[ Sunlight falls through the broken rafters of the church. Somehow this day always brings pleasant weather. Similarly, there's a hint of warmth in the curve of his mouth.
Except for in that first year—the very day marred by Tseng's appearance at her door—she received something small on every birthday. Shinra's emissary came bearing carefully curated gifts to keep the company in Aerith's favor. Trinkets that never ended up anywhere around her house, and books that Tseng never saw her read. A clockwork ritual of diplomacy wrapped in ribbons and polite smiles. Until at some point, he better learned her tastes and came into his own within the company, choosing the gifts. She reads the gardening handbooks and wears the work gloves... sometimes.
Her presents haven't been from Shinra in a long time, in that sense. No velvet-covered leash of corporate interests ties it up now. Tseng stands under the fractured light, looking from the wrapped, pale violet box to her. He holds it out. ] Happy birthday, Aerith.
[ For most of her life, those gifts landed in the trash, or passed off to another occupant of the slums who'd appreciate it as the present it was, rather than a coy show of Shinra flexing its muscle and reminding her how she's never too far from being under their thumb. Then the gloves arrived. Suddenly, it became obvious that this wasn't about the company keeping tabs on her, as much as it was Tseng, subtly using all the attention he paid to her for something more than official intel.
Now there's no doubt in her mind that when he turns up today, beautifully wrapped gift in hand, he hasn't brought her anything from the company. Warmth sits cozily deep in her chest as she gets back to her feet, straightening up from her flowers to walk around the makeshift flowerbed and lift the box out of his hands. ]
I was wondering when you would show up today. [ She's smiling too brightly for those words to be anything but an underestimate. She's been waiting for him. Enjoying today wouldn't feel complete or possible if he didn't.
It takes her a moment to look away from him and down to the present, carefully unfastening the ribbon before opening the gift the rest of the way, intensely curious by the time she's able to peer inside the box. ]
My morning was busy. [ It's afternoon. He knows that she doesn't necessarily care about the excuse or hold it against him now that he's standing here. So, it's idle talk while she unwraps her present. After all, she should have worried about him not showing up today as little as about him turning up empty-handed.
Tseng clasps his hands loosely behind his back, poised but at ease. Her eagerness to open the box is a far cry from the casual dismissal she'd once reserved for Shinra's overtures. It weighs light in her hands, and he doesn't have to tell her she can open it now—she already is. Tseng doesn't make it a secret that he's watching, either.
Because he already knows what's inside, Tseng doesn't look at the torn paper or the jewelry being revealed. Instead he watches Aerith's face. Even so, his brows lift as if he's the one unwrapping it. ]
[ Just before she lifts the lid on the box, Aerith lets her gaze flit upward to catch sight of Tseng looking on, attentive as ever, but in that new way that's blossomed to life in the space between them, the product shared warmth and the abandonment of once thickly drawn lines that kept them apart.
This gift isn't from Shinra, it's from him, and thinking about that makes her heart race. Her smile turns almost bashful as she looks from him to the box again, finally peering inside.
Color spreads across the apples of her cheeks almost as instantly as her eyes grow wide in delighted surprise. She wastes no time, lifting the bracelet out of the box before she absently sets the container aside, freeing up her other hand to slide the jewelry onto her wrist. ]
I'll never take it off. [ Still blushing, she looks at him again, one hand still almost protectively covering the bracelet where it hangs on her wrist. ]
[ Tseng hopes for appreciation. For all the time he's spent studying her expressions, cataloging each nuance for reasons both personal and professional, there's something in the way her smile softens, and the flush on her cheeks. That makes it difficult to even pretend they're still maintaining the careful distance.
His eyes flicker down, briefly, to where her fingers rest over the bracelet as if to hold it in place. Even if he hoped she likes it, Tseng hadn't expected her to say something so absolute, so freely given. ] Really? [ A pause, then a slight curve to his mouth, subtle but present. Tseng realizes how struck he is by her words, but too belated to stifle the obvious contentment in his expression.
His gaze lifts back to hers. He might as well commit to it. ] That would make me glad.
