[ Arm in arm once more, he has to place his hand over hers to reassure her that he's got her. Her weight at his side is a comfort he genuinely wouldn't know what to do without; if anything, he'd feel at a loss. When she talks of their finances, he hums with a nod of approval. While he hasn't fired up a delivery service like he had back on Lunatia, taking odd jobs and various tasks by those higher up on the food chain were keeping them afloat. It also never hurt that despite all this time, their landlady never asked for rent still. If anything, she valued their company and earnest work around the farm. Guess that's one way to pay your way.
By the time they finally got a place of their own though, he has every intention of trying to leave Elaine with something worth thanks. And then he'll promptly get rejected because Elaine would insist they keep whatever was given if it involved money. ]
Feeling's mutual.
[ Because clearly spoiling the other hasn't ever stopped being on the menu.
Speaking of "menus"... ]
— — —
[ The sun was only just beginning to set when the two arrived at their destination. Practically the whole way there, the two were inseparable, arm in arm as the aroma of marinated meats and controlled smoke fills the air. It must be a popular spot! Seeing as they were starting to get into the warmer months, more and more families, couples and groups were starting to come out. If there's a wait? It's not the end of the world. ]
[ The night market is very much alive! It's actually more like a fair than anything else, except it's set when the sun goes down. Lots of stalls selling all kinds of food, and there are various stalls that sell all kinds of things— from plants, to home decorations, to bags, key chains, jewellery and other accessories. And as they look around for a food stall that catches their fancy, Weiss is also on the lookout for something that Cloud might like!
(Of course, along the way, she also saw a nice hairpin that she wants for herself. Now she just has to get it while Cloud isn't looking...) ]
You can smell the grilled meat from here. [ Not a complaint at all, though! But Weiss is curious, from where they are in the line, even tiptoeing so she can see the large man with a towel on his head cook on the grill. She hasn't figured out what she wants to eat yet, since this isn't her usual type of cuisine, but she's definitely open to trying stuff out. In fact— ] Can you order for me? I'll try whatever you think I might like.
[ If it weren't for living in Lunatia so long, this kind of atmosphere would have been surprising to him. Midgar wasn't exactly the cleanest city once you left topside. Wall Market also wasn't anywhere near as clean an environment either. Hidden behind all the blinking lights and flashy shows was a seedy underbelly. At least Camelot was rather nice in its advancements. Sorry to say Weiss? But he's also caught you staring at that hairpin. ...food for thought for later.
Especially when he's keeping his eyes peeled for something for her too. kasjdhf ]
Yeah, [ he chimes in with a lift of excitement in his voice. Cloud has to tiptoe sort of too from where they stand in line. Being 5'7" didn't put him that much over a lot of other guys. The man with a towel wrapped around his head looked like he couldn't be happier, boisterous as his hearty laugh can be heard from the back of the line as he converses with his customers. ]
Huh? You sure?
[ Well, knowing Weiss... He's tempted to go both the safe route and something slightly more adventurous. Nothing so crazy as to start ordering weird meats or cuts. While this stand didn't have those kinds of meats, there were a couple that specialized in less common parts of an animal. Hearts, livers, the list went on. And while he didn't really care as long as it tasted good? Something in his head was telling him that taking her to one of those stops wasn't going to bode well.
Chicken, beef, and pork. Those were the three staples of the land- not counting seafood! He hums, tapping his foot and folding his arms in contemplation as he eyes up what he can see. Luckily it's only maybe five minutes of waiting before it's finally their turn. The man couldn't be happier to see the couple, greeting them well as he prepares to take their order.
Kebabs with various vegetables and meats are seen dripping with juices and a glaze of rich, dark sauce as the coals beneath sizzle for every drop. Finger foods were easy, but the stall also specialized in dishes that required disposable plates and utensils too! Certainly an upgrade from the methods of "ye olde". Sparing a little glance down at Weiss beside him, he rubs his chin as he peers at the selections. He's tempted. Oh-so-very tempted to ask her to pick between handheld foods or plated options. ]
(Nope. Stick to the plan, Cloud.)
