songerein | [05] A woman's best friends

Entry tags:

[05] A woman's best friends

Who: We're still flower royalty (Susato & Oriphi)
Which: Closed log
Where: The corgi dog tree in the forest, the neighborhood dog treehouse, or Eustace's dog park are all possibilities. Maybe Eustace and Tifa's house? (We're winging it!)
What: Dogsitting, cooking, and bonding over boyfriend(s)
Warnings: Domestic af (none?)

[ When Tifa had asked her about looking after their pups, Susato had thought nothing of it. Of course she said yes. She helps Gina care for Toby everyday, and every once and while, she still remembers Blossom. Both could be considered handfuls, but they were individually... well, just one dog. It occurs to her now that when Tifa once spoke of Eustace's morning routine, he was caring for a whopping 12.

But she could still do this! She knows exactly how to get to the corgi tree, and the tree in the neighborhood where the other group of dogs stay, too. Since that one is closer (and also less magical), she decides to start there after coming off another long waitress-less shift at the Harvest.

At least she's started wearing something more appropriate for working in the kitchen long-term. Pulling off her apron, she changes into one of many kimonos she has started keeping at Kazuma's house, and she takes a nice brisk walk to the tree.

She's making a mental checklist of things: checking their food, checking their water, checking their fur, keeping their living area clean...

...when she almost bumps into a familiar purple-skinned druid. ]

Oh! Miss Ori! [ Old habits die hard. Despite how long they've known each other, she still lets 'Miss Tifa' slip sometimes, too, at work. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ At least Ori is used to being addressed at "Miss Ori" - it reminds her very much of her bright, sunny elven friend from home - and perhaps a little selfishly she doesn't think to correct Susato just yet.

When she hears the younger woman calling out, she turns and offers a smile and a small wave with her free hand. In the other, she's carrying a basket full of various ingredients. She also happens to be on her way to one of the dog trees! ]

Hello, Susato! It's a lovely day for a walk, isn't it?

Oh, yes! [ Susato answers quite readily, giving off a rather sunny disposition herself. Which is impressive, for a girl just coming off work, but she might not feel that way. She clasps her hands together. ] It is rather gorgeous compared to all the rain last month... at least, for today.

But it is also rather hot. Miss Tifa asked me to check on the dogs, since she will be away for a few days, so I just wanted to make sure they have enough water.

[ Among other things. ]

[ Ori can’t help but laugh. Yes, last month’s weather was truly unlike anything she’d ever experienced, and this is for a woman who’s seen quite a lot.

At Susato mentioning Tifa, though, Ori’s face lights up further in recognition. ]

Oh! Is that so? Eustace asked me to check on the dogs, as well. Why don’t we work together, then? It’ll be easier with two people!

[ Seeing as they have… twelve going on thirteen dogs… ]

Ah! Is that why you are here?

[ Sort of a rhetorical question. Susato grins, relief bloomng clear on her face. ]

Thank goodness. Truth be told, I did not know how I would manage twelve dogs all by myself, but at least they are not all in the same place.

[ From what she has seen and what Tifa and Eustace have collectively told her, they are pretty independent, so hopefully they don't require much! She knows the corgis' tree has magical properties, and this one... Well, they'll manage. ]

[ Ori nods - it certainly does make things easier, that the dogs aren't all in the same spot. But it really is fortuitous that they've crossed paths like this! ]

Don't worry, Susato. All it takes is a bit of patience.

[ A beat, then she adds: ] Also, I can talk to animals and they listen to me pretty well, so that helps too!

[ Susato gasps! Whatever she had been about to say about her patience is quickly forgotten, because that's definitely not a common ability where she is from. ]

You can? That's incredible!

[ She'll definitely lead the way, eager to see this in action. Then she adds, with some hesitation: ]

I don't know if it is the same, but... some time ago, I found myself with the ability to understand snakes.

Ah, thank you!

[ That's so nice of Susato to say! But she does tilt her head curiously at what the younger woman says. Snakes seems... Unexpected, from Susato's vibe... ]

Is that so...? What I do is cast a spell that lets me speak with animals. I can do the same with plants... So I think it's a bit different from what people can do with dreamotion here. How did you come to understand snakes, Susato?

[ .....Yeah. You don't have to tell her. Bunny rabbits and other fluffy things are much more her vibe, but here they are. It can't be a coincidence that it happened after Kazuma's second brush with the noctaere, turning into a snake monster, but that's still not her place to talk about openly. ]

Well... My father and I have a greenhouse, you see. [ ...Did she tell Ori about that? She doesn't remember. ] The Harvest has a garden as well. After a couple months of opening, there was talk of digging ponds, and... they just appeared.

