It's a pretty monotonous existence. There's a full moon once in every while to break things up, sure. But full moons aren't something to look forward to. They're trouble, and even if he's been through a handful of them at this point, they're not getting any easier. They're probably not going to either.
...They're a pain in the ass, actually. Nothing to look forward to, even if they sure as hell broke things up.
There's some (more favourable) breaks in the routine, though. Small things, insignificant things, like now when hunting had been particuarly hard going had meant that grocery shopping was some small change. (His list: organs for Nier. More conventional food such as cereals, fruit, and vegetables were for Aerith. ...One impulse buy. Sunflowers- for both of them.)
Only as he's moving between the varying markets, he comes to a halt. Scent was something that had really changed for him. Nowadays, used just as much as any human used sight. And the scent which is carried on the wind...
It's vampire, but that's nothing new. The city's full of them. It's nothing he likes, not unknown vampire scents anyway, but it's something he has to tolerate. No other choice. What gives him pause is the fact he's smelled this particular vampire before. He can't place where. It doesn't work like that- while scent for him is linked to emotion, to feeling- to ease, unease- to mood even- memory just isn't involved. Probably because memory is was too human.
So he has to turn. And as he looks to Qrow, a few feet away, probably in the middle of doing the exact same task- grocery shopping probably, that memory comes back. ]
You're from the mirrored room, right?
[He didn't quite smell like this before. The scent's familiar, but also not so. Was it the progression of his vampirism making it the same, but not? ...Probably.]
[One thing had led to the other from the past few weeks. From helping out with hanging posters a few weeks ago, he'd found that Tataru was... a taskmaster. And one that didn't really hold back with requests. Fortunately, they were pretty easy ones. He had an abundance of hides, for a start. He hunted most nights- and it wasn't so much hassle to take the hides from his kills back to the city.
Speaking of which, he's amassed a number of them in the last week. It's just rabbits, some very young or very old deer, maybe even the odd fox- but it's nothing special. He can't exactly bring down anything large alone. Except on full moons. And even then, what's left after he does isn't... exactly... salvageable.
Or anything close to it.
These things, as little as they are, aren't exactly pristine. But they're good enough for Tataru to do things to, and that's good enough.
...Except he doesn't really know what 'doing things' actually involved. That's on him though. Jobs for him weren't exactly anything he questioned. Regardless of what they were- he's decidedly non-curious. He's not one to ask questions, it's not his business to know. So as Tataru approaches the area of which they'd decided to meet up, he simply moves the bag of ex-happy woodland creatures over his shoulder.]
Got 'em.
[And.]
You want me to walk them back to your place? It's probably gonna be heavy for you to carry yourself.
500 years later forgive me aaaa this took WAY too long
[If you give her an ilm she'll take a malm - that's just how Tataru was. It's not that she's greedy but rather an...opportunist if you will. It's not taking advantage of someone if they agree and there's no outright exploitation or blackmail involved, right? And Cloud agreed to help her with a few requests out of the kindness of his heart! So, no harm no foul, right?
Spotting him she gives him a cheery wave, delighted to see him. Even more delighted when he tells her he's got exactly what she'd requested of him. There's a bit of jumping from her, arms extended into the air at that.]
Oh, oh! Thank you Cloud!
[She can't exactly go past the wall by herself and collect pelts and buying them is out of the question so it really is a help.]
[The past two months had flown, been swallowed even, in a series of tasks that made up a routine. Of sorts. Hunts and jobs were more or less everything, and it'd been easy to lose himself in said routine and ...just exist.
Some things had fallen to the wayside. A lot of things actually- Sora, for instance. But... the guy had friends here at least. A lot of him thought he shouldn't get involved. And that... well, that was one thing- but there was what he promised him.
What he'd promised was...well, kind of small, actually. Insignificant, but regardless, the idea of not following through wasn't exactly something he was comfortable with. So, he'd made enquiries. Eventually, he'd managed to find a seamstress- Tataru actually- who seemed to be willing enough to make something custom, and actually good enough to make something viable off a vague description of Sora's height and build.
...She was fast, too. So, here he was- at where he'd walked Sora some time ago. ...Or at least where he thinks he walked the kid, anyway. The harness is left on the doorstep. And he takes a few steps away, turns his back, takes a couple more-
[He knows that Cloud is a busy person (or more so that he just likes to keep busy) so he hadn't called too much on Cloud either. Sora wanted to see the mercenary, most definitely, but he thought there would be time for it eventually. Or at least the time would come when Sora couldn't take it anymore and he'd hunt down the man himself--
But it seems he doesn't have to. Sora opens the door only to find the blond himself just outside on his front step. Sora's long brunette-furred rabbit ears stick straight up in the air in alertness.]
Cloud!
[His surprise and delight are both there in his tone. He smiles widely and looks curiously at the package left on the step.]
What are you doing here? [What is Cloud trying to leave and why is he trying to slink off like a weirdo??]
[Ears. Yes, that's right- it's not his first time seeing them. Still, it's enough to warrant a second glance, even through his (faint) embarrassment at the little drop-by being discovered.]
Brought something by for you.
[His voice is brisk, artificially so- eyes darting down to the package as if to back up the statement- but they flick back to Sora. His eyes...]
[That's right, Sora's slowly changing into a rabbit boy. He's now gifted with these sharp yellow eyes that make him look more like Vanitas these days but at least Sora's smile is still warm and his expression is still all Sora.
He looks surprised and retrieves the package sitting on the step. Was Cloud really going to just drop the care package and ditch?]
Thanks! Uh, what is it?
[Sora's ears twitch. He glances down at the package like he's trying to avoid Cloud really noticing the yellow of his eyes.]
Erm... Yeah, just a few more monster changes. I'm alright.
[The sky's on fire. But he knew this was coming. He'd been warned about the meteor shower- of course, he had- it'd been forecast for days, and from the general excitement in the city about it, the stupid comments about making wishes, about luck, about prosperity, it'd been hard to get away from mention of it. So when it hits, it's not like he's afraid. Not of it anyway, but...
...But...
He's pensive. Highly so. He'd decided to stay in the apartment for the night. It's not like he's got distractions via company anyway- Like most nights, Nier was... either working or hunting, and Aerith, of course, is asleep. Because she's not like them. She needs to sleep- and he'd been reluctant to talk to her about the shower. He didn't want to concern her, more than anything.
At least, staying in was the plan.
As the night goes on, he finds his gaze moving to the window more often than not, finds his attention drifting, and as the meteor shower goes on, finds himself staring outside the window. And with staring comes unrest.
A lot of it.
He's opened the door to the room Aerith is sleeping in before he realizes it. She's... sleeping soundly, peacefully, and waking her up seems unthinkable. So. The door's shut, softly, and he's out. And he's walking. Quickly.
The further he walks, the more into his mind he goes. Tifa, Barret, Red- Cid, Yuffie, Cait Sith, Vincent. They were probably going through this. No, they were going through worse. Far worse. It had to have been over by now.
