spikyheaded | inbox & overflow

[They finally stop a few paces in front of Eustace and he lets out a sigh, moving to a squat to get yet another flower from Briallen. He's not even sure what he's going to do with all of these.

Bri, on the other hand, continues to look up at him expectantly, panting happily and shifting her weight from foot to foot, tail wagging wildly behind her.]

She's been acting like this the whole time. [Cloud moves his hand as if to show all of the flowers he's collected from her as he gets back on his feet.] But we've delivered all the invitations.

[Just... More... Silent.... Staring.......................]

...I see.

[Only after he finally speaks in a stiff voice does Briallen seem to notice him... And oh, she's happy to see him at least!! She barks once and runs over, tail wagging and immediately whatever frost and chill had started to grow melts as he kneels down to reach out and pick her up. He can already hear her asking if she did good and she was such a good helper and SHE REALLY LIKES MISTER CLOUD CAN SHE HANG AROUND HIM—

Immediately all that fuzzy feeling evaporates as she wriggles out of his hands and runs back to Cloud, circling him.

He's speechless. Again.]

[Ah, that's surprising. Cloud feels like he's barely interacted with the dog but she still wants to hang around him for some reason, even when her actual owner is around. Is he supposed to do something else?

...Ah.

He gets back on the ground, awkwardly puts his hand on her head and... pets her.]

Uh, good job.

[And if Bri wasn't beaming before, she certainly is now! She glances over at Eustace happy for the compliment, but that only lasts a second before she looks back up at Cloud. He finally noticed her!

Cloud, the other hand, still looks uncomfortable and maybe even a little confused by all this.]

[IT'S LIKE HE'S BEEN SHOT THROUGH THE HEART and not in the good way.

His precious princess... Seeking that chocobo head for praise.............

But okay. Okay Eustace. Get a grip. It's not like she can't like other people...]

...She seems to like you a lot.

[Stiff. So very stiff.]

[Bri's so happy to get his acknowledgment that she leans into his pets even more. And just when he was going to stop too. Ah, I guess he does this for a little longer.]

Can't imagine why. All we did was the deliveries.

[HE'S ABSOLUTELY OBLIVIOUS.]

[HE SHOULD STAY THAT WAY.]

She's...like that.

[Not a full lie but not fully true, either. And while he would like to TAKE HER AWAY he just...sighs and lets it be. What can he do? It is kind of cute...

....

Barely.]

She can grow fond of certain people, so don't be too surprised if you see her run to you one day. Just indulge her a little...

...But if she gets too much, just tell her to stop. You can always bring her to the cafe or message me and I'll get her.

[There's going to be more of this? There's a small attempt in keeping the resignation out of the sigh he makes as he stops petting her, standing back to his full height.]

Right. I'll keep that in mind.

[Bri lets out a small whine. Cloud looks to her once more then back to Eustace. He's only doing all this for Tifa, so if they're done here—]

Is that everything you need for the party? [At least from him.]

[Eustace is going to walk over and pick up Bri. That's right, that dumb chocobutthead is abandoning you, return to father who will always love and dote on you.]

Not at this time, no. Your help was appreciated.

[And then a small pause.]

However, if you wish to help with any of the decorating later, you are welcome to.

[Cloud actually has to hide how relieved his is when she's taken away. Not that he really minds, but more not knowing how to deal with animals in general.]

Is it the same day as the party?

Correct. Lyria will take Tifa out for the afternoon so we'll have some time.

[There's a short moment when he thinks about it before he sighs. He tries to keep his response non-committal.]

I'll see if I can make it.

[...Hum.

Eustace studies Cloud for a moment before he asks what's been on his mind from the start.]

Does this make you uncomfortable?

["This" being anything at this point, given everything that's related.]

[Cloud side-eyes Eustace at the question as if sizing him up.

Why ask this now?]

What gave it away?

[He's able to stop himself from rolling is eyes but the sarcasm is evident in his voice.]

[It's fine, he does the same thing so it just rolls right off him, so there's just the softest sigh.

Also, don't hurt your neck.]

Just don't force yourself.

Got no plan to.

[This short king has got zero issues about his height, sir.]

I'll be at the party. [At least he can assure that much.]

...Hm.

[They COULD talk more about their...situation.

But he'd rather not whatever is going on between them ruin Tifa's day so. While he usually prefers to deal with things quickly, he'll table it for now.]

See you then...and thanks for the help.

[So with that, he'll just give Cloud a nod and turn to walk off...ignoring Briallen's desperate cries for her new crush.

WAIT FOR ME HANDSOME GUY I WILL BE BACK FOR YOOOUUUU!!!]

inbox & overflow | songerein

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