[all wrapped up in white paper, tied with light green and pink ribbons, left right outside his door, is a package from milly that was supposed to be much different, much larger, but this is all she could do on such short notice.
inside are a few shirts, all folded nicely, and two hats-- one is a black beanie, and the other is a nurse's cap, laid carefully on top of the clothes, with a card resting on top of them. inside of the envelope is... a lot of confetti... and a card that reads as follows:]
Suzaku,
Happy birthday~! ♥ ♥ ♥ Sorry I couldn't get this to you on time. Next year, I'll do it right! I hope your actual birthday was AMAZING and that you enjoyed every second of it with everyone you wanted, and that Lelouch knew to at least get you a cake on my behalf. (If he didn't, then I'll make you one myself!) Enjoy your birthday month!
With love, Milly
P.S. Let me know if you have any questions about your presents. You know, if things don't fit or something... ;)
youre welcome!! it has been a long couple weeks, hasnt it? im glad to hear from you too! let me at least get a dinner together for you. that wouldnt be any trouble at all.
oh! i see you got all my gifts. or, almost all of them. but if you don't mind sharing that one
[she sends him a picture in kind, of her sporting a nurse's costume with a rather short hem, smiling in the mirror she's photographing herself in.]
[He wonders if she would have been better off staying away, as anything between them can only end in heartbreak. But he'd be lying if said that he didn't want to kiss her again.]
Well, if I'm such a good kisser that you traveled through time and space just for another one, it would be rude of me to deny you. Though maybe next time I should tie you down, just to make sure you can't run off anywhere.
[Later that evening, he does show up. He doesn't have any rope when he shows up, but he does have the nurse's cap.
He really shouldn't be so nervous when standing outside her apartment, but its an odd sense of butterflies in his stomach. He's not sure why, or what he even expects, even if that kiss still lingers in his mind. But he decides to suck it up and takes a deep breath before knocking at her door.]
[there's a holler of "coming!" from inside, and within moments, milly is at the door, opening up to reveal quite a surprising ensemble. sure, she was wearing the nurse's costume before, but it wasn't with heels and stockings, nor with her makeup and hair all done up. red painted lips smile as she greets him, laughing lightly as she spots the hat in his hand.]
Hello, Suzaku. I see you brought just what I was missing. But where's the rope, hmm? I was looking forward to that.
[He opens his mouth, all ready to greet her, but all words get lost when he looks at her. He can only make a few unintelligible noises as he looks at her for a few moments. As his eyes go up and down her outfit, his brain starts to slowly catch up with the fact that she had spoken to him.]
....rope? [It takes a moment for the gears in his brain to get around to that, but he starts to remember their conversation.] It-- I, um...
[As he finally lands back in reality, he lets out a breath and facepalms, which barely hides his blush.]
[oh no, he's precious. she can't help but giggle at him, hands covering her mouth before reaching for and taking the cap with a smile.]
Thanks! Just what I needed. Or should I say, just what the doctor ordered! [another laugh as she places the hat upon her head, and bobby pins it securely to her hair. there. now she's ready to play. she steps to the side, holding open the door for him.]
Come in! Step inside my office! [she can't stop herself from laughing, very clearly enjoying the vibe she's created. poor suzaku, though. there's a little bit of pity for him in her heart; she hopes he'll get some actual enjoyment out of this.]
[He really should've brought the rope. It might have been safer for him if he could tie up this she-devil. But he'll have to deal with her as is, and he steps inside, closing the door behind him.]
Thank you. [He manages to get out that much, his face still red, Milly's joyous expression not really helping in that regard.]
[at the very least, she can keep her distance from him. even if she's not bound to a bedpost, she can make sure her display is hands-free for now. the hint of a strain in his voice tells her all she needs to know (and that she's already accomplished part of what she's wanted), so she tries to dial it down, pulling down on the hem of her skirt, aiming for a bit of modesty.]
Thanks! Had it ordered before I left, and just picked it up. [this was absolutely a multi-step plan, but is there anything beyond this?] You look great, too. It's good to see you again!
[there's a smile in return for him, earnest and kind, and she gives him a little curtsy with a laugh.] You flatter me. I'm glad you like it, though. Thought it would make a good birthday present for you!
[leaning against the wall, she swings a foot back and forth, crossing her legs at the ankles, then switches to the other foot.] So, what have you been up to? Getting in trouble with the moons? Saving princesses from dragons? Both? I'm sure it's been much more eventful here than where I've been.
I think you look much better in it than I would. [He knows what she meant, but he still has to tease her. He can't spend the entire time on the defensive.]
You haven't missed much. [A lie, but...] You haven't been gone that long. [At least, its only been a couple of weeks for him. Then he remembers that Time is a different Thing here, so, he has to question that last statement.] ...or have you?
[He wonders about that as he steps further into her apartment, heading into the living room, intent on making himself comfortable.]
[there's a laugh for him as well, and she gives him a wink.] Well, I can take it off right now if you want to try it on. [her fingers fiddle with the button at the top of the neckline, and that's both a threat and a promise for him.
his question gets her to pout, sighing as she follows him into the other room, giving him a shrug of her shoulders.] It felt like a terribly long time, but I think it was a couple weeks. It was like I never even left, though. Right back into the thick of things, working the camera like a professional. [that gets her to smile softly, flicking her hair over her shoulder. that's the nicest way she can explain her little vacation, but if he knows what she went back to...] It was nice to be 19 again, even if it was just a little bit.
