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[sultanofsquat]

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I TAGGED THE WRONG INBOX SMH

[mistsplitter]

🌸🌼🌺🌷🌻🌹🌸🌼🌺🌷

Hello, my dear friend! 🤗👋

I just wanted to let you know how much I value our friendship. 🌸💕

You are like a beautiful flower 🌼🌺🌷 in my life, adding colour 🖍and joy 🥳 to each day. 🌤🌨🌜

Thank you for being there for me during the winter 🌨️, spring 🌷, summer ☀️, and fall 🍁. You truly are a friend for all seasons. ❄️🌸☀️🍂

Let's spread kindness like a garden full of beautiful flowers! 🌻🌹

Please pass this ✉️ message ✉️ on to 3 👯‍♀️ special friends 👯‍♀️ who brighten up your world! 🌈👭👬👫 If you don't, you will turn into a bitter gourd 🍆🥒 and no one will want to be your friend. 😢 Send it to people now! My neighbour's eggplant 🍆🍆🍆 also turned into a worm 🐛🐛🐛 because he ignored it! 😱

🌸🌼🌺🌷🌻🌹🌸🌼🌺🌷

HAHAH

[sultanofsquat]

Where'd you find this?

[ The icon is indeed accurate. He squint. ]

[mistsplitter]

I do not know them, but they sent me this message because they think of me as a friend.

[ She was very touched, Cloud O_O!!! ]

Because you do brighten up my world, I sent it to you, as well. ヽ(o＾▽＾o)ノ♡

backdated to early april

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka had fallen asleep early. She and Ayato went out to join in Kaveh's paint and pour, and had a little too much to drink. Having her brother around truly was fortunate, because he carried her home.

Waking up in the middle of the night after that? She remembers being on the couch... she had a conversation with Ayato, and he told her about someone he was interested in. And it takes a while for the memories to catch up despite how it was just from a few hours ago. Ayaka doesn't even remember falling asleep... but as soon as the conversation comes back to her in full? She finds herself staring out the window, her mind awake, thoughts all over the place.

Her heart feels heavy, and looking at her phone, she wonders if she should respond to the messages she woke up to, as well. She hopes she does not wake Cloud up... but she could also use his company right now. But first, an apology- ]

Hello, my love.

I'm sorry for worrying you. I suppose I was more tired than I thought after being out all day. I do not remember falling asleep, or what time it was that I had retired to my room.

If you are awake, and I did not wake you, may I visit? I know it is late, but I do not wish to be alone.

[sultanofsquat]

[ If only because he knew the company Ayaka kept, he couldn't be so worried when she hadn't answered him back for some time. She doesn't have to know it, but the instant his phone vibrates on his nightstand? He's immediately springing out of his bed, catlike in his reflexes. ... He really needs to learn to stop doing that when he's alone. He'd sent her messages hoping that her night went well, and that he'll see her in the morning. The last message sent?

ヽ(~_~(・_・ )ゝ ]

I'll get some water boiling. Door's open.

[ Buttoning up his pajama top, he's already flicking some lights on in his apartment, the kettle still out from earlier last night. Splashing his face with water, he looks wide awake already. It came with the territory of being able to function on minimal sleep. But Ayaka may be in for a surprise when she steps outside her front door. Down the hall, her next door neighbor? Was already waiting for her, arms crossed and leaning against the wall watching for her. The water would already be finished boiling. She can serve the tea if she'd like. Sencha this time since it's faster to make than Matcha. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka does not fix her hair anymore, only putting on a robe over her sleeping gown, when she goes out of her room. For a moment, she finds herself staring at Ayato's door, wondering if he's still awake or not. Wondering how heavy his heart must feel, carrying more weight than Ayaka has ever known.

She wishes she could help him... and that's really what she wants, by telling Cloud she does not wish to be alone. Let her rely on Cloud. Not to coddle her or tell her what to do, but whenever she is with him and she talks to him? Everything just makes sense. It feels like she can do anything with him around.

When she goes out of the apartment she shares with her brother, she finds Cloud already there. And a tired little smile shows on her face. Without saying anything else, she heads on over to his apartment after closing the door to hers, and she hugs him tight, already finding comfort in just seeing him and being around him again. ]

text; un: jean | June 10th

[rustyhonesty]

I might need someone to train with, if you'd be up for it. In a week or two. Depends on how long it takes for me to recover. But I want to become stronger, so I need to train more.

[He realizes there's really no explanation to this message, but he sends a second text after a moment.]

I went on an expedition and ended up coming back through a flower yard.

un: exsoldierboy

[sultanofsquat]

You mean...

[rustyhonesty]

Yeah, I died.