[ She said to order for her. ]
Two plates. We'll go half-and-half chicken and pork belly.
[ "Hohoh! Absolutely. There's an extra charge for the pork belly, sir. That's fine?" ]
Yep.
[ "And your choice of sides? Herbed veggie medley, wild rice, potatoes mashed or roasted..." ]
[ It's difficult to choose because she doesn't know what she might enjoy! But she figures that Cloud's had food like this before that he'd have an idea. Here they are now! But for the sides? Weiss can choose for herself.
Now, Cloud ordered the rice and roasted potatoes for himself, so she may as well order the ones he didn't, right? So they can have a taste of each of the sides and decide which one they like best later on. Besides, if Cloud likes one of these? Then she's going to ask Elaine to teach her how to make it. ]
The vegetables and mashed potatoes, please.
[ And when they're told to sit tight? Weiss actually walks closer to the grill so she can properly observe how the man prepares their food. She can't help but be curious! There was a line here, after all, so the food must be good, right? And she wants to be able to witness good food being made. ]
Sir, [ KAHDSLF she's calling the cook "Sir". Well! What else would you call him without being rude? ] What drink would you suggest with our orders?
[ Cloud, meanwhile, stands patiently with his hands on his hips. Though he can't help but crack the faintest smile when he sees Weiss so curious as she peeks over to see how everything is put together. There's prep beforehand, of course. But as more chicken is being sliced and grilled, fresh marinated pieces of breast are placed on, sizzling as flames lick up at the meat. The pork belly is marinated in a savory and almost sweet brown sauce, giving it more color. It's not the healthiest thing on the menu by comparison, but the flames do a good job of both caramelizing and burning off any excess.
"Cold hard ale?"
Only a second after saying that, the large man can't help but chuckle dismissively.
"I'm just kidding, missy. We don't serve that here." That's just his choice when a hard day's work is done! "I'm trying out this wildberry iced tea and lemonade to beat the heat. Care to try?" ]
[ Well, if he's serving drinks too, then that's better. Cloud can look for a place that serves ale if he likes, though. So she looks at him, wondering if he'd want to get a drink elsewhere. But for herself, she's fine with the iced tea. ]
I'll try the iced tea, thank you.
[ Something really cool and refreshing to go with the grilled meat sounds great, actually. ]
[ Well if she's gonna try the iced tea version... He's not about super sweet drinks but- berries are nice. ]
And a lemonade. [ Because he's already preparing to share with her on that front. And he's not in the mood to drink anyways. ] Thanks.
[ Sure enough, it's only a minute later before their order is up! Though as the cook gets their plates ready, his gaze keeps flitting to the kebabs. It's not that he's overly hungry or anything, but...he's admittedly skipped lunch with his training and his impromptu puppysitting gig. Not to mention it's been a while since they went out on an also impromptu date! ]
Wait. [ A beat, as the cook asks if there'd be anything else. Sure enough, ] Throw in a couple of mixed kebabs?
[ "Coming right up!" Just one per plate though. They don't cost much. In fact, the street food in general is actually very inexpensive overall! But it's clearly made with love. When they're given the total, Cloud's quick on the draw, his phone at the ready with his banking app. This one is on him. ]
[ She saw that!! And she's still seeing it!!! 😡 She can't do the cute headtilt right now when they're in public!! It's a look only for Cloud! Ugh, now she's backed in a corner...
(Funny how she let him pay for almost everything when they were still in Lunatia.) ]
[ Sure she can! ...it'll just make everyone else jealous. As Cloud taps his device to pay, the cook can't help but smile. But of course, he respectfully doesn't say anything. Best not tease a firecracker when it's already ready to go off. If she weren't within earshot, he might have chimed in to say how lucky Cloud was though. He thought it! As for Cloud himself? His shoulders briefly shake, but as he's handed their plates with plastic fork & knife, there's traces of a smile all the same.