They were probably dead. The planet was probably dead, its husk spiralling off throughout space, and...
It's not the first time he's gone through this kind of thought process. These thoughts- the same worries, the same concerns, the same guilt, should be tired, old. He should be sick of thinking about it all by now, but it's... it's his fault. All of it. From start to finish, he's to blame.
And- Hours have passed.
Where is he? He's unsure. His surroundings indicate it's some area of the forest, but even then, he's not been here before. Not even as a wolf. The sounds of the meteor shower, or more accurately those viewing it, was barely audible. They must be miles away.
[The sky’s on fire, indeed. Bright and colorful — almost lurid — leaving luminous streaks across the deep black of night.
Sephiroth has taken his time to admire the view. From below, feet planted to the earth, neck craned up high as he watched the shower pass overhead, he found the gaping openness of night almost too much to consider. If they could sail across that inky black, past the stars and traveling for an eternity, would Gaia still be out there waiting for them? Or are they divided by some unknown veil that warps time and reality, and their planet remains unreachable in ways that no one comprehends?
It is hard to say, but all he knows is that the starlight, meteors, and wide maw of space do not provide him pleasure in watching. It makes him feel restless, ruminating, and uprooted; and so he chooses to detach himself from the festivities and find something else to entertain him.
But as the minutes pass, a foreign entity wells up in his gut — anxiety, itching across his nerves. This cannot be his own (he never allows for malaise to run that deep, banishing it before he could ever fall into cyclical overthinking), and that leaves only one other option. His Bondmate is experiencing discontent, and Sephiroth feels its bleed-over as a reward.
So what better way to spend the next few minutes but seeking him out? Following that trail. It brings him under the cover of dark trees that still cannot hide the impossible light of the cosmic debris burning in the sky.]
Cloud. What are you doing all the way out here?
[He approaches from behind, and though he cannot see Cloud’s face, there does not seem to be an immediate issue. Still, it would be nice to know why he’s having to feel this lingering unease if he must.]
[It must be the bond calling out. Because it's sure as hell not anything else. Even what he's aware of- the parts of him which weren't originally him- can't influence the source from where it comes from. So it must be that- that must be the reason Sephiroth- of all people is here. He's the one person he's not yearning to not see, at a time where he's unsure if he can keep himself composed at the sight.
As the SOLDIER steps out in front of him, he feels a pang of something inside him. It's emotion. It's a wave of illogical anger, a surge of illogical distrust, and a pang of illogical fear. All at the same time. And this something rears again.
This something is accelerated and unstable emotion forcing, as it did with all turnskins, an unnatural transformation. This transformation is unaided by any lunar phase, his body is unprotected from long-term injury via the moon's protection.
But he's not there yet. Not quite. It's threatening to, sure.
He can feel his skin rising in goosebumps with the treat of erupting into coarse hair, feel his spine threatening to twist, to contort, to break and re-fuse into a canine's, even feel his heartbeat slowing into something which resembles death- only before twisting, seizing, and shoving blood around his body at a rate which is so fast, it's painful.
No. He has to calm down. He has to- for however tempting it is to lose control here, to take advantage of this new, monstrous form and use its strength to attack him, to kill him, to end him- he won't win. He can't have those things even if he loses himself.
He has to keep reminding himself that Sephiroth, this Sephiroth, at least, has less blame for any of it than he himself had.
It's just.... No. It's not anything. ...He straightens himself, from where he'd half-doubled. ]
Nothing. [Snippy. He can't help that. Of all the things he's trying to control, his voice seems insignificant.] What're you doing here?
[His eyes are practically glowing in the dim light. Not his mako glow. Not entirely. It's that, combined with the reflectivity prevalent when you shine a flashlight into an animal's eyes.]
[The lurch of emotion strikes hot and jarring. He can feel it through their bond, like a predator bearing its fangs. Sephiroth stops, but never cowed, looks at him in a way that is thoroughly unimpressed.
The tone is noted; very few speak to him in that manner, but the SOLDIER’s pride is not so shallow that it’s bruised. That said, he decidedly does not turn away.
The suggestion is ignored, as if it did not exist at all.]
I can feel your discontent— [but it’s more than that now, isn’t it? Anger, frustration. Directed at what? Him? Its intensity grew only when he neared.] —from across the city.
[A hand sweeps up to motion at the sky, glowing eyes never leaving Cloud’s. He notes how almost animalistic they look; a fair match against his own slitted pupils.]
Or the best response. It's a lie, a terrible attempt at one too, but what other option does he have? It's not like he can tell him everything that's on his mind. And the worst thing about lies, is they can't be taken back. He's committed to it now, he can't backtrack.]
It's just a meteor shower. I'm fine. It's-
[A pang of pain from his back makes him grimace- makes him lower his eyes again, makes him tighten his hands into claws, fingertips pressing into whatever purchase against his biceps they can find.
Instinct tells him to hunch over, to tear up the earth in front of him with them, to allow the smells of earth and nature to overwhelm him, to lose himself to it. But of all people he needs control to interact with, Sephiroth is the most critical.
And shakily-]
-a turnskin thing. I'm telling you, you need to get out of here before I lose it.
[He's not looking away. He can't look away either. It's displeasure, perhaps concern. But the transformation views it as aggression. Not good.]
[When Sephiroth becomes the equivalent of a walking lie detector, as all harpies are, Cloud will have more trouble sloughing off these fibs to him. Even now, it’s a badly-told one. Emotion flares with the question, simmering beneath the surface like water set to boil.
Despite that, he does not believe Cloud is lying about the rest, and a part of him is morbidly curious. He has not seen changes impress themselves on the man’s body — unlike Sephiroth, who sports pointed ears along with the growth of feathers beneath silver hair — and he wonders at where they’re hiding. He knows of his heightened sense of smell, but what else?
Are the rest churning in his head? That sounds— Unpredictable. A liability to both himself and Sephiroth, or anyone else bonded to such an influx of sudden emotion just because the stars are careening overhead.]
I would rather see you struggle; control it or don’t.
[His is an implied command rather than an acquiescence, because it’s Sephiroth and of course it is. But to his credit, he follows up with-]
You’ve told me time and time again that this Bond is for the best. For both of us. Truth, yes, but a convenient one. I won’t leave just so you can hide the unflattering parts.
[Sephiroth doesn’t need the experience curated to him. He doesn’t need to feel secondhand what Cloud experiences and have it written off as something he should not be around.
Neither, of course, is he worried under the pressure of a threat.]
I want to see them, instead.
Edited (sorry for your inbox kdddhjkgd) 2020-04-07 14:32 (UTC)
[While Sephiroth knew about small things relating to his transformation such as sense of smell, that wasn't to say that other characteristics weren't forming or already formed.
Sephiroth not knowing the extent of them is on Cloud, of course. There was a lot he hadn't told Sephiroth, hadn't shown him either. But he's not the only one. Cloud's tendency to not share intricates applied to everyone. While those he was closest to knew some things, it was only via the virtue of living arrangements meaning a lack of distance between them that meant some things, unconcealable things, were shared. Even then, they didn't know everything.
