[ >:(!!! A good girlfriend is not the right term. She's here through thick and thin, and she doesn't want to call herself her lover because that means something else. ]
[ It's almost like she blacked out when she blurted to the world he was the best boyfriend nobody else could have...
That gets him to laugh, arm in arm with his girl. He can't let go of her to put his arm around her shoulders, so he instead flexes in her hold a little, squeezing her against his side. ]
Good enough.
[ It's a good thing they came back when they did, otherwise he'd be lending her his jacket. As they traverse down the hall towards their room, others pass them by as people begin retiring to their own abodes. They even pass by one of the elderly couples they'd been "learning" with earlier, who simply offer a wave and goodnight. But things are starting to quiet down now... ]
We can, if you want to. We did things I wanted to do today, so it's your turn to pick now.
[ Weiss is pretty ready to retire for the night, really! But she's not so tired that she'll say no to anything that isn't relaxing in bed. The hot spring water will help quell what aches her feet might have, anyway. It'll be good! ]
You know... we've never gone camping before. We should do that sometime.
[ If only because they'll be looking up at the stars from the spring! What if they fell asleep like that? It'd be nice to do some stargazing and make and cook meals out in the wild and stuff! ]
[ A soak in the spring would do him some good too. They didn't do anything too crazy today! After that, he doesn't have anything else planned but making sure Weiss' night ends the best way possible. ]
... Y'know? You're right.
[ He actually sounds surprised by that. But it becomes clear to him why that's the case. ]
Prismatica wasn't the most hospitable planet outside the cities we helped reconnect.
[ But here? While there were sure to be wild animals and monsters, if the countryside was any indication, it wasn't all so bad. But the thought of camping... It takes him back to the old days. As they get to their room, he grabs for his key and gets the door. ]
[ And how he's used to getting up at any given time in case there are threats about. It's not something Weiss wants to focus on when she wants him to rest and relax, but these are bits and pieces of Cloud that she holds close to her heart. The more she learns about him, the happier she is, really. ]
Yeah. Lots of hiking, hitchhiking, renting chocobos... If there was a way, we'd figure out how to do it.
[ Once they're inside their room, the door automatically locks and he kneels down to take off his shoes. Fret not, Weiss. He'll be keeping the suit on just a little while longer. 😌 ]
From Midgar you couldn't see the stars so easily. [ Too much light pollution. ] But camping out on a clear night...
[ He sounds thoughtful, reflecting back on those beautiful nights when he'd be keeping watch or kept company by someone else in the party. ]
[ She walks past him so she can sit on the couch. If they're going out for a dip in the springs, she's going to take off her shoes first. Being out and about all day in heels isn't a problem, but her feet still feel relief once she's removed her shoes. Step one to relaxing! ]
Did you even take the time to appreciate the sky back then?
[ From the stories he's told of how he used to be, she doubts it... ]
[ Cloud, meanwhile, decides to sit at the edge of their bed while looking to Weiss, hands in his lap as he reflects. And truthfully? She nailed it right on the head. A light frown mars his lips. ]
Not enough...
[ In hindsight...it was kind of sad. The circumstances of their journey notwithstanding, but...still sad. But looking up from his lap to the huntress, he's reminded of something very important. And his expression softens again.
No more grossness. Just the truth when he says, ]
Looks like I've got the right person to catch up with. [ He hums thoughtfully, nodding once. ] Okay. Let's go camping sometime.
[ He's down for that. He's already got the whole camping thing down. ...except, maybe he'll join her in reading some of this sometime. Casual camping is a little different from how he travelled in pursuit of Sephiroth, after all. ]
[ She's going to fail miserably when they set up the tent...
With her shoes off and placed in the closet, she seems just about ready to head out. Oh, until she remembers something. Into the bathroom she goes! But not for long, because she's out right away with robes in hand. ]
[ He blinks as he watches Weiss disappear into the bathroom for something, deciding not to say anything as he shrugs to himself. Having already taken his shoes off, he gets up from the bed so he can start getting out of his suit. She's not gone for long though, so by the time Weiss returns with robes in hand? ]
Uh?
