melodiesoflife | Event || The Festival Of Light

... And miss the beginning while you do? Stay.

[ In order to emphasise his request, he rested his chin against her shoulder, and it wasn't a coincidence how close to her face he ended up getting. Everything he needed was already in his arms' reach. ]

There are the blankets to ward off the cold, the flowers to light the way, and enough food to last until morning. [ Leaning slightly forward, he gently nudged her nose with his own in a playful gesture. Somebody was overthinking things. ] We're all set.

[ Following a suspiciously long moment of hesitation, he pulled away to reach for another blanket and spread it on the ground. ]

[ Close they were indeed, with Tear caught by surprise every second of it, just as he surely knew she would be. While she wouldn't be opposed to missing the beginning if necessary, the logic was sound and dashed away any worries that would arise, plus his hold kept her from trying to run even if she had wanted to.

So when their noses touched she couldn't help chuckling again, briefly returning the gesture. ]

Okay then, I'll stay. [ And she would have been content with just staying the way they were, the girl noting his hesitation, but his actions were further reminder of how little time they had left before the show would start, so she got right to work with helping him. ]

I can't believe I didn't think to go see them before tonight.

Doesn't that make this moment more special?

[ Nearly done, he smoothed the edges of the blanket lying underneath and then took hold of one of the pillows, resting it in his lap. He hadn't brought anything else to cover himself with, having figured they could always share, if necessary. For now, he liked the way the cloth wrapped comfortably around Tear's shoulders, since she was always the first to make a point of huddling for warmth. ]

Maybe all this lacks the grandeur of an airship, but I don't mind staying a little bit closer to the ground.

[ One of the unspoken advantages of their situation was being able to help himself to her cooking anytime he wished, which was something Ace would not fail to exploit. ]

Apples... and milk. [ The comment was accompanied by a slightly impish smirk as he reached for a spoon. ] You're no longer being sneaky about it, either.

[ He mostly meant it as a joke, but it was the little things that often made him pause in thought. ]

Maybe it does... But I don't mind it either. [ Tear joined her partner in sitting down barely a moment after he had, humming thoughtfully. They certainly wouldn't have to worry about anyone intruding on their privacy out here (except perhaps any moogles), and there was something oddly pleasant about having Ace's attention as the selenia surrounding them emitted their gentle glow, allowing her to see his face despite the darkness of night. ]

We'll just see what we make of it.

[ But the comment regarding her fondness for the foods—along with the familiar smile toying on his lips—meant that rather than leaning against him as she otherwise might have, the girl is instead reaching out and giving him a small shove instead, huffing to try and hide her embarrassment. ]

Says the one who sneaks around with all the sweets and greens. It'll go to waste if it's not eaten. [ Except she can't keep up the charade, and a bashful smile emerges soon enough. She was the one who sometimes spoiled him in that habit, after all. ]

I see no reason to hide it... from you. [ Yes, the addendum was necessary. ]

[ While he could have easily avoided the punch and shied away, he instead made a point of leaning in to puff out his cheeks. Are you done yet, girlfriend? ]

Sneaks around? As if I'd ever bother. [ Might as well take a take a spoonful of that apple pie while he's at it, right in front of her face. As ostentatious as it was, he didn't mean to come across as completely disrespectful of the time she'd placed in preparing these delicious treats. Such food wasn't meant to be simply eaten, but above all, enjoyed.

Maybe, just maybe, that sugar rush was a legitimate concern, and not just an excuse thrown around whenever Hanafuda made a batch of cookies too many. It would serve as a way to explain the soft tingle in his cheeks and his sudden inability to keep his face straight. Tapping the back of the metal spoon against his lips, he paused to contemplate this mysterious sweetness.

But then she spoke, warming his heart and making his cheeks bloom red with her quiet confession. Dropping his hands, he set aside the utensils to make some more room. ]

I guess… I'd like some things to stay just between us, too.

[ The first explosion roared across the sky without any warning, catching the cadet slightly off guard. Thankfully, it went in line with what he was about to do - he just had to wait for an opportune moment before he could guide her - gently and carefully - to rest against the pillow in his lap. ]

[ That he had opted to lean in and make faces only catches Tear a little off-guard this time, even if she still had to stifle what sounded suspiciously like laughter before briefly turning away to resist shoving her partner again. And it was tempting, when he went and made such grand gestures right before her eyes. ]

I suppose this means I haven't been keeping that close an eye on you either. [ Though, leaning in and making her fondness for his innocent appreciation known was tempting, too.

