open post.

[sheme]

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓

tifa lockhart FINAL FANTASY VII

yuffie kisaragi FINAL FANTASY VII

lightning farron FINAL FANTASY XIII

𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐲

( 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 )

→ Refer to the list above for active muses. Others on my muselist are available as well, but I cannot promise that they (or the other ones listed above) will be sustainable.
→ Put who you would like in the subject line & leave a starter! Feel free to come up with a scenario, or not. We can wing it, too.
→ Can be informal/formal/texting/cross-canon, whatever! Picture prompts (shipping and gen) can also be left and I'll whip up something from that.
→ AUs are super cool. However, I am not fond of modern AUs (coffee shop/high school/university, etc.)
→ Brackets preferred.
→ I love shippy stuff, but please check shipping prefs for characters if you'd like to go that route!
→ Some meme prompts listed below. (click to expand!)

RANDOM SCENARIO MEME

ACTION.
1. Zombies → It's the zombie apocalypse, lock and load!
2. Bar brawl → You had one too many drinks, said something wrong, and now you're being asked to take it outside.
3. Chase → You're caught in a high speed chase.
4. Gun fight → You're caught in a big shoot-out.
5. Fight with a friend → You're fighting with a friend, all out.
6. Interrogation → You're being interrogated for some offense you've done.
7. Aliens → Aliens are attacking and you're not going to take your probe laying down!
8. Final battle → This is it. The battle that will end all the fighting for you. Will you win? Will you get that peace you want?
9. Training → You're not actually fighting, just training for the inevitable.
10. No hope → You know this fight has no hope. It's not going to end well for anyone involved, but you can't turn away.
11. Sneaking in → You're stealing a diamond or sneaking in to kick some bad guy butt, but whatever it is, you have to practice stealth.
12. Blue wire → You're faced with a bomb that needs to be disarmed.
13. Fight for honour → You've been disgraced or someone you care about has, so it's time to fight for honour.
14. Showdown → Time for a cowboy-style showdown. Whoever draws the fastest wins.
15. War → You're caught in the middle of a war here. Remember to keep your chin up and keeping fighting.
16. Apocalypse → The apocalypse finally happened and now you're left to scavenge and fight for whatever is left.
17. Sabotage → It's time to sabotage someone's plan! How is entirely up to you. Do you set up a bomb in their toilet? Do you double cross them at the last minute?
18. Big damn hero → You know you have to handle this one alone, so that means disarming or knocking unconscious the person who wants to join you.
19. Fight club → You know the rules... you're in an underground fighting ring and you're fighting with all you've got.
20. Threaten → You've just been sent here to rough them up a little, threaten them into behaving.

ANGST.
1. Injury / illness → Your character has become injured or ill! To what extent is the mun's choice.
2. Last moments → You character has been gravely injured and this is their last chance to say their last words.
3. Depression → Your character is depressed, what actions they take is up to the mun.
4. Betrayed → You character has been betrayed by the other. How do they react?
5. Tortured → Your character is being tortured and needs rescuing or at least a sympathetic ear to help him through it.
6. Jealousy → Your character is feeling jealous and must deal with it, how will they do it?
7. Breakup! → This relationship has gone as far as it can, it's time to breakup.
8. Broken → For whatever reason, the character is broken, mentally or or physically.
9. Fight → You can't even be in the same room as your friend or lover without arguing anymore.
10. Lost → You lost the biggest fight of your life and now all you can do is try to pick up the pieces.
11. Worst nightmare → Whatever you fear the most is now real or maybe you're just trapped in a dream together, but whatever it is, it feels too real.
12. Addicted → You're addicted to something, alcohol, drugs, sex, whatever. It's destroying your life and you can't do anything to stop it.
13. Hurt you → You're being forced to hurt someone you love either by betraying them or even being forced to shout things you don't mean. It's for their own good in the end though.
14. Separation → You were forced to leave this person for their own safety and while you've been miserable without them, you really didn't mean to run into them again... maybe it was by accident or you were watching them from afar this whole time.
15. Becoming a monster → You are slowly changing, becoming a monster: vampire, zombie, demon, something you can't recover from and no-one can help you.
16. Frozen → You are entirely helpless, frozen, to stop some kind of disaster.
17. Prison → You were very bad and now it's time to pay the price by turning yourself in or maybe the law just finally caught up to you.
18. Fear → You're not sure why, but you are suddenly terrified and you can't deal with it. You need help.
19. Hated → You are now hated by the person you loved the most.
20. Down and out → You're living on the streets, you've hit rock bottom, and you don't know what to do.

