[ There's something moving from the corner of her eye. Through the tears, she can't properly see, but Cloud lowering himself to her level is also when she brushes her tears away with the back of her gloved hand. When he holds his out, her body moves on its own. She lets out a gasp as she tries to push herself back in fear of being hit, using what small amount of energy she's recovered when she flinches. It's when she realises that she just did that that she feels more lost than before.
She hears him. He's apologising to her, but she's still so scared, anyway. Their eyes meet, and she's struggling to keep the tears in once more. She wants to apologise for what just happened, but at this rate, they're going to end up just saying "I'm sorry" to one another back and forth. Her expression says what she wants to say, with the hope that he won't blame himself for anything. She certainly has no intention of blaming him. And if he still wants to be with her, if he forgives her for making him mad, then she'll do everything she can to make him smile again. ]
I... I want to hold your hand, please.
[ If he's drawn back, she'll shakily reach for his with her own, forcing herself to sit up straighter. When she has it, she touches her own cheek with it. A year or so ago, there would have been this... calming sensation washing over her from such a simple touch. Something unnatural, yet can be replicated by another's touch. This is far more different. No magic or Chroma could ever compare to the comfort she feels from Cloud's touch. She hopes that she's making him feel a little better when she threads her fingers in his. ]
[ She flinches. Through the tears and the sight of his hand that would never slight her willingly, Weiss falters from his attempt to reach out to him. His heart doesn't just sink. It reaches the bottom, cracking in a significant way as he stops. He hesitates, but rather than let the frustration of her pulling away consume his mind? It comes out as a huff of a breath. Trembling. His entire body is trembling from the blood he's spilt and the damage he's caused. This is exactly what Rubion had desired. They can destroy themselves from within while the kingdom falls... Expose them for their weaknesses and for how powerless they really are in the grand scheme of things.
Descend into despair. Let those cracked pieces of heart be thrown into the wind. His lips tighten as he feels the dam threatening to burst. This was different from a contest of combat ability. It wasn't just the physical side of it all. They've both taken beatings, and even Cloud's been the one consumed by corruption, leaving Weiss to snap him back out of it. Those times were scary. This? This was different. It wasn't just physical... ]
Weiss, I'm...
[ When she says she wants to hold his hand, he freezes. He doesn't pull away or advance. He doesn't want her to want to flee from him. He didn't want this. He didn't want any of this. He just wanted to go home. To find his way back to her when this was all over. To find a home away from home. He wanted to protect everything that he cherished...but instead here he was, at his lowest and weakest, breaking the one person he can't imagine living without. At first, he doesn't even register his hand upon her cheek...then her fingers threading in his.
It's her words. Those quiet, shaky words that dare to speak out beyond what's happening. The knight that sullied his mind and burned his heart with raging flames hadn't waned. Only something stronger could rise above that. Fortunately (yet fortunately...), it was a man breaking down that saw him rise above the fury threatening to consume him. He can't even forcefully pull her in like he would his usual self. Feebly, he scoots in on his own knees now, slowly trying to draw her into his arms. Trying so desperately not to squeeze tight so he doesn't hurt her again as the tears roll down his face.
Ahh... There it is again. That burning sensation. His sight's a blur as his other hand carefully slides around her back. If it weren't so apparent in the dimly lit room, it most certainly could be felt. The jump of his shoulders. The tremble in his voice. The choke of a sob. And his voice finally coming through... ]
I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know why I did that.
[ When the dust settles? He'll know. He'll know who to target. But right now, he's lost and confused, albeit found in the arms of everything to him. ]
[ Weiss requested to talk, so here they are. There are more pressing matters at hand, like evacuating and needing to see a healer or a doctor, but to her? Fixing this—a relationship that's changed her life for the better—right here and now is more important.
She can't wrap her arms around him now, already shaking when she takes her hand in his. When he draws her close to him, she puts her weight on him and rests against him. She didn't mean to be scared. She doesn't want to be. It just feels like she's making the situation worse because she is. ]
It felt like you.
[ The magic, the growling and the shouting... ]
But... I know now... that wasn't you.
[ Weiss doesn't know what these wraiths and these knights can do. She's seen that they can't be killed, but she's not aware of the touch-based magic. If she knew any better, she'd be checking on him now and finding ways to redo the spell. All she knows at this time is something is wrong. She's not sure what, but... she hopes Cloud will figure it out with her.
She doesn't want him to go.
Craning her neck a little so she can give him a kiss on the cheek, her body ends up slumping against him after that, energy she's gained spent once again. Her whole body is aching, and now her head is starting to hurt. She can't imagine what pain and exhaustion Cloud must be feeling right now. It's probably worse. Far worse than what she's feeling. Those creatures— they hurt him. Nevermind what happened to her. They did this to Cloud. That's unforgivable. ]
I'm scared, too. Not... of you, [ Regardless of what happened just a few moments ago. ] But, whatever this is, will you trust me to figure it out with you?
[ But she knew it wasn't him. And yet...it was. He was conscious of his decision to literally throw her aside. It was similar...so disturbingly similar to how his body moved while his mind was trapped. What would have happened if his rage had him raise his sword to her? Even reflecting back to her earlier, at his feet... If he hadn't dropped his sword and malice filled his heart... He can't think like that. He can't think of what he almost did in the past to Aerith. How it took the collective voices of his friends to get him to stop before the blade came down. His mind is racing miles a second, and the only anchor he can feel right now is her warmth against him.
Perhaps when things calm down and word gets out, he'll understand what's happened. It won't lessen the damage he's caused now- the damage they've been working together to mend. But the rage he'll feel when this over will be one guided by clarity. She kisses him on the cheek, and feeling her body slump against him, his hold on her tightens. That was scary to him. If it weren't for the fact she was still talking, he might have dreaded the worst... ]
Yeah... Yeah. Yeah, together. Okay?
[ He kisses the side of her head, closing his eyes as he draws deep the scent of her hair, only to break down into another airy sob. ]
I feel...
