eighth shot ⊗ open november log

[flamekthunder]

🧙 WHO: Eustace and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: various things
🕒 WHEN: throughout November
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: none except any potential violence against lettuce

⊗ a: task - flappy veg

[Guarding flying lettuce....is certainly something Eustace never would have found himself doing, yet here he was in one of the known locations where some have landed from their migration. Whether they're technically animals or not, Eustace couldn't understand them through animal magic regardless, but he's able to at least communicate that he's there to help and not harm. They seem a bit jittery with all the poaching around.

a. updrafts. The place they landed in is mostly a clearing, but there are a few "obstacles" scattered around in the form of tall rocks and small trees. While most of the Butterfly Lettuce remain on the ground vibing, some also choose to perch on the trees to prune their leaves. However, due to their physique and unreliable drafts at this time, they end up either flopping about or plummeting to the ground. Fortunately none are too bruised, but it's hard to just sit still when nothing much is happening.]

...Hold on, let me help.

[Either by picking them or using wind magic to create some wind to help the lettuce, Eustace can give them a boost up. It's still not perfect, but it works.

Some of the younger lettuce realize they have an on demand draft maker, and Eustace can also be found creating wind streams to help the smaller Butterfly Lettuce "flap" over a mini obstacle course as they play a game while also practicing their skills. It's good practice for him as well. For anyone who might there also guarding him, they can either assist or just watch out for any stray Butterfly Lettuce that flap in the wrong direction—or help catch any that might fall from their perches.

b. poachers. Of course not everything is peaceful. Eventually poachers will arrive. If Eustace is able to sense something amiss soon enough he could send out a warning shot before they enter into the area. If not, he's fully prepared to fight and bring on the thunder, er lightning. Help keep the lettuce out of the way or assisting Eustace in fighting the poachers!]

⊗ b: cure on cloud nine

[Having managed to avoid the basilisks and already wearing gloves, Eustace is prepared to help in retrieving the mysterious Nimbus flower deep within the Forest of the Felled. Having a lot of experience in infiltrating and dealing with traps, including those out in the wild, also helps. So while traversing through a particular are, his suddenly looks up and holds his arm to stop whoever he's with.]

Careful. The branches here have been cut and the ground looks it had once been cleared away. Better to go around.

[Although there are leaves and growth all over the ground, if one looks carefully there's a small patch that looks thinner compared to the rest, indicating that at some point it had been disturbed and recovered. Most likely a pit trap, but no need to try and find out.]

⊗ c: floor is lava

[Although he had (for some reason he still can't comprehend) been granted the both the knight and noble titles, he still hasn't accepted the new grant since it seems too much of a hassle and not really his thing. But he does go out to check on the new townships being built out of curiosity...and also because of the little prank that had occurred. This had to be the most ridiculous thing he's seen yet, though he feels he thinks that every month... After hearing about it and seeing it with his own eyes, Eustace just sighs as he first notes the affected buildings.]

...Rather than play this farce, wouldn't it be easier if I just transformed into a bird and fly directly to the circles to destroy them? Or shoot them down from a higher enough point.

[His hand is already on his holster. He just has to get up to a building and aim, and he has elemental magic on his side it should be easy right??? But will he be allowed is a different matter—

If anyone manages to convince him to do it properly, they better be prepared to join in and expect a riveting platform game where nothing is stable and teamwork is key!]

⊗ d: wildcard

[Although I only picked the cure part of the basilisk questline, I'm open to the other parts! If interested in anything else not included here, just hit me up on laenavesse or discord and we can work something out!]

Comments

[flamekthunder]

[So now she finally chases after him. He wants to pull her back to him, but he keeps some awareness of where they are and that it won't be long they'll be seen. And soon enough, there's the confetti, the shouts, and the applause. He doesn't actually like being made a spectacle of, but since he had taken advantage of it he lets it go this time.

Not surprised by how quickly Tifa pulls away, he's slower to move, reaching out to pick up the fallen cup along with the rest of their trash as Tifa receives the prizes. All that for their own box and the stuffed dog... Well the plush isn't bad. Rather, he already got all he wanted from this.

With the trash thrown out, he just smiles a bit.]

It is about time—unless there's something else you want to do.

[Sure they kind of a "schedule" but no one said they had to keep it if they didn't want to. But he has a feeling Tifa is going to flee back to the resort regardless, so it's really more of a courtesy question.]

