video

[moseyin]

Who: Cloud Strife et al
Broadcast: Yes
Action: Selvin-9
When: Early January


[Video comes on, but instead of showing somebody’s face it’s pointed at a sign for a specifically popular snowboarding and skiing lodge on Selvin-9.] If anybody’s heading over here to snowboard or something, I put up some obstacles on the south slope, off the path, for more of a challenge. Here-

[The shot moves over to the snow, where a person-sized sloppy approximation of a chubby snow moogle sits.] These guys. And some giant icicles, thanks for the materia Aerith. Anyway if you’re up for it and you wanna get timed or something, I got prizes. Nothing cool but like hot chocolate tins and junk like that.

[Okay now Cloud’s walking so there is an unflattering angle of his face occasionally as he trucks through the snow to get his own snowboard.] -oh right, I wanted a general opinion on something. What’s, uh, what’s the best birthday gift you ever got? [Specifically a question for girls but he’s afraid he’ll be REALLY obvious if he says that.]

Comments

[axi]

Are you winning? [No.]

[moseyin]

Only two people have answered, so..
it's kind of early to call it.

[axi]

What'll have you declared the winner?

[moseyin]

private

[moseyin]

Okay look, it's Aerith's birthday February 7th, I'm just looking for ideas.

private

[axi]

[She can't hide the smile on her face now. Not sorry.]

You could always ask people directly.

private

[moseyin]

What am I, your son? Don't lecture me.

private

[axi]

[Someone isn't fazed.]

It's hardly a lecture. I'm only pointing out if you wanted ideas, people would happily assist you.

private

[moseyin]

I'm getting ideas like this.

private

[axi]

Any good ones?

private

[moseyin]

Great ones.

private

[axi]

That's nice to hear, I'm glad. [And she is, it shows in her smile. Kaname likes him, and there's nothing he can do about that now.]

private

[moseyin]

[Ugh.

.......ugh.]

I don't know a lot about...girl stuff. Aerith's really girly, so I want to get her something she'll really like. But she can be practical too so I don't wanna just get her cute garbage.

private

[axi]

[If her smile was any bigger, she'd need a new face.]

It sounds like you've got a really great basis for a present already. Did anything catch your eye when you looked around?

[Assuming he's done that already.]

private

[moseyin]

Uh, I haven't yet. [THINK AGAIN]

private

[axi]

[Shocker.]

Oh, there's an idea. Why not walk around and look with what you might learn from asking everyone? That way you have your own thoughts but new ones as well.

private

[moseyin]

Okay, see, that. That's what I mean by the mothering thing.

private

[axi]

How is offering a suggestion mothering? [Please, tell her.]

private

[moseyin]

It's not what you're saying it's- it's how you're saying it, like. I keep expecting you to tack on a 'honey' or 'sweetheart' onto everything you say to me.

Is it the puking? Did I make myself look totally helpless or something?

private

[axi]

[Kaname stares at him for a moment, unintentionally focusing only on one thing mentioned.]

I'd forgotten about that until just now.

private

[moseyin]

[a deep, depressed sigh]

private

[axi]

Oh, but to answer your question, not at all. I know first hand how capable you are, especially when you kept Freyja and I safe on the planet. I'm only offering suggestions because it seems like a chance to help you in return, which I don't imagine myself getting many opportunities to do.

Besides, we're crew mates. Why wouldn't I want to lend you a hand?

private

[moseyin]

You don't need to help me in return, it's not like I did anything special.

I can handle this myself.

private

[axi]

[It's not like she's hurt by his words, but Kaname finds herself a little saddened by his attitude. Still, if it's what he wants.]

All right, I'm sorry I pressed this issue. I'll forget you mentioned anything. Just wish her a happy birthday from me when it arrives.

[She offers a small smile before turning off the comm.]