3rd POV:
'Rounds'/'Save scumming':
''Hm? What is this?,'' Hojo looked from his papers when he arrived in his office. There were papers on his desk.
He scowled. Was it another scientist? Someone was getting fired.
He made his way over to look at the documents.
...
This was garbage.
The calculations were all wrong and not only that, it bored him. It had nothing to do with Mako, the 'Promised Land', Jenova, Sephiroth or Reunion.
And he frankly doubted the President authorized research into this matter so even then there was no reason to bother.
Hmm.
Forget firing the scientist who came up with this. Not only were they a disgrace to as a scientist, they threatened to undo his own research in case they did produce some results and Shinra got curious. Then his own projects would receive less funds.
No, they would make for a fine specimen instead.
Now. Who was it that put these papers on his desk?
No name?
No matter, he would look at the camera footage shortly.
Hojo gathered the papers and threw them into the shredder without paying their contents much more mind.
...
Nox who was in the ventilation shafts scowled.
Yeah, he didn't have much hopes.
Still. What a shortsighted fool.
If it weren't for that weird mutation of his, whatever he did to himself, that would occur when he dies, Nox would kill him.
Oh, well. Another day.
He will have to get... creative.
...And he would have to find another scientist.
...
...Actually. Now that he was thinking about it.
Where was Hollander?
The problem with Shinra was that even within it's secure data servers and vaults, reports and documents and evidence was fragmented.
There was, of course, always the official story for the public. Of that they kept good track off. Probably so that they don't contradict themselves in their lies.
More then the elitists did in his previous world. Really. So Nox will give them credit here.
But the point was, that he only had puzzle pieces to work with.
Angeal was definitely dead, killed by Zack. Genesis was dead, but he threw himself off a cliff and there was no body, so Nox invoked the golden rule of combat. That, unless there was a corpse, one had to assume their enemy lived. Add in that Genesis could ... make copies of himself or spread his genes or something?... Apparently? Yeah, Nox doubted that one was dead. And Zack and Spehiroth have nothing on them. Not what happened to them or on which mission they went.
But they were persons off interest... and he did bug the Turks head office.
A possible avenue that he could exploit, unless he found someone closer to home, Midgar.
---
Reeve entered his office with a cup of coffee. Working on his automatron Caith Sith was not an easy task. Especially since he had other things to work on and Caith Sith was a passing fancy he was forced to work on in his free time.
...Which meant little sleep. So, ergo, the excessive coffee.
He dropped on his chair tiredly, not noticing the foreign papers for a while.
The first thing he did was check the sender. There was none.
He suspected a trap. An attempt to undermine him with 'forbidden' knowledge so that Shinra would either cut his funds or throw him away.
But he was just too curious so he decided to take a peek before throwing the papers away.
A small peek wouldn't hurt anyone. No?
A small peek turned into a big peek.
A big peek turned into a massive peek.
His enthusiasm was awakened, his drive for the unexplored tickled, wonder and awe at the theory, the attempt, to accomplish something grand.
...They had theories about how the sun worked. This... this wanted to make use of that. The sun, in the palm of humanities hands.
Generate heat, heat up water, let the steam spin the turbine. Boom, electricity.
Of course. So simple, why hasn't he thought of that?
(Because Shinra decided where science was headed and relocated funds accordingly. Hard for someone to think about something else, except their task when Shinra breathed down someone's neck and expected results in their demand.)
And... potentially better then Mako reactors at generating electricity.
But... this calculation was wrong... and this one too.
Like whoever came up with this knew some things, but not enough, yet clumsily tried to make the best of this theory anyway.
And this calculation was wrong too.
Reeve corrected as much as he could, but there was only so much he could do with just a theory. He would need funds to test some of the stuff out.
And the most important part, that whoever came up with this also seemed to acknowledge at the end with a note and no calculations.
The sun was an exothermic reaction. A process, that humanity could see every day when the sun went up. Not only did they need heat high enough to start that process, else this Fusion Reactor would waste more energy then it will make, but pressure too to force the atoms into fusion. And then they needed the right atoms. Neither Reeve nor this stranger knew what the atoms could be. And a material that would function as a shell casing around the miniature sun. And then somehow design that shell casing around the sun in a way that would safely heat up the water without it exploding in their faces.
Oh, and that same material that had to endure the heat also had to protect the humans and the material around it from radiation.
And...
And...
And...
All problems that this stranger also was aware off. But there were no models or calculations for that. Still, Reeves interest was peeked.
He looked around his office and stood up to check i as carefully as he could for cameras.
Nothing.
He sat back down.
If...Reeve took these papers and worked on them a little. Enough that they showed results and promise, then maybe he could convince President Shinra to abandon Mako Reactors for a better alternative. One that provided virtually infinite clean energy.
(Infinite in the sense that they would solve the mystery of which reactants where needed and that they could easily produce those reactants.)
At least some funds would do wonders.
Still, there was only so much he could do in a single night.
He corrected the calculations and spent some time thinking about what models could work, but he didn't put that down on the papers, as he no longer had time. It was almost morning.
He opened his drawers and hid the papers in a hidden compartment of his.
Reeve prayed that whoever put the papers on his desk was a scientist. A good samaritan like him, who just wanted to see humanity prosper.
Because if it was the Turks running a loyality test on him or some of the other Heads leading him into some sort of trap, then he was fucked.
He exited the office to make himself another cup of coffee.
...
Nox dropped down from the ceiling. The gate to the ventilation shaft in his hand, as well as the screws hanging around his body by his Mako Strands. The gate could only be opened from one side, but easy to do that when the Mako Strands could easily slip through the gaps and take any form. Even that of a screwdriver.
Reeve worked the whole night on the papers. Nox could let him work more on it, but he had a good memory. That did not mean he could work wonders. He did not possess eidetic or photographic memory.
He could only carry so much knowledge back with him.
So he would and then correct his papers.
Before giving the new ones to Reeve again and again.
Nox dragged himself by the Mako Strands to the ceiling, after taking the papers out of the hidden compartment and left everything behind as if no one ever was there.
'Rounds'/'Save scumming' - End
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*RingRing**RingRing*
''Hello? Tifa?,'' Aerith asked on the phone, the moment she picked up.
''Aerith, hello. Can I help you, somehow?,'' Tifa put her phone in between her ear and shoulder while she was washing the dishes.
''No, Tifa. I wanted to ask you if you want to hang out with me and see the flowers that I told you about?,'' Aerith asked her.
''Oh! Of course I want to. Uhm,'' Tifa began thinking about her calendar,'' Would the day after tomorrow be alright? I have the whole day free then, but I need to be back by 18 to open the bar.''
