[This has been something of a common thing for them lately. Now, with things returning to their usual routine and feeling more... normal again, Tifa has been making more of an effort than ever (and she always has been) to spend more time with Eustace and the dogs. While she's away at the Harvest for the day, he's been working on planning and remodeling the house with the new space below their home for the dogs, and they—the flowers and corgis alike—have been at the house more often than they have in the past, so coming home and relaxing has become sort of a big deal these days.
Not that Tifa has anything to complain about, but today... today, she's decided that she wants to turn it into something more fun and special. What's the occasion? Does she need one, besides simply wanting to spend a special evening with him and the dogs? Nope.
When she sneaks away after returning home in the evening from the Harvest while he's getting cleaned up, Eustace might wonder where she's gone. He won't have to look far, though. He might even hear the early cracklings of a fire as she prepares for it on the grass behind their tree. Or maybe he'll smell the flames and the food. Or hear the younger dogs who accompanied Tifa outside barking up at him to come see when he's out, and her immediately hissing at them to be quiet because it's a surprise...!
Because she's created and lit a makeshift firepit in their "yard", tucked away from the prying eyes of the town and hidden behind some branches and autumn leaves that have lowered themselves to shroud them...]
[He's been making pretty good progress on the house renovations. Before coming to this world, he only knew the basics, but having to help rebuild the town in the early days has led him to learn more about it. Of course he can't do everything himself, but he could do more than he would have before. Once he gets the windows and the other materials delivered, he should be able to finish this in another day or so...
So there's nothing more that he would like than to just curl up on the couch with Tifa for some relaxing cuddle time. Really it's a wonder that he's started to settle into this kind of lifestyle where in the past he would have gone straight to his desk and continue researching or plan for what to do for the next day. Now it's just so...homely.
Which does make him wonder where Tifa went off to when he steps out of the bathroom, knowing she was in the bedroom not long before. Did she go into the kitchen? But after changing and looking there and not seeing her, he tilts his head slightly... Before he hears the commotion. Curious he looks out towards the terrace and the faint acrid scent of smoke and wood burning reaches his nose. And stepping out, he looks over the railing to see...]
[His voice from above startles her, and the small log she'd been holding slips out of her hands and drops into the fire when she jumps and whirls around, and when she looks up at him, her eyes go wide, like she's just been caught doing something that she shouldn't have been, and she looks like she might be trying to hide the firepit behind her... to no avail, of course.]
Oh—!
[Tifa's hands shoot up innocently... before she relaxes, her expression turning sheepish and shy.]
Hey. I was just... um...
[What is she even trying to do? She's been caught red-handed, and she looks to the dogs pointedly, feigning disappointment.]
... It was going to be a surprise.
[Idris barks happily back at her, and really... it's hard to stay mad at any of this, and she's biting back a laugh.]
[He just watches before he languidly leans over the railing, arms crossed over the smooth wood as he continues to peer down at her with a loose, relaxed grin.]
[He won't be able to hear her, but there's a little nod, and she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. That smile does things to her...]
I thought I'd try, but some dogs are a little too eager. [It's Aerona's turn to speak up this time as if to say "yeah, me!!!"] So...
[Tifa twirls back and forth on the balls of her feet before she opens her arms and gestures to the firepit and the little two-person log for them to sit on behind her.]
[Her laugh echoes off the branches of the trees along with the barks—something that'll likely be heard for at least a block or two through the houses, and she bounces happily again, glad that the distance and the dimmer lighting of the fire helps to mask the deep flush in her cheeks.]
No, just bring yourself whenever you're ready. Got everything we need down here.
[And he'll see that when he comes down. There are several blankets, a cooler, a thermos, and some dishes wrapped in aluminum foil. Tifa Lockhart always comes prepared to surprise hubby!!!]
[She does so anyway, only she sidesteps rather than moves back to not trip over the firepit... and it's only then that she registers what he might be planning to do...
[Yep, no sooner as he had said those words, he had already climbed on top of the railing and jumped down the several feet down to the ground. Yet he lands next to her nimbly and lightly, such a distance a small matter for him, and he just grins as he straightens back up.]
And even if she would have had the time to try stopping him, when he straightens and she sees that grin, he'll find her biting down on her lip to stifle her own smile... while she reaches out to give him a gentle shove.]
[There's a wave of pride that washes over her, and she happily leans in where he's holding her close to look back to what she's managed to put together for them.]
I did. Had a little help from the dogs though. They gathered some firewood and there's more inside, so be sure to thank them too.
[Idris, Aerona, and Bri all bark up happily. Isn't dad proud of them??? PRAISE THEM!
But the rest? The metal grates around the fire? The food and the drinks that are sitting and waiting for them to enjoy? That was all her.]
