[It's only when he feels a stray cold breeze brush against his ears does he realize too late he should have given her his cloak before she headed out, but...that would have been awkward given just now wouldn't it? And now that she's gone, he can really feel the emptiness. That cold sense of loneliness that he had grown numb to for most of his life. He's used to it, even prefers his solitude over the crowds, but this is different. This isn't just the physical sense—it's an emotional one as well.
One he had iced out to protect himself and now reminded of how it feels again. Only this time, he had brought it on himself.]
...Dammit.
[A silent swear as he runs a hand over his face and through his hair before it ends with a frustrated sigh. Even he realizes what he's doing is poorly timed, especially after she opened herself up to him. But he could feel it. Could feel himself getting drawn too close than should be allowed. A warmth that he had started to get too comfortable with without realizing it until it was too late. And his instinctive reaction was to coldly push her away and distance himself...
It's true what everyone says, he really is an ass.
So with that darkened mood, Eustace turns his attention to what needs to be done. He picks a spot as far back into the cave as possible, clearing off the moss and mushrooms so that a stray spark won't fall on them. He even sets aside the mushrooms that seem edible, either for them or to bring back. He also has his usual small supply of rations he carries with him, but...he knows he has no appetite and he's not sure if tifa will either. The moss itself can be used as kindling, though given that they both can use elemental magic, starting a fire won't be difficult. The floor clear, he gathers some rocks within and just outside the cave to contain the fire.
With the additional time, he looks around to see what else they could use. They'll have to sleep on the floor so...hm. Taking off his holster and pouches, he sets them aside before undoing his cloak to set it aside as well. Although the cold air hits his exposed skin, he actually appreciates it, needing that bit of shock to awaken his senses. It's not even that cold for him, but it may be different for Tifa, so already having his cloak set aside for her will...make things easier.
So when Tifa returns, Eustace will be sitting on the floor with his knife out, cutting through the moss. All in all, it looks like a proper, if impromptu, campsite. He doesn't even look up when he hears her, though his eyes do rise up slightly when she tosses the questionably small amount of wood.
...No, he can't really blame her. She likely spent a lot of time clearing her thoughts like he's had to.]
It's fine, what you've found is enough. I can cut through it and get to the dry wood. The moss here will work as additional kindling as well.
[His voice carries its usual quiet and steady cadence as he sets down his knife and crouches forward to inspect and sort through the wood, picking the pieces that could be used right away before setting aside the ones best saved to feed into later. Once it's arranged, he just casts a small fire spell and soon it ignites into a decent flame, the scent of burning wood and moss slowly rising before drifting out the cave opening.
After that... ...There's a short pause before he continues.]
...It's not much, but I do have some food if you're hungry...and you can use my cloak if you're cold.
[He doesn't quite look directly at her, knowing that him making these offers may seem like just small gestures—offers that he half expects her to reject. He feels he should also apologize, but what would he really be apologizing for? Other than seemingly brushing her off earlier.
...
He really has no idea what to do or think right now. Maybe he should just stop and focus on getting through the night.]
no subject
One he had iced out to protect himself and now reminded of how it feels again. Only this time, he had brought it on himself.]
...Dammit.
[A silent swear as he runs a hand over his face and through his hair before it ends with a frustrated sigh. Even he realizes what he's doing is poorly timed, especially after she opened herself up to him. But he could feel it. Could feel himself getting drawn too close than should be allowed. A warmth that he had started to get too comfortable with without realizing it until it was too late. And his instinctive reaction was to coldly push her away and distance himself...
It's true what everyone says, he really is an ass.
So with that darkened mood, Eustace turns his attention to what needs to be done. He picks a spot as far back into the cave as possible, clearing off the moss and mushrooms so that a stray spark won't fall on them. He even sets aside the mushrooms that seem edible, either for them or to bring back. He also has his usual small supply of rations he carries with him, but...he knows he has no appetite and he's not sure if tifa will either. The moss itself can be used as kindling, though given that they both can use elemental magic, starting a fire won't be difficult. The floor clear, he gathers some rocks within and just outside the cave to contain the fire.
With the additional time, he looks around to see what else they could use. They'll have to sleep on the floor so...hm. Taking off his holster and pouches, he sets them aside before undoing his cloak to set it aside as well. Although the cold air hits his exposed skin, he actually appreciates it, needing that bit of shock to awaken his senses. It's not even that cold for him, but it may be different for Tifa, so already having his cloak set aside for her will...make things easier.
So when Tifa returns, Eustace will be sitting on the floor with his knife out, cutting through the moss. All in all, it looks like a proper, if impromptu, campsite. He doesn't even look up when he hears her, though his eyes do rise up slightly when she tosses the questionably small amount of wood.
...No, he can't really blame her. She likely spent a lot of time clearing her thoughts like he's had to.]
It's fine, what you've found is enough. I can cut through it and get to the dry wood. The moss here will work as additional kindling as well.
[His voice carries its usual quiet and steady cadence as he sets down his knife and crouches forward to inspect and sort through the wood, picking the pieces that could be used right away before setting aside the ones best saved to feed into later. Once it's arranged, he just casts a small fire spell and soon it ignites into a decent flame, the scent of burning wood and moss slowly rising before drifting out the cave opening.
After that... ...There's a short pause before he continues.]
...It's not much, but I do have some food if you're hungry...and you can use my cloak if you're cold.
[He doesn't quite look directly at her, knowing that him making these offers may seem like just small gestures—offers that he half expects her to reject. He feels he should also apologize, but what would he really be apologizing for? Other than seemingly brushing her off earlier.
...
He really has no idea what to do or think right now. Maybe he should just stop and focus on getting through the night.]