songerein | closed ⚡🌠 you make my heart feel like it's summer

Entry tags:

closed ⚡🌠 you make my heart feel like it's summer

Who: Eustace & Tifa Lockhart.
Which: Closed log.
Where: Somewhere in the Wildlands.
What: Eustace and Tifa take some much-needed time away.
Warnings: The usual EusTifa warnings. They're gross. :)

[Hardly a week has gone by since their last stint in a dreamscape before they are finally seeing their plans to fruition. They'd briefly talked about it in the room the wolves had provided for them, and then again when they woke up from their dreams, and Tifa wasted no time in preparing for the few days that they promised to spend away from town. After everything that they had seen and been through—not just on the moon but everything that came before—they agreed that time for themselves would be good for both of them. Time away from the noise and chaos of the town, from the dogs, from responsibilities, from potential threats... Time to just exist together, to be, and breathe for a little while.

She spent the days leading up to their trip shopping and packing and making sure that she's found friends who could check in on both the corgis and flower dogs in their absence. It would only be two nights out in the Wildlands, but she wanted to be certain that they have everything they would need and covered all their bases for those few days. She's packed an assortment of meats, frozen for the trip, containers of fruits and vegetables, water, and some alcohol for the evenings—wine and a fine whiskey, perhaps a few others—anything that she thinks they might enjoy over a campfire. Of course, she can't forget the campfire snacks, either. She's never been out camping properly before, but she knows those are a must.

Meanwhile, Tifa left Eustace to worry about their gear. A tent most of all, but anything that they might equip it with as well. Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, the works. Anything to make a fire that he thinks they'll need, tarps in the event that there's rain. She never quite knows what is and isn't necessary for a camping trip, especially in these parts, but it's best to be ready for any kind of weather with how finicky it can be sometimes, and she trusts that he'll know exactly what they'll need.

Thankfully, they've packed light and in such a way that it wouldn't be difficult to carry between the two of them, but of course, Eustace never goes unprepared, and when he goes all in on something, he tends to go above and beyond Tifa's expectations. When she wandered out of the house, she was surprised to find two horses waiting for them—one she recognized as the white mare from the night they rode to the flowery fields outside of Reverein, the blue flowers that were once smaller now grown and blooming large as they thread into her mane. The other, a large, magnificent black stallion with interesting markings over his body that she feels is almost too perfectly suited for Eustace. They beat their hooves gently on the ground in greeting, and Tifa reacquaints herself with the mare before they finally ride off on their backs towards the Wildlands.

They don't go far, sticking mostly to the northern forests closer to town, but it's far enough that they can no longer hear or even see Reverein through the thickness of the trees, and with the horses, the trek itself isn't very long. The lake isn't far either from where Eustace ends up leading her to, and she can hear the sound of water nearby—perhaps the river coming from the city? Although Eustace did mention knowing of some waterfalls, and the thought sends a warm thrill through her...

It's when they reach a light clearing surrounded by trees that she allows herself to stop, tugging on the mare's reins with a gasp so that she might take in the full sight of it. There are flowers everywhere, and the afternoon sun peers through the canopies of trees overhead to bask it in an almost magical glow. Through the bushes, there's a winding path that, judging from the trickling sounds, leads down a small hill to some manner of body of water.

It like it's straight out of a fairy tale picture book.]

... Is this it?

[It must be... It's the most stunning place she's ever seen, and she's a touch overwhelmed to come up with much more than that.]

It's beautiful.

[How did he even find this place? ... She's been asking that a lot with him, hasn't she? The field of flowers, the barn, and now this. He never ceases to surprise and amaze her and this time is no exception.

Consider Tifa completely blown away once again.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Tifa steps up to the well and leans over it. From the outside, it looks so inconspicuous that she might never know that it's a well that could bring them almost anything their hearts desire from home or another world. The letter was a simple wish, and it had come in the same state she remembers leaving it in when she last read it the night before she left Camelot...

But Clover and Eria...? She is feeling a little nervous now.

She offers Eustace a crooked smile over her shoulder.]

