[ Not even a second after Ayaka expresses her hopes that he likes it... ]
I love it.
[ Three simple words. But...he can afford to give her a little more, couldn't he? ]
S'like you brought back a little piece of what we used to have.
[ Back in Nippon. How they would find themselves matching. How he found his own personalized yukata at the last minute upon chasing her to Nara that fateful, starry night. And for now, knowing that it wasn't practical to bring it all out up here, and because he wants to move back a little closer to her once more, he places the lid back on the box with his Inazuman garb inside. ]
[ Delighted, grateful, absolutely thrilled. Her voice shakes ever so slightly upon hearing her beau's words. If he loves it, then it means she did a great job in deciding on this gift for him.
And with each day that he allows her to be with him, she hopes to give him more presents to remember. Small or big, simple or absolutely grand, all she really wants is to shower Cloud with all the love she has in her heart. Every day that she wakes up though, she becomes more and more in love with him, so there really won't be an end to it all. ]
Oh! And because it is Valentine's day, and it is a must that you receive chocolate, I made some mochi for dessert.
[ It isn't quite the highlight of their date though, considering how Cloud isn't much of a sweets guy. She brings out yet another box from the basket where she kept all their food. Inside are bite sized pieces of chocolate truffle mochi, covered in cocoa with a gooey centre. These were a lot easier to make compared to the black sesame ones, but it's also partly due to the size.
[ He hums in contentment when he sees her spirits immediately lift higher once more. Cloud was never the type to start gushing over every little thing. Palpable excitement despite the fact he's become a lighter person over the years? That was more Zack's MO. Her love for him was contagious; how could he not want to move the stars if need be so he can keep looking at the brightest one of them all? It's...a little embarrassing to think about. Just how deeply he's fallen for her and the lengths he's gone for a scavenger hunt on Valentine's Day.
But that embarrassment also gives way to further excitement. Excitement that carries with them into her next gift. He'd told Ayaka how he found a box of chocolates on the way to Thoma's place; maybe it was something that her brother and him could enjoy together later! But every letter, every instruction, every utterance of guidance was taken to heart. She won't have to worry about him making attempts to skip details. Not with a day like today especially.
Pushing the box with his new outfit further away, he cants his head curiously when she brings out the little chocolate mochi pieces. Cloud blinks... ]
You made these too?
[ Everything here, Cloud. It almost makes him wish that he'd started taking cooking and baking more seriously now that he wasn't fighting all the time. But he doesn't feel guilty anymore. He doesn't feel like what he's giving her isn't enough. Because he's never going to stop trying to one-up himself from one year to the next. That much he can tell himself as he anticipates what's coming next, fluster in his cheeks and all as he sighs through his nose. ]
Ah...
[ He takes the little bite-sized chocolate truffle mochi...but rather than bite into it right away, he rolls it a little further back on his tongue, holding it there behind sealed lips. He can already taste the cocoa in his mouth without even squishing down on it, but before he bites, his hand slides up into Ayaka's freed one, holding it in place so he can can gently brush the back of her fingers with a kiss. Just a silent thank you before he finally breaks the piece in his mouth, letting the gooey center out as he hums softly in approval.
He still hasn't let go of her hand. ]
Edited (done forgetting words) Date: 2024-02-18 02:01 am (UTC)
Hehe... I am getting better at making all kinds of things, aren't I? It is because you inspire me to be better, Cloud.
[ She says that so innocently, because she isn't trying to gas him up or anything. He really is her inspiration, he is what motivates her to become better, because all of the things she learns, she wishes to show him in the end. Cooking all kinds of meals for him, making him dessert... it feels romantic. Whenever she packs him a lunch for work, or when he goes traveling to do quests, it feels amazing. She has a purpose that isn't just serving her nation and her people, but she has a purpose as Kamisato Ayaka.
Valentine's day is all about showering Cloud with love, but she feels so giddy and happy that today may as well be celebrating her, as well. ]
It should not be too sweet, so I hope you'll like it, andβ [ Oh! ///// He just kissed the back of her hand. It isn't the most intimate thing, but it certainly sends her heart racing after making it stop for a second.
Her outfit conceals a lot of her skin, but she definitely has goosebumps all over her arms now, thanks to him. While she's far too flustered to look him in the eye now, she does give his hand a squeeze. ]
[ It's exactly because he knows she wasn't the type to gas someone up for no reason that her support makes his heart swing for her that much more. Cloud wasn't your traditional "swooning" type; most of his reactions were best preserved in the wonder of his eyes, so expressive whether he was happy, angry, flustered... She was his motivation. From the day they met as friends, to the chance he took on chasing her to Nara on an impromptu trip, all the way to the end of another world for her. It's through letters that he's been able to better express himself when words aloud fail him, but even that was starting to grow easier for him. No one else had to know or hear the words he'd let fall from his lips for her. Not when they were solely for her ears alone.
Cloud behaves himself, reins himself back long enough for her on this special day that Ayaka can lavish him with the love and attention she feels he deserves. But at his core, he already knows; this was a day for them both. Everything he did was for her, after all.
His kiss to the back of her hand catches her by surprise, and as he relishes the treat she's given him before swallowing, that hasn't stopped the heavier-lidded gaze of intent he carries on her. Like Cloud felt satisfied knowing that she had to look away with that stunt. ]
[ She will need her hand back for that "one more", so she is very careful as she pulls her hand away. Gentle and slow, in case Cloud changes his mind and wishes to keep holding her hand. Her other is holding the little container for the chocolates, after all.
If Cloud does let her go, she takes yet another piece of mochi. During those couple of seconds she picked one up, she was really planning on feeding Cloud with it again. With her hand. But then she gets a bright (???) idea of putting the piece between her teeth. Only then does she lean in.
It is just the two of them. This is absolutely silly, but... if Cloud will indulge her, then this will be the first and last time she will pull a stunt like this. ]
[ Of course Cloud rescinds it; if he were being completely truthful, he would have skipped right to kissing her again. He wouldn't have been ready to let go of her hand yet, not after she made such an honest request for White Day. But he also wants to take care in every part of her gift today. The letters, the meaning behind the various orders given to Weapons HQ and the Theatre, gaining Thoma's approval in the art of Tea Ceremony, a night beneath the stars of Coldreach and everything she's brought to this picnic...
One chocolate was too cheap to accept. He wants one more. Or however many she wishes to feed him as he patiently waits for her, thinking that she'll pluck one between her fingers and pop it right in his mouth once more. Only... ]
?
[ She gently tucks it between her teeth. Was she going to eat one for herself first? That's fine by him butβ ]
Ah... [ Cloud can see where this is going. And for the first time since getting up here? Now his cheeks sting. ///// ] ...
