WHO: Aerith & Beverly WHAT: A second date with smooches on the ferris wheel WHERE: Santa Monica Pier WHEN: Before technology turned against the people RATING / WARNINGS: Tooth-rotting fluff
The Santa Monica Pier was so vibrant, and loud and happy. Aerith had never been and wanted to indulge in the whole touristy experience of the area - take in the saltwater air, view the Pacific waters, get on some rides. There were games, restaurants, several shops too. It was enough to keep them busy, that’s for sure. A bit of noisy outdoor therapy would do her and Beverly some good. Less time to think about the then and focus on the now, which wasn’t anything like the hellscapes they once existed in.
Aerith, personally, had dodged a view of memories twice in a row. First came the ribbon she began wearing in her hair with frequency. Then came the broken flower cart, which had been the beginning of her flower peddling ways in a life before this one - she would fix it someday. Not that she necessarily knew how but Youtube existed so she’d figure it out somehow.
Another time, though - that wasn’t important. What was important was Aerith leading them to some fabled shop of sweets within the pier’s Pacific Park - Scoops Ice Cream, hailed with spectacular praise and often trending in filtered Instagram foody posts, apparently. The atmosphere inside was a bit retro, like an old-fashioned candy store and there was just so much beautifully crafted sugar in several forms that she could die pretty happily. The ice cream, in particular, was all locally made with the freshest ingredients.
“It’s a toss up between -” Aerith squinted her eyes up at the menu, arm looped around Beverly’s as she contemplated. “The cappuccino chip or the cotton candy. Or - they have a key lime pie ice cream??” Oh god, what. “What does Italian coffee even taste like? I never know the difference.”
Shit, the place also had freshly made funnel cakes - Beverly was going to perish, it was official. As if it already wasn’t difficult to decide, but give her a choice between something hand-scooped, a hot fudge sundae, a banana split, and even those Dippin’ Dot things (though granted, she kind of preferred soft serve) and she was only a little bit paralyzed.
In a good way. This wasn’t a life or death decision, just a pretty important one - because what dessert was she going to shove into her mouth today? Hmmm.
“I’m definitely thinking key lime pie ice cream might be a good decision,” she admitted. The whole retro sugarpop vibe to the place was interesting too - bubblegum pink and neon lights, taking her back to when she’d spend all her allowance money on a popsicle from whatever truck was rolling through town. A rare positive memory. “But Italian coffee - um, I think it’s just a shot of espresso or something?” Something to render her an unblinking mess - but whatever it was, there were certain mornings she needed it.
She leaned against Aerith a little, the air conditioner in the shop feeling pleasant since it wasn’t like summer heat was going anywhere. “We can pick something different and then try each other’s?”
Aerith wasn’t a coffee drinker. Teas, though - that was her usual source of caffeine, didn’t give her the weird hyped up jitteriness that the former did. But in icecream form, hmm, she was almost tempted. Almost, if it weren’t for the fact that her redheaded companion here was right and key lime pie was a good decision.
“Key lime pie,” she confirmed with a sage nod, tightening her grip around Beverly’s arm. “I’m up for trading flavors - I promise there’s nothing contagious about me, cross my heart!”
It was their second date, technically, and they hadn’t smooched yet or anything though obviously she wasn’t against it. She could be a lot of things (a bit naive, sure) but not shy, or prudish.
The smooching was what Beverly was considering for tonight’s date - she really liked Aerith and valued her friendship; the one thing she didn’t want to do was ruin it, not with her awkwardness. Or the trauma she was remembering and now saddled with, that felt like the weight of a thousand anvils. But she couldn’t help that, or stop it necessarily, so maybe it was just a matter of believing she deserved something nice while still navigating that whole quagmire.
“I’ll get the cappuccino chip,” she laughed, a soft sound as sweet as the confections that surrounded them. “And I definitely didn’t think about any contagions - I don’t have any either, so I’ll happily share my only-good cooties with you.”
That was said with a wink, and she stepped up to the counter to place orders for them and pay since Bev wanted to treat her date (and treat herself, since she ordered her ice cream in a waffle cone, which smelled delicious). “Which table do you want?” she asked. There were a few to choose from in the shop, some with decent views of the pier goings-on outside.
Ohhh, Aerith was going to have a few licks and bites out of that just to see - the flavor, not Beverly. Though that was possible too. “Aw, you’re so sweet,” she smiled warmly, scrunching up her face a little cutely too. “I’ll get the next thing we stuff in our faces, then!” Maybe actual sustenance later, but the ice cream was going to keep them fueled for a while.