[ She pauses. Before they even get to the door, there is excited shuffling heard from inside, the scratching of paws. Then once the door is opened, there is a chorus of barking.

Whatever else Susato had been about to say--if anything at all--was forgotten. ]

[ A look of recognition flits across Ori's face at the mention of the greenhouse - she seems to vaguely remember Susato mentioning that, maybe? She earnestly meant to pay the place a visit, but... Various things came up, after the Flower Festival. Perhaps now she can make good on that thought—

Well, obviously not now, because now, as the door opens, Ori rests a hand over her heart and recites an incantation to cast her animal-speaking spell. So that when they are being greeted by so many dogs, she tells them: ]

Hello, everyone! You must be so excited, but let's make sure not to jump on Susato here, okay? She's being very nice and helping take care of everyone while your humans are away.

[ And although they are certainly still very much excited, they do back up from the doorway to permit the two ladies in, and some of them even back up into an obedient, although expectant sit, their tails wagging furiously across the floor. ]

[ Susato is laughing. Fur and wet tongues tickle her feet and her hands as she tries to pet every dog, but she's also careful because she doesn't want to damage their flowers. Gorgeous dahlias, irises--and others. Ori's polite commands seems to help. Susato looks impressed counting each dog, one-by-one. ]

Do not jump on dear Ori, either. There are five of you, and only two of us!

[ Five flower dogs, just like they said. ]

[ There is a pause, though, and Susato seems to deflate a little. ]

I do wish I could understand them too, though... I do not suppose you could cast the spell on me.

[ She shoots the younger woman an apologetic look. ]

No, unfortunately I can't... But!

[ Reaching over, she claps a hand on Susato's shoulder and gives her a thumbs up with the other. ]

Since you can already talk to snakes, perhaps we can keep working on expanding your abilities with dreamotion! And I bet the dogs would love to talk with you, too. Isn't that right, everyone?

[ The dogs give joyous barks, their tails wagging all the more. You don't even need a magic spell to understand that they wholeheartedly agree! ]

[ Susato laughs her response to the dogs. No, that probably didn't need a translation, but she would always appreciate the extra level of understanding regardless. Her expression softens, looking at them. ]

I would like that very much... I hope they are saying good things about me.

[ ...... ]

...But they're probably just telling you about how hungry they are. [ Dogs gonna... dog? ]

[ Dogs indeed gonna dog, and no sooner than providing their answer to Ori's question do they begin to bark about dinner and food and playing and everything else that dogs love. Somewhere in there, too, are little bits about how happy they are to see the two ladies. ]

Well, you're definitely not wrong about that.

[ Ori gestures with her hand - a non-verbal command for them to stay in seated in their places - as she gets to work preparing their dinner. ]

Dogs are really good at judging people's character. So of course, they have nothing but good things to say about you, Susato!

[ She smiles warmly at that. Naturally, Ori could tell her anything about what the dogs said, but Susato chooses to believe in this case. She is definitely determined to be a friend to all dogs. ]

We will see how they feel after they have been fed.

[ Not that dogs are picky eaters, either, probably, but... ]

I have never cooked for a dog before, let alone 5. [ Or 12. ] When I cared for Blossom, I remember she liked meat. Deer jerky... I think.

I'm sure their opinion of you can only improve after food. You know what they say - the way into someone's heart is through their stomach!

[ Oriphi nods, very much knowingly if only because she definitely started crushing on Thoma after the first time he made her dinner.

Does this place have a kitchen? It does now, one in which Ori is taking out the various ingredients for a simple but delicious doggy meal that she's planned. Some things are already prepared that she'd cooked ahead at home, at least. ]

Their menu tonight is some rice, sweet potatoes, and meat. To be honest, I hadn't really cooked for dogs like this before either, but I learned a few of these recipes from one of my partners so I thought I'd give them a try while taking care of Eustace and Tifa's dogs!

[ Susato has most certainly heard that before, or read it somewhere. In hindsight, she wonders if that is why she had been so eager to help Kazuma at the Harvest... but then, her devotion to him had always run deep. Regardless--if it's even possible, the dogs perk up even more, and some may have started to drool.

Amazingly, they're still obedient. ]

Oh, that sounds lovely! Surely there must be a kitchen in here that they use. [ Eustace and Tifa, that is. ] Let us find it.

Can you all wait in here, please?

[ Ever polite, Susato addresses the dogs, but you can practically hear the record scratch going off in her head.

