[ What can he say? Her excitement (and energy) is contagious. He's equal parts nervous and filled with anticipation. Cloud follows her back to her apartment, crossing his arms as he leans beside the sofa where she's currently opening her present. Even he's not oblivious to the way she reacts. It's in that instance that his heart feels lighter in his chest.
And he honestly can't help smiling more deeply when she figures out exactly what it is. ]
Not an easy thing to forget.
[ Especially with how their contract came to be. There's a softer affection to his voice as he answers her. Now that he sees the crystal horse survived the journey from the glass shop to her apartment, Cloud can relax. He takes a seat on the edge of the couch, his hands in his lap. ]
Well? Let's see it.
[ It's okay to take it out! It's not that fragile. H-He hopes. ]
[ As a Spirit, having a heartbeat is more of an extension of the humanity she once had in life, but she can clearly feel it pound hard and quick in her ears, mirroring her eagerness in the face of such a perfect gift. Cloud's suggestion isn't heeded for a minute longer, the Queen needing time to ogle at the miniature model of her crystal horse before her hands land on it.
When the moment of delight fades a bit, that's when Marie takes a deep breath, cheeks flushed from happiness, and with very ginger hands she collects the small statue and places it on the coffee table, showing it to her Master in its bull beauty. Her mind is already filled with ideas on where she should expose this jewel to the eyes of her guests in the future. ]
C'est formidable... I have never seen something so wonderfully describing of what I am.
[ He doesn't say much of anything else when she breathes how she needs a moment. Instead, he leans forward in his lap a little bit, taking in the wave of emotions that continue across her face. Halfway through her time spent ogling and admiring her crystal horse model, his smile softens further as he leans back against the back cushion of the couch, content in waiting for her. Judging by her reaction, he made the right call.
Note to self? Go back to that shop and give the owner a more proper thanks, seeing how he was in such a rush before. ]
I take it I did good, then.
[ Cloud wasn't one to get very emotional, but even he couldn't help the gentle little huff as his smile broadens a bit just watching her admire the crystalline horse. Even for an existence like hers, a Spirit, Heroic Spirit, a piece of history given a foothold in Chaldea and now here... The fact that he could help enrich this life of hers with the smallest token was enough for him. Seeing her so happy fills him with pride. Pride for her and taking in this happiness. It's contagious.
Whenever Marie looks back to Cloud, even if he hasn't said anything for a bit, he wasn't aware of how gentle that smile of his became. ]
[ It's hard to rip her eyes off the model, but she has to, because she owes Cloud that much for making her birthday better. ]
You did! Oh, Cloud...
[ She sees it, the smile, the warm sort of smile that makes her fall in love. It causes her face to heat up a little, and makes her consider some way with which she can thank her Master. There are many ways, some friendly, some more intimate. What's certain is that she can't just use her words for this one time. It would sound like too little of a thanks, an imbalanced exchange. Sure, it's her birthday, but it matters little when she'd be still left with the same kind of bitterness over not being able to return the kindness.
Marie eventually picks one option, innocent but at the same time not by much.
Standing up and moving over to where Cloud is sitting, she reaches for his face, touches his cheek with a silky gloved hand, leans in...
A press of her lips against his, all in the spirit of gratefulness towards her Master. ]
[ Had Marie simply thanked him for the gift, that would have been enough for him. Granted her Master's gotten used to how affectionate she could be (not even during Iris' influence). While Cloud doesn't expect anything from the Rider whose face lights up with rose cheeks, when she closes what little distance is left between them as she stands and moves to him...
Well, he can't say that he's too surprised. Which is why while his eyes do widen at first, it's fleeting at best as he immediately relaxes into her touch. From the day they first met, Marie just had a way of soothing him. He can only begin to imagine how many people must have loved her here, the influence she has to quell the hearts that stir otherwise. From the moment she tended to his lip, taking a chance on a borderline feral beast...she'd tamed him for life.
For as long as the two had time here for. And he doesn't want to be anywhere else right now but reveling in her happiness. Which is why when she presses her lips to his, he returns the kiss just as softly as he closes his eyes.