Regarding the changes, unlike Sephiroth, Cloud's were mostly internal. it was more sense, sensation- enhanced hearing, sight, changes to what his body could process and what it couldn't- what it could tolerate and what it couldn't as well- not to mention psychological changes.
These changes were mostly unknown, even to Cloud himself. A newer, more intense distrust toward strangers that came with what he was becoming was reasoned away as his usual distrust plus stress. His (over)attachment to those he was close to? ...Well, easy to reason away. What happened to Aerith and all.
But regardless. Physically, the only change on him was the eyes, and that was only in the dark. Sephiroth's command causes them to flash- causes him to step back, his expression to contort.]
You don't get it- I can't control myself when I'm changed. I don't know what'll happen- I don't know if I'll attack you.
[Would the bond even mean anything to him in that form? It's not something he wants to try out.]
[He wonders, wryly, if Cloud puts so little stock in his reputation that the threat of attack means much at all.]
That doesn’t concern me.
[Easily dismissed. A useless concern. It is not the threat of a physical attack that is problematic, but rather the propensity for the Bond to bleed over in a detrimental, 1-to-1 way— for a variety of reasons — if Sephiroth has to experience what Cloud feels, too.
He does not like being surprised, or not knowing what to expect. Sephiroth chooses to grasp at the edges of control in whatever ways it might present itself in this world.]
What’s concerning is not knowing the effect your changes will inevitably have on me. It can’t be avoided forever, and it’s fallacy to believe otherwise. [He gestures at the clearing, surrounding by groupings of trees.] We’re isolated here — as good of a place as any. If you can’t hold back, then don’t.
[So it’s as he said. Control it or don’t. But don’t dismiss him just so you can hide feral emotion, Cloud. The point is moot; a Bond predicates that it would be shared to some degree, as if they both lived in the same skin.]
[That's said through gritted teeth- more of a snarl than a retort, even if the latter is meant so much more than the former. But arguing is wasting time. He's running out of it- the convulsions are getting more and more frequent, and he can feel his skin pricking- goosebumps raised beyond flattening now- long- sharp hairs threatening to burst through his skin via them at any moment.
...It's too late. He has to stop fighting it. His head's swimming, and his perception of colour, taste, smell, has already changed. Except... this is different. His emotion meant this transformation is different- painful even- things about him are changing differently.]
...Shit...
[Maybe if he focuses, if he forces the transformation to a wolf, instead of... whatever this is, this will stop. But.]
Look. It's weird. Really weird. ...I can't do it while you're watching.
[There's some foliage behind him. He can change there, and be more or less covered, right? So. He leans against the tree he's presently next to, scrabbling at his boots to undo them. Once they're loose, he moves.
What comes next... isn't good. It's a few moments before he's out of view and something happens- and Sephiroth should hear a series of snaps, crunches, and ...a strange sound, like twisting, splintering. It's his bones breaking, refusing- accompanied by a few gasps and even a few (quiet) pained sounds.
....Then its silent. Until a quiet sound- of something large being devoured, quickly- greedily- sloppily. There's the sound of sniffing- huffing- then a wolf emerges. It's sandy blonde-coloured, and its underside should be white, but it, as well as its mouth and neck, is smeared with blood.
...It's smaller than most wolves, that's for sure. It shakes itself as it moves, and then it suddenly looks to Sephiroth. Its eyes are bright blue.
It sniffs the air. ....And it seems unsure. It bears its teeth- snout wrinkling as it does so, but even then, it seems tentative, tongue escaping its maw shortly afterward to lick at its bloody mouth.
[The sounds — heard only once Cloud has found refuge behind the cover of a line of trees — is vaguely worrisome. It reminds him of bones splintering, and that isn’t even considering the wet, hungry noises that follow. Sparing Sephiroth from a “weird” sight was an understatement, he thinks, because if this is a prelude to a transformation, he can only assume that it is less weird than it is grotesque.
The entire time, he doesn’t move where he stands. Even when through the foliage comes a wolf, stained with red across its maw and belly, his only response at first is a narrowing of his brow.]
Are you lucid?
[Asked calmly, though pryingly. Cloud’s new form seems more uncertain that utterly aggressive, but he cannot be sure if he’ll remain that way. It’s hard to miss all that blood (from where? himself?) as the wolf’s muzzle lifts to catch a scent in the air. He assumes it’s his own.
[The question is met simply with a shake of its body, which... well, sends blood spraying either side of it. Good thing Sephiroth's standing directly ahead, that's for sure. It seems to collect itself then, sitting on its haunches and licking at its mouth for a few seconds... just long enough before Sephiroth speaks.
Its ears swing forward at the sound of his voice before they pull back- and it picks itself up again, eyes narrowing. Its tail is neither lowered nor upright- instead pointed outward, perfectly parallel to the ground. The creature before Sephiroth's body language suggests that it's pretty suspicious.
...Perhaps their bond would mean Sephiroth would know. Perhaps it wouldn't.
Perhaps it's even confused- emotionally conflicted more than anything at, well, Sephiroth in general- something it recognizes as bonded, important, but by all accounts, someone this animalistic form didn't see the relevance of besides being warm meat. The fact it even considers him a viable food option means that human thought, human memory, human concepts of past and present aren't exactly anything it can access.
In a sense, it's similar to how Cloud himself couldn't exactly access what he actually did at a full moon.
It growls, a faint whining sound tinged at the end of each of them perhaps suggesting that it's pretty damn conflicted, too.]
[Perhaps the argument could be made that Sephiroth can read the intentions of a creature well enough. Having put monsters beneath the judgment of his blade more than once, he is able to tell when aggression flares, or when confusion and uncertainty take the reins instead.
But more rationally, he senses the wolf’s emotions less by pure observation and more through the continual existence of their bond. It’s strange, this way; more animalistic, like the human parts of memory and cognizance have been stripped clean to leave only something raw beneath. It’s Cloud, surely, but it is also just a wolf — wild and suspicious — and in many ways, he wonders how he is being perceived by him. A threat? Prey? Something in-between?
Well, what is there to do? Sephiroth is not about to turn his back on a potential threat, but he’s sensible enough; if he steps closer, Cloud will either dart away or attack. He doesn’t fear the latter, but he doesn’t wish it as the default. He would rather “fight or flight” instinct to skew towards flight if it does come to that.
So he stands, waits, crossing his arms from a distance and observing what his newly-transformed bondmate will do next. To see just how much of an issue this is.]
[It's almost morning. Like most nights, he's been out working varying jobs- a little bit of security here, some errands there. Shade-watching in other places, thanks to the portal providing quick transport to areas that were less safe than Aefenglom's surroundings. Nothing particularly difficult. But as the night had gone on, it'd taken a toll- and by the time he's back through the transporter, he's about ready to go back to the apartment and sleep.
Meeting up with Nier on the way had been an accident. A happy one at least- he hadn't exactly arranged to meet up with him, but he had. And he'd just about finished up for the night too. It's only natural that they went back together- and as they do, as they lwt themselves into the apartment in question and as Cloud switches on the light to the main room within it, something's... different.