[starshower]

[God, in all of her embarrassment, did she seriously forget about their garbage and leave it all up to him to clean up? Even her fallen cup, rest in peace, delicious hot chocolate... How rude of her.

But all she can do is stand there, frozen, as red heart confetti drips from her hair and her coat, but most of it is there to stay. Her fingers unconsciously squeeze, and the dog makes a barking sound that yanks her back into the present.]

Huh? No. Nothing.

[They've eaten and put on an accidental show for a crowd of hopeless romantics. If they stay out here much longer, who knows what else will come waltzing down the path in their direction. Except, now that things have returned to normal and the air has quieted around them, Tifa lets her shoulders down in a strangely content sigh before she's leading him back to the resort, her arm unnecessarily close to his as they walk.]

We've got that appointment at five, don't we? Then after that...

[She trails off a moment, bringing the dog up close to her face to hide it. They both know what comes after the massage... It said so on the schedule that was in their room...]

[flamekthunder]

[He walks calmly beside her, but when she brings up the dog to her face... No, he's not jealous or anything. He just doesn't want her to hide anymore. So after another glance, he looks straight ahead while his hand reaches out to pull one away from the plush and bring to his side.]

If you feel uncomfortable about it, we don't have to.

["Couple's Retreat" or not, regardless of his own thoughts or feelings on them, he would never force her to do something that would make her too uncomfortable. And sharing a hot spring together might be too much for her. At least it's not a bath.]

[starshower]

[His hand taking hers is another unexpected gesture, but she lets it happen nonetheless, allowing her cold fingers to slip into his, curling against the warmth in the palm of his hand. Is this it...? Is this really how it's going to be now? They haven't said a word about it, haven't given this—whatever this is—a name, and although Tifa herself isn't confused about what it all means or how she feels, it's still hard to admit that yes, this is how it's going to be.

Still, there are so many things that she wants to say to him... to be sure that she's heard... but now is not the time for that. That will come later, when they're alone at last.

She shakes her head, and it tilts in his direction, only barely grazing against his arm.]

No. I think it'll be good.

[For both of them. They could both use a little relaxation. Silver lining in all of this "couple's retreat" stuff is that this might actually help.

Besides, she wants to try better for him. She doesn't want to run away. That small part of her that fears for the worst is always telling her that there's still a chance, but even back in the cave, she knew that he deserved better, and Tifa hasn't exactly been at her best. Still isn't, but... she's trying.]

... You going to be okay with the massage?

[Some people don't like being touched, she knows. Tifa is one of those people, but she'll deal. In the name of rest and relaxation!]

[flamekthunder]

[There's some relief when she doesn't pull away and he can feel some of the tension between them lessening again. So he just gives a small shake of his head.]

I'll be fine. I've had them before, although not luxury purposes.

[Just some quick ones from medical aid to help work out sore muscles after grueling missions.

...Though speaking of, he glances at her.]

There was also the one you gave me.

[starshower]

You remembered...

[It had happened so long ago, but she remembers that day well. It hadn't been a big deal—he was injured and it was something she would have done for anyone in that situation—but given how things are now... She does recall it feeling like a strangely intimate moment but at the time, had thought nothing of the way her eyes lingered or how the bend of his muscles felt under her touch as she guided his stretches...

Ah, moving right along!]

Then you'll remember the lesson: stretches and massages are important for keeping things in tip top shape.

[When they arrive back at the inn's spa, she realizes that they haven't escaped this "lovebird" motif just yet, and that perhaps the type of deep-tissue massage she had been expecting wasn't what was part of the package. The room that's been prepared for them is covered in rose petals, including their massage beds, and the room is filled with a soft vanilla smell from the burning incense on the tables.

Alright, this is a little over the top... but some relaxation never hurt, right?

Her hand slides out from Eustace's as she stops and stares up at him, before looking to the pair of massage therapists that have wandered up to them.

"Welcome, lovebirds~!"]

[flamekthunder]

[Yes he did. Though like her, at the time it didn't really seem strange at all. That was a time when things were still fairly "normal" between, when it was just them getting to know each other. Though maybe it's thanks to those constant therapy sessions that allowed them to not feel so strange being with one another.

And once at the spa...given that he had read through the package info fairly thoroughly, he's not so surprised about the general romantic atmosphere. Though it doesn't prepare him for how they would go about creating that atmosphere. He also knew that spas would often use aromatherapy to further relax their clients, but as gentle as the vanilla scent is, it also seems a little heavy...or perhaps it's just his own acute senses finding it stronger than others might. At least it's not so overwhelming to be uncomfortable for him.

