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You've— [ Arrived? Nope! No time to question him now. The flowers are carefully placed on her drawer before she's up and out of her bedroom, the letter she holds dear still in her hand.

It's as if she's not at home, but in a maze. She can't wait to see Cloud again, and each step she takes feels so long. The path to the foyer feels like it's taking forever to get there. And when she arrives? Everything feels so bright and brand new. The little gasp she lets out gives away her excitement, tears in her eyes like dew drops going away due to the sun going up and shining bright. ]

Hello, Cloud.

[ Her breath isn't heavy, but it shows in the rise and fall of her shoulders that she rushed to get out here when he told her. Forget etiquette and being proper... Cloud allows her to be herself, and she just couldn't wait to be Ayaka in his presence upon learning he'd arrived. ]

I read your letter. Hehe. [ She looks away, cheeks red as she stifles a smile. They've said they liked each other months ago, have told each other they love one another, but here she is, as if she's only learning of Cloud's feelings for her for the first time. ] I am truly... so very lucky.

[ It wouldn't be very long now; Cloud has to hurry and get his sandals off and neatly tucked away before he can set foot in her hallways. It'd been something of a tossup between returning to his familiar militant garb or going with the more culturally appropriate Nipponese clothing he'd accrued in his time here; especially on a day like today? The latter won out. So when one Miss Kamisato got to lay her eyes upon the man that brought tears to well in her eyes, it was like Cloud never came from another world beyond her sea of stars. At his waist, Tsubaki remains sheathed at his side, the golden camellia tsuba she'd gifted him completing the very blade he renamed in honor of the Kamisato Clan.

And though there would be no tears in the eyes of her beau, he still looks right back at her with hitched breath- as if his heart grew wings, rendered lighter in his chest when she approaches him. He steps up from the foyer in turn, feet gently padding across the polished wood flooring as he holds the last piece of her gift ensemble in his hands. It's her birthday, so she can open this anywhere she very well pleases. But...perhaps it wasn't the best idea to go doing this at the front of the house.

Cloud's going to spend time with the- ...no. His birthday girl. ]

I'll let you take my line this time. Just 'cause it's your birthday.

[ About being lucky. Though...honestly, in the same vein of the way they read each others' minds, acting or not, so too shall they continue to share in their feelings. They're both lucky. So lucky that if Ayaka requested it, he would have recited his letter to her in person. Albeit with flush red cheeks and a shy yet true smile. Kind of like the one gracing his lips now as he presents her with the small box. She'll find that it's got some weight to it for its size, harboring two pieces side by side that will go together. ]

Wanna go sit down?

[ Her heart is hammering away in her chest, as if her beau just said he likes her for the first time. Just like their trip to Nara, and they were away from everyone else. Just like how she prefers it, because he is her safe space. Just the two of them.

She wants to embrace him now, feel his warmth around her as her head rests on his chest. Nothing makes her happier than seeing her loved ones happy, but... to think that she could feel even more special on her birthday. And it's someone not even from Teyvat who could make her feel this way...

Cloud really did make the impossible happen. Introducing a different kind of love, showing her that she can be just Ayaka and not the Shirasagi Himegimi all the time— that's all Cloud's doing.

Ayaka has to calm down though. Even though she can be herself around her beau, she's still a young lady with manners! She's not about to run to the swordsman before her and start crying on his chest or anything. That's way too childish! Instead, she straightens her back and smiles, her hair turning blonde without her even knowing. Her eyes turning a mix of blue and green, almost glowing, if one were to look closely. ]

Right. Please come inside. I've prepared breakfast for us already.

[ She's become excited though, that she takes a few steps forward to take Cloud's hand. Not the present just yet! He can give that to her later. She's still holding the letter he gave her, though, so when they reach the dining room, where the table is already set and food is served, she gestures for Cloud to take a seat before she has to leave him for a moment. ]

Please excuse me. I wasn't able to keep the letter you wrote to me, so I shall do so now.

[ Ayaka was just too excited to see her beau that she didn't put it away. :( ]

[ The closer he gets, whilst the blonde was easy to spot, it was the faint yet familiar glow in her eyes that granted him pause. Less out of worry, but of a sense of wonder... Save his own reflection, he's only ever really seen the glow of mako in this light through familiar faces like Zack. Zack, and... Ah. While it's not enough to bring a frown to his face, knowing that he shares the same eyes as Sephiroth and relating that to the glow he sees in Ayaka's, it's just enough to distract him from her reaching to take his hand instead of the present.

