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

Probably for the best. I don't even know where mine is.

[And she is going to pray silently to herself that she doesn't show up just as she says so, but thankfully, after a few moments, the room remains still and calm. She must be off playing with another familiar or something...

When Eustace finishes his soup and rises from the table, Tifa follows suit, patting the kitten on the head once more.]

I'll go get the couch set up, and I'll find some blankets that Clover might like. Just make yourself at home for now, okay? There are drinks in the fridge if you'd like.

[Mostly water, but there's some lemonade and some beers (would not recommend) in there as well, if he feels like it. And then Tifa disappears into the living room, with Clover hopping down from the table to follow her, trotting at her heels into the other room. It won't take her long to set up for him, so if he enters after them, he'll find that the couch is already pulled out with an array of blankets and pillows laid out across it for him. Perhaps a few too many, but she wants to make sure that he'll be comfortable!

There's a warm light from her room as well as some shuffling, and Tifa's head will poke through the door.]

Come take a look. Tell me what you think.

[Eustace half watches Clover following Tifa, a small smile unknowingly forming. It seems that although she's still a little shy, the kitten is starting to take to Tifa, so there's some relief. He really wouldn't know what to do if she didn't. With some of that weight off his shoulders, he continues into the kitchen to clean up and get some water for himself.

Doing so, he realizes that aside from his weapons he hadn't really properly removed his gear, the whole entrance a giant whirlwind of events. And with all the dirt, dust, and grime of traveling, he frowns a little before starting to move back towards the entranceway so he can at least take off some of his outer gear. In doing so, he texts Gran and calls for Eria, knowing it will take a bit for his familiar to arrive.

When he returns to the living room, he'll have removed his cloak, gloves, boots, and armor pieces. Seeing the set up, he gives it a quick look before glancing back at Tifa.]

It's more than enough, thanks. [And then a small pause.] ...Once Eria arrives, I'll need to bower your shower. But for now, mind if I use your bathroom to wash up a bit?

[Now that he's realized his current condition, he feels a bit bad not having cleaned up sooner.]

[Ah, he is making himself comfortable.

Seeing all of his gear removed brings a smile to her lips, unbeknownst to her for the few seconds before she realizes that it's there, and she disappears behind the door to her room for a moment to wipe some of it away. It just makes her glad to see that he's at least comfortable enough to do that much... And it seems Clover is too, because she wanders over and mewls her approval at him.]

Not at all, [she finally says, stepping out.] I gotta warn you though, I don't have any of the fancy soaps for men if you're looking to shower.

[He'll come out smelling like lavender and vanilla! Which isn't such a bad thing.]

[What is that sound of approval for? Is this a sign of her adjusting to her home? Finding her behavior a little cheeky, Eustace grins a little before picking the kitten up.]

It's fine, I don't really care what I use.

[...Okay, maybe he has a favorite brand, but it's not like he needs it or anything.]

She needs a bit of a cleanup as well, so I'll take her with me.

[He can already feel the kitten tense up, but he's already experienced this.]

Good luck with that.

[Tifa knows all too well the kind of experience trying to clean a kitten is. None of them take the matter lightly, and most will just outright refuse. So, it's only with an arch of her brow at the two of them and a smile that she leaves them to their devices, sliding back into her room to start getting herself ready for bed. Thankfully, she's already showered, so the bathroom is all his.

When he comes out, he'll have to find her in her room, fluffing up the makeshift bed that she's made for Clover at the foot of hers. It's several blankets curled up to create a sort of nest for her—a place she'll hopefully feel safe to sleep in.

As for the décor in her room, there won't be much to see, like the rest of the place. She hasn't taken the time to really decorate and fill it with pieces of herself—for the best, probably, considering she'll be leaving it tomorrow. However, there is one thing he might recognize: the white rose she wore in her hair during that "date" of theirs, still alive and thriving in the little bell jar that he'd brought her a while back, sitting on her bedside table.]

[Oh he knows. He knows. Already the kitten is giving her pitiful cries ("Noooo, I don't wanna I don't want a bath!!!") and he just sets her down in the tub first, staring down at bed with hands on his hips. As if on cue, Eria materializes next to him, already giving Eustace a scornful look before spitting out the bag of clothes.

Now he has two animals whining at him, one crying about the bath and the other grumbling about being made into an errand dog and why does she have to go home why can't she stay!?!? It just makes him close his eyes and sigh before telling them to be quiet. It's all Eris needed to huff and nip his hand before disappearing to return home, making Eustace grimace and shake his hand a bit.