Sure. I'd say at the same time, but let's play it safe.

[He takes a breath, grips the bauble in his hand, and with the white wolf in mind, he throws it into the well.

At first there is nothing and he's starting to think it didn't work...whichbis a bit disappointing. But just as he's about to step closer, there's a sudden flurry of wind and snow before a white blur jumps out of the well. It slams hard into his chest knocking him to the ground—but he knows that white fur and the low growling and high pitched whines from anywhere, the soft head smashing against the underside of his chin.]

Hey—Eria—enough—off!!

[He struggles with the wolf, but there's a hint of laughter and joy as he tries to push the wolf off before he wraps his arms around her, stroking her head as he listens to her whines.]

Yes, yes... I'm sorry I'm late.

[He briefly glances at Tifa before his face is assaulted by Eria's tongue as she licks him.]

[Her hand finds a spot to rest on his back between his shoulders as he gives the bauble a toss into the well. She peers over its edges and down into the darkness below where she hears it drop, and there's a very anticlimactic pause where the two of them with bated breath in silence. Nothing happens, and Tifa feels the pit of her stomach sink with disappointment. She should have known not to get her hopes up, but she had let her excitement and happiness get the better of her, but—

There's a sudden wind that picks up, and snow and ice nip at her skin, and she pulls back to shield herself from it just in time as something white leaps out of the well and crashes into Eustace, sending him backwards to the ground.

Even Tifa would know the sound of those whines, and as the mini snowstorm dies down, she lowers her gaze to find the large white wolf over him—]

It worked!

[—and Eustace looking at her helplessly before he's attacked by those wet wolf kisses.

She folds her arms over her chest and watches, her heart fluttering in her chest, all of that dread being chased away by the warmth that fills her at the sight. How long has Eria waited to see him again, she wonders? Has it only been a few days for her, or several months like it's been for him? Either way, Tifa was right to think that she'd be happier to see him than upset that he took so long to bring her back.

Leaning against the well, she laughs.]

You're on your own with that one.

Tifa—dammit, Eria!

[He may be cursing but he's still laughing before he finally manages to at least sit up. Eria continues to shove her face against his, her tail thumping the ground.]

Still acting like the same spoiled princess—ow!

[Eria headbutts him—rightly so—and Eustace just rubs his chin before looking back at Tifa.]

Go ahead and get Clover.

[Already more chaotic and they don't even have Clover yet. Just wait until they get back home—

Tifa watches the wolf's displays of affection for a moment longer, her smile warm and appreciative of Eria when those memories rush back to her. The days right after Eustace's departure, they had spent some time together before Eria had finally disappeared, gone back to wherever she had been before he came to Camelot. If it weren't for her, Tifa might have fallen too far into the pits of despair to pull herself back up out of them far enough that she could keep on living her life for both of them...

Or try to, anyway.

But without a word and only a growing smile, Tifa turns to the well and closes her eyes, thinking of that little black kitten as she drops it in. And, moments later...

Mreoooow!

There's a cry, and a scratching from inside the well, and when Tifa looks down...]

Eustace!

[There she is—or her bright yellow eyes that stare back up at her, the slits so slim with panic as she tries to claw her way up the walls. Tifa stretches her arms down to grab her, but she's just out of reach.]

... Help.

[Eustace had been in the middle of soothing Eria who had remained firmly planted in his lap when he hears Tifa calling to him and sees her at the well. Frowning he finally manages to get Eria off him, who has also seemed to sense something amiss from the loud mewling cries. Rushing over, he looks down and is surprised by what he sees.]

Hold on, I got her.

[And with one hand gripping the edge of the well, he stretches down his other to try and reach her. Thanks to his height and long arms, he's able to just reach the kitten.]

Come on, Clover...

[What long arms and big hands for him to reach her with—

Tifa's holding onto him as he reaches in, and Clover takes the opportunity to grab onto his arm with her claws, and she manages to climb up him before Tifa reaches in to scoop her up. Immediately, the two of them are met with loud cries and head bumps as she rubs her face over Tifa's hands and Eustace's.

