tifa lockhart. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
starshower) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
songerein2022-07-01 04:54 pm
starshower) wrote in songerein2022-07-01 04:54 pm
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.]
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.]
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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...
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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...
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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!!!]
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...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.]
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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?
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[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.
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[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.
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But her remark he just laughs.]
Maybe sometimes...but you'd have my undivided attention when we're alone.
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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...
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[And just teasing her more as he brings his face closer again.]
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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.
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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—]
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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.
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Meanwhile Eustace just smiles into the kiss.]
...There's still one thing left.
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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.]
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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.]
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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?
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Hmm.... Might be more fun if you do. I'll guide you in.
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[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.]
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No peeking.
[A low, quiet murmur against her ear as he first unlocked the door, letting it open for the two critters go in first before he takes Tifa's hands to slowly guide her in.
Step by step Eustace leads her until he stops her in the middle of the living room, his mouth again close to her ear as he stands behind her.]
All right... Open them.
[And when she does, sitting neatly against the wall will be a deep mahagony wood standing piano. There's nothing too unusual in its design, but on the music stand there is specially carved design featuring a wolf and a rabbit with the moon and stars incorporated into it. It's so polished and new, the instrument seems to shine in the bit of sunlight that touches it from the windows and whenever she places a key, the note will be so fresh and crisp the sound will seem to hang in the air.]
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Oh my...
[The words die right as they pass her lips, her shock too great and too overwhelming for her to even finish the thought. Rather than slip her hands out of his, she squeezes them tighter and pulls him along behind her when she rushes towards it to get a better look, not finding it within herself to let go of him just yet. She doesn't know what to say, or do besides run her fingers along the polished wood, and then over the music stand—across the wolf and the rabbit, the moon and the stars...
Her breath hitches with something like a happy sob when she tries to speak again, but only a sigh comes out. So down the piano her fingertips journey, all the way down to the keys, and she only presses a single one—carefully, as if she's afraid she might break it if she presses too hard, and the sound that comes out of it rings loud and so very clear through the room that even Clover, who had already busied herself with sniffing around and exploring, pauses to look up. And then she presses another key, and then another, until she reaches the end of the melody.
...
Turning back to Eustace then, the moment she looks at him, she feels every emotion come rushing back to her, and all she can do is throw herself excitedly at him, her laughter loud as her arms going around his neck and her feet leave the ground, and she presses her lips to his.]
It's beautiful... [Burying her face into his neck, she clings to him tighter.] I love it. I love you...
[When he'd told her that he had a surprise waiting for her inside, Tifa had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't this.]
How did you... when...?
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And then it's in that moment when their eyes meet as she turns around that he's once again hit with the joyful feeling of knowing he's made her so happy. His arms wrap around her waist as he accepts her kiss, smiling into it as he secretly makes a vow to continue giving her as many smiles as he can to counter all the hardships they've had to go through and likely still will. To do whatever he can to protect it so that all their good memories overcome the bad ones. To give her all the things...things she couldn't have before or was stolen away from her.
So there's just a gentle, loving gaze as he looks down at her before he answers.]
It took about a month to complete...but with Phantom's help I had it arranged to be delivered here while we were gone. The timing was coincidental.
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You're so sly... [She kisses him again.] So sweet... I had no idea...!
[Tifa hadn't suspected a thing, but she does tuck away a reminder for later to be sure to thank Phantom for his help, but for now, she wants nothing more than to tell Eustace—show him how much she truly appreciates the gift, even the mere thought of it. She had mentioned it only a few times before, and the fact that he remembered, and then went out of his way to go ahead and have one made so that he could surprise her with it...?
It's too much for her little heart to bear.
And in that moment, she makes a secret, silent vow to herself to make sure that she can make him as happy as he continues to make her every day. Every moment that they spend together—Tifa wants them to be as special to him as they are to her. She wants him to feel special and loved...
She loosens her arms around his neck, freeing him from her clutches only slightly so that she can turn to admire the piano again.]
... Can I?
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Go ahead.
[He had been wanting to hear her play for so long and now he'll get the chance.
This time he takes the initiative to pull away, Clover and Eria joining him (with Clover in his arms) as he stands to the side so they can all listen.]
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Thankfully, she's been practicing a little at Phantom's music studio, so her fingers naturally find the keys to begin the song, but before she does, she glances over her shoulder to Eustace, Clover, and Eria, and she's pretty sure she can feel her heart erupting with adoration, admiration, love for this little family of theirs...
A fond laugh escapes her and she's turning around again, and she begins to play a familiar song. One he might have heard her hum in passing, and as she plays, all of those emotions pour into the notes through her fingertips that the air around her begins to sparkle with those little lights again, twinkling gently like stars and landing in her hair where they shimmer as if she was the night sky herself. Star flowers grow within the cracks of the tree nearby, their sweet scent being carried through on the breeze of her music to fill the room with warmth.
Only when it's over and she lowers her hands to fold in her lap does she look over at the trio again.]
Well? What did you all think?
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