[ It's not a big deal! And sometimes, she just gets huffy for no reason! Weiss just really doesn't want to inconvenience Cloud or ask for more than what he can give. He should be prioritising more important things! ]
Thank you for the food.
[ That's said both to him and the cook!
Now, Cloud, you were the one who gave your girlfriend this idea. She's honestly a little surprised he hasn't thought of it at this time. Those cups with their drinks in it slowly begin to float, Weiss not even batting an eyelash when she lifts them with her mind. Her eyes meet Cloud's as she arches a brow at him. ]
[ For all the new power they've obtained, carrying food and drinks with his girlfriend the ordinary way just felt...well. Normal. Kinetic magic was totally fine though! And Weiss would have used Glyphs for just about everything too. Caught up in the moment (and perhaps thinking about said huntress a little too much), he blushes before clearing his throat.
It doesn't take them long to find an unoccupied, rustic picnic table to swing their feet over and have a seat. Cloud deliberates sitting across from her, only to mentally shrug and take a spot beside her anyways. ]
[ She is the anti-dummy! Here to prevent more cases of dumminess. Or something.
Weiss would have sat next to Cloud if he sat first, too. There aren't any qualms from her with how they're seated now. The table also provides a nice view of where they are. They're surrounded by trees, flowers, and nature in general. People pass by, and there's music in the air from a small group of instrumentalists playing lively music. It's all so peaceful, and so distant from the citylife that they had in Prismatica. It really makes it feel like they're in a different world! ]
[ While Midgar, topside or slums, was nothing like this? He didn't doubt that there were other places in the world that could have similar vibrant streets. As he sits there, plate and cup of lemonade in front of him, there's a nostalgic look in his eyes as he starts thinking of what it might be like to show her some of these places. From his timeline, the Planet was still healing, and the threat of Sephiroth and the stigma was practically gone. ]
Huh?
[ Ah- she caught him daydreaming again. But he nods, the chicken tender as he presses the side of his fork into the end of his slice. There's no dipping sauces to go with it, but the meat was well seasoned anyways! ]
On three?
[ If they do it at the same time, there'll be nobody who can record their reaction! It just means they gotta make this one count. Counting up, he can't help a faint smirk before digging in. ]
[ It's been a while since Weiss recorded Cloud trying something new. Losing her device from Prismatica really hurt! So many memories they can't get back, but... she's glad she was at least able to witness them in person.
When they reach "3", Weiss' small bite of chicken is ready on her fork. The meat's still very warm, and taking a bite out of it makes the juices flow into her mouth. She can even taste that "grill" feeling, and it's a different kind of experience. Nothing shocking, nothing that would make her crave the flavour (watch her wake Cloud up in the middle of the night because she wants grilled chicken), but it's good.
In fact, she's quick to pop some of the veggies in her mouth, too, for that added flavour.
Oh! And before Cloud can beat her to it? He's getting a forkful of veggies, too. The beans and the carrots! ]
[ It's funny... He's never been huge on critiquing food in the past. It wasn't until he'd learned the ins and outs about making crepes that he actually started paying attention to this kind of thing. Which meant the juiciness of the breast was of note! It rivalled the flavor of a chicken thigh, which was hard to get. He's had plenty of grilled meats, both in restaurants and on the road travelling. But this is a far more different (and intimate) atmosphere.
He just might have to start expanding his arsenal, gauging Weiss' reaction to see what she likes or not. Just how she plans on making him more meals based upon what he likes too... These two really were trying to read the other's mind at this point, weren't they? Needless to say, he likes it! Then again, with how hard he works and trains, he likes just about anything that can fill him up. A SOLDIER's body needs fuel to burn.
