isleofavalon | ( closed ) december catch-all

[Every alchemist, Balthier has decided, should be so fortunate as to have a plant expert to turn to for aid when necessary— though her specialty is flowers in particular, there are a fair few of those on his list of reagents to collect during this outing to the Forest of the Felled, and having a second opinion when it comes to identifying other plants will be invaluable.

Of course, that's hardly the only reason they're here. Normally, walking through the forest during winter weather would not be his idea of a good time, but the day itself has been pleasantly mild despite all the recent snowfall, and naturally, the company is unparalleled.

There is also the matter of the box he's tucked away inside his peacoat that's been in his possession for the better part of a week now, but he hasn't quite been able to bring himself to offer to its intended recipient just yet. That, he'll handle later— or so he keeps telling himself.

For now, he glances over as he looks up from reviewing a few short notes he'd made in his field journal, the snow beneath their feet growing sparse now that they're well beneath the cover of the trees, and he offers a smile.]

Feeling in your element?

[There's a certain kind of chill in the air that is reminiscent for her. It should be unwelcome, but to her, it only leaves her pensive. Remembering older days that were somehow simpler days. Snagging Balthier for a walk is something of a surprising addition to her schedule. Are things back to normal between them? She wouldn't say that, but at least she's not trying to keep him at arm's length.

Or at phone's length. Anything beyond that are all things that Aerith has to work on when it comes to who and how she is.

As they're just beginning to enter the veil of trees, Aerith stops by a tree every so often and settles a hand to the bark. She still can't feel anything. No connection to the trees or the plants. They're filled with life and it's all she knows. Knowing and feeling are very different things. She's eyeing one thoughtfully when he addresses her, and she turns just enough to look to Balthier from over her shoulder.

...Probably not dressed as warmly as she ought to be. Whether that's Aerith being committed to her wardrobe or intentional one can only speculate.]

A little, yeah. I haven't been out here in a while. Last time I was it was some months back. I was trying to figure out what kinds of abilities I had here. Turned out I didn't have any.

[...Still doesn't explain the dream she had when she initially arrived, but it likely had nothing to do with the Lifestream.]

Have you been out here before? When you get in further, you almost can't see the sky, except where the sun peeks through a little here and there. It's actually really beautiful when the light strikes just so.

[He can't help but smile as he pauses to watch her most recent attempt to commune with one of the 'locals,' though it's a faint one. Knowing what he does now about who she is and where she comes from, he imagines the experience must be empty, compared to what she's used to— but that she still desires to reach out and try speaks to her character.]

I'm certain that must have been a jarring sort of discovery.

[Was it a relief, in its way? He wonders, but cannot bring himself to ask. Not just yet, anyway.]

I've been here a few times, thanks to various jobs, particularly those that have to do with trying to learn a bit from the local alchemists. I've never been here with such an excellent guide, however— one who can remind me to appreciate such things.

That's putting it mildly.

[Jarring. Disheartening. A lot of words to describe it. She'd spent so long having that connection that not having it in this world has made her feel... as if she's not whole. It's not a feeling she likes. It gives too much weight to her own thoughts. To her own voice.

He's laying it on again, that flattery of his. Aerith shoots him a grin, settling hands atop her hips as she shakes her head.]

'Excellent guide.' What're you sucking up to me for? It actually sounds like you appreciated flowers far before you ever met me. Remember when you were talking with me about galbana lilies? You seemed pretty fond of them when you were telling me about them.

[Mildly is probably too kind a word for it, as well. Despite having no comparable experience to draw on, he can imagine it must have left her feeling wholly unlike herself. That, however, is not why he'd asked her to accompany him into the forest today— he'll not encourage her to dwell on it.]

I'm insulted.

[He scoffs, shaking his head, though he grins in return, her own being as infectious as it is.]

Me, 'sucking up?' Do you think I'm being disingenuous? What you must think of me! Besides, fondness for a particular flower is hardly the same as possessing any sort of expertise.

Edited (it was funnier if he echoed her...) 2021-12-08 20:28 (UTC)

No, you're not.

