FFX: Strawberry - Heart-Shaped (Chappu/Lulu)

lassarina

"Look."

Lulu stared down into an pile of red fruit, the green leaves a shock against the rich color. Chappu's hand was full of them, small but plump. One leaked between his fingers, almost dropping before he caught it in his other palm. He grinned at her, the playful twist to his mouth making her want to laugh.

"What are these?" She took one, but didn't bite into it. Chappu wasn't cruel, but he didn't mind pranks. "I remember the last food surprise you gave to Wakka."

"Aw, Lu, I wouldn't, not to you." Chappu rubbed his head. "It only numbed his mouth for an hour; he had it coming for nagging me." The crowds from the stadium were spilling out for halftime, nudging at her like waves while Chappu was stock still, bright-ripe berries still and serene in his hand. "Come on, try it. It's good."

She did so; the tart flavor spreaded through her mouth. She had never had this fruit before; she would have remembered. "Where did you get this?"

"There's a booth back there. The Al Bhed grow them." Lulu should have known; of course if it was Al Bhed it wouldn't be widespread, no matter how good it was. And it was very good. She finished the berry she had and licked her finger, smiling when Chappu's face flushed.

"How long until the next half?" Lulu stepped closer, her skirt playing out a familiar tune, metal on metal. Another berry fell, and this time she caught it and lifted it to her lips. She touched her tongue to it, and this time Chappu laughed at her. He reached up to brush her cheek with his knuckles, warm and familiar.

"Time enough," he said, linked their free hands together and pulled her away from the crowd.