Work Text:
Hyacinths, tulips, roses, and daisies. Flowers are predictable and unchanging. They come and go with the seasons, their beauty limitless. Aerith made it her goal to always capture all the beauty in flowers, but it seems she's gotten too comfortable with her work. Her art teacher was skeptical about her chances of getting into art college, thinking she'd have to step out of the box and try drawing a person. It was comforting to draw flowers whereas her teacher called her artwork 'predictable'.
Aerith huffed as she carried her stuff to the cafe. It's not like she couldn't draw people, she just didn't want to. Why would she? People are unpredictable and unruly — terrifying if she was being honest. The vastness of the city overwhelmed her at times, she had come from a quaint town after all. However, the little cafe comforted her. Its welcoming atmosphere helped her to work during her worst art blocks.
The bell rang when she sauntered over to her usual seat, the air conditioning blowing the hem of her dress around in a bell shape. Her eyebrows furrowed as she sighed. Who would she paint? She didn't know anybody in town.
Aerith groaned and set her head on the table. "Are you okay?" A voice as sweet as honey called out. Aerith looked up to see a striking woman, with strong and kind eyes. Her hair was silky and dark. Her tough physique complimented her almost red eyes. If her smile wasn't so genuine, Aerith might be frightened. Aerith studied the woman for a moment before coming back to her senses.
"Oh! Yeah! Just struggling with school." Aerith's face felt hot, she had been staring for a little too long. Not staring, admiring.
The woman sighed. "I get that, can I get you anything to drink?" She moved her hand to her hip and took out a notepad, the back was covered in stickers.
Come to think of it, the woman was wearing a uniform, with the name 'TIFA' on it. The short-sleeved shirt illuminated her defined muscles. "Oh uh...a dirty chai, please." Aerith gave her a polite smile and the woman closed her notepad swiftly and gracefully.
Aerith rubbed her temples and took out her notebook. It was full of drawings she had done in the Seventh Heaven cafe, but all flowers. She pouted and glanced over to where Tifa was making her drink and absent-mindedly started sketching. What turned into a little sketch became more toned, until Tifa walked over.
Glass clinked against the wooden finish of the table. "Is that...me?" Tifa gasped.
Aerith's jaw clenched, and she shut her eyes tightly. This is why she never drew people, they always ended up calling her weird or gross. "I'm so sorry I should've asked. I...".
The barista violently shook her head and placed her hand on Aerith's. "That's not it at all, it's beautiful." Aerith watched as Tifa delicately ran her fingers around the sketch, Aerith had focused the details on Tifa's alluring eyes. Her eyes looked more exquisite than any precious gem.
The room stood still and Aerith's eyes widened. "You really think so?" Her cheerful voice was eager to reply. "I'm so glad!"
Aerith clasped Tifa's hands in glee as Tifa set her drink on the counter. "You know, come to think of it, I've only ever seen you drawing flowers before," Tifa observed as she leaned on the table, causing Aerith to fidget on her stool.
Aerith flipped through her sketchbook with her free hand, sipping her drink with the other. "I didn't know you watched me draw." Aerith raised an eyebrow and giggled while Tifa avoided eye contact.
The barista cleared her throat in an attempt to regain control over the conversation. "I make it a point to keep up with my regulars."
The corners of Aerith's mouth quirked into a smile. "If I'm a regular, would you consider doing me a favor?" She batted her eyes and crossed her legs. The sentence had come out before she could even reflect on it.
Tifa shrugged. "I don't see why not. It certainly never hurts to help a pretty lady out." Tifa looked into Aerith's doe eyes and grinned.
Aerith couldn't help but giggle a bit in embarrassment, her throat going dry in an attempt to find the right words. "Well, I...I need to paint a person. I was wondering if you'd do the honors?"
"Me?" The room stood still, it felt as if they were the only two there.
"Tifa! Get back here! It's rush hour for Christ's sake!" A voice called from behind the register.