''Of course. After you see the flowers we can decide what else to do. Does that sound alright for you?,'' Aerith asked her.
''Yes, of course,'' Tifa smiled while she was replying.
''Alright then. See you then, Tifa,'' Aerith cheerfully said her goodbyes.
''See you, Aerith,'' Tifa said her own goodbyes.
Tifa dried her hands again, like she did previously when first taking the call, and hang up and laid her phone on the table nearby. Then she resumed her task.
...
''Hey, Tifa. Do you mind, taking care of Marlene tomorrow?,'' Barret asked her after a while of them all hanging around and drinking after she closed her bar. It was past midnight already and the only reason Barret was still hanging around was because he knew Marlene was sleeping. He personally put her to sleep and then decided to take a shot break by exiting the house and locking it after him. He did plan on going back soon after nearly two hours.
''Oh. Oh. I...,'' Tifa looked down, feeling conflicted. Should she break off her engagement with Aerith or should she watch over Marlene. She liked Aerith, despite only having met her briefly, she left a nice impression. And besides... she really wanted a girl friend that was her own age. Most female friends she knew were part of the elderly population.
But watching over Marlene was more important. Otherwise Barret wouldn't ask. Unless he had to do something and would be away for awhile.
''I can watch over her,'' Tifa replied eventually. She already felt terrible, but watching over Marlene was more important. She would need to call Aerith and tell her the news today.
''Whoa! Hold up! You clearly have already planned something for tomorrow. Dude, you need to find someone else,'' Biggs leaned forward on the counter.
Barret slammed down his fist on the counter.
''I trust no one else with my sweetheart, damn it. And you know we need to do this tomorrow,'' Barret reminded him.
''What is tomorrow?,'' Tifa asked them.
Barret, Biggs and Wedge leaned forward.
''Tomorrow the main AVALANCHE branch will send us weapons and materials to build bombs and some other stuff as well, like grappling hooks. But they won't send it all to us in one shipment. It will be scattered around and we need to break in and steal it. HQ sent us the truck lists and location and all that other stuff,'' Wedge explained after swallowing his food. Biggs and Barret nodded.
''How will we build bombs though? We lack an expert in that department,'' Tifa pointed out, feeling strangely relieved at that. Bombs were... imprecise.
''You think Nox can build us one?,'' Biggs asked Barret.
''I don't think so. I doubt anywhere in his education as a pharmacist he learned to cobble together bombs,'' Barret shook his head. And he already was too involved, despite having delivered and made the tinctures and potions for them. Ready to be used eventually, when they start their operations.
(Funny, how narrowly opportunities sometimes slip one by.)
''Well, we need someone like that. HQ told us that we are on our own in this matter,'' Wedge asked.
''We will find a demolition expert. Alright?! Damn it!,'' Barret was getting agitated getting questioned so much,'' Can we return to someone taking care of Marlene?''
''I can take care of her,'' Tifa agreed to that again.
''Wait a moment, Tifa. Didn't you let Marle take care of her once?,'' Biggs asked Barret.
''He did. But I already informed him that Marle left a week ago to visit her grandson in Kalm. She will be back in around 3-6 days,'' Tifa told them.
''Oh... Why not let Nox take care of her? We know the guy well enough and despite how he may pretend he has a soft side to him. You heard how he saved people sometimes and gave them remedies without asking something in return. We will only need to see if he is free,'' Biggs suggested.
Barret grumbled.
''Don't know the guy,'' he grumbled after a while.
''Neither did you Tifa, but you asked her very quickly to watch over your daughter,'' Wedge reminded him.
''Tifa is Tifa,'' Barret immediately replied, then he looked a little unsure and turned towards her,''No offense meant.''
''No offense taken,'' she assured him with a smile.
''...You all think I should ask him?,'' Barret asked them after a while of contemplating.
''Ask him today if he is free, if not...Well someone needs to take care of her. I can ask my parents, but they are often busy... or we will have to settle for one of us staying behind and pray that the two of you are enough to hit all the locations,'' Biggs explained.
''I told you, I can take care of her,'' Tifa offered again, starting to feel guilty.
''No, Tifa. You already did enough for us, even offering this place as our HQ with your basement. And you already had something arranged. Stop! (*Tifa was about to speak up*) I could see it on your face. It doesn't matter if it is some business or personal. You deserve not to have your schedule messed up by us. So you do your thing and YOU,'' Biggs pointed at Barret,''Will ask Nox in the morning if he can take care of Marlened tomorrow.''
''...Alright,'' Barret replied eventually.
''I'm sorry for the trouble,'' Tifa felt ashamed.
''Don't apologize girl. I told you, you deserve some time for yourself. You work and do more then anyone off us,'' Biggs assured her making Wedge nod. And Barret reluctantly followed.
''...If Nox doesn't have time to take care of her, I will. Alright? I insist,'' Tifa compromised sternly after a while. Aerith would have to understand. Hopefully she wouldn't be too angry with arranging a meeting another day.
''I guess that is the best we are getting,'' Biggs sighed.
''...Is this a bad time to request another serving?,'' Wedge asked them suddenly and presented his empty plate.
''No. Of course not,'' Tifa replied kindly and took his plate making her way to the kitchen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nox rubbed the dark glass of his mask. Gathering the materials took a bit. Couldn't leave a trace behind that he bought some stuff, after all. Making it was easy. He was good at sewing and he was satisfied with his suit. Making the mask was a little harder, since it would have to be made of metal and armored glass.
In case he needs a disguise and he didn't want to reveal himself to the public and Shinra as Nox.
It was not easy finding a spot where he could use fire Materia and the Mako Strands to shape the metal, but he did it.
Though, it was slowly getting annoying with the Turks following him more and more.
Luckily he had his ability to turn back time as well as his own know-how on how spy agencies work. It did allow him to do more then enough on days where they left him alone and he needed something done permanently.
Oh, he already knew that they knew he was the one that defeated the Black Dragon. He was just waiting to see what they would do.
Something stupid, most likely, as they will learn if they try anything.
No matter. That was neither here nor there.
He put the mask under his bed in a coffer and made his way to his desk. Time to make some models, considering the current calculations were now done correctly.
Nox could already feel a headache coming. At least he had the next few days fee considering Aerith called him and told him that she would meet with another friend.
*KnockKnockKnock*
Nox turned to look at his door and closed the book on his table while also putting the papers in the drawer.
He opened the door slightly, his body hidden in a way that hid the fact his hand was gripping his sword, ready for action.
Seeing who it was, he opened the door completely and removed his hand form his sword.
''Barret, Biggs, Wedge is something wrong? Does Tifa need help?,'' Nox asked them.