Cloud's caught off guard, preparing to stab into the potatoes on his plate when he suddenly has a forkful of beans and a couple soft baby carrots near his face. He almost doesn't think twice about it anymore. In fact, it's actually quite casual how he leans in and takes the veggies straight off her fork. Oh. They aren't mushy, but they still give way in his mouth! ]
Oh yeah. [ A beat. ] It's hittin' the spot.
[ While he finishes his? He scoops some of the seasoned wild rice on his own fork, stabbing a potato on the end of it for her. ]
[ It's taken some time for Cloud to get used to the kinds of affection that Weiss isn't shy about showing whenever they're outside. Then again, he'd taken some time to get used to it even when no one's looking. Before, she'd have to ask for him to feed her, too. Not anymore, though! And even though it's because of her efforts that he's become comfortable in returning the favour, it still makes her giddy inside. He doesn't have to do any of this, but the fact that he does is more than enough. Anything else beyond that is an absolute treat, and it's why she's so determined to make him happy. He's always gone out of his way for her. It's only right to do more than what she can for him.
It's a lot at once— the chicken, rice, and potato, but it's not a bad combination! It just takes a while to chew and swallow, but she's nodding a couple of times when she does. Weiss approves! ]
The rice would taste better with some butter, I think, but it's still good.
[ That just leaves the mashed potatoes! Oh, but Cloud's only tasted one side... okay. ]
Try this one and tell me which you like best.
[ They don't have to be sickeningly sweet all the time! She offers the mashed potatoes to him, putting her plate much closer to him on the table. As for her, she's gonna go try the veggie medley. ]
[ He only takes half a forkful of mashed potatoes, noting how creamy they were. Not watery in the slightest! Silky smooth too! The stall clearly put a lot of heart into their cooking. He's not a fussy eater, but he also might have a spot to go back to with Weiss now. Especially as a celebratory "post-training" meal to reward themselves. Or just whenever they want to go out! ]
...hang on.
[ He stabs another roasted potato, popping it in his mouth. ...they're getting caught up in the sides and forgetting the pork belly and chicken. adskjfa But they're really freaking good. ]
Hm. Think I like the roasted potato better. Not that the mashed is bad.
[ At least, that's what makes it stand out to her! But yeah, this is definitely good intel for future dinners to come. 😌 ]
Let's try the pork belly this time.
[ They're literally eating together! And they can mind their own business once they've tried everything once. Somehow, a Cordis-influenced thing has become a norm for them. Weiss is happy to be able to try things together with Cloud. There are a lot of things she's yet to experience, and it's nice to be able to have Cloud experience things for the first time, too. Their world is expanding little by little! It's fun that way. ]
[ Potatoes and juicy didn't really go hand in hand most of the time. But as he bit into it, the roasted potato skin and seasoning blended to give off that umami flavor. This guy knew his stuff. As they taste the pork belly (something that became an indulgent favorite of his, mentally noted), Cloud can't help muse over something in his head too, looking at Weiss so contently enjoying her meal. A couple of things, actually.
One, was if she'd ever experienced anything like this before. There had to be some downtime with her friends while she was at Beacon, right? More of a curiosity than anything! But secondly, and living rent free in his head... ]
Random question. [ Sort of random question. adsfkjh ] If you could have a dog, what kind would it be?
[ It's not that he's just trying to make conversation out of the blue though. He did just spend part of his afternoon puppysitting. And between Prismatica and this realm, if he had 5 gil for every time Weiss sent him dog memes or got a little carried away with his own wolf parts... ]
[ That is random. Weiss isn't quite sure how to answer, because she's never given it much thought before. ]
I don't know. I probably wouldn't buy one, if I ever got a dog. I'd be lucky if a dog chose to go home with me. I would do whatever I can to make it happy.
[ She hums in thought as she tries to figure out how to continue what she'd like to say. But... dogs are really so cute! And since there are a lot of puppies that get abandoned and all, she'd want to be able to earn the trust of that puppy and give it a good home and make it happy.
