isleofavalon | closed 🌠 the night is blind, so hard to find the way back home

[It was in the middle of writing a message to check up on Eustace that she received one from him instead. To the point, just as she predicted, but what she didn't predict was him asking where she was, and then showing up on her front doorstep, on the welcome mat outside her inn room.

"Where are you right now?"

I'm at home. Why?

"Okay."

At least she knew now that he was okay—the whole point of her opening up their messaging chain was to make sure that h was, so that's a plus, but an explanation for why would have been a welcome addition to it. She was thinking of getting ready to head out, to pack up all of her things and leave the Inn for a while. There were people who needed to stay here more than she did, and she had places she could go, but... was he coming over? Should she wait for him?

She does, with her heart ready to leap right out of her chest. Whatever it was, it had her worried, though she would try to remind herself that she shouldn't be—he's more than capable of taking care of himself, but that doesn't mean she'll ever stop. It's just who she is.

Tifa had been waiting by the window that entire stretch, so she sees him coming. Before he can even lift a hand to knock, the door swings open and she looks as if she's about to throw her arms around him in relief, but she waits, teary eyes staring right into his.]

Edited 2021-10-02 15:24 (UTC)

[It had been...quite an ordeal after what had happened in Celliwig. He had originally been in Lestari helping with the evacuations when the attacks hit before making his way to Celliwig. But by then it was too late and all he could do was try to help evacuate people who were still there. And once the dragon had wiped the city, he had stayed behind to try and rescue any survivors. In the process, he had gone to certain places, and...

With a heavy heart he finally returns to Camelot with one particular destination in mind. And now he's about to knock on the door, but he's surprised when it bursts open instead and sees Tifa looking as if she's about to rush him. So he just stands there a little stunned before he notices something else and everything that had been on his mind momentarily disappears as he frowns, his eyes narrowing in concern as he steps towards her, a gloved hand instinctively reaching out to touch her face.]

What's wrong?

[Why...does she look like she's about to cry? Did she hear some other bad news? What happened???

He is also completely forgetting that he has a small bundle wrapped in his cloak and tucked in the crook of his other arm.]

[His gloved hand won't meet her face. Instead, she crashes into him, cut and bruised arms wrapping around beneath his and pulling him into a hug as she sighs quietly into his chest. She'd heard he'd gone to Celliwig, and then heard again that the city had burned to the ground, and worry had taken over her before she finally received that message.

Tears she'd been holding in for far too long—sad ones and relieved ones—come spilling out in small, quiet sobs. She still can't quite place why it is that she'd felt so afraid of him being hurt, but does it really matter now what it was? Not when he's here, alive and breathing. After everything that's happened, that's as much as any of them can ask for out of the people they care about the most, isn't it?

In spite of her own injuries, Tifa wanted to be strong for him, and for all of the people that lost something in the battles, whether it was in Celliwig, Lestari, or hell, even Camelot... but one can only hold themselves together for so long. She was always supposed to be that pillar of strength, even when people thought they didn't need it, and she feels silly for crying about it at all... for breaking down in front of him like this, but for some strange, inexplicable reason, she feels safe here. Safe with him to let it all go.]

I was worried is all.

[It's something stirring in one of his arms that gets her to pull away, a hand wiping the tears streaking her cheeks as she looks on.]

... What was that?

Edited 2021-10-03 15:54 (UTC)

[...?

???

????????

Eustace is caught so off guard by the sudden hug that he just stands there stunned, that outstretched hand just hanging in the air as if he has no idea what to do in this moment. But when he starts hearing those sobs, something inside him is shaken and that hand drops to her shoulder as he once again has no idea what to do.]

...Tifa??

[Why is she crying—?? But then he hears that it was because she was worried with the clear implication that it's about him. But...why would she...?? His mind is a complete blank as this is not something he's had to deal with before, so it's fortunate that the bundle moves and breaks them apart. It takes him a moment to process her question before he fumbles a bit in response.]

Ah...this...

[...

Dammit if she's already this upset just over worrying about him, how is she going to take the news he brought back to her...? There's a complicated expression as he stares down at her before glancing to her apartment behind her.]

...Let's head inside first.

[Through some sniffles, she nods and steps aside to let him through.]

Right... Come in.

