melodiesoflife | Love Springs Eternal (??)

Love Springs Eternal (??)

Who: ERRYBODY
What: It's Valentine's Day, and there are matchmaking notices everywhere. Here's an open log for one and all to post their shenanigans, meet ups, freak outs, and whatever else they're going to do about this.
When: forward dated to Feb. 14
Where: All over Aqures Ixen
Warnings: Ridiculousness.

[Plastering the city are notices matching up all of the Heroes of Light with one another, both the best and the worst. Moogles are having a grand old time handing them out and hanging them up, and are encouraging Heroes to speak with their top matches.

Naturally, reactions to this are mixed. Some Heroes are intrigued, some annoyed, some offended. Despite their feelings or misgivings, the rest of the city is still celebrating Valentine's Day as well, and now the thoughts of love are everywhere.

OOC: This is an open log for everyone to use for Valentine's Day stuff! Feel free to make your own prompts.]

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[ It was just the reaction Tear had anticipated from him, raising a hand to delicately cover the growing smile on her face as his laughter faded. If they were going to continue going on more dates together, it was definitely an idea to keep in mind for the future. ]

It might be convenient, they are very reliable creatures and would likely be able to tell when sunset is approaching than we can in this weather. [ Which is probably not what he meant. ] Then, somewhere close by...

[ The suggestion again brought up the option of doing as others seemed to for this particular holiday, that being stopping by one of the local eateries to spend time there. Which was just fine on its own, but today of all days it could prove to be quite the quest to find somewhere not as crowded, that would allow them a enough privacy.

... Well, she would be willing to put in the effort for his sake. However, there was the dilemma of hesitating to leave their current position. ] Okay. Though if we're going to be going somewhere else, I might just have to make sure to not let go of your hand so neither of us become too cold.

[ With that she raised her head from where it had been resting on his shoulder, taking a moment to shake her hair free of some of the snow that stubbornly refused to melt ~~and possibly flinging some of it his way~~. ]

While we're still here, there's... something I would like to try.

[ Though Tear had indeed managed to miss the point, Ace could not bring himself to fix her innocent assumption - all things considered, it would have most likely led to another misunderstanding if he were to do so. Pressing his lips together to stifle a sigh of amusement, he waited for whatever decision the girl would then come up with. Truth be told, he would have preferred to stay a bit longer, himself. Little did the pair seem to be aware of their flaws in communication, as always caused by the same desire to entertain the other.

At least the message that followed was clear enough. Withdrawing the arm that encircled her shoulders, he sought the melodist's hand almost immediately afterwards, head inclined to the side as he smiled softly at her determination, ~~despite the unexpected ice flurry swept against his face.~~ ]

I'll definitely hold you to that.

[ One terrible pun out of the way, there was still the question of what it was that weighed on Tear's mind. The boy nodded encouragingly. ]

What is it?

[ Tear almost—almost—rolls her eyes at the remark, but instead stops herself by closing her eyes and releasing a barely audible sigh. At least the smile on her face lingered as she squeezed his hand, slowly rising to her feet and looking out to the view before them again. ]

I was wondering... [ Humming softly, she looked back at the cadet. ] ... this seems like it would be a good place to sing, don't you think?

[ Almost any place could be, given the nature of singing and what it had come to mean for both of them, but seeing the rest of the city from this height certainly seemed inviting, the melodist still quietly in awe of it. ]

There's a new melody I've been practicing on my own, I don't know if I've fully mastered it or even had a chance to fully see what it's abilities are. But...

[ The feelings she had drawn upon for its inspiration were not unlike what she was feeling now. In fact, the warmth in this moment the warmth was so much more stronger that she had few doubts it would turn out the way it was meant to. ]

Would you mind if I practiced it a little before we leave?

[ Moving to stand alongside her, Ace could only wonder why the same idea hadn't crossed his mind before, for it seemed so obvious now. His attention was momentarily stolen by this discovery, and so initially, he didn't even reciprocate the eye contact. ]

That's true. In fact, I... don't think it can get any better than this.

[ And it would have certainly been a waste if he were to rush her now, for one reason or another. A warm smile lit his features when he met her gaze. ]

It's been a while, hasn't it?

[ But so long as she was willing to share her attempts with him, it was like nothing had changed. It wasn't always perfect, and it did not have to be, though at this point he might have additionally become slightly biased. ]

... I'd love to listen. We're not in a hurry, so take all the time you need.

