[ While Cloud himself had abstained from entering any of Celliwig's competitions in a bid to tide the people of Camelot during the King's visit with their Queen, a part of him couldn't help but feel...well. Was it safe to call it nostalgia if it'd only happened a couple years ago? Since arriving in this world some time ago, the two have had to leave behind the lives they'd lead on Prismatica. Their careers? Gone. Their powers? Null and void for the time being. They can count their blessings in that they still had their memories. They still had one another as they lived, day by day.
And it's those very memories that left him feeling more excited than usual, seeing not only some of his friends participating, but being a face in the sea of people watching on during the Vicious Vocals competition. More specifically, that feeling of reminisce that washed over him as Weiss performed once more. By herself. In a duet...
It felt like old times- even if those old times were just a couple years ago. Upon Weiss being declared the victor, he couldn't have been more proud. Now though, as he finds himself in an empty, albeit personal, dressing room to a certain singing huntress... ]
[ That was exhilarating! It feels amazing to have performed something because she wanted to compete and show her craft to a ton of people. It was for herself. Not to please others, and most certainly not to please her father. What's even more thrilling is by the end of it? She won! Now— that is something Weiss absolutely loves feeling. And experiencing.
Sure enough, a winner receives a lot of attention. So much so that she becomes occupied by some people after she's been awarded. There are even interviews and photo ops, which is fine! She's only given a few minutes before some guy from the news wants to talk to her. Of course she wants to share this moment with Cloud! Whatever she can of it, anyway. She would have texted him first if he didn't. ]
[ Cloud's currently fiddling with the handle on one of the dresser drawers when Weiss messages him back. He hasn't been in a changing room like this since...well. Outside of Prismatica? He was trying to go undercover in the slums. The less he remembers or tells anyone about the Honeybee Inn, the better, frankly. What happens in there, stays in there. ]
Let me know where you are. This shouldn't take too long. I just need to get my purse from the dressing room they gave me and I'll meet you.
[ Of course, it's not like she's expecting him to be in her dressing room and all. How would he even get in there in the first place? ... what is security even doing? ]
[ Cloud figured as much. But he wasn't about to get turned away for something like this. He's used to either sneaking his way into places or muscling his way through. But he's not about to do either one of those things this time. This time, he's actually going to take a more...sigh...civilized route. Stopping for one of the security guards who monitor the halls backstage, he regards the person like he hadn't just stepped somewhere he wasn't welcome. ]
I'm looking for Weiss Schnee. You know where her dressing room is?
[ This guy...he asked so coolly. He doesn't look or act like some creepy stalker fan...but still, a job is a job. And unless this spiky-haired guy has a good reason or actual permission from the contest winner herself, he'll have to ask him to leave.
"Look, pal. If you really want an autograph or something, wait outside like everyone else."
He's prepared to take this guy out by the hand by force if necessary. Cloud's actually shorter by a good margin too. So as he huffs and allows the security guard to approach him...he pulls out his phone. His name? Doesn't matter. Fighting alongside fellow otherworlders for the sake of Avalon and all realms? No excuse to be back here.
Guess Cloud really has no choice... He holds up a picture for the guard, expression as cool as before, without missing a beat to say, ]
She's my girlfriend.
[ It's a picture of Cloud and Weiss taking a selfie, but with the newly appointed contest winner's arms wrapped around his waist from the side, cuddled at his side as they smile for the camera.
Best lowkey "look who i'm dating" flex ever? Possibly. Because the end result? ]
[ Weiss and Cloud's texting escapes are cut short when the Huntress is called to meet someone who wants to write about her. Another time, she'd honestly say she has no time for press, but the more attention she gets, she imagines the more help she'll be able to eventually amass when it's time to save Remnant. This is important!
At least the interview doesn't take too long. Twenty minutes after Weiss' last text, she's sending him a text again. ]
I'm done. I'll meet you outside.
[ Though as it turns out? She'll be meeting him far sooner than expected. When she makes a right to the hall where her room is, she sees him and her face lights up immediately. ]
[ It wasn't long before Weiss' last text message that he decided to exit her dressing room. He did say he'd be outside, after all. Just...not exactly where she was expecting. He doesn't even bother to reply to her text when he reads it, gently sighing with a smirk before putting his phone away. ]
[ "Cloud!" ]
Mm?
