isleofavalon | [Catch-All] Moving Forward

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[Catch-All] Moving Forward

🧙 WHO: Aerith Gainsborough, You
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch-All for August / September
🕒 WHEN: August / September
🗺️ WHERE: Aerith's flower shop, Camelot, and wherever else we need to be.
⚠️ WARNINGS: TBD

[They drop down! Click if you don't see them.]

► [01. Flowers, Flowers Everywhere]

[Aerith's flower shop has seen a lot more activity than she's expected. When she initially opened it, she'd assumed it would be a relatively calm pastime. She's not prepared herself for just how many visitors she'd get.

The upstairs loft painting has finally been completed, though it looks a... little like a child did it in some places. (That's Aerith's masterful painting at work there, along with some help from Nanaki—but the latter's was better.) She's made it less cluttered in most places, creating a nice comfortable little way off to the side where there's some in-house teas available at no additional charge. The patio outside now has a few smaller tables and chairs for those who want to sit in the sun and enjoy the sights. The other portion of the store holds a curtain of hanging ivy and other blooms that pave way for a plant paradise right within, though it can get a little warm and humid in there.

In short, Aerith has been busy.

Today, she's in the midst of writing some instructional cards for some of the newer plants that she's presenting in the front window. She tucks them in all nice and neat and catching the eye of the next passerby, she lifts a hand and offers a welcoming wave and a bright smile.]

► [02. A Real Place]

[Aerith... has never gone house shopping before and realises that as she's begun to look at new residences, she has no idea what she's actually gotten herself into. She's been using her phone to get around to the best of her ability, but with no real idea as to where she should be heading next or what seems to be the most logical course of action in terms of distance, she really spends most of her time wandering from one district to the other, stopping occasionally to examine some of the houses.

In the midst of still peering at her phone on the way to her next misadventure, she lifts a hand to grab onto the person nearest her, tugging on the arm.]

Hi, excuse me. Can you help me find this place here?

[And then she lifts up her phone. It's a nice, small, very modest looking place. Can't be more than two bedrooms at the most, if even that. Definitely bigger than the apartment she's currently stationed in, however.]

► [03. Lending a Hand - Don't Treep, Man]

[It's another moment where she's almost a little envious that she doesn't have green magic. It'd certainly make her growing anything significantly easier. But maybe that's a little too easy. There's something to be said about the achievement of hard work and earned success.

Not part of the green mage collective, Aerith helps around the farmland by doing a little bit of everything that she can get her hands on. Her favourite thing to do, however, is the watering. It's easy to find her going down a line of very small sprouts that have only just begun to pop right up out of the ground, modestly watering them.

And talking to them. Because that's a necessity, you know.]

Oh, look at you! [She croons happily.] You're looking so good! You're gonna grow up nice and strong, right? [In fact, Aerith is probably a little too excited about something as trivial as watering plants. But seriously—talking to them is good for them.]

► [04. Wildcard]

[As it reads on the tin. Wildcard option available for those who aren't looking to use the above prompts. If you'd like to do something special, please either PM, PP at ofthesky, or contact via Discord. We'll set something up!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Tifa had been wandering around the residential district with Aerith, her arm looped through hers, in search of this quaint little home on her phone's display, when she realizes that they might have gotten themselves a little turned around. The houses are nice to look at, but with most of them occupied, she's antsy to get a good look inside one of them, so when she sees someone wandering past, Tifa nudges them along.

The woman is happy to help—she's an older lady living in one of the houses, who's wandered out to tend to the weeds lining the fence of her yard, and she peers over to Aerith's phone, commenting on the technology before she nods enthusiastically and points down the street.]

"Oh, yes! This one! Go down the block a ways and take your first right. Should be tucked away in a nice little cul-de-sac. It's a cute little house. Can't believe it's up for sale."

[Tifa's smile grows warm, and she reaches out to rest an appreciative hand on the woman's shoulder.]

Finally! Been looking around here for a while. Thank you so much!

[Then, to Aerith:] This neighbourhood feels perfect for you.

[Aerith perks up easily. Everyone in the area has been so kind. When Tifa mentions that it's about a perfect fit, it's very easy to see how she comes to that conclusion.]