[ Before he can finish his sentence, the sound of unearthly screams pierce the silence. Not of wraiths close enough to detect them, but of another wave having rushed by to advance while everyone retreats to safety. They're weak. Their numbers plenty, dark blood spilt on his person as his body doesn't heal as quickly as it used to. But hearing them disturbs the "reprieve" they've found despite the mental anguish. Suddenly, his teeth grit, threatening to grind as that familiar feeling begins to bubble over once more. But he senses it. He feels it because he has Weiss. Before he can squeeze her tighter, his own head starts to hurt as his senses pick up on what's happening to him.
He doesn't know why. It only started when they did battle with the wraiths and those knights... But his mind's not clear enough to piece everything together yet. Instead, he sighs, sniffling as he forces himself to draw away, keeping her shoulders steady as he hopes she can look him in the eye. His face is flush red, cheeks stained wet from the tears, the sorrow in his eyes fading as his brow furrows in an attempt to focus. They weren't out of the woods just yet. ]
C'mon. I gotta get you out of here... [ Before he loses grip on this sense of reason. ] Let me carry you.
[ He has energy to spare. He has no intention of fighting. If that rage builds? He's using it to go even faster. They have to escape. He needs her to trust him one more time. ]
[ He's not the only one who can sense it. Maybe it's because she worries so much for him, regardless of the situation that she can. But she knows how he can be now, in her heart of hearts. The Cloud she's gotten to know the past years, how he is, what he likes, what he doesn't. So if he'll let them stay here just a little longer...
She moves her hand up to play with his hair a little. It's shaking, but she wants to do the emergency thing. He seems to have a better handle of himself now, but anything could set him off again. She wishes that weren't the case, but... she has to keep him grounded. ]
Just a little longer, please? [ She knows they have to go, but this is more important than her own safety. Cloud's well-being is important. ] It's an emergency.
[ She would wipe away his tears if she could, but for someone who's been so strong all this time to feel this much pain and sadness... he should let it all out until he feels better. Weiss won't go anywhere; she'll wait, as she always has, she'll prompt him to express openly what he's feeling. And if he's starting to go the wrong way, she'll tell him so.
For now, she wants him to know that she's here. It's okay to be scared, because she'll pick him back up. Always. ]
[ Her hand moves to thread through his hair. The very same way she would when he needed to calm down. It was the "emergency" button after all. It felt good, truly it did. But it was the gesture more than the actual tingling sensation behind it. And he sits there before her, dumbfounded, wide-eyed as tears continued to roll down his face. His eyes burn less now when he can feel her shaking to touch him. That what happened just before was still hurting to coincide with the fear that clutches their hearts.
Just a little longer, she pleads him. They haven't been found just yet. There's still time. The emergency is him despite what he's done to her... She's always taken care of him. And it's not like he hasn't been there to support her. But... ]
You're my emergency. You're my emergency, yet I...
[ He stares down at his hands, the pain and sadness that rocks him keeping that foul temper that's rotted him at bay. ]
I'm sick of this. I'm sick of being used. I don't know how, but that wasn't me. And I still...!
[ His hands clench. If it weren't for the worn leather of his gloves, his nails would have bit through his own flesh by now. He can't accept that it was his own choice to furiously throw her like that. To harm her the way that he did. Yet he doesn't pull away either. Not from her touch. Not from her wishes. Not from anything she would ask of him. Stronger than the rage that threatened to swallow his heart if unchecked, was the morose in making the one person he swore to find again fear him. Fear that hand that once reached out for her. ]
[ She wishes she could take away this pain. That's all she wants now, even if she's not tended to right away. And she would hold him if she could, make him hear the beat of her heart and how that's just for him, but her strength is dwindling. What's keeping her going now and what's keeping her awake is her determination to make sure Cloud doesn't lose his cool. This can't go on for long, though. ]
That... wasn't you. I'm sorry. [ For thinking it was him. Weiss wasn't going to lie about it just to make him feel better, but it was a mistake on her part to think that Cloud would ever do something like that.
Weiss tries to pull away slowly. Sudden movements could make her feel dizzier than she already is. His eyes are becoming red from all the crying, but so are hers. She can't keep her eyes open for much longer, though. Her request to stay here a little longer was granted to her, so they should get going. Her hands move down to his lap, reaching for both of his hands. Don't keep them closed, Cloud. ]
We'll figure this out, okay? You always held me and gave me hope when I was feeling lost... that's one of the things I love about you.
[ Her eyes close and she takes a deep breath. There's more she wishes she could do and say. Give him a reason to not take all this to heart, because he shouldn't have to. She's never seen him like this before, so broken and hurt. When she's better, she hopes he'll be there, so that she can take care of him. For now, though. ]
I can't keep my eyes open... Will you let me hold you later?
[ No... It's not her. She shouldn't be the one to apologize. Not for what he's done. Still so confused and struggling to suppress what furious impulses threaten to consume him, it pains him in having the right kind of distraction in front of him. When she pulls away, slowly but surely, eyes closing, he gasps, his eyes regaining a sense of focus. Harness it, Cloud... Channel this feeling... Use this fury for her sake! Cloud shuffles closer again, this time with his hands upon her shoulders to keep her upright. She's bleeding good, exhausted between the damage she took and what he did to her, and the magic spent... Cloud finds himself exhausted too, but not on a physical level. ]
...
[ "- that's one of the things I love about you." ]
Then... [ With Weiss' eyes closed, he refuses to let her fall. Eyes burning still from the tears, Cloud carefully begins to help her back up. He said that he would do this; he said that he would carry her and take them both to safety. The chilling wails of the wraiths can still be heard in the distance, this broken down place no longer safe for either of them. ] That's what I'll keep doing.
[ Keep giving her hope. Bring himself back for her sake as he gently brings her tired body over his shoulder. He'd cradle her in his arms more tenderly if it weren't for his other hand taking back his sword. ]
Hold on.
