Eustace (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flamekthunder) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
songerein2022-09-10 08:32 pm
flamekthunder) wrote in songerein2022-09-10 08:32 pm
Entry tags:
twelfth shot ⊗ semi-closed ⊗ recovery
Who: Eustace, Tifa, and anyone who wants to check in on them
Which: Semi-closed log (backdated/set for early September before upcoming events)
Where: Set locations
What: It's been a rough few days/weeks since Eustace turned noctaere back at the end of August, but he and Tifa have been recovering. They've been mostly keeping to themselves as they work through things, but they've eventually come out a little more often, if often found together. But there are times Eustace can be found on his own should anyone want to meet with him for a little bit. Note: Although this is mostly a consolidated post for people involved in the plot to check in on Eustace and Tifa, the first prompt is open for anyone who wants to meet Eustace for whatever reason!
Warnings: References to the trauma experienced in threads with those who were involved, but otherwise shouldn't be too much.
⊗ a: open - eustace
⊗ b. closed - eustifa visits
Which: Semi-closed log (backdated/set for early September before upcoming events)
Where: Set locations
What: It's been a rough few days/weeks since Eustace turned noctaere back at the end of August, but he and Tifa have been recovering. They've been mostly keeping to themselves as they work through things, but they've eventually come out a little more often, if often found together. But there are times Eustace can be found on his own should anyone want to meet with him for a little bit. Note: Although this is mostly a consolidated post for people involved in the plot to check in on Eustace and Tifa, the first prompt is open for anyone who wants to meet Eustace for whatever reason!
Warnings: References to the trauma experienced in threads with those who were involved, but otherwise shouldn't be too much.
⊗ a: open - eustace
[It took...a lot longer than he would have liked, but by the time he finally feels ready and comfortable in leaving Tifa alone (be it with the other dogs or other friends), he's at least more like his usual self. It's still difficult to shake some of those fears that linger, but as much as he'd rather just stay home and keep themselves, they have to move forward.
So Eustace can be found sometimes out in town, usually with a white wolf or a corgi at his side. Often times it's for a grocery or some kind of errand run, but he'll sometimes look at the board. He doesn't quite have time or the will to go out just yet, but it doesn't hurt to keep tabs on what's going on, like noticing the decorations for the upcoming Faire or noting the new faces that have arrived.
And then on some days... Eustace can be found in the Bark 'N Play dog park with a few other dogs, but there's one he's particularly focused on.]
...Come here, Bri...
[He's kneeling on the grass, a hand with her favorite flower cookie treats held out to her. But the poor darling just whines. It's clear she wants to go to him, but she instead shy and runs away, leaving Eustace to sigh and run a hand through his hair.]
...Dammit.
[Ignore the small rain clouds rolling in.]
So Eustace can be found sometimes out in town, usually with a white wolf or a corgi at his side. Often times it's for a grocery or some kind of errand run, but he'll sometimes look at the board. He doesn't quite have time or the will to go out just yet, but it doesn't hurt to keep tabs on what's going on, like noticing the decorations for the upcoming Faire or noting the new faces that have arrived.
And then on some days... Eustace can be found in the Bark 'N Play dog park with a few other dogs, but there's one he's particularly focused on.]
...Come here, Bri...
[He's kneeling on the grass, a hand with her favorite flower cookie treats held out to her. But the poor darling just whines. It's clear she wants to go to him, but she instead shy and runs away, leaving Eustace to sigh and run a hand through his hair.]
...Dammit.
[Ignore the small rain clouds rolling in.]
⊗ b. closed - eustifa visits
[For those seeking out the couple, one place they could be found is their home. It's not that well known as neither really ever invited people to it, but for anyone searching for them, they could get a little help by any of the dogs to lead them to it. Their tree has taken some hits after the first few nights, their once luscious branches looking a bit weathered and less full. Streaks of black and a hint of frost still linger on the wood in the deepest, darkest shadows, but overall the tree is flourishing. There are fresh new star flowers blooming along the ground and along a few branches, and other flowers are more vibrant than others.
And to confirm their location, their names are on a plaque by the door. A small black cat may also be outside, hopping down from her perch to greet anyone who comes by. A simple knock will be enough to send a bunch of dogs barking that would alert anyone of their presence. Seriously, who needs a doorbell when you have dogs?
If by some chance there is no response at the house, not even a bark, then it means the family has gone out. There are a few options for that: a general walk around the neighborhood, the Bark 'N Play dog park, and the Corgi Tree. One just has to listen to the barking to find them.]
And to confirm their location, their names are on a plaque by the door. A small black cat may also be outside, hopping down from her perch to greet anyone who comes by. A simple knock will be enough to send a bunch of dogs barking that would alert anyone of their presence. Seriously, who needs a doorbell when you have dogs?
If by some chance there is no response at the house, not even a bark, then it means the family has gone out. There are a few options for that: a general walk around the neighborhood, the Bark 'N Play dog park, and the Corgi Tree. One just has to listen to the barking to find them.]
a, sliding in very late
It's around this time that he returned from today's walking, Idris zooming ahead of Beat. Before arriving at the dog park, he spots Bri hiding behind a nearby tree, stoppping his run to bark at her. It isn't long before Beat catches up to Idris, drenched in sweat after their walk had turned into a run.]