[ But...who was he to deny her? Who was he to deny himself? Sighing through his nose, albeit softer, he leans in to meet her halfway. But he can't just take it from her straight on. So Ayaka will have her beau tilting his head for her this time, so that their noses don't go bumping together... ]
[ Ayaka would have been fine if Cloud rejected it, but he doesn't and it's great!!! How far can she have him try all sorts of things with her until he says no, she wonders...
Oh, but he isn't... pulling away. Ayaka isn't sure if she should just stay there??? But she does anyway, their lips still pressed together. Whatever has happened to the mochi, Ayaka does not know. She'll enjoy this kiss instead, she'll focus on the feeling of his lips tasting like cocoa powder, close her eyes and just melt into it...
It feels like it's been so long since she last kissed him properly. The reality of it is that they kissed just before they started dinner, but it still feels like it's been ages, anyway. This moment right here feels like their first kiss in such a long time. Surely nothing will go wrong, right? ]
[ Were their relationship still young, or she hadn't staked her claim of his heart at all, Ayaka would have been met with a myriad of resistances. Resistances that, even still, could have crumbled for her anyway. That's just who Cloud was, keeping a tough appearance on the surface only for that glass to be transparent for the right person. Only now, on this Valentine's Day, for a girl he's moved cities (worlds) for, there were no walls to be found. At this point, anything she could have asked for, he would have given her. Anything less and he wasn't being a good beau for her.
She's...everything he could have wanted and never realized until he was lucky to have her. It fuels everything he does for herβ fuels the way in which he lets the taste of cocoa powder on his brush over her lips. As if kissing her couldn't get any sweeter. When he tries to sweep his lips against hers once more, parted slightly but not making any bids to deepen it yet- ]
Mn- [ Ah it's. On his tongue still. Whoops. Before he can just. Give that back to her he'll just draw back abruptly. Sighing through his nose, an apologetic little smile crosses his lips. ] Sorry.
[ And with that, chew through the little bite once, adding, ]
Mochi.
[ Sorry, Ayaka. He wasn't so sure that accidentally giving back your treat was the most romantic thing. But when Cloud does finish it, biting back the urge to chuckle, he's back to closing what little distance is left between them. ]
[ Honestly? Ayaka is having the time of her life right now. Being able to have somebody to celebrate such a romantic holiday is already a gift, but Cloud not being resistant to anything has been such a treat.
She's giggling when he stops kissing her, pulling away slightly to apologise. So he hadn't swallowed the mochi yet, then! That's okay. She can wait before kissing him again. They have all the time in the world.
And so, she waits. She sees him chew... chew... swallow?
That's her signal! She leans in just in time as he closes the distance between them once more. With that, the rest of the world fades away, and it just becomes a young girl all alone with the love of her life, having a picnic together under a sea of stars shining brightly.
It feels so right, like this, to have his lips on hers. The night is still young, but if they ended their date like this, Ayaka would have no complaints whatsoever. She's so happy at this time, and with no threats of interruption anymore, she leans in a little closer, her free hand resting on his lap instead of on the mat. ]
[ What's a day or three out of the year? ...even if he would need to mentally pep himself up to tell himself that he can do all of this. And was Ayaka knows, when Cloud does set his mind on something, he commits. Lucky her, prep or none, he actually wants to do these things with her.
Her giggle is like a remedy for his nerves, and he's right back to it. Even if he's awkward to begin with in leaning back in, there's something boyish in how he eagerly wants to get back to kissing her. It was too good to stop so early, and the young couple were practically brimming with touch energy that they were never in need of a top-up. The world fades, and it's only the brightest star in front of him that he can see before he closes his eyes.
He slides his legs out from underneath him, hand bracing him at Ayaka's side while her hand finds purchase on his lap. Just a little push. Embrace this happiness. The night is still young, but he's not keen on letting it end either. Cloud's solace was knowing that he'd have her tomorrow morning to look at, but if he keep this halcyon day of memory lane going just a little longer...
One kiss. A sweep of his lips against hers. He tastes like fresh cocoa powder, and she tastes like traces of it from what she kept tucked between her lips before...and beyond that as he deepens the kiss? She's every bit the girl that he committed to memory on his tongue. Just a single deepened kiss with her threatens to crack a spark over the kindling once more, droplets of fuel that would see these two flare up. But he doesn't let it happen. He wants to preserve this longer.
Don't let this night end yet. And as he smiles against her lips, an impulse guides him as he speaks up between slow kisses. ]
Hey...
[ Just as he was all eyes on her. All ears, Ayaka, for this wild thought. ]
Wanna go to Frostreign tonight? [ His free hand drifts between them, not to take her hand out of his lap, but to rest his atop hers. Another kiss, before she can fully answer him...one that moves closer to the corner of her mouth like he's meaning to take this trail somewhere. ] We'll buy clothes there.
[ Amenities, everything they could need instead of teleporting all the way back to Sunwaning. They meant to leave tomorrow. But they're already so close... Just as close as Cloud's lips were to dipping into her neck, as soft as before. No biting. No marking. No sucking. ]
[ Her eyes flitter open ever so slightly when he calls his attention. She can barely focus when she doesn't pull away, the lack of distance between the two of them allowing her to breathe him in.
Ayaka never really thought of what would happen tonight beyond surprising Cloud one after the other. She didn't consider how he might react beyond accepting the presents given to him. Kisses, handholds, hugging her, they're all wishes, but if Cloud didn't give those to her tonight on this date, then she would be the one to give it all to him. And so, when he kisses her, tells her to change their plans and just go to Frostreign tonight instead, it surprises her.
This wasn't in her plans at all... Even when she tries to predict what Cloud might want to do, this wasn't in any of her guesses. And it would seem that she can't read his mind all the time, after all. ]
Eh? But...
[ They'll buy clothes there... His lips are on the corner of her mouth. His hand, so warm and heavy compared to hers, resting on her own. How soft his voice sounds at this time, so inviting... if she knew any better, Cloud could hypnotise with the sound of his voice and with his words.
Her eyes close again as she swallows, just in time for his lips to trail down to her neck. There's no way she could say no... ]
[ The sound of his lips sweeping, teetering on suckling but not daring leave a mark, is so loud as he follows the tremor in her voice. Places a little more pressure on her hand in his, until he can maneuver it just a little bit... Just enough so that his fingers can wedge snug between hers. ]
And we're already right there. [ It may be nighttime, but... ] We've got enough for tonight. We'll go out tomorrow.
[ Yeah, she should have predicted that this would happen. He left his scooter back at home, using the teleporters all the way out here. He has an excess in funds. All of which he wouldn't mind spending on them this getaway. Letter after letter after letter...heartfelt memory after heartfelt memory...
Then he breathes again, kisses dipping lower only to be stopped by the collar of her kimono. But that's fine. ]
[ How could Ayaka predict such a reaction when she's never witnessed anything like it before? Cloud is usually very tempered, the voice of reason when she's the one getting too carried away with her requests and whims. Sure, there may have been instances in the past, like when he was affected by the moon, or it was the month of love, but while those were all his own choices, they were also influenced by something more.