— — —
[ They leave the "protection" of the abandoned building, the sky darkened and their presence attracting would-be assailants that come on horseback or writhing beneath ragged cloaks. They quiver with anticipation once more, but before one can even rally to the others to attack with another shrill scream? They're sent flying. Crashing to the ground in miserable heaps yet undying as the wraiths face down a very focused, very angry Cloud Strife, greatsword in one hand, and his girlfriend in the other. His movements are surprisingly smooth, not jarring or bumpy in carrying her whatsoever. Yet in his right hand...he commands elemental magic through his blade, with each swing unleashing bursts of wind that threaten to shred through the monsters' ragged capes. If they weren't immortal, worse. ]
Move.
[ Of course, they won't listen. But at least Cloud's accursed rage is focused on the right side as he eerily, calmly marches forward, careful not to let harm befall Weiss as he clears a path by force as they continue their retreat. Only when the coast is clear will he think of changing how he holds her. But for now? He's as delicate as can be in his hold of her, whilst the other carries the rage of a storm. ]
[ There's not much left in Weiss to hold on, per se, but Cloud does well in keeping her steady and not dropping her. As soon as they hit a safe ground, healers from the Knights and those who have sought safety instead of fighting approach and try to help Cloud with whatever he needs. The girl he's carrying needs attention too, so if he's feeling good enough to accept the help and he doesn't lash out at them, they're there.
Should Cloud cooperate with those trying to help them, though, he'll be led to a small area with makeshift beds. Cloud's given a place to rest his sword, and a bed for himself to lay down on. As for Weiss? She moves to give him a gentle squeeze— as much as she can, anyway— before she's set down and healers can attend to her.
It take some time and a lot of mana from these healers so that they can undo what's been done. Cuts and bruises slowly going away as if they've never been there, the deep wounds healing little by little before her skin begins to show no signs of injury. Weiss would find this to be a miracle, if she were awake, anyway. It's different from Jaune healing her and regenerating her Aura. This is much, more different. Even though she isn't fully healed yet, though, by nighttime, her body and mind are awake, and she pushes herself up to try and figure out where she is and what she's doing here. ]
[ Thankfully, while still riding the high of his fury, it was channeled and focused on the monstrosities they broke through. What he discovered was if someone went against his wishes in any way at all? That set him off. So whilst he approaches the healers amidst the knights, yelling for immediate attention and help? It's all fortunately a good thing as they abide by his wishes to tend to her. When they insist that he be looked at too? It's an uncontrollable growl of a snap back from the enraged swordsman when he tells them, ]
Weiss first.
[ It was enough to damn near make a couple of them recoil. Luckily (unfortunately for the people afflicted), they've experienced similar cases of rage-fueled people coming back from the battle. They too must have had a brush-in with that fiend. All things considered, Cloud's keeping his focus well! ...not that they had to know what he went through and what he did to the girl he held before coming here. It's the gentle squeeze of Weiss that finds a way of grounding him again. And with some reluctance, Cloud does concede and fully hands her over to the proper healers.
It takes some time for Cloud to become better approachable by the staff, but when they manage to get close enough to him when he's calmed down? That's when their work can begin. His own cuts, bruises and black stains from the wraiths are miniscule compared to what Weiss endured. If it weren't for his own powers being blocked out, he would have recuperated way faster from these injuries on his own. Yet here he is...unable to be the one that can help the one person he hurt. He took her to safety, from an incident of his own doing...
It's safe to say Cloud's going to be feeling the guilt for quite some time.
As for when Weiss finally wakes up? ]
You're safe now.
[ It's the first thing he can think of, having been granted permission to pull up a chair by her bedside now that he's fairing better. His arm is held in a sling, having been overexerted when he unleashed mighty blade magic with one arm. When the adrenaline wore off, that's when the strength in that limb waned. That, and it's better to give the angry blond whatever he wants. Because if he was told he couldn't see Weiss again? He wouldn't be here when she woke up for all the trouble that he caused.
She's his foundation right now. She's what he needs to hold steadfast to if he wants to keep a semblance of himself. Until this curse subsides...
When Weiss realizes that he's right there, he begins to extend his hand, only to suddenly pause again. Flashes of the last time he reached out to her, both in hurting her and the next in scaring her, race through his mind. The line of his lip thins before he speaks again. ]
[ "Safe". Her vision's a little blurry as she comes to, but she can hear what he says fine. Safe... wait— now she remembers. They were fighting, weren't they? There were those wraiths and those knights, and Cloud— ]
Cloud— [ She looks at him and inspects him to make sure he's just as safe as she is. To make sure he's okay, because the last thing she remembers was that he wasn't. ]
There's space...
[ On the bed. She's small! And she's glad she is right now, because she wants him to get up here and rest next to her, too. Moving to the side and patting the spot next to her, she realises there's no pain when she moves her arms. Or her body, for that matter. Still, she's weak from the expended magic, and that will take some time to recover. ]
[ Thankfully, with the healers on hand, it wouldn't be long before Cloud was taken out of that sling. If anything, having him in it while his mind was still befuddled with anger was a good deterrent from him swinging at anyone out of unintended fury. Yet at the same time, he's here with the one person that can keep him grounded right now. Everything hurts- less on a physical level. When she moves to the side, it's not to get away from the hand that reaches out...
He sighs, trying hard to hold it together now that he's seen her awake and better. She's inviting him in; he wasn't going to hesitate a second longer. Carefully he takes up space at her side, the mattress sinking a little under his weight as he looks her over while leaning on his good arm. ]
How're you feeling?
[ Not even a little "hey" like they usually would do... Not yet anyway. His eyes look tired. ]
A little weak. I want to sleep a little more. [ But her body is also awake and willing herself to stay awake, too. Weiss has slept for a little too long for now. Not to mention, Cloud is here, so... she'd want to stay up, anyway. ]
Are you... [ Okay? Still mad at her? Still scared? There are so many things she could ask him, and she doesn't honestly know where to begin. She also wants to ask if the two of them will be okay. To Weiss, none of this changes anything. She loves him with all her heart, and she hopes that this doesn't make him love her any less. ]
Ah... [ What else can he say? They were fighting against those undying wraiths and the decrepit knights that lead them. But he knows the real reason why she feels so weak. All he needs to do is keep his focus on Weiss, so that he doesn't have any reason to get angry anymore. ...the anger he'll feel when the curse lifts? That won't go away so easily, even if it's rooted deep down inside. ] Makes sense.
