tabularasa_rp | (open) and i heard your voice as clear as day

[ Did anyone really expect that a location that appeared in the void with flowers inside of it would be spared the attentions of the local florist? ]

Whoa... [ It's the first time she's visited this particular area, and Aerith enters with mouth slightly agape in awe of the interior. The fact that the place isn't totally flooded is a miracle in and of itself, but the inside is just so strange that it stops her near the entrance...for a moment, before her exploration continues.

Aerith ventures inside, poking her head into the different zones and finding them, like the beach, depressingly full of trash. The only one that's different is worse - full of fire - and she withdraws with a surprised yelp. ]

Guess I won't be investigating that one... [ To say the least. Before the place burns down, though, she's drawn to the flower beds that aren't on fire within the main hall of the dome. The brunette hums happily to herself as she crouches down to observe them, lost in thought for a long while as she debates whether or not to pick some, to transplant some to the church, or just to admire them where they grow now. ]

I don't suppose you're chattier than the other flowers here, huh? [ Comes the hopeful little question. In the silence that follows, she sighs. ] Figures...

Do flowers routinely talk, where you're from?

[he's not judging -- more, he's honestly curious. Noct has filled him in on a few of the basics already, like how the people here are from all different versions of reality, so it could very well be that flowers do talk, where she's from. he'd hate to think what all the vegetables he and Gladio have picked, over the course of the last few months, would have to say, if they could talk]

[he also realizes, albeit belatedly, that he may have startled her, and so he holds up a hand, all at once placating] Ah, my apologies for sneaking up on you.

[ Ignis doesn't exactly startle her, but he does shake her from her reverie. Aerith stands up and brushes her dress off, turning to him with a smile. ]

Oh, sort of. They talk to me, anyway. [ But she's a special snowflake. ] Besides, you can still talk to them even if they're not feeling chatty, you know!

[ Give it a try, Ignis! ]

What is this place? [ Aerith inquires of the stranger, glancing around. ] Ay ideas?

That would be too ranunculus even for me, I think. [ridiculous, ranunculus. he couldn't resist the flower pun]

In all seriousness, though, I'm not entirely sure. [though, he does take another look around, too, as if something will stick out that sheds some light on the situation. when nothing does, he shakes his head and returns his attentions to Aerith] It's a miracle it's not flooded, if nothing else, I suppose. [even if he can't guess at its purpose, otherwise]

[ Aerith picks up on the pun, mouth twitching at an amused smile as she utters a chuckle. ]

Yeah... I can't say I've ever been here before, but it's strange for sure. [ There's a pause, and then another, little laugh. ] That's just the way everything is around here, though, don't you think?

[ Each new location or creature is as odd as the last. Generally they're nothing to worry about, at least... ]

[he flashes her a brief smile in response, pleased that he got her to laugh, however faintly. when he sobers again, it's with a nod] Decidedly. [a beat] Have you seen the chicken with hands for feet?

[look, he's hung up on the chicken nugs. everything else, he's kind of taking in a blasé sort of stride, as is his wont, but he can get past the chickens]

The - what? [ Okay, she laughs even more at that image, shaking her head in amused disbelief. ] You're joking.

[ Well, probably not. Aerith knows that this place has its share of bizarre wildlife, having seen some of it herself. One of those creatures also lives with her, so...she's the last person to cast aspersions on claims of weird animals. ]

If only I were. [a beat] Your best bet to find one would be away from the mountain, I think. They've no feathers, either. [so, they're probably not going to be anywhere cold]

[ ... you see why this is horrifying, though?]

I'll keep an eye out. [ Mireille might not like another bird-creature, though... ] Did you see the really tall ones? They had long necks, and were...in the forest, I think.

[ She'd seen them with Tifa, but it'd been a while ago, now. ]

I have. [a beat] We have something similar, back home -- minus the wings, of course, but ... [but the winged giraffe are close enough to an anak that it's not as jarring as the chickens]

Maybe it was part of the creature you're familiar with! That's apparently how it happens...

[ Consider: almost literally everything else in this world, and how they've all been spliced together to...varying effect. ]

I'm actually not sure I've seen anything from my home, yet. ...There might've been mention of a chocobo...?

Possibly, though -- chocobo?

[it's very clear he was about to say something else, there, and got derailed by the mention of a chocobo. the look on his face lends weight to that idea]

You wouldn't happen to be from Eos, would you? [maybe he was wrong in thinking she wasn't from his world. maybe she's just never seen an anak, for all that they're native to Leide. maybe ... ]

Eos? No: Gaia. [ She smiles knowingly, though. ] You must be from Noctis' world, am I right?

