closed ⚡🌠 can we come back from this

[starshower]

Who: Eustace & Tifa
Which: Closed log
Where: Their treehouse, corgi tree, maybe some other places
What: After Eustace's Noctaere episode, he and Tifa try to put their relationship back together.
Warnings: Trauma, lots of sads, and then probably gross fluff after.


[It had been a struggle even getting home. After they and the others had arrived at Ori's home together, it was at Tifa's insistence that she and Eustace go back to theirs. For as grateful and appreciative as she was for all their help in saving the both of them, there are some things that Tifa would rather they be alone for, and this... whatever this is, is one of them. Never mind the guilt that she feels for having been the one to put them all through it—Eustace can argue with her all he likes, and they can all contend that they shouldn't feel that way, that none of it was her fault, but ever since she woke up from her weakened and frozen state, Tifa couldn't look any one of them in the eye.

Including Eustace.

Even as she walks with their arms slung around each other for support with Eria at their side, the journey home is silent. Only the stirrings of dawn can be heard—the birds that chirp in the canopies, the sound of dew dripping from the leaves, but nothing is quite so loud as their staggered footsteps, or her heart beating wildly in her chest, and her blood roaring in her ears.

Tifa tries to keep her anxiety to a minimum, tries to keep her thoughts straight, but all she can see are the claws of those lindworms as they came down to strike, and their scales that shimmered as they slithered around her. All she can hear are his desperate cries, and the sound of ice and electricity crackling as her vision darkened and her consciousness had begun to fade... She remembers the chill, the grips of death when it threatened to consume her, how cold his fingers were as they brushed against her face. The red in his eyes...

And then when she woke and saw the destruction he'd left behind. Saw her friends bruised and battered from battle. Saw him like that...

The thought is cut short by a sharp breath when they finally arrive at the foot of the stairs leading up to their home, her boot bumping against them when she hadn't been paying attention. The climb up is as dreadful as everything else had been, and she can feel the heat under her boots, the fires that try to claw their way out of the cage she tries to lock them in, to struggle against the trail of ice that forms in their wake. Even the tree's branches and leaves shudder as they walk through the front door, the flowers that decorate their tree that were once bright and vibrant freezing over and shriveling up, dying without a fighting chance.

It isn't until they're safely inside that Tifa so much as looks at him for the first time since they were at Ori's. Perhaps even before. Really looks at him. He's bruised and cut up, and he looks more tired than she's ever seen him.

Her hands fold together as she skirts her gaze away again, down to where she tries to stop her fingers from trembling when she bites back the urge to sob.

Tifa wants to say something, but... what is she even supposed to say? What can she say right now that would make this easier for both of them? She searches and searches her mind for an answer to the question that's been wracking her since they left the cliffside, but she's still coming up short of nothing.

Eria trots over and nudges Tifa with her nose, as if to encourage her to say something to break this tense silence before it all snaps. So, she blurts out the first thing that comes to mind in a voice so tiny that she's not even sure she's said anything at all, and it crackles, as if this is the first time she's ever spoken a word in her life. It certainly feels that way right now.]

... Do you want to get cleaned up first?

[First.

She kicks herself for it. Any other day and she would have suggested together, but her fear—not of him, but fear for them—is getting the better of her, and maybe that's for the best.]

Comments

[flamekthunder]

[He could make a quip, but he feels Eria grumbling and he just smirks before he turns around to ruffle her side (which she gives an indignant huff—and small thump of her tail) and then sits back up again to actually eat.]

Not for you.

[Just cutting their hopes and dreams right now.]

Any plans for the day?

[starshower]

Hm?

[Her brows arch with curiosity, and she lowers her cup.]

Not that I know of. Was just planning on staying in for the day.

[Then again, that's been pretty much every day which is surprising... She imagined herself working day in an day out at the Harvest a week ago, or cleaning the house until she scrubbed the wood raw, but she's been taking that much-needed rest that everyone has told her to. It feels a bit strange not having any plans or not being busy with anything for once... but...

Surprisingly, it's been nice.]

Why? Did you have something in mind?

[flamekthunder]

No... I was just thinking with all the dogs here, it's been a while since we took them out on a walk, let alone been to their tree.

