You can. But you won't.

[There's a twist at the corner of his lips when he says this. Oh, it's true he did not like it when Cloud shut him down before. But he also knows the shadow on Cloud's heart will make it so that he can never truly pull away.

As much as he wants to.

There will always be some small part calling him back. Because that's how things are and will always be. The fear and uncertainty that if he's not keeping his attention on Sephiroth that something might happen to one of those Cloud wishes to keep close. And Sephiroth is banking on that fear.]

Because every moment you're away, you'll always be worrying about those you cherish -- that I might take the time to cut them down. You will always fear that those around you will get hurt, but you also won't completely push them away. You will hold them close, and in turn I will always be the shadow on your heart. Because ultimately you want to protect them.

[He stands up straighter than before and there's another smile.]

And that's how I know that even if you try, you'll never truly be able to walk away.