A/N:
I wanted to make this chapter kind of "funny", so excuse me before hand if my dry humor gets corny in some parts, ha!
WARNING:
Beware of Aerith's cooking… It might sprout legs and start dancing because it's so cute looking and sweet!
No, seriously.
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Suddenly, the clouds above that promised torrential rains slowly cleared the sky, and sunlight finally revealed its vibrancy. As she looked down at her feet, she asked with a contemplative tone, "So, Leon, do you know why we are constantly reminded of who we truly are?"
No reply came and both were silent. Leon was still searching for that answer.
"I...think...it's different with each person…for me, my heart and dreams tell me…" He glanced over to whose voice hesitantly spoke and paused.
For a brief moment, as he carefully studied her face, he saw a subtle sadness around her. There was look of restraint as she pursed lips, like she was holding in some hidden pain. But through her eyes, he noticed, that they spoke no lies...
"I feel my heart telling me to find him. I don't know…it's as if I hear his calling out to me, too," she finally confessed. She bit her lower lip while still looking at her feet.
"I may not understand why my heart feels the way it does, but I know... that when I'm with...I mean, when I know that I can help him..." She drifted off once again struggling to find the words. "I just...feel complete, like this is my purpose, the reason why I'm here; that's what makes me happy."
He didn't press her any further on the subject. He understood what she was trying to say. She had just revealed part of herself, her doubts, her hopes, and sense of being; that alone was enough. He felt somewhat honored that he was the one whom she entrusted her thoughts; he accepted her confidence with stillness.
In their conversation, a closer familiarity was established and a heavy burden was lifted. They remained in each other's presence, watching the sun set, until the florescent colors finally disappeared over the horizon.
"...Thank you..." There was no need to speak it. It was understood in their hearts.
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"I'm Sitiophobic…If It's Aerith's Cooking"
Chapter 3
"Gosh, Cid, what's the big deal?" Yuffie pestered while holding one of the metal bars in place. "You know that you're the only one that can build this stuff, so stop being so...old and grumpy!"
"Quit your damn whinin' and hold still, would ya?" the mechanic retorted rather annoyed, and bolted the last bar of metal for the foundation. For the past several hours, the ninja and the mechanic were building the "finally decided" stage-like platform, much to Yuffie's disappointment. Cid, internally, was excited in constructing and setting up for the celebration, but he wouldn't let anyone know that.
"So where's Aerith n' Leon?" Cid asked, wiping the sweat off his forehead. He walked over to a pile of tools and materials for the lighting and began working the wires. "I thought they'd come n' help."
"Well…Aerith's at home. She said she had plans to talk to Merlin about what foods we're gonna have cuz', you know, he's lactose intolerant; she wouldn't wanna make food that will make people sick." While sitting on the near-by stairs, she fished for food in a picnic basket that Aerith thoughtfully prepared.
"That wouldn't matter. She goes n' offers Leon soda with milk n' tea with sugar all the time," he replied with a raised brow. She thought for a moment as she took a bite of her heart-shaped sandwich.
"Ya know, I think somethin's up with that boy. I haven't seen him in days," Cid said absentmindedly. He climbed a ladder leaning on the ledge of the town square's walkway to hang his wire of lights. "He better quit actin' like somethin's up his butt and start helpin' us over 'ere since you ain't much help just sittin' there eatin' your sandwich." A vein began to throb on his temple.
"First of all, its lunch time so stop being such a "work-aholic". Secondly, I'm the only one who's here, so, either be happy or I'm leaving. Thirdly, Leon always stresses over things and acts like he's got something up his butt…relax, he'll be back soon. He just needs to realize that he's a weirdo and accept it, then he'll be fine; until then…it's just you and me."
She took another bite, and was now certain it had a distinct taste; Cid just rolled his eyes and mumbled something inaudible.
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There was a dark abyss that pierced the air; strange black creatures crawled out of that abyss.
Screams could be heard and people could be seen running; all senses heightened from a terrible feeling of urgency. They, the heartless, attacked those innocent people, ripping their hearts out and leaving their bodies on the cold pavement.
He froze from fear and utter devastation as he gazed at the horrible scene before him. His lips quivered and his eyes narrowed at the heartless swarming closer and closer. He had missed his stepping as he tried to escape, and he fell hard on the ground. Before he realized it, he was surrounded by the terrible creatures whose claws were only inches away from him.
"Squall!" a voice shouted. A body lunged at the young boy, covering him from the attack. The stranger's face winced in agonizing pain as the heartless clawed at his back to reach the child underneath. The boy stared up at the man with shock.
"Go," the man choked, "Get out of here…" There was such sadness in his eyes.
Frightened, he crawled out from underneath and hesitantly ran off. As he turned around, he saw the heartless seize the man's body…tearing out his heart…
Hot tears streamed down Squall's face… There was nothing else he could do but run. Even though he escaped, he felt as if his heart was torn out, too.
Leon screamed in terror as he awoke from his dream. Every night it was the same, every night seemed hopeless. His dreams were nothing but a replaying of his terrible past… It would be so much easier if he could just forget it all.
He looked at the time…it was noon. Tiredly, he got up, grabbed a towel, and did his usual morning hygienic routine. But as he returned to fix his bed, he collapsed exhaustedly into the sheets.
As he stared up at the white ceiling he wondered…since when did he have a crack up there in the corner? One of those small portable cameras Cid invented could actually fit in between…ha! Like some one could actually put one there…
Suddenly, there was a gentle rasping at his door. Though he was somewhat curious of whom it could be, he remained in bed and hoped that whom ever it was would give up and leave him be. Unfortunately, to much of his annoyance, the stranger continued to knock on his door with more force.
