songerein | { lindwormeo and juliet }

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{ lindwormeo and juliet }

LINDWORMEO & JULIET

It is the third dreamshift, and when everyone rouses and becomes aware of their situation, they find themselves dressed in Verona, a gothic city where night reigns everlasting and violence lurks around every corner. Not because of crime, but because of the two main families, the Montagues and the Capulets, everlasting feud. Fights break out almost every other minute and peace is hard sought after. However, peace is perhaps on the table, for the Capulets are hosting a grand masquerade in a gesture of truce. But it's difficult when one of Montague's sons is cursed as a Lindworm, one of the key reasons why there is a feud to begin with.

"But that's not really all that important," a voice echoes around them. It's a voice different from the tapirs that they've grown accustomed to, and after another moment it chimes in again. "Up here my fair little dreamwalkers."

And lo, high above in the permanent night sky is a moon so full and bright that it almost feels as if it could swallow them whole. After learning about the Story Eater's actions against Songerein's moon, the appearance of a face would certainly alarm many. But then the face seems to recede before it changes into a full person holding a quill and manuscript.

"Greetings! I am William Shakespeare and you are now within my own dream, a dreamscape I believe you call it. My works can be found in many places and in many worlds. Yet that accursed Story Eater has been devouring my masterpieces! I must now pen them all over again, but one of its minions is invading my mind and altering everything and I refuse to become a brainless puppet like Marlowe. I have isolated it within this place of my own design based off of Romeo and Juliet. However it seems after my reading of the Lindworm King, my visions have been affected a bit, but no matter. A playwright must find inspiration where he can!

But it is now up to you to see this play through completion. Doing so will help those outside draw out the fiend through the accumulated dreamotion energy, and if you could give it a few stabs that will help as well. Not all of you need to partake in my play, and I have already chosen my leading actors and actresses. You should find a brief copy of the script on your person, but you may act however you wish. However, I should warn you—this is a tragedy, so deaths are expected. But fear not, you will leave this dreamscape perhaps a bit tired, but unharmed. It's all a dream after all.

Now that should cover it. I look forward to seeing how everyone's tragic romances will play out. It may give me material for my next masterpiece!"

And just as suddenly as he had appeared, Shakespeare disappears from the moon, leaving it to loom brightly over the otherwise dark city.

I. GENERAL PROMPTS

Reminder that those cast as Romeo and Juliet can participate in most of these prompts, but the timing would be set early on before they move onto their designated scenes.

A. Family Feud. Everyone in Verona is randomly split in allegiance between the Montagues and the Capulets, and whenever they meet there is some kind of tension. It could be violent, hostile, passive, petty, or even attraction. Surely Romeo and Juliet aren't the only ones who can love across the aisle. If not pit against each other to fight or exchange snide comments, opposing parties can also work together to deal with Erasers posing as creepy looking family members/soldiers/knights/etc.

» BONUS: TO ARMS. A city-wide family feud makes for good business if you’re in the weapons-and-armor trade. Gather materials to help smithies in creating armor and weapons.

B. Masquerade. Almost as if it's the opening act, everyone, both Montagues and Capulets are to attend a masquerade held within the Capulet's ballroom. It's a momentary "truce," and though tension between the families is still rampant, everyone is welcome to wear the finest clothing they can imagine and to partake in the festivities. The masquerade itself is in the ballroom, but there are also gardens and large terraces that guests can go to if they want some fresh air.

» BONUS: PREPARATIONS. Any good party requires a lot of preparation, and all of Verona is abuzz with activity leading up to the big night. Tailors need help getting fabric, jewels, and other baubles to create the finest dresses. Caterers need quality ingredients for the food that will be prepared and served. Someone needs to step up and be the band for the night. There are plenty of ways in which Dreamwalkers can help make the masquerade a success!

C. EXTRA SCENES. There are a few specific "scenes" featuring key characters from the original play. Whether taken voluntarily or "beckoned" by Shakespeare, those who participate will have a little "essence" of the original character. No full personality change, but they might feel certain impulses or find it easier to slip into the role. Note: anyone can fill in the roles of "Romeo" and "Juliet" for the Paris scenes; it is not exclusive to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet.