[His eyebrows go up as she threatens to undress, and he doesn't exactly say 'no' right then. But that moment passes and the mood changes as Milly discusses being back in Britannia. Which is basically all of Earth now.
He has an idea. He's guessing that things haven't settled from the Zero Requiem just yet, that would still take some time. And Lelouch's death would probably still be fresh in her mind, which also meant that Suzaku didn't get a 19th birthday back there either. So...
He takes all of that into account as he fixes her with a smile.]
I got to fight a few dragons in the Lancelot. That was... something. Did you know some of them could breath lightning?
[He doesn't give her any actual time to answer as he just fills her in.]
What else?
I made friends with another Emperor, and brought her cake for her birthday. Uh.... I also got into a really stupid fight during Sanguis [he sort of waves that one off, as if its nothing to talk about.] And I think that's about it for what you missed.
[There's more, but he isn't about to tell her about any moonlacing that may have gone on and with whom.]
[enough about britannia, she never wants to see it again. or talk about it. or even think about it-- and certainly not the point she's come from. it's better this way, to be on an entirely different planet, as far away from that mess as she can be. suzaku is much more interesting anyway, with dragons (and lightning!), and another emperor, and a sanguis fight.
that's caught her attention most. he must've been an absolute beast to fight against, and whoever his opponent was must be much worse for wear, but it's really interesting because-]
A fight? Do you need someone to patch you up? [nurse milly smiles slyly as she strides over to him, giving him a once over, examining him without placing a hand on him.] What was the fight about, hmm? My guess is it was over a girl~
[He blushes a bit as she gives him a once over, a hand coming up to scratch the back of his head. He's fine, though, as he moves with the same ease as always.]
I'm fine. [But after that cursury examination, he sits down on the couch, then motions for Milly to join him.]
You know, I'm not even sure what the fight was about. I just... I was really in the mood to get physical with someone. I should've-- [gone to see Euphie is what he wants to say, but he's not sure where he and Milly are at in their relationship given the kiss, so he just cuts himself off and shakes his head.]
Anyway, I cross paths with some guy in the street, he's also a Sanguis. He gives me attitude, I give it back, then he grabs me, I kick him, then we brawl in the middle of the street until the Moon Knights broke it up.
[of course he's fine. he's practically indestructible. still, she would've liked to give him a couple kisses to make him feel better.
when she sits on the couch with him, she's eager to hear his story, elbows on her knees, chin in her hands as she listens, gasping as she is surprised he threw down in public, and had to separated by force. those knights must be incredibly strong, too... is everyone just overpowered here? where's her muscles, huh? she must've gotten a dash of extra beauty instead of brawn.]
Sounds [sexy] exciting! I really do hope both of you boys are okay. Still, I gotta know-- you did win, right?
[Honestly, he wishes he could answer with a definitive yes, but...]
The Moon Knights got between us before there could be a winner. And... I'm not the Knight of Zero here. I don't have license to cut down whatever gets in my way.
[It was less that the Moon Knights stopped him, so much as cutting a them down to get to his opponent wasn't something he felt he should do.]
We'll call it 'unfinished business' for now.
[He clearly isn't thrilled by that outcome, and even if Sanguis has set for now, there's a part of him that wants to hunt down this guy, this 'Cloud Strife' and finish what they started.]
Hmm. A match for another day. [she's a little disappointed by this answer, but it's probably best this way. wouldn't want anyone to get into too much trouble (at least, not in any trouble she's not invited to). even as he frowns, she offers him a gentle smile, and and scoots closer to him to place a hand on his shoulder.]
How about next time, you let me know when this is going down, and I'll be your cheerleader, or your captive audience. [a laugh, ever so slightly.] Knight of Zero or not, I know you're quite a force!
[Despite the subject, her reaction does get a smile out of him, even if its a small one. Reaching across his body, he places his hand on top of hers, and gives it a squeeze.]
I didn't think you were that big of a fan of fighting. But it'd be nice to have a nurse on hand.
If I get hurt, you can always kiss it and make it better.
[grinning, she gives him a little shrug, hand flipping over to hold his gently.] Well, truth be told, I'm not super into it, but I'm a fan of you, so I've got to support you!
[but enough of that, because she's laughing, eyes alight with mischief.] It's true, I can! Any scrapes or bruises I need to take a look at now? I can patch you up in no time.
[He does have a Princess to look after his sometimes stupid self, a thought that makes him feel a bit guilty for being here with Milly like this, given...]
But since you're back now, what do you want to do for your birthday?
[even though he says he's fine, she still leans in to inspect what she can of him, which is mostly his face and hands, and those look okay. so he doesn't have to worry about a follow-up with her.
the question of her birthday gets her to straighten up, taking her free hand to place a finger on his lips.] Ah, ah! This is supposed to be about your birthday, and what you want to do for yours! If we were talking about mine-- which we're not-- but if we were, I'd tell you I'm still hoping for that masquerade ball [there's a sly smile for that.] but that's not being discussed. I'm focused all on you right now. What do you actually want for your birthday?
Considering that-- [that I'm supposed to be dead is what he wants to say, but Milly isn't in on the plan. So after a brief pause, he clears his throat.] --that this is really the first time since I was ten that I even had people around who would celebrate my birthday, I think I'm happy with that.
[Being an Eleven really sucked those years. ALL HAIL BRITANNIA.]