[Aerith laughs a little harder at his response. As she turns a bit more fully, she folds her hands together, somewhat pleased at being able to get under his skin already. He makes it so easy. Even when they're squabbling or at odds with one another, it's one thing she can always rely on.]

I just think you might be giving me a little too much credit. I'm not native here, so I'm not an expert or anything. It's been about a year since I arrived and though I've learned a lot about the plants here, I'm sure there's more for me to learn. A lot of the knowledge I have is kind of general.

[Simulating environments and light cycles, after all, just needs to be tailored to the plant in question.]

I think we can settle for saying I know just enough to be dangerous and a little more than you.

And what, praytell, would I have to gain from excessive flattery?

[He raises an eyebrow at her in challenge, but amusement remains, that false incredulity of his fading away. Of course, there was no fooling her in that regard— not that he'd ever give it much effort.]

Enough to be dangerous. As an up-and-coming alchemist, I remain grateful to have you on my side.

[Nobody wants to cross a woman who has a good idea of just what to pick to brew a potent poison.]

Regardless, plants weren't the primary reason I asked you to accompany me. You're shocked, I'm certain.

I don't know. What could you gain?

[Eyeing him for several moments, Aerith colours just in slight.] I think I've given you everything I have. I'm not sure I have much more that I could offer. [In which case, maybe he just likes the idea of continuing to woo her. She could believe that.]

[As he continues, she nods along until he makes mention of her accompanying him. No, she supposes there was probably more to it, though what that more is, she's not sure. Balthier rarely does thing just for the sake of doing them.]

So shocked. [She replies with a grin.] I thought you just wanted my company. Trying to make up for lost time or something. Gonna guess that evening and night wasn't enough for you.

[It's impossible to miss the way her cheeks color, even if only for a moment, and he only gives her a warm, untroubled smile in reply.]

Worth keeping in mind, don't you think? A reminder that I don't only say such things because I want something.

[His response is light, regardless; he knows full well she had only been teasing him, and he can't help but tease her in response— it comes as naturally to the both of them as breathing, he'd wager.]

It was, in fact, the company— as lovely a night as that was, it's hardly enough to make up for weeks apart, if you ask me.

[This isn't a one-and-done sort of situation, Aerith.]

Edited 2021-12-12 03:39 (UTC)

I didn't... I... Yeah, okay.

[Gosh, is he trying to go out of his way to make her feel more awkward than she already does? How do normal couples handle this kind of thing? Is it just something one gets used to over time? Aerith almost wonders if she's not mature enough for that kind of relationship with someone. It only took once for her to suddenly think about Balthier in an entirely different, intimate light more often. Not always, but certainly frequently enough to serve as a right, proper distraction.

She huffs out a laugh as he continues and she settles a hand atop her hip.]

I get it. My fault for keeping you practically on another planet. Things are better now, aren't they?

[Not perfect. She's still very much weighed down by reality and isn't sure what to do about it. Full of hope mixed with resignation, and seemingly at war with herself. But those are her problems and not his. She has to find a way to deal with them. So far, she's pretty sure she's doing a great job of putting on a brave face.]

[He puts a hand up, shaking his head.]

Now, now, I'm hardly shaming you. You needn't worry— nor should you apologize.

[They've had quite enough of that, and he knows the situation well enough now to have a better understanding of the greater picture. His comment had been made in passing, but he realizes belatedly that it may be a bit of a sore spot. Though his smile remains, some of his teasing demeanor eases just slightly as he approaches her and drops a hand on her shoulder, leaning down to briefly press a chaste kiss against her forehead.

His good nature doesn't fade; he'll not turn the moment too serious, but he's glad to offer some small reassurance.]

I have no complaints as to how things are. I'm simply glad for the opportunity to spend time with you— that's all.

[The nature of that time doesn't seem to matter. Her company is what's most important.]

[It's good he says it when he does because Aerith is two steps away from what is probably the tenth or eleventh I'm sorry in his direction. That might be an exaggeration. She hopes it's an exaggeration.

He draws down once he closes the distance between them and rests that gentle kiss to her forehead, which leaves her smiling all over again. It's a very hard thing to accept, that kindness and softness from him. She'd love little more than to turn tail and find a safe place to hide in, though that's not necessarily her way. He only makes the weight of their situation all the more prominent.