PARIS V. JULIET. Paris meets and dances with Juliet, taking a fancy with her. With his arrogance believing he can win over the Capulet princess, throughout the night he attempts to woo Juliet, either in the ballroom or the gardens just outside. Juliet must not be swayed! (Or maybe a little swayed, but try not go totally off-book here). Juliet can shut down Paris however they want. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade", but before the Balcony scene.)
PARIS V. ROMEO. Paris bullies his younger brother about the Lindworm curse on a near-constant basis. And to add insult to injury, after meeting Juliet he’s decided that he wants Juliet for himself. Obviously, Romeo is not about to let his stupid mean brother steal the love of his life! They’re going to have to fight this one out, either with words or via fisticuffs. (This scene happens during or immediately after the "Masquerade" but before the "Balcony" scene.)
BENVOLIO'S ATTEMPTS. Benvolio is trying to find a cure for Romeo's curse, and after some research in the library he finds something! Good cousin that he is, he puts the theory to the test immediately. Unfortunately, his attempt backfires and he gets turned into a lindworm (fully or partially) instead. The poor guy is now out of sorts, and he needs protection so that someone doesn't mistake him for some monster and kill him. At least the transformation is only temporary.
TYBALT V. MERCUTIO. The infamous duel. Considering how much their families hate each other, the inciting incident can be just about anything. The original story has Tybalt goading Mercutio into a duel by calling Romeo a villain, Tybalt killing Mercutio, and Romeo killing Tybalt. But no one’s enforcing the particulars very closely here, so players are free to proceed with the fight any way they please. (If this fight does end in one or more deaths, please refer to the event details on how death works within the dreamscape.)

D. Love is a Battlefield. As if there wasn’t enough drama to deal with, a large, winged noctaere can be found throughout the dreamscape firing arrows at the residents, turning them into Erasers. It can summon smaller winged noctaere to fight for it, and if a dreamwalker gets hit by the arrows, they will slowly turn into a lindworm that is full of hate. It's difficult to combat the boss itself, but it can be weakened by defeating its minions and those hit by its arrows. Love of any form will be a powerful counter that will hit the boss as well.

» BONUS: ROSE COLLECTION. In the forests are white and red roses that are hidden under logs and stones. They will sparkle a bit to make them look different than other flowers. They must be collected before the Erasers can get to them. A white rose fed to a lindworm will return them back to normal. Eating a red rose will allow characters to turn into a pink, heart covered lindworm for ten minutes to fly up and try to combat against the winged noctaere or the Erasers.

II. ROMEO AND JULIET'S OBJECTIVES

The following objectives are locked to those who signed up for Romeo and Juliet. Please refer to the notes for all the stipulations and effects characters will experience as the tragic couple. Final reminder that the characters will be aware of the tragic ending as well as reassurance that they will awaken unharmed at the end of their final scene.

Click for objectives.

A. Love at First Sight. Time to get your party-crashing pants on, Romeo, because there is a masquerade that you are not invited to but are attending anyway. Who doesn’t love a good party? If you wear a mask, no one will know it’s you! Here Romeo and Juliet have the opportunity to meet and flirt and make goo-goo eyes at each other. And if they really want to get into the spirit of things, they can go into a laborious metaphor about how holding hands is super hot but kissing is way hotter. (Yes, really.) At this point Romeo's curse is only a partial transformation, something along the lines of scales down one side of his body.

B. Balcony Scene. The time for light flirting is over–this is where Romeo and Juliet get to declare their undying love for each other. Romeo really needs to work it as his brother, Paris, has also made moves on Juliet. There’s some strangeness in the dreamscape at this point that seems to have mistaken Shakespeare for musical theater, so the loving couple must sing their love for one another. With that spirit in mind, the moment should be suitably big and dramatic! Immediately after this scene is when Romeo and Juliet get married, so there’s no reason not to put it all out there. Shakespeare will lend a "helping hand" in giving them knowledge of the lyrics to sing, though they are free to create their own song and freestyle it. (Players can use existing songs or make it up as they go.)