But, since you're insisting on making me ask for something for my birthday, since we're not talking about your birthday and the masquerade party that you want to have that I've already put in my share of the deposit for, then maybe a nice trip out of the city? I don't know if we can outrun the craziness, but I hear the mountains of Amegahara are nice this time of year.
[ Cloud's in the middle of taking a phone call as he walks up to the mechanic repair shop, a sizable package tucked under his arm. An assortment of nuts and bolts, time belts and even universal touch panels for various LED screens within vehicles. Alternatively, they can be fitted for apartments in the event of broken Chroma panels. It's a busy time of year with Inari Highway open to the public. More Prismal and Moonblessed alike were making the trip to Amegahara! ]
—... yeah I'll pick some up on my way. Just got one more stop.
..... .. a bag of frozen blueberries? ... ..... Mm. Gotta go. Text me if you think of anything else.
[ Before Cloud opens the front door to the shop, he smirks before mouthing something over the phone, ending the call. Alright. Now it's all business. A digital chime signals that there's someone in the shop. Cloud was always expecting to be greeted to the smell of gasoline, dirt and metal. Seeing how everything relies on Chroma in this world though, it's a far cleaner environment than what he's used to back home. Not necessarily a bad thing though. ]
Strife Delivery Service!
[ Anybody can sign for the delivery, really. Everyone must be busy... Ah well. Luckily he's not in any major rush. There a bell to 'ding!' or something? ]
[He doesn't have to worry about that. That chime alerted everyone in the back, and a voice over the intercom responds to Cloud.]
Someone'll be right out, just hold on a sec.
[Thankfully, the front office is partitioned off from where all the work happens, and the air filters keep the quality nice and clean for the clients. While there are a handful of chairs for Cloud to make himself comfortable in if he wishes, he doesn't have to wait long as the door to the back opens and Suzaku backs his way in, taking off his work gloves in the process.]
Welcome to CRP Garage! How can I hel--
[He freezes as he turns around, and sees who's right in front of him. Someone who he knows... and yet doesn't know at all.]
---elp...
[His expression goes from surprise to something much more guarded. If Sanguis were high in the sky, there's little doubt in his mind that they might pick up where they left off. But its Cordis' time to shine, which at least allows him to think with some clarity. So rather than launch into a fight, he keeps his stance neutral, and watches the other man.
[ Cloud cranes his head to the source of the source of the intercom. Ah. Standard fare. He says nothing back, just giving a collective hum as he brings the package into both hands. No sense in leaving it tucked under his arm anymore when he'll be handing it over right away. He doesn't expect to be staying for long, so he passes on the chairs in the lobby. And sure enough, backing his way in was the right guy to take this shipment! ]
!
[ His voice slowly registers first. But it's when Suzaku turns around that everything comes rushing back to him. The taste of blood in his mouth. The throbbing sensation in his head as Sanguis bled violent thoughts into his conscience. What was meant to be an intense yet well-meant attempt to channel the man's anger towards him, grew out of hand in a big way. That part was Cloud's fault. Two Sanguis in the same area, with an outside factor for the blond, made everything extremely volatile. The only thing that tempers the end result of their brawl is the fact that once the crimson moon waned, he could think more clearly.
It's a mess. An outright frustrating mess. And he's equally as guarded once the look of tempered shock ebbs away. His grip on the box tenses, but nothing to suggest he's about to go crunching the cardboard. Instead of his ears darting up, it's the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end despite his own neutral stance.
Suzaku Kururugi. ]
Hey.
[ 'Sup. ... He's here on professional business. Cloud has to remind himself to keep it that way, even if he has no idea how Suzaku would react. Realizing he forgot how to breath, he lets out a terse huff through his nose as he wills the tension in his shoulders to settle. The muscles in his arms loosen up as well; good luck doing any of this during Sanguis. He resists the urge to make with small talk, or making an offhand remark like "oh. so you work here." ]
[It should be a simple transaction. Take box, sign form, part ways. But as his eyes glance at the box, even the simple business of their business becomes needlessly complicated.
If he takes the box with both hands, Cloud would easily be able to sucker punch him. If he takes it with one hand, he's off balance, and defenseless to one side. He could have Cloud put the box down, the parts are relatively sensitive, that takes them out of the equation. Then there's still the matter of signing, and...
...and as he calculates all of this, he leaves Cloud standing there for what feels like several heartbeats too long to be professional.]
...
...
...this is-- [He doesn't even bother finishing that sentence, muttering something to himself as he shakes his head, a look of annoyance being to creep into his features. Said annoyance is directed inward, even if it may not be obvious to Cloud.
He reaches to grab the box from the other man.]
Where do I sign?
[Take box. Sign papers. Part ways. And that is that, right?]
[ Take box, sign form, part ways, analyze how he should give the box to his client while minimizing the chance of damages. Cloud might be sharp of sense, but he's become intimately familiar with just how swift Suzaku was in kind. The thought never leaves his mind, that without the moon overhead, this could still go off in a very bad way. It feels like unfinished business; that feeling was mutual. Except the difference for Cloud is that for all the gunpowder filling this keg...there's not a single spark in sight to set it off. If there's unfinished business, he doesn't want to settle it with their fists or worse.