Thanks for your help.

[Is her own appreciative response before she and Tifa begin the route to said house.

The arm entwined with Tifa's tightens ever in slight and as she looks over to her, she puts her phone away. Otherwise, she might just get lost in the plethora of pictures of its interior. She's already in love with it, really. The concept of price, however, looms over her head.

Does she even make enough for it? Has she squirrelled enough away for just such an endeavour?]

I really like this one. Not just the house, but the neighbourhood. Everyone's so nice and friendly. And it's not super crowded. Makes me think a little of being at home with my mom.

Maybe that's what it is...

[The people that they've passed on the way here have all been kind, pointing them in the right direction or waving from their gardens, and the children play out on the sidewalks and streets without much of a second thought, perhaps because they feel safe enough to do so. She wondered what it was when they wandered into the neighbourhood, but she sees it now.]

This place kinda reminds me of the slums, except not as loud and smelly.

[Or crowded.

Nothing will ever make her forget that rotten egg smell that always lingered in Sector Seven, but it was never about that. It was about the sense of community, and the way everyone kept to themselves but still looked out for the good of the neighbourhood. It felt a little like Sector Five, so she can see what Aerith sees in this place. It all makes Tifa miss it, just a little bit.]

How'd you come across it anyway? It's so tucked away.

I thought the same thing too, actually. It feels... like home.

[Aerith, though she's adapted well to life in Camelot, misses home very much. She misses her mom. She misses the orphanage. She misses helping the locals. She misses simply being comfortable in a place she knows.

She doesn't miss Shinra, however. And she... definitely doesn't miss Hojo or any of the memories that come with him.

At Tifa's question, she looks over to her and grins.]

Would you believe it was kind of accidental? When I started looking for places, I was using the online network and just sort of travelling around to the different areas to check out the area. This one was one of the last ones on my list, but I'll be honest, it's my favourite one so far. I'm glad that you're here with me to look at it.

[She isn't in the least bit surprised. Tifa has been around since coming, mostly just wanting to get a feel for the city and what it has to offer, but one of her favourite things about this house is that it's tucked away in its own small world, away from the dangers that lurk outside the city walls, and the bustle of the main streets. Seeing it now, she hasn't seen as much as she thought.]

Of course. Need to make sure that you get only the best, and I'm a tough nut to crack.

[Tifa knows what it's like to live in less-than-ideal conditions, and Aerith deserves better than the best of what Camelot has, if she's being honest. Not even this house will live up to the standards Tifa has set, but it will come pretty damn close.]

Ah, there it is!

[Just like that, they arrive at the cul-de-sac and she motions to the house with the For Sale sign stuck into its front yard.]

So what you're really saying is that it has to pass your standards too, hm?

[There's probably no one better for that kind of evaluation, honestly. If she can rely on anyone, it's Tifa. There's likely not many others who would have her best interests at heart.

"...there it is!"

Tifa's outburst catches her attention and she eyes the For Sale sign with some thought. It's about as cute in person as it is by photo. Small. Dainty. Comfortable. It looks perfect. Aerith can't help wondering what the catch is. If there is one, at all.]

Oh, it's darling.

[She's enamoured already.] Think they'll mind if we take a look around? [Aerith asks it, but honestly, she's already looking to make a beeline to do exactly that.]

[She doesn't even need to be the first to make a beeline for the house because Tifa's already nudging her along to the front lawn, where the grass is so green and taken care of that she wonders if it's even real. Small flower beds sprinkle the yard with colour, and the trees sway in the wind, almost as if they're greeting them.]

That's why we're here, isn't it? Wouldn't be up for sale if they weren't willing.

[At least, that's what she thinks anyway. Arm in arm, she'll lead Aerith even further up the sidewalk to the front door where Tifa leans on her tiptoes to try peering in through the large window beside it into what she can only assume is the living area. Mostly to check if anyone is home, but a little preview of what's to come never hurts...!]

You should do the honours.

[Aerith grins from ear-to-ear. She shouldn't expect anything less. Of course Tifa is only more than willing to encourage her. Once again, Aerith finds herself thankful. What would she do without this girl and where had she been so many years ago in Aerith's youth?