There's a pile of blankets in the living area. At first glance, they seem disorganized- strewn about- like someone had broken in and scattered things everywhere. And...
Fear rises in his chest quickly. His eyes widen and he has to swallow back a brief shock of nausea- and his voice is raised as he steps inside.]
[ tonight’s hunt had been fruitful, but a little unsavory — the best were. when he comes across cloud, his hair is wound up into a bun, the rest of him disheveled and smeared with a slick mesh of dirt and blood. the heels of his greaves drag along the soil, but cloud’s company had always been comfortable, like the telltale sign that his day was coming to an end at long last.
when they enter the apartment, there’s...something of a tent formed from cloth, large enough to withhold a body or two. it’s lit brightly enough that you can make out a familiar silhouette within it. cloud is already shouting, but nier wordlessly walks on ahead, poking at the fabric. ]
Cloud...it’s fine. She’s just playing.
[ blanket forts, man. the last time he’d seen one, it was slanted, caving into itself and housing a sickly little girl. this was an upgrade by far. ]
[Truthfully, despite the issues that plagued this planet, it's the first time in a while where Aerith has not had to worry about being monitored, or chased, or had the imminent doom of a whole world's safety resting on her shoulders. And so, as a result, this idea had emerged from her sudden excess of free time — one of the younger Coven witches had put it in her head, and since both Cloud and Nier were gone, it wouldn't be a bother to take up the living room space, right?
Right.
So she'd built a fort, one a fair bit more elaborate than the ones she'd used to make as a kid, but with the same general idea in mind: lots of blankets, lots of pillows, lots of soft lights. She's tucked in it reading when Cloud and Nier return, and jumps in alarm at Cloud's exclamation, moving to poke her head out of her makeshift shelter even before Nier approaches it.]
Hm? Cloud? Is everything —
[She blinks up at Nier, waylaid by the question.] Oh, I'm just...
[Now in the presence of two fellow adults, her impulse seems childish.] Goofing off! I got bored, waiting up for you guys. I know it's a little silly, but I built these all the time when I was a kid.
[She looks around him now, to study Cloud carefully.] Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you.
At first glance, being as unfamiliar with the idea of building a tent in the centre of a room as he was, it kind of looks like a mess. Furniture had been moved- things had been scattered around disorderly, but the more he looks at it, the more it seems to resemble what it is. The furniture had been moved, yes. But it was just to provide supports for the blanket fort, and everything that was out of its place had form, purpose. String lights- originally thought strewn around as if thrown are actually draped carefully, to provide light to those inside.
The more he looks at it, the more it seems far less what he originally thought it was. At this closer examination, at Nier's calm and at his statement, at the way Aerith looks to him so curiously, yet with some worry, the thought that the place had been robbed seems stupid. Or worse, an overreaction.
...Ugh.
He moves to the side of the room, to take his Organics from his back and lean it against the wall.]
I'm fine. Sorry. I thought someone got in and something happened, that's all.
[His gaze rises, to Aerith. It's... not the right time to think it. But she looks sort of cute like that- her hair down and dressed comfortably, half-in and half out of this... creation. Except he's not going to say anything. He's already been weird enough, hasn't he?
[She clarifies this by lifting up her book. There are a lot of books. Gradually, she had gone from studying spellbooks, to history books, and somehow had lost steam along the way and had ended up with what looks like some sort of novel. Aerith regards Cloud a little longer, brow furrowed. She knows he's probably a little embarrassed — were Nier not around, she might poke fun, but she doesn't want to add insult to injury. Besides, he really had sounded worried.
Now that she's studying the two of them, though, an idea comes to mind.] It's okay, really. No need to apologize.
[And then:] You know, you two are a mess.
[Her tact only extends so far, it seems.] You're not going to eat before cleaning up, are you?
[It's a statement for Nier, but he can't help but look back as Aerith speaks, reading the cover of the book she lifts up. He's... interested, to be honest. He shouldn't be, it's just a book. But... it's weird. if it involves her, he's interested. Even if he's not exactly good at showing it.
...Maybe he should get her some more sometime. But that's a thought for later. Especially when...
Shit. His boots. He moves, quickly, to the door again, before he starts to remove them. And once they're off, he pads back. He opens his mouth to apologize- again- but she says not to, and-]
[ he is mostly silent as they speak, instead regarding the two of them, in the looks they share and the vulnerability lingering in cloud's face; aerith is far from a child, but she's animated in a way these two aren't, bright and comforting as she addresses their needs. his eyes rove over the blankets, and he cants his head, thinking on how quaint it is.
with a nod, nier takes a step back from her fort. there's a shake of the head as he folds his arms. ]
I ate earlier with my bonded. There's something in the fridge for you, Cloud, if you need it. [ a raise of the hand, the smile on his face small and cordial. of course, she...brings up the state they're in — nier's hair is disheveled, blood and dirt matted against the fur of his jerkin. he sniffs at one of his arms, idly. his greaves are already removed, fortunately. ]
You're right. But there's only one bathroom — one of us'll have to wait.
[ an awkward pause. well, it was a matter of assessing who was dirtier or making do, really. what's the worst that could come from a turnskin and a vampire who needed to manscape sharing a shower? ]
[Anyone else, and hell no. Nier's... a state, to be honest. He's matted with blood, and he smells... earthy. Like steel and blood and sweat and the insides of whatever had the misfortune of being hunted by him. (The wolf part of him likes it, actually- but he's pretty sure it's not something Aerith would be into) But regardless, that... would probably make a hell of a mess in the shower.
But Nier's more considerate than most people. It's not like he'd leave it filthy. ...So it's fine.
His gaze lingers on Nier's face as he moves past him, a respectful enough distance away from the fort.
[Curious, she watches this exchange, smiles some at Nier's mention of dinner for Cloud — it was funny! Sometimes he reminded her of someone's mom. Sometimes like Tifa too, the way he seemed to predict a need before it was expressed, how he rarely seemed to want or need anything. Hard to read, though. She often takes for granted, her ability to understand others, and so when hit with someone guarded, she takes note of it, files it away.
Cloud seemed to like him anyway, and she's taken note of that too. Something to think about!
For now, though:]
When you're done, come back! I never see you two — I'm always asleep when you're awake...
[It's a mild gripe, done without any real annoyance, and more for the sake of complaining, which she seemed to enjoy. She watches Cloud sit at a distance, then rolls over in her collection of blankets and pillows, so that she's staring at him upside down.]
Not yet! I'll come up with something later.
[She says this all too cheerily.] He's a nice guy, isn't he? Nier.
[Something goes through him at her smile. It's inexplicable, some kind of dread probably, something that tells him that it signals something he's going to get ribbed for later. But. He shifts, folding his legs underneath himself and looking, expression turning to one of faint surprise, at Aerith.
...Upside down. ...It's kind of endearing. But. Anyway.]
