songerein | fifteenth shot ⊗ closed log

[And he'd better not hear that line again, especially with the way Hyacinth's eyes follow him as he moves, Tifa's gaze never once leaving the fairy, and she doesn't even seem to notice.

"Well. If you ever need to be looked at, I don't think that'll be a problem."

Something sharp twists in Tifa's chest suddenly, like someone pressing a hot knife into her. Her fingers tighten on her lap, balling into fists as nails dig secretly into her palms, so hard that it starts to hurt. They're just stupid fairies, so why...

"No, I don't think that will be necessary."

Have both the fairies just forgotten that Tifa—his wife—is right there? Because Mirabelle has no shame as she buzzes near Eustace's ears, brushing her tiny fingers against a stray hair.

"He's in good hands already."]

[...

He just frowns and tosses his head away before Mirabelle can do much.]

Enough.

[A harsher, cold tone as he looks at the two of them, unaware of how Tifa is feeling.]

Explain how you treat the animals. Is it through magic, traditional methods, or something else? And what do you require for repayment?

[...

Tifa remains silent through the exchange, trying to focus on the matters at hand. Namely, the very important matter of how this supposed "vet" fairy can help the animals in the event they need them. As much as she'd like to pluck on that braid of hers—what has gotten into her all of a sudden?—she would rather not sour a relationship with a potentially important fairy before they've even had the chance to hear her out.

Instinctively, and perhaps a little absent-mindedly, Tifa leans back closer to Eustace, and she can hear Mirabelle still hovering near him.

"Traditional methods?" Hyacinth raises a brow. "Well, whatever they are, I hope that they mean healing magic, because that's what I specialize in."

Mirabelle, meanwhile, flutters right above Eustace's head, so she misses the way Hyacinth winks at him.

"Would you like a demonstration?"]

I meant using bandages or other medicinal remedies.

[But if not that's no matter. He can at least take care of that if needed. The healing magic alone will be a large help.

He is also going to ignore whatever winks or whatever nonsense the fairy is giving him. Honestly he's completely misread it, thinking they're just making fun of him because of his ears.]

But what kind of demonstration?

[Hotter and hotter that knife becomes, and more and more it begins to twist. It's slow but deliberate, right into her heart. It's not often that she feels this way—sure, she sometimes gets little twinges of jealousy here and there, mostly wishing that she was at Eustace's side at every moment she could be, but it's never been anything like this. Never with her already there, and never with such burning intensity.

Never mind that the fairies are being blatant in their pursuit, Tifa could usually shake it off and remind Mirabelle to stop, if Eustace didn't do it himself. But why isn't he? He should be doing more, shouldn't he...?

The air starts to grow a touch hotter...

"Well, I could demonstrate on you, if you'd like~ You're close enough to an animal with those cute ears of yours~~" Hyacinth giggles. "Just a little healing magic, since I assume your animals are fine. Unless you have one that needs looking after."

Tifa gets to her feet, shoving a chair aside.]

If you're gonna use it on anyone, you can use it on me.

[...Ugh, more jokes with the ears... But before he can really say or do much, Eustace raises his brows when Tifa suddenly stands, and it's now that he notices the change in the air.

...?]

Tifa?

I can handle it. It's fine.

[Though, she doesn't feel fine.

She puts herself between Hyacinth and Eustace, though it doesn't do much when she can fly, but there's definitely a very noticeable shift in the air. Mirabelle and Hyacinth both freeze up, and Mirabelle uses one of Eustace's ears to hide behind, grabbing and holding onto it as soon as she darts there, while Hyacinth stares at Tifa, confused.

Even Sprinkles mewls quietly where she sits.

And that's what breaks the tension, because Hyacinth looks to the kitten instead, gasping as if she's grateful for the change.

"Ah, what an adorable kitten. I could probably show you what I can do on her!" She flits over to her. "She looks fine as far as I can tell, but... may I?"

She's looking to Eustace for this one while actively avoiding eye contact with Tifa, who is staring daggers into her.]

[He is...

So confused right now...

...