''No. She is spending today, changing some water filters for new ones. We came for another reason,'' Biggs explained and then hit Barret with his elbow.
Barret cleared his throat.
''We need to do something, so I wanted to ask if your ass can watch over Marlene for tomorrow,'' Barret requested in his own way kindly.
Biggs immediately gave him another elbow hit.
''Please,'' Barret added.
Ah. Nox saw what was going on here. Normally Tifa was watching over Marlene, but she, as Aerith told him why they couldn't meet tomorrow, would hang out with Aerith tomorrow.
''Sure. I'm free tomorrow. Anything I should know? Does she have any allergies? What food does she prefer? Etc. Anything that I need to watch out for?,'' Nox asked him easily agreeing.
Aerith and Tifa can have their fun. It is not like he has anything to do tomorrow.
''Wait. Your punk ass is actually agreeing?,'' Barret asked him stratled.
''I'm slowly starting to reconsider,'' Nox teased him with a flat face.
Biggs and Wedge both gave Barret a hit with their elbows. Tifa really deserved some rest for all that she was doing for their community. Or at least less work. They still haven't asked what she would do tomorrow.
''Right. Can't believe your actually agreeing. No, she does not have any allergies. And she is still young, so no hard food. Soup or something broth like. Fruits maybe. She has some toys. I will bring them with her to you tomorrow. The rest is on you. Don't do anything that puts her in danger!,'' Barret rattled off. He was nervous. Ok? Give him a break.
''Sure. Got it,'' Nox told him.
''Ok,'' Barret nodded.
...
They stood around awkwardly for a bit.
''Right. So, I'm closing the door on you now,'' Nox slowly moved the door shut.
Barret cleared his throat.
''You do that. And we walk down these stairs to do our own thing,'' Barret replied.
'''Good.''
''Good.''
''Bye Nox,'' Wedge told him with a wave and a cheerful smile, totally reading the mood in the air.
Nox stopped closing the door.
''Bye Wedge.''
''Bye Nox,'' said Biggs with a wave and a shake of his head in exasperation.
''Bye Biggs.''
Nox finally closed the door when they disappeared. He stood around a little facing the door and then dropped his head.
''Well, that was mildly awkward.''
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''The flowers... This place is really beautiful. And you really grew them all yourself?,'' Tifa eagerly asked and walked around a little to take a better look at the individual flowers, careful not to step on them.
''Yup. They are beautiful. And no, I didn't grow them completely alone. My mother helps every now and then. Nox also gives me a hand, since we became friends. But I don't often ask him to help me,'' Aerith explained.
''Why not?,'' Tifa asked curiously.
''Because, there is a thousand other stuff we could be doing. It would be boring, if every tie we meet up, I ask him to help me to tend to my flowers. And after a while, they don't need as much tending. They only need much tending in their initial stages. And afterwards I mostly water them and clean any weeds and stuff,'' Aerith explained.
Tifa nodded in understanding. She didn't know the specifics, but she gotA Aeriths point, that she was trying to make.
''By the way, I saw some flower tops decorating some of the shops I walked by on my way here. Did you sell them to the people?,'' Tifa asked her.
''Yup! Nox actually recommended I do that. And I'm glad I took his advice. The people can enjoy the flowers this way for much longer,'' Aerith enthusiastically explained to Tifa.
''Would it be any trouble if I buy one from you, after we are done hanging out together?,'' Tifa asked her.
''Of course not, silly. 2 Gil for one flower top,'' Aerith held out two fingers and cheerfully replied.
''2 Gils?! There is no way that is the real price,'' Tifa shook her head and then sternly replied,''I'm not gonna take advantage of you just because...''
Suddenly Tifa reddened a little and looked down. She was presuming too much.
''Psst,'' Aerith leaned forward and held her palm by her mouth, conspiratorially whispering,''You can say we are friends.''
Aerith leaned back when Tifa slowly nodded.
''And I'm not offering you a reduced price, because you are my friend. I sell them to everyone for 2 Gil. One for the flower and one for the top. The earth comes free,'' Aerith winked.
''But... There is no way, you are making any profit, this way,'' Tifa replied unsure. What game was she playing.
''Correct! But did you see the sight when you made your way over here?,'' Aerith asked her seriously.
''Oh!,'' Tifa remarked when realization struck her.
''Yup. It's not about the money. I don't care that much about the money. What I care is how that money is spent and what spending it ensures. Making people smile and appreciate nature through flowers is well worth the loss in money. Because I get something much more important in return.
Besides, I started accompanying Nox every now and then when he goes to the sewers. On those days, I take the money and he takes the monster parts for his pharmacy. He insisted, even though I wanted to split the money in half,'' Aerith shook her head fondly.
''Hehe,'' Tifa giggled briefly,''He really is much more approachable then he appears, isn't he?''
''Yup. You just need to be more stubborn then him. But he is very kind, underneath all that gruff attitude, despite how he may present himself. Or whatever he says,'' Aerith easily agreed and smiled brightly.
''I believe that. Barret says that he easily agreed to take care of his daughter. Even asked immediately what Marlene all needed so that she would be comfortable and what she should avoid so that she isn't put in danger,'' Tifa readily explained.
Aerith blinked at her briefly stupefied.
''How old is Marlene?,'' Aerith asked calmly.
''She recently became 4,'' Tifa explained with a smile.
Much younger then the children in the school then, where she held her lesson.
Aerith grabbed Tifa by the shoulders and looked eagerly at her.
''Tifa! I have a brilliant proposition. When you and I are done hanging out, promise to take me with you back to Sector 7 and I promise I will give you a flower top for free,'' Aerith near looked like she would explode with giddiness.
''What? But why?,'' Tifa asked confused.
Aerith just shook her head fiercely, her hair jumping around.
''Promise me! You will see. Please?,'' Aerith asked her.
''...Ok..Ok, I promise,'' Tifa promised.
''Yay!,'' Aerith let go off Tifa and clapped her hands happily.
''Alright. Let's go shopping then. We should go to the Top Plate. I know a place,'' Aerith suddenly suggested.
''What? But ... I don't think that is such a good idea,'' Tifa replied embarrassed. She didn't have much money to begin with and only brought very little. What little she had and did not spend on on necessities or her bar was... pitiful.
If she weren't so busy she would go to the sewers as well and gather some money. She can fight after all. But someone always asks her with help on something and she is too weak to say no... and by the time she is done helping someone, she needs to open her bar.
Rinse and repeat.
''We don't need to buy anything. But have you seen ourselves? Girl, we deserve to wear dresses that show our beauty more. Not that the current attire we wear is doing us any discredit. But still,'' Aerith gushed dancing around Tifa and putting her fingers in the gesture of a camera, viewing her from different angles.