There were many ways she could respond, and unspoken was the fact that—more than anyone else—Ace was the one she would willingly show each one of them to. But the sound of the first firework stops her before she could press proper words past her own blush, eyes widening in surprise not only for its sudden appearance, but for the gentle way the cadet was guiding her to rest against him.

Yet, a tiny smile danced on her lips as shy shyly made herself more comfortable, torn between enjoying the bright flurries of colour in the sky or glancing up at him. Thus, her solution was to temporarily hide her face behind her hair. ]

Edited 2016-09-13 21:17 (UTC)

[ The plan had a major flaw of not only limiting her own field of vision, but also denying him the sight of her smile, both of which were things Ace couldn't settle for. His movements were deliberately slow so as not to be distracting, fingertips almost lazily caressing her cheeks and moving upwards, to brush aside the strands of hair she was so fond of using as her shield.

He didn't really need to look upwards, for her eyes reflected everything he needed to see. It would just be a little unfair, given he was already granted certain advantages over the girlfriend nestled in his lap. Being able to lift her hand to press a soft kiss against her palm, for one, was something he practised rather happily when she wasn't looking.

It felt so nice, all of it. ]

Mystearica... [ It wasn't often he that addressed her by her given name, but it felt right on his lips. Raising his eyes to the night sky, he continued. ]

I'm glad you're here with me. This is... far more than I could ever ask for. Thank you.

[ Her gaze may have been focused on the illuminations of colour, but every small touch was what truly had her attention. Were she any less disciplined, the melodist might have been tempted to succumb to the slumber such soothing motions could summon. The sensation of his lips against her skin also helped to keep her grounded in the present, and it all twined together perfectly to create an aura of serenity, one that drew a soft, content sigh from the girl.

When the sound of her true name reached her ears, Tear allowed her eyelids to fall closed so she could have a moment to linger on it. Though it was indeed her name, the number of times she has heard it in its entirety were few, and often felt like a far-off memory. Hearing it in his voice, in her dear partner's, seemed so different from when it came in the voice of the only other human to have uttered it.

With Ace, she had no reason to doubt that the feelings in it were genuine.

Opening her eyes again just as he was finishing, Tear's expression briefly clouded with confusion before settling into a small smile. ] You don't have to thank me.

[ Still, her hand sought out his, lacing their fingers together. She understood, because she had uttered the the same words all those months ago beneath the snowy white sky. ]

It's a lot, isn't it? Everything that's happened.

[ Pausing, she followed his gaze to the sky above them, cuddling closer in the process. ]

We're still here, us two.

[ Except he would find a way to thank her, and he had plenty of reasons to show his gratitude on a night that could be their last. The realisation stirred faintly in the back of his mind, but not enough to keep his smile from peeking from under his tousled bangs as their hands linked together. ]

Imagine staying like this for a little while longer.

[ Sliding his free arm around the melodist's shoulders, he reciprocated her affections by cradling her even closer to himself. ]

Another year... another ten years. Would we still be here, hiding away in our garden?

[ There was a special lightness to his words, unfitting the severity of the implication behind them. They seemed almost playful, even. Specks of light danced in his eyes as he fell quiet in the anticipation of her answer to his completely hypothetical question, whatever it would be. ]

Ten years...? [ Tear's voice was soft with disbelief, trying to wrap her mind around the very idea to the point that she closed her eyes to better picture it. ]

It's... hard to imagine. [ Not because she couldn't do it—quite the opposite, actually. The idea of molding her own future, without any guidance was still new enough to her, but that wasn't what kept her from stepping deeper into those fantasies. The girl was all too aware of the nature of their mission in this world.

Being held like this... perhaps she could find the courage to indulge him, eyelids falling closed as she was silent for a few moments. ]

Maybe it wouldn't be this garden specifically... [ Lips curving into a gentle smile, she opened her eyes. ] We could grow another one, in another place if it's not here. I'm sure Hana and Sein would say we're hiding away, wherever it is.

[ That she had no doubt would always stay the same. ]

[ Ten years. So far in the future, the idea almost seemed detached from the reality, and such was the point of his query. Beneath this colorful cloak of stars, the notion of dreams seemed to gain a new meaning, one he hadn't quite understood the first time he had been told of the significance of wishing upon fireworks.

