3rd POV:
Nox hummed and closed his PHS. He had to exert some effort not to laugh out loud.
Oh, sure. Tseng used coded language, the same words yet not the right words (or at least not the right tone), etc, etc. But add in some information that Barret brought about Sector 8?
Tseng was fumbling. Making a gamble. Unless...his efforts to raise and prop The Sharks in the Sector 8 Slums was a two pronged attack.
The Night of the Red Rivers was either a one time event OR this time the Turks will be keeping a much closer eye on 'their people' in the slums and if the real perpetrator of the Night of Red River strikes again, then they can catch him or at least a whiff of evidence with which they can work with and hunt him down.
Essentially speaking there was a fire under Tsengs ass and he was trying to not get himself killed by proving that he has worth as the Head of Turks for President Shinra.
Nox hummed again.
He can work with that.
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''Congratulations, you two have now officially graduated and finished your education as a practiced Pharmacist. Yada, yada, yada. I can give you no Licenses or Doctorates, but if you want you can go to the Top Plate and pay a fee to take a sort of exam to prove you know what you're doing. Either way, here,'' Nox said and slapped a document on the table for Naomi. She took it and read it.
''You're giving me the pharmacy?,'' Naomi asked him shoked.
''Sure, we just need to go finalize some documents. So that shipments of plants can continue under your name and I won't be charged,'' Nox shrugged.
Astrid and Naomi shared a look.
''But why?,'' asked Astrid.
''Founding this Pharmacy served it's purpose. Don't worry. I will still drop off monster parts here, but one day you may very well need to establish shipments for that too,'' Nox told them.
''No.''
''No.''
Their response came at the same time.
''No?,'' Nox asked them confused. What reason could they possibly have to refuse that offer? Well, at least Naomi. Astrid could still work for her.
''We like working for you,'' Naomi told him simply and handed the paper back to him.
''Yeah. Don't worry, boss. If there is something you need to take care off that will keep you away for a long time, then do it. We will take care of the shop in your absence till you are done,''Astrid added making Naomi nod.
Nox huffed and turned his head away from them while taking the document from the counter and began ripping it apart. He threw the pieces in the trash bag.
''Sure. Fine. I don't know how long I will be away, but I will leave things to you Naomi. As my Executive you will take care of the shop. Both of you have my number so call me, should anything happen. Like I said. Don't worry for now. I will still deliver monster parts for the foreseeable future,'' Nox told them.
Monster hunting in the sewers earned him more money anyway, but the pharmacy could be an added bonus.
''Don't worry, Nox. We take care of things here for you. You just take care of your business,'' Naomi replied making Astrid the one to nod this time.
Nox hummed.
''Sure. See you around then,'' Nox waved at them and exited with them waving a bit as well.
...
''Why did you refuse?,'' Astrid asked her. She approved, of course, but she was curious for the older womans reasons.
''I have no head for finances or business, but even if I had I still would have refused. We have a good thing going on here and I just...preferred it this way,'' Naomi explained.
So the same reasons as Astrid then. Good.
''You think he knew you don't do good with finances?,'' Astrid asked her.
''No.''
''Time to be the unsung hero then. I am good with finances,'' Astrid muttered. Had to be. She forced herself to learn to know how to run a budget to finance her family moving from Sector 4 to 7. A moot point now, but the skill remained with her.
''Should we call him and tell him to make you Executive?,'' Naomi offered her.
''Nah. We can do that the next time he visits,'' Astrid waved her off. She didn't want to bother him too much, after all her did for her.
''Sure,'' Sure Naomi replied. The two began getting to work.
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Oh, sure there was Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid, but as far as Nox was concerned anything involving human psychology could never be categorized or fitted into such a narrow box, like socks in a drawer.
Humans evolve, even if slowly. Societies change. Knowledge develops. Morales change, more or less. So many things change and thus so do human needs.
His old world and this one evolved enough that their most primary concern, before anything else, is sustainable green energy. Or that should be the case, considering most other important needs are met, like food and stuff.
But humanity always had their priorities skewed.
Oh,well. That is where Nox came in.
He put the box against the wall and under his knee to allow himself to get one hand free and grab his keys from his pocket. He opened the door with his butt and dropped off the box in the corner before closing the door after himself.
