. take two .
Aerith
Aerith looks at Cloud's hands while he takes care of the mechanical engine – he seems a natural, she guesses it was part of his work in ShinRa. She might as well ask him, but up to now she's got used to the fact that he never reveals details about his past life, there's a strange mist covering it all.
She looks at the crane coming to rest where it's supposed to be, but it's just an instant before her eyes are drawn to his gloved hands again.
She's wanted to touch them, a few minutes ago – she's wanted to high-five him, but…
"Not half bad! So, do you moonlight as a crane operator or something? " she chatters lightly, moving a pace towards him.
She knows she's flirting, somehow – she's well aware of the effect that this has on men, but with Cloud… Well, Cloud is so oblivious that everything seems kind of wasted. Oddly, instead of discouraging her, it turns out to be even more funny. By the way, she likes him more than she'd liked anyone else in a long time, too, and that's a fact.
As a further proof of what she's thinking, he just 'hmps' and lowers is gaze. He avoids all of her compliments, just as he's avoided her high-five.
Yet, he'd seemed more confused than standoffish, maybe he just wasn't expecting that, maybe…
"Yeah!" she lifts her hand, again, before she can even think about how stupid it might seem to his eyes for the second time.
She's already seen this scene – Cloud's confused and stoic frown, no sign that he's returning her gesture. Really, was she actually expecting something different?
I just never learn.
"Hm," this time, at least, a light sigh escapes from his lips. Not that it's enough, because after that he just stares at his hand, as if he's trying to solve a very difficult puzzle.
Maybe that's what the concept of 'having fun' is to him - a puzzle.
Maybe she should just give up on him.
She turns around, and starts talking about something else.
AN. Thanks so much for everyone who supported me on this fic! It was such a pleasure to see your feedback even if it's just drabbles ^^ Part three is coming soon!