[She waves a dismissive hand, and Tifa can feel her impatience starting to tick again.
"Yes, yes. That's all well and good, but what kind of compensation will I be receiving?"
There's a very, very loud sigh from beside Eustace.]
A roof over your head when it's cold or raining, and food to eat... if that's your thing.
[Do fairies eat human food? Well, regardless, it's there.]
In exchange for your help with Sprinkles, and any other fairy animals that could wind up under our care. And the gardens. But like I said... you'll be staying out of our way. Are we clear?
[There's a drawn-out pause, and Tifa can't tell if she's taking them seriously or thinks this is all fun and games, but after some "deliberation" on her part, which includes some hemming and hawing, she shrugs again.
"Alright, fine. Write up the contract and I'll sign."]
[He eyes the fairy for a moment. Of the fae, from what he remembers back in Camelot, fairies usually have weaker magic compared to the others, but they still shouldn't be underestimated. Even a simple prank magic of filling the building with flowers or mud would be annoying. So as much as...annoying as this fairy is, he doesn't want to necessarily get on her bad side.]
I'll have it prepared by the end of the day. Until then, I'll note down whatever conditions we have as we continue looking over the property.
[Tifa opens her mouth to say something, but she's interrupted.
"Alright, alright. I'll leave you two to it, then. Just drop by whenever you have it ready, and maybe bring some treats for 'Sprinkles' while you're at it."
Said kitten meows loudly, and it'll be hard to say no to that. She rises and hops down to follow Mirabelle who's already heading back inside, leaving Tifa looking disappointed at how empty her arms are now.
She waits and watches the pair, and as soon as they're through the doors and out of earshot, Tifa finally says what she meant to, her hand resting on Eustace's arm.]
Why don't we finish up out here and take a break? We've been at this for a while... Could do the contract up first thing tomorrow morning, too.
[She's in no rush to return to Mirabelle anytime today.]
[Her eyes close, and she leans gratefully into the kiss by standing a little higher on her tiptoes to meet him, and the smell of starflowers returns to fill the gardens again, but his compliment has her blinking them open to peer up at him, genuinely curious and confused.]
[She's not sure why the kiss surprises her so, but it's so tender and sweet and reassuring that as she yields to and returns it, she feels all of her worries leave her. He may not have intended it that way, but for that singular moment, all of the things that she feared or been anxious about with this brand new, big venture together are melted away...
Much like the snow that begins to melt to reveal the many different flowers underneath.]
I still can't believe it. [There are so many things that feel too good to be true for her in this world. This is just one more to add to the list right behind the fact that they are married.] This is... ours, Eustace. This will be ours.
[There's still so much work to be done but it doesn't make it any less so now than it will be later, but they can cross those bridges as they reach them, as they tend to do.
For now...]
... We should celebrate a successful first day. How about... once we finish up here, I crack open a bottle of some nice wine when we get home!?
[Maybe open up some other things too while they're at it--]
[He continues to gaze at her fondly, his hand lightly brushing against her hair and cheek.]
Sure. I suppose that means we shouldn't linger around for much longer, hm?
[Even if right now he doesn't really mind the lingering. But he also wouldn't mind heading home sooner rather than later for that "wine" and other things.]
[She really does mean wine... but she'll also have whatever that "wine" is, too.]
We have time. It's still early.
[But the longer he looks down at her, and the way that his hand brushes over her skin, she can't help but think back to the way they were interrupted earlier, and how she'd like to finish that up one way or another... whether it's here or in the privacy of their room, and thinks about how she might not want to linger for so long.
So, after she steals one more—no, two more—kisses from him, she slips away and starts to move around the garden. It's wide with a sprawling willow tree, and while its leaves are shed for the winter, there are flowers that bloom as she approaches it. She makes note of things that they could have out here, like heated logs for the cold, and maybe some ice creams for when it's hot. Who knows how good of an idea that will be—
She settles on the wooden patio for the back with some dark wooden furniture to match, and then out in the grassy area, more perches for the cats and plenty of things for the dogs to play with when they're outside.
