Even Demons Can Be Saved

Tentative Touch

When Eve first told Sephiroth the conditions for her being able to agree, she had been embarrassed by his response, but now that she was cleaning up after her lessons with Ruluf that morning, she looked back and laughed. He had told her the conditions were within her control, so he expected her to meet him by no later than 17:00. At the time, she had tried to tell him that it would have to be approved by Tseng, but he insisted that she could handle it. He told her that he would tell her where they were going when she met him.

Now that she was getting ready, she realized he had been so forceful as a means to give her confidence and push her to do her best. She should have known he would understand that much psychology at least. Being a General meant he had to know how to keep his men motivated.

She finished drying her hair and put on another suit. She wished she had anything else to wear, but she still hadn't had a free moment to get groceries, much less find additions to her wardrobe. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she wondered if she would have a chance to take care of that while she was out. That might be a strange request though, 'oh, by the way, I need groceries, would you mind shopping with me?' She laughed at the thought as she pictured his face.

She decided she would have to work with what she had. She left off her tie and decided to take a page from her instructor's book and left the top button undone as well. When she looked over her image, she gave her reflection a nod. It didn't show much, but it hinted at her femininity. She also decided to do something different with her hair as well. The thick curls were a pain to work with, so she didn't usually bother, but since they had provided her with the means to put her hair up for work, she decided to go ahead and try it.

She checked the time and saw that she only had a half-hour until she was supposed to meet Sephiroth. She gave her reflection one last look and shrugged. It would have to be good enough. She grabbed her keys and headed toward the elevator.

Even though she was nearly fifteen minutes early, Sephiroth was waiting when she got off on the 49th floor. She couldn't hold in a smile when she saw that he had swapped his regular leather duster for a button-down and jacket. He tried to keep the look casual by not wearing a tie. He had pulled his hair back and up as well. Eve had to shake her head to stop staring. He was mouth-watering, and she was making a fool of herself. She was so preoccupied that she didn't notice that his eyes had widened in surprise at the small additions to her own clothes.

It took them several moments to pull themselves together, and it was Sephiroth that spoke first. "I'm glad to see that you were able to make it."

She gave him a smirk. "Weren't you the one that said it was completely in my control and there was no reason why I couldn't?"

"Indeed." His answering smirk had Eve's insides squirming. She had to forcefully remind herself to act like an adult when he pushed the button to call the elevator.

She raised a brow at his actions. "So, is it time for you to share where we are going?"

He gestured into the elevator and waited until the door was closed before he spoke. "I have reservations later at a place that caters to Shinra employees. It will be more discreet than any others."

She raised a brow when she answered. "Later? What are we doing in the meantime?"

His smirk softened into a smile. "I thought we might walk there. It isn't too far, and it goes through the theatre district. I have noticed that you aren't much of a fan of listening to Genesis quote the play, but Loveless Avenue is one of the loveliest spots in the city."

Eve grinned. "Despite minor annoyances, I have actually wanted to see an opera someday. I've been told that it's supposed to be a real experience."