But she's also implying that if a dog actually followed her home tonight, she would take care of it in an instant! ]
Though... I guess it would be nice to have a dog that I could carry?
[ A small dog! Oh, but big dogs are so cute, too... Weiss really doesn't have a preference! ]
Hm. [ He can't help but smile at her answer, poking another cube of pork belly from his plate. ] Kinda surprised it hasn't happened already.
[ But...then again, with the life they lead, fighting not only for Prismatica before, but to restore balance beyond Avalon and then their own worlds... It makes sense. Cloud isn't an expert on animals by any stretch of the means but, common sense tells him that he can't just leave it alone all the time either. ]
Sorry. Just something that popped in my head after a while.
[ ... Yes. Any dog she adopts will automatically become part of the Schnee family. And there's nothing wrong with spoiling a cute doggie! Cloud gets spoiled, too, and he hasn't complained about it. ]
[ For now, he's gonna store away this information and save it for a rainy day, enjoying the rest of his meal and the wild berry lemonade. He'll share that with Weiss too if needed be. ]
[ The pork belly is a little too fatty for her, but it's honestly really good! She only eats half of what's served before she starts putting the rest on Cloud's plate, scooping the slices and putting them at the edge of his. The half that she puts on his? It's the fatty part and the skin. ]
[ But as he's looking at the fat and semi-crispy skin, with hardly any actual meat left... ]
I wonder... [ He's had steaks before with good bits of fat! But he couldn't just eat nothing but that. It wasn't healthy in excess! But he's eyeing up his chicken breast still, cutting off another piece of it. He stabs the chicken, then stabs the piece of pork belly that's fat and skin.
Oh yeah. He's combining them together now. And the end result? ]
Mm... ....?!
That's a combo.
[ Chicken with the pork belly fat? A win in his books. ]
What're you thinking for dessert?
[ She did bring it up since he snuck in paying for them. Neener neener. ]
no subject
By the time they finally got a place of their own though, he has every intention of trying to leave Elaine with something worth thanks.
And then he'll promptly get rejected because Elaine would insist they keep whatever was given if it involved money.]Feeling's mutual.
[ Because clearly spoiling the other hasn't ever stopped being on the menu.
Speaking of "menus"... ]
[ The sun was only just beginning to set when the two arrived at their destination. Practically the whole way there, the two were inseparable, arm in arm as the aroma of marinated meats and controlled smoke fills the air. It must be a popular spot! Seeing as they were starting to get into the warmer months, more and more families, couples and groups were starting to come out. If there's a wait? It's not the end of the world. ]
no subject
(Of course, along the way, she also saw a nice hairpin that she wants for herself. Now she just has to get it while Cloud isn't looking...) ]
You can smell the grilled meat from here. [ Not a complaint at all, though! But Weiss is curious, from where they are in the line, even tiptoeing so she can see the large man with a towel on his head cook on the grill. She hasn't figured out what she wants to eat yet, since this isn't her usual type of cuisine, but she's definitely open to trying stuff out. In fact— ] Can you order for me? I'll try whatever you think I might like.
no subject
Especially when he's keeping his eyes peeled for something for her too. kasjdhf]Yeah, [ he chimes in with a lift of excitement in his voice. Cloud has to tiptoe sort of too from where they stand in line. Being 5'7" didn't put him that much over a lot of other guys. The man with a towel wrapped around his head looked like he couldn't be happier, boisterous as his hearty laugh can be heard from the back of the line as he converses with his customers. ]
Huh? You sure?
[ Well, knowing Weiss... He's tempted to go both the safe route and something slightly more adventurous. Nothing so crazy as to start ordering weird meats or cuts. While this stand didn't have those kinds of meats, there were a couple that specialized in less common parts of an animal. Hearts, livers, the list went on. And while he didn't really care as long as it tasted good? Something in his head was telling him that taking her to one of those stops wasn't going to bode well.