[He just chuckles as he reaches down to affectionately rub Briallen's ears, who had trotted up to him with her tail wagging. It's still a little touch and go sometimes, but they've made up again and he's happier for it.]
I do.
[And he rewards Tifa with an affectionate kiss on the cheek before pulling away just so they can sit on the log and he can look at everything closer.]
What gave you this idea?
[It's nice, but also a bit random all things considered.]
She trots over to him, hands folded shyly behind her back and checks on the fire before she joins him on the log, purposely seating herself at the very end of it away from him.]
It's getting colder out and I... I wanted to do something nice for us. [Tifa glances at him through her lashes.] For you. Thought it might be fun to have something like this right in our backyard.
[She might be trying to tease him a little, but she's not even surprised he's managed to catch on, nor is she surprised when she wonders if he's playing the same game right back at her when he doesn't move to pull her close.
It's probably for the best anyway. Tifa's blushing like crazy when he brings up the campsite in the woods, and she doesn't miss the way his eyes move to the covered plates, the food that she's brought still a mystery.]
Could be. All we need now is a glowing spring in the back.
[Yeah, definitely for the best that they're sitting on opposite ends of the log, but it's with a knowing, suggestive grin that she leans over to grab one of the plates, giggling quietly at the way the dogs tip their heads, confused.]
I know it isn't much, but... I did have fun that night. And this way, it'll be easier for us and the dogs too. Won't have to go out far anymore to have a nice fire to cook over and... maybe curl up around on the cooler nights.
[Like tonight.
Peeling back the foil, she reveals several strips of uncooked bacon skewered onto sticks, and they smell sweet, like sugar and maple.]
Hmm... If we had a spring back here, we might get noise complaints.
[A smirk.]
But I like this. I can see us doing this often.
[And his eyes do look at the skewers in interest—as do the dogs, of course, all of them immediately moving in, some faster than others (the older ones being more reserved...but eager).]
Do you think we can manage without the dogs trying to steal any?
[They all start to move in, and Tifa waggles a finger at them, and then at Eustace.]
I came prepared for something for them too, don't worry. They gotta let us eat first.
[A couple of them whine, even the older ones who are laying on the grass nearby.
That isn't all though. She hands Eustace the plate and then reaches for another to reveal more skewers of assorted meats and vegetables for their dinner that they can cook over the fire, as well as a grate for them to grill them on. As always, she's prepared.]
They're all from the Harvest... freshly picked and cut.
[...
She pauses, and her brows shoot up with a sudden look of doubt. Here she goes barreling through all of this again that she hasn't even thought to stop and ask:]
Ah... You didn't have any plans for dinner... did you?
[A low chuckle as their ears perk up at the promise of food especially for them. But to wait... THEY'LL TRY.
Taking the plate, he can't help but marvel at everything. He knows she cooks a lot so it's not surprising per se—just impressive. Especially when he remembers it was all done with them—him—in mind.]
[THEY JUST GOT TREATS! For helping her collect firewood! They can wait a little longer.
If he had plans, she didn't want to ruin them!!! Tifa fixes him with a dubious look, and for a split second, her lips turn downward into a hint of a frown but seeing him smile at her like that puts her at ease. If he's happy with this, then she's happy...
With her free hand, she sets the metal grate on top and starts to line up the skewers of cubed meat and veggies over the fire, spreading them out evenly as she scoots just a little bit closer to him with a quiet but proud smile.]
... You're always surprising me. Just wanted to make sure. Thought it was about time I did something in return.
[There's a brief pause after she's finished laying them out, and she folds her hands on her lap.]
[He just arches a brow at first as it takes him a moment to connect what she's talking about. And when he does, he wants to protest she never has to repay him for anything, especially for whenever he's supporting her like in that dream. He also feels this is more than he really deserves.
But then he realizes that it doesn't matter, and if this is what she wants to do, how can he push back? Instead with one hand supporting the plate on his lap, he finally reaches out to her, his freed hand gently brushing against her cheek and pushing back her hair.]
[The fire crackles when it rises, burning a little brighter and warmer as his hand pushes back her hair and her eyes connect with his. Even now, as their dinner cooks over the flames and they're enveloped in this comforting heat, she still wants to give him so much more. This is just something small in comparison to the amount of appreciation and adoration she feels, and the overwhelming feeling of wanting to show him that... and give back to him what he's given her in as many ways as she can think of.
Her little moon charm glistens yellow and blue in the firelight, and she dips her head away with a laugh.]
I'm glad.
[Tifa's hand comes up to rest over his.]
I think... with the wedding coming up too, I figure things're gonna get pretty busy. I wanna take some time to spend it with you before then.