[ Cloud's jacket and vest are already laying at the foot of the bed for now, his tie loosened and top buttons undone as he sighs through his nose, smiling back at her. ]
Like you said. I'm in good hands.
[ He closes the distance left between them as he plays with the cuff of one of his sleeves to get it undone. ]
Y'know... I didn't feel stuffy in a suit for once.
Oh no. [ Ah... she doesn't sound concerned at all. With a smile on her face, she steps closer to him so she can help him unbutton what needs to be unbuttoned. Not that he needs help, but... it just comes to her naturally at this point. She'd have helped him off his vest too if given the chance. ] Now you're slowly turning into one of those uppity Atlas elites.
[ He isn't, but if he's getting used to wearing suits, then... "oh no", indeed. ]
[ As Weiss helps unbutton what's left of his outfit, he lets her take control; if she were to take his hand to help undo the cuffs? She can have his hand. If she wanted to slow down a little and take her time (so he can remember how to do it. honest! maybe. kjfdahs), she can do it too. Her remark earns her a huffed little "Heh". ]
In... well. Somebody's dreams. Definitely not yours.
[ Cloud doesn't plan on changing like that any time soon. ]
That being said... You're good at making me make exceptions.
[ Which is Cloud-speech for, "I'll wear this for you whenever." ]
[ Oh, she knows. She knows, but doesn't say anything on it. Weiss may not be able to work her charm on him 100% of the time, but she does have quite the sway! It's not something she wants to abuse, though. It'll always be for something harmless. (Until he wears a dress for her, anyway.)
She takes a step back once she's done and has unbuttoned all that needs to be unbuttoned. She won't undress him. Not now! Oh, but— just few more seconds of Weiss in his space as she removes his tie completely. ]
[ The second she removes his tie, instead of going for a kiss as he's not ready for her to leave his space yet, he slips his arms around her for a little hug. He used to be so robotic about doing something like this... If there's one thing Prismatica taught him? It's to take some initiative. Except this was a completely different feeling when it came to protecting her. Holding her hand was great. Kissing her was exhilarating. But there's something about a warm embrace that finds a way to melt him down- even when he's the one starting it.
As he holds her, memories of the past flit through his head- of the moment when Weiss desperately pulled him in after he unlocked his Aura. Even with his thoughts steeped in desire under the influence of the Sanguis moon, there was something so...warm about her presence, even when she was calling him a dummy and cradling him to her chest before they could moonlace.
Except now, it's given and taken equally. Day by day, he wants to give her just as much love as she's given him. It's not a competition, but one-upping the other wouldn't get old either. ]
Happy birthday, Weiss.
[ He loosens his hold, but doesn't pull away just yet as he looks down to her, ready to go when she was. ]
[ His birthday, she means! He's made her so happy today, so much that she'd call this the best birthday she's ever had if other people ask. And she'd vowed to herself to make him happy everyday, but because she's always one for competitionto return the favour, she intends for Cloud to have the best birthday ever this year, too.
She's on her toes soon after to place a soft kiss on his cheek. The hand that holds onto his arm when she tiptoes slides down to hold his hand once she's back on the floor. Right. They said they were going to take a dip outside, right? So... ]
Do you want to order anything for tonight? Maybe they have frozen yoghurt.
[ Frozen yoghurt while bathing in the spring? Odd combination. But it's Weiss' birthday and everything she wants is Valid. ]
Mm. [ Patiently waiting for her to finish kissing him on the cheek, he squeezes her hand when saying, ] I know you'll blow me away.
[ At first, Cloud had a tendency to try and downplay anything Weiss wanted to do for him. It was unintentional, out of a kneejerk reaction of not wanting to inconvenience someone. He's grown past those former feelings where he didn't think he deserved it. It was his last birthday where it all really sunk in for him. Tifa, Weiss, Marie, Asami, Korra...everyone put in so much work to surprise him without being overbearing either. And seeing the smile on Weiss' face throughout the night? That magical motorcycle ride along the beach before taking her home?
