isleofavalon | ninth shot ⊗ closed december catchall

Well now you've got me on the edge of my seat...

[Her voice is quiet as she picks out another bite for herself, smaller with more ice cream than brownie. Keeping her guessing, is he? She has no idea what it could be, and there's still that tiny lump of fear in her throat that it's so much more than what she's expecting, impossible as it is, she prays to Gaia that it isn't that.

There's no way it can be. Stop worrying, Tifa!]

I hope I don't have to start guessing.

[...Is she really trying to figure it out... No, that's reasonable, but now he's wondering what she's thinking. With a slight arch of the brow, he takes another forkful for himself and watches her a bit before he speaks again and he times just as Tifa takes another bite.]

You're not thinking I'm going to propose or something like that are you?

[Perfect—or horrible, depending on who you ask—timing on his part, because the moment those words leave his mouth, Tifa feels the brownie lodge in her throat, and she sputters out loud, a hand shooting up to cover her mouth. It's a good thing they're so far into the back of the restaurant, separated by everyone else, because people would have definitely turned to look if they weren't.

Setting her fork down firmly, she shakes her head as she tries to recompose herself, her face as red as the wine in her glass.]

N-No! I just... I was...

[Lies. For a half a second, she did wonder.

Averting her gaze, she stares down at the brownie.]

Just curious... It's fine. Forget it.

[Meanwhile he's just sipping his wine, not so perfectly masking the smirk and amused look as he watches her reaction.

Yeah, he can tell the thought at least crossed her mind, and really given what happened last time it's not that strange for her to think about it. He was reminded of the same, after all. Still...it makes him wonder a little, but he's not going to think too deeply.

There's a moment of silence as he continues to take that long sip before setting down his glass, and then another pause as he looks at her.]

It's really not that significant. But if you really want to know, I can do it now... Just thought you might prefer privacy over public.

[Even if he almost at least admitted he had something for her earlier.]

Guess we should finish up then.

[She's only joking of course, albeit with a still slightly shaken voice as she tries to finish off the bite that almost killed her, but there is an air of disappointment lingering as soon as the next thought occurs to her.]

... Not sure where we'd go for some privacy, though. Now that we're staying with other people, it's hard.

[The most privacy they'd had was when they visited those castles outside of town, and she can barely call that private at all, with how the house maids would come and go so often... That isn't even taking into account the fact that none of them were theirs.]

[Just a pregnant pause as he swirls his wine before bringing it back to his lips for another sip.]

...I might have arranged something.

[And setting the glass down as he takes his fork to work on that cake. Mhm, what a delicious cake this is, just ignore the nonchalant way of that little reveal—]

[She will not, and even steals his fork away from him after he's taken his bite, her expression playfully suspicious as she waves the pointy end of it at him.]

What do you mean, arranged something?

[She didn't bring any overnight clothes! Was she supposed to? Did she miss a message or a text to say that she should?]

Just exactly what I said.

[And continue to clam up as he picks off one of the fruit with his fingers instead.]

Why wasn't I in on the plan?

[She's just going to take him by the hand before he can pop the piece of fruit into his mouth, keeping it from him until he gives her a straighter answer.

Tifa doesn't exactly need one, and is mostly playing around, but... he should have said something sooner!]

It was meant to be a surprise... [And then there's a slight tilt of his head.] Should I not have?

[He can tell she's playing, but he does briefly wonder if maybe it was the wrong course of action.]

[She shakes her head vigorously, and shifts over until she's as far against him as she can get so that she can rest her head on his shoulder, freeing his hand so that he can eat the fruit.]

No, it's just...

[Tifa pauses, a sudden but gentle huff of laughter soaking up her words.]

I wasn't expecting it is all. You aren't exactly the kind of guy I'd pin for surprises, but... it's nice.

[It's definitely just the impression that she got in the time knowing him. Soldiers usually aren't the type to have surprises sprung on themselves—at least, the ones she knew didn't, but she isn't complaining in the least.

Now, all she wants is to get the heck out of here to see what he's planned.]

[A small smile flits over his lips as he lowers the fruits to her mouth instead.]

...You're not wrong. I wouldn't normally think of it either, but...

[He lowers his face closer to her, voice dropping.]

I already knew how things would go so I thought I might as well prepare for it.

[There's a subtle gleam in his eye as he looks at her, that hint of desire making itself a little more known. Given their past times with each other, he has a pretty good record to base his assumptions on. Even if not, this was their first real night out together. He would of course never force her into anything, but he had a strong feeling that he wouldn't be able to let her go so easily as before.

So true to form he just went ahead and prepared things in advance. Canceling things is easy, but he wouldn't have the patience in trying to set something up unplanned in this case.]

[He isn't wrong to think so. Their first real, officially named date, and they would have been hard-pressed to find anything last minute should things take a turn in the direction she can only assume they will, after their past encounters together. She had thought about it too, truth be told, but hadn't thought much else past the fact that they really didn't have anywhere to go to be alone... Not with their current living situations. This is the most alone they have been in a while, and still, they're surrounded by people in the restaurant on the other side of these walls.

Not to mention the waiters that come and go so often that they might as well just be hanging around waiting on them at all times...

The dim, warm lighting only serves to make her flush that much more obvious when she bites into the fruit, her eyes going wide with anticipation.]

I guess I could always count on you to be prepared, at least.

[Her eyes flit around, and when she's sure there are no prying eyes from the restaurant workers, she rests a hand on his leg.]

