sunflare | ffvii open post

[ The world could use more florists in her opinion - in response she just brings a finger to her lips, as if it's now a shared secret between them. Maybe she'll give them a little more appreciation for plants than is typical for the slums, and that's a win in her book.

After gathering her own bunch of flowers, these also white, she shoots him a grin. ]

Oh really? I hope it's nice. [ It's teasing, knowing that if the kids had anything negative to say they have no problem just saying it to her. It's one of the things she enjoys about them - they are very blunt. She can appreciate it.

Aerith sidles up next to him as they work. Maybe a little closer than would be typical, for two people just getting to know each other, but she wants to see how he reacts to it.
She's so close her arm brushes against his, and she glances at him, her expression a little too innocent. ]

You should hear the things they say about you. [ She makes it sound much bigger than it is - the kids think he's great, bottom line. ]

'Course it is. Any reason it shouldn't be?

[He's teasing, of course, but the kids are all huge fans of her. It probably helps that much like the people who had grown up at the Leaf House themselves, she doesn't talk down to them like they're to be pitied or coddled. For all intents and purposes, as far as the kids are concerned, she's one of them.

If she's watching for a reaction, she'll get one— his face colors slightly, cheeks a bit red as she brushes against his arm while they hang flowers, and he gives her a quick, sidelong glance as his smile turns just a touch nervous, boyish and less self-assured than it had been.

Innocent. Right.]

Oh yeah? You can't just say something like that and not tell, you know.

[ She just gives a little shrug at his first question, trying to keep a little bit of mystery. Lucky for Biggs, she is watching for a reaction and likes the one she gets.

He certainly is interesting - usually, she can pick up on what makes a person tick pretty quickly. It's a bit of a defense mechanism, not knowing if they worked for Shinra or if they were just one of the several types of criminal that did make the slums their home. She's run into her share of a few.

Biggs, though, she can't quite pinpoint. She doesn't feel like he's got some big dark past to hide, but he has secrets. There's a self confidence he has that is there in the way he moves, comfortable in his own skin. And yet, he seems a little nervous by her closeness.

She likes unsettling others, it actually shows more about themselves than they know. ]

That's true, that wouldn't be fair, would it? [ She gives him a bright smile before turning back to gather more flowers, acting like she hadn't just tried to make him a little unnerved. ] No worries, they think you're great. The best, actually, even if you're old.

[Then again the kids call Aerith old sometimes. ]

"Old," huh...

[He can't help grinning, shaking his head in response as he takes a few more flowers from the wagon to hang beside the others.]

Sounds like something they'd say. I'm glad, though. Not that I do anything here for the recognition, or thanks, but I want them to know there are people out there who care about them and want to look after them.

[Because he remembers what it was like, and he's sure he will all his life. There were some teachers who left the Leaf House and never came back, but the ones who did? The ones who stopped by every now and then to help out, or just to visit— they helped him to feel like they were almost a family, even if they didn't have homes of their own.]

Glad to know my reputation is well-intact. [And, before he can really give it much thought, he gently bumps her arm back in response. It's small and subtle, as flirtations go, but the color hasn't quite left his face.] I'm glad they have people like you around, though. The teachers here are great, but I know Miss Folia appreciates all the outside help, too.

[She feels herself melting, just a little, at his words. She's always had a soft spot for the orphans, and though Biggs is a grown man, the orphan he still is tugs at her just a little. He's sweet, she decides, and when he bumps her arm she smiles at him, her own cheeks turning red.

It's been a long time since she's had that happen. How about that. ]

The teachers are dedicated, aren't they? It's the least I can do. I have my mom, but she adopted me. [Elmyra has been a wonderful parent, and Aerith counts herself lucky. Things could have gone so much worse for her. ] Anyway, I figured helping decorating and maybe giving a few tips on how to get the vegetables to grow in planters is a good way to help - teach the kids to be able to do the same once they're grown and on their own.

Yeah?

[His smile softens a little as he looks down at her midway through hanging another flower, and he notices the color that's crept into her own cheeks. Oh— well, he's not used to that, and he wonders if it's too egocentric to assume that he himself might have been the cause.]

