Routine [Final Fantasy VII, Tseng/Aerith, PG]

[lurk-stiltzkin.livejournal.com]

Title: Routine
Author: lurk_stiltzkin
Rating: PG
Word count: 334
Warning: mild spoilers for Crisis Core
Prompt: 9th - Final Fantasy VII, Tseng/Aerith: obsession - it starts with a kiss
 

Don't worry about her. It's our duty to protect and watch over her in case she gets into any danger.
You're the only person I can depend on.
He he.
Why are you laughing? I'm counting on you!

Years later, he wondered if that was the right choice. But Tseng was a Turk first and a man second, so he didn't question his company's policy and he's not going to fall for his company's target. Not when the Turk's motto was 'I exist solely for Shinra' and all he's been planning on doing to Aerith would put his whole burgeoning career into jeopardy. No, he would not be another Vincent Valentine.

Six months after Sephiroth team's departure to Nibelheim, Tseng's new sidejob as the postman was bringing him closer than ever to the target. He knew her daily schedule, had it memorized in the back of his head, and made sure to show up at the church's door only when she has finished tending her flowers.

She didn't ask how long he's been watching her from the sidelines, and wordlessly produced a white envelope from her gardening tool basket.

Allowing himself a little smile and a nod, Tseng took the letter-7th, he subconsciously kept a record-and promised her that it will be delivered to the right hand.

His Turk instinct told him that Aerith definitely knew he has to slice the envelope open and read her written secret thoughts to a certain SOLDIER, probably read it aloud to his fellow Turks and have a great laugh about it over morning coffee.

"I'm sure he was just busy," and Tseng was the one who was more surprised, because affection was never his forte, and he wondered quickly if this was his idea to sound encouraging and fail. Damn it, Reno was rubbing off on him on a most mistaken way.

The 7th letter was the most unforgettable, because instead of packing up and leave, Aerith decided to smile at him, a sad, sweet little smile and stand on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"Thank you," she muttered, and this was when he found out this was a very, very wrong choice to make.