...

Though that might happen anyway due to the pair of masseuse greeting them. He doesn't care if people think of them as a couple, but calling them lovebirds...

Anyway, after exchanging greetings and confirming their appointment, they are led to the changing rooms. While the preferred way is to bare it all, for the comfort of the client there are varying options to keep some clothing on, from keeping the underwear to wearing provided halter top chest coverings for the women. With the freshly laundered plush robes, of course.

Eustace won't care either way, so it'll be a "mystery" as to what he opts for as he heads out of the changing room and to the waiting room where he'll wait for Tifa.]

[starshower]

[Tifa takes a little longer to prepare, but at least she won't keep him waiting for long. Wrapped in the plush red robe, she readjusts her high ponytail when she wanders into the waiting room, the sandals she's wearing announcing her arrival. She pauses to take a good look at Eustace, and a smile pulls at her lips.

He looks cute in those big, fluffy robes. She can't help herself.]

They're really going all out, huh?

[The hot, wet towels that were left in their change rooms, the comfortable robes that she wishes she could keep, the plush sandals that keep her toes warm... The vanilla fragrance mingling with the smell of roses is making her head spin, and it turns the music into a soft lull that could put her to sleep the moment she lays on the massage bed.

Not that she has an issue with any of it, but they've really committed to the theme.

Almost as if they were listening for them, the masseuse couple peek through the door to the room to beckon them inside the moment Tifa finishes the thought, the pair of them holding hands as they lead them to the dimly lit room awaiting them. The massage beds are set not far apart—surprisingly close, in fact—and the woman ushers Eustace over to one while the man brings Tifa to the other.

"Alright, if you would please disrobe. We'll give you two a minute~!"

With a wink, they scurry out, whispering excitedly about something amongst themselves as they shut the door behind them.

...

Tifa turns her back to Eustace and, with a glance over her shoulder as if to say "no peeking!", she slowly slides the robe off. It won't matter much—she opted for the halter, but!]

[flamekthunder]

[These people are fast— He only had time to glance over and look her over before they arrive and they are ushered in. And now they're to disrobe and get on the tables...which isn't a problem, but what is with that glance, Tifa. As if he would peek. So with a slight grin and roll of his eyes he turns around...and walks to the other side of the table before removing the robe and reaching over to grab the provided towel to wrap around his hips. If Tifa is peeking she won't be able to see much below the waist thanks to the table.

So which route did Eustace take?

As he sits on the table, with how low the towel hangs over his pelvis to reveal his dark skin, she could probably guess.

And yes, he'll be able to tell so—]

Who's the one peeking now?

[starshower]

[She can hear the shuffling from behind her as Eustace removes his robes and—presumably—grabs the towel, and at some point, she'd barely noticed herself turning her head slowly, painfully slowly, until she sees him through the corners of her eyes, her own movements slowing to an absolute crawl as she wraps the towel around herself. It's not as if this is the first time she's looked, or seen more than she should have, but... those times were different.

This time is different.

And as her gaze travels down his back, lower, lower, to where the towel meets his hips—]

Huh!? I wasn't—!

[What in Titan's name is she DOING?

She whips her head forward, feeling that familiar burst of redness in her face, and she slides herself onto the bed and beneath the soft, silk sheets, her breath mysteriously quick for supposedly feeling so relaxed, and her throat suddenly running dry.

Pull it together, Tifa.]

[flamekthunder]

[There's just a low chuckle as he settles onto the table, comfortably lying on his chest as he folds his arms beneath his head to look over at her, finding her turtling amusing. Of course, her own figure did not go by unnoticed, but he's much less blatant about it.

Fortunately, Tifa won't have to suffer from embarrassment for much longer as hthe massage therapists enter the room, the woman taking Eustace and the man taking Tifa. Seeing Tifa's expression, the two exchange glances before the woman smiles and takes the lead in explaining everything.

"Now, please just relax and leave everything to us~ We'll be applying some oils that will help relax your muscles—as well as help calm your mind." A deliberate remark to Tifa? Maybe.

She continues to do the obligatory explanations and warning that they may feel some discomfort, but it should pass as the muscles loosen. Of course, if they feel anything too painful they should tell them so they can stop.

