[The moment that he sets her feet back on the ground, she rests all of her weight against him, allowing herself to relax as her head tips forward to lean into his lips brushing over her hair.]
You think so...? I'm not sure I will...
[Even if she knows that she can trust their friends through thick and thin... If they pulled through those couple of months ago for them in less happy circumstances, she knows and can't even begin to imagine the lengths they would go to make sure that the "happiest day of their lives" isn't anything short of that.
But it's hard to break out of that mindset that she needs to do it all herself. Even harder when there are people that she cares about so dearly that she wants to do everything for them.
Her arms slide around him and rub up and down his back as she looks around at the stars.]
I just want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves... I want it to be memorable for them, too. Not just for us.
[Seriously, look who she's talking to. The epitome Mr. Lone Wolf himself. But she does have a different hurdle compared to him. He kept away to do everything for himself, she wants to do everything for others.]
And they will. But they won't if they see you worrying too much...they want you to enjoy yourself, too. [He gently rubs her back in turn as if to soothe her.] You just need to find a balance...
[And she is going to playfully point that out, leaning back far enough that she can beam up at him, pride and affection shimmering bright behind that smile of hers.]
Look who's talking.
[She means that in the fondest way possible. He's grown so much, but don't think she hasn't forgotten where they started.]
You wouldn't even take a bowl of soup from me when you were feeling under the weather back in the day. [A pause, and a laugh.] Well, you begrudgingly accepted it. But not without a fight.
[She jests, and rests back against him with an added embrace, and another slower song begins to play softly in the background that she starts to sway to.
Speaking of all those things—their friends and the ways they can make it all more enjoyable not just for themselves, but for everyone, Tifa hums thoughtfully to herself.]
I guess they will. I'll just be happy when I see everyone on the dancefloor having a good time. [Eustace, especially. With her.] But... I was also thinking... we should do some other things, too.
[He sways with her, his arms nestled comfortably around her as he just rests his head atop hers, eyes closed as he enjoys the contented, peaceful, warm feeling washing over them, idly thinking of those days long ago back in another world where they first met... How truly amazing they are here the way they are now.]
[She hasn't thought that far into it, but between them both, she thinks that they could probably figure something out.]
We could ask over the journals... See if there's anyone that has ideas, or maybe traditions from their own worlds? ... Gotta make the announcement anyway.
[As much as she had been putting that off, she knows that the time has to come eventually on that. She can't keep being shy about it forever...!]
[She makes a little noise of protest and shoves back against his weight resting on her.]
I know...
[She knows! She was the one who wrote it all up and had it done, and now that it's finally the month before, perhaps it's about time that they put it to use.]
I just... It's a big deal. The whole town's going to know...
[She's just going to need that one last little push to do so in a few days when the time comes... And she opens her mouth, likely to spout more excuses as to why it isn't ready to post just yet, but she quickly closes her lips and presses them together instead, a small flush colouring her cheeks at his comment because yeah, he's not wrong about that... It's not as if it's some big secret anymore, or it ever was. They're not exactly shy about their affection for one another...]
You're going to have to help me thank people, too.
I think anyone who expects you to be doesn't know you at all.
[She boops him on the nose with a finger and rests her head on his chest again, continuing to sway lightly to the music.]
How about in a couple of days? I'll take a look over it again, see if I'm missing anything, and then have you take a glance at it, too. Could maybe use some directions for where the corgi tree is... and maybe where on the riverside we'll be for the reception. Oh, and—
You don't? Don't tell me it was one of those "steal the bride away" sort of traditions.
[Well, now he's piqued her curiosity! Whether or not they can actually use them or if they would go over well doesn't matter. But she's heard very little about his life back in his home, so there's a very curious, interested glint in her eyes when she peeks up from where she's leaning on him.]
If anyone tried to even touch you I'll shoot them.
[And given the slight darkness that flickers over the lights—he's serious. But then it fades and everything returns to normal as he recalls the other things.]
But the traditions... There were a few. For the groom they would have a "strength test" that was more of a prank where they would have something disguised with a piece of strong timber and he would have to try and either notice or be able to break it.
Another is he has to go out and hunt the largest game he can find and bring it back. Else he needs to bring several smaller game. Although it was also proof of his skills, it was a practical matter as this would help provide for the feast. It was starting to become more common for the brides to assist as well as more women started taking up hunting, so the tradition started to change to symbolize more of a joint partnership between the couple. If they couldn't hunt, then gathering crops or provide in some other capacity to the best of their skills was done.