By the time they're finished, it will be reaching late afternoon when Tifa grabs his quill and tugs it free from his hand.]
That should be enough for the day. ... Your boss requires your assistance elsewhere.
[He can only watch her at first, that soft smile never leaving until he finally pulls out his journal to start taking notes. He even draws some basic diagrams, his time having to build the layouts for their house additions having given him so practice on that front. He'll have to come back for measurements... But he can make some rough estimations.
And just like that he continues to help Tifa, mostly listening to her ideas and giving input when he can. But most of all, he just enjoys watching her so animated and excited, happy to help her build this new life of theirs. Again he's reminded how much he doesn't want this to remain just a fleeting moment in his life, just a special dream that he will forget...
As he's jotting down some final thoughts, his quill is suddenly taken away and he looks over at Tifa with some surprise... Before a wry grin forms.]
[With his quill gone, she takes the opportunity to thread their fingers together, shyness blooming in her smile and the way she looks at him. She knows that he's been watching her the whole time they've spent looking around, but she hasn't felt more seen than she does right now.]
Some unfinished business. But first... getting through a bottle of the finest wine we have.
[With a tug of his hand, Tifa leads him back inside. Mirabelle and Sprinkles are there, but she largely ignores them with just a "see you later" as she drags Eustace through the empty room and out the front door to lock it. And on their walk home, there's a very noticeable buzz of anticipation that follows her, clings to her as she eagerly pulls him along back home.
As soon as they're through the front door and she's sure that they're alone, she wastes no time in snatching him in for a kiss, pressing him up to the door as she closes it behind them. It's needy, teasing, but quick, and her lashes flutter as her gaze moves from his lips to meet his eyes.]
... You worked hard today. Why don't you go relax and wait for me? I'll grab the wine.
[He lets Tifa drag him through, not even bothering a glance at the fairy though he does look towards the kitten. It does seem to be a bit more relaxed with the fairy around, at least that's what he could glean the brief glimpse before he and Tifa are out the door and on the road back home. He can see that buzz, and he can't help but quietly chuckle at how eager his little wife seems to be to take her husband home.
And apparently very eager given that as soon as they reach it, he finds himself pressed back against the door, her lips on his. And of course, there is no protest, only natural acceptance as he'll help by reaching out to the handle, his hand over hers as he locks it. With his other around her waist, he only gazes down at her for a moment.]
Oh? You're the one that's been making all these decisions, all I did was write it down.
[And now with both arms around her, hands locked behind the small of her back, he leans down to kiss her lips, lingering at her sweet taste before he smirks a bit.]
Not to mention trying to fend off a pushy fairy...
[It's honestly so freeing to be back home, and to be able to simply be together like this after a long day together, and as he kisses her and holds her there in his arms, she wonders how many more times they'll be able to do this once they're open for business.
She smiles back at him as her lips graze over the sharp curve of his jaw, her nose nuzzling lovingly against his cheek as she slowly and carefully breathes in his scent.]
You still did a good job. I couldn't have done it without you.
[As playful as her movements are, she pauses and pulls back with a more genuine look about her.]
... Really, though. Thank you.
[Maybe she could have done this all on her own, but why would she want to? Why would she when she could do it with her husband at her side?]
[At this his expression softens, and he more affectionately nuzzles her, his lips lightly brushing against the tops of her eyes.]
Of course. I'll always be there when you need me.
[Always.
Always, always, always. Dangerous word in this world, but he wants it to be true. Wants it so badly he's willing to try and change the rules of his world to make it happen. He never would have imagined helping anyone with something like this, never imagine coming back from a work day to have someone waiting and wanting him to be by their side. And that is something she's gifted him, a most beautiful and precious gift.
And he wants to give it all back one hundred fold.]
She might have been afraid to really believe in that once. She would have hesitated, would have convinced herself that it's not something that she can promise. That believing in it fully and truly would only leave her feeling empty in the end... but...