Words, Cloud. Use your words. One can cut the tension with the knife; with anybody else, he might have carved through that silence with something. Anything. But equally on edge and tempering his thoughts, he's surprisingly patient until Suzaku finally says something, cutting the thought dead with a shake of his head. This is? ]
--yeah. [ A subtle frown mars his lips as he steps forward into Suzaku's space so the other doesn't have to reach far. Going through the motions, almost robotic-like in his procedure as he allows the taller man to take the box. ] Bottom left.
[ On top of the box is a delivery slip with the order and ultimate cost of the bill. That cost's been covered by the blond's initial pick-up point. ]
Second copy's yours.
[ A beat. ]
Oh.
[ He pulls a pen out of his pocket, offering it for Suzaku to take in case he needs one to sign with. Whether he accepts it or not, the blond waits while rubbing the back of his neck instinctively. ]
[Step one manages to go off without a hitch as he takes the box. Its when they get to step two that things briefly get dicey. Its the way Cloud suddenly reaches for a weappen. Its just a damn pen.
Logically, he knows that, in the end, nothing is about to happen between them. And had it not been Sanguis that day, nothing would've happened between them. There was no reason then, and even less of a reason now.
But he still remembers, very vividly, the way his back broke the pavement. He remembers each punch and each hit that came before that point. He even remembers being healed by the guy, something that could be viewed as an act of contrition, but felt so much like pity that even now he can still taste the bile in his throat from it. He remembers thinking, so very clearly, how badly his sanguis side burned for his blood, and another opportunity to finish what they started.
And now, here he is, offering him a pen.
Who the fuck even is this guy?! This Cloud Strife?
...This really is--
He lets out a huff through his nose, but takes the offered pen. Thankfully, the box isn't so big as to be unwieldly, and signs the top form, all the while muttering how signing for a box shouldn't be so--
It's a thought he never finishes as he rips the signed slip off, offering it and the pen back to Cloud.]
[ Yes. This Cloud Strife. The Cloud Strife that turned his back on the prospects of fighting, hoping there'd be no need to stave off the next disaster for some isolated job as a 'delivery boy'. The Cloud Strife who could have taken the job of a mercenary, toppling threat after threat and clearing job after job for far riskier but juicier paychecks. And honestly...the same Cloud Strife that never had a chance to "live" until he came into his own.
That's the guy who hands Suzaku the pen, stifling those bitter feelings and steeling the tension that threatens to make him blurt out something stupid. The muttering isn't lost on him. The fact that not everything's outright "okay" is still very prominent, hanging in the air and getting thicker with time. As he's handed back the pen and the signed slip, Cloud knows. If he walks out now, this guilt and doubt would continue to hang over his head. And a part of him has to wonder...would it be the same for his fellow Sanguis? ]
Thanks.
[ Putting his pen back in his pocket, when he looks back up at the brown-haired man, blues matching his greens, ]
... [ He can't do it. He's not going to state the obvious. This is awkward. They both know it. So allow him. ] Look, Suzaku. About...—
[He snaps the word out as soon as Cloud starts, though the bite in his voice isn't really directed at the other man. The whole situation is fucked up, and any kind of discussion about it feels like it would be fruitless. But even so, what is he to do? Sending guy away now feels equally as useless.
He lets out a breath.]
Sanguis happens. [Its the best and most concise way he can explain what a clusterfuck their first meeting was. He looks off to the side.] I'll let it go if you do.
[A peace offering. Of sorts. An agreement to let their unfinished business remain unfinished business. After all, he doesn't know the guy, and the only reason he wants to fight him is only because he already fought him to a standstill. There's nothing holding them together that he knows of, so he can spinkick his own pride and just... drop the situation.]
[ Somehow he expected that. Cloud doesn't even flinch away from the response or the bite to that singular word. Unlike during Sanguis when his ears would have flicked. Or his eyes would have widened at the prospect of his itch getting scratched. But there's none of that edge there- tempered as the steel he carries with lethal grace. Whereas Suzaku looks off to the side, the blond's gaze holds steadfast. Never once faltering from the man who seems at war with himself. If he leaves, they "end" their business. If he doesn't but nothing gets said, that tension grows further taut.
But ultimately, the one that's actually in the dark about this all is the knight whose willing to stifle his pride. The answer Suzaku will be met with, however, might not be the one he was expecting. Cloud wants peace too, for various reasons. He also feels like there's no other time to clear the air. No bullshit; he's not the only one having to rein in their pride. ]
I didn't start fighting 'cause of Sanguis.
[ Anywhere else, on any other planet, where Moonlacing and Chroma weren't necessities to life and pulled their bodies and hearts every whichway... Cloud might have still been angry. Jealousy isn't exclusive to the crimson impulse of their moon, but outside its influence, he can't even be mad at the man either. What gives him the right? Everything mandates they make Chroma by being intimate. It happens. It leaves people wanting more. Cloud's no different. One thing is true. Sanguis happens. There's nobody else but the two of them here, and he doesn't have any intention of turning the other way and leaving the man to stew either. So as he rubs the bridge of his nose, finally scrunching his eyes and taking a breath.
He says it plain yet quick. No disdain. ]
You Moonlaced with my girlfriend and that set me off.
[ He suddenly feels very hot after saying that, sighing as he sets his hand on the counter, shaking his head. It's only a minor pause after that truth. How would Cloud know? He looks back to Suzaku, shrugging as he takes his free hand to gesture at his own nose. ]
A nose knows. [ Can't mask scents so easily from a wolf. ] Heightened sense and all that.