[ As per usual, he looks like he's brooding (he's not. honest. adskjfh) when Weiss calls out to him, leaning against the wall beside her dressing room door. Instantly lifting his head, seeing her so joyed so see him puts a smile on his face. This really does feel like a blast from the past...and he's living it with his girl. ]
Toldja I'd be outside.
[ He moves away from the wall, ready to congratulate her properly. ]
You could have waited inside! It's not like I locked the door...
[ Weiss please lock the door next time???? But that's also the very same reason Cloud found himself inside her dressing room last time. They weren't even dating yet then!
While she could have just dashed straight for him, she takes her time, walking until she's right in front of the blond. The halls aren't that wide that they would be unable to hear each other, anyway. ]
Hi. [ 'u' She'll get on her toes to kiss him on the cheek, too. One of the security personnel nearby who sees this? Actually turns red and looks away. Goodness! And he gave the blond some attitude, too. ]
[ He proverbially bites his tongue, seeing his opening to tell her that, well, she did leave it open. Instead, he huffs and nods, hand on his hip. ]
Eh. It's no big deal.
[ Besides. In a rather gross silly truth, this also meant that he got to see her even faster. If they weren't in the hallway, he would have scooped her into his arms before they kissed. So instead, his cheeks redden as he slips his arm around the small of her back from behind. ]
Heya, star.
[ That's just how bright she shines to him anyway. ]
[ She shakes her head and rolls her eyes at that. Nicknames feel so unnatural between the two of them! "Snow Angel" was nice and all, but she could never imagine being called that daily...
Passing by him to open the door, she goes inside to get dressed. Her costume isn't so elaborate, but it's a nice blue and white dress, frilly and intricate with lace and small gems. It should be easy to get out of it, though, so it really shouldn't take long. ]
I'll be quick.
[ And no, he's not allowed inside while she dresses up!! ]
[ Weiss calling him out on the silly nickname does good in getting him flustered as he tries to explain. But instead, he decides to let it go as his arm slips away from her. ]
Don't get used to it.
[ There's something about this that feels familiar too. Like last time, he was told to wait outside. Except on one occasion, her zipper got stuck and she needed help getting it pulled down. Nodding, he leans against the door frame while she goes inside, lightly smiling after her. ]
[ It really feels like deja vu, especially when Weiss closes the door and locks it behind her. For some time, she's quiet inside the room. Some rustling here and there can be heard, but then? The door creaks open, just a peek. The white haired Huntress can barely be seen from the small opening. ]
Cloud...
[ She doesn't even say what she needs. Her boyfriend's name is called out like a whine. There is a problem! :( Please come inside... ]
[ Once again, Cloud finds himself waiting outside her dressing room. This time, arms folded as he leans against the door. He can hear faint rustling, footsteps and anything you'd expect from getting changed (he figures.) Thankfully his reflexes are on point when he feels the door giving a little behind him. He steps forward, glancing over his shoulder to see a small white haired Huntress peeking out. ]
[ "Cloud..." ]
Yeah?
[ A very rhetorical "Yeah?" if there ever was one. Chancing a glance from side to side on impulse, finding the coast is clear, he pulls the door open a little more- just enough for him to squeak on through before pulling the door shut behind him.
[ She can't see what's going on, but the lace along the zipper? Stuck. A few strands of her long hair? Stuck. It hurts a little to move, but she isn't jerking her head around that it would be painful anyway.
This usually never happens, but 😫 ]
Can you help me?
[ The door is locked, anyway, so she turns to show her back to him. The zipper's barely down, just an inch or so opened. ]
[ He tilts his head curiously, only for his girlfriend to turn around to show the mess. ...well, it's less of a mess and more just inconvenient. A few strands of hair and the lace along the zipper. That's all it takes for this tame wardrobe malfunction to require a bit of assistance. Instead of laughing, he huffs and shakes his head before closing the distance between them. ]
I got it.
[ This time it's a little more complicated though. His fingers lift under the strands that are stuck in the zipper. It doesn't pull on her hair when he does it, but if he'd just started yanking? That would hurt. He's as gentle as ever though as he leans down to get a closer look. ]
First the hair... Won't do me any good getting the lace if your hair's caught.
