[ Pikachu is the first one to arrive, ears tucked back and looking all the more worried about his Trainer's condition. But luckily for everyone involved... ]
When were you gonna tell me you could do that?
[ Patting the mouse's head, Pikachu seems to instantly light up at the compliment, hopping into Cloud's lap instantly.
"Piiika...!" ]
Alright. Rest up. [ His hand trembles as he picks out his Pokéball, barely succeeding to even aim it right to have Pikachu return. And when he does, he looks to Ayaka and Ringo as they approach him. She doesn't look so good either- something that sparks her beau to want to get back up and shoulder her problems again. And he would have too, if not for the sudden rustling and thumps from nearby bushes. Gritting his teeth, he forces himself to try and clutch his Buster Sword harder, only to see that a winged horse emerge. ]
...
[ But Ayaka doesn't seem afraid or worried. In fact... ]
Tsubasa?
[ Ayaka gets a squeeze right back. He's here. He's still here. Tired and exhausted, but he thinks that he can push himself a little more. Any longer in that house and things would be very, very different. Sighing, he wears a tired smile as he looks to Ayaka at his side, preparing himself to get to his feet. ]
Looks way friendlier.
[ Than the Hell House?! Understatement. But even now, he dryly tries to lift the mood of the situation. ]
[ Pikachu definitely deserves a lot of credit. Ayaka will do her best to remember to thank both Cloud's Pokémon, as well as hers, for their hard work. Recognition will have to come later though, when they all have a lot of energy again.
She'd also tell Cloud the story about Tsubasa later. Much later. Tsubasa at least is friendly enough that he nudges Cloud's arm with his muzzle to help him up and guide him to get up on his back. They're going to fly, so Cloud's going to need to hold on tight, too. Ayaka will do her best to follow suit once Cloud is up, holding weakly onto the back of his shirt rather than wrapping her arms around him.
She has no energy for that right now. ]
We're almost home.
[ "Almost" isn't quite almost, but at least they're safe now and have a way back to the city. They shouldn't encounter any more monsters up in the air, especially with a pegasus around. ]
[ When Tsubasa nudges his arm with his muzzle to help return him to his feet, Cloud takes the moment to place the Buster Sword on his back before gently rubbing the pegasus' neck. He can tell that Ayaka's placed a lot of trust in this creature. So after patting Tsubasa in thanks, he pushes himself once more, hopping up with the guidance of Tsubasa as he makes sure to mind the horse's wings. Once both Cloud and Ayaka are settled on, he focuses on sitting upright. If they're going to be flying, they can't afford to slip off.
Not that he's worried about heights himself. Feeling Ayaka against his back as she clutches his shirt, before they can take off... ]
Here.
[ She may not have the energy to wrap her arms around him, but he'll make up for it. Reaching behind him to take one of her hands, he slips it down and into his lap, giving it a squeeze. She can hold his shirt with her other hand, but he won't let her go on the way back. ]
I gotcha.
[ Almost home... Cloud can report this monster house to the guild tomorrow. ]
♘🪽♘🪽♘🪽
[ As the trio touch down just outside the new Kamisato estate, Tsubasa's glided landing as graceful and gentle as can be, Cloud looses a sigh of relief as he makes sure Ayaka's prepared to dismount also. ]
Thank you.
[ He would have pushed himself even harder if he had to if they were forced to walk all the way back. But this was way faster. Way faster and way safer, too. Cloud was so tired that he could barely even take in the beautiful sight of the stars from being so high up during the flight. It was hard to appreciate the view when he was struggling to keep awake and in control of his own limbs. ]
[ Cloud and Ayaka honestly have so much willpower to get home in one piece. Anyone else could have passed out on the way and would have fallen off Tsubasa, but they didn't! Ayaka almost stumbles forward when she gets off the pegasus, though, but she manages to stay up a little longer. ]
Cloud, please get some rest. [ They really both need it. But she means to say Cloud should go inside already and pass out without waiting for her. ] I'll look for some treats to give Tsubasa first.
[ Because the pegasus sure looks like it's waiting for treats. Tsubasa, pls... ]
[ You ever get so little sleep that you eventually just loop back around to a second wind? To the point of just being overtired? That, is currently these two as Cloud thumps stomps his feet once he hits solid ground like it was gonna give him one more shot of energy. ]
Nah nah... He did a good job. I'll wait here with him. You get treats.
[ He's the one who exhausted more effort, so she'd like for him to get rest already. If he wants to wait though, then she won't ask any further than that one question. ]
Then, please keep Tsubasa company in the meantime. I won't take long.
[ Literally the horse would be happy with sugar. Ayaka heads inside, her movements sluggish, and goes straight for the kitchen. Mochi seems to be waiting for her and Cloud already by the door, so this might derail her a little bit...
