A Should-Have-Been-Expected Surprise [Aerith]

[Vriska]

Chatty people they will talk all day

Talk your business and they feel no way

Normally when Vriska decided she was going to visit someone she arrived to find a house left in disarray as if it had emptied in a hurry - sometimes in the middle of a meal or on one of the more memorable occasions in the middle of a bath. Seeing a trend, Vriska had developed the habit of simply dropping by unannounced. It kept people on their toes. She was currently on her way to visit Aerith Gainsborough. Aerith was one of a very few people Vriska could tolerate being around.

It was a bright and hot day accented by a pleasantly cool breeze as Vriska made her way down the trail to Aerith's cottage. The forest was in rare form today, flaunting everything beautiful it had to the extend where it was almost ridiculous. At one point three small foxes - cubs. That was the word. At one point three fox cubs had rolled across the path in front of her playing and yipping as if they were completely unaware of her presence. It was possibly the cutest thing she had ever seen.

It wasn't long until Vriska rounded a bend and saw the cottage Aerith called home. It wasn't that far from civilization, but standing there you'd think it was the only house in the universe. Even the cottage somehow managed to look adorable today. Almost like something out of a story. When she got in earshot of the place Vriska called out to it. "Is the witch in? I got this invitation for tea and small children!"

[Aerith]

Aerith was honestly not expecting anyone to visit her today, and so she had thrown herself into her gardening. It was a beautiful day to pick out the weeds, clip away the dead buds upon the growing flowers, and to water her array of fauna. Roses that grew upon the side of her home, along with verdant vines growing upon the other side. Honestly, Aerith sometimes wondered if she went a little overboard with planting, but it did bring in some extra money~! Her father was no doubt relaxing at this time of day, and that was quite alright with her. The least she could do was allow him some peace and quiet, but an inkling told her that perhaps it would not be too peaceful for long. Not in a bad way, but Aerith had always had a good sixth sense when it came to unexpected things. As she finished pulling the last of the weeds, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. That had taken her the better part of the morning, and she felt just a little dirty. Well, at least it was a good work out!

Aerith stood from her kneeling position, wiping the back of her hand across her forehead. It was time for a nice break~! Maybe some tea? Oh, yes, that sounded quite nice right about now, even if the weather was rather warm. Heading back toward her quaint home, she decided to freshen up a little first. Brushing out her hair, changing into a light blue summer dress, and washing her face. Feeling quite better, Aerith meandered into her kitchen, grabbing the kettle from the counter and filling it with water. Humming to herself idly, she placed it upon her stove, and began to heat the small pot up. She paused in her moments, pondering on what flavor to have today. Cinnamon, green tea, or lemon? Going with her first choice, she reached for the bags in her pantry, and decided to set down two. Two cups already rested upon the small table, but the sudden calling from a familiar voice did not surprise her all that much. It appeared she had been right after all~!

An amused smile crossed her lips, and so Aerith headed to the door, sweeping her pink hair into it's usual side ponytail as she walked. Vriska was one of two people that came to visit freely, but she had not seen Rwaht in a few days since the 'incident.' Her cheeks still flamed at the embarrassing moment, and she just hoped the two of them could act as if it had never happened. Pushing her front door opened, Aerith glanced at her hybrid friend with a sweet smile. "Well, I do have tea, but no small children. You'll just have to make do with the first, Vriska," she answered. Her blue eyes glittered in amusement and happiness at seeing her abrasive friend. She held the door open to welcome the younger woman in, unfazed by her sudden appearance.

[Vriska]

Miming a sullen frown, Vriska did her best to look reluctant as she stepped inside Aerith's home. "Honestly," she grumbled. "What kind of witch are you? Can't even steal one baby. I mean, how hard could it be? Useless mutt."

She brightened up when she saw the tea on the table. Two cups. Honestly, the woman creeped the **** out of her sometimes. "Well, maybe not totally useless." She sat down and tried the tea. She had to restrain herself from purring like a kitten. Wow that was delicious. Vriska patted the spot opposite herself on the table where the other cup was waiting.

"So," she started, sipping her tea. "How've you beeeeeeeen? Has anything... interesting happened lately?"