But he is going to flick his ear hard enough to knock Mirabelle away as he looks over Sprinkles and the fairy.]

...Sure.

[However, his voice is distracted as he looks at Tifa with some concern. He wants to ask her what's up, but with all these eyes, he'll just wait until later. For now, he just approaches and slips his hand over hers, taking it.]

Hm?

[His hand slipping over hers to take it startles her, like a jolt to wake her from the frustrated thoughts swimming around in her head. Her hands will feel hot to the touch, but the moment she feels him there and lets her fingers curl around his, it already begins to cool along with the air around them.

And just as quickly as they had clawed their way forward, the thoughts dissipate. That dark shadow that had crept over her head gone, and it makes room for appreciation and love...

Tifa looks at him, her fingers squeezing around his as they lock together protectively, and there's something of a crooked smile that she offers in return... almost like she's completely forgotten about everything.

She approaches Sprinkles and Hyacinth with them, and Mirabelle takes a seat on Eustace's shoulder instead when she's flicked away by his ear, and it escapes Tifa's notice for now as she focuses on the kitten. But the moment she speaks to the fairy, her voice is sharp.]

What exactly are you going to do?

[Hyacinth clears her throat. "Well, with this magic, I can find things that are wrong that we may not see. Cats are very good at keeping secrets and not telling us when something is wrong, so with a little flick~!" Sprinkles begins to glow different colours, mostly green, but near her belly, the shade is more orange.

Mirabelle cries out from Eustace's shoulder, "WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?"

To that, Hyacinth clicks her tongue. "It means someone's been feeding her too many treats. You have a slightly overweight kitten on your hands."

But for Tifa, she only sighs, Hyacinth's words falling on deaf ears while she tries to swallow down that feeling again.]

[Eustace keeps his hand on Tifa's, still a little concerned by the sudden changes in atmosphere. He also notices Mirabelle's change in position but just kind of resigning to it. The fairy has done it so often now that he's grown used to it, and again—he just thinks she's using him as some kind of taxi or whatever, so he pays very little mind.

Instead he shifts his focus to Hyacinth and what she's demonstrating. Despite first impressions, this magic is truly useful and he can't help but raise his brows a little...and then he bumps the shoulder Mirabelle is on.

'CAUSE IT AIN'T THEIR FAULT.

In any case—]

That is fairly useful. Can you detect anything or are there limitations?

[It feels like the calm before an inevitable storm brewing. It's quiet, the air feels tight, but there's something lingering beneath all of it, a buildup that no one can quite put their finger on. Not even Tifa...

Not even Tifa can discern the weird voices that she keeps hearing in her head. Like a taunting laugh of a woman...

It's only Eustace's voice that keeps her somewhat calm and grounded, and the warmth and security of his hand wrapped around hers that keeps her mind rooted in place. In reality, and not wandering to places it shouldn't. It could be that she's just tired and emotionally drained from the night before, but she's never had so much trouble focusing on any one thing as much as she is today...

It's a little concerning, but maybe once they're finished here, maybe once she can let some of that stress go, she'll feel a little better.

So, she's going to try her best to listen to what Hyacinth has to say.

"I haven't had any limitations yet, but my magic has been pretty spot on. It can locate the source of a problem and the severity, and from there, I can decipher through my knowledge what the next steps are. Usually it involves healing magic of some kind, or herbs to help the animal feel better."

Hyacinth glances warily at Tifa when she catches her staring, and smiles.

"I promise that your animals will be in good hands."

Meanwhile, Mirabelle is still dramatically crying "My poor baby!!!" at Sprinkles (who is just incredibly confused), and even after being shaken off Eustace's shoulder, she flies to the front of his shirt and uses his loose collar to dab at her tears.

And that's when Tifa reaches over and grabs her by the petals of her skirts and drags her away from him, but she clings to Eustace's shirt to fight it—]

[...Why is this happening. He can only look down at the tug of war on his shirt before he grabs both Tifa's hand and Mirabelle in her entirety to pull them both away.]

Knock it off.