Tifa chuckled a little embarrassed, but didn't disagree with her.
It would be nice to do that actually. She wondered if that was what girls normally did when they hang out together, but she decided she ultimately didn't care too much, so long as she finally had a girl friend.
''I know just the place. Come on,'' Aerith grabbed Tifa by the hand and began dragging her along.
---
''How about... this purple exotic dress?,'' Aerith held out the dress for Tifa to inspect.
''Isn't that... too revealing?,'' Tifa asked her unsure.
''Ah. So you are a modest. There is not need. You have a total killer body, you don't need to feel insecure. Man, I'm so envious. How do you keep yourself so fit, Tifa?,'' Aerith gushed over her form.
Tifa didn't feel insecure. She knew she was beautiful. She just...
No. She didn't want to think about that.
''Hehe,'' TIfa giggled a little,''Thank you. But it is just a byproduct of my martial arts training by Master Zangan. I don't actively try to exercise to keep my figure, if that is what you are wondering.''
Aerith hummed long in understanding.
''So you can throw punches like hah hah,'' Aerith threw some punches with her free hand, while the other was holding some clothes over her forearm,'' Only more sophisticated. You think you can give me a pointer or two for a complete beginner. Nox says I shouldn't settle for only being a mage, but also train my body a little.''
''I would be glad to give you a pointer or two,'' Tifa readily agreed. They just needed to find the time for it.
Aerith smiled and gave her a nod.
''Besides,'' Tifa began,'' I could say the same about you. You're also extremely pretty. I'm sure you can make revealing clothes look good too.''
''Nope,'' Aerith shook her head firmly. She wanted to explain, but then widened her eyes as realization struck her.
''Tifa, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have presumed. Someone like you surely already has a boyfriend,'' Aerith apologized.
''No. But what does that have to do with anything?,'' Tifa began stroking her hair at the sudden subject.
''Well, if you don't have a boyfriend, then obviously you want to keep his gaze on you. To make him aware that you are a woman and that he sees you as such. That is, if you know him and/or have someone in mind that you want to pursue such a relationship with.
And if you don't have such a person, then you can start by attracting the gaze of a stranger. Sure, in that case, you start interacting simply because of sexual attraction. But there is no reason why that can't turn into love. You gotta start somewhere. And if you and that stranger don't click, then you don't click.
But there is nothing wrong with starting somewhere and using sexual attraction as a conversation starter,'' Aerith explained.
''But... that doesn't explain why you can't wear those dresses. Or are you already together with someone?,'' Tifa asked her. She followed her logic so far.
''Nope. I also don't have any boyfriend. But I have someone in mind. He just doesn't care about such things and I don't want anyone else's gaze on me except his. And until he is my boyfriend I doubt he will look at me and notice my body, so there is no point in wearing something revealing.
Sorry. I didn't mean any offense by suggesting you wear something revealing,'' Aerith apologized with a shake of her head.
''Is it... Nox?,'' Tifa asked her slowly. If it was Nox, then she could believe what Aerith told her. Tifa was aware when others leered at her, especially after they had a few cups of alcohol. But Nox never once looked at her. He didn't leer or politely admired her from the distance. Not once, when she spared him a glance did he turn his head to look 'conveniently' at the wall. His eyes always stayed above her neck.
Even Biggs, Wedge and Barret sometimes looked at her. If not sexually, because she was their friend, then at least in appreciation of her beauty. They knew she was interested in someone else, even if she never named him by name.
''Yup. Are you...,'' Aerith asked her unsure.
She hoped Tifa would say no. Considering how she looked, it would mean tough competition with anyone. But in this case, she didn't know what type of woman Nox liked. Maybe he liked someone with Tifa's personality more, instead of hers.
She wasn't entirely sure. In any case, she will give it her best in case she has a rival. No way was she just giving up.
''Oh! No! No. Absolutely not. Nox is a good friend, but I have no romantic interest in him whatsoever,'' Tifa replied and shook her head firmly.
Suddenly she narrowed her eyes and leaned in Aeriths face.
''Aerith, I will have your back. And don't worry. I won't tell him anything about what you told me,'' Tifa assured her. She heard her patrons talk and overheard something about a 'Bro Code'. A way of conduct between close male friends. And while she did not know what it all entailed and was too embarrassed to ask her male friends, she assumed there must be some sort of 'Sis Code' as well.
She knew that one rule of the 'Bro Code' was to 'be a pal and play matchmaker for a bro'. and another that 'a bro should not hit on another bro's girl'. Surely that was the same for girls as well.
''In fact,'' Tifa leaned even closer in her face and nodded fiercely,'' You can count on my help if you ever need it.''
''Thank you. Same with me, girl. Well, I showed you mine, so will you show me yours? Who is your love interest?,'' Aerith eagerly agreed and conspiratorially asked her.
Tifa suddenly lost her confidence and stepped back, beginning to stroke her hair far more often then before.
''You think...If I wear that, he will look at me?,'' she asked instead.
''Well... If he is a typical man, then yes. But if he is like Nox, then you probably need to make him first romantically interested in you and get together with him, before he ever looks at you as a woman. So? Who is it?,'' Aerith asked her.
''You will probably think me silly..., but I don't know. I haven't seen him in near 6 years,'' Tifa replied and looked down, closing her eyes.
Aerith starred at her, feeling her eye twitch.
Girl, what do you mean 6 YEARS?!
Granted, Aerith's situation was different. She couldn't afford to wait too long, because any day could be the day Shinra comes to take her. She had to live her life to her fullest. The fact she waited three years was, for her situation, a long time.
She may or may not have waited longer for Zack if her situation was different. She wasn't sure and she didn't care, considering she moved on and made her choice.
She was now interested in someone else anyway and hopefully he would too.
But 6 YEARS?!
6 YEARS?!!!!
Aerith resolved herself to do everything in her power, short of brain washing the guy (not that she had the power anyway), to get Tifa and him together.
Because DAMN, the girl deserved her happy ending for having waited so long.
''I don't think you silly. In fact, I consider that very beautiful, because it is a testament to how genuine and deep your love for that person is. But you still haven't told me who he is? Maybe I know him,'' Aerith asked her after kindly reassuring her.
''Cloud. Cloud Strife. We made a promise to each other. He was supposed to come back to our home village, but... something went wrong and our means of establishing contact was destroyed,'' Tifa explained to her. She also gave a brief description of how he looked or may look now.
''Got it. I will keep my eyes and ears out for some one like that,'' Aerith promised her.
''...You really think I should try them out?,'' Tifa asked her, feeling slightly more cheerful now that she had Aerith in her corner.