[Aerith]

Aerith merely laughed at Vriska's mutterings, hardly taking any offense to her friend's odd humor. The hybrid was rather abrasive, but she knew to see past that nature she put up. Her blue eyes glittered, stepping back as Vriska stepped inside, and so she followed after her friend. "I'd like to think of myself as the good witch. Besides, it's so hard to find any children out here, so I have to make do with just tea, I'm afraid," she answered lightly. Ah, Aerith knew that Vriska would be singing quite a different tune as soon as she saw the tea out and ready for the both of room. Honestly, even her odd uncanny sense disturbed her at times. Perhaps she was just very in tune with her friends and their patterns. It was certainly an odd friendship the two of them shared, but Vriska was one of her only female friends, and someone she could understand as one hybrid to another. Perhaps she was also one of the few that knew most of the young woman's history as well. Why dwell on unhappy memories, though~?

A knowing smile was aimed at the Minish as she sat down, knowing that her tune would change. Honestly, Aerith could expect what she would do next. It had been awhile since the two had caught up, and no doubt Vriska's work with Rwaht kept her busy enough. It had Aerith wishing to do more for the both of them, in gratitude for all the work they did to protect the less fortunate of Hyrule's hybrids. "Of course not. I always know to be ready when you come over, silly," she chided, as if expecting Vriska to be used to her odd ways by now. Walking around the table, she soon took her seat opposite of her guest, and reached for her warm cup of tea. It felt rather nice within her cool hands, and so she took a sip of the calming liquid. Her sore muscles began to relax, and Aerith made a note that perhaps her break would be lasting throughout the rest of the day.

Well, until she almost choked on said drink. The question Vriska had asked was not out of the ordinary, but the emphasis had her wondering if she knew about the situation between her and Rwaht. There was no possible way, since the brooding male would never breathe a word of it. Aerith had been trying to ignore it for the last few days, but rather indecent thoughts kept peeking in the corners of her mind when least expected. * Her pale cheeks flamed with red, and there was simply no use in trying to deny anything. Perhaps Vriska would offer some advice for her? "Well, if having Rwaht seeing me in hardly anything counts as interesting, then yes," she answered quickly. The memory replayed in her mind, and all Aerith could see was Rwaht's shocked expression, and her own flaming embarrassment. "I've tried ignoring it, but now I can't stop thinking about him," she admitted, confusion and slight longing flickering in her eyes. Honestly, the young woman was at a loss when it came to romantic feelings for men.

[Vriska]

Of course Vriska asked if anything interesting happened. She hardly wanted to know if anything boring happened. And that was most certainly interesting. Stunningly so, even. Reeling, all Vriska could do was give Aerith a blank look. Then she gave her a wide grin. "Oh you sly thing." Vriska laughed. "My little puppy's all grown up! I'm so proud of you!"

Of course it probably hadn't been intentional. Aerith was about as skittish as a doe in some matters. Vriska tried to ignore the blooming envy spreading through the pit of her stomach. And other things spreading in... other places. All of a sudden she found herself seeing Aerith in an entirely new light. The mental image hit her like a bomb out of the blue in the middle of drinking the tea and she broke into a coughing fit, blushing blue-gray almost as hard as Aerith. Then Rwaht entered her head and the feeling redoubled and gaaaah what was happeniiiiiiiing.

It took her a minute to recover. The tea had stripped away the acid coating so fast she wondered if Aerith had put something in it. "Strong stuff," she muttered. She wondered what she should say now. "So, what do you think of him? Anything... interesting?" Again that same emphasis. If it could make something like this happen the first time, what would happen the second time?

[Aerith]

Aerith tilted her head, studying Vriska's blank expression carefully. Perhaps she was still processing the information, because it still felt rather unreal to herself. Honestly, her having Rwaht walk right into her * had dumbfounded her for the past few days. What was she supposed to do when she saw him again? Continue ignoring the situation, apologize for not paying more attention, or ask if he enjoyed what he had seen? Okay, so that was a definite negative upon the last one. Why was she thinking like that? Aerith quickly took another sip of her tea, hoping to calm herself just a little. Vriska's wide grin oddly reassured her, and she sincerely did hope that with enough pleading, the younger woman could offer her some advice. "It was completely accidental, and you know it," she replied, trying to appear annoyed. Of course, that failed, because she was smiling in humor at her remark. Yes, the story was rather humorous. She merely wished that these constant thoughts of Rwaht would cease, because friends should not think that way of each other.

Oh, who was she trying to fool? Aerith let her gaze fall onto the table, studying the wood patterns as she tried to figure out what she should do. Was Rwaht having similar thoughts to her own? Yes, he was a male, but it merely felt so odd to have such feelings and thoughts for her best friend. Six years she had known him, and no romantic emotions had ever occurred to her concerning him. Aerith jerked back at the onset of a coughing fit by Vriska, alarm clear on her face as the young woman's face burned with a blush, and so she quickly stood and rushed around the table. Her hand was placed upon her back, rubbing soothing circles as she coughed. Oh, Aerith had an inkling what had happened, but she was quite used to Vriska being a pervert. The question was whether she should be insulted or flattered. "Hmm, I think you should think about more innocent things, Vriska. You won't have any tea left if you keep this up," she teased. Perhaps the flower girl was not as innocent as many believed her to be, and Aerith amused herself with the thought. Making sure the Minish had recovered, she made her way back to her own seat.