Tifa groaned. "Talk to me when my shift ends, please." She shifted her way over to the counter and shot Aerith a grateful smile.
Aerith felt her heartbeat quicken and her face redden. It wasn’t that Aerith was anti-social or anything, the opposite in fact, she just didn’t always say her true feelings. She oftentimes found it difficult to find the perfect words, nonetheless, Tifa understood what she needed, rapidly and efficiently. It seemed Tifa did most things in that manner, to get them done and done correctly. Like a beautiful flower, Tifa knew exactly what to do and when. A flower blooms when spring comes to call and wilts when winter's cold breeze accompanies the morning frost.
However, something separated Tifa from the flora. Tifa was far more gorgeous than any flower she had ever grown or drawn. Aerith felt her mind go fuzzy with all the bundles of inspiration pouring into her. She hadn't felt like this since...a long time—no need to linger on why, She shook her head and got back to practicing.
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Aerith studied the way Tifa closed down the cafe. She was gentle, even considering all her muscle mass. The lights dimmed and Tifa flipped the sign to read 'CLOSED!'.
Tifa waved goodbye to a coworker, let her hair down, and sat down with Aerith. "Sorry for the wait, I didn't even get to ask your name."
An ancient jukebox played in the background as Aerith feigned an annoyed expression."Oh, it was so terrible waiting all those long hours for you!" She dramatically leaned back and held for applause.
Tifa giggled, covering her mouth with her hand politely. "Then I guess I have to make it up to you, huh?"
Aerith held out her hand and smiled. "I'm Aerith, can't wait to work with you."
The two shook hands and spent the evening discussing how and when they would meet up. They decided to work in the gazebo outside Aerith's garden before opening hours.
Tifa took out her phone to set an alarm. "So, 6 am?" She looked up at Aerith briefly.
"Yup!" Aerith winked. "It's a date!"
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As Aerith set up her easel she thought of how refreshing it felt to meet new people again. It had been a while since she'd opened up her heart to anyone, but this was certainly a start. She excitedly awaited Tifa while preparing the canvas.
Aerith heard gentle footsteps on creaky floorboards and spun around on her chair. "Tifa! You really came!"
Tifa walked forward as Aerith motioned to a seat for her. "Of course, I wouldn't want to lose a customer." Tifa inspected her surroundings, the hand-lain cobblestone path, the garden next to the gazebo, and Aerith's radiant face.
Gentle brushstrokes graced the canvas while Aerith outlined the background. Though she struggled when outlining Tifa. Her features were so defined, yet so delicate. She found herself gazing more than painting, often going over the same place a dozen times.
Tifa's eyes wandered a bit. "Aerith, why don't we get to know each other a bit better?" Tifa paused momentarily before continuing. "I mean, I see you almost every day but I barely know you."
Aerith smiled gently. "Okay, what about?" she poured over Tifa's features as she painted.
Tifa hummed in thought. "Where did you grow up? You don't seem like you're a city girl."
Aerith froze and her skin paled. "Ah, just a small town. It's nothing really." She stopped painting to focus on her breathing, this was not where she wanted the conversation to go.
A look of concern spread across Tifa's face. "Are you okay?"
After a deep breath, Aerith smiled. "Yeah, totally fine!"
A breeze circled them and Tifa gave her an apologetic smile. "Alright, but you can always talk to me. I know we hardly know each other but I promise I don't bite."
It wasn't that, not at all. Aerith could tell Tifa was a good person, still that didn't make it easier. It just made it harder. Aerith wanted to trust Tifa, she adored her kindness and beauty. She was scared, utterly terrified, of losing what little she had.
Tifa gazed at the wide variety of flowers that surrounded the gazebo and relaxed. "Do you go to a university around here?"
"Not exactly, I'm applying in the fall." Aerith's gaze met Tifa's, and she felt as though she could make it in no matter what. "There's an art school my mother always dreamed of attending, I suppose I want her to be proud of me." It wasn't the whole truth, but Aerith didn't feel that comfortable yet.