[ He's the only other one so far who's mentioned it, anyway. ]

[he can't help but smile at the mention of Noct, though it's a quiet thing]

I am. [a beat] He's a very dear friend. [so much more than just his king]

Ah ha! Well, I'm glad to hear he has someone from home here with him. I'm sure it's been lonely, being the only one.

[ He'd mentioned an "Ardyn" down in the tunnels, but the implications had...not been especially friendly. ]

[and his smile falls, at that]

Only one? [a beat] I was under the impression that Prompto was here, as well. [then again, he really hasn't seen much of Prompto, since he's been here. maybe he's mistaken?]

Oh - he could be! I just haven't met him. [ She smiles encouragingly, though, not wanting to dispirit her new acquaintance. ] Noctis would know for sure.

[ She assumes as much, anyway! ]

He's another friend of yours? If you tell me about him, maybe I can keep an eye out!

[ This place was apparently somehow inspired by - or through - Parsee, and she'd been meaning to visit for some time. Aerith had encountered Ahsoka there when they'd first met, of course, but she hadn't spent much time there otherwise.

When she arrives, Aerith takes a moment to smile at the flowers nearby (ones that looked suspiciously like the vibrant blooms she'd noticed within the dome, previously). After that, she approaches the bridge but doesn't step onto it, resting a hand on one of the gates to the side and peering out across it, seemingly lost in thought.

After spending some time considering the old bridge, Aerith begins to head back the way she came...until the small shrine off of the path catches her eye, and she approaches it without a second thought. There's a little laugh at the sight of the scissors set up as some kind of offering on the shrine, but otherwise she seems generally thoughtful and reverent. She moves in front of it, reaching out to touch the shrine briefly before withdrawing her arm again and adopting a gesture of prayer, hands folded in front of her and eyes closed.

She still can't hear the Planet in this place, but this is a nice area to...extend her thoughts and hopes for everyone all the same. ]

You can't ask where we're going, okay? It'd spoil the surprise!

[ It's been a long, long time coming. Aerith had been trying to get something together for the two of them since his arrival, and though it was derailed by their collective trip into the weird, dangerous tunnels beneath this world, things seemed to be better, and more stable lately. Hence why she'd tracked Zack down today and informed him that they had a date to attend, but one with details that she'd kept intentionally vague.

What's life and love without a little mystery, right? ]

[Aerith has always been somewhat unpredictable and that has always been part of the charm that has wrapped Zack right back in. So when she had told him that they were having a mysterious date today all he had to do was smile and nod and follow.]

As long as it's nowhere dangerous I can't really complain. Lead the way.

[He gives her a confident look and lets her lead the way. But really, no creepy tunnels under the ground. Okay?]

No promises! [ There's a mischievous gleam in her eyes, but she admits a laugh, hand raised to her mouth. ] Kidding. It'll be fine, okay?

[ Definitely not the creepy tunnels. She's had more than enough of them in the time they'd all been forced to spend there.

As they walk, she keeps pace at his side, arms linked behind her back. ]

So...how's it been? Being here, I mean. You...got out of that weird underground area OK?

[Zack gives her a grin because he knows better than anyone that even if she says no promises and takes it back it could still mean that this date could be dangerous- or would it be adventurous?

None the less he falls into step with her and stretches his arms over his head for a moment.]

Yeah, I did. I don't know a lot about what happened, though. This place is as confusing as ever.

[Zack's never really been that smart-smart, after all.]

I'm still getting used to just having everyone around. But it's been... decent. [Sephiroth things aside-]

Yeah... [ Well, almost everyone. She should probably tell him about Sephiroth - about his actions here, and everything else she knows - but...not today. Not during their date.

So, instead, she keeps her voice mild as they walk. ]

How have things been with Cloud and Tifa? I'm sure it's been tough...

[ Considering Cloud's situation, especially. Tifa, at least, has all the memories she should. ]

[He's more than happy to stay off the topic of Sephiroth today. He wants to enjoy his day with her. But talking about their other favourite people is more than okay.]

Things are great with Tifa, I helped her clean up the church yard just the other week. Plus, it's been real nice just to catch up with her. I thought she'd hate seeing me again but it's nice to actually get to talk to her.

[And Zack is trying his best to do what he can for Tifa. As for Cloud...]

And Cloud? Well, I'm still trying to keep my distance. I don't want to confuse him, you know? But- [Zack laughs as he shakes his head.] It's hard to ignore him. You know how it is.

[Like a big brother all Zack wants to do is ... be an annoying big brother.]

That's good... [ She thinks at first that it'd be hard to imagine Tifa hating anyone, but...then she thinks of what happened to Sector 7. What happened to her hometown, too, and the people there she loved.