[ After all, they might have some catching up to do in that regard. ]

[ Glad to know they were in agreement, Tear couldn't help but smile a little wider in return even with the soft blush dusting her cheeks as she looked back to the city again, leading him closer to the balcony's edge before resting her free hand delicately on the railing. ]

It has been a while. [ Which made this moment all the more important, given just how long ago their last lesson together had been. It hadn't taken her long to notice how much she missed them back then, and now that they were here hand-in-hand, it was made clear just why.

Then again, she had figured that one out a while ago, too.

Taking in a deep breath, the girl called upon the memories of those nights in his attic where they mistakingly thought they weren't drawing curious attention, of gentle encouragement and stifled laughter during those times when the notes just didn't want to come out right. It was enough to turn her smile into a wistful, but no less fond one as she closed her eyes.

So the melody began, not one iota of hesitation in her mind as she sang her heart for him. Even when she reached the parts that had given her trouble before, threatening to leak nervousness into her voice, she simply squeezed his hand for that extra bit of courage and strength that he granted her.

And once she was nearly finished, she chances opening her eyes to sneak a glance at him, anticipating his reaction. ]

[ She would find his lips parted in awe, and a pair of eyes staring back right at her. There had always been something unpredictable about the entire process of learning songs, and even upon their completion it was not always possible to discern their effects at a first glance. However, in all that lack of understanding, it was as though the melodies had their own way of presenting them with what they truly needed. Who knew, perhaps their subconsciousness played its own part, he silently wondered as he watched her perform. If so, what kind of wish had Tear even made?

Although he would have liked to know the full meaning behind the surge of strength he felt while her voice carried in the air, he had an inkling of what a part of it was, because her music can't have been the sole source of it. It also felt personal, incredibly so, each touch of her hand confirming his suspicion and warming his heart in the process. He wished to reply with anything more than a reciprocal squeeze of his own, but dared not interrupt, not unlike every other time he'd heard her sing in his presence. An unbreakable rule.

Even when the melody had truly faded, speaking still meant breaking the soft silence that lingered, and so his voice was barely above a whisper. ]

Thank you.

[ For being there and letting him listen, for holding him close and everything else he could not name yet. The message of gratitude had been the first to come to his mind, followed by a quiet hum. ]

... Could it be that you are still wondering what it does?

[ It was just the response that made all her efforts in mastering the melody that much more worth it, and for a split second the desire to cup his face in her hands and further prove his claim of how 'affectionate' she could be nearly took over. Instead the girl opted to smile, looking somewhat pleased as she mulled over his question. ]

... Yes. [ Taking a moment to brush back a few stray hairs from her face, she continued. ] I only know what I feel when I sing it, what emotions I'm putting into the music. I would need someone else's help to know the full effects for sure.

[ With the way he had looked at her, she felt as if some of those emotions had shone through. Which was perfectly fine with her, however shy it was beginning to make her feel. ]

I'm not in a hurry to test it right this minute— [ Wasn't he the one who mentioned staying close by so they wouldn't be caught off-guard? ] but maybe in the future. Unless...

[ By now she was blushing all over again, soft as it was as she suddenly seemed to find the snow-covered ground rather fascinating with how intently her gaze was focused toward it. ]

How did you feel?

Do you really want to know? To achieve credible results, you might want to consult a more neutral party.

[ The question was purely rhetorical at this point, since the request had already been made. Taking advantage of the melodist's temporary state, he allowed himself to step closer, gently lifting her chin with his index finger. While the move in itself could be considered overly forward, what he was about to do was even more so. ]

I'll try, and though it might sound a bit strange... it would help me if you could close your eyes for a moment. I... I need to focus.

[ For a lack of a better expression, he settled for the vague truth, but his movements alone clumsily hinted at intentions as he soon reached out to lightly stroke her cheek with his fingertips. In the absence of words, he could only rely on his own intuition, however faulty it turned out to be at times. Releasing a breathy sigh, the cadet leaned in, his slowness no longer as deliberate thanks to the pressure he'd found himself under; while he was confident about the point he wished to get across, the same could not be said about its execution, something that theory had made seem far less complicated than it was.

Bringing his lips against hers, he nearly forgot to place any pressure into his timid kiss at first, preoccupied with breaking their handhold for the sake of being able to cup her face properly. However, even with the small aid it provided, the boy didn't dare to go much further in that gentle caress, forcing himself to pull back, breathless, after what had been nothing but a rather brief moment. ]

That might be true. [She pretended to think about it for a moment, a faint smile lingering until it was replaced by curiosity when she found her gaze once again meeting his. Just as it had on the evening of the Starlight celebration, the gesture rendered Tear utterly compliant and unable to quell the faint pink tones on her cheeks.