C. Elope. Being the very mature and intelligent lovers that they are, Romeo and Juliet decide to get married after knowing each other for a whole day. Time to get to the chapel, meet with the Friar, and exchange vows. Shakespear will lend a helping hand by providing wedding attire fitting for those who are cast in their role. That's right, every Juliet will have their own special bridal dress, isn't he so considerate? And then it’s time to do whatever it is that newlyweds do, if that's what they are into. Otherwise, Romeo and Juliet will need to return home to prepare for their future.

D. Runaways. Juliet learns that she is being forced to marry Romeo's brother, Paris, which is a problem because she’s already married and also she doesn’t like that other guy anyway. In a major divergence from the source material, Romeo and Juliet decide to make a run for it instead of that whole poisoning-yourself business. It’s just a better idea all around. The goal is to get out of town undetected, which means that this is a stealth mission. Romeo and Juliet must follow a path and avoid getting caught. Whatever it takes to get past the guards and would-be snitches that would turn you in!

E. Find the Cure. Even after making it out so far, fate is against them. At this point Romeo's curse is advancing, so they need to look for the cure. Just outside of town they encounter a very trustworthy set of three witches who provide a list of items for them to retrieve and mix into a potion: rainbow mushroom, feather of a dove, three snails, and lavender. No one said this was going to taste good. However, while it will work temporarily, only Juliet is told that the final ingredient must be the blood of his lover. It's a cryptic message, however they do not specify how the blood is taken. Do they mean just a few drops? Or her life?

F. Tragic Ending. Upon learning of the young couple's running away, the Capulets have declared war with knights out hunting to kill Romeo and bring back Juliet. They are soon found and no matter what they do, death will await them. But how? Players can direct this however they want. Did the soldiers catch them? Did they decide that the whole double-suicide poison thing was a good idea after all? Does one tragically sacrifice themself to save the other? Does Romeo go full Lindworm and eat Juliet? The possibilities are endless. At this point Romeo is capable of turning into a full lindworm if he's taken the cure without Juliet's blood. If he drinks the cure with Juliet's blood, then he will revert to a normal human (teenager) with no extra powers.

[Mod Note: Details on this event can be found here and we request all thread submissions to be made here.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Being cast as Romeo...is probably one of the biggest jokes. It's a little strange for him as the "characters" of this play are real people in his world, down to the actual families and story of the lovers. Though events and circumstances are a little different, and vaguely aware they were part of the Grandcypher, it was a bit strange to hear that for others it's all a story of fiction. And now he was to be Romeo, and Juliet......

At first Eustace spends some time in the ballroom, mostly to be in position for his first "scene" but to also check on others. But as expected, the loud social scene where most of the "guests" are obnoxious puppets of this playwright and high tension is insufferable. It's a good thing he's not expected to socialize as the "cursed prince," so he's sure the character would find the solace of the quiet gardens preferable.

If not, too bad, he's leaving.

The night air is refreshing as he finds himself on the terrace instead, but he's alone and it's still outside so it was fine enough got him. Leaning over the railing, he stares out over the expansive scenery, admittedly impressed by its grandeur. His momentary solace is broken when he feels a sharp sting on his arm, and be raises it to stare at it before shaking it off.

Right...the curse. It's almost laughable how he once again finds himself in such a position. And the one who is supposed to help him...

He's about to head back inside when movement below catches his eye and he stiffens. He knew they would meet, but isn't this a little too perfect? Moreover, how easy it was to recognize her despite the distance and the change of clothes.

Without thinking more, he moves from his spot and silently makes his way down the steps. He had been in a place she wouldn't have been able to see well, so at first he thought about just approaching her directly. But then he reconsiders and comes around from the other side so that she'll hear his voice before looking up to find him leaning against the edge of the wall, looking at her.]

Shouldn't the princess be inside instead of hiding away out here?

[Even though he knows perfectly well who is behind that mask, they're supposed to play these roles, right? They can always "move out of character" later, might as well "start" properly. Besides, despite his attire and the wolf mask, it's not hard to figure out who he is.]

Edited 2022-02-14 01:13 (UTC)

[It's all about the dramatics, isn't it?

