How am I gonna thump my foot now—

[ It's okay. Cloud can't finish his own sentence either without suppressing the urge to laugh.

As if the tap on his chest turned him on again (not that way! ...like an "on" button,) he rolls forward until he's sitting upright, full of energy again. ]

Gotcha.

[ In fact, he springs out of bed, eager to get this birthday girl's day really started. After washing up and getting changed, as he foregoes his usual home attire, the weather is pleasant enough that he doesn't bother with a jacket, sporting a white v-neck shirt and casual blue jeans; he still wasn't as fashionable as others were, but he'd found new fits in due time while staying in Lunatia. It also didn't hurt that he had a myriad of friends who would call him out on his "limited" wardrobe.

Besides. It's the night where he'll suit up for her. ]

Yeah, I made sure to pack track pants.

[ He wasn't counting on them going on a morning jog while it was her birthday, but considering how often they go out and routinely exercise (not counting farm chores which can be labor-heavy too), he also played it safe while packing. He doesn't wear the Schnee family brooch in this outside, but it does stay on his person, pocketed for safekeeping. It fits better on a suit or even on his heavier regular attire. It doesn't take long to do his hair either, a little but of brushing to make sure there weren't any stray spikes...

Yes. There's a method to the head of spikes atop that head of his. ]

You wanna do that on your birthday getaway though? [ It never hurts to ask. ] We could make it up when we go back.

[ Only for Cloud to piggyback Weiss throughout the rest of it. ]

N-No. It's not that. I'm good doing it or not doing it.

[ He huffs, the corner of his mouth tugging in slight amusement as he shakes his head. Now that they're ready to go, and with key on hand, he holds the door open for his girlfriend so they can get going. ]

We'll get our jog in in the morning.

Good.

[ If that's what Weiss wants? It's what he wants too. In that case, he wouldn't have it any other way. Squeezing her hand when she takes it, he only offers a chancing glance to the receptionist when they wish them a good day. Courteous enough! Today is all about Weiss. That and he knows Weiss may or may not be a tad huffy over the whole fiancé ordeal. ...he blushes thinking about it, but is quick to dismiss the thought when she asks about lunch.

The answer seems obvious to him! ]

I wanna eat out.

[ Cloud hadn't much of a reason to come back to the Red Spring after he'd found Weiss and the others. Granted, there was a good chance others would have arrived at some point. For the longest while, Cloud had ultimately decided to acclimate to this world alongside the Huntress. With Prismatica seemingly restored to its former glory, not to mention Gaia still in a state of healing after what happened with Meteor and the stigma, the bonds he made with others from different worlds helped him see a bigger picture. Knowing the turmoil that Remnant faces even now, it was no wonder his priorities lay with that world. Weiss was a part of it.

Even the talk he had with Maribelle the night of the masquerade in Camelot held significant importance to him. The idea of everyone being connected, in more ways than they could ever fully understand. How those bonds bring everyone together no matter the distance...

He won't lose sight of what's important to him. But if there's anything life on Prismatica taught him, let alone getting in a relationship with Weiss, it's that living day by day and cherishing each moment became that much more important to him. Which is why he was as patient as can be when they took in the scenery, or went to the petting zoo. The badger was cute, the deer were sweet and affectionate, and the petting zoo's goat also somehow had beef with the blond swordsman. Such little mundane things, but he looks at the look of sheer joy on Weiss' face and finds everything worthwhile. It's been a great day so far, and that didn't even cover the end of their night!

Because it was finally time. ]

Just about! [ He calls back from the bedroom, having taken to dressing up out here while Weiss took the bathroom. He wasn't lying either. This was one of the few times he took extra care in fussing over his appearance. In his old SOLDIER uniform or recent fighting gear, he at least cared about his hair when styling it. Otherwise, the rest of the outfit just fell into place. This time, he needs to make sure there's little crinkling, or his tie was fixed on right. Or that his collar wasn't lopsided...

The less Weiss has to fuss over, the better. But maybe...just maybe, that's part of the fun too. Which is why it's a good thing that his tie isn't perfectly straight. Maybe she'll notice! ]

The less you gotta fix up for me, the better.

[ It...still feels stuffy in comparison to what he's used to. But he's donned similar garb in the past, having at least gotten used to it. Reno, he imagines is fine since he wears his suit so open. But he can't imagine wearing a suit all day if he were someone like Tseng or Rude... It may not be his style. But when Cloud wants to kill it? He kills it. ]

How 'bout you?

[ He calls back, straightening his jacket as he gives himself one more onceover. A dark suit, accented with traces of white. Definitely a step-up over just showing up in his vest and pants for a dance. Nervous? A little. He's suited up before. But not like this. Not for Weiss, whose approval he can't help start blushing over as he feels the anticipation build. He's seen her in so many beautiful outfits; she catches his breath every time. But...would he have the same reaction?

Even if he didn't, as long as he still looked the part for their outing, that's what he cares about the most. ...still, please like it please like it please like it please like it— ]

Alright... You've seen her a hundred times over already. You'll be fi-

[ "Ready!" ]

'Kay.

[ Hand on his hip, he tries to play it cool when Weiss steps out for him to see. It's so simple yet elegant all at once. His bright mako-infused blues widen at the sight of her. Saying Weiss was stunning was an understatement; then again, she never had to try very hard to get him to turn his head, before they even started dating. Still! He's seen her dressed up many times before. So while he's still enamored with her, it's a little easier to keep his cool than it was at the start of their relationship. He smiles. ]

You look great.

