Sephiroth was at the shopping center with (Y/n), who had stopped so she could purchase a few items for her pregnant co-worker.
Sephiroth couldn't keep his eyes off a small onesie made for newborns. His eyes wander to (Y/n), looking at her lower stomach, imagining her pregnant. His eyes move back to the onesie.
The outfit was cute, Sephiroth thought. Maybe one day, he and (Y/n) would have a little one of their own... Sephiroth shakes his head trying to snap out of it.. what was wrong with him..? They weren't even dating...
(Y/n) glanced over and noticed what Sephiroth was looking at. She studied his expression momentarily to gauge his emotions and thoughts on the item. After a pause, she spoke in her usual cool tone.
"Interested in that onesie?"
Sephiroth's attention snapped back to (Y/n), his cheeks flushing slightly as he realised he'd been caught. Clearing his throat, he averted his eyes from the onesie to look at her directly.
"I was just... looking," Sephiroth responded, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he tried to downplay his interest in the baby clothing.
He hoped that she hadn't noticed the longing in his eyes when he was looking at the onesie. Maybe he could play it off as mere curiosity...
(Y/n) raised a skeptical eyebrow, her gaze lingering on Sephiroth for another moment. She observed the slight flush on his cheeks and the way he avoided her gaze when he spoke. It didn't escape her notice how his voice softened when he responded. His attempt to downplay his interest in the onesie failed to fool her.
"Just looking, huh?" she repeated, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You seemed quite fixated on it."
Sephiroth's gaze shifted away from her, feeling a wave of embarrassment for being so obvious. He quickly tried to change the subject as he spoke.
"It's... just a onesie. Nothing special," he said, his voice a bit rougher than usual. "I was merely browsing."
He knew he was fooling no one, least of all (Y/n), who was far too observant and perceptive to believe such an obvious lie. Why was he so affected by a simple baby outfit..? It was ridiculous.
(Y/n) smirked, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. She knew there was more to his interest in the onesie than he was letting on, but she decided to let him continue his facade — for now.
"Mm-hmm, just browsing," she repeated with a hint of sarcasm. "Most guys your age are hardly interested in baby clothing unless they have a reason to be."
She took a step closer to him, studying his expression more carefully.
Sephiroth's heart rate quickened as (Y/n) stepped closer, her proximity making it harder for him to maintain his aloof facade. Her gaze felt like a laser through his defences, seeing right through him.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Sephiroth couldn't help but feel vulnerable under her scrutiny. Why was she doing this to him?
"You're reading too much into it," Sephiroth replied, his voice still a bit strained. "I just thought it was... cute, that's all."
(Y/n) raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced by Sephiroth's response. She could sense the subtle change in his demeanor as she closed the distance between them. There was something he wasn't telling her. "Cute, huh?"
She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly as she studied him. "You've never shown any interest in baby stuff before. I think you're hiding something, Sephiroth." Her tone was both matter-of-fact and gentle.
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."
(Y/n) could hear the emotion in his voice, the way it wavered slightly as he spoke. It tugged at something deep inside her.
"It sounds like you've given this a lot of thought," she observed, her own voice gentle. "But... you said someone you love."
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Are you... seeing someone, Sephiroth?" She tried to keep her tone neutral, though her heart fluttered a little as she waited for his response.
Sephiroth swallowed hard, the weight of her question hanging in the air. He could feel the tension building between them as he tried to formulate an answer.
"No," he replied, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions he was feeling. "I'm not seeing anyone." His eyes finally met hers again, his gaze intense. "There... there is someone I'm interested in. Very interested in, in fact."
(Y/n)'s heart skipped a beat as he confirmed he was not seeing anyone, and then again as he said there was someone he was interested in. She couldn't help the small flicker of hope in her chest, but she tried to remain calm and collected.
"Someone you're interested in..." she repeated softly, holding his gaze. "Do I know this person?"
Sephiroth drew in a deep breath, bracing himself for her reaction. He was stepping into dangerous territory here, but he couldn't keep his feelings suppressed any longer.
"You... you could say that," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "In fact, you know them... very well..." His eyes didn't leave hers, the intensity of his gaze telling her everything she needed to know.
(Y/n)'s heart started beating faster in her chest as his words sank in. The realization of who he was talking about hit her with a mixture of shock and confusion. She had known him for years, seen him grow into the person he was. Could he really mean... her?
She tried to keep her face neutral, but the shock must have flickered in her eyes for a moment. She took a small step towards him, her voice barely over a whisper.
"Are you... talking about me, Sephiroth?"
Sephiroth's gaze did not waver as (Y/n) took a step closer to him. This was it. The moment of truth. He swallowed hard, his heart thudding loudly in his chest. But he wasn't going to back down now.
He nodded faintly, his voice low and heavy with emotion. "Yes," he answered quietly. "I'm talking about you."
(Y/n) was speechless for a moment, her brain struggling to process the information. Sephiroth, the cool, aloof, and closed-off boy, was confessing his feelings to her, of all people. She was torn between disbelief and a flutter of hope.
Finally, after a beat, she found her voice. "Me... why me?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and vulnerability.
Sephiroth's heart ached at her question. How could she not see how special she was? How could she not see how deeply he cared for her?
