songerein | open 🌠🐾 the starflower café and sanctuary

Entry tags:

open 🌠🐾 the starflower café and sanctuary

Who: Tifa Lockhart, Eustace, Lyria, the animals, and YOU!
Which: Open mingle log
Where: The Starflower Café and Sanctuary
What: It's the grand opening of Tifa's new café/bar and animal sanctuary! Come meet and play and cuddle with animals, have a drink, eat some delicious food, chat with friends or make new ones! Whatever you want. Forward dated to next week.
Warnings: High levels of cute

Welcome to the Starflower Café and Sanctuary!

Upon entering into the rustic-style building, the paw-shaped chimes ringing to welcome you, you'll be greeted by a large white, rose-covered dog who will bring your attention to the small basket of flowery crystals, the sign above them stating that they can be turned into candies and jams with the help of dreamotion. Lyria will be there handing out a variation of animal ears for anyone to wear if they would like. Out and about around and in the café, you'll find a big red panda walking around! She's trading hugs for goodies, so be sure to pick out something for her as well while you're up at the bar if you'd like a cuddle!

The main floor features the bar and café proper with the walls filled with vines of shimmering blue starflowers. There is a wide space for tables and chairs, both for larger parties and smaller ones, with the center featuring a broad wooden tree fit for perching for both cats and birds alike. To the right is the bar counter, as well as a glass case showing off the wide selection of desserts that they have available for the day. To the left in the far corner is a small lit fireplace surrounded by comfortable seating. Next to that, there is a glass case filled with merchandise for the café, such as coasters, engraved glasses and mugs, plastic samples of pet treats that are available. Alongside them are the glass figurines of the corgis that Eustace had made at the Dream Faire. Beside that, there is a set of glass doors that will take one out to the patio outside.

The second floor boasts more intimate seating, tables mostly made for two or three, as well as floral-themed couches set up at each corner. Here, the berry turtles have a small fountain pool, as well as a terrarium set up for them.

Should one decide to go outside to the patio in the back, not only will they find tables and chairs, but despite the cooler weather, the garden is blooming with colour. Among the designated play areas for the animals as well as all along the outer walls of the café, there are starflowers, roses, lilies, and daisies all in bloom. Take a walk through the garden, and stop by the pond to visit the fish.

As your orders are taken, keep an eye out for the pair of blue lovebirds that fly around delivering them from the floor to the back to Tifa!

There are plenty of places to play with the animals or simply watch them, so grab a drink, some food, and a seat, and enjoy your stay at the Starflower Café, Bar, and Sanctuary! 💙

with love,

thank you, kassie 💙💙

🐕 I. MEET THE ANIMALS

A. THE DOGS. Of course, this wouldn't be Eustace and Tifa without the presence of the corgis. All seven of them wear matching bandanas around their necks, along with Tifa, Lyria, and Eustace, to show that they are part of the Starflower family. Rather, they are here to serve! Have you placed an order for food? They will happily carry out your order to your table and demand praise and pets afterward. Do you need a cuddle? They can help with that, too! They'll do tricks for anyone who has a treat to offer, like dancing, handshakes, and even singing, if you are so inclined to listen. Be careful, however! Should Idris get too excited, he might create a gust of wind that could knock your table over, or Aerona might steal something valuable of yours in an attempt to get you to play with her. They may be well-trained, but they are still corgis!

Some of the flower dogs have also made an appearance today. Rose will be gifting everyone small crystal flowers as they walk in that, as Eustace, Tifa, and Lyria will explain, can be turned into floral candies and jams. Edelweiss will greet people with small flowery fireworks that he sheds from his fur, but don't let him get too excited, or the café might have a fireworks show on their hands... Watch out!

The corgi puppies that were announced last month are making an appearance on opening day as well! Lyria has set up a playpen in the center of the café for anyone who would like to meet with and play with the new corgi puppies under her and Rhonwen's supervision. Sorry, they are not up for adoption yet!