[A cold, hard look at the fairy before he brusquely drops her on the nearby table. He is completely unaware at the dazed look the fairy is giving him. One would thinks he would have been insulted or afraid.......but it's the opposite. Just the small muttering of So cool......... escapes her lips as she clutches her chest in a dramatic fashion.

He grabbed her...!!

Anyway, he's ignoring the fuss and just looking at Tifa with a concerned look.]

Thanks... But are you all right? You seem a little off today.

[He had assumed she was just trying to help him earlier, but still he can tell she seems...tired? Stressed? ...Did he push her too hard last night...? Was the issue with Cloud affecting her more than she let on?

Still not minding the noise in the background, he gently brushes Tifa's cheek with the crook of his finger, gaze deep with concern for her.]

Edited 2023-02-28 03:25 (UTC)

[She's having a harder time ignoring the things that Mirabelle is saying, and how Hyacinth is doting on him as well, fanning herself alongside her friend while Sprinkles continues to sit there confused. She tries to focus on Eustace's voice, but theirs ring so much louder in her head.

"Ah, he's the coolest, isn't he?"

"Mm, now I know why you're sticking around to help! I wouldn't mind it so much either."

"Oh, it's not bad at all!"

"Maybe I'll come by to check on the 'animals' more often."

And the two of them burst into giggles—

The gentle brush along her cheek wrenches her back, and she meets his eyes...

...

Behind her ruby gaze, there's something that lights up within them as those feelings continue to claw their way to the surface the longer she hears the giggles. She holds his stare, clings to it, wanting it, and craving it...

And he gives it... He gives it so willingly and so fully, and when he does, it's all for her. Just for her.

Without a word at first, Tifa lets her eyes rove down to his lips where they linger...]

Yeah. Just a little tired, I think but... I'm okay now.

[Her voice is quiet, steady, and she leans in to press a soft kiss to his lips. Soft, but her tongue very quickly darts out to lick at his before she's pulling back...

And there's a pleased swell of her chest when she sees the two fairies staring at them in shock.]

Edited 2023-02-28 03:48 (UTC)

[He's actually a bit surprised by the kiss, but even moreso when he feels her tongue. It leaves him a little wide-eyed, especially given that it feels unprompted...and how it was actually in front of the fairies. He's more used to Tifa being a bit more shy about it, with him being the one to initiate.

...That isn't to say he disapproves.

With his back to the fairies, he can't see their reaction—nor does he care. Instead he continues to keep his eyes on her, and while it would be a lie to say he's not stimulated a little, his concern outweighs it.]

...Why don't we take a break for now?

[She doesn't miss his reaction either, and there's the slightest tingle of exhilaration when she does... knowing that it not only surprised him, but reminded him of what's what...

And now maybe he'll do more to keep the fairies away.

...?

Which is a bit of a strange thought, as it belatedly occurs to her, but they are being especially annoying this morning. They should just get this over with so that they can get them out of here and finish the work that they started, and start something else too—

It's why her fingers grab gently at the bottom of his shirt, fiddling with its hem as she looks up at him with wide, and she cants her head in a playfully innocent way.]

But we've only just started?

[...Something about this is cute, but he gets this nagging feeling that something is still off.]

We can come back. I have the sketch and we can look it over over some coffee.

[A glance back at the fairies.]

We won't be able to much with all these distractions, anyway...

[The two of them are too busy tittering about Eustace still that they hardly notice that he glances at them, or that Tifa side-eyes them briefly as well, but when his eyes are back on her again, she runs a hand through her hair.]

... Okay.

[A step closer to him.

Sorry. Her voice grows lower, quiet enough that only he can hear her as her forehead falls against his chest. She takes a moment to take in his scent and his warmth, her fingers still tugging gently at his shirt, and her shoulders deflate with a sigh. So nice...]

I'm sorry. Think I might still be tired from last night.

[It isn't a lie. They sure did a number on each other—a thought that she smiles to herself about—but her heart feels weary, too. Heavy. And so does her head.]

[Hearing that, he grimaces a little, guilt rippling through him.]

...I'm sorry.

[He gently caresses her cheek, fingertips running through her hair as he leans down to brush his lips against her forehead.]