Undercovered Quest

[localgrandma]

[There was still a lot of things that Faruzan didn't know about this world. For one thing, she didn't know what a mall was until recently nor did she realize that virtual games were the newest trend among people. However, if there was one thing she knew, it was criminal activity. Between the news in the Akademiya and the various things that happen in Sumeru, she was no stranger to these kind of things.

That said, as she looked around the area, she was waiting to see what she could do. Undercover work was not her specialty but she was willing to give it a try.]

Then shall we get going? You might know where to start.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Save for his tenure in the realm of Nippon, Nightwake and the whole of Ellipsa was far less of a culture shock for him. Cloud couldn't say that he was somebody who would toil away hours on end in arcades, but...he's come to appreciate them! This must be what the Gold Saucer was like? At least, from what he's heard. But as for the rest of the city (and the seedy underbelly that accompanies it), now that was a game the would-be SOLDIER knew all too well.

Unfortunately, toting around a gargantuan weapon like the Buster Sword wasn't going to do him or his partner any favors in blending. Nor did he have the privilege of being able to disperse or summon his weaponry as some from the realm of Teyvat were capable of. Thankfully? He has a more "tame" weapon by comparison in the form of his Odachi! Now, the real question was...how would he and Madam Faruzan fare in this conditions? ]

First things first is finding our inside man. [ In the meantime, the two were leisurely walking down one of the multiple strips of the Underground Mall. ...frankly, it didn't matter what they wore. His naturally spiky hair and her bright teal hair made them stand out amongst the crowd. It's a good thing they had time to come up with aliases and an alibi of their relationship, however they chose to spin it for this assignment. ] Somebody with a cross-shaped tattoo on their face...

[ Would they be window shopping? Inside one of these shops? They wouldn't be just standing around doing nothing and waiting for them. All they had to go on was this location, to keep their eyes peeled, and that they had a relatively short window to locate them. ]

[localgrandma]

[Whatever Cloud was up to, Faruzan had no choice but to follow his lead. It seemed that he had been in this world for quite sometime and she had hoped he knew what he was doing. As she saw him coming closer, she simply tilted her head at the sight of a certain weapon behind him. Was he a claymore user? Immediately, she wondered how strong he was and just how much backup he'll need.

Such a heavy sword would leave him open to attacks should he make a mistake. Crossing her arms, she gave a sigh as she shook her head.]

Cross-shaped tattoo on their face? Is that what young people are into these days? I don't quite understand the need to put so many marks in such a place.

[Granted, there were people from her own culture that would do such a thing. But when it was outside of religious practices? It seemed so strange. As she walked around with Cloud within the mall, she tilted her head to the side as she pondered to herself a bit. Looking at the various shops around them, she pointed to an arcade.]

Perhaps if he is that young, he could be in one of those 'arcade games' I heard so much about?

[This is fine.gif]

text

[mistsplitter]

Cloud, my love, when you have the time, I have some questions for you.

You needn't call, especially if you are out and about. It is not an emergency, and I am fine. (＠＾◡＾)

text

[sultanofsquat]

[ And so, with the speed of an emergency and him dropping practically everything (he almost did, mid-training just past the Spring Guild), ]

Hey, Ayaka. Was just wrapping up out in Blossomcrown.

What's up? (•ิ_•ิ)?

[mistsplitter]

I hope you've eaten and that you're well. ٩(｡•́‿•̀｡)۶ Please don't skip your meals.

I was just wondering... you said before that you like the traditional Inazuman clothing. I have asked Thoma to teach me how to sew, and he told me that I could sew things and give them as presents.

I do not think I could make anything elaborate like a kimono, but I would like to make something for you. I just cannot think of what it could be that you could bring along with you on your travels.

adds yet another ayaka top level to your inbox

[mistsplitter]

[ With the tea house now being open, Ayaka should have a stable income already. But she wants to amass as much moon coins as she can in order to host more events, buy more things for her brother and Cloud, and of course, have something for the rainy days. Taking on quests isn't something that would turn her off, especially when she has the opportunity to take on one with someone who knows her so well.

It was yet another relatively safe quest. Any encounters were minimal, and the bulk of it was playing with giant rabbits and brushing their fur. They're all so very cute! Ayaka has some training after brushing Mochi's hair every now and then, but this is still very different. These rabbits are about ten times Mochi's size, and they have to be very careful with all the shedded fur because they could become buried in them!

After a job well done and getting out of the pile of fur, it's time to head back into the city! Cloud and Ayaka's travels don't bring them close to the airship station, though, because it gets dark and a thunderstorm comes.