For the bride, she would go out and gather as many flowers as she could. Even in the winter there would be winter flowers so although a bit more difficult, it could be done. With these flowers she would wear a type of headdress. [A small pause before be continues.] After the ceremony, the other women and children would bring flowers to add to the headdress, usually by braiding them into the veil. They would then take the leftover flowers to make their own charm, usually flower crowns or bracelet. All of this was a symbol of hope for a fruitful love and life for the bride.
[Her smile continues to spread as she listens patiently to him explain, and even when the lights dim and flicker, the warmth remains. It's rare that he talks about home like this, and so openly too. Not that she ever asks much, and she wonders now if she should do it more often. If he would like her to do it more often...
When he's finished, Tifa lifts her head from his shoulder with a bright laugh and an even brighter glint in her eyes.]
What do you mean they wouldn't go over well?
[They sound perfect...! And way better than any of the boring traditions she might have known about from Gaia. Not that there were any.]
Maybe not the hunting since you'll all be in nice suits, but... I think the other two could be fun. It'll get people involved, give them things to do... What do you think?
[They are his home village's traditions after all!]
I didn't mention the pig and chicken chasing, the snow dumping, and what that "something" is usually disguised for the strength test. As just a few.
[Granted most of those "traditions" were a result of the general partying atmosphere and being in an isolated snow covered village—the options were few and far between. But it still made everything fun.]
...Weddings didn't happen often as we were a small village on our own, so the rare time they happen it becomes a festive affair. I only witnessed one and heard stories of the others.
[Of. Course because they were a small village and it was rare for someone to leave or visit they were all pretty much related to each other but that's not important right now—]
But if you think we can incorporate them, sure. Make whatever changes you need. [A small pause.] I can still do the hunting.
[Chicken chasing, snow dumping... Neither of those ones sound particularly fit for the wedding they are going for, but first, there's something else that's grabbed her attention—]
Hunting? Not on the day of, right?
[Because that's how she understood it: before the night of the feast, he and all the other men would go hunt things for the food at the reception in some sort of competition, but with the way Tifa's fingers curl into his jacket, it should be telling enough what she's thinking. She wants to spend the entire day with him and even just the thought of being apart from him on their wedding day leaves behind a little twinge of sadness in her chest.]
[He just laughs at how cute she is being and can't resist stealing a soft kiss.]
No, not on the day of.
[His eyes shine a bit at understanding how much she wants to be with him, his heart once again feeling a bit ticklish by it. Really, how could he find someone so adorable and precious just for himself...]
It would be a few days before, the earliest a week so it can be used at the reception. I wouldn't be gone overnight, either.
[It's as if he can read every thought going through her head. The fact that they'll be spending even a single night apart for their respective parties is enough—the closer the wedding gets, the more she wants to be with him and not apart, so when he lays that tender kiss on her lips, she smiles into it, returning it in equal measure.]
Mm. Good.
[Tifa gives a small, satisfied nod.]
I wouldn't mind eating some food you caught, though. [Nor will she mind telling everyone that he was the one who went out and hunted it...! Her eyes shimmer with pride even now.] You'll have to let 76 know too, since he'll be the one roasting whatever it is you manage to find.
[Well, that catches her by surprise, and some of the stars around her pop.]
You're going to make something?
[The part about him cooking anything isn't surprising—he's quite the cook himself—but just the fact that he's thinking about it at all for the wedding is... nice. It makes her heart feel warm and full...]
If you need help recreating recipes, I could give it a try...?
Call me stubborn, but I'd like to try on my own. Like... [A small pause as he tries to find the right words.] A gift to you, in a way.
[He glances away a little embarrassed.
Making something from his own village... He hasn't even thought of trying ever since that fateful day. There was a time he tried to grasp and remember everything he had learned, wrote them down so he wouldn't lose them forever. His entire house had been completely turned into ash with barely anything, not even a scrap left, so all he had was his memories. But actually trying to recreate anything... He was only nine and everyday he regretted not paying more attention so he only had guesses, and then eventually it just felt hopeless and painful so he had just hid everything away. And that was when things were still "fresh." The chances of him remembering anything now...?
[As if she wasn't already completely taken aback and pleasantly surprised by his idea... he then goes and throws that out there, and she's so happy to hear it that she might tear up at how thoughtful and sweet of a gesture that is. He's done so much for her already, proven over and over again his devotion and his love for her, he's given her the moon and the stars and everything she could ever want in the universe...
But there's something so simple yet so vast about him wanting to gift her something from his past... from his home, and that little piece of his life that she never got to know. Even if it met a tragic end, the fact that he wants to...