I can... uh, do it differently. Sleeping, I mean. Stuff like that. If you want. It's no big deal.
[It kind of was. But he can manage, he's pretty sure. And feeling fatigue is all it would be for him. SOLDIER or not, he'd trained for things like that. Besides, it's better than her feeling lonely.
But, at her next statement, he blinks. That feeling, again? Is it because they're bonded now?]
He's okay. [A small pause, and his eyes turn away. When he brings them back, she's... still looking at him. So he shifts a little, looking around the corner to make sure Nier's gone before he elaborates.]
He's pretty strange. But he says what he wants, when he wants. Does about the same. It's a good thing.
No, no. [She shakes her head — or tries to, before all the blood rushes to it.] It's okay. You're a growing boy! You need your sleep. I can figure out ways to stay busy during the day.
[Apparently tired of making herself dizzy, she rolls back over. Her gaze follows Cloud's own, and when he speaks up she listens, mentally looking for a foothold in the conversation.]
He is strange. He's like a closed book. But I'm glad he's taking care of you. If there wasn't someone to help you with these changes, I might get worried.
His face screws up at that, his eyes move to the side, and he shifts faintly, hitching himself upward to get to his feet. And as he's going to the kitchen-]
Hey! Don't just leave when we're talking — [She watches him stand, head tilted just so, as if she's surprised to see him leave. Then, she half-rolls and half-climbs out of her makeshift shelter, making to follow.
She catches up, winds around him until she's in front of his path. Then she leans in some, too close, really, which was par the course with her — and frowns, thoughtful, her brow furrowed.] Don't be mad. It's a lot to go through all alone! That's all I meant.
[One, two, three steps away, and Aerith's in front of him. He exhales, crossing his arms over his torso as she leans in. It's a defensive trait, of course, but he's not closed off to her. Probably couldn't be even if he tried.
Saying that, he's pensive. His head moves to the side, gaze looking anywhere but to her own.]
It's not that. [It's more...] I'm okay, Aerith. I don't need anyone to look after me. We're bonded, and I think that's slowing it down.
[He trails off. If only because he doesn't know. ...Not really. But, what he does know:]
Nothing's happened to me since. What I'm trying to say, is I don't need you worrying about me. Alright?
[She studies him for a little longer, then at last seems to relent. She doesn't really believe he's okay, but she believes he believes it, and that will have to do for now.]
Okay. [...] But if something does happen, then you'll tell me, right? Even if it's small, or you think it'll be a bother — there's no such thing to me. I really mean it!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
→ Qrow
It's a pretty monotonous existence. There's a full moon once in every while to break things up, sure. But full moons aren't something to look forward to. They're trouble, and even if he's been through a handful of them at this point, they're not getting any easier. They're probably not going to either.
...They're a pain in the ass, actually. Nothing to look forward to, even if they sure as hell broke things up.
There's some (more favourable) breaks in the routine, though. Small things, insignificant things, like now when hunting had been particuarly hard going had meant that grocery shopping was some small change. (His list: organs for Nier. More conventional food such as cereals, fruit, and vegetables were for Aerith. ...One impulse buy. Sunflowers- for both of them.)
Only as he's moving between the varying markets, he comes to a halt. Scent was something that had really changed for him. Nowadays, used just as much as any human used sight. And the scent which is carried on the wind...
It's vampire, but that's nothing new. The city's full of them. It's nothing he likes, not unknown vampire scents anyway, but it's something he has to tolerate. No other choice. What gives him pause is the fact he's smelled this particular vampire before. He can't place where. It doesn't work like that- while scent for him is linked to emotion, to feeling- to ease, unease- to mood even- memory just isn't involved. Probably because memory is was too human.
So he has to turn.
And as he looks to Qrow, a few feet away, probably in the middle of doing the exact same task- grocery shopping probably, that memory comes back. ]
You're from the mirrored room, right?
[He didn't quite smell like this before. The scent's familiar, but also not so. Was it the progression of his vampirism making it the same, but not? ...Probably.]
→ Tataru
Speaking of which, he's amassed a number of them in the last week. It's just rabbits, some very young or very old deer, maybe even the odd fox- but it's nothing special. He can't exactly bring down anything large alone. Except on full moons. And even then, what's left after he does isn't... exactly... salvageable.
Or anything close to it.
These things, as little as they are, aren't exactly pristine. But they're good enough for Tataru to do things to, and that's good enough.
...Except he doesn't really know what 'doing things' actually involved. That's on him though. Jobs for him weren't exactly anything he questioned. Regardless of what they were- he's decidedly non-curious. He's not one to ask questions, it's not his business to know. So as Tataru approaches the area of which they'd decided to meet up, he simply moves the bag of ex-happy woodland creatures over his shoulder.]
Got 'em.
[And.]
You want me to walk them back to your place? It's probably gonna be heavy for you to carry yourself.
500 years later forgive me aaaa this took WAY too long
Spotting him she gives him a cheery wave, delighted to see him. Even more delighted when he tells her he's got exactly what she'd requested of him. There's a bit of jumping from her, arms extended into the air at that.]
Oh, oh! Thank you Cloud!
[She can't exactly go past the wall by herself and collect pelts and buying them is out of the question so it really is a help.]
Please, if you would be willing to.
→ Sora
Some things had fallen to the wayside. A lot of things actually- Sora, for instance. But... the guy had friends here at least. A lot of him thought he shouldn't get involved. And that... well, that was one thing- but there was what he promised him.
What he'd promised was...well, kind of small, actually. Insignificant, but regardless, the idea of not following through wasn't exactly something he was comfortable with. So, he'd made enquiries. Eventually, he'd managed to find a seamstress- Tataru actually- who seemed to be willing enough to make something custom, and actually good enough to make something viable off a vague description of Sora's height and build.
...She was fast, too. So, here he was- at where he'd walked Sora some time ago. ...Or at least where he thinks he walked the kid, anyway. The harness is left on the doorstep. And he takes a few steps away, turns his back, takes a couple more-
and he hears the door open. Shit.
He turns his head.]
...Hi.
no subject
But it seems he doesn't have to. Sora opens the door only to find the blond himself just outside on his front step. Sora's long brunette-furred rabbit ears stick straight up in the air in alertness.]
Cloud!
[His surprise and delight are both there in his tone. He smiles widely and looks curiously at the package left on the step.]
What are you doing here? [What is Cloud trying to leave and why is he trying to slink off like a weirdo??]
no subject
Brought something by for you.
[His voice is brisk, artificially so- eyes darting down to the package as if to back up the statement- but they flick back to Sora. His eyes...]
More changes?
no subject
He looks surprised and retrieves the package sitting on the step. Was Cloud really going to just drop the care package and ditch?]
Thanks! Uh, what is it?
[Sora's ears twitch. He glances down at the package like he's trying to avoid Cloud really noticing the yellow of his eyes.]
Erm... Yeah, just a few more monster changes. I'm alright.
「 meteor shower 」 → Sephiroth
...But...
He's pensive.