Truthfully he feels a little bad... He's never been without Eria so it does feel a bit weird to not have her, but it can't be helped.]

Now for you...

[Clover has yet to cease her pitiful crying, but with a hardened face Eustace just turns on the water...and then transforms into a larger gray cat and hops into the tub with her.]

Come on, we've done this before already. If you're going to stay with Tifa you'll have to get used to it. I won't be around.

[As he grabs the towel with his mouth and plops it on her before starting to groom her like a real cat to get her adjusted, Clover just cries more.

Wwwhhhhyyy, she wants daddy to staaaayyy!!]

Who's your dad... Don't talk nonsense...

[Just a muttering grumble before he transforms back to normal, now sitting in the tub as he holds Clover in one hand and continues to rub and wash her off. He's going to shower after this, anyway, doesn't matter if he gets wet or not. She still continues to squirm in his hands, even biting and digging her claws, but the towel helps take some of the damage and he doesn't mind it.

Eventually he gets her cleaned off and towel dries her before setting her on the floor where she mopes and waits as he showers. He won't take too much time, and once he's out and changed, he'll take the blow dryer to finish drying both of them off and exiting the bathroom.

If Tifa heard any of it, it probably was a very interesting commotion, but he enters her room with a sulking but cleaner and fluffier Clover in his arms. He takes a cursory glance not wanting to be rude, but his eyes do linger on the rose.

...She still has it, huh...

Should he really be feeling this strange warmth in his chest?

His thoughts are broken when Clover mews and wriggles out of his arms to jump down and run to Tifa.]

[She definitely did hear the conversations in the bathroom. The room is smaller than a typical apartment, so their voices traveled easily. It's endearing that he can speak so easily to her, and that she feels comfortable enough to do the same... and Tifa only hopes that it can be that way for her too, even after Eustace leaves.

She'd barely noticed them come in, her mind in too many places at once while she finishes setting up, and she finds herself only staring at the bed she'd made when her strange reverie is broken only by Clover's cries coming from the door. Snapping out of it, she kneels to pick the kitten up and sets her down at the foot of the bed before wrapping her arms around herself.

Her pajamas are nothing more than a simple tank top and shorts, and yet, she can't seem to make eye contact with him, embarrassed that he's even seeing her like this. It's not any different from what she typically wears daily, but for some reason, this feels a little more... intimate? No, not intimate. Why in the world was that the first word that came to mind?

Personal. More personal.

Except all that is about to change.

Shaking it off, Tifa laughs, and peers up at him, her smile crooked.]

So, she only gave you a little bit of trou...ble...?

[Oh.

Her eyes shouldn't linger as long as they do where they do, but where else is she supposed to look, if not for his... stomach? Chest? ANYWHERE ELSE, MAYBE!? She hadn't expected him to waltz in here so casually in nothing but pants, and it shouldn't embarrass her this much. It's not like this is the first time, and it's definitely not all that strange. And yet, she can feel her face and ears growing hot, and her face reddening. When he had Eria bring him a change of clothes, did he not think to ask for a shirt!?

She feels like a stupid teenager. Come on, Tifa. Pull yourself together, what in Shiva's name are you doing!?]

Uh... [Tifa breaks her dumbstruck gaze away from him and goes back to adjusting the blankets on her bed for Clover. Meanwhile, her voice has shot up an octave.] How was she?

Edited 2021-10-27 16:03 (UTC)

[Eustace's gaze has momentarily returned to the rose in the jar after Clover had run off, but his attention goes back to Tifa when she starts talking. Contrary to her worries, he doesn't think much of her being in her sleepwear, though most of that is due to him being preoccupied with other thoughts and more immediate concerns such as Clover, as well as having already accepted that he was sleeping over. The full impact of that notion has yet to really hit him.

And it's going to remain that way for a little while more when he sees her reaction upon looking up at him. Belatedly he realizes he had come out without a shirt, though...okay that's partly his fault. He doesn't normally wear shirts to sleep, so while he has something for the morning, it's not one that would be comfortable sleeping in. Now, he does have casual shirts that would have worked, but either Eria chose his clothing on purpose or just grabbed whatever in a huff. It could go either way, really.

Still...it's not as if she's never see him shirtless before. Okay, the first time is not the best remembered experience, but still, guys go around shirtless all the time. Is it because of the context? In her apartment? ...Him...?

...

He's watching her silently as her face flushes and she turns around, her voice an octave higher. He shouldn't, but he does find her reaction a little amusing. Briefly Eustace wonders if he should just put on the shirt and then take it off later when he goes to sleep on the couch, but instead he ends up slowly walking towards her to sit down near Clover.