A welcome reprieve, the very moment her hand makes contact with his. Cloud's gaze broadens, the luster of mako in his gaze fading...in their place, a softer yet cool grey hue fills their place. Within an instant, he's already gently squeezing her hand right back as he's lead to the dining room. ]

You didn't hafta go do that. [ But...be that as it may, his smile grows nonetheless when she gestures for him to take a seat. ] Thanks.

[ Salmon, tamago, miso soup... It all looks so good. Simple, good, it's everything Cloud needed to work on if he wanted to keep up with her. Just as Ayaka was learning to become a better cook whilst holding many other talents, so too can Cloud learn to match her! Before coming here, he was something of a jack of all trades, after all. ]

I'll be waiting.

[ He won't start without her! If it weren't for his hand on her present still, he'd have stolen away a kiss from the birthday girl before she had a chance to leave. But, then...if he did that, would she ever leave? Humming in contentment, he does let her go with a nod, deciding to take his usual spot where she's set up food for him, letting out a sigh of relief when he takes a seiza stance.

At first, it was awkward...not exactly uncomfortable? But...different. From parking his butt and just kicking back more leisurely. But it's almost become a routine for him at this point, picking up the littlest of things from the Shirasagi Himegimi. For now, he decides to keep her gift in his lap.

Just waiting. To be opened. :))

This part of her present had been a long time coming, and while it was a bit of race trying to get everything together in time for her on this day, knowing what was waiting for her made it all worthwhile. A golden bangle, one that could be fitted for Ayaka's slender yet toned arm. Interestingly enough, however...were the blue, crystallized slots adorning the accessory piece. But it would be no secret what they were meant for, once one opened the box to see the glowing Magic Materia situated in the center of the bracer. ]

Edited 2022-10-01 06:22 (UTC)

[ It does not take long for Ayaka to return, carefully placing the letter back in its envelope and then in her drawer before rushing out the door.

Once she's back in the dining area, she takes a seat next to Cloud, fixing her skirt before she completely settles down. When she looks at him, it's clear she's doing her very best not to get too excited. What does she even say now? ]

I'm... I'm very glad I could see you today.

[ It is her special day, after all! She would like to spend it with her loved ones, but it doesn't mean she feels entitled to their company. In this room, it is Kamisato Ayaka celebrating her birthday and having breakfast with her beau. It's not Inazuma's Shirasagi Himegimi. And yet... she seems to be having difficulty expressing her true emotions.

It's not Cloud's fault. Her shyness has never truly gone away, and with such a foreign feeling to her present, she's still figuring out how to handle it herself. ]

Um... May I hold your hand for a moment?

[ She could use it to calm down. ]

[ Having enough time to deliberate how he wanted to gift her, Cloud's just about made up his mind when Ayaka returns to the dining area and takes her seat next to him. But...he can tell that something's thrown a hitch into things. Nothing bad, mind, but it's like when they first started exploring their feelings together for the first time. Even before Nara... He can't place his finger on it. But, did it have something to do with her birthday? And the very same reason he was also recluse over it? ]

You okay?

[ "Um... May I hold your hand for a moment?" ]

You can have it for longer than that.

[ There's no hesitation on his part. Her present remains in his lap, whilst his hand slips into hers, the blond scooting an inch or so on his knees closer to her so they can remain idle by one another. Giving it a squeeze, he sighs through his nose, playing patiently for her. ]

Take your time.

[ Lord knows he needed it while he was settling into his own feelings for her, and how to express them. A confident smile graces his lips. And if she had to cry? Laugh? Talk everything through? Cloud's going to wait before he goes ahead with her gift. ]

I am... [ Ayaka's answer is immediate, and she nods slowly as she works in her head how to properly respond. She does not wish to worry Cloud, after all. She should not have had to make him ask if she was okay. ] I'm nervous. . .

[ She closes her eyes once his hand is in hers. Taking a deep breath, she tries to will away her shyness and anxieties so she may be calm. ]

This day is one that I have celebrated with Ayato before, and the people in the Kamisato estate and citizens of Inazuma City. It was a day filled with etiquette and poise, as we would have many visitors bearing gifts. Today, this very moment, feels so different.