Highly so. He'd decided to stay in the apartment for the night. It's not like he's got distractions via company anyway- Like most nights, Nier was... either working or hunting, and Aerith, of course, is asleep. Because she's not like them. She needs to sleep- and he'd been reluctant to talk to her about the shower. He didn't want to concern her, more than anything.
At least, staying in was the plan.
As the night goes on, he finds his gaze moving to the window more often than not, finds his attention drifting, and as the meteor shower goes on, finds himself staring outside the window. And with staring comes unrest.
A lot of it.
He's opened the door to the room Aerith is sleeping in before he realizes it. She's... sleeping soundly, peacefully, and waking her up seems unthinkable. So. The door's shut, softly, and he's out. And he's walking. Quickly.
The further he walks, the more into his mind he goes. Tifa, Barret, Red- Cid, Yuffie, Cait Sith, Vincent. They were probably going through this. No, they were going through worse. Far worse. It had to have been over by now.
They were probably dead.
The planet was probably dead, its husk spiralling off throughout space, and...
It's not the first time he's gone through this kind of thought process. These thoughts- the same worries, the same concerns, the same guilt, should be tired, old. He should be sick of thinking about it all by now, but it's... it's his fault. All of it. From start to finish, he's to blame.
And-
Hours have passed.
Where is he?
He's unsure. His surroundings indicate it's some area of the forest, but even then, he's not been here before. Not even as a wolf. The sounds of the meteor shower, or more accurately those viewing it, was barely audible. They must be miles away.
...He should get back.]
no subject
Sephiroth has taken his time to admire the view. From below, feet planted to the earth, neck craned up high as he watched the shower pass overhead, he found the gaping openness of night almost too much to consider. If they could sail across that inky black, past the stars and traveling for an eternity, would Gaia still be out there waiting for them? Or are they divided by some unknown veil that warps time and reality, and their planet remains unreachable in ways that no one comprehends?
It is hard to say, but all he knows is that the starlight, meteors, and wide maw of space do not provide him pleasure in watching. It makes him feel restless, ruminating, and uprooted; and so he chooses to detach himself from the festivities and find something else to entertain him.
But as the minutes pass, a foreign entity wells up in his gut — anxiety, itching across his nerves. This cannot be his own (he never allows for malaise to run that deep, banishing it before he could ever fall into cyclical overthinking), and that leaves only one other option. His Bondmate is experiencing discontent, and Sephiroth feels its bleed-over as a reward.
So what better way to spend the next few minutes but seeking him out? Following that trail. It brings him under the cover of dark trees that still cannot hide the impossible light of the cosmic debris burning in the sky.]
Cloud. What are you doing all the way out here?
[He approaches from behind, and though he cannot see Cloud’s face, there does not seem to be an immediate issue. Still, it would be nice to know why he’s having to feel this lingering unease if he must.]
no subject
As the SOLDIER steps out in front of him, he feels a pang of something inside him. It's emotion. It's a wave of illogical anger, a surge of illogical distrust, and a pang of illogical fear. All at the same time. And this something rears again.
This something is accelerated and unstable emotion forcing, as it did with all turnskins, an unnatural transformation. This transformation is unaided by any lunar phase, his body is unprotected from long-term injury via the moon's protection.
But he's not there yet.
Not quite. It's threatening to, sure.
He can feel his skin rising in goosebumps with the treat of erupting into coarse hair, feel his spine threatening to twist, to contort, to break and re-fuse into a canine's, even feel his heartbeat slowing into something which resembles death- only before twisting, seizing, and shoving blood around his body at a rate which is so fast, it's painful.
No.
He has to calm down. He has to- for however tempting it is to lose control here, to take advantage of this new, monstrous form and use its strength to attack him, to kill him, to end him- he won't win. He can't have those things even if he loses himself.
He has to keep reminding himself that Sephiroth, this Sephiroth, at least, has less blame for any of it than he himself had.
It's just....
No. It's not anything.
...He straightens himself, from where he'd half-doubled. ]
Nothing. [Snippy. He can't help that. Of all the things he's trying to control, his voice seems insignificant.] What're you doing here?
[His eyes are practically glowing in the dim light. Not his mako glow. Not entirely. It's that, combined with the reflectivity prevalent when you shine a flashlight into an animal's eyes.]
You should go.
no subject
The tone is noted; very few speak to him in that manner, but the SOLDIER’s pride is not so shallow that it’s bruised. That said, he decidedly does not turn away.
The suggestion is ignored, as if it did not exist at all.]
I can feel your discontent— [but it’s more than that now, isn’t it? Anger, frustration. Directed at what? Him? Its intensity grew only when he neared.] —from across the city.
[A hand sweeps up to motion at the sky, glowing eyes never leaving Cloud’s. He notes how almost animalistic they look; a fair match against his own slitted pupils.]
Does all this bother you?
no subject
[Again, not the best tone.
Or the best response. It's a lie, a terrible attempt at one too, but what other option does he have? It's not like he can tell him everything that's on his mind. And the worst thing about lies, is they can't be taken back. He's committed to it now, he can't backtrack.]
It's just a meteor shower. I'm fine. It's-
[A pang of pain from his back makes him grimace- makes him lower his eyes again, makes him tighten his hands into claws, fingertips pressing into whatever purchase against his biceps they can find.
Instinct tells him to hunch over, to tear up the earth in front of him with them, to allow the smells of earth and nature to overwhelm him, to lose himself to it. But of all people he needs control to interact with, Sephiroth is the most critical.
And shakily-]
-a turnskin thing. I'm telling you, you need to get out of here before I lose it.
[He's not looking away.
He can't look away either. It's displeasure, perhaps concern. But the transformation views it as aggression. Not good.]
no subject
Despite that, he does not believe Cloud is lying about the rest, and a part of him is morbidly curious. He has not seen changes impress themselves on the man’s body — unlike Sephiroth, who sports pointed ears along with the growth of feathers beneath silver hair — and he wonders at where they’re hiding. He knows of his heightened sense of smell, but what else?
Are the rest churning in his head? That sounds— Unpredictable. A liability to both himself and Sephiroth, or anyone else bonded to such an influx of sudden emotion just because the stars are careening overhead.]
I would rather see you struggle; control it or don’t.
[His is an implied command rather than an acquiescence, because it’s Sephiroth and of course it is. But to his credit, he follows up with-]
You’ve told me time and time again that this Bond is for the best. For both of us. Truth, yes, but a convenient one. I won’t leave just so you can hide the unflattering parts.
[Sephiroth doesn’t need the experience curated to him. He doesn’t need to feel secondhand what Cloud experiences and have it written off as something he should not be around.
Neither, of course, is he worried under the pressure of a threat.]
I want to see them, instead.
no subject
Sephiroth not knowing the extent of them is on Cloud, of course. There was a lot he hadn't told Sephiroth, hadn't shown him either. But he's not the only one. Cloud's tendency to not share intricates applied to everyone. While those he was closest to knew some things, it was only via the virtue of living arrangements meaning a lack of distance between them that meant some things, unconcealable things, were shared. Even then, they didn't know everything.