[ As she asks him if he's going to be okay, he wishes that he knew how that question would end. Because now he's the one mulling over those endings too. Okay? Mad at her? Scared? He could never be mad at her, yet here they are. If anything, Cloud's the one who wants to make sure this shouldn't happen again. Right now? He's going to be the one to take care of her. To listen to her. To abide by her. He's already confided.
A voice in his own head is already telling him that he's "done enough". ]
Y-Yeah...
[ Not only was he going to hold her hand? He was...probably going to make the healers huffy when they see he's already working his arm out of his sling. Cloud visibly winces, but it's nothing terrible either. He has no visible scars or wounds, his muscles being the only thing aching right now as the fabric of the sling just hangs around his neck. He takes one of her hands into both of his, the one that was in the sling earlier weaker than the other as he clasps it. ]
[ Nevermind, he's moving on his own. It shows how sad Weiss is with what she sees when he winces. She doesn't want to hide it.
His warmth is so comforting, though. She can only hope that it's not so painful if he holds her like this, using an arm that's supposed to be resting and all... because this feels good, and she would like to continue feeling this a little longer, if he would allow her.
Slowly, she lowers her head and slowly lifts their hands to she can place slow and soft kisses on his knuckles. ]
I wish I could siphon the pain you're feeling away. [ Physically and emotionally. She vowed to never make him sad again, but here she is, getting into trouble and putting thoughts in his head that she's sure will take a while to get rid of.
After saying so, she looks up at him in apology, setting their hands down without letting go. Please don't let go, Cloud. ]
Is the weird feeling still there?
[ The one that's not making him feel like himself? ]
[ If anything, Cloud will feel tender for a while. But this? This was the healers covering their bases. But he can see the morose on Weiss' face as she gently kisses along his knuckles. ]
Me too... [ ... ] Your pain, anyway. Siphoning something outta yourself don't work.
[ At the very least, he can only hope that earns back some of that sweet smile he misses. He doesn't let go once she sets their hands down. He gently squeezes as his eyes follow their hands. ]
... [ It's not quite a laugh? But his shoulders shake with his breath as he calmly shakes his head. ] Honestly, I'm too scared to try and see.
[ Much as he wants to kick himself, it's only to set him off further. His exhaustion is part of the reason it's easier to suppress to begin with. ]
But...it just...came out of nowhere. I'm used to channeling anger into power. [ Like how the power to trigger Limit Break techniques can manifest. ] Not like this...
[ That does earn a small smile. Weiss shakes her head when she smiles, letting out a soft "You're such a dummy" for that line. ]
Mm... I could barely recognise it wasn't you. [ But she should have trusted in him more, really. So... she should apologise for that. ] I'm sorry I didn't.
[ Small as her smile may be, it did happen. But as she gives Cloud's hand a squeeze, even her expression grows serious. Nothing crazy, but she does want to be more open with him, and she does so with her tone. ]
I don't ever want us to fight... but I think sometimes we'd have to, because we're in a relationship. I guess we can't always agree on things, you know? [ She looks to him and wonders if he thinks the same way. ] I just... it was scary. And it will always be scary.
We'll be okay at the end of it all, though, won't we?
[ Impulse nearly compels him to fight that apology- to tell her that it wasn't needed. There's nothing to forgive, when it wasn't her fault in the first place... So instead of saying anything about it, he concedes and listens to her. Cloud has never been in a serious relationship before. Whatever happened on Primatica, despite the bonds he's formed, none of it held a candle to the depths of his heart that he revealed to Weiss. There was getting in squabbles with friends and family alike? And then there was fighting with someone like Weiss... Even the times he'd raise his voice indirectly, not at her, and there was something scary about it all.
Yet she was still so strong despite it all. To be the fly on the wall when Weiss was being brought up... Then she asks the be-all-end-all question. They're going to be okay.
Of course they were. But... ]
We will. But... [ It's not a bad "but", though thankfully she won't be left in the dark from trailing thoughts, as he returns that more serious expression. Focus on her. Only her, Cloud. ] You're right. Knowing me, I'm gonna wind up on the couch one night 'cause of a fight.
[ That's when a light smile returns. As sincere as it was, it's also so hard with how hot his body feels suppressing the curse placed upon him. He squeezes her hand again, thumb strumming along the side. ]
And it'll all be okay. 'Cause... I get to see you again.
[ Whether it's the next day and they've carried on with their lives, or she's come out to him and they talk, or the other way around... They can fight all they want, he's going to keep his promise. He's going to come back to her. ]
[ .. maybe this is where Weiss' privilege is put in play, because she can't imagine Cloud sleeping on a couch because they get into a fight. ]
Wouldn't staying in an extra bedroom be more comfortable? Not that I would let the day end without resolving an issue with you. [ Meaning, she wouldn't let him sleep on the couch, period. ] ... maybe no extra bedrooms, then.
[ The extra bedroom here doesn't count. She means when they get their own place, whenever and wherever that may be. ]
Oh. Uh... [ Right. Despite never being in a full-on relationship before Weiss, he's at least heard a thing or three. ] It's something that happens in some relationships.
[ A beat. ]
Apparently. Like, we get in a fight, I say something stupid, so I get kicked outta bed and then I gotta sleep on the couch as punishment and...
[ ... Saying all that outloud, he can't help but shake his head, bangs swinging with as he huffs a little laugh. ]
No. No extra bedrooms.
[ They'll just make up and get back in the same bed. Till he gets sent to the couch one day. SDFKJAH ]
You know, that's what Salem wants to do. She wants people to be divided. That's why I was scared when we split up with Yang, too.
[ She should probably give the context for that, huh? ]
Yang and Ruby wanted to do two different things while we were waiting for Salem's attack. So she went with Jaune and Ren, while Blake and I went with Ruby, Nora, and Penny.
That was when I didn't know what Winter was going to do, either, since we had to run away to avoid being caught.
