[He's not sure how to reply to that; it's vague and nigh foreboding, and clarifies nothing for Sephiroth other than the fact that Cloud has something he wishes to say to him, but for some unknown reason he cannot.

Several moments of silence pass.]

Is my presence overcomplicating things for you?

[Rarely one to beat around the bush, Sephiroth dives straight into the point.]

You have all the time you need. You're not technically obligated to tell me anything, or to keep me updated with the goings-on of those closer to you than me. Therefore, you don't need me to grant you the permission of time, or anything else. [But.]

But I don't want to be surrounded by this awkward dance for the remainder of my days here. None of you are very subtle.

[And Sephiroth, in the dark as he is, isn't stupid.]