Now, there's no voice in her head that tells her no. There hasn't been for a while, but after today... After talking so much about the finer details of their future like what kind of welcome mat or coasters to get, how to set up the garden of the business they'll be running together, Tifa's head and heart have never been clearer.
It's an overwhelmingly deep feeling that rises in her chest, but she resists the urge to let it free as a sob or a sniffle or a laugh... even more words. Instead, it comes out in her smile, the glint in her eyes, and the kiss that she presses to his lips again, soft and sweet.
But there's an excitement simmering beneath it as well—not just for their little celebration, but for everything that's to come later down the line. Even with the wedding over, there's still so, so much to look forward to.
On that note... With a smile, she murmurs into the kiss.]
Go wait for me.
[Even though it's hard for her to let him go now that she has him.]
[He's slow to part, instead taking her lips again, savoring her taste and that light buzz that's hidden beneath it. Such a light, freeing feeling—it's difficult for him to not want to chase it.
But he'll eventually let go, smiling softly.]
Don't take long or I'll come get you myself.
[A light smirk before he steps around to head to their room.]
[She only looks back over her shoulder at him with a grin when he leaves.]
Maybe that's exactly what I want.
[But she'll wait for him to disappear into their room before she moves at all... and she won't keep him waiting for long. Maybe a touch longer than needed, because how long does it really take to grab wine and a pair of glasses, just to build up the anticipation a bit more before she appears in the doorway. She's already taken it upon herself to pop the cork off the wine, and its label bears the name of Barok and Diluc's winery on it.]
A red wine I haven't tried yet.
[As she slips into the room and nudges the door shut with her foot.]
If it's too sweet for you, I can always grab or make you something else.
[After sending a signal to one of the dogs to keep an eye on Lyria—specifically, to keep her away for a bit—Eustace just freshens up a bit before flopping onto his side of the bed, his journal already appearing in his hand. Could he just lie there and relax? Probably, but he's just not the type, and he's already wanting to go through the notes they've made.
So he looks up when he hears her coming, his eyes drifting to the wine before looking back to her.]
[She admires him silently and openly first. Even when she asks him to relax, he still has to keep himself busy. She doesn't mind it, and it is something she's always found so endearing about him, but there are moments when she wishes that he would for his sake. Of course, with all this work that needs to be done, it's hard not to go over all of it.
So, it's with a fond, crooked smile that she crosses the room and slumps on the bed beside him, careful not to spill as she hands him an empty glass, and she'll fill his up first as soon as it's out of her hands.]
We got some good ones in there, at least. A lot, too.
[She's brimming with joy and pride, her cheeks flushed with it, as she fills her glass second. Not too much for either of them for now, but enough that they can get some good tastings before diving into the bottle. They got a lot done today—much more than she imagined—and it's all a giant leap in the right direction.
So, once they both have their glasses and she's set the bottle down on the table on her side of the bed, she raises hers to him.]
Here's to... a successful first day on the job. And... [Her gaze lowers from him to her glass, her smile turning shy.] ... New dreams for us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flamekthunder) wrote2025-04-07 09:12 pm
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"Yes, yes. That's all well and good, but what kind of compensation will I be receiving?"
There's a very, very loud sigh from beside Eustace.]
A roof over your head when it's cold or raining, and food to eat... if that's your thing.
[Do fairies eat human food? Well, regardless, it's there.]
In exchange for your help with Sprinkles, and any other fairy animals that could wind up under our care. And the gardens. But like I said... you'll be staying out of our way. Are we clear?
[There's a drawn-out pause, and Tifa can't tell if she's taking them seriously or thinks this is all fun and games, but after some "deliberation" on her part, which includes some hemming and hawing, she shrugs again.
"Alright, fine. Write up the contract and I'll sign."]
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I'll have it prepared by the end of the day. Until then, I'll note down whatever conditions we have as we continue looking over the property.
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"Alright, alright. I'll leave you two to it, then. Just drop by whenever you have it ready, and maybe bring some treats for 'Sprinkles' while you're at it."
Said kitten meows loudly, and it'll be hard to say no to that. She rises and hops down to follow Mirabelle who's already heading back inside, leaving Tifa looking disappointed at how empty her arms are now.