Hell, Sonic, you's really makin' it hard to keep up with ya sometimes.
[He then hears the whine, only noticing Bri then, as she peeks out to stare at Eustace a short distance away. Following her gaze, Beat sees the man huddled with his head bent forward.]
Yo, you okay there, Wolfie?
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Been better.
[Can't really say otherwise when he's clearly at a loss.]
How was the...run?
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[Idris barks at that as if knowing that he's being talked about. Beat gets down into a squat, holding out a closed fist to Idris, which the corgi boops with his nose. That gets a chuckle out of Beat, both amused and proud that he's already learned a trick from him.
But he shifts his attention over to the other corgi nearby, her whines impossible to ignore.]
Is somethin' wrong with Princess?
[Besides the nickname of Sonic he's given Idris, he's also given one to Bri. If anything her personality definitely reminded him of one.]
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...The problem is me.
[A small sigh as he watches her with a pang in his heart.]
She's...still traumatized from what happened. She doesn't hate me, but she can't help feeling scared...and she's upset about that, too.
[Both want to come back together, but the fear and guilt in their hearts only keep them apart. A tragic story of a man and his dog...!!]
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He looks over from Eustace to Bri, very different albeit the similar dejected expressions on their faces. In fact, it's weird seeing Eustace looking like that...]
Yo, Princess, you wanna go to dad, right?
[Beat pets her lightly on the head, his other hand pointing towards Eustace to help her understand what had meant. The corgi's ears fold to the sides, whining quietly.]
How's 'bout me and your bro help you out with that? Prob'ly easier if you not alone, right?
[Beat looks over to Idris this time, who barks and pants at the both of them. What he tells her is something everyone had been telling him after his recent nightmare. While he was still trying to work on that, it seemed appropriate for the moment.]
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Kyuuun....!!! The sound of an arrow shot straight to his heart.
It's terrible. She looks so sad but why does it also make her look so damn adorable...!! She's truly his favorite daughter (don't tell Eria—).]
...I'll stay back here. Just don't push her too much...last thing I want is her to be forced.
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You don't gotta worry about that. I got this.
[In the short time Beat has started to walk the corgis, he's learned one key thing about them: they'd do anything for a treat. And honestly, he'd only thought of it because he was the same way.
Taking out one of the treats from his pack, he breaks it down into smaller pieces and walks a short distance from where Bri is hiding towards Eustace. Then, he turns back, getting back down to a squat as he held out his hand and the piece of the treat towards her.]
Jus' come to me aight? We gonna take it real slow.
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...
She ends up shaking her head and buries it under her little paws.
Why is she so adorable—]
Beat, here.
[Unable to stand it, Eustace holds out the treat bag he had been trying to bribe her with as well.]
These are her favorites... Add some flowers and it might get her attention.
[Oh, her ears do perk up a little at the mention of flowers, and Idris barks as if in agreement before he bounds away, sniffing for some that might help.]
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Flowers, huh? If you say so. Gimme a bit.
[He quickly follows after Idris in his search. After a few minutes, the two of them return with a few flowers in Beat's hand and a small bunch between Idris' mouth. Repeating what he did earlier, he holds out the new treat to her while bouncing a daffodil by its stem.]
Aight, let's see if this works this time. C'mon, Bri. Wolfie ain't gonna hurt you.
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...It's okay girl, just take your time.
[Briallen only whines a little, her tail thumping against the ground a little sadly. And when Beat and Idris return, they both look up, Bri's eyes shining a little at the sight of the flowers, her tail moving a little more. So at his beckoning, she starts to move, actually standing up! And the treats...her favorite... Hnnngggh....
She continues to whimper a little as she looks at all of them, Idris letting out a bark of encouragement before she takes...a step!!!]
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Me and your bro's right here, aight? We ain't moving until you get to us.
[Jiggling the flower and treat in front of her once again he tries to coax her forward. After a moment, she takes another shy step forward, then another, slowly making her way closer towards him. When she does, she takes the treat in her mouth, slowly gnawing at it.]
That's it, yo! Good girl.
[Beat gives her a light pat on the head, moving to tuck the flower into her collar as a reward. Once she finishes the treat, he gives her another pet on the head before stepping away and repeating the process. He takes another flower from the bunch Idris has and holds it out with another piece of the treat once more.]
Think you can do that again, Princess?
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So again she looks at them before she takes another step. And another. And a slightly larger one to reach the treats, sniffing at the flowers.]
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Repeating the gesture, he gives her another pat placing the treat right in front of her as he tucks the bunch in his hand around her collar.]
Y'know Wolfie, you prob'ly gotta make her a flower crown or something if she really likes 'em flowers. Can't be a princess without a crown, ain't that right?
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[Eustace looks up at Beat at that, but then he sees how Briallen had also perked her ears and was looking at him. Her eyes...they seem to be shining...
...]
...I can try... The last time I made one was at the Flower Festival... [Just kind of muttering excuses before he finally stands.] Watch her, I know where some of her favorite flowers are.