We all still found our way to each other, in the end, so that was the best part.
[ So even for something as small-scale as a fight at home? She doesn't ever want to be separated from him. It's as she said— she'd want to fix things right away. Any longer, and the rift between them would continue to grow, she imagines. ]
... besides, if we're at your house, I should learn to follow your rules.
[ No fighting him!! Now she's the one trying to make a funny. She hopes he laughs a little, too. ]
[ Any time Weiss mentioned Salem, it left an unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach. But that didn't mean he would shy away from discussing her. It was that same feeling he got when Sephiroth's name was mentioned- or worse. He's yet to encounter her, be it across different worlds or in any image of Remnant. But sooner or later, if he was going to make a difference and reunite with Weiss at the end of this long and winding journey? That day may be inevitable. She has his undivided attention, and it helps that being his focus was suppressing that curse placed upon him to begin with. ]
Hmm. United we stand...
[ Divided we fall. ]
Huh? [ His rules? Back at the 7th Heaven, the only rules he really could recall were... Well. Thinking back on it now? She does net another laugh from him. His shoulders shake before laxing once more, the blond taking care to shuffle in a little closer to her side on the bed. His arm feels tense, but talking and being with her feels like a distraction. A much needed distraction. Because if his focus is taken off her and directed towards the threats that still loom? He fears his rage will spiral out of control, no matter how much willpower he has to keep Weiss out of harm's way this time. An unspoken vow. He will never be controlled that way to hurt her again. So for now? He'll smile. He'll try his damnest to keep smiling for her. So that very same smile can be for himself too.
While they still have time. ]
Only real rules we had besides common sense were ones for the kids.
[ And he sure as hell isn't about to tell his girlfriend that bedtime was at a certain time. ... then again, Cloud never really enforced that rule hard in the first place. dfskajh ]
Tell you what. The only kinda splitting I want between us is the "let's split into teams" kind. 'sides that?
[ Another squeeze of her hand. This entire time he hasn't let go. ]
[ Her attention is all on him, too. Not because she needs the distraction, but it's Cloud. Of course she's going to pay attention to him! And because he smiles, this moment will be remembered forever as another instance of Weiss' heart skipping a beat thanks to him. ]
I guess it could also be something like... "Let's split up and meet each other later" while at a festival, or someplace similar.
[ Because they've done that before in Amegahara. And when they met again? They had gifts for one another... akdjakd surprise!!! ]
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She hears him. He's apologising to her, but she's still so scared, anyway. Their eyes meet, and she's struggling to keep the tears in once more. She wants to apologise for what just happened, but at this rate, they're going to end up just saying "I'm sorry" to one another back and forth. Her expression says what she wants to say, with the hope that he won't blame himself for anything. She certainly has no intention of blaming him. And if he still wants to be with her, if he forgives her for making him mad, then she'll do everything she can to make him smile again. ]
I... I want to hold your hand, please.
[ If he's drawn back, she'll shakily reach for his with her own, forcing herself to sit up straighter. When she has it, she touches her own cheek with it. A year or so ago, there would have been this... calming sensation washing over her from such a simple touch. Something unnatural, yet can be replicated by another's touch. This is far more different. No magic or Chroma could ever compare to the comfort she feels from Cloud's touch. She hopes that she's making him feel a little better when she threads her fingers in his. ]
It doesn't hurt so much anymore.
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Descend into despair. Let those cracked pieces of heart be thrown into the wind. His lips tighten as he feels the dam threatening to burst. This was different from a contest of combat ability. It wasn't just the physical side of it all. They've both taken beatings, and even Cloud's been the one consumed by corruption, leaving Weiss to snap him back out of it. Those times were scary. This? This was different. It wasn't just physical... ]
Weiss, I'm...
[ When she says she wants to hold his hand, he freezes. He doesn't pull away or advance. He doesn't want her to want to flee from him. He didn't want this. He didn't want any of this. He just wanted to go home. To find his way back to her when this was all over. To find a home away from home. He wanted to protect everything that he cherished...but instead here he was, at his lowest and weakest, breaking the one person he can't imagine living without. At first, he doesn't even register his hand upon her cheek...then her fingers threading in his.
It's her words. Those quiet, shaky words that dare to speak out beyond what's happening. The knight that sullied his mind and burned his heart with raging flames hadn't waned. Only something stronger could rise above that. Fortunately (yet fortunately...), it was a man breaking down that saw him rise above the fury threatening to consume him. He can't even forcefully pull her in like he would his usual self. Feebly, he scoots in on his own knees now, slowly trying to draw her into his arms. Trying so desperately not to squeeze tight so he doesn't hurt her again as the tears roll down his face.
Ahh... There it is again. That burning sensation. His sight's a blur as his other hand carefully slides around her back. If it weren't so apparent in the dimly lit room, it most certainly could be felt. The jump of his shoulders. The tremble in his voice. The choke of a sob. And his voice finally coming through... ]
I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know why I did that.
[ When the dust settles? He'll know. He'll know who to target. But right now, he's lost and confused, albeit found in the arms of everything to him. ]
I'm scared... Forgive me... Please.
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She can't wrap her arms around him now, already shaking when she takes her hand in his. When he draws her close to him, she puts her weight on him and rests against him. She didn't mean to be scared. She doesn't want to be. It just feels like she's making the situation worse because she is. ]
It felt like you.
[ The magic, the growling and the shouting... ]
But... I know now... that wasn't you.
[ Weiss doesn't know what these wraiths and these knights can do. She's seen that they can't be killed, but she's not aware of the touch-based magic. If she knew any better, she'd be checking on him now and finding ways to redo the spell. All she knows at this time is something is wrong. She's not sure what, but... she hopes Cloud will figure it out with her.
She doesn't want him to go.
Craning her neck a little so she can give him a kiss on the cheek, her body ends up slumping against him after that, energy she's gained spent once again. Her whole body is aching, and now her head is starting to hurt. She can't imagine what pain and exhaustion Cloud must be feeling right now. It's probably worse. Far worse than what she's feeling. Those creatures— they hurt him. Nevermind what happened to her. They did this to Cloud. That's unforgivable. ]
I'm scared, too. Not... of you, [ Regardless of what happened just a few moments ago. ] But, whatever this is, will you trust me to figure it out with you?