Hers was scooped into a waffle cone too, keeping it classic, and as for a place to sit - hmmm. Aerith did a quick survey of the inside to find an empty high top, definitely indoors. She didn’t want the outdoor heat to melt their treats literally as they got it. Beverly’s hand snatched up into hers, she led her to it before someone else staked their claim.
She took a seat across, straightening the skirt of her peach sundress - the fabric was breathable, and flowy, and the straps were thin. Her skin was always a bit sunkissed from gardening so she didn’t mind getting the extra bit of bronze the day might give her. “Here’s cozy. Right under the air conditioning vent - going to bask in the cold air as much as I can.”
Aerith in her peach dress was just - really fucking adorable, and a summery, sweet kind of pretty. She was always that way though, really beautiful - so Bev was realizing more and more than she was smitten and she felt kind of stupid about it but also - happy? That was how it was supposed to go, right?
She also wasn’t dressed as fancy, having opted for denim shorts and a graphic tee that featured a pair of sparkling red lips, but she thought it worked. “Love the cold air,” Beverly agreed, taking a seat - and grabbing plenty of napkins. Just in case.
“How’s work?” she asked, since sometimes they teamed up for venues. “I’ve already gotten orders for fall couture, so. More autumn weddings on the horizon.”
“It’s actually okay?” Aerith began, extending that leg underneath her table to nudge her foot against Bev’s - she was touchy, this one. “Some of the older kids in the neighborhood are helping me out with some things so I’m not totally overwhelmed. One just got his license so I’m letting him practice driving the van during deliveries.”
She had always been good with kids, and just the youth in general - she interacted with them a lot in the slums of Midgar as well, so the way things mirrored made a poetic kind of sense. The ones in her particular neighborhood loved the shop. It was the thing that popped in the area, brightly colored and with green flourishing all around it. The littlest ones would sometimes come out and pick up dandelions and lilies from the front, and she minded that not one bit.
A little lap of tongue was given to her ice cream - the scoops here were generous, and they’d have to work on devouring it quickly. “That’s so fancy though, the couture - do you ever need a model for your dresses? I’d let you doll me up!”
“That’s sweet,” Beverly laughed a little, picturing some proud teen driving a van for flower deliveries. “You’re like, the Mary Poppins of the neighborhood.” Her eyes twinkled when she said it, so clearly she was teasing - it was a cute mental image, either way.
Beverly had less help from the neighborhood - though she had considered putting out an ad for an assistant, because she was starting to feel a little bogged down. And she wanted to also be able to have time for her hobbies and to do the things she actually liked to do - oh, and sleep. Might be nice to do that occasionally as well.
“I’d love to borrow you to be a model though,” she agreed, sticking her spoon into her cone to gather some ice cream - it was both tongue and spoon at work here. Then she offered the cone in case Aerith wanted to try the infamous cappuccino chip. “You’ve got the right look for it. I could put together some promotional materials.” Find a photographer, head to the right setting - yeah, it was good for business. “Also if you know anyone who might want to be a fashion designer’s assistant, I may be getting to that point.”
It was daunting but also exciting, because it meant her business had really taken off. She’d ‘made it’ in the fashion world.
Ohhh, sharing time. Aerith happily did a switch-a-roo of cones to test the flavor of this cappuccino-chocolate-thing. It was - tasty, actually? At least from the first try. “I’ll keep the assistant thing in mind,” she chuckled, licking her lips clean from a smear of ice cream. “My body has never actually touched something fancy like couture, though? I bought this dress as a consignment shop. Just about everything I own is secondhand.”
Budget was tight growing up, though her mother - adopted, sure, but mother nonetheless - always made sure she had everything she needed. She appreciated the creative ways of saving money, and though she often didn’t buy new clothing, she was a professional at hunting down hidden gems.
“Have you tried on any of your own dresses?” Aerith asked, twirling the cone in her hands for another run of her tongue.
Beverly traded cones, and found that she’d been right - key lime pie was an excellent decision. It was sweet yet tangy and had bits of graham cracker crust in the ice cream too, which was a nice bonus. But she wouldn’t be rude and eat the whole thing, so after she’d tested it thoroughly she gave Aerith back her selection.