I didn't realize you were one of us. [Not a Leaf House kid, necessarily, but still an orphan. Even those who grow up to find or start families of their own, they never really stop being orphans. That kind of childhood does a lot to shape the way you look at the world.] No wonder they love you so much. Plus, I've seen the way you talk to them. Always to them and never at. Some adults never figure that out.

[His smile hitches wider again, pleased.]

You're passing on some pretty important life lessons. I hope they'll remember it and do the same. They're so proud of the garden, I'm sure you'll be one of the first people they run to when something edible grows.

[One of us, like part of some little misfit family. There's something in that sentence that makes Aerith feel a happy warmth spread through her. ]

I do remember what it was like, having adults talk down to me. [ She shakes her head, taking a step back to admire her little section of work. They've blowing through this project so quickly and their time is running out - she doesn't really want it to end, if she's being honest. She likes to listen to him talk, see him open up. There's a side to him, that softer one that shows when he talks about the orphans so affectionately, that she wants to see more of. ] My mom didn't do that to me too much when I was little, but I think I worried her sometimes.

[She says it absently, not even realizing how strange that might sound. So, she's just gonna...try to gloss over that slip. ]

Anyway, I better be first on that list of theirs. I've already talked to Ms. Folia about what kinds of dishes they can make, but I was thinking I should practice some at home so I can help her out.

[And who wants to practice cooking alone? An idea forms and she wonders how smoothly she can pull this off. ]

So, how good are you at cooking, anyway?

[He doesn't quite catch the slip— something about what she says seems just a little off, but not enough for it to click or fully register, and he just nods his understanding as he, too, takes a step back to admire their work. They've been moving along pretty quickly— he hadn't realized how close they already were to finished.

Seems a shame, really. He's been enjoying this, almost a surprising amount. Aerith is good company, and knowing how much she cares for this place has already earned her a pretty lofty spot on his list.]

Cooking?

[He considers that for a moment, then laughs as he lets a hand come to settle against his hip.]

Pretty decent. Not as good as my friend Tifa, but I'm used to having to do things for myself, and I've never heard myself complain. [Terrible, terrible dad-joke energy potential peeking through there. Please don't think any less of him.] I've had a good amount of practice. Mostly simple stuff, but I like that.

[His dad joke does not go unnoticed, but she thinks it's cute. She won't ruin his image by saying it out loud, though. ]

That settles it then! [Her hands brush over the flowers they've put into place, making sure they're good and settled, before she turns back to him. Her smile is mischievous and she's happy she can find another excuse to spend some time with him. ] Obviously, you need to come by and help me out. Teach me a few things, right?

[She's asking, but if he tries to say no she'll just get around that. She has her ways. Laying a hand on his arm, she tilts her head to draw his attention to her.]

Maybe then I can make you something, to thank you for all the help.

[She is talking about food, but there's definitely some innuendo there. wink wink nudge nudge say no more ]

You want me to cook with you?

[His smile pulls to one side— that innuendo doesn't escape him, and her tone means it was definitely implied, but he manages to keep from being too flustered in response, even if there's still a burning heat in his cheeks. He's gone from worrying about being egotistical to being certain there was something happening here. Of course, it helps that Aerith herself comes on strong.]

Hm.

[He feigns thought, but only for a moment.]

I'd have to be an idiot to say no to that, wouldn't I? [And they've already established that he isn't.] I'll be there, no question about it. Just say when.

[If for any reason he thought he would have plenty of time to prepare, he thought wrong. She gives him a small smirk, raising her eyebrows the tiniest bit as she brings a hand up to tap her chin in thought.

As if she didn't already have an answer for when. ]

Let's see... [Just gonna drag it out here, she likes having his attention after all. ] How about tomorrow night? You bring yourself, and I'll take care of the rest!

[That's a fake pause for thought if he ever saw one, but he humors her, figuring he'd earned it in reply, and smiles as he settles with his arms folded across his chest.]

Tomorrow, huh?

[That's pretty short notice— but he knows that Barret and the others will be able to spare him, there's nothing planned for awhile yet, and his neighborhood watch hours won't interfere in the least.]

Alright, you're on. You sure I can't bring anything else? This doesn't really seem fair...

[Here he is, fitting so nicely into her little plans she's started to plan in the last few hours. There's a pleased little hum from her as she shakes her head, bringing up a hand as if to stop him. ]

No, no, just bring yourself and I'll take care of the rest. [Taking a step forward, closing the space between them, she gives him a happy little pat on his forearm. ] Just show up around five, there's no telling how long it'll take to teach me some skills.