Though before she could do as he asked, there was something she wanted to say. Her voice may have been quiet in its delivery, but no less sincere than if she were to have shouted it for the world to hear. ]

However, there isn't anyone else I trust as much.

[ Thus she allowed her eyelids to fall shut just as he requested, and though they trembled when his fingers ghosted over her cheek she nonetheless kept them closed, breathing out gently to try and calm the sudden surge of nervousness. It was as if she already knew what he planned to do subconsciously, therefore there was absolutely no reason to be so apprehensive.

Yet a soft, just barely audible sound of surprise is caught in her throat the instant she recognised the pressure against her lips, nearly forcing her eyes open. Fighting the urge to do so until he pulled away, she couldn't even bring herself to respond immediately once he did—out of all the ideas that had popped into her head, the only one she could actually perform was to just stare at him, completely awestruck.

And she stayed like that for several moments, until it occurred to her that she had yet to breathe since before that small, simple gesture—so she does in the form of a breathy half-laugh, her shaky hands reaching up to place themselves over his own before she closed her eyes again to revel in the answer he had just bestowed upon her. ]

Is this... what you're going to do to focus from now on? [ She wasn't expecting a serious answer to the mild teasing, yet she still took the effort to stroke his hand with her thumb as she leaned more into it, the memory of the touch of his lips holding strong. ]

[ Knowing that out of all possible replies Tear had decided to settle for a lighthearted joke put his heart more at ease, though its beating was still too loud for his liking, disturbing the rhythm of his thoughts. Since her assumption had been rather incorrect, he could, at the very least, shake his head to communicate that much. ]

I think it would be counterproductive if I did, so... I don't really know.

[ Finally, the dazed expression he was wearing began to melt under the soothing touch of her fingers, a broken laugh escaping his throat mirroring hers from merely moments earlier. It was okay to feel a bit confused, he supposed, though in hindsight, he should have thought out that response a bit better, for she deserved something far more eloquent for an explanation of his initiative.

Needless to say, such a turn of events had never been a part of his original plan, and how ironic it was to speak of trust now, that he had gone ahead and made such a leap, but having taken note of the girl's reaction, he had yet to experience any feelings of doubt, or guilt, for that matter. With another exhale, he could slowly feel the drumming in his ears subside, much to his relief, and the very next second he was leaning his forehead against hers, still mostly unsure as to what his words could even be, but at least they both appeared to be on the same page. ]

But you asked me how I felt, and I responded.

[ Unless it had been a more technical explanation she had on her mind, because he could easily go on about the enhancements of one's defensive capabilities... but was there a point? ]

I did, and... [ It certainly wasn't the response she had expected, since she had indeed anticipated a more technical one, Tear was by no means dissatisfied with it. If anything, the more the seconds passed the more the significance of the gesture weighed on her, so that she was glad for the reprieve by the time his forehead touched against hers. Truly, his talent for making her feel both shy and like she belonged simultaneously seemed to only keep evolving. ]

I think I understand.

[ Content with that answer for now, and recognising that the chance for her to reciprocate properly had passed, she released her hold on his hands so that she could lightly wrap her arms around his waist instead. Now that her blush had calmed down enough, she could once again look him in the eyes. ]

Did you want to try singing yourself, before we go? [ Though even if he chose not to, she had the feeling that this wouldn't be their only excursion to the castle.

Hopefully the servants wouldn't mind. ]

Of course, if you wouldn't mind giving it another go later, I'm sure I could then explain in more detail.

[ It would also be more beneficial to her if he could afford to remain objective, something which the circumstances did not currently allow. Following her movements, he relaxed his already delicate hold, fingers wandering up to smooth the hair out of the girl's face before moving to the back, tugging at the hem of the hood to once again secure it over Tear's head. Hearing the question, however, the cadet froze. ]

Ah....

[ A sheepish smile adorning his lips, he then looked away at the question. It went without saying how tempting the offer was, and he'd learnt not to fret over the prospect of making mistakes, a natural outcome of any practice. None of that was the reason for his sudden apprehension. Locking his hands loosely behind her back, he sighed softly. ]

While there's one song I've learnt recently, it's also rather silly. Not the kind you'd expect to perform in such a venue.

[ And not necessarily suited for human ears, for that matter. The Chocobo theme made for a pleasant and bright tune, and, quite possibly, a really strange serenade. With her performance, the melodist had already set the standards incredibly high.... ]

If later would work better, I'll sing it as often as you'd like. [ It's not as if she would be lacking any inspiration or feelings to draw upon anytime soon, shrugging a little as she contemplated what he said last. ]

Is it so silly? [ Tear couldn't help smiling just a little, reaching up to make one last tiny adjustment to her hood. That he would describe it in such a way made her all the more curious, though of course she wouldn't force him to do it if he chose not to.