And without further ado, the two being the massage session.]

[starshower]

[There's the occasional question of "how are you feeling?" at either one of them once the session's started, Tifa only humming with contentment as her masseuse works his hands into the muscles in her back. She can feel herself loosening under the heat, every last bit of tension leaving her body as he works. It's been a long time since she's felt this relaxed, and she's going to try taking it in, and letting herself go.

Not far into the massage, she hears the man speak up from over her, his voice filled with awe.

"Your muscles are... wow! You work out a lot?"

His wife giggles quietly from somewhere near Eustace's bed.

Tifa does arch a brow at the unusual amusement in his voice, but thinks nothing more of it. She's heard compliments like this plenty of times before that it's nothing new.]

Yeah. Been training martial arts since I was fourteen.

[flamekthunder]

[This is a lot more relaxing than he expected, and he finds himself closing his eyes and in a state that's not quite dozing but close. However, he awakens a bit when he hears the man speak and talking about...Tifa's muscles?

..

...

Okay, that's. Fine. It's fine a fairly harmless compliment. Perhaps probably a better and safe one to give.

...

So why is he feeling a little bothered—ah. His thoughts are interrupted when he feels the hands on his back sinking in deep, fingertips pressing firmly against taught muscles. He winces a little, but it's not really in any unusual discomfort.

"Oh, I'm sorry, was that a little too rough?"]

...No, it's fine.

[He can already feel the tension releasing so he really has no reason for complain.

"Speaking of muscles, you have a fine set of your own. I don't think I've ever worked with anyone with such well-defined ones—I wouldn't have expected with how lean you look. Well you just leave it to me~ I'll be sure to ease out all those knots." ]

...Thanks?

[He doesn't really understand the weird inflection of her voice, but when he feels her hands moving over his sides and then focusing on his shoulders, he can't help the low hum of contentment as he feels that tension releasing.

He's going to take back every snide, frivolous thought he had whenever the girls mentioned spas. He had to admit, this was nice.]

[starshower]

[Tifa tries to ignore the tension that twists back into the tender spot between her shoulders when she hears the woman's voice, coy and playful, as she works Eustace's muscles loose, while she curses herself into oblivion at the floor for that pang of unease. It's a hard thing to pinpoint, mostly because she'd rather not go down that road in admitting that what she felt is true. She isn't one to get jealous often, but...

No, it was nothing.

She's just doing her job. She's just doing her job!

"Oh, honey. I thought I worked this one out!"

She can hear that grin in his voice, but then she feels his fingers move from her lower back so that they can dig into her shoulder blades, right where she felt that tension hit, and the pressure slowly fades again, that ugly thought along with it, and Tifa sighs, melting back into the massage bed once more.]

[flamekthunder]

[At least now Eustace is more relaxed and isn't thinking too much of his earlier thoughts...so he doesn't really mind when the woman starts going to his head to give him a nice head massage.

Aaah...so nice...

"I've been curious about your ears~ They're not sensitive are they?"]

Hmm...not really.

[Just a lazy, relaxed answer as he feels the fingertips circle around his scalp.

"Then it's okay if I touch them?"]

Mhm.....

[He really is looking like a lazing dog right now, and the woman glances at Tifa and then a wink at the other before she lightly touches Eustace's ears. Now she is a professional and really is planning on giving them a light massage, but she can't help but exclaim—

"Oh~! Wow, they're so soft! It's like petting a dog—ah, no offense."]

...Mhm....

[Yep, Eustace is not caring at all right now.

Fascinated by this, the woman can't help but lightly scratch her nails against his ears, noting the long, relaxed exhale Eustace releases and how his body seems to sink even further into the bed. He even tilts his head a bit and she happily scratches and rubs along his ears, dabbing a little oil to help him feel even more refreshed and relaxed.]

[starshower]

[With that earlier knot worked out, Tifa allows her eyes to shut, falling into a daze as the man works on her lower back, around her waist and hips where most of her own tension has built up. She should probably practice more stretching and meditation here because she can feel the ache when he runs his fingers along those muscles. He tells her to exhale, and she does, more than once, and it does wonders in loosening them up.

But her attention surges back when she hears what's going on at the bed next to hers. Is she... touching Eustace's ears? No no, petting them? Something hot winds up in Tifa's stomach, twisting and turning slowly until it's so tight that she feels like it's going to snap. She tries to shake it off, ignore whatever is going on inside her head and focus on relaxing herself...