Chicken, beef, and pork. Those were the three staples of the land- not counting seafood! He hums, tapping his foot and folding his arms in contemplation as he eyes up what he can see. Luckily it's only maybe five minutes of waiting before it's finally their turn. The man couldn't be happier to see the couple, greeting them well as he prepares to take their order.
Kebabs with various vegetables and meats are seen dripping with juices and a glaze of rich, dark sauce as the coals beneath sizzle for every drop. Finger foods were easy, but the stall also specialized in dishes that required disposable plates and utensils too! Certainly an upgrade from the methods of "ye olde". Sparing a little glance down at Weiss beside him, he rubs his chin as he peers at the selections. He's tempted. Oh-so-very tempted to ask her to pick between handheld foods or plated options. ]
(Nope. Stick to the plan, Cloud.)
[ She said to order for her. ]
Two plates. We'll go half-and-half chicken and pork belly.
[ "Hohoh! Absolutely. There's an extra charge for the pork belly, sir. That's fine?" ]
Yep.
[ "And your choice of sides? Herbed veggie medley, wild rice, potatoes mashed or roasted..." ]
Sides?
[ As in. Plural? "You get two sides." ]
Oh... Wild rice and...roasted potatoes for me.
[ "And for you, young lady?" ]
[ If Weiss doesn't decide, Cloud will. ]
no subject
Now, Cloud ordered the rice and roasted potatoes for himself, so she may as well order the ones he didn't, right? So they can have a taste of each of the sides and decide which one they like best later on. Besides, if Cloud likes one of these? Then she's going to ask Elaine to teach her how to make it. ]
The vegetables and mashed potatoes, please.
[ And when they're told to sit tight? Weiss actually walks closer to the grill so she can properly observe how the man prepares their food. She can't help but be curious! There was a line here, after all, so the food must be good, right? And she wants to be able to witness good food being made. ]
Sir, [ KAHDSLF she's calling the cook "Sir". Well! What else would you call him without being rude? ] What drink would you suggest with our orders?
no subject
"Cold hard ale?"
Only a second after saying that, the large man can't help but chuckle dismissively.
"I'm just kidding, missy. We don't serve that here." That's just his choice when a hard day's work is done! "I'm trying out this wildberry iced tea and lemonade to beat the heat. Care to try?" ]
no subject
I'll try the iced tea, thank you.
[ Something really cool and refreshing to go with the grilled meat sounds great, actually. ]
no subject
And a lemonade. [ Because he's already preparing to share with her on that front. And he's not in the mood to drink anyways. ] Thanks.
[ Sure enough, it's only a minute later before their order is up! Though as the cook gets their plates ready, his gaze keeps flitting to the kebabs. It's not that he's overly hungry or anything, but...he's admittedly skipped lunch with his training and his impromptu puppysitting gig. Not to mention it's been a while since they went out on an also impromptu date! ]
Wait. [ A beat, as the cook asks if there'd be anything else. Sure enough, ] Throw in a couple of mixed kebabs?
[ "Coming right up!" Just one per plate though. They don't cost much. In fact, the street food in general is actually very inexpensive overall! But it's clearly made with love. When they're given the total, Cloud's quick on the draw, his phone at the ready with his banking app. This one is on him. ]
no subject
[ She saw that!! And she's still seeing it!!! 😡 She can't do the cute headtilt right now when they're in public!! It's a look only for Cloud! Ugh, now she's backed in a corner...
(Funny how she let him pay for almost everything when they were still in Lunatia.) ]
You can't say no to dessert, then.
[ Jii. ]
no subject
Don't ever change. ]
Deal. [ As for the drinks... ] You got those?
no subject
Thank you for the food.
[ That's said both to him and the cook!
