#12 | It's time to take some time away...

[shinrasfinest]

Who: Sephiroth & #1) Open, #2) Tifa/Alice/Open #3) Terra
When: Post Zelda's Meeting: 25-31st August
Where/What: #1) Aqures Ixen: Helping to repair, #2) B-04: Preparing to leave, #3) Flence: Some time away
Warnings: N/A, except for potential eye-rolling in #3

#1 - 26-27th August/ Aqures Ixen: Helping to repair [Open]
[There is still a lot of work to be done in repairing many of the buildings that are still damaged in some way from the battle. It's only right, in the wake especially of Zelda's meeting, that he use the time that he's managed to get from taking leave from Esdham constructively in repairing what -by proxy- he at least had some part in causing. That guilt is still there, and this is his attempt to reconcile at least some of the weight from off of his consciousness.

Many houses and other buildings need to be at least patched up so that citizens could move back into their residences safely where more cosmetic repairs could be revisited at a later stage. He's no architect, nor much of a builder but at the very least Sephiroth can lend his strength where it's needed; and with a Job change, he's soon fitting well into a team of volunteers doing various jobs around the damaged districts. Breaking bricks, chopping wood, hauling materials up and down rickety scaffolding...

Even with glass, as atop the roof of the greenhouse at Jardin Verdoyant, fitting the last pane carefully into place.]

#2 - 27th August/ B-04: Preparing to leave [Tifa and/or Alice / Open]
[The house that Sephiroth claims residence in has hardly been touched by the battle and those repairs that had needed to be done were superficial rather than major structural damage. There is an odd irony in there somewhere. Still makes it no less bitter than for several other streets all around them the scenery would remain scarred for a while yet.

It's a good idea, getting away for the weekend. They both needed a break from the constant doom and gloom, and Flence were far enough removed that they might even be able to pretend it hadn't happened. At the very least they might be able to come back afterwards, a little more clear-headed. Doesn't help the current predicament though...

Sephiroth's often-used, large military issue rucksack is spread wide open on top of his bed. Half-filled with that which he deems the essentials and a few items of clothing besides. He stands over it, suspended in a long pause as he tries to keep his thoughts on the task in front of him. Who knew it'd ever be so difficult to decide what needs to be taken?]

#3 - 30th August/ Flence: Some time away [Terra]
The County of Flence reflected, in it's tranquility, the Temple of Water that's housed nearby to it. Neutral from all of the conflicts that have befallen Crystallis, Flence retained a peace to it's picturesque visage that might as well be another world away from the strife of the Aqurean region - that Sephiroth and Terra had been surrounded by constantly since before the attack of the Imperial Fleet. 

Not that they hadn't had to pay for it. The double-roomed suite that Sephiroth had managed to secure at one of the smaller inns had devoured almost two-thirds of what he would be paid for a month in Esdham. He'd known it would be on the pricey side, and it wasn't as if he hadn't any gil saved up, but actually parting with such expense willingly caused a pause sometimes.

Two days later though, and it had all been worth it. The comfort was on another level, even the small lounge area in the suite told of the exquisite fabric that had been used to make it and that was a fact which reflected everywhere during their stay. The scenery was breathtaking especially at sunrise and again at sunset as the river cast the light back as if it were on fire; golden in the morning, gleaming crimson as the evening drew in. Not to mention the food; they hadn't been kidding when Sephiroth had read that Flence was reported to have the finest cuisine in the World.

Never mind that it had been sunny for every day of their visit, for some reason it didn't seem to bother Sephiroth as much as it might have done if he'd spent so much time outside in the Aqures region. The creams and oils available to protect skin were of the highest standard too, and melted right in without feeling heavy. 

On their last evening in the town, the pair had wandered down to the winding pathway, lined with trees, which followed the river off towards the Temple of Water which was located out of town a ways. The air felt significantly cooler near to the water and the breeze that came off of it was refreshing to feel across the sun-warmed skin of faces and shoulders, it's almost as if Sephiroth's hair had been similarly revitalized from the long weekend of relaxation - loose and almost seeming feather-light, moving minutely in the same breeze as he kept a casual pace beside Terra. 