FLUFF.
1. Cuddling → For whatever reason, characters feel like being close and cuddling.
2. Pillow talk → After the main event, characters are up for some pillow talk.
3. Celebration → Anniversary or some other big event is taking place and characters want to celebrate!
4. Love confession → Someone has finally decided to confess their love and today is the day!
5. Appreciation → You feel the need to show appreciation for that person closest to you, even if it's just a pat on the back.
6. Apologies → You made a mistake and now it's time to make it up in some way you know the other can't refuse!
7. Get back together → Why did you break up again exactly? Whatever the reason, it was a huge mistake and you both know you can work through it.
8. Date night → You've planned for a wonderful night together and you can't wait to get it started.
9. Family → You've either found out you're pregnant or you've already got that addition to your family.
10. Marriage → You're just about to get hitched or maybe you're enjoying your honeymoon. Maybe you've been together for years now! Whatever the case, it's time for that next big step.
11. Meeting again → It's time for that happy reunion finally!
12. Love at first sight → For whatever reason, you are now insanely in love with the first person you set eyes on.
13. Flirtation → You can't resist to do a little bit of harmless flirtation all of a sudden.
14. In the snow → Look outside! It's a winter wonderland, so why not go out and play in it?
15. Engagement → You've planned it all out and now it's time to finally pop the question.
16. Friendly games → You've set up the game station or board games for a friendly competition!
17. Gift → Time to give that special someone a gift just because.
18. Recovery → You're taking care of someone who's just recovered from some illness or injury.
19. Healing → Time to help mend that someone who's been through hell and back.
20. Better than ever → You've finally got everything you've ever wanted here. What is your ideal life and who does it include?

GEN.
1. Nice meeting you → It's your first time meeting this person! You bumped into each other on the street, in a bar, at work... whatever!
2. Drinks → You're out for drinks! Or just chilling at home with some beers. Wherever!
3. Lost → You're lost and you kind of need help finding your way to where you're going. A little help with directions?
4. Costume party → You're at a costume party, both of you are wearing masks. Do you keep the anonymity or take it off and see whose company you've been enjoying?
5. Wrong number → Oops, actually you didn't mean to call that person...
6. Drunk → You're already drunk! Drunk dialing, stumbling into someone, showing up unexpected... what type of drunk are you anyway? Aggressive, loving, happy? How does the other react?
7. Old friends → you haven't seen this person in a long time!
8. Rivals → you're suddenly rivals! Or maybe you have been all along...
9. Problems → you've got a problem with each other, just got in a huge fight, whatever. Try to work it out!
10. What are your intentions... → This person? They're dating a close friend, family member, etc. You need to find out if they're going to hurt them! Or you need to discuss your friend/family's dating choice.
11. I saw you → you saw the other person doing something bad and you need to confront them about it.
12. Sorry but no → the other person has feelings that you just don't share. They don't necessarily have to be romantic... maybe you just don't agree with their sudden desire to quit their job and start a business making tiny, fuzzy teddy bears.
13. My hero → you need to tell this person how much they mean to you. They've been your best friend or your role model your whole life and they need to know.
14. Enabler → you're enabling the other (or each other) to do something bad, really bad. Addiction, stealing, killing, or just any other self-destructive behavior.
15. Cooking → Time for an impromptu cooking lesson!
16. Oh, sure, I remember you... → It's that awkward moment when someone comes up and seems to know you, but you have no idea who they even are!
17. Rescue! → One of you was in trouble, but you came to the rescue!
18. Boss → One of you works under the other. Is your relationship good? Are you scheming things? Or do you hate each other?
19. Perfect crime → You and the other person have just pulled off the perfect crime... or you're planning to! What are you doing? The heist of the century, an assassination?
20. Movies → movie night! Maybe it's a sleepover. Whichever the case, it's time to eat a lot and have fun.