She waits and watches the pair, and as soon as they're through the doors and out of earshot, Tifa finally says what she meant to, her hand resting on Eustace's arm.]
Why don't we finish up out here and take a break? We've been at this for a while... Could do the contract up first thing tomorrow morning, too.
[She's in no rush to return to Mirabelle anytime today.]
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Sounds good.
[And then he leans down to give her a light kiss on the top of her head.]
And well done.
[Maybe a light smile there.]
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Hm? Well done for what?
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[Smirk.]
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[Tifa drops to her own height and shifts on her feet, her hands fidgeting between them as she very slowly drops her head forehead to his chest.]
Was it that obvious? [And her voice lowers to an almost-whisper.] She's a little annoying... but I'm sure it'll be fine.
[Then, it drops even further until she's muttering incoherently.]
As long as she leaves you alone...
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She's just a little fairy. What—[A light smirk.] Don't want me to use my "charms" to work this in our favor?
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No. [A quick peek up at him as more flowers push their way forth from the snow.] They're only for me... your "charms."
... Right?
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[A soft, quiet, gentle smile before he leans down to kiss her gently and lovingly on the lips, more of those flowers blooming around them.]
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Much like the snow that begins to melt to reveal the many different flowers underneath.]
I still can't believe it. [There are so many things that feel too good to be true for her in this world. This is just one more to add to the list right behind the fact that they are married.] This is... ours, Eustace. This will be ours.
[There's still so much work to be done but it doesn't make it any less so now than it will be later, but they can cross those bridges as they reach them, as they tend to do.
For now...]
... We should celebrate a successful first day. How about... once we finish up here, I crack open a bottle of some nice wine when we get home!?
[Maybe open up some other things too while they're at it--]
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Sure. I suppose that means we shouldn't linger around for much longer, hm?
[Even if right now he doesn't really mind the lingering. But he also wouldn't mind heading home sooner rather than later for that "wine" and other things.]
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We have time. It's still early.
[But the longer he looks down at her, and the way that his hand brushes over her skin, she can't help but think back to the way they were interrupted earlier, and how she'd like to finish that up one way or another... whether it's here or in the privacy of their room, and thinks about how she might not want to linger for so long.
So, after she steals one more—no, two more—kisses from him, she slips away and starts to move around the garden. It's wide with a sprawling willow tree, and while its leaves are shed for the winter, there are flowers that bloom as she approaches it. She makes note of things that they could have out here, like heated logs for the cold, and maybe some ice creams for when it's hot. Who knows how good of an idea that will be—
She settles on the wooden patio for the back with some dark wooden furniture to match, and then out in the grassy area, more perches for the cats and plenty of things for the dogs to play with when they're outside.
By the time they're finished, it will be reaching late afternoon when Tifa grabs his quill and tugs it free from his hand.]
That should be enough for the day. ... Your boss requires your assistance elsewhere.
no subject
And just like that he continues to help Tifa, mostly listening to her ideas and giving input when he can. But most of all, he just enjoys watching her so animated and excited, happy to help her build this new life of theirs. Again he's reminded how much he doesn't want this to remain just a fleeting moment in his life, just a special dream that he will forget...
As he's jotting down some final thoughts, his quill is suddenly taken away and he looks over at Tifa with some surprise... Before a wry grin forms.]
Assistance with what?
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Some unfinished business. But first... getting through a bottle of the finest wine we have.
[With a tug of his hand, Tifa leads him back inside. Mirabelle and Sprinkles are there, but she largely ignores them with just a "see you later" as she drags Eustace through the empty room and out the front door to lock it. And on their walk home, there's a very noticeable buzz of anticipation that follows her, clings to her as she eagerly pulls him along back home.
As soon as they're through the front door and she's sure that they're alone, she wastes no time in snatching him in for a kiss, pressing him up to the door as she closes it behind them. It's needy, teasing, but quick, and her lashes flutter as her gaze moves from his lips to meet his eyes.]