When she hears that voice, it isn't the essence of the dream or the mood of the "play" or the stage that's been set that sends her heart fluttering, but Tifa herself. She doesn't need to see his face to recognize it, but it helps that her suspicions are confirmed when she whips around to face him, her lips parting in surprise but they come together in a smile at the sight of the ears, and the blue eyes that still somehow glow from behind the mask even in the dimmer lighting.

He looks so... Even her brain has short-circuited at seeing him dressed like this. Dashing? Like a prince...

She wants to ask the question that's already burning at the tip of her tongue, hopeful and yearning to pass her lips, but for the sake of the role, Tifa slips her hands behind her back and bows her head, playing into it a little.]

For so many people, you'd be surprised at the serious lack of dance partners in there.

[Literally hundreds of people to choose from in there, and even more around the castle, in the gardens or the dining hall, or the courtyard... And yet, no matter how hard she looked, she never found the one that felt right. Even though, in her mind's eye, there would only be one that did.

With her lip twitching upward a little more, she takes a single, shy step to face him directly. To stand like a proper princess would. Shoulders and back straight. Just like Jessie taught her.]

What about you? You look lost.

[There's just a small quirk of his lips as he sees her initial surprise and then that smile of recognition. And now that she's standing and in better lightning, he can better see her in full. It's a little strange to see her so fully dressed, but it doesn't change how beautiful he finds her. So much so he wonders what he would have done if she had to be with someone else.

Not wanting to risk another Bleeding Heart, he pushes that stray thought away and takes a step closer.]

If I said I were, would you guide me around?

Sure.

[There's mischief brimming in the one short word, like there's a "but..." that she's holding off on. She won't keep him in the dark for long, and she takes an equal step towards him.]

But... [There it is.] First, I think we're supposed to dance.

[At least, that's what she assumes is to happen. It's still hard for her to tell if he is supposed to be who she thinks—or hopes—he is, but she isn't about to turn down the opportunity regardless. They wouldn't have been thrust into this dream in a ballroom in the middle of this grand party and even grander love story if there wasn't to be a dance.

Except she'll wait for him to come to her and maybe then, she'll find her answer.]

[There's just a slight arch of his brow at her words. True, they are supposed to dance, he just didn't expect her to be so keen on it. So there's a brief pause before an amused smile forms and he steps forward to extend his hand out to her.]

Since it seems you failed to find the right partner, would you allow me the honor of this dance?

[Even if she may have been asking him directly, he spins it as if he's saying a line for this grand play. Though really, even if they weren't intended to be, he would have wanted to have it at least once, and he has a strong feeling she feels the same.]

[Perhaps in them both wanting it, the pieces will fit themselves together somehow.

And who is she to say no to such a charming man who's come to sweep her off her feet with a dance? They've only promised one anyway. If there was ever a time to stray from the script, it would be now, wouldn't it? While there was still time before the tragic finale? This was supposed to be the light-hearted moment, and she's the Princess. She can do whatever the heck she wants.

Right now, what she wants is to accept his hand, slipping her own over it before she takes it in a surprisingly delicate grip... and pulls him to her until their bodies crash against one another.

That's when she pauses to look up at him... To get a better look at the man behind the mask, noting how the moon reflects off his eyes almost too perfectly and how his smile brings a wave of warmth through her, even when the night's chill brushes over them both. Her lips part, and her eyes roam his face down to his, and she feels the sudden urge to seal the rest of that distance between them—

But the music shifting in the ballroom to a slower waltz pulls her out of her daze.

... Right. Right.]

Do you even know how to dance?

[That delicate touch certainly catches him off guard, as did her pull to him. But at the same time, knowing her it's not so surprising she would be so direct and forceful about it. And with his hand automatically going to her waist as he looks down at her, he feels that similar mood, the desire to reach up and take off that mask so he can see her properly.

To forget about the script and just be with her as he wants.

But there's the music and her question...one that makes him grin a little.]

This much I can do.

[And as if to prove it, he pulls her out in time to the beat, spinning her around before taking the lead.