Unwilling to be patient enough for the person to leave, he got up from his bed to answer the door. Through the hallway, the living room, and the kitchen, he finally reached the door. "Knock, knock." Who ever it was was certainly persistent. As he opened the door, he was greeted by Tifa. Surprise, surprise.
"Oh," she stated as she held out a plate of food, "I…umm…." She just stared at him speechless, and her cheeks began to redden. It was then he realized he stood….in front of her…with just a towel on. Had he forgotten to dress after coming out of the shower…? Obviously…idiot…
Embarrassed of his appearance, he impulsively slammed the door…in her face... Oops. Realizing his rudeness, he, once again, hastily opened it. She still stood there in utter shock with her mouth wide open; however, now, it was the cause of food being smothered all over her clothing. He was horrified…
"I'm so sorry," Leon embarrassedly stuttered. "I…didn't mean to…uhh…here, come inside." He showed her in; she followed with portions of food falling to the floor. "Uhh…don't worry about that. I'll clean that up."
He felt like a total idiot, an awkward towel-walking idiot, he thoughtfully corrected. He showed her the bathroom so she could clean up; she tried to smile at his…kindness…but ended up looking slightly disgruntled.
After she finally exited the bathroom, Tifa found him fully dressed on the couch in the living room. "Listen," he said seriously without stuttering like an idiot, "It was an accident."
She took an empty seat across from him and shrugged. "It's…alright, really," she replied and looked down at her stained shirt. Both were uncomfortably silent for a moment.
"Do you…" he asked sniffing the air, "smell fish?"
Tifa blinked and realized the smell was coming from her dirtied clothing. "I should leave," she said embarrassedly, and she rose from her seat.
"No, no. I didn't mean it that way. I mean…if you want, you can shower here…" Tifa blinked again.
He thought for a moment. What did he just say? Did he just ask her to stay and shower…here at his place? He was now certain that he had lost all sense and reason from the moment she knocked at the door. Idiot…
"Thanks for offering, but I think I'll just go home. Oh, and by the way, I'm sorry about the food. I was at Aerith's and she asked me to give it to you…" She headed for the door.
"Hey, Tifa." She turned around. Leon thought for a moment of what to say because he feared he would say something stupid again; it never seemed to fail when she was around. "Don't feel bad about it. If anything, I'll let you throw a couple of punches at me later."
She understood what he meant; it was his way of trying to make her smile, and it worked. "Yeah. I promise I won't go too hard on you," she bantered. With that, she left. Leon sighed and glanced at the trail of food still on the floor.
'If that was Aerith's cooking…I think I'll pass,' he thought. In a way, he felt guilty she went through the trouble of cooking; however, knowing Aerith, she would have put sugar in it or something else deadly to his taste buds…
Leon grimaced and began to clean up the mess.
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He walked along the streets of town. As he entered the town square he found Aerith creating garlands of flowers while Yuffie helped Cid with completing the stage. All of them didn't seem to notice he was close by.
He doubted approaching them, especially when he was shameful of his "absent" behavior for the past several days.
The more he saw them being cheerful about the festivity, the more he was reminded of not being able to save them, those lost in darkness. It wasn't fair that he should take part in the celebration, while others were not here to share the experience. Deep down he felt responsible for their loss; he was guilty and ashamed. There was guilt for his failure and shame when he couldn't share the happiness with his friends.
Since then, he tried avoiding their company whenever he thought it was possible. He just wished to forget it all…
Before Leon could continue towards the bailey, Yuffie spotted him in the distance. "Hey, hey!" she exclaimed gleefully while waving her arms, "Over here!" She had distractedly released her grip on the ladder, which was supposed to support Cid's balance.
"Dang it, woman! Hold the damn thing still or I'ma gonna – !" But Cid never finished and he oafishly fell, along with the rickety old ladder and a bucket full of paint. Thank goodness the ladder didn't fall on him, but unfortunately, the paint splattered everywhere, specifically on Cid, who landed on his back, and Yuffie, who just screamed in utter shock.
Aerith hearing the whole commotion quickly ran to their aid. After witnessing the whole scene, Leon found it was best if he left before he caused anymore damage…
"I told you, YUFFIE!" he painfully shouted as he tried to sit up, and a stream of cursing came from his mouth.
"I'm sorry, but I saw Leon over there!" she cried out, and pointed a wet-painted finger to where he previously stood. They all looked, but no one was there; Yuffie blinked and sweat-dropped in confusion. "Wait! I really did see him! He was right there!"
Cid glared at her, and he continued to curse incoherently. Aerith just sighed as she helped the man up. Didn't they believe her? Of course, she had her mischievous moments where she would lie to just get a laugh, but this was the truth! "No, really, Aerith!"
Seeing that no one believed her, she determinedly marched off, leaving a track of painted footprints. "Where are you going?" Aerith called, rather confused at her abrupt leave.
"I'm going to prove that he was here and just he's been avoiding us all along!" she angrily replied. "Something's smells fishy and I don't like it!"
"Oh, that's just the tuna sandwiches I made," the flower girl bubbly said. "I even added some honey and jam for more taste."
So that's what she tasted… Yuffie looked sick and momentarily held her hand to her mouth. Ugh…
"No, no, I mean, with Leon. I'm gonna get to the bottom of it! He owes me a new outfit for putting me through this grief, anyways!" Still dowsed in paint from head to foot, she stomped away and reminded herself not to eat her friend's honey-jam tuna sandwiches ever again…
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Intentionally, I was going to name this chapter "I'm Mageriocophobic…If It's Aerith's"; but it sounded kind of…weird to me.
Basically this chapter was totally pointless. Bleh...
Sitiophobia: Fear of food or eating food
Mageirocophobia: Fear of cooking