Except she didn't know he was comparing himself to her either, that would merit some chiding. ]

It doesn't have to be anything new... I like hearing you sing. [ Though that was putting it lightly. ] Whatever you decide to do.

Well, first of all, it's a song for Chocobos, and its effects appear to be reserved solely for them.

[ Regretfully, spending a lot of time among the birds wasn't enough to actually turn into one; the bashful smile was now paired with a soft blush as he continued. ]

... It came to me the other day, and I belatedly realized that I'd heard it being played before, back... back in my world. Because of that, it took me much less time to complete than it otherwise would have, I suppose.

[ Granted, he'd also spent the vast majority of his recent trip motivating its feathered participants with this particular melody, having gone as far as come up with a couple of new versions in order to break the monotony. Closing his eyes, he settled for another improvised attempt after a moment of thought, unable to resist the girl's request regardless of the repertoire at hand.

I like hearing you sing. His answer was a muffled sound while his hands locked more tightly around her frame. With that, he now had all the motivation he could ever require to begin. As unconventional as it was, the tune never failed to lift his spirits in its own, strange way. ]

For the Chocobos...? [ If it was meant for them, she could only imagine how he had discovered the effects to begin with. As much as she had come to admire the birds, now that she had Rem her desire to aid them had grown exponentially.

It also made her wonder if he might have exposed the little bird to the tune already.

But learning that the song also happened to exist in his world, it made Tear all the more eager to hear it even as she tries to keep that small curiosity in check for his sake. Though she remembered his statement regarding the similarities Crystallis shared with his world, the questions could wait until a later time.

Though she still wasn't quite prepared for what he did sing—and it seemed he wasn't the only one whose spirits were lifted by the upbeat tune, if her smile were any indication as she waited for him to finish. ]

It's... [ So cute. If only she could say it out loud... though there was another way.

That other way being in the form of her leaning up to press her lips against his cheek, pulling back almost as quickly as she had moved in. ]

[ Who was being cute, again?

As briefly as it lasted, the sensation was unmistakably soft and sweet, a fond smile quickly curling the boy's mouth at the sneaky little act. His eyes remained closed for a moment longer, as he left it to his own imagination to picture the lightly flustered face that would await him upon opening them again.

If only-.... ]

Maybe it wouldn't feel nearly as nice if we could do this sort of things every day, but a part of me still wishes that it was possible, somehow. [ Shamefully so; he shook his head to himself and continued in a smaller voice. ] ... Don't mind me, though. I'm just musing out loud.

As for the song- [ His confidence returning, he shot her a knowing smile, with all the intention of communicating he was aware of what exactly she'd been up to. ] I'll take that as a sign of approval, if I may.

You may take it however you'd like. [ But no way was she about to tell him it carried any other message than he thought it did. Indeed, her expression was just as he had imagined it—lightly flustered, yet nonetheless adorned with an approving smile that was further affirmed with a quick nod. The unfortunate part was when the movement made her hood slip lower over her eyes, which she set to fixing immediately as she continued speaking. ]

Just knowing we have that opportunity, you mean... [ Which might be as much as she says on the subject, even if it was her wish to do the same. Surely they would find a way to work it all out, without losing that novelty.

Her hood now properly adjusted again, she simply looked at the cadet for a few seconds before looking back to the view of the city, which for whatever reason seemed to look different than before now that she was in his arms. Though logically she knew it had to all be in her head, now that they had this private place there was definitely some hesitation to her following question. ]

Should we get going...?

[ Having found himself wondering the same, he retreated into silence in a somewhat selfish attempt to keep the memory of that moment to himself. Not without a reason, he'd grown to be quite protective of all the little emotions that made it exactly what it was.

With a subtle nod, he brought their embrace to an end, if only to curl his fingers around hers as soon as he had the chance. ]

❧

All the things that they said… I hope you didn’t let it get to you.

[ A smile lit up his features as he spoke, but thinking back, he should have had the foresight to know how nosy strangers could be on that particular day. Inquiring into their customers' private lives certainly hadn't been the most professional move on the staff's part, and though he wondered how such forwardness could benefit one's business, others seemed more at ease with the unsubtle questions. Could it had all been a part of another strange tradition he wasn't familiar with?