Dancing really wasn't on his list of things to learn, and he only knows the waltz and a few other basic steps out of necessity. Unless she wants to pull him into more dances, he should be able to manage this much.]

[Fortunately for him, he'll get off the hook with the other dances, at least for tonight. The songs have all been waltzes thus far, some set to a quicker tempo than others, but if he knows the steps, then he knows everything he needs.

She feels a little silly dancing around out in the gardens like this, but she doesn't mind. It's away from prying eyes, and people would most definitely stop everything they're doing to watch the princess dance, and whisper amongst themselves about who they thought the lucky man was that she had chosen, so this is preferable for both of them, she's sure.

So Tifa allows him to take the lead on this one, and to show her what he can do. Her fingers grip his shoulder as they step and spin together, and as they do, the fireflies move around them, showering them in a warm yellow light that she might better see his face, and she finds herself staring a little longer than normal again, her brows arching up in surprise at his skill.]

Good enough.

[Said with soft laughter as she gently waves a firefly away from their faces. And here she thought she was going to have to teach him...!]

Thou hast some moves, sir! Verily...!

[That's how everyone else has been talking in this place... It's a bit strange, but they have to "blend in", right? There's no way she'll be able to keep it up, but it's all in good fun.]

[Hearing her talk, his brows arch up before he snorts and laughs, leaning towards her a bit as he does. He knows she's just following the given speech pattern, but hearing it from her mouth... It's just too funny, he couldn't help it.]

And thou as well, my Lady.

[He's still grinning as he speaks, his usual demeanor completely shattered thanks to her. And because of that, he loosens up more than usual, allowing himself to play along.]

I've never met anyone as graceful as thee.

[Maybe it's a good thing they have masks, but even with one on she can probably tell he's cracking.

Verily she said... And with such gusto... This woman... Going to be the end of him for sure.]

[It's not the first time she's seen him laugh like this, but it still throws her off whenever she does, his smile capturing and holding all of her attention that the link between her brain and her feet short-circuit for a half a second, but it's long enough that she trips over his foot with such convenient timing that there's absolutely no way this wasn't scripted—or so she'll argue. It's not like her to be so clumsy, but just as she undoes him, he does so in turn.

That's usually how things go with them, isn't it?

The fact that she drew a laugh like that out of him and made his crafted demeanor crack does send a happy and prideful flutter through her as she tries to right herself.]

'Tis of great import that the princess be as gracious as ever, and that she be, er... privy to the dances lest a prince beg for her... um, hand...?

[Wait no, that's marriage, isn't it?

Her face turns bright red, and she lets her head fall against his shoulder with a laugh. She sounds so dumb that not even she understands what she's saying anymore.]

[He's quick to catch her should she need it despite it all...but when she continues to speak, he brings them to a full stop, his shoulders shaking as he laughs even more.]

Please, just talk normally. I can't handle it.

But doth thou must needs to pretend...! Lest we...

[She sighs.]

Yeah, that wasn't very good, was it?

[They'd draw more attention in trying to be like the residents than acting like themselves, wouldn't they... Thankfully, there's no one else around to hear it, but she is definitely feeling that second-hand embarrassment for herself starting to sink in.]

That won't do anything for the actual play, will it?

[Then again, here she is dancing with Eustace, not as Juliet, but as Tifa. Already deviating from the script and they've hardly just begun.]

[He just chuckles as she tries to persist before she finally gives up.]

Should be. If the playwright is to be believed then we don't need to worry so much as long as we fulfill the main objectives of this "play."

I suppose we could try for the important "scenes" but at least for now we should relax.

[She falls back into step with him easily, and this time, the movements flow much easier as they continue to step to the music, with the occasional twirl that Tifa leads them into.

But curiosity does flicker over what little he can see of her face, her brows arching behind her mask.]

Important scenes? Were you cast too?

[It's his turn to falter in step as he stares down at her, pace suddenly slowing.]

...You don't know?

I... no...?

[But the dread is already starting to set in. Her notes said nothing about who would be her romance—that, or she missed it in the script completely—and while hoping for it is one thing, actually having it all be that way is another. Especially when she remembers how the story ended...

