isleofavalon | [ if I can't understand it, i'll find another way ]

[ Tifa had actually been enjoying herself a little at the Masquerade, more than likely because it was nice to have an excuse to dress-up that didn't involve also getting kidnapped. It's rare for her to enjoy anything this upscale as well, and she'd spent more time than she'd care to admit picking at the free food and refreshments while keeping an eye out for friends. She'd already spotted Cloud earlier, and she's sure Aerith wouldn't be able to resist coming, too. As for Red, well...

-she finds him lurking a bit in the corner and brings him a few miniature quiches on a small plate as something of an excuse to check up on him. ]

I didn't expect to see you here, but I'm glad you came.

[ And even made some effort to dress up. The flower is a really adorable touch, though she's reluctant to admit out loud, not wanting to embarrass him too much. Instead, she settles on- ]

You look good. Really dapper. Were you wrangled here by a special date, too?

[ She knows that had been Cloud's excuse for being here. ]

[Call Nanaki a curious cat, but he couldn't help being interested in the masquerade. After all, he's never done anything quite like this before. So many sights! So many sounds! So many smells! It's got his tail twitching in curiosity. So when he sees Tifa, he brightens up.]

Tifa! It's good to see you here as well.

[He didn't have his own mask, so he has one of the free floral ones that everyone was given. He was even given a flower in his mane, part of his own effort to "dress up". So when Tifa comments on it, his lips curl up and he gives her a bit of a "smile".]

Not quite, but I was curious. I've never been to a party like this before! And you're looking quite nice as well.

[By human standards.]

[ Adorable. Absolutely adorable. Tifa crouches down to run her fingers over the flowers before chuckling gently. ]

Thank you. I went shopping with a friend earlier, so I'm sure she'd be happy to hear her efforts paid off.

[ It had been quite helpful to have the input from someone a little more stylish than her, though Tifa likes to think she wouldn't have done so bad on her own. At worst, she'd have picked out something a bit more plain.

Either way, she would still say Red is more the "bell of the ball," if only because the adornments really soften up his normally severe expression. And look at that- it's got him smiling... or trying to. ]

Well, you hardly have to endure it all alone now that you have me. I don't have a date either and was just looking for a new dance partner.

[ It might be the fault of the third or so champagne flute she's had that evening that makes her willing to go back out there in spite of an unimpressive (on her own part) attempt the first time. ]

They definitely did. That outfit suits you.

[He never really understood human fashion, but he can tell that the outfit that Tifa picked out definitely compliments her. She looks nice!]

You were looking for a dance partner?

[The music that's playing did sound nice... it's making his tail bob in time with the beat. Perhaps it's the infectious atmosphere, or maybe it's the magic influence of the mask he was given, but he feels compelled to say his next words.]

If you don't find one, I can dance with you.

[ She almost chuckles at the offer before realizing he's being serious about it. Surprise of surprises! She never imagined it would be something he'd be eager to do, although eager might be a strong word... he could simply be trying to be polite, but it would certainly be quite the experience. It's also not like Tifa has a whole line of dance partners waiting for her. In fact, she'd been trying to chase off the edges of loneliness she'd been feeling as one of the few guests who'd seemingly come on her own without a date.

Maybe that's finally what makes her answer: ]

Sure, I'd love to try it. Are you...

[ She looks him up and down, trying to visualize how this would go. Anatomically, they couldn't be more different, but maybe there's a way. ]

Are you comfortable being on your hind legs? I think it might be easier that way if you can manage it.

[ Otherwise, she's going to have to dance on her knees, which would probably appear all kinds of awkward to do in public. ]

[It's definitely an odd offer, but for Nanaki, he doesn't mind tonight. And maybe that is due to the magic in his mask, but at the same time he truly thinks it would be fun. Tifa is a friend, after all; why not have some fun with a friend?]

I'd be comfortable with that. It wouldn't be the first time I had to be on my hind legs for a long time.

[He chuckles at the memory of himself sneaking into Junon disguised as a soldier, but then pauses. Right, Tifa wouldn't know that... But he doesn't let himself get too down from that.]

There was a time, among our travels, where I had to dress up like a human. This should be no different.

[ She has ...so very many questions about that. For one, how would anyone not know he wasn't human? Maybe if he covered his face entirely and wore a giant trench coat...and boots. And tucked his tail away. She's probably going too far in imagining this. ]

I don't know whether to be worried or impressed. I assume I'll get to see it for myself one day.

[ So this is a preview of sorts, isn't it? It certainly feels strange already as she leads Red closer to the dance floor and tries to position herself accordingly. ]

Alright, let's give this a try. You can rest your weight on my shoulders, so you won't fall forward. I should be able to support you like that.