Her brow quirked as Vriska tried to play herself off, and so she indulged her friend. Grasping her own cup, she paused as the porcelain reached her lips. Well, that had been close, because she most likely would have coughed it out as that question was asked. Placing her cup down, Aerith glanced upward for a moment. "It's confusing, because I've never thought of Rwaht as anything more than a friend. Now he keeps popping into my mind, and none of it is innocent at all. He wasn't the one bare, but it feels like he was," she answered with a weary sigh. Hopefully, this answer would not cause another coughing fit, because she was not making another cup of tea. [Yes, she would, because Aerith was too kind for her own good most of the time.]

[Vriska]

The moment Aerith reached for her back, Vriska twisted violently and pushed her hands away. "Don't touch me," she bit, unable to stop herself. She had the decency to be ashamed. She might as well have spit venom in her friend's face. Embarassed, Vriska nudged the tea away from her.

Romance was, admittedly, something Vriska had never really grasped. Getting to the parts of her able to sympathize with Aerith and put together an even half-functioning facsimile of romantic experience from the tangled ball of emotion and what passed for Vriska's fee hee heelings required digging through the deep, layered strata of survival and control that was the life of Vriska Seraphine and later Vriska Brighteyes. "Well, he is strong, and brave, and dependable. And good-looking, now that you mention it."

Stop blushing, you're acting like a schoolgirl.

"Buy him something," she finally suggested. "A new outfit, maybe. The important thing is not to mess around. What I find helps is that if he's working, spray him with water and call him a bad dog."

[Aerith]

Aerith was not too startled as Vriska flinched from her gentle touch, and she immediately retracted her hands from her back. Raising her hands in a gesture to show she meant no harm, she took a step back for added measure. Sometimes it was hard for the young Hylian to remember that Vriska was not too keen on physical contact, and she could only wonder why. Yes, Aerith knew of some of her past, but not the entire story. It was certainly none of her business, and she merely smiled gently in apology to the Minish. "I'm sorry. I forget myself sometimes," she soothed. There was no personal offense at the acidity of her words, because she could see the guilt Vriska held as soon as the words were uttered. It was just something that could not be helped. Taking her seat, she found herself not as wanting for tea at present.

Aerith knew that this topic was not quite one that Vriska could understand well, and neither did she for the most part. She had experienced slight feelings before for Nightmare, but that was months ago. Her own inexperience with men merely hindered her, and the fact she was now inclined to think of her best friend in such a way confused her. In a way, it felt almost wrong. Aerith had thought of Rwaht as an older brother, but even that supposed truth did not make sense. If she had felt for him as a brother, then this would not be happening. "Yes, he's the type of man any woman would dream of," she admitted. Aerith stood from her seat, deciding to busy herself with cleaning up her own empty cup. Showing her back to Vriska, she walked over to the sink to clean the porcelain cup.

Buy him something? Aerith glanced at her friend over her shoulder, a little confused on if she should do such a thing. Was that too forward? Her words did have sense, because waiting around would only allow her feelings to go unanswered. If she wanted to pursue them, then she should certainly take the initiative. The worse that could go wrong was that Rwaht would refuse her. Could she handle rejection? Yes, but she could not stand the idea of messing up their friendship on feelings she was not even sure of. "Spray him with water, hmm?" she asked with a light laugh. Well, there was one way to ensure Rwaht would not ignore her. Then again, Aerith had enough trouble with both the male and water put together. Thinking of her prior incident, her cheeks flushed again.

So much for moving past that.

[Vriska]

Vriska tried furiously to think of something else to contribute that might help her friend and make up for her little episode. Rwaht probably wasn't the type to freak out if Aerith confessed her feelings to him - he'd handled Vriska's regular breakdowns for years without their friendship turning awkward, which was a feat in itself. What else did Vriska know about men? She went through the lessons life had taught her. Always bathe separately? Too late. Always carry a blade where they can't see it? Not really applicable in this case.

Fat lot of good that did me.

