[She laughs. Zack being stinky doesn't bother her, but he'd feel better if he was cleaned up. Worked for her! Plus, she'd get to hang out in his room and play with Zeke while he cleaned up. Win-win for Aerith.
But that somber expression...ah. Well. It's going to be a bad one isn't it. Gently, she strokes his cheek, before letting her hand drop. ]
Yeah, let's...talk about it there. After you get cleaned up?
[Because whatever they talk about, it's going to be bad enough. He shouldn't be physically uncomfortable on top of it.
The fact he got the last letter...and he hadn't known how long...that tipped it off. It would be okay, eventually.
[ That's definitely not a 'no', though. He's...really missed her. And would like to spend extra time with her, even if it's on the clock. ]
And yeah, he does. His name is Zeke. A friend of mine who isn't here anymore gave him to me.
[ Zack walks up to his cabin, pushes open the door, and sure enough, a big, black lab comes bounding up to greet both of them. ]
Oi! Sit!
[ Zeke's butt plops on the ground, but his tail is wagging vigorously as he makes a soft 'awuurrrr' at Aerith. Clearly, he very much wants to say hello. ]
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[She laughs. Zack being stinky doesn't bother her, but he'd feel better if he was cleaned up. Worked for her! Plus, she'd get to hang out in his room and play with Zeke while he cleaned up. Win-win for Aerith.
But that somber expression...ah. Well. It's going to be a bad one isn't it. Gently, she strokes his cheek, before letting her hand drop. ]
Yeah, let's...talk about it there. After you get cleaned up?
[Because whatever they talk about, it's going to be bad enough. He shouldn't be physically uncomfortable on top of it.
The fact he got the last letter...and he hadn't known how long...that tipped it off. It would be okay, eventually.
But it might hurt in the process.]
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Yeah. Sorry, I'm kind of gross.
[ That's what cleaning all day does to you!! He gestures down the hall and starts walking. ]
It's just there. And uh...I have a dog. Just so you know.
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[She's not looking after anyone currently, just the Greenhouse. So she has time to spare!
And she'd also just want to spend time with Zack.
Aerith walks with him, but she's already smiling.]
Let me guess: your dog likes people.
[So, she's going to get jumped on.]
What's their name?
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[ That's definitely not a 'no', though. He's...really missed her. And would like to spend extra time with her, even if it's on the clock. ]
And yeah, he does. His name is Zeke. A friend of mine who isn't here anymore gave him to me.
[ Zack walks up to his cabin, pushes open the door, and sure enough, a big, black lab comes bounding up to greet both of them. ]
Oi! Sit!
[ Zeke's butt plops on the ground, but his tail is wagging vigorously as he makes a soft 'awuurrrr' at Aerith. Clearly, he very much wants to say hello. ]
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[She's really missed him too. He's here. Yes, they're in space, far from home, but what does it matter?
They'll be all right now. This is better then any deal she may have taken with the Admiral.
But hearing the dog was a gift from a friend- one no longer here- was a sharp reminder of how much he's been through. Here, alone.
If only she came sooner.
But no time for guilt. There's Zeke, bouncing like an excited chocobo, until he sits. Good boy. ]
Well hi Zeke.
[And she squats down to offer her hands to sniff. She's absolutely going to be bowled over but she doesn't care.]