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No...
[ But she knew it wasn't him. And yet...it was. He was conscious of his decision to literally throw her aside. It was similar...so disturbingly similar to how his body moved while his mind was trapped. What would have happened if his rage had him raise his sword to her? Even reflecting back to her earlier, at his feet... If he hadn't dropped his sword and malice filled his heart... He can't think like that. He can't think of what he almost did in the past to Aerith. How it took the collective voices of his friends to get him to stop before the blade came down. His mind is racing miles a second, and the only anchor he can feel right now is her warmth against him.
Perhaps when things calm down and word gets out, he'll understand what's happened. It won't lessen the damage he's caused now- the damage they've been working together to mend. But the rage he'll feel when this over will be one guided by clarity. She kisses him on the cheek, and feeling her body slump against him, his hold on her tightens. That was scary to him. If it weren't for the fact she was still talking, he might have dreaded the worst... ]
Yeah... Yeah. Yeah, together. Okay?
[ He kisses the side of her head, closing his eyes as he draws deep the scent of her hair, only to break down into another airy sob. ]
I feel...
[ Before he can finish his sentence, the sound of unearthly screams pierce the silence. Not of wraiths close enough to detect them, but of another wave having rushed by to advance while everyone retreats to safety. They're weak. Their numbers plenty, dark blood spilt on his person as his body doesn't heal as quickly as it used to. But hearing them disturbs the "reprieve" they've found despite the mental anguish. Suddenly, his teeth grit, threatening to grind as that familiar feeling begins to bubble over once more. But he senses it. He feels it because he has Weiss. Before he can squeeze her tighter, his own head starts to hurt as his senses pick up on what's happening to him.
He doesn't know why. It only started when they did battle with the wraiths and those knights... But his mind's not clear enough to piece everything together yet. Instead, he sighs, sniffling as he forces himself to draw away, keeping her shoulders steady as he hopes she can look him in the eye. His face is flush red, cheeks stained wet from the tears, the sorrow in his eyes fading as his brow furrows in an attempt to focus. They weren't out of the woods just yet. ]
C'mon. I gotta get you out of here... [ Before he loses grip on this sense of reason. ] Let me carry you.
[ He has energy to spare. He has no intention of fighting. If that rage builds? He's using it to go even faster. They have to escape. He needs her to trust him one more time. ]
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[ He's not the only one who can sense it. Maybe it's because she worries so much for him, regardless of the situation that she can. But she knows how he can be now, in her heart of hearts. The Cloud she's gotten to know the past years, how he is, what he likes, what he doesn't. So if he'll let them stay here just a little longer...
She moves her hand up to play with his hair a little. It's shaking, but she wants to do the emergency thing. He seems to have a better handle of himself now, but anything could set him off again. She wishes that weren't the case, but... she has to keep him grounded. ]
Just a little longer, please? [ She knows they have to go, but this is more important than her own safety. Cloud's well-being is important. ] It's an emergency.
[ She would wipe away his tears if she could, but for someone who's been so strong all this time to feel this much pain and sadness... he should let it all out until he feels better. Weiss won't go anywhere; she'll wait, as she always has, she'll prompt him to express openly what he's feeling. And if he's starting to go the wrong way, she'll tell him so.
For now, she wants him to know that she's here. It's okay to be scared, because she'll pick him back up. Always. ]
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[ Her hand moves to thread through his hair. The very same way she would when he needed to calm down. It was the "emergency" button after all. It felt good, truly it did. But it was the gesture more than the actual tingling sensation behind it. And he sits there before her, dumbfounded, wide-eyed as tears continued to roll down his face. His eyes burn less now when he can feel her shaking to touch him. That what happened just before was still hurting to coincide with the fear that clutches their hearts.
Just a little longer, she pleads him. They haven't been found just yet. There's still time. The emergency is him despite what he's done to her... She's always taken care of him. And it's not like he hasn't been there to support her. But... ]
You're my emergency. You're my emergency, yet I...
[ He stares down at his hands, the pain and sadness that rocks him keeping that foul temper that's rotted him at bay. ]
I'm sick of this. I'm sick of being used. I don't know how, but that wasn't me. And I still...!
[ His hands clench. If it weren't for the worn leather of his gloves, his nails would have bit through his own flesh by now. He can't accept that it was his own choice to furiously throw her like that. To harm her the way that he did. Yet he doesn't pull away either. Not from her touch. Not from her wishes. Not from anything she would ask of him. Stronger than the rage that threatened to swallow his heart if unchecked, was the morose in making the one person he swore to find again fear him. Fear that hand that once reached out for her. ]
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[ She wishes she could take away this pain. That's all she wants now, even if she's not tended to right away. And she would hold him if she could, make him hear the beat of her heart and how that's just for him, but her strength is dwindling. What's keeping her going now and what's keeping her awake is her determination to make sure Cloud doesn't lose his cool. This can't go on for long, though. ]
That... wasn't you. I'm sorry. [ For thinking it was him. Weiss wasn't going to lie about it just to make him feel better, but it was a mistake on her part to think that Cloud would ever do something like that.
Weiss tries to pull away slowly. Sudden movements could make her feel dizzier than she already is. His eyes are becoming red from all the crying, but so are hers. She can't keep her eyes open for much longer, though. Her request to stay here a little longer was granted to her, so they should get going. Her hands move down to his lap, reaching for both of his hands. Don't keep them closed, Cloud. ]
We'll figure this out, okay? You always held me and gave me hope when I was feeling lost... that's one of the things I love about you.
[ Her eyes close and she takes a deep breath. There's more she wishes she could do and say. Give him a reason to not take all this to heart, because he shouldn't have to. She's never seen him like this before, so broken and hurt. When she's better, she hopes he'll be there, so that she can take care of him. For now, though. ]
I can't keep my eyes open... Will you let me hold you later?
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...
