[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.
[There's that ripple of warmth as he can see how moved she is, and he lightly brushes his palm and fingertips against her cheek.]
...How did I find you?
[Just a quiet murmur as he continues to gaze down at her.
Really... Out of all the people, all the worlds, how could he find someone so wonderful and special as her? Someone who could warm and move his heart in ways he never would believe possible? Especially when it could have been so easy to miss if fate had worked a different way...]
[His question takes her back, and she opens her mouth to say something, but the moment that her lips part, all she can manage is a soft, contented sigh as his fingers brush over her cheek. She leans into the feeling, pressing her cheek into his palm as one of her hands slides up to wrap over his, fingers tangling together, and she tries to come up with an answer...]
I ask myself the same thing every day.
[Every morning when she wakes up and finds him lying there with her, and every night when she lays her head down to rest next to his... And then in every moment in between.]
How did we find each other... twice? [She laughs quietly, and peppers kisses along the tips of his fingers.] I guess our luck's not as bad as we think. We might've picked a bad place to grab drinks, but it didn't end all bad, did it?
[If the bar had survived he would have gone back to leave them a massive tip.
But as his fingertips begin to trace along her lips, his gaze softens...and sombers a bit.]
...I don't think much of it now, but...in the past and sometimes still I can't help but remember and think how differently things could have been. How if Cloud had been more aware of your presence...
[He's still not sure what the hell happened, but he didn't think much of it. It worked in his favor after all. But it still had been unpleasant to see Tifa suffering because of it.
And while he would never blame her for it...he also remembers that in her world she's more than likely with Cloud. He's mature and understanding enough to be happy for her if so, but... It doesn't get rid of the bittersweet loneliness that remains as he questions if he would find anyone else in his own.]
[The look in her own eyes mirrors his, and she wonders in that moment what it is he's thinking that makes him so... sad, and so suddenly, but he confirms it, and her stomach does a small flip at the mention of Cloud. It's not often that he's brought up between them, and she prefers it that way, but she would be remiss to say that she hadn't thought the exact same thing every now and then.
Not that she's ever come up with an answer to it.]
... I don't know.
[Tifa really, truly doesn't know how things would have gone if Cloud had been more present in her life. She knew nothing about it there, and so she could never make assumptions about it, but she doesn't want to either. Doesn't want to think of a life without Eustace in it, and at her side...
Because that is what's harder to imagine now.]
I might have been confused for a while... or maybe we might not have met at all...
[The latter pains her the most. She closes her eyes and keeps his hand close, but her heart feels like it's being pulled on.]
But we're connected now. In ways I don't even think I can understand... I think... that maybe my heart would've gone to you anyway. Just like yours did when you came back.
[It is indeed painful to think about...yet that's just how life is. He could have easily not have met Gran or the others even in his own world and just continuing as he is. And of course, he isn't the type to dwell on the what if's—there's no point. Just... With Tifa, given their situation it's more poignant how the stars had to align so perfectly for this to work.
...Rewriting the stars, indeed...
While the idea of them always being together in no matter what life or what world is a beautiful one, he's a realist. So—]
...Yeah, we're together now.
[He hugs her close, burying his face in her hair as he inhales her scent, takes in her warmth, feels her heartbeat—everything.]
Just having you even once...it's already more than I could ever dream.
[More than he deserves, frankly.
He has her here, here with him now. In the present, in the time when he's fully aware of her presence and love. In a time and place...where this is just right. They may have other fated ones waiting for them somewhere else, and that's okay. Knowing how wonderful Tifa is...as much as he wants to keep her all to himself, it's not so bad to let others be blessed by her warmth and love, to also be moved just as he was. What's more important is that he can be selfish with her right now. Can keep her to himself in this little world they may one day call home.
And he feel so grateful and happy for it. So much so that the snowflakes and lights start to flicker brighter, a pleasant gust of wind blowing everything around them.]
[It's a little surprising that he brought it up at all, or that it was on his mind. To wonder that, maybe, somewhere far in the deepest reaches of it, he still had that tiniest inkling of doubt when he is always so confident breaks her heart a little, but it's his words that mend it. Even if it isn't quite that, even if it is just a passing thought, the fact that it exists makes her wish that she could kiss it all away.]
Who knows...
[Her smile is audible in the gentle lull of her voice.]
This might not even be a dream someday. "Even once" can become as long as we want it to be...