Nox then began opening the box and and grabbed out the first object. A book. A science book. About the sun. Astrophysics. Atoms.
Again. The technological and scientific development of this world was all over the place. They knew about atoms, had a theory about how the sun worked. They knew off radiation.
But they had no knowledge about nuclear physics. Had no understanding of Plasma Physics. Or knew that they could use Fusion to generate energy. Either trough Solar Panels or Fusion Reactors. They didn't have books about that, both in libraries and in Shinras libraries that were not open to the public. He already spent a few 'rounds' looking through Shinras records on information on those subjects.
Or at least, Shinra, the cretin, had no interest in financing that type of research and/ or was actively undercutting efforts to delve into that type of research.
Either way, it fell to him, a High School drop out, to try ...something. To educate himself as best he could.
He did not have a lot of confidence, but better fool then craven.
And it wasn't like he wouldn't double check or triple check with actual geniuses.
Reeve Tuesti and Hojo were both brilliant. Much as he hated to admit that about the latter. Though from what he read, Nox would have preferred to work with Gast. He was, by far, the better scientist of the two and Hojo killed him in jealousy. No matter.
He had every intention of abusing the shit out of his ability. Make a theory on fusion and a blueprint for the Reactor. Drop it off, conveniently, on their table. Watch them do their magic, reap the benefits and memorize everything before ending the round, returning to before he gave them the papers and give them the new and improved ones.
Repeat till he gets the desired results.
(Though it remained to be seen if Hojo would have his interest peaked. The man had the infuriating characteristic of dismissing everyone else's intellect as inferior. And thus everything that was a product of that inferior intellect must be inferior as well.
(As if he wasn't reaping the benefits of all the products his ancestors built. Moron.)
He may not even bother looking at the papers. In that case, Nox will settle for working with just Tuesti and he will look for another scientist.)
In other words, he was essentially going to save scum, till he will be blesses by the RNG gods.
He put the book back and sighed after looking at his apartment and lousy one table and bed. There will be more books, books he didn't buy because he couldn't care more of them in the box and he didn't want to reveal his Mako Strands by carrying more boxes with them.
He needed a bigger table to put them down. Pencils. A whiteboard. Markers. A chair. Erasers. And so much more.
Guess Aerith will get her request fulfilled of him making his home more lively. That is fine, he won't leave any time soon and he needed to take care of other matters.
Sure he may take over the world by himself, but holding it and managing it was another matter. For that he needed loyal subjects.
With his next course of action set, Nox stood up and walked over to the bathroom with his watering can and began filling it.
*RingRing**RingRing*
''Aerith? Something wrong?,'' Nox asked her picking up and putting the phone in between his ear and shoulder. He closed the tap and began making his way over to the Lilacs, conveniently sitting on the window bank to get some (minimal) measure of sunlight.
''So, remember when you told me I should start with a small group first? For my dream?,'' Aerith asked him as he watered the Lilacs.
''Mhm,'' Nox said, focusing more on not over watering the flowers.
''So, I did some research. I need to commission or order flower pots. Earth too or I can take the earth from my garden or the church, but I'd rather not. Seeds I can get from my flowers. Unfortunately my allowance is not enough for that, so I wondered if you and I could go monster hunting to gather some money? If you want?,'' she sounded a little unsure at the end.
''Sure. Astrid and Naomi graduated a few days ago. Just tell me when to come, since I have free time any time now,'' Nox told her and inspected the Lilac a little before giving a satisfied nod. Still going strong, buddy.
''Really? Then I should give them a gift sooner or later. And if you want we can start right now,'' Aerith told him.
''Sure. I'm coming over then. Your home?,'' Nox put the watering can back in his bathroom.
''Yes.''
''Gotcha. See you then,'' Nox said.
''See you soon.''
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Aerith spun her staff and hit the Allemagnes with several Fireballs and then quickly followed it up with a Blizzara.
Meanwhile Nox was battling and making quick work of a few Dorky Faces.
Suddenly he spun around after defeating them and threw his sword spear at Aerith, past her and killed a Sahagin that tried to sneak up on her. One of three, but the closest one. Aerith spun around and quickly defeated the few more Blizzara's.
