[ Cloud wouldn't have been allowed to let go of Weiss's hand, anyway. With her clinging to his arm as they walk, and her hand in his, she keeps herself secure and comfortable.
Weiss doesn't say much as they walk. It's a leisurely stroll, and she takes in the scenery and the lighting in the path they take. She'd look at Cloud every now and then and smile at him, but she finds that this walk is also a good time for "Quiet Time". They've only just eaten, and the stroll is nice to not feel bloated and to let the food go down before they decide to rest in their room. And even as they walk, she still hasn't gotten rid of the smile on her face.
So this is what it's like... to be with someone you love on a day that's supposed to be special for you. It was different as a child— the happier days, anyway. The attention she received was nice, but those who would greet her were only doing it because of her social status, and how being nice to her would affect their relationship with the Schnees. They didn't care about the actual girl celebrating the birthday at all. Winter did, and so did her mother. Everyone else?
Well... those are memories she can put behind her, now. And being able to have a happy day today, of all days? She's embracing it, and she hopes for more days like this to come. ]
I don't think there was anything like this in Lunatia.
[ Cloud, content as can be with Weiss by his side, spends most of his time with his sights set ahead. Catching her looking up to him from time to time, despite the lost luster of mako in his eyes, they retain a softer light- one reserved for only those dearest to his heart. Weiss and the other girls had given him a big birthday party last year when they still called Lunatia their home, admittedly one of the few he felt he was ready to accept. After so many years chasing dreams in SOLDIER and losing his own sense of self, the real Cloud Strife emerged and found his voice. A voice that admitted what he wanted on precious days like this.
Considering Weiss' upbringing and on-and-off relationship with her family (outside Winter and her mother), it's all the more reason behind the effort he's put in now. This suit likely wasn't going to be seeing much use until another super special occasion happens. But seeing her reaction and the sense of awe at the sight of him finally having a fancy suit for her...the smile that hasn't left her face since they started this walk...
This is everything that he lives for now. Keeping moments like this alive. ]
No. [ Lunatia, rather Prismatica as a whole, was an amalgamation of fantastical technology and magic. And whilst Avalon was a realm rooted in Arthurian legends, it's clear this place also saw some advancements. But here? At the top of this hill with the aging gazebo and softly lit hills in the distance... ] This is more like the stories...
[ The tales of King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. The fabled Kingdom lost to history and time. ]
Never woulda thought I'd end up here. [ His thoughts pause, instinctively squeezing Weiss' hand as a cool (but not cold) breeze sweeps up the hillside when he looks to her. ] But then... I never woulda thought a lot of things till we all met.
[ Crossing worlds and realities to unite for the sake of another planet. ]
Now that I have... I wouldn't have it any other way.
[ It's not the first time she's heard it! And it's not a complaint by any means... but what can Weiss even say to that? Of course, she could agree, but it might be best to just keep to herself for now. How many times will she pour her heart out for Cloud? She might not be able to recover if she does one more time today.
Tomorrow is another day, though!
Rather than say anything gross? She can't help but tease a little. ]
[ He gently shrugs, half smiling down at her when she teases him right back. As they reach the top, standing before the aged gazebo, his tone lifts further. ]
Oh I did. I still remember how determined you look, even when I was about to win.
[ And that's what he liked about her on first impression, even when he was still fresh to the world of Prismatica and focused more on going back home. His mercilessness was a rather stiff act, but an act is all that it was. Even still, Weiss hadn't surrendered- even when he had her number in the tournament. ]
... Heh. Didn't take long for me to start "like"-liking you though.
[ He rubs the back of his neck, playing up the embarrassment when she bats her eyelashes at him. "Shyly" glancing away, he does look back at her with a gentle huff, almost laughing. It's for little moments like this that he fell for her as hard as he did. Over and over again, she gives him sweet little memories to hold on to. Even something as silly as batting her eyelashes at him to get a reaction. But that answer is actually an easy one. ]
'The Place Where Lost Things Go'... [ No, he's not gonna sing it now. But if he was being honest with himself? He could have easily left and just texted her some time. ...but that would have been weird out of the blue. No, there was only one way this could have gone for him. And that was telling her in person. Yet he never did get a chance to... Not at first. ] When we had to get the handcuffs off. I...um...kinda froze when you started letting your hair down.