''Like I said, it would look good on you. What girl doesn't mind looking good for her love interest? We only have to try them out,'' Aerith reassured her and grabbed the exotic purple dress again as an offering.
''...How about that? I will try out that dress and you... try out this red dress. And we both promise that one day we will come back here again to buy these clothes and both wear them for each of our love interest,'' Tifa offered and grabbed a red dress she thought would look good on Aerith. It was a little less revealing then the one Aerith suggested for her, but still showed some amount of skin.
Aerith nodded firmly and eagerly.
''It is a promise then. Come on, let's try them out,'' Aerith grabbed the red dress and gave Tifa the purple one, before making her way to the changing booths. Tifa followed after her.
---
Tifa was holding the flower top that Aerith gave her while the two walked side by side. They were making their way to 7th Heaven, so Tifa could drop off the flower top before they would make their way to Nox' home. It was a chrysanthemum, to symbolize loyal long lasting bonds or friendship. Not that Aerith told her such. And Tifa was taken by the flowers beauty.
''Aerith I can't thank you enough for the flower. Are you sure you don't want me to pay the 2 Gil? It is no bother. Really,'' Tifa assured her firmly.
''Not at all. Like I said, it's not about the money. Besides, once you and I make our way to Nox I will well have my worth in money,'' Aerith nodded confidently. She suspected what she would see and wanted to share that with her new friend.
Tifa was unsure what exactly she expected to see, but she would oblige her.
After they dropped off the flower pot and exited they stumbled upon Barret, Biggs and Wedge.
''Are you three making your way over to Nox as well?,'' Tifa asked them.
''Hm? Oh, yes. We already took care of our business,'' Barret deliberately avoided saying something incriminating,''And who is this?''
''Oh, this is Aerith. My new friend. Aerith, these are Biggs, Wedge and Barret,'' Tifa respectively pointed at the appropriate person,'' Guys, this is Aerith.''
''Hi'' 3x
''Nice to meet you,'' Wedge added, making Biggs and Barret hastily nod.
''Nice to meet you too. By the way, we are making our way over to Nox as well. Could you please, please, please not make any noise when we are at his door?,'' Aerith requested with her hands in a prayer.
The men shared a look.
''Uh, sure?,'' Biggs agreed unsure.
...
There was some noise and giggling behind Nox' door. Unfortunately, unlike Aerith hoped, Nox drew the curtains on his window and blocked the view so they could not spy on them.
''Does anyone of you know how to lockpick a lock?,'' Aerith whispered to them. That may be almost a step too far, but she couldn't help herself.
It is better to ask for forgiveness then permission.
The men looked at each other again and nodded having made a decision.
''Step aside, people. Let the connoisseur do his work,'' Biggs whispered to them and knelt near the lock, bringing out his tools and began fiddling with the lock.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previously:
Nox opened the door after Barret knocked.
''Morning,'' Nox greeted. Barret nodded back and handed him the bag off wood blocks and other toys Marlene liked.
Marlene meanwhile, shyly hid her entire frame behind her father's leg while gripping it in fear. She finally dared take a peek from behind at Nox, only to hastily hide herself again.
''Oh,'' Barret gently cooed and knelt down,'' Sweetheart, there is no need to be afraid. Nox is a good friend of mine. Like Tifa and Marle. You remember Marle? You were also afraid, but then you loved her at the end of the day. Nox, will protect you almost as good as daddy. There is no need to be afraid.''
He slowly coaxed her from being shy and gave her a hug.
''He is right,'' Nox told her kindly.
Marlene hid her face again, the moment he spoke, suddenly afraid again. Barret shot him a look not appreciating his interference, even if he understood he had good intentions. Nox held his free hand up in peace, the other still gripping the bag of toys.
''Marlene, sweetheart. Do you really think I would do anything that would jeopardize your safety? Which includes letting you get babysat by people I don't trust? Trust me, he is really cool and funny. You will see. Just like Aunt Marle,'' Barret reassured her.
Nox shot him an incredulous look. Rich words, considering he was a 'terrorist' by allying with AVALANCHE and getting branded by Shinra as such. While he was only preparing for now, eventually he will make his debut and Shinra will take notice of them and brand them as enemy.
Nox hastily gave her a kind smile when he noticed her turning shyly to look at him again. He gave her a wave as well.
''...Ok,'' Marlene whispered.
''Good. Daddy knew you were a strong girl. Daddy needs to take care of some business. Boring and tedious adult stuff, but I will take care of it as quickly as possible and return to you as fast as I can. Ok?,'' Barret reassured her.
''Ok,'' she nodded a little more strongly now, now that her father called her strong.
''Good,'' Barret stroked her hair and eventually stood up after giving her a kiss on the head.
''Take care of her,'' the tone he used conveyed many things, that were better left unsaid in the presence of a child. Heavy with emotion, but not hostile.
''I will,'' Nox reassured him and watched him walk away, turning one final time before disappearing from sight and blowing a kiss to Marlene. Then he turned around and disappeared.
Marlene pretended to catch the kiss and hugged it near her heart. Then she shyly looked up at Nox.
He stepped aside.
''Come in, Marlene,'' Nox instructed her kindly, but with no room for argument.
She slowly entered his home and looked around, jumping a little when he closed the door.
Nox looked at his condo as well. he cleaned up as much as possible and as much as was reasonable, considering most things were important and could not be thrown out.
''Did you eat already?,'' Nox asked her. He bought a freezer yesterday and some fruits. He woke up extra early and deactivated the freezer so that the food would still keep the cockroaches away, while also keeping the food cool on a warm day, but not too cold. He still needed to be careful not to attract cockroaches.
Marlene shyly nodded.
''Then you can eat later during supper time. But if you are hungry do not hesitate to tell me at all. I want you to be comfortable,'' Nox instructed her.
''What is... he.hes,'' she looked stomped, but too curious not to want to know.
''Hesitate.''
''Hesi...''
''He-''
''He-''
''-si-''
''-ci-''
''No. With a ZZZ, like the sound bees make.''
''Hesi-''
''-tate-''
''...date?''
''Almost. Replace the d with a t and say it the same. -tate.''
''...tate.''
''Good. You remember the whole word?''
''He...si...tate. Hesi...date.''
''-tate. Hesitate.''
''Hesi...tate. Hesitate,'' she finally pronounced the word slowly, but correctly. She looked at him expectantly.
''Good. You are smart,'' Nox complimented simply making her beam.
''To hesitate is... to be reluctant to do something as in... you are slow do to something. Maybe because of fear or ... no bravery,'' he attempted to explain to her. He crossed his arms behind his back, slowly adopting his military persona adapted towards a child.
