Aetiyu

[Tifa Lockhart]

"Of course." Zack said with a smile, "Thanks again." He turned to leave, adjusting Ynyr on his hip. "Let's go get that box for mummy's ring huh? And a little something for you too. I'll let you pick."
Ynyr gave a squeal of delight at the idea of getting a present and the two of them were soon back at the stall having a look at the other jewelery.
"How does Ynyr get an ear bubble like daddy's?" Ynyr asked, reaching up to tug at his father's ear where the little silver ball that Zack wore was.
"Hmm? Oh you mean an ear piercing." Zack laughed, "Well... they're usually for big brave boys, because they hurt a little. Think you can take it?" He smiled at his son.
"yes daddy!" He said with a grin.
"Alright, let's have a look at the ear-rings then huh?" Zack said, taking Ynyr over to the table with the ear-rings. The search was short, because Ynyr picked a little silver ball much like his father's.
"Alrighty, all done then." Zack said, picking up the ear-ring the boy had asked for and the silver box the shop owner had suggested, before going to pay.

[The Painted Lady]

Mitch over-heard part of the conversation between father and son as he returned to the stall.
"If you want to get your ear pierced little fella, you should head on over to the drug store with your Pa."
He grinned to Zack.
"That'll be 12 gil."

[Tifa Lockhart]

Zack handed over the money, wondering if he could weedle anything else out of the store to make up the 50 he wanted to owe the man, but he couldn't think of anything else XD
"I'll have to ask his ma first methinks." Zack joked, petting his sons head, "Thanks for everything sir." He put the delicate ring into the box and hid it in his pocket before giving a wave to the store owner and heading off to find Aerith.

[The Painted Lady]

"No problems!"

Aerith and Elmyra had made it home by now, playing with Ashlynn on the mat in the living room.
"What is taking Zack so long?... Maybe I should ring him..."

"No, no," Elmyra said quickly, stopping Aerith from rising.
"Just give him a minute..."

[Tifa Lockhart]

"Honey i'm hoooome!" Zack called as he pushed open the front door. "Sorry i took a little while." He entered the living room where the two women were playing with Ashlynn and put Ynyr down, who instantly rushed to join them.

[The Painted Lady]

Aerith smiled and kissed Ynyr as he joined them, standing to meet Zack with a tender kiss.
"What took you so long?" she teased.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Zack wrapped his arms gently around Aerith's waist and kissed her back.
"Just thought i'd surprise Ashlynn with a little something." He released her and turned to kneel down to his daughter's level. "Hey Ashie, come here. Close your eyes. Daddy has a surprise for you."

[The Painted Lady]

Ashlynn tilted her head in curiosity, but closed her eyes as her father requested.

Aerith was curious too, moving forward to see what Zack had.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Zack pulled the headband out of its secure place and put it onto Ashlynn's head, carefully tidying her hair around it.
"Ynyr picked it. Didn't you Yn?" Zack asked, glancing at his son, who nodded happily. "Alright, open yours eyes baby, and have a look." He said with a grin. Picking her up and carrying her to a nearby decorative mirror.

[The Painted Lady]

A bright smile lit up on Aerith's face when she saw what Zack had bought his daughter.
"Oh Zack..." she breathed.

Ashlynn gave a little squeal when she opened her eyes, reaching up to touch the bow in the middle of her hair.
"Thank you Daddy! Thank you Ynnie!"

[Tifa Lockhart]

Zack smiled when he saw that his daughter liked the bow. "I'm glad you like it Ashie." He said, squeezing the little girl gently before he put her down so she could go to her brother, who had his arms stretched out waiting for a hug.
Zack meanwhile went back to Aerith. "An Yn wanted a uh..." He tugged his ear, "'earbubble'" He laughed, "I bought him one, but told him he'd need to get mummy's permission to get one done. He understands that they're only for brave boys." He kissed Aerith again, the weight in his pocket already causing him new anxieties... how exactly was he going to propose to her :S

[The Painted Lady]

Ashlynn ran to her brother, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"Love you Ynnie," she said happily.

Aerith bit her lip.
"So young?..."
She sounded worried.
"When did you get yours done Zack?"

[Tifa Lockhart]

Zack rubbed his chin, trying to remember.
"I was young... i remember that much." he rubbed the back of his head, "Four or five i think... maybe six at the latest, but i think i was five." He shrugged, "There's no rush, i bought it for him because he wanted it and i'd already bought Ashie something. I'm sure he'll be alright with waiting until you think he's ready for it." He kissed her softly.

"Love you too Ashie." Ynyr replied, hugging his sister back just as tightly. "You look pretty." He said with a cute smile.

[The Painted Lady]

Aerith bit her lip as Zack pulled away. She seemed conflicted. In the end, she moved over to Ynyr, crouching down beside him and his sister.
"You sure you want an earbubble too Yn?" she asked.
"They hurt a lot - they have to put a needle in your ear. I can come and get rid of the pain, but once you get it, that's it. You can't get rid of it."

Ashlynn held her earlobes. It was apparent she was going to remain pierce-less like her mother... for now.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Ynyr looked unsure for a minute but then glanced at Ashlynn as she made her immediate opinion known. He stood up tall and puffed out his chest. "I'm brave." He said in a matter-of-fact voice. "But... if mummy doesn't want me too..." He shifted slightly on his feet, "Then i wont."

"it's your decision Yn." Zack said, folding his arms, "Your own grown up boy decision."
Ynyr looked a little undecided, though his expression was leaning more towards confidence then uncertainty. "Can Ynnie have a little while to decide?" He asked, looking at his mum.