Sephiroth felt the spike of pain through Cloud's body as that left arm was jarred in movement. The glare he gave was only halfhearted at best, as he couldn't help but curl up closer against Cloud's body in return. He loathed coming close to these topics. Not only did they leave him feeling opened and exposed, but he felt as though doing so would only drive Cloud away from him.

His grip around Cloud tightened when he heard those words. Pressing his face up against his partner's throat, he tried to take as much comfort as he could from that calming gesture, but Sephiroth found it difficult to do just that.

"I do not wish to drive you away," he muttered softly against Cloud's throat. Sephiroth didn't release the tight hold he had, and breathed a warm shaky breath over his partner's heated skin. "You will remember to loath me once again."