[ "- that's one of the things I love about you." ]
Then... [ With Weiss' eyes closed, he refuses to let her fall. Eyes burning still from the tears, Cloud carefully begins to help her back up. He said that he would do this; he said that he would carry her and take them both to safety. The chilling wails of the wraiths can still be heard in the distance, this broken down place no longer safe for either of them. ] That's what I'll keep doing.
[ Keep giving her hope. Bring himself back for her sake as he gently brings her tired body over his shoulder. He'd cradle her in his arms more tenderly if it weren't for his other hand taking back his sword. ]
Hold on.
[ They leave the "protection" of the abandoned building, the sky darkened and their presence attracting would-be assailants that come on horseback or writhing beneath ragged cloaks. They quiver with anticipation once more, but before one can even rally to the others to attack with another shrill scream? They're sent flying. Crashing to the ground in miserable heaps yet undying as the wraiths face down a very focused, very angry Cloud Strife, greatsword in one hand, and his girlfriend in the other. His movements are surprisingly smooth, not jarring or bumpy in carrying her whatsoever. Yet in his right hand...he commands elemental magic through his blade, with each swing unleashing bursts of wind that threaten to shred through the monsters' ragged capes. If they weren't immortal, worse. ]
Move.
[ Of course, they won't listen. But at least Cloud's accursed rage is focused on the right side as he eerily, calmly marches forward, careful not to let harm befall Weiss as he clears a path by force as they continue their retreat. Only when the coast is clear will he think of changing how he holds her. But for now? He's as delicate as can be in his hold of her, whilst the other carries the rage of a storm. ]
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Should Cloud cooperate with those trying to help them, though, he'll be led to a small area with makeshift beds. Cloud's given a place to rest his sword, and a bed for himself to lay down on. As for Weiss? She moves to give him a gentle squeeze— as much as she can, anyway— before she's set down and healers can attend to her.
It take some time and a lot of mana from these healers so that they can undo what's been done. Cuts and bruises slowly going away as if they've never been there, the deep wounds healing little by little before her skin begins to show no signs of injury. Weiss would find this to be a miracle, if she were awake, anyway. It's different from Jaune healing her and regenerating her Aura. This is much, more different. Even though she isn't fully healed yet, though, by nighttime, her body and mind are awake, and she pushes herself up to try and figure out where she is and what she's doing here. ]
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Weiss first.
[ It was enough to damn near make a couple of them recoil. Luckily (unfortunately for the people afflicted), they've experienced similar cases of rage-fueled people coming back from the battle. They too must have had a brush-in with that fiend. All things considered, Cloud's keeping his focus well! ...not that they had to know what he went through and what he did to the girl he held before coming here. It's the gentle squeeze of Weiss that finds a way of grounding him again. And with some reluctance, Cloud does concede and fully hands her over to the proper healers.
It takes some time for Cloud to become better approachable by the staff, but when they manage to get close enough to him when he's calmed down? That's when their work can begin. His own cuts, bruises and black stains from the wraiths are miniscule compared to what Weiss endured. If it weren't for his own powers being blocked out, he would have recuperated way faster from these injuries on his own. Yet here he is...unable to be the one that can help the one person he hurt. He took her to safety, from an incident of his own doing...
It's safe to say Cloud's going to be feeling the guilt for quite some time.
As for when Weiss finally wakes up? ]
You're safe now.
[ It's the first thing he can think of, having been granted permission to pull up a chair by her bedside now that he's fairing better. His arm is held in a sling, having been overexerted when he unleashed mighty blade magic with one arm. When the adrenaline wore off, that's when the strength in that limb waned. That, and it's better to give the angry blond whatever he wants. Because if he was told he couldn't see Weiss again? He wouldn't be here when she woke up for all the trouble that he caused.
She's his foundation right now. She's what he needs to hold steadfast to if he wants to keep a semblance of himself. Until this curse subsides...
When Weiss realizes that he's right there, he begins to extend his hand, only to suddenly pause again. Flashes of the last time he reached out to her, both in hurting her and the next in scaring her, race through his mind. The line of his lip thins before he speaks again. ]
Can I...?
[ Reach out to her. ]
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Cloud— [ She looks at him and inspects him to make sure he's just as safe as she is. To make sure he's okay, because the last thing she remembers was that he wasn't. ]
There's space...
[ On the bed. She's small! And she's glad she is right now, because she wants him to get up here and rest next to her, too. Moving to the side and patting the spot next to her, she realises there's no pain when she moves her arms. Or her body, for that matter. Still, she's weak from the expended magic, and that will take some time to recover. ]
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He sighs, trying hard to hold it together now that he's seen her awake and better. She's inviting him in; he wasn't going to hesitate a second longer. Carefully he takes up space at her side, the mattress sinking a little under his weight as he looks her over while leaning on his good arm. ]
How're you feeling?
[ Not even a little "hey" like they usually would do... Not yet anyway. His eyes look tired. ]
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Are you... [ Okay? Still mad at her? Still scared? There are so many things she could ask him, and she doesn't honestly know where to begin. She also wants to ask if the two of them will be okay. To Weiss, none of this changes anything. She loves him with all her heart, and she hopes that this doesn't make him love her any less. ]
Can I hold your hand now?
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[ As she asks him if he's going to be okay, he wishes that he knew how that question would end. Because now he's the one mulling over those endings too. Okay? Mad at her? Scared? He could never be mad at her, yet here they are. If anything, Cloud's the one who wants to make sure this shouldn't happen again. Right now? He's going to be the one to take care of her. To listen to her. To abide by her. He's already confided.
A voice in his own head is already telling him that he's "done enough". ]
Y-Yeah...
[ Not only was he going to hold her hand? He was...probably going to make the healers huffy when they see he's already working his arm out of his sling. Cloud visibly winces, but it's nothing terrible either. He has no visible scars or wounds, his muscles being the only thing aching right now as the fabric of the sling just hangs around his neck. He takes one of her hands into both of his, the one that was in the sling earlier weaker than the other as he clasps it. ]
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[ Nevermind, he's moving on his own. It shows how sad Weiss is with what she sees when he winces. She doesn't want to hide it.