[ His fingers dig into the sides of the zipper, gently tugging on the open end of the fabric so that it becomes taut and easier to try and pull out from the inside of the zipper. ]
[ With both sides of the lace looked after, he tries zipping it back up. But that only serves to pull on Weiss' hair; it would have caused discomfort if he'd tried to keep going. ]
A little. [ A beat. ] Alright. Now it's just some hair...
Hold still for this part. I'm gonna pull up on your hair and down on the zipper.
[ ...slowly but surely. If that part wasn't obvious. ]
[ Oh! That's a good enough warning. Weiss stands straight, as if a military general is right in front of her. (Cloud did tell her to hold still, after all...) A part of her is a little nervous because what if he pulls on her hair and it hurts? ]
[ While Cloud does do it slowly, he doesn't intend to stop either. One fluid, albeit firm, motion. His brow furrows as he starts pulling up on her hair, at the same time gripping the zipper tighter so he can start pulling it down. He can tell the zipper wants to go down, but the hair is keeping it from going. But as he applies just a little more pressure... ]
There it is... There it is...there it is...
[ The stray strands that got stuck through the zipper are actually coming out! If it were any worse, she might have had a zipper stuck in her hair for a while unless they cut it. Instead, just like he hoped, and as his hand lifts higher and higher... ]
There—
[ She's freed! Except. Well. Now that her hair is no longer stuck, Cloud's hand smoothly yet quickly pulls the zipper of her dress down in one motion, exposing her back. It's just her back, but...something about how forceful the motion was gets his cheeks reddening. All the same, he sounds like he's playing it cool all the same. ]
[ Because her back is exposed! But since it's Cloud, and it's not really a crime to be exposed like this to him, so it's fine. Still, when she tries to look back at him without fully turning around, it's more of a request that he can either go back out or turn away now. ]
[ It's a courtesy, but Cloud's not gonna leave her dressing room this time. ...just in case. That and since it's Weiss. They're not in the comfort of their home despite the door being shut, so he's still going to be a bit more professional and courteous about things!
Before he steps back to turn away however, he instead places his hands upon her shoulders from behind. From here it's...really hard not to want to just start to massage them. So instead, he huffs contently before saying, ]
You did great.
[ Followed by a kiss to the top of her head. That's when he decides to take a step back, hands slipping from her shoulders so he can turn around. While he waits... ]
[ :D!! Weiss gets even more excited when he says that. But she needs to get dressed, so she quickly shuffles out of what she's wearing 'til the dress hits the floor. Stepping out of it, she plucks out her dresses from the hanger, slipping into the white tube dress, then putting the wrap-around on. She can put the outer layer later. For now, as she ties the ribbon around her waist, ]
I was looking for you in the crowd! I couldn't find you at first, but then I saw you, and I felt like I could do anything.
[ :D!! Weiss isn't trying to fluster him or anything, but it was what happened. She wants him to know that. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text;
[ While Cloud himself had abstained from entering any of Celliwig's competitions in a bid to tide the people of Camelot during the King's visit with their Queen, a part of him couldn't help but feel...well. Was it safe to call it nostalgia if it'd only happened a couple years ago? Since arriving in this world some time ago, the two have had to leave behind the lives they'd lead on Prismatica. Their careers? Gone. Their powers? Null and void for the time being. They can count their blessings in that they still had their memories. They still had one another as they lived, day by day.
And it's those very memories that left him feeling more excited than usual, seeing not only some of his friends participating, but being a face in the sea of people watching on during the Vicious Vocals competition. More specifically, that feeling of reminisce that washed over him as Weiss performed once more. By herself. In a duet...
It felt like old times- even if those old times were just a couple years ago. Upon Weiss being declared the victor, he couldn't have been more proud. Now though, as he finds himself in an empty, albeit personal, dressing room to a certain singing huntress... ]
Just about wrapped up?
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Sure enough, a winner receives a lot of attention. So much so that she becomes occupied by some people after she's been awarded. There are even interviews and photo ops, which is fine! She's only given a few minutes before some guy from the news wants to talk to her. Of course she wants to share this moment with Cloud! Whatever she can of it, anyway. She would have texted him first if he didn't. ]
Soon. I'm so sorry.
Wait for me?
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Yup. I'm staying put.