''Mind you back,'' Nox reminded her with a huff. Some lightning coursed through his sword spear before it flew back into his hand. A new trick he learned a while ago. Immensely useful, considering detached simple Mako Objects were still out of his control and in a temporary stasis before they returned back to his Mako Pool.
Aerith nodded and the two began gathering the drops. Nox the monster parts for the pharmacy and Aerith the money.
She pouted.
''I thought it would be more worthwhile. We only gathered a few hundred Gil and I need a few thousands,'' Aerith complained and flailed her arms petutlantly.
Nox hummed.
''The deeper we go, the bigger the rewards, but I would not recommend that considering the recent Mako Reactor leak. Every time that happens, there are more monsters then usual and more dangerous too. Even at the higher levels of the sewer,'' Nox explained.
''You think I can't take care of myself? I thought I was doing pretty good,'' Aerith crossed her hands looking annoyed.
''No. I believed you already when you claimed you were a good mage and you went ahead and proved it too, your only failing is that you don't watch your back as much as you should. But for the lower levels being a good mage is not enough, you need to be tough too.
If it weren't for the Mako leak I would take you a little lower. But just a little. But under these circumstances? No. We'll just have to grind here,'' Nox told her.
She sighed and dropped her arms and head.
''Fine,'' she whined petulantly. Sooner or later she will absorb enough Mako residue from the defeated monsters that she should grow more powerful. Powerful enough to visit the lower levels.
''You know. A thought occurred to me. If defeating monsters makes people stronger,'' Aerith lowly began her question as they walked around for more monster encounters,''because they absorb the Mako residue, then why doesn't every just go around defeating monsters to grow stronger? They can start with the weaker ones. It's not like monsters will ever suffer getting hunted into extinction.''
Unless Shinra managed to suck out all Mako from the earth and make the Lifestream obeselete.
They were talking at a lower volume to hear the monsters and not get ambushed.
''Why do you think?,'' Nox asked her instead.
''Hmm. Lots of reasons. Not everyone likes fighting. Some are cowards. Others don't care for power. Some simply don't see the need, believing that a situation will never arise where they would need power. Not everyone can use Materia,'' Aerith counted off. She just wanted to see if they were of the same mind.
''There you have it. I can only add one more point though,'' Nox began,''Most people are simply satisfied after fulfilling their most important needs. Food, water, a roof over their heads and warmth to stave off the cold. And anything else, I suppose. After that they only care about stuff that makes getting the first four easier and more convenient and little else. There is... no place where power can fit into that equation. Only once someone threatens them will they want power and by then it may already be too late.''
''Hmmmm. Do you think everyone should have power then? To be monstrous and keep each other in check and in line by being a constant threat to each other?,'' Aerith asked him.
''Consequences stayed many a peoples hand. Rare is the person that seeks out strong opponents rather then weak ones.
But no, I don't consider that an option either. Many people are not kind enough or possess enough self control not to abuse their power over others,'' Nox told her.
''Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely? Is that what you mean?,'' Aerith asked him.
Well, he hasn't heard that sentence in near 21 years, the conversation between him and ROB still crystal clear in his memeory.
''I always found that sentence absurd. One merely needs to see how someone treats a homeless person, disabled person... or .... or even a child to get the measure of their character. No reason to give them systematic power and only realize to late 'Oppsie'. Because at that point that person won't give up any power or hand it back.
Power doesn't corrupt, it attracts pathological personalities. It is magnetical to the corruptible,'' Nox disagreed with her.
Aerith hummed.
''Then you think if Shinra really wanted they could be a good force in the world?,'' Aerith asked him. She was playing with fire. Her phone was almost certainly tapped, considering it was given to her by Tseng and was told to use only it. And someone probably was trailing them. She could very well get Nox in trouble, but she was too curios and already knew that he could handle himself thanks to the planet telling her.
''Who knows what goes on in their heads, unless someone is a mind reader. You can also never trust someone to be entirely honest about their motive. Like I once said. Judge them by their action.
Deeds, not words.
But yes. If they wanted, they could,'' Nox replied.
''I disagree. Understanding someones motives can be good too. I mean...
Imagine I'm a scientist who only cared about their research. And that scientist is too close minded to see any other path except his own to get results or answers. But what if someone shows him a different way. A better way to get results, without committing any vile practice,'' Aerith gave him an example that hit to close to home. Her first step, tentative as it was, in trying to get herself to tell him about her past.