[ As for Weiss though... ]

... Weiss?

[ His eyes widen a little, curious as they meet across the bedroom. He hasn't caught on that his suit might have done something to her. Not yet anyway. ]

[ A cant of his head as he resists the temptation to wave a hand in front of her. Hello? Earth to Weiss? Come in, Weiss. Despite his curious look of her, the other part of him (the one that knows better) couldn't help but feel self-conscious. Not necessarily because of his outfit. But... Damn it, she's cute. It's not every day he gets to see this shy side of her, and her pale complexion makes it easier for those cheeks to get rosy. ]

(Shit...)

[ Cloud realizes this, flush in the face as she closes what little distance is between them. ]

Y-Yeah? [ Giving himself a onceover, he can only do so for so long before he finds himself looking back up at Weiss again. That adorable smile. The soft blue ribbon tying her braid. The grace in her pose while acting so embarrassed. ] I wasn't sure...

[ "Oh, your—" ]

Huh?

[ Standing up straight for her, he doesn't take his eyes off her for an instant. Maybe that's a mistake in hindsight, because now his heart is racing faster than before. All this time his hands sit idle. He could hold her, take her hand, anything at this point! But every time he thinks of something to do. As he takes in every little part of her... ]

Ah... I can't. [ He can't fix anything on her this time. They make eye contact, and while she immediately looks away...he gently cups the side of her face, beckoning her to look back when he confesses, ] You're already perfect.

Hmm. Thanks to you.

[ Sure, Cloud tried putting honest effort into finding this. It also cost him a pretty coin or two. But it also helps that when it came to spending, he was rather frugal on most days. He had his weapon, home necessities and groceries when it was his turn to provide for everyone living on the farm. A suit? Not out of the ordinary for him after all the things he saved up on. Weiss' reaction and amour for him when he puts effort into something like this? Makes it all the more worthwhile. ]

Yeah?

[ An unspoken "and what would that be?" fills the air between them, knowing as she gets on her toes and kisses him on the lips. His surprise is fleeting, leaning down just enough to press his lips to hers more firmly. Savoring the moment, it takes all of his willpower not to break the kiss and slip an arm around her waist. They need to save the dancing for their booked session later.

Still, he doesn't make any attempts to release her or draw away from the kiss. It's the missing piece, after all. ]

[ Weiss wrapping her arms around his neck? Definitely would have done more to him if they didn't have someplace to be. Even now it's tempting. But right now he has a promise to keep. With a softened gasp of his own once Weiss draws away, he unintentionally wets his lips, an action that gets him clearing his throat as he recomposes himself. ]

You drive a hard bargain.

[ Oh. When did his arms settle around her waist? Whoops. They're not supposed to dance in here. ]

Do it again when we get back.

[ ...as he leans in for a shorter kiss. kfadhjs ]

[ Cloud's the farthest from giddy and giggling. ...the former on the surface, at least. He'd be a liar if he didn't say that he was excited. When they first looked into the dance lessons offered by the Red Spring, he imagined there would be a myriad of different people there! How many people would show up? Maybe a few couples or something? The Red Spring was rather quaint despite being a tourist hotspot in this land and— ]

— — —

[ "This is... awkward." ]

Yup.

[ Cloud suddenly feels...way overdressed. In fact, while everyone in attendance is dressed up? He feels like he's sticking out. ...or maybe it's the hair. Because he can tell the murmurings among the older ladies are being directed at him. "So handsome-" he hears. But with eyes on them, he gives his girlfriend a sideways glance, not knowing whether they should say hi or not. At least they should take a seat instead of standing out like this. Right? ]

...

[ Okay, Cloud. Take charge. ]

Guess we better grab a seat.

[ Giving a half-assed, wordless wave with his free hand, and holding Weiss' hand in the other, he tries avoiding eye contact with the older dancers. At least everybody seems respectful? Hopefully?? There's a few extra seats available, he notes as he leads Weiss along so that they can take a spot. He'll wait for her to sit first before he takes his spot beside her. Everyone, for the most part, is talking amongst themselves (and talking of the two of them). When he said he was going to go to a ballroom dance with Weiss? This wasn't what he had in mind.

... at least the dancefloor looks nice. ]

We made it, [ he says quietly. ]

[ Weiss' waned excitement in comparison to before was noticeable. And though he's tempted to say something or try and reassure her further, he doesn't want to call attention to it or pressure her either. So far? It's been a wonderful day; as far as Cloud is concerned, it's far from over either. For the time being, he holds his tongue for the sake of making the best of this. Besides! Maybe things will pick up when the actual dancing begins. The place is spacious enough and the music selection surely wouldn't be so bad.

He blinks as well as the lady approaches them. Having become a little more conversational over time, he's not about to tell her he's "Not interested" anymore- especially since she's just being amicable! He shares a glance with Weiss as he crosses his arms, prepared to speak up that it was her birthday when Weiss starts first. Then again...if he mentioned that it was her birthday, that may have brought extra attention to the huntress she may not be prepared for. ...if it happens, it happens. Cloud will just have to roll with the punches! Or, rather, the steps. ]

Ah- Thanks...

[ The little "Hey!" from the woman's husband after her teasing remark wasn't lost on him. And while he's not about to start chatting up a storm, that gets him to crack an amused half-smile. ]

Guess when you think of a ballroom, you think going all out with an outfit.

[ Weiss don't say a thing about what he wore to the first masquerade back in Camelot. ...unless she's keen on roasting him. ]

Don't suppose you'd know when things'll get started...