SOULMATE MEME

TYPE OF AU
1. tats, your character has a tattoo of the first words the love of their life will say to them
2. familiars, your character has an animal tattoo representing their soul mate on them
3. glow, the first time your character sees their soul mate, their chests glow!
4. world in color, life is literally black and white, until you see your soul mate for the first time
5. choose your own

SITUATION
1. first meeting, you've never met this person before.
2. childhood mates, you've always known this person -- but on one particular birthday, everything changes.
3. together, you've been in a relationship for awhile now! happily wed or not, you decide.
4. not together, you've known you're soul mates for a long time, and yet have avoided a relationship.
5. choose your own

CAUGHT IN THE RAIN

i WHERE:
001 PLAYGROUND - Well, you can try to hide under the slide or maybe in the jungle gym... at least you're some place fun?
002 PARK - Always happens, caught outside trying to take advantage of the weather... and it ends up pulling a fast one on you.
003 STORE FRONT - Better hope they have an awning you can take advantage of
004 THE BEACH - Not exactly the best place to be during a rainstorm, however it is possible to get caught in a sudden storm
005 WILD CARD - Anyway you want it

ii HOW:
001 TREE - Not the best cover, but it'll have to do, stay close to the roots and you won't get too wet.
002 UMBRELLA - Most conventional... Kinda boring. But it works.
003 NEWSPAPER - Not permanent, but it'll have to do. Good luck
004 BAG - Well... y'gotta do what you gotta do.
005 NONE - You know what. You're a rebel. You don't need cover. Screw convention
006 WILD CARD - that's the way you need it

iii WHY:
001 REJECTED - Welp. Rejection sucks. And no one will see you crying in the rain.
002 WAITING - For the bus? For someone else? For some revelation? What are you waiting for.
003 MELANCHOLY - Sometimes the best place to feel a bit down is out in the rain.
004 HAPPINESS - Is everything going your way? Are you singing a refrain while walking down the lane? Just singin. Singin' in the rain.
005 ANGER - WELL YOU KNOW WHAT. SCREW YOU TOO RAIN.
006 WILD CARD - Anyway you want it.

INSOMNIA

01 • FEAR. Maybe you're hearing strange, indeterminable noises; maybe there's a severe storm happening outside; maybe you watched a scary movie before bed? Whatever the reason, you're terrified and it's keeping you awake. You just want to wake someone else up so they can protect you from the monster in your closet.
02 • HUNGER. Your stomach is growling and it just won't stop. Or perhaps your throat is so dry you could cough up a tumbleweed? Well, you've gone to the kitchen to remedy this and hey, that was a pan that just dropped on the floor. It was loud enough to wake the dead! Oops.
03 • PAIN. Your body is completely worn out, be it from exercise, battle, sickness, or what have you. Either way you're in enough pain to keep you from sleeping, so maybe someone else has a home remedy or something, or can at least help you take your mind off of it.
04 • SOLITUDE. For some reason, your bed just feels so empty at the moment. You're feeling terribly lonely and really just want someone to keep you company for a while. Maybe it'd be easier to fall asleep if you're with them...
05 • DISCOMFORT. Your room is an oven. Either that or a freezer. Or maybe this bed is just really uncomfortable? Who knows why you can't get to sleep, it feels like it could be anything. Why even bother trying? Maybe someone else can preoccupy you until you feel tired enough to ignore your discomfort.
06 • PENSIVE. Something's on your mind, and no matter how hard you try to focus elsewhere, it's just not going to work. Your body may be tired, but your mind is incredibly busy and it's virtually impossible to get to sleep. Surely, talking it out with someone else will help?
07 • SADNESS. Something terrible has happened that day, perhaps; or you could just be severely depressed. Either way you're trying your hardest not to cry yourself to sleep, and it's not working at all. Better find a way to get it out of your system somehow; you need a shoulder to cry on.
08 • ANGER. You are just... fuming. Who knows why - that annoying dog is barking again, or maybe the people next door are getting busy and keeping you awake. Whatever the reason for your ire is, you'd better put an end to it so you can get some damn rest already! Go wake up a friend so you can complain to them.
09 • RESTLESS. You're far too energetic to sleep right now. Maybe you're just trying to do so out of necessity - you have to be up early tomorrow! But you just don't think you'll be able to fall asleep for a while now, so why waste the time trying to sleep when you could be doing something else? Namely bothering someone else - you're totally jealous because they're getting more sleep than you.
10 • WILDCARD. Choose one of the options above, or make up your own scenario.