Now, Cloud, you were the one who gave your girlfriend this idea. She's honestly a little surprised he hasn't thought of it at this time. Those cups with their drinks in it slowly begin to float, Weiss not even batting an eyelash when she lifts them with her mind. Her eyes meet Cloud's as she arches a brow at him. ]
Let's find a seat.
no subject
...
Is it bad that it slipped my mind there?
[ For all the new power they've obtained, carrying food and drinks with his girlfriend the ordinary way just felt...well. Normal. Kinetic magic was totally fine though! And Weiss would have used Glyphs for just about everything too. Caught up in the moment (and perhaps thinking about said huntress a little too much), he blushes before clearing his throat.
It doesn't take them long to find an unoccupied, rustic picnic table to swing their feet over and have a seat. Cloud deliberates sitting across from her, only to mentally shrug and take a spot beside her anyways. ]
no subject
[ She is the anti-dummy! Here to prevent more cases of dumminess. Or something.
Weiss would have sat next to Cloud if he sat first, too. There aren't any qualms from her with how they're seated now. The table also provides a nice view of where they are. They're surrounded by trees, flowers, and nature in general. People pass by, and there's music in the air from a small group of instrumentalists playing lively music. It's all so peaceful, and so distant from the citylife that they had in Prismatica. It really makes it feel like they're in a different world! ]
Okay. Let's taste the chicken at the same time.
no subject
Huh?
[ Ah- she caught him daydreaming again. But he nods, the chicken tender as he presses the side of his fork into the end of his slice. There's no dipping sauces to go with it, but the meat was well seasoned anyways! ]
On three?
[ If they do it at the same time, there'll be nobody who can record their reaction! It just means they gotta make this one count. Counting up, he can't help a faint smirk before digging in. ]
Om...
no subject
When they reach "3", Weiss' small bite of chicken is ready on her fork. The meat's still very warm, and taking a bite out of it makes the juices flow into her mouth. She can even taste that "grill" feeling, and it's a different kind of experience. Nothing shocking, nothing that would make her crave the flavour (watch her wake Cloud up in the middle of the night because she wants grilled chicken), but it's good.
In fact, she's quick to pop some of the veggies in her mouth, too, for that added flavour.
Oh! And before Cloud can beat her to it? He's getting a forkful of veggies, too. The beans and the carrots! ]
no subject
He just might have to start expanding his arsenal, gauging Weiss' reaction to see what she likes or not. Just how she plans on making him more meals based upon what he likes too... These two really were trying to read the other's mind at this point, weren't they? Needless to say, he likes it! Then again, with how hard he works and trains, he likes just about anything that can fill him up. A SOLDIER's body needs fuel to burn.
Cloud's caught off guard, preparing to stab into the potatoes on his plate when he suddenly has a forkful of beans and a couple soft baby carrots near his face. He almost doesn't think twice about it anymore. In fact, it's actually quite casual how he leans in and takes the veggies straight off her fork. Oh. They aren't mushy, but they still give way in his mouth! ]
Oh yeah. [ A beat. ] It's hittin' the spot.
[ While he finishes his? He scoops some of the seasoned wild rice on his own fork, stabbing a potato on the end of it for her. ]
Here.
[ Her turn. ]
no subject
It's a lot at once— the chicken, rice, and potato, but it's not a bad combination! It just takes a while to chew and swallow, but she's nodding a couple of times when she does. Weiss approves! ]
The rice would taste better with some butter, I think, but it's still good.
[ That just leaves the mashed potatoes! Oh, but Cloud's only tasted one side... okay. ]
Try this one and tell me which you like best.
[ They don't have to be sickeningly sweet all the time! She offers the mashed potatoes to him, putting her plate much closer to him on the table. As for her, she's gonna go try the veggie medley. ]
no subject
[ He only takes half a forkful of mashed potatoes, noting how creamy they were. Not watery in the slightest! Silky smooth too! The stall clearly put a lot of heart into their cooking. He's not a fussy eater, but he also might have a spot to go back to with Weiss now. Especially as a celebratory "post-training" meal to reward themselves. Or just whenever they want to go out! ]
...hang on.