She chooses to stay strong. Looking up at him with their difference in heights being what it is, she repays the gesture in kind, a careful and thoughtful kiss left against his chin. Aerith looks very proud of herself.]

I'm sure you'll have many more opportunities to do just that. Especially if you're continuing your alchemical work. It'll help to have someone knowledgeable on the flora that's in the area. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to crossbreed something that'll be useful in your projects.

[He appears quite pleased, in turn— not only with her apparent courage, but the exchange itself, simply for what it is. Perhaps he should take more care when it comes to speaking freely about how grateful he is to spend time with her; given that he's generally not the sort, it's difficult for him to say what may or may not be excessive, but more than that, he doesn't want her to continue to feel the need to apologize for what is past. It's over and done with— he would much rather enjoy what they've allowed themselves now than worry about it, especially when, given both of their natures, he's almost certain there will be other hiccups along the way.

It's his understanding that's the way of these things, regardless of the parties involved, but he can't recall anyone of note ever accusing love of being simple.]

Wouldn't that be something? I look forward to whatever you might come up with— and given my own pursuits, there's no telling what we might be able to make.

[He smirks, reaching to tuck a stray lock of chestnut hair behind her ear as he vaguely glances back towards his notes one more time before closing the little leather-bound booklet and tucking it into his coat pocket.]

Aren't you cold?

[She's hardly dressed for the weather.]

[It's all said in passing thought. Aerith hasn't had nearly enough time or opportunity to do the crossbreeding that she'd like to. But it's winter now, which is the perfect time to start really studying. To crossbreed plants that would survive colder climes would be beneficial to everyone...

She's easily locked into that thought, but the moment he carefully draws a tress of hair behind her ear, he snags up her attention again.]

I guess it's a little cold. [She begins thoughtfully with a smile.] Honestly, I wasn't thinking about it very much. Not because I don't care. Mostly because it wasn't a concern. I didn't know how long we'd be out, but I didn't think you were the type to like the cold, so I didn't assume it'd be very long. Besides—

[Flashing him a grin, Aerith raises her shoulders in a shrug.]

—Maybe I just wanted you to hold me and share some of your warmth. Come on. You're smart, Balthier. That didn't occur to you? I'm just using you for your body heat.

Oh, it occurred to me, I just didn't think that it might occur to you.

[He laughs, but even as he does so, he's taking just half a step back from her to shrug his way out of his coat, pulling one arm free before the other and then taking it in both hands to give it a good shake before he drapes it across her shoulders.]

'Holding' is certainly still an option, but perhaps best in conjunction with some practicality.

[His smile quirks to one side as he puts an arm around her shoulders, then neatly reaches for one of the inside pockets of his loaned coat, just beside her arm.]

Actually, I think this is a perfect opportunity for something I had in mind.

[He's all confidence on the outside, as he so often is, but he swears he'd come this close to allowing his voice to falter. Shameful.]

[Does she seem that innocent to him? As she considers the way the pieces have fallen, Aerith conclusively decides that yes, she probably does give off that impression, despite her sometimes overly affectionate ways.

Rolling her eyes, another sigh drops right out of her as she watches him proceed to remove his coat and put it on her instead. But when he moves in to slide his hold along her, she's still smiling. Eyebrows raise as he continues.]

Now, you're just trying to catch a cold intentionally, so that I take care of you again. No bells this time. Tifa was not happy about the bell thing.

[Furthermore—

Aerith does pause for just a moment. Wait, did she hear him right?]

What are you talking about? I thought we were here for research.

I thought the bell was quite useful.

[Admittedly, he'd been a bit frivolous with its use near the end of his convalescence, but he would have been quite remiss if he hadn't tried to use it to lure Aerith into the room for a kiss at least once.

Tifa will never let him near a bell again, but it had been well worth it, he thinks.]

Regardless— we are here for research, but that needn't be our only purpose.

[He draws back just enough to reveal a small box held in one hand, tied neatly with silver ribbon. For just half a moment, he averts his gaze, that confidence of his faltering for the length of a single heartbeat. She'd been adamantly against gifts in the past, but he'd like to think things are going to be just a touch different moving forward.