[ And he likes her hair up like this! But, just, in the moment she was so nonchalant about it!! ...was it right to say she was being sexy? Maybe it was okay to say now that they were together. But- It stands out so fresh in his mind. Yet at the same time, didn't that seem too soon to "like" like somebody? ]
...
[ Maybe. But...what came after "like"-liking her was far more important. ]
[ Weiss really wasn't thinking anything of it when she let her hair down during the game they played. Here she is now, though, finding her cheeks turning warm and red looking back at it all. She'd already noticed that he has this dumb look when she lets her hair down when they're in private, but... she never put two and two together! Now things make sense. Some sense. ]
[ He doesn't mince his words. There was a vital moment that still stands clear in his mind. To him, even though it took some time after the fact for them to start dating... ]
When I first unlocked my Aura, and you took care of me. That's when I started thinking about it more...
[ And he hesitated. So many times because of the nature of the world. How easy it was to let outside forces influence their urges, their desires as the moons pulled at their needs. ]
Then you asked me out. [ There's still enough light out that it's easy to see the red in his cheeks as he sheepishly smiles. ] ...and beat me to the punch on confessing.
[ In that way, Weiss was braver than him. She guided him to take a chance too, and never looked back. ]
But... I think — [ He calmly shakes his head. ] I know. I loved you long before you said it.
[ Weiss could have said it sooner. She should have, now that she thinks about it. What she felt for Cloud only grew stronger day by day, and Weiss wasn't clueless to it all. But if she said it sooner, that also meant saying goodbye to someone else. She would be a lot braver if she could, but she also didn't want to lose someone important.
The past is past, though. Who she spends her days with now is a choice she made— one that she won't ever regret. Much like the choices she's made in the past, whether it was running away from home or standing up against her father. Cloud saying all these and laying it out in the open only makes her feel even more strongly about her choices. ]
I missed out on so many chances to tell you sooner. [ Her choice of words are precise. She chose not to say it any sooner out of fear of how he would react, and what would happen if she did. ] When we went to Lystellus... I still wasn't even sure if I should say it.
I couldn't help it anymore, though. I felt like I was going to burst if I didn't say it.
[ ... she pauses, as if there's more she could say and she's only mustering up the courage to continue. She doesn't. But she's thinking it. How she would have screamed on that rooftop, at the top of her lungs for all of Lystellus to hear, just to be able to finally tell him that she's in love with him. Instead, she looks at their joined hands fondly, giving his a gentle squeeze. ]
[ Of course, he's not so dense to think that when she told him on that rooftop restaurant, that was when she first started feeling that way. It had to be sooner...right? But in truth, he wondered when. Maybe he'd ask later tonight when they were settling down in bed. In the meantime, he simply listens, intently so as she looks to their joined hands with him. ]
Uh oh.
[ The secret is out, she said. But the smile on his face speaks volumes as another gentle gusting breeze sweeps up to where they stand. The sun is almost gone now. But there's still a little bit of time. ]
What're we gonna do?
[ As he asks, he finds himself stepping in front of the huntress. Hand in hand still, he shifts to lace their fingers together while reaching for her waist with the other. There's no authority in his voice, yet he still speaks so assuredly; his eyes no longer hold that near-haunting glow to them, yet they're just as bright and blue as before as he beckons her to look at him when he says, ]
Dance with me. [ Right here. No classes. One more gift to the one he's sworn himself to. ] One more time.
[ What are they going to do, indeed? Weiss can't help but laugh at that, covering her mouth with her free hand to stiffle the noise.
The walk up here was relaxing, as is the view and their conversation. To Weiss, it's a perfect way to end the day, and a perfect ending to her birthday. The first of many where she gets to actually celebrate with him. Small of a matter as that may be to some, that alone is such a big deal for Weiss. Cloud didn't have to get her anything, inexpensive or otherwise, today. All he had to do was hold her hand and tell her in person "Happy birthday". Everything else is a bonus, more than what she could ever hope to ask for from him. ]
What...
[ Her breath feels shaky and her heart begins to hammer in her chest. She's looking at him, of course, when she's invited to dance. But everything that's happened today, what they've talked about from when they woke up to this point in the day... they were all things that made Weiss happy. She's not expecting anything more today. And yet— ]
Oh, but... there's no music... [ she says it softly, unsure of her own words. He wants to dance one more time. It's unexpected, and it's impossible to hide the surprise and awe she feels. Her gaze says it all in its rawness and vulnerability. He's caught her off-guard and she's not quite sure how to properly react.