''Like...when I hide behind daddy?,'' she asked him unsure, slowly.
''Yes!,'' Nox sharply replied, proud of her. She was rather smart, wasn't she?
His reply started her, making her withdraw within herself again.
''I'm sorry. But you really are smart. I was simply too proud of you to mind my voice,'' Nox apologized.
''...It's ok,'' Marlene said shyly, feeling her chest warm up due to his praise.
Nox knelt down to be more at her level and looked kindly at her.
It may sound weird, considering his stance on other matters. But he loved children. He really truly did. They were the one true innocent thing in existence... up to a certain age...
Which is also why they could be so cruel, if they were taught wrongly.
And of course, only up till a certain age. Then they too lost their innocence. Nox personally considered that to be between the age of 10 and 14. It varied on how mature a child grew and how quickly. But of course, receiving an answer to such a question was incredible hard.
The point was, that it was the one regret he had.
But no matter, exercising his power more then made up for it.
He was... akin to a dragon surrounded by ants. He could easily squash them, but what would that prove? That he was strong? Congratulations? Have a cookie and a pat on the back?
No.
True power lied in restraint.
Sure, he could have dropped nukes left and right at his leisure. Many times he wanted to drop nukes on certain spots for example and keep the damage permanent. But true strength lied in resisting one's temptations. To be in control of oneself.
He resorted to Black Ops with them.
Squash those that have strength and an inflated self and ego, that walk over other people and think that the world turns at their whim. Those were the best enemies to hunt down. And take the ants and turn them into loyal smaller dragons.
True strength also lied in creating something lasting and enduring. In having people willingly throw themselves at ones feet in near worship.
Which they did, by the end of his rulership.
He loved taking the failing America and it's citizens, in economy, prestige, soft power and dragging it back up. It took him a long time, but he had the elitists fortune to help him out. Which was MORE then enough, but one could only do so much at a time and completing projects also took time.
And he LOVED what he did to the elitists, especially those in the Bergstein list.
Their pleas, were far better then any ants... and the face they made when they realized all their precious 'power' meant nothing in his face.
''Do you want to play something?,'' Nox asked her.
Marlene nodded.
---
Marlene put down the final block. A triangle as a roof for her castle.
She cast a look at Nox, who sat cross legged nearby, expecting something from him.
Nox hummed, a little unsure why she looked at him so expectantly.
Oh!
Nox clapped his hands quickly, trying to make it as sincere as possible.
''Very good. We may have a builder on our hands,'' Nox told her with a smile.
'What's with that smug look?!' Nox asked in his head.
Indeed, Marlene looked entirely to smug at the compliment she received.
She held out a block to him, challenging him to build his own castle.
Nox shrugged and went to grab the block, but she accidentally hit her castle and it all fell down.
Nox froze up.
...
*Sniffle**Sniffle*
Nox immediately grabbed ALL the blocks and made a majestic castle as quickly as possible. Not just one that was high, or was 2 dimensional, but one that consisted of 4 walls and a tower in each corner. Within was a sort of courtyard, space, before another building with 4 walls was constructed, with a nice looking rooftop.
Nox looked at her, after he was done.
He may have overdone it, but he did not want her to cry.
Marlene blinked and stared.
Then she began clapping her hands eagerly.
''So cool. So cool,'' she repeated impressed and stood up to inspect the castle from different angles.
Nox sighed.
Crisis averted.
---
''You are hungry,'' Nox remarked when her stomach gurgled.
She shyly nodded, feeling embarrassed.
''Alright, take a seat,'' he held out the chair.
She attempted to climb but failed, nearly falling on her butt, if Nox wouldn't have stabilized her.
''Do you want me to lift you up?,'' Nox asked her after she regained her footing.
She nodded feeling embarrassed, but he wasn't making fun of her or laughing like her daddy was.
(He was cooing, but she interpreted it differently.)
Marlene was lifted up and then put down gently on the chair.
...She was too small to reach the table and would have to eat awkwardly.
''Give me a moment,'' Nox requested while he went and took some books.
''Try not too move too much on them or to eat while making a mess. These books are important to me. Alright?,'' Nox explained to her.
She nodded seriously. Nox set the books on the table, lifted her off the chair and put her down. Then he put the books on the chair, stacking them up and lifted her again. This time she easily towered over the counter and could eat comfortably.
''Give me a moment,'' he told her, while he went to the kitchen to clean his hands. Then he went to the freezer and opened it. By now. the ice had already melted. Nox put his hand in and grabbed the banana, but it was still cool as he intended. He grabbed a paper plate and brought the trash bag over to the table. While he began to cut the fruits consisting of bananas, apples, strawberries and kiwis he made sure that all the trash would end up in the bag. Finally after being done, he doped the plastic knife in the bag as well and tied it up, but not completely in case she didn't eat everything and then he put a cap over the trash bag.
''Are you not hungry?,'' Marlene asked him after a few bites with her fork. The fork was of metal, cleaned and new so that there would be no microplastics. Which was another thing that he needed to solve too, because these people didn't know at all about that.
Ugh. Humans really were parasites... which meant they needed to rise above their own nature.
''No. I already ate,'' Nox told her while leaning on the wall near the table. He was making extra sure, she wouldn't make a mess by dropping something down on the ground ... or on his books.
Marlene shyly held out a piece of fruit for him. She evidently didn't believe him or felt bad being the only one that was eating.
Nox crossed his arms and stared at her. Finally he sighed and took the piece with his fingers and ate it.
''The saying goes, that one always finds his true friends while sharing a meal with others,'' Nox joked.
''Really?,'' Marlene wanted to know curious.
''Well, that is not always the case, but the point is that a meal shared is always a meal better enjoyed,'' Nox explained to her.
''Is this... your way of thanking me?,'' Marlene asked him quietly.
''Yes,'' he answered making her smile.
She gave him half her food. Luckily, there was still some in the freezer.
---
''You want me to tell you a story?,'' Nox asked her eventually.
''Yes! Please, I love stories,'' Marlene clapped her hands.
''What kind of story do you want? Don't hesitate,'' Nox asked her.
''One with dragons,'' Marlene immediately replied, almost instantly.
Ok. Maybe she took his encouragement a little too seriously.
Still, Nox hummed.
A story with dragons, huh? He knew a few, but none suited for a childs ear. He would need to make up one on the spot. But then she would probably tell... Unless.
Nox looked around in his room. He spied enough material to make something to make her part of the story. Maybe is she played an active part, then she wouldn't notice the plot holes as easily.
''Give me a moment,'' Nox told her and quickly got to work.
...
''The knight, you, was tasked with rescuing the princess from a foreign kingdom!,'' Nox began his tale.