Which is of course, also right next to Tifa.]

She complained the entire time, but I've had to give her baths back in Celliwig. Transforming into a cat helps her settle a bit at first.

...She still managed to sink her claws in.

[And just idly raises a hand to show off a few of those marks. They've already been cleaned and will heal on their own, but he may be doing this deliberately.

Maybe.]

[Her eyes dart to his hands, only briefly, to catch a glimpse of the scratches, and seeing the look on her face, Clover mewls and rolls onto her side on the bed, as if trying to look cute to avoid any scolding that might come her way because of it. Tifa only clicks her tongue at the kitten in response, and she meows back before curling herself into a ball and letting her head down.

It's hard to stay upset at her when she looks this cute. All according to plan, isn't it?

Tifa shifts on the bed, an inch or so away from Eustace, still hugging her arms around herself. Is he doing this all deliberately? Finding a seat next to her, and presenting himself in such a bold fashion? Trying to get a rise out of her? No, he wouldn't do that, would he? This isn't a nature documentary about mating rituals. He would never.]

They heal pretty quick, but there should be some bandages in the bathroom if you need.

[She's watching Clover, who's watching back, her big yellow eyes staring up at her through the void of black that's setting in against the dark fleece blanket wrapped around her.

This shouldn't be as awkward as she's making it out to be—it's just Eustace, and this isn't the first time this has happened, but... there really is something about the circumstances that puts her on edge. It could be that it is because it's her apartment—her bedroom—and he's sitting here, and she can smell her soap on him as it soaks into the air in the room, and fills her head...

She clears her throat.]

Um. There are spare blankets in the closet if you need those, too.

[Yes, she's trying to get him out to the couch as soon as possible, but Clover's meow is higher pitched than normal, a loud protest to the idea of Eustace leaving, and she lifts her head to stare at him pleadingly.]

Edited 2021-10-28 18:01 (UTC)

I'll be fine, they'll heal soon enough.

[...She really is self conscious about him, isn't she? A small smirk tugs at the corner of his lips, but he maintains a neutral look as he continues to watch her. Only the small light of amusement in his eyes gives away his true feelings of this situation.

But just as he's thinking he should giver he a break and stop teasing her (why is he teasing her to begin with?), he hears those pitiful mews.

...Just as he feared.

He reaches out and pokes the kitten.]

I told you I'm not staying here. Tifa will be taking care of you so you need to get used to—

"MYA!"

[His words are cut short when Clover leaps up at him. Knowing full well those claws would fucking hurt, he quickly catches her with his hands. But doing so along with her subsequent wriggling actually makes him fall back—

Towards Tifa.]

[Really? Really!?]

What is wrong—!?

[It's all she manages to spurt out before she's screwing her eyes shut, startled by the sudden movement. Clover is able to wriggle herself free from Eustace grasp and bounces off his shoulder and back onto the bed, giving more momentum to his fall, and Tifa holds her hands out to shield herself, or to catch him...

If he doesn't save himself, he'll wind up right in her lap while Clover takes a seat to watch it all unfold, her tail curling politely around herself as if proud of the chaos she's wrought.]

[If it hadn't been for that shoulder jump he could have at least caught himself with his hands against the bed. As it is, because his body was twisting a bit and he was just sitting on the edge of the bed, he ends up losing his balance and collides into Tifa.

However the momentum and movement is such a way that he also ends up half sliding off the bed. Out of reflex he reaches out to grab something, but he realizes too late that something isn't the bedsheets but Tifa. There's a moment of shock as he looks at her before he ends up pulling her down with him with a hard thud.

At least she'll land on top of him, but... Ow.

Dammit Eria, you spread your influence onto Clover...!!!]

[Not that it's any better with him breaking her fall...

Tifa's first instinct is to grab onto something else to keep herself from falling, and in the end, takes the sheets down with them, where they flop unceremoniously to cover them both on the floor and ruining the bed that she made for Clover. Not that Clover seems to mind, because she's peering over the edge of the bed, her eyes now black from her wide, playful pupils.

And she'll meow again, but for Eustace, it will be more like "you stay!"

Tifa, on the other hand, blinks her eyes open to find herself shrouded in the dark, and realizing a few seconds later that she's had her face buried against his chest.]

Huh!?

[She pushes up and off him, but gets them both tangled further in the mess of sheets...]

[That kitten is grounded. Grounded.