[In the next few weeks, she imagines it will really start to pick up.]
Maybe hear your thoughts about it? It's coming up soon. There's still a lot I haven't really figured out.
[The wedding. It's been on his mind and they've talked about it a few times, but it is quickly approaching now, isn't it?
Reaching over to set the plate over back where it came from, he moves closer to her so he can wrap his arm around her waist and pull her into their usual embrace.]
[Well, now that he's holding her like this, she almost doesn't want to talk anymore at all but rather, to lean over and kiss him until their food is ready... Tifa leans into it, pressing herself into the warmth of his body as her arms wrap around him in return.
Honestly? There's still a lot to think about and discuss, and it's going to be a stressful time for both of them in the days leading up to it, and she figured... why not spend a nice, calm night by the fire talking about it instead. They were going to need to do it at some point anyway.
So, as she watches the fire blaze and cook the food, she sorts through the many questions she's had on her mind for a while for a place to start.]
🍂🔥 here to cash in a dollar for breezy, shameless autumn fluff
Not that Tifa has anything to complain about, but today... today, she's decided that she wants to turn it into something more fun and special. What's the occasion? Does she need one, besides simply wanting to spend a special evening with him and the dogs? Nope.
When she sneaks away after returning home in the evening from the Harvest while he's getting cleaned up, Eustace might wonder where she's gone. He won't have to look far, though. He might even hear the early cracklings of a fire as she prepares for it on the grass behind their tree. Or maybe he'll smell the flames and the food. Or hear the younger dogs who accompanied Tifa outside barking up at him to come see when he's out, and her immediately hissing at them to be quiet because it's a surprise...!
Because she's created and lit a makeshift firepit in their "yard", tucked away from the prying eyes of the town and hidden behind some branches and autumn leaves that have lowered themselves to shroud them...]
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So there's nothing more that he would like than to just curl up on the couch with Tifa for some relaxing cuddle time. Really it's a wonder that he's started to settle into this kind of lifestyle where in the past he would have gone straight to his desk and continue researching or plan for what to do for the next day. Now it's just so...homely.
Which does make him wonder where Tifa went off to when he steps out of the bathroom, knowing she was in the bedroom not long before. Did she go into the kitchen? But after changing and looking there and not seeing her, he tilts his head slightly... Before he hears the commotion. Curious he looks out towards the terrace and the faint acrid scent of smoke and wood burning reaches his nose. And stepping out, he looks over the railing to see...]
...Tifa?
[Is that a firepit...?]
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Oh—!
[Tifa's hands shoot up innocently... before she relaxes, her expression turning sheepish and shy.]
Hey. I was just... um...
[What is she even trying to do? She's been caught red-handed, and she looks to the dogs pointedly, feigning disappointment.]
... It was going to be a surprise.
[Idris barks happily back at her, and really... it's hard to stay mad at any of this, and she's biting back a laugh.]
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A surprise...for me?
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[He won't be able to hear her, but there's a little nod, and she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. That smile does things to her...]
I thought I'd try, but some dogs are a little too eager. [It's Aerona's turn to speak up this time as if to say "yeah, me!!!"] So...
[Tifa twirls back and forth on the balls of her feet before she opens her arms and gestures to the firepit and the little two-person log for them to sit on behind her.]
Surprise...!
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The view looks good up here, but I'm sure it's better on the ground. Is there anything you want me to bring with me?
[Like if she left anything or thought of something else.]
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No, just bring yourself whenever you're ready. Got everything we need down here.
[And he'll see that when he comes down. There are several blankets, a cooler, a thermos, and some dishes wrapped in aluminum foil. Tifa Lockhart always comes prepared to surprise hubby!!!]
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Step back.
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What?
[She does so anyway, only she sidesteps rather than moves back to not trip over the firepit... and it's only then that she registers what he might be planning to do...
As he does it.]
You're not going to jump—!?
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I'm here.
[What a cocky grin—]
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And even if she would have had the time to try stopping him, when he straightens and she sees that grin, he'll find her biting down on her lip to stifle her own smile... while she reaches out to give him a gentle shove.]
Show-off...
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You as well.
[With her in his arms, he looks at the area more carefully.]
You really did this all yourself?
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I did. Had a little help from the dogs though. They gathered some firewood and there's more inside, so be sure to thank them too.
[Idris, Aerona, and Bri all bark up happily. Isn't dad proud of them??? PRAISE THEM!
But the rest? The metal grates around the fire? The food and the drinks that are sitting and waiting for them to enjoy? That was all her.]
... Do you like it?
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I do.
[And he rewards Tifa with an affectionate kiss on the cheek before pulling away just so they can sit on the log and he can look at everything closer.]
What gave you this idea?
[It's nice, but also a bit random all things considered.]