[He reaches down to Cadoc who is by his knee, ruffling his ears.]

[starshower]

[She doesn't even need to think about it.]

After breakfast, let's get cleaned up and go. Wouldn't mind the fresh air, and... Could probably check up on both trees, to be honest.

[How long has it been since they've taken a walk to the flower's tree too???

But all of the dogs at least seem to agree, with the way that a few of them speak up, others lifting their heads the moment they hear the word "walk".]

[flamekthunder]

[A light grin.]

Should we make a little trip out of it?

[Like a picnic...they really could use the break.]

[starshower]

I wouldn't mind that at all. Seems everyone else is up to it, too.

[And so, the choir of barks grows ever louder. Tifa is already cutting herself a bigger bite of her pancake and stuffing it into her mouth, not bothering to finish chewing it before she speaks with puffy cheeks and a crinkled nose.]

A little family date.

[flamekthunder]

[He can't help but smile in amusement and reach over to playfully poke her cheek.]

Then we'll plan for that.

...Do we have enough food here to prepare or do I need to head out for a quick grocery run?

[starshower]

[And she'll playfully grab his wrist and pull it away, taking a brief moment to swallow the bite of pancake and wash it down with some coffee.]

I think I can figure something out. There should be enough for a couple sandwiches at least, if you're alright with that.

[Besides, if she's honest with herself, she'd rather keep him here and close to her if and when she can.]

I can get it ready while you wash up after breakfast, so eat up. And maybe we can stop by the markets on the way home.

[flamekthunder]

[Cute.]

All right. The dogs could probably help fetch whatever we needed, anyway.

[Wait, that's an idea—train them to pick up small groceries. (Why is there not a delivery system here yet—)

And with all that mind, they enjoy a peaceful breakfast. Of course...two pairs of eyes always linger at that plate of bacon, but Eustace is ruthless and eats his full share. He only hands them all another piece afterwards. Okay he always planned to give them one more, but they have to learn to wait and not beg!

Regardless, it was a peaceful, quiet breakfast with the usual idle chatter and enjoying each other's company. Despite protests, Eustace will help clean up the dishes before heading back to properly wash up and change into more fitting clothes. A few dogs follow him in, and although seemingly innocuous, there was a purpose.

Quietly in the bathroom he converses with Cadoc. In truth this whole ploy to get out to the Corgi tree was because after days of searching, they have finally found Tifa's missing necklace. While they had managed to return it to Eustace on the rare day he was out on errands and he had been able to drop both his and her necklace off to be repaired, he hadn't been able to retrieve it.

With the dogs help, they were able to pick up the necklaces and bring them to the Corgi tree. Eria thinks he's overcomplicating things, and maybe he is. But he wants it to be a nice surprise and involve everyone.

It doesn't take him too long to get ready and finalize discussions before he's back out.]

[starshower]

[She does find it a bit odd that some of the dogs follow him. That was something that Clover did on the regular but did the corgis usually do it? She shrugs it off as them just being over-protective and a bit clingy and while he's freshening up for the day, Tifa gets to work on prepping their picnic. There isn't much left in the way of food, given that they've exhausted most of their supply and haven't gone to the marketplace in a while, but she makes it work.

A couple of roasted chicken sandwiches, some cut vegetables and dip, a little container of mixed berries, some roasted nuts, and a canteen of water all packed neatly into a backpack... which, in the end, she's surprised herself with how much she was able to scrounge up.

It's all ready by the time he's finished, and she takes her turn in cleaning up and getting ready. And when they leave, Tifa, Eustace, and all of the dogs piling out of the house in a disorderly fashion, the sun is already midway through to its highest point in the blue skies. The tree is flourishing compared to even a few days ago when the blossoms had just started to form again with the branches brightly coloured with all its vibrant flowers that greet them, waving in the breeze.

Together, they go to the flower tree first, cutting through the dog park to get there. There's plenty of laughter as the corgis dart around on the grass, the younger ones chasing one another while the older dogs stick to Eustace and Tifa's sides. The flower dogs are there to greet them when they arrive, leaping up and barking their hellos, their tails flapping wildly as each one seeks pets and kisses and hugs while Rose waits patiently behind the pack, seated, but even Tifa can see that her tail swings behind her, thumping against the floor.