Ans she knew she had to eventually. So that he understood and wouldn't waste his life trying to get her out of Shinra.
''Heh. Sounds like a man with an ego. People like that don't like being shown up. So you've just given him a motive to either prove YOU wrong or get rid off you,'' Nox chuckled.
''I... suppose. But you agree with me any way, that knowing someones motives could be beneficial? Sometimes people are only held back by their own imagination and thus they thread paths that they don't really have to,'' Aerith asked him again.
''I suppose I get the point you were trying to make. Which is not always the case, but it does occur. So, yes, I concur to your point,'' Nox told her.
Aerith nodded appreciatively.
''Get ready,'' Nox told her when they heard monsters nearby.
They made short work of the group and quickly pocketed everything returning to their stroll.
''Do you think people will like the flowerpots?,'' Aerith asked him.
''Children are easily impressionable. Do you have a school in Sector 5?,'' Nox asked her instead of answering.
''A small one. People try to give some funds, what little they can, we donate some money too, but like I said it's a small school. The teacher do what they can, so that they children can rise up and maybe even move to the Top Plate, if they secure a good enough job with their education. Why do you ask?,'' Aerith asked him and leaned a little in his face.
Get an education to secure better job prospects and move out of the slums? Education was certainly important. But how was that better as opposed to just fixing the slum issue itself?
He started some programs to get homeless people of the streets and as it turned out there is always some work that needs to be done. Getting them a job usually fixed things and if not there were other programs.
Or maybe Shinra could not have built such a weird fucking city. Was this supposed to be some sort of monument to their engineering might? Like masters in ancient egypt adorning their slaves in gold and jewelry to show off to other masters. A gesture of sheer vanity.
Humanity was fucking weird sometimes.
Nox kept his thought about that to himself.
''Adults are sometimes too set in their ways. The Top Platers are to vain to understand the value of nature and Slum Dwellers are either to poor to afford anything that doesn't directly involve survival or see no sense in bothering with something that doesn't directly involve survival.
But like I said. Children are impressionable. Take the children, instill them with values and just let the older outdated generation die out,'' Nox suggested to her.
''Nox! How can you say that about people just because they have a different opinion then you?,'' Aerith looked at him in affront and rested her hands on her hips.
''You ever made an omelette?
Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows, Aerith. I know you know that. You grew up in the slums. It's not like I'm advocating to go around and commit some sort of... demographical genocide.
...Look at it this way. If the children are happy and impressed with the flowers and learn the value of nature through them then maybe they spread their stance to the adults.
Chlidrens joy and wonder, if you are a normal functioning adult, is infectious and your drive to protect them will awaken. And that includes protecting the thing that makes their eyes sparkle with wonder.
So yes, Aerith. Go to school and teach the children about flowers and nature.
Or don't and you'll dream will never get realized. You think your dream, any dream really, can get realized without sacrifices on your part? And yes, that includes some small compromises on your part. Be their about your morals or... getting in the sewer to risk your neck for funds,'' Nox went off on her.
Aerith frowned and crossed her arms, more like hugging herself, and then turned her head. Eventually she shook her head and looked at him, letting her arms drop back by her sides.
''It feels manipulative. I don't like being manipulative,'' she told him.
''When I was young I loved my pillow. It was very comfortable. Image my sheer shook when I grew older but still yet innocent to the world and learned that one man can kill another with a PILLOW. A fucking PILLOW!
Anything can be good or bad. It is just a matter of how you apply it. And manipulating someone can certainly be a good thing. Especially when done in moderation,'' Nox told her.
Aerith looked like she wanted to say something, but then closed her mouth and began contemplating. Put like that... wasn't she technically manipulating him? Both by not telling him about her Cetra heritage, to cause him to treat her normally and by eventually telling him to keep him away from her when Shinra comes and takes her, for being too different?
After all, a lie by omission is still a lie.
Then again... the first time they met the planet told her to make contact with him, since he was different too. Though how she still hasn't found out.
And... a lot of other stuff besides.
Oh. geez. Put like that she was really rather manipulative, wasn't she? Not in an evil way, but still.