B. FAIRY KITTENS. There are three winged kittens flitting about the café, and they are extra curious. If you aren't careful, you might find your pants covered coloured sprinkles if Sprinkles (yes, that's her name) wanders too close, or in glitter if Shimmer shakes herself off near you. Flutter's butterflies like to stay close to her, but sometimes they do lose track of where she is and both Flutter and the butterflies become distressed, so please help to reunite them again!

They are all still learning how to use their wings, so give them a hand or a word of encouragement. Mirabelle, the plum fairy that resides in the building, will tell you to take them outside to the back where there is plenty of space, and the pollen of their flowers will help give them a boost... and who knows, you may start to feel it, too! Think of it like fairy dust.

C. BUNNIES. Have you looked away for a moment and looked back to your table to suddenly find something missing? Maybe a bite has been mysteriously taken out of your meal? Look more carefully and you might find a small pair of ears peeking out from behind your plate or your cup of coffee. Look even more closely, and you will discover that it is a small bundle of fluffy, white fur. A bunny? But how? It's the size of your thumb nail, maybe smaller, and it's sniffing at your food. Or maybe it's searching for a warm place to curl up and sleep, and your hair is just the right temperature. They're completely harmless and are just looking for friends and playmates! They are quite fond of paper, and will grow excited (and in size, but only by a little!) if you can fold up these small colourful squares of it into animal-shaped friends for them! Just be careful if you're eating a salad! They may have ended up finding their way in there!

D. OTHER ANIMALS. There are plenty of other animals to meet and play with! There are some 🐢 berry-shelled turtles 🐢 that will drop off raspberries or blueberries for you if you share your salad with them, a 🕊️ pair of birds 🕊️ that will sing a love song for you (and your special someone if you've brought them), and will belt poems for the whole café to hear. They'll also preen your hair if they think it's a bit too unruly. There are also 🐠 a few fish 🐠outside in the pond that will put on a light show for you if you wave at them.

There is a large selection of toys and treats appropriate for every animal so feel free to interact with them however you'd like. For the full list of animals, please refer to this list! And, if you've brought your own pet, the animals would be happy to meet and socialize and mingle with them! Be sure to grab some of the homemade treats, as well!

🐈 II. FOOD AND DRINKS

A. SPECIAL DONUTS. Made with love and care, these donuts are a special item for the opening week of the café. There's a wide selection to choose from, and all of them are based on the animals that they have up for adoption at the moment. As well as a set of them for the corgis because we all know they would be jealous if there weren't. There are also limited edition Eria and Clover donuts—those who have visited Eustace and Tifa's treehouse will be familiar with them. They come in different flavours—vanilla, maple, matcha, chocolate, double chocolate, jelly-filled vanilla, so feel free to choose one!

However, they may have been crafted with a little too much love. (This is all a work in progress!) So, depending on the flavour you choose, you might start to notice some residual effects. Nothing too scary! Well, depending on who you are.
🐱 Sprinkles donut: No matter what you do, this vanilla sprinkle donut will have you leaving sprinkles everywhere you go. You may also start to feel yourself floating on air when you walk? Uh oh, or maybe you really are walking on air! Don't worry, it's only a few inches, and the effects will wear off quickly enough.
🐺 Eria donut: While you won't feel cold, you're suddenly gifted with a brief bout of snowy dreamotion after eating this powdered jelly-filled donut, allowing you to create snowflakes that turn into powdered icing when it touches your food. It will also cool off anything you touch, so be careful not to let your coffee get cold!
🌹 Rose donut: This floral flavoured donut will have you leaving behind rose petals that can be later used to turn into candies or jams, so be sure to collect them when you find them!
🍃 Idris donut: This minty flavoured donut will make anyone who eats it feel like they're moving faster than they actually are. Are you running? No, but it will definitely feel that way. A bit trippy...

B. Drinks. Of course, a bar and cafe wouldn't be one without drinks! And once again, these ones have ended up with some effects. None of them are harmful, but you may find yourself being very popular with the animals...