Regarding the changes, unlike Sephiroth, Cloud's were mostly internal. it was more sense, sensation- enhanced hearing, sight, changes to what his body could process and what it couldn't- what it could tolerate and what it couldn't as well- not to mention psychological changes.
These changes were mostly unknown, even to Cloud himself. A newer, more intense distrust toward strangers that came with what he was becoming was reasoned away as his usual distrust plus stress. His (over)attachment to those he was close to? ...Well, easy to reason away. What happened to Aerith and all.
But regardless. Physically, the only change on him was the eyes, and that was only in the dark. Sephiroth's command causes them to flash- causes him to step back, his expression to contort.]
You don't get it- I can't control myself when I'm changed. I don't know what'll happen- I don't know if I'll attack you.
[Would the bond even mean anything to him in that form? It's not something he wants to try out.]
no subject
That doesn’t concern me.
[Easily dismissed. A useless concern. It is not the threat of a physical attack that is problematic, but rather the propensity for the Bond to bleed over in a detrimental, 1-to-1 way— for a variety of reasons — if Sephiroth has to experience what Cloud feels, too.
He does not like being surprised, or not knowing what to expect. Sephiroth chooses to grasp at the edges of control in whatever ways it might present itself in this world.]
What’s concerning is not knowing the effect your changes will inevitably have on me. It can’t be avoided forever, and it’s fallacy to believe otherwise. [He gestures at the clearing, surrounding by groupings of trees.] We’re isolated here — as good of a place as any. If you can’t hold back, then don’t.
[So it’s as he said. Control it or don’t. But don’t dismiss him just so you can hide feral emotion, Cloud. The point is moot; a Bond predicates that it would be shared to some degree, as if they both lived in the same skin.]
no subject
[That's said through gritted teeth- more of a snarl than a retort, even if the latter is meant so much more than the former. But arguing is wasting time. He's running out of it- the convulsions are getting more and more frequent, and he can feel his skin pricking- goosebumps raised beyond flattening now- long- sharp hairs threatening to burst through his skin via them at any moment.
...It's too late. He has to stop fighting it. His head's swimming, and his perception of colour, taste, smell, has already changed. Except... this is different. His emotion meant this transformation is different- painful even- things about him are changing differently.]
...Shit...
[Maybe if he focuses, if he forces the transformation to a wolf, instead of... whatever this is, this will stop. But.]
Look. It's weird. Really weird. ...I can't do it while you're watching.
[There's some foliage behind him. He can change there, and be more or less covered, right? So. He leans against the tree he's presently next to, scrabbling at his boots to undo them. Once they're loose, he moves.
What comes next... isn't good.
It's a few moments before he's out of view and something happens- and Sephiroth should hear a series of snaps, crunches, and ...a strange sound, like twisting, splintering. It's his bones breaking, refusing- accompanied by a few gasps and even a few (quiet) pained sounds.
....Then its silent.
Until a quiet sound- of something large being devoured, quickly- greedily- sloppily. There's the sound of sniffing- huffing- then a wolf emerges. It's sandy blonde-coloured, and its underside should be white, but it, as well as its mouth and neck, is smeared with blood.
...It's smaller than most wolves, that's for sure.
It shakes itself as it moves, and then it suddenly looks to Sephiroth.
Its eyes are bright blue.
It sniffs the air.
....And it seems unsure.
It bears its teeth- snout wrinkling as it does so, but even then, it seems tentative, tongue escaping its maw shortly afterward to lick at its bloody mouth.
Then it sniffs the air again.]
no subject
The entire time, he doesn’t move where he stands. Even when through the foliage comes a wolf, stained with red across its maw and belly, his only response at first is a narrowing of his brow.]
Are you lucid?
[Asked calmly, though pryingly. Cloud’s new form seems more uncertain that utterly aggressive, but he cannot be sure if he’ll remain that way. It’s hard to miss all that blood (from where? himself?) as the wolf’s muzzle lifts to catch a scent in the air. He assumes it’s his own.
does his shampoo smell nice]no subject
Its ears swing forward at the sound of his voice before they pull back- and it picks itself up again, eyes narrowing. Its tail is neither lowered nor upright- instead pointed outward, perfectly parallel to the ground. The creature before Sephiroth's body language suggests that it's pretty suspicious.
...Perhaps their bond would mean Sephiroth would know. Perhaps it wouldn't.
Perhaps it's even confused- emotionally conflicted more than anything at, well, Sephiroth in general- something it recognizes as bonded, important, but by all accounts, someone this animalistic form didn't see the relevance of besides being warm meat. The fact it even considers him a viable food option means that human thought, human memory, human concepts of past and present aren't exactly anything it can access.
In a sense, it's similar to how Cloud himself couldn't exactly access what he actually did at a full moon.
It growls, a faint whining sound tinged at the end of each of them perhaps suggesting that it's pretty damn conflicted, too.]
no subject
But more rationally, he senses the wolf’s emotions less by pure observation and more through the continual existence of their bond. It’s strange, this way; more animalistic, like the human parts of memory and cognizance have been stripped clean to leave only something raw beneath. It’s Cloud, surely, but it is also just a wolf — wild and suspicious — and in many ways, he wonders how he is being perceived by him. A threat? Prey? Something in-between?
Well, what is there to do? Sephiroth is not about to turn his back on a potential threat, but he’s sensible enough; if he steps closer, Cloud will either dart away or attack. He doesn’t fear the latter, but he doesn’t wish it as the default. He would rather “fight or flight” instinct to skew towards flight if it does come to that.
So he stands, waits, crossing his arms from a distance and observing what his newly-transformed bondmate will do next. To see just how much of an issue this is.]
「 blanket fort 」 → Nier & Aerith
[It's almost morning. Like most nights, he's been out working varying jobs- a little bit of security here, some errands there. Shade-watching in other places, thanks to the portal providing quick transport to areas that were less safe than Aefenglom's surroundings. Nothing particularly difficult. But as the night had gone on, it'd taken a toll- and by the time he's back through the transporter, he's about ready to go back to the apartment and sleep.
Meeting up with Nier on the way had been an accident. A happy one at least- he hadn't exactly arranged to meet up with him, but he had. And he'd just about finished up for the night too. It's only natural that they went back together- and as they do, as they lwt themselves into the apartment in question and as Cloud switches on the light to the main room within it, something's... different.
There's a pile of blankets in the living area. At first glance, they seem disorganized- strewn about- like someone had broken in and scattered things everywhere. And...
Fear rises in his chest quickly. His eyes widen and he has to swallow back a brief shock of nausea- and his voice is raised as he steps inside.]
Aerith?!
[Guess who's never seen a blanket fort before.]
no subject
when they enter the apartment, there’s...something of a tent formed from cloth, large enough to withhold a body or two. it’s lit brightly enough that you can make out a familiar silhouette within it. cloud is already shouting, but nier wordlessly walks on ahead, poking at the fabric. ]
Cloud...it’s fine. She’s just playing.