''...Then how should I go about teaching the children?,'' Aerith asked him.
''Well... First. You need to make a donation. A donation with requirements, where the teachers can watch you give the children a... special lesson about nature. Of course with over sight. Maybe the whole school day. Maybe just a few school hours. That depends on you,'' Nox began.
Aerith threw her arms up and her head back and groaned loudly.
''You're telling me I may need even more money then I initially thought?!,'' she complained.
They were almost immediately ambushed by monsters. They swiftly handled them and Aerith gave Nox a sheepish look when he looked at her after the battle.
''Second. You could write a small booklet to hand out with each flowerpot, so that people will know what to do to keep the flower alive,'' Nox finished.
''So even more money,'' she hang her head and murmured lowly having learned from her mistake. She thought she could gather all the money today, but now with an unknown factor in the mix she no longer knows how much money she needs. At least more then her estimate. So now she needs to wait another day to run another calculation and gather more money.
''I will finance any additional money that arose from my suggestions,'' Nox offered kindly.
''What? Nox I can't ask that off you,'' Aerith shook her head immediately.
''I want to. Your dream... is simple, but beautiful. Besides, we are friends. Even if I found you dream stupid, I would still help you so long as it is not harmful to anyone,'' Nox told her and gave her a reassuring smile.
Aerith stared at him while she put her hands in a prayer. The hammering in her chest slowly increasing, to the point she could hear it in her ears.
''I will pay you back. I promise,'' Aerith reassured him.
''If you want. Now come. We still have the entire day ahead of us,'' Nox gestured with his head forward and began walking.
Aerith took a calming breath and then ran a little to catch up to him.
...
She.
Was.
So.
Tired.
Aerith was slouched with her hand against the wall for balance. Otherwise she was sure she would keel over. They were still in the sewers, but making their way back to the entrance.
''Need a hand?,'' Nox asked stepping around her in hr field of view.
She couldn't raise her head or back and so she shook her head to his legs.
''Hmm. Your body is gonna ache for the next few days after that workout. Still think it would have been a good idea to go to the deeper levels?,'' Nox' voice sounded amused.
Aerith managed to twist her head a little to look up at his face. He was smiling gently, not with mockery despite his earlier tone. She let her head back down once her strength expired.
''Are you sure you were not in SOLDIER? Somehow? You haven't sweated at all,'' she panted.
''Nope,'' Nox replied cheerfully, popping the p,'' You good to go?''
''Give me a moment?,'' Aerith raised her hand and requested of him.
Nox sighed and shook his head.
''Come here,'' he instructed while putting his arm on her back and the other around the back of her knees to keep the dress in place and protect her modesty.
''Eepp?,'' Aerith yelped when she finally found herself in his arms.
She looked at him and Nox raised an eyebrow.
''My hero,'' Aerith gushed playfully.
''I will drop you in the dirty water,'' Nox joked. She could tell her had no intention of doing that from his smile.
''Did something good happen to you recently? You are more easy going,'' Aerith relaxed in his arms, enjoying herself.
''No Why?,'' Nox asked her and he began walking.
''Aha! So my words about being cool while still being easy going got to you. See? If you listen to my wisdom, your spirit gets lighter,'' Aerith nodded proudly to herself.
''You have me all figured out,'' Nox shurgged.
Aerith hummed and smiled while she rested her head on his shoulder. She was really tired or else she would tease him more.
''I did tell you to take pants with you, instead of the dress. Otherwise I would carry you on my back,'' Nox explained to her, thinking she was hiding her face out of embarrassment.
''No. This is fine. I'm enjoying myself,'' Aerith assured him.
''Oh,'' Nox commented. For a while they walked in silence.
''By the way. I had another thought. You should take a flower and let it wilt. Like I said children can be cruel. If you show them the consequences, the ugliness, of not taking care of nature you may drive the message better home,'' Nox explained.
Aerith hummed.
''How do you think about all these little things. This is my dream and I haven't really considered all that,'' Aerith asked him and rubbed her eyes.
Because he had to and he also had advisors, other minds, to draw ideas from besides.
''I'm sure you would have thought of this as well given more time. You have your own form of intelligence. Your not dumb at all,'' Nox assured her.