This is her way of thanking him, and his heart leaps a little in his chest at the touching gesture as he leans up to her. He'll stay for as long as she wants to, until she wants to break this off. Otherwise, he's content in letting her express her gratitude to him like this. It feels too good to want anything else. ]
[ There could be so much more than this. Marie could scoot over, straddle one of his legs, kiss him harder, beg him to stay for the day and join her in bed once again. Yet, it feels a bit disingenuous, like there are other ways to celebrate her birthday, even as she's aware they celebrated Cloud's in the same exact way she envisioned them just a second ago. With sex, either raw or sweet or both, however they both would feel like at the moment.
Unfortunately, she also wants to see his new bike properly and ride on it before the end of the day, which blows all her plans over like a bare dandelion. It's fine, though, her urges can be kept at bay if the ride turns out to be distracting. Iris has yet to show its head, too, which makes her sexual ordeal even easier to manage.
She still keeps up with the kiss, however, arms resting happily around his shoulders as a hand dips into his messy blonde hair. He's so addicting. Of course, she tells herself, since he's her Master. Yet, a deeper meaning is still found behind this attachment, although she's in no mood to really investigate what's going on inside her own head.
When she breaks away, opening her blue eyes, blush a bit darker, the Queen speaks, the tip of her nose brushing against his. ]
[ Whatever Marie decided to do would have come as a surprise to her blond Master. She was affectionate, loving, pretty much a bundle of sunshine and intimacy to the world. He's proud to call himself her Master, but he's even more glad that he could have met someone like her in the first place. Regardless of what she wanted, how she expressed herself, it all felt very genuine to him. So if she had decided to beckon him to stay, for her special day, Cloud wouldn't deny her. He would graciously accept her kiss, her touch, whatever she chose to take of him and share in kind.
Which is why Cloud makes a soft little noise against her lips, akin to a gentle sigh as she plays with the mess of soft blond atop his head. Turns out that having his hair played with was a tender spot of his. As Marie pulls away from the kiss, his lips are still slightly parted as he opens his eyes, soft in their glow as he's blushing just as hard as she is. It's difficult to give up- not to mention how damned hard he struggled not to just close that distance between them to kiss her again. But when she brings up Sköll, he's equal parts disappointed and excited. She's a Rider-class Servant. Which meant that she had an innate affinity for, well, riding! He trusts her more than he trusts most people here in this world, after everything they've been through.
He'd at least do his damnest not to let her get bored. Cloud was pretty proud of his new set of wheels. ]
Yeah. [ There's a lift of excitement in his voice, pulling away reluctantly from where their noses so affectionately brushed. ] You'll get a real kick out of it.
[ Any time spent with Marie was good, so he's still okay with this part of the day being spent like this. Slowing getting up from the couch, he shares a fond look back down to the Queen at his side before leading the way back out of the apartment. ]
With your rank, this should be a walk in the park, right?
[ Cloud looks so handsome up close. Beauty associated with glowing blue eyes, so full of heroics, so warm as they stare back at her. She could fall in love with him, the same way she would with everyone else in Lunatia, the moment they ever so slightly stare at her the way he is right now, blushing in such lovely manner. Her thumb distractedly brushes his bottom lip. Suddenly she regrets ending the kiss. ]
That is correct! My skill comes in handy, even though horses are my main specialty.
[ With evident reluctance, Marie separates completely from Cloud when he stands up, but the idea of getting on a small trip through the city with him reassures her that they're not about to part ways anytime soon. One last look at the precious crystal horse statue, before she's led outside, where his shiny and powerful-looking vehicle has been parked in wait. ]
My, what an amazing steed you have... my hands are aching to hold its handlebars already!
[ That's just the thing about Moonlacing. Something that he learned very early on. Embarrassing for some out of the blue, undeniable pleasant in feeling, and even worse to have to give up. So he feels the same way when she ends the kiss when she does. It's only because of how used he's gotten to the way things tend to work in this world that Cloud was able to keep his composure as well as he did. ...even if the fact that he was with Marie made it all the more harder to let go.
