Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge using list kappa. This is AU and set before the game. Theme 15: The "Natives".


In the Garden

Aeris dug her fingers into the dirt with a happy sigh. She always felt most at home when working with her plants, and her current batch of seedlings was ready to leave their pots and go into the regular flower beds. Her gardens had diversified quite a bit lately. Sephiroth had gotten into the habit of bringing her back seeds whenever he went someplace on a mission. Aeris wasn't sure why he'd started doing that, but she wasn't going to complain. He had brought her back some very lovely flowers, and she enjoyed his company.

Sephiroth had become a friend. It still baffled Aeris a little that she was friends with one of the currently most famous and feared people in the world. Though Aeris had to admit that she wasn't afraid of him. She wasn't even very wary around him either. Of course, it did help that he mostly visited her rather than the other way around. Aeris was still rather uncomfortable going any where near an official ShinRa anything. But Sephiroth seemed happy to visit her here in her garden. She had the feeling that it was one of the few places he felt like he could just be himself. She doubted that it was easy being the General of SOLDIER. Add to that the fact he had practically grown up in Hojo's lab, it was no wonder he felt isolated much of the time. She felt the same thing often enough.

"Hello, Aeris."

She started a little at the sound of his voice.

"Seph! You're back." Then she frowned. "What have I told you about sneaking up on me?"

He laughed. "I brought you something."

Aeris grinned back at him; she long stopped protesting that he didn't have to get her anything. Sephiroth would bring her back seeds and plants regardless. Sephiroth smiled at her and took a seat on one of the remaining pews before producing a little brown paper packet.

"So what did you get me?"

"Bulbs. Pink, yellow, and orange tulips as well as a mix of various crocuses."

"Let me finish getting these in the ground, and then I'll get those potted."

"There's no rush. I have plenty of time."

"Tell me about your trip."

They never really discussed what his missions were, but he told her about the places he visited and what they were like. One Aeris wanted to travel herself and see them, but for now she was content hear about his experiences. While they talked, Aeris finished getting the last dozen seedlings into the ground and watered them. She paused from time to time to glance at Sephiroth. He didn't quite look the way ShinRa or rumors painted him. The relaxed man in causal clothes didn't inspire awe or fear at all really. At least not to her. He seemed to enjoy the time he spent with her, and Aeris knew that she did.

Her mother didn't quite approve of their friendship, but she did appreciate that it protected Aeris. When Sephiroth was there, no one even tried to hassle her. The natives of the area gave him a wide berth. To be fair, for the most part, people knew better than to try and harm her anymore, but there were always a few idiots who tried on occasion or were new to the area. One look at Sephiroth tended to scare them off. He never did anything to disguise himself, but then again it was rather hard for him to manage subtle. At least unless he wanted to dye his hair.

Aeris accepted the little packet of bulbs with a smile and set to work getting them in pots. She didn't have a flower bed free to plant them in at the moment. Sephiroth watched her with a slight smile on his face. He seemed far more at ease here than when they were out in public. She had easier time of hiding the fact that she didn't belong, but it was still true. He didn't exactly fit in here, but then neither did she. They were both unique, and that had also isolated them. But Aeris didn't feel isolated around him; she felt like she belonged.

Their conversation turned to his men and their antics as she planted the bulbs in pots. Aeris was content to spend the afternoon puttering in her garden, and it was clear that Sephiroth had no intention of going any place else for a while. Both in conversation and in silence they were comfortable and companionable, and Aeris enjoyed a lovely afternoon with her friend. Sephiroth had the forethought to bring some snacks along as well, and there was no need to leave until they were ready to. When it was finally beginning to get dark outside, Sephiroth walked her home and left her at her doorstep with a kiss on her cheek. Aeris was smiling when she greeted her mother.

Elmyra smiled back. "Did you have a nice day, dear?"

"Definitely."