"Oh my gosh, I could pet these ears forever~"

Tifa's shoulders and neck suddenly seize up then, and the man's hands snap away when she lets out a small, pained noise from the back of her throat.

This time, it's the woman who addresses her.

"Uh oh, something wrong? You suddenly tensed up again. Even I can see that from across the room."

Tifa just shakes her head, keeping her face down, only to hide the redness searing underneath her skin as she feels fingers digging deeper into her neck and shoulders to—once again, sigh—work out the tension that shot up into them.

Here she goes again, cursing at herself. Why did that bother her so much? He is free to let anyone pet his ears if he wants to... It's not as if Tifa's the only person who's allowed to, and yet... the thought of another woman doing so makes her feel... upset...

Being ridiculous again, Tifa!

"Alright, alright. Just relax." Meanwhile, the man smiles knowingly across at his partner.]

[flamekthunder]

[Eustace vaguely heard the man questioning Tifa and he turns his head slightly towards her, but he doesn't see anything amiss, just the man's fingers moving over her body.

...

.........

Again, he knows he shouldn't think of anything, especially since he had allowed himself to relax under his own therapist's hands, and yet...

As if sensing his discontent, the woman's fingers drift down from the top of his head to his brows, gently rubbing them.

"Bit rough here—you must be a serious one, always have a lot on your mind, huh?" The voice is light, almost teasing as if knowing his true thoughts. He doesn't answer, instead just letting out a quiet sigh.

She has a point, though. This isn't something that should bother him, especially as long as she's able to relax. If he can feel good, so should she.

And that's how the rest of the session roughly goes, with the massage therapists proving their skills. As if deeming they had "stirred the pot" enough, the two glanced at each other with grins before setting to work, giving the two a complete massage. Although it wouldn't be an intense session, they would limber up their arms and legs and apply enough oils and lotion that by the time are finished they will feel a lot looser and limber.

Of course, their "treatment" wouldn't end there. After changing they would return to their rooms where the adjoining hot springs is being prepared. It's one private for their own use so they could take their time to relax and enjoy themselves. They could go in separately, but that would ruin the point of this and they'd be wearing bathing suits, anyway. Besides, the staff are very intent in servicing them up until they get in the bath, helping take their clothes to be laundered and bringing in some light fruits and drinks for them to share. So they weren't going to leave until the two wound up in or around the hot springs regardless.

Once the two are alone, they can finally take a good look at the private spring and..............well that's their own business. later losers]

[starshower]

[After a rather eventful night and easily one of the best sleeps she's had in as long as she can remember, Tifa is the first to wake, not long after the sun has come up and when the first rays filter into their room through the doors, casting them both in its pink and yellow hues. The fire in the hearth had long since gone out on its own, and although she remains warm under the sheets with herself still curled up at Eustace's side, the rest of the room has fallen cold. The chill from the night had finally found its way in, with the sun their only saviour from it, but she doesn't kick the sheets off just yet.

She remains there a little while longer, head tucked comfortably against his shoulders while she watches him sleep, admiring the way his flattened hair scatters across his face, how his lashes curl, and how he looks so at peace. She notes the way his chest rises and falls with each breath, and she can't help the way she presses a light kiss against his cheek, hoping that it might not stir him awake.

She wishes so much that they didn't have to get up... that she didn't have to disturb this pace they've both finally found. If she had a choice, she would stay here forever, just like this. He had made a promise that he would be here in the morning, and he kept his word, and she fears that if she were to shift this moment in time at all, that it might ripple and fade away tomorrow. She knows that possibility is as real as this is, and she knows that nothing will ever last forever, but if only she could just freeze this single moment for even a little longer, then she would be happy with at least that much.

But there's something else that's doing the freezing instead. A cold wind bustles in through the doors, and Tifa groans sleepily into the pillow at the rude interruption, and it takes her a few moments to finally muster up the courage to pull the sheets back so that she can scurry across the room to close them, a shiver running over her skin as it tries to push inside. Despite that, she lingers for several minutes at the doors, staring out at the still-steaming pools, her memory drifting back to the night before...