Already, she can feel her heart swelling with love, and tears misting her eyes over.]

I guess not all of us can jump as high as Eria, huh?

[Clover paws at Eustace's sleeve, her claw catching it to pull him in for pets.]

She's just as small as I remember her being...

[Just a small wince when she grabs him with her claws, and once she's up he straightens, Eria sitting by his feet and looking up at Clover with her usual disappointed gaze.]

Her claws are definitely the same.

[But he of course smiles ruefully and pets the kitten, scratching behind her ears.]

I wonder what they've been up to...

[It's Tifa's turn to give Eria a pet, and she kneels down next to the wolf to give her a loving scratch behind the ears.]

You look nice.

[She whispers it to her, remembering what she had looked like in the last days they spent in Avalon, where her fur was matted and dulled, the shine in it gone as she shed it in tufts. Now, it's brilliant and as bold and snowy white as she remembers it being on their best days.]

I think she's trying to tell us.

[Clover is mewling loudly at him in the same way she spoke to him back in Camelot. She's trying to tell him all the things she got up to while they were gone, and giving them both a hard time for leaving!!! Why aren't you acknowledging her!!!]

[Eria stretches up her neck as if saying of course she's beautiful! ...Even if it had taken a bit for her to recover herself. But at Clover's mewling, Eustace can only sigh with a bit of remorse as he gently scratches her chin.]

...Sorry, Clover. I don't have that ability anymore... But I'm working to gain it back so I hope you can understand this for now.

[Although he's somehow managed to have the dogs and his horse understand his words, he still can't understand them in return. It's also only been towards animals he's grown close with or have a bond, so hopefully Clover can understand. At the very least, his emotions will carry through.]

[There are some confused meows as Clover lifts her chin for scratches, and Tifa can only give an apologetic smile before looking to Eustace, curious.]

You are...?

[This is the first time she's heard this news, but it's not at all bad. Though, given who this is, she shouldn't be surprised.]

When did this happen?

Did I not tell you?

[He looks up at her in genuine surprise before he considers everything.]

...I suppose I've been so busy it slipped my mind. But yes—Oriphi offered to help teach me to to understand the dogs through dreamotion. I haven't been able to really designate days to train lately, however.

So far the dogs and our horses can at least understand my words...but understanding them outside of obvious behavioral cues is still beyond my abilities.

Even then, I'm not sure if they understand me because of me using dreamotion or because they were naturally more intelligent to begin with.

I had no idea, no.

[She can feel her heart swell with pride as an arm wraps around him then, her hand finding his back again, and her head leans in so that Clover can bump it against hers from where she rests in Eustace's arms, and she can hear her purring in between her little mewls, although they sound a little sad, almost defeated that Eustace can no longer understand her, and her him...

Maybe some day, little one.]

I think that's great, though. [Her voice is soft, affectionate.] If anyone can do it, I think it would be you. Whether it's dreamotion or they're all just really smart, you should keep practicing anyway.

[The thought of Eustace being able to converse with the dogs makes a warm, fluttery feeling ripple through her. He'd be so happy about it, and knowing that, it makes her happy.

On Eustace's other side, Eria nudges her head against his hip.]

Looks like you won't be lacking for help, though. Starting to wonder if I'll have to fight for your attention now, too.

[Just a soft smile when she leans in and he briefly closes his eyes as he enjoys the little "family" cuddle. It's been...a very long time since they've all been like this, haven't they?

But her remark he just laughs.]

Maybe sometimes...but you'd have my undivided attention when we're alone.

[Her mouth falls open in a silent gasp, and she turns her head to first lay a kiss to his cheek before she's shoving a hand in his face to push it away, his name coming out in a little yelp.]

Eustace...!

[Tifa looks to Clover, then to Eria, both of whom are staring up at him as if they've understood what he's just said, and she feels her face flush.]

Not here! At least wait until we're alone...

They're used to it already, aren't they?

[And just teasing her more as he brings his face closer again.]