Cloud said to dance with her, though, didn't he? Then he has to lead. ]
[ He leads, a slower-paced waltz with nary a lyric or beat to be found. And they'll do this again, at a full and proper festival or formal dance. His friends can see them, the same as Weiss' own circle. And until that day came, he'd just have to keep thinking about it. As for here and now? Just because there was no music... ]
♪ Hmhmm hmmhmmhmmm... Hmmhmmmmhmmhmmm...? ♪
[ Step by step, he hums that very same song that caught him years ago. The night he started to "like" like her. He doesn't have to do the whole thing, and there's a very good chance he might just surrender himself to her with a kiss before the melody reaches its end. His heart races in his chest despite the pace, swelling with emotion as he leads his girl in this last dance of the night. Atop a hill surveying a world far from their own, watched by the emerging stars that begin lighting the sky above. ]
[ Weiss lets Cloud lead. Not like she has much of a choice. And her body moves to the sound of his humming, so soft but it warms her heart all the same. She's looking at him deeply, taking in his features, how he's looking at her, and how he's holding her. And, she can't help it. Her voice has cracked when she speaks, eyes becoming watery as she can't help but feel so overcome with emotion. ]
What are you doing?
[ Weiss tries of laugh it off, because she's not mad or anything. Far from it! But... she's never felt this much happiness before. Each day with Cloud is happier than the last, and she feels so grateful every day. Today just feels so different. That whatever grievances she may have had in the past birthdays she's had? They're all gone. ]
[ Instead of answering her, he cants his head, silently asking her, ]
(What do you think I'm doing?)
[ Under any other circumstance, Weiss' composure crumbling and her eyes watering up would have made him worry. 'What's wrong? Did he say something? Was something or someone bothering her?' Not this time. Unless she corrects him, he knows exactly what he's doing; he knows exactly what she's feeling. And while he still holds her by the waist and squeezes her hand, keeping his good form, they start to do more swaying as they slow down. But he's by no means stopping.
As important as this day was for the huntress, it was just as special to him too. He never did this back home. And now that he's placed most of his past sins behind him, and learned how to properly live as "Cloud Strife", he's been given so many chances to experience prolonged happiness.
When she calls him an idiot, that's when he finally laughs. Oh-so-gently, a shake of his shoulders and another step and spin...
When they come to a stop, the lights of the Red Spring resort and surrounding town illuminating the world below them, he lowers their clasped hands, still holding on when he steps in and closes his eyes. Softly resting his forehead to hers, there's so many things he could say to her right now. He could answer her question about why he's such a big idiot. He could say happy birthday to her again. But he thinks he can wrap all those answers up into two words. ]
[ As soon as their hands are lowered, she moves away from his hold only to hug him tight. ]
You're— You're such an idiot! [ God, she's crying right now, face buried in his chest. It's not outright gross or anything just yet, but she has to raise her voice so he'll know just how happy she is today. ] Why do you have to be so dumb? I can't— [ A sob, and her hand bunches up what she can of his jacket from his back. ] I can't believe you...
[ He's done so much for her. Weiss could name it all if he asked. In this moment, though, she can't think of each reason. All she can think about is how much she loves him. How she'll do everything for him. And... the scariest part about that is? ]
What am I going to do if I can't come back...? [ All those times she's promised to him that she'll come back to him. She just has to finish her duty in Remnant first. Those weren't lies or empty promises. She'll do whatever it takes, but... ]
[ When she first calls him out for being an idiot, face buried in his chest, he can't help but revel in the swelling sensation he feels in his chest. Cloud holds strong, hugging her tight as it starts to get a little chillier up here. Then she asks him why he has to be so dumb, and of course that smile persists.
...
And yet, ]
...
[ The longer this goes on, the heavier he feels with her. She sobs into his chest, and he draws another breath. His love for her only continues to grow stronger by the day. His devotion unshaken. But that also makes the other side of the coin more prevalent. They got lucky twice. The first time was meeting in Prismatica and chasing this relationship together. The second time was being taken away to another realm, removed from everything and most of everyone they knew. And...if there wasn't a third time? ]
[ "What am I going to do if I can't come back...?" ]
?! . . .
