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

[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.

[starshower]

Well...

[A shy giggle escapes her, and her thumb traces over the curve of his jaw.]

That's what you got me for, right?

[Once again, they strike that perfect balance, she realizes, as she watches his expression soften, and hers follows suit. And Tifa rises on her tiptoes and waits for him to meet her and offer his cheek up for a kiss.

Between both of them, she has no doubt that they can turn this into a very real thing. They're both resourceful in their own way, and where one lacks, the other could easily pick up, and honestly?

She bounces and rolls on the balls of her feet, embarrassed.]

Once the wedding's done, this might be a fun project...

[flamekthunder]

[He does as she hints and leans down so she can give him that cheek kiss, his heart feeling strangely warm by such a simple, sweet gesture. He then turns so he can wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her towards him after that little bounce her.]

Mm... I think it will be.

[Of course, their little sweet moment won't last long as the dogs bark at them. So he only lingers a few moments before he finally pulls away.]

Guess we should start cleaning up here. Could start bringing back some of their things, too.

[starshower]

[So much for them to think about in the future. First, expanding the tree for the dogs. And then... what to do with this place once they're all moved in. What to transform this into? Not to mention, it doesn't necessarily have to be the café that she was thinking of, but something completely different. They are two busybodies, so she doesn't foresee it being a problem... and as far as she sees it, she isn't about to complain about more time to spend with him.

Even if it is work, it's something they would both enjoy... and something they could do at each other's sides.

Tifa leans into him as his arms circle around her waist, and she lets herself take a moment to savour this feeling. She remembers Aerith's words... the things she said about looking forward. Looking towards the future that's still all a blank page, waiting to be written. The past is the past, and they can't go back and change it, but this is a good first step in healing, and getting back to building that life that they both want and seek here...

She takes a second longer to pull away as the dogs come bounding in around them, that feeling of relief a bit too overwhelming for her as she glances at him with a smile before she steps back to take a look around them.]

Mm... Their favourite toys are a must.

[Idris barks in agreement and runs off, returning seconds later with a ball in his mouth with eyes that say "look mom!"

And as she glances about the room, taking measure of the amount of work that needs to be done, she rests her hands on her hips and peers over her shoulder to Eustace.]

How are you thinking of expanding the house anyway?

[Just some chatter while she starts to gather some cleaning supplies.]

[flamekthunder]

Hmmm.

[As he ruffles the ears of Aerona who runs around him before moving over to where some boxes and containers are stored, he contemplates.]

I haven't thought too much just yet... While it would be nice if the tree was hollowed out so we could have interior stairs, we can still use the outside to access if we can't get that done. I'm not even sure how to go about it, anyway... Ask the tree?

[A small, wry grin before he continues.]

But I imagine... A wooden exterior built around the tree, following the curve of the stairs. Even if it's primarily for the dogs... Should anyone need to stay over, it wouldn't be bad to have a place.

[Not that he's chomping at the bit to bave guests, but the situation back when they were all at Oriphi's came to mind. If anyone they knew was hurt or needed help, or even if they needed someone to watch the house and dogs while they go away, it wouldn't be so bad to have that separate section accessible to someone else.]

Perhaps another small kitchen, just to make it easier to prepare their food... But not necessary. So at least one extra bedroom with a large bathroom, and then the rest is just an open area...

An open bathing area for the dogs would also be useful to help keep things a little cleaner.

I've also considered building a small shed to serve as a stable for the horses. We live close enough to an open field it could work.

[A small glance.]

You could expand your garden, too...

["Didn't think much" his ass. In fairness these thoughts had idly come to him from time to time and not all at once. But once he started talking about it and recalled each piece... He really had thought a fair bit, even if superficially.]

[starshower]

["I haven't thought too much just yet..."

Tifa's smile to herself only grows as she takes a broom in her hands and begins to gently sweep at the dusty floors around him while she listens... and just when she thinks he's finished thinking those thoughts out loud, he comes back with more. And more. And more... until he's done and there are little stars twinkling around Tifa's head.]

Yeah. [She pauses and fixes him with a fond grin from across the room.] Definitely haven't thought too much about it yet.

[Just calling him out a little bit, but she's beaming so bright that it almost looks like the sun is shimmering behind her as it filters in through the windows.]

I actually really love the sound of all of this. A cute little kitchen, and they could have their own room! You'll definitely have your work cut out for you, though. [... A pause, and her eyes go wide.] Oh, and don't forget about someplace for the snowberries, too.

[flamekthunder]

[He just gives a small roll of his eyes in return—but yes, he realizes how much he ended up saying. Much more than he really expected.]

It may be better if I request for help... But the snowberries.

[A small furrow of his brows as he pauses in tossing in one of the corgi's toys into the bin in his hands.]

We were thinking of some kind of...winterhouse? [As opposed to a greenhouse. Though with dreamotion, it probably would be possible to have both sections...]

[starshower]

[Oh, please. It's cute! No need to roll his eyes, and if anything, it only makes her smile that much wider.]

I think... something like that.