CITY AT NIGHT

— scenario prompts

1) WORKING.
You're still caught up at the office or wherever it is you're holed up. It's getting late, but there's work to be done.

2) RELAXING.
You're warm and comfortable someplace indoors, whether it's in a cozy nook of a café or maybe just in your own apartment. There's no other place you really need to be, is there?

3) MEET-UP/DATE.
Is there someone you're seeing for dinner? A date? Maybe you're going bar-hopping together with some friends, or your attendance is expected at some special event. Alternatively, there's someone you're meeting with to make a deal of some kind, whether it's perfectly legitimate or something that might invite trouble with local enforcement.

4) OUT FOR A WALK.
Sometimes, it's nice to get out for some fresh air—or, well, as fresh as it gets with all the air pollution around you. The park's not too far away; it might be nice and quiet at this hour, if you don't run into any...

5) TROUBLE.
It's getting late and it's dark outside, but someone has been tailing you for a while. Walking faster only makes them speed up; they're doggedly persistent. What to do now? Is there a busy street you can turn on to for help? Or maybe it's time to confront your pursuer... On the flip side, you're the one tracking someone. For what reason? Well, only you would know, right?

6) OTHER.
Anything else you can think of!

— setting prompts

A) STREETS/ALLEYS.
Are you visiting a busy district teeming with people? Or are you out on a quieter street? It can be dark out there, especially if you turn onto a smaller one without many streetlamps. Watch your step. Some of the alleyways might make good shortcuts if you're trying to get somewhere fast, but there's also trouble to be found sometimes. Don't get cornered anywhere, and especially don't get too curious if you see something suspicious in one of the dumpsters...

B) IN TRANSIT.
You're between locations right now, just trying to get on with your evening. You have some options, like public transportation: the bus, the train, the subway. Alternatively, you're a fancier kind of person: you've got your own car that you're driving, or better yet, you have a chauffeur and a private car. Or, you know, you're just taking a taxi or using a ride-share app. There are also transitional spaces like parking lots or garages.

C) DINING.
Some cities are melting pots of different cultures; you're bound to find countless spots at which to eat. There are small cafés if you want a quick bite, or fancier restaurants where you can wine and dine. You could support a small family business by dropping by at a local hole in the wall—sometimes the most authentic spots with the best food are nondescript locations. Or if you're really trying to impress, go for some famous Michelin three-star.

D) NIGHT LIFE.
Bars, clubs, lounges—all of it's fair game. Remember to drink responsibly—or don't, if you're looking to really forget about your troubles for a while. Just know that you'll only have yourself to blame for that raging hangover in the morning.

E) CORPORATE BUILDING.
In a larger city, major corporations might be headquartered in the glittering skyscrapers that line the most expensive districts. There are all kinds of businesses—banks, law firms, finance companies, tech groups, to state just a few. Some places might keep their lights on pretty late at night for the white-collar workers burning the midnight oil; others, perhaps not. Do you fit somewhere in this equation? Or if you're here for something more exciting, there's always corporate espionage...

F) SHOPS.
A lot of shops could be closed by now, but maybe it's that final hour before that mall or outlet you wanted to visit locks their doors for the evening. Time for some last-second shopping! Snatch up that deal before it's gone, or be sure to buy a gift for your date before it's too late!

G) HOME.
You're at home, wherever that is—an apartment, a condo, a house somewhere, or maybe something more extravagant. Real estate can get expensive in the city, especially in popular locations. Do you have a tiny apartment that covers all your basic needs? Or something much nicer, like the type of penthouse people usually only see in movies, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows?

H) CITY SQUARE.
Some city squares are hubs of activity, filled with street performers, pop-up stores, or food stalls. There's a lot you could do, especially when it's nighttime and the little lights strung around the place look so pretty.

I) ABANDONED SPACE.
Every city has its fair share of abandoned warehouses or other buildings that are slated for demolition. Sometimes they attract certain types of crowds that would make your average person think twice before confronting. A lot of places are off-limits, but every so often, the no-trespassing sign is more of a suggestion than a real threat, right?

J) OTHER.
Anything else you can think of!