[ His hold of her reflexively tenses at that question, only to loosen his grip seconds later. No lies or empty promises. They swore that they would defy everything to make it back to the other. Cloud had even said that he would make the journey to Remnant if it meant helping her and the others save the world from Salem. To stop people like Cinder from taking away the people they loved. Yet every time he thinks of "how", his mind locks up. He carries on, day by day, with hope in his heart. But rooted deep down still... ]
[ "What if I fall?" ]
.....
[ He draws away, just enough so that she couldn't hide from his gaze any longer. Tears staining her cheeks while he tilts her chin to look at him. That silly smile is gone now. In fact, there's no smile at all. His eyes are as bright as ever, but they're torn between giving her an answer and keeping the truth in his heart. It's not that he thinks they will fail. He doesn't think she'll fall. Instead, as he wordlessly answers her, claiming her lips in a soft, lingering kiss, he sighs through his nose as he fights the urge to tremble under the pressure of these questions.
[ Cloud doesn't have to answer. At this time and in this moment, Weiss isn't seeking his strength and the hope he brings. She wants to tell him what she's afraid of. What weighs on her heart with each day that passes. She kisses him back as if to tell him again that she loves him, not because they're in the midst of passion, but because she's clinging to him so tightly so that he would never, ever go. ]
We're supposed to be celebrating... [ She says in between sobs, forcing a smile despite the falling tears. This is a happy occasion! But that isn't to say there's nothing she is afraid of. And perhaps it's because she doesn't talk about it that she feels as overwhelmed and scared as she is now. ] Look what you did, you dummy...
Yeah... [ Seeing her smile, forced though it may be as the tears fall, has his own breath catching in his throat. It threatens to choke him up, his own emotions having become more pronounced over the years in finding himself. He's always been so reserved, bordering on cold to those he doesn't know- acerbic in nature. But around those he cares for, his true self and feelings manifest. Weiss has seen him break before, and while he doesn't water up or cry, the huff that escapes him finally trembles as he laughs. ] Sorry. I overdid it.
[ And he'd do it again. Wetting his lips, his mouth feeling dry all of a sudden, his smile returns, torn between the happiness he's given her and the uncertainty that lies ahead for them both. She may not seek his strength and hope right now...
But he needs it for himself. To stay true to his course and to make sure she doesn't fall. No longer tilting her head for him, the back of his hand gently brushes up the side of her cheek, catching any further tears that dare fall when he says, ]
So let's cherish today. As long as we can. Till we know what to do.
[ About their future and the fate they wish to either fulfill or defy. ]
[ As usual, she leans on him when he touches her. Even for something such as simple as him wiping her tears away, she wants more of it. She needs him. All the time. Tough as she is, she doesn't ever want to lose what they have. He's taught her so much and has given her so much, and it's the memories they've made and built together that make the love she feels for him run so deep. ]
We always have. [ At least, she thinks so, anyway. The time they've spent together has never gone to waste. Every second has been special, ones that she treasures even up to this day. ] I think... we're good at doing that.
[ They once talked about how they're afraid, but they shouldn't let their fears run their lives. And she's never let anyone decide what to do with her life since she broke free from her father. This? She knows it shouldn't be any different. ]
I... I want to hear it everyday. [ Her cheeks grow even redder now, and her tears have stopped, but her eyes remain watery. She looks at him with eyes so certain but so vulnerable. Her whole heart is for him to witness. ] That you love me.
[ Everyday, huh? They say it almost every single day now. But if that meant texting her if they were ever separated for a day or two? He'll do it. If they're split up and have to wait? He'll count the missing days he has to say he loves her for. For right now, he takes her whole heart and returns his to her in kind. They belong to each other. And as far as he's concerned, that's the way it's going to stay. Even if there's those deeply rooted doubts, they're what remind him of what he fights against. For days like today. For smiles like hers. For kisses, annoyed huffs at his "dummy" ways, the mornings where his arms are wrapped around her when he wakes up... ]
Then...
[ Their foreheads meet. ]
I love you, Weiss.
