Even Demons Can Be Saved

Requests

It was two days later that Eve and Sephiroth were standing at the sector 5 train station in the slums. He had been able to persuade Angeal and Genesis to come as well. That wasn't the problem. Eve had tried to convince them to stay in the market area until she took care of something first. She needed to speak to Aerith and didn't want to spook the girl. However, Sephiroth was in no mood to leave her by herself.

They had stepped away from the station a short distance, and both Angeal and Genesis had walked away so they could speak privately. Not that Genesis cared to give them that luxury, but Angeal didn't give him a choice. As for Eve and Sephiroth, they were both oblivious to the stares they were garnering as they continued their quiet, but intense argument.

"I am fine! I have lost track of how many times I have had to work in the slums. Besides, where I am going is the least dangerous part. I'll call you within an hour either way."

Sephiroth clenched his jaw. "You were cleared for light duty. I have already told you that I will not allow anything to happen. You cannot wander alone."

Eve took a deep breath and reminded herself that he was only worried. She took him by surprise when she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist loosely. She looked up and gave him a soft smile. "It's not like I'm going far. I just need you to give me time. Please?"

His eyes still looked stormy, but Eve's attention was pulled by someone calling her name. She stepped back from Sephiroth but didn't let go of his hand as she looked around. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Aerith walking toward her and waving. "Dr. Marx! That is you!"

Eve froze. She hadn't wanted Aerith to see Sephiroth yet. She needed the girl's help, but there was no way she would force her if she wasn't comfortable with it. That was why she wanted to talk to her alone. She never wanted to hurt Aerith. Her fear was brought to life when the girl finally saw who was standing next to Eve. She was looking back and forth between them and down at their joined hands.

Eve cursed under her breath before she looked back and gave Sephiroth a sad look. He had recognized Aerith as well. Her voice was soft. "Wait here."

He didn't respond until she let his hand drop. At the loss of contact, he glanced down to her with a haunted look. She gave him a soft smile and tried to reassure him with her eyes. He was no longer that man and never could be. She didn't have a chance to do more as Aerith had started backing away. Eve quickly turned to her and tried to give her a reassuring look. This was turning into a disaster.

Thankfully, Aerith paused when Eve called out to her. She looked like she wanted to run, but when she saw Sephiroth was keeping his distance, she allowed Eve to approach. Eve wanted to give her a hug but wasn't sure if she would be allowed to. She cursed herself and wondered if she should have had them wait at headquarters. The only reason she had asked them to come was that they didn't have much time. Not only did she have a growing feeling that a storm was brewing, but Veld had made it clear that he would not allow more than a couple of days before they left for Cosmo Canyon.

It was too late to regret it now. With that thought in mind, she sighed and tried to explain. "I was actually on my way to see you, but they weren't supposed to come with me unless you were comfortable with it. They are the reason I needed to talk to you, though."

Aerith didn't speak right away. She was still watching Sephiroth like a hawk. Eve wasn't sure if it was because she was terrified, or something else. When the girl finally turned back to her, the look she gave was confused and maybe a little wondering. "Are you... the two of you, are you together?"

Eve sighed. She didn't want to further frighten the girl, but she refused to deny Sephiroth, even to soothe Aerith. "Yes. I love him."

Aerith's eyes widened, but she didn't speak right away. It was several silent moments later that she stepped around Eve and walked to the man that was staring at her with wide eyes. Aerith stopped a few feet away, but she gave him an evaluating look. When their eyes met, he flinched slightly. The sight of it caused Aerith to gasp.