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[ Of course, it's not like she's expecting him to be in her dressing room and all. How would he even get in there in the first place? ... what is security even doing? ]
1/2
[ "Hey, you're not supposed to be back here." ]
[ Cloud figured as much. But he wasn't about to get turned away for something like this. He's used to either sneaking his way into places or muscling his way through. But he's not about to do either one of those things this time. This time, he's actually going to take a more...sigh...civilized route. Stopping for one of the security guards who monitor the halls backstage, he regards the person like he hadn't just stepped somewhere he wasn't welcome. ]
I'm looking for Weiss Schnee. You know where her dressing room is?
[ This guy...he asked so coolly. He doesn't look or act like some creepy stalker fan...but still, a job is a job. And unless this spiky-haired guy has a good reason or actual permission from the contest winner herself, he'll have to ask him to leave.
"Look, pal. If you really want an autograph or something, wait outside like everyone else."
He's prepared to take this guy out by the hand by force if necessary. Cloud's actually shorter by a good margin too. So as he huffs and allows the security guard to approach him...he pulls out his phone. His name? Doesn't matter. Fighting alongside fellow otherworlders for the sake of Avalon and all realms? No excuse to be back here.
Guess Cloud really has no choice... He holds up a picture for the guard, expression as cool as before, without missing a beat to say, ]
She's my girlfriend.
[ It's a picture of Cloud and Weiss taking a selfie, but with the newly appointed contest winner's arms wrapped around his waist from the side, cuddled at his side as they smile for the camera.
Best lowkey "look who i'm dating" flex ever? Possibly. Because the end result? ]
2/2
[ Outside her dressing room, that is. Technically he's not lying! Just...not being very specific. ]
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At least the interview doesn't take too long. Twenty minutes after Weiss' last text, she's sending him a text again. ]
I'm done. I'll meet you outside.
[ Though as it turns out? She'll be meeting him far sooner than expected. When she makes a right to the hall where her room is, she sees him and her face lights up immediately. ]
Cloud!
[ :D!!! She gets to see him now!!! ]
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[ "Cloud!" ]
Mm?
[ As per usual, he looks like he's brooding (he's not. honest. adskjfh) when Weiss calls out to him, leaning against the wall beside her dressing room door. Instantly lifting his head, seeing her so joyed so see him puts a smile on his face. This really does feel like a blast from the past...and he's living it with his girl. ]
Toldja I'd be outside.
[ He moves away from the wall, ready to congratulate her properly. ]
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[ Weiss please lock the door next time???? But that's also the very same reason Cloud found himself inside her dressing room last time. They weren't even dating yet then!
While she could have just dashed straight for him, she takes her time, walking until she's right in front of the blond. The halls aren't that wide that they would be unable to hear each other, anyway. ]
Hi. [ 'u' She'll get on her toes to kiss him on the cheek, too. One of the security personnel nearby who sees this? Actually turns red and looks away. Goodness! And he gave the blond some attitude, too. ]
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Eh. It's no big deal.
[ Besides. In a rather
grosssilly truth, this also meant that he got to see her even faster. If they weren't in the hallway, he would have scooped her into his arms before they kissed. So instead, his cheeks redden as he slips his arm around the small of her back from behind. ]Heya, star.
[ That's just how bright she shines to him anyway. ]
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[ She shakes her head and rolls her eyes at that. Nicknames feel so unnatural between the two of them! "Snow Angel" was nice and all, but she could never imagine being called that daily...
Passing by him to open the door, she goes inside to get dressed. Her costume isn't so elaborate, but it's a nice blue and white dress, frilly and intricate with lace and small gems. It should be easy to get out of it, though, so it really shouldn't take long. ]
I'll be quick.
[ And no, he's not allowed inside while she dresses up!! ]
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[ Weiss calling him out on the silly nickname does good in getting him flustered as he tries to explain. But instead, he decides to let it go as his arm slips away from her. ]
Don't get used to it.
[ There's something about this that feels familiar too. Like last time, he was told to wait outside. Except on one occasion, her zipper got stuck and she needed help getting it pulled down. Nodding, he leans against the door frame while she goes inside, lightly smiling after her. ]
Okay.
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Cloud...
[ She doesn't even say what she needs. Her boyfriend's name is called out like a whine. There is a problem! :( Please come inside... ]
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[ "Cloud..." ]
Yeah?
[ A very rhetorical "Yeah?" if there ever was one. Chancing a glance from side to side on impulse, finding the coast is clear, he pulls the door open a little more- just enough for him to squeak on through before pulling the door shut behind him.