Let's finish up here then.

[He glances at the sizable remains of their cake, then his watch, then at her.

...

......

And then he's flagging a waiter over.

Yep. It's time to box everything up and pay for that check. And they can better believe they are taking the rest of that wine.

As much as Eustace can have a lot of patience, he can also be quite impatient once he's made a decision.]

Edited 2021-12-16 18:43 (UTC)

[To their credit, they had already spent a significant time here, mostly eating, and Tifa would have been fine with staying longer were it not for the knowledge that there was something else waiting for them, so she'll happily allow him to wave the waiters over. All the while giving them little space to pack their things up with how close she's seated—if she was close before, she's even more so now, practically glued to him as they prepare their things.

And as they pay and leave the restaurant with their boxes of leftovers and a half empty bottle, she wraps her arm around his, the wine turning her giddy with laughter.]

So, am I supposed to close my eyes the whole way, or...?

[A light chuckle as he adjusts to carry everything to his open arm.]

No. It's not too far so we can either walk or take a carriage. Up to you.

Let's take the carriage. Like last time.

[Only better. This time, she isn't shaken by the words of another woman, and this time, she isn't so shy to let her head fall on his shoulder for a rest, or to hold onto him when it rolls over a bump in the road. And that way, at least whenever they get out of it, their destination will be more of a surprise.

Not that she's getting her hopes up for anything fancy or extravagant—that never was his style, was it?—but she still wants to be surprised nonetheless, even if it is something as simple as a quiet corner in the park.]

As the lady wishes.

[They'll soon reach a place to try and flag one down. Once inside, Eustace won't mind any close contact between them, even if it really will be just a short five minute trip, the busyness of the streets causing most of the delay. But that's fine for them as they can just relax and enjoy the quiet.

And contrary to Tifa's expectations... While it's not the fanciest, it'll be clear Eustace took full advantage of his noble card and reserved at one of the more luxury hotels and one of the finest rooms available. He really isn't one for the rich life, and it's true he would have preferred something more quaint and rustic. But quaint and rustic is something they can always have later. The reason he chose this...]

It's not a castle, but it was the closest I could find available.

[Yes. While searching around he remembered how enamored she had been about the whole castle style. Even if it's not his first choice, once in a while isn't so bad.]

[Full advantage indeed.

The moment that Tifa steps inside even the hotel itself, let alone the room, she's awestruck into silence. The high ceilings, the giant chandelier that hangs from it, the giant bed that she wants nothing more than to fall right into and sleep the night away next to him... Her eyes don't even know where to begin searching and looking and so, wide-eyed, she tries to take it all in slowly before her gaze finally lands on him again.

This is so far from what she was expecting that she's at a complete loss for words, so rather than string them together, she pulls him in for an appreciative kiss instead, buying herself a little bit of time to find her voice again.

Forehead bumping against his, she breathes a laugh onto his lips.]

You didn't have to do all this...

[Just because she wanted to see more castles!]

[A small smile forms as he watches her taking it in. Everytime he sees her smiling so brightly...it's like renewing that deeper feeling that continues to slowly take root and grow, that resolve to keep her happy no matter what. As well as that somewhat pressing reminder how fresh, new...and transient this all really is. But her kiss pushes that aside, and his smile warms as he gazes down at her.]

No... But I wanted to.

[And then a light chuckle as he wraps his arms around her waist.]

Just don't get used to this particular luxury. I have a lot of savings, but I'm not that rich.

I...

[She's clutching onto him now, like she's afraid to step further inside, words still not coming easily to her. This is the last thing she was expecting, so getting used to it wouldn't even be in the stars for her, ever. That doesn't mean she isn't appreciative, but...!]

Could've fooled me.

[Tifa drags him further inside with her, stopping in the center to gaze up in awe at the crystal chandelier over their heads, tossing the bottle of wine onto the bed.]

How many strings did you have to pull for this?

[He's amused as he's dragged in, the door closing and automatically locking behind them. With her clutching him he's about to just set the bag of their leftovers on the table, but then he thought better of it and pulls away so he can find the mini fridge. He has a feeling if he didn't do it now, it was going to be completely forgotten.]

Not many, really. Because most people are over in Elphame, vacancy wasn't an issue. After that it was just a matter of showing my credentials.

[Once again, while he doesn't really care for his titles, having both Noble and Knight really do come in handy. Then again, since he has similar high credentials back in the organization, he's used to receiving better perks. Of course they're nowhere close to something like this.]

[While he tends to their leftovers, Tifa takes a better look around, wandering through the room to examine every little detail of it. The trim on the walls, the knickknacks scattered all over the place to give it some character, and when she peeks into the bathroom, a small gasp echoes from it when she sees the size of it. She thought the one in the resort was nice, but it doesn't hold a candle to this. Nothing does...!

She returns to run her fingers over the silk sheets on the bed before she takes a seat on it and kicks her heels off.]

Must be nice to be a Noble. Wonder if I should cash in on that.

I admit it has its advantages. Though I didn't even ask for either of them, they were just granted.

[With everything put away, he walks over to join her. But as he starts to unbutton his jacket to take off, he feels that weight against his chest and remembers what's still hidden in the inside breast pocket. He pauses for a moment before he sits next to her.]

Ser Eustace. ... I don't think it suits you.

[She does notice his pause, head tilting curiously up at him, but she scoots over into his space when he takes a seat next to her.]

Is something the matter?

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