[Her apartment is just about the same as it was the last time he was here, except this time, there's an open bag taking up the couch that's already been filled up halfway with what clothes she has. She's definitely packing up to go somewhere else... She's quick to pick it up and move it in case he wants to sit, but she won't unless he does while she looks him over from a small distance for any injuries he might have sustained.]

What brings you here? ... It sounded important.

[Only because he hadn't greeted her, or let her know that he was okay, and hadn't responded to her inquiry about why he'd asked where she was.]

[Stepping in, he immediately notices the bag and it doesn't take much for him to guess what she's doing. With the current situation and how selfless she can be, he's not surprised she would offer her home to the refugees. It also means she has somewhere to go...or he assumes she does. Should he ask?

But that's for later. Moving his gaze from the bag, he looks at her and once again feels the bundle stirring in his arms.

...

How...does he begin when he knows she'll just be upset again? He didn't think he would be so bothered by it, but that sharp feeling from before pricks at him. Never before had he thought about not wanting to upset someone else in such a way, yet once again Tifa manages to stir different feelings and thoughts.

But he can't keep this from her and she has a right to know. So he takes a breath as he steps towards her.]

...I arrived into Celliwig too late to help with the fight so I assisted with the evacuation and then later...the recovery. The place we went to... ...

[Never before had he found reporting something so difficult. He's had to relay detailed reports of death and devastation countless times before, though it had always been in an official capacity. A personal report... That wasn't his job. Even then he should have normally be able to handle it with his usual distance, to detach himself while still have the capacity to be considerate and offer sympathy. But somehow it's difficult in front of her. Is it because she's a friend and he actually...cares?

In the end he just stops there and uncovers the bundle to reveal the small, black kitten quivering and clearly still terrified. It was a little bruised, but had been treated prior to his return.]

...She's one of the few I found.

[Alive.]

[Her heart begins to sink, and keeps sinking the further he goes. Tifa wasn't there in Celliwig to see it in ruin, but word travels quickly, and she knows what happened to it, and leading up to the reveal, she was panged with a dreadful feeling in her gut. Something had happened, and it had meant something to Eustace, and in turn, it would mean something to her...

That place they went to... The café...

Seeing the black kitten breathes all of her fears to life, and he doesn't need to say any more for her to paint the horrifying picture in her mind. All those animals that needed homes... and one of the few he found...? Did they all get out? Did they make it out of the ruins and the fire and chaos?

She has all of those questions pounding at the forefront of her mind, eager to get out, but she knows better than to make him relive all of that. Eustace had a fondness for animals especially, and what he would have had to go through in seeing that kitten... Tifa doesn't even want to imagine.

The kitten's quivering cry pulls her out of those images, and she reaches a hand out, but doesn't touch it. She doesn't want to scare it any more than it already is.]

That café... it... [She can't even finish the thought, tears already welling up in her eyes again.] Is she hurt?

[There's that weird feeling again when he sees those tears again. He's seen and been with countless others who cry or get upset, yet somehow it's Tifa that makes him feel something more than general empathy. Like he wants to make them stop, but feels helpless because he doesn't know how. So he just focuses on her question about the kitten who is eying Tifa warily and actually flinches when Tifa's hand reaches out to it. He can only sigh a little helplessly.]

Only a little bruised and had inhaled a lot of dust and smoke, but she's been treated. Now she's just afraid...understandably so given what she witnessed. Since I was the one who found her and can understand her, she's been clinging to me and wouldn't go with anyone else. ...But I can't take care of a kitten.

[There's a complicated look as he looks at the little one who has huddled further into his arm, and he can hear its painful, fearful cries. Slowly he reaches over to lightly stroke its back, and the kitten starts to relax if only just.]

That's why I came to you... Since you have some experience I was hoping she might be able to bond with you instead, but... [His voice trails as he glances at the state of the apartment, of how Tifa was clearly preparing to leave it and go somewhere else.] If it's too much, then I'll find somewhere else.

No, it's not too much. Aerith won't mind.

[Her answer comes immediately, and while she sounds sure of herself, her expression betrays that when she looks down at the kitten again, watching it withdraw further into the blanket.]

It's going to take some work, but I can do it.

[She's willing to, and she isn't about to send Eustace off to find someone else to take care of her. Not when she was his first choice.

The kitten's scared cries has her sighing again, and Tifa beckons Eustace in the direction of the kitchen.]

Has she eaten?

Barely anything.

