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[flamekthunder]

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[flamekthunder]

[He still doesn't look too happy about it.

...But.]

Given the circumstances... And how much more prevalent it seems to be lately... It may not be such a bad idea.

[He looks at her more concerned now.]

I just don't want you to have to deal with such a thing. After all... The only reason one would even have to control it is if they've accumulated enough to begin with...

[Which means... She'd need more nightmares.]

[starshower]

[Tifa understands what he means... it had been a pretty crazy proposition to begin with, she knows... but just because she doesn't have any doesn't mean that there's a lack of it between them, and if he's the one teaching her...]

What about... yours?

[Is that even possible? She has no idea, but if they could share the starflowers, then surely that means that they could share everything else, too?]

[flamekthunder]

What do you mean?

[starshower]

[Her shoulders stiffen and relax, a sigh tumbling out of her.]

... I mean what about your nightmares? Me using them, since I don't have any of my own.

[That she knows of, of course.]

[flamekthunder]

[.....Huh. He looks thoughtful at that.]

Is that even possible? That would mean you'd have to take in my nightmare energy... I feel that would be more difficult than if you first used your own.

[starshower]

I don't know if I even have any.

[She pulls her hand away, the warmth she offers him disappearing for a moment as she looks at it, and her fingertips, still slightly purple from what she had experienced.]

I'd trust yours more, to be honest... but how would I even know?

[flamekthunder]

[...Hm.]

But then that would mean infecting you with my own...

[His eyes narrow and he shakes his head.]

I can't. Not like that.

[starshower]

[Her arms finally wrap around his shoulders, and she slips a little closer, her hips molding to his as she brings her eyes to connect with his gaze.]

You wouldn't be infecting me with anything.

[Her voice is soft, quiet, reassuring.]

It's part of you, Eustace. It should be part of me, too. And I'd rather that than... something different.

[flamekthunder]

But we don't know that, Tifa.

[Another falter.]

Especially now... I don't know if it's the same.

[starshower]

But it's yours.

[Her arms squeeze around his shoulders, pulling him closer.]

That's all I need to know.

[She doesn't even want to think about trying to take on some from elsewhere, or from someone else. It's his that she trusts, his that even tried to save her life, even if things had gone incredibly south. And that's why she's sure—]

... I know you wouldn't hurt me.

[flamekthunder]

...But I still don't know if you can even use it. We can't even use each other's dreamotion like that.

Even if you could, what will you do if I'm not around?

[starshower]

[That's what she had been afraid of. Or maybe she knew that all along, and her expression sags a bit, that confidence wavering.]

At least then I'd know how to use it.

[Her fingers fidget behind his neck, the cold tips gently gliding over her ring.]

How do I know if I have any, then?

[flamekthunder]

Everyone does, whether in small amounts or large.

[He looks at her carefully.]

But I could try to find out.

[starshower]

[She looks up at him, her eyes widening slightly in question.]

How?

[It's not that she doubts him or doesn't trust him, but she's never felt it before. Never had this terrifying feeling that something else was lingering within her. Not like some of the others who have experienced it.]

[flamekthunder]

...I'm not sure. But I think...

[He weighs his words for a moment before continuing.]

I think if I were in one of your dreams I could feel traces. Especially if it's a bad one.

[starshower]

In my dreams?

[She pulls one of her hands back to hold it between them, and now she looks incredibly unsure. Would she have to force a nightmare?]

... Not outside?

[flamekthunder]

It would be easier within. Unless you want to go to Orkili and be tested there.

[They seem to have more sensitive equipment so they might be able to pick it up easier and faster than anything available in Reverein right now.]

[starshower]

[She gives a small shake of her head and draws closer, bringing her lips to his jaw with a light, almost needy kiss.]

... No. I want to do it with you.

[Just him. Where she feels safest. And if they are to do it within her dreams, then she would rather keep her closest-guarded secrets between them.]

But not right now.

[flamekthunder]

[A small nod as he sighs and hugs her close.]

Agreed. Moods aside, it would be too dangerous to try anything now.

[starshower]

Well. Not everything...

[She's still had some troubles keeping them warm, and the starflowers that usually line their bed are still quivering in the chilled air, their petals trying to bloom.]

It's been weaker since we got back.

[In case he's wondering what she means, he'll feel the light heat of her flame dance across his chest.]

[flamekthunder]

You've likely exhausted it...

[He holds her hand, as if trying to share some of his warmth.]

But it could have also been affected by what happened in there. Let's just try and get some rest first, and if it's still like this in the morning....

[He purses his lips. Can he even help her with his own? Would it be safe to? It's been a while since he felt so uncertain and not as confident to help reassure her.]

We'll figure it out.

[starshower]

[She huffs quietly with a laugh, her hand curling gently around his.]

... What's a girl gotta do to get a kiss from her husband around here?

[But she knows what he means. As much as she wants to share her dreamotion with him and the other way around, is it really a good idea that they do? Though... if she could just get that little boost to hers.

When really, it isn't about the boost at all.

The truth is that she's still scared for him. Scared of what she saw and what it means, and the fact that he has no idea either frightens her that much more. So maybe, if she feels that warmth of his, it will serve as a reminder that he is still here. Himself.]

[flamekthunder]

[There's a slight rise of his brows before a more lighthearted laugh escapes him.]

Is that what you've been wanting, hm?

[He can't help it—despite the heaviness that still surrounds him, having her act this cute in front of him instantly warms his heart and chases away the shadows that cling to them. Even now little buds of those starflowers start to pop around as he looks at her with such fondness.]

[starshower]

... Maybe.

[Her hand slides down his until it rests around his wrist, her thumb gently rubbing over his pulse. Already, she can feel that warmth sinking in, as if those starflowers that bloom have brought it with them.]

Though, pretty sure I always want one.

[flamekthunder]

You do.

[His head dips lower closer to hers, eyes finding hers to stare into them...

Before kissing her nose.]

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