[ blanket forts, man. the last time he’d seen one, it was slanted, caving into itself and housing a sickly little girl. this was an upgrade by far. ]
What are you doing, Aerith?
no subject
Right.
So she'd built a fort, one a fair bit more elaborate than the ones she'd used to make as a kid, but with the same general idea in mind: lots of blankets, lots of pillows, lots of soft lights. She's tucked in it reading when Cloud and Nier return, and jumps in alarm at Cloud's exclamation, moving to poke her head out of her makeshift shelter even before Nier approaches it.]
Hm? Cloud? Is everything —
[She blinks up at Nier, waylaid by the question.] Oh, I'm just...
[Now in the presence of two fellow adults, her impulse seems childish.] Goofing off! I got bored, waiting up for you guys. I know it's a little silly, but I built these all the time when I was a kid.
[She looks around him now, to study Cloud carefully.] Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you.
no subject
[Playing, really?
At first glance, being as unfamiliar with the idea of building a tent in the centre of a room as he was, it kind of looks like a mess. Furniture had been moved- things had been scattered around disorderly, but the more he looks at it, the more it seems to resemble what it is. The furniture had been moved, yes. But it was just to provide supports for the blanket fort, and everything that was out of its place had form, purpose. String lights- originally thought strewn around as if thrown are actually draped carefully, to provide light to those inside.
The more he looks at it, the more it seems far less what he originally thought it was. At this closer examination, at Nier's calm and at his statement, at the way Aerith looks to him so curiously, yet with some worry, the thought that the place had been robbed seems stupid. Or worse, an overreaction.
...Ugh.
He moves to the side of the room, to take his Organics from his back and lean it against the wall.]
I'm fine. Sorry. I thought someone got in and something happened, that's all.
[His gaze rises, to Aerith.
It's... not the right time to think it. But she looks sort of cute like that- her hair down and dressed comfortably, half-in and half out of this... creation. Except he's not going to say anything. He's already been weird enough, hasn't he?
...He steps away, turning his gaze to Nier.]
You eaten yet?
no subject
[She clarifies this by lifting up her book. There are a lot of books. Gradually, she had gone from studying spellbooks, to history books, and somehow had lost steam along the way and had ended up with what looks like some sort of novel. Aerith regards Cloud a little longer, brow furrowed. She knows he's probably a little embarrassed — were Nier not around, she might poke fun, but she doesn't want to add insult to injury. Besides, he really had sounded worried.
Now that she's studying the two of them, though, an idea comes to mind.] It's okay, really. No need to apologize.
[And then:] You know, you two are a mess.
[Her tact only extends so far, it seems.] You're not going to eat before cleaning up, are you?
no subject
[It's a statement for Nier, but he can't help but look back as Aerith speaks, reading the cover of the book she lifts up. He's... interested, to be honest. He shouldn't be, it's just a book. But... it's weird. if it involves her, he's interested. Even if he's not exactly good at showing it.
...Maybe he should get her some more sometime. But that's a thought for later. Especially when...
Shit. His boots. He moves, quickly, to the door again, before he starts to remove them. And once they're off, he pads back. He opens his mouth to apologize- again- but she says not to, and-]
Uh, no. [Sheepishly.] Of course not.
[To Nier:] C'mon.
no subject
with a nod, nier takes a step back from her fort. there's a shake of the head as he folds his arms. ]
I ate earlier with my bonded. There's something in the fridge for you, Cloud, if you need it. [ a raise of the hand, the smile on his face small and cordial. of course, she...brings up the state they're in — nier's hair is disheveled, blood and dirt matted against the fur of his jerkin. he sniffs at one of his arms, idly. his greaves are already removed, fortunately. ]
You're right. But there's only one bathroom — one of us'll have to wait.
[ an awkward pause. well, it was a matter of assessing who was dirtier or making do, really. what's the worst that could come from a turnskin and a vampire who needed to manscape sharing a shower? ]
no subject
I'm good. But you can go first.
[Anyone else, and hell no. Nier's... a state, to be honest. He's matted with blood, and he smells... earthy. Like steel and blood and sweat and the insides of whatever had the misfortune of being hunted by him. (The wolf part of him likes it, actually- but he's pretty sure it's not something Aerith would be into) But regardless, that... would probably make a hell of a mess in the shower.
But Nier's more considerate than most people. It's not like he'd leave it filthy.
...So it's fine.
His gaze lingers on Nier's face as he moves past him, a respectful enough distance away from the fort.
...And he sits on the floor. Nowhere else to.
To Aerith:]
You want anything?
no subject
Cloud seemed to like him anyway, and she's taken note of that too. Something to think about!
For now, though:]
When you're done, come back! I never see you two — I'm always asleep when you're awake...
[It's a mild gripe, done without any real annoyance, and more for the sake of complaining, which she seemed to enjoy. She watches Cloud sit at a distance, then rolls over in her collection of blankets and pillows, so that she's staring at him upside down.]
Not yet! I'll come up with something later.
[She says this all too cheerily.] He's a nice guy, isn't he? Nier.
no subject
...Upside down.
...It's kind of endearing. But. Anyway.]
I can... uh, do it differently. Sleeping, I mean. Stuff like that. If you want. It's no big deal.
[It kind of was. But he can manage, he's pretty sure. And feeling fatigue is all it would be for him. SOLDIER or not, he'd trained for things like that. Besides, it's better than her feeling lonely.
But, at her next statement, he blinks. That feeling, again? Is it because they're bonded now?]
He's okay. [A small pause, and his eyes turn away. When he brings them back, she's... still looking at him. So he shifts a little, looking around the corner to make sure Nier's gone before he elaborates.]
He's pretty strange. But he says what he wants, when he wants. Does about the same. It's a good thing.
no subject
[Apparently tired of making herself dizzy, she rolls back over. Her gaze follows Cloud's own, and when he speaks up she listens, mentally looking for a foothold in the conversation.]
He is strange. He's like a closed book. But I'm glad he's taking care of you. If there wasn't someone to help you with these changes, I might get worried.
no subject
Okay.
His face screws up at that, his eyes move to the side, and he shifts faintly, hitching himself upward to get to his feet. And as he's going to the kitchen-]
I don't need anyone to take care of me.
no subject
She catches up, winds around him until she's in front of his path. Then she leans in some, too close, really, which was par the course with her — and frowns, thoughtful, her brow furrowed.] Don't be mad. It's a lot to go through all alone! That's all I meant.
no subject
Saying that, he's pensive. His head moves to the side, gaze looking anywhere but to her own.]
It's not that. [It's more...] I'm okay, Aerith. I don't need anyone to look after me. We're bonded, and I think that's slowing it down.
[He trails off. If only because he doesn't know. ...Not really. But, what he does know:]
Nothing's happened to me since. What I'm trying to say, is I don't need you worrying about me. Alright?
no subject
Okay. [...] But if something does happen, then you'll tell me, right? Even if it's small, or you think it'll be a bother — there's no such thing to me. I really mean it!