They're soaking wet by the time they find shelter in an abandoned cottage, and it doesn't even seem all that strange for a house to be here when there are so many empty and desolate locations scattered in the segments. They can at least stay here until the rain passes, or they can stay the night if worse comes to worst. It seems cosy enough, and there's even electricity! No one seems to be inside though, which is odd, but Ayaka calls out to the owner with an "ojamashimasu".

There's a fireplace on one side of the room, a small kitchen and dining, a couch, and quite possibly a bedroom behind one of the doors. ]

I hope the owner won't be too angry that we just came in on our own... [ The sound of the rain outside is loud, but at least the thunder seems to have stopped for now. ] I don't want to go back out there at this time.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Between the tea house and the various quests and commissions he takes on, Cloud's own funds weren't exactly looking thin anymore, either. Anything he'd amassed in his time spent in Nippon might have gone up in smoke, but if there's one thing he learned from his time spent in that other world? It was how to spend his time now that he wasn't acting as a mercenary or spending his days as a fugitive, or preparing to chase a man across the Planet. Securing work became easier, perhaps even moreso now that he had an inkling of what his true self was again. Jobs came easier when he went in confidently...but he also harbored doubts and uncertainties at the same time. Those melted away easily enough when he had company like Ayaka and Ayato to keep him steady and forwardthinking.

It also helped him see a side of himself he never would have before. When others needed help, he instinctively found himself stepping up to the plate. Taking charge. Making sure that if something needed to be done, it was something they could accomplish together. Even if it was simpler duties like discovering giant rabbits roaming the area and needing their fur brushed. Cloud may not have said it outloud, but Ayaka's reactions to them were contagious. The bunnies were cute... It wasn't until the two of them were fur-free and liberated of their duties that Cloud found himself sneaking glances at his girlfriend along the path back.

... Stop it, Cloud. Not the time to be thinking about Ayaka and rabbits. /// ]

— — —

The door was unlocked... Didn't really get any bad vibes coming in either.

[ Though maybe that just has to do with the fact that beggars couldn't be choosers when faced with heavy rain and rolling thunder that's luckily waned. Cloud could sense the tension in Ayaka's body just from looking at her when they finally found solace in this lone cottage. It seems well-kept enough. Meaning that it must still be lived in. ]

It's funny... I musta not been paying attention before. [ He folds his arms after tapping his feet on the ground. Luckily it wasn't too muddy. Just...really wet and splashy. Best to take the grasslands beside the roads, otherwise they'd lose their footing in the mud. ] Because I don't remember anybody being out here before...

[ Maybe he's just getting himself mixed around due to the weather- something he realizes as he looses a sigh. ]

Probably nothing. [ But more importantly, ] Let's get you dried by the fire.

[mistsplitter]

[ She doesn't recall, either. But they're lucky that they have shelter now. Really lucky. Best not to have Ayaka be a crying and shaking mess because of the thunderstorm. ]

From my understanding, no local would even be able to live out here. Perhaps this was a recent construction, since otherworlders have been helping with providing more access to people beyond the city?

[ It seems like a logical thought to make, given the circumstances. She removes her sandals and her socks by the door and tries to find the bathroom. ]

I'll look for some towels for us first.

[ She'll get dry with him then. He can settle down and relax in the meantime. ]

ayaka's letter!!

[mistsplitter]

To my dearest Cloud: my sun, my moon, my stars above, my dream come true,

Pink petals dance free,
A fleeting vision of love,
Eternal in heart

My love, no words or poems carefully crafted could ever describe how happy you make me feel. My heart is always aflutter when you are in the room; I am always so comfortable to be myself, yet so conscious of my actions so your gaze would fall on me and never leave. I suppose you could say it is a crush? And yet, we have taken our friendship further and beyond over a year ago. Do you think it is acceptable to have a crush on your beau? Hehe, perhaps it is such a silly little notion, but I hope you will accept my confession: I have a crush on you, even to this day. ❤️

There is not a day that passes where we talk and see each other that is not a happy and special one. My birthday feels a lot more special because of you. It has a lot more meaning, knowing that there is someone I love and who loves me in turn who is there for me and will be celebrating it with me. And because I have you, and because you have made all my dreams come true, there is nothing more that I could ever wish for on this day.

Instead, please continue to tell me your wishes. Just as you support me and catch me when I fall, I will see to it that these wishes become reality.

With this letter are some presents I made for you— black sesame flavoured mochi, just like what we made some time ago in Nippon, if you recall; a couple of pieces of Snow on the Hearth; an accessory that you can wear with you on your travels and when you are out for quests; and a notebook for sharing both my thoughts and yours. You may write anything you wish in the notebook, and they will also be reflected on my own.

