♘ 3: Video

[furorimperator.livejournal.com]

[For him, the door opens. He'd actually been on his way outside, headed for gods knew where, but the second his gloved hand touches the knob, a soft chime sounds and instead of the bright outdoors, the scene shifts to a place he thought he'd forgotten.

The video tilts wildly as the skyphone slips from nerveless fingers and clatters on the concrete floor, a quirk of fate setting it on its side, able to view the room at large. Leather swishes as Sephiroth ignores it and steps further within, gazing about as if in a trance. Standing near the desk, he tilts his head and reaches down to pick up a ball of black fur, a very worn, very old stuffed toy.

A light chuckle wafts through the sterile place, followed by a melancholy sigh.]

...hn...I'd almost forgotten.




{ooc: backdated to 1/23 if necessary; welcome to the place where Sephiroth grew up, in the bowels of Hojo's madhouse.}

Comments

[Video]

[furorimperator.livejournal.com]

[Bad subject, Aerith. So very bad. Sephiroth's not even going to dignify that with a response. He and Zack have "had the conversation"; the ball's in the pup's court now. It'll be a cold day in hell before Sephiroth makes another effort.]

Will that be all, Miss Aerith?

[Video]

[thishealingwind.livejournal.com]

[She knows immediately that she's hit a nerve, and she frowns deeply, breaking eye contact as he glances downward uncomfortably.]

Oh, I'm sorry. I suppose it's not really any of my business.

...forget I said anything.

[They were probably going to be upset with her for meddling, both Zack and Cloud.]

[Video]

[furorimperator.livejournal.com]

It's of little consequence. [Beat.] Thank you for your concern.

[Yeah, he's got his armor back on, that SOLDIERly shell that keeps the rest of the world out. And it won't be cracking any time soon.]

[Video]

[thishealingwind.livejournal.com]

If you say so. [A pause.] It's no trouble. I'm just a bit of a worrier.

[Yeah, Aerith's usually good about trying to break down the armor of men. But Sephiroth is a very, very special case. She's a little afraid to go there.]

[Video]

[furorimperator.livejournal.com]

[A small bitter smile.]

You need not worry over me. It's hardly necessary.

[Video]

[thishealingwind.livejournal.com]

[She returns the smile, hers almost mirroring his.]

That's easier said than done. [That means more than it appears on the surface, of course. There are lots of things to worry about where Sephiroth is concerned. She hesitates for a moment before she says:] If you need anything, let me know, okay?

[Video]

[furorimperator.livejournal.com]

[In cases thus, Sephiroth knows better than to argue. Give in gracefully, preserve at least a modicum of dignity.]

As you wish, Miss Aerith.

[Video]

[thishealingwind.livejournal.com]

[She forces a brighter smile, wondering if this entire thing has been a terrible idea. Only time will tell.]

Just Aerith is fine. Thank you, Sephiroth. [A beat.] Sir.

[She hopes that doesn't sound as awkward as it feels.]

[Video]

[furorimperator.livejournal.com]

[All right, enough of this. Sephiroth gives her a short concise nod before ending the transmission.]