isleofavalon | ninth shot ⊗ closed december catchall

[It had been a long time coming. Three months ago, the two of them had come here on a mission. It was a dangerous one, to put lightly, and there were plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep them on their toes, and although it came at the cost of Tifa's dignity that night, she'd still say that it ended successfully. They were able to put the woman who had been stalking Eustace away—not for good, but long enough that he could get some peace and quiet, and her some of the help that she needed.

But tonight, the only mission on Tifa's mind is giving them the dinner that should have been. Looking back on it now, it could have easily still been a date, if they had meant anything more to one another than just mission buddies or acquaintances, hell even friends, but now that they do... It seemed fitting to finally make it right.

This time, she's dressed much more elegantly compared to the last, now that she's sure it won't get torn up by another woman's claws, in a dress that even she was surprised she would wear: long and long-sleeved, deep red in colour, with a single slit cut into the front, and a pair of gold heels to complete the set. It's certainly one that draws the eyes of those coming and going, so much that it turns her cheeks a similar shade as she wanders up, searching through the crowds of people mingling outside of the busy restaurant for him.

Unless he's late, which she specifically told him not to be along with finding a matching outfit to go along with her red one, and in which case, she'll be seated on one of the benches with her coat huddled around her shoulders to keep herself warm, with snowflakes clinging to her hair...]

[It's strange how things turn out, especially with what had brought them here the first time, but he's beyond questioning any of it. Though this being a real date for them... It's a little difficult for him to fully comprehend it despite him following through as if it wasn't. Yet when he finds himself staring at his watch half an hour early and realizing he had been tapping his finger against his finger does he realize he's feeling strangely anxious.

...Maybe it's because of the heavy weight he feels from his inside breast pocket.

He had thought it stupid, yet when he saw it, the next thing he knew he was walking out the door—ugh, no, what's done is done, there's no point in questioning or walking back things now. So he just stares back up at the dark sky, watching his breath mist with the falling snowflakes...

......Until he looks at his watch again, this time wondering if she's running late. Given last time it wouldn't be impossible, but he starts to move away from the archway he had taken shelter away from the crowds and glances around. He's in a black suit with dark red accents, so perhaps she didn't see him...? Though his hair and ears would be a fairly easy tell, along with his taller than average height. But it is rather crowded, so with a light frown he steps further out to look around.

It's then that he spots her huddling on one of the benches. At first he moves to call her, but then he thinks again and quietly makes his way over instead, using the crowds to his advantage to keep him hidden. He'll be able to sneak up behind her and smile a little before leaning over a little to say in a low voice:]

Is this seat taken?

[She doesn't see him come up behind her, nor does she hear him until she feels a sudden wave of warmth around her, a little too close than to be expected from anyone just passing through. And Tifa turns at his voice with a look of surprise at first, softening into a smile, coy with the smallest hints of amusement as she leans against the back of the bench, feigning tiredness.]

Was supposed to be, but the guy I was going to meet hasn't shown.

[Tifa rolls her shoulders in a shrug and stands up, pulling her coat tighter over herself when the brisk wind hits her again.]

Guess I'll just be having dinner alone tonight.

[Unless...?]

[He steps around the bench to put his arm around her shoulder and pull her to him for warmth. He had already caught some of her sweet scent, but now he could take in more of it.]

Funny, I was supposed to meet someone but she hasn't shown either. Shall we go together instead?

Might as well, right? If neither of them is gonna show. Wouldn't want a perfectly good reservation to go to waste.

[She leans into him and urges them towards the door, pausing right outside so that she can look up at him before they go inside, where the entrance is crowded with people awaiting their table.]

... You look nice.

[She had said it back then and meant it, but this time... feels different. There's more meaning behind it as she turns to face Eustace for a moment, reaching up to adjust his collar and admire him and the look he chose to go with. He did good.]

🐺🐬

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