FAKE DATING

home for the holidays ⇢ You need to prove to your parents that you do so have a significant other. Just until they're gone.
no singles need apply ⇢ The place is perfect, but the landlady will only rent it to a nice, respectable couple.
it's not safe for a woman alone ⇢ One of you is vulnerable in this big, bad world without a partner to protect you.
public relations ⇢ There's only one way to stop these pesky rumors: start your own.
undercover mission ⇢ They'll never suspect a couple of lovey-dovey honeymooners of... whatever it is you're actually up to.
marriage of convenience ⇢ It's good for both your families. Or your finances. Or your hetero street cred. Whatever: might as well make the best of it.
well that escalated quickly ⇢ It's common knowledge that you're together, except you're the last to know. Is it worth correcting people?

OTHER MEME IDEAS

→ Picture prompts
→ Body heat
→ Seasonal prompts
→ Mistletoe/Pocky meme
→ Gen/Midnight/Shipping texts
→ Nursed back to health
→ Trapped in an elevator
→ Bodyguard/Protector shipping
→ Intimate bathing
→ IDK JUST COME AT ME

Comments

[starshower]

Nothing too much. Just closing up shop for the night, but I can always make time for you. What do you need?

[inemeraldfaith]

who said i needed something?
maybe i just wanted to spend time with you. i think that's a little different!

[starshower]

That is different! I'd like that a lot. Been a long day, I could use a little breather. Where do you wanna meet and would you like me to bring anything? Something to drink? Or a snack?

[inemeraldfaith]

i'm the best at giving you a breather~

wanna come to my house? my mom's out. she went to go run errands and said she won't be back for a couple of days, so why don't you come stay with me? i have this big house all to myself, which is fine, but it'd be better with you here

[starshower]

Here I was about to eat half this leftover cake all by myself! Are we talking a full on sleepover?

I could probably leave the bar with Biggs for a while, so I'll be right over once I'm finished here. Any preferences for drinks or should I just surprise you?

[inemeraldfaith]

full on sleepover
bring your pyjamas and the cake, too. you don't need to bring pillows or anything

if biggs doesn't need you to stick around, then maybe he won't mind being left in charge. i'll make it up to him later. surprise me for drinks, but i made sure we'd have stuff here, too, so don't go out of your way

[starshower]

Well I'm bringing this cake, so I hope you like chocolate. It's not going to eat itself! And it's homemade too, by yours truly. ;)

I can be there in a few hours? It's already pretty late, but I don't mind staying up.

[inemeraldfaith]

you made the cake, too. oh boy, now i REALLY have to earn it

take your time! i'm not going anywhere, and you can just let yourself in when you arrive. do you want me to make anything special for when you get here? like some popcorn or something?

[starshower]

Hmm, tempting! But let's save the popcorn for tomorrow night. We're going to have to make these snacks last, yeah? Though I wouldn't say no to a cup of coffee. Just a small one to take some of the edge off.

If you don't mind, of course!

[inemeraldfaith]

coffee i can definitely do. i'll save the popcorn for tomorrow night

i don't know what makes you think we're going to run out of snacks, though. i don't think you understand how prepared i am. but we'll be sparing. i could probably finish off all the snacks by myself if i tried really hard

[starshower]

I really need to stop underestimating you, don't I? But alright, if you say so. :) I'll be there in a few!

[And true to her word, Tifa will be. Almost right on time those few hours later, too. The knock on Aerith's door is light, quiet, but she has her hands full with a bottle of wine and half a cake on a plate that she somehow carried without dropping all the way from Sector Seven to Five, as well as a small overnight bag slung over one shoulder with a few extras.

Slowly, she lets herself in after that knock, careful not to let either slip from her hands.]

Aerith? It's me.

[inemeraldfaith]

[It is entirely likely and probable that in the time it takes Tifa to make way for Aerith's place, the latter has likely wandered here, there, and everywhere to make sure all things are set in place, in order, and she's able to offer the most luxurious stay that she can muster. An impressive feat considering they are both residents of the slums and the term 'luxury' is not exactly one that is accessible.

There's all kinds of pillows and blankets in the sitting room. A plate of various simple snacks—fruit, cheese, a little simply cut meat. Not far from it is sugar and cream. The smell of fresh coffee permeates and drifts through the rooms.

She hears the knock, wipes her hands off on the apron she's donning and turns goes to greet her very dear friend.]

Oh, let me carry some of that for you.

[And just like that, she opens her arms wide for her. It seems like a hug, but it's just an invitation to load up her very free arms.]