Yeah. He's going to hype her up and encourage her to make his birthday the best that she can. He'll love every moment of it when it comes from her. ]
I'll call room service.
[ But they can't exactly get their (hopeful?) froyo if they're already in the spring out back. So, letting go of her hand, he takes a seat by the nightstand where their phone sits. With 'Room Service' available with just the push of a button, he's polite yet terse. Straight to the chase when he asks if they serve frozen yoghurt. Luckily for them, being the warmer seasons ahead... ]
[ Oh, she's going to blow you, alright. WAIT— JAHSJAHDJD
When Cloud heads to where the phone is, Weiss takes her time getting some stuff from her luggage. Now, she only brought these for quiet time in the bath by herself, but... maybe Cloud won't mind. A relaxing night in the bath tub with scented candles is the best, but bringing these citrus candles out? It'll be even more relaxing! The moon from their window looks a bit more red than last night, too, which adds more to the calming ambiance. Elsewhere, the red moon would mean something else! But that's all in the past.
Oh! He's calling out to her. She's about to slip out into the back to put the candles around the spring, but— ]
Blueberry, obviously. [ Duh, Cloud! That's her favourite flavour of yoghurt. ] I'll be back.
[ She shows him the candles in her arms, lifting it a bit. There's not much! Nothing excessive! Three small round jars with orange wax inside! ]
[ It's muttered with an undertone of affection before he gets right back on the phone and confirms their order. Sure enough? Two blueberry froyos. She may have had some influence on him, but blueberry has become a legit favorite of his when it came to desserts or treats. He nods before looking up to Weiss, almost forgetting that he's on the phone when he sees the citrusy orange candles in her arms, blinking curiously. ]
Oh-! Ah, sure. Go for it.
[ He's not against it! He just wasn't expecting them. Forgetting he's on the line still, he quickly confirms that's what they want before he hangs up. ]
Ten minutes from the kitchen to our room, they said!
[ He'll call to her if she's already going to set the candles out. Seeing her so excited and happy, enjoying her birthday to the fullest like this... These were the moments that he lived for. But while she went out to place the candles? He'll use this opportunity to get changed. Cloud doesn't plan on getting risqué in front of Weiss while changing, Unless stripping is on her birthday wishlist— HOLD ON UMM but his shirt drops to the edge of the bed, leaving him exposed as the soft glow of the moon catches his attention out of the corner of his eye.
Heading towards it, he places his hand on the glass, the light of the moon a deeper shade of red than last night. It reminds him of what he once was...how he used to act. And...at the end of the day, it wasn't all bad. There's a lot that he could even thank that damned crimson moon for. Still, it's hard to believe that he could get nostalgic over something like that. For all the heavy stakes and fighting they had to do...Prismatica really was a beautiful planet. Strange yet...home. A home away from home.
But he decided long ago that the location didn't matter. Home was wherever his family was, wherever the love of his life was. Any time he's with Weiss Schnee? That's home. His lips curl into a hint of a smile as he 'hmph's up at the moon. ]
[ The spring out back isn't very big, so the candles Weiss puts in certain spots does well enough in illuminating it. What she had in mind was to meditate while in the bath, candles and incense to the side of the tub. It would have been fun, and she can still do that! Tonight, though, she can probably still do all that just without the soap and bubbles and incense.
When she's done, she heads back inside, up the path from the spring into their room. When she spots Cloud by the door, looking out the window, she hurries up a little. Hands on her back, she slips back into the room so she can go to him. Her long hair sways with her every move, swinging back and forth when she cants her head to ask: ]
[ He must have really been lost in his own head there, because he didn't even hear her come back in, first spotting her in the reflection of the window. At first, he pauses and doesn't turn around, shaking his head before he answers honestly. ]
Nothing serious. Just remembering Lunatia.