“Well, get ready for your body to touch something couture,” she grinned. “But yeah, sometimes I wear my own designs.” For certain events, or even some everyday wear - she had a couple of dresses that she had made herself, fabric selected and sewed and everything, tailored to fit her. “Not usually as I’m working, it’s more helpful to have someone else model as I go. Or just have the client try on the design and tailoring it.” She took measurements throughout the process, however, because sometimes they fluctuated.
All in all, Bev just loved clothes. She felt as if that was what she was truly meant to do. “It’s always so satisfying, seeing someone’s face light up when, like, I’ve made their dream wedding dress come true,” though she rolled her own eyes, in a self-depreciating kind of way. “Sorry, that sounds cheesy.”
“Awww,” Aerith cooed, the widest grin literally splitting her face because that was so sweet. “It’s not that cheesy, I promise. You’re doing something you love that makes you happy at the same time and - that’s important, isn’t it? Despite the run-ins with bridezillas.”
They had that kind of clientele common, sometimes even the exact same people thanks to their little referral system. It could be hard to find the joy in the job when customers could be, well, cunts every now and again. “So, let me ask you this -”
It wouldn’t be too much longer until her ice cream was obliterated - it was coming down to the cone now. “It’s a little second date heavy,” she warned. “But is that something you’d want one day? A wedding and dress and all.”
Ooh, what a question. Beverly considered it, as she continued demolishing her ice cream - no need to act ‘ladylike’ or whatever; she loved dessert and would put it away like no one’s business. “I think so,” she eventually decided. “Like, something low-key? And fun? I’ve seen too many huge affairs that just end up being more stress than they’re worth and I just...well, whatever happened, I’d want it to be planned with the other person and incorporate things they want too.”
She wasn’t usually asked about her Hopes and Dreams in that regard, but it was kind of fun to picture what a wedding would be like - Bev had once or twice before, like any little girl, but she hadn’t really considered it in awhile.
“What about you?” And cronch, there went part of her waffle cone since she was on that part now without making a mess. “You into the whole wedding thing?”
“Sure,” Aerith admitted pretty easily, a listless shrug paired up with her words. “It’s just a big party with all your close friends and family - I like the sound of that.” Personally, she didn’t see the need for anything over-the-top or glamorous - she had seen these grand, insane venues during her deliveries, imagined the enormous amounts of money funneled just into certain fixtures. If that was someone’s dream, great. Hers was always something a little more simpler, probably a lot more eco-friendly.
Like Beverly, she hadn’t considered it in quite a minute despite the wedding market being her biggest source of income. It was nice to fantasize every now and again.
There was a muffled oh! when she bit into the rest of the cone, and she wiggled in her seat and chewed and swallowed first (like a lady) before speaking. “I’m betting Dan and Richie get to that bridge soon, though! I mean - that can’t be far now with them living together? I need to bug him about it.”
“Probably,” Beverly laughed, going for one of the million napkins she’d grabbed - she needed one, since she had ice cream on her fingers and there was the potential for waffle cone crumbs to disturb the scene. But oh, it had been tasty and worth every calorie - not that she paid much attention to that sort of thing. Maybe when she was younger, but now? Not so much. “Richie’s a big ol’ sap, even if he pretends not to be.” Was way into shit like cuddling and romantic date nights. And she knew he really loved his therapist (not his therapist, as he was apt to point out all the time - but yeah, the meaning was clear), so she wouldn’t be surprised if wedding bells rang sooner rather than later.
Her cone was done, so she tossed what remained - just the paper wrapped around it, which she crinkled - into the trash. “Come on, I want to show you something,” she encouraged Aerith with a grin, holding out her hand.
“He is, it’s adorable,” Aerith agreed, and Dan seemed happy too. They had been technically forced to bond while some kind of force had them invisibly tethered for a couple days, but - the bonding was nice! And they got along superbly, and she was invested in his well being.
Her cone took a little longer to annihilate, and she was still biting off the last bits of it when Beverly offered a hand. Not one to shy away, Aerith slid off her stool and took it with ease. “Wait - almooooooost,” and then a final, almost unlady-like bite that finished off her dessert as a whole. “Oh, god, sorry - done! Is my face clean?”
They had napkins somewhere but she needed a visual confirmation!
“You’re good,” Bev promised, laughing. She waited until Aerith was all set, however, before heading out - back onto the pier, away from the ice cream shop and walking a little bit (she didn’t let go of Aerith’s hand either - hopefully that was okay, if it wasn’t she could pull away and Bev wouldn’t be offended) before they ended up elsewhere.