During the New Year's party, he had been too consumed by his own nervousness to notice, too scatterbrained, but now... the serenity of the moment allowed him to look past everything which had stopped him before. ]

Don't overthink it.

[ That was the only advice he could give her, knowing perfectly how it felt. At the same time, the curiosity within him only grew as she kept him waiting, but the smile that eventually blossomed definitely rewarded him for that patience. ]

… Wouldn't they? [ He couldn't decide what was more charming - that she'd actually gone ahead and expanded on his little idea, or that she'd even decided to add a joke on top of it. ]

Have you ever noticed how there aren't that many Chocobos on the Continent of Ruin? If we could bring them over, there would be just enough space for both a farm and a garden. Everything on... our own terms….

[ His voice grew quieter and quieter before it faded into silence. There was a sound akin to a hitched breath towards the end, followed by a subtle change in the boy’s expression as it caught up with him just how much…-

I love you.

Even though it was an entirely soundless confession, he made it so she could easily read the message from just the movement of his lips. ]

[ It was the soft noise closing her partner's speech that made the girl look up and her heart stop, recognising the words he had formed at once. Pressing her lips together and blinking a little too quickly, the melodist couldn't completely hide the melancholy that misted her eyes as she reached out to touch his cheek with trembling fingers, establishing a pattern of brushing her thumb across the skin of the hand she still held on to. ]

Our terms... [ Still overcome by the power of his silent words and by the beauty of the dream he had shared, it took Tear a few more tries to start talking anew, though her gaze never strayed as she took a breath and eased herself into a gentle smile. ]

I'm sure... we'll find a way to bring them over. There's still a lot we don't know about that continent, but I know for a fact those living in it want to learn more. Maybe... close the the ocean...

[ Falling silent, she found herself simply wanting to commit everything about him into memory, the reminder of the battle they would walk into in a few hours threatening to come to the forefront of her mind. The fingers curled against his cheek moved downward to brush over his lips, but instead of acting on that particular impulse she simply nuzzled into his chest.

Which meant he might not have caught on to her mouthing the same words he had, ones she had already whispered to him many times before as he slept. ]

[ Just by looking into her eyes he could tell how deeply this had affected her, perhaps in more ways than he would have wished for. Sadness, for one, didn't suit these beautiful features, so he sought to ease her feelings of worry with another squeeze of her hand. If time was what she needed, he would meet her hesitation with silence, but his expression was anything but uncaring as he willed himself to calm down for her sake.

When she finally spoke, he could feel himself being under the scrutiny of her questing fingertips, a sensation not as unfamiliar as it was powerful. True, he couldn't hear her, with the way she lay curled up against his chest, but she'd already manifested her intent with those few motions alone. To him, it was more than enough. ]

Ah, of course-.... The ocean. [ It definitely deserved an acknowledgment, being something the melodist brought up very often. ] It would be one of the advantages of staying here, where the view isn't obscured by the mountains. I... didn't think of that before.

[ At this point, he was no longer simply pretending that it was anything more than a hypothetical scenario playing out in his mind. Tear's participation made it seem real, allowing him to speak with newfound conviction. A future memory-in-the-making... that would help him face tomorrow without so much dread.

A sigh pushed past his lips, light and almost dreamy. Slightly loosening his hold of her body with the sole purpose of now being able to run his fingers through Tear's hair, he asked quietly. ]

What else can you see? I want to hear it.

[ The gentle squeeze was all the reassurance the girl needed to ease away the sadness borne out of reality, even echoing his sigh once she was done settling against him completely, further soothed by the familiar sensation of his hand running through her hair. ]

That's one advantage for staying. But moving there doesn't mean we always have to stay one place. We can still travel together, once in a while. [ Pausing, she nodded firmly and continued, for a few moments returning her gaze to the fireworks still scattering across the sky above them. ] I'd... really like to do that with you.

[ The way the conversation was going, she couldn't help but remember all they had talked about aboard the Enterprise. Except this time there was absolutely no reason to hold back, and yet— ]

What else...? [ Even if it was a purely hypothetical discussion with what had been brought up so far, there was still a big difference between further expanding on what they were already doing throughout the course of their relationship, and the fleeting wishes that her imagination seemed intent on suddenly springing to the forefront of her mind.