[ Looking back over his shoulder, he steps back towards her, he slips an arm around her waist, taking a moment to admire her and the way her braid gently sways, their eyes meeting once more. He's always been told he had really pretty blue eyes. But looking into Weiss'...it's like the purest, richest ice. And yet there's nothing cold about them either.
Beautiful... ]
Kinda reminds me of Sanguis.
[ He gestures with his free hand to the window and the soft glow of the reddened moon. It must be the Red Springs that causes this effect from here... Because back in Camelot and out in the country, it was often so pure and white. ]
[ So much more than Sanguis. The memories they made in Lunatia are all so precious and kept in her heart, but if Weiss had to choose? She would rather be here than in Prismatica. That world may have brought them together, and even though she was still capable of using her Aura then, the moon here doesn't have any sway over their actions. There's no need to moonlace to survive, a fact that Weiss feels is so important now. Now? Cloud's arm around her feels more real. This warmth is from him. Not from the Chroma they're generating. This is what she's wanted all this time.
But she doesn't tell him that. There's no need. Instead, she responds with: ]
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[ >:(!!! A good girlfriend is not the right term. She's here through thick and thin, and she doesn't want to call herself her lover because that means something else. ]
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You're the best Dummy.
[ She really just wanted to say that. ]
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That gets him to laugh, arm in arm with his girl. He can't let go of her to put his arm around her shoulders, so he instead flexes in her hold a little, squeezing her against his side. ]
Good enough.
[ It's a good thing they came back when they did, otherwise he'd be lending her his jacket. As they traverse down the hall towards their room, others pass them by as people begin retiring to their own abodes. They even pass by one of the elderly couples they'd been "learning" with earlier, who simply offer a wave and goodnight. But things are starting to quiet down now... ]
Wanna take another dip in the spring?
[ In their private one out back, of course. ]
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[ Weiss is pretty ready to retire for the night, really! But she's not so tired that she'll say no to anything that isn't relaxing in bed. The hot spring water will help quell what aches her feet might have, anyway. It'll be good! ]
You know... we've never gone camping before. We should do that sometime.
[ If only because they'll be looking up at the stars from the spring! What if they fell asleep like that? It'd be nice to do some stargazing and make and cook meals out in the wild and stuff! ]
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... Y'know? You're right.
[ He actually sounds surprised by that. But it becomes clear to him why that's the case. ]
Prismatica wasn't the most hospitable planet outside the cities we helped reconnect.
[ But here? While there were sure to be wild animals and monsters, if the countryside was any indication, it wasn't all so bad. But the thought of camping... It takes him back to the old days. As they get to their room, he grabs for his key and gets the door. ]
I used to camp a lot while we were on the road.
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[ And how he's used to getting up at any given time in case there are threats about. It's not something Weiss wants to focus on when she wants him to rest and relax, but these are bits and pieces of Cloud that she holds close to her heart. The more she learns about him, the happier she is, really. ]
I guess you did that before you got an airship?
[ Or however that story goes... ]
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[ Once they're inside their room, the door automatically locks and he kneels down to take off his shoes. Fret not, Weiss. He'll be keeping the suit on just a little while longer. 😌 ]
From Midgar you couldn't see the stars so easily. [ Too much light pollution. ] But camping out on a clear night...
[ He sounds thoughtful, reflecting back on those beautiful nights when he'd be keeping watch or kept company by someone else in the party. ]
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Did you even take the time to appreciate the sky back then?
[ From the stories he's told of how he used to be, she doubts it... ]
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Not enough...
[ In hindsight...it was kind of sad. The circumstances of their journey notwithstanding, but...still sad. But looking up from his lap to the huntress, he's reminded of something very important. And his expression softens again.
No more grossness. Just the truth when he says, ]
Looks like I've got the right person to catch up with. [ He hums thoughtfully, nodding once. ] Okay. Let's go camping sometime.
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I'll read up on everything there is to know about camping and stargazing. Give me two weeks. I should be ready by then.