How everything had changed between them there...]

suggestive themes ahead 👀

[flamekthunder]

[It's rare for Eustace to sleep in, but like Tifa he was having the deepest, most comfortable sleep he's had in a while. He doesn't stir at the kiss, but he will start feeling the loss of warmth while she's lingering at the door. At first he doesn't think much of it, but when he shifts his arm and feels a a certain lack of someone, his eyes snap open and stares at the empty space next to him. Normally this wouldn't be a cause for alarm, but considering their talk and the thoughts he was having before falling asleep, a strange cold sense of panic seizes him, one that overshadows the cold air blowing through the open doors.

It's not... There's no way she could have...

He knows it's completely irrational and he's already trying to reason that Tifa likely had gotten up to use the bathroom or something, but the very idea that she could have suddenly left this world to return to hers continues to tear at him in a surprising way. It seems no matter how "prepared" he thought he was, the sudden sense of loss is still greater than he expects.

It's not until he quickly turns and sees her figure at the doors does he relax—though not before his breath catches in his throat. The sight of her bare, pale body illuminated by the sun's dawn rays, her long, black hair swaying from the gentle wind like a dark veil that does little to hide the dark red marks that stain her skin like petals. The serene, reflective gaze in her eyes as she stares outside, the dark red hues shining in the light to become more vibrant, more alive. He really isn't one to really care about one's physical appearances, but for the first time he's found someone whose curves make his eyes follow every inch and shadow, imprinting into memory as he can only think how beautiful she really is. And it's really not just her outer appearance, but her personality as well, that quiet serenity a sweet shadow over what he knows is someone who is cheerful, energetic, and kindhearted.

Yet even that is covering the sadness, pain, and loneliness that she carries, one that he might understand more than realizes.

Without thinking, he slowly and silently slips out of bed, draping a blanket over his shoulders before he silently walks over to come behind her. Whether she noticed or not he doesn't care—his arms around her, effectively wrapping them both in the blanket as he presses his lips against the back of her neck. Already he captures that sweet scent of hers that somehow drives him crazy, but right now it just makes him feel content.

At peace.]

Not thinking of running off again, are you?

[It's said in a low, slow drawl as he clearly teases her, but there is a bit of strength in his arms that wrap around her waist, as if ensuring she really isn't going anywhere. Perhaps it's because of his earlier "scare," but he really doesn't want to let her go right now.]

[starshower]

[Tifa can distantly hear him climbing out of bed, the sound of him shuffling being what pulls her out of her early morning reverie. Funny, how an image of something so simple can easily provoke memories and pull her back in... but the sound of his footsteps coming behind her keeps her chained to reality, grounding her feet again when his warmth finally drapes over her, pulling her content smile wider as she melts into it. Her hand comes up to comb through his hair, the other holding onto his arms for support. She watches the steam a little longer and considers for a fleeting moment dragging him back outside for an early morning splash. It would be fun...

An amused laugh echoes low from her chest.]

If I said I thought about it...?

[But would he let her go is the question? With how tight he's holding onto her, she isn't sure that she could, even if she wanted to.

Before she closed her eyes the night before, Tifa wondered if this would be something she—they—would come to regret in the morning, but standing here with him now, looking out at the sun as it slowly rises over the peak of the mountains while it washes them in its warmth, all but confirms that this is something more special to her than she'd given it credit for until this very second. This, right here, she will commit to memory, and tuck it away someplace where she'll never forget. Into a place that transcends universes, and the erosion of time.

She realized this morning that she doesn't want to run, and she doesn't want him to let her go, and so Tifa urges him to hold on tighter, hugging his arms around her with a grip strong enough to match his.]

Only place I was going to run was to draw a hot bath. We left the doors open last night.

[Her voice is suggestive and inviting in tone, and she looks at him again with sleepy, imploring eyes as she rests her head back against his shoulder.]

[flamekthunder]

[It's a good thing she's holding onto his arms because they would have certainly moved if she hadn't, her response, teasing as it is, only provoking him. So his lips continue to move and brush against the back of her nape and up her neck as he speaks.]

I would just remind you that you can't escape even if you tried.

[There's a bit of a harsh bite against her ear before he gently kisses it and then finally faces forward, his cheek pressed against the side of her head as he gazes out at the steaming tubs.

...Is it just him or do things look as if they were neatly arranged since the last he saw them last night? Those also look like fresh towels and baskets filled with new soaps and lotions...

...]

But a bath sounds good.

[And since he's not letting her go, there is the heavy implication that he caught her invitation and is full agreement that it's something that should be done together. Something that will be cemented when he finally removes one of his arms...

...To hook behind her knees and pick her up to carry her in his arms, princess style.]

