[Aerith continued to sit there in silence, just waiting for Sephiroth to find his words. And even when they came, she was quiet. Just listening as he picked his way through his thoughts to come to the core of what was bothering him.

And then she sighed again.

Carefully she moved forward to sling a leg across his lap so that she could slide herself right into it. Now she is as facing him she could do this properly.

Her smile held a little sadness as she raised her hands and softly used her fingers to brush through Sephiroth's damp hair. If it wasn't for the topic of conversation she might have demanded he strip and get out of the wet clothes and into bed where she could warm him up. But as it was all she could do was bring her hands down, palms warm against cold cheeks.]

You are no monster.

[Her first words in a tone that was both gentle and firm.]

However you came to be, whatever you saw today, only you can decide your path. I know what you can become... And I have seen you now and know what you could have been.

But as you are? The man sitting here right now? You're no more a monster than I am.