[A small haggard sigh as he runs a hand over his eyes and follows her inti the kitchen. It's only because he's good at masking it, but he really is weary and exhausted from everything. So there is some genuine relief when Tifa accepts, but be also sensed some of her uncertainty, one that's well founded given the circumstances.]

And I'll stay around until she gets used to you.

Yeah, that might be best.

[She gives him a soft, thankful smile over her shoulder while she rummages through her fridge for something—anything that could be okay for a kitten to eat. The milk she has won't do and will only make her sick, so... maybe something meaty. But is she too young to eat anything that's too heavy? There's some frozen soup broth that she's prepared and kept for future use that could be alright...]

Let me just warm this up on the stove. If she'll let you put her down... she might be okay exploring a bit?

[Although a change in environment that's due to come might only stress her out, so she leaves that up to him to decide... Especially if he can understand her...]

[The kitten just continues to cling to his arm, but Eustace thinks her idea isn't a bad one.]

I'll give it a try. She can't cling onto me forever.

[He'll move to a relatively "quiet" corner, out of Tifa's way, and sits on the floor. There he tries to coax the kitten out.]

...C'mon, I know you're scared, but you need to get used to it.

[Just some protesting mewls before he gently grabs her and tries to set her down.

The moment her paws touch the floor, she immediately climbs up onto his leg and scramble to his shoulder and to his head.

...

What is with small animals and perching themselves on top of his head????]

[Tifa is preoccupied with the stove and getting the frozen soup into a large enough pot, but she turns around just in time to catch the kitten clambering to the top of Eustace's head, those tiny, sharp kitten claws out and eager to climb. She can still see she's quivering, so Tifa doesn't approach, only taking a few steps so that she can lean her hands on the opposite end of the table to watch.

Sorry Eustace, you're on your own for now!

Her head tilts fondly.]

Looks like you'll be stuck here a while.

[If he's going to wait for the little one to get used to being here. Not that she minds his company...]

You said you could understand her, yeah?

[Just some slight wincing. No matter how thick or "floofy" his hair is, those little claws still hurt a bit. Thankfully once she's on top she retracts them as he remains still and wonders what to do.

...If he tries to move her will she just latch on instead........]

Mostly. It's similar to trying to understand a young child so the words don't always come through clearly if at all.

[Probably just a bunch of words strung together that don't really have much meaning... that's how kids tend to talk when they have a lot to say, although... she wouldn't be surprised if the kitten was fairly quiet now that she's out in the open, with Tifa watching them both.

In spite of everything that's happened, this is just the sight that she needed to cheer up, even if it's just a little bit.]

Alright, tell her to hold still a sec.

[And she's pulling her phone out of her pocket, pointing the camera right at them, and taking the photo before he can say or do anything about it. Not even a 'say cheese' as a warning.

She examines it for a moment with a pleased smile before tucking her phone away again.]

Cute.

[She should send this to Zidane and Gran. Yep, that's what she'll do.]

[...What is she—!!!]

Hey!

[HE DID NOT GIVE PERMISSION????]

[He'll just have to wait until later if he wants to see it. He can ask Zidane or Gran if he really, really wants to.

This might not be under the best conditions, but she can still turn this around... find some silver lining now that the kitten and Eustace are both safe and sound.]

Just to commemorate her first day in her forever home.

[Although she's leaving in the morning, but... that's neither here nor there. Home is where the heart is, after all, and Tifa's is going to Aerith's.]

If we don't have any baby pics, what are we going to tell her when she's all grown up?

Baby pics... You make it sound like she's our child.

[Just a low mutter as he wonders if he can somehow delete that photo later.... Though the damage has probably been done, ugh. Should he try and get a silly picture of her in retaliation&dmash;no wait what is he thinking—]

[Maybe that was the point...!

They could all use a little bit of lightness in their days right now.

Tifa only smiles across at him, swaying a little with her hands on the table before turning back to the soup in the pot, and with a little bit of magic, there's steam coming up from inside it as it starts to melt back into broth and fill the room with a hearty, chicken smell.

She's silent for a while longer as she stirs the soup, not turning around.]

... You want some?

[They might regret this later, especially since the little kitty is watching and hearing everything. At the very least she's a little more relaxed as she remains perched on Eustace's head, looking around at everything. Not wanting to ruin whatever mood she's in, Eustace just sighs and reached up to just lightly scratch her head before he hears Tifa's offer.

...]

...I appreciate the offer, but—

[GRrrrrwwwllllllwlllr]

.......