Seeing her face light up at the sight of Sköll's jet black and crimson finish is enough to put an amused smile on his face however, stepping up to the sizeable machine. Marie may be taking the handlebars on this one, but that didn't mean he wasn't about to show off his new pride and joy. The old man and his niece did a good job on this custom build. ]
Knock yourself out. [ His hand rests along the back of the seat, long enough while curving up the back to accommodate two people with ease. One thing was for certain. This planet would definitely encourage having a partner for this for the Chroma share along. Unlimited Ride Works ] If it's anything like Fenrir back home, it should be able to hit speeds of up to 400 kilometres per hour. It's even got a hip-controlled steering mechanic in case you need your hands free.
[ Odd to anyone else as far as specs go. But for Cloud? He's got plenty of experience fighting on and off his bike via high speed chases. ]
[ Motorcycles were never a thing in her century, for obvious reasons, but the Riding skill allows her to discard any awkward relation with modern times and ride any vehicle with the ease of a professional. Dragons are the only exception, though she improved a little in that area thanks to the dragon child she took care of last summer. Françoise will still be missed; Marie still thinks of her oftentimes.
When Cloud gives her the permission she needed, the Queen rightfully takes her place at the front, hopping on Sköll with delicate agility. Her white dress flutters along, hunching up a little below her thighs once she takes her seat. She's supposed to wear a helmet, but having ridden a crystal horse for so long without any need of protection, she won't even consider the option. ]
Oh, dear... it looks even larger now that I'm on it.
[ Strange wording aside, her hands touch the handlebars while she studies the commands and listens to his instructions. The bit about its speed has her round her lips in marvel. ]
I would not be intentioned to reach that speed, as I would not like to put any innocent citizen in danger... but I am now eager to start! [ She looks behind her, smiling at him. ] Hop on...! It is what people say, right?
[ Cloud has to see this for himself to believe it. Beyond the fact that he genuinely trusts Marie with his life (they've come this far together as Master & Servant, and she's even protected him at his most hurt on Iris), lending her his motorcycle was practically second nature to him. Weiss made him (or rather, implied he should) get helmets for his bike for others riding, but it seems like that notion flies out the window for these two. He's seen her riding upon the crystalline horse before.
She'll be fiiine. When she straddles the massive machine without a single hitch, admiring it beneath her as her lips round with a sense of wonder, he has to resist whistling. The kind of whistle that implies being impressed, that is. fkdsja Marie does look nice on a bike. ]
Mm. I had a feeling you'd be able to handle it.
[ The strange wording flies over his head. kdfjas When she looks behind her to smile at him so brightly, he looks down to her with a broader gaze, smiling as he softly shakes his head. This girl... ]
You got it.
[ Both the saying and her command. Cloud's not used to riding in the back. And he'll have to do his damnest to concentrate/pretend that he's the one at the controls even though he's surrendering the reins to her entirely. Would he get motion sickness like this? Let's hope not. It's his bike! His weight is added behind her, the seat leaving plenty of room for the two of them as he slides in against her back. She may be strong as a Servant, but he still doesn't want to burden her with his weight entirely. ]
Alright... [ His arms slide around her waist as he leans in behind her ear. ] Take it away, Marie.
[ With the seat offering so much space for two people, Marie doesn't have a problem lifting her hips a little to get herself more comfortable. Her short height forces her to reach out a bit farther, stretching her arms out, but it's nothing she's not one hundred percent confident getting used to.
It's like riding a horse, but instead of hearing its cries there's humming and roaring of engines. The difference won't affect her performance.
His arms are around her, and Marie feels like he's trusting her with his life. She better give a worth to Master's faith in her. After Cloud speaks in her ear, the Rider won't wait a minute longer before she revvs the bike on and brightly announces, ]
Prêt à partir!
[ Before it starts, on a gradually paced speed, wheels crunching against the asphalt as Marie maneuvers them out of the apartment and into the core of the city.
What an adventure, this birthday of hers has been so far. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ What can he say? Her excitement (and energy) is contagious. He's equal parts nervous and filled with anticipation. Cloud follows her back to her apartment, crossing his arms as he leans beside the sofa where she's currently opening her present. Even he's not oblivious to the way she reacts. It's in that instance that his heart feels lighter in his chest.
And he honestly can't help smiling more deeply when she figures out exactly what it is. ]
Not an easy thing to forget.