Comments

#3 - 30th August/ Flence: Some time away [TerraxSephiorth]

[greenmagick]

It had taken some time for the young Esper to adjust when they first arrived in Flence. She had never been on a vacation before and Tempest had to explain the concept several times before Terra finally understood. Her faithful moogle also packed her bag for her, claiming that she knew the weather this time of year better than most. Terra hadn't forgotten that Tempest was born and raised in The Country of Flence so she trusted the little moogle with her things. This did, however, cause confusion when she first arrived and began going through her things.

As the days pasted they both relaxed and Terra even found that she was enjoying herself. It was freeing and new. She didn't mind walking all day long as they took in the sights and tried the different restaurants that littered the water front. She had hoped to help with some of the expenses but Tempest had claimed that she planned to give Sephiroth some of the funds from the store so that she wouldn't have to worry.

This evening she wore a light blue dress that cupped at her knees like the top of a cupcake might curl under. The smooth fabric draped from her waist were it was pulled tight across her thin frame. The top was designed like a flower while thin straps held the attire in place. A blue ribbon was tied around her neck while a matching one pulled her hair back into a lose ponytail. Without Tempest to help she could only pull the green curls back in a simple manner. Lose strands curled at the back of her neck and then down from her ears framing her cheeks.

A thin strap with a small purse at it's end was draped over her bar shoulders. There was a small amount of money which was to be used for small gifts for both Spencer and Tempest. They wouldn't have be able to leave without the moogles help.

The fresh air of the water and the trees brought a warm smile to Terra's face. Her bright blue eyes look up towards Sephiroth while her arms hung at her sides. "It's lovely. Have you seen the temple?"

The silence was calming but as they walked closer towards the building she couldn't help but feel the soft pull of her curiosity.

#3 - 30th August/ Flence: Some time away [TerraxSephiroth]

[shinrasfinest]

Just because the legendary SOLDIER had never taken a vacation before in his whole life, didn't mean that Sephiroth weren't aware of what one were; he'd just always seen them as a waste of time which could be spent in a more responsible manner. What a waste of hard-earned gil as well, to blow it all in such a pointless manner. Perhaps that's why their first day and evening in Flence had been a rather tense and awkward affair; being unsure as he was to what they might expect from the service at the inn they were staying, from the first restaurants they dined in...even what conversations to bring up with Terra herself. It just wasn't natural at all and trying to force himself to relax had quite the opposite effect.

He couldn't have been more wrong. It was sometime on the second day that the chaos had all but melted away, and after a longer lay-in bed than he was ever used to taking Sephiroth had managed to dispel a great deal of tension out at the view from their small balcony. It was little more than a small step out from the building but then their getaway had finally caught up; he'd just needed the time to stop thinking. Easily followed, conversation became easier also; more casual. Topics changed from the over-used 'Are you alright?' to a much more involved 'What foods do you like?' which came with less and less effort from him on each occasion as Sephiroth found that he felt more secure in relaxing around Terra.

"I've been there once before, yes. Earlier in the year." By comparison, Sephiroth didn't own much in the way of clothing that was as fetching as what Terra had worn out on their stroll tonight. He wore a simple light grey vest which was a little on the tight side down over the tops of his shoulders and chest but then looser around the middle. He wore a pair of well-fitted black pants, but they were much lighter in material than his customary leather. He still wore boots, but they were of a shorter-style and the pants hung just low enough to cover them but not enough to drag on the floor. Sophisticated, yet clearly more casual than he was generally used to. On a few occasions he felt severely under-dressed when compared to the fragile whisp of a girl that he had the pleasure of being in the company of.

Every so often Sephiroth had to flick the odd strand of his hair back away from his face where the breeze had lifted it in his way but it was very much a motion he was used to; not a hint of irritation were present at all.

"I wasn't sure if we should even visit it, but it seems to me now that it would be a wasted opportunity not to."

#3 - 30th August/ Flence: Some time away [TerraxSephiroth]

[greenmagick]

Terra was equally glad that their conversations have been more specific while having the ability to lapse into a comfortable silence. A few questions would make Terra pause and then think, there are somethings that she had never considered. She didn’t have favorites of anything but there were plenty of things she liked. She didn’t much care for spicy foods but rich and sweet foods always made her smile. Any time she saw an animal or something small and fluffy, her eyes would light up and she’d stop to inspect whatever it was that caught her attention. She never lingered for too long, mindful of Sephiroth’s presence and respecting that he might not want to stand outside of a pet shop for several hours.