[ He stabs another roasted potato, popping it in his mouth. ...they're getting caught up in the sides and forgetting the pork belly and chicken. adskjfa But they're really freaking good. ]
Hm. Think I like the roasted potato better. Not that the mashed is bad.
no subject
[ At least, that's what makes it stand out to her! But yeah, this is definitely good intel for future dinners to come. 😌 ]
Let's try the pork belly this time.
[ They're literally eating together! And they can mind their own business once they've tried everything once. Somehow, a Cordis-influenced thing has become a norm for them. Weiss is happy to be able to try things together with Cloud. There are a lot of things she's yet to experience, and it's nice to be able to have Cloud experience things for the first time, too. Their world is expanding little by little! It's fun that way. ]
no subject
[ Potatoes and juicy didn't really go hand in hand most of the time. But as he bit into it, the roasted potato skin and seasoning blended to give off that umami flavor. This guy knew his stuff. As they taste the pork belly (something that became an indulgent favorite of his, mentally noted), Cloud can't help muse over something in his head too, looking at Weiss so contently enjoying her meal. A couple of things, actually.
One, was if she'd ever experienced anything like this before. There had to be some downtime with her friends while she was at Beacon, right? More of a curiosity than anything! But secondly, and living rent free in his head... ]
Random question. [ Sort of random question. adsfkjh ] If you could have a dog, what kind would it be?
[ It's not that he's just trying to make conversation out of the blue though. He did just spend part of his afternoon puppysitting. And between Prismatica and this realm, if he had 5 gil for every time Weiss sent him dog memes or got a little carried away with his own wolf parts... ]
no subject
I don't know. I probably wouldn't buy one, if I ever got a dog. I'd be lucky if a dog chose to go home with me. I would do whatever I can to make it happy.
[ She hums in thought as she tries to figure out how to continue what she'd like to say. But... dogs are really so cute! And since there are a lot of puppies that get abandoned and all, she'd want to be able to earn the trust of that puppy and give it a good home and make it happy.
But she's also implying that if a dog actually followed her home tonight, she would take care of it in an instant! ]
Though... I guess it would be nice to have a dog that I could carry?
[ A small dog! Oh, but big dogs are so cute, too... Weiss really doesn't have a preference! ]
no subject
[ But...then again, with the life they lead, fighting not only for Prismatica before, but to restore balance beyond Avalon and then their own worlds... It makes sense. Cloud isn't an expert on animals by any stretch of the means but, common sense tells him that he can't just leave it alone all the time either. ]
Sorry. Just something that popped in my head after a while.
[ After swallowing his bite though... ]
They'd get spoiled.
[ He knows her. ]
no subject
[ ... Yes. Any dog she adopts will automatically become part of the Schnee family. And there's nothing wrong with spoiling a cute doggie! Cloud gets spoiled, too, and he hasn't complained about it. ]
no subject
[ For now, he's gonna store away this information and save it for a rainy day, enjoying the rest of his meal and the wild berry lemonade. He'll share that with Weiss too if needed be. ]
no subject
You can have these.
no subject
Thanks.
[ But as he's looking at the fat and semi-crispy skin, with hardly any actual meat left... ]
I wonder... [ He's had steaks before with good bits of fat! But he couldn't just eat nothing but that. It wasn't healthy in excess! But he's eyeing up his chicken breast still, cutting off another piece of it. He stabs the chicken, then stabs the piece of pork belly that's fat and skin.
Oh yeah. He's combining them together now. And the end result? ]
Mm... ....?!
That's a combo.
[ Chicken with the pork belly fat? A win in his books. ]
What're you thinking for dessert?
[ She did bring it up since he snuck in paying for them.
Neener neener.](no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)