[She gives him a flirty little wink before turning away, approaching her little cart and grabbing the handle. Does this mean she could've done all the flower gathering, cart pushing, and decorating on her own? Sure. But who is she to not take advantage of a good looking man? Especially one who catches her interest and she wants to learn more about. ]

I'll see you later, then?

[Hey, who is he to argue?]

Yes, ma'am. I'll be there— count on it.

[That wink brings color back into his cheeks, quickly enough that he can feel them warm, and he can't help but think that he has to be at least a little too old for that— but it's not like he has any control over it. He laughs again as she takes hold of her own cart and begins to wheel it away, and offers a parting wave before she turns her back. Rubbing at the back of his neck, he turns to head back into the Leaf House to square things away with the present teachers and see what else there is to be done before he heads back home.

When the appointed time comes, he's there, as promised— a few minutes early, even, and he gives the door his politest knock before clearing his throat and clasping his hands together behind his back. It occurs to him, now, that Aerith lives with her mother, and he has to wonder how she's going to feel about having a strange man in her kitchen for the evening.

Guess they're about to find out.]

[Excitement and nerves have filled her until the agreed upon time. The nerves have mostly disappeared by the time the knock on the door happens.

And so, she opens it with flourish and a smile.]

Look at that, you're early! Already starting off on a good foot, hmm? [She takes this as a good sign - she half wondered if maybe she came off a little too strong, but he isn't someone easily bossed around unless he's on board with whatever the plan is. ] Come in. It's small, but it's home.

[She can't imagine living anywhere else - even her memories of childhood, locked up at Shinra, are distant to her. A mess of sadness and bad memories she's done her best to will away.]

[Her smile earns one of his own in response, and he feels his pulse quicken slightly when she opens the door to reveal herself. He'd been looking forward to this, as well, excitement and some low-key anxiety having made themselves known the as the hour grew closer. The latter eases some when she opens the door— he's instantly reminded of how easy and warm her company is.]

I try to make it a point to be good to my word, and it's rude to keep a lady waiting.

[He nods before crossing the threshold, taking care not to venture too far in without her, and taking a moment to survey the front room. The kitchen off to one side is small but cozy, and the whole place is so homey that it's almost enough to make him forget there's a slum outside.]

Nice place. Honestly, it's a palace compared to mine.

[His little cement cube with two narrow windows and a doormat down in Sector 7— it's not much, but he's managed to make himself comfortable there.]

[She closes the door as he enters, smiling a little to herself. She feels a little privileged, able to have this place with her mom in one of the poorest areas of Midgar. It took a lot of work, many years, and she spent a lot of time outside encouraging the growth.

It's also a point of pride - they didn't come by it easy.

She also makes a mental note to send him home with some flowers. Just because.]

I think the kitchen should be big enough for me to hover while I learn. [She gives him a smile as she passes, walking over to the nook. He should know she's not joking - hovering is on the agenda. She gestures at what she has laid out - a nice group of vegetables from her very own garden, various spices and herbs. She's ready for anything.] I will warn you, Elmyra Gainsborough has kicked me out of her kitchen many times, but I promise I won't purposely ruin your effort.

Has she?

[He bites back a laugh; he probably should have expected as much.]

Somehow, that doesn't surprise me.

[Aerith does seem like the eager type, and he can easily imagine her being enthusiastic to learn and assist and end up getting underfoot in the process, so to speak— though he doesn't think they'll have that problem. If they do, he can't see himself being bothered by it, anyway. The idea of Aerith hovering is— part of the draw?

Right. Cooking. He's here to cook. He should focus on that. He grins as he turns to look over what she's assembled, bracing his hands against his hips.]

You really did go all out. You have the makings of a real feast here.

[Maybe Aerith has found herself in Elmyra's way more often than not. She's lost count of how many times she's stumbled over her mom's legs, or Elmyra has accidentally stomped on her foot.

She's been banished to the table for years, left to cut up vegetables while her mom works her magic. Aerith is determined to not get her toes trampled tonight, though she is going to be close. His compliment brings a faint blush to her cheeks, and her hands claps in front of her, pleased.]

What can I say? I wanted to see if we could go all out. [She's never been one to do it halfway, at least.] I can cut a mean onion, you know. I even learned the secret to no tears onion cutting.

Yeah? No-tears onion cutting, huh?

[That's a pretty impressive skill. He's not about to admit to tears on his part, but it does tend to sting the eyes...]

You have the makings of a great sous chef, then. Getting everything cut is one of the biggest steps, and it can make a big difference if you get sloppy about it.

[It's an important job, even if it was often shuffled off on someone banished from the kitchen! He puts his hands on his hips as he takes in the array of vegetables and herbs. It would be an awful shame to let anything go to waste.]

What about ratatouille? That would really show off all of your vegetables.

[ Oh, now there's a title to aspire to. She likes that, the idea of a sous chef. She needs to pull that one out next time Elmyra complains about how she cut the vegetables.

His suggestion is met with a hum from Aerith as she thinks, head tilted just the slightest to her right. Within a moment she's nodding, in total agreement. There's just one problem here - ]

I've never had that. Or heard of it. [ Maybe that should be embarrassing, but really her focus has always been elsewhere. Aerith prefers to be out and about in her little corner of the slums, sweeping in at night to eat whatever it is Elmyra makes. Admittedly, she never had much of an interest in learning to be better in the kitchen until this whole thing with Biggs came up. Will she be obvious if she scoots both the chairs at the table by each other when they eat? She's gotta remember to do that.] Which veggies are we cutting up tonight? I'm sure there's enough room to cut them up together.

[ Just enough. Aerith doesn't mind bumping elbows a few times while they work, that's all part of the fun. ]

[Happy to help sow loving discord in the home, Miss Gainsborough.

He shakes his head when she admits to never having heard of it; it’s not especially common in Midgar, given its contents. Vegetables can be hard to come by, after all, and he offers her an easy smile.]

It’s a dish they make on the western continent sometimes— or at least, that’s where I was told it’s from. It’s mostly just vegetables that are sliced and layered with oil and some seasoning, then roasted to bring out their flavor. One of those dishes that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.

[For his part, he doesn’t seem to mind them both being in the kitchen in the least. That’s why he was here, wasn’t it? And it’s… nice, having her so close.

He gives a nod at her suggestion that they cut together, and he starts dividing the vegetables between them so that they’ll both have plenty to work with.]

Let’s see… we’ll want to slice up these squash and zucchini, and a bunch of these tomatoes. Usually there’s eggplant, but we can do without if you don’t have any— I can’t remember the last time I even saw one. We’ll also want to dice these peppers and some garlic for sauce, and an onion.

[ She's takes up a spot beside him, maybe a little closer than is necessary but he can just elbow her out of the way. She's hoping he'll be too polite to do so, so teasing him just a little bit will be fun.

It doesn't matter that they are just getting to know each other, she simply just can't help herself. When a blush dusts over his cheeks, it draws her in. From far away, he gives off an aura of a professional...someone. Not terrorist, not hitman, but someone who knows how to handle himself when things get ugly.

And here he is, in her tiny kitchen, giving her smiles that make the butterflies in her stomach come alive. ]

No eggplant right now, unfortunately. Just isn't the season for it. Maybe one day, I'll have my own greenhouse and I won't have to worry about the seasons. They don't get very big when I plant them around here without a lot of help.

[ A greenhouse -- one of several wishes she has. Grabbing a knife, she pulls a squash toward her, nudging him with her elbow before she starts slicing it into thin slivers. ]

Yell at me if I cut them wrong. [ She knows he wouldn't but she gives him a wink anyway.]

[As if he has it in her to yell at her or anyone.]

And here I thought you were a vegetable cutting expert. Wouldn’t you know if it was wrong?

[He shoots her a teasing smile in reply, and though he meets that playful nudge of hers with one of his own in response, another faint blush does make itself known across his nose and cheeks as he reaches for a tomato and starts dicing.

She just has that effect on him— on a lot of people, he’s guessing, with that winning smile of hers. Everything about her makes her a bright spot among the slums, where such things are all too rare.]

A greenhouse, though— that would be perfect for you. You could do some incredible things with one of those.

ffvii open post

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lol well hello a year later (you don't have top reply gurl ilu)

well HELLO YOURSELF

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