on Thursday afternoon

[gardenerofgaia]

[Filtered from Hope, written]

I heard it takes a week for people to be revived. Is that just "about"? Sometimes it can be longer? [The top quickly scribbled out to leave only a period.] Li She's la

[There's a sudden break into voice when Aerith mutters:] I feel sick. [She still has to check on Hope... she doesn't know what to say with

Comments

[Action]

[wingenvy]

[With Aerith out and about, Zack's kind of worried about her; she hasn't exactly been well and chipper since everyone got back from the draft, as far as he could tell.

...Well. Almost everyone. Dammit...

And that's part of what he's worried about. So after a while he heads out to look for her, checking the building before he checks the rest of the village.]

[Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

[She's been trying to be well and chipper, but that only goes so far... especially once Lightning's revival turns "fashionably" late. There's only so much stress a person can slog through before their body starts protesting, and in that respect, Aerith's only human. And she's tired. After meeting with Hope, she makes her way slowly down the staircase, not really looking ahead of her. Hopefully Zack is.]

[Action]

[wingenvy]

Aerith? Hey...

[Zack jogs up to meet her, reaching out to touch her shoulder.]

You look exhausted, what are you doing, wandering around?

[Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

[She looks up when he touches her shoulder, faint surprise giving way to what could be frustration (at herself) before she smiles.] It's not wandering if I know where I'm going, now is it? I had to check on Hope.

[Action]

[wingenvy]

Well I hope you're done checking, because it's obvious that you could use a nap right about now. [He gives her a light nudge, trying to urge her further down the stairs and hopefully back to their place.]

[Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

I'm coming, I'm coming. [Her hand reaches out to touch his arm and lean on him--the comfort is tempting, she knows he would support her--but then she thinks better of it, resting more on the railing again. It's too awkward, it'd show too much what she's feeling... though apparently that's showing anyway.]

Does it really show on my face so much? A nap sounds like a good idea. One good nap, and I'll be right as rain.

[Action]

[wingenvy]

[He hovers close, trying not to fuss, but wanting to make sure she doesn't stumble or fall over. You can never be too sure, after all.]

Yeah, you just look tired, that's all. You've been wearing yourself out.

[Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

Things still have to get done. Don't worry, okay? I'm not trying to push myself.

[Action]

[wingenvy]

Well... if you say so. [He'll still be worried, though, because she seems to be like that now. :|a] Come on, let's get back.

Re: [Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

[She nods.] I just have to keep myself going. [Which is different from pushing herself. at least in her head.] That includes taking little rests, so I'll be sure to take them.

[As they leave the staircase, she's sure to keep her shoulders straight--don't worry Zack. She can tell he is.] I'll take care of myself!

[Action]

[wingenvy]

Well, okay, but I'll hold you to that! [She's just been through too much, man. It's unfair. But with her walking to straight, he... tries not to hover so much, at least. Eh-heh.] How's Hope?

[Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

[The subject turning to Hope gets a sad frown from Aerith. Kid's not doing the greatest right now.] ...I don't think he really believes she's coming back. It's late for when the guide said, but I asked other people and this has happened before... I really, really hope she comes back soon. Okay.

[The thought of Lightning coming back a Cie'th has crossed Aerith's mind more than once this week... it's a terrifying thought.]

[Action]

[wingenvy]

[Doesn't sound all that hopeful. Man... what a mess.]

She'll come back. I know she will. [He... doesn't, really, but he can't help but believe in it- in her. The alternative is just too cruel.] Bringing someone back from the dead is probably a hard thing to pull off, you know? So... maybe it takes longer with some people.

[Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

It's not for this place. [She tells Zack that with certainty. That feeling, the sword piercing her, her body and mind shutting down... she knows she was dead. Zack is proof too--even if he doesn't know it. Then she looks away, moving to open the door to their apartment.] It already does so many other things, after all... Maybe it's because of the battle. Jack thought it was a possibility.

[Action]

[wingenvy]

Well if it takes a week, it's gotta take some effort. Maybe they want to bring her back so she's not still a l'Cie? [That was the word for it, right?]

Re: [Action]

[gardenerofgaia]

[Not like Aerith cares about the technicalities--it's a good, solid reason, that's all that matters.] That's a good idea too. They should make it up to her for putting her on the draft, as much as they can. [Bil had said it was beyond them, but maybe he only meant for the timeframe before the draft, or maybe he had been lying or wrong; she couldn't care less as long as Lightning returned as herself.]