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I wouldn't mind a cup.

[And a casual acceptance with no meaning behind it.]

There's a coffee shop a few blocks down that I haven't been to yet. I've been meaning to go.

Let's try it then.

[Given how this place is full of animals..... Chances are extremely high they are pet friendly.

Seeing this, Valo's tail wags even more before he situates himself on Eustace's side, not wanting to get in-between them ho ho ho ho~]

Sorry, Pup. But I don't think you can drink the coffee.

[She remains completely unaware of the dog's tendencies or plotting, laughing fondly at him as he trots along at Eustace's side again. And off they go to the coffee shop, Ilsa motioning in the direction before leading the way.

If she had known that they would be out here for longer, she would have brought some extra snacks for Valo, but maybe they can pick something up for him there, too. She's of the same mind—with so many animal residents, there's bound to be something that he'll enjoy!?

The walk isn't very long, fortunately, and even better that it won't be busy when they get there. They've come at a good hour, and there are even some empty patio seats outside where they can enjoy the nice weather.]

[And thus they spend a relaxing afternoon at the café and then another relaxing walk back. They've already done something like this similar and the atmosphere had always been casual and friendly, but...

...Maybe it's because of tension and the awareness of that potential between them that the atmosphere feels... Lighter? Almost sweeter, but not quite. There's no flirting between them, no "moves" to try and attract one to the other, but there is a feeling that their original relationship had deepened a bit. A sense of closeness that wasn't there before.

And when he drops Ilsa off at her house since she's closer, he parts with a strange, unfamiliar warmth as he watches her enter the house. It's...really strange. It's very faint, just the hint of its existence, but for a moment there he almost didn't want to leave. He... Actually had a good time being in her company. But of course he can't do that and it would be strange enough so he'll prompt leave once she's inside.

But their whole talk...everything. He'll be mulling over it on his way home and after he gets back, again wondering how they even got there...

...

A relationship with Ilsa...

He never would have dreamed of it.

And in the following days, while they don't see each other everyday, Eustace will often pass by her house on his walks with Valo and they'll stop and chat. Sometimes they'll go out for coffee or a walk, sometimes it's just a brief interaction. Each time Valo seems to try to make them stay together longer... He must really like her, how odd.

But then one day, Ilsa will find Valo running towards her... Without Eustace. And the poor dog looks as if it's in a panic, whining and whimpering, and occasional small barks as he tugs on Ilsa's pants.]

Edited 2023-05-05 02:17 (UTC)

[It's a pleasant afternoon. Perhaps one of the most pleasant ones she's spent with anyone in a long time. Even back home, Ilsa hardly afforded herself moments like this in between work, and with everything that's been going on... with the arrival of Cassius, she doesn't think they'll have much time for days like this when she returns. So, she wants to take full advantage of these sorts of quieter moments when she can.

And she's glad that she does.

After the talk, after mulling over her thoughts for so long, it feels nice not to think about them so much anymore. With everything off her chest, Ilsa feels lighter, and it becomes easier for her to smile and easier to laugh again.

Easier to enjoy Eustace's company, though that was never the hard part. That was the best part of it all... She was always sure that she would, but it's as if that night that they spent together, this discussion, and now the coffee has solidified that thought that he was good company.

So, as they part, Ilsa is thankful that they were able to meet. That his dog had led him onto her street, and she had been out in the garden. If she hadn't been, would they have been able to work things out? As stiff as the agreements were, it's what works for them, and she thinks that between them, they can navigate whatever this is.

... Or so she hopes.

The next few days go on without incident, and she finds herself thinking less about the what-ifs, and more about the now. How he sometimes stops by to visit with Valo, how she brings by some extra bananas that she's set aside for him... It's the usual routine, but one that she enjoys.

However... all of that will come grinding to a halt when Valo appears in Ilsa's garden in a panic as she's snipping at the bushes.]

What is it?

[As he pulls on her pants, a feeling of dread immediately sinks in when she looks around to find no sign of Eustace anywhere on the street.]

Is everything okay? Where's Eustace?

[There's more whining before Valo suddenly stiffens and looks down the street. Another high whine before he hides behind Ilsa as a voice can be heard calling.]

Valooo! Valo, here boy!!

[The voice...sounds familiar yet not at the same time. Somehow a little lighter, like a completely different tone and pitch. Until suspicions are confirmed when Eustace jogs up the street...

Wearing a ridiculous cardigan with sunflower sunglasses over his eyes and flower print backpack hanging over one shoulder.]

[It does indeed sound familiar, but... there's something off about it. Off just enough that it makes Ilsa's ears swivel and pin back by how strikingly strange it sounds. She recognizes it instantly as Eustace's voice, but it's not right.

Valo's whining only confirms that yes, her gut instinct was right. That dread that she feels twisting up her stomach had been on point.

...?

Because when she finally turns around to look, she's filled with... well, she doesn't know what she's feeling right now as Eustace jogs up the road in... that. Whatever that is. What is this...? Who is this? That isn't Eustace, that's an abomination. An imposter wearing a blindingly awful cardigan, flowery sunglasses, and a backpack he would never be caught dead wearing.

And he's coming right this way.

Ilsa had been too stunned to move, but as soon as he gets closer, her reflexes kick in. She immediately scoops up Valo and starts to scurry towards the front door, hoping that Eustace hasn't seen her yet.

It's okay, Valo... She will save you from this monster posing as your dad!!!]

[Valo will readily allow Ilsa to pick him up because HE'S SO CONFUSED WHAT IS GOING ON PLEASE HELP HIM FUTURE MOTHER.

But alas, as strange he is, his senses and skills are still in top shape, so he catches Ilsa right as she's reaches the door.]