[He may have. Forgotten that he hasn't really eaten that much over the past few days...................................

Betrayed by his own body, how dare.]

One big bowl it is.

[And she has half a mind to tease him more about it by bringing out a mixing bowl she uses for baking rather than a normal bowl, but... she's done enough of that already.

Smiling, she goes back to stirring the soup, allowing a comfortable silence to linger between them again, broken only by the kitten's mewls as she bats at Eustace's nose from on top of his head, claws out and all.

Eventually, Tifa speaks again, her voice gentle.]

So, does she have a name?

[He just lets out a breath but otherwise doesn't say anything more. He really hadn't intended to stay longer than necessary especially since it's such a sudden visit. Thinking this, his gaze drifts to the mostly packed bag. If he had known she was on her way out... He wouldn't have bothered her... Yet she was still the first person who came to mind.

His thoughts are disrupted when the kitten leans down to bat at his nose. Even if those claws are small they're still sharp dangit.]

Hey, knock it off.

[Just a light chastise as he pokes the paw, telling the kitten to at least pull back her claws if she's going to treat him as a toy. The kitten just mews and continues to paw at him, a little gentler but it's hard for her to control those little claws. After another poke he finally reaches up to pull her off, holding her in his arms as he "counters" by tickling her belly a bit. A move he's only confident in doing so due to his thick leather claws that can withstand the sharp teeth and claws that inevitably attack. Although it sounds like mews of protest Eustace can clearly hear the laughter and smiles a bit. It's clear she's starting to relax and he can only hope she continues to do so.

He only frees her when Tifa asks her question, letting her roll around before letting her bat at his gloved hands.]

No, she doesn't. Some of the other rescuers were calling her "Blackie" but she's not a fan of it.

[A loud mew as if to confirm her dislike.]

Edited 2021-10-09 17:35 (UTC)

[Blackie is a terrible name for a cat, and she's inclined to agree with the kitten on that one. Besides, that was her name with the rescuers, and not associated with anything good.

There's no hiding the heaviness that still hangs in the air around Tifa as she scoops up a small spoonful of broth onto the best dish she could find for feeding a cat—a flat pasta bowl. They don't like it when bowls press their whiskers back, and she could remember Maru protesting vehemently to actual bowls when they first got him before they realized.

This will have to do for now until she can get to the store.

And then there's a second bowl for Eustace, bigger and filled with pieces of chicken soup, and she brings his to the table, and sets hers down on the floor out of the way of their feet.]

We're going to have to think of something better suited for her. Something she likes.

You'll probably have better luck than me. I'm not really good with names.

[Took him a while get Eria's, and that was after throwing like fifty different suggestions and playing something like twenty questions with her.

At first the kitten remains distracted, by Eustace, but she pauses when she catches the whiff of something yummy along with the light clink of the bowl on the floor nearby. Instantly she looks up... ...And then hides behind Eustace's leg because the lady. But just like Eustace, her little belly betrays her with the low rumble, causing her to shrink back even further.]

...C'mon, you need to eat. It's good, I promise.

[He lightly strokes the kitten's head before gently pushing her little butt forward and standing. Instantly the kitten latches onto his leg instead, and it's a good thing he's still wearing boots or that might have hurt a bit. Sighing he just...slowly walks towards the table, passenger in tow. Once there he pries her off and gently sets her down by the bowl, ignoring her sobbing mews of protest as he sits down in the chair right next to her.

Eustace might seem mean, but he knows—and is proven when that delicious smell overcomes her fish and she first paws at the bowl...then noses it...and then takes one little lick before starting to hungrily lap it up.]

[Tifa isn't much better with names... Her own familiar still doesn't have one, and while she seems perfectly fine with being called "dolphin", she'd like to find a name for her eventually. It just has to be the right one—one that suits her big personality.

Hopefully she won't get jealous about the kitten getting a name before she does...

She lets Eustace handle the cat for now, watching as he struggles to move to his seat, but soon enough, the kitten takes to the food so quick that she might as well just swallow the bowl whole.

And while watching the kitten as she takes the chair next to Eustace, that's when the idea comes to her.]

Luck...?

[The word rings again in her head, but... hmm.]

There are superstitions that black cats bring nothing but good luck, you know... but I think she beat those odds.

[They're stupid superstitions anyway.]

Lucky doesn't feel right, so... What about... [She pauses to ponder again.] Clover?

eustace.

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