[ Ayaka thought that she was done feeling overwhelmed, but with her eyes closed and thinking of how wonderfully her day has begun, a tear falls down her face, down her cheek, and onto Cloud's hand at the same time she gives it a gentle squeeze. ]

I am able to spend today as myself with Ayato. And for the first time... with someone I consider my best friend, and the very same person to whom my heart belongs. It is as if all the gods have decided to make me the happiest today. My heart has never fluttered this much before.

[ With a light cant of his head, Cloud leans back on the balls of his feet. It's less that he's worried... Because he knows about Ayaka's prior way of life, and how proverbially caged she'd been, maybe it's just like him. He didn't really celebrate his birthday in the most conventional of means. The time he spent with her and Zack, the impromptu party thrown at the Shinra estate, it all felt so...foreign to him. Cloud wasn't the only one rediscovering themselves, it seems. ]

Ayaka...

[ The tear rolls down her cheek, pattering atop his hand. Yet his gaze never falters for an instant. If only because of that gentle squeeze of his hand that she gives back nonetheless. If this is how Ayaka sorts through her heart and what this moment means to her? Then...he won't take it for granted. He won't take the chances he's been given in this world for granted. Especially what she's given him in kind. ]

Not everyday I get to celebrate a best friend's birthday, — [ As he speaks, his other hand leaves the box in his lap for now, closing both of his over hers in a bid to beckon her eyes on him. ] —let alone someone I love.

[ He smiles for her then, nodding again in affirmation. ]

I'm glad I get to be here.

I am so very fortunate to have met you. Today would likely be like any other birthday, otherwise. [ She says that as she looks at him, doing her very best not to cry anymore than she already has. The day's barely begun— they haven't even had breakfast yet!— and she already feels at her happiest. ] Thank you for celebrating my day of birth with me.

[ No more tears, now! With a deep breath, she shakes her head and bids herself to stop feeling so nervous. It likely won't go away any time soon, but... at least Cloud knows now. She doesn't think he has to do anything to make that feeling go away, but she trusts he'll catch her if she falls, as always. ]

Ah, you... you were giving me something else, weren't you?

[ Another present? Cloud didn't have to get her anything, really, but she could never refuse him and anything that he would like to do. ]

[ Any more tears, and he was going to surrender to the urge to start hugging her again. And there'd be ample time for that under other circumstances, when she was simply sorting through her feelings of happiness. ]

[ They can go through their breakfast shortly after this! Especially since she's already set and prepared it. It'd be a tease of him to tell her to wait after holding onto it for this long. And when she prompts him, despite the fact Cloud didn't need to get her anything to begin with, he almost seems too eager to meet her proposal. And so, with a final squeeze of her hand, he takes his back so he can set it on the tabletop between them.

At first, he thought to let her open it and play with it for herself, but upon further reflection as he waited for her to send his letter back to her room... ]

It's something you can wear. [ With or without the second part that'll become very clear as he looses the ribbon from the box. With a small little jostle, the lid is removed, and Ayaka would see the ~~retconned~~ gold armlet, along with the very familiar green orb in the center. Of which he retrieves both for her. ] I had a smith create this for you. It's meant to band around your arm.

And this...

[ The small little sphere slots in with a faint glimmer of light, as if responding to being equipped into the jewelry piece. ]

...is where your Barrier Materia goes.

[ More materia!! Ayaka watches and listens intently, examining the armlet from where she sits. There's a look of wonder in her eyes when the orb glimmers, the idea of these things being alive occurring to her.

She does not know how to use materia, though, but... it is a good thing her beau is a powerful magic user! He can teach her. ^_^ ]

Do you think I would be capable of wielding this materia?

No doubt.

[ If Ayaka's arm is exposed, he'll lift the bangle up to her in one hand, his other holding out to her to ask for her own hand in kind. So he can begin to fit it on her. Thankfully, being a blend of Nipponese technology and magic with influences from his world, it'll fit her just right once it becomes accustomed to her body's Kizuna. ]

Defensive Materia like this is easier to control. That, and you've already got a Vision for offence.

It might be magic, but you don't actually need magical powers to use them.

Ah, here-

[ Ayaka will have to roll up her sleeve to try it on, which she does when she gets the message from Cloud holding up the armlet. Right! She should try it on! 0: fortunately, her sleeve are very loose that she doesn't have to remove her top to be able to fit her present! ]

Then... what shall I do?

