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[dontwantdespair.livejournal.com]

Who: Aerith Gainsborough [holdingflowers] & Cloud Strife [dontwantdespair]
Where: Outside so if any of you want to actually SEE this scene from outside of your window, feel free to do so. :D
When: WHENEVER.
Rating: PG. ... after all, who knows what all may happen. :|
Summary: CLOUD IS AN ANTI-SOCIAL IDIOT WHO HASN'T BEEN PROPERLY CONVINCED TO STAY IN THE MANSION YET. ... so... who better to poke him into submission than Aerith? :D;
the Story:

There wasn't anything that could be said about the stubborn streak that Cloud had. He was diiligently camped outside of the mansion grounds with his somewhat inactive motorbike propped up against a tree. The sword compartments of his bike were open, however and a few of the sword slots had been emptied out.

Why?

Because about a good distance away from the bike was Cloud, swinging two swords in a perfect fluid motion -- cutting through the air with ease and grace. The only-in-his-mind-ex-SOLDIER was practicing his swordman ship in the midst of not finding a single way out of this crazy place. Completely engrossed in keeping himself in check in the case that his skills would be needed at some point.

Comments

[holdingflowers.livejournal.com]

Even Aerith’s patience had its limit. She wanted Cloud to live inside like a normal person—was that really asking a lot? As they had thus far been able to convince Cloud to come in the mansion, she had decided it was time to take some action. She wasn’t quite sure where he had set up ‘residence’, but once she was actually outside, it wasn’t too hard to spot him. He looked sort of silly swinging his swords around like that.

She laughed to herself as she approached, wondering what the best way to get his attention would be. Aerith smiled, scooping up a small pebble and watching the back of his head carefully. With surprising aim she hurled it at the back of his head, hitting the back of his head with a soft thud.

[dontwantdespair.livejournal.com]

Cloud was anything BUT a normal person. Anyone who knew him could attest to that fact. He had felt the presence of another in his vicinity, but still, he continued with his practicing until he felt the tiny rock hit the back of his head. "...!" In mid-swing, he paused and turned to look at the guilty par-

... holy crap, it's Aerith. Lowering his weapons, he attaches the smaller sword into the larger one (easier to carry after all) and moves to face the flower girl. He holds himself straight, but he's still unable to look at her directly in the face for more than a brief moment.

When he speaks, it's in that soft tone that's always been meant for the cared-for-but-still-departed, "Hello, Aerith."

[holdingflowers.livejournal.com]

“I didn’t think it would actually hit you,” She lied with a sweet smile, stepping towards him. Aerith didn’t like how he seemed to be unable look her in the eye. To remedy this she leaned forward, tilting her head up to look at him. Your tricky avoidance tactics won’t work here, Cloud. “Do I have something on my face?” She asked innocently, tapping his chin lightly before straightening up. Of course she knew she didn’t, but it would be worth it if she could make Cloud a little embarrassed. Not that that was hard to do.

“So, is this where you’ve been living?” Aerith walked passed him, hands clasped behind her back as she surveyed his motorcycle. “I think maybe some flowers would brighten up the place…” She glanced back at him over her shoulder with a sly smile on her face. “Maybe you should put in some new carpeting too, Cloud.”

[dontwantdespair.livejournal.com]

Still almost a head taller than her, Cloud couldn't avoid the natural habit of looking down at cetra. "No, you don't. Nothing's on your face, Aerith." It was awkward, actually being within living distance of her. It was one thing to see her in the lifestream or as a memory walking away, but to Cloud, this person before him that he hadn't been able to save was there.

His gaze followed her as she checked out the camp site he had made for himself outside of the mansion and when she mentioned redecoration, the blonde motioned his spiky haired head towards the gardens that were within eyeshot of his spot, "I've got a better view from out here. Carpet isn't necessary."

[holdingflowers.livejournal.com]

“Are you just trying to avoid me?” Aerith asked as she continued to inspect his campsite. While it sounded something like a joke, she was genuinely curious. She was happy to see Cloud, but she could understand why it would be difficult for him. Waiting for an answer, she wandered away from Cloud’s motorcycle, crouching in front of a patch of flowers. She plucked a few daisies between her fingers, humming softly to herself as she skillfully weaved them together. She wanted to hear an answer from Cloud before she said anything else.