closed 🌠⚡ we got blue skies, nothing but time

[starshower]

Who: Eustace & Tifa Lockhart.
Status: Closed.
Where: Eustace's house on Nogard.
What: The meal that was promised.
Warnings: Awkward adults with feelings, probably. :D


[It's only been a few weeks, but Tifa is very much looking forward to seeing Eustace and Valo again. After the "incident" on the gondola, she was eager to set things right again, to take that awkward tension that she felt at even the thought of seeing him and crushing it under her boot. Of course, it didn't help when she thought about the words that sat on the tip of her tongue that day, burning a hole through her but left unsaid. After a few days, she would attribute it to nerves and the general atmosphere, but as the day grew closer to the promised visit, those thoughts came rushing back, and she couldn't shake them off, no matter how hard she worked, no matter how much she did.

So, by the time she ends up on his doorstep in Nogard, she feels like she could use the break anyway. Her mind has been a mess, her heart even messier, and even when she can't seem to get him off her mind, he is the only place that she can find solace from that mess, too.

Which is why when she shows up at his beachfront home on the appointed day, it's with an eager knock on the door, and she'll be standing there clutching a bag of goodies (if he thought she wasn't going to bring them, then he doesn't know her very well) when he answers, looking a little exhausted and relieved to be here.

And maybe a little nervous. But this was just a dinner, after all... Right?]

Comments

[flamekthunder]

[The time after the gondola... Was a one for him. In terms of his day to day, it was normal with no real change. But whenever he received a message from Tifa or looked at the pocket watch that is resting on his dresser, he is always reminded of what happened on Astares. Specifically on the gondola. He's not sure what it is he feels, but there's...something. A mysterious prick that comes when he thinks of Tifa's various expressions.

And sometimes, he remembers what he saw when she was with Cloud—that genuine, bright smile that seems to come easily then, yet seems rare and difficult whenever she's with him.

...And he feels strange thinking about it at all. What should it matter? Why should he care? Does he care? Is he just...concerned that she always seems tense around him? But whenever he thinks about how she seems to put herself forward and wants to be with him, he can't believe that she's forcing herself to be around him.

...Is it really because of his demeanor? He's a bit self-aware that he's slipped back to his old habits since arriving into this world, closing himself off and on guard since he's surrounded by questionable people. He's had one too many run ins to allow himself to relax...though come to think of it, despite the unusual circumstances they get into more often than not, hasn't he been able to lower his guards around Tifa? Others, too, but it seems more around her...

...

Eventually he happens on a hunt that would provide the perfect meat to cook the meal he had promised, and seeing it as an opportunity, he later texts Tifa about it, inviting her over. It would be the first time in a while, and—well, he didn't really have to do much cleaning since the house remained tidy for the most part. Since he decided to make ribs, he had already marinated them and set them to slow cook earlier in the day so that by the time Tifa arrived they would be ready. And after he made the other preparations, he just spent most of the day...reading. Although those thoughts had passed through his mind earlier in the day, thoughts about whether she would feel tense around him or if she would even like the ribs, he had shaken them off.

It's just dinner. They've met for similar before. It just happened to be the first time at his place since a while.

Though...maybe he was looking forward to it. A little.

Valo will hear her approach first, already heading to the door just as she knocks. Eustace will follow a little after and when he opens the door he'll first see Tifa, and then that bag. ...Of course. There will only be just a slight arch of the brow before he steps aside to let her inside.]

Have any trouble getting here?

[He did also notice the somewhat tired look she seems to have.]

[starshower]

[That seems to be the look she gets every time she shows up for anyone with a bag of things. She's gotten used to it, but she's a bit surprised that others haven't gotten used to seeing her with more than just herself in tow. But at his question, that contemplative look fades and is replaced with a bright smile as she leans down to greet Valo with a scratch behind his ears.]

Not at all. Pretty easy to remember once you've made the trip. And I never mind walking along the beach.

[It's a nice day out, so why wouldn't she?

She'll let herself in and waves the bag between them.]

I figured you could use some topping up on some things. And I had extras.

[flamekthunder]

[Just a small sigh and a slight shake of his head before he takes it.]

I'd tell you you didn't have to...but I know you do it anyway. Thanks.

[And with that he walks into the house, a silent invitation for her to follow with Valo happily guiding her in.]

[starshower]

[She kicks off her shoes and follows, Valo bumping her leg and her hand on the way, seeking more pets. It's been a while since she's seen him, so she will be happy to oblige!]

I would.

[With a grin, she takes in a deep breath through her nose, taking in the scents that are starting to waft from the kitchen already.]

Oh my god, it smells heavenly in here.

[flamekthunder]

[There's a small grin at that, a little pleased by her reaction.]

I've had it cooking since earlier this morning. Should be done before too long, just have to finish making the sides.

[He sets the bag on the counter in his kitchen and starts going through it, a little curious to what all she brought.]

[starshower]

Since this morning?

[What in the world does he have cooking in there!? She's going to follow him, her eyes round with curiosity, into the kitchen.

And of course she is going to offer—]

Do you need help with anything?

[As for what's in the bag, there will be a variation of foods. Some cheeses from one of the local sellers on Eltrut, a container of fresh fruits, another container of more homemade treats for Valo, and a bottle of wine.]

[flamekthunder]

[Just a low hum of confirmation to her first question before eying her at the second.]

Yeah.

[And then he points to the couch.]

You can either sit or play with Valo.

[Meaning, stay out of the kitchen.]

[starshower]

[She looks between him, the couch, Valo, and the kitchen... before she laughs.]