[ Just to be clear? That means they can't go camping until two weeks from now. Earliest. ]
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[ He's down for that. He's already got the whole camping thing down. ...except, maybe he'll join her in reading some of this sometime. Casual camping is a little different from how he travelled in pursuit of Sephiroth, after all. ]
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[ She's going to fail miserably when they set up the tent...
With her shoes off and placed in the closet, she seems just about ready to head out. Oh, until she remembers something. Into the bathroom she goes! But not for long, because she's out right away with robes in hand. ]
Let's not forget these this time.
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Uh?
[ Cloud's jacket and vest are already laying at the foot of the bed for now, his tie loosened and top buttons undone as he sighs through his nose, smiling back at her. ]
Like you said. I'm in good hands.
[ He closes the distance left between them as he plays with the cuff of one of his sleeves to get it undone. ]
Y'know... I didn't feel stuffy in a suit for once.
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[ He isn't, but if he's getting used to wearing suits, then... "oh no", indeed. ]
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maybe. kjfdahs), she can do it too. Her remark earns her a huffed little "Heh". ]In... well. Somebody's dreams. Definitely not yours.
[ Cloud doesn't plan on changing like that any time soon. ]
That being said... You're good at making me make exceptions.
[ Which is Cloud-speech for, "I'll wear this for you whenever." ]
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She takes a step back once she's done and has unbuttoned all that needs to be unbuttoned. She won't undress him. Not now! Oh, but— just few more seconds of Weiss in his space as she removes his tie completely. ]
Thank you for today.
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As he holds her, memories of the past flit through his head- of the moment when Weiss desperately pulled him in after he unlocked his Aura. Even with his thoughts steeped in desire under the influence of the Sanguis moon, there was something so...warm about her presence, even when she was calling him a dummy and cradling him to her chest before they could moonlace.
Except now, it's given and taken equally. Day by day, he wants to give her just as much love as she's given him. It's not a competition, but one-upping the other wouldn't get old either. ]
Happy birthday, Weiss.
[ He loosens his hold, but doesn't pull away just yet as he looks down to her, ready to go when she was. ]
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[ His birthday, she means! He's made her so happy today, so much that she'd call this the best birthday she's ever had if other people ask. And she'd vowed to herself to make him happy everyday, but because she's always one
for competitionto return the favour, she intends for Cloud to have the best birthday ever this year, too.She's on her toes soon after to place a soft kiss on his cheek. The hand that holds onto his arm when she tiptoes slides down to hold his hand once she's back on the floor. Right. They said they were going to take a dip outside, right? So... ]
Do you want to order anything for tonight? Maybe they have frozen yoghurt.
[ Frozen yoghurt while bathing in the spring? Odd combination. But it's Weiss' birthday and everything she wants is Valid. ]
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[ At first, Cloud had a tendency to try and downplay anything Weiss wanted to do for him. It was unintentional, out of a kneejerk reaction of not wanting to inconvenience someone. He's grown past those former feelings where he didn't think he deserved it. It was his last birthday where it all really sunk in for him. Tifa, Weiss, Marie, Asami, Korra...everyone put in so much work to surprise him without being overbearing either. And seeing the smile on Weiss' face throughout the night? That magical motorcycle ride along the beach before taking her home?
Yeah. He's going to hype her up and encourage her to make his birthday the best that she can. He'll love every moment of it when it comes from her. ]
I'll call room service.
[ But they can't exactly get their (hopeful?) froyo if they're already in the spring out back. So, letting go of her hand, he takes a seat by the nightstand where their phone sits. With 'Room Service' available with just the push of a button, he's polite yet terse. Straight to the chase when he asks if they serve frozen yoghurt. Luckily for them, being the warmer seasons ahead... ]
... .... ....... one sec-
[ Hand over the mic. ]
Vanilla, chocolate, raspberry or blueberry?