Partners? ]

[ Alas, Ori doesn’t know what a record is, much less what a proverbial record scratch going off in one’s head would sound like. But at least she notices that Susato seems to be… Paused in thought, somehow, leaving only the sound of enthusiastically wagging tails and equally ecstatic panting from the dogs to fill the air. Ori looks up from starting to portion out the various parts of the doggy dinner into bowls. ]

—Hm? Is something wrong, Susato?

Hm?

[ Susato turn in Ori's direction, looking almost longingly, but perhaps it's best if one of them keep the dogs company after all. ]

Oh! No, not at all. I wanted to help you. I mean... I still can! But I suppose I was just curious about your... partners. [ That s at the end may have been slurred in at the last moment. ]

Oh.

[ So that was it. Well, Ori was worried it was something worse, so she turns her attention back to assembling doggy dinner as she adds, ]

My boyfriends, Diluc and Thoma. I have two, and before you ask - we're all together, so I'm not two-timing them or anything! They're boyfriends with each other, too. Ah, wait, you've met Diluc, haven't you?

N, No, I wasn't--

[ --going to ask. At least, she doesn't intend to pry? Susato's mouth is open, but when Ori goes on, she shuts it again and lets her finish. She doesn't quite hold up her hands in surrender, but a part of her probably wants to. ]

I mean, y, yes... I've met Mr Diluc.

[ ......She opens her mouth to say more, but just winds up stepping past all the pups to close the distance between herself and Ori. When the pups start to follow, she turns to stop them, placing a hand to her lips in a polite shhhing motion. ]

Oh—

[ Wait, was she not about to ask about her partners? Oops. Her cheeks flush a little bit even as she scoops some boiled sweet potatoes into one of the bowls. ]

Um, well, he's one of my partners. S—Sorry, were you going to ask about something else?

[ Some of the dogs, meanwhile, give a few barks as if to remind them that they're still there. It's Ori's turn to hold a finger up to her lips to shush them, and then quietly ask them to please be patient. ]

[ No, she was definitely going to ask. She just wasn't going to, um, accuse her of..."two-timing"? She's still not 100% she understands that, but rather continue digging this hole, she decides to help Ori with the meat.

She shakes her head, scooting past her to grab another spoon for scooping. These dogs are definitely going to be spoiled rotten. ]

No, um... What I mean is, I... I was curious what you meant. By "partners." But I also... wish to respect your privacy. I...

[ Yeah, ngl, she would never have guessed Diluc. ]

I didn't know.

[ To be fair to Susato, and in full offense to Ori, the tiefling has always fumbled through explanations of her relationships. She’s never really been in a relationship before, much less a polyamorous one.

Still, she’s had to do this on a few occasions by now, and Susato has always been so respectful and polite that Ori feels more comfortable once again fumbling through said explanation without accidentally making herself out to be some kind of two-timing liar. So she waves a hand dismissively and passes a bowl over for Susato to portion some meat out to. ]

I-It’s okay! You can ask. I, um. I know this kind of relationship isn't very common or conventional. But I sort of… Had fallen for both of them at the same time, and it turned out that they felt the same way with each other, too, so we decided to just… All be together!

[ Susato takes the first bowl, grateful for something to do--and also the invitation to ask. Clearly Ori is an expert on matters of the heart. If only she'd known sooner, the tiefling could have saved this poor girl a lot of inner turmoil.

But, well... that was in the past now, wasn't it? There seems to be a distant smile on her face as she adds the meat to the bowl. We decided to just all be together. ]

When you put it that way, it is... rather delightfully simple.

[ For what it's worth, it is not entirely unheard of or even uncommon where she is from. She seems a little too distracted to mention it, though. ]

[ That Susato’s expression has taken on a bit of a rueful edge to it, when compared to her usual cheer, it’s impossible for Ori not to notice. Perhaps her explanation has made her think back on some experiences? The tiefling smiles in kind, offering an expression of understanding. ]

It is, isn’t it? Yet, I don’t think I would have thought about it that way, if not for Thoma. I had such strong feelings for the both of them, but… If I’d known about how much they cared for each other, too, without Thoma suggesting that we all be together I’m sure I would have tried to keep myself out of the picture.

[ Thankfully, that didn’t end up being the case. ]

…Are you alright, Susato?

[ Susato blinks, coming out of that strange trance. She had been listening to Ori, but doesn't notice the next bowl being handed over. There's a few more to go, right? Had this been an assembly line, Susato would've been guilty of causing a delay. Luckily, she's able to accept the bowl hurriedly, looking apologetic. ]

Oh, yes! I, I'm sorry, I was just thinking that... I understand. [ She does see a little bit of herself in Ori, if she is honest. ] If my partner showed feelings for someone else... I don't think I would have the courage to suggest such a thing, either.