She found that she liked the evenings best. The sun would dip low and the temperature would drop, she never mentioned being cold though the occasional breeze would make her shiver. She liked the chill in the air come dusk because it reminded her that she was alive, that she felt something when the wind caressed her features and pulled at her hair. Everything was relaxing as if the pieces of a puzzle falling perfectly into place.

Her shoes clicked softly against the walk way as they made their way towards the temple. Terra had never been inside but she has heard descriptions from Tempest.

“I heard that it’s beautiful.” Of course the little moogle often describes things from Flence as such. Terra looked up at Sephiroth as she continues. “The water crystal is there and I was told that it rests above a pool of water.” Water in itself was beautiful, shifting and changing with currents while mirroring those who step within its view. It soothed and healed while having a force behind it to rival flames. It was for all those reasons that Terra loved water.

Her smile was set across her lips like gems in a diamond ring. It was peaceful and in its own way it was perfect.

Terra’s gaze shifted to the trees and path around them. There was always so much to take in both the setting and the company that she held. Flence was an incredible place but it was Sephiroth’s presence that would make this trip unforgettable.

#3 - 30th August/ Flence: Some time away [TerraxSephiroth]

[shinrasfinest]

So they weren't an exact match with regard to likes or not-so likes but that fact just made her all the more interesting. Sephiroth was more than partial to a few of the spicier dishes; a taste he had picked up from Angeal, and didn't sit well with sweet foods, but overall it wasn't irritating at all. It just made the various meals they took together all the more exciting. Screw the expense.

Sephiroth too, was mindful to allow Terra enough time to inspect some of the pets or wildlife they spotted from time to time so it always seemed that the time they spent lingering would meet somewhere in a comfortable medium for both of them. He knew well enough -from all those cats- that she liked animals even if he didn't so much and it's as much a break away for her as it was for him. Besides, leaving her on her own wasn't an option ever considered so he would always linger nearby if she wanted to get closer.

"It does, you're right. At this rate we shouldn't have to go and see it at all." It was about the closest Sephiroth had ever come to a joke, around someone who wasn't Genesis or Angeal. His tone being lightly teasing, but still gentle as if he didn't quite know how to be that way with Terra just yet.

Her smile, caught just out of the corner of his peripheral vision as they continued their stroll, encouraged his own. Each smile that she'd made him stretch ever further had lifted yet more dread weight from his consciousness, fulfilling the entire objective of their brief getaway. Aqures Ixen wasn't forgotten, not by a long shot, but just the distance between there and Flence did wonders for the subconscious.

Sephiroth wasn't sure, if he'd have come alone, that it would have had the same effect.

#3 - 30th August/ Flence: Some time away [TerraxSephiroth]

[greenmagick]

Everything on their trip seemed to fall into place. Even Terra’s nightmares weren’t as severe. The first night was the worst; the young Esper found herself seeking a glass water in the middle of the night. Usually she crept through the darkness alone but on this adventure she found Sephiroth reading. She greeted him with a smile, stating her intent as she walked towards the sink. It was a quick easy conversation before she retreated into her room once more. After speaking with Sephiroth she found her sleep calmer as if her nightmares were held at bay by his presence.

There was a lot to think about, there was always a lot to think about but Terra found herself staring at the sky without a thought crossing her path. It was simpler being away from everything and it made it easier to smile. Part of her wished they didn’t have to return though she knew that to be a foolish notion.

Terra laughed softly at Sephiroth’s comment. “I can keep describing it if you want.” She looked up at him with a slight glint in her bright blue eyes that implied she was attempting to joke as well. It wasn’t awkward but she wasn’t used to joking and wasn’t usually very funny.

It was a happy moment and it felt like it froze in time, there smiles forever imprinted on her thoughts as the cold breeze caresses the earth. Their steps were even creating a rhythm that molded with the turning sound of water and the soft chirps of birds. Their destination was within sight while the path continued to wind its way forward. Terra heard the soft rustle of the trees as a more determined gust of wind brushed over them. Her fingers rose, tucking a lose strand of silk behind her ear. The sun continued to dance towards the horizon and as they walked they could see the sea tint like flames dancing along the gentle waves.