☕ Flavoured Cattuccinos: These cappuccinos (choose a flavour, any flavour!) are as fluffy as they can get! With this, the animals in the cafe will be drawn to you and will relentlessly seek out cuddles until you leave. Be careful, if you drink it too fast, you'll be inundated with cats, dogs, bunnies, and birds trying to steal sips of your drink.
🍵 Corgi Tea Lattes: These tea lattes (currently, they come in matcha, chai, and earl grey flavour), will make the drinker feel nostalgic, whimsical, incredibly relaxed. Drink too much, and you might find yourself dozing off into a daydream...
🍹 Starry Night: The Starflower Bar's special! Comes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions! The drink will simply make you feel warm and happy no matter what mood you are in, and will make you feel tempted to cuddle with animals–or someone else–for a while.

🐇 III. OUTDOORS

A. RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY. While for the most part, the weather is sunny and warm, the random weather changes that are happening around town can bring about sudden rain or snow. These small storms won't last long, but a sudden downpour or blizzard will no doubt put a damper on those dining or spending time with animals outside. Try to keep the mood light and cheerful–socialize, play with the animals, tell some jokes, but when it starts storming, it will be time to get the animals back inside–and help chase those storm clouds away! Speaking of clouds, some lower ones have started drifting through. However, they aren't just any ordinary clouds... they're made of cotton candy. Enjoy some sweets! Just be careful, some of the stormy ones are floating in, and those might have a bit more "zing!" to them.

B. ART ATTACK. Some of Eustace and Tifa's dogs are particularly fond of art and the messes that comes with it, so they have set up some stations outside behind the cafe for people to have some fun with the animals. They love to make paw paintings, and will "help" anyone who would just like to do something artsy with it (by help, they will add their own flair to them). Remember those rose crystals that Rose had given to you when you walked in? She'll also sit with you and encourage you to turn them into candies with dreamotion. Or perhaps you can assist someone else?

C. GLASS ART. Remember the glass blowing back at the faire? Well, it's back! Just like the small glass figurines of the corgis on display in the glass case inside, there is an option to create small glass animals using the glass blowing method with a little bit of dreamotion. Create whatever you'd like (it doesn't have to be an animal!), and don't be afraid to ask someone if you need help with either part. If you'd like to take them home, you may, but there is also the option to leave them on display with the others near the fireplace, if you so wish—Tifa would love it if you did!

( click to expand )

code by efrynidel

FOOD

BREAKFAST

Pancakes. Waffles. Any style eggs. Breakfast burger. Breakfast Sandwiches. Oatmeal (hot or cold). Breakfast bowls.

Sides: Hashbrowns. Sausage. Bacon. Toast.

LUNCH

Variety of sandwiches. Burgers. Grilled Cheese. Daily Soups. Salads.

Sides: Fries. Small Salad. Coleslaw.

Opening Week Special: Blinis.

DINNER

Steaks. Burgers. Salads. Stews. Stir Fry. Curry. Spaghetti and Meat Sauce.

(Breakfast and lunch served all day!)

DRINKS

COFFEES

Flavoured Lattes & Cappuccinos. Americanos. Espresso. Macchiato. Drip Coffee. Mochas. Frappuccinos.

(All coffees available hot or iced.)

TEA

Black Teas. Green Teas. Herbal Teas. Floral Teas.

(All teas available hot or iced, sweetened and unsweetened.)

ALCOHOL

Scotches. Whiskeys. Wines (Red and White). Beers. Cocktails.

Special: The Starry Night

OTHER DRINKS

Hot Chocolate. Homemade sodas. Homemade, freshly squeezed juices. Milkshakes.

DESSERTS

ICE CREAM

Vanilla. Chocolate. Strawberry. Chocolate Chip. Butter Pecan. Cookie Dough. Lemon. Mint. Cotton Candy. Matcha. Rose.

CAKES

Lemon. Chocolate. Vanilla. Strawberry shortcake. Black Forest. Red Velvet.

