At first he casually looked over the woman as she approached him, clearly coming out from doing some kitchen work in the back, and maybe it was the shorter haircut that threw him a little but sure enough he blinked, shifted on his feet a little and couldn't help but to grant her a small smile. A flash of one, anyway.

His smiles didn't ever reach his eyes anymore, though.

"Oh, Saori. I didn't expect-"

Wait, back up. Sephiroth tilted his head to one side minutely as logic caught up. Of course, after all, it made sense. He squeezed his hand around the gil pouch as she quickly indicated it and didn't hesitate about the answer. She seemed busy and he didn't want to disturb her.

"-this is the remainder of an amount that I owed him...for this place." He quickly glanced around, though was very careful to avoid eye contact with any of the patrons.

"I've been too...busy to settle it as of late."