But! When she does come back out a couple of minutes later, Mochi is wagging her tail beside her. She's got some dango, removed from the sticks that hold them together, and she offers the entire plate for the pegasus. ]
Thank you for your help, Tsubasa. I hope you enjoy these treats.
[ The pegasus practically licks the plate clean and swallows everything in one go. It gives a neigh of approval before backing up a bit as it begins to flap its wings. Ready for take off! ]
[ She's not wrong. Cloud exhausted himself. If it weren't being inside that monstrous house, he would have been perfectly fine. Any further energy he spends is simply going to go into just how long he's down and out for. But be that as it may... Again. Overtired. ]
Take your time. We're tired.
[ As for Cloud? When Ayaka heads inside, leaving him alone with the friendly pegasus, the blond can't help but look up at the winged horse as it makes a sputtering sound. At least he's not standing in front of Tsubasa's blindspot! The night is quiet. Very quiet. And despite the fact it's just a flying horse, Cloud feels...awkward. Awkward but just as much grateful. He rubs Tsubasa's neck to keep giving him attention. ]
She'll be right back.
[ Sure enough! Not even a minute or so after! Out comes Ayaka. And Mochi! She's so well behaved, not barking this late at night. ]
S'that the dango?
[ It is! And Cloud steps back to join Ayaka's side as she offers up the entire plate for the pegasus. And sure enough, it licks that plate clean and scoops it up like nobody's business. Once it backs up a bit and starts flapping its wings, he wraps an arm around her waist, gently hugging her to his side as he gives a nod of approval for Tsubasa. ]
[ Ayaka would be more than happy to tell Cloud about Tsubasa's story and how he visited her and Yoimiya's camping trip one fateful night. He just ate a lot of their marshmallows and smores!! And then left! It was really such a fun encounter, and the pegasus left a couple of feathers in its wake, and both girls took one each home.
But that story can come later! With the winged horse flying away, it is now time to actually get some rest. It's Ayaka who turns around first to get back inside. Despite how tired she is, wants to take a really hot bath, so she might just take a dip for a bit before going to bed though. ]
I almost fell over when Mochi came up to me, but I got to hold onto the table.
[ It's a funny story supposedly, so please don't be worried, Cloud. ]
I think she was waiting for us, so I'm glad Mochi will be able to rest now, too.
[ Watching Tsubasa fly away, off beyond the clouds, a star-kissed sky awaiting them, Cloud stays there for a moment. Despite his fatigue, he can't help but admire the beast's wings. Seemingly lost in thought for a moment, it's not until Ayaka's words reach him that he snaps out of it and turns around to head inside too. Smiling, he leans over to thread his hand through Mochi's thick, fuzzy head. There's a good girl. ]
At this stage, I think a slight breeze'll knock us over.
[ He even struggles to take off his boots at the front entrance, but he finally manages without tumbling onto his butt. ]
Kinda feel like taking a bath before hitting the hay. You?
[ Ayaka fills up the tub, just lets the water run for a bit. She's going to make it really hot though, like onsen-levels of hot. Hopefully Cloud can handle it when he takes a dip.
She'll take off her hair ribbons and other accessories in the meantime. ]
[ Cloud, meanwhile, is going to start stripping down his own accessories. The shoulder armor, the straps, his gloves and gear, the Buster Sword he forgot to take off at the front door so now he's leaning it in the corner of the bathroom where it'll stay until tomorrow... He even begins to take off his shirt. He'll at least have decency and wait to take off his pants for when she isn't looking or she's settled in! ]
If I do, but you're still sleepy, can I letcha go back to bed?
[ She's yet to undress, but she'll do so after she closes the faucet. There's steam coming out of the tub, too! It looks very comfortable. ]
Please go on ahead.
[ She has her armour on still, after all. And she'll wait until Cloud's back is turned before she starts to undress. It won't take her too long to join him, at least. ]
[ GOOD. Faucet off! He'll just wait for her to turn so he can drop his shorts as well. Once he's stripped himself down to nothing, sending his underwear to the hamper too, he steps past Ayaka, resting his hand on her shoulder for a brief moment. He almost forgot just how smooth her skin felt... ]
Thank you.
[ The sound of him dipping in was short and sweet, and he's got his back turned to her now as the hot water almost works instantly on him. This feels so good. Just a rinse. Wash his hair. Nothing spectacular. ]
[ Off her armour goes, placing each piece on the counter neatly. Then her skirt and her jacket, socks, et cetera. It's not like Cloud's never seen her naked before, but she wraps a towel around her as she walks over to the tub, only removing it before getting in, folding it up quickly and placing it over to the side.
[ Even when Cloud turns around to see her remove her towel as she sinks into the tub, it's just a natural step of their relationship that he doesn't gasp or watch in awe. Not in this context. He's way too tired. She's way too tired. It ultimately boils down to, "yeah yeah there she is all nekkid she's getting in the tub time to relax you two". Once she's in? Cloud is going to waste little time in dunking his head, submerging entirely for a few seconds.