''...Thank you, Nox. I appreciate everything you did for me. Really,'' she gave him her heartfelt thanks and raised her head a little to look him in the eyes. She tried him a smile and grimaced instead. With a groan she let her head rest again.
Nox chuckled.
''Like I said. Your body is gonna ache for the next few days. But keep this up and soon enough you should match me for the whole day,'' Nox assured her making her groan at the prospect of more fighting.
Still... the prospect of getting stronger sounded nice. She would spend more time with Nox as well. And maybe get carried again.
Ok... maybe getting these aches was well worth the return of investment.
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''Then... you dig a small hole in the flowerpot... like this and about this deep,'' said Aerith a few days later, while she demonstrated.
The children tried to clumsily copy her movements.
Nox was right, they were immediately captivated by the flowers. Not all of them, since some have already seen her flowers in passing. But even so, they treated the flowers with care, after she showed them the wilted one.
Honestly, now that she was here, Aerith could admit that it was no wonder she wasn't making much progress with her dream. Flowers wilted. How could such beauty be shared then? Handing them out in flowerpots was more efficient, even if required more work.
Some people would still buy her flowers she would hand out in flowerpots. Probably the same ones that already bought her flowers beforehand, Top plate or in the slums. But she had time to think about her dream and what Nox said, the past few days.
It really was a better alternative to teach the children and wait. Bloodless too. She just hoped that when eventually enough of the ...Zeitgeist... (she didn't have a better word) of the society in the future shifted, she would still be able to see it. Even if only from behind bars.
''And now you take the seeds and carefully put two or three seeds in the middle. I prefer doing three, since I found the most success this way. And then you fill the hole with the dirt you just dog and make sure that the earth is flat.
No! Don't press on it. Just fill the hole. This way the seeds get their sustenance, while still getting air. Which is also important for flowers. If you press the earth, then the air can't get in, because all the pathways are closed,'' Aerith called out and then explained.
Though she didn't need to call out as Nox decided to help her at her request and was making the rounds through the class room. He grabbed that child wrist in time gently. With a headpat on her head he resumed his routine.
The teacher observed from the sides, with Nox' sword leaning near her against the wall. Just in case any kid was dumb enough to want to play with it, she would be there to stop them.
''How long does it take for the seeds to grow into flowers?,'' one child asked her.
''Well, I picked Coneflowers for all of you. They are very resilient you see, even under tough conditions. So it should take about 10 to 30 days, probably 30 given the conditions they will be living in. Give them a small cup of water while they are a seed every other day and once they bloom and grow a little you can give them a little more. Also every other day,'' Aerith answered the boy.
When she started she was a little afraid to mess up. Stage fever, she believes it was called. But slowly she eased herself in. She knew her area of expertise, so of course she knew what she was talking about. There was no reason to be nervous.
''Which ones where the Coneflowers again?,'' one child asked and pointed at the cart full of different flower pots.
''The pink one, stupid,'' his bank partner said.
''You're stupid,'' they looked about to bicker once the other shot that insult back. Nox came to her rescue and rubbed their heads messing up bother their hair.
''Screw you! You think you are all cool like, because you carry a sword around-''
''Yeah.''
''-One day I will fight monsters myself and be a member off SOLDIER. Then I'll show you,'' the boy continued.
''But by then I will be an old man. I'll take it you won't be a good SOLDIER if you take pride in beating up an old man,'' Nox acted completely genuine in his confusion/concern.
Child's Brain.exe stopped working while he tried to come up with a good counter.
Nox pushed him down gently back on his seat. He complied while the others snickered.
''Listen to her lessons,'' Nox murmured.
Aerith giggled.
''I'm actually done. I don't have much more to teach them,'' she replied.
''No!,'' several children cried out. They came to like Aerith's presence. She was... cool in her own way. New.
''I know! Why don't we take her lessons to heart and show her our appreciation by taking care of her flowers? Growing them from seeds into blooming beauties,'' the teacher came over and suggested with a clap of her hands. She didn't think much of it when the donors wanted to take over some of her school hours. At least she would have money for school supplies and some free time, but Aerith spent some time in preparing her lessons.
As a teacher she could tell.
''And it will also teach them something about responsibilities. Growing a seed into a flower, requires discipline and routine,'' Nox said out loud, while he walked over to the teachers previous spot an took his sword before tying the sheathe to his belt.