But for now he just feels the dull ache at the back of his head and barely hears Clover's words... And that, too, is quickly swept away when Tifa starts moving and struggling on top of him. He had already been aware she was there but wasn't paying much notice. However, because of some certain movements he could not ignore it. Doesn't help that their legs are entangled—]

Tifa, wait—stop!

[Eustace roughly grabs her waist to try and make her still, and given that she's obviously made things worse with the sheets, at least it will look like that's the reason and not for. Another. That fortunately won't be noticeable as long as she doesn't move anymore.

It's a damn good thing he has an excellent poker face as he stares up at her, his eyes narrowing slightly into something a little more commanding. ]

[Her hands fall against his chest when she feels him stop her with his hands on her waist, but they barely stop her, and so she stumbles forward a few more inches, elbows breaking her fall instead. It brings her right up to his face, her entire body lined against him while their legs remain tangled, lips so close that he'll be able to feel her shaky, panicked breaths on his.

...

Clover continues to watch for a little longer from her spot on the bed. Should she be watching!? This feels wrong. She's only a child!

Her own gaze narrows as she stares down at him as best as she can. It's a little hard with all the blankets and her hair cascading down all over his face.]

What, we're just gonna—

[There's a shuffle from the outside and from a hole near their heads, Clover pops her head in.]

[...Seriously, what the hell is this now!? How do they keep finding themselves like this...and why is it each time he finds himself not disliking it? He's naturally tense due to the situation, but he's not actually uncomfortable. If anything—no, stop that foolishness.

If only it were so easy.

Although his eyes remain mostly focused on hers, with them now momentarily still several things are picked up at once. The way her breath tickles his lips almost teasing them, his own breathing a little steadier but slightly quickened from the sudden action. How her hands and arms press against his chest, his own still firmly gripped at her sides. Belatedly it's realized that instead of fabric what he's really feeling is the warmth of her smooth skin, her muscles taut from the tension, similar to his own. And their legs still tangled, hips just resting over his...

None of this should have made him think or feel anything other than, "We need to separate," and yet a completely different impulse is starting to develop. One that isn't helped when she starts talking because the movement can still be felt and his eyes instinctively flick down—

And for once he is grateful for that kitten because the moment Clover pops her head in the strange feeling is broken as if q bucket of cold water had been dumped on him. Honestly maybe he really does need it—]

...Just try sitting up first and get the sheets off us before she decides to do something else to make this worse.

[His brain now functioning properly again, he just tries to focus on the real problem and gives out directions. His voice is a little stiff and slightly terse, but that could probably be expected given their compromised positioning and everything leading up to it.]

[It's for the best that Clover has come to interrupt.

Especially because she can still feel the strong grip of his fingers pressing into her waist, or feel the way her entire body slides down against his as she moves find some space to push herself up, or how her nails scrape against his skin, hair tickling his chest as it trails along behind her... Or how his gaze flicks down... It makes her breath stop in her throat, catching in a sharp exhale over him.

....

Yeah, it's for the best.

Even better that the kitten replaces Tifa on his chest where she starts to make herself comfortable. And Tifa would think it much cuter if she wasn't currently straddling him under the sheets. So, she's quick to start peeling and pulling the blankets back, albeit slowly and carefully so as not to make things harder for them. Back and back and then over until she frees herself from the confines of the heavy duvet, and she gives a small gasp for air before shuffling off him and onto the floor.

With Clover on his chest, he's on his own!]

Edited 2021-10-29 20:19 (UTC)

[Again he's grateful when Clover hops onto his chest. If she hadn't... Primals he shouldn't feel tortured by this. He shouldn't even feel anything let alone tempted to just—

His hands are still on her.

Releasing a breath and keeping his gaze averted, he hastily releases his grip and one of his hands awkwardly moves to roughly pet the kitten. There's a small protesting mewl and he quickly softens his actions, but he continues wondering what the hell is wrong with him and hoping Tifa didn't notice. Given that she hasn't shown any signs of unease aside from natural expectations of their situation, he can only believe he's in the clear.

...Why is this so damn difficult... Why is she the one who makes him feel differently? He can't even blame their circumstances because he would never have felt anything remotely close to this. Whatever "this" is.

When she finally frees them of the covers and removes herself, he feels the weight of that tension finally released and can only then start to relax. Of course now he has a kitten to deal with...

Or should he just stay on the floor? Maybe that would be better—

Silently he picks up the kitten and holds her high up above his face, frowning at her. Let's stop thinking about Tifa and focus on this troublemaker.]

