twelfth shot ⊗ semi-closed ⊗ recovery

[flamekthunder]

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

[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.]

⊗ 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.]

Comments

[stillarhino]

Ain't no biggie, man. Leas' I could do for a friend.

[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.

[flamekthunder]

Mm... Time and continuing our efforts is all we can really do right now.

[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?

[stillarhino]

[The smile on Beat's face shrinks a little, but he shakes his head at Eustace's apology. Nightmares and wounds aside, he's been faring well.]

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.]

[flamekthunder]

My head?

[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.]

[stillarhino]

That's gotta be a first, yo. Ain't no one's ever commented me for curb stompin' them.

[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.]

[flamekthunder]

[He sees it, and again he wonders if he should say anything. But despite whatever opinion he might have had of Beat, he'd feel more remiss if he didn't at least try once. So after carefully petting Briallen who had managed to sneak up next to his leg, he stares at Beat for a moment.]

Is there something on your mind?

[stillarhino]

[The question surprises Beat, his brows moving up his forehead.]

How d'you know?

[The pause that follows doesn't last long, not even waiting for a reply when he answers.]

Guess I'm jus' glad to see that you doin' aight. 'Sides startin' out with the dog walking, we ain't really seen much a' each other since the cliffs.

[That's not all of it, but at least it's a start.]

[flamekthunder]

[Just an arch of the brow.]

You're not being loud and obnoxious like usual.

[A small exhale.]

But you don't need to keep things to yourself... Everyone was affected by what happened. [Well. Maybe not Phantom.] If there is something still bothering you, you should voice it.

That's one particular lesson I learned from all this, at least.

[stillarhino]

[Well, he's got him there. But despite the friends he's made in his time here, he was still having a bit of trouble opening up completely. It wasn't as easy as talking to Rhyme and the rest of the Hachiko Gang. But if he was going to be stuck here, he really should learn how to find people he can talk to.

He leans back, moving to sit on the ground with his legs crossed, leaning both of his palms on his knees.]

Nah, a buncha people was sayin' that to me too when I was beatin' myself up for what I coulda done then back then.

It's jus'... hell you seriously didn't hold back, yo. On everyone else.

[Beat liked to think that he didn't know fear but seeing the state everyone was in still stuck with him. And these were all people who could hold their own. So the fact that all of them had fallen in some way? Thinking about that made his blood run cold. And the man who did all that sat across him right now.]

I guess you can say I kinda get where she was comin' from, you know?

[He makes a small wave at Briallen. He may not have met all the dogs prior to that night but even he could see the hesitance in how she approached Eustace earlier.]

[flamekthunder]

[Hearing it is certainly not pleasant...but also expected. So although his shoulders sink a little, he's otherwise calm and quiet as usual.]

Yes... Something like that...

[His gaze drifts down to Briallen.]

I'm not trying to boast about my skills, but I knew that if something like that were to happen I would be a formidable threat. It was a...concern—[More like fear.]—I had from the beginning, and although I tried to take precautions... [He purses his lips and just mentally shakes it off. Now's not the time.]

...I would understand if you would rather not associate with me for a while given what happened. The last thing I'd want is to cause you discomfort.

[stillarhino]

[He doesn't look Eustace in the eyes at first, keeping his focus on Bri and how content she looked now compared to earlier. But his attention suddenly snaps up his companion. His brows knit together, obviously confused by what he was just said.]

What? D'you really think I'mma bounce 'cause a' all that? Sure you was tough but that don't mean I'm gonna back off!

[He... actually looks offended that Eustace would think that.]

[flamekthunder]

[He just remains his neutral expression.]

No, I fully expect you to stick around and be a bothersome chick like always. ...But you don't have to force yourself, either.

[A small pause.]

If you're still afraid of me.

[stillarhino]

[At this point, Beat raises his voice as he looks straight at Eustace.]

I ain't forcin' nothing, yo! If I had a problem with it I woulda told ya straight up.

You an' me is aight, got it?

[And just to drive his point further, he shoves Eustace. Maybe a little harder than he actually intended.]

[flamekthunder]

[Wow rude???

But no, the shove comes a little as a surprise...even if he only sways forward slightly. And it some ways it's a little relieving. As obnoxious, loud, and rowdy he can find Beat... He'd still prefer him acting like this than otherwise. So there's just a small, breathy laugh.]

Heh. All right.

[stillarhino]

Same thing for Princess here. She's already warmin' up to ya, ain't ya?

[Bri looks towards Beat from under Eustace's hand petting her. She pants and gives him a small bark then back at Eustace as if telling him to straighten the flower crown that had tilted to the side from the scritches.]

You and hers gonna be aight.

[flamekthunder]

[There is a soft fondness in the small smile that escapes him as he does as bidden, straightening the flower crown so it sits perfectly on her head. What a spoiled princess.]

Hm... I hope so.

[No!! Bri barks and bumps her head against his hand with biiiiiig, sad eyes. At that Eustace reproaches himself with a small laugh.]

No, you're right—we will.

[Him being wishy washy and hesitant about things...that hadn't helped anything from start, hadn't it? And it's likely true with everyone else.

...]

Thanks, Beat.

[stillarhino]

I gotchu, yo. Both you an' Teef.

[He balls his hand into a fist and lifts it towards Eustace for a fist bump.]

I think me and Sonic's gonna go one more round. How's that sound, bud?

[He turns to look at the red-furred corgi. Idris barks at that, still full of energy after having sat around for longer than he would like. Beat laughs with that, almost as if he understood exactly what the dog had meant.]

You and Princess wanna tag along, Wolfie?

[flamekthunder]

[There's just a moment before he lifts his fist to firmly bump it against Beat's.]

Sure. I think she would enjoy a little walk.

[Bri stands up with her tail wagging as she looks up at Eustace and then at Beat and Idris before she starts to chase the younger corgi.

Well. That's one way to do it. But it's also pleasing to see her with energy again and Idris feels the same way, happily barking.]