Cheesecakes (lemon, strawberry, white chocolate, plain, blueberry, caramel).

Cinnamon buns.

DONUTS

Maple. Matcha. Vanilla. Chocolate. Honey Glazed. Jelly-filled.

Opening Week Specials: Cherry Blossom donut. Seafarer Maple donut.

ADOPTABLE ANIMALS

Peony Sparrows (2)

As they are a "couple" they cannot be separated and come in a set. Together, they sing songs to fit the mood.

Difficulty of Care: 🐾🐾🐾
Food Preferences: Sweet fruit, fresh seeds
Other: They should be free to fly around and not have their wings clipped. Once they have learned where their home is, they will always return to it.

Rainbow Fish (3)

They leave trails of light/glitter wherever they swim and like to put on small light shows for whoever might be looking at them.

Difficulty of Care: 🐾🐾
Food Preferences: Fish pellets, vegetables
Other: Small aquarium provided, but it is recommended to keep them in a small pond.

Tiny Bunnies (6)

They like to burrow into the stems and live there, and are small enough to do so (about the size of someone's thumb nail). They are very curious and hungry, and like to steal food when no one is looking.

Difficulty of Care: 🐾🐾🐾🐾
Food Preferences: Plants, fruits, vegetables
Other: An enclosed potted plant provided. They do not need a lot of space; a small sized, enclosed hutch will suffice as long as it has enough greenery; potted plants will do well. If they manage to escape, leave out a potted plant with food and they will go to it.

Turtles (2)

There is a raspberry turtle and a blueberry turtle, and once ripe, the berries can be picked from their shells, washed, and eaten without harm. Take good care of it, and their berries will taste sweeter!

Difficulty of Care: 🐾🐾🐾
Food Preferences: Plants, fruits, vegetables
Other: Small tank provided. Can be adopted separately or together. As tortioses, they'll need a decent sized terrarium or safe outdoor enclosure with plenty of cover, access to sunlight or a heat lamp, and some water. They are small and already adults.

Fairy Cat (Shimmer)

An energetic cat who spreads glitter wherever she goes.

Difficulty of Care: 🐾🐾🐾🐾
Food Preferences: Flowers, fish
Other: Collar provided. Must be able to maintain Shimmer's glitter and not be bothered by it.

Fairy Cat (Flutter)

A playful, cuddly cat that will always leave a trail of butterflies

Difficulty of Care: 🐾🐾🐾
Food Preferences: Flowers, fish
Other: Collar provided. Having a large garden to help attract the butterflies will be beneficial.

Autumn Fairy Dogs (3)

Each dog has unique colored leaves that will change to autumn colors. Playful, energetic, just be careful when they shed!

Difficulty of Care: 🐾🐾🐾
Food Preferences: Fruits, flowers, small amounts of dried meat
Other: Collar and leash provided. Dogs can be adopted separately or together; they are not related to each other. While they would make good house pets, they do require a fair amount of exercise. Their leave naturally grow in their coats and will fall off, but some grooming is still required.

OOC NOTE: This is an open mingle, so anyone is free to make top levels using the prompts provided! You may use the animals as you see fit, as long as it's within reason (not too much chaos or else the corgis or Eustace and Tifa will step in to stop it!).

If you would like to adopt any of the animals above, please fill out the form here!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at

crystariums or via PM or on the game discord!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[...

...

Not cracking a smile before turning away.]

Should be fine.

[And escaping. GOOD LUCK WIFE YOUR HUSBAND TOTALLY DIDN'T JUST USE "FLEE."]

[SHE TOTALLY KNOWS HE USED FLEE...

And as he leaves the room, he'll hear a thump and a quiet "ow..." when she bumps her head against the bottom of the desk.

The ones that had escaped under there aren't the troublesome ones. They seem to come no problem, more curious than anything else of the box, and as soon as they're in, she hears the scuffling and scratching and them munching on the cardboard.]

... Well, whatever keeps you busy, I suppose.