Ultimately, he had been just as guilty of letting his flustered expressions speak before the words had the chance to, and perhaps he hadn’t handled it just as gracefully as he should have. It had been a rather strange day from start to finish, riddled with not always comprehensible thoughts and predicaments, such as being caught in the middle of a snowstorm on their way back. At least it hadn’t taken too long to reach the housing district from the place of the unfortunate ambush, though it had still come at the cost of cutting through the white flurry first.

It hadn't been until their arrival at the steps of Tear's house that they had realized they had no desire to part just yet, settling for the temporary shelter provided by the building's overhanging roof. It wasn't a perfect hideout by any means, but it would have to do; he didn't mean to take too long, even if his heart spoke otherwise. ]

One step at a time, right?

[ It took a few moments for Tear to recover enough to reply, still brushing away abundance of snowflakes that had stuck to her hair before they could follow the same example of others that landed inside her hood, chilling her skin where they had melted and made her shiver. Nevertheless a smile played upon her lips, complimenting the faint red of her cheeks as she looked away from the falling snow and back to her partner as she mulled over his words. ]

Well... [ Maybe it was a tradition among the populace to be so nosy, though in Tear's experience people had a tendency to ask questions and tease regardless of whatever land they happened to be inhabiting.

But just because she had endured the teasing before didn't mean she had any more skill in addressing it. The girl had been just as guilty in her share of flustered expressions for the more insistent, at times mumbling her replies and always seeking his hand again as soon as the perpetrators looked away. Though she may have dealt with such remarks coldly in the past, it was almost impossible to when they happened to be an observation of the truth.

So... she had indeed let it get to her a little, but mostly because putting what she felt into words while on the spot was difficult. Yet it was just as Ace had said—one step at a time. ]

It might take some getting used to. [ Seeking to hold his hand in both of hers again, she closed her eyes. ] But you're right. We'll get there together, and I'm sure they'll only have more to ask as time passes.

[ Heck, she could already imagine the number of questions she would have to answer to as soon as they parted ways, though that was hardly the reason she was reluctant to bring an end to their day. ]

[ Tear was a soldier, just like him, raised to endure conditions far more challenging than what today had had in store, and yet the sight of her lightly trembling lips wasn't something Ace could easily ignore. Inching closer, he hoped to provide the least he could in terms of protection from the snow, turning his back to the persistent flurry so as to grant Tear a moment of respite. ]

More?

[ The hand in her hold quickly surrendered to her touch, but it wasn't long until the other one joined in, the boy's fingertips brushing over the skin of her palms in a gentle caress. Though there was something of a teasing edge to his question, more than that it was his curiosity peeking through, as he began to acknowledge that it was their future she was speaking of. Falling from her lips, and not just his own, such speculations suddenly had so much more weight to them than before. It was something to make him think, a realization that came too late to stop the flow of emotions piercing through his chest. ]

As long as I can spend time with you, I don't mind it if people talk. [ His throat felt a bit dry, so he lightly squeezed her hand to communicate what words couldn't. ] There's one more thing I want to ask you, though.

[ With that, he waited to have her full attention, though it did not seem like there was a proper way of voicing what was on his mind. ]

Do you... have any regrets?

[ Instead of answering the curiosity he had allowed into that single word, a smile simply made its way to Tear's lips, her eyes still firmly closed to everything but the soothing touch of his fingertips. At least, she stayed that way until he voiced his request, slowly opening her eyelids to fully look at him with her head faintly tilted to the side.

Yet once he voiced it, she couldn't quite stop her brow from furrowing in not only surprise, but confusion. ]

Regrets...? [ What almost followed were the words, 'Why would I?', an automatic response ingrained into her after a lifetime of placing others before herself. Nevertheless, she made the effort to keep those words from carrying into the silent air even as the seconds passed, further allowing the question to sink in.

In the end the girl began to shake her head, but what she meant by it wasn't altogether clear. Casting her gaze back down to their entwined hands, Tear searched hard for a proper way of putting them but to no avail. ]

Ace... why would you ask something like that? [ Despite the way it was phrased, there was no negative tone to her delivery, but an almost curiosity to them. If he was asking, then there must have been something she had said or done... And it could have been any number of things, there was no telling without knowing what had prompted it. Even still... ]

Maybe I do, and I'm just not aware of them right now, but... [ Her expression softened, the corners of her lips only just barely lifting up. ] These are the choices I've made, and the ones I will stick to. All I know is that I'm glad that this is what has come of it, being here with you.

I didn't know this would happen, and... [ A soft sigh left her, further emphasising the chill of the weather with how visible her breathe was. ] To be honest, part of me didn't think it would...

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Love Springs Eternal (??)

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