Better late than never, is sometimes what they say.

Following in suit without much hesitance, Aerith leans against the window lightly to get a good look. It's a spacious, bright, welcoming sitting room. It doesn't take much for Aerith to visually plan where she can hang pots and how she can envision things. In some ways, it's a little overwhelming. This is an opportunity she hasn't had before. One she won't have in the future if things go the way she thinks they will.

All of this is surreal.]

Yes, I definitely should.

[After being satisfied with her assessment, Aerith gives Tifa a gentle tug as she makes way for the front door and with two very polite knocks, she waits until they're greeted by a middle-aged woman with a cheery disposition to whom Aerith explains her interest in purchasing the property. And just as politely, trying to choke down her eagerness, she puts in a breath after a desire to take a look around.

It's an easy conversation to have, though undoubtedly easier with Tifa at her side. One very welcome in and Aerith is psyched.]

All right! [She exclaims, passing her gaze to Tifa.] Let's do it to it, but probably stay out of her way. Doesn't seem like she has a problem with us just looking around and I don't really want to interrupt her. So let's be as inconspicuous as possible!

I'll make inconspicuous my middle name.

[Tifa has no problem with it, and even less so because the woman was so kind about it. She welcomed them inside, offers them some tea which Tifa politely declines, and telling them that she will be in her office working should Aerith have questions about the house. How kind of her, Tifa thinks to herself... This place has plenty of bad eggs, but it's people like her that more than make up for it.

Her decorations are what anyone might imagine a single, middle-aged woman would have. There are photos of her and her family—kids, she assumes?—lined up on the mantle of the small brick fireplace, as well as any open spots available on the side tables. It's bright and colourful, but not so much that it's an eyesore. It's the kind that makes it feel warm, like a home should be.

Of course, Tifa is most interested in the kitchen, perhaps for her own selfish reasons? If Aerith is going to be living somewhere, then Tifa will absolutely need a spacious and bright kitchen to come over and cook for her occasionally, right? They'll have dinner dates and she'll make her cakes, or sit down someplace nice with a drink made by her every once in a while to unwind? Maybe she's letting her imagination get the better of her, making all kinds of assumptions about what their lives in Camelot could be like, but...

The thought of it is enough to make her laugh to herself, giddy with excitement for Aerith, before she wanders back to where her friend might be.]

I've only seen two rooms and I think I'm in love already.

[...What is Tifa's middle name? Aerith realises she's never asked. But maybe she doesn't have one. Not everyone does, after all. It's not like she has one either. She's a little more amused by the notion that she probably should be, but that's Aerith in a nutshell.

Aerith has no issues accepting tea from the woman who could be the one fulfilling her dreams of owning a small, happy home. In fact, she carries it with her with a great deal of care as she wanders a few of the rooms to admire the lay out. It's not taking her long to imagine where she can put things. How she wants to design and decorate. Aerith is no grand decorator either and just one look at her apartment spells that out plainly because it's basically drowning in plants.

For just some moments, she spends her time in the sitting room before she scopes out the very modest bathroom. It isn't particularly fancy, but it is cosy and that's what really matters. A simple bathtub slash shower combination and pretty mirror and counter. Aerith finds her way to a bedroom, which she assumes is the 'master' bedroom. She could use the other room as a guest room...

It's easy to imagine herself creating something of a life for herself here. For just a moment, she remembers Sephiroth asking her about that. If that had been her plan. She's sobered by that thought, but then Tifa finds her and pulls her right out of those thoughts. She turns to her friend, all smiles.]

I feel the same way. It's so comfortable and welcoming. You know, there's two rooms here, Tifa. You could come stay with me whenever you wanted.

[Tifa practically lights up at the thought.

It's maybe a little childish to call it a sleepover, but she's never had one before. She's never curled up in her pajamas with a friend and watched movies late into the night—way too late for anyone—with a large bowl of snacks, and then they talk until they both fall asleep, and then—

Those are the kinds of things she could only dream about, and by the time she'd met Jessie and the others, she was too old for those ideas to become a reality. And even now, half of that wouldn't happen, but the idea of being able to stay over at Aerith's for a night is something that once upon a time, she could have only imagined what that would be like.