Maybe it isn't so difficult to imagine after all. Aerith sets her jaw and falls into line beside Zack, bumping briefly, affirmingly, against his shoulder. ]

I know. [ Aerith's unhappy expression twists into a conflicted smile at the mention of Cloud. ] It's hard to just let the guy do his thing, isn't it? You want to help him out... That's what friends do.

[ Particularly friends who know more than they should and are trying to mitigate the damage of that truth. ]

He'll be okay, though. [ The flower girl says, with soft confidence in her voice. ] It won't be easy, but...he will be.

[It's that soft confidence that brings a smile back to Zack's face again. He casually slides an arm around her shoulders to walk closer with her and to just be closer.]

Yeah, I know he will be. He's a tough nut.

[He's seen Cloud do some pretty wild things. Handling a few jumbled up memories should be a piece of cake for him. Eventually. Even if Zack still thinks he needs to take things slowly and carefully. He just doesn't want to get in the way of what Cloud's already built up.]

So, what about you? What have you been up to lately aside from planning mysterious dates?

Who, me? Oh, you know...taking care of the flowers, and working on our little business. [ beat ] Have you met Merlin? He has a garden of his own, and we've been doing a kind of swap to try out different varieties!

[ Other than that...? ]

I also keep hearing about how I could make a pretty good Pokémon trainer. Have you met any of them? Lance, or Raihan, or... [ Hang on - ] Blue said he knew you, Tifa, and Cloud, actually! I just met him in the tunnels...

[Zack nods with a grin.]

Haven't heard of a Merlin. But, I've run into Lance, Raihan and Blue. All those guys.

[Seems Zack is on his way to becoming a pokemon master or something it seems.]

Blue's the guy who runs the bar for Tifa now, I think? He's quite the character. Pretty forward kinda dude.

Is he? Maybe he's working with Ren, then. [ Or maybe she's just remembering it wrong. Either way! ] He was pretty nice to me in the tunnels. Though I think his Arcanine was feeling pretty protective...

[ By now, they're approaching The Surprise. Aerith moves in front of Zack, arms again behind her back as she stops short. ]

Ready? You have to close your eyes and I'll lead you there, okay? And no peeking!

[Or Zack has things wrong, sometimes he still feels like the new guy in town. Blue was serving drinks at the bar that's all he knows!!

But now Aerith is moving in front of him and Zack snorts with some laughter. He stops and smiles at her.]

Close my eyes? Are we walking into a trap? [He teases but off he goes with closing his eyes.] Alright, lead the way and don't let me trip.

I won't! [ She hums, pleased, and leads him along with both hands. ]

Okay...ready? Open!

[ When he takes stock of his surroundings, Zack will see that they're on the edge of Mortis Lake. The bright purple foliage surrounds a scene just at the lakeside, where a large blanket has been laid out, bearing a single basket...and, of course, a few flowers, neatly piled into a bouquet atop the wicker.

There isn't anyone, or anything, in sight. Far above, the cliffs of Mt. Silver create a stark, gray backdrop, but the immediate effect is a mix of soft hues of purple, blue, and green.

Aerith takes a few steps away, back to the lake, gaze expectantly on Zack's expression. ]

So...ta-da! I thought...a little picnic for the two of us might be nice. What do you think?

[Zack isn't quite sure what to expect when he opens his eyes. More trash-laden beaches? Ruins ontop of a mountain? A white void sky? But when he opens his eyes to see the lake, the flowers and the picnic basket he can't help but be pleasantly surprised. Almost like he could keel over right now at how damn adorable this is.]

Aerith...

[His big dumb heart is squeezing, it's true.]

This is the best idea, I'd never come up with something as awesome as this.

[He's going to grab her hands with a squeeze before scooping her up in a tight bear hug and a twirl.]

Whoa...! [ She laughs, surprised and delighted, when he lifts her up and spins her around. Aerith is pink in the face, eyes bright, when he finally sets her back on the ground, and she beams up into his face, looking a touch sheepish. ]

I'm sure you could've done something like this! It's not a big deal...I've just had more time to explore, that's all.

[ But, she really is thrilled he seems to like it. There's a sort of a breathless pause, and she tucks a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. ]

I got some stuff from Heavenly Blanc, and from the cafe, so...should be pretty good! Shall we?

[He might just linger there a moment longer, looking at her flushed face and her smile. It warms him up right to the core.]

Yeah, let's lunch. I'm starving, I could eat a whole chocobo.

[Zack's had a lot of food and drink from Heavenly Blank so far already so he's looking forward to it! He moves to take his seat on the blanket, easing down with a happy sigh.]

Well, I'm sorry to say there isn't a whole chocobo in there. [ Aerith giggles, nodding toward the basket as they settle down. ] But, hopefully this'll be enough...