His warmth is so comforting, though. She can only hope that it's not so painful if he holds her like this, using an arm that's supposed to be resting and all... because this feels good, and she would like to continue feeling this a little longer, if he would allow her.
Slowly, she lowers her head and slowly lifts their hands to she can place slow and soft kisses on his knuckles. ]
I wish I could siphon the pain you're feeling away. [ Physically and emotionally. She vowed to never make him sad again, but here she is, getting into trouble and putting thoughts in his head that she's sure will take a while to get rid of.
After saying so, she looks up at him in apology, setting their hands down without letting go. Please don't let go, Cloud. ]
Is the weird feeling still there?
[ The one that's not making him feel like himself? ]
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Me too... [ ... ] Your pain, anyway. Siphoning something outta yourself don't work.
[ At the very least, he can only hope that earns back some of that sweet smile he misses. He doesn't let go once she sets their hands down. He gently squeezes as his eyes follow their hands. ]
... [ It's not quite a laugh? But his shoulders shake with his breath as he calmly shakes his head. ] Honestly, I'm too scared to try and see.
[ Much as he wants to kick himself, it's only to set him off further. His exhaustion is part of the reason it's easier to suppress to begin with. ]
But...it just...came out of nowhere. I'm used to channeling anger into power. [ Like how the power to trigger Limit Break techniques can manifest. ] Not like this...
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Mm... I could barely recognise it wasn't you. [ But she should have trusted in him more, really. So... she should apologise for that. ] I'm sorry I didn't.
[ Small as her smile may be, it did happen. But as she gives Cloud's hand a squeeze, even her expression grows serious. Nothing crazy, but she does want to be more open with him, and she does so with her tone. ]
I don't ever want us to fight... but I think sometimes we'd have to, because we're in a relationship. I guess we can't always agree on things, you know? [ She looks to him and wonders if he thinks the same way. ] I just... it was scary. And it will always be scary.
We'll be okay at the end of it all, though, won't we?
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Yet she was still so strong despite it all. To be the fly on the wall when Weiss was being brought up... Then she asks the be-all-end-all question. They're going to be okay.
Of course they were. But... ]
We will. But... [ It's not a bad "but", though thankfully she won't be left in the dark from trailing thoughts, as he returns that more serious expression. Focus on her. Only her, Cloud. ] You're right. Knowing me, I'm gonna wind up on the couch one night 'cause of a fight.
[ That's when a light smile returns. As sincere as it was, it's also so hard with how hot his body feels suppressing the curse placed upon him. He squeezes her hand again, thumb strumming along the side. ]
And it'll all be okay. 'Cause... I get to see you again.
[ Whether it's the next day and they've carried on with their lives, or she's come out to him and they talk, or the other way around... They can fight all they want, he's going to keep his promise. He's going to come back to her. ]
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[ .. maybe this is where Weiss' privilege is put in play, because she can't imagine Cloud sleeping on a couch because they get into a fight. ]
Wouldn't staying in an extra bedroom be more comfortable? Not that I would let the day end without resolving an issue with you. [ Meaning, she wouldn't let him sleep on the couch, period. ] ... maybe no extra bedrooms, then.
[ The extra bedroom here doesn't count. She means when they get their own place, whenever and wherever that may be. ]
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[ A beat. ]
Apparently. Like, we get in a fight, I say something stupid, so I get kicked outta bed and then I gotta sleep on the couch as punishment and...
[ ... Saying all that outloud, he can't help but shake his head, bangs swinging with as he huffs a little laugh. ]
No. No extra bedrooms.
[ They'll just make up and get back in the same bed.
Till he gets sent to the couch one day. SDFKJAH]no subject
[ She should probably give the context for that, huh? ]
Yang and Ruby wanted to do two different things while we were waiting for Salem's attack. So she went with Jaune and Ren, while Blake and I went with Ruby, Nora, and Penny.
That was when I didn't know what Winter was going to do, either, since we had to run away to avoid being caught.
We all still found our way to each other, in the end, so that was the best part.
[ So even for something as small-scale as a fight at home? She doesn't ever want to be separated from him. It's as she said— she'd want to fix things right away. Any longer, and the rift between them would continue to grow, she imagines. ]
... besides, if we're at your house, I should learn to follow your rules.
[ No fighting him!! Now she's the one trying to make a funny. She hopes he laughs a little, too. ]
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Hmm. United we stand...
[ Divided we fall. ]
Huh? [ His rules? Back at the 7th Heaven, the only rules he really could recall were... Well. Thinking back on it now? She does net another laugh from him. His shoulders shake before laxing once more, the blond taking care to shuffle in a little closer to her side on the bed. His arm feels tense, but talking and being with her feels like a distraction. A much needed distraction. Because if his focus is taken off her and directed towards the threats that still loom? He fears his rage will spiral out of control, no matter how much willpower he has to keep Weiss out of harm's way this time. An unspoken vow. He will never be controlled that way to hurt her again. So for now? He'll smile. He'll try his damnest to keep smiling for her. So that very same smile can be for himself too.
While they still have time. ]
Only real rules we had besides common sense were ones for the kids.
[ And he sure as hell isn't about to tell his girlfriend that bedtime was at a certain time. ... then again, Cloud never really enforced that rule hard in the first place. dfskajh ]
Tell you what. The only kinda splitting I want between us is the "let's split into teams" kind. 'sides that?
[ Another squeeze of her hand. This entire time he hasn't let go. ]
I'm not going anywhere.
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I guess it could also be something like... "Let's split up and meet each other later" while at a festival, or someplace similar.
[ Because they've done that before in Amegahara. And when they met again? They had gifts for one another... akdjakd surprise!!! ]
Hmm... what else?
[ Makes Cloud use his thinky brain some more. ]
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[ She was thinking it? He'll be saying it. ]
Hmm... [ Is this becoming a game? It just might be because, ] Splitting a bill?
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[ Yeah, this has become a game already. Speaking of, they need to do a quest together afdsgdsgsd]
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