Alright, message received loud and clear.

[Stay out of the kitchen. Got it. She's not sure whether to be offended or amused or grateful, or maybe it's all three as she claps her hands at Valo and heads for the bag to take some of those treats she'd made him. He follows after her, eager and barking as she leads him to the couch.]

Your loss. Valo and I make a pretty good team.

[flamekthunder]

I don't think that kind of teamwork would help in the kitchen.

[A wry look over as he finishes sorting through the bag, placing it all in their appropriate places as the sound of the stove firing up can be heard and he starts preparing the side dishes.]

[starshower]

[She tosses a treat into the air and lets Valo catch it.]

You could at least let me set the table.

[flamekthunder]

You're the guest, so that's also a no.

[He takes a moment to lean over the counter, eying her.]

You've never really been "served" before, have you.

[starshower]

[She feels a warmth creeping up into her cheeks at the way he looks at her, and distracts herself by tossing another treat at Valo.]

Not really, no. Usually it's me doing the serving.

[And that is the truth.]

I've... never really had anyone cook for me before.

[Or treat her.]

[flamekthunder]

[He thought so.]

Then take this as an opportunity to learn about it.

[He looks at Valo.]

Make sure to keep her away from the kitchen.

[There's a small boof as Valo looks over at Tifa. He's got his eyes on you!

...For ball, which he nudges over to her.

Eustace just smiles a little at the sight before pulling away to turn back to the stove to continue.]

[starshower]

[She laughs, though there is some mock disbelief to the sound that she makes.]

You're siccing a guard dog on me, are you!?

[Of course she will take the ball, because how could she say no to this face!? And she'll get up to start tossing it gently down the hall, Valo rushing after to catch it and bring it back.]

How am I ever going to get past such a scary pup?

[Valo drops the ball at her feet and barks at her, then at Eustace.]

[flamekthunder]

You won't, that's the point. So better get used to it.

[Though fortunately she won't have to wait too long. It doesn't take much time for him to stir fry the vegetables he had prepared along with the potatoes, their aroma along with the herbs and seasoning mixing with the scent of the ribs.]

What drink would you prefer?

[starshower]

[Here she thought he was only making some meat, but she can smell the vegetables already.]

It's definitely going to take some getting used to...

[Even the fact that it's him asking her for her choice of drink is a bit foreign. It's always the other way around, so it takes her a moment to shake off the strangeness of it.]

Why don't we crack open that bottle of wine I brought?

[flamekthunder]

Sure. Everything is pretty much done, so go ahead and take a seat at the table.

[After checking on the ribs, he turns off the stove and moves to get the glasses. Everything else had been prepped ahead of time, including the table, so he just brings the glasses over..... But holds onto the bottle because he knows if she's within reach she'll do it herself!!]

[starshower]

Eustace...

[She gives him a sheepish grin before she's moving over to the table after a few more throws of the ball with Valo, and he brings it over as he follows her into the kitchen. She does stare at that bottle but relents with a fond sound under her breath.]

You really don't have to do all of this.

[She'll be good and lower herself onto the chair!!! But her eyes follow him all the while, her heart leaping and somersaulting. This is so new to her, but it isn't... bad. And the fact that it's Eustace, of all people? She's not quite sure what this feeling is, but it's warm and genuine, earnest and soft.]

[flamekthunder]

I know, but since it's the first time, might as well do it right.

[Whatever "right" is.

Ensuring that she is sitting, he'll come over with their plates first: a few large ribs marinated and then drizzled again with a thick, spicy and tangy sauce, garnished with freshly cut onions and bell peppers, and with nice helping of buttered mashed potatoes and stir fried vegetables. He'll then get the wine and pour their glasses before setting it to the side on the table and taking his seat.]

[starshower]

[Her eyes go as big as her plate when he sets it down in front of her with all of that food, and she just stares at it in awe for a moment, in awe.]

Oh my god, this looks and smells amazing.

[Her stomach gives a low, loud grumble that has her pressing her hand to it, laughing.]

... And you're sure you don't wanna work with me at the bar!?

[flamekthunder]

[He hears her stomach and he arches a brow before laughing.]

I'm sure.

[starshower]

[Seeing him like this, laughing and at ease and comfortable is... charming. So charming that she stares across at him for a beat, taken by the way that he smiles. She doesn't mean to look at him the way that she does, but it's warm and just as comfortable, everything about her at ease despite the feelings that flutter in like butterflies in her empty stomach.]

Have it your way. [She picks up a piece of the ribs first.] I'm digging in.

[And as soon as she takes a bite, she has to bring a hand up to her mouth as she exclaims in quiet surprise.]

This is delicious!

[flamekthunder]

[He does notice her watching him...or, staring? And he wonders what she's thinking. But then she's finally tasting the food and he's admittedly a little nervous. Would she like it or not? So when she gives her praise there's some relief, shoulders relaxing a bit as he starts to cut the ribs off—though they fall so easily with how long they've been cooked.]

I'm glad. ...Never really cooked for anyone before so wasn't sure if you would.

[starshower]

Could've fooled me.

[But as soon as she sees him cutting off the ribs from the bone, she stares down at the piece that she'd broken off with her fingers, and quickly sets it down on the plate as if it had just burned her, and she reaches for a napkin to wipe off the sauce from them instead.]

Oh god, where are my manners... that was so rude of me...

[flamekthunder]

[There's a curious look at her reaction before he quietly laughs.]

It's fine, doesn't really matter much to me. I often eat with my gloves so just a habit for me to eat this way.