She bit off the memories before they could come back. Another came in its place. It was something Vriska's mother had told her a long time ago - a lifetime ago, in fact. An eternity ago. While Aerith busied herself with her cup, Vriska did her best to translate it into Hylian. "Nothing is ever the way you expect it to be. It's important to know the difference between what you have, what you want and what you expect. What you have isn't always what you think you have. And sometimes what you want is right in front of you when you don't expect it. Always keep an open mind, the world can be turned on its head in half a heartbeat."

It hurt to remember those words. They had been in one of Meena's last letters, when she had been trying to do a lifetime of mothering in just a couple of weeks.

You know, 'cause she was dying.

Horribly.

Slowly.

Quietly, Vriska took another sip of her tea. Remembering.

[Aerith]

Aerith was so unsure of what to do with herself at this point. Yes, her situation with Rwaht had not ended upon a bad note, but that did not explain the sudden overload of emotions that had been left in the aftermath. Experience with men was limited, and she did not wish to burden Vriska with any of her problems. Honestly, Aerith was not the type to let others worry about her at all, and so she always put her friends worries before her own. Her icy eyes fell onto the cup still residing in her hands, realizing she could not keep attempting to distract herself like this. Oh, how could this have all turned into such confusion and desperation? Confusion on whether her feelings were turning more than platonic, and desperation to know what she was going through was not wrong of her. In matters such as these, she would think of her mother. What would she have said had she lived? Thinking of her mother had always filled her with happiness, but now it brought her a longing of what-ifs. Glass thoughts that would merely shatter, because she knew that they would not change a thing. The past was the past, and nothing could be done to change that.

It had been over a decade ago, and yet time could only heal such wounds so much. Well, as her own mother had taught her, she merely had to keep moving on in her life. To live her life as she saw fit, and look to the present and future, because that was where happiness was. Her melancholy thoughts were broken as Vriska began to speak. Icy eyes turned to gaze at the Minish, surprise upon her delicate features as the insightful words escaped her. Aerith knew that her friend was quite wise in her own way, but these words lacked the usual bluntness Vriska held. These were words of someone who had lived their life they way they wished, and did not linger upon the regrets. For a moment, tears pricked at her eyes, because the profound statements reminded her again of her own mother. "I suppose I should go for what's in front of me before it slips through my grasp. I always try so hard to make sure everyone else is happy that I forget what I want," she stated. There was no bitterness in what she said, because Aerith was simply that type of person. If those she loved her happy, then that was all that mattered to her.

"The world keeps turning, and time keeps passing whether we want it to or not. It's up to us to take what precious moments we can, because our futures are never certain." The words had been uttered to her by her own dying mother, but the statement had been too much for a ten-year-old to comprehend. Aerith believed she understood them better now, but she noticed a rather heavy melancholy had descended upon the two women. She wondered if Vriska was remembering the one that had uttered those words to her. "I guess I'm just afraid. It feels like everything is changing, and the future isn't clear anymore. That's okay, because I know I'll make it through," she admitted with a smile. Just as she always had.

[Vriska]

I know I'll make it through, said the cow to the butcher. Vriska knew exactly what it was like to live in fear of the future. Not those little nagging 'What if's, but the 'Will I's. Will I live through the night? Will I have enough food to eat? Will she die tomorrow or next week?

'That's okay, because I know I'll make it through' was, in Vriska's opinion, the most stupid thing Aerith had ever said - made even dumber in contrast to the words of wisdom she had somehow managed to spout beforehand.

You will always make it through! The question is: How many pieces will you be in!?

As much as Vriska wanted to shout this at Aerith, she restrained herself. If she went apeshit whenever one of her friends said something stupid she would never stop screaming. Instead, Vriska latched on to another part of the conversation. "Aerith, I was wondering," Vriska started haltingly. It was not such an unusual request, really. She just hadn't prepared a convenient excuse for it yet. "I was wondering if you'd terribly mind if I could stay with you for a bit. A couple days at most, I assure you."

Normally Vriska had some perfect excuse ready to explain this, and she was furiously trying to come up with one in case Aerith wanted it.

I really, really could just use some company right now is not a legitimate excuse shut up I'm trying to think.

[/color]

[Aerith]

Perhaps Aerith was merely too optimistic at times, but she did believe in her own words. No, life was certainly not fair, and she did not know what would happen to her tomorrow. She knew she would make it through with whatever life decided to place her though, even if she was not as complete as she had been before. Life was about changing and growing, no matter if the changes were negative. Her hopeful nature had often placed her at odds with Vriska before, but that did not bother her. Everyone held different views on getting through life, and she preferred to continue on with her hopes. It was merely her own belief, and she could be completely wrong, but she had to continue through life somehow, no? No more words were uttered, and she would allow Vriska to move the conversation anyway she wished. Oh, how had such an amusing topic turn into one of sadness?