The smile on Tifa's face dropped slightly. "Just make sure it's also what you want, Aerith. You deserve to go down your own path."
Aerith repeatedly went over the same place with her brush, trying to perfect it. "I'm certain it's what I want as well. I just never knew my biological mother and painting...makes me feel closer to her."
They locked eyes and smiled for a moment, words simply couldn't capture how they felt. It was as if they had finally met the one person they could truly be themselves around.
Unfortunately, a gentle alarm interrupted them. "Oh, you have to go, right?" Aerith began to hurriedly put her stuff away. "I'll stop by Seventh Heaven later to see you, 'kay?"
Tifa nodded and helped Aerith pack up and move things back to her house. It gave Aerith a chance to admire how strong Tifa was.
With a brief goodbye, Tifa drove away in a beat-up pickup truck, and Aerith started walking to her class.
It was only a few blocks away and Aerith liked to walk in the mornings. The city was always bustling and full of life, with early birds waking and night owls sleeping.
When she entered her classroom the air seemed different to her. No, the classroom hadn't changed. Aerith had changed, and the teacher took notice as soon as they had all turned in their sketchbooks from the weekend.
Aerith heard her art teacher's angelic voice beckon her to the office. "Aerith, dear, please do come to sit with me."
A little apprehensive, she walked into the room and smoothed her dress as she sat down. "Yes ma'am?" Aerith inquired.
Her teacher, Madame M., smirked at her and fanned herself while she flipped through the pages. "To be honest, I thought you were an utter failure at first." She mused. Madame M. shut the book and took her fan to Aerith's chin. "But I suppose we all find inspiration when pushed into a corner. Just remember to relax and enjoy your art, people can tell how you feel through your art." She purred.
Squirming in her chair, Aerith smiled feeling intimidated yet flattered. "Thank you, truly." Aerith staggered away, shaking a bit; you never knew what you were getting into with Madame M..
The cool spring breeze comforted Aerith as she sauntered to the cafe to sketch. The gentle swing of the door and the even gentler ding of the bell.
She met Tifa's eye as she had a seat in the corner of the cafe. Aerith drew the little details of the cafe and the gorgeous barista who was in fact, on her way to Aerith's table
Aerith caught sight of Tifa and beamed as she shut her sketchbook.
"I made you a latte, on the house of course," Tifa purred, in that sweet voice of hers that makes you want to stare into her eyes forever. With the clink of the dishware, Tifa set the cup down as Aerith leaned over to take a peek.
Tifa had beautifully painted a moonflower into the surface of the latte, making Aerith's heart nearly skip a beat. She held her hands to her chest and glanced up. "Oh Tifa, it's so pretty! If I wasn't so thirsty I don't think I could drink it." Aerith marveled.
A noticeable shade of pink flushed across Tifa's face as she tried to hide the obvious smile of pride. "...Thank you." Tifa stammered.
They shared a brief moment of silence just smiling at each other, appreciating the other in their entirety. Aerith shied away as she felt her heart beat loudly with joy.
Tifa waved and started back towards the counter and Aerith fumbled with her cup. It had been so long since anyone had done something so thoughtful for her; it was most certainly the first time anyone had done so in the city.
Aerith had never looked forward to drawing more than she did now.
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There was something particularly sweet in the air that morning, the bees were pollinating each and every flower, butterflies twirled around each other, and Tifa was softly smiling at Aerith. However, none of this seemed to be improving Aerith's mood.
Aerith sat on her chair groaning and shuffling through her supplies, enlisting a reaction from Tifa. "Is everything okay?"
A few bottles dropped from Aerith's hands and she felt her face heat up. "Yeah, I just can't find a pigment that matches your eyes." Aerith pondered and glazed over the array of colors before selecting a few and moving closer to Tifa. "Do you mind if I compare them next to you?"
