*̷ @castpray ... aerith gainsborough, ❝ pushing it won't do you any good. ❞
a grunt, followed by a sharp scrape of his boot against polished flooring as he stumbles comes first, before he's answering her otherwise to cover himself. ❝ nothing that can't be patched up. you don't gotta worry. ❞ leon's gaze cuts over his shoulder, ensuring aerith is still close by — just within reach. if they were to stop now, shinra operatives would be right on their tails ... they are escaping their building after all. shinra hq, center of midgar.
❝ c'mon, we don't wanna keep your friends waiting, do we? how'd you get separated from them, anyway? what with barret's shouting, i'm surprised you didn't just follow the sound of his voice. ❞ there's warmth to his tease, a deliberate attempt to keep spirits light, and in attempt of keeping her from noticing how way the avalanche specialist's hand lingers close to his side. ❝ ... just stay close to me, alright? don't go waving your fancy stick just yet. ❞