☈ strike #19 (action)

[thestormishere]

[ It's absolutely freezing and the village is covered in snow, but although Lightning would usually be all for avoiding that kind of weather like the beach-town native from Cocoon she is, today she's out anyway... and accompanying Baldr, who has definitely been inside way too much lately.

Hard to believe that a year ago saw her struggling with what to do with the little puppy she suddenly found herself saddled with, but now? That little black fluffball is a full-grown dog: long-haired, well-muscled... and currently bounding about, snuffling through the white covering, and chatting back to his pink-haired human about his various findings. Still a puppy at heart sometimes, that's for sure.

And while he doesn't run up to just anyone and bowl them over or anything - look at who his trainer is, come on - he does pay special attention to anyone else who happens to be out as well, ears perked forward, snow in his ruff, and a hearty Hello! to most who cross their path.

As for Lightning herself, she's... a noticeable contrast, solemn and distracted as she keeps an eye on the dog, making her way slowly into the middle of town. A visit to the flowershop later, and she's carrying something pretty unusual: a small bunch of pale pink crysanthemums. Where she's heading after that, however, remains to be seen. ]

Comments

[thestormishere]

[ She stares a moment, before slowly turning her hands over and lifting them, taking in a deep breath. Eyes are up! Though, just far enough to accommodate the flowers; they really are nice... ]

Yeah.

[ And... a swallow- she's not sure if this is the part where Aerith finally asks what's up or not. Deflecting in her usual manner would be impossible right now. ]

[gardeningaia]

[ No. This is the part where Aerith sees her swallow and bites her own smile for a moment before reaching to hug Light--one-armed but still close, the other hand making sure Light's flowers don't get crushed by attempts at comforting. She lets go soon enough, but still doesn't ask anything. The thing is, she thinks she knows enough: someone has died, and Light cared about them. What more does she need to know? ]

I'm sorry about your friend.

[ ...Even if it's obvious she's got the wrong idea about who the deceased might be, it's also obvious that she's sincere. ]

[thestormishere]

-- Ah.

[ Oh, they're... hugging now, apparently.

Okay.

And well, yeah, Aerith's reasonably off the mark in her condolences, considering who Lightning has in mind is her parents rather than a friend... but her tongue ties before she has the chance to indicate anything awry or outright voice an objection.

It's close enough, at least, and obviously Lightning doesn't really want to talk about it too much or make things any more awkward than they already are. She just pulls away, dipping her head in what passes for a nod. ]

I'll... be back by tonight.

[gardeningaia]

[ Yes. They are hugging now. Or, well, they were.

Just take your hugs Light :I

Though Aerith cocks her head at last comment. ]

Mm? You're not going really far are you?

[ Light mother hens her on being outside in this weather, she can mother hen back. ]

[thestormishere]

[ That's harder than it sounds, alright? Being all tenseness and elbows if she happens to be hugged without her being the one to initiate it... it's not really something she takes pride in, and it's not really something she can help. Especially right now. ]

No.

[ She even shakes her head slightly, a touch surprised at the question. She's not planning to, anyway, and the fact that she's taking the dog will probably manage to leash her a little...? ]

[gardeningaia]

All right, I was just wondering! I'll see you then.

[thestormishere]

Right.

[ Her expression twists awkwardly, oddly relieved in a way that wars with her otherwise downtrodden path of emotion. She'll probably talk eventually... but not right now. Once more she dips her head briefly, movements at once smooth and uneven as she steps back. ]

Thanks again. Baldr--

[ And then she waits just long enough to make sure the dog's following close enough to get through the door with her before she's gone. ]