"Why you?" He echoed, his voice quiet but firm. "Why not you? You're the most amazing person I've ever known. You're strong, intelligent, and loyal. You've always been there for me, no matter what. How could I not be interested in you?"
He took a small step closer to her, his eyes locked on hers. "You've been by my side for so long... I can't imagine my life without you in it," he finished, his voice thick with emotion. "You're the first person I've ever truly wanted to share my future with. I... I love you, (Y/n)."
(Y/n) felt her heart flutter at his words, the impact of his confession sinking in. She had never expected to hear such raw, earnest words from Sephiroth of all people.
She could feel the sincerity in his tone, the deep emotions he was baring to her. This was real.
Without thinking, she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him.
Sephiroth's mind went blank for a moment as (Y/n)'s lips met his. Every thought, every worry, every doubt vanished in an instant, replaced by a rush of pure elation.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, the feel of her body against his sending a shiver down his spine. He returned the kiss, pouring everything he was feeling into it - his love, his need, his hope for the future.
When they finally pulled apart, Sephiroth rested his forehead against hers, his voice ragged. "Does... does this mean you feel the same?"
(Y/n)'s mind was spinning, the world around them fading away, she could see the raw earnestness in his eyes, the fear of her response etched in his features. She gently stroked his cheek, her voice soft and sure.
"Yes," she nodded, her eyes locked with his. "I do. I feel the same way, Sephiroth. I love you too."
A wave of relief and joy washed over Sephiroth as (Y/n)'s words sunk in. She felt the same way.
He let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, a soft, unguarded smile spreading across his face. He pulled her into a tight embrace, burrowing his face into her shoulder.
"Thank goodness," he murmured against her. "I was... scared you'd reject me."
"No, never," (Y/n) whispered back, her arms tightening around him. "You have nothing to be scared about."
She held him close, gently rubbing circles on his back. It felt surreal. The quiet, reserved Sephiroth was confessing his feelings for her, expressing his vulnerability. It was a side of him she had rarely seen.
After a moment, she spoke again, her voice soft. "So... what now?"
Sephiroth held her for a few moments more, relishing the feel of her in his arms, before pulling back slightly to look at her. His expression was thoughtful, the gravity of the conversation weighing on his mind.
"Now..." he began slowly, still slightly in shock at how well this had gone. "Now we... figure out what we want."
His gaze roamed over her face. He couldn't believe this was real. That she felt the same way he did. It was overwhelming.
"I... I want you, (Y/n). I want a future with you."
(Y/n)'s heart swelled at his words, the emotions welling up within her. She had always cared deeply for Sephiroth, had always been drawn to him. Having him express such powerful feelings for her was almost too much.
"I want you too," she whispered, her voice filled with an aching sort of tenderness. "I want a future with you as well."
She swallowed, her throat suddenly feeling tight. "But... where do we start? We've been friends for so long..."
Sephiroth took a deep breath, the gravity of the situation sinking in even more. They were crossing a threshold here. A line that couldn't be uncrossed.
"We... we start here." He reached out and took her hands in his, his grip firm but gentle. "We start by... acknowledging how we feel. This isn't some casual attraction. This is serious. I'm serious."
He could see her eyes widen slightly, and he continued. "I'm not just interested in something casual. I... I want a committed relationship with you. I want...everything."
(Y/n)'s heart trembled at his words. Everything. The depth of his commitment was clear. This wasn't a passing fancy.
She met his gaze, her eyes searching his. "And I... I want everything with you too," she confessed, her voice wavering slightly. "A committed, solid, partnership with you. Marriage eventually." She paused, a thought suddenly striking her.
"Sephiroth... what about... children? You know.. the way you were looking at the onesie.."
As she mentioned children, Sephiroth's expression shifted, his eyes taking on a soft, wistful look.
"I... I definitely want children," he admitted, his voice quiet but firm. "I want to start a family... with you."
He paused, his gaze flickering back to her. "Is... is that something you want too?"
(Y/n)'s heart ached at the tender look in his eyes, the earnestness in his voice. She had always been drawn to the idea of motherhood, but hearing Sephiroth express the same desire, made it more real. More tangible.
"Yes," she affirmed, her voice holding a thread of emotion. "I... I want that too. I want to have children... with you someday."
She swallowed, her gaze unwavering. "But after we are married."
Sephiroth's chest swelled at her answer, a surge of joy rushing through him. Hearing her say she wanted the same things, that she wanted children with him was incredibly overwhelming.
He nodded slowly at her condition. "Of course," he agreed, his grip on her hands tightening ever so slightly. "After marriage."
He learned in to kiss her again.
(Y/n) let herself get lost in that kiss, their lips meeting in a tangle of shared want and need, of new feelings and desires. Her heart pounded in her chest, the reality of the situation sinking in.
When they pulled apart again, she rested her forehead against his, her voice soft but sure, "When we're actually married, I want to give you a child, Sephiroth."
Sephiroth's breath hitched at her words, a shiver of anticipation running through him. Hearing her say that, the desire in her voice, sent a surge of passion through him. He leaned in again, his breath ragged against her ear.
"I... I want that too," he admitted, his voice heavy with need. "The thought of having a child... our child..." He drew back to look at her, his expression intense.
"I can't wait."