''Exactly. I will be grading this homework. And if you fail, then not only will you get a bad mark, but I will also force you to apologize to Aerith here. Do you want that?,'' the teacher teased the children. Nox wasn't wrong. Maybe the children will get a little more serious about her lessons if the lessons of this exercise stick.
''I will be very angry!,'' Aerith declared and shook her fist at them, then she crossed her arms and raised her nose,'' And VERY disappointed.''
''More disappointed then angry. You will make her cry,'' Nox replied from his spot, where he leaned against the wall.
''Nooox!,'' Aerith turned to him and whined,'' Don't tell them that.''
He tried to suppress his smile and failed. Some of the children snickered, but quickly silenced themselves when Aerith turned to them and narrowed her eyes.
Eventually she nodded.
''Well, I taught you everything you need to know about flowers and how to take care of them. At least Coneflowers. The rest is up in your hands. But I for one will say my goodbyes to you for now,'' Aerith waved cheerfully at them.
''NO!!!,'' the children complained.
''Unfortunately I have to. But don't despair. I will drop by every now and then. Who knows. Maybe with more flowers too,'' Aerith assured them and waved at them. Nox moved behind the cart during her speech and waited for her signal to begin pushing it.
''Children. Don't make it difficult now. Say goodbye to her,'' the teacher instructed them.
They began reluctantly saying their goodbyes.
''Goodbye, pretty flower lady.''
''Bye pretty lady and weird dude.''
''What are you talking about? They're both pretty.''
''Are you two together?''
''I want to marry you some day.''
''I thought you wanted to marry me?!''
''She is prettier.''
Someone began crying.
''I will still beat you up, even if you are an old man!''
''Haven't you heard? You should mind an old man in a profession where most people die young.''
Child's Brain.exe stopped working again.
''I HATE YOU!''
The last thing the two heard, before the door closed, was pandemonium descending on the poor teacher as the guy that screamed that last sentence began screaming curses.
...
The two shared a glance once outside the school.
''Children.'' 2x. They both rolled their eyes too. One with fondness, the other with exasperation.
Nox began pushing the cart. It was a simple cart, Aerith noted. And while she moved on from Zack as a love interest, she still misses the flower carts he made for her. They were good flower carts, damn it.
Oh, well. This cart did it's job. She wonders if Nox will build one for her if she asks.
''Did you enjoy yourself?,'' Nox asked her, bringing her out of her thoughts.
''Immensely. Thank you for coming with me. It did wonders for my nerves,'' Aerith smiled at him brightly.
''Sure. Ever considered becoming a teacher, if this dream of yours never works out?,'' Nox asked her.
''You think I have what it takes?,'' Aerith eagerly asked him.
''Depends on the subject. I'm sure they won't mind introducing some sort of extracurricular activity like gardening. Even the teacher seemed to genuinely come around by the end,'' Nox told her.
''Thank you. For today. Again. But more importantly for the suggestion and the small additions. And especially the money. I WILL pay you back, I promise,'' Aerith rattled of quickly.
''It's fine. It's just money. And I'm sure you would have gotten the idea yourself,'' Nox told her.
''Just take the compliment, damn it,'' Aerith cursed.
''Fine. Fine. Thank you. Sincerely.... I guess we are both thankful to each other. Funny that,'' Nox muttered.
They arrived at her house. It wasn't too far from the school they visited.
''Oh. Put here. I will take care of the flowers later. But for now I just want to take a shower,'' Aerith instructed him and showed him the area.
Nox did just so and dusted of his hands. An empty gesture, since he didn't do anything to get his hands dirty and had gloves besides. Only Aerith got her hands dirty while teaching that lesson and demonstrating.
''See you around then, Aerith,'' Nox told her and waved back wards.
''At dinner tonight,'' Aerith reminded him.
''That is what I meant,'' Nox called back without stopping.
Suddenly he was turned around, Aerith gripping him by his arm and she gave him a chaste kiss on his cheek. Nox widened his eyes a little.
''Toddles,'' Aerith waves and entered her house leisurely, leaving standing around on the walkway to her house.
''...Toddles.''
(A.N.: 6296 words. Hope you enjoyed reading that. Cheers and stay safe out there.)