[ From the heart. Not some passive yet true "love you" quip. He'll say it again if he has to, planting a softer peck on the lips before he whispers, ]
[ He said it again! It always sounds so fresh in her mind when he says it. As if it's the first time all the time, and it fills her with so much glee. She's in love with him and he loves her back. Just how lucky is she? Far too lucky. All the hardships she's enduring and will endure to be able to have a better future are all so scary, but... she knows it will be all worth it. And again, because he said it? Her worries get swept away. This is all that matters right now. ]
You're the best.
[ Because he did it! And really, she should tell him that she loves him back, but because he loves her this much that he'd tell her everyday? Even she can't help the giggle that bubbles out of her. Uh-oh...
She pulls away from him if only to look back at the scenery he's shared with her. A deep breath, and she cups her hands around her mouth. ]
[ But she can have it today. Letting her pull away, he thinks that she's going to maybe just stand there and enjoy the view, or check out the gazebo. Or...something. Anything but what she's about to do, deep breath and cupped hands and all. Shocking him, he flinches slightly but doesn't stop as he stares wide-eyed at the shouting huntress. His mouth turns into a stiff line, before breaking again as he stutters over his own breath. Oh. Oh that was at the top of her lungs. The loudest she's ever been.
And...he's not even that embarrassed by it? What the hell?? Instead, after he realizes what she's just done, he can't help but grin and shake his head, stifling a laugh as he places a hand on his hip.
This? Another reason why he loves her. Prim and proper as the former heiress tends to be, this was also the real Weiss he'd confessed to. ]
[ The look Weiss gives him when she's done is just... one beaming with pride. 'u' She did that!!! Look at her!! Now all of Avalon knows that they're dating, and no one else can have Cloud 😌 (Not that anyone heard them in the first place...)
Now, as silly as it is so have him do the same thing, and no matter how funny it would be, Weiss doesn't make him. If he wants to, though, then he's free to go ahead! She takes a step forward, and another, until she can hug him again. ]
[ Comforted by her embrace, he squeezes her tight as he lets out a sigh. No urge to kiss her or anything, just to be held and to hold someone back... How the hell did he go so long without this? He wasn't about to turn into some Casanova, but the amount he's opened up for the likes of Weiss was astonishing when compared to the person he used to be. So much so that with a pat of her back, he takes a step past her, sparing a glance back to murmur, ]
Just a sec.
[ There he stands, staring down at the illuminated Red Spring town and the ever distant Camelot. It's starting to get a little chilly up here, but that's never bothered Cloud as the gust goads him on. He squats once...then seemingly holds his breath for a second or two. Exhales... ]
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Weiss doesn't say much as they walk. It's a leisurely stroll, and she takes in the scenery and the lighting in the path they take. She'd look at Cloud every now and then and smile at him, but she finds that this walk is also a good time for "Quiet Time". They've only just eaten, and the stroll is nice to not feel bloated and to let the food go down before they decide to rest in their room. And even as they walk, she still hasn't gotten rid of the smile on her face.
So this is what it's like... to be with someone you love on a day that's supposed to be special for you. It was different as a child— the happier days, anyway. The attention she received was nice, but those who would greet her were only doing it because of her social status, and how being nice to her would affect their relationship with the Schnees. They didn't care about the actual girl celebrating the birthday at all. Winter did, and so did her mother. Everyone else?
Well... those are memories she can put behind her, now. And being able to have a happy day today, of all days? She's embracing it, and she hopes for more days like this to come. ]
I don't think there was anything like this in Lunatia.
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Considering Weiss' upbringing and on-and-off relationship with her family (outside Winter and her mother), it's all the more reason behind the effort he's put in now. This suit likely wasn't going to be seeing much use until another super special occasion happens. But seeing her reaction and the sense of awe at the sight of him finally having a fancy suit for her...the smile that hasn't left her face since they started this walk...
This is everything that he lives for now. Keeping moments like this alive. ]
No. [ Lunatia, rather Prismatica as a whole, was an amalgamation of fantastical technology and magic. And whilst Avalon was a realm rooted in Arthurian legends, it's clear this place also saw some advancements. But here? At the top of this hill with the aging gazebo and softly lit hills in the distance... ] This is more like the stories...
[ The tales of King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. The fabled Kingdom lost to history and time. ]
Never woulda thought I'd end up here. [ His thoughts pause, instinctively squeezing Weiss' hand as a cool (but not cold) breeze sweeps up the hillside when he looks to her. ] But then... I never woulda thought a lot of things till we all met.
