Morning brings about a heaviness in Sephiroth’s chest. Both of you have to return to the SOLDIER barracks after today, the last day of R&R in Kalm. His arms are like shackles locking you in place against his chest as if you might vanish the second he lets go. The morning sun streams through the window, casting a golden glow over the room, but he has no interest in starting the day, not with you here, warm and real in his grasp. “Stay a little longer,” he murmurs against your hair, voice still thick with sleep, his breath fanning against your skin.

Prior to meeting you and becoming friends during both of your early SOLDIER days and eventually lovers, perhaps Sephiroth would have never realized how empty life could be. His hold tightens; he’d spent years facing down war on behalf of Shinra but feels utterly helpless against the thought of you slipping from his arms.