"Not at all,"
Tifa smelled like coffee beans and vanilla, a much more pleasant smell than the overwhelming scent of paint. Aerith stared deeply into Tifa's dark eyes as she began looking for a matching color. To Aerith's surprise, she found that Tifa was staring back.
Aerith turned in embarrassment and a rosy blush rose to her face. Tifa brushed a piece of hair behind Aerith's ear and they gazed into each other's eyes once more.
They both jumped back as the alarm interrupted their tender moment. "Ah-I should uh...probably go open the shop." Tifa stuttered.
Aerith cleared her throat. "Yes, of course. Thanks again."
Aerith tried to play it cool while she walked Tifa to her car, in contrast as soon as Tifa was out of sight Aerith sunk to the ground and groaned into her hands. "God dammit!" A burning heat rose in Aerith's cheeks as she held her head.
She needed to focus, she had to focus. If she couldn't then she would open her email to another rejection letter.
Dear Miss Gainsborough,
This is in regard to your application to our art program. We regret to inform you that we cannot accept your submission for the following reasons:
No variety in your work. Your dedication to your work is the very thing that's killing it.
Aerith felt her heart sink and her vision blur as she recalled the very moment she got rejected from the only art college in her town. She had to leave her mom, her friends, everything.
Aerith would finish this painting, do a landscape, and submit her portfolio. It didn't even warrant thinking about anything other than acceptance. There were no more options for Aerith.
As tears welled up in her tear ducts, Aerith stood up and collected her supplies with a heavy heart. Just as she was about to sulk again, she felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her smock.
[Video Message] from Tifa 🌺
Aerith opened it up to see a video of Tifa laughing as her coworker and friend, Cloud, tried to do latte art to no avail. The phone pans up to him as he frowns and shyly shoos Tifa away. Tifa giggles and shows the final product, a lopsided chocobo.
Soft laughter filled the gazebo as Aerith wiped the tears from her eyes. It was as if Tifa knew exactly what Aerith needed. There it was again—Tifa knowing just what to do. Her emotions were like the seasons, her hair like a flowing river, everything about her came naturally.
Aerith really, really liked Tifa.
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Aerith was tending to her garden when she heard a familiar ringtone. She grinned from ear to ear when she saw Tifa's name on the screen. "Heya' Tifa! Whatcha doing?" Aerith questioned as she sat down on her bench, flowers creeping in between the wooden planks.
A breathy laugh from the other line caught Aerith off guard and made her blush. "Just closing up shop, can I ask you something?"
Drops of water slid off the recently watered plants and sunk into the soil. Crossing her legs, Aerith held the phone between her ear and shoulder as she took off her gloves. "Go right ahead!"
She heard Tifa clear her throat and waited in anticipation. "Well, the cafe holds a little formal get-together each year for the employees…and I uh, was wondering if you'd be my plus-one?"
Freezing in place, Aerith felt every inch of her heat up. "Tifa! Count me in! There is nothing that could stop me from coming!"
The two of them giggled and Tifa sent her the details for the party.
It was almost as if Aerith could feel Tifa's precious smile over the phone. "Hey Aerith, do you wanna come over tonight?"
Aerith glanced up to see the nearly pitch-black sky. "It's already so late, are you sure?"
"You're welcome to spend the night, we can watch a movie too!" Tifa countered.
It was almost as if on command, but Aerith's heart beat loudly against her chest and her smile widened as her breathing shallowed. "That's the best idea Tifa! I'll bring popcorn and nail polish!"
"Perfect, then it's a date." Tifa purred as she hung up the phone.
"Oh…" Eyes wide, Aerith's phone slipped from her hand onto the bench. Her cheeks began to hurt from the smile that stretched across her face as she kicked her feet. It hurt Aerith how badly she wanted Tifa to hold her in her arms and keep her safe, still, it was so dangerous to even consider admitting her feelings. This feeling was so familiar and yet…so foreign. Regardless, Aerith had places to be, so she pushed her feelings aside and packed her things.