But tonight, it is all Cloud. It's just him making this request, making his presence known by slipping his fingers in between her own. The goosebumps have even made their way to her neck now, but it's him saying "please", the need in his voice for his wish to come true that gets her.
It's like electricity passes through her and she shudders from it, squeezing his hand tighter in turn. She wasn't going to say no, but this only made her say yes sooner. ]
Mm... [ That was both a sound of agreement and a whimper. ] We'll- We'll go to Frostreign early...
[ Tonight, she means. She'll have to send a message to Ayato that she won't be coming home tonight. Oh dear... Hopefully he won't judge too hard. It's all Cloud's fault.
That does... make her wonder, though. Of course she'll let Cloud call the shots, since it is a day to celebrate him. She only inches closer to him to rest on him, but he's free to continue kissing her all over however he wants. Even if it does make Ayaka squirm in her seat. ]
[ The man that woke up in the land of Nippon and the individual he's become today? It's less that Cloud completely changed so much as he was given an open door to freely walk through. For the first time, it felt like he had a choice. Even if it was a choice that was beyond one in a million. A life he never should have been able to call his own when it was with his fingers weaving over Ayaka's like this. There was no sway of the Youkai to urge him to take and give whatever he wanted this time. Or a moonless night that yielded way to the beast neither one of them would soon forget.
No.
If Cloud was going to tryβ really try, than he was going to make sure he did this right. No matter how much time they have left, whether they defy fate and see themselves through to the very end, or he's forced to take the longer journey back home to her, chasing that little whimper she lets out when she agrees to Frostreign is one of the many reasons he can do this. That he'll never stop surrendering all of his heart to her.
Ayaka once told him that she couldn't. That she couldn't let him have all of her after all. But, the more he laid in bed at night while they hurt, and thought about it all... She was telling the truth, and yet she was lying to herself all at once; that's what Cloud felt. Because he has the memory of what it felt like to have all of her. He'll hold that memory in his heart, and use it to carry him to the end of that wish he made in her name.
Would she be able to feel the way he smiles against her skin? The hum of approval and the softer sigh of relief that washes against lightly shimmering skin where he applied open-mouthed kisses? This was getting him warm under his collar, but nothing so heavy and yearning that he'd lose sense of where they were. He does grant Ayaka some reprieve when he draws away from the crook of her neck where he'd been kissing her. With her resting against him, as he shifts more upright, he half-embraces her with his free arm down the small of her back.
He's close to her ear now, answering her: ]
Pretty soon.
[ If he gets distracted by kissing her a few more times, he can't be at fault. His hand squeezes hers, gently, almost rhythmically as he kisses just in front of her ear, drawing the scent of her hair and just how easy it might have been to lay her down beneath the stars with him after all. But it's just like he said to her before.
He'll never stop wanting her. There's just a time and a place.
And with a deep breath in through his nose, and a hummed sigh back out, he finally draws away for real, sitting back enough so he can get a good look at her and how good she looked in that kimono tonight. But... ]
Just a sec.
[ Unraveling the navy scarf around his neck, if she'll let him, he plans on carefully slipping it around the back of hers, weaving it once around the front as he keeps a gentle hold of the ends with a smile. ]
There. [ A beat. ] A little chillier where we're headed.
[ Ayaka once thought that she could give him everything. For the longest time, she'd believed it to be so. She lived a life knowing that everything she has was for Cloud to take, whether he asked for it or not. There is nothing Ayaka could hold against him. Once, she even told him she would do anything for him, and she certainly wasn't lying then.
Presented with two doors and with a choice to make, however, she realised what her capabilities were, what the limits to her loyalty was. And it's been some time since she asked for Cloud's forgiveness and also the forgiveness of her brother's, and she's moved past it. The pain will remain though, even if she does not think about it all that often anymore. If the choice presents itself again, despite Cloud's own words, despite what Ayato said about how she should choose Cloud if it means her own safety, she still would not be able to do so.
The choice, the pain, and the heartache are all far away from her mind right now though. There is no need to dwell on it with all the promises she and Cloud have made to one another. The stars shine bright above them, perhaps even brighter than when they were here last, and the love they have for one another is stronger than ever.
Cloud keeps spoiling her, kissing her to the point where she's gotten lightheaded already. Anything he tells her at this point, she would say yes to. It's why she doesn't try to move away from his hold or to shy away from all the kisses he's giving her, wherever they may be. Even if it makes her breath so shaky, and even if it makes her heart race like crazy. ]
Ah...
[ It is rather delayed when she realises she has a scarf around her neck, now. Looking down and feeling the thick cloth around her neck and touching her chin, she reaches for it with both her hands to hold it and feel if it's real. They would be going to Frostreign, so it only makes sense to cover up... Her eyes meet his again, and her face reflects his expression when she smiles softly. ]
I will hold your hand and keep you warm, then.
[ Especially since he is scarfless now!
She tugs on the scarf a little more, pushing it closer to her so she can nuzzle her cheek against one side. ]
It is not quite the same... but it is like your arms are wrapped around me like this.
[ Only letting go once she's registered that the thick cloth is snug around her neck, he was going to find it challenging to let this sight out of his mind's eye. It wasn't huge or anything on her, but the visual of her wrapped up in it, hands reaching up to hold and feel it around her; she looks so small in it anyway. Even if the navy blue clashed with her kimono, it still looks...right on herβ like she was every bit the cute, princess-like girl he carried away with him. ]
Good. [ A beat. ] A warm-up for White Day.
[ Because if he can help it, he wasn't going to let her go until they needed to. Maybe while checking in. ...they both have a free hand.
It's not quite the same as having his arms around her. And he could very well still do that right here and now. But Cloud knew that if he did...they might not ever leave the top of this observatory tonight. It wasn't a bad thought to have, if only because he was still with her. He'd chased her to the end of a journey through memory lane, and now that he had her? It almost didn't matter where they were or when they went.
That's the fantasy they're living in now. But he wants to keep this going for as long as possible. So... ]
Maybe not as soft, [ Definitely not as soft. But as he leans in, fingers threading through the front of her hime cut hair, ] but you'll have mine around you more tonight.
[ Capped with a feather's brush of his lips to her forehead as he closes his eyes... One. Two. Breath, Cloud. Alright.
He pulls back one last time, shuffling on his knees until they have just a little more space. She's always made him feel comfortable, even when he was working his way through bouts of embarrassment and feeling shy. But tonight? He was confident. Driven. And he'll carry this feeling all the way into Frostreign with her. ]
Okay. Let's get packed up.
[ If she has a knapsack or anything to make things easier, he'll even carry that for her too! If she's ready, so is he. ]
[ Cloud really has turned on the charm tonight, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The scarf around her neck keeps her safe and warm, a presence that isn't really needed when he is there, but she finds the whole gesture to be romantic, anyway. When he tells her that he'll have his arms wrapped around her more, it gets her to blush even more.