#1 27th August/ Aqures Ixen: Helping to repair [Open]

[deadlyvu]

Lydia has been around town, mostly ferrying stuff. Not heavy stuff either, as she hasn't equipped her bicycle for it. But she has a full basket on front, and a rack she's managed to secure another larger basket to on the end of her bicycle, so it's been useful enough.

Today, she's ferrying water and food to various repair crews. Mostly she's been trying to not focus on the bad-things... It hasn't been easy. it's a pleasant surprise whenever she runs into anyone she knows though, as she's dropping of food packed in small parcels, and water in canteens. Leaning her bicycle against a nearby wall, carrying the stuff over, her grin for a moment is real as she waves to Sephiroth, while handing others the items.

#1 27th August/ Aqures Ixen: Helping to repair [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

Lydia's job was as important as his own; feeding and making sure there was water for all the volunteers not only fulfilled an obvious need, the small breaks that the groups took in shifts helped to form cohesion which would help them at work as well. It made the days brighter, when they were surrounded by so much grief and devastation.

He only caught her eye contact, with that grin, for a moment before his sledgehammer came down again onto a larger brick before him with a loud crack. Sephiroth grunted audibly; debating whether his job switch had been a smart one given as he had even less strength now, before dropping his shoulder, gripping the handle again and hefting the heavy tool back around. This time, the rock split cleanly into two with a sharper crack of a noise and Sephiroth set the hammer against the wall, following where he'd seen Lydia vanish to hand out her items.

"Good to see you, Lydia."

Having been working all day so far, Sephiroth was sweaty and even where his hair was scraped up into a high tail away from his face there seemed a fine layer of brick dust that had settled on top of it, much like where it caked his arms almost up to his elbows despite the fact that he did wear thick gloves.

Which he then pulled off and reached for a canteen of water.

Re: #1 27th August/ Aqures Ixen: Helping to repair [Open]

[deadlyvu]

The canteen is ready handed over, as she's already got a parcel of food ready too. Good thing about the baskets, as she'd managed to rig the smaller one on front so she could remove it easily. "How're you managing Sephiroth? I'm not a stranger to hard work, but I'm happier ferrying food and supplies, than breaking rocks."

Not that it didn't look satisfying in some ways. Good way to take out frustration maybe. She'd never be able to lift the sledge hammer though.

#1 27th August/ Aqures Ixen: Helping to repair [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

Eagerly Sephiroth took two deep gulps of the cold water from it before then placing the canteen to the side on a ledge of scaffolding nearby, taking the food parcel from Lydia and putting that nearby to the canteen. He wiped some of the sweat from his forehead along his forearm, where it had started to drip down towards his brow again, which left a white smear in it's wake. Still, the silver haired man either didn't realize or didn't care so much, it was all part of the work.

"All things considered, it's the least that I can do. I have strength to lend-" He shrugged lightly, leaning against where he'd left the canteen while he conversed with Lydia.

"-so might as well be put to good use."

#1

[desertbloomed]

Since returning from Aqures Tosf - a lot less dramatic than her last exit from the ruined city - Ashelia had mostly been cooped up in her office, writing letters, signing things, trying to help put the economy of Aqures Ixen back together with nothing but a quill and some ink. Everyone was doing their part, what they were best suited for, and that's where she belonged. Most of the time, anyway. There were other things royals were expected to do in times of crisis, and since Queen Sarah was still nowhere to be found, Ashelia took matters into her own hands.

She walked down the streets, talking to citizens and handing out bread from a quaint basket on her forearm. She patted children on the head, nodded understandingly at the complaints and fears of the citizenry and promised them safety and security. Despite the damage to the city, the Heroes had triumphed over the Empire's forces. That fact alone made it much easier for her to make the people smile and laugh and look past what had happened to their homes.

Ashelia spied Sephiroth on the roof of the greenhouse just as she handed a load of bread to a child. She smiled at at the Major, giving him a slight wave before turning back to the child and sharing a few more words. She patted her on the head and sent her back to her parents, who were only feet away. She bade them farewell and walked over to Sephiroth's ladder. "Good day to you, Major. Time for a break, perhaps?"

#1

[shinrasfinest]

He'd just finished placing the final piece of glass carefully into it's grooves while a puppet, with an almost comical over-large head, held the ladder still. Though he were lying mostly on the glass roof with his weight evenly distributed atop a soft cloth his feet still remained on the topmost step of the ladder.