[ She's certainly lifted stranger things, and well- there are other more peculiar couples on the dance floor. She's not too worried about attracting any stares. ]

Be impressed I was able to do so for a long time. Be worried about the fools who couldn't see past my disguise.

[He managed to trick the whole crew! Be proud of him, Tifa!]

Alright. Let us try...

[He follows her to the dance floor, and once she is ready, he will push himself up onto his hind legs. He wobbles a bit, but then manages to rest his front paws on her shoulders as she suggested. And voila, lab-rat-dog dance partner is ready to go!]

[ That is indeed impressive. She's not sure if it's a testament to Red's acting abilities or maybe a server lack of observational skills by those who were tricked... probably a little of both.

She isn't sure if he can get away with it now even with the dim lighting in this place, but Tifa is mostly just glad he doesn't weigh too much. Little more than the average dumbbell really. She manages to support him decently enough to sway a little. ]

Let me know your legs start to hurt like that. I think I've got most of your weight, but I don't want to drop you.

[ He's been through enough abuse for one lifetime. Speaking of which- ]

I know we're not supposed to talk about it, but I wonder if you ever did find more of your kind outside of Midgar in these two years. It must have been lonely being inside that lab for so long, surrounded by Shinra's scientists.

[ And the closest thing to his kind that Tifa knew of was Aerith, who is still a long way from him species-wise... ]

I will, but let me know if my weight becomes too much.

[He can handle a little fumble, but he also doesn't want to crush Tifa! He's a big cat, after all.]

[It's a little silly like this, and they definitely get a few odd looks, but it's all in good fun. Nanaki's tail swishes behind him.]

[At Tifa's question, he hums in thought, his ears flicking.]

Well... there aren't many of my species to begin with. But they exist, even if they are few.

[ Having the claws ruin her dress is another unexpected tribulation, but she's trying not to jostle him too much to lead to that result. The dress may not have been that expensive, but it is pretty and she'd like to wear it again some time. Fortunately, Red is being equally careful with her, and they aren't doing too many excessive moves -mostly just swaying in time to the gentle rhythm. ]

So you got to meet them? Where do they even live? I'm afraid after I left Nibelheim, I didn't get to visit much else outside of Midgar.

[ Mostly because she didn't so much as leave but was carried away. Maybe Red knows all that already, unable to imagine what the future version of herself must have told him by now. ]

Did any of them join our party, or am I getting ahead of myself?

[ Curiosity would do that. ]

[It is indeed a pretty dress. He'll try his best to mind his claws! He doesn't want to rip it..!]

[but Tifa's questions do make him hum a bit in consideration.]

Well, no. None would join our party. And I would not see Deneh for another few years after our initial journey together.

As for where we live, my species has always been the guardians of Cosmo Canyon. It's not often that we get visitors, so do not feel bad for not having visited before.

Cosmo Canyon?!

[ That's definitely a bit of a ways from Midgard, though she recalls Nibelheim was a lot closer to it. Growing up had provided her with plenty of stories about the place, but she had never dared to venture out that far on her own. ]

I suppose I have a lot to look forward to exploration-wise. I can't even imagine how we wound up out there except if... if we went back to Cloud's and my hometown.

[ Her fingers tighten a little around Red, though she's doing her best not to let her anxiousness show. ]

You don't have to tell me that part. I imagine it wasn't an easy choice if we did wind up there again. Truthfully, I miss it often. I also wonder what became of it.

[ There's nothing quite like home, something she wonders if Red got to feel after seeing more of his kind. ]

[Nanaki hums a little, his tail swishing behind him. Nibelheim... he remembers that place. And remembers how uncanny it was, being there. How confused Cloud and Tifa were, to see the place...]

[...no. He shouldn't tell her what happened. Not yet, especially if she doesn't know. He shakes his head.]

Perhaps I'll tell you another time. It's not a conversation for a night like this.

[ That does make her frown in spite of her best wishes not to overthink things. It's just hard not to, especially when she still has a lot of questions about everything that happened leading up to Sephiroth's rampage... but Red's right. Now isn't the time to ask about that when they're both trying to enjoy themselves and have a good time. ]

Sorry, I've been trying not to think about the future too much, I promise. It just feels inevitable the longer we stay here, but hopefully, we can make this place more of a home. At least, if we're going to be here for a while.

[ Which judging by Cloud's experience in his last world, could be well over a year... Speaking of which-! ]

Did you ever go to another world before this one?

It's alright. I don't blame you for being curious.

[He would be curious too! Really, he's actually impressed that Tifa is holding back as much as she is.]

[Her question makes him tilt his head, his tail swishing.]