It'll be a while before they've all calmed down that they can leave again, now with all thirteen dogs in tow. They play along the way, flowers and corgis tackling one another and rolling around in the dirt together, and Tifa tries to remember the last time they were all in the same place like this, and all of them happy. It fills her heart with warmth and love, and she slips her hand into Eustace's and gives it a squeeze in a silent gesture of affection as they all walk together to the corgi tree.

By then, it's already almost noon after their leisurely stroll, and the corgis seem just as happy to be here as she does. They all bolt to the tree, barking and singing and begging for mom and dad to hurry as they come up the path.

With a bit of a sheepish smile, Tifa gives Cadoc a scratch behind the ear as he looks up at her from near her legs.]

Feels like it's been a while since we've been here...

[For Tifa, at least.

Fortunately, they have a big family that taking care of the corgis hasn't been much of an issue, and they've spent a lot of time at Eustace and Tifa's tree as well as with the flowers after the incident, but...]

It's nice to be back.

[flamekthunder]

[It's a wonder how walking with all the dogs again can feel so...invigorating. Refreshing. A reminder of past days and potential future ones. Seeing the Flower pups grown now is still a bit saddening, but they are no less cute and energetic.

When they reach the tree, Eustace softly smiles and squeezes Tifa's hand.]

Mm... Will probably have to do some clean up. But I wonder...

[He slowly walks forward as the corgis rush at the door, waiting to be let in while others run around the "yard."]

...Should we really keep leaving the dogs here?

[starshower]

Hm?

[She tips her head at Eustace as she opens the door for them, and they go rushing inside.]

You think we should keep them at our place? There even enough room?

[Not that Tifa has a problem with it. Quite the opposite, actually, and there's an amused swing to her voice as she watches them all run dart up the stairs barking amongst themselves. It's been more lively having them around, and they have definitely played a very big part in helping to speed up their recovery emotionally simply by being around.]

[flamekthunder]

Hmm...

[He glances around idly, almost with some nostalgia.]

...Truthfully I had once considered moving out here to live so I could look after the dogs.

[He then looks at her.]

But after being with you... I thought it would be easier to stay where we are now. As you know I was looking into a door to connect the two places, but... Maybe it would be easier if I just expanded our home.

There's plenty of space at the bottom and could hollow out the tree a bit. I think the tree would be okay with it. Could even consider expanding the main floor a bit...

[starshower]

[Her eyes never leave him as he explains, even as she leads them over the threshold to follow into the tree, but her expression is teeming with surprise and affection, if more of the latter is even possible.

Of course this is something that he's thought about at length. It's sweet, and Tifa's hand squeezes around his.]

I think... that's a great idea.

[While it is nice to have their privacy from time to time, expanding the house to include a lower floor for them to take up isn't a bad idea.

It would certainly help make this part easier and it would free up time that they could be spending together as a family instead.

And it's clear from her expression that it has the gears turning in her head with ideas...]

We could make it a little space just for them! Build some stuff into the tree. Like... beds and places to play...!

[flamekthunder]

[A light smile as he sees her being so enthusiastic about it. He knew she would, but it is true they would lose their privacy. Still... He feels bad about them going away all the time, and if they build it right, maybe they could uh. Do something about the noise so they won't be as bothered and they could still have their private, separate living spaces for the night.]

Yes, exactly. Especially with winter coming soon, it will make it easier to ensure they have everything they need.

[He then moves to place his hand on the wall, looking around the space.]

But I wonder what to do about this place... I don't want to abandon it and I'm sure the corgis still think of this as their home in some ways. It was their birth place.

[starshower]

[They'll figure it out. Where Eustace is concerned, things always fall into place somehow, and the way that Tifa is picturing it in her head, she thinks they won't have to sacrifice much of their own privacy at all. It's not as if the dogs want any part of it anyway, so at least everyone is on the same page...!!!

Tifa pauses, and her free hand finds his arm, and she gives him a sweet smile.]

I know. But no one's saying that we have to get rid of this place. We could always do something special with it. Clean it up a bit, turn it into a little getaway house we can come to when we wanna get away for a while. The dogs could come and go if they wanted, too.

