Sephiroth felt a pang of guilt and uneasiness under her watchful eyes. She was far too astute to be fooled so easily by his weak excuses. He clenched his jaw, feeling his defences falter as her gaze bore into him. He knew he couldn't keep hiding the truth from her.
With a heavy sigh, he finally relented, his voice quieter than usual. "All right, I admit it... I've been having, um... thoughts lately."
(Y/n)'s expression softened slightly as Sephiroth confessed, her eyes searching his face with a mixture of curiosity and compassion. "Thoughts? What kind of thoughts?" she asked gently, her voice laced with both understanding and concern.
She uncrossed her arms, her body language becoming more open, inviting him to share what was on his mind.
Sephiroth's gaze flicked away from hers again, the vulnerability and rawness of his thoughts making him feel exposed. He took another deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts before speaking.
"I... I can't seem to stop thinking about the future," he began, his voice low. "Specifically... the idea of starting a family."
(Y/n)'s eyes widened slightly at his confession, her surprise evident in her expression. It was unexpected to hear Sephiroth express such desires. She could see the vulnerability in his demeanor, and it made her heart ache a little.
"Starting a family," (Y/n) repeated softly, her mind processing his words. This wasn't what she was expecting.
After a moment of contemplative silence, she spoke again, her voice gentle. "Why do you think you're having these thoughts all of a sudden?"
Sephiroth fidgeted slightly with his hands, fiddling with his long silver bangs to avoid looking at Ajal directly. Why was this so difficult to talk about? He felt exposed, vulnerable, and yet... strangely relieved to finally say it out loud.
"I... I don't know," he admitted, his voice betraying his confusion. "I never really thought about it before. But lately, it's like this... intense feeling inside me. A... need. A need to have a family, to have a child."
(Y/n) listened intently, her gaze filled with understanding and empathy. She could see the internal struggle he was experiencing and the weight of his emotions.
"It sounds like you're feeling a profound desire to connect on a deeper level," she commented, choosing her words carefully. "Have you considered why this is coming up now?" Her tone was gentle, not wanting to pry too deeply into his feelings but willing to listen without judgment.
Sephiroth paused, his expression pensive as he considered her question. He had been wondering the same thing - why now of all times was this feeling so strong? 
"I... I suppose I've been thinking about my life lately," he admitted slowly. "My "Job" has been... rewarding, in a sense. But... it's been hollow. Something has always been missing. I've always been so focused on work, on being the best. But now, I find myself wanting... more. Something... personal."
(Y/n) nodded, understanding the emptiness that can come with a life devoted solely to work. The void that can only be filled by something more meaningful.
"I see," she said, her voice thoughtful. "Have you ever thought about what it would be like to raise a child, Sephiroth?"
Sephiroth furrowed his brow, the reality of the situation weighing on him. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't fantasized about it. Raising a child with someone he loved, someone... like her.
"I... I have thought about it," he admitted quietly, his voice slightly shaky. "I can imagine it... teaching them how to use a sword, reading to them before bedtime, watching them grow and explore the world. Raising them with someone I love." He paused, his expression softening. "I'd want to give them everything I never had. Love, stability, joy."