He caught Ashe in the corner of his line of sight as she first waved, so he wasn't startled by her when she came to the bottom of the ladder and called up at him. It took a few moments for Sephiroth to get himself shimmied into a position which he knew he could carefully push up from the glass back onto the ladder properly, before he started to descend and answered her, down over one shoulder.

"Not Major, currently, Lady Ashe."

Getting to the bottom of the ladder, Sephiroth cast a cautious glance over his puppet which was still carefully holding the ladder for him, before turning his full attention to Ashelia herself.

"I'm just about done here, actually."

Re: #1

[desertbloomed]

"Is that so?" Ashelia held out a bun for Sephiroth to take, a large piece of cheese balanced gingerly atop it. "Good. The defense of the city was excellently put-together. Such ingenuity deserves recognition."

The Queen glanced over at the puppet as well. "Strange little things, aren't they? Useful in their way, though." She raised an eyebrow. "Pursuing a different path?"

#1

[shinrasfinest]

At first, Sephiroth wasn't sure how to answer Ashelia and that became even more apparent as she mentioned how he deserved recognition. In fact, if he had more of a colorful complexion the blanch might well have been more pronounced. Though, his eyebrows and the slight creases around his eyes betrayed the fact that he didn't feel much like he'd achieved anything.

What self-respecting Major, successful as the defense of the City might have been, vanished for the end of it? It was a fact he couldn't reconcile within himself and only added to the fact that he felt more responsible for the damage left behind, as opposed to pleased that his command had preserved what it had of Aqures Ixen.

He was glad she made a comment about the puppet, allowing him those few more seconds to chew on a suitable response even if he still felt lost in answering. To Sephiroth, Ashelia had been much more the Hero than he had been...in fact, most of them had.

"Taking some leave." He clarified finally, pausing for a beat before adding. "I've a lot to get my head around."

#1

[thegreatninja]

[Yuffie has managed to earn the respect of those working around her. She has helped with the restoration of Wutai and so she is skilled in both construction as well as organization of worksites. Dark eyes look down from her position on the roof, her waistband filled with a menagerie of tools that once held blades. There are two nails between her lips and a hammer in her palm as she points down towards those working.]

Get some wood towards the right side of the first floor. They're running low and the supports are ruined. They'll drop any day now.[Says the one on the roof.

The nails fall from her lips when she sees Sephiroth carrying some of the wood in question. Unlike him, she doesn't feel guilty for what happened though she recognizes the carnage after a war.

Her eyes train on Sephiroth, watching as he carries the cumbersome amount that she had just request. Her eyebrows rose slightly as if in question though she doesn't actually do anything besides stare. She's a little surprised considering this is Sephiroth the SOLDIER.]

#1

[shinrasfinest]

[Sephiroth the SOLIDER, though capable of carrying more than the average citizen on account of his natural strength, is as sweating as the next person when it comes to hauling perhaps just a little more than he should have picked up. Mostly hauled over his shoulder a large block of wood as it's transported over to where Yuffie has directed it.

The fact that Yuffie probably isn't helping, being on the roof, is about as far from his mind as anything.

With a deep huff of a noise, Sephiroth carefully shifts his balance and brings the beam down where there are a couple more workers ready to edge it into it's place; replacing the splintered support beam on the corner of this particular building. Blowing out a breath and brushing down his arm, he hitches his breath a little as fingers find a splinter that's managed to lodge itself in his shoulder. Taking a moments pause to work it free.]

#1

[thegreatninja]

[First off, she is helping though the sight of Sephiroth helping is weird. She looks over at the wood, sliding down from the roof so that she could help with the wall team. She isn't able to finish the roof until the wall is done anyway. No matter how light she might be.

With a hammer in her waist she walks passed him, sparing him a glanced before directing one of those standing around to lend her a hand with repairing the wall.]

Hey. [She's looking up at Sephiroth now, her hands on her hips.] Help me by holding this in place.

[She points to the beam that needs to run along the top of the wall. There is no way for her to hold it up and hammer it into place. She might as well as ask the super strong SOLDIER to help. At least while he's here.]