There may be a bit of a strain to her voice as she fights back the tears that are lining her eyes.]
Mm. If you get stuck, you can come to me.
[Just like everything else. Slowly, she rises on her tiptoes and seeks out a soft, gentle kiss.]
I don't think it's stubborn at all. I think it's sweet... I can't wait.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flamekthunder) wrote2025-04-07 09:12 pm
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You think so...? I'm not sure I will...
[Even if she knows that she can trust their friends through thick and thin... If they pulled through those couple of months ago for them in less happy circumstances, she knows and can't even begin to imagine the lengths they would go to make sure that the "happiest day of their lives" isn't anything short of that.
But it's hard to break out of that mindset that she needs to do it all herself. Even harder when there are people that she cares about so dearly that she wants to do everything for them.
Her arms slide around him and rub up and down his back as she looks around at the stars.]
I just want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves... I want it to be memorable for them, too. Not just for us.
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If I can, then you will, too.
[Seriously, look who she's talking to. The epitome Mr. Lone Wolf himself. But she does have a different hurdle compared to him. He kept away to do everything for himself, she wants to do everything for others.]
And they will. But they won't if they see you worrying too much...they want you to enjoy yourself, too. [He gently rubs her back in turn as if to soothe her.] You just need to find a balance...
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Look who's talking.
[She means that in the fondest way possible. He's grown so much, but don't think she hasn't forgotten where they started.]
You wouldn't even take a bowl of soup from me when you were feeling under the weather back in the day. [A pause, and a laugh.] Well, you begrudgingly accepted it. But not without a fight.
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[A light grin.]
They'll wear you down the same way. You just need to find some compromises.
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[She jests, and rests back against him with an added embrace, and another slower song begins to play softly in the background that she starts to sway to.
Speaking of all those things—their friends and the ways they can make it all more enjoyable not just for themselves, but for everyone, Tifa hums thoughtfully to herself.]
I guess they will. I'll just be happy when I see everyone on the dancefloor having a good time. [Eustace, especially. With her.] But... I was also thinking... we should do some other things, too.
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[He sways with her, his arms nestled comfortably around her as he just rests his head atop hers, eyes closed as he enjoys the contented, peaceful, warm feeling washing over them, idly thinking of those days long ago back in another world where they first met... How truly amazing they are here the way they are now.]
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[She hasn't thought that far into it, but between them both, she thinks that they could probably figure something out.]
We could ask over the journals... See if there's anyone that has ideas, or maybe traditions from their own worlds? ... Gotta make the announcement anyway.
[As much as she had been putting that off, she knows that the time has to come eventually on that. She can't keep being shy about it forever...!]
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[He pushes against her this time dropping more of his weight against her in a playful manner.]
It's been ready for how long now?
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I know...
[She knows! She was the one who wrote it all up and had it done, and now that it's finally the month before, perhaps it's about time that they put it to use.]
I just... It's a big deal. The whole town's going to know...
[And she's shy!!!]
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With how we usually are, I doubt many would be surprised. I can always post it instead...or just take your journal and send it in.
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No, I—we can both do it. Together.
[She's just going to need that one last little push to do so in a few days when the time comes... And she opens her mouth, likely to spout more excuses as to why it isn't ready to post just yet, but she quickly closes her lips and presses them together instead, a small flush colouring her cheeks at his comment because yeah, he's not wrong about that... It's not as if it's some big secret anymore, or it ever was. They're not exactly shy about their affection for one another...]
You're going to have to help me thank people, too.
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Of course. I just hope you don't expect me to be that "chatty."
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[She boops him on the nose with a finger and rests her head on his chest again, continuing to sway lightly to the music.]
How about in a couple of days? I'll take a look over it again, see if I'm missing anything, and then have you take a glance at it, too. Could maybe use some directions for where the corgi tree is... and maybe where on the riverside we'll be for the reception. Oh, and—
[Take a breath, Tifa...!]
I was going to ask about other worlds too.
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Mm...for those traditions? I'd offer what I can remember from my village's, but they were all... I don't think they would go over very well.
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[Well, now he's piqued her curiosity! Whether or not they can actually use them or if they would go over well doesn't matter. But she's heard very little about his life back in his home, so there's a very curious, interested glint in her eyes when she peeks up from where she's leaning on him.]
What kind were they?
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If anyone tried to even touch you I'll shoot them.
[And given the slight darkness that flickers over the lights—he's serious. But then it fades and everything returns to normal as he recalls the other things.]
But the traditions... There were a few. For the groom they would have a "strength test" that was more of a prank where they would have something disguised with a piece of strong timber and he would have to try and either notice or be able to break it.
