It was Monday, and Aeris looked intently at the grand staircase that led to the second floor. She could still see and feel yesterday like it was happening right now, and she blushed at the thought of it. The clock struck twelve and minutes later, Rufus came down the stairs, holding a small bouquet of pink and white roses.

Aeris almost giggled when Rufus solemnly presented the gift to her. She saw that Rufus was stifling a chuckle.

They had talked almost the whole Sunday away and had agreed to see each other. . . although they didn't put it in that term. They just had confirmed their feelings for each other by asking indirect questions.

The night in the tent, although they did nothing but share a kiss, had brought them closer than they ever imagined. Rufus put his arms around Aeris' waist as they walked into the cafeteria.

Rufus' morning was spent with one excited Reno asking him millions of questions. Reno still couldn't believe that his friend had only kissed the beautiful girl, only once. However he had squeezed out of Rufus that he had cared for her greatly, and had convinced him to ask her to the ball.



They sat down opposite of each other, smiling and staring into each other's eyes. Aeris' fingers were playing with his, and he gently squeezed hers.

"Have you heard of the Junon-Office Celebration Ball?"

"Hmm?" Aeris looked puzzled.

"You know, Shinra's opening another building in Junon. They're celebrating it by hosting a ball for all employees this Sunday."

"ALL Shinra employees? That's like fifty-thousand people!"

"They emptied like three top floors for the ball. It's supposed to be very good. Are you going to go?" Rufus struggled inside to keep his face straight.

"Isn't it mandatory?" Aeris laughed.

"Well. . ." Rufus faltered. Duh, it was mandatory. She will come even if he doesn't ask. Still, he decided to take a risk.

"Great. So I'll pick you up around seven?" Rufus tried to make it seem as if it was obvious that she had said yes. Aeris' expression changed to that of a surprise, then to one of delight.

Although neither had finished their meals, they stood up and walked to the exit. Aeris suddenly stopped and turned to face him.

"Yes." She was smiling.

Rufus grinned and lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. It lasted bare seconds, but Aeris turned bloody red. All around them was dead silence and people looked on with shock. Rufus grimaced as the whole atmosphere of the place turned. However Aeris didn't seem to notice. Rufus looked at her fondly and took her hand and got out of the room.

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The rest of the week went by quickly. Rufus could remember nothing but that he had to be downstairs by twelve. Aeris stopped working by eleven thirty and hung around the area until he saw a familiar figure walking down the stairs.

Their attraction to each other was similar to puppy love, pure and innocent and taking only what was offered. Every word was gentle and delicate and thought out many times before it actually left their lips. The days ended with sweet daydreams and they sighed in their sleep.

Perhaps, because they were too happy, that was the reason they failed to acknowledge the real emotions in their hearts.



Author's note: Can you tell I'm really hurrying this up? The whole fic has gone so long before anything happened. . . right? Well please be patient with me!