As Aerith bustled around the kitchen, creating busywork for herself by organizing spices and dishes, she tilted her head to glance at Vriska. Pausing for a moment, she turned to give her full attention to her friend. It appeared to be a serious request, since Vriska was pausing before continuing on. Icy eyes became piercing, just a tad too knowing for her own good, but she smiled sweetly as Vriska asked to stay for a short duration. Honestly, there really was no need to ask her in the first place, since Aerith would never turn her away. Her father would not mind, since he found Vriska to be quite quirky and fun to listen to. "No, of course not. You can stay as long as you like. I've been wanting a helper for my garden, anyway," she replied, quite a mischievous smile forming upon her lips.

The guest room was always ready on the off chance Vriska, or Rwaht, decided they wished to spend the night. Honestly, Aerith was the one that frequented Castle Town to visit them, since her own home was out of the way. She also did not ask for a reason, because Aerith would enjoy the company, too. At times, the young woman wondered if she was too intuitive for her own good. Should she make some more tea? Go back to pulling weeds? Well, why not ask her guest~? Aerith soon appeared before Vriska, leaning forward with a questioning expression. "Is there anything special you would like to do?" she asked, smile in place.

[Vriska]

"Thank you," Vriska said, relieved. Staying with Aerith and her father even for a short while was always relaxing. She had to time it carefully, though. Too long and even Vriska knew she became impossible to live with. Hell, more than three days and even she hated living with herself.

Leaning forward in thought - sinking forward in a mire of her own emotional bile was more like it, Vriska didn't notice Aerith approaching until their faces were almost close enough to bump noses and Aerith asked if there was anything she wanted to do with a smile that could burn down the whole forest. You should be careful with that smile, she wanted to say. You'll kill us all.

Vriska felt Aerith's breath on her face and something in her melted and briefly Vriska wondered what the hell was wrong with her before pulling away with a sound best described as "SDFJNKSFBJKSDFLK," fighting yet another creeping blush and the feelings that accompanied it. It felt much like what she imagined long-term food poisoning or a severe intestinal infection must feel like. She was never drinking cinnamon tea ever again.

"Well, um, uh," Vriska scrambled to find an answer that wouldn't get her thrown out. "I'm... open to suggestions?"

[Aerith]

Aerith merely smile sweetly in response to Vriska's gratitude. There were times when her friend wished to escape reality for awhile, and her home certainly could be a haven should the need arise. Even Rwaht sometimes stopped by to spend a night, but that had not happened in quite sometime. Honestly, Aerith was still mortified with everything, and could only be content that Rwaht had appeared to move on quite quickly. They were friends, and so they could certainly get over the awkwardness of that incident. It would merely take some more time for Aerith to process, and wonder over a solution on how to admit her new feelings. Perhaps just saying them was the best option, because she certainly did not enjoy dancing around important topics for long. "You're quite welcome," she replied sweetly. The company would certainly be nice, and she would be able to get some help with her more troublesome chores. Gardening, firewood, gathering herbs from her separate garden. She knew just how to have Vriska bent to her will~!

Her head tilted the side, amusement flashing through her icy eyes as Vriska suddenly realized how close they were. A small giggle escaped her, and she knew she was certainly being unfair with the unsuspecting woman. Aerith assumed Vriska would be used to her odd behavior by now, since this was not the first time she had invaded personal space. "Is something wrong?" she asked, both innocent and concerned. Well, not completely innocent, but she was worried that perhaps her closeness had caused a lapse in Vriska's thought function. She considered waving a hand in her face, but she blinked as the Minish jerked away with an unintelligible noise of surprise. Oh, well, that had certainly not been the reaction she had expected, but at least she had not gone brain dead upon her. Aerith patiently waited for Vriska to regain motor function, and to calm herself from whatever emotions were not plaguing her. Poor dear was probably at her wit's end from the closeness.

As Aerith heard the question she had been waiting for, she leaned back with a clap of her hands. Amusement flickered through her icy eyes, quite pleased with her victory in gaining Vriska's attention. "You can help me finish pulling out weeds!" she stated with a pleased smile. She leaned forward again, grasping Vriska's hand with both of her own, and she pulled the young woman up easily enough. There was certainly no use in protesting against Aerith, because she would not take a negative for an answer~! She breezed past Vriska and toward her front door, opening it to allow both of them into the sunny air. Now Aerith would be able to finish her task more quickly with two pairs of hands instead of one~!