[A tiny laugh, and she sets the broom down on the floor as she thinks back.]

Maybe even just a little mini winterhouse... like a little terrarium... [And now there's a flush to her face.] With your dreamotion in it to keep it cold for the berries.

[flamekthunder]

So a mix...

[He considers it seriously for a moment before he puts in the last toy and closes the lid, idly throwing a ball for Idris who had stopped by to investigate what he was doing.]

It might be possible. A mix of cores, dreamotion and other technology...

And then a glance over at her with a grin.]

Could use yours to keep other areas warm.

[starshower]

Yeah. I was thinking that... An icehouse and a greenhouse.

[And that's part of why she's blushing, and she gets back to sweeping up some of the dust on the kitchen floor into a dustpan.]

I'm sure there are plenty of people we could ask about that... about all this stuff. Bet there'd be a few who'd be happy to step up.

[He mentioned something about asking for help anyway, so why not expand it a little further past the expansion of the house?]

...And then... I could take care of decorating once it's all done.

[flamekthunder]

Do you have anything in mind?

[starshower]

For decorations?

[Now there's something that she hasn't thought about, but... she looks around the corgi's tree, trying to imagine in her mind's eye what this might look like at the bottom of theirs instead, and what it might have inside it.]

Well... maybe we could get some pawprint rugs for starters. That'd be important for winter, I think. And... [She starts to wander towards him, a whimsical look in her eyes when they land on Eustace.] What about little holes in the wall for them to sleep? Like little paw-shaped cubbies carved into it. With lots of pillows and blankets.

[A shy giggle bubbles up in her chest, and she withdraws a bit, wondering if maybe this last part is a bit much? Or maybe it all is... This was his idea after all, and here she is steamrolling him with more ideas of her own.]

... Little hangers on the wall with their names on them where we could hang up some cute sweaters for them when it's cold?

[flamekthunder]

[...Hoh. As he listens, he can't help but smile.]

Did you only think of all this just now or have you been thinking about it?

[A light little tease to get back at her from before.]

[starshower]

[Her fingers curl tight around the broom before she tucks it beneath an arm and leans it against herself, and she can feel the colour and the heat in her face deepening. Yeah, she knows what he's doing...

And it's working.

Aerona, who's been nudging herself between them this whole time, whines in confusion as she stares between the two of them, wondering what they might be talking about... and why mom has suddenly stopped sweeping!?]

A little bit of both...

[Maybe not the decorations, but...]

Been waiting for winter to come around again to see if they'd like some jackets, or sweaters. [She brings her hands up in front of her and waves them like little paws making a begging motion. Why did she do that? In all her embarrassment, she doesn't know.] And I thought the personalized hangers would be cute...

[flamekthunder]

[...

....

What is she doing and why is it adorable? No, the effect is too great, Eustace practically drops the box he was setting down before he manages to catch it. ...Even worse was the great and sudden impulse to just take her hand and drag her upstairs.......................................

Eria is right, I really do have a problem.

Awkwardly glancing away as he tries to repress the sudden urges (repeating various exercise drills from old Society training days helps a little), he then clears his throat. Awkwardly.]

That... I think all of that is nice.

[starshower]

[She doesn't even catch on what it is that has him acting so flustered himself, her head tipping to one side with her hands still up while she tries to grab his gaze again, but he looks away from her before she can. Odd... She's just going to lean the broom against the nearest wall with a crooked smile so that she can move on to wiping down the tables and counters.]

Yeah, I think so too. Maybe we can find a woodworker who'd be willing to make them.

[And maybe help him with the rest of the house, too.

Speaking of—]

I'm not much of a handywoman myself but I can help with a bit. Not like I've never held a hammer before. And you could teach me what you know.

[flamekthunder]

[It took about ten fast speed repetitions, but he's finally able to clear his head and finally face her properly.]

Mm... We'll figure it out. It'll be nice to have something with our own work, too.

[starshower]

Yeah. Yeah, it will be.

[All of her features soften, and she paises in scrubbing down the counters to let that feeling sink in. It's a bit... strange to think about. The idea of having all of this to work towards in the future... It isn't somethint she likes to think about often because it's difficult to fight against remembering the nature of this place, but she reminds herself each time that living with that fear will only cripple any happiness she might find...

But this feels different than all of those other times.

Maybe it's because she knows that a wedding... their wedding is on the horizon, but thinking about a future past that isn't a thought that crosses her mind often. Standing here talking about it with him and surrounded by all the dogs really makes it all sink in...

She is marrying him. They have a home together. A family. A future that they can work toward and look forward to... that they built together. Something that neither of them ever imagined they would find.

The urge to rush across the room and kiss him right now runs deep, but there is a small corgi at her ankles with a ball in his mouth that he drops, and barks to remind them both that they promised a picnic... and as a result, a long game of fetch with Idris' favourite ball!!!]

Alright! Let us finish up here first and then we'll go, okay?

[She looks to Eustace for help when Idris picks up his ball and trots over to him instead.]

Someone's eager for the picnic... We can make this quick, yeah?