Their slow pace comes to a stop again, and Tifa's hand grips his shoulder tight. Her smile fades a touch, still there, but all forced now as she tries to understand what she's feeling, and it's the strangest mix of relief, happiness, and fear all bundled up into one tightly wound ache in her chest. She should be glad that it was him. It was Eustace that she had thought of when she learned that she would be playing the role of Juliet, and it was Eustace who she was searching for on the ballroom floor...

Rather than ask, the hand on his shoulder reaches up for his mask, and begins to lift it away from his face...]

[His eyes widen in realization when he sees her reaction.

She doesn't know.

She didn't prepare herself for this because she didn't know it would be him.

While there's also the realization that that means she had been looking for him despite that, that she had wanted to be with, it's overshadowed by how nervous she looks. And he could understand why if she's only discovering it now. So he just stands still when she reaches for his mask, all that fun and warmth they had just shared dimming as it comes off. His hair helps obscure it, but it'll have been pushed aside to reveal the light, silvery gray scales that seem to glimmer in the moonlight on the right side of his face, trailing down to the high collar covering his neck and hidden beneath the rest of his clothes.]

[Seeing the scales all but confirms her worries. She should have been prepared for this, given that she hoped he would be the one to play opposite her, but now that it's finally happened, her hopes are dashed when her fingers lightly caress the scales along the side of his face and neck. They're rough to the touch, cold even—or maybe that's just her imagination—but they're unmistakable in the moonlight.

It feels like an eternity that she looks at them before her eyes finally meet his.]

Well, that settles that then...

[Tifa tries so hard to keep her voice light, but it's so obviously forced that it just dampens the mood further. Her smile is crooked at best, but her touch is no less gentle and warm as it always is when she brushes his hair away from the scales.]

Found my prince.

[She leads them back into the dance, his mask still between her fingers, eyes still on him. They have a scene to get through, don't they...?]

[He stares at her, a conflicted expression in his eyes before he once again stops the dance.]

Come here.

[Scene or whatever be damned, he's grabbing Tifa's hand and pulling her further out into the gardens, somewhere where they can have some more privacy. Shakespeare can figure out how to deal with this on his own, but he can't stand seeing her like this and he doesn't want to risk anyone intruding them.

He won't take her too far, just far enough where the high rose arches and tress provide enough cover and shade for privacy, far enough so no one would be able to hear them. Only then does he pull her into a close hug.]

[The sounds of music and the party grow further away the deeper he leads her into the gardens. Large canopies of trees hang over the archways and the petal-covered paths that wind through them, hiding them from even the light of the moon, where only the fireflies that rise from the rose bushes illuminate them.

She should protest and remind him that they have a job to do—that they were here to help this place—but she only follows along silently, the only sound from her the gasp when he pulls her into his arms, and all Tifa can do is bury her face into his chest while she takes him in hers.

They aren't going to leave any business unfinished, but as her hold around him tightens, she realizes that this is a much-needed moment of solace. A calm before the inevitable storm that's about to brew, and she wishes now that she didn't give that script even a skim. If she had no idea what was coming, then it would have been easier to fall into the role of Juliet if her Romeo was to be Eustace...]

You think he knew?

[Shakespeare, she means, as she gazes up to the moon through the leaves.]

It's always like this.

[He keeps his arms wrapped close around her, face pressed against the top of her hair as he closes his eyes. He can feel her emotions, her concern, and he gently rubs her back.]

Who knows...but it is getting tiresome.

[How many times has he been "cursed" in some way? It's almost laughable at this point.]

Just remember none of this is real... No matter what happens or how this ends, we'll be fine.

[He pulls her back slightly so he can look into her eyes.]

I'll be fine.

[There's no waver in his words as he tries to reassure her as best as he can. This will...undoubtedly be messy in the end, and it would be a lie to say he isn't nervous or apprehensive of what's to come. Even if he knows this is all just in the dream and that they'll supposedly be fine in the end, this is is hitting something he really doesn't like. He already had to witness her almost die once, is he going to have to see her die in front of him with no hope now? That had already been a major catalyst to realize his feelings for her. What will he do this time?