Snacks are in the living room. We can put the cake and wine in there if you want. Coffee just finished, so you arrived right on time. I haven't even poured it yet.

[starshower]

Sounds like I've got some pretty impeccable timing.

[With a sheepish grin, Tifa takes advantage of Aerith's offer to off load some of the food from her arms. She hands her the bottle of wine so that she can hold the cake plate properly with both hands, and she pauses to take in a great big inhale when the sweet, alluring scent of the coffee finally makes its way to her.]

Actually, cake might be better off in the fridge for now. I think some of the icing's melted on the way here.

[It's warm and a bit dry outside today, so the walk here felt a little longer than she remembers it being. She can't imagine what it was like for the cake!]

Smells delicious in here, though. Hope you didn't work too hard for me.

[inemeraldfaith]

I mean if the icing's melted, doesn't that mean we should eat the whole cake now?

[This is, in retrospect, a terrible idea. Eating a whole cake, even splitting it in half with Tifa, sounds like a nightmare of a stomachache. Content enough to be holding the bottle of wine, she lingers at Tifa's side, happy to lead the way into the kitchen.]

I guess we should savour it, though, so into the fridge it goes. [She's willing to concede on this, if only for the sake of saving her tummy.]

Even if I did work hard, would have been completely worth it. No reason to worry, though. It was pretty easy. I had a lot of time and I thought it was fun. Because I was doing it for you.

[starshower]

[Ah...

There's a blush that falls easily and quickly across Tifa's cheeks as she follows Aerith to the kitchen, and a warm, tingly feeling follows along with her right up until the moment she's standing in front of the cool fridge to slide the cake in for later. It's so rare that anyone does something "just for Tifa". It's always the other way around, and not that she minds it, but... knowing that all of this work was for her sake? It's a very surreal feeling that leaves her taken aback by it all that she isn't even sure what to say to it, other than—]

I've never really been to a sleepover before.

[Not with the boys back in Nibelheim, nor anyone in Sector Seven.]

You'll have to show me the ropes.

[inemeraldfaith]

[Aerith leaves Tifa at the refrigerator, taking the bottle of wine with her and she fishes around in one of her drawers for an opener. Not because she's planning to open it immediately, just to be prepared for when they're ready for it.

Leaving them on the counter, Aerith stops at Tifa's side with a smile.]

Wellllll. Neither have I!

[Mostly because though other kids knew her, they didn't see her as a friend. At least, not when they thought she was scary to be around. The curse of being who and what she is.]

We're going to discover it together, okay?

[She smiles hopefully, clasping her hands together gently. Maybe she's downplaying how eager she's been for this whole thing.]

[starshower]

[Tifa stands upright at the fridge, clapping her own hands together now that they're free of the giant cake platter, as she gently kicks the door shut behind her.]

Where do we even start? A movie? Snacks? Popcorn?

[She's just going off of what she's heard from others, or read in books or seen in other movies, but that seems like as good as any place, if Aerith has any in mind.]

[inemeraldfaith]

[Those are all very reasonable ideas, aren't they. Aerith hasn't come into this with any expectations herself. It's not really the what so much as it is the whom. Although the latter in this case is more than worthy of a little nervousness. Ideally she wants everything to go perfectly.

Maybe... because she's so accustomed to not being able to keep her friends. Purely by being herself. And sometimes she feels she must not ward Tifa away. Give her a reason to suddenly leave. Although she doubts she would ever admit to it easily.]

Wellllll. Tonight is all about you. [Just the words make her turn just a touch pink before she grins broadly.] I want you to pick what you're interested in. I don't see why we can't do a bit of everything. We can do each others' hair or makeup. A pillow fight, maybe...?

[starshower]

Me?

[Tifa's eyes go wide at that. How often does anyone actually say or consider it when they're going about their day to make anything about Tifa? Not often enough that she ever knows how to properly respond besides staring, embarrassingly dumbfounded, until she can piece together something. But what is there to even say to that? The way her cheeks turn a vibrant red speaks for itself, and so she chooses to focus on something else instead.]

Well, let's start with that coffee and see where it gets us. We've got a long evening ahead, don't we?

[One where they stay up far too late into the night and then, when they should be regretting it in the morning, it makes it all worth it.

And then, her cheeks grow a little warmer.]

The makeup sounds kind of fun... I don't do it very often.