Ah, Ilsa! Have you seen Valo? Ilsa, hey!!!

[From his angle he hasn't seen Valo yet at least, but he's quickening his pace to a run, waving his arm wildly.]

[Oh no—

Ilsa hadn't completely thought it through, so she's struggling a bit with the door when Eustace runs up, and she turns around just in time to see him... waving his arm around!? It's even worse when she sees his whole ensemble up close, and as the distance closes between them, Valo barks at him, alerting Eustace of his presence, and she tries to hush him as if it'll help.

Well, with the cat out of the bag...

She turns around, but doesn't free the poor dog from her arms just yet. She needs to figure out what...]

What the hell are you wearing?

[FIRST OF ALL.]

[His face practically shines upon seeing her holding Valo, and he picks up the pace for the last few steps, a large, wide smile gracing his lips.]

What, this? Like it?

[HE SPINS AROUND.]

Haha, I got this one day and for some reason had shoved it in the back of the closet, but today I saw it and really wanted to wear it.

[SMILING BEAM.]

[She didn't think her ears could pin back any further, but then he does that fucking spin—

Ilsa wants to look away... It's too painful, her eyes hurt, they're burning!!! But this is like a massive airship wreck that's unfolding before her very eyes—the kind that is so terrifying that you can't help but stare and do nothing but.

There is so much going on, so much about this ensemble that is trying to draw her attention, and she doesn't know where to look!!!]

No, I hate it. [Valo whines in agreement.] Did you wake up feeling sick this morning?

[THIS IS THE ONLY EXPLANATION]

[...Huh...? She... She hates it...?

His ears are drooping now, looking so downcast.]

Oh... You hate it...

[IT'S SO PAINFUL TO SAY...]

But I felt fine...

[Ah, shit. Not this...

Suddenly, Ilsa feels conflicted about how she feels. On one hand, what the actual fuck happened to Eustace, but on the other, he looks like a kicked puppy.

She should feel worse about it, and yes, she's being a bit harsh, but is this really how he feels? Did he really wake up this morning and decide that this is what he wanted to wear!?

With a heavy sigh, Ilsa kicks her front door open.]

Get inside before someone sees you.

O-okay...

[SHE'S MAD AT HIM......

His ears droop lower and if he had a tail it would definitely be tucked in as he goes into her home...

...

And stands to the side with his head lowered as if he's done something wrong but doesn't know what.]

[Listen, she's just protecting his dignity, okay!!! If Eustace were in his right mind and anyone saw this, or if this is even the real Eustace at all, then she knows he wouldn't want a single soul—not even her—to see it. Not just the outfit, but primals help him, but the whole droopy-eared, sad puppy look.

She slams the door shut behind her and finally sets Valo down, though he remains at Ilsa's side, hiding behind her legs as he fixes Eustace with a worried, wary stare.

Ilsa, on the other hand, is completely dumbfounded and still has no idea what to say.

...

So, she just stares at him...

.....

And stares...

Before she finally sputters.]

This must be a joke.

What is?

[He's still a little droopy as he looks at her blankly. May also be fiddling with the backpack strap, those sunglasses now resting just in front of his ears.]

[She's still incredulous as she gestures to... this whole thing.]

Everything. All of...

[She walks up to him and with a click of her tongue, she gently swats his hand away from the flowery backpack strap.]

Stop that. Where did you get these ridiculous clothes?

Ow!

[It actually didn't hurt at all. But he whines about it anyway, giving her an aggrieved look. Why did you hit him???]

I told you, they were at the house with some other things...

[Did he just... whine at her? She staggers back a step in horrified surprise. It isn't just about the clothes anymore, but the weird changes to... him as well. The changes that are making her incredibly uncomfortable and weirded the hell out.

Her hand immediately goes up to press against his forehead, checking his temperature.]

You're not feeling ill, are you?

Ah...

[When she places her hand on his forehead, he instantly blushes, eyes averting.]

N-No...?

[Her hand snaps back as if he'd felt hot to the touch, but no... she sees the way his cheeks immediately flush with colour. Has that ever happened before!? Watching this all unfold is like looking directly at a world wonder.]

Are you blushing?

[Yes, she's calling him out on it, but it's more a question she asks for herself... and she finds that her own cheeks are turning a shade of red in response to it.

From behind Ilsa, Valo whines.]

Eustace, what has gotten into you? You're acting...

[...

How does she put this so that she doesn't hurt his feelings again? Or should she even care about being delicate with them?]

Not yourself.

[And he just BLUSHES MORE when she points it out and he tries to hide his face. Oh his heart is doing flip flops. She touched him...! If she knew how she's making his heart flutter...!!!!!]

What do you mean?

[Shy, bashful glances at her.]

You're blushing.

[She repeats it, as if it will help make her point, but she has to quickly backtrack when she realizes that's only going to make it WORSE...

And when he shoots those bashful glances at her—]

Why are you looking at me like that?

No, just...

[...

....

..............................................

Super quiet voice:]

You look pretty today.

[AND THEN QUICKLY LOOKING AWAY, FLUSHING.]

[She almost chokes on the air in her lungs at his compliment, and now her face is red enough to match his. Something is going on—is this a prank? Did someone pay him to put him up to this? Are they all going to laugh in her face when this is over!?

She wants to believe that he's being genuine because of the way he's looking at her, but....!?

Ilsa is trying so hard to find a logical explanation for any of this, but SHE CAN'T.]

Ah... I... Thank you...

[WELL NOW SHE'S FLUSTERED, her own voice growing quiet.]

... have you forgotten what we've talked about?

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TIMESKIP TO CRAZY

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