[VIDEO]

[23wishes]

[The camera is pointed at a blank wall. There's some hemming and hawing, muffled, then the camera switches to Aerith's neck as she finds how to switch to the front camera. She may have accidentally given herself a double chin for a moment there, but you didn't see that, right?]

Ah- There we go!

[She adjusts it so the camera is framing her face properly, and gives it a big, bright smile.]

Sorry! This phone is a lot fancier than my old one, but I got it now. Anyway, I'm Aerith. I just got here. It's a little weird so far.

... Um...

Is anyone unregistered? What's it like?

I don't think I want to...

[Aerith looks down at something out of frame, frowning slightly. Suddenly, she looks back up.]

Oh, I almost forgot! Does anyone know where I can buy some plants? This room needs lots of sprucing up!

Comments

[biteouttagrimes]

Take it you like kids?

[23wishes]

Mmhmm! I used to look after some in the slum sometimes, but I didn't get the chance to have any of my own.

[biteouttagrimes]

Yet, you mean. 'Cause you're still real young an' it's smart to wait.

[23wishes]

[SUUUUUUURE. Yet.]

I'm 22. It wouldn't have been that unusual back home.

[biteouttagrimes]

Still is always better to wait. Me an' my wife didn't have Carl 'til we were in our late twenties. An' that was after we both got a house an' a stable source of income. If we tried to do it at your age, I think it woulda been a real struggle.

[23wishes]

Well, I'd have to wait anyway~ I'm single now.

[biteouttagrimes]

Really? Doubt that's gonna last long.

[ An awkward pause. ]

I mean, I don't mean I'm gonna put moves on you or nothing. I'm seein' someone. But jus'....there's plenty of guys here. Guys that'd probably like you a lot.

[ Or girls, too. If Aerith is into that sort of thing. Who is he to judge? ]

[23wishes]

[She pauses at that too, then erupts into giggles.]

Aww, don't disappoint me~

[biteouttagrimes]

[ Oh god. His cheeks pink. She's definitely teasing him. He knows that. But it's not something he's used to at all. ]

I could be your Dad, you know. Your really young dad.

[ He counters jokingly. ]

[23wishes]

Just kidding~.

[That was pretty cute, though. Aerith can't help but smirk.]

I'm seeing someone, too. Kind of. It's complicated.

... What's she like?

[biteouttagrimes]

[ With a laugh. ]

Ain't it always? Complicated, that is.

[ A beat. How to describe her? Which one to describe? His at home sort of girlfriend or his in this world sort of prospective girlfriend?? Complicated for sure! ]

She's a good person. Strong. Good with kids. Able to defend herself an' fight for her own. Very beautiful. An' I jus', we have fun together. Which is nice after everything that's happened in my life.

[ It sort of describes both! ]

How 'bout the guy you're seein'?

[23wishes]

[Uh-oh, he's a PLAYER~]

She sounds wonderful! Just like what you'd need.

[And how to describe Cloud? She feels like she barely got to know him before everything happened.]

He's... He's complicated too. He's a bit moody and kind of withdrawn. But he's sweet underneath it all. Plus it's really easy to work him up~ He's cute when he blushes.

[biteouttagrimes]

Sounds like you're good for him. I mean those kinda guys need someone who'll draw 'em out, ya know?

[ And Rick speaks from experience. Who knows where he would have been if he hadn't met Jessie or Tex. ]

[23wishes]

Your kind of guy, right?

[biteouttagrimes]

I can get where he's coming from, yeah.

[ With a smile that hints he is making a total understatement. ]

[23wishes]

[She's just gonna giggle at that.]

[biteouttagrimes]

If he ever shows up, point him my way. We can sit in broody silence an' have a beer.

[23wishes]

I will! Until then, maybe we can instead.

[biteouttagrimes]

Sounds like a plan if beer's your thing. I'll look around for you, Aerith. You take care of yourself, an' if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to let me know.

[23wishes]

[She flashes a peace sign!]