closed 🌠⚡ it's far too easy to miss the beauty in the simple things

[starshower]

Who: Eustace & Tifa Lockhart.
Status: Closed.
Where: Around.
What: It's Tifa's birthday, and she's overworking again, so Eustace takes her away. Event stuff tba.
Warnings: Fluff.

Comments

[flamekthunder]

It has been a bit hit or miss lately...

[And they'll soon see the village ahead, so Eustace places a protective hand over the shell.]

[starshower]

[She squeaks when his hand comes over the shell—it's so big and almost intimidating in a way—and she huddles further inside.]

Should I stay hidden?

[Why is she whispering? Can he even hear her like this!?]

[flamekthunder]

[There's a low hum as he stares out into the town, trying to see what people are there.]

Just for now. You can still look out, and if it's clear of any of those other... People you should be fine to come out more freely.

I mostly don't want you slipping out into another current... A lot of whalefolk swimming through.

[starshower]

[There's a sad little noise that comes from her, and her ears droop and her body flattens.]

Yeah... fair enough. I just wish I could enjoy the village properly with you.

[She was really looking forward to seeing it!!!]

[flamekthunder]

I know...

[A apologetic look as he tries to pet her head.]

It's just for now. If we can change you back then all our problems will be solved... But if not, maybe we can find someone who can give you something better to protect yourself and let you move more freely.

[starshower]

[If only he could see that weary look that she gives him.]

Like a tiny leash?

[flamekthunder]

I was thinking more like a bubble...

[His voice trails a bit.]

With a leash.

[starshower]

[She would smack him if she could!!!]

I wasn't serious, you know! That's even worse!

[flamekthunder]

[He can't help but chuckle at that and he'll try to pet her again as they now near the village entrance.]

We'll figure out something. As long as we can keep you from getting swept away from the currents.

[starshower]

[Huffing and puffing, she grows fatter and then smaller again with a big sigh.

But as they enter the village, she huddles further into the shell as another full-sized whale swims right over their heads, and she can feel the current brush against the bristles on her back, making her stiffen.]

Maybe there's a potion shop around.

[flamekthunder]

[His hand tightens over her to shield her as he looks up with a pensive frown.]

Hopefully... Just stay close in her shell and don't worry—I won't let anything happen to you.

[He just hopes they will actually help... He's heard that the locals are rightfully wary of outsiders, but maybe seeing Tifa like this will persuade them how they're not much of a threat.]

[starshower]

[Not much of a threat? Is it because she's tiny!? She can be very threatening when she needs to be, thank you—!

But she does as he says, huddling further into the shell as a whale guard approaches Eustace, his spear out and floating in front of him, and while he doesn't seem to be aggressive yet, he is certainly on edge. His eyes flick to Tifa in the shell, and he tilts his head.

"What's your business here?"]

[flamekthunder]

[He just stares evenly at the guard before holding up the shell with Tifa poking out for a moment.]

We're here to help with the whale situation... However, not long after taking the potion my girlfriend turned into this instead. We were hoping there was someone here who could help change her back.

[starshower]

[The whale looks down at her, and Tifa feels herself shiver under his scrutinizing gaze...

...

And for a moment, she thinks that he is about to deny them, so she quickly speaks up.]

Think there might have been something wrong with the potion, so we just need a healer or a potion-maker's help... if you know where we could find one.

[The whale narrows his eyes, then looks at Eustace. "Not often we hear about that happening around here..." Another suspicious look between them. "But there is a potion shop down the way, turn left at the fork by those blue corals over there and you'll find them."]

[flamekthunder]

[He can sense the guard's suspicion but remains steadfast.]

Understood, thank you.

[He will also not wait and just swim right past, surprising the guard as it shouts for them to wait, but Eustace just keeps going. They're not being chased, so they must have passed somewhat.]

It's going to be like this everywhere...

[starshower]

Even in the shop, you think?

[Of course it will be. She'd be a fool to think that it wouldn't, and her little squeak at least says that much.]

... They have every reason to be upset, though.

[flamekthunder]

They do.

[There's a heaviness in his voice at that and he sighs.]

You've probably heard from Cloud all the things we've seen...

[starshower]

Only a little...

[She didn't really ask, but she didn't need to.]

The stories spread pretty quickly too, though.

[flamekthunder]

[A small nod.]

So you're right, can't really blame them for how they are after everything. Not sure how we can prove on their side, though.

[starshower]

Just gotta show them how cute and pitiful I am like this... Maybe they'll feel sorry enough that they'll come around.

[And as they come up to the blue corals, Tifa sticks her head out.]

Think he said this was the way, yeah?

[flamekthunder]

Left at the fork.

[And when he turns down it they will be able to see a store not too far down with telltale "potions" signage.]

Think you could pull cute and pitiful?

[starshower]

[She scoots up again, sliding with little squeaks bit by bit until she comes into clear view.]

What, you don't think I could pull it off? Look at me!

[And she'll let her ears wiggle and then droop, and her body flattens like a pancake against the inside of the shell. She's giving him cute puppy eyes as well, but they are so small that he can't see them.]