[It's said both fondly and with some confusion before she goes to the wardrobe, where the troublemaker is hiding.]

Gotcha!

[She slips a hand under the wardrobe and makes a grab, but it scurries away before she can wrap her hand around it.

.....

.......

And when Eustace returns, he'll find Tifa with both hands on the desk, leaning over the box, her hair an even bigger mess than before.]

Got them all.

[Why does she sound almost out of breath!?]

[Meanwhile, Eustace is just going to quickly head down the stairs as while he did use this chance to escape troublesome things, he's not going to leave her out to dry for too long. Heading out into the garden, he scans and listens around before he spots their local white rabbit. ...It's still strange to see something from his world here, but it seems content. And with a few clicks of his tongue, the rabbit looks up and hops over, eagerly looking for the treats that Eustace has on hand.

Really good thing this rabbit is docile...

After letting it munch for a bit, he carefully picks it up to hold in his arms before heading back in to stop by the kitchen to grab some more lettuce and other vegetables. With everything set, he then heads up, opens the door and...

...

Why does he feel like this is the inverse from before—]

...Good work.

[After closing the door, he sets down the rabbit who senses the other smaller bunnies and hopes forward, nose twitching.]

I brought some food to help keep them occupied.

[Just give her a moment...

...

....]

They've mostly calmed down but had to chase a few of them a bit to make it happen. Though...

[They all poke their heads out from the box, checking out the larger rabbit and the food.]

Having the snacks will help.

[As the lucky rabbit approaches, Tifa offers it her hand for it to sniff at before she's giving it a light scratch behind its ears.]

How did it go?

Came when I called.

[Just. Gonna state that matter-of-factly so as not to rustle up any begrudging feelings considering how much she went through. He'll go towards the box, dropping in a few leaves of lettuce....which the bunnies will begin demolishing why are they so terrifying—]

...Here, I'll handle the rest. Go take a break.

[Perhaps it's her penance for having it easier downstairs while Eustace suffered through catching them with the cups...

And Tifa watches in complete awe and some horror as the bunnies inhale the leaves that he gives them, some of them fighting with each other for a bigger piece while others take a whole one for themselves, consuming it in a single... inhale...

They are a little terrifying.]

No, I'm fine.

[It's with a sheepish, shaky laugh that she stretches.]

Just had to fight a bit under the wardrobe, but things seem to finally be calming down.

[Thankfully. And she's grateful as the larger rabbit sticks its nose into the box to sniff at the small ones, and one even stretches up to greet it.]

Looks like we're already making some headway, though.

[He's just gonna dump the rest in there Primal's breath—]

We'll just let them be and watch for a bit. In the meantime...

[He's going to pull out the chair by the desk and pat the seat. Time for him to play hairdresser.]

[It takes her a few extra seconds to understand what he's asking her to do, but she practically flops into the chair with an exhale, glad to be sitting down.

From here, they can at least watch the rabbits interact, and she's relieved to see that they all seem quite taken with the larger one. The ones that aren't eating climb out of the box and hop onto its head and its back, nestling in as deep as they can into its fur.]

Ah... we never got to finish those sandwiches...

[Now he gets to ~~play with~~ fix her hair without any further interruptions. Of course he has start all over again, but that's fine. Just relax under his long, gentle fingers as he's going to slip in a but of a massage in there, too.]

Hmm, that's true. But I don't want you cooking again after all this.

[Relax.... Relax.... ]

They're just sandwiches...

[But her voice falls away near the end, the rest of the word dying on a sigh as he combs his fingers through her hair. She always loves when he does this, but especially so when she's feeling either tired or on edge, and she's a bit of both right now. So, she gives in, that ripple of exhaustion spreading from her shoulders to her neck, her arms, and then her legs, and soon, she's almost half asleep, listening to the gentle squeaks of the rabbits as they play together.

The afternoon goes by mostly without incident. The bunnies spend their time in the bedroom together, acclimating to their new space—with their tree, of course—and when Mirabelle returns with the dogs, Tifa has never felt more relieved by the fairy's presence than she is when she offers to keep watch over them.

