The fact that Cloud had never asked didn't come as a surprise. Sephiroth was a far cry from discovering further information about how their partnership works here within this world. To him, it was something that was private, and while those of the city knew that they were partnered, he was more than happy to keep it at that little amount of knowledge.

He could feel Cloud's amusement though at his actions. While he wouldn't have hesitated in taking things further, he would never do so with the possibility of harm coming to his partner. That was the only reason why he forced that hand away, even if he would have preferred Cloud's attention on him.

Sephiroth did pause, however, at Cloud's softly murmured words. While he'd never admit to it, the moment that he had caught sight of the Black Materia, he had felt a fear shoot through him of the possibilities that could arise because of that symbolization. Yet Cloud's words moved to comfort him greatly from his concerns as he subtly inclined his head and murmured, "As if our united desire was there to manifest and protect us?"