Once he emerges? ]
Don't think either of us coulda waited if we wanted to.
[ Wiping the water from his eyes and pulling his hair back, it's extra droopy now. He's mindful to make space for her so that they're not just jamming their legs into one another. ]
[ Ayaka doesn't feel too crowded, at least. She'll get up after soaking long enough to shower, because she does also want to scrub and shampoo her hair. ]
Are you hurt anywhere, or just tired?
[ Admittedly, her ankle is hurting a little especially now that they're in water, but she'll manage. It's not so bad that she has to call attention to it. ]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-12-01 06:14 am (UTC)When were you gonna tell me you could do that?
[ Patting the mouse's head, Pikachu seems to instantly light up at the compliment, hopping into Cloud's lap instantly.
"Piiika...!" ]
Alright. Rest up. [ His hand trembles as he picks out his Pokéball, barely succeeding to even aim it right to have Pikachu return. And when he does, he looks to Ayaka and Ringo as they approach him. She doesn't look so good either- something that sparks her beau to want to get back up and shoulder her problems again. And he would have too, if not for the sudden rustling and thumps from nearby bushes. Gritting his teeth, he forces himself to try and clutch his Buster Sword harder, only to see that a winged horse emerge. ]
...
[ But Ayaka doesn't seem afraid or worried. In fact... ]
Tsubasa?
[ Ayaka gets a squeeze right back. He's here. He's still here. Tired and exhausted, but he thinks that he can push himself a little more. Any longer in that house and things would be very, very different. Sighing, he wears a tired smile as he looks to Ayaka at his side, preparing himself to get to his feet. ]
Looks way friendlier.
[ Than the Hell House?! Understatement. But even now, he dryly tries to lift the mood of the situation. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-01 04:10 pm (UTC)She'd also tell Cloud the story about Tsubasa later. Much later. Tsubasa at least is friendly enough that he nudges Cloud's arm with his muzzle to help him up and guide him to get up on his back. They're going to fly, so Cloud's going to need to hold on tight, too. Ayaka will do her best to follow suit once Cloud is up, holding weakly onto the back of his shirt rather than wrapping her arms around him.
She has no energy for that right now. ]
We're almost home.
[ "Almost" isn't quite almost, but at least they're safe now and have a way back to the city. They shouldn't encounter any more monsters up in the air, especially with a pegasus around. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-02 09:15 am (UTC)Not that he's worried about heights himself. Feeling Ayaka against his back as she clutches his shirt, before they can take off... ]
Here.
[ She may not have the energy to wrap her arms around him, but he'll make up for it. Reaching behind him to take one of her hands, he slips it down and into his lap, giving it a squeeze. She can hold his shirt with her other hand, but he won't let her go on the way back. ]
I gotcha.
[ Almost home... Cloud can report this monster house to the guild tomorrow. ]
[ As the trio touch down just outside the new Kamisato estate, Tsubasa's glided landing as graceful and gentle as can be, Cloud looses a sigh of relief as he makes sure Ayaka's prepared to dismount also. ]
Thank you.
[ He would have pushed himself even harder if he had to if they were forced to walk all the way back. But this was way faster. Way faster and way safer, too. Cloud was so tired that he could barely even take in the beautiful sight of the stars from being so high up during the flight. It was hard to appreciate the view when he was struggling to keep awake and in control of his own limbs. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-05 04:27 pm (UTC)Cloud, please get some rest. [ They really both need it. But she means to say Cloud should go inside already and pass out without waiting for her. ] I'll look for some treats to give Tsubasa first.
[ Because the pegasus sure looks like it's waiting for treats. Tsubasa, pls... ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-06 07:18 am (UTC)thumpsstomps his feet once he hits solid ground like it was gonna give him one more shot of energy. ]Nah nah... He did a good job. I'll wait here with him. You get treats.
[ Just...don't wake up Mochi. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-06 04:41 pm (UTC)[ He's the one who exhausted more effort, so she'd like for him to get rest already. If he wants to wait though, then she won't ask any further than that one question. ]
Then, please keep Tsubasa company in the meantime. I won't take long.
[ Literally the horse would be happy with sugar. Ayaka heads inside, her movements sluggish, and goes straight for the kitchen. Mochi seems to be waiting for her and Cloud already by the door, so this might derail her a little bit...
But! When she does come back out a couple of minutes later, Mochi is wagging her tail beside her. She's got some dango, removed from the sticks that hold them together, and she offers the entire plate for the pegasus. ]
Thank you for your help, Tsubasa. I hope you enjoy these treats.