Another is he has to go out and hunt the largest game he can find and bring it back. Else he needs to bring several smaller game. Although it was also proof of his skills, it was a practical matter as this would help provide for the feast. It was starting to become more common for the brides to assist as well as more women started taking up hunting, so the tradition started to change to symbolize more of a joint partnership between the couple. If they couldn't hunt, then gathering crops or provide in some other capacity to the best of their skills was done.
For the bride, she would go out and gather as many flowers as she could. Even in the winter there would be winter flowers so although a bit more difficult, it could be done. With these flowers she would wear a type of headdress. [A small pause before be continues.] After the ceremony, the other women and children would bring flowers to add to the headdress, usually by braiding them into the veil. They would then take the leftover flowers to make their own charm, usually flower crowns or bracelet. All of this was a symbol of hope for a fruitful love and life for the bride.
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When he's finished, Tifa lifts her head from his shoulder with a bright laugh and an even brighter glint in her eyes.]
What do you mean they wouldn't go over well?
[They sound perfect...! And way better than any of the boring traditions she might have known about from Gaia. Not that there were any.]
Maybe not the hunting since you'll all be in nice suits, but... I think the other two could be fun. It'll get people involved, give them things to do... What do you think?
[They are his home village's traditions after all!]
no subject
I didn't mention the pig and chicken chasing, the snow dumping, and what that "something" is usually disguised for the strength test. As just a few.
[Granted most of those "traditions" were a result of the general partying atmosphere and being in an isolated snow covered village—the options were few and far between. But it still made everything fun.]
...Weddings didn't happen often as we were a small village on our own, so the rare time they happen it becomes a festive affair. I only witnessed one and heard stories of the others.
[Of. Course because they were a small village and it was rare for someone to leave or visit they were all pretty much related to each other but that's not important right now—]
But if you think we can incorporate them, sure. Make whatever changes you need. [A small pause.] I can still do the hunting.
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Hunting? Not on the day of, right?
[Because that's how she understood it: before the night of the feast, he and all the other men would go hunt things for the food at the reception in some sort of competition, but with the way Tifa's fingers curl into his jacket, it should be telling enough what she's thinking. She wants to spend the entire day with him and even just the thought of being apart from him on their wedding day leaves behind a little twinge of sadness in her chest.]
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No, not on the day of.
[His eyes shine a bit at understanding how much she wants to be with him, his heart once again feeling a bit ticklish by it. Really, how could he find someone so adorable and precious just for himself...]
It would be a few days before, the earliest a week so it can be used at the reception. I wouldn't be gone overnight, either.
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Mm. Good.
[Tifa gives a small, satisfied nod.]
I wouldn't mind eating some food you caught, though. [Nor will she mind telling everyone that he was the one who went out and hunted it...! Her eyes shimmer with pride even now.] You'll have to let 76 know too, since he'll be the one roasting whatever it is you manage to find.
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[He glances upwards thoughtfully before he shakes his head a little ruefully.]
Unfortunately I don't remember many of the original recipes... But I think I can manage.
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You're going to make something?
[The part about him cooking anything isn't surprising—he's quite the cook himself—but just the fact that he's thinking about it at all for the wedding is... nice. It makes her heart feel warm and full...]
If you need help recreating recipes, I could give it a try...?
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[A small, wistful smile.]
Call me stubborn, but I'd like to try on my own. Like... [A small pause as he tries to find the right words.] A gift to you, in a way.
[He glances away a little embarrassed.
Making something from his own village... He hasn't even thought of trying ever since that fateful day. There was a time he tried to grasp and remember everything he had learned, wrote them down so he wouldn't lose them forever. His entire house had been completely turned into ash with barely anything, not even a scrap left, so all he had was his memories. But actually trying to recreate anything... He was only nine and everyday he regretted not paying more attention so he only had guesses, and then eventually it just felt hopeless and painful so he had just hid everything away. And that was when things were still "fresh." The chances of him remembering anything now...?
Maybe if he used a bauble he'd have a chance.]
But if I get stuck I'll come to you.
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But there's something so simple yet so vast about him wanting to gift her something from his past... from his home, and that little piece of his life that she never got to know. Even if it met a tragic end, the fact that he wants to...
There may be a bit of a strain to her voice as she fights back the tears that are lining her eyes.]
Mm. If you get stuck, you can come to me.
[Just like everything else. Slowly, she rises on her tiptoes and seeks out a soft, gentle kiss.]
I don't think it's stubborn at all. I think it's sweet... I can't wait.
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~fin.