[ Especially with how their contract came to be. There's a softer affection to his voice as he answers her. Now that he sees the crystal horse survived the journey from the glass shop to her apartment, Cloud can relax. He takes a seat on the edge of the couch, his hands in his lap. ]
Well? Let's see it.
[ It's okay to take it out! It's not that fragile.
H-He hopes.]no subject
[ As a Spirit, having a heartbeat is more of an extension of the humanity she once had in life, but she can clearly feel it pound hard and quick in her ears, mirroring her eagerness in the face of such a perfect gift. Cloud's suggestion isn't heeded for a minute longer, the Queen needing time to ogle at the miniature model of her crystal horse before her hands land on it.
When the moment of delight fades a bit, that's when Marie takes a deep breath, cheeks flushed from happiness, and with very ginger hands she collects the small statue and places it on the coffee table, showing it to her Master in its bull beauty. Her mind is already filled with ideas on where she should expose this jewel to the eyes of her guests in the future. ]
C'est formidable... I have never seen something so wonderfully describing of what I am.
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Note to self? Go back to that shop and give the owner a more proper thanks, seeing how he was in such a rush before. ]
I take it I did good, then.
[ Cloud wasn't one to get very emotional, but even he couldn't help the gentle little huff as his smile broadens a bit just watching her admire the crystalline horse. Even for an existence like hers, a Spirit, Heroic Spirit, a piece of history given a foothold in Chaldea and now here... The fact that he could help enrich this life of hers with the smallest token was enough for him. Seeing her so happy fills him with pride. Pride for her and taking in this happiness. It's contagious.
Whenever Marie looks back to Cloud, even if he hasn't said anything for a bit, he wasn't aware of how gentle that smile of his became. ]
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You did! Oh, Cloud...
[ She sees it, the smile, the warm sort of smile that makes her fall in love. It causes her face to heat up a little, and makes her consider some way with which she can thank her Master. There are many ways, some friendly, some more intimate. What's certain is that she can't just use her words for this one time. It would sound like too little of a thanks, an imbalanced exchange. Sure, it's her birthday, but it matters little when she'd be still left with the same kind of bitterness over not being able to return the kindness.
Marie eventually picks one option, innocent but at the same time not by much.
Standing up and moving over to where Cloud is sitting, she reaches for his face, touches his cheek with a silky gloved hand, leans in...
A press of her lips against his, all in the spirit of gratefulness towards her Master. ]
no subject
Well, he can't say that he's too surprised. Which is why while his eyes do widen at first, it's fleeting at best as he immediately relaxes into her touch. From the day they first met, Marie just had a way of soothing him. He can only begin to imagine how many people must have loved her here, the influence she has to quell the hearts that stir otherwise. From the moment she tended to his lip, taking a chance on a borderline feral beast...she'd tamed him for life.
For as long as the two had time here for. And he doesn't want to be anywhere else right now but reveling in her happiness. Which is why when she presses her lips to his, he returns the kiss just as softly as he closes his eyes.
This is her way of thanking him, and his heart leaps a little in his chest at the touching gesture as he leans up to her. He'll stay for as long as she wants to, until she wants to break this off. Otherwise, he's content in letting her express her gratitude to him like this. It feels too good to want anything else. ]
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Unfortunately, she also wants to see his new bike properly and ride on it before the end of the day, which blows all her plans over like a bare dandelion. It's fine, though, her urges can be kept at bay if the ride turns out to be distracting. Iris has yet to show its head, too, which makes her sexual ordeal even easier to manage.
She still keeps up with the kiss, however, arms resting happily around his shoulders as a hand dips into his messy blonde hair. He's so addicting. Of course, she tells herself, since he's her Master. Yet, a deeper meaning is still found behind this attachment, although she's in no mood to really investigate what's going on inside her own head.
When she breaks away, opening her blue eyes, blush a bit darker, the Queen speaks, the tip of her nose brushing against his. ]
Now then, will you show me your new vehicle?
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Which is why Cloud makes a soft little noise against her lips, akin to a gentle sigh as she plays with the mess of soft blond atop his head. Turns out that having his hair played with was a tender spot of his. As Marie pulls away from the kiss, his lips are still slightly parted as he opens his eyes, soft in their glow as he's blushing just as hard as she is. It's difficult to give up- not to mention how damned hard he struggled not to just close that distance between them to kiss her again. But when she brings up Sköll, he's equal parts disappointed and excited. She's a Rider-class Servant. Which meant that she had an innate affinity for, well, riding! He trusts her more than he trusts most people here in this world, after everything they've been through.