Okay. What happened this time? ]
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[ She can't see what's going on, but the lace along the zipper? Stuck. A few strands of her long hair? Stuck. It hurts a little to move, but she isn't jerking her head around that it would be painful anyway.
This usually never happens, but 😫 ]
Can you help me?
[ The door is locked, anyway, so she turns to show her back to him. The zipper's barely down, just an inch or so opened. ]
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[ He tilts his head curiously, only for his girlfriend to turn around to show the mess. ...well, it's less of a mess and more just inconvenient. A few strands of hair and the lace along the zipper. That's all it takes for this tame wardrobe malfunction to require a bit of assistance. Instead of laughing, he huffs and shakes his head before closing the distance between them. ]
I got it.
[ This time it's a little more complicated though. His fingers lift under the strands that are stuck in the zipper. It doesn't pull on her hair when he does it, but if he'd just started yanking? That would hurt. He's as gentle as ever though as he leans down to get a closer look. ]
First the hair... Won't do me any good getting the lace if your hair's caught.
[ His fingers dig into the sides of the zipper, gently tugging on the open end of the fabric so that it becomes taut and easier to try and pull out from the inside of the zipper. ]
This takes me back...
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I'm glad you decided to wait for me here this time.
[ ... the guy outside is security! She can't very well ask him to fix her back for her if Cloud wasn't around!!! ]
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[ The security guard probably didn't have as deft of hands as the blond did. Both sides of the zipper got fabric stuck. Weiss was just unlucky. ]
...that or I'd have checked if you took too long.
[ He gently separates one side of the lace from the little bit that was stuck. ]
'Kay that's one... [ He softly whispers into her back, also in part talking himself through this to make sure he didn't screw up or hurt her. ]
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My hero.
[ Who needs the Arma Gigas when you have Cloud? (Apparently you still need it thanks to some Sirens...) ]
Did the dress pucker?
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[ With both sides of the lace looked after, he tries zipping it back up. But that only serves to pull on Weiss' hair; it would have caused discomfort if he'd tried to keep going. ]
A little. [ A beat. ] Alright. Now it's just some hair...
Hold still for this part. I'm gonna pull up on your hair and down on the zipper.
[ ...slowly but surely. If that part wasn't obvious. ]
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Do it slowly.
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There it is... There it is...there it is...
[ The stray strands that got stuck through the zipper are actually coming out! If it were any worse, she might have had a zipper stuck in her hair for a while unless they cut it. Instead, just like he hoped, and as his hand lifts higher and higher... ]
There—
[ She's freed! Except. Well. Now that her hair is no longer stuck, Cloud's hand smoothly yet quickly pulls the zipper of her dress down in one motion, exposing her back. It's just her back, but...something about how forceful the motion was gets his cheeks reddening. All the same, he sounds like he's playing it cool all the same. ]
Hair saved.
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[ Because her back is exposed! But since it's Cloud, and it's not really a crime to be exposed like this to him, so it's fine. Still, when she tries to look back at him without fully turning around, it's more of a request that he can either go back out or turn away now. ]
I can handle things from here on, thank you.
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[ It's a courtesy, but Cloud's not gonna leave her dressing room this time. ...just in case. That and since it's Weiss. They're not in the comfort of their home despite the door being shut, so he's still going to be a bit more professional and courteous about things!
Before he steps back to turn away however, he instead places his hands upon her shoulders from behind. From here it's...really hard not to want to just start to massage them. So instead, he huffs contently before saying, ]
You did great.
[ Followed by a kiss to the top of her head. That's when he decides to take a step back, hands slipping from her shoulders so he can turn around. While he waits... ]
This...kinda takes me back.
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[ :D!! Weiss gets even more excited when he says that. But she needs to get dressed, so she quickly shuffles out of what she's wearing 'til the dress hits the floor. Stepping out of it, she plucks out her dresses from the hanger, slipping into the white tube dress, then putting the wrap-around on. She can put the outer layer later. For now, as she ties the ribbon around her waist, ]
I was looking for you in the crowd! I couldn't find you at first, but then I saw you, and I felt like I could do anything.
[ :D!! Weiss isn't trying to fluster him or anything, but it was what happened. She wants him to know that. ]
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