[ Putting a name to what this is might be impossible, but Aerith knows how deep her happiness runs at that moment, watching him look at the bracelet on her wrist before his gaze seeks hers out once more. Their eyes meet and heat rises to her cheeks, her lips curved in a broad, sweet smile, not hesitating to nod in agreement after he asks her if she's being serious.
The tips of Aerith's fingers press against the pattern of the bracelet, privately delighting in the idea of getting to familiarize herself with it, just like she has with him. Aerith doesn't know if either of them can be sure of the space they've begun to fill in each other's lives, but this has been going on long enough for this bond to be precious, despite how it defies explanation.
She steps closer without taking her eyes off him, the soft clink of her bracelets as they slide down her arm light in the air as she lowers her hand to settle it on his arm. ]
It's still my birthday for at least ten more hours, you know. [ Laughing gently, the corners of her eyes crease with the force of her smile while she rolls onto the balls of her feet and draws herself up tall enough to kiss him, soft, and unabashedly adoring. ]
[ Her smile is disarming in a way that makes Tseng feel like he's still missing something that's right in front of him. He's all too used to keeping his distance and watching with controlled intensity. In his next report, he'll make a simple note of her birthday passing—no mention of the present. Now that it's on her wrist, Tseng finally ghosts a gloved thumb over the bangle, the cool metal now warming from her skin. He'd hoped not just that it would suit her, but that she would like it.
Both of his hands drift to her elbows while she holds onto him, and Tseng feels a surge, a need to keep the kiss from parting too soon. He leans forward against her lips barely, making it last a little longer. Then, when they do separate: ]
Are you going to make a wish? [ The bracelet was to be it. But she looks at him like she already knows he'll indulge her today—just the date as a reasonable excuse to be more permissible of her whims and ideas than he already is. Tseng lifts his brows, feigning exactingness. ]
[ The brush of his lips makes her heart give another flutter in response that mirrors the way her eyelashes gently dance over the high points of her cheeks, letting her eyes close, and that kiss lingers for as long as Tseng lets it.
Being asked for a wish makes her eyes narrow playfully, as she half giggles, half hums in agreement. The way she'll take a mile when given an inch should speak volumes to how inclined to wishing she can be, although even if she wasn't Tseng would quickly become the exception to that rule. He makes her want so many things, from the base and carnal, to the wholly fanciful and impossible in the rare moments she finds herself thinking of him further ahead in the future. ]
I want to have dinner at your apartment. [ She declares as the hand on his arm moves to touch his jaw. ] And sleep with you,in your bed tonight. [ Essentially, she wants to spend as much time with him as he'll let her. ]
[ Her response doesn't surprise him. For all the trouble that is Aerith going topside, and even further, what's going on between them, it's not a difficult request to accommodate. He’s had her in his same bed before—closer than this—but still, Tseng's grip tenses for a second, then settles again. The hesitation is barely perceptible, a flicker of it that only she would catch.
He pulls back from the kiss enough to meet the bright, knowing gleam in her eyes. With the warm press of her fingers against his jaw, he leans into the touch. The heat of it spreads from her fingertips, threading through his chest. ]
That's more than one wish. [ Only natural, given her propensity, and his current benevolence. Still, Tseng's hand glides down her arm, as if to reassure her of what's being given. ] You'll have to tell me what you want for dinner, then. [ Not that that's the part of the night he ends up thinking about. ]
[ Humming thoughtfully, Aerith's eyes narrow fondly as she makes a show of considering whether it's one wish or two before electing to steal a quick kiss instead of being contrary. ]
We're going to order in, both dinner and cake, of course. [ She counters, her tone bright despite the softness of her voice. ] But, you can make me breakfast tomorrow morning. [ As appealing as Tseng cooking for her is, she doesn't want him to get that far away from her for that long tonight. There's a smug glint to her gaze as she makes that offer and lets her thumb brush over his cheek again. ]
Maybe sushi? Or– [ Aerith draws the word out as she moves to take his arm and let him lead the way while she ponders. ] Some cozy curry? Or is there somewhere fancy you like?
[ Tseng lets the kiss land without resistance, without attempting to withhold the low breath it draws from him. Naturally she doesn't argue but redirects, and the confidence of it folds into something warmer than affection in his chest.