Having a sleepover seemed so childish, and yet Aerith found herself scrambling to find her cutest pajamas and favorite nail polishes.
Tifa had that ability, somehow she could bring that inner child back out of Aerith. It was as if she knew exactly what Aerith missed about home, and was giving that back to her.
Aerith looked in the mirror as she fixed her hair. Just as she was about to do it—she imagined Tifa gently brushing her hair and weaving strands together, before tying it all together with a ribbon. Peering into the mirror once more, Aerith saw her face flushed with pink and she groaned. Why did Tifa invade her every thought? She just decided to take her brush and ribbon with her…just in case.
Aerith ambled over to her vintage yellow stick shift and put Tifa's address in the navigator. As she drove the cool night air hugged her body and caused her little pink nightgown to flow as she drove. When she pulled into the parking lot she smiled, the apartment complex was older and had the same charm as Tifa.
Humming as she made her way up the stairs, Aerith swung her bag around until she made it to Tifa's top-floor apartment. "Hey, Tifa!" Aerith chimed as she lightly knocked on the door.
Aerith could've sworn she died on the spot. Tifa opened the door, leaning on the frame, looking like an angel. Her black silk camisole and shorts showed off her muscles and Aerith could barely control herself from gushing compliments. "Hey, Aerith." Tifa grinned as she motioned for her to come inside.
"I'm really glad you're here, I wasn't sure you'd want to," Tifa admitted as she helped Aerith put her stuff away.
Aerith giggled, relaxed that Tifa felt nervous too. "We're friends aren't we?" Aerith reassured her as she set a hand on her shoulder. "Besides, I have so much for us to do!"
Tifa threw a pillow at Aerith, obviously lighter than she could. "Like what?"
Throwing the pillow back, Aerith motioned towards her bag. "We can paint our nails, do our hair, and watch a movie!"
"That sounds like a plan," Tifa resolved as she held out her hand. Aerith had to stop herself from shaking before taking Tifa’s hand. "My roommate might have to stop by later to get some stuff, just to warn you," Tifa added before leading her to the living room.
The living room was exquisitely decorated, with lots of pictures and trinkets. It gave off the same vibe as a cottage or cabin, it was charming. The two of them sat down and picked a chick flick to watch. "Turn around," Tifa ordered.
While she wasn't certain, Aerith was pretty sure Tifa was going to braid her hair. "What for?" Aerith inquired, feigning ignorance.
Tifa picked up the brush Aerith brought and turned around. "I'm gonna do your hair for you."
Aerith silently celebrated and shimmied so that Tifa could easily braid her hair. Tifa was just as gentle as she had imagined. Her fingers delicately interlocked the pieces of hair as her fingers wove in and out. Aerith relaxed into her touch as she could hear the silk sliding against itself as Tifa tied it.
Aerith turned and leaned closer to Tifa. "My turn!" She beamed as Tifa dutifully turned around. Aerith swallowed and felt herself hyper-focus on making the perfect braid. She made sure to be gentle, just as Tifa had been with her time and time again.
Just as she finished up, the sound of keys rattled in the door. "Tifa?" A familiar voice called.
Tifa whipped around, her newly done braid following her. "Oh hey, Cloud."
Cloud was Tifa's roommate? Aerith knew they were childhood friends and worked together, except apparently, they were closer than she previously thought. She pouted a bit, trying not to assume anything.
Tossing his keys on the counter, Cloud opened the fridge and grabbed a few things. "I'm staying at Zack's so you two can have the whole apartment." He politely waved at Aerith, expression unchanging, and went to his room before swiftly leaving.
Tifa sighed, "Sorry, he's not super sociable." She picked up the base coat and took Aerith's hand. "He's been like that for a few years now."
Aerith leaned over to observe her nails. "It's alright, I'm sure he'll come around!" Aerith assured her.
The night went on like that for a while, doing all the things young girls do. Aerith felt like she was finally content, she was so elated to get to spend time with Tifa. Together their laughter joined the owls cooing and the sound of pedestrians below them. The city was so dazzling, lighting up the room even with the lights off.
