[What is and isn't she willing to give? What does she have left to give? Aerith has given every part of herself to him. Perhaps not every piece of information he ought to have. Every piece of information that likely doesn't matter. The only thing she hasn't been able to offer him is stability. She couldn't have offered that if she tried.
For just a moment, she toys with possibilities. What if she simply never went back to Midgar? What if she went with him to Ivalice? Such things likely aren't possible. If they were, wouldn't it be irresponsible of her? Isn't it her place to protect those she cares for back home? What if... she could bring him with her? She's not selfish enough to do that. He has his own life to attend to, his own dreams and desires. She can't ask him to give up any of that.
His forehead rests to hers, her eyes shut, and for moments that seem longer than they are, all she thinks about is him. How much she's missed him. His witty jokes. His expression when she antagonises him. The genuine smiles that take him on occasion and the charming little half curve he usually wears.
"...as few regrets as we can manage when we part ways."
When they part ways. She can think it. Has. But having it said aloud, knowing she hasn't been able to say it herself, is like driving a dagger into her heart. Her bottom lip trembles, she splinters down, breaks and fractures, silent tears in modesty falling over cheeks. If one can ever assume that Aerith has ever fully been one piece, a contestable idea.
I don't want you to go.
Even if she can't say it, she thinks it. She feels it. She wraps herself in that thought, imagining for a shaken breath or two a circumstance difference for them both.
If she speaks, she'll ruin it. All she can do is grasp the moment for what it is before it should wither like a flower in winter.]
no subject
For just a moment, she toys with possibilities. What if she simply never went back to Midgar? What if she went with him to Ivalice? Such things likely aren't possible. If they were, wouldn't it be irresponsible of her? Isn't it her place to protect those she cares for back home? What if... she could bring him with her? She's not selfish enough to do that. He has his own life to attend to, his own dreams and desires. She can't ask him to give up any of that.
His forehead rests to hers, her eyes shut, and for moments that seem longer than they are, all she thinks about is him. How much she's missed him. His witty jokes. His expression when she antagonises him. The genuine smiles that take him on occasion and the charming little half curve he usually wears.
"...as few regrets as we can manage when we part ways."
When they part ways. She can think it. Has. But having it said aloud, knowing she hasn't been able to say it herself, is like driving a dagger into her heart. Her bottom lip trembles, she splinters down, breaks and fractures, silent tears in modesty falling over cheeks. If one can ever assume that Aerith has ever fully been one piece, a contestable idea.
I don't want you to go.
Even if she can't say it, she thinks it. She feels it. She wraps herself in that thought, imagining for a shaken breath or two a circumstance difference for them both.
If she speaks, she'll ruin it. All she can do is grasp the moment for what it is before it should wither like a flower in winter.]