[And that sounds like the exact kind of thing a pair of girl friends would do at a sleepover...]

[inemeraldfaith]

Yes, you. You don't see anyone else around here, do you?

[Aerith can't help issuing a smile. She'd probably react the same if she were in Tifa's shoes, though. If anything, she's only tickled pink by it. There's something very charming in someone like that.]

But coffee is a good place to start. Let me get you a cup.

[She offers Tifa a gentle pat on the shoulder before she moves to get precisely that. Doesn't take her long to pour one out and she gestures for Tifa to follow her to the sitting room.]

Sugar and cream are out here. I didn't know how you liked it, so I didn't want to change that I'd make it wrong. You can tell me about this cake and how you ended up with it. You said you made it, but you didn't know I was going to ask you over, so was it just a practise cake?

[starshower]

[Black is perfectly fine with her, but maybe she'll treat herself to a cube of sugar and a little cream today to make that coffee extra silky smooth. With a "thank you", she'll plop a single piece of sugar in, and a little dollop of the cream, and she savours the scent as she sets it down on the table across from them for now so that she can let it cool.]

It's nothing special! Sometimes I just make a whole cake but no one's feeling up to ordering it that day.

[And it was really a case of her feeling like making a cake for the sake of it. For fun.]

I really like baking, and even if customers don't want it, it'll usually get eaten.

[Between Marlene, Barret, and Wedge, it's not difficult to find someone who'll gladly take it.]

But since you've never tried my cakes before, I figured it should go to a good cause this time.

[inemeraldfaith]

That seems like a waste of cake, honestly. Or I guess, people just have no taste. Who wouldn't want one?

[She shakes her head. If she ever goes into the bar and there's a cake available, she's going to snap it up. Who cares who she has to fight to get to it. Or what she has to do to get the gil. If only selling flowers was a more lucrative business.

She huffs out a breath, seemingly displeased that Tifa's cakes aren't getting more... exposure. For just a moment or two, she sits on her hands, fidgeting with her bare feet on the flooring, wearing a subtle frown that seems to betray her disappointment.]

If you don't get people wanting your cakes, you can put them aside for me anytime. I'll even pay for them!

[starshower]

[Tifa had just been about to grab her cup of coffee to taste it when she freezes, her fingers hovering over the little handle before she pulls it back... and laughs. It's bubbling with mirth and amusement at the offer, and she gives a light shake of her head.]

No, I wouldn't make you pay for anything.

[First things first!!! Aerith could walk into Seventh Heaven and demand her finest whiskey and an entire cake, and she still wouldn't make her pay for it. The fact that she is so defensive on Tifa's behalf, however, is endearing and... heartwarming. At least she knows that if anyone were to cause any trouble at the bar, she could call on Aerith to handle them. Her look almost puts Cloud's to shame.]

If Wedge didn't get his hands on them first, I'd bring them over to you in a heartbeat. I wonder though...

[Her face turns a little pink again.]

Would the kids at the leafhouse like some? Not sure how strict they are about sweets, but... I could bring some by next time.

[inemeraldfaith]

[Of course. Aerith can't even be surprised. It'd be unlike Tifa to let her pay for something, no matter how much Aerith might try to otherwise. She smiles then, feeling warmed to the very core at the thought.]

Maybe split one occasionally between Wedge and me. I'm sure he wouldn't mind sharing with me sometimes.

[But what Tifa says afterwards makes her entire expression light up.]

Oh, that's a great idea! I know Miss Folia tries to make sure they eat pretty healthy, but that's not to say a cake every once in a while would be an awful idea. You can't keep a kid from cake forever, after all. I'll say something to her and see what the reaction is like. I'm pretty sure she'll be fine with it as long as we're not making a regular habit out of it.

Plus—

[She grins broadly.]

—The kids'll love you for it. They'll want you to come by all the time.

[starshower]

Not that I would complain. But if Miss Fiola is looking for some healthier options, I've got those, too.

[Not cake, mind, but it isn't all burgers and steaks and cakes all the time.]

I've got salads and sandwiches, maybe I'll bring by some muffins, too.

[Her nose crinkles with amusement as she glances at Aerith over her cup as she lifts it to her lips.]

Although, I'm not so sure the kids would like the salads as much as the cake... It took me a while to finally get Marlene to eat her vegetables.