I know it must be strange that I am giving presents on my birthday, but I suppose it just comes naturally. There is no success that is greater than seeing how content and happy you can be, especially when you do not express it as often! I hope that these presents are able to put smile on your face, because that is the most precious gift I could ever hope to receive, regardless of the occasion.

I love you with all of my heart, Cloud. Thank you for showing me that the world is far greater than I could have ever imagined.


Your Ayaka

Delivery

[rustyhonesty]

On 12/24, a delivery is made by a Fairy service.

The package is rather small, but still meaningful. It holds a pair of combat gloves that are enhanced to keep his hands safe from fire damage, and a gift card to a fancy restaurant for two

The card simply says: "Happy Holidays from Jean"

💙 valentine's day 💙

[mistsplitter]

[ Like last year, Ayaka has a surprise for Cloud. Hopefully the blond remains unaware of any plans, because his girlfriend does pretend that today is a normal day, and that their only plans to celebrate Valentine's day is dinner out with her later on. She's yet to tell him where, but knowing them? They'll likely eat somewhere with sushi and tea. It's their comfort food, after all!

And so, it's about lunch time, and Ayaka makes sure Cloud has eaten first before asking him for a favour. They've just been working at the tea house, and they're set to be done with their work day by 5. That's the plan, and that's how their day is going to go. ]

Cloud, may I ask for a favour? We received some orders that need to be delivered.

[ And he doesn't need to worry about going very far, since most of his deliveries would be in Sunwaning.

One bag contains a ton of takoyaki and some milk tea, while another bag has some sushi rolls in it. ]

Please, may I ask that you bring this to the Weapon Training headquarters? Their classes are almost done, so they'd want these there in time for their break.

[ And hopefully Cloud understands that this has to be the first delivery. Then she holds up the other bag with the sushi rolls. ]

This is for the director at the theatre.

[sultanofsquat]

[ His very first Valentine's Day... How could he ever forget? It was their first time exploring the holiday together, but nothing could have prepared him for just how bold Ayaka would be in the comfort of his humbler Kyoto home. Someone who prides himself on having a good poker face in the right situations, even Cloud would be caught a terrible liar if he said that he wasn't nervous about tomorrow. Or perhaps...anxious? Excitement was also a good colloquial term to use. They'd discussed their plans for the day in advance, a lowkey yet intimate dining outing after they settled their shifts at the teahouse.

And truthfully, if all they did was go out for dinner and share the night at home with tempered affection, he would have been just as content. Cloud was with her; that's all that mattered. Yet luckily for one Kamisato Ayaka, her beau would remain none the wiser to what was about to truly transpire.

Even if that didn't stop the blond's mind from wandering, spinning around thoughts and keeping him up just a little later before sleep finally sweeps him away to the next rising sun. ]

— — —
Valentine's Day . . .
— — —

Hm?

[ Good timing, Ayaka. He had just cleared up a set of dishes from one of the tables, leaving the clean and dried stack of rectangular plates on the side for future customers when she comes to him for a favor. He can already see the bags in her hands, and a part of him can already tell what she was going to ask before even mentioning deliveries. As usual, he's attentive and listens as he dries his hands, already tugging loose the string of his apron as he eyes up both sets of bags in her hands. They're still on the clock, so of course he thinks that this is still all business. ]

Headquarters first, the Theatre second.

[ To be delivered in that specific order. He slips the apron off before going to hang it up on the wall. If they were finished for the day, they'd go to the hamper to be cleaned. But he still thinks he's coming back, so... ]

Copy that.

[ No doubt they'll compensate him for delivery upon arrival! That's just how this stretch of their business works. Before he can take both orders off her person however, he closes his hands over hers, the delivery bags hanging between them so that he can accept her handoff. ]

I'll hurry back.

[ He still thinks he's coming right back to finish his shift. That scooter made this way easier too. In hindsight, as nice and fast as a motorcycle was, he'd gotten attached to the little ride. A lot of that had to do with a certain White Heron Princess whose hands he was still holding right now. And should probably let go of. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ They're working, and Cloud is only holding her hands now because he has those bags to take, but it still fills Ayaka's heart with so much warmth, anyway. No doubt if they were still in Nippon, sakura petals would be floating all around them by now. ]

R- Right. [ She's getting so excited just from Cloud holding her hand. The tea house isn't so busy at this time, so she takes a step forward to get on the tips of her toes and kiss him on the cheek. ] You won't be gone for long, but... please take care.

[ Taroumaru lets out a little huff from his corner. ]

text; un: jean

[rustyhonesty]

you saw the quest board right

nothing better than seeing the place you died as a flower picking site

makes me wonder if people are going to find another tombstone there

text; un: cloudstrife

[sultanofsquat]

Yeah.

[ Jean...? ]

You thinking of going?