She has to pull herself out of those spiralling thoughts, and she almost reaches out to clasp her hands around Aerith's, only to realize that she's carrying a small cup of tea.]

You know, the kitchen is perfect.

[A light shade of pink rises in her cheeks.]

I'd definitely need a place to put my head down after making a nice meal for us...

[Tifa is transparent. Maybe it's simply because Aerith is intuitive, but she's almost certain that enthusiasm is palpable. As if it's a feeling that can manifest itself into very flesh. Not so unlike her immediate companion, Aerith's feelings are swirling of similar thoughts.

As a child, there are many things she's missed out on. Making friends. Keeping them. Holding onto them. Knowing she has someone she can rely on. Some of these seem like such natural concepts and yet to Aerith, given her very complicated history, she's not always had such luxuries available to her. Just the mere notion of being able to have any kind of space with Tifa, even if not a more permanent arrangement, leaves her absolutely tickled pink.

She grins broadly, and her gaze moves just slightly off of Tifa toward the direction of the kitchen. She shouldn't be surprised at all. Aerith's not much of a cook personally, but maybe Tifa will share with her some of her hints and tips.]

You don't actually need an excuse to stay with me. You could just stay with me because you wanted to. At least, I don't think you need a reason.

I think I've already got a pretty good reason to stay anyway.

[She fixes Aerith with a pointed look. Honestly, she doesn't need any more reason to stay besides Aerith. She's become a bit of a necessary constant in Tifa's life here, and although the two of them have been off doing their own things—which is great!—it's nice to know that she's here, and should she ever need it, she would have a place to go.

Speaking of that, she should go check out that guest bedroom when she's finished appraising the kitchen, which is where she urges Aerith to next along with her.]

I hope you won't mind eating in the living room. I found a movie rental place with some stuff I really think you'd like...

[Already coming up with ideas on how to spend a girl's night in...! She's just excited, okay...]

[Tifa makes her point succinctly and quite clear. Not even a full beat passes before Aerith grins knowingly. It's a comforting notion, that Tifa doesn't even need to hesitate to make such an offer. Whether it's Aerith's own charms or if that's just an earnest appreciation of her something bizarre habits, she's moved by the notion. But maybe she'd be that way with anyone who accepted her so readily.

Aerith prefers to think of Tifa as quite special and unique, however.

She doesn't take any convincing at all to join back en route to the modest guest room. It's apparent by its size that it's not the master at all, but it has its own equally modest bathroom. It's comfortable and cosy, with plenty of room for some welcoming decoration. On top of whatever a guest might want to bring.]

I don't mind that at all. This is starting to sound like a slumber party. I always wanted to do that when I was little. It's never too late to start, right?

[She and Tifa aren't children any longer, but sometimes based on their behaviour, that might not always be apparent. Both of them have been without experiences that they otherwise might have been able to have and hold. Neither can say their childhoods were particularly... normal.]

What kinds of movies were you thinking?

[A slumber party is exactly what she was going for. Growing up surrounded by boys, of course her parents never allowed her the luxury of sleepovers, and really—one can never be too old for that, right? Besides the excitement at having the opportunity to spend time with Aerith, the notion that this kind of life is only temporary is what's spurring her forward so quickly. Tifa knows the fight that's waiting for them when they return to Gaia, so she wants to seize the opportunity to make the best of what they have now... Sleepovers and slumber parties might not be something she can afford when they're back.

So when she enters the guest bedroom, she steps right into the middle by the bed and stretches her arms wide.

It's like this room was made specially for me.

That's more a musing to herself than at Aerith, and more laughter bubbles in her chest.]

As for movies... You know, I'm not so sure. Cheesy romances, maybe?

[Eustace had surprised her with his choice in film at the theatre, so she's learned not to assume, but cheesy romances are always a fun, safe bet.]

What kinds do you think you'd enjoy?

