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Hi! What sorts of flowers do you have available for a fresh bouquet?

You somewhere safe?

Collins had gotten back to routine fairly quickly. In his mind, there was nothing to reconcile after the stint with the Otherworld and all its monsters. A bit of excitement was refreshing in an otherwise mundane bit of life. Like a job that proved to be more thrilling than expected, he had ended up rather joyful during the experience. If anything, he was almost disappointed to be going back to the dull existence aboard the ship.

He would be looking for or traveling to his next job were he back home. That would keep him busy through the rote points in life. The rest of his existence managed to be more lively or at least more entertaining as he performed one job after another to satisfy him.

He was at the library doing his job. Or rather, he had done a good bit of shelving books and now he was wondering the stacks almost aimlessly. It might be time for a new mystery novel to read or a book of poetry to brush up on. He considered his options.

He doesn't want to do this, sure, but he knows he has to. He approaches Aerith on the third of fourth night--after he actually manages to catch a few hours of sleep at John's place and had a few warm meals. He catches her in the greenhouse, casual in a hoodie and jeans instead of his usual suit, the messenger bag with his lamp out as always.

"Aerith?" Her name first. Direct. Proof that he's not hallucinating again.

I believe I have a solution to your river reed problem.

[ She does not come talk to Aerith when she reappears in the garden, but her faint humming can be heard from somewhere amongst the flowers. It's only at the end of the work hours that Ilde comes to her. She still looks tired, still feels brittle. ]

You've seen the worst of me so soon.

[ During Vincent's working hours... ]

If you're not busy, I need to borrow your Esuna. And bring a non-lethal poison if you have something available in the greenhouse. I don't suppose you have a Bio materia.

[ Just you know. Text between friends. ]

[Not too long after they're all corralled onto the Narrenschiff, and very shortly after the Safety Corner has started to form, Shaw arrives - tired-looking, grubby-looking, and with an unconscious woman slung across her shoulders. A tall woman, who looks about half a head taller than Shaw herself (though it's a little hard to tell, given that only one of them is standing upright). Needless to say, these past few days have not been fun.]

Hey, uh, I hear you have a safe place here for people to sleep? 'Cause listen, I'm not gonna lie, my back's really starting to hurt.

Hi. We haven't talked, but I could use a hand with some healing in steerage.

[Rosita herself sounds a bit breathless but calm; someone nearby in the background is breathing painfully, and spitting the occasional swear in Spanish.]

Aerith, I don't believe we've had much of a chance to speak but I've been told you know Hanna?

[ Vincent has been scarce since the return. But mostly in his cabin so he was probably hiding. Oh but look! A text. ]

Another Remnant is here. Like Kadaj. His name is Yazoo. Be careful.

Going to speak to Zhao Yunlan now.

Looks like we need to talk? Want to meet in person?

Hello, Aerith!

I wondered if you'd be willing to answer a question? I believe you know Kadaj? [Though he doesn't think she's actually his mother. Probably.]

Zack is...as settled as he can be, given the circumstances. He's very uncomfortable with the fact that he was out cold during such a critical time, but there is nothing he can do to change that. His cabin is in order, he's talked to some people, his dog is okay, and that's - he keeps trying to tell himself that's what really matters.

(The fact that he wants to jump out of his skin because he keeps flashing back to four years spent in a basement lab, helpless to do anything, doesn't help -- but there's nothing he can do about that either.)

So he goes to meet Aerith like he promised and knocks on her door.

So, it's been quiet, and if we're back to normal it ought to stay that way, and we're caught up in the greenhouse, so... I think it might be time? For...

[He's trying very hard to play, but his nerve almost fails him and the last phrase comes out as a single, garbled word.]

Foryoutolosearace!

How's he doing?

Hey, can you meet me at the Greenhouse? It's not an emergency, but it's important.

Aerith, do you know Angel Dust?

I am sorry for causing you worry and anger.

[ Sometime after this disaster…

Zack stops answering his phone. He can’t be found in the usual places, and the silence is just strange.

If she decides to investigate, the door to Zack’s cabin opens for her. Cold stew is sitting on the table, and Zack is sitting on the couch curled up with his dog.

It may not be immediately obvious, but he has definitely been crying. ]

May I ask a personal question, Aerith?

So I heard you and Sephiroth had a talk. About me.

I am going to give Yazoo the talk about sex.

[ Short pause. ]

Possibly Kadaj as well. Do you and Zack want to be here?

Hey
When you're in the greenhouse next would you tell me?

If you don't mind having some company for a bit in whatever you're doing there

[There's no text with the message Aerith receives from Cloud. Just a photo he took with his communicator. Two familiar black-haired fellows, one having wrapped his arms around the other, just...standing there in the middle of the deck.

That's right. Vincent Valentine is getting hugged. By the sunshiniest man on the planet.]

Backdated to Thursday

audio; at the start of the flood

action;

post silent hill event