A/N: So sorry for not updating real fast! I was working on some of my other stories! Anyhoo, I just realized no one gave me their opinion on a smut filled chapter between Reno and Haley. Tell me if you would like to see one, or not. I want to be sure that it's something that you guys would like to see, so tell me! Now go and read the latest chapter!
Disclaimer: I own nothing, except this story and my characters, along with my copy of the game!
48. The Importance Of the Flowers In the Church
Reno and I walked into the old church, making our way towards the flower bed surrounding the healing waters. I got down on my knees in front of the flowers, while Reno sat down in one of the pews. I carefully caressed the petals of the lilies that had grown here over the years. I smiled as they brought back memories of my time with Aerith. I laughed a little when I remembered that the church was where I had first met Reno.
"What're you laughing at?" I turned around to see Reno staring at me with a confused face.
"You remember when I first met you?" I asked, wondering if he remembered our first encounter.
He looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully, before he spoke. "Oh, yeah. I met you when we fought up on the Sector 7 pillar."
I frowned at him. "No, that's not when we first met! I cant believe you don't remember that!"
"Hey, I'm sorry that I don't exactly remember you, except for when we were always fighting each other." He walked over and stepped into the flower bed, causing me to gasp.
"GAH! Get outta the flowers you dummy! You're squishing them!" I pushed him aside like I had done those 3 years ago, and immediately began to survey the damage.
His face turned into one of realization as I yelled at him and pushed him aside. "Oh! Now I remember! Whoops, sorry about the flowers…again."
I smiled up at him. "Well, at least you remembered. Besides, the flowers here are resilient to anything."
"I don't get it. Why are these flowers so important exactly?" Reno asked, sitting down next to me.
I smiled to myself as the memory of me asking the same question came back.
Flashback:
Haley sat on the ground next to Aerith, listening to her hum a tune, and watching her care for the flowers that she loves so dearly. It had been about 2 weeks since Haley had met Aerith, and she would always follow her around.
"Aerith, I don't understand something….How come you love these flowers so much?" Haley asked, looking down at the flowerbed.
"Well…." Aerith began thoughtfully. "I guess it's because you never really see any in Midgar because of the plate. And because this church is a sacred place. But I think, it's because these flowers continue to blossom here, even though they may not live forever. It's because, they give people hope."
Haley looked at the flowers in thought. "Hope, huh? ….I think you're right about that. Even though they live in place that cannot sustain actual plant life, they continue to thrive here, even though they risk death. I think I understand now. They don't give up on their chance of blooming."
Aerith smiled at the younger girl. "That's exactly what I meant."
Haley grinned. "Then, if they don't give up on themselves, then I wont give up on them either! I'll help take care of them, I promise!"
End flashback:
"Because, they were Aerith's flowers." I mumbled quietly, noticing that Reno suddenly became quiet. "And because you really never see flowers in Midgar. Plus, this church is a sacred place, making them all the more special."
"But, that still doesn't exactly explain why you love them so much."
"They symbolize hope."
"Hope? Exactly how?" Man, Reno was acting like a five year old who wanted to know everything about everything!
"Because, even though they live somewhere that cannot sustain plant life in its condition during this time, they still continue to thrive here, even though they risk death. They give up their chance of blooming. And if they can continue to live and thrive, then so can we." I looked over to see what he was doing. He was staring down at the flower bed, and I noticed he was looking at a flower that was wilting.
"If that's true, then why are things around Midgar so bad?"
"Maybe, because it's time to start anew. Build something bigger and better, than the way it was before." I scooped up some healing water into my hands. "Even when something dies or falls, something will always grow. Something new and wonderful, all the same." I dropped the water onto the wilting flower, and watched it as it perked back up. "And, isn't that why we have the W.R.O? To help build something better than before?"
He smiled thoughtfully to himself. "I think I understand now."
"Good. You know, when I first came to Midgar, and found my way into this church, it was the first time I'd seen flowers in 5 years. And, I think that's the main reason that I care for them so much. Because, I want them to live."
"I know what you mean now." Reno smiled at me, standing up. "Thank you, for explaining that to me."
I smiled up at him. "If there's anyone to thank, it's Aerith. She's the reason why these flowers continue thrive."
"Thanks, Aerith. Because of you, all of us are still alive."
'I promise I'll always take care of them, Aerith.'
A/N: I liked writing this chapter, so I hope you guys liked it! So, review! LATER TATERS!