[Just watching Tifa in the guest bedroom makes Aerith erupt into laughter. She's endearing. As she stands in the doorway, she leans against the frame and simply watches for several long moments. She's making a memory, then and there. The vivid nature of the room. How spacious it is. The scent of the tea wafting up from her still-warm cup. The glimmer of light poking rays right through the glass, spreading pattern across the floor. Tifa, from head to toe, in all of her very individual glory. The complete portrait is a beautiful one without compare.

She holds this moment and all of the others related to it, right in the depths of her heart, a sacred little place that so few things and people ever quite make it to.

Her attention turns when she makes mention of romances. Cheesy romances, at that.]

I think that's a good idea. I've never had anyone that I could share something like that with. Honestly, I'm not sure what we'd be watching would be as important as just watching anything with you. But cheesy romances... Hm. That sounds indulgent. Maybe we both could use a little something like that. I get this feeling that neither of us have ever really had much of that.

[Self indulgence or cheesy romances, honestly.]

[There was very little room for self indulgence in Midgar, but slowly, Tifa is learning that it's okay to indulge once in a while in something for herself, or in this case, for both of them. She isn't even sure if she'd be a fan of the cheesy romance flicks or if they would be too much sap even for her, but that's why they're going to need to give it a try.]

It was always the news or cartoons back home, [she explains through a laugh.] Marlene would always beg me to turn on the cartoons while she ate her breakfast. That, or Barret would tell me "turn on the news!" so that we could watch the new Avalanche development.

[The latter wasn't as fun as sitting and watching magical girls transform or talking bunnies wreaking havoc, but they're still memories she fondly looks back on.

She pauses to check out the closet, swinging the doors open before peering over her shoulder with a smirk.]

Unless you wanna watch some cartoons, but I didn't pin that as quite your style.

[Cartoons and the news. Two opposite ends of the spectrum. Aerith can't remember watching much of anything, save for the announcements that fluttered through Midgar. But the media throughout the area was often too disheartening, too easy to drown in. Not that living in ignorant bliss was much of an option either. Even if it had been, Aerith doubts she would have wanted it. Maybe it's simply that no matter how much she'd like to be ignorant from time to time, she can't be.

It doesn't take her much to utter a laugh in suit alongside Tifa. She can picture both Marlene and her father in their respective conversations, pleading for cartoons, demanding the news. Just hearing their voices livens Aerith a touch.

She remains positioned where she's at, folding her hands together with a grin.]

I dunno about thaaaat. Cartoons can be pretty great. They let you be all of these things you can't be outside of them. [Which is to say, they have some charm. But...] I think romance could be nice. I think I might like something that makes me laugh, too. No such thing as too much laughter.

Romantic comedies then...! Got it.

[Right down the alley of movies that Tifa thought of when the idea came to mind. "There's Something About Maureen", "Crazy Rich Avalonians", "You've got Electronic Mail"... Those were only some of the titles she remembers being recommended when she was at the rental store.

Although cartoons might be cute for the following morning over breakfast. Surely there's something that the two of them might enjoy and be able to laugh at, or something not so childish. You know, for tradition's sake—the Saturday morning cartoons!

Tifa's excitement is bubbling up again, transforming into more laughter while she swings the closet doors shut.]

Honestly...? I really like this place, Aerith... [But it's not her opinion that matters most.] What do you think?

[It's not hard to picture nights of popcorn and movies, laughing late into the night with Tifa. It's also not hard to imagine lying awake at night with Tifa nearby, thinking how she could easily live every night in the same way. Regardless of what the future holds. For just a moment, her breath catches. That's happening more and more, she finds. Being pointedly reminded of how things truly are.

It flutters for but a moment and Aerith immediately snaps her attention onto the present. At Tifa's question, she takes another look around the guest room. It's a slow, methodical examination.]

It feels like... home. [She begins thoughtfully.] I mean, it feels like I can turn it into a home. I think... I want it.

[Tifa watches Aerith, her smile only having room to grow with each moment she passes her judgement. The second that they stepped up to the front, Tifa knew it was a place she could imagine seeing her live, out in the gardens or tending to her many plants around the house, but the crucial decision was what Aerith thought of it.]

That's the important thing.