But rather than look away, she can only smile at him. Her heart is beating so fast, and she has to resist the urge to just hug him and kiss him and never let go.
She took him down memory lane today, and while everything wasn't a 1:1 copy of some of the times they've spent together in the past, it's gotten her nostalgic, too. Right now, she's reminded of when they ran away from the palace together when an orgy had begun. She's known him to always be reliable, that when he will say something, he'll always push through with it, and his words now have the same effect on her.
He really is like a prince. ]
Ah, right. Then, please take a moment to relax. I'll clean up first.
[ It is as she saidβ today is a day to spoil him! She would much rather not have him do any work. Ayaka can take care of cleaning up, throwing away anything that needs to be disposed of, placing their leftovers back in the basket, and then the picnic mat goes inside, too.
The box where she'd kept his present is also bulky, but no doubt Cloud would be able to carry both. It might be difficult with just one hand, so she will offer to carry the basket as it is lighter than the box. ]
[ No "but"s, Mr. Strife. He hardly has any fight in him to begin with. Cloud has to be on his best behavior, what with today being his to be spoiled for. ...although, if he can afford to sneak in little moments to return the favor, he willβ whether he's fully aware of them or not. Instead, he simply stays put while she takes care of tidying up. Luckily for them? The two are a pretty clean couple and there's little in the form of waste even as she packs the leftovers in the basket.
He's already collected the box for his present, at least, something that he can safely keep tucked under one arm as they make their way to the more frigid sector of Frostreign. Teleporting too much would drain their energy, but it's not like either one of them were wanting for that with how frequently they held hands (at minimum).
Cloud gets up well before she comes back to pack away the picnic mat, patiently waiting on her so that they can prepare to make their way back down from the top of the observatory. Of course he'll let her carry the basket. That leaves the two of them with a free hand each; just as planned. The affectionate atmosphere between them hasn't waned in any way, but now that the two of them were up and about again, preparing to depart, her beau is set to march on to their vacation early, a little more of that sterner focus returning as he holds out his hand for her once they're packed. ]
I suppose we'll have some snacks for midnight ready.
[ The chocolate mochi, a bit of leftover tea... It's not a lot, but good enough to snack on if they do get hungry. Of course, the resort they'll be going to offers room service as well, but if she tried to read Cloud's mind now. . . she has a feeling he doesn't want to go anywhere else once they're behind locked doors tonight.
He's waiting for a response if she's set, but she takes one last look at the stars above, before they head down. It would have been a much more beautiful view if they used the telescope, but they never needed it when they were on a treehouse in Nara, or when he brought her to his rooftop on her birthday.
That was yet another night where he made her change her plans. She meant to go back home that night, as they still lived separately. But now... times sure have changed. ]
Yes. [ There's a small smile on her face as she takes her place next to him, slotting her fingers between his. All is right in the world yet again, and with the stars as their witness, she hopes it stays that way forever.
Down they go, and Ayaka ensures they leave nothing behind and that the doors they pass through are locked. She doesn't have the key, after all, but has to keep the observatory safe from any other people who might try to break in. The caretaker and the staff will come in tomorrow to find the place the same way they left it in Ayaka's care before today. ]
Mm... so, what was your favourite part about today? [ The adventure he was forced to took today, she means! ]
[ Whether they stuck with her original intent of returning home tonight and making the trek to Frostreign tomorrow or not, the chocolate mochi would get plucked away at easily enough. He wants to make sure he can savor the fruits of her labors while it's fresh enough. They can order room service if she was feeling peckish beyond their little leftovers; he wouldn't dare deny her that, but her hunch was also correct. It's taking everything he has to keep himself on the receiving end of Ayaka's affections tonight when all he wants to do is flip the script on her for all the memories she's helped him relive. When their door clicks shut tonight, all he wants to do is make good on his promising words to her.
Flowing feelings aside? He's also admittedly excited to see how the new Inazuman-inspired Haori and Hakama would look and fit on him. Getting to Frostreign a night early meant that they had another day for themselves to settle in! His surplus of Moon Coins from recent commissions also helped in feeling a touch less frugal to spend so that she didn't have to spend her entire vacation in a beautiful kimono; in fact, watching her take a last look at the stars above, Cloud holds to his silence as he watches her.
All this time spent looking up to see where the brightest ones twinkled, and it's Cloud's gaze that would look above secondβ he already found the brightest of them all standing in front of him.
The image of Kamisato Ayaka, admiring a sea of stars that they could very well share in the grand scheme of everything; he preserves this image in his mind's eye and engraves it on his heart for as long as she lets him until it's time to go, and she's at his side and slotting her fingers between his. ]
Not allowed to say "every part", I'm guessing?
[ Getting to see her again went without saying too. He's teasing, gift box under one arm and Ayaka's hand in the other, he gives it a light squeeze as they stick to the plowed and packed down snowy pathway of Coldreach from the Observatory. Thankfully for them? The teleporter wasn't so far off in town from here, so they had time to enjoy their stroll beneath the guidance of Coldreach's stars. It went without saying that he enjoyed every part. ...even mustering up the courage to get back up on stage and try and work his way back into a character across from a Director who really took a shining to his beauty?
He could talk about them all... But, as he smiles upon a brief bout of silent thought, answering with an inflection of soft reminisce: ]
The tea ceremony test. [ He can get away with blushing here; it's the chill on his lighter complexion. That's it. ] Mm. That day I couldn't stop thinking about you after.
[ Attraction, falling in love, regardless of what he was feeling at such an early stage in their friendship, Thoma drove the point home immediately.
"The lady's charms are just too strong, aren't they?"
Hah. The hell was Cloud thinking, unrealistic for characters to fall fast... They're words he's eating with a smile at least. ]
[ They hadn't talked about that before. At least, not that Ayaka can remember. It's why his answer to her curious query gets her to look up at him as they walk, surprised and as red as the ribbons in her hair.
She knows what he meansβ that day. It was when they saw each other again after only communicating via the network since they first met. Truthfully, Ayaka did not think they could become good friends, but the audition paired them together and the rest was history. She really enjoyed eating at a tea house with him, where they both shared what their favourite kind of sashimi and sushi was. Nevermind that Cloud had initially said he liked the side of her more that's less formal, the girl behind the title of Shirasagi Himegimi. Maybe she should have picked up on it then, but... she's never had someone like her like that before.
She definitely would not have seen the signs. ]
We talked about practising our lines together, but we never did until after, um, the month passed.
You were always in my thoughts then. [ Whether or not they were wholesome thoughts... well, it's probably best they don't talk about this in too much detail. :') ] I truly enjoyed our time together that day.
[ She could never forget the first time she leaned on his arm as they sat next to one another. How warm and comforting it felt, how safe he made her feel. Remembering it now, even though they're holding hands and have shared so much with each other now, gets her flustered. ]
I... wasn't too forward, was I? When... when I sat next to you after we had tea...
