Chapter Text
“Would you like to buy a flower?”
“... What?”
“Would you like to buy a flower?” She reiterated with more emphasis on her words as if he hadn't heard her the first time. Green eyes bore into him with curious patience as she awaited the answer to her question -- which probably wouldn't come any time soon judging by the look on his face.
“I heard the first time.” Squall stared at the girl, probably no younger than he was now. Her hair was an almond brown that curled over her shoulders, most of which was tied back in a neat braid. Her skin was pale and soft and her rounded face gave her an even more youthful appearance than most girls their age. Her most notable feature, in his opinion, were her eyes. Green as the leaves on a tree and able to stop anyone in their tracks with their genuine gaze.
Who was she? Though they were about the same age, he didn't recognize her at all. Did she not attend the same school?
“Well?” She implored, holding the flower in her hand up into his line of sight. “Would you like one or not?” Her impatience was expertly masked with playful tones that danced off her lips like a song.
“Do I look like the kind of guy who buys flowers?” The question was rhetorical.
But she answered it anyway with a gesture towards a blond boy with spiky hair walking the other direction. “Does he?”
Squall raised an eyebrow, looking between her and the boy in question. Just before he could answer she went on, “Besides, it doesn't have to be for yourself. Flowers make good gifts. For family. Friends. A girlfriend.” A mischievous glint in her eyes was caught when he blushed at the last one. “Or boyfriend.” She added with a smirk. “What do you say?” She was now leaning forward, a bit too close for his comfort to which he instinctively leaned away. Yet from this proximity he could now tell that she smelled of flora -- wearing the scent like a perfume -- sweet but not overbearing. Like the earth.
After a pregnant pause Squall shook his head. “I'll pass.” Despite the small pout she gave him, the girl with the braid did not deflate.
“That's too bad. I suppose I'll try elsewhere then mister gloomy.” And she turned with a bounce in her step.
She got only a few steps away before Squall called out, “What's your name?”
She spun around, not stopping in her stride or missing a beat. “Aerith.”
Aerith. How appropriate, he thought with a tilt of his head. And then she called back from halfway across the courtyard, “What do they call you? Or do you want me to keep calling you mister gloomy?”
Hiding the smirk that threatened to pull at his lips, he responded “Squall.”
She made a hum of a noise, testing the name out for herself from what he could tell at their distance. He caught her smiling to herself as she turned away at last, moving on with a light wave of her hand. And despite himself he couldn't help but stare at her back. To say she left an impression was an understatement.
But he could not stand around gazing at the back of her head, with what he could only assume was mild curiosity, for he had things to do. Mostly homework. Straightening his uniform, he continued on the path home towards the housing district of Radiant Garden.
When he walked through the door of his home his father greeted him with a warm smile, “Anything interesting happen today?” A question he always asked him without fail.
Squall shrugged his shoulders and waved off the question with a “Not really.” Even though his mind was still focused on the girl from earlier.
Aerith.