escordvi | closed 🌠⚡ how do we rewrite the stars...

Just means more for you.

And if I want you to enjoy them, too?

[She shakes her head.]

Besides, you know I can't eat a whole dessert platter on my own!

I can still eat it, it's not like I can't tolerate all sweet things. You can just have the sweetest ones.

[He looks back on the dessert menu.]

But if you're that worried, which ones would you actually want to try?

The mocha cheesecake!

[Honest to goodness, she was interested in trying that one.]

It's different from my usual choice, but... it sounds way too good to pass up. [She brings a finger to her lips.] And maybe I can see what they do, and take a few ideas.

[There's a slight raise of his brows before he quietly laughs.]

Is that what you've always been doing whenever we ate out? See how something tastes and mentally take notes to try and make it yourself?

[She tries (and fails) to hide her smile behind her glass of wine.]

Maybe... but don't say it so loud. Wouldn't want people to hear.

[A sip.]

Not quite, though. More like... taste it to see if there's anything I could do different for mine.

[Uh huh. He just gives her a knowing look before glancing back down at the menu.]

Fair enough. So the mocha cake and the strawberry tart? Want coffee?

Yeah. Let's go with that, and some coffees.

[Gotta wash the flush of this wine away anyway. And she'll search for the server, making eye contact with him and smiling to signal that they are ready for another order.]

[Once the order has been placed and dishes cleared a way, they are able to talk over this and that, pausing sometimes to watch the singer on the stage as she settles into some slower, mood setting songs. They don't even know how or when, their seats had shifted so that they were closer together. They could use the excuse of seeing the stage better, but that would be a lie—they clearly just wanted to be a little closer, and if they're sharing desserts, wouldn't this be better, anyway?

Even after their drinks and desserts arrive, they don't rush through instead. Just like they did during their dinner, they take their time, taking the first bites and sharing each other's. Even playfully feed each other at least one spoonful and Eustace will be especially sly and lean in to lick off a bit of cream that sticks to the corner of her lips.

It's all sweet—but a good kind of sweet. A mild, lingering sweetness that he finds he could take more of it this time. A sweetness that he's never really had before but can't help but crave for more.

They will continue with their dessert, taking their time and lingering with their coffee even after the plates have been cleared. So much so that they don't even realize how much time has passed until they finally leave the restaurant, Eustace opening the door and holding out his hand as if to escort her out.]

[Everything about this evening so far is perfect. From the music to the food, to the dessert and the coffee, and most importantly, his company. She would not change a thing. Honestly, given where they are, she is a little surprised that everything has gone off without a hitch so far, and that they can simply enjoy their dessert and each other's presence, with Tifa spending the rest of it close to him, until it's time to leave.

Even then, she will not stray far, her arm always looped through his as she is pressed to his side, only parting for a moment when he holds out his hand to the outside world, and she steps out with a spin and then grabs him again.]

We've still got a little less than two hours before the show.

And you said it was nearby, right? So plenty of time to walk around.

[With her arm back around his, he smiles as he holds her close as they start walking down the street.]

You know where to go?

I know how to get to the theatre, yeah.

[Tifa points down the lantern-lit street, up the little incline to where crowds have started to gather, and there must be some performers outside because she can hear the sounds of drums and clapping.]

But other than that, no idea. Part of the fun, though.

Does that mean you don't want to ask for directions?

Do we need to?

[She would if she felt like it was necessary, but...]

I always find the best part is wandering around and looking.

[A fond smile as he squeezes her hand.]

Then we can wander around.

[Not like they would be in any danger between the both of them.]

Since that road leads to the show... Let's try this street down here. Seems to have a few stores and people going through.

[Good thing is that if anyone tries something, it's a toss-up over who would get to kicking ass first. But she squeezes his hand in return before looping her arm through his, her head falling to his shoulder as she starts to lead him down that road.

And so wander they do. Because they aren't going far from their destination, they are able to take their time. Tifa glances into the windows, admires their wares, many of them clothing shops with displays of items unlike anything that she's ever seen before. Dancer's outfits, dresses made of smooth, billowy silks and chiffon, things embellished in golds and silvers. Most of it are things she wouldn't wear on a daily basis, or ever, but she can still look and admire the craftsmanship of it all. She might even stare at one particular dress for a while, but it is too far out of her price range for her to even consider. Maybe someday.

She does stop into some other clothing shops, picks out some accessories. Some clips and pins and bows for her hair, and one for Aerith as well. A new short, summery dress. She'll even pick out a couple of things for Eustace. Most of what she does buy though are small trinkets—little things to remember the night by.

There is even a place where they are taking photographs of people on the street, and they are stopped by the man with the large camera setup. After some coaxing, Tifa finally manages to convince Eustace to pose with her, and they walk away laughing.

She wishes that this night could go on forever. That they could shop until she can't shop anymore. Until her feet and legs give out and her wallet is empty. She doesn't even buy that much, a few bags worth of things by the end of it, but there are more streets to wander, more windows to look into...

Except...]

Ah, we should start heading up there. They'll probably start seating people soon!

[Throughout it all, although Eustace was looking around and engaging as she shops for herself and everyone, including himself, most of his attention is on her. Watching her expressions, listening to her comments and answer in turn, and noticing what she looks at or where her gazes linger. So not much will go by unnoticed as he notes what she ends up buying and what she passes on for the moment. Since they will be staying at least for the night, maybe they can come back tomorrow... Even spend another night if needed.

Carrying the bags, he looks at her and then up the road where more people are starting to move as well, likely others who are attending the time of their showing.]

Stay close... It's going to be more crowded.

Already planned on it.

[She walks a little closer as they head up the road, tucked at his side, her arm still around his while the other carries a small bag.]

Not as bad as it could be in Midgar sometimes.

How crowded did it get there?

Pretty crowded, especially around the stations at rush hour. Everyone coming back down to the slums and eager to head home for the night.

[She tilts her head and looks around.]

Depends on where you go, though. This place reminds me more of Wall Market than anything. Almost to a tee.

How so?

[Although they need to get to the show, they'll continue at a more leisurely pace, Eustace making sure to stay on the outside so that Tifa is protected and not bumped into.]

[They aren't in any rush. She's timed everything so that they won't be running around. Plus, there's a line to get in, and there are some performers dancing outside for them to watch for now.]

All the lights and music and sounds and smells. It was the entertainment district... and uh, had a few of the same kinds of places you find in the other part of this city. But they had shows and tons of places to eat, lots of hidden alcoves.

[A pause.]

I wasn't a fan of it, but it wasn't as nice as this.

[A low hum in understanding.]

There were some places in my world that were large cities and populated like this... But I didn't really frequent them so I can't say I know much more.

[He glances at her.]

Still, sounds like you passed through the area frequent enough.

[Teasing her.]

When you're trying to take down the big bad company, you kind of have to.

[She grins up at him.

Too bad he doesn't know the Corneo story yet. How she tried to sell herself as a bride to get vital information from him. Maybe one day.]

Gotta know all the ins and outs of the city. Why, you jealous?

[He will STARE AT HER SO HARD.]

No, just wondering what reason you'd have to through a place like this since you don't really seem the type.

closed 🌠⚡ how do we rewrite the stars...

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