Yeah... Can't say I blame you. [ The so-called "Month of Love". That had been more than one kind of awakening for the blond swordsman. But of all the regrets he had, none of them had anything to do with Ayaka. In fact, she was...honestly the best part about it all. Despite themselves. ] I tried staying outta trouble for the same reasons.
[ They don't have to go into explicit detail as to why. Besides, they were talking about the time they spent at the teahouse! To hear that he was always on Ayaka's mind too... Their entwined fingers tense together upon that, an acceptance of her feelings as he tenderly squeezes. ] I'm glad.
[ "I... wasn't too forward, was I?" ]
No. [ It was like the haziest of dreams that he could somehow remember every single detail of. The warmth of the Uki Weed, subtle enough that it didn't cause them to succumb to its otherwise aphrodisiac-like properties. Perhaps having it blended the way it had been in their green tea was their saving grace. Like it was yesterday, the first time he let himself tiredly rest against her, bowing his head against her icier blue hair and just how soft she really was. ] We both kinda leaned on each other back then.
[ But it had been such a relaxing time... And since then, he's made good on his word. Extra unagi for the Sakura Princess. ]
[ There is comfort in knowing that she wasn't too forward, that even though he had begun showing her a different world than what she's known, she'd preserved the reserved nature expected of someone like her. She looks down at their joined hands now as they walk and thinks about how shy she'd used to be before. How she would more often than not wait for him to offer his hand before she would take it, or she would ask for it and wait for his permission. The more they got to know each other and the more comfortable she'd become around him, the less she felt the need to ask.
She doesn't think Cloud minds at all. If it's just the two of them, away from the eyes of others, she can be herself around him, and he can be himself around her. They can both enjoy the warmth the other's presence brings.
What else can she say to that but "thank you"? Ayaka has said so many things already, as well. While she won't grow tired of showing her appreciation for him through her words, it feels at this point that he just knows without her even saying it. So she gives a squeeze of his hand, stepping in closer so she can lean on him again as they walk. ]
When I am with you, even if we just sit down in silence, it feels as if the problems the entire world could ever thrust upon me are small and trivial matters.
[ Like that time at the tea house, when she did not even care about who could see them like that. Even now, where people could see them walking together so closely. ]
I hope we can continue to make more memories like it here. And they would be ones we would relive in the years to come.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-02-18 01:17 am (UTC)I love it.
[ Three simple words. But...he can afford to give her a little more, couldn't he? ]
S'like you brought back a little piece of what we used to have.
[ Back in Nippon. How they would find themselves matching. How he found his own personalized yukata at the last minute upon chasing her to Nara that fateful, starry night. And for now, knowing that it wasn't practical to bring it all out up here, and because he wants to move back a little closer to her once more, he places the lid back on the box with his Inazuman garb inside. ]
Thank you. Ayaka.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-18 01:44 am (UTC)[ Delighted, grateful, absolutely thrilled. Her voice shakes ever so slightly upon hearing her beau's words. If he loves it, then it means she did a great job in deciding on this gift for him.
And with each day that he allows her to be with him, she hopes to give him more presents to remember. Small or big, simple or absolutely grand, all she really wants is to shower Cloud with all the love she has in her heart. Every day that she wakes up though, she becomes more and more in love with him, so there really won't be an end to it all. ]
Oh! And because it is Valentine's day, and it is a must that you receive chocolate, I made some mochi for dessert.
[ It isn't quite the highlight of their date though, considering how Cloud isn't much of a sweets guy. She brings out yet another box from the basket where she kept all their food. Inside are bite sized pieces of chocolate truffle mochi, covered in cocoa with a gooey centre. These were a lot easier to make compared to the black sesame ones, but it's also partly due to the size.
Yes, she is taking one again to feed him. ]
Say "ah", my love.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-18 01:59 am (UTC)But that embarrassment also gives way to further excitement. Excitement that carries with them into her next gift. He'd told Ayaka how he found a box of chocolates on the way to Thoma's place; maybe it was something that her brother and him could enjoy together later! But every letter, every instruction, every utterance of guidance was taken to heart. She won't have to worry about him making attempts to skip details. Not with a day like today especially.
Pushing the box with his new outfit further away, he cants his head curiously when she brings out the little chocolate mochi pieces. Cloud blinks... ]
You made these too?
[ Everything here, Cloud. It almost makes him wish that he'd started taking cooking and baking more seriously now that he wasn't fighting all the time. But he doesn't feel guilty anymore. He doesn't feel like what he's giving her isn't enough. Because he's never going to stop trying to one-up himself from one year to the next. That much he can tell himself as he anticipates what's coming next, fluster in his cheeks and all as he sighs through his nose. ]
Ah...
[ He takes the little bite-sized chocolate truffle mochi...but rather than bite into it right away, he rolls it a little further back on his tongue, holding it there behind sealed lips. He can already taste the cocoa in his mouth without even squishing down on it, but before he bites, his hand slides up into Ayaka's freed one, holding it in place so he can can gently brush the back of her fingers with a kiss. Just a silent thank you before he finally breaks the piece in his mouth, letting the gooey center out as he hums softly in approval.
He still hasn't let go of her hand. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-18 02:19 pm (UTC)[ She says that so innocently, because she isn't trying to gas him up or anything. He really is her inspiration, he is what motivates her to become better, because all of the things she learns, she wishes to show him in the end. Cooking all kinds of meals for him, making him dessert... it feels romantic. Whenever she packs him a lunch for work, or when he goes traveling to do quests, it feels amazing. She has a purpose that isn't just serving her nation and her people, but she has a purpose as Kamisato Ayaka.
Valentine's day is all about showering Cloud with love, but she feels so giddy and happy that today may as well be celebrating her, as well. ]
It should not be too sweet, so I hope you'll like it, andβ [ Oh! ///// He just kissed the back of her hand. It isn't the most intimate thing, but it certainly sends her heart racing after making it stop for a second.
Her outfit conceals a lot of her skin, but she definitely has goosebumps all over her arms now, thanks to him. While she's far too flustered to look him in the eye now, she does give his hand a squeeze. ]
A- Ah, um... Do you want more?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 01:59 am (UTC)Cloud behaves himself, reins himself back long enough for her on this special day that Ayaka can lavish him with the love and attention she feels he deserves. But at his core, he already knows; this was a day for them both. Everything he did was for her, after all.
His kiss to the back of her hand catches her by surprise, and as he relishes the treat she's given him before swallowing, that hasn't stopped the heavier-lidded gaze of intent he carries on her. Like Cloud felt satisfied knowing that she had to look away with that stunt. ]
Mm. [ Hey, Ayaka... ] One more.
[ He's still keeping his eyes on you. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 06:47 am (UTC)If Cloud does let her go, she takes yet another piece of mochi. During those couple of seconds she picked one up, she was really planning on feeding Cloud with it again. With her hand. But then she gets a bright (???) idea of putting the piece between her teeth. Only then does she lean in.