To Mirabelle, apparently keeping watch over them means cooing at the little rabbits... When they check in on her before they leave for the day, they find that they've not only all been named (Duchess, Olive, Ruffles, Peter, Doc, and Snowball), but have been decorated with small ribbons and bows around their ears...

...

She's just going to leave it. Besides, the buns seem to enjoy it?

That, and Tifa has bigger things to worry about. Like the opening of the café the next day. It's a wonder that she even manages to sleep that night, but perhaps all of the preparation of that day has tired her out enough that the fatigue takes precedence over the anxiety that's been roiling in her stomach all evening.

Tomorrow would be the big day, and she had no idea what to expect. Would it be a success? Would they see a lot of customers, or none at all? Would people come in to adopt the animals that they've taken in? It's all a big risk, but... as she curls up in Eustace's arms, she remembers that it's a leap that she is taking with him. And maybe that's what helps her sleep so soundly that night.

Of course, the grand opening is a success. Friends, old and new, come to visit, and while they did have some strange effects in the food (she still doesn't know how it all happened!), everything went down without a hitch. Those who did come seemed to enjoy themselves, and that was what mattered to her the most. It was why she wanted to open a place like this.

It's busy, it's chaotic, but Tifa is comfortable, back in her element behind the bar, at the grill, or the stove, working away.

It isn't until after closing time and they've sent Lyria with the dogs and the puppies back home that Tifa can finally rest. Really rest. And with the last of the pups out the door, she waves goodbye to them and locks it with a click before she falls against it, the chimes ringing with the added weight of her body, and the bunny ears atop her head flopping askew.

She looks around for Eustace and flashes him a tired smile.]

... Well? How was your first day on the job?

[Seeing her succumb to his healing touch makes him grin a bit as he only continues to try and give her what she really needs—a break. He's seen her work hard and he knows what it's like to be a workaholic. Hell, he still is with everything he gets into, but it's always different looking at someone else you care about.

And after everything is said and done, after the hectic day, a day that he finds just as strenuous as one of his harder missions, he only stands in front of her with a soft yet mischievous smile on his lips.]

Hm... We're not quite finished yet.

[Crouching down in front of her to gently take off those ears, he then holds his hand out to her.]

There's one last thing upstairs...

[She crinkles her nose at him, cheeks puffing out ever so slightly when he tugs those ears from her head and disturbs her hair, but it's with an air of curiosity that she accepts his hand.]

Hm? [A smile slowly makes its way onto her lips, and she'll let him lead the way.] I don't remember setting anything up upstairs...

[What is he up to!?]

[He just chuckles as he helps her up and leads up the stairs.

It's all fairly quiet with most of the animals in their various habitats, some indoors, some out. The cats mew at them from the bottom of the stairs before they trot off to the gardens through the special door made for the animals to come in and out easily. The sound of feathers flying above can also be heard, but it's otherwise quiet. Peaceful.

As she is led up the steps, she'll find the upper floor with the lights dimmer than they were when they had been cleaning earlier. Now, he had said he would do most of this area so she could handle downstairs... Perhaps that is when he prepared everything?

And that "everything" is soon to be revealed where there are some candles lit up on the table over in the lounge area along with a small bowl of fresh starflowers floating in the water. One of the tea kettles sits in the corner, the steam carrying the hint of that sweet scent of strawberry and rose, and there is a small plate with a dish cover over it, hiding what's beneath.]

[As they go, she looks around the café. To the kittens as they trot off to the gardens outside, to the birds that rest out of reach on the beams over their heads, the sparrows nuzzled safely together as they sleep, the turtles still grazing in their little pool... As hectic as today has been, Tifa feels... oddly at peace right now. It's so quiet in comparison, and the sound of his footsteps is a comforting noise as he leads her all the way up the stairs.