[And then she's suddenly compelled to cross the room and wrap her arms around Aerith in a hug. She doesn't know why, exactly, but does she really need a reason? Overcome by happiness and pride for the one person here she would consider her closest friend? It's brief but warm, but its firmness says all of that without her having to use words to.]

I'm so happy for you.

[She does anyway.]

Making a life for yourself here... I'm just... [She breathes in, and then heaves a great, relieved sigh.] Sometimes I miss home, but it's nice to know that some of us could.

[It's not until Tifa takes Aerith in her arms that the Cetra realises... she's really needed that. In truth, aside from taking the arm and occasionally holding a hand here or there, Aerith has been practically starved for affection. Although the concept of 'affection' might be pushing it a bit. It's more that she's been... Well. There's very few people she'd want genuinely close to her.

It's a very comforting feeling. Aerith wonders how many times she'll get to hug Tifa before—]

Be happy for you, too. I want to share my successes with you. It doesn't mean anything if it's only for me. I want everything I do here to have something to do with you as well. Even if it's only in a small way.

[Isn't that how it should be? Or does she simply feel that way because she considers Tifa to be so close?

Either way, it's such an Aerith thing to say. So undeniably and pointedly her.]

I miss home too, but I treasure every moment that you and I have here together. We won't be here forever. We owe it to ourselves to take happiness when it finds us.

[That really is such an Aerith thing to say, and it makes her heart feel full. Sharing such a big moment with someone—someone she considers to be her closest friend here—feels like a lot to ask for in spite of all that, but slowly, she's learning to stop denying herself those little (or big) things. If it's a big deal for Aerith, then it's a big deal for her, as it should be! Friends stick together, and support each other, and just like she said, share their successes with each other.

She's going to take those words to heart, and keep them close...

Although she can't help but feel a little jealous. Not in a bad way, but in a way that makes her long for something like this, too. Not a house, per se, but she's thought about Seventh Heaven a lot since leaving Midgar and then again in Camelot... ever since she stepped foot in Aerith's flower shop. But this is Aerith's moment now, not the time to be dwelling on that.]

You're right. We do owe it to ourselves, and to each other.

[Tifa gives her arm a gentle squeeze before she lets her hands fall to her sides. Another laugh she can't quite stifle rises.]

I've already got ideas for a housewarming party.

[Here she goes.]

[Aerith's expression softens, hearing the reflection of her feelings in Tifa's response. They owe it to themselves and to one another. Although weighted by the inevitable, without a doubt, her days are lighter and brighter with Tifa in Camelot. It's not that Aerith couldn't have handled things alone. She knows that she could. With Tifa here, however...

Things are so much easier.

She draws in a soft breath and relents only when Tifa mentions a party.]

A party...?

[They could do something like that, couldn't they? It seems like the kind of thing she would want everyone she knows to be a part of, too. An opportunity for all of them to be together. Good food. Good company. The gears in Aerith's head are turning and she slowly nods.]

Yeah. We should definitely do that. I can go shopping for things to eat. Can... we make them together? I'm not really much of a cook. My mom did most of that back home. But I think I'd do pretty good if you were helping me.

[But the underlying message there is simply that... Aerith doesn't want to be on her own. It's as close as she can come to admitting that stepping in that direction is a little scary.]

[Tifa can see those gears turning already, which only spurs her own into motion. She always did love hosting get-togethers with Avalanche. Honestly? It was her favourite thing about being a part of a group. Being able to bond over good food and drinks always does so much to bring people closer together. It makes it feel like they have a family. One big family.

So that neither of them will have to be all on their own. They won't be, not if Tifa has anything to say about it.]

You didn't even have to ask. [She flexes an arm, winking.] I've got a few cooking tricks up my sleeve, but I'm willing to share those secrets with you.

[They're not really secrets...]

I'd host parties all the time in Seventh Heaven. Usually everyone would just pick pizza or burgers, but... what's your favourite?

[She's going to teach Aerith how to make it, and make it good. No, perfect.]

[Catch-All] Moving Forward

2-ish!

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these titles are killing me jsyk

i'm so glad 😂 i'd totally see crazy rich avalonians

Honestly, so would I. I think we're officially making that a thing.

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