It is just the two of them. This is absolutely silly, but... if Cloud will indulge her, then this will be the first and last time she will pull a stunt like this. ]
1/2
Date: 2024-02-19 07:16 am (UTC)One chocolate was too cheap to accept. He wants one more. Or however many she wishes to feed him as he patiently waits for her, thinking that she'll pluck one between her fingers and pop it right in his mouth once more. Only... ]
?
[ She gently tucks it between her teeth. Was she going to eat one for herself first? That's fine by him butβ ]
Ah... [ Cloud can see where this is going. And for the first time since getting up here? Now his cheeks sting. ///// ] ...
[ But...who was he to deny her? Who was he to deny himself? Sighing through his nose, albeit softer, he leans in to meet her halfway. But he can't just take it from her straight on. So Ayaka will have her beau tilting his head for her this time, so that their noses don't go bumping together... ]
2/2
Date: 2024-02-19 07:21 am (UTC)...
[ He doesn't draw away. Instead, he kisses her properly this time. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 07:43 am (UTC)Oh, but he isn't... pulling away. Ayaka isn't sure if she should just stay there??? But she does anyway, their lips still pressed together. Whatever has happened to the mochi, Ayaka does not know. She'll enjoy this kiss instead, she'll focus on the feeling of his lips tasting like cocoa powder, close her eyes and just melt into it...
It feels like it's been so long since she last kissed him properly. The reality of it is that they kissed just before they started dinner, but it still feels like it's been ages, anyway. This moment right here feels like their first kiss in such a long time. Surely nothing will go wrong, right? ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 11:07 am (UTC)She's...everything he could have wanted and never realized until he was lucky to have her. It fuels everything he does for herβ fuels the way in which he lets the taste of cocoa powder on his brush over her lips. As if kissing her couldn't get any sweeter. When he tries to sweep his lips against hers once more, parted slightly but not making any bids to deepen it yet- ]
Mn- [ Ah it's. On his tongue still. Whoops. Before he can just. Give that back to her he'll just draw back abruptly. Sighing through his nose, an apologetic little smile crosses his lips. ] Sorry.
[ And with that, chew through the little bite once, adding, ]
Mochi.
[ Sorry, Ayaka. He wasn't so sure that accidentally giving back your treat was the most romantic thing. But when Cloud does finish it, biting back the urge to chuckle, he's back to closing what little distance is left between them. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 11:28 am (UTC)She's giggling when he stops kissing her, pulling away slightly to apologise. So he hadn't swallowed the mochi yet, then! That's okay. She can wait before kissing him again. They have all the time in the world.
And so, she waits. She sees him chew... chew... swallow?
That's her signal! She leans in just in time as he closes the distance between them once more. With that, the rest of the world fades away, and it just becomes a young girl all alone with the love of her life, having a picnic together under a sea of stars shining brightly.
It feels so right, like this, to have his lips on hers. The night is still young, but if they ended their date like this, Ayaka would have no complaints whatsoever. She's so happy at this time, and with no threats of interruption anymore, she leans in a little closer, her free hand resting on his lap instead of on the mat. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 07:46 pm (UTC)Her giggle is like a remedy for his nerves, and he's right back to it. Even if he's awkward to begin with in leaning back in, there's something boyish in how he eagerly wants to get back to kissing her. It was too good to stop so early, and the young couple were practically brimming with touch energy that they were never in need of a top-up. The world fades, and it's only the brightest star in front of him that he can see before he closes his eyes.
He slides his legs out from underneath him, hand bracing him at Ayaka's side while her hand finds purchase on his lap. Just a little push. Embrace this happiness. The night is still young, but he's not keen on letting it end either. Cloud's solace was knowing that he'd have her tomorrow morning to look at, but if he keep this halcyon day of memory lane going just a little longer...
One kiss. A sweep of his lips against hers. He tastes like fresh cocoa powder, and she tastes like traces of it from what she kept tucked between her lips before...and beyond that as he deepens the kiss? She's every bit the girl that he committed to memory on his tongue. Just a single deepened kiss with her threatens to crack a spark over the kindling once more, droplets of fuel that would see these two flare up. But he doesn't let it happen. He wants to preserve this longer.
Don't let this night end yet. And as he smiles against her lips, an impulse guides him as he speaks up between slow kisses. ]
Hey...
[ Just as he was all eyes on her. All ears, Ayaka, for this wild thought. ]
Wanna go to Frostreign tonight? [ His free hand drifts between them, not to take her hand out of his lap, but to rest his atop hers. Another kiss, before she can fully answer him...one that moves closer to the corner of her mouth like he's meaning to take this trail somewhere. ] We'll buy clothes there.
[ Amenities, everything they could need instead of teleporting all the way back to Sunwaning. They meant to leave tomorrow. But they're already so close... Just as close as Cloud's lips were to dipping into her neck, as soft as before. No biting. No marking. No sucking. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 01:03 am (UTC)Ayaka never really thought of what would happen tonight beyond surprising Cloud one after the other. She didn't consider how he might react beyond accepting the presents given to him. Kisses, handholds, hugging her, they're all wishes, but if Cloud didn't give those to her tonight on this date, then she would be the one to give it all to him. And so, when he kisses her, tells her to change their plans and just go to Frostreign tonight instead, it surprises her.
This wasn't in her plans at all... Even when she tries to predict what Cloud might want to do, this wasn't in any of her guesses. And it would seem that she can't read his mind all the time, after all. ]
Eh? But...
[ They'll buy clothes there... His lips are on the corner of her mouth. His hand, so warm and heavy compared to hers, resting on her own. How soft his voice sounds at this time, so inviting... if she knew any better, Cloud could hypnotise with the sound of his voice and with his words.
Her eyes close again as she swallows, just in time for his lips to trail down to her neck. There's no way she could say no... ]
A- Are you sure? But it's nighttime...
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 01:49 am (UTC)And we're already right there. [ It may be nighttime, but... ] We've got enough for tonight. We'll go out tomorrow.
[ Yeah, she should have predicted that this would happen. He left his scooter back at home, using the teleporters all the way out here. He has an excess in funds. All of which he wouldn't mind spending on them this getaway. Letter after letter after letter...heartfelt memory after heartfelt memory...
Then he breathes again, kisses dipping lower only to be stopped by the collar of her kimono. But that's fine. ]
Please?
[ Pretty please. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 11:50 am (UTC)But tonight, it is all Cloud. It's just him making this request, making his presence known by slipping his fingers in between her own. The goosebumps have even made their way to her neck now, but it's him saying "please", the need in his voice for his wish to come true that gets her.
It's like electricity passes through her and she shudders from it, squeezing his hand tighter in turn. She wasn't going to say no, but this only made her say yes sooner. ]
Mm... [ That was both a sound of agreement and a whimper. ] We'll- We'll go to Frostreign early...