[How, she still has no idea, but she's holding out for it. If there's anyone in this place who could find a way to do it—to give them a way for their dream selves to remain here together, it's Eustace, and there's nothing that could or would ever waver her confidence in him.]
[He can't help but smile at her words, gently nuzzling her before he lowers his face so that he can brush his lips first against the top of her head, then her nose, an then to her lips.]
You're right. This won't be just a fleeting dream for us.
[His voice lowers as he murmurs against her lips, just loud enough for her to hear.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flamekthunder) wrote2025-04-07 09:12 pm
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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!]
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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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...How did I find you?
[Just a quiet murmur as he continues to gaze down at her.
Really... Out of all the people, all the worlds, how could he find someone so wonderful and special as her? Someone who could warm and move his heart in ways he never would believe possible? Especially when it could have been so easy to miss if fate had worked a different way...]
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I ask myself the same thing every day.
[Every morning when she wakes up and finds him lying there with her, and every night when she lays her head down to rest next to his... And then in every moment in between.]
How did we find each other... twice? [She laughs quietly, and peppers kisses along the tips of his fingers.] I guess our luck's not as bad as we think. We might've picked a bad place to grab drinks, but it didn't end all bad, did it?
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[If the bar had survived he would have gone back to leave them a massive tip.
But as his fingertips begin to trace along her lips, his gaze softens...and sombers a bit.]
...I don't think much of it now, but...in the past and sometimes still I can't help but remember and think how differently things could have been. How if Cloud had been more aware of your presence...
[He's still not sure what the hell happened, but he didn't think much of it. It worked in his favor after all. But it still had been unpleasant to see Tifa suffering because of it.
And while he would never blame her for it...he also remembers that in her world she's more than likely with Cloud. He's mature and understanding enough to be happy for her if so, but... It doesn't get rid of the bittersweet loneliness that remains as he questions if he would find anyone else in his own.]
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Not that she's ever come up with an answer to it.]
... I don't know.
[Tifa really, truly doesn't know how things would have gone if Cloud had been more present in her life. She knew nothing about it there, and so she could never make assumptions about it, but she doesn't want to either. Doesn't want to think of a life without Eustace in it, and at her side...
Because that is what's harder to imagine now.]
I might have been confused for a while... or maybe we might not have met at all...
[The latter pains her the most. She closes her eyes and keeps his hand close, but her heart feels like it's being pulled on.]
But we're connected now. In ways I don't even think I can understand... I think... that maybe my heart would've gone to you anyway. Just like yours did when you came back.
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...Rewriting the stars, indeed...
While the idea of them always being together in no matter what life or what world is a beautiful one, he's a realist. So—]
...Yeah, we're together now.
[He hugs her close, burying his face in her hair as he inhales her scent, takes in her warmth, feels her heartbeat—everything.]
Just having you even once...it's already more than I could ever dream.
[More than he deserves, frankly.
He has her here, here with him now. In the present, in the time when he's fully aware of her presence and love. In a time and place...where this is just right. They may have other fated ones waiting for them somewhere else, and that's okay. Knowing how wonderful Tifa is...as much as he wants to keep her all to himself, it's not so bad to let others be blessed by her warmth and love, to also be moved just as he was. What's more important is that he can be selfish with her right now. Can keep her to himself in this little world they may one day call home.
And he feel so grateful and happy for it. So much so that the snowflakes and lights start to flicker brighter, a pleasant gust of wind blowing everything around them.]
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[It's a little surprising that he brought it up at all, or that it was on his mind. To wonder that, maybe, somewhere far in the deepest reaches of it, he still had that tiniest inkling of doubt when he is always so confident breaks her heart a little, but it's his words that mend it. Even if it isn't quite that, even if it is just a passing thought, the fact that it exists makes her wish that she could kiss it all away.]
Who knows...
[Her smile is audible in the gentle lull of her voice.]
This might not even be a dream someday. "Even once" can become as long as we want it to be...
[How, she still has no idea, but she's holding out for it. If there's anyone in this place who could find a way to do it—to give them a way for their dream selves to remain here together, it's Eustace, and there's nothing that could or would ever waver her confidence in him.]
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You're right. This won't be just a fleeting dream for us.
[His voice lowers as he murmurs against her lips, just loud enough for her to hear.]
For as long as the stars burn in the night sky...
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~fin.