The two of them sat on the balcony together and stared into the night. "I miss the stars, you know?" Aerith pondered, looking over at Tifa.
Tifa closed her eyes and smiled. "Me too," She smiled as she looked over at Aerith. "But this view isn't too bad."
Aerith couldn't contain her adoration for Tifa anymore, it hurt too much. It was like carrying the biggest burden up the tallest mountain. Aerith wanted to open her mouth, to say anything. However, her fear of falling off that mountain kept her just where she was, never moving in any direction. So, instead, she just blushed and hid her face with her glass. "L-let's head to bed." Aerith stuttered as she stood up.
Tifa stretched as she stood up, exposing her well-defined abdomen and causing Aerith to short-circuit. "Yeah, I'm worn out." She yawned and smiled. "I had fun tonight, thank you."
"Me too," Aerith answered as they headed inside. Tifa had been making her swoon all evening; Aerith had no idea how she would sleep with all the butterflies in her stomach.
Tifa was a polite hostess, and let Aerith have the bed—which smelled just like her. Half asleep, Aerith decided to chat Tifa up. "Mmh Tifa?" She mumbled.
Aerith heard the shuffling of pillows before Tifa replied. "Yeah?"
"Do you use perfume?" Aerith asked as she flipped over and made hand puppets on the ceiling.
Tifa followed suit, making her puppet walk over to Aerith's. "No, why?"
The sound of Aerith's soft giggles filled the room as she concluded her statement. "'Cause you smell like frosting and lattes."
Tifa chuckled and sat up to turn off the lamp. "You're obviously tired, go to sleep."
"Mhm…" Aerith groaned as she hugged the pillow, smiling. “G’night…” Aerith mumbled as she dozed off.
“Sweet dreams, Aerith.”
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Aerith woke up to an unfamiliar room enclosed around her and the inviting smell of freshly brewed coffee. She sat up and stretched, surveying the room for Tifa.
Just as she was about to get up, Tifa entered the room silently with a tray of food resting in one hand and a coffee mug in the other. “Sorry if I woke you.” Tifa's cheery voice called out, as she sat down on the bed next to Aerith. "I have to go in to work now, sorry we didn't get to paint." She told Aerith apologetically as she set the food on the bedside table.
As she sat up, Aerith took a bite out of a scone and smiled. "It's no biggie! We deserved to sleep in, and thanks for the food!" Aerith resolved in a sing-songy voice.
When she was this close to her—Aerith could really see everything. Tifa had scars scattered across her body, although her skin was still silky smooth. A smile painted Tifa's face as she stood up. "You're welcome to stay as long as you like, just put your dishes in the sink and lock the door when you leave."
Aerith nodded in agreement, how could she refuse such an offer? Breakfast smelled incredible and tasted just as delightful. "I'll see you at the party then!" Aerith added before Tifa waved goodbye, leaving Aerith in absolute bliss.
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Clothes flew around the room in utter chaos as Aerith’s mom, Elmyra, tried to calm her down on the phone. “Aerith, honey, is it really this big of a deal?”
Elmyra watched as Aerith showed her a dress on the phone, frowning. “Of course it is! I have to look pretty for Ti–for myself!” Aerith complained as she threw another dress in front of the camera. “I just…I can feel it, tonight is going to be special.” Aerith said in a hushed voice.
“Sweetheart, didn’t one of your friends from high school make you a pink dress with butterflies or something? For a college project, remember?” Elmyra questioned as she sipped some tea from off-screen.
Aerith paused, picking up the phone and shaking it. “Yes, yes, yes! Thank you so much, Mom!” She praised as she blew a kiss on the phone. “I have to go now! Bye!”