[ She unloads what looks like a mason jar filled with an amber liquid, as well as containers of rice, curry, and greens. ]

Do you know Ren? The guy I mentioned before. He's one of the first people I met when I got here... He helped me out with getting this together. [ He's the barista-slash-curry connoisseur, after all. ] So, if you don't like it, you have to blame him and not me, okay?

[ clearly joking ]

Hah-! Hey, it looks good! I'm always down to try some new foods!

[Zack's always liked spicy and savoury foods so he doesn't mind it at all to try some new curry. He makes himself comfortable and takes one of the serving jars with a curious grin. He's opening it up and giving it a sniff. Curry!]

Yeah, Ren- the coffee guy, right? I've seen him around a few times. You'd think with a few people there are around here I'd have an easier time remembering names and face. But I'm getting there!

That's the one! [ She beams at him as she distributes the food and drink, passing over a dish and a napkin (the curry powder tends to stain her fingers gold). ] He's a great guy. ...Oh! He's also helping out at the church, if you've seen him there...?

[ Who else? Aerith makes a small, thoughtful noise as she reviews all the people she's met here in her head. ]

Do you know Legion? They're...not really a robot, but...ah! Geth. That's what their species is. Nothing like I've ever seen, but they're really interesting, and pretty gentle, too. I think they're even a neighbor of mine at the apartments.

[Don't mind as Zack tucks right into the meal with a spoonful going right into his mouth as he listens to her list off names and species.]

Legion- Nope. [Munch munch.] What's a Geth? I'll have to try and meet him next-

[...Wait a minute, this curry stuff is really good??]

Aerith- This is delicious?!

Edited 2021-01-06 00:10 (UTC)

That's their race, I think. They're...from space?

[ She isn't fully caught up on her Geth lore.

His reaction makes her light up, and she nods enthusiastically. ]

I told you! Is it great? [ Don't mind her as she chows down, too! ] I think one of the best parts of being here is getting to experience little things from all these different worlds. There's the food, but also...seeing some of their creatures, and hearing stories, or even just how they talk. It's really incredible.

[ They have diversity throughout Gaia, of course, but not like this. These are people - beings - from across the multiverse. It's a little overwhelming, even. ]

( aerith can be found in most places for one reason or another, so feel free to leave your own prompt! she's most often at the lemon cello church or the apartments, so those are easy bets. for any plotting, you can pm this account or reach out on plurk @

kairaptor! )

(The church tends to get a little messy sometimes. After all, they are constantly moving dirt, flowers, pots, sometimes something breaks and there's no way Ren would ever let Aerith deal with it herself.

So, today, it's clean-up time for the florists. Ren's swept the floors, organized the flowers and now, it would be time for a little break. Had he brought his own snack, he wouldn't be about to eat cake right now... It's not that he doesn't like it, it's just... It's a little too sweet for his taste.

So he gets his first bite, shuddering at the assault of sugar to his taste buds.)

... How? (It's a question for the cake, as he looks at it in disbelief. It looked to be the least overwhelming of them all.)

How...what? [ Comes the question, as Aerith pokes her head up from where she's been squatting over the flowers. ] Everything okay?

[ She can see he's got a piece of cake, but...wouldn't necessarily suspect that the dessert was the source of question. ]

How is it so sweet?

(Water? Coffee? Coffee. Ren sips before the sweetness attacks again, shaking his head to the tastes blending. Ugh.)

The cake? [ She questions, laughing a little. ] It's dessert, silly!

[ Aerith moves over to take a seat opposite Ren, cocking her head playfully. ]

It's got a ton of sugar in it, so it's gonna be sweet.

Overly so.

(Holding the plate by the edges, he motions it towards her.)

Would you like it? (Being wasteful is not a thing for him... He'll brave through if she doesn't want it.)

If you're not gonna eat it... [ She heaves an exaggerated sigh, throwing up her hands before accepting the fork. ] I guess I'll have to take one for the team!

[ Or something. She's happy to take over for him, though, humming happily as she nabs a bite. ]

What're some other foods you like? Besides curry and coffee, that is.

(She's so cute that she draws a better mood from him along with a laugh.)

Spicy things. You?

(For all he knows about Midgar, their culinary is never a subject that emerges in conversation.)

Hmm... Dunno. I don't really have a favorite. [ Aerith shrugs, but seems to consider it, and then adds: ] I guess I really like anything my mom cooks up. There's nothing like a meal you have at home, you know?

[ She isn't sure she'll ever get to have something cooked by Elmyra again, but that's a depressing thought for another day. ]

(open) and i heard your voice as clear as day

❀ simulation joint

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❀ shrine bridge

❀ date night (closed to zack)

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❀ ota!

woop woop

Re: woop woop

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