[ Crossing worlds and realities to unite for the sake of another planet. ]
Now that I have... I wouldn't have it any other way.
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[ It's not the first time she's heard it! And it's not a complaint by any means... but what can Weiss even say to that? Of course, she could agree, but it might be best to just keep to herself for now. How many times will she pour her heart out for Cloud? She might not be able to recover if she does one more time today.
Tomorrow is another day, though!
Rather than say anything gross? She can't help but tease a little. ]
I bet you didn't even like me when we met.
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[ He gently shrugs, half smiling down at her when she teases him right back. As they reach the top, standing before the aged gazebo, his tone lifts further. ]
Oh I did. I still remember how determined you look, even when I was about to win.
[ And that's what he liked about her on first impression, even when he was still fresh to the world of Prismatica and focused more on going back home. His mercilessness was a rather stiff act, but an act is all that it was. Even still, Weiss hadn't surrendered- even when he had her number in the tournament. ]
... Heh. Didn't take long for me to start "like"-liking you though.
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[ "Like" like her... Come on! She wants to know. And in case he'd keep that to himself, she bats her eyelashes at him as a means of saying please. ]
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'The Place Where Lost Things Go'... [ No, he's not gonna sing it now. But if he was being honest with himself? He could have easily left and just texted her some time. ...but that would have been weird out of the blue. No, there was only one way this could have gone for him. And that was telling her in person. Yet he never did get a chance to... Not at first. ] When we had to get the handcuffs off. I...um...kinda froze when you started letting your hair down.
[ And he likes her hair up like this! But, just, in the moment she was so nonchalant about it!! ...was it right to say she was being sexy? Maybe it was okay to say now that they were together. But- It stands out so fresh in his mind. Yet at the same time, didn't that seem too soon to "like" like somebody? ]
...
[ Maybe. But...what came after "like"-liking her was far more important. ]
Then there's falling.
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Falling?
[ ...? That one, she's not sure what he means. ]
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[ He doesn't mince his words. There was a vital moment that still stands clear in his mind. To him, even though it took some time after the fact for them to start dating... ]
When I first unlocked my Aura, and you took care of me. That's when I started thinking about it more...
[ And he hesitated. So many times because of the nature of the world. How easy it was to let outside forces influence their urges, their desires as the moons pulled at their needs. ]
Then you asked me out. [ There's still enough light out that it's easy to see the red in his cheeks as he sheepishly smiles. ] ...and beat me to the punch on confessing.
[ In that way, Weiss was braver than him. She guided him to take a chance too, and never looked back. ]
But... I think — [ He calmly shakes his head. ] I know. I loved you long before you said it.
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The past is past, though. Who she spends her days with now is a choice she made— one that she won't ever regret. Much like the choices she's made in the past, whether it was running away from home or standing up against her father. Cloud saying all these and laying it out in the open only makes her feel even more strongly about her choices. ]
I missed out on so many chances to tell you sooner. [ Her choice of words are precise. She chose not to say it any sooner out of fear of how he would react, and what would happen if she did. ] When we went to Lystellus... I still wasn't even sure if I should say it.
I couldn't help it anymore, though. I felt like I was going to burst if I didn't say it.
[ ... she pauses, as if there's more she could say and she's only mustering up the courage to continue. She doesn't. But she's thinking it. How she would have screamed on that rooftop, at the top of her lungs for all of Lystellus to hear, just to be able to finally tell him that she's in love with him. Instead, she looks at their joined hands fondly, giving his a gentle squeeze. ]
Now, the secret is out.
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Uh oh.
[ The secret is out, she said. But the smile on his face speaks volumes as another gentle gusting breeze sweeps up to where they stand. The sun is almost gone now. But there's still a little bit of time. ]
What're we gonna do?
[ As he asks, he finds himself stepping in front of the huntress. Hand in hand still, he shifts to lace their fingers together while reaching for her waist with the other. There's no authority in his voice, yet he still speaks so assuredly; his eyes no longer hold that near-haunting glow to them, yet they're just as bright and blue as before as he beckons her to look at him when he says, ]
Dance with me. [ Right here. No classes. One more gift to the one he's sworn himself to. ] One more time.