[His eyes snap back to meet Cloud's when he gives his initial response. Instantly, his mind starts coming up with possible reason for Could to want to come at him. The only one he can really think of is that, somehow, they're from the same world. That could be the only possible reason why someone he's never laid eyes on before wants to fight him. His past sins coming to catch up to him.
But then--]
What?
[Cloud continues to explain, and the confusion is clear on Suzaku's face. His eyes shift slightly as he runs through his mental rolodex contact list, and while he's moonlaced with a few girls, some more intimately than others, absolutely no one mentioned being in a relationship. His eyebrows furrow.]
[ There it is. The confusion that's awash the man's face. It ain't no smiling matter, but now that he's got the truth out there, the rest becomes a bit easier to follow up with. Neither Cloud or Weiss were the type of people to just...well, sleep around. They made a promise that regardless of what happens, how the moons sway them, who they Moonlace with, they would always come back to one another. It might be a complicated open relationship...but it's one they make work together. With both hands on the counter, he leans against it as he looks back at Suzaku. ]
Weiss.
[ The huntress. Moon Knight, singer, actress, Moonblessed celebrity... She must trust this guy. Which is why Sanguis can be a real bitch. ]
Not sure how much you know about what tends to change when it's our cycle, but...amped up possessiveness is a problem.
Look, we both get it. Moonlacing, chroma, the...moons are a thing. So. [ A beat. Two. ] That was on me.
[Not that he imagines that there are a whole bunch of other Weisses out there, but its still a surprise to hear her name. His brain combs through every interaction he's had with her, trying to remember some hint of mention of a boyfriend, but it comes up blank.
Then Cloud continues and.... he apologizes. Sort of.
He's apologizing for starting a fight with him because he banged his girlfriend.]
[ Cloud won't know another Weiss till Deepground. dfakjh The corner of Cloud's mouth dips to a half frown, a screwy look as he looks at Suzaku as he attempts to process this. He doesn't give verbal confirmation, only the faintest shake of his head up and down. The unspoken "yup" is palpable. There's a part of Cloud that still finds it hard to say outright "sorry". Because there's still a part of him that...wants to rightfully protect what he has?
But even that is a loose conviction when Chroma and Moonlacing have one helluva pull. Yeah. He's technically apologizing for wanting to throw fists because another guy shacked up with his girl.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ninetydegrees
action(?); 7/19
inside are a few shirts, all folded nicely, and two hats-- one is a black beanie, and the other is a nurse's cap, laid carefully on top of the clothes, with a card resting on top of them. inside of the envelope is... a lot of confetti... and a card that reads as follows:]
Suzaku,
Happy birthday~! ♥ ♥ ♥ Sorry I couldn't get this to you on time. Next year, I'll do it right! I hope your actual birthday was AMAZING and that you enjoyed every second of it with everyone you wanted, and that Lelouch knew to at least get you a cake on my behalf. (If he didn't, then I'll make you one myself!) Enjoy your birthday month!
With love,
Milly
P.S. Let me know if you have any questions about your presents. You know, if things don't fit or something... ;)
Re:action(?); -> Text
Thanks for the gifts! I appreciate them. And don't trouble yourself over my birthday, I'm just glad to hear from you again.
Though, I do have to ask...
[He sends her a picture of him holding the nurse's cap]
Are you sure this was meant for me?
(no subject)
oh! i see you got all my gifts. or, almost all of them. but if you don't mind sharing that one
[she sends him a picture in kind, of her sporting a nurse's costume with a rather short hem, smiling in the mirror she's photographing herself in.]
id like to reunite it with its other half :)
(no subject)
saving that one.][But after a few moments of gawking.]
I guess I can get it back to you
(no subject)
really? thanks! just let me know when youre bringing it over. no rush though. im not disappearing again any time soon if i can help it lol
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Well, if I'm such a good kisser that you traveled through time and space just for another one, it would be rude of me to deny you. Though maybe next time I should tie you down, just to make sure you can't run off anywhere.
(no subject)
(no subject)
...he shouldn't be thinking those kinds of things.]
I'll bring some rope the next time I see you, along with the nurse's cap.
[Though, speaking of...]
Are you free tonight?
(no subject)
i am! are you planning to make an appearance at my apartment tonight, or are you just making sure im not getting into any trouble?
(no subject)
[And he also wants to check on her and make sure she's all right.]
(no subject)
see you soon. ill be waiting!
-> Acrion
He really shouldn't be so nervous when standing outside her apartment, but its an odd sense of butterflies in his stomach. He's not sure why, or what he even expects, even if that kiss still lingers in his mind. But he decides to suck it up and takes a deep breath before knocking at her door.]
(no subject)
Hello, Suzaku. I see you brought just what I was missing. But where's the rope, hmm? I was looking forward to that.
(no subject)
....rope? [It takes a moment for the gears in his brain to get around to that, but he starts to remember their conversation.] It-- I, um...
[As he finally lands back in reality, he lets out a breath and facepalms, which barely hides his blush.]
...hi.
I think this is yours.
[The nurse's cap, which he holds out for her.]
(no subject)
Thanks! Just what I needed. Or should I say, just what the doctor ordered! [another laugh as she places the hat upon her head, and bobby pins it securely to her hair. there. now she's ready to play. she steps to the side, holding open the door for him.]
Come in! Step inside my office! [she can't stop herself from laughing, very clearly enjoying the vibe she's created. poor suzaku, though. there's a little bit of pity for him in her heart; she hopes he'll get some actual enjoyment out of this.]