Simply waving goodbye and smiling, Elmyra hung the phone up. Aerith wasted no time, running outside to grab her stepladder. She brought it inside as dust fell like snow from the attic into the room. Coughing, Aerith picked up a relatively light box and grinned. One of her friends used to use Aerith as a mannequin of sorts when she was studying fashion, so Aerith had accumulated a few old pieces now and then. The soft ripple of the zipper on a clear storage bag intensified the anticipation as Aerith stared at the dress in awe.
The length of the dress unfolded on itself as Aerith held it up. It was flowy and elegant, like a stream in an undisturbed forest. The downy pink fabric had a thin dusting of glitter as if it had been kissed by the sun. A few crystal butterflies adorned the garment, one sat perfectly on top of one of the balloon sleeves. Aerith hung it up and sat down to do her makeup. While she was getting ready, Aerith pictured the two of them dancing together—not a care in the world. Why did she always go off on these daydreams about Tifa?
Aerith beamed as she heard a heavy yet gentle knock on her door. Containing herself from swinging open the door in excitement, Aerith lightly opened the door and her jaw dropped as she laid eyes on Tifa. Tifa was wearing a short corseted blue dress, with ruffles making it longer down the back. Her hair was completely down and curled, contrary to the wavy bun Aerith had done and delicately placed pearls in. Aerith cleared her throat as she stumbled through her words. “You look like a painting, Tifa.”
Tifa giggled nervously and took Aerith’s hand. “Funny, I happen to be the subject of one.” Tifa gently kissed Aerith’s hand, she blushed as she felt Tifa grin against her hand. “You are breathtaking, Aerith.”
Oddly enough, Aerith now found herself hardly breathing. “Ah- thank you. Should we head out now?” Aerith stumbled, Tifa had never been quite this confidant before.
The radiance of Tifa’s smile surrounded Aerith as they linked arms. “Sounds perfect, Aerith.”
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The cafe was almost unrecognizable—save for the kitchen which had been turned into a bar. Chairs and tables were moved into storage to make room for a gorgeous dance floor and a string quartet in the back. Arms still linked, the pair made their way over to the bar. Tifa turned to Aerith, “Would you like me to order for you?” she asked sweetly.
If Aerith didn’t know any better she would think Tifa was flirting with her, Aerith raised her standards thanks to Tifa. “Yes please!” She smiled as she squeezed Tifa’s arm.
Aerith watched as Tifa’s ruby eyes surveyed the menu. “A cosmo canyon and a strawberry daiquiri, please.” She ordered politely, placing her hand on Aerith’s. The duo watched as the bartender did tricks as they clapped and grinned. He handed them each their drinks and Aerith smiled as the fruity aroma filled her senses.
“How’d I do?” Tifa asked as they made their way to her co-workers.
Aerith's cheeks hurt from smiling as she responded. “It’s lovely! Thank you!” Aerith affirmed. Once again, Tifa knew exactly what Aerith wanted without a word exchanged between them.
Tifa smiled before walking over to a group of people Aerith had seen working around the cafe. She waved and engaged in conversation with them before motioning towards Aerith. “Everyone, this is Aerith. She’s the pretty girl who always sits by the flowers.” Tifa told them as they all nodded, seeming to recognize her. “Aerith is an incredible artist too, she’s been painting me for a few days now.”
Various ‘wows’ and looks of admiration were shot at Aerith as she blushed. “It’s nothing really! You’re really too sweet, Tifa.”
They smiled at each other and were about to talk with the others more when Tifa perked up as a song came on the speakers. “Cloud!” She called as she smiled excitedly. “This is our favorite song!”
Sure enough, Cloud gave her a tiny smile and they excused themselves to go dance. This left Aerith all by herself, with a bunch of people she hardly knew. “So, Aerith, do you go to art school?” Someone asked though she was paying little attention.
“Huh? Oh, no.” She responded, still watching as Cloud and Tifa graced the dance floor. Tifa was smiling and laughing as her dress floated behind her, she looked like a dream. Did she ever make Tifa feel that way? It was only when Aerith felt a pang of jealousy that she finally understood her feelings. “Please excuse me, I’m going to get a drink.” She pardoned herself as she made her way back to the bar.