At one of the few rides at the pier, a ferris wheel circling lazily, filling the darkness of the night sky with colorful, animated lights. “If you’re not alright with heights, we can find something else - but I’ve never been on it before,” she admitted sheepishly.
But she simply wanted to check, before she bought tickets for it. It seemed like fun.
Oh, no, Aerith was content like this - no intent of letting go. Again, she was the touchy sort, didn’t shy away from physical touch, especially when it was the wanted kind anyway. Their fingers laced and there was a squeeze, one meant to communicate some kind of feeling.
And the ferris wheel? It was the sight that stuck out at the pier, massive and intimidating and oh so bright. “Of course I’m alright with heights,” she scoffed playfully. “Also alright with insane roller coasters if you’re okay with me screeching like a banshee next to you.” Aerith had almost, almost said something along the lines of ‘you only live once!’ but that seemed too on the nose - way too ironic given their odd situation. “I’ve always wanted to ride this, though!”
Plus, the view? It had to be amazing.
“Good, because I like roller coasters too,” Bev said happily. She did - ones with no floor, ones that were wooden, ones that loop-de-looped a thousand times and brought your stomach up into your throat; she was good with everything.
She was extra good with ferris wheels, so it was nice to be in agreement there - Beverly got them both tickets and before she knew it, they were ushered into one of the seats and off they went, beginning the ascent. It was apparently a new ferris wheel too, or something? Potentially solar-powered during the day; the former ferris wheel, the behemoth faded by the sun, had been auctioned off on eBay. She kind of wished she had space for something like that (or could afford one) but it just wasn’t meant to be.
They soared above the beach and all Bev saw was flashing, swirling lights - it was so pretty, and picturesque, that she simply forgot about everything involving Seattle and those horrible memories. It was pushed from her mind, especially as she gathered all her courage and leaned in, going for that first kiss that tasted like lipgloss and ice cream.
Aerith was going to defend her statement of not being afraid of heights vehemently, but the first impression of this were some knotted nerves, and a lot of awe. She couldn’t remember the last time she was this high up, the slow rotation towards the very tip top at least helping her ease into it so she could focus on taking everything in.
Including - well, this kiss.
Which surprised her, it really did, a sound akin to a giggle-squeak making its way out only to be muffled into her mouth. Beverly’s lips were soft, and sweet, and she cupped her face into her hands to take the initiative to deepen it - no quick, timid pecks for them. Aerith wanted to leave her a little breathless.
Parting away was a slow process, but she was rather stubborn in their closeness. “You beat me to it,” Aerith smiled, pushing some of that red hair behind her ear.
And breathless she was - from nerves, from exhilaration of being so high up, of just...everything. Beverly liked it though, this was all a cocktail of good feelings. “I take initiative sometimes,” she laughed, overwhelmed and happy. It had been awhile since being on a date, or a kiss like that, had been given her such a tingly sort of sensation - so she’d keep chasing it, going after more dates and kisses, most likely.
And speaking of that. “Hopefully I get a third date too?” she asked, because whatever this was she was very into it. Which wasn’t something she expected, but life was funny like that sometimes.
For once, she had no complaints.
“A third,” Aerith confirmed, teeth biting down on her own bottom lip as if it’d stop the widening of that smile. “Fourth, fifth.” And so forth, if Beverly wanted. She liked this - a swirl of nervous butterflies, the floaty feeling.
Though the floatiness was probably due to their current predicament. Suspended in the air in something that was barely a metal cage, the briny ocean breeze kissing their skin and ruffling their hair.
She leaned into Bev, resting her head on her shoulder. “I do like you a lot, you know.”
Sometimes Beverly found that hard to believe - that someone would actually like her; shitty self-esteem was kind of a thing with many of the Losers, she’d found (easier prey when they were beaten down mentally, she guessed, and able to be scared), and given the upbringing she was remembering more and more, that didn’t exactly help matters.
But she believed Aerith - and she got plenty of positive floaty feelings from it all too. The cloud-like, champagne bubbles kind of floating - not what you’d find in Pennywise’s sewers, false promises and misery.
“I like you too,” she murmured, arm around Aerith and getting cozy in the ferris wheel seat. “Definitely a lot.”
And she’d let herself have high hopes. And this, she’d let herself have this - it was shaping up to be something good, and she needed more of that in her life anyway.