “Don’t worry, Seph. I was joking about the noise, but I figured she would be here after I found her room empty. You have no worries from me that I’ll tell anyone. This is involving you two, and no one else, all right?”

Sephiroth slowly nodded before he grasped my hand in his. “I don’t want Hojo to find out either, so what you know now, about our relationship . . . it stays between us until I can publicly defy Shinra . . . I want to live a normal life with her.”

I noticed there was something between them that they wished to speak of, and I smiled, quickly kissing Sephiroth’s cheek before I gathered my things. “I should check on the troops, and see when they’ll be ready to move out.” I looked at Sephiroth and smiled. “It shall be as you said, never fear. We are friends outside this door, and behind it as well.” I pulled him down and gently brushed my lips across his and eluded his grasp before I dashed out the door, flashing him a smile.

I ran quickly through the halls, my pack stashed upon my back as I finished buttoning up my Shinra jacket, covering the bruise on my neck. I raked my hand through my long hair, and swore as it tangled. I had to pause for a second in my dash down the stairs to untangle it. When I had finished that, I quickly braided it and flipped it over my shoulder. A few of the red-gold trindles framed my face and I smiled at the stunned innkeeper.

“Ah, General Aryun. Where are you going?” He seemed worried for some reason, and I arched a brow at him. Maybe I looked differently.

“To check on the troops, good man. It is my position to see to the troops needs and see that they are well cared for. Besides, the General wishes to leave soon.”

The inn keep shut his mouth as soon as I said the word ‘General’, and I mentally laughed, knowing that the real Sephiroth wouldn’t hurt him unless he attacked first, then it would be to disarm, not to kill.

He gave a nod before I was ‘allowed’ to leave. I went and inspected the troops, just general things until Sephiroth came down to give the order to march. If all went well, we’d be on our way within the hour.

I leaned against the railing, finally strapping on my sword across my back, awaiting Sephiroth’s arrival. I closed my eyes, thinking about what had happened. I had opened his doors, making him realize that touch didn’t have to hurt. I slowly slipped my gloves upon my hands and sighed, thinking of the trouble this might cause him back in Midgar. I tugged hard at my glove, nearly tearing it while I thought about Hojo. Sephiroth was right. Hojo could not know about this relationship.

I frowned, thinking about what would happen if he did. Of course Sephiroth’s life before had been a living hell. That much I could tell by just being around him, but it could be worse, I suspected, and would be if Hojo ever found out he took a lover.

I sighed, opening my eyes and searching the army. Well, we would deal with that if he ever found out.

I saw a flash of silver in the soft morning light and grinned. I whipped the dopey grin off my face as I walked down the hill to join my commanding officer inspect the ranks. I walked up beside him, upon his right side as I normally did, still keeping that polite distance between us.

He turned his head, giving me a very soft smile as he brushed his silver hair out of his face.

Maybe we could get this to work out . . .