She had been leisurely sipping on her drink until now, but now she was downing it before setting it on the counter. “Another one. Please.” She pouted as the man quickly made her a drink, skipping the tricks this time.
The bartender cleared his throat. “You know…I don’t mind listening to your troubles.” He offered.
However, Aerith was in a sour mood and sulked away. “I’ll pass.” She sat down and drank, she wasn’t certain how many she had.
A familiar, gentle, and firm hand settled on her shoulder. “Aerith, what happened?” Tifa asked anxiously. “I-I went away for a second and you were gone.”
Aerith sniffled as she attempted to take another sip, but Tifa snatched it away and replaced it with some water. “You left me Tifa…” She wiped her eyes as she drank some more water. “I thought…I thought I was your date.”
Tifa sat down next to Aerith and held her hand gently. “Aerith what are you talking about?” Aerith peered into those kind eyes as they peered back and she couldn’t hold it back anymore. Aerith began leading her outside into the calm breeze of night. “Woah, where are we going?”
As the wind danced around them Aerith cried out to her and gripped Tifa’s hands. “I love you, Tifa, I need you. I need you the way a flower needs water and I want to love you like lovers do.” Aerith let go and began wiping her face. “It’s just…when he took you to the dance floor I couldn’t help but think that should be me.”
Standing there, dumbfounded, Tifa teared up and held Aerith in her arms. Without letting go, Tifa murmured sweetly to Aerith. “Aerith why do you think I agreed to let you paint me in the first place?” She stepped back and gazed into her eyes. “I have always loved you.”
The streetlights reflected like stars in Tifa’s eyes as Aerith stood there, dumbfounded. Aerith set her forehead against Tifa’s and whispered. “Can I kiss you, then?”
“Please,” She almost begged in response. Aerith rested her hands on Tifa’s back as she gently pressed a kiss to her lips. Tifa returned the kiss in her gentle yet strong demeanor and smiled against her mouth.
Tifa kissed Aerith in a way that made her feel like the most precious thing in the world; like she was a beautifully carved statuette. Aerith held tightly to the crooks of Tifa's body as they kissed under the moonlight—not caring who saw. It was a new feeling to be loved so purely and unapologetically.
Separating momentarily, Aerith murmured again to her. “I love you, Tifa.” She beamed as the quartet started up once again. “May I have this dance?” She asked, causing Tifa to blush and reach out her hand.
They wrapped their arms around each other and danced languidly across the sidewalk. Aerith’s stomach was fluttering as Tifa’s hand traveled down her spine. As they swayed, she couldn’t help but wonder what she did to deserve such a beautiful soul in her life. Tifa lightly kissed Aerith’s collarbone as the moon shone down upon them like a spotlight.
Aerith looked into the moon’s gentle beams and smiled. “Tifa, do you think the moon is jealous of your beauty?”
Tifa stopped before breaking out into laughter. “Pfft, is this what I have to look forward to?” She teased.
Although Aerith wanted to respond with something witty and snarky, she couldn’t.
Worry painted Tifa’s face. “What’s wrong, Aerith?” She asked as she cupped Aerith’s hands softly.
Breaking eye contact, Aerith stammered her way through her sentence. “It’s…I’m so…I’m really scared Tifa. Why am I so scared?” A tear dropped from her face and hit the pavement as she looked back at Tifa.
Tifa caressed Aerith’s face gently, pushing hair behind her ear as she placed featherlight kisses on her cheeks. “You’re enough, it’s you. It’s always been you.” Tifa reassured her. “You’ve been hurt before, I know there’s a lot you haven’t told me.” She paused, “But I can wait until you’re ready to tell me, I can listen.”
Aerith leaned into Tifa’s hand and sighed. Cars ran past them and bright neon signs hid the stars from their view as they stood there. It felt as though they two were the only ones who mattered because, in that moment, they were.
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