Order in. Of course. She already assumes she's staying the night like it's the most natural thing in the world. He hasn't thought about it in those terms—not since the last time she left his apartment and his sheets smelling like her flowers. He hasn't said a word about not sleeping as well after he changed them. ]
Sushi, then. [ Tseng adjusts the turn of his wrist slightly, so her fingers fall more comfortably into place between his. All the while, her touch on his cheek has left a ghost of sensation; he's trying not to just reach for it again immediately. ] And whatever else you have in mind. [ Dangerous to grant Aerith that, but Tseng's own sidelong glance says that he's aware of just the risk he's taking with it. ]
[ Not expecting him to turn his wrist and take her hand like that, Aerith's got to tuck her head slightly in a vain effort to try and hide the wide grin that sweeps across her face at being met with Tseng's quiet, but still beautifully present affection. This is already the best birthday she's had in years. Even though she knows plenty of friendly faces in the slums, and the kids at Leaf House never let the day go by without singing to her and giving her homemade cards, it can be a lonely day. A time she spent daydreaming about Zack's return, even as the passing of years made it seem less and less likely he was going to turn up, much less on her birthday as a big surprise.
She's gotten over being shocked that it's Tseng who turned up and made her feel seen and cherished in this way, now, she's just thankful. ]
Whatever I have in mind, huh? [ Brilliant green eyes narrow slyly as she tilts her head back, trying to appear as though she were pondering a lot of very substantial ideas, her voice brightly matter-of-fact when she begins to lay them out. ]
Then, after sushi, you let me lay on your lap in the living room with a bottle of wine, and we talk until I kiss your neck enough times that you carry me to bed. And in the middle of the night, we get up and eat ice cream. [ It sounds perfect to her, it sounds like everything he probably shouldn't ever agree to from her. And that she knows he will anyway, just makes it even more precious and special. ]
All of that? [ His voice is low, dry with fond disbelief. She could have asked for more—extravagant things—some ideas and expectations he would have had to deny. The simplicity of her requests is the hardest thing to say no to. So, like this, Tseng just watches her with a look that slips a little too far to be professional anymore, or even restrained.
She says 'we' like it's the only version of the day she could want; it's intimacy so plainly stated that it leaves no room to pretend it's anything less. Expectation. He should be more careful with that, especially. Now, instead, Tseng lifts her hand slightly and his thumb moves in an idle motion over the back of it. Then he lets go, only to press his palm lightly against the small of her back. No rush, but there's intention in the gesture. A concession not just to her wishes, Tseng knows what else he's allowing. ]
We'll make a detour. For cake. [ Declarative but not so dry, and all for the subtle inflection. At the bakery he sometimes lets her go into, sometimes not. Decisions made without room for sentiment. This time he'll correct that. Still, he doesn't quite show her the faint curve at the corner of his mouth. ]
[ Even if she were the type to consider everything she could ask Tseng for, nothing holds as much appeal for Aerith as just simply getting to spend more time with him. Both times she's given away her heart, it was all she wanted, first from Zack, and now Tseng. She wants him, but separate from duty and the malignant, looming presence of Shinra. Stealing him away for her birthday seems like the best way to achieve that goal, and occupy more hours than she would have by just asking him to take her out somewhere to celebrate.
Just the quiet certainty behind the hand he settles on her back feels like a party to her, or at the very least, a cause for celebration. It shouldn't, but Aerith's never been closer to reconciling how it's okay that it does anyway than she is right now.
For a brief moment her weight pitches forward just enough to settle her chest against his, snuggling into him for a fleeting hug before she's pulling back, looping both of her arms through one of his. ]
Cake it is! Let's go Tseng! [ Cheerfully all-business, she's already moving towards the way out, fully ready to climb into his car and let the birthday festivities begin. ]
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🎂🍰🎁
Except for in that first year—the very day marred by Tseng's appearance at her door—she received something small on every birthday. Shinra's emissary came bearing carefully curated gifts to keep the company in Aerith's favor. Trinkets that never ended up anywhere around her house, and books that Tseng never saw her read. A clockwork ritual of diplomacy wrapped in ribbons and polite smiles. Until at some point, he better learned her tastes and came into his own within the company, choosing the gifts. She reads the gardening handbooks and wears the work gloves... sometimes.