[IF HE'S GOING TO DO THIS MIGHT AS WELL DO IT RIGHT.]
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You gotta cut the guy a little slack, yo. He's doin' his best.
[Briallen tilts her head to the side a little, watching as Eustace runs away and lets out a small whimper. Seems like both owner and pet wanted the same thing but needed a bit of a push. If Beat needed to be that push, he was more than willing to put in the effort.
By the time Eustace comes back, Beat will be playing tug-of-war with Idris as the dog tugs roughly at the rope in Beat's hand. All the while Bri sits by the side, pawing and sniffing at the flowers that the two left for her.]
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...
This is so pitiful his heart can't take this—
Feeling the flowers starting to wither because of his emotions, he hastily changes his mood, pushing more positive feelings like his adoration and love for the young corgi, as well as the hope that she'll be able to recognize his feelings.]
Here, Bri.
[His voice is soft and gentle as he approaches, holding out the flower crown. There's a bit of hope when she quickly raises her head to look at the crown, her tail wagging a bit. But when he gets closer she shies just a little, and that makes Eustace hesitate as well.
...]
I'll put it down here for—
[Bark! Briallen barks in protest and shakes her head. She wants him to put it on!!! So...so...!!! She closes her eyes and while trembling, she holds out her head.
However, Eustace can only stand at a loss.]
...Bri, you don't have to force it...
[Does...does he actually put it on her??]
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Geez, you takin' too long with this, Wolfie! She's already tellin' you what to do!
[Bri seems to agree with Beat. Despite all her hesitance, she knows what she wants and she's trying to meet Eustace half way. She takes a few more smaller steps towards him.]
Here, lemme help.
[And suddenly Beat drags Eustace by the wrist even closer to the corgi. Once the two of them are right in front of her, he lets go.]
Aight, now finish the job, yo.
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Eustace is surprised by the sudden pull, almost stumbling but managing to keep his footing. He couldn't even bring himself to protest because...he knows Beat is right, and he knows his own hesitation is only worsening things. But it's difficult—the amount of guilt he feels when she looks at him, remembering her cries back then and now...
But, no—he can't keep himself stuck in that rut. Like Beat says, he has to do this.
So with a small, almost nervous breath he slowly kneels down so he's more on her level.]
...I'm sorry for making you wait.
[And with that he gently places the crown on the corgi's hand. If Beat saw his hand trembling—it's a lie, they totally didn't
maybe a little. He'll then quickly retract his hands, not wanting to risk too much with this chance.And although Bri trembles a little, when she feels the crown on her head...she slowly opens her eyes and she has just the most adorable expression with her big eyes and tail wagging slowly as she looks a bit pleased. And maybe critical—her tail stops wagging as her eyes zooms on one crumpled flower. But then she wags her tail again.]
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Getting down to the dogs' height as well, he grins at both Bri and Eustace.]
Now she really lookin' like a princess, yo. [There's a weight on your shoulder right now Eustace, as Beat places his hand on it.] You did aight, Wolfie. The crown ain't lookin' half bad either.
[He says despite not knowing how to even make one...]
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Thanks. ...I needed the push.
[Or in this case, pull.
And there's a bark at their side as Bri also chimes in her thanks...even if she still feels a little shy towards Eustace, she's happier now than before.]
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[And he says that so easily, despite only having known Eustace for a short while. And despite what they had gone through the month prior. While there were still some things from then that bothered Beat, seeing Eustace and Bri only reminded him that he was still dealing with things too.
Subconsciously, he looks up at where he had clocked Eustace with the rifle. He hadn't asked about that after all. But despite that, he doesn't follow up with the question.]
Jus' a bit more and your princess'll probably be back to normal, yo.
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[However, the word "friend" isn't lost upon him, and he glances at Beat. Even now he finds it hard to believe the teen would respond and try to help them. They hadn't known each other long, and the few times they did meet they were mostly messing with each other in some way or another. He wouldn't have blamed him if he never showed up or refused.
Yet...he did.
...]
...I should also thank you again for before...as well as apologize.
[Again. He might have said it already, but... Well. It's all he can really do at the moment.]
How are things with you?
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Naw, you don't gotta yo. Hell, I should be the one doin' that. Your head doin' okay?
[He did try to hold back, but after seeing how everyone else was doing, his anger at the time had overtaken him.]
Things been aight. Like ya said, jus' doin' what we do to get by.
[He really has been keeping busy. Besides the skateboard he was trying to make and the dog-walking, he'd also helped Alphen out with at the smithy and Phantom over at the music studio, leaving him little time to dwell on his own thoughts.]
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[He actually has to think for a moment. Head...what did Beat do...?
.....Ah.]
...When I was...in that state, whatever pain I felt was reduced. But even so, what you did was necessary and honestly I commend you for it.
[And then another look, a bit more studious. After listening and hearing the others, he knows Beat must be affected in his own way. But should he...try to pry? ...He won't say anything for now.]
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[But despite the joke and the misuse of words, Beat had always worn his heart on his sleeve. His smile doesn't reach his eyes and it seems just a little forced. But he doesn't bring it up either, not even sure how to breach the topic.]
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