His smile softens into something a touch uncertain as he holds it out to her in offering.]

I wanted to give you this.

Useful and annoying.

[But she doesn't seem to mind that much. Chances are that she was kind of charmed by the way they danced around one another while keeping their relationship secret.

When he offers to her the box, Aerith reaches up to accept it, though instead initially her touch simply rests against his hand. Eyeing him thoughtfully, she doesn't immediately reply, though there's a simple gaze of curiosity lingering in the way she stares at him. His reaction, that uncertainty (if that's what it is), does not go unnoticed.]

I thought we agreed no gifts.

[Less an agreement and more Aerith making that decision for the both of them. No big surprise there, considering she's great at doing that.]

Because I didn't exactly get you anything. You're gonna make me look like a bad girlfriend.

[He does not remind her that it was a rather one-sided agreement that she had insisted upon— he doesn't care to continually bring attention to what has passed, and perhaps offering her this is a part of that, but really, his reasoning is fairly simple.]

It's not the sort of thing you need to reciprocate.

[He does regain some of his usual confidence, a smile blooming from one corner of his mouth.]

Gift-giving seems to be quite popular around here this time of year— I saw something and thought of you. Do I need more reason than that? It's only a trinket— and we are doing things a bit differently going forward, yes?

[Talking to one another. Communicating. That sort of thing.]

[Aerith has a knee-jerk reaction that wants to outright argue with him. Somehow, she tugs on the leash that holds said reaction and instead, she simply purses her lips. It's clearly very hard for her to keep it to herself. That she manages it at all is impressive.

Finally, she looses a sigh, surrendering to the moment with something of a sheepish and bashful smile.]

Only a trinket, you say.

[She pointedly doesn't bother addressing the rest of what he has to say because that's a trap if she's ever heard one. If she bothers to agree, he'll just be able to hold it against her later on, which is the smart thing to do when it comes to her and she knows that.]

Am I allowed to open it here or do I have to wait until I get back inside? [Because who knows. He might not want her to open it in front of him.]

[A trap? Does his look like a face that would try to trap you, Aerith?]

You can open it whenever you like— if you'd rather I not watch, that can be arranged, but I didn't give it to you with the intention of making you wait.

[Especially not when she's not so keen on gifts to begin with... if she doesn't open it in front of him, who's to say she'll open it at all?

He decides to offer a brief addendum.]

I got Tifa a gift, as well, if that makes any difference.

[Admittedly, rather less romantic in nature.]

[Aerith begins to nod slowly and when he makes mention of Tifa, she perks up with interest, trying to inconspicuously open the gift he's gotten for her while pursuing that line of questions.]

Oh? What'd you get for her?

[In the back of her mind, it occurs to her that Tifa may very well come talk with her about their presents later anyway. The thought alone makes her expression soften a tad. She's still here, after all, because of Tifa. It's a shame there's no gift in Camelot or any other world, Aerith wagers, that would be worthy of her.]

I haven't given it to her yet— I can't very well tell you and have you running off to spoil the surprise, can I?

[He doesn't know that she would, but he also doesn't know that she wouldn't. That boyish smile of his pulls to one side; it's an affectionate tease, as it so often is with him.]

Besides, why rob her of the opportunity to tell you herself?

[Realistically, if pressed, he'll certainly tell her on his own, but a part of him suspects she might be trying to move attention away from the fact that he'd given her something to begin with. He understands the basis of her feelings about gifts— but that doesn't mean he has to agree with them.

He's never had someone to offer such things to before, not like this. It is a small way to show his affection, but one he has already found himself taking great pleasure in.]

Edited (I messed up one of my thirty emdashes) 2022-01-11 21:28 (UTC)

Really? You think I'd go spoil it for her?

[Aerith shakes her head with a soft laugh.] I know the point of a present is to be a surprise. I'm not just going to tell her what you got her. You just don't want to share it with me. [Rolling her eyes, she continues.] Whatever. She'll just tell me anyway.

[While wanting to know what she got as well.

As she lifts the box to her ear, she very gently shakes it before she finally moves to actually open it and peek inside, careful to hide her face behind the gift he's bestowed upon her.]

➝ aerith

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➝ mary