Her presents haven't been from Shinra in a long time, in that sense. No velvet-covered leash of corporate interests ties it up now. Tseng stands under the fractured light, looking from the wrapped, pale violet box to her. He holds it out. ] Happy birthday, Aerith.
will be sobbing forever about this tku
Now there's no doubt in her mind that when he turns up today, beautifully wrapped gift in hand, he hasn't brought her anything from the company. Warmth sits cozily deep in her chest as she gets back to her feet, straightening up from her flowers to walk around the makeshift flowerbed and lift the box out of his hands. ]
I was wondering when you would show up today. [ She's smiling too brightly for those words to be anything but an underestimate. She's been waiting for him. Enjoying today wouldn't feel complete or possible if he didn't.
It takes her a moment to look away from him and down to the present, carefully unfastening the ribbon before opening the gift the rest of the way, intensely curious by the time she's able to peer inside the box. ]
ur so welcome 😌
Tseng clasps his hands loosely behind his back, poised but at ease. Her eagerness to open the box is a far cry from the casual dismissal she'd once reserved for Shinra's overtures. It weighs light in her hands, and he doesn't have to tell her she can open it now—she already is. Tseng doesn't make it a secret that he's watching, either.
Right under the lid, cushioned in foam and velvet, is something she hasn't mentioned wanting, but something Tseng certainly hopes she will keep. A demure rose gold bangle, made more girlish and conspicuous with a pattern of flowers and green enamel etched along its surface. Two slots for materia; a practical touch, even if that's not all a birthday gift should be.
Because he already knows what's inside, Tseng doesn't look at the torn paper or the jewelry being revealed. Instead he watches Aerith's face. Even so, his brows lift as if he's the one unwrapping it. ]
Do you like it?
no subject
This gift isn't from Shinra, it's from him, and thinking about that makes her heart race. Her smile turns almost bashful as she looks from him to the box again, finally peering inside.
Color spreads across the apples of her cheeks almost as instantly as her eyes grow wide in delighted surprise. She wastes no time, lifting the bracelet out of the box before she absently sets the container aside, freeing up her other hand to slide the jewelry onto her wrist. ]
I'll never take it off. [ Still blushing, she looks at him again, one hand still almost protectively covering the bracelet where it hangs on her wrist. ]
no subject
His eyes flicker down, briefly, to where her fingers rest over the bracelet as if to hold it in place. Even if he hoped she likes it, Tseng hadn't expected her to say something so absolute, so freely given. ] Really? [ A pause, then a slight curve to his mouth, subtle but present. Tseng realizes how struck he is by her words, but too belated to stifle the obvious contentment in his expression.
His gaze lifts back to hers. He might as well commit to it. ] That would make me glad.
no subject
The tips of Aerith's fingers press against the pattern of the bracelet, privately delighting in the idea of getting to familiarize herself with it, just like she has with him. Aerith doesn't know if either of them can be sure of the space they've begun to fill in each other's lives, but this has been going on long enough for this bond to be precious, despite how it defies explanation.
She steps closer without taking her eyes off him, the soft clink of her bracelets as they slide down her arm light in the air as she lowers her hand to settle it on his arm. ]
It's still my birthday for at least ten more hours, you know. [ Laughing gently, the corners of her eyes crease with the force of her smile while she rolls onto the balls of her feet and draws herself up tall enough to kiss him, soft, and unabashedly adoring. ]
no subject
Both of his hands drift to her elbows while she holds onto him, and Tseng feels a surge, a need to keep the kiss from parting too soon. He leans forward against her lips barely, making it last a little longer. Then, when they do separate: ]
Are you going to make a wish? [ The bracelet was to be it. But she looks at him like she already knows he'll indulge her today—just the date as a reasonable excuse to be more permissible of her whims and ideas than he already is. Tseng lifts his brows, feigning exactingness. ]
Go on, then.
