( video )

[suicideprototype]

It seems that no matter where I find myself, flowers always carry a significant meaning, huh...?

[Ritsu has tried to focus the video on Aldrip's flower field, but since he's using a device that's utterly alien to him, he's decided to err on the side of caution and spend maybe a little too long panning over empty scenery. You know, just in case he's too zoomed in, or the image comes out too blurry, or something else of that nature.

Eventually, though, he does adjust it to focus on himself.]

Where I come from, each day is associated with a flower, and if you happen to be born on that day, then that flower is designated your "birth flower."

If you're interested, why not tell me your birthday? In exchange, I'll tell you your birth flower and its meaning. Given the wide selection of flowers here... maybe I'll even be able to find it.

[He has completely neglected to introduce himself, but clearly flowers are more important.]

Comments

[inemeraldfaith]

I'm pretty sure I've probably seen that a lot. Everyone has a different story. It's not about trying to change other people or how they see something. How they approach something. It's about learning why they do it, and understanding them. I've found if I take the time to really talk with someone and learn about them, it's not as bad if they don't appreciate the annoying part of my charm.

[In short, Aerith is a people person, and believes that most people need to be understood. There are some exceptions, of course. She's not sure she could ever want to understand someone like Hojo or his efforts, but that's a very different situation. She's also not sure if she'd ever consider giving Shinra the time of day, considering what they're doing to the planet.]

We can't change free will and that's a very important thing to keep in consideration.

[suicideprototype]

[The annoying part of her charm. That sure is a way to put it.]

Doesn't that... ever get tiring?

[People put on masks to hide who they are, and they build walls to keep others out. He's sure not everyone takes kindly to the idea of someone trying to understand them.]

Isn't it painful? If the other party just pushes you away, or reacts with hostility.

[inemeraldfaith]

Mmm... No?

[She looks a bit puzzled by the question, actually. And it's not because she isn't sure of the answer itself. It's more or less because she's trying to remember if there's ever been a time that she's just... given up on someone. There are some, she knows, that she feels just aren't going to be worth the time, so with those types, she doesn't push very hard. But almost anyone is worth a touch of effort.

Maybe her heart is just too big.]

Usually if someone does something like that, it's not personal. Although it's true that you can't really help anyone who doesn't want to be helped. I guess that's the difference there, too. I don't want to give advice to people and that can be easy to fall into. I just want to listen and support. Maybe that's why it doesn't really bother me.

[suicideprototype]

I see.

[It's probably not an ego thing on her end, then. Often, when a person shapes their identity around their ability to support others, they're just people who want to be perceived as caring or selfless. Savior complexes are pretty common.

But Aerith — at least on the surface — doesn't seem to fit the label. People with savior complexes tend to take rejection pretty poorly, after all.]

That's very admirable. Just don't forget to take care of yourself, too.

Kindness like that... Well, there are people out there who don't have any qualms with exploiting it.

[inemeraldfaith]

[She's certainly heard that a lot. Probably out of Elmyra more than anyone else, honestly. Aerith is too nice, too kind for her own good and there are no shortage of people in Midgar alone who would want to take advantage of that. But for one reason or another, even when she's in a situation like that, Aerith has shockingly been able to handle herself.

Impressive considering she certainly doesn't have the appearance of a combatant and she wouldn't label herself as one either.]

It might not seem like it, but I'm pretty good at talking myself out of trouble. Not that I find myself in it very often, honestly. I'm a pretty good judge of what people are like, too. Not perfect, but pretty good!

[Her smile is gentle and reassuring.]

I'll be careful. I don't want to worry anyone. I worry people back home enough already!