[ Tonight, she means. She'll have to send a message to Ayato that she won't be coming home tonight. Oh dear... Hopefully he won't judge too hard. It's all Cloud's fault.
That does... make her wonder, though. Of course she'll let Cloud call the shots, since it is a day to celebrate him. She only inches closer to him to rest on him, but he's free to continue kissing her all over however he wants. Even if it does make Ayaka squirm in her seat. ]
Are we leaving now?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-21 06:21 am (UTC)No.
If Cloud was going to tryβ really try, than he was going to make sure he did this right. No matter how much time they have left, whether they defy fate and see themselves through to the very end, or he's forced to take the longer journey back home to her, chasing that little whimper she lets out when she agrees to Frostreign is one of the many reasons he can do this. That he'll never stop surrendering all of his heart to her.
Ayaka once told him that she couldn't. That she couldn't let him have all of her after all. But, the more he laid in bed at night while they hurt, and thought about it all... She was telling the truth, and yet she was lying to herself all at once; that's what Cloud felt. Because he has the memory of what it felt like to have all of her. He'll hold that memory in his heart, and use it to carry him to the end of that wish he made in her name.
Would she be able to feel the way he smiles against her skin? The hum of approval and the softer sigh of relief that washes against lightly shimmering skin where he applied open-mouthed kisses? This was getting him warm under his collar, but nothing so heavy and yearning that he'd lose sense of where they were. He does grant Ayaka some reprieve when he draws away from the crook of her neck where he'd been kissing her. With her resting against him, as he shifts more upright, he half-embraces her with his free arm down the small of her back.
He's close to her ear now, answering her: ]
Pretty soon.
[ If he gets distracted by kissing her a few more times, he can't be at fault. His hand squeezes hers, gently, almost rhythmically as he kisses just in front of her ear, drawing the scent of her hair and just how easy it might have been to lay her down beneath the stars with him after all. But it's just like he said to her before.
He'll never stop wanting her. There's just a time and a place.
And with a deep breath in through his nose, and a hummed sigh back out, he finally draws away for real, sitting back enough so he can get a good look at her and how good she looked in that kimono tonight. But... ]
Just a sec.
[ Unraveling the navy scarf around his neck, if she'll let him, he plans on carefully slipping it around the back of hers, weaving it once around the front as he keeps a gentle hold of the ends with a smile. ]
There. [ A beat. ] A little chillier where we're headed.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-21 09:24 am (UTC)Presented with two doors and with a choice to make, however, she realised what her capabilities were, what the limits to her loyalty was. And it's been some time since she asked for Cloud's forgiveness and also the forgiveness of her brother's, and she's moved past it. The pain will remain though, even if she does not think about it all that often anymore. If the choice presents itself again, despite Cloud's own words, despite what Ayato said about how she should choose Cloud if it means her own safety, she still would not be able to do so.
The choice, the pain, and the heartache are all far away from her mind right now though. There is no need to dwell on it with all the promises she and Cloud have made to one another. The stars shine bright above them, perhaps even brighter than when they were here last, and the love they have for one another is stronger than ever.
Cloud keeps spoiling her, kissing her to the point where she's gotten lightheaded already. Anything he tells her at this point, she would say yes to. It's why she doesn't try to move away from his hold or to shy away from all the kisses he's giving her, wherever they may be. Even if it makes her breath so shaky, and even if it makes her heart race like crazy. ]
Ah...
[ It is rather delayed when she realises she has a scarf around her neck, now. Looking down and feeling the thick cloth around her neck and touching her chin, she reaches for it with both her hands to hold it and feel if it's real. They would be going to Frostreign, so it only makes sense to cover up... Her eyes meet his again, and her face reflects his expression when she smiles softly. ]
I will hold your hand and keep you warm, then.
[ Especially since he is scarfless now!
She tugs on the scarf a little more, pushing it closer to her so she can nuzzle her cheek against one side. ]
It is not quite the same... but it is like your arms are wrapped around me like this.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-26 12:19 am (UTC)Good. [ A beat. ] A warm-up for White Day.
[ Because if he can help it, he wasn't going to let her go until they needed to. Maybe while checking in. ...they both have a free hand.
It's not quite the same as having his arms around her. And he could very well still do that right here and now. But Cloud knew that if he did...they might not ever leave the top of this observatory tonight. It wasn't a bad thought to have, if only because he was still with her. He'd chased her to the end of a journey through memory lane, and now that he had her? It almost didn't matter where they were or when they went.
That's the fantasy they're living in now. But he wants to keep this going for as long as possible. So... ]
Maybe not as soft, [ Definitely not as soft. But as he leans in, fingers threading through the front of her hime cut hair, ] but you'll have mine around you more tonight.
[ Capped with a feather's brush of his lips to her forehead as he closes his eyes... One. Two. Breath, Cloud. Alright.
He pulls back one last time, shuffling on his knees until they have just a little more space. She's always made him feel comfortable, even when he was working his way through bouts of embarrassment and feeling shy. But tonight? He was confident. Driven. And he'll carry this feeling all the way into Frostreign with her. ]
Okay. Let's get packed up.
[ If she has a knapsack or anything to make things easier, he'll even carry that for her too! If she's ready, so is he. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-26 12:00 pm (UTC)But rather than look away, she can only smile at him. Her heart is beating so fast, and she has to resist the urge to just hug him and kiss him and never let go.
She took him down memory lane today, and while everything wasn't a 1:1 copy of some of the times they've spent together in the past, it's gotten her nostalgic, too. Right now, she's reminded of when they ran away from the palace together when an orgy had begun. She's known him to always be reliable, that when he will say something, he'll always push through with it, and his words now have the same effect on her.
He really is like a prince. ]
Ah, right. Then, please take a moment to relax. I'll clean up first.
[ It is as she saidβ today is a day to spoil him! She would much rather not have him do any work. Ayaka can take care of cleaning up, throwing away anything that needs to be disposed of, placing their leftovers back in the basket, and then the picnic mat goes inside, too.
The box where she'd kept his present is also bulky, but no doubt Cloud would be able to carry both. It might be difficult with just one hand, so she will offer to carry the basket as it is lighter than the box. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 08:01 am (UTC)[ No "but"s, Mr. Strife. He hardly has any fight in him to begin with. Cloud has to be on his best behavior, what with today being his to be spoiled for. ...although, if he can afford to sneak in little moments to return the favor, he willβ whether he's fully aware of them or not. Instead, he simply stays put while she takes care of tidying up. Luckily for them? The two are a pretty clean couple and there's little in the form of waste even as she packs the leftovers in the basket.
He's already collected the box for his present, at least, something that he can safely keep tucked under one arm as they make their way to the more frigid sector of Frostreign. Teleporting too much would drain their energy, but it's not like either one of them were wanting for that with how frequently they held hands (at minimum).