no subject
Being asked for a wish makes her eyes narrow playfully, as she half giggles, half hums in agreement. The way she'll take a mile when given an inch should speak volumes to how inclined to wishing she can be, although even if she wasn't Tseng would quickly become the exception to that rule. He makes her want so many things, from the base and carnal, to the wholly fanciful and impossible in the rare moments she finds herself thinking of him further ahead in the future. ]
I want to have dinner at your apartment. [ She declares as the hand on his arm moves to touch his jaw. ] And sleep with you,in your bed tonight. [ Essentially, she wants to spend as much time with him as he'll let her. ]
no subject
He pulls back from the kiss enough to meet the bright, knowing gleam in her eyes. With the warm press of her fingers against his jaw, he leans into the touch. The heat of it spreads from her fingertips, threading through his chest. ]
That's more than one wish. [ Only natural, given her propensity, and his current benevolence. Still, Tseng's hand glides down her arm, as if to reassure her of what's being given. ] You'll have to tell me what you want for dinner, then. [ Not that that's the part of the night he ends up thinking about. ]
no subject
We're going to order in, both dinner and cake, of course. [ She counters, her tone bright despite the softness of her voice. ] But, you can make me breakfast tomorrow morning. [ As appealing as Tseng cooking for her is, she doesn't want him to get that far away from her for that long tonight. There's a smug glint to her gaze as she makes that offer and lets her thumb brush over his cheek again. ]
Maybe sushi? Or– [ Aerith draws the word out as she moves to take his arm and let him lead the way while she ponders. ] Some cozy curry? Or is there somewhere fancy you like?
no subject
Order in. Of course. She already assumes she's staying the night like it's the most natural thing in the world. He hasn't thought about it in those terms—not since the last time she left his apartment and his sheets smelling like her flowers. He hasn't said a word about not sleeping as well after he changed them. ]
Sushi, then. [ Tseng adjusts the turn of his wrist slightly, so her fingers fall more comfortably into place between his. All the while, her touch on his cheek has left a ghost of sensation; he's trying not to just reach for it again immediately. ] And whatever else you have in mind. [ Dangerous to grant Aerith that, but Tseng's own sidelong glance says that he's aware of just the risk he's taking with it. ]
no subject
She's gotten over being shocked that it's Tseng who turned up and made her feel seen and cherished in this way, now, she's just thankful. ]
Whatever I have in mind, huh? [ Brilliant green eyes narrow slyly as she tilts her head back, trying to appear as though she were pondering a lot of very substantial ideas, her voice brightly matter-of-fact when she begins to lay them out. ]
Then, after sushi, you let me lay on your lap in the living room with a bottle of wine, and we talk until I kiss your neck enough times that you carry me to bed. And in the middle of the night, we get up and eat ice cream. [ It sounds perfect to her, it sounds like everything he probably shouldn't ever agree to from her. And that she knows he will anyway, just makes it even more precious and special. ]
no subject
She says 'we' like it's the only version of the day she could want; it's intimacy so plainly stated that it leaves no room to pretend it's anything less. Expectation. He should be more careful with that, especially. Now, instead, Tseng lifts her hand slightly and his thumb moves in an idle motion over the back of it. Then he lets go, only to press his palm lightly against the small of her back. No rush, but there's intention in the gesture. A concession not just to her wishes, Tseng knows what else he's allowing. ]
We'll make a detour. For cake. [ Declarative but not so dry, and all for the subtle inflection. At the bakery he sometimes lets her go into, sometimes not. Decisions made without room for sentiment. This time he'll correct that. Still, he doesn't quite show her the faint curve at the corner of his mouth. ]
no subject
Just the quiet certainty behind the hand he settles on her back feels like a party to her, or at the very least, a cause for celebration. It shouldn't, but Aerith's never been closer to reconciling how it's okay that it does anyway than she is right now.
For a brief moment her weight pitches forward just enough to settle her chest against his, snuggling into him for a fleeting hug before she's pulling back, looping both of her arms through one of his. ]
Cake it is! Let's go Tseng! [ Cheerfully all-business, she's already moving towards the way out, fully ready to climb into his car and let the birthday festivities begin. ]