(no subject)
Thank you. [He manages to get out that much, his face still red, Milly's joyous expression not really helping in that regard.]
Nice outfit.
(no subject)
Thanks! Had it ordered before I left, and just picked it up. [this was absolutely a multi-step plan, but is there anything beyond this?] You look great, too. It's good to see you again!
(no subject)
It's good to see you too. The outfit looks good on you.
(no subject)
[leaning against the wall, she swings a foot back and forth, crossing her legs at the ankles, then switches to the other foot.] So, what have you been up to? Getting in trouble with the moons? Saving princesses from dragons? Both? I'm sure it's been much more eventful here than where I've been.
(no subject)
You haven't missed much. [A lie, but...] You haven't been gone that long. [At least, its only been a couple of weeks for him. Then he remembers that Time is a different Thing here, so, he has to question that last statement.] ...or have you?
[He wonders about that as he steps further into her apartment, heading into the living room, intent on making himself comfortable.]
(no subject)
his question gets her to pout, sighing as she follows him into the other room, giving him a shrug of her shoulders.] It felt like a terribly long time, but I think it was a couple weeks. It was like I never even left, though. Right back into the thick of things, working the camera like a professional. [that gets her to smile softly, flicking her hair over her shoulder. that's the nicest way she can explain her little vacation, but if he knows what she went back to...] It was nice to be 19 again, even if it was just a little bit.
(no subject)
He has an idea. He's guessing that things haven't settled from the Zero Requiem just yet, that would still take some time. And Lelouch's death would probably still be fresh in her mind, which also meant that Suzaku didn't get a 19th birthday back there either. So...
He takes all of that into account as he fixes her with a smile.]
I got to fight a few dragons in the Lancelot. That was... something. Did you know some of them could breath lightning?
[He doesn't give her any actual time to answer as he just fills her in.]
What else?
I made friends with another Emperor, and brought her cake for her birthday. Uh.... I also got into a really stupid fight during Sanguis [he sort of waves that one off, as if its nothing to talk about.] And I think that's about it for what you missed.
[There's more, but he isn't about to tell her about any moonlacing that may have gone on and with whom.]
(no subject)
that's caught her attention most. he must've been an absolute beast to fight against, and whoever his opponent was must be much worse for wear, but it's really interesting because-]
A fight? Do you need someone to patch you up? [nurse milly smiles slyly as she strides over to him, giving him a once over, examining him without placing a hand on him.] What was the fight about, hmm? My guess is it was over a girl~
(no subject)
I'm fine. [But after that cursury examination, he sits down on the couch, then motions for Milly to join him.]
You know, I'm not even sure what the fight was about. I just... I was really in the mood to get physical with someone. I should've-- [gone to see Euphie is what he wants to say, but he's not sure where he and Milly are at in their relationship given the kiss, so he just cuts himself off and shakes his head.]
Anyway, I cross paths with some guy in the street, he's also a Sanguis. He gives me attitude, I give it back, then he grabs me, I kick him, then we brawl in the middle of the street until the Moon Knights broke it up.
(no subject)
when she sits on the couch with him, she's eager to hear his story, elbows on her knees, chin in her hands as she listens, gasping as she is surprised he threw down in public, and had to separated by force. those knights must be incredibly strong, too... is everyone just overpowered here? where's her muscles, huh? she must've gotten a dash of extra beauty instead of brawn.]
Sounds [sexy] exciting! I really do hope both of you boys are okay. Still, I gotta know-- you did win, right?
(no subject)
The Moon Knights got between us before there could be a winner. And... I'm not the Knight of Zero here. I don't have license to cut down whatever gets in my way.
[It was less that the Moon Knights stopped him, so much as cutting a them down to get to his opponent wasn't something he felt he should do.]
We'll call it 'unfinished business' for now.
[He clearly isn't thrilled by that outcome, and even if Sanguis has set for now, there's a part of him that wants to hunt down this guy, this 'Cloud Strife' and finish what they started.]
(no subject)
How about next time, you let me know when this is going down, and I'll be your cheerleader, or your captive audience. [a laugh, ever so slightly.] Knight of Zero or not, I know you're quite a force!
(no subject)
I didn't think you were that big of a fan of fighting. But it'd be nice to have a nurse on hand.
If I get hurt, you can always kiss it and make it better.
(no subject)
[but enough of that, because she's laughing, eyes alight with mischief.] It's true, I can! Any scrapes or bruises I need to take a look at now? I can patch you up in no time.
(no subject)
I'm already all patched up and good to go.
[He does have a Princess to look after his sometimes stupid self, a thought that makes him feel a bit guilty for being here with Milly like this, given...]
But since you're back now, what do you want to do for your birthday?
(no subject)
the question of her birthday gets her to straighten up, taking her free hand to place a finger on his lips.] Ah, ah! This is supposed to be about your birthday, and what you want to do for yours! If we were talking about mine-- which we're not-- but if we were, I'd tell you I'm still hoping for that masquerade ball [there's a sly smile for that.] but that's not being discussed. I'm focused all on you right now. What do you actually want for your birthday?
(no subject)
[Being an Eleven really sucked those years. ALL HAIL BRITANNIA.]
