"I have a flower for you. Hello there, soldier! You look a little lost. Or maybe... just a little lonely? I know a good cure for that. A beautiful flower, for a handsome... mercenary. Don't worry, it's on the house. A gift. From me to you. My name is Aerith. And you are...? Don't be shy. I don't bite. Unless... you want me to? Just kidding! But seriously, what's your name? And... are you free later? Maybe we could... get to know each other better? Over a drink? Or... something else entirely?"

Her cheeks flush with pleasure as he takes the flower from her. "Thank you..." she whispers softly. Tilting her head slightly, she looks up at him. "I'm glad you think so... I'd like that, actually... to see you later." There's a playful spark in her eyes now, as if they're sharing a secret. "How about we meet here, around sundown? It'll be less crowded then..." She pauses, biting her lower lip nervously before continuing. "...and I promise not to keep you out too late."

She laughs as well, her voice light and playful. "I don't know... I just thought it'd be nice to have something to look forward to today." Her gaze drifts back down toward their linked arms, and she feels a warmth spread through her chest. "Lead the way, Abdiel..." she murmurs softly.

She takes a seat across from him at the small café table. "I'm... well, I sell flowers here in the slums. It's not much, but it helps make things a little more beautiful for people who need it most." Her eyes meet his again as she continues, her voice growing slightly more serious. "But there's more to me than just that. There are secrets... things I can't really share with anyone." She pauses, taking another sip of her drink before looking up at him once more. "What about you, Abdiel? What do you do?"

Her eyes widen slightly in surprise, and she feels her heart race at the thought of him referring to her as his future wife. "Wow... I mean, that's... really sweet." She smiles shyly, looking down for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "I hope you like it here, then... there are lots of good people in this city. And some not-so-good ones too, but we manage."

She takes another sip of her drink, thinking about what he's said. "It must be hard for someone like you, with all your responsibilities back home... to just come here and live a normal life." Her voice trails off, wondering if she should ask the question that's been on her mind since they met. Finally, she musters up the courage. "I suppose I should also mention... my father told me that you've been asking around about me."

There's a long pause as she waits for his reaction. Does he already know who she really is? Or will this news change things between them? She tries to read his expression, but it remains unchanged. Finally, he speaks. "Yes... your father and I have some history. And now it seems that you and I might too." His voice is soft, almost gentle. "I'm not sure exactly what that means yet... only time will tell."

The tension in the air begins to dissipate as she realizes he doesn't seem surprised or frightened by her revelation. In fact, there's a curious mixture of affection and protectiveness in his eyes. "Well..." she says, trying to find the right words, "I'm glad we met... I think." A shy smile plays across her lips as she looks back at him, hoping that he feels the same way.

She listens intently as he tells her about knowing her father during the war. It's obvious that they had a close bond, just like she suspected. As he finishes his story, she feels a pang of sadness deep in her chest; thinking about how much her father must miss those days, and how lonely he must be now that she's all he has left.

"I'm glad you two were able to find some solace in each other during those dark times." Her voice is soft, almost wistful. "It means a lot to me that you remembered him fondly... and I suppose it's nice knowing that we have something like that in common now." She pauses, searching his eyes for any sign of judgment or fear before continuing. "You don't need to worry about me, you know. Whatever secrets I might hold... whatever destiny I'm tied to... I can handle it. We'll be okay."

There's an air of determination in her words that makes him believe her. Even though he knows nothing about what truly lies ahead for either of them, somehow she seems stronger in his presence. "I appreciate your strength, Aerith..." he says quietly, reaching out to take her hand across the table. "...and I'm glad we could meet under better circumstances." His gaze lingers on hers for a moment before looking away, feeling suddenly shy and uncertain about what this all means.

Her cheeks flush slightly at the question. "Well... no, not really. I mean, there was someone... a long time ago..." She trails off, uncertain how much she should share with him. "But that's all in the past now." She pauses, giving his hand a squeeze before pulling it away. "I'm okay being alone right now... focusing on my work and helping those who need me."

There's an unspoken understanding between them that they both know this isn't entirely true. They're attracted to each other, yes... but there are larger forces at play here. Forces that could tear them apart if they aren't careful. Still, for now, they can pretend that the only thing that matters is their connection... their shared moments in time amidst the chaos of Midgar.

Her heart skips a beat as he shows her the ring. It's beautiful... elegant and delicate, just like him. She stares at it for a moment, lost in thought. "I... I don't know," she whispers finally, looking back up at his face. "It's complicated... there are things you don't understand about me... about my past." Her voice trails off, and she chews on her lower lip nervously.

"But... I will think about it." The words come out almost as a whisper, and she feels a shiver run down her spine at the realization of what she's just agreed to. "I mean... we could take things slow, if that's what you want..." She pauses, searching his eyes for any hint of what he truly wants from her.

"Tell me about your home, Abdiel," she says, changing the subject carefully. "What's it like there? Do you have family?" The questions pour out unbidden, and she hopes that talking about him will help her sort through her own emotions.

She winces slightly at the mention of his family's death, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. "Oh... I'm sorry," she whispers. "That must have been incredibly painful for you." Her hand reaches out across the table unconsciously, seeking to comfort him in some small way. "I hope that at least knowing you found a new home here, with us... brings you some measure of peace."

Her heart skips a beat as their hands touch, and she feels a warmth spread through her body. It's an unexpected connection, one that she hasn't experienced in a long time. Part of her wants to push forward with this newfound closeness... explore where it might lead them both. But another part is cautious, remembering the darkness that lurks just beyond their shared moments in the café.

Eventually, the silence grows awkward between them. "I should probably be getting back," she says finally, breaking eye contact and gathering her things. "Thank you for... for today." She smiles shyly up at him before standing and hurrying out of the café without looking back.

Her breath hitches in her throat as his strong arms circle her waist. "But... I thought we agreed..." she begins hesitantly, the words trailed off by uncertainty and desire. Part of her wants to push him away, to resist the attraction that's growing between them. But another part longs for this connection... craves the feeling of being truly desired and cherished.

"I can't help it," he whispers hoarsely into her ear. "You're all I think about." His lips brush against her neck, sending shivers down her spine. She closes her eyes, unable to resist any longer as his kisses trail lower... across her collarbone, down her breast. For a moment, it feels like the entire world has vanished except for him and her, floating together in a sea of passion and need.

Their clothes disappear as their bodies become entwined, seeking solace and connection in each other's touch. In this brief moment, they find release from the pressures and expectations that have defined them, free to explore the depths of their desires without consequence. As he moves inside her, she cries out his name, not caring who might hear them or what they might think. For now, all that matters is this blissful oblivion... this chance at true happiness.