But they're stuck like this and have to see it through to the end.]

[Tiresome indeed. How many more times is this place going to pit them against its magic, and how many more times is she going to have to watch him get clawed at from the inside with it? It isn't fair to him, and Tifa had promised to protect him from it all, but how is she supposed to say that she has when this keeps happening over and over, and so far out of her control that in the end, there's never anything she can do to stop it from happening?

When he pulls back, Tifa almost chases him, but his gaze seizes hers. She wishes that she could believe that with all her heart—that none of this was real and they would all wake up and be fine again, but the memories of this will still linger. She doesn't know what will happen or how, but it's something she knows she'll wish to forget when it's over.

He's here now though, and even as she teeters between her conflicted feelings, she's at least thankful for that. If she's going to see it through to its end, then there isn't a single soul in Reverein that she'd rather do that with.

She gives him a slow nod.]

Right.

[But her voice and her eyes contradict the resolve that she tries to put on, and there's a small stretch where the sound of the music in the distance begins to bleed in, and Tifa can feel her doubt twisting up inside her.

... ]

Kiss me.

[She blurts it out without thinking, surprising even herself, and it leaves her wondering how much of it was her or the essence of this role that had her wishing for it, but even through that wave of doubt, she never once tears her eyes from his. Tifa wants this, and so does Juliet, and if they are to tell a love story together, she needs to believe him, and in believe every second of this dream if she's to get through it.]

[He can see her doubts, and he can't blame her. He has his own and there will sure be some kind of aftermath after this. But her request surprises him and for a moment he stares at her before he rushes in, hand almost ripping off her mask and tossing it aside before cupping her cheek to kiss her. It's sweet, but longing, as if wanting to steal not only her breath but her insecurities and frustrations away.

And when he pulls back to give her some air, his heated gaze takes in her look, the makeup she wears, the arrangement of her hair—and her eyes, reflecting her emotions and himself. It makes him kiss her again, slower this time.

Already it feels like the beginning of a doomed couple's romance, their shared emotions causing the air to ripple, branches above blowing in the warm wind carrying loose petals that swirl around them.]

[The wind bristles their hair, his tickling the sides of her face when he kisses her a second time, this one slower, sweeter, and more deliberate, but she can feel his own misgivings within it too. Her hands reach up to embrace the side of his face to finger the scales that line it, memorizing each and every cursed ridge and curve from his eye down to his neck, and pushing back his collar.

When they pull back, there are petals that cling to their hair, and the moon's rays peek through the sway of the branches to illuminate them once more, almost too perfectly, as if this were a stage and the moon their spotlight.

Tifa's breathing is quickened, trying to keep up with her heart thundering in her chest, nervous about what's supposed to come after this... and how this part of the play is to end. Surely words aren't needed, and their actions spoke enough that she needn't utter the words out loud? She couldn't—never under these circumstances where Tifa doesn't know how much of her is really there, but deep down...

Deep down...

She puts that thought on hold for another kiss, pulling him down for one more—it's deeper than the last two that it wets and swells her lips, and where words aren't enough, her actions say plenty, bearing each and every one of those emotions so that he might understand. So that whoever is watching, and whoever decides that this is it, will understand.

And when they finally take that moment to breathe, she only has eyes for him.]

You think, um... that did it?

[The objective. But her hands gripping his jacket, and her eyes carrying a message far more profound than that.]

[When she pulls him for that third kiss, it's almost as if his heart melts as he can feel her every emotion through her actions. If only they could just end it all now, if only they could truly run away and escape their fate.

Which makes one wonder, is this going to end up some mocking irony of their own two lives? Only instead of death, it's the fact they are from two different worlds, never to truly be together and only can through dreams?

So at her question—]

No.

[—his chest tightens and he pulls her back in before coarsely whispering against her lips.]

It's not enough.

[And when he kisses her again, his tongue meets and takes hers, more desperate and fervent than the previous ones.

Maybe it's Romeo's essence that's amplifying that need for more. Maybe it's his own feelings. But it's genuine all the same.]

Edited 2022-02-15 02:59 (UTC)

{ lindwormeo and juliet }

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