[ Even if it was someone else she cared about deeply.

. . . ]

I suppose I am lucky in that regard. Perhaps we both are, you and I. [ In different ways. ]

[ Oriphi nods along in understanding; luckily the worst they’ll face in this situation are the dogs being more voracious about begging for their food, and she’s a patient person besides, so she simply resumes the task at hand once Susato focuses back in on it, too. ]

Very lucky, indeed. I would have considered myself lucky to have even one wonderful partner, but I have two.

[ She casts a sidelong glance at her fellow dogsitter as they continue to prepare the doggy dinner. ]

I take it that you have someone special in your life too, then, right?

[ She doesn't think about it. Meat goes in the bowl with the potatoes, and then the bowl gets placed to the side for the next one. After the second or third bowl, she does note how good it looks and smells, though.

Lucky dogs.

Her back straightens slightly at the question, and she clears her throat. ]

J, Just one! Yes... but I, I've never felt that he was lacking, or... or that I needed anyone else.

Edited (typo fkjshd) 2022-08-01 20:56 (UTC)

Um, not that I think you feel that way, of course! But I...

... We are still... somewhat new to this, I think...

Edited (i've edited for less shhhh) 2022-07-28 03:07 (UTC)

[ Between having Eustace and Tifa as their “parents,” and having caretakers like Ori and Susato and others… These dogs really are the most powerful beings in all of Reverein.

Ori’s eyes widen somewhat at Susato’s comment, wondering where it came from or if she still hasn’t accurately portrayed how much her own relationships didn’t come out of any feelings of lacking or unfaithfulness and in fact were the opposite. Truth to tell, if Ori were to pick anyone out of their trio to be “lacking,” she would always readily pick herself, and she certainly hasn’t been without days, especially when they first started out, wherein she felt she wasn’t enough and that Thoma and Diluc would be better off without her. But - they’re not talking about her relationships, now. ]

T-That's okay! You two must be so young, there's no need to rush into anything, right? Um… What’s his name? Did you two meet here, or…?

[ Her partner at least is not as young as Ori might think, especially not given the additional time he spent in the Realm of Stories. Their age gap is actually quite significant. Is that... strange?

Susato shakes her head. ]

Oh, no. I've known and looked up to him for a long time. My whole life, in fact. We are childhood friends.

[ She continues scooping while she speaks. Another full bowl is pushed to the side. ]

Now that I think of it--when I told Mr Diluc, he told me he had a friend like that, too. But...

[ Anyway... ]

...Um, his name is Kazuma Asogi.

[ Ori would think nothing of such a gap, honestly. After all, she comes from a world where different races of folks can have very different life spans. Many of her closest friends are in their hundreds, and if they fell in love with somebody Ori’s age or something comparable for a different race, she wouldn’t be shocked.

Susato’s revelation that her partner is her childhood friend, followed by an allusion to one of Diluc’s, has Ori’s expression brightening in recognition and then softening in contemplation. Perhaps she’s referring to Diluc’s now-estranged brother, but she’s also sure that he must have had more than a few childhood friends given what she knows of his upbringing.

The look of recognition is also due to the fact that Diluc has certainly mentioned Kazuma’s name in passing before, although the details are escaping her at the moment. For a rather fantastical realm of dreams that pulls all manner of beings in from many different realities… This world can sure feel small. ]

Oh… I see! I haven’t met him myself, but I think he and Diluc might know each other?

[ She smiles. ]

In any case, that’s wonderful! And so sweet, too, that you and your childhood friend are together now. I wish you two all the happiness in the world.

[ Ori would have seen him at Diluc and Barok's bar. She should have just said as much, but she waits a little too long and Ori ends up saying something very, very sweet. Pushing the final bowl aside, she looks distant again for a moment.

All the happiness in the world. ]

I hope he is.

[ One bark from the other room starts a hungry chorus, and suddenly Susato is pulled back to ~~Earth~~ Songerein. ]

I, I mean, thank you! [ Oops. ]

[ There’s a distance in Susato’s expression that dulls Oriphi’s warm smile for a moment, and she has to wonder what’s going through the younger woman’s mind, especially given some of the other things she’s said over the course of this conversation. By the time that she seems to snap back into the moment, Ori has taken some of the bowls up to start distributing them to each of the dogs just as they erupt into hungry chaos. ]

You’re welcome!

[ And since she said “I hope he is,” and all... ]

But you should both seek happiness, okay? His happiness should never, ever come at the expense of yours.