Cloud gets up well before she comes back to pack away the picnic mat, patiently waiting on her so that they can prepare to make their way back down from the top of the observatory. Of course he'll let her carry the basket. That leaves the two of them with a free hand each; just as planned. The affectionate atmosphere between them hasn't waned in any way, but now that the two of them were up and about again, preparing to depart, her beau is set to march on to their vacation early, a little more of that sterner focus returning as he holds out his hand for her once they're packed. ]
All set?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-27 02:19 pm (UTC)[ The chocolate mochi, a bit of leftover tea... It's not a lot, but good enough to snack on if they do get hungry. Of course, the resort they'll be going to offers room service as well, but if she tried to read Cloud's mind now. . . she has a feeling he doesn't want to go anywhere else once they're behind locked doors tonight.
He's waiting for a response if she's set, but she takes one last look at the stars above, before they head down. It would have been a much more beautiful view if they used the telescope, but they never needed it when they were on a treehouse in Nara, or when he brought her to his rooftop on her birthday.
That was yet another night where he made her change her plans. She meant to go back home that night, as they still lived separately. But now... times sure have changed. ]
Yes. [ There's a small smile on her face as she takes her place next to him, slotting her fingers between his. All is right in the world yet again, and with the stars as their witness, she hopes it stays that way forever.
Down they go, and Ayaka ensures they leave nothing behind and that the doors they pass through are locked. She doesn't have the key, after all, but has to keep the observatory safe from any other people who might try to break in. The caretaker and the staff will come in tomorrow to find the place the same way they left it in Ayaka's care before today. ]
Mm... so, what was your favourite part about today? [ The adventure he
was forced totook today, she means! ]no subject
Date: 2024-02-28 08:26 am (UTC)[ Whether they stuck with her original intent of returning home tonight and making the trek to Frostreign tomorrow or not, the chocolate mochi would get plucked away at easily enough. He wants to make sure he can savor the fruits of her labors while it's fresh enough. They can order room service if she was feeling peckish beyond their little leftovers; he wouldn't dare deny her that, but her hunch was also correct. It's taking everything he has to keep himself on the receiving end of Ayaka's affections tonight when all he wants to do is flip the script on her for all the memories she's helped him relive. When their door clicks shut tonight, all he wants to do is make good on his promising words to her.
Flowing feelings aside? He's also admittedly excited to see how the new Inazuman-inspired Haori and Hakama would look and fit on him. Getting to Frostreign a night early meant that they had another day for themselves to settle in! His surplus of Moon Coins from recent commissions also helped in feeling a touch less frugal to spend so that she didn't have to spend her entire vacation in a beautiful kimono; in fact, watching her take a last look at the stars above, Cloud holds to his silence as he watches her.
All this time spent looking up to see where the brightest ones twinkled, and it's Cloud's gaze that would look above secondβ he already found the brightest of them all standing in front of him.
The image of Kamisato Ayaka, admiring a sea of stars that they could very well share in the grand scheme of everything; he preserves this image in his mind's eye and engraves it on his heart for as long as she lets him until it's time to go, and she's at his side and slotting her fingers between his. ]
Not allowed to say "every part", I'm guessing?
[ Getting to see her again went without saying too. He's teasing, gift box under one arm and Ayaka's hand in the other, he gives it a light squeeze as they stick to the plowed and packed down snowy pathway of Coldreach from the Observatory. Thankfully for them? The teleporter wasn't so far off in town from here, so they had time to enjoy their stroll beneath the guidance of Coldreach's stars. It went without saying that he enjoyed every part. ...even mustering up the courage to get back up on stage and try and work his way back into a character across from a Director who really took a shining to his beauty?
He could talk about them all... But, as he smiles upon a brief bout of silent thought, answering with an inflection of soft reminisce: ]
The tea ceremony test. [ He can get away with blushing here; it's the chill on his lighter complexion. That's it. ] Mm. That day I couldn't stop thinking about you after.
[ Attraction, falling in love, regardless of what he was feeling at such an early stage in their friendship, Thoma drove the point home immediately.
"The lady's charms are just too strong, aren't they?"
Hah. The hell was Cloud thinking, unrealistic for characters to fall fast... They're words he's eating with a smile at least. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-28 03:33 pm (UTC)She knows what he meansβ that day. It was when they saw each other again after only communicating via the network since they first met. Truthfully, Ayaka did not think they could become good friends, but the audition paired them together and the rest was history. She really enjoyed eating at a tea house with him, where they both shared what their favourite kind of sashimi and sushi was. Nevermind that Cloud had initially said he liked the side of her more that's less formal, the girl behind the title of Shirasagi Himegimi. Maybe she should have picked up on it then, but... she's never had someone like her like that before.
She definitely would not have seen the signs. ]
We talked about practising our lines together, but we never did until after, um, the month passed.
You were always in my thoughts then. [ Whether or not they were wholesome thoughts... well, it's probably best they don't talk about this in too much detail. :') ] I truly enjoyed our time together that day.
[ She could never forget the first time she leaned on his arm as they sat next to one another. How warm and comforting it felt, how safe he made her feel. Remembering it now, even though they're holding hands and have shared so much with each other now, gets her flustered. ]
I... wasn't too forward, was I? When... when I sat next to you after we had tea...
no subject
Date: 2024-02-29 09:48 am (UTC)[ They don't have to go into explicit detail as to why. Besides, they were talking about the time they spent at the teahouse! To hear that he was always on Ayaka's mind too... Their entwined fingers tense together upon that, an acceptance of her feelings as he tenderly squeezes. ] I'm glad.
[ "I... wasn't too forward, was I?" ]
No. [ It was like the haziest of dreams that he could somehow remember every single detail of. The warmth of the Uki Weed, subtle enough that it didn't cause them to succumb to its otherwise aphrodisiac-like properties. Perhaps having it blended the way it had been in their green tea was their saving grace. Like it was yesterday, the first time he let himself tiredly rest against her, bowing his head against her icier blue hair and just how soft she really was. ] We both kinda leaned on each other back then.
[ But it had been such a relaxing time... And since then, he's made good on his word. Extra unagi for the Sakura Princess. ]
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Date: 2024-02-29 02:11 pm (UTC)She doesn't think Cloud minds at all. If it's just the two of them, away from the eyes of others, she can be herself around him, and he can be himself around her. They can both enjoy the warmth the other's presence brings.
What else can she say to that but "thank you"? Ayaka has said so many things already, as well. While she won't grow tired of showing her appreciation for him through her words, it feels at this point that he just knows without her even saying it. So she gives a squeeze of his hand, stepping in closer so she can lean on him again as they walk. ]
When I am with you, even if we just sit down in silence, it feels as if the problems the entire world could ever thrust upon me are small and trivial matters.
[ Like that time at the tea house, when she did not even care about who could see them like that. Even now, where people could see them walking together so closely. ]
I hope we can continue to make more memories like it here. And they would be ones we would relive in the years to come.
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