[ She imagines a tutorial will come once it's been fitted on her! She shall wait patiently. ]

[ Thankfully, the armlet doesn't hang obscenely loosely on her, the blond having given a general estimate of her upper arm beforehand. Better yet when it comfortably fits, it won't even be noticeable beneath her looser sleeves! Whether she was dressed in her traditional dress, or anything that left her arms exposed, it would work. All of this was rationalized in Cloud's head while they were away in Shikoku. He...may or may not have played this out in his mind a couple times. And now he's glad it's working. ]

A shock triggered by a user's mind is required. The more powerful the spell, the more taxing it is on your stamina.

[ Cloud wasn't going to have her cast the barrier magic while they were sitting at the table. But at the very least, as it responds to Ayaka and fits to her arm, he can draw it away as he inspects it. Color him impressed...the smith was able to follow his commission to a T. But even without its defensive properties and the new Materia gifted to her, it's a lightweight, pretty accessory! ]

There. How's it feel? [ A beat. ] Want me to teach you after breakfast?

[ A shock in her mind? That doesn't sound convenient. Or easy. Ayaka trusts Cloud, though... He'll surely teach her properly later. And once she knows how? She'll have to practice and work hard so that Cloud's gift doesn't go to waste.

For any questions? She'll save it after breakfast! ]

Alright. I would like it if you taught me how to use it.

[ It's rather awkward to look at the piece of jewellery from her arm, so she removes it first, gesturing at Cloud to help her so that she can look at it properly. ]

This is another way of my prince protecting and supporting me. [ But she has a part in it, too! The trust Cloud has put on her is something she won't ever take for granted. Her heart feels like it's about to burst out of her chest just thinking about how grateful she is for the present, and to the person with her now. ] When I am able to use this properly, [ She holds up the bracelet to show him what she's talking about. ] I shall be sure to protect and support you, as well.

Edited 2022-10-04 23:41 (UTC)

[ It's the more technical way of describing utilizing Materia. But when the time came? His next explanation was hopefully going to be much simpler. If anything, he felt confident in giving her not only the Barrier Materia, but...even the likes of Bahamut. Of which he hoped would never need to be used. For all intents and purposes, that Summon was best kept as an heirloom now, to be safeguarded by the Kamisatos to prevent an abuse of its power. But Cloud has confidence in her, for a couple of reasons. ]

Got a feeling it'll be easy for you.

[ The band loosens itself as it makes its way down her arm, her beau easily helping it come down and off her wrist before presenting it back to her. Ayaka's remark about him being her prince again sets his cheeks a richer color of red. Ahah... There she goes, again. Setting his own heart racing when she holds her new bracer up to show him. While he hopes there won't have to be a time where she needs to use it for more dire straits, or for his sake...he also knows how strong Ayaka is. Cloud would protect her from anything and everything that dared lay a finger on her. That nightmare in Nara only anchored that guarded feeling in his heart. She would never have to be scared of anything as long as he stayed strong for her. ]

Mm. [ His hands hold hers once more, keeping her own hold upon the armlet and Materia slotted within safe and sound as he nods with confidence, the smile matching in kind. ] I'll be counting on it, - [ He's her prince? Well, ] -my lady.

[ Squeeze! And he lets go and leans back again. ]

This looks good.

[ Breakfast! They should start eating so they can kickstart their day off right. ]

[ You can call Ayaka your princess or "my lady" all you like, Cloud. She quite likes it! And flowers begin to bloom around her just from hearing it. Add the fact that Cloud thinks the breakfast spread looks good, and she could kiss him for all of it.

But she controls herself, as she always does. She must! ]

Hehe. I hope you like it.

[ It's a very simple and traditional breakfast, but she hopes she got it just right for Cloud's tastes. Now that he's ready to eat, she sets aside the armlet for now by placing it back in its box. Next, she provides a staple for any meal with Cloud— tea! Pouring it into the cup, steam rises and dissipates into the air. A light and smooth blend this morning is best. ]

I shall be staying home today. I am hoping Ayato will, too. I should like to spend the day with him before the two of us go out this evening.

[ He can't help but laugh under his breath as the sakura blossoms reappear. It's not like he wasn't going to respond in kind, even if it was just natural at this point for the sparkle of mako particles to hover and float above him. But they mustn't! ~~Not in front of her parents adsfkjh~~ ]

Already know I will.