[starshower]

[If they have been, then she hasn't noticed that everything had been cleaned up and rearranged, with their bathing suits hung up to dry on a nearby wooden chair...?

Not that she has much time to react, not with the loving nips and kisses he sprinkles across her cool skin, and then the way he scoops her up into his arms. A gasp falls past Tifa's lips that turns into a small yelp when she's forced to wrap her arms around his neck and dig her face into the crook of it, already feeling the flush that's rising in her cheeks as he carries her to the bathroom.

Somehow, being carried like this makes her feel almost like a princess... a very embarrassed princess, but one nonetheless, and something of a peal of giddy giggles brushes over his neck when she tightens her hold.

And of course, in there is the ever-wide array of soaps, oils, and bubbles that they were offered outside, if not more, laid out neatly across the counter for them to choose from, as well as a basket of red rose petals with a note that says "Sprinkle me :)" tied to the front wickers.

As much as she would like for him to not let go, Tifa pats him on the shoulder to let her down so that she can take a look at what she has to work with, as well as get the water running. There's a fluffy rug spread across the floor, so please be kind and set her feet down on there rather than the cold floor!

And when, or rather if, he does, she'll linger with a smile on him before turning the tap, the water immediately going hot and steaming as it slowly starts to fill the giant clawfoot tub. As for the additions, she doesn't want to go all out, so... some lavender bubbles, a small dollop of the vanilla oil, and the roses that have practically begged her to sprinkle into the water for that romantic touch.

She pauses in her discoveries to look at the same soap that she's pretty sure Eustace used on her the night before, in the springs, and her brows raise at the small fine print near the bottom of the bottle.

Huh.]

Is this... the soap you grabbed last night?

[flamekthunder]

[He can't help but smile and chuckle a little at her reaction, the sound of her gasping yelp cute and her giggling like clear ringing bells in his ear. It only makes him want to hold her tighter and bring her back to bed, but he'll behave and instead kick the door closed gently with his foot before carrying her to the bathroom where the mostly prepared tub awaits them. Whether it was already like that last night or made this morning before they woke up no one can say.

And he will be kind to let her down on the rug to let her set everything up to her liking while he gets the towels and robes to have them closer for when they're finished. Once finished, he rejoins her at her side right as she holds up the bottle.

Hm...]

I think so. Why?

[To be honest he just kind of grabbed one and just read the label to make sure it was soap or body wash and then used it, his mind not exactly that focused on the bottle and more on who he was going to use it on.]

[starshower]

[Tifa just lets him read the small print for himself, her own eyes going wide with the realization the moment that it dawns on her. This isn't just any soap—something about enhancing the senses for a more thrilling experience...? That would absolutely explain everything, and although she had only briefly questioned it at the time, she thought nothing more of it, simply being content to blame the atmosphere and how the hot water worked to completely relax her. It never occurred to her that it could have been something in the soap...

Seconds later, after reading that text a few more times over, Tifa slaps it back on the counter so fast that it topples over.]

Maybe not that one right now...

[She pretends she isn't turning completely red in the face as she turns back to the tub to shut the tap off before it can fill to the brim with water. And, grabbing him by the hand, she gives him a gentle tug for him to follow her in—as if he needs to be told at all—and she'll wait for him to lower first before she does so that she can settle in with her back facing him, her hair cascading like ink, and she can already feel her muscles starting to relax.]

... So. [She says eventually, pouring some of the water over shoulders, a glint in her eye as she looks over them at Eustace.] Did you sleep well?

[flamekthunder]

[Reading the fine print....... Ah. Yep, yeah that would explain quite a bit... In a way it can't be too surprising given everything, but to think he didn't see the fine print... Well, as a bit awkward of a revelation as it is, he can't really complain given the end result.

Though really, after everything is she going to be so embarrassed? There's a small look of amusement before she tugs him to the tub, and he really needs no further prompting to step in and sink into it, moving all the way to the back to allow them as much room as possible. Though the tub is already more than sizable to accommodate them both.

When Tifa joins him, his arms automatically go to her waist to pull her back against him, a wry grin forming.]

You would have been in trouble if I didn't. But yes, I did. You?

[And fine not the "sensually stimulating soap." This time he will look carefully at the bottles and find one that at least doesn't mention anything extra on it and seems to be exactly as the label says: lavender lily scented body wash. Should be good for relaxing, right?]