But, since you're insisting on making me ask for something for my birthday, since we're not talking about your birthday and the masquerade party that you want to have that I've already put in my share of the deposit for, then maybe a nice trip out of the city? I don't know if we can outrun the craziness, but I hear the mountains of Amegahara are nice this time of year.
action; 08/Cordis
[ Cloud's in the middle of taking a phone call as he walks up to the mechanic repair shop, a sizable package tucked under his arm. An assortment of nuts and bolts, time belts and even universal touch panels for various LED screens within vehicles. Alternatively, they can be fitted for apartments in the event of broken Chroma panels. It's a busy time of year with Inari Highway open to the public. More Prismal and Moonblessed alike were making the trip to Amegahara! ]
—... yeah I'll pick some up on my way. Just got one more stop.
..... .. a bag of frozen blueberries? ... ..... Mm. Gotta go. Text me if you think of anything else.
[ Before Cloud opens the front door to the shop, he smirks before mouthing something over the phone, ending the call. Alright. Now it's all business. A digital chime signals that there's someone in the shop. Cloud was always expecting to be greeted to the smell of gasoline, dirt and metal. Seeing how everything relies on Chroma in this world though, it's a far cleaner environment than what he's used to back home. Not necessarily a bad thing though. ]
Strife Delivery Service!
[ Anybody can sign for the delivery, really. Everyone must be busy... Ah well. Luckily he's not in any major rush. There a bell to 'ding!' or something? ]
(no subject)
Someone'll be right out, just hold on a sec.
[Thankfully, the front office is partitioned off from where all the work happens, and the air filters keep the quality nice and clean for the clients. While there are a handful of chairs for Cloud to make himself comfortable in if he wishes, he doesn't have to wait long as the door to the back opens and Suzaku backs his way in, taking off his work gloves in the process.]
Welcome to CRP Garage! How can I hel--
[He freezes as he turns around, and sees who's right in front of him. Someone who he knows... and yet doesn't know at all.]
---elp...
[His expression goes from surprise to something much more guarded. If Sanguis were high in the sky, there's little doubt in his mind that they might pick up where they left off. But its Cordis' time to shine, which at least allows him to think with some clarity. So rather than launch into a fight, he keeps his stance neutral, and watches the other man.
Cloud Strife.]
You.
(no subject)
!
[ His voice slowly registers first. But it's when Suzaku turns around that everything comes rushing back to him. The taste of blood in his mouth. The throbbing sensation in his head as Sanguis bled violent thoughts into his conscience. What was meant to be an intense yet well-meant attempt to channel the man's anger towards him, grew out of hand in a big way. That part was Cloud's fault. Two Sanguis in the same area, with an outside factor for the blond, made everything extremely volatile. The only thing that tempers the end result of their brawl is the fact that once the crimson moon waned, he could think more clearly.
It's a mess. An outright frustrating mess. And he's equally as guarded once the look of tempered shock ebbs away. His grip on the box tenses, but nothing to suggest he's about to go crunching the cardboard. Instead of his ears darting up, it's the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end despite his own neutral stance.
Suzaku Kururugi. ]
Hey.
[ 'Sup. ... He's here on professional business. Cloud has to remind himself to keep it that way, even if he has no idea how Suzaku would react. Realizing he forgot how to breath, he lets out a terse huff through his nose as he wills the tension in his shoulders to settle. The muscles in his arms loosen up as well; good luck doing any of this during Sanguis. He resists the urge to make with small talk, or making an offhand remark like "oh. so you work here." ]
I've got CRP's spare parts order here.
(no subject)
[It should be a simple transaction. Take box, sign form, part ways. But as his eyes glance at the box, even the simple business of their business becomes needlessly complicated.
If he takes the box with both hands, Cloud would easily be able to sucker punch him. If he takes it with one hand, he's off balance, and defenseless to one side. He could have Cloud put the box down, the parts are relatively sensitive, that takes them out of the equation. Then there's still the matter of signing, and...
...and as he calculates all of this, he leaves Cloud standing there for what feels like several heartbeats too long to be professional.]
...
...
...this is-- [He doesn't even bother finishing that sentence, muttering something to himself as he shakes his head, a look of annoyance being to creep into his features. Said annoyance is directed inward, even if it may not be obvious to Cloud.
He reaches to grab the box from the other man.]
Where do I sign?
[Take box. Sign papers. Part ways. And that is that, right?]
(no subject)
Words, Cloud. Use your words. One can cut the tension with the knife; with anybody else, he might have carved through that silence with something. Anything. But equally on edge and tempering his thoughts, he's surprisingly patient until Suzaku finally says something, cutting the thought dead with a shake of his head. This is? ]
--yeah. [ A subtle frown mars his lips as he steps forward into Suzaku's space so the other doesn't have to reach far. Going through the motions, almost robotic-like in his procedure as he allows the taller man to take the box. ] Bottom left.
[ On top of the box is a delivery slip with the order and ultimate cost of the bill. That cost's been covered by the blond's initial pick-up point. ]
Second copy's yours.
[ A beat. ]
Oh.
[ He pulls a pen out of his pocket, offering it for Suzaku to take in case he needs one to sign with. Whether he accepts it or not, the blond waits while rubbing the back of his neck instinctively. ]
(no subject)
[Step one manages to go off without a hitch as he takes the box. Its when they get to step two that things briefly get dicey. Its the way Cloud suddenly reaches for a
weappen. Its just a damn pen.Logically, he knows that, in the end, nothing is about to happen between them. And had it not been Sanguis that day, nothing would've happened between them. There was no reason then, and even less of a reason now.
But he still remembers, very vividly, the way his back broke the pavement. He remembers each punch and each hit that came before that point. He even remembers being healed by the guy, something that could be viewed as an act of contrition, but felt so much like pity that even now he can still taste the bile in his throat from it. He remembers thinking, so very clearly, how badly his sanguis side burned for his blood, and another opportunity to finish what they started.
And now, here he is, offering him a pen.
Who the fuck even is this guy?! This Cloud Strife?
...This really is--
He lets out a huff through his nose, but takes the offered pen. Thankfully, the box isn't so big as to be unwieldly, and signs the top form, all the while muttering how signing for a box shouldn't be so--
It's a thought he never finishes as he rips the signed slip off, offering it and the pen back to Cloud.]
Here.
(no subject)
That's the guy who hands Suzaku the pen, stifling those bitter feelings and steeling the tension that threatens to make him blurt out something stupid. The muttering isn't lost on him. The fact that not everything's outright "okay" is still very prominent, hanging in the air and getting thicker with time. As he's handed back the pen and the signed slip, Cloud knows. If he walks out now, this guilt and doubt would continue to hang over his head. And a part of him has to wonder...would it be the same for his fellow Sanguis? ]
Thanks.
[ Putting his pen back in his pocket, when he looks back up at the brown-haired man, blues matching his greens, ]
... [ He can't do it. He's not going to state the obvious. This is awkward. They both know it. So allow him. ] Look, Suzaku. About...—
(no subject)
[He snaps the word out as soon as Cloud starts, though the bite in his voice isn't really directed at the other man. The whole situation is fucked up, and any kind of discussion about it feels like it would be fruitless. But even so, what is he to do? Sending guy away now feels equally as useless.
He lets out a breath.]
Sanguis happens. [Its the best and most concise way he can explain what a clusterfuck their first meeting was. He looks off to the side.] I'll let it go if you do.
[A peace offering. Of sorts. An agreement to let their unfinished business remain unfinished business. After all, he doesn't know the guy, and the only reason he wants to fight him is only because he already fought him to a standstill. There's nothing holding them together that he knows of, so he can spinkick his own pride and just... drop the situation.]
(no subject)
But ultimately, the one that's actually in the dark about this all is the knight whose willing to stifle his pride. The answer Suzaku will be met with, however, might not be the one he was expecting. Cloud wants peace too, for various reasons. He also feels like there's no other time to clear the air. No bullshit; he's not the only one having to rein in their pride. ]
I didn't start fighting 'cause of Sanguis.
[ Anywhere else, on any other planet, where Moonlacing and Chroma weren't necessities to life and pulled their bodies and hearts every whichway... Cloud might have still been angry. Jealousy isn't exclusive to the crimson impulse of their moon, but outside its influence, he can't even be mad at the man either. What gives him the right? Everything mandates they make Chroma by being intimate. It happens. It leaves people wanting more. Cloud's no different. One thing is true. Sanguis happens. There's nobody else but the two of them here, and he doesn't have any intention of turning the other way and leaving the man to stew either. So as he rubs the bridge of his nose, finally scrunching his eyes and taking a breath.
He says it plain yet quick. No disdain. ]
You Moonlaced with my girlfriend and that set me off.
[ He suddenly feels very hot after saying that, sighing as he sets his hand on the counter, shaking his head. It's only a minor pause after that truth. How would Cloud know? He looks back to Suzaku, shrugging as he takes his free hand to gesture at his own nose. ]
A nose knows. [ Can't mask scents so easily from a wolf. ] Heightened sense and all that.
(no subject)
But then--]
What?
[Cloud continues to explain, and the confusion is clear on Suzaku's face. His eyes shift slightly as he runs through his mental
rolodexcontact list, and while he's moonlaced with a few girls, some more intimately than others, absolutely no one mentioned being in a relationship. His eyebrows furrow.]Who's your girlfriend?
(no subject)
Weiss.
[ The huntress. Moon Knight, singer, actress, Moonblessed celebrity... She must trust this guy. Which is why Sanguis can be a real bitch. ]
Not sure how much you know about what tends to change when it's our cycle, but...amped up possessiveness is a problem.
Look, we both get it. Moonlacing, chroma, the...moons are a thing. So. [ A beat. Two. ] That was on me.
(no subject)
[Not that he imagines that there are a whole bunch of other Weisses out there, but its still a surprise to hear her name. His brain combs through every interaction he's had with her, trying to remember some hint of mention of a boyfriend, but it comes up blank.
Then Cloud continues and.... he apologizes. Sort of.
He's apologizing for starting a fight with him because he banged his girlfriend.]
...............
I'm gonna need a minute.
(no subject)
Cloud won't know another Weiss till Deepground. dfakjhThe corner of Cloud's mouth dips to a half frown, a screwy look as he looks at Suzaku as he attempts to process this. He doesn't give verbal confirmation, only the faintest shake of his head up and down. The unspoken "yup" is palpable. There's a part of Cloud that still finds it hard to say outright "sorry". Because there's still a part of him that...wants to rightfully protect what he has?But even that is a loose conviction when Chroma and Moonlacing have one helluva pull. Yeah. He's technically apologizing for wanting to throw fists because another guy shacked up with his girl.
......
Only in Prismatica.
"I'm gonna need a minute." ]
Can't blame ya, [ He says immediately after. ]
text; un: fireprincess -- a misfire! you're welcome!