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[ Oh, she's going to blow you, alright. WAIT— JAHSJAHDJD
When Cloud heads to where the phone is, Weiss takes her time getting some stuff from her luggage. Now, she only brought these for quiet time in the bath by herself, but... maybe Cloud won't mind. A relaxing night in the bath tub with scented candles is the best, but bringing these citrus candles out? It'll be even more relaxing! The moon from their window looks a bit more red than last night, too, which adds more to the calming ambiance. Elsewhere, the red moon would mean something else! But that's all in the past.
Oh! He's calling out to her. She's about to slip out into the back to put the candles around the spring, but— ]
Blueberry, obviously. [ Duh, Cloud! That's her favourite flavour of yoghurt. ] I'll be back.
[ She shows him the candles in her arms, lifting it a bit. There's not much! Nothing excessive! Three small round jars with orange wax inside! ]
I want to put these outside.
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[ It's muttered with an undertone of affection before he gets right back on the phone and confirms their order. Sure enough? Two blueberry froyos. She may have had some influence on him, but blueberry has become a legit favorite of his when it came to desserts or treats. He nods before looking up to Weiss, almost forgetting that he's on the phone when he sees the citrusy orange candles in her arms, blinking curiously. ]
Oh-! Ah, sure. Go for it.
[ He's not against it! He just wasn't expecting them. Forgetting he's on the line still, he quickly confirms that's what they want before he hangs up. ]
Ten minutes from the kitchen to our room, they said!
[ He'll call to her if she's already going to set the candles out. Seeing her so excited and happy, enjoying her birthday to the fullest like this... These were the moments that he lived for. But while she went out to place the candles? He'll use this opportunity to get changed. Cloud doesn't plan on getting risqué in front of Weiss while changing,
Unless stripping is on her birthday wishlist— HOLD ON UMMbut his shirt drops to the edge of the bed, leaving him exposed as the soft glow of the moon catches his attention out of the corner of his eye.Heading towards it, he places his hand on the glass, the light of the moon a deeper shade of red than last night. It reminds him of what he once was...how he used to act. And...at the end of the day, it wasn't all bad. There's a lot that he could even thank that damned crimson moon for. Still, it's hard to believe that he could get nostalgic over something like that. For all the heavy stakes and fighting they had to do...Prismatica really was a beautiful planet. Strange yet...home. A home away from home.
But he decided long ago that the location didn't matter. Home was wherever his family was, wherever the love of his life was. Any time he's with Weiss Schnee? That's home. His lips curl into a hint of a smile as he 'hmph's up at the moon. ]
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When she's done, she heads back inside, up the path from the spring into their room. When she spots Cloud by the door, looking out the window, she hurries up a little. Hands on her back, she slips back into the room so she can go to him. Her long hair sways with her every move, swinging back and forth when she cants her head to ask: ]
Deep in thought again? What's on your mind?
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???
[ He must have really been lost in his own head there, because he didn't even hear her come back in, first spotting her in the reflection of the window. At first, he pauses and doesn't turn around, shaking his head before he answers honestly. ]
Nothing serious. Just remembering Lunatia.
[ Looking back over his shoulder, he steps back towards her, he slips an arm around her waist, taking a moment to admire her and the way her braid gently sways, their eyes meeting once more. He's always been told he had really pretty blue eyes. But looking into Weiss'...it's like the purest, richest ice. And yet there's nothing cold about them either.
Beautiful... ]
Kinda reminds me of Sanguis.
[ He gestures with his free hand to the window and the soft glow of the reddened moon. It must be the Red Springs that causes this effect from here... Because back in Camelot and out in the country, it was often so pure and white. ]
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[ So much more than Sanguis. The memories they made in Lunatia are all so precious and kept in her heart, but if Weiss had to choose? She would rather be here than in Prismatica. That world may have brought them together, and even though she was still capable of using her Aura then, the moon here doesn't have any sway over their actions. There's no need to moonlace to survive, a fact that Weiss feels is so important now. Now? Cloud's arm around her feels more real. This warmth is from him. Not from the Chroma they're generating. This is what she's wanted all this time.
But she doesn't tell him that. There's no need. Instead, she responds with: ]
You get into less trouble here.
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fin.