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The walk up here was relaxing, as is the view and their conversation. To Weiss, it's a perfect way to end the day, and a perfect ending to her birthday. The first of many where she gets to actually celebrate with him. Small of a matter as that may be to some, that alone is such a big deal for Weiss. Cloud didn't have to get her anything, inexpensive or otherwise, today. All he had to do was hold her hand and tell her in person "Happy birthday". Everything else is a bonus, more than what she could ever hope to ask for from him. ]
What...
[ Her breath feels shaky and her heart begins to hammer in her chest. She's looking at him, of course, when she's invited to dance. But everything that's happened today, what they've talked about from when they woke up to this point in the day... they were all things that made Weiss happy. She's not expecting anything more today. And yet— ]
Oh, but... there's no music... [ she says it softly, unsure of her own words. He wants to dance one more time. It's unexpected, and it's impossible to hide the surprise and awe she feels. Her gaze says it all in its rawness and vulnerability. He's caught her off-guard and she's not quite sure how to properly react.
Cloud said to dance with her, though, didn't he? Then he has to lead. ]
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♪ Hmhmm hmmhmmhmmm... Hmmhmmmmhmmhmmm...? ♪
[ Step by step, he hums that very same song that caught him years ago. The night he started to "like" like her. He doesn't have to do the whole thing, and there's a very good chance he might just surrender himself to her with a kiss before the melody reaches its end. His heart races in his chest despite the pace, swelling with emotion as he leads his girl in this last dance of the night. Atop a hill surveying a world far from their own, watched by the emerging stars that begin lighting the sky above. ]
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What are you doing?
[ Weiss tries of laugh it off, because she's not mad or anything. Far from it! But... she's never felt this much happiness before. Each day with Cloud is happier than the last, and she feels so grateful every day. Today just feels so different. That whatever grievances she may have had in the past birthdays she's had? They're all gone. ]
Why are you such a big idiot?
[ Sniff. 🥲 She loves you, Cloud, truly... ]
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(What do you think I'm doing?)
[ Under any other circumstance, Weiss' composure crumbling and her eyes watering up would have made him worry. 'What's wrong? Did he say something? Was something or someone bothering her?' Not this time. Unless she corrects him, he knows exactly what he's doing; he knows exactly what she's feeling. And while he still holds her by the waist and squeezes her hand, keeping his good form, they start to do more swaying as they slow down. But he's by no means stopping.
As important as this day was for the huntress, it was just as special to him too. He never did this back home. And now that he's placed most of his past sins behind him, and learned how to properly live as "Cloud Strife", he's been given so many chances to experience prolonged happiness.
When she calls him an idiot, that's when he finally laughs. Oh-so-gently, a shake of his shoulders and another step and spin...
When they come to a stop, the lights of the Red Spring resort and surrounding town illuminating the world below them, he lowers their clasped hands, still holding on when he steps in and closes his eyes. Softly resting his forehead to hers, there's so many things he could say to her right now. He could answer her question about why he's such a big idiot. He could say happy birthday to her again. But he thinks he can wrap all those answers up into two words. ]
Love you.
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You're— You're such an idiot! [ God, she's crying right now, face buried in his chest. It's not outright gross or anything just yet, but she has to raise her voice so he'll know just how happy she is today. ] Why do you have to be so dumb? I can't— [ A sob, and her hand bunches up what she can of his jacket from his back. ] I can't believe you...
[ He's done so much for her. Weiss could name it all if he asked. In this moment, though, she can't think of each reason. All she can think about is how much she loves him. How she'll do everything for him. And... the scariest part about that is? ]
What am I going to do if I can't come back...? [ All those times she's promised to him that she'll come back to him. She just has to finish her duty in Remnant first. Those weren't lies or empty promises. She'll do whatever it takes, but... ]
What if I fall?
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...
And yet, ]
...
[ The longer this goes on, the heavier he feels with her. She sobs into his chest, and he draws another breath. His love for her only continues to grow stronger by the day. His devotion unshaken. But that also makes the other side of the coin more prevalent. They got lucky twice. The first time was meeting in Prismatica and chasing this relationship together. The second time was being taken away to another realm, removed from everything and most of everyone they knew. And...if there wasn't a third time? ]
[ "What am I going to do if I can't come back...?" ]
?! . . .