#1

[shinrasfinest]

[Yuffie will just have to wait for an extra beat, for a second while Sephiroth manages to flick the small splinter that was in his arm away from him. Then he looks down at the small Wutaian girl, as if for the first time recognizing that she's working on the same site as him. He studies her for just a moment, before having his attention drawn to the beam that needs to be held in place while someone smaller -like her- can get into a position that would be best to secure it in place.

That beam looks heavier than the one he was just hauling though and Sephiroth doesn't like that idea much at all. He chews a little on the inside of his lip, which makes him look a little like he's pouting.]

I can try.

[Though, given as he's Scholar/Engineer and that reduces his strength even further from what levels Yuffie might expect, Sephiroth is unsure how well this is even going to go. Nevertheless he approaches the beam that needs to be supported and, though he has to stand on a nearby ledge of scaffolding, spreads his stance before taking the weight evenly between both outstretched -but not elbow-locked- arms. Muscle tenses up and he grunts lightly, steeling himself against the pressure building through his frame.

He hopes that Yuffie was not so far behind him as it's unknown how long he'll be able to hold that up.]

1: 26th August

[wings_of_steel]

Selen had more or less succumbed herself to the same exact tasks that Sephiroth was doing, though she didn't too much heavy lifting on her part, Selen managed with smaller and much more tedious things.

On top of that, she managed to spend some time at home, making food and what not for the Heroes of Light and other citizens of the town when they were working to repair the damage. There were various kinds of breads, and protein that she made, procuring to the ones she came across.

She had a gentle and kind smile always sported on her face as she walked about during break time. The smell of the food seemed to be hanging in the air for the most part. Selen then noticed a certain person working on the last pane of glass on the roof of the greenhouse, and she waved at him in greeting.

After a few minutes of attempting to get his attention, she would probably see if she could get him to come down and take a break. She was sure he was a hard worker through and through, but having balanced meals was also important.

1: 26th August

[shinrasfinest]

When Sephiroth had offered to personally take on the task of repairing the greenhouse section of Terra's flower shop before they vanished to Flence for a long weekend, he had done so without very much thought or consideration into the how-and-with what he would do so. Having swapped out his last combat-Job for Engineer, being paired with Scholar had helped him immensely with the practical side of the job he had volunteered to undertake. An afternoon of studying in a Library and he'd been ready to start the next morning.

A new pane of glass was carefully lent against the side of the wall, at ground level still while Sephiroth's puppet (a little similar to this) obediently held the ladder to which Sephiroth was atop one of the top steps setting up the now-bare frame to be ready for the new glass to go into it. Cautious as ever, he would occasionally look down the ladder and around the nearby vicinity of the same which was when he caught Selen trying to get his attention.

He'd need to wait for some of the putty-like material he'd set in the frame to cure a little before the glass would be able to go in and so, taking both sides of the ladder firmly, Sephiroth made his way down the ladder. He took a moment to look over the panes he'd replaced so far, from the ground up before finally turning to Selen.

"Hello, Selen."

Absentmindedly, he started picking putty out from underneath the fingernails of one of his hands.

[wings_of_steel]

The greenhouse did look a lot better than the last time she saw it, which was rather saddening but it was fine with her really. The woman was glad to see that it was being put back together and Sephiroth seemed to be very concise with his choices when it came to putting the pieces back. Ah, unfortunately, her hands were not as magical as to be able to something like Sephiroth's.

The weather was at least decent for all the workers. She even carried water around just in case. Selen of course was enjoying the scene as she watched people worked hard to get to their goals. She would be joining them again soon, whether she knew how to do some of the odd jobs or not. At least, she did get his attention eventually.

"Good day Sephiroth. Won't you come down for some water and bread?" she smiled as a greeting to him. She wondered if he would be okay with taking a quick break to eat and chat with her before getting back to doing his work head on as always. Selen was glad to maintain the relationship she did with Sephiroth. She had learned many things from his words and watching him work as well as many others.

[shinrasfinest]

There was, as expected, something of a steady hand that came with Engineer being swapped in. Not to mention something of a natural affinity for being better at putting things together with ones hands. Had to be something to do with the Experience Orb as well, that boost to a job that he wouldn't be nearly as capable in if it weren't for that item.

At least it wasn't raining, which seemed to be something that had defined the week in Aqures Ixen. It had been that sticky-warm rain when it did pour and wasn't very comfortable to work in but as soon as the glass were fixed on the greenhouse the sooner Terra would be able to start really rescuing her shop. He simply couldn't wait for the weather to improve.