[ The pegasus practically licks the plate clean and swallows everything in one go. It gives a neigh of approval before backing up a bit as it begins to flap its wings. Ready for take off! ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-07 06:37 am (UTC)Take your time. We're tired.
[ As for Cloud? When Ayaka heads inside, leaving him alone with the friendly pegasus, the blond can't help but look up at the winged horse as it makes a sputtering sound. At least he's not standing in front of Tsubasa's blindspot! The night is quiet. Very quiet. And despite the fact it's just a flying horse, Cloud feels...awkward. Awkward but just as much grateful. He rubs Tsubasa's neck to keep giving him attention. ]
She'll be right back.
[ Sure enough! Not even a minute or so after! Out comes Ayaka. And Mochi! She's so well behaved, not barking this late at night. ]
S'that the dango?
[ It is! And Cloud steps back to join Ayaka's side as she offers up the entire plate for the pegasus. And sure enough, it licks that plate clean and scoops it up like nobody's business. Once it backs up a bit and starts flapping its wings, he wraps an arm around her waist, gently hugging her to his side as he gives a nod of approval for Tsubasa. ]
Thank you.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-08 08:05 am (UTC)But that story can come later! With the winged horse flying away, it is now time to actually get some rest. It's Ayaka who turns around first to get back inside. Despite how tired she is, wants to take a really hot bath, so she might just take a dip for a bit before going to bed though. ]
I almost fell over when Mochi came up to me, but I got to hold onto the table.
[ It's a funny story supposedly, so please don't be worried, Cloud. ]
I think she was waiting for us, so I'm glad Mochi will be able to rest now, too.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-11 05:44 am (UTC)At this stage, I think a slight breeze'll knock us over.
[ He even struggles to take off his boots at the front entrance, but he finally manages without tumbling onto his butt. ]
Kinda feel like taking a bath before hitting the hay. You?
no subject
Date: 2023-12-12 03:17 am (UTC)[ O_O Cloud's mindreading powers are so strong... Even when he lacks sleep and energy, he can still do it. Amazing. ]
Then... please let me prepare a bath for you. I'll take one after you do.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-12 05:32 am (UTC)Huh? [ Wait, no. That's not what he meant?! ] Hold on. You thought it first. I can stay on my own two feet for a little longer.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-12 06:02 am (UTC)[ Are they going to argue over this? Yes they are. In the softest of ways, anyway. ]
I insist, please go on first.
1/2
Date: 2023-12-12 07:15 am (UTC)2/2
Date: 2023-12-12 07:17 am (UTC)Same time?
[ Only when deliriously tired would his brain be shut off this much to suggest this. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 06:45 am (UTC)Alright. But you must let me prepare the bath.
[ He can just hang out by the sink while she fills up the tub with water or something agsdgf ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 07:02 am (UTC)You're way better at that anyway.
[ And sure enough? Guess who hangs out by the sink! ... but he also splashes his face with water quite a few times too. Nice blasts of cold. ]
I'll report to the guild tomorrow about what we found. [ A beat. ] After we sleep in.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 08:32 am (UTC)She'll take off her hair ribbons and other accessories in the meantime. ]
Please wake me up when you do.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 09:16 am (UTC)If I do, but you're still sleepy, can I letcha go back to bed?
no subject
Date: 2023-12-13 03:10 pm (UTC)I would like to go with you.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-14 03:27 am (UTC)Alrighty. Together it is, then. [ A beat. Puts clothes into hamper. Is down to his shorts. ] Optional nap when we get back.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-14 06:40 am (UTC)[ She's yet to undress, but she'll do so after she closes the faucet. There's steam coming out of the tub, too! It looks very comfortable. ]
Please go on ahead.
[ She has her armour on still, after all. And she'll wait until Cloud's back is turned before she starts to undress. It won't take her too long to join him, at least. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-14 08:46 am (UTC)[ GOOD. Faucet off! He'll just wait for her to turn so he can drop his shorts as well. Once he's stripped himself down to nothing, sending his underwear to the hamper too, he steps past Ayaka, resting his hand on her shoulder for a brief moment. He almost forgot just how smooth her skin felt... ]
Thank you.
[ The sound of him dipping in was short and sweet, and he's got his back turned to her now as the hot water almost works instantly on him. This feels so good. Just a rinse. Wash his hair. Nothing spectacular. ]
Your turn.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-14 10:12 am (UTC)She could fall asleep like this... ]
Yes. This was a good decision.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-15 07:16 am (UTC)Once he emerges? ]
Don't think either of us coulda waited if we wanted to.
[ Wiping the water from his eyes and pulling his hair back, it's extra droopy now. He's mindful to make space for her so that they're not just jamming their legs into one another. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-16 08:07 am (UTC)Are you hurt anywhere, or just tired?
[ Admittedly, her ankle is hurting a little especially now that they're in water, but she'll manage. It's not so bad that she has to call attention to it. ]
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