[ His hold of her reflexively tenses at that question, only to loosen his grip seconds later. No lies or empty promises. They swore that they would defy everything to make it back to the other. Cloud had even said that he would make the journey to Remnant if it meant helping her and the others save the world from Salem. To stop people like Cinder from taking away the people they loved. Yet every time he thinks of "how", his mind locks up. He carries on, day by day, with hope in his heart. But rooted deep down still... ]
[ "What if I fall?" ]
.....
[ He draws away, just enough so that she couldn't hide from his gaze any longer. Tears staining her cheeks while he tilts her chin to look at him. That silly smile is gone now. In fact, there's no smile at all. His eyes are as bright as ever, but they're torn between giving her an answer and keeping the truth in his heart. It's not that he thinks they will fail. He doesn't think she'll fall. Instead, as he wordlessly answers her, claiming her lips in a soft, lingering kiss, he sighs through his nose as he fights the urge to tremble under the pressure of these questions.
Because... ]
(I don't know.)
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We're supposed to be celebrating... [ She says in between sobs, forcing a smile despite the falling tears. This is a happy occasion! But that isn't to say there's nothing she is afraid of. And perhaps it's because she doesn't talk about it that she feels as overwhelmed and scared as she is now. ] Look what you did, you dummy...
You made me so happy I'm crying.
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[ And he'd do it again. Wetting his lips, his mouth feeling dry all of a sudden, his smile returns, torn between the happiness he's given her and the uncertainty that lies ahead for them both. She may not seek his strength and hope right now...
But he needs it for himself. To stay true to his course and to make sure she doesn't fall. No longer tilting her head for him, the back of his hand gently brushes up the side of her cheek, catching any further tears that dare fall when he says, ]
So let's cherish today. As long as we can. Till we know what to do.
[ About their future and the fate they wish to either fulfill or defy. ]
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We always have. [ At least, she thinks so, anyway. The time they've spent together has never gone to waste. Every second has been special, ones that she treasures even up to this day. ] I think... we're good at doing that.
[ They once talked about how they're afraid, but they shouldn't let their fears run their lives. And she's never let anyone decide what to do with her life since she broke free from her father. This? She knows it shouldn't be any different. ]
I... I want to hear it everyday. [ Her cheeks grow even redder now, and her tears have stopped, but her eyes remain watery. She looks at him with eyes so certain but so vulnerable. Her whole heart is for him to witness. ] That you love me.
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Then...
[ Their foreheads meet. ]
I love you, Weiss.
[ From the heart. Not some passive yet true "love you" quip. He'll say it again if he has to, planting a softer peck on the lips before he whispers, ]
Weiss Schnee.
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You're the best.
[ Because he did it! And really, she should tell him that she loves him back, but because he loves her this much that he'd tell her everyday? Even she can't help the giggle that bubbles out of her. Uh-oh...
She pulls away from him if only to look back at the scenery he's shared with her. A deep breath, and she cups her hands around her mouth. ]
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Cloud Strife is the best boyfriend ever and you can't have him!
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[ But she can have it today. Letting her pull away, he thinks that she's going to maybe just stand there and enjoy the view, or check out the gazebo. Or...something. Anything but what she's about to do, deep breath and cupped hands and all. Shocking him, he flinches slightly but doesn't stop as he stares wide-eyed at the shouting huntress. His mouth turns into a stiff line, before breaking again as he stutters over his own breath. Oh. Oh that was at the top of her lungs. The loudest she's ever been.
And...he's not even that embarrassed by it? What the hell?? Instead, after he realizes what she's just done, he can't help but grin and shake his head, stifling a laugh as he places a hand on his hip.
This? Another reason why he loves her. Prim and proper as the former heiress tends to be, this was also the real Weiss he'd confessed to. ]
Way to go.
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Now, as silly as it is so have him do the same thing, and no matter how funny it would be, Weiss doesn't make him. If he wants to, though, then he's free to go ahead! She takes a step forward, and another, until she can hug him again. ]
I love you, Cloud.
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Just a sec.
[ There he stands, staring down at the illuminated Red Spring town and the ever distant Camelot. It's starting to get a little chilly up here, but that's never bothered Cloud as the gust goads him on. He squats once...then seemingly holds his breath for a second or two. Exhales... ]
. . .
[ Inhales... ]
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fin.