He cast his gaze up, briefly, to the sky before looking over Selen again and noting that she might well have come bearing food and water. It was heartwarming, seeing that those Heroes of Light who couldn't perhaps help so much with the manual jobs that needed to be done were helping in other ways. Keeping the voluntary workforce fed was indeed just as important.

"It won't hurt for a moment," He acknowledged with a nod as well, taking whatever Selen might offer to him now that he'd gotten some of the cement-like substance out from under his fingernails. "But if it starts to look like it's going to rain again, I'll have to move on."

#2

[woman_of_strife]

The soft sound of teeth piercing into the skin of an apple comes from the doorway of Sephiroth's bedroom, a rather curious looking bartender leaning against the frame as she watches the silver haired man contemplate the pile of personal affects before him.

She tilts her head to the side, chewing on the fruit with a closed mouth, breathing through her nose as she slowly approaches to stand next to him. She swallows after a few bites, casually looking at his things before she takes a lick of the apple's open wound.

"Was wondering when you were going to show back up.. Been wanting to talk to about something. Since it looks like you're about to head off some where again, I guess now would be a good time. Unless you've got any objections?"

She takes another bite of the apple, watching him as she continues to eat without concern.

#2

[shinrasfinest]

It wasn't very often at all, that one of his housemates might come to the doorway to his actual bedroom -being as it was positioned in the house as the furthest from the other rooms- so perhaps to his detriment Sephiroth didn't keep half of the attention he might have otherwise into others being able to creep up on him.

The first crunch of the apple didn't quite make him jump, but all the tiny hairs on the back of his neck stood up to attention anyway. A brief look over a shoulder confirmed who it was and as Tifa moved passed the threshold into the room Sephiroth was mildly surprised at himself; he didn't feel so bothered about the apparent invasion of his personal space. He kept his room near immaculate, but of course, he was seldom here.

Sephiroth turned a little towards Tifa as she addressed him, glancing over the half-packed bag on the bed as if doing a quick check that there wasn't anything she might pick on to make any assumption about him. Not that there could be anything; Sephiroth's clothes in general were all very plain.

He opened his mouth to answer; about how he'd had to report back to Esdham and it had taken longer, about how he'd be taking a 'vacation' with Terra, but then decided to let those facts sit for the time being. Tifa probably didn't need to know, much more to the point she hadn't asked so he wasn't under any obligation to give information she hadn't asked for.

So why did it feel like he had to have a reason explained for all of his actions, recently?

"No objections at all. What's on your mind?"

Re: #2

[woman_of_strife]

She finishes swallowing, holding the apple to look up at the bite marks she'd inflicted upon the helpless fruit.

"The letter. You left me a letter a few weeks back. I hadn't really been expecting it, to say the least, but I'd been wanting to talk about it. Haven't really had the means or a good time to do so, but as it looks like you're about to head off some where again, maybe some other time?"

Tifa takes another bite of the apple, her right cheek extending out from the hearty portion she'd taken into her mouth. Chewing, she continues to speak, holding a hand up over her mouth as to not showcase the act of her digesting.

"Think you've got a few minutes before you head out? I'm guessing you're heading back for something with the military?"

#2

[shinrasfinest]

A letter.

Where Sephiroth was getting about ready to stride away from the bedside towards the small wardrobe, which had his signature leather jacket hung from a hook on the front on an almost permanent basis, Tifa's question made him pause. He looked up from the bag, where he'd just been looking idly, and cast a curious glance at his housemate.

She interrupted his thought-train a little when she viciously took another mouthful of apple but at least he had the good manners to avert his gaze while she spoke with her mouth full.

"Actually, this trip will be for leisure. I'm on leave right now." Naturally, he neglected to inform Tifa of much more detail than that; the reason for his leave, how long it was for, where he was going - none of her business really. Sephiroth was a grown man and he'd go wherever, whenever it pleased him to. In fact, sometimes he made a point to be independent given his suspicions for the reason Tifa had moved in with him.

"What letter, exactly?"

In the meantime, he fought not to look too intently at her face, as if her expression might help to jog his memory some. He could only recall one time he'd ever sent Tifa a letter...after all, they lived under the same roof? At least when he was actually in Aqures Ixen for any notable length of time.