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[Well, yes. She does know. That's a lie.
She trots over to him, hands folded shyly behind her back and checks on the fire before she joins him on the log, purposely seating herself at the very end of it away from him.]
It's getting colder out and I... I wanted to do something nice for us. [Tifa glances at him through her lashes.] For you. Thought it might be fun to have something like this right in our backyard.
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She's trying to play games with him, isn't she. Doesn't she know that always ends badly for her (great for them)—]
Something nice, huh... And so you thought about an outdoor fire, reminiscent of the campsite?
[But all right, if she wants to sit away from him, he'll let her. And look over the food options near here.]
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It's probably for the best anyway. Tifa's blushing like crazy when he brings up the campsite in the woods, and she doesn't miss the way his eyes move to the covered plates, the food that she's brought still a mystery.]
Could be. All we need now is a glowing spring in the back.
[Yeah, definitely for the best that they're sitting on opposite ends of the log, but it's with a knowing, suggestive grin that she leans over to grab one of the plates, giggling quietly at the way the dogs tip their heads, confused.]
I know it isn't much, but... I did have fun that night. And this way, it'll be easier for us and the dogs too. Won't have to go out far anymore to have a nice fire to cook over and... maybe curl up around on the cooler nights.
[Like tonight.
Peeling back the foil, she reveals several strips of uncooked bacon skewered onto sticks, and they smell sweet, like sugar and maple.]
... You hungry?
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[A smirk.]
But I like this. I can see us doing this often.
[And his eyes do look at the skewers in interest—as do the dogs, of course, all of them immediately moving in, some faster than others (the older ones being more reserved...but eager).]
Do you think we can manage without the dogs trying to steal any?
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I came prepared for something for them too, don't worry. They gotta let us eat first.
[A couple of them whine, even the older ones who are laying on the grass nearby.
That isn't all though. She hands Eustace the plate and then reaches for another to reveal more skewers of assorted meats and vegetables for their dinner that they can cook over the fire, as well as a grate for them to grill them on. As always, she's prepared.]
They're all from the Harvest... freshly picked and cut.
[...
She pauses, and her brows shoot up with a sudden look of doubt. Here she goes barreling through all of this again that she hasn't even thought to stop and ask:]
Ah... You didn't have any plans for dinner... did you?
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Taking the plate, he can't help but marvel at everything. He knows she cooks a lot so it's not surprising per se—just impressive. Especially when he remembers it was all done with them—him—in mind.]
For us? Not really. But even if I did...
[A warm smile.]
I can always set it aside.
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If he had plans, she didn't want to ruin them!!! Tifa fixes him with a dubious look, and for a split second, her lips turn downward into a hint of a frown but seeing him smile at her like that puts her at ease. If he's happy with this, then she's happy...
With her free hand, she sets the metal grate on top and starts to line up the skewers of cubed meat and veggies over the fire, spreading them out evenly as she scoots just a little bit closer to him with a quiet but proud smile.]
... You're always surprising me. Just wanted to make sure. Thought it was about time I did something in return.
[There's a brief pause after she's finished laying them out, and she folds her hands on her lap.]
And as a thank you... for the other day.
[In the dream.]
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But then he realizes that it doesn't matter, and if this is what she wants to do, how can he push back? Instead with one hand supporting the plate on his lap, he finally reaches out to her, his freed hand gently brushing against her cheek and pushing back her hair.]
I like it. Thank you.
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Her little moon charm glistens yellow and blue in the firelight, and she dips her head away with a laugh.]
I'm glad.
[Tifa's hand comes up to rest over his.]
I think... with the wedding coming up too, I figure things're gonna get pretty busy. I wanna take some time to spend it with you before then.
[In the next few weeks, she imagines it will really start to pick up.]
Maybe hear your thoughts about it? It's coming up soon. There's still a lot I haven't really figured out.
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[The wedding. It's been on his mind and they've talked about it a few times, but it is quickly approaching now, isn't it?
Reaching over to set the plate over back where it came from, he moves closer to her so he can wrap his arm around her waist and pull her into their usual embrace.]
What do you want to talk about?
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[Well, now that he's holding her like this, she almost doesn't want to talk anymore at all but rather, to lean over and kiss him until their food is ready... Tifa leans into it, pressing herself into the warmth of his body as her arms wrap around him in return.
Honestly? There's still a lot to think about and discuss, and it's going to be a stressful time for both of them in the days leading up to it, and she figured... why not spend a nice, calm night by the fire talking about it instead. They were going to need to do it at some point anyway.
So, as she watches the fire blaze and cook the food, she sorts through the many questions she's had on her mind for a while for a place to start.]
Have you thought about what you wanna wear?
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FIN