Did you know, Cloud, that the Lifestream smells different for every person who becomes part of it? I know, weird right? I never really thought that the Lifestream would smell at all, unless it smelled like mako. Which would be gross.
But it does, it smells different to every person. Or soul, or whatever we are now. I dunno, Aerith still looks like Aerith; she's even wearing the ribbon I bought her.
She can smell the flowers of her church, you know. When you think about it, it's not all that surprising. I mean, from what I can figure out, we all smell something that comforts us, like for me it is the smell of my Mom's trademark Irish coffee. So for Aerith to smell flowers… well… it's sort of a given, I guess.
Sometimes though, she kinda wishes she was actually back in the church, with the real flowers. She misses tending to them. She doesn't say it, but I bet she misses yelling at me for stepping on them too. No danger of me doing that here! We don't really walk, we just kinda… float. It's like lying on a mattress of pure energy, that circles the planet several times a day. We're passing over Midgar for the second time today, I think I saw you heading out of the city on your bike. Were you going to visit me?
We miss you, Cloud. And contrary to what you think, we don't hate you at all. We just miss you, and love you. It's nice that you come to visit us and all, but sometimes I wish I could actually talk back to you. Have a conversation. Even now, I know I'm really just talking to myself. I would write you a letter, but there's no paper or pens or mail service up here. No emails either.
Aerith has actually learned how to control herself a bit more than I have in the Lifestream. That's why you feel her presence more than mine. She's managed to slip down into the mako streams a few times, really connect with the planet. Guess that's what you get for being an Ancient.
Ow. She just flicked me in the face.
So how you doing buddy? Got it on with the Nibelheim chick yet? You're 23 dude, you aren't getting any younger and she's got the serious hots for you. I'm serious! Get in there!
Ow, Aerith's hurting me again! Apparently I'm being rude. It's not like he can hear me, Aerith.
Anyway, old buddy, stay safe yeah? I'm glad you've left that life behind. You seem much happier as a delivery boy, even if you do miss us a lot. But don't worry about us so much. You've got a family there in that bar. Denzel seems like a good kid and Marlene is a sweetheart. You know what I would do if I was in your place? That's right, take the opportunity to be a total kid again!
Yeah, you totally would never do that. Cloud playing tag, not happening.
Just… live your life a little. You said you'd live out both our lives, right? Well, I demand a little more living on my part! Go out and get drunk, even it's with Reno or something. That guy is a good drinking partner, knows the best bars. Ah who am I kidding, you hate the guy. Okay, get Cid to take you to his local. That ought to get you pretty slaughtered- OW! Aerith for Gaia's sake, stop flicking me in the face!
Ah whatever, stop being such an emo. Have some fun, for me at least.
I love you, buddy. Aerith does too. But you already knew that, right? You're not alone. You never have been.
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Cloud? It's Aerith. I know you heard all that. I can see the smile on your face. Take care, and please water the flowers next time you visit.