And what fantastical wishes they must be, to seemingly kindle the rosy hue on her cheeks that only deepened with each passing moment. Or perhaps he would have thought it to be the reflection of the show, if she didn't succumb to the instinct to duck her head again. ]

[ Ace couldn't be fooled so easily. If Tear wanted to hide away from his gaze, she probably should have had the foresight not to ignite his curiosity by dropping such subtle hints instead of speaking her thoughts. It wasn't the matter of trust, that much he knew. Every time an opportunity presented itself, the melodist found some way out of addressing her own needs, leaving him clueless as to what could really be lurking in the depths of her mind. ]

It's about singing, isn't it? [ The boy ventured a guess, twisting a lock of her hair around his finger before letting it fall loosely against her shoulder. It seemed so much longer now, without Rem's constant surveillance. ] You could travel and perform in venues all around the world.

[ But it remained just that - a timid poke at discovering the secret that did not necessarily have to mirror the truth, despite being the most logical reason he could think of. It was the words which followed that shone with slightly more confidence. ]

Whatever that is... in all likelihood I want it just as much as you do.

[ Hearing his guess Tear couldn't help but laugh sheepishly, instinctively pulling back her free hand to try and hide it. But after a pausing for a split-second, she allowed the warm sound to continue until it faded away naturally, despite her chest still feeling tight from the overwhelming emotions stirring within. ]

A little... [ Half-shrugging, her expression again became distant as she considered the possibility. Any other time she might have dismissed the idea of even talking about it, but if there was any place she could speak about safely and with confidence, it was here in his arms. ]

I hadn't ever considered a profession other than being a soldier. To me, that was the only way I could be with my brother, so there was no other option to consider. I'm know others had their own plans for what I could do, but... When I started travelling with everyone, that's when the possibility was brought up.

[ Another sign pushing past her lips, her gaze moved back to their intertwined hands, showing no notion of stopping the repetitive brushing across his skin. ] It sounded nice, except with so much happening, there was never any time to consider it. In comparison it seemed... trivial, almost.

[ And then her smile returned, the girl twisting in his hold to look him properly in the eye again. ]

If it's anything like that time we had in Mysidia, the three of us... I'd really like to do it some more. It doesn't have to be for a large audience, if you're there.

[ The sound of her laughter soon had Ace reciprocating with a content grin that grew slightly wider at her eventual admission. Little by little, he would get to the core of the truth that she so cautiously kept hidden away from the world, but first….

… First, he would slide his arms around her body for a stronger hold before falling backwards, using the blanket as his cushion and taking her with him, so she was now lying on top. He couldn't bring himself to feel any remorse for temporarily obscuring her vision of the fireworks - the show lasted an hour, giving them enough opportunities to watch it yet. ]

If it's not asking for too much… I would like a seat in the front row. [ A blush filled his cheeks as he considered that, one of his hands breaking free to continue playing with her hair while the other arm stayed securely wrapped around her waist. ] I'd be happy to ward off any doubts you might have. Somebody needs to.

[ Punctuating his statement with a light tap to the girl's nose, he smirked, though his tone then became surprisingly serious. ]

I know how it feels, being unable to imagine your life outside from what you've always known to be true. You want to provide an example for others, your family... it seems hardly appropriate to put your own dreams ahead of the responsibilities.

[ Needless to say Tear had not been expecting to be pulled down—much less on top of him—and a squeak of surprise escapes her control, as does the vivid blush adorning her cheeks when she looks down at him in bewilderment.

And somehow it only gets worse when he voiced his request and returned to running his hand through her hair, but it didn't stop her from eventually settling herself into a more comfortable position and adjusting the blanket wrapped around her so it nearly covered them both. ]

That seems reasonable. I'd be disappointed if you weren't, in those seats I should be able to see you clearly. [ Despite the way the tap to her nose made it wrinkle a bit, the corners of her lips still moved upward a little more. Though, her teasing wasn't entirely devoid of seriousness. ]

If for any reason you're not there, I'll keep singing and calling out your name until you appear... Then we can go anywhere together.

[ Having now rested her head against her partner's shoulder, the girl found herself briefly closing her eyes in quiet gratitude—of course her partner would understand those feelings, just as he had understood and accepted so many other things about her. These were experiences they had in common whether they wanted to or not, and the comfort that knowledge provided was undeniable. ]

Did they ever ask you about them, your dreams? Or was the farm something you started considering recently?

Event || The Festival Of Light

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