Look, you already caused enough problems. You're sleeping here with Tifa—

[Ah, there she goes protesting again. It's just a bunch of sad and angry mewls, but Tifa can tell from his tired expression that she's throwing a tantrum.

"No!! I'm not ready!! I want to sleep with Daddy!!"

Primals why does she keep saying that—]

I told you, I'm not your—

["I miss Mommy!! And my brothers and sisters!! I don't want you to leave me like they did!!"

....

.........

Ah....... Shit now her crying has turned to actual heartbreaking mews and he quickly sits up and holds her against him, his eyes wide as he looks up at Tifa before he looks genuinely troubled.]

...This is bad.

Edited 2021-10-29 20:50 (UTC)

[Tifa has no idea what's going on, and only watches the conversation unfold with confusion as she combs her hair back into place, avoiding Eustace's gaze still while the redness in her cheeks only starts to worsen. The implications of what Eustace is saying to Clover, or her persistent cries, don't make it any better.

She climbs up on the bed quickly, wanting to avoid any further trouble being on the floor might bring, although she has a feeling that she's in for some worse news.]

What's wrong?

[Please don't say it. Please don't say it. Please don't say it.]

[He opens his mouth to explain, but seeing her expression he hesitates and looks back down at Clover. Lips pursed into a hard line, it takes another moment before he finally speaks again.]

...She's just attached to me because I've been with her, that's all.

[In the end he couldn't quite say the truth, but she'll probably figure out the implications as he continues.]

Since this is a new place, she's just...scared. I know it's not ideal, but she might feel more comfortable if I'm in the same room. I can just be on the floor.

[He barely finishes that last sentence before Clover is crying again, even louder this time. Her meows are long, shrill, but sad, and enough to pull at Tifa's heartstrings. Enough to make her fight back a tear while she gathers up the blankets from the floor and sets it all down on the bed. The kitten hops up and stares at Eustace, drilling a hole right through his eyes.]

... Are you sure?

[Her head tilts, and her brows furrow into a frown when Clover turns and meows at her.

This is going to take a long time.]

That doesn't seem very comfortable for hi—

[MEEEOOOOOOOWWWWWWW! (Not on the floor! On the bed with me and Tifa!)

This one's got quite the mouth on her!]

[This kitten.....

But not wanting to drag this out further, Eustace sighs and slowly gets up before looking at Tifa.]

Which side?

[YEP. They are doing this. He actually considers just being there until Clover falls asleep, but if she wakes up and freaks out...

...

They're both adults, they can handle this.]

[ ....

........

???????

Tifa looks between the two of them.]

What do you mean, which side?

[Wasn't he planning on sleeping on the floor? What's going on? Someone explain!

Meanwhile, Clover's next mewl is not upset at all, but happy as she trots around to where her blanket is sprawled across the bed, the makeshift one that Tifa had made for her ruined by the chaos she'd caused earlier, but she doesn't seem to mind as she curls up in it and waits for Eustace.]

[He just looks at Clover. What happened to all those tears from before??? But while some of it really may have been a ploy, he knows the loneliness she felt is genuine.

...And he knows full well what it's like to suddenly lose one's family, how terrifying it can be to be suddenly alone surrounded by strangers and clinging into the first person who seems safe.

So he just closes his eyes briefly before looking at Clover again.]

One night.

[The kitten looks disappointed... But perhaps because Eustace had been explaining things to her for a while now that she understands a little bit. That this will be the last time she gets to sleep with him before having someone new, and it's all the more reason to be stubborn in making him stay over. Clover looks at Tifa and mews a bit, as if also trying to persuade her new "Mommy."]

If we do this she'll feel more comfortable and hopefully adjust for when it's just you. So which side should I sleep on?

Seriously...?

[Tifa's eyes flit to Clover, then to Eustace, then back to Clover.

She can't be serious... It was already enough that Eustace was being forced to stay over by her, but now?

Of course, they are adults, and they can handle it. It's not like it means anything, right? So why has that nervous fluttering in the pit of her stomach only gotten worse since he broke the news? It's not a big deal and yet, there's a burning at the tips of her ears and she can't quite bring herself to make eye contact with Eustace again.

This might actually be easier if he were wearing a shirt, you know.

Tifa hugs her knees to her chest and pulls the blanket up over herself.]

Uh, it doesn't really matter... not like I have to pick a side every other night.

[God, is she really going through with this? It's for Clover's sake, and if she wants this kitten to learn to trust her, then... Yeah, it's all for the kitten who's just lost her home and her family.

It's not like the side makes much of a difference anyway. The bed isn't very big to begin with...]

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