[Or something else entirely, but their options are almost endless with what they could do with this tree without abandoning it. Tifa knows how special this place is to all of them, and if she were in their position, she wouldn't want to completely leave it behind either.]

[flamekthunder]

Mm...

[A soft smile when he feels Rhonwhen nudge him with her nose, and his expression brightens a little more as he reaches down to pet her.]

I've had a few other thoughts, but... Perhaps I'm thinking too much.

[starshower]

[Tifa moves them a little further into the house, the dogs coming back around to guide them and nudge them inside, and she shakes her head once they're standing in the center of the living room. It's a little dusty in here, but... it's still warm. Welcoming.

Like home.]

I doubt that.

[There's no such thing as far as she's concerned. Eustace is just the kind of person who goes out of his way for those he cares about...]

What kinds of things were you thinking of?

[Tell her!! is what her smile says.]

[flamekthunder]

[He glances at her and the dogs, hesitating a little. He even runs his hand over his mouth as if contemplating how to say the idle thought that had been on the back of his mind. Eustace finally lets out a breath and turns to her.]

It's...not something I thought too much about, but... I did wonder if this could be some kind of refuge or haven for stray dogs...

[starshower]

[Tifa waits with a patient, growing smile. This has been something on his mind for a while, hasn't it? Something that he's kept close to his heart until now. Even as he claims that he hasn't, Tifa does wonder.

It's sweet, and it's even sweeter when she hears his idea.

Because it's so very him.]

Eustace.

[Is it at all possible for her to love this man any more than she already did? Apparently so.

She wraps her arms around him.]

That's an amazing idea. And I think... you should consider it. More seriously than just an idea in your head. You would be doing a lot to help.

[flamekthunder]

[Although her arms are comforting, for some reason he feels.......strangely vulnerable. He shouldn't, it's just an idea, but... Maybe. Maybe it's because it's such a... Mundane, domestic kind of idea that he's never allowed himself to have before, it feels...so strange to actually voice it aloud. To have such thoughts means that he's thinking of something in his future, and his future... He had been so long focused on one thing, and he only recently started to move on his own free will. He had decided to set his life with Tifa, but what did that life entail? His decisions are no longer his own... Those thoughts are now theirs—between him and her.

It's not as if it hasn't hit him before, but...something about this, this...figuring out what he'll actually be doing with his life, something that is completely different from what he's used to—it really hits him now.]

There are still some logistics to figure out, like having someone stationed to keep an eye on the dogs. I'd also still like to be able to quickly travel between the two trees...

[A small, almost timid light smile as he looks at her.]

Could link it to that bar café you were thinking about...

[starshower]

[She can sense that vulnerability—she can see it in the way he carries himself when he talks about it. This hesitation and shyness are a bit surprising, especially when he's always the one encouraging her to be open about everything she wants, and while she doesn't know herself what exactly is going on in his head, Tifa can at least empathize.

Her head lifts from his chest when he makes mention of the bar, and her wide, round eyes blink up at him before she breaks out into an even bigger, brighter smile.]

You think so?

[It's really not a bad idea... and one of her hands reaches back to tap at her chin.]

I guess... it wouldn't be all that different from that one in Celliwig, huh? People could come for drinks, meet the dogs, and maybe even consider adopting...? Something like that?

[flamekthunder]

[A small nod.]

Yeah. Though it might be easier if there was a location in town... For the dogs, I mean.

[And now small sigh as he contemplates.]

The distance is still a problem... Unless this place is more for the Wildlands species...

[starshower]

There's a lot to think about, yeah.

[Her fingers reach up to brush his hair back as he breathes out that sigh, and her brows lace together with a touch of concern.]

Having it out here would give them lots of space to run around, but the city would get more traffic—ah.

[Tifa quickly shakes her head. She's getting a little ahead of herself, but even just the idea of it is exciting.]

We've got time... and we can figure this out together, okay?

[flamekthunder]

[He looks at her for a moment before his expression relaxes a bit and he leans a little into her touch.]

...Mm, you're right. I've never done or thought anything like this before so it's...a little strange for me.