He'd at least do his damnest not to let her get bored. Cloud was pretty proud of his new set of wheels. ]
Yeah. [ There's a lift of excitement in his voice, pulling away reluctantly from where their noses so affectionately brushed. ] You'll get a real kick out of it.
[ Any time spent with Marie was good, so he's still okay with this part of the day being spent like this. Slowing getting up from the couch, he shares a fond look back down to the Queen at his side before leading the way back out of the apartment. ]
With your rank, this should be a walk in the park, right?
no subject
That is correct! My skill comes in handy, even though horses are my main specialty.
[ With evident reluctance, Marie separates completely from Cloud when he stands up, but the idea of getting on a small trip through the city with him reassures her that they're not about to part ways anytime soon. One last look at the precious crystal horse statue, before she's led outside, where his shiny and powerful-looking vehicle has been parked in wait. ]
My, what an amazing steed you have... my hands are aching to hold its handlebars already!
no subject
Seeing her face light up at the sight of Sköll's jet black and crimson finish is enough to put an amused smile on his face however, stepping up to the sizeable machine. Marie may be taking the handlebars on this one, but that didn't mean he wasn't about to show off his new pride and joy. The old man and his niece did a good job on this custom build. ]
Knock yourself out. [ His hand rests along the back of the seat, long enough while curving up the back to accommodate two people with ease. One thing was for certain. This planet would definitely encourage having a partner for this for the Chroma share along.
Unlimited Ride Works] If it's anything like Fenrir back home, it should be able to hit speeds of up to 400 kilometres per hour. It's even got a hip-controlled steering mechanic in case you need your hands free.[ Odd to anyone else as far as specs go. But for Cloud? He's got plenty of experience fighting on and off his bike via high speed chases. ]
no subject
When Cloud gives her the permission she needed, the Queen rightfully takes her place at the front, hopping on Sköll with delicate agility. Her white dress flutters along, hunching up a little below her thighs once she takes her seat. She's supposed to wear a helmet, but having ridden a crystal horse for so long without any need of protection, she won't even consider the option. ]
Oh, dear... it looks even larger now that I'm on it.
[ Strange wording aside, her hands touch the handlebars while she studies the commands and listens to his instructions. The bit about its speed has her round her lips in marvel. ]
I would not be intentioned to reach that speed, as I would not like to put any innocent citizen in danger... but I am now eager to start! [ She looks behind her, smiling at him. ] Hop on...! It is what people say, right?
no subject
She'll be fiiine. When she straddles the massive machine without a single hitch, admiring it beneath her as her lips round with a sense of wonder, he has to resist whistling. The kind of whistle that implies being impressed, that is. fkdsja
Marie does look nice on a bike.]Mm. I had a feeling you'd be able to handle it.
[ The strange wording flies over his head. kdfjas When she looks behind her to smile at him so brightly, he looks down to her with a broader gaze, smiling as he softly shakes his head. This girl... ]
You got it.
[ Both the saying and her command. Cloud's not used to riding in the back. And he'll have to do his damnest to concentrate/pretend that he's the one at the controls even though he's surrendering the reins to her entirely. Would he get motion sickness like this? Let's hope not. It's his bike! His weight is added behind her, the seat leaving plenty of room for the two of them as he slides in against her back. She may be strong as a Servant, but he still doesn't want to burden her with his weight entirely. ]
Alright... [ His arms slide around her waist as he leans in behind her ear. ] Take it away, Marie.
no subject
It's like riding a horse, but instead of hearing its cries there's humming and roaring of engines. The difference won't affect her performance.
His arms are around her, and Marie feels like he's trusting her with his life. She better give a worth to Master's faith in her. After Cloud speaks in her ear, the Rider won't wait a minute longer before she revvs the bike on and brightly announces, ]
Prêt à partir!
[ Before it starts, on a gradually paced speed, wheels crunching against the asphalt as Marie maneuvers them out of the apartment and into the core of the city.
What an adventure, this birthday of hers has been so far. ]