Do you want to return home?

Don't be.

[She lifts her head just far enough to peer at him through her lashes.]

I didn't mean that...

[Whatever he's thinking he had done, she had asked for it and wanted it. Took it...

But everything else that led up to that moment has no doubt been eating away at her heart since last night, and now, it's thrown her completely off... Yeah... That was it.

And she never expected that she would have to deal with not one, but two fairies adoring her husband. That would set any girl off, wouldn't it?]

Why don't we go somewhere else for coffee...? Could grab some at Dreambucks and find a place to sit?

[A nod.]

That sounds good. You still haven't finalized the menu either, right? [A light smile.] Maybe you can get some inspiration.

[Honestly, he wants her to relax and not think about the cafe right now................ But he knows Tifa and that will be a tall order. Besides, he has a feeling she needs some kind of distraction.]

[His smile is like sunshine to her, small or not, and whenever she sees it, it makes her feel lighter. Happier. And while it does work its magic on her, there's something else, too. Something in her heart that draws her to him—that makes her want to take him in her arms and never let him go. An uncontrollable urge to protect that smile and see it brighten...

To keep that happiness all to herself—]

Yeah. We can do that.

[Tifa lets him go with her sweetest smile and turns to the fairies, who are now focused on Sprinkles as she mewls and paws at the light that's radiating off of her.

"—and make sure to only feed her a quarter cup of the diet kibble that I will recommend. And only freeze-dried treats for the next few months to see if there are any changes."

"I can't believe I let my baby get fat..."

"She's not fat, Mirabelle. Just a little overwei..." Hyacinth's words die away when she sees Tifa staring at them.

Mirabelle turns around and with tears bubbling up in her eyes, she clicks her tongue. "What are you two even doing!? We have an emergency!"]

[Eustace has also turned and is just giving Mirabelle a dry look.]

She'll be fine, just follow her instructions.

[A glance at Hyacinth. ...Right.]

I'd like to discuss with you further about payment arrangements and other conditions, but I think you've at least proven you have notable skills. Thank you for taking your time.

[Regardless of the.......questionable behavior, he can't deny the fairy's abilities which could be invaluable. He knows he could have used someone like her when he first found the Flowers. So he can deal with the odd messing around and jokes as long as the animals are healthy.]

[Hyacinth blushes. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. And don't you worry about payment, you've already got that covered."

Deeper it twists...

Mirabelle sniffles loudly and flies up to Tifa first, eyeing her with curiosity as she leans back with an arched brow, before she's flitting over to Eustace.... "Here, let me fix that for you, dear." ... and reaches for his shirt where she had used it to wipe her tears and adjusts it.

And that's when Tifa grabs his hand, tight, and pulls.]

Feel free to stick around here a while and play with Sprinkles. We'll be back later.

[And they'd better have cooled off. Or left by then.

With another tug, she urges him towards the door.]

[He just give Hyacinth a weird look... Before glancing down at Mirabelle with even more confusion.]

It's fi—

[But his words are cut off when Tifa suddenly grabs his hand and pulls him with enough strength that he actually staggers after her. Question marks are rising in his head as he just shoots the fairy a bewildered look before he just follows after her.

And once their out the door, he just frowns after Tifa.]

Tifa, what's going on?

[As soon as the door shuts behind them and she hears the bell jingle, his question makes her pause.]

I...

[She's exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, physically. So why is there this fire growing in her belly? It started as something small—a kindling—but now it surges higher, bigger, hotter, as it wraps around her heart, too. Those annoying chimes of the fairies echo in her head, their giggles still loud like a bell, but she closes her eyes against them...

...

Before she whirls around and grabs him by his shirt to pull him in for a kiss.

It's passionate, and while it starts out chaste, it quickly grows to something deeper. That kiss that they had shared earlier was just a taste, but now she wants it all... She should fight that urge, but it's been fighting back, warring against her all morning in his presence, made only worse by the lingering gazes of the fairies...

She nips gently on his lip before she pulls away, her own swollen, the look in her eyes darkening even as the sun shines into them.]

I didn't like how they were looking at you...

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