AT with Crimson-Seal

    For years, Sephiroth knew he didn't belong. He's either too strange, too different, or people fear him. It's a life he's grown used to, yet at the same time, it's not one he enjoys living. 

    Especially when he feels outcasted by some of the most important people in his life.

    Tifa always made him smile, no matter the situation. Her zen for life and compassion towards others is something Sephiroth strove towards, as he still has problems being his true self around others. Perhaps that is why Tifa and her friends seem to ignore him on a daily basis.

    They always smile, laugh, and enjoy themselves in their little corner, and the silver-haired man grew to accept they didn't need him to feel happiness. No matter how much he cared about Tifa, she'd never need him the way he needs her. Without seeing her on a regular basis, he feels darkness grow within his being.

    One can only be alone so long before their heart and mind becomes clouded with bitterness and envy.

    It's a warm summer eve when someone approaches him. Sephiroth glances up, seeing Cloud's best friend, Zack. The ravenet reminds him so much of Tifa sometimes, with his bouncy personality and way of looking at the world. Despite that, he'll never be her. Even if Zack seems to be one of the few who would take time out of his day to talk to him...

    "What's up?" Zack asks, giving his trademark grin. Sephiroth stares him for a few moments, though awkwardness doesn't fill the silence like it should. The younger man does his usual cheerful self for a few minutes, but when the older gives a sad, wan smile, he gets serious.

    "What do you really want, Sephiroth?" he questions. His mako-enhanced blue eyes stare at him as he waits for an answer, every nerve in his body seeming to be on high alert. Why would that be? Sephiroth doesn't know.

    "I want... Tifa to be happy."

    "She's a pretty neat chick, huh? Cloud loves her... as a friend, of course," Zack says quickly when he notices the look on Sephiroth's face. "Why don't you ever talk to her? She's wondering why she hasn't seen you around."

    "I am ignored by her each time I go in. I'd rather spare myself the humiliation of it."

    "Sucks, man." Zack gives off a megawatt smile and wraps an arm around his friend's shoulder. "Don't worry! Women suck. Men all the way."

    Sephiroth raises an eyebrow. "Are you gay?"

    "Wha... no! I mean, men can be cute sometimes, but I wouldn't want to get in their pants," Zack babbles, face turning an interesting shade of pink. "Ahem! As I was saying, women suck. I'll always be here for you, man."

    Sephiroth gives off a tiny smile all his own, this one tinged with a little happiness instead of his normal ones. "Thank you."

    "Sure thing!" the younger male exclaims. "Wanna go to a bar? And no, not Tifa's. I know a great one not too far off."

    The silver-haired man nods. Better to drink with your friend than wallow in self pity, he assumes.