[ But he would always be truthful with her! It's such a pleasant little breakfast. And of course, of course, he has to go for the salmon, breaking it apart with his chopsticks as the slice is nice and fatty. So much so that he lets out a soft exhale in excitement. Don't comment on it. He's come to really like this fish. ...and when Ayaka makes it as he takes his first bite. The tea will shortly follow as the flavors dance on his tongue. ]

Sounds like a good idea. [ It would be a different story if Cloud lived across the tracks still, but he doesn't feel bad about taking his leave anymore. Not when he's literally two blocks down. Just the thought of it nearly brings a smile to his face, but the salmon he just finished already made good work of that. ] I'll take off after we clean up. [ A beat. ] And after you learn how to use Materia.

[ After all, he'll come back tonight! ]

[ She hopes he isn't thinking that she's asking him to leave! But she is very excited for tonight, because she gets to spend time with him, in the same way that she spent time with him during his birthday. ]

May I also give you something before we clean up? Hehe.

[ Dessert! Or if he is busy this morning? He can have it for dessert. ]

I also prepared something to give you, you see.

[ Never. Cloud's plans revolved around Ayaka today, but that also didn't mean he planned on monopolizing her time either. Especially when her brother was in this world. He's in no rush, but at the same time, he'll part when the time is right. ]

Something for me...?

[ It's not his birthday. But he's not going to complain about it either. He's learned to better fight back that kneejerk "you really don't have to" response that he was wont for in the past. That, and coming from Ayaka... ]

What is it?

[ She likes Cloud's letter very much... she hopes that the letter she'd prepared for him is just as good. Something for him to read over and over, just like how she imagines she would with the letter he's written her. ]

I made some sakura mochi. I also had someone send a box to Zack and other friends.

[ And Cloud is a special friend! So he gets more OuO ]

[ What did she think he did with her letter from his birthday? That's been safely tucked away in his nightstand's drawer. And as far as he was concerned? It wasn't going anywhere else but in his two hands whenever he wanted to read it again. When she mentions sakura mochi, his eyes light up a little with a hum of approval. ]

Don't think I'll ever get enough of that. [ A beat, picking up his tea once more as he lifts it beneath his chin so the aroma can sooth his senses as he breathes in. ] Thank you.

[ After taking a drink and setting it on the table, hands still holding the cup, his smile softens as he stares into his reflection within the tea. ]

It feels nice...celebrating someone else.

[ In Cloud's case? For what feels like the first time in a very long time. ]

Indeed!

[ She remembers the most recent birthday celebration Ayato had. It was so very fun... While Ayaka may have spoiled the surprise, it was still a fun evening, because she was able to spend good and quality time with the people she treats as family. ]

From planning, to buying a present, crafting a letter, to the day itself... It has all been very fun. [ She means his birthday! ] Today has only just begun, though, and I feel so happy already.

[ Ayaka can't express her gratitude and her happiness enough. With a small smile, she continues with her meal, silently eating so she may finish quickly and spend a little more time with Cloud before he has to leave. ]

I hope we will be able to celebrate more things together, Cloud.

Might be hard to top that birthday for me.

[ Because it was also the day that he finally listened to his heart, and opened it for her to see in its entirety. When he told her that he loved her, only to double down when she sought his answer again. ]

Mm. [ It wasn't just a hope, for Cloud. He doesn't understand how he's going to do it, yet. But even if he's meant to return to the Planet and go after Sephiroth, he wasn't about to forget what's happened here. Or who he wants to come back to. And if they're so fortunate... ] We're going to.

[ Come what may, whatever holidays or festivals were the norm in this world, he'll adapt and learn with her. ]

[ This shouldn't take long. Once they've quickly finished with their breakfast, the blond accompanying her to tidy up (it's her birthday. if she wants to lead? lead on,) he reassures her that the lesson on Materia will not take long. And if his hunch is correct? He believes she'll take to it like a duck to water. ~~Free as the white heron's become in her stay in Nippon, she may never truly escape these bird analogies.~~ The lesson he intends to teach her is hardly destructive or disruptive, but while the weather was still pleasant, he accompanies her into the courtyard along the side of her estate. ]

Before we start, I have a question. [ Something he's never really thought to ask before, but to this and her impromptu tutelage? It's more important than ever. ] How do you use your Cryo Vision?

[ Her ability to wield the frigid elements. A blessing from the gods, but to Cloud, it was like a magic in of itself as he keeps a hold of her hand for now. ]

What do you think about when using it?

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