[Eria, probably, and there's a little "boof" from Eustace's side as she confirms it. Clover, on the other hand, has no idea what's going on, and when Eustace leans in to breach some of that distance that Tifa's put there, Clover fills the rest when her little head stretches up in front of his, her big yellow eyes blocking Tifa to fill his vision.

And she had been ready for a kiss, and instead, takes Clover into her arms with a hint of mischief in her smile, and offers that kiss to the kitten instead as she gazes up at him through her long, thick lashes.]

If she is, then looks like you might have to fight for my affection instead.

[Eustace blinks when Clover appears instead, but he just laughs.]

I'll manage.

[A sly smirk of his own...that only causes Eria to roll her eyes and tug at his pants. Hello, we just got here and are hungry?? Also pay attention to me she grumbles and growls.

Although he can't understand her words, he recognizes all those cues.]

But for now, I think these two deserve our attention. We need to introduce them to the others, too.

[At that Eria snaps her head sharply at him. Others? Come to think of it...there's faint traces of other dogs—]

[Tifa's already giggling and burying her face into Clover's fur, holding her close and giving her kisses to make up for all of that lost time. She mewls and cries like she's calling for help, but she can feel her purrs against her nose as the two of them exchange cheek rubs and paw squishes. Her heart is so full of love right now for the two of them—they might have the corgis and the flower dogs to take care of, but Clover and Eria are truly theirs.]

I hope you two are ready.

[Clover's head tips with curiosity, and she trills.

And before she slips a hand into Eustace's, she gives Eria a loving pat on the head.]

The gang's a lot bigger this time around, but you'll have so many friends you won't even miss us.

[A flutter of warmth passes over them—a gentle breeze that carries with it the scent of the star flowers that begin to bloom around their feet, and Tifa leans up, seeking a kiss from Eustace, and when he grants it to her, she'll murmur quietly against his lips.]

Thank you... for all of this.

[Eria grumbles at the idea of sharing her bondmate she was there first?? Who dares?? But there's also a small wag of her tail as she's also glad to see Eustace and Tifa together and clearly living happily. It was something the wolf had worried, and sometimes she would catch glimpses in her dreams...as sleeping was something she mostly did after they left, not really wanting to stay around in her grief. So despite her attitude, she truly is happy and just continues to slowly swish her tail as she waits.

Meanwhile Eustace just smiles into the kiss.]

...There's still one thing left.

[She pulls back, just far enough to capture his eyes with hers.]

There's more...?

[Her cheeks flush an even deeper shade of pink.]

Eustace... You've already done so much...

[And all Tifa had gotten him were these little glass charms, her own flickering a brighter yellow as her heartbeat flurries with anticipation at the news.]

[Just a light laugh as he takes another kiss before stepping back to hold her hand.]

It's fine. If it's for you, I'll do anything.

[There's a little shine in his eyes as he smiles and starts leading her back to their house.]

[There's a buzz of excitement that follows her as they make their way back to the house—the kind that turns to warm static in the air that has Tifa's hair almost standing on end, or the kind that's a warm breeze that billows past. Those little starry lights twinkle around her that Clover begins to paw at, and she doesn't even know what the surprise is yet! All she knows is that he continues to go above and beyond to shatter her expectations...

So, when they arrive back at the house with their new old friends in tow, she stops just outside the door, and her heart feels like it's going to burst through her chest.]

... Do I need to close my eyes?

[He can't help but be amused at her reaction as well as Clover trying to play with the lights. Will they have their own dreamotion effects?]

Hmm.... Might be more fun if you do. I'll guide you in.

... Alright. I trust you. And neither of you spoil the surprise!

[There's a playful warning in the cadence of her voice before she sets Clover down on the floor, and with one last lingering look at Eustace, she lets her eyes flutter closed. She can hear the kitten scratching at the door, and Eria's paws padding around her, both of them just as eager to check out their new home as she is to know what kind of surprise he could possibly have in store for her now.

With her hands free, she stretches them out for Eustace to take.]

closed ⚡🌠 you make my heart feel like it's summer

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)