No, this is my first time in a new world. I take it you spoke with Cloud?

[ She nods, figuring he must have relayed the same information to Red that he did to her. ]

Just earlier, and he had a lot to say for once.

[ Too much to say in some respects. ]

I wasn't sure what to really make of it, but apparently I -or a version of me- was in that world with him. I don't remember it at all, but it's got me wondering if we'll go directly back to Gaia after this.

[ They could end up world-hopping for longer than she wants to be away from their home. How does one even plan for that? ]

[ With the lights low, it's difficult to see much outside of the dance floor, and Tifa finds herself drawn to the swirling colors that swell in time to the music. Her foot absently taps along to the beat, arms crossed behind her back where she leans against the wall, resisting the urge to hum as well. The song is certainly more infectious than she'd care to admit, and she almost wants to go out onto the dance floor except there are only couples out there at the moment. She'd likely be the only one without a date, and while that normally wouldn't embarrass her, when it comes to dancing in public, well, she doesn't want to do it alone.

Self-consciousness keeps her rooted in spot until she manages to find a familiar face amidst the throng of people. Her arm rises in a quick greeting as she offers the young woman a friendly smile then crouches a bit to pet the small fox. ]

It's been a while, hasn't it, princess? Did your enchantment fade since we last spoke?

[ She knows it had worn off for Cloud and the majority of the people who had been affected. Hopefully, Kitsuno hadn't been spared the reprieve. ]

[ The call of a place with music and dancing was one she couldn't ignore, and so, she's here, by herself, but delighted to look around. She didn't have anything fancy to wear besides what she arrived in, but it's good enough and presentable- and she's kept it tidy since arrival.

And knowing that she isn't a danger to anyone is making her happier for it.

As Tifa approaches, she does have a slight bit of tension to her form, which immediately relaxes once she pets Mitsu. With a small bow that resembles a light curtsy, she lifts her gaze and stares rather openly at the lovely woman before her. Goodness, she's alluring... she'd put most fox maidens to shame with such beauty. ]

I'm afraid another has taken hold of me, my Lady... one where I am loathe to look away from your own beauty.

[ Blunt yet honest, she smiles at her with her hands held before her. ]

What a lovely dress you have... it shimmers like the night. Have you been well?

[ Oh, should she have bowed? She keeps forgetting she's in the presence of royalty -real royalty. The curtsy she gives in return feels awkward and foreign to her limbs, but she does try just so she could put Kitsuno more at ease. She'd hate to be thought of as rude.

Whatever she has to say to add to that awkward greeting fades fast in her throat as she blinks. Really? Tifa's hardly the most glamorous person even within this conversation, and she can't help the slight flare of heat across her cheeks. ]

T-thank you... I think. I've been well, and you're quite cute yourself, I hope you know.

[ She's nowhere near as smooth or forthright, but she's trying. Maybe even also attempting to cover up her own embarrassment with a small laugh. ]

That color really brings out the shimmering highlights in your hair. Did you come here alone?

[ The poor lady... she wonders if she's making her uncomfortable. At least, she knows it wouldn't be from her fragrance, which she still retains, but her comment makes her chuckle. ]

I hear that often... but it is so much sweeter hearing it from you, my Lady.

[ Graciously accepting the compliment, too- she'd hardly be in denial of something that's been fact. She was blessed in the Goddess' image, after all. Mortals seem to get so bashful every time she states things directly... it's cute. Though at her question, she blinks. ]

Mm! I did come alone.. was... I not supposed to? I heard there was music, and dancing...

[ She suddenly looks sheepish, looking around herself. ]

Ah... it looks like there are many with partners here, aren't there? Perhaps I've overstepped.

[ Tifa shakes her head quickly, hands raised in a slight placating gesture. ]

No, I think it's fine. I mean, I came alone myself.

[ Mostly for the free food and to see her friends. She rarely needs many reasons aside from that to leave the apartment. ]

Although, it does make things like dancing a lot harder if it's a song like this.

[ The more uptempo songs are easier to get lost to, but that poses its own difficulties. Tifa had never been too fond of strangers gyrating anywhere near her vicinity and prefers to use anything fast-paced for working out rather than dancing. The present song is an interesting blend of elegance and energy that does make her want to try to do something a little more daring than just watch. ]

I could maybe do a few steps to it, I think. Is it really all that much different from fighting?

[ Preferably out of anyone's view. ]

You did? Why would anyone not ask to be your escort?

[ A beautiful woman like Tifa not being inundated with suitors? What's wrong with the people of this world? She tilts her head very curiously, her question rather blunt for someone who ought to be proper— but then again, she's not a human royal. Spiritkind usually say things as they are.