''What is the kingdom called?,'' the knight asked him.
''...Hyrule. And so the knight humbly accepted the kings task and started making his way with nothing but his loyal stead and sword and skill at arms,'' Nox continued.
''Why didn't the king give me an army? Does he not love his daughter? I have a better chance rescuing her if I have more to work with,'' the knight complained. She held up her sword made out of carton and lifted her carton helmet slightly, adjusting it on her head.
Nox' eye twitched. Where did all her shyness go?
''Indeed, the knight wondered that as well, but the answer to that he won't find out for a while. For once a king commands something any sworn knight to him must obey. And he was the strongest knight in the kings kingdom. So the knight set off to this gargantuan task-''
''What is gar-gan-tuan,'' Marlene asked him.
Well, at least she didn't waste his time, this time in struggling to pronounce it.
''Very big. Like... very, very big,'' Nox explained and she nodded.
Marlene ohhed in understanding and nodded.
Nox took Marlene and sat her on his knee, giving her a carton horse. Admittedly only his head. Nox began rocking his knee gently to imitate a gallop of a horse.
''And he rode and rode... then he slept some nights at an inn and he set off again soon. Only to realize something horrible.''
Marlene gasped in fright.
''The two kingdoms were separated by a gargantuan body of water.''
''Very, very big body of water,'' Marlene clarified.
Nox nodded gravely and hummed.
''Indeed. And through the knights trusty steed was mighty indeed, even he could not traverse this body of water,'' Nox continued.
''What is tra...,'' Marlene tried to repeat that word. Nox spent some time patiently teaching her how to pronounce that word and what it meant.
''It is another word for moving past something. Or traveling. Or to go somewhere,'' Nox explained till Marlene nodded. He wondered for a moment how many words she would remember and how many she would forget.
''And so, the knight turned his trusty steed around, sadly making his way back to the inn he had previously rested at. While he pondered, trying to come up with a solution to his situation he overheard two people talk. That there was a dragon not too far away.
The knight not wanting to disappoint his king and return empty handed to him hatched a daring plan.
He walked over to the people and asked them where one would find such a dragon. Having received his answer and a warning that he should not seek out the dragon the knight began riding on his steed yet again.
And rode and galloped through rain and thunder, through sunshine and rainbows, they slept at inns and on the side of the road, until finally the knight arrived at a mountain, where the dragon was said to rest on a bed of gold.
For you see, the dragon was greedy and wanton and wanted all that would shine prettily and splendidly.
The knight knowing the danger of the task he sat upon himself, let his trusty steed go. So that he may grass on greener pastures, safe and free from harm,'' Nox continued and began imbuing his voice with weight, low and highs and the necessary gravitas.
Marlene hang off by his word, not even wanting to interrupt him, packed by the suspense off where the story would go. She was so packed she forgot what some of the words he used were.
She didn't react much when Nox took the carton horse head and made galloping noises, pretending that the horse was riding away. He threw the carton on the bed and continued his story.
''The knight bravely entered the dragons lair. His sword he drew and his ears he kept sharp. But the mountain was big and he searched a while till he stumbled upon gold. The sign he was heading in the right direction.
You see the knight had the intention to defeat the dragon in combat, so that he may take him as a steed across the very big body of water,'' Nox explained, finally revealing the knights intention.
''Gargantuan. And that is very smart,'' Marlene corrected and commented. Enraptured by the tale.
''Indeed. High risk, high reward.
The knight followed the gold, till he heard a voice.
'Pitiable wingless creature, who are you to intrude upon my lair like this?,' came a deep voice.
The gold stirred, like water it rippled and danced as the dragon drew himself from it's depths.
'I am Sir Galahad,' the knight replied,'Come face me, I say, may the victor take what he wants.'
'My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!
And yet you would presume to challenge me? Tell me, child of man, what worth would you possess, that I would bother to entertain this farce?,' the dragon mocked.
'No worth at all,' said the knight,'But then all will know, that the great dragon Grigori shied from a challenge, far and wide will you be mocked by your kind, that your pride is as fleeting as your threats. Words are wind. I challenge you once more, I say. face me and may the victor take everything.'
The task the knight set upon himself was dangerous, but he was the best knight of the kingdom for a reason. There was a chance he could defeat the dragon, but any defeat it would suffer would mean nothing if he did not manage to trick it into a bargain beforehand,'' Nox explained.
''And that is why he attacked his pride!,'' Marlene called out with realization. Nox hummed and sat her down on her feet.
He pulled out the carton dragon wings and equipped them on his back. Then he put a crown that was supposed to imitate horns.
''Raaargh!
The dragon drew himself to his full height at the insult.
'You dare! You dare!... Then so be it.
Remember. This battle is your own, waged of your own free will. If you lack the strength to stay my fire... to stay your fated ruin... then you shall scatter like ash,' the dragon immediately opened the battle by breathing fire upon the knight.
He somersaulted out of the way,'' Nox took Marlene and helped her do a somersault,'' then the dragon swiped at him with his calws, but the knight jumped over rubble and hid himself from sight.''
He helped Marlene jump over the the chair and she crouched to pretend she was behind cover. Despite her serious captivated face at the tale she seemed to have fun.
'' 'Have you come so far to be stricken with cowardice now, Sir Galahad? You have chosen your path! This battle you have begun, sits at the very heart of all you hold dear. There is naught beyond this moment, who do not give themselves whole to their cause. Fight me!,' while the dragon talked, the knight spotted a loose pillar and an idea formed in his mind.
For you see, long ago, before the dragon settled here, there were people who built a castle into the mountain.
'The hour of turning back is past. The world will have it's answer: you or me? Death or life beyond? If for nothing else, give it your all, here and now! Such is the contest you have chosen. Aye, raise your weapon... Your teeth of steel, your blood-red voice... Show me your power, Sir Galahad. Prove yourself worthy of what lies beyond my corpse! Show me that you possess the strength to still my heart. The will to do it. The Soul!! Slay me and you may have it all, all my gold! Stay the fires of destruction!,' the dragon continued. It loved hearing it's own voice, as dragons liked to do.
With renewed vigor the knight bolted to the pillar, evading the dragons fire and struck the pillar with his sword with all his might,'' Nox guided Marlene to the door to his bathroom and indicated that she should strike it with her carton sword.
''The ceiling loosened and the dragon had the misfortune that a huge boulder landed on his wing pinning him down,'' Nox took his pillow and laid down on his stomach, laying the pillow on his carton wing.
''The knight wasted no time and climbed upon the dragons back,'' Nox looked at Marlene and waited. Finally she got the message and climbed on his back careful not to harm.
''The knight climbed and climbed, with the wing pinned the dragons mobility was greatly hampered. It could not turn. It could not breath fire upon it's back. And the knight climbed till he was near the dragons eye, his weakspot. And he held his sword ready,'' Nox continued, Marlene was a kind child. She didn't put the carton sword near his eye, but far away from his head, afraid to harm him.
'' 'Surrender,' said the knight,'Surrender I said. You are beaten, you are defeated. I need but sink my steel into your eye and you will lose.'
The dragon struggled. Trying desperately again to get himself out of the situation. But no such luck. Through the knight possessed the strength to face the dragon head on, he preferred to fight smart instead of relying just on his strength of arms.
'Aya. You have beaten me, Sir Galahad,' the dragon finally grumbled,'Yet I must ask, why am I not dead?'
''Tis not your death I sought, mighty Grigori or your gold,' the knight shook his head,'But your friendship. And your aid. I was tasked with the important task of bringing back the princess, that was taken to Hyrule. I seek your help in crossing the body of water.'
The dragon grumbled. But his pride was on the line. Already he was beaten, must he now prove himself a liar as well? What worth, then, would his words be?
He would be the laughing stock amongst the other dragons. Ridicule he will suffer, for being defeated by a human, but at least he will do so in dignity.
'Fine,' grumbled the dragon,'A battle is a battle and all that counts is that you beat me. Be it through skill of arms, luck or brains. 'Tis no matter. Worthier you have proven than me, and to the victor the spoils.'
The knight nodded and stepped down from the dragon making his way to the boulder on the dragons wings,'' Marlene took it as her indication to step down and lifted the pillow from the carton wing.
Nox drew himself to his full height. Spreading his arms and his carton wings to present his full might.
'' 'Pitiable wingless creature, climb upon my back so that you may taste the wind among the clouds. Witness in envy the sight my kind get to enjoy every day,' the dragon demanded.
The knight did just so and the two flew out of the mountain,'' Nox took Marlene and sat her on his shoulders.
Then he began flying, moving around back and forth imitating maneuvers. Finally he spun around and froze up.
...
...
...
''Daddy!,'' Marlene giggled and called out. Nox let her down and she quickly made her way over to her father.
''Did you have fun, sweetheart?,'' Barret crouched down and picked his daughter up.
''Lots of fun,'' she enthusiastically babbled,''We built castles, he gave me yummy food and then he told me a super cool story where I played the awesome knight that defeated a dragon.''
''I know. We have seen you do that, Marlene,'' Aerith told her with a bright smile.
Nox could feel his face genuinely heat up.
''Yes. You were an amazing knight,'' Tifa gushed at Marlene.
''Indeed. I was impressed how you defeated the mighty dragon. Truly you laid him low with your wits,'' Biggs continued suppressing his laughter, his voice strained.
''I have a question,'' Wedge raised his hands,'' Do dragons eat a lot?,''
Everyone looked at him.
...
''...They are magical creatures, so they do need to eat, but nod much. Magic sustains them more then sustenance,'' Nox grimaced and took of his horns and wings, throwing them on the bed.
''Cool,'' Wedge commented.
...
Right. The others diverted their attention somewhere else.
''I see. I see. So you see, daddy kept his word when he said he would only entrust you to someone he trusted,'' Barret reminded her.
''Yes. Uncle Nox is amazing,'' Marlene agreed with several nods.
'Kill me,' Nox closed his eyes a begged...,' Wait no, this won't work here.'
Barret smiled proudly at his daughter.
Then he looked Nox up and down.
''Heh,'' he smirked and began making his way to his own home.
''Wait! Daddy we haven't said goodbyes and I want to know how the story ends,'' Marlene told him.
''That is right, sweetheart,'' Barret nodded,''Your daddy forgot his manners for a second. But you see, Uncle Nox is usually busy, but if he ever watched over you again, then he will finish the story. Promise.''
He stepped back to his spot and they both began waving at Nox. Then Barret walked away, while carrying Marlene. She waved till they were far away.
''So.... are you angry that we lockpicked your door?,'' Aerith asked him on behalf of Biggs. The others looked a little apologetic at him.
Nox took in a deep breath and cracked his neck.
''No. It is my own fault, for not minding my surroundings or paying attention. But if it is all the same to you. I'm mentally exhausted. Taking care of her was not as easy as it may have sounded, soooo....,'' Nox stepped forward and slowly closed the door in their faces, before Aerith could compliment him that he really was a good story teller.
He really wasn't angry. He was a man of principle. If he gets to enjoy things, because he had the power, then others could too if they had the power. That did include 'ambushes' or 'surprise attacks'. Power after all, could take many forms.
Fair is fair, after all.
But he could spare himself some embarrassment at least. And he REALLY was exhausted.
Besides, in no way did he consider that a form of betrayal or abandonment. They just wanted to have some fun at his expense and he was caught lacking. They did breach his trust a little, though, so had the right to prank them one day or another.
But for now, Nox was satisfied with crashing on his bed and immediately falling asleep.
---
''Do you think he is furious and was just saying that he wasn't?,'' Tifa asked worried, afraid they went too far.
''No. Nox usually says what he means... unless he doesn't. But then I don't think he was following any agenda when he answered us,'' Aerith replied making them confused.
''Eh... You realize there is a paradox within that statement?,'' Biggs asked her.
''No. You will get it after spending some time with him. Take it from me, who has known him for months,'' Aerith assured them again.
''Right,'' Biggs muttered. He doubted he would ever see what she meant.
''Still, who knew he had such a side to him,'' Wedge remarked.
''Oh, I knew. But knowing and seeing are two different things. Anyway, Tifa it was everything I wanted and more, but I need to go home now. I doubt Nox will escort me home or come over for dinner if he is as tired as he say he is. And I want to get home before it gets too late. We have to meet again some time,'' Aerith took Tifas hands in her own.
She nodded and smiled.
''Good. Goodbye to you all then,'' Aerith waved and began making her way home. They waved back and then made their way inside 7th Heaven, when she disappeared from their sight.
...
Once Aerith was in her room, she threw herself in her bed, hugged her pillow as tight as she could and squealed loudly in her pillow.
She could feel her heart melt inside her chest at the sight in her memory.
Knowing and seeing, really were different.
(A.N.: 10920 words. To the guy who suggested I write shorter chapters....
I'M SORRY! *Cries big tears* But sometimes when I start I just WRITE. It really was a good suggestion, but I have no self control. I guess, I really mean it, when I said in the synopsis that the chapters will be as long as needed.
Anyway. It wasn't just slice of life. It did fulfill some function, which are for you to enjoy.
I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Cheers and stay safe out there.)