[ What Ori can probably hear is: Are you done yet? Is it ready? Almost like a child asking "Are we there yet?" on a long trip. To Susato, it's mostly just whining. It's a little hard to concentrate, but she'll take Ori's lead easily enough, scooping up the bowls that she wasn't able to take.

She follows her into the chaos. ]

Those are wise words from someone who would have readily removed herself from the picture. [ A gentle tease. ] ...But I understand. We fully intend to seek happiness together. I am just... [ To put it vaguely: ] helping him through some things right now.

[ The smile that Ori gives Susato in kind is sheepish and sympathetic in equal measure, one that says, "Oh, you got me."

She momentarily pauses the conversation, if only to address the dogs briefly: ]

No stealing each other's food, okay? There's enough for everyone!

[ She doesn't receive a response from the dogs, only because their mouths are now preoccupied with gobbling up the delicious meal. With mealtime underway in earnest, she turns her attention back to Susato. ]

I see... [ Everyone's got their own things to work through, after all. ] I'm sure he appreciates you being there for him, as his significant other. I almost feel like it's important here, more than usual, to work through all sorts of complicated feelings and thoughts. I mean, if not, things could go very wrong with the magic here...

[ The dogs have stopped barking! Susato chuckles at the sight, almost as if she is taking in their hard work. They're far beyond the point of things going "wrong" with the magic (sadly, that's already happened), but at the very least, she can say she is helping him move on. Heal. ]

You're right. [ For a moment that's all she can say. She just watches the dogs at first, but then picks up again, finding it easier to speak when she's not looking directly at Ori. ] Well... we all have our demons. Some are simply a little stronger than others. That's what I told him.

[ Something to that effect, anyway. Some months ago now. ]

Reality isn't like my favorite stories. Proud warriors do not always win over evil, culprits are not always caught... but I made sure he knew that I would not be deterred. [ She'll earn his happy ending, one way or another. She won't stop fighting for it. ]

[ Ori hums thoughtfully and in understanding, nodding her head in agreement, too. Although she can't pretend to fully understand Susato's relationship, nor is she privy to everything going through the young woman's mind in these moments... She would like to think that she understands, somewhat. A few months ago, her partners saw the worst of her fears and nightmares and still found it in them to love her. Then a few months after that, they nearly lost Diluc to the nightmare energy consuming him, too. ]

Staying determined and patient... That's all we can really do, right?

[ She smiles at Susato. ]

I guess I don't know for sure how old you are, Susato, but you definitely seem like the kind of person who's very mature for their age. Kazuma must be really grateful to have you at his side.

[ As Kazuma's assistant, there are some days she feels like she should speak on his behalf, but for something like this... well. Ori would meet him someday, perhaps, and he could tell her himself how grateful he was. Susato would certainly like to think he is, however, so she tries to appear confident when she smiles back. ]

. . . I am 17, now that you mention it.

[ It's never really come up between them, has it? She always knew Ori was older, but she never knew by how much. Because Ori's not exactly a human, it's hard to tell... ] How about you?

[ Seventeen…! Ori’s brows hitch up in a mild surprise. At seventeen, Ori herself was a bumbling mess, barely able to stay afloat and survive as a mercenary… Susato is so mature and refined! ]

Wow…

[ She feels so self-conscious all of a sudden?? ]

I’m, uh. Twenty-four now.

Edited (html..!!) 2022-08-15 03:04 (UTC)

[ There's something that changed about the way Ori held herself. It feels like she just shrunk a little bit, but Susato tilts her head, giving her an encouraging look. Once upon a time, she looked up to Kazuma as an older brother. Maybe she could use an older sister as well...?

Either way-- ]

Now that I think of it, I turned seventeen not too long after I woke up in Reverein. But those first days were such a whirlwind, I really didn't get to celebrate.

[ She can't shrink much more than she already has, given the fact that she's a bit shorter than Susato....... ]

Goodness. You're so mature and put-together, Susato. That's incredible!

[ She can't help but laugh - but she is laughing at herself, and her arm comes up to scratch at her head. ]

[ It is? I am? Susato doesn't say anything, but her expression in itself seems to ask. Either way, she is smiling, though there is a slight nervous edge to it as she averts her eyes. ]

Oh, I don't know about that... but, thank you.

[ There's a pause, during which Susato feels compelled to return the compliment with one of her own, but her mind goes hopelessly blank. There is plenty to compliment, though, so it's not as though it's a failure on Ori's part. More Susato's own. ]

...Shall we check on the corgis next?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[05] A woman's best friends

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

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

1/3

2/3

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