She smiles as she listens to the music. ]

Ah... this sort of music is called a "waltz", isn't it? I was studying some in my spare time. It's nothing like the music I've heard back home, but it's pretty!

[ She looks at Tifa with a smile. ]

I can show you what I've learnt. It just takes finding the rhythm. But I've only danced with Mitsu before!

[ Mitsu, who is wearing a little neck ruffle scarf today to look handsome, fluffs himself up proudly! ]

[ Probably because Tifa can be a little too shy for her own good, especially when it comes to things like this. Even when what's left of her frayed childhood dreams starts to gnaw fervently at her consciousness, she shuts down those desires fast and convinces herself she's content just watching others be happy. Thoughts she keeps to herself, instead replying- ]

Everyone's probably busy with all the quests on the board or maybe have dates already. It's no problem at all. I don't mind coming to these things by myself.

[ And she can't imagine dancing a whole waltz with a small fox... does he get bigger? ]

Are you sure? I'm a little taller than your friend...

[ And a lot heavier, but she thinks she can manage to stumble her way through it, eyes moving to the other couples. It's just...three -no- four steps? Honestly, it's a little hard to tell even with a simple box step. ]

My Lady...

[ This is a bit sad. She's so sweet and kind, and offered her warm blankets when she was out in the cold. Such a mortal is often rare, and from what the mortal she befriended back home showed her— someone worth protecting. For their sake, she would do just that, and as Tifa speaks, she can't help but feel that urge to look out for her too.

She wonders if she's just convinced herself she's fine alone just like Kitsuno has- but that doesn't mean she has to be. At her words, she just giggles. ]

I think we'll be alright. It was just practice.

[ She extends her hand to her. ]

Will you dance with me, then, my Lady?

[ She can't remember the last time she even danced with someone -or if she ever has. Running a bar on her own wasn't exactly conducive for any of those kinds of outings, but she can't deny the swell of excitement that builds at the pit of stomach, replacing the knot that had been there previously. When will she ever get a chance to let loose a bit and act her age? The same must go for Kitsuno, who seems to have lived something of a cloistered life before all this.

Her expression breaks into a more earnest smile as she takes the offered hand. ]

Alright, let's do this. Though I'm afraid you're going to have to lead.

[ Tifa doesn't trust herself not to run them straight into a wall, and she's still trying to work out the steps in her head from sheer observation. It's just like fighting she keeps repeating to herself in her mind as she moves towards the dance floor.

Once their amidst the throng of people, she tries to position herself accordingly. ]

Like this-? Or should my hands be lower? What's a good starting stance?

[ Goodness, she's adorable. Kitsuno can't help but look fondly over her, and though she's a very tiny lady herself in mortal form, she has every intention of making this as comfortable for her as she can..

It's why she smiles up at her, using what she's learnt to ensure that they don't look too silly out there. With a nod to her words, she takes her by the hands, lifting her skirts so she won't trip over them and walks with her until they're ready to move. She guides her arm just under hers, over her back- and the other, she takes into her hand. They're not too terribly far in height, though Kitsuno knows she's smaller- but she's got confidence!

With a smile, she nods to her. ]

I'm going to take a step forward to your right, followed by the next and slide the third to your left to change positions. You'll do the same, moving back as I approach. Advance, and retreat, of sorts.

[ She remembers how her beloved used to train with the soldiers- she thinks Tifa will follow better if she teaches her that way. ]

Ready, my Lady?

[ It isn't the most natural position in the world, but practice makes perfect and all that. Tifa doesn't plan to back out now, just hoping she can maintain enough of a fighter's grace to keep from murdering Kitsuno's feet. They are so cute and dainty (everything about her is cute and dainty really), that Tifa honestly feels a little bit like a sledge hammer in her grip. ]

As I'll ever be. Don't hesitate to let me know when I mess up. My old master never held his tongue a single day when we trained.

[ And it made her all the stronger. Besides, Kitsuno may have a gentle demeanor and a demure appearance, but that doesn't mean she won't take her instruction seriously, especially if it's something she's passionate about. Tifa knows she herself wouldn't take things lightly if anyone just came into her bar and started fixing drinks without respecting the craft.

With that in mind, she does aim to at least pass for mediocre as she starts to follow along with Kitsuno. Her eyes can't help but glance down at their feet just so she knows where not to step, though it doesn't make her any more graceful as she tries to keep up with the rhythm. ]

This is a lot trickier than it looks. Is it strange to count in my head? I've seen the couples on TV do something like that during choreographed dance sessions.

[ if I can't understand it, i'll find another way ]

⭆ March Event

⭆ For Nanaki/Red XIII

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

⭆ For Kitsuno

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject