[It's difficult coping with the cycle, even with friends willing to help. It runs so counter to the Jedi way of life, and her own way of carrying herself, Code aside. She hates it, because the heat and aggression and possessiveness are just so hard to manage, and ultimately it's why she winds up trying to keep active. That seems to abate the worst of the symptoms, though sometimes it's difficult to shut them out completely.
Right now is a great example, because when jogging through the park and spotting a young woman carrying a few shopping bags it generally isn't a great idea to stare. Realizing that the person she's staring at is a Servant thanks to the Force and her friendship with several others doesn't dissuade her in the slightest, if anything that is a draw.
So, slowing her feet to a walk, she meanders up with a wave.]
You look like you could use a hand with those bags, miss.
[ Out of an usual whim of hers, Marie had decided today that she should go shopping for clothes and other menial things for her house. The Chroma left in her is enough for carrying the bags, but she's a bit concerned over how tired she will be once she hits home. Maybe she should have spared a few cuddle bucks for her own health, but bad habits are hard to die.
That's when her B+ rank luck rears in, and an energetic looking stranger comes up to her with an offer of help. Nothing about that seems worth distrusting at all; instead, the Queen is overjoyed from such event. ]
Ah! I wouldn't like to be a disturb, but oui, a little help would be appreciated!
[ It's been a while since Samatoki's participated in a festival. Sure, there are various festivals celebrated in Yokohama, but he's not really somebody who enjoys... well, fun things. He's a serious type of guy who prefers to do business rather than enjoy himself, but that's because he's had a pretty difficult life that the idea of fun was taken away from him at a young age.
Of course, he has his own idea of it. Punching people is fun............. His ideas aren't very good.
It's why he takes advantage of the peace here. He knows he has obligations in Yokohama and he has to take Japan back from the Party of Words, but he can't do that here. He has to go back, and until he's back, he'll just see what the life here has to offer.
Samatoki spots Marie in the festival grounds as she's exploring. He doesn't look particularly interested, but he actually is. ]
Yanno, you look like you're the kind of person who's surrounded by people. Lots of friends. I think I always catch you when you're alone.
[ The festival's merry air affects Marie immediately in the form of unadulterated joy. Brightness, talented dancers and singers, the delicious smell of food... no matter how you look at it, there is no way anybody can't enjoy themselves in some way or another, and Marie most of all is a party girl of sorts.
It was by mere luck that Samatoki has caught her alone, what with the rush of friends she hung out with before they split ways. Things are never boring with her, when it comes to having friends surrounding her, one coming after the other. She knows how to keep herself busy.
His remark sounds odd, but still rings true, and the way he says it is amusing, so she chuckles at him. ]
Indeed, it must be fate that we always meet up in such a way! That just means we should now spend a bit of time together, non?
[ When the Sinless managed to claim Tifa and him, the sweltering rage that bubbled up inside was palpable when they were finally set free. His resistance to the effects of the wine was quite strong though; the only visible change as of yet was the golden hue of his eyes. Cloud's hold a certain luster to them, no amount of magic and celestial influence able to quell the glow of mako underneath. The two fought and joined the efforts of the rescue team without a second thought. By all accounts, they really should have been running as well after all the effort the party went through in busting in. But that wasn't their style— no. They got busted out? Now they were going to bust heads and rescue as many other people as they can.
But the decision to remain behind, while not a costly one, certainly left them in the thick of it for far longer than intended. The ensuing skirmish and battle between the Moon Knights and chosen Moonblessed against the vulpine schemers was a challenging one. They weren't just deep within the basement dwellings either. Eventually, Cloud was successful in finding his stolen weaponry and clothing. What would eventually follow as he's eventually split from the others, was a more troubling confrontation. It's Cloud versus three Sinless deceivers, all very difficult to hit. That being said, the acerbic swordsman fights with the ferocity of an army. Illusory though his status may have been, he harbors the power of SOLDIER as their fight eventually leads to the outside and onto the rooftop. A multi-leveled structure that looks beautiful on the outside, it's betrayed by the corruption and sin that rots the foundation.
Even though Cloud and his opponents took the long way up, leaping and soaring through the sky while his captors gave chase, there were other ways of getting up here. As one Sinless thinks they've caught the swordsman's blind spot, he frees a hand up by tossing a sword in the air; he successfully snags them by the front of their outfit before mercilessly slamming them into the ground, the rooftop cracking beneath their body on impact. Bouncing from the force of the slam, it kills any air inside their lungs as they choke to gasp. Too bad that wasn't the end of it as their body is kicked straight off the rooftop. Come to think of it, they were pretty high up now... ]
Hmph—!
[ He catches his sword just in time, keeping up with now two attackers with parries and dodges across the roof, swinging back as he looks for a way to end this quick. Honestly, there's really no love lost for this place, so if he causes some damage? He'll do exactly that. Cloud’s fighting stance lowers, the edge of his massive blade tilted towards the Sinless. He couldn’t waste too much time here. ]
[ Having spent few months in this planet already, Marie is no longer a stranger to how certain situations end up getting spectacularly out of hand. Back home, it was basically the norm, but here it gains an extra touch of bizarre that can be entirely blamed on the variety of Moonblessed that share this space. Admittedly, having so many different people in one place also increases the potential of dramatic twists like the kidnapping plot in Obscuria, although fortunately in that case the solution was quite satisfactory and neither she nor her closest friends had been gravely injured from the ordeal.
However, back then, Marie still had a Master. Fighting against a big bad boss was greatly within her capacities, and Ritsuka's presence also calmed her heart in certain ways few other people ever did. Now that she's gone... the Queen has realized with abject horror that she's no longer a formidable stonewall against the bunch of seductive cultists of the Fox who so easily subjugated her and threw her in a jail.
Her stay within the captive walls had been relatively calm, aside from the wine's effects pricking through the barriers of rationality and spreading uncomfortable heat across every inch of her body's insides. The rescue forces, as predicted, had broken into the place and saved everyone, and a fleeting glance at a mirror had her recoil at how gold her eyes look now. Magic Resistance is a skill every Rider possesses, but her own was never that strong, and that's why she had to learn how to walk again as she stumbled and slipped her way out of obvious danger. After finding her clothes and the rose ring aiding her powers, she picked a direction and darted towards it without a second thought.
Such decision leads her to the building's rooftop. It doesn't even take a glance for her to understand how high up she currently is. Despite her decent Luck, all her golden eyes register is a fierce battle between the fox people and someone who clearly stands out from the rest, blonde hair shining among the storm of same-faced cultists. One particular impact from the man's attack causes Marie to struggle in order to keep her balance as the ground shakes under her feet, threatening to crumble. The late realization that her choice of action was quite poor dawns on her without mercy.
The man is visibly outnumbered, clearly needing assistance, and Marie can at least serve as a distraction for him to take the enemies down. But as he gets on a stance, she finally recognizes that face, and that hairstyle. Before her mind advises her against it, she beats it to the punch by crying out, certainly attracting more than a pair of eyes on her. ]
[It's been months since he first arrived here, but somehow, he just can't get used to dealing with the Cordis cycle turning him into a cat with a ravenous appetite for both food and moonlacing. But at least he knows he can turn to someone who can help him cope without judgment.]
Hello, Marie.
I hate to bother you, but may I come over today? I do also have something to give you.
[At least he won't invite himself over without bringing something.]
[ With the memories of last month lingering in her mind, Marie softens her look when she sees Sanson's message lit over the screen. It's obvious why he's contacting her, the calendar marking the days of Cordis' moon. After what occurred with Cloud, she left the Assassin to have his own space. They all needed a bit of time alone, really.
Enough time has passed and she now can't wait to see his face and touch him once again. ]
I am not busy. Come over when you feel like it.
[ The suggestion of a present from him makes her want to urge him and appear faster at her door. ]
[There's a good few hours between the anonymous conversation and the time this message is sent. Sorry, he had to take some time to collect his brain after having exploded.]
Good evening. I am at a loss for a suitable way to begin this conversation and I confess I nearly backed out of it altogether, but I owe it to you to at least respond. I was the gentleman you encountered on anonymous chat.
The gentleman who just told her he would like to get taken in the rear by her.
What a wonderful world... literally.
Marie needs a short while to recollect herself, after which she starts chuckling at the ridiculousness of this situation, and then types up a reply. ]
You were one of the people I would have suspected the least to show up at my anonymous front step, Österreich. I cannot say I should be surprised, however, because of how our first meeting panned out. Hehe.
Just so you won't misunderstand me, I hold no judgement over this. None of the negative kind. Rather, this is a pleasant turn of events to me. And my offer still stands.
[ It's probably a little random because Samatoki sends a text after weeks of no contact, but!! He has a reason for it!!
The messages begin with a couple of photos. There's bento boxes in one photo, all looking cute and organised. One wouldn't believe that Samatoki made these when they're so cute and he's so... uncute. The second photo is a box of churros and chocolate dip. He did say he'd introduce Marie to the snack! ]
[ He's a man of so many contradictions. Looking cool, yet being uncool. It doesn't surprise her to see the photos despite his generally non-cute attitude. The fact she still thinks he's cute is an outlier that should not be counted. ]
[ And the door swings open, a luminous Marie showing up. Although she knows this is the middle of Sanguis for poor Cloud, she hopes to distract him with her Pizza. ]
[ The other boy is here, and he's so enthusiastic about it Marie feels her mood improve the moment he speaks up, despite the smell of burnt everything wafting the air. ]
Bonjour, Subaru! The pizza is still warm, so come on in!
[Marie might have noticed that one person in particular did not greet her publicly for her birthday. Instead, Sanson had been busy gathering up his presents - and courage - to greet her with dignity and respect befitting someone like her. He doesn't leave her a message; instead, he shows up to knock on her door with a large bouquet of lilies and a box of chocolate bonbons. A reservation has been made at a nice restaurant; all that was left was to hope that she was free tonight because he really wanted to surprise her.
Not to mention, he dressed up for the occasion. No gloomy coats or ridiculous shoulder pieces. An attempt was even made to tame his hair - although his hair is already beginning to break free from the restraints of hair gel and several comb strokes.
When she opens her door, he tries to smile as best he can. Each day, his smiles become less awkward and a bit more sincere, even wider. Especially around Marie.]
[ Indeed, Marie had wondered why Sanson wasn't among the folks giving her their wishes on the network. It worried her at first, but she also faintly suspected he was planning for something... more personal than a simple message. Hearing the ring of her doorbell and then opening the door only to find the Assassin standing there, well dressed, hair almost in order for once, bouquet and box in his arms... fills her with joy that not even Chroma can offer.
After a Mon Dieu uttered through quivering lips, the Queen blushes pink and refrains herself from tackling him a hug, mindful of the lilies. Instead she grabs him by the elbow and gently pulls him inside. ]
Merci beaucoup, Charles... really, merci...
[ There are already tears pooling in her eyes. She can't stay composed when someone so dear to her comes up with something so lovely out of the blue. ]
[True to his words, Soundwave arrives at her doorstep hours after his initial reply to her announcement. It took a little while finding and gathering up the gifts Soundwave wanted to shower Marie with for her important day- that, and he needed a certain amount of courage going inside a certain sex shop and buy a certain set of items. Cough cough. Anyways, while he does have such ideas floating in his head, he'd also gone to a toy shop to share his love for a large land mammal with Marie.
It was a very good idea that he decided to add a hoodie for the avatar, otherwise she'd need to find another way to surprise Marie with what she's wearing around her neck.
With deep unabated breath, fueled with courage, she rings the doorbell. And what will greet Marie outside her door is Soundwave's avatar with a giant elephant plush doll hugged between her arms, her shy smile is hidden behind the animal doll.]
[ ... That is perhaps the most adorable display she'd seen in a while. Marie grips the door's handle with some degree of strength, so tempted to rush over to Soundwave and give him a big hug, but the big plush in the avatar's arms kind of prevents her from even wanting to make that move. She doesn't want to disrupt such an adorable picture just yet.
With a soft chuckle, she calms down a bit and smiles brightly at the girl in front of her. ]
Merci, merci, mon chér ami! I am so glad to see you face to face today!
[ She happily allows Soundwave inside, closing the door behind them. ]
So, that is your gift to me? It is utterly lovely!
[ And it's an elephant plush, which she knows means a whole lot to her robo friend since he likes those animals quite a bit. ]
[ Sometime on her birthday, Marie will find a cake has been delivered to her place of residence. There is no name on the card, just a very neat "Happy Birthday" written in French. ]
[ A mysterious admirer...? Marie can't wrap her head around the fact someone without a name would send her something so significantly... cake-y for her birthday. And with the message entirely in french, too! This person is after her heart and she doesn't even know who they are...! Frustrating!
But the cake is actually super delicious! Maybe she should have had someone taste-test it for poison, but it's all fine, she's fine and happy, yet puzzled by the gesture.
One day she will get to the bottom of this mystery! ... For now, she'll get herself another slice. ]
[ Shops were starting to close down for the night. Anything he could find was either far too expensive (as in, set him to negative Chroma which he's pretty sure is illegal and would get him an earful from everyone he knew,) or didn't feel right for a present. But Rider's Master was running out of options. And time for that matter. Marie was a Queen. Though she called herself a "simple girl" all the time, he's been to her place. She lived quite the lavish life, rich in Chroma and affection. So if he rolled up with a box of chocolates or some flowers...
He roleplays a scene in his head, envisioning one of her little giggles hidden behind a gloved hand. She'd tell him that it's the thought that counts. All she was expecting was for him to roll up on Sköll so that she can go for a ride with him, and in turn, take it for a ride herself. When he comes home a little too late, he makes a beeline straight for his bedroom and flops unceremoniously onto his mattress. Staring up at his ceiling, without a single gift to be found, he half frowns before turning over to try and sleep. Better than staying up and letting Sanguis' pull leave him feeling annoyed further. He sighs with heavier lids. ]
What can you do...
♕ ♕ ♕
November 2nd
[ He wakes up earlier in the morning. It's the second day of another Sanguis cycle, and its effects are in full swing. It's become old hat for the swordsman by now however. So hopping out of bed and freshening up with a hot shower (always weird scrubbing ears on top of his head...), he clips and files his nails down since they've become claws again. It's a busy day for the blond. It'd take a little while for him to get the approval for promoting the reborn 'Strife Delivery Service'. However that didn't mean he couldn't get a head start. Usagi told him he could use her garage space to park his bike. And chances were he'd take her up on that offer. But...it was worth checking the spaces in Level 3 like 76 had suggested too. If he checked things out early enough, that'd leave him plenty of time to pay Marie a visit for her birthday.
Just had to be alright with just showing up to give his wishes and let her ride Sköll. ]
--
[ And indeed, there were some spots he could rent out as far as garages were concerned. But he's more pricing things out for now, so he respectfully takes his leave after thanking the owners of the storage block for their time. It seems like he always keeps coming back here. To Caihong... On his way back home, he has to cross the bridge that closes the gap across waterways. It's here that Cloud's steps slow some, until he stops with a hand on the railing. ]
...
[ He watches it happen all over again, in his mind's eye as a girl comes up to him and asks to see his lip. The spot where he met a "simple girl" for the first time. This was the place. He can still remember his own fumbling embarrassment and her own laugh- full of merriment. As she drags him away, the memory fades and Cloud is left there, leaning against the railing. Huffing at himself with a shake of his head, he pushes himself away and crosses the rest of the bridges. It's almost noon time and the crowds are getting busier and busier. Cloud makes his way down the street, past businesses that were just starting to open up shop. He's about to keep going when the chime of a business' doors opening hits his ears. ]
Mm? [ All it took was a single glance from the corner of his eye. And he's suddenly frozen dead in his tracks. There, glimmering in the window... His eyes widen as he gives a soundless gasp. That's it. This could very well be the most impulsive thing he's done on such short notice. And before the door can close to the glass figure shop, he pulls it straight open and marches straight up to the elderly man behind the counter. ]
Hey, how much is that one?
♘ ♘ ♘
[ He's late. At least, that's how he feels rolling up to her apartment complex this deep into the afternoon. Better late than never though, right? He's not sure if she's still at home. But if Marie was, she'd likely be able to hear the distant rumbling sound of an engine, getting closer and closer outside until it's purring idly. After a good few seconds, the sound of the motorcycle dies off as he shuts it off and props the kickstand.
He carried the simple white box wrapped in a black ribbon under his arm the entire ride over here. But considering how fragile the gift inside was, who can blame him? Cloud pulls his shades up to sit atop his spiky hair and makes his way up to her doorstep. ]
[ It's late in the afternoon, and Cloud didn't show up yet. After chatting away with a few friends who delivered their wishes and gifts, Marie opted to hang by the doorstep of her apartment, hoping that her Master wasn't held back by something. If he did, though, he would have no doubt texted her. Dolled up in one of her recent purchases, with silky white gloves and a combo of white thigh highs and black t-strap shoes, she leans back against the wall, listening to the city's sounds.
The roar of an engine perks her attention. Wide sapphire eyes witness the arrival of Cloud in his vehicle, and there's a spark in her gaze at the design which looks even more gorgeous beyond a screen. Smile growing considerably, she watches him get off the bike and come up to her with a gift box under his arm.
Her excitement peaks once the two are face to face, the Queen clasping her hands together. ]
The former ruler of Sanguis moon received this picture and called it "junk mail." 8 days later Sanguis moon became uninhabitable. A man received this picture and immediately sent out copies, then received good fortune for an entire year, including winning a jackpot lottery. Copy, paste, and send this to 9 people or you will be cursed. Don't take any chances. Sanguis did, and now no one can live there.
[ A couple days after Cloud was stricken with the news that Zack had disappeared from the planet, he'd found himself divulging the news to Marie. Calm as he was with his new draconic blessing, a reopened wound was still exactly that. A wound. One that he covers up rather well even as he explained who Zack was to Marie. A very important friend who was taken too soon. On the surface, however, he held a confident smile and carried on like nothing was amiss. And in a way, that was still true. He doesn't blame himself for the past- not anymore. But...that didn't mean it wasn't allowed to still hurt.
Nothing else seemed to be amiss for the rest of the day. Even into the chillier night as thoughts from before weigh on Cloud's mind. But...rather than his sleep being the one that has a haze cast over it, it was what's visualizing in his Servant's dreams that night that were concerning. As the bond between a Master and their Servant grew, so too did the connection between their emotions, the strength, and deeper yet on a subconscious level. This dream that Marie witnesses isn't like many others. The land is barren, almost completely deprived of life as storm clouds slowly billow in from a distance. A shaky old truck takes off down a dusty unpaved road. And left behind are two weary travellers.
There's many aspects that are still relatively fuzzy, but as time progresses, it becomes more and more clear. A tall young man with spiky black hair looks down on a motionless body, smiling before shaking his shoulder like one would a comrade. As if to reassure him that everything was going to be okay.
Ah... That's right. Whilst Servants didn't necessarily "dream" or require "sleep", this vision that would come to Marie wasn't like anything else she'd seen before. It's her Master's memories... And the man leaves him behind, to face what appears to be insurmountable odds. Hundreds of what appeared to be military grunts. Helicopters flying overhead, armed to the teeth with modern firearms and rocket launchers. And the only thing standing in the way to the broken boy in a crumpled heap, watching on with lifeless eyes...is the man holding the legacy of SOLDIER in his two hands.
[ Marie had no clear image of how Cloud's precious friend looked like, except the faint memory she was made witness of during their battle against the horrible titan Hideula. When her Master reported the news of Zach's unexpected departure today, she was taken aback. They never had met, and she felt sad that such moment would likely never happen at all. Cloud spoke so fondly of him, and Marie wanted to have the pleasure to befriend him sometime. No sadness seemed to pour out of Cloud's expression, but as his Servant she could detect the faint lines of pain around him, and decided not to press on them, giving him space to grieve.
In the same night, after closing her eyes to rest, the Queen had a rather odd dream.
Fuzzy, but also clear in the fact she could recognize the two boys. As the helpless spectator of their adventures, unable to interact with them, Marie could tell she was exploring one of Cloud's memories once again, the realization hitting early. Everything plays out like a movie, reaching its climax when Zach left his friend behind to face a huge enemy army, and then was seen next laying gravely injured as Cloud crawled to him and could just hear those last words.
"My honour... My dreams... They're yours, now. You'll be...my living legacy."
The ache crossing Cloud's heart in that moment also stabbed her, empathy going haywire because of their stronger bond.
She wakes up, breathless and sweating, after hearing his scream echo in every crevice of her brain. Of course, he's not in her room, even though she still looks around to be sure it was only a... dream. No, that wasn't a correct term. It was certainly a vision induced by their bond, which was triggered by his strong emotions. He's in pain.
Fighting the urge to contact him, not wanting to dig that pain up, she clenches her teeth and waits until morning, when he next pays her a visit as it became routine. She opens the door, the mask of a smile fixed on her features. ]
[There has been a knot in his chest that's been growing in size since he returned and as embarrassing as it is, he hesitated to undo it. Now that same know has grown to Gordian levels of unruly and has merged with other less than savory emotions which he, understandably, does not want to deal with at the moment. But then an opportunity arose during the ball as he spotted Marie, ever glamorous and radiant, enjoying the festivities. Time to cut the knot, or well, try to.]
My, aren't you looking lovely this evening.
[A bit cryptic but might as well test the waters first. After all, one doesn't just simply vanish with responsibilities for a time and reappear.]
[ Marie Antoinette is, indeed, rocking it with her dress and radiant appearance as she hangs by the dancefloor and is currently entertaining one of her friends with some friendly chatter. One of her biggest surprises of tonight will soon occur as the phone in her purse suddenly blares with one of her favourite classical Mozart pieces as the texting ringtone.
Chuckling and offering an apology to her company, she steps away and unlocks the screen, tapping by the message box. Her eyes grow a bit at the name displayed in it. ]
Bishop?! You are back? Where in the world have you been?
[ He's one of the most talented chefs in her cafe and his sudden absence sent the staff and herself into quite a hurricane for a couple days.
After sending that text, she looks around in search of him, since he made it obvious he's watching her from somewhere. ]
[Sanson is going to deliver his gifts in person to Marie. They're nothing impressive, really: a silver bracelet with a crown charm, a large box of assorted chocolates, a simple pink purse, and a book on delicious desserts from around the world, which she can use for ideas for her maid cafe, or for trying out new treats when she feels like it.
Attached is a simple card with neat handwriting and a sharp, slanted signature.
My dearest Marie,
Happy Firialia, and joyeux Noël. These aren't much, but please accept my tokens of appreciation for your friendship and all the memories we've shared in Chaldea, and now, in this world. Thank you for everything, and know that whenever you need anything, you can always find me.
Sincerely, C.H. Sanson]
[But wait! There's more! Sanson will also show up with his violin in hand, and play Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major K.218 for her. It's a wonder he managed to fit violin practice into his already busy schedule. This entire piece is more than 9 minutes long, but thank goodness for Servant stamina, he'll play the first movement from start to finish but with a few minor snags along the way (Mozart would probably be laughing at him, but HE TRIED, AMADEUS!!!).]
[ After exchanging text messages with the lovely queen, Tristan takes a moment to make sure he looks presentable before taking off to Marie's living space at their appointed meeting time. He is not late and he is not early. After all, he is a man of his word and he must arrive exactly on time.
He gives a brief but sturdy knock to the door and waits for her to answer.
While he waits, he is probably mentally repeating a mantra about not being a miserable fool in the company of royalty. They're both Servants, but she will get the respect she is due, even if she was Queen several centuries after Tristan's time!! ]
finally here! holidays sucked the life out of me...
[ As she waited for Tristan's return, Marie had looked through her whole pile of a wardrobe to pick a cute outfit for their small date. Since it's cold at this time of the year, she opts for something simple and cute with few jewelries, one large fur hat, and ribbons in her hair.
One last look at the mirror as she fixes her twintails and hat, and she hears the knock. A bright smile welcomes the knight after she opens the door. ]
Bonjour, mon ami! It had been a long while! How have you been?
You know what. Before eating all of that, she'll grab him one multiflavored box of chocolates from her maid cafe, wraps it up in a silver glittery package, puts a blue ribbon on top, and sends it straight to his apartment.
And of course, a note. ]
Thank you dearly for the chocolates, dear Kirishima, you are such an angelic individual thinking of me on this day! I sure will enjoy them!
Hopefully you will also relish in the ones I have sent you!
[After Salon De Marie's busiest day finally came to an end, when Marie goes to her bedroom, she will find a red box sitting on her bed. Said box contains a number of gifts: a large cake, a smaller box of horse-shaped white chocolates, and a necklace with a pink glowing liquid substance contained in the vial.
Attached is a card with a note written neatly by her giant mech friend, something he took time thinking hard to write down and because saying genuine words to her face is difficult. And don't ask how or when he broke into her apartment...]
I wish to express my gratitude to our friendship on this holiday, and I would like to apologize for worrying you weeks ago, as well.
If I'm not mistaken about this holiday, we give chocolates to those we like. I think. Regardless, I hope the sweets are to your liking. The necklace however holds greater importance, particularly the substance in the vial. In my culture, offering that to someone show how important they are to you, and that you care for them deeply. That is to say, you are my treasured person.
You spend your time with me, even though I don't make the best company, and I'll admit here that it helped me feel less lonely with you around. You saved me when I was on the verge of despair, convinced me that alienating myself isn't the way to live and that it's worth making new bonds. It's thanks to you that I'm able to meet people. There's still much I do not understand about your love but I appreciate that you love me, all the same.
I love you, too. Thank you for everything, my friend Marie.
[ There's no way she can express anything else other than tears of happiness, for one.
After reading the message, she has a healthy cry. Not because of anything negative, but it's the result of tension and worries that finally leave her upon finding out that Soundwave is doing better and also thinks so highly of their friendship. Having his feelings written on paper is enough for her, and she's grateful for it, and she's going to shower him with so much love and kisses once they see each other again, which is... likely tomorrow, at work.
Wiping her tears, Marie eats some chunk of the cake, while reminding herself to wear the necklace as well and show it to him - hopefully he gets the message without her saying anything.
What a good friend. She's thankful Soundwave is on the same plane of existence as her.
And she'll also have nice, sweet, lewd dreams about him tonight. ]
[ It's been some time since that talk they had at his hospital bed. His mind hasn't settled and his blood certainly hasn't cooled since, what's more is that he's not sure how much of himself he really feels like. Or rather, which "him" is he supposed to be feeling.
Speaking, revealing, that name stirred something inside Bishop and he's not quite sure what it is, but the warmth she planted in his chest was still there pulsing steadily with his heart. Like a gentle melody from a music box, a bit distant but heard and familiar. There was still quite a lot of things he couldn't figure out which he also had to do alone, and while his head is akin to a puzzle with missing pieces, he did however have one thing he wanted to do.
As the day winded down and he went going about his duties, and Marie going about hers, Bishop had placed a box gift wrapped in simple dark blue wrapping and a white ribbon under the cashier. Resting a top the gift was folded card with her name on it and a simple note that reads: ]
How I feel when you're around given form
[ On the corner of the card is a small drawing of a certain chess piece, and inside is a handcrafted shawl made specifically for her if the fitting gave any kind of indication. How he managed to get his hands on this, he'll never tell. Why he didn't just give it to her directly, well, he might not be as mature as his age might suggest. ]
Marie quickly guessed this gift came from Bishop, but it's quite a mystery why he decided to give her something out of the blue. Is this a thank-you gift for showing up at the hospital and cheering him up? He didn't have to; she didn't come there with the intention of getting anything in return. But refusing such a pretty shawl, also considering his message and how the fabric radiates warmth in her hold... she'll gladly take it.
He probably isn't expecting her to give him a reply given the secrecy behind this, but she'll text him regardless. A smile quirks on her lips as she simply sends, ]
Thank you dearly, mon ami. It is really warm. I shall wear it soon. ✿
[ and whether or not he'll reply back, she'll be happy with how today turned out, anyway. ]
[ One would think that a Master would command the attention of their Servant. But let's be real. Their relationship wasn't a traditional one in the first place. After the discussion he had with Rin in the hospital, and upon realizing why using a Command Seal to summon her failed, he had enough time to think about it.
He promised. Cloud promised that there'd be no more hiding. Even now when he finally sends that text, he's afraid of hurting her with the truth. Throughout Iris, he was cut off from the outside world. He and Weiss both. Lightless was all they knew, and while the secret mission was a success...it came at a price that was almost too high. He's seen the impact it's had on some of the people that found out.
And his heart feels tight in his chest now thinking of telling her. Because the only thing more painful is thinking of lying to her and losing that trust from one of the people he cares most about. ]
[ Marie doesn't immediately expect bad news because she's not one to assume the worst case scenario from one single text that's simply asking for a bit of her time. Plus it's Cloud, and she's always overjoyed to hear from him. She makes herself comfortable on her bed, resting after another busy day at work. ]
[They had talked about it, but they hadn't really gotten to actually plan anything. Now they finally had and Lancer was walking casually to Marie's door, wearing rather casual clothing (minus the bag).
He knocks on her door, waiting with a small grin on his face and a single coral colored rose in hand.]
[ For the sake of simplicity, just like the way he set up that beach party, Marie didn't put much in display aside from few scented candles, flower decorations, and background Mozart music from her birdbox. At the sound of the door knocking, she fixes her tentacle hair and makes sure no feather in her swan swings is misplaced, lastly checking on her dress before padding her way to today's guest of honor. She's barefoot, deeming it unnecessary to wear anything too fancy or with high heels in her own house. ]
Bonsoir, dear Lancer! You have arrived on time! [ She shines in her smile to him, then looks at the flower. ] Oh, what a special color this one has! Where did you get it?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Casually slides this in.
Right now is a great example, because when jogging through the park and spotting a young woman carrying a few shopping bags it generally isn't a great idea to stare. Realizing that the person she's staring at is a Servant thanks to the Force and her friendship with several others doesn't dissuade her in the slightest, if anything that is a draw.
So, slowing her feet to a walk, she meanders up with a wave.]
You look like you could use a hand with those bags, miss.
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That's when her B+ rank luck rears in, and an energetic looking stranger comes up to her with an offer of help. Nothing about that seems worth distrusting at all; instead, the Queen is overjoyed from such event. ]
Ah! I wouldn't like to be a disturb, but oui, a little help would be appreciated!
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during the july event. i hope this works!
Of course, he has his own idea of it. Punching people is fun............. His ideas aren't very good.
It's why he takes advantage of the peace here. He knows he has obligations in Yokohama and he has to take Japan back from the Party of Words, but he can't do that here. He has to go back, and until he's back, he'll just see what the life here has to offer.
Samatoki spots Marie in the festival grounds as she's exploring. He doesn't look particularly interested, but he actually is. ]
Yanno, you look like you're the kind of person who's surrounded by people. Lots of friends. I think I always catch you when you're alone.
[ Hi, Marie............ He means well, truly. ]
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It was by mere luck that Samatoki has caught her alone, what with the rush of friends she hung out with before they split ways. Things are never boring with her, when it comes to having friends surrounding her, one coming after the other. She knows how to keep herself busy.
His remark sounds odd, but still rings true, and the way he says it is amusing, so she chuckles at him. ]
Indeed, it must be fate that we always meet up in such a way! That just means we should now spend a bit of time together, non?
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july event;
[ When the Sinless managed to claim Tifa and him, the sweltering rage that bubbled up inside was palpable when they were finally set free. His resistance to the effects of the wine was quite strong though; the only visible change as of yet was the golden hue of his eyes. Cloud's hold a certain luster to them, no amount of magic and celestial influence able to quell the glow of mako underneath. The two fought and joined the efforts of the rescue team without a second thought. By all accounts, they really should have been running as well after all the effort the party went through in busting in. But that wasn't their style— no. They got busted out? Now they were going to bust heads and rescue as many other people as they can.
But the decision to remain behind, while not a costly one, certainly left them in the thick of it for far longer than intended. The ensuing skirmish and battle between the Moon Knights and chosen Moonblessed against the vulpine schemers was a challenging one. They weren't just deep within the basement dwellings either. Eventually, Cloud was successful in finding his stolen weaponry and clothing. What would eventually follow as he's eventually split from the others, was a more troubling confrontation. It's Cloud versus three Sinless deceivers, all very difficult to hit. That being said, the acerbic swordsman fights with the ferocity of an army. Illusory though his status may have been, he harbors the power of SOLDIER as their fight eventually leads to the outside and onto the rooftop. A multi-leveled structure that looks beautiful on the outside, it's betrayed by the corruption and sin that rots the foundation.
Even though Cloud and his opponents took the long way up, leaping and soaring through the sky while his captors gave chase, there were other ways of getting up here. As one Sinless thinks they've caught the swordsman's blind spot, he frees a hand up by tossing a sword in the air; he successfully snags them by the front of their outfit before mercilessly slamming them into the ground, the rooftop cracking beneath their body on impact. Bouncing from the force of the slam, it kills any air inside their lungs as they choke to gasp. Too bad that wasn't the end of it as their body is kicked straight off the rooftop. Come to think of it, they were pretty high up now... ]
Hmph—!
[ He catches his sword just in time, keeping up with now two attackers with parries and dodges across the roof, swinging back as he looks for a way to end this quick. Honestly, there's really no love lost for this place, so if he causes some damage? He'll do exactly that. Cloud’s fighting stance lowers, the edge of his massive blade tilted towards the Sinless. He couldn’t waste too much time here. ]
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However, back then, Marie still had a Master. Fighting against a big bad boss was greatly within her capacities, and Ritsuka's presence also calmed her heart in certain ways few other people ever did. Now that she's gone... the Queen has realized with abject horror that she's no longer a formidable stonewall against the bunch of seductive cultists of the Fox who so easily subjugated her and threw her in a jail.
Her stay within the captive walls had been relatively calm, aside from the wine's effects pricking through the barriers of rationality and spreading uncomfortable heat across every inch of her body's insides. The rescue forces, as predicted, had broken into the place and saved everyone, and a fleeting glance at a mirror had her recoil at how gold her eyes look now. Magic Resistance is a skill every Rider possesses, but her own was never that strong, and that's why she had to learn how to walk again as she stumbled and slipped her way out of obvious danger. After finding her clothes and the rose ring aiding her powers, she picked a direction and darted towards it without a second thought.
Such decision leads her to the building's rooftop. It doesn't even take a glance for her to understand how high up she currently is. Despite her decent Luck, all her golden eyes register is a fierce battle between the fox people and someone who clearly stands out from the rest, blonde hair shining among the storm of same-faced cultists. One particular impact from the man's attack causes Marie to struggle in order to keep her balance as the ground shakes under her feet, threatening to crumble. The late realization that her choice of action was quite poor dawns on her without mercy.
The man is visibly outnumbered, clearly needing assistance, and Marie can at least serve as a distraction for him to take the enemies down. But as he gets on a stance, she finally recognizes that face, and that hairstyle. Before her mind advises her against it, she beats it to the punch by crying out, certainly attracting more than a pair of eyes on her. ]
Cloud!
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09/06
Hello, Marie.
I hate to bother you, but may I come over today? I do also have something to give you.
[At least he won't invite himself over without bringing something.]
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Enough time has passed and she now can't wait to see his face and touch him once again. ]
I am not busy. Come over when you feel like it.
[ The suggestion of a present from him makes her want to urge him and appear faster at her door. ]
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[TEXT] (this may be my favorite use I've ever found for this icon)
Good evening. I am at a loss for a suitable way to begin this conversation and I confess I nearly backed out of it altogether, but I owe it to you to at least respond. I was the gentleman you encountered on anonymous chat.
pfffffffff amazing
The gentleman who just told her he would like to get taken in the rear by her.
What a wonderful world... literally.
Marie needs a short while to recollect herself, after which she starts chuckling at the ridiculousness of this situation, and then types up a reply. ]
You were one of the people I would have suspected the least to show up at my anonymous front step, Österreich. I cannot say I should be surprised, however, because of how our first meeting panned out. Hehe.
Just so you won't misunderstand me, I hold no judgement over this. None of the negative kind. Rather, this is a pleasant turn of events to me. And my offer still stands.
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omg i'm finally here...
The messages begin with a couple of photos. There's bento boxes in one photo, all looking cute and organised. One wouldn't believe that Samatoki made these when they're so cute and he's so... uncute. The second photo is a box of churros and chocolate dip. He did say he'd introduce Marie to the snack! ]
found some time to make these
want some?
i'm here too!!!
They look lovely! Of course I would like them!
Where are you?
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10/02
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She'll be at the party for sure! And she already has a dress in mind... ]
10/03
Fucking. Why.Knock knock. ]
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Merci for coming, Cloud! Come in!
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10/03
Marie, you've got another knock on your door, it's just that this time when she opens it he's speaking first.]
Ya-hoo ya-hoo~! Subaru Akehoshi has arrived! ☆
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Bonjour, Subaru! The pizza is still warm, so come on in!
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early evening of marie's birthday
Not to mention, he dressed up for the occasion. No gloomy coats or ridiculous shoulder pieces. An attempt was even made to tame his hair - although his hair is already beginning to break free from the restraints of hair gel and several comb strokes.
When she opens her door, he tries to smile as best he can. Each day, his smiles become less awkward and a bit more sincere, even wider. Especially around Marie.]
Bon anniversaire, Marie.
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After a Mon Dieu uttered through quivering lips, the Queen blushes pink and refrains herself from tackling him a hug, mindful of the lilies. Instead she grabs him by the elbow and gently pulls him inside. ]
Merci beaucoup, Charles... really, merci...
[ There are already tears pooling in her eyes. She can't stay composed when someone so dear to her comes up with something so lovely out of the blue. ]
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Marie's birthday
It was a very good idea that he decided to add a hoodie for the avatar, otherwise she'd need to find another way to surprise Marie with what she's wearing around her neck.
With deep unabated breath, fueled with courage, she rings the doorbell. And what will greet Marie outside her door is Soundwave's avatar with a giant elephant plush doll hugged between her arms, her shy smile is hidden behind the animal doll.]
Happy Birthday, Marie.
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With a soft chuckle, she calms down a bit and smiles brightly at the girl in front of her. ]
Merci, merci, mon chér ami! I am so glad to see you face to face today!
[ She happily allows Soundwave inside, closing the door behind them. ]
So, that is your gift to me? It is utterly lovely!
[ And it's an elephant plush, which she knows means a whole lot to her robo friend since he likes those animals quite a bit. ]
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special delivery;
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But the cake is actually super delicious! Maybe she should have had someone taste-test it for poison, but it's all fine, she's fine and happy, yet puzzled by the gesture.
One day she will get to the bottom of this mystery! ... For now, she'll get herself another slice. ]
Nov. 1st -> Nov. 2nd
He roleplays a scene in his head, envisioning one of her little giggles hidden behind a gloved hand. She'd tell him that it's the thought that counts. All she was expecting was for him to roll up on Sköll so that she can go for a ride with him, and in turn, take it for a ride herself. When he comes home a little too late, he makes a beeline straight for his bedroom and flops unceremoniously onto his mattress. Staring up at his ceiling, without a single gift to be found, he half frowns before turning over to try and sleep. Better than staying up and letting Sanguis' pull leave him feeling annoyed further. He sighs with heavier lids. ]
What can you do...
November 2nd
[ He wakes up earlier in the morning. It's the second day of another Sanguis cycle, and its effects are in full swing. It's become old hat for the swordsman by now however. So hopping out of bed and freshening up with a hot shower (always weird scrubbing ears on top of his head...), he clips and files his nails down since they've become claws again. It's a busy day for the blond. It'd take a little while for him to get the approval for promoting the reborn 'Strife Delivery Service'. However that didn't mean he couldn't get a head start. Usagi told him he could use her garage space to park his bike. And chances were he'd take her up on that offer. But...it was worth checking the spaces in Level 3 like 76 had suggested too. If he checked things out early enough, that'd leave him plenty of time to pay Marie a visit for her birthday.
Just had to be alright with just showing up to give his wishes and let her ride Sköll. ]
--
[ And indeed, there were some spots he could rent out as far as garages were concerned. But he's more pricing things out for now, so he respectfully takes his leave after thanking the owners of the storage block for their time. It seems like he always keeps coming back here. To Caihong... On his way back home, he has to cross the bridge that closes the gap across waterways. It's here that Cloud's steps slow some, until he stops with a hand on the railing. ]
...
[ He watches it happen all over again, in his mind's eye as a girl comes up to him and asks to see his lip. The spot where he met a "simple girl" for the first time. This was the place. He can still remember his own fumbling embarrassment and her own laugh- full of merriment. As she drags him away, the memory fades and Cloud is left there, leaning against the railing. Huffing at himself with a shake of his head, he pushes himself away and crosses the rest of the bridges. It's almost noon time and the crowds are getting busier and busier. Cloud makes his way down the street, past businesses that were just starting to open up shop. He's about to keep going when the chime of a business' doors opening hits his ears. ]
Mm? [ All it took was a single glance from the corner of his eye. And he's suddenly frozen dead in his tracks. There, glimmering in the window... His eyes widen as he gives a soundless gasp. That's it. This could very well be the most impulsive thing he's done on such short notice. And before the door can close to the glass figure shop, he pulls it straight open and marches straight up to the elderly man behind the counter. ]
Hey, how much is that one?
[ He's late. At least, that's how he feels rolling up to her apartment complex this deep into the afternoon. Better late than never though, right? He's not sure if she's still at home. But if Marie was, she'd likely be able to hear the distant rumbling sound of an engine, getting closer and closer outside until it's purring idly. After a good few seconds, the sound of the motorcycle dies off as he shuts it off and props the kickstand.
He carried the simple white box wrapped in a black ribbon under his arm the entire ride over here. But considering how fragile the gift inside was, who can blame him? Cloud pulls his shades up to sit atop his spiky hair and makes his way up to her doorstep. ]
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The roar of an engine perks her attention. Wide sapphire eyes witness the arrival of Cloud in his vehicle, and there's a spark in her gaze at the design which looks even more gorgeous beyond a screen. Smile growing considerably, she watches him get off the bike and come up to her with a gift box under his arm.
Her excitement peaks once the two are face to face, the Queen clasping her hands together. ]
Cloud, mon ami! You made it in time!
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The former ruler of Sanguis moon received this picture and called it "junk mail." 8 days later Sanguis moon became uninhabitable. A man received this picture and immediately sent out copies, then received good fortune for an entire year, including winning a jackpot lottery. Copy, paste, and send this to 9 people or you will be cursed. Don't take any chances. Sanguis did, and now no one can live there.
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[ A couple days after Cloud was stricken with the news that Zack had disappeared from the planet, he'd found himself divulging the news to Marie. Calm as he was with his new draconic blessing, a reopened wound was still exactly that. A wound. One that he covers up rather well even as he explained who Zack was to Marie. A very important friend who was taken too soon. On the surface, however, he held a confident smile and carried on like nothing was amiss. And in a way, that was still true. He doesn't blame himself for the past- not anymore. But...that didn't mean it wasn't allowed to still hurt.
Nothing else seemed to be amiss for the rest of the day. Even into the chillier night as thoughts from before weigh on Cloud's mind. But...rather than his sleep being the one that has a haze cast over it, it was what's visualizing in his Servant's dreams that night that were concerning. As the bond between a Master and their Servant grew, so too did the connection between their emotions, the strength, and deeper yet on a subconscious level. This dream that Marie witnesses isn't like many others. The land is barren, almost completely deprived of life as storm clouds slowly billow in from a distance. A shaky old truck takes off down a dusty unpaved road. And left behind are two weary travellers.
There's many aspects that are still relatively fuzzy, but as time progresses, it becomes more and more clear. A tall young man with spiky black hair looks down on a motionless body, smiling before shaking his shoulder like one would a comrade. As if to reassure him that everything was going to be okay.
Ah... That's right. Whilst Servants didn't necessarily "dream" or require "sleep", this vision that would come to Marie wasn't like anything else she'd seen before. It's her Master's memories... And the man leaves him behind, to face what appears to be insurmountable odds. Hundreds of what appeared to be military grunts. Helicopters flying overhead, armed to the teeth with modern firearms and rocket launchers. And the only thing standing in the way to the broken boy in a crumpled heap, watching on with lifeless eyes...is the man holding the legacy of SOLDIER in his two hands.
Zack Fair. ]
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In the same night, after closing her eyes to rest, the Queen had a rather odd dream.
Fuzzy, but also clear in the fact she could recognize the two boys. As the helpless spectator of their adventures, unable to interact with them, Marie could tell she was exploring one of Cloud's memories once again, the realization hitting early. Everything plays out like a movie, reaching its climax when Zach left his friend behind to face a huge enemy army, and then was seen next laying gravely injured as Cloud crawled to him and could just hear those last words.
"My honour... My dreams... They're yours, now. You'll be...my living legacy."
The ache crossing Cloud's heart in that moment also stabbed her, empathy going haywire because of their stronger bond.
She wakes up, breathless and sweating, after hearing his scream echo in every crevice of her brain. Of course, he's not in her room, even though she still looks around to be sure it was only a... dream. No, that wasn't a correct term. It was certainly a vision induced by their bond, which was triggered by his strong emotions. He's in pain.
Fighting the urge to contact him, not wanting to dig that pain up, she clenches her teeth and waits until morning, when he next pays her a visit as it became routine. She opens the door, the mask of a smile fixed on her features. ]
Bonjour, mon chér Cloud.
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this slipped through the cracks of my inbox wtf. dfkjash
we are back
and better than ever
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text; un: magicowl | During the Ball
My, aren't you looking lovely this evening.
[A bit cryptic but might as well test the waters first. After all, one doesn't just simply vanish with responsibilities for a time and reappear.]
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Chuckling and offering an apology to her company, she steps away and unlocks the screen, tapping by the message box. Her eyes grow a bit at the name displayed in it. ]
Bishop?! You are back? Where in the world have you been?
[ He's one of the most talented chefs in her cafe and his sudden absence sent the staff and herself into quite a hurricane for a couple days.
After sending that text, she looks around in search of him, since he made it obvious he's watching her from somewhere. ]
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firialia
Attached is a simple card with neat handwriting and a sharp, slanted signature.
My dearest Marie,
Happy Firialia, and joyeux Noël. These aren't much, but please accept my tokens of appreciation for your friendship and all the memories we've shared in Chaldea, and now, in this world. Thank you for everything, and know that whenever you need anything, you can always find me.
Sincerely,
C.H. Sanson]
[But wait! There's more! Sanson will also show up with his violin in hand, and play Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major K.218 for her. It's a wonder he managed to fit violin practice into his already busy schedule. This entire piece is more than 9 minutes long, but thank goodness for Servant stamina, he'll play the first movement from start to finish but with a few minor snags along the way (Mozart would probably be laughing at him, but HE TRIED, AMADEUS!!!).]
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Marie's going to jump at him and cover his face with thankful kisses once he finishes playing, that's for sure! Happy Firialia, Sanson! ]
an outing!
He gives a brief but sturdy knock to the door and waits for her to answer.
While he waits, he is probably mentally repeating a mantra about not being a miserable fool in the company of royalty. They're both Servants, but she will get the respect she is due, even if she was Queen several centuries after Tristan's time!! ]
finally here! holidays sucked the life out of me...
One last look at the mirror as she fixes her twintails and hat, and she hears the knock. A bright smile welcomes the knight after she opens the door. ]
Bonjour, mon ami! It had been a long while! How have you been?
no worries! same
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Happy V-Day
I hope you have a great one, no matter how you spend it. And thanks for spending some time talking to me when I was down. It meant a lot.
-Kirishima
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You know what. Before eating all of that, she'll grab him one multiflavored box of chocolates from her maid cafe, wraps it up in a silver glittery package, puts a blue ribbon on top, and sends it straight to his apartment.
And of course, a note. ]
Thank you dearly for the chocolates, dear Kirishima, you are such an angelic individual thinking of me on this day! I sure will enjoy them!
Hopefully you will also relish in the ones I have sent you!
Bonne Saint Valentin!
- Marie
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valentine's gift
Attached is a card with a note written neatly by her giant mech friend, something he took time thinking hard to write down and because saying genuine words to her face is difficult. And don't ask how or when he broke into her apartment...]
I wish to express my gratitude to our friendship on this holiday, and I would like to apologize for worrying you weeks ago, as well.
If I'm not mistaken about this holiday, we give chocolates to those we like. I think. Regardless, I hope the sweets are to your liking. The necklace however holds greater importance, particularly the substance in the vial. In my culture, offering that to someone show how important they are to you, and that you care for them deeply. That is to say, you are my treasured person.
You spend your time with me, even though I don't make the best company, and I'll admit here that it helped me feel less lonely with you around. You saved me when I was on the verge of despair, convinced me that alienating myself isn't the way to live and that it's worth making new bonds. It's thanks to you that I'm able to meet people. There's still much I do not understand about your love but I appreciate that you love me, all the same.
I love you, too. Thank you for everything, my friend Marie.
- Soundwave
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After reading the message, she has a healthy cry. Not because of anything negative, but it's the result of tension and worries that finally leave her upon finding out that Soundwave is doing better and also thinks so highly of their friendship. Having his feelings written on paper is enough for her, and she's grateful for it, and she's going to shower him with so much love and kisses once they see each other again, which is... likely tomorrow, at work.
Wiping her tears, Marie eats some chunk of the cake, while reminding herself to wear the necklace as well and show it to him - hopefully he gets the message without her saying anything.
What a good friend. She's thankful Soundwave is on the same plane of existence as her.
And she'll also have nice, sweet, lewd dreams about him tonight. ]
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Speaking, revealing, that name stirred something inside Bishop and he's not quite sure what it is, but the warmth she planted in his chest was still there pulsing steadily with his heart. Like a gentle melody from a music box, a bit distant but heard and familiar. There was still quite a lot of things he couldn't figure out which he also had to do alone, and while his head is akin to a puzzle with missing pieces, he did however have one thing he wanted to do.
As the day winded down and he went going about his duties, and Marie going about hers, Bishop had placed a box gift wrapped in simple dark blue wrapping and a white ribbon under the cashier. Resting a top the gift was folded card with her name on it and a simple note that reads: ]
How I feel when you're around given form
[ On the corner of the card is a small drawing of a certain chess piece, and inside is a handcrafted shawl made specifically for her if the fitting gave any kind of indication. How he managed to get his hands on this, he'll never tell. Why he didn't just give it to her directly, well, he might not be as mature as his age might suggest. ]
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Marie quickly guessed this gift came from Bishop, but it's quite a mystery why he decided to give her something out of the blue. Is this a thank-you gift for showing up at the hospital and cheering him up? He didn't have to; she didn't come there with the intention of getting anything in return. But refusing such a pretty shawl, also considering his message and how the fabric radiates warmth in her hold... she'll gladly take it.
He probably isn't expecting her to give him a reply given the secrecy behind this, but she'll text him regardless. A smile quirks on her lips as she simply sends, ]
Thank you dearly, mon ami. It is really warm. I shall wear it soon. ✿
[ and whether or not he'll reply back, she'll be happy with how today turned out, anyway. ]
Tinder #1
I mean... your wish could be my command, your highness.
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Tinder #2
Perfect. Sounds like a date to me.
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july 19th text; un: cloudywolf
[ One would think that a Master would command the attention of their Servant. But let's be real. Their relationship wasn't a traditional one in the first place. After the discussion he had with Rin in the hospital, and upon realizing why using a Command Seal to summon her failed, he had enough time to think about it.
He promised. Cloud promised that there'd be no more hiding. Even now when he finally sends that text, he's afraid of hurting her with the truth. Throughout Iris, he was cut off from the outside world. He and Weiss both. Lightless was all they knew, and while the secret mission was a success...it came at a price that was almost too high. He's seen the impact it's had on some of the people that found out.
And his heart feels tight in his chest now thinking of telling her. Because the only thing more painful is thinking of lying to her and losing that trust from one of the people he cares most about. ]
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[ Marie doesn't immediately expect bad news because she's not one to assume the worst case scenario from one single text that's simply asking for a bit of her time. Plus it's Cloud, and she's always overjoyed to hear from him. She makes herself comfortable on her bed, resting after another busy day at work. ]
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September Iris / Action
He knocks on her door, waiting with a small grin on his face and a single coral colored rose in hand.]
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Bonsoir, dear Lancer! You have arrived on time! [ She shines in her smile to him, then looks at the flower. ] Oh, what a special color this one has! Where did you get it?
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