... You worked hard today. Why don't you go relax and wait for me? I'll grab the wine.
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And apparently very eager given that as soon as they reach it, he finds himself pressed back against the door, her lips on his. And of course, there is no protest, only natural acceptance as he'll help by reaching out to the handle, his hand over hers as he locks it. With his other around her waist, he only gazes down at her for a moment.]
Oh? You're the one that's been making all these decisions, all I did was write it down.
[And now with both arms around her, hands locked behind the small of her back, he leans down to kiss her lips, lingering at her sweet taste before he smirks a bit.]
Not to mention trying to fend off a pushy fairy...
no subject
She smiles back at him as her lips graze over the sharp curve of his jaw, her nose nuzzling lovingly against his cheek as she slowly and carefully breathes in his scent.]
You still did a good job. I couldn't have done it without you.
[As playful as her movements are, she pauses and pulls back with a more genuine look about her.]
... Really, though. Thank you.
[Maybe she could have done this all on her own, but why would she want to? Why would she when she could do it with her husband at her side?]
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Of course. I'll always be there when you need me.
[Always.
Always, always, always. Dangerous word in this world, but he wants it to be true. Wants it so badly he's willing to try and change the rules of his world to make it happen. He never would have imagined helping anyone with something like this, never imagine coming back from a work day to have someone waiting and wanting him to be by their side. And that is something she's gifted him, a most beautiful and precious gift.
And he wants to give it all back one hundred fold.]
no subject
[Always.
She might have been afraid to really believe in that once. She would have hesitated, would have convinced herself that it's not something that she can promise. That believing in it fully and truly would only leave her feeling empty in the end... but...
Now, there's no voice in her head that tells her no. There hasn't been for a while, but after today... After talking so much about the finer details of their future like what kind of welcome mat or coasters to get, how to set up the garden of the business they'll be running together, Tifa's head and heart have never been clearer.
It's an overwhelmingly deep feeling that rises in her chest, but she resists the urge to let it free as a sob or a sniffle or a laugh... even more words. Instead, it comes out in her smile, the glint in her eyes, and the kiss that she presses to his lips again, soft and sweet.
But there's an excitement simmering beneath it as well—not just for their little celebration, but for everything that's to come later down the line. Even with the wedding over, there's still so, so much to look forward to.
On that note... With a smile, she murmurs into the kiss.]
Go wait for me.
[Even though it's hard for her to let him go now that she has him.]
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But he'll eventually let go, smiling softly.]
Don't take long or I'll come get you myself.
[A light smirk before he steps around to head to their room.]
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Maybe that's exactly what I want.
[But she'll wait for him to disappear into their room before she moves at all... and she won't keep him waiting for long. Maybe a touch longer than needed, because how long does it really take to grab wine and a pair of glasses, just to build up the anticipation a bit more before she appears in the doorway. She's already taken it upon herself to pop the cork off the wine, and its label bears the name of Barok and Diluc's winery on it.]
A red wine I haven't tried yet.
[As she slips into the room and nudges the door shut with her foot.]
If it's too sweet for you, I can always grab or make you something else.
no subject
So he looks up when he hears her coming, his eyes drifting to the wine before looking back to her.]
It should be fine.
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So, it's with a fond, crooked smile that she crosses the room and slumps on the bed beside him, careful not to spill as she hands him an empty glass, and she'll fill his up first as soon as it's out of her hands.]
Already going over our notes?
[She motions to the journal with her eyes.]
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[A light smile as he sets the journal down and takes the glass, holding it for her as she fills it.]
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[She's brimming with joy and pride, her cheeks flushed with it, as she fills her glass second. Not too much for either of them for now, but enough that they can get some good tastings before diving into the bottle. They got a lot done today—much more than she imagined—and it's all a giant leap in the right direction.
So, once they both have their glasses and she's set the bottle down on the table on her side of the bed, she raises hers to him.]
Here's to... a successful first day on the job. And... [Her gaze lowers from him to her glass, her smile turning shy.] ... New dreams for us.
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🎀