Curiosity buzzes around her, and a hundred different scenarios run through her mind. Had he set up a place for the bunnies? Or maybe the plants had bloomed with flowers? Is there a new setup for the birds? Or maybe the cats?

Whatever it is, she isn't expecting to find a table lit up by candles, and one of her tea kettles and teacups sitting next to the bowl of shimmering starflowers.

Her eyes go wide at the sight and her heart races in her chest, the surprise washing over her in an overwhelming tide.]

You... did all this...!? But when...? How...?

[How in the world did he manage without her knowing!?]

[He just grins as he continues to guide her to her designated seat.]

That's a secret.

[And when he lifts the dish covering, it'll be her favorite dessert, one that seems to be especially prepared for her.]

You know you can't keep secrets from me for long.

[But he continues to surprise her with them when he lifts the lid from the dish, revealing the freshest looking slice of strawberry shortcake with the fluffiest whipped icing, the reddest strawberries, and even fluffier cake, and the sight of it, along with her excitement, provokes a giddy giggle from her. One that has her lifting a hand to hide her blushing face.]

I don't suppose you'll tell me how you managed to snag this, too.

[Not that she's asking. She won't ruin it.

But she does pick up the fork that's there and scoops her first piece, pausing before she lifts it to her lips.]

And what about you?

[As she marvels at the cake, he just quietly pours that fresh warm tea before setting the pot down and moving over to sit across from her—notably not answering. But he may had made it... Maybe. Maybe.]

Watching you is more than enough.

[She's just about to lift the cake to her lips, but then he pours the tea, and she has to pause again to take in the scent of it. So floral and sweet, and immediately, she feels her mind and her body relax.]

Well... [As she stuffs the first bite of cake into her mouth. Just give her a moment before she finishes the thought. An elated squeak leaves her the moment she gets her first taste, and she wiggles happily in her seat.] Ah, it's so good...

[So fluffy and refreshing... just the way that she likes it.

Through her bite and her giant grin, she points to the other chair.]

What if I wanna share?

I'd have to disallow it—it was made just for you.

[Ah, so he made it. Slowly, it all comes together, though she does wonder when he managed to find the time to do it, and where... Again, she won't ask, but it is amusing to imagine Eustace sneaking around trying to bake her a cake without her knowing.]

More for me, then.

[It won't stop her, and she takes another tiny bite before taking the teacup delicately in her hands, the heat soothing against her sore, tired fingers. But rather than drink it, she looks across at him, her excitement fading to warmth.]

... You didn't have to do all this, you know.

[He has his ways, though it certainly did take a few trials and error with the help of Lyria (and the pups happily "taste testing"). But he just smiles softly at her, that warmth and a few more flower buds spreading around them.]

No... But I wanted to.

[So sweet.]

... Thank you.

[Is it ever possible for her to not feel so lucky to have him? Because that's how she feels again right now, even more so as she takes her first sip of the steaming hot tea. The warmth flows all the way through her, down her throat, pooling in her stomach, but she feels it ripple across every muscle and nerve, the rosy scent and taste helping to relax her further.

With a content sigh, she sets the cup down.]

So? How do you think our first day went?

[Content in just watching her relax and enjoy this quiet downtime, he leans back in his chair and hums thoughtfully.]

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect, especially with all the animals.

[It would have been easy for something to go wrong, someone get hurt, food stolen... And a little of that last bit did happen, but...]

But given that everything is still in one piece, I'd say it was a success.

[A light smile.]

Congratulations.

[She returns the smile with her own around a bite of shortcake.]

It was a little chaotic at times, wasn't it? I heard the bunnies caused a bit of a ruckus earlier in people's salads. Thought I caught them all, but they're pretty sneaky.

[Tifa just needs to be more diligent about keeping them away from the counter... but all of that will hopefully change once they get them into their own little home.]

You and Lyria were a huge help too, so... [She lifts her cup and glances around at the table.] Where's your cup!?

[He just quietly laughs.]

I told you, this was all made for you. I'm satisfied just watching you.

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