[ 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. ]
[ That's a very good question, Cloud... One that canon does not even have an answer for! It is why Ayaka does not know how to properly respond, taking her time to think first before answering. ]
Visions manifest differently from one person to another, so I do not really know the scientific explanation to it.
[ And it can't be explained scientifically to begin with, when it is all mystical. ]
When you receive your Vision, should be fortunate enough, then you just know. The application is embedded in your mind, as if you had the Vision all along.
[ Her answer is...straightforward, and not even disappointing. The application is embedded in your mind... Well, in that case, it still didn't change how he was going to ask her to tap into the power of her Materia. But first, she'll need to reequip her armlet. Cloud, at least, doesn't seem disheartened that she couldn't go into detail of what she thinks of upon using it.
Her swimming senpai levelled up to Materia tutorial guide. ]
No need for anything scientific. [ With a squeeze of her hand, he slips away from her hold and takes a step back. Still within reach of her, to emphasize the leisure nature of this exercise. ] Let's try your bracer on. You're gonna cast a Barrier spell.
[ They've cleaned up already, so there's learning how to use Materia, and then Ayaka will give Cloud a present! There's no way she would rush this, because she really would like to learn what Cloud has to impart to her. As such, she brings out the box again from under the table, opens it and takes out the armlet.
One look, then she places it on her arm, sleeves already rolled up. She'll take a moment to see how it looks on her, because she's not really sure if there's supposed to be an effect of having it on. Is it like a Vision that you must keep close to be able to use its gift? Ayaka doesn't really know. Not yet, anyway. ]
So long as you've got Materia equipped with your weapons or accessories, it's yours to command.
[ Well? Since he couldn't relate it to her Vision, not yet, he would go the more straightforward route. The first thing he has her do? ]
Place your hand on your bracer. You won't need to next time, but just do it for now.
[ And should she do that? He patiently waits, having deliberated whether or not she should cast it on someone else, or herself... Ultimately, he decides, ]
Close your eyes and picture yourself creating a bubble. Doesn't matter what it looks like.
[ It was all about where she wished to place that bubble. Should she do so, keeping the Materia in mind for its intended purpose, the wisdom of the Planet and the power this particular stone could impart upon her would become clearer. There would be no pain, and if he's to believe in her strength? No stress upon her mind. An aura of light will begin to rise from her feet, the Materia upon her bangle answering her. ]
[ Ayaka does as she's told, her other hand on her bracer first, then she closes her eyes. Admittedly? This is a little nervewracking! But she wants to be able to do this properly. She wants to make Cloud proud, and at the core of it all? She wants to be able to support him.
Now she imagines a bubble. Her ambition to help those around her far stronger than anything else. If she has to make a barrier, it's meant to protect someone, isn't it? The bubble is just a mental image to be able to make the barrier manifest. And it does, as soon as she's able to imagine it! It surrounds not her, but the blond before her— light, almost transparent, at first, until seconds pass and the colour solidifies for a moment. ]
[ He only takes one more step back when she begins, the light enveloping her as she already begins tapping into the power of her new Materia. While he went into this confident in Ayaka's abilities, seeing her wielding power that manifests from his world was still a sight to behold. Even now, she still looks collected and beautiful, ever the white heron princess who commits herself to everything she strives to perfect. A symbol of purity and love for the people of Inazuma, and one who would continue to uphold her clan's ideals.
It's just that he wasn't quite prepared for Ayaka to target him without instruction, his breath silently catching as he can see the hexagonal patterns begin to form around him.
"Am I doing it?" ]
See for yourself!
[ Because when she does, she'll be just in time to see him completely covered in a hexagonal bubble, the effects of an impressive Barrier spell taking effect. For Cloud, it feels like his body is more fortified than ever, without deterring his movement whatsoever. Pain, if any is inflicted on him, is dulled, and any damage he takes was also minimized whilst the effects of the spell remained active. The bubble breaks away like glass, the only thing left remaining is swirling particles of starlight that signify that he is currently under the protection of her spell.
Now, before he can appraise her, he has one final question. ]
[ On cue, she opens her eyes, awestruck at what she immediately sees. It's nothing like the shield Thoma is able to make, but... the concept is the same, she imagines. Ayaka moves closer to press her hand against where she saw the "bubble" to see if she would be able to touch anything. ]
I did this, [ she says softly, her hand feeling something there in the air, but it doesn't stop her from moving closer. Ayaka does not close the distance any more than she already has, instead concentrating on herself and how she's feeling since Cloud asks her about it. ]
[ His smile softens at the revelation. Ayaka will find that she'll be able to touch him perfectly fine. His muscles may feel more taut, but he feels no strain in the slightest. More than anything, it's the magic of the Materia that's instilling this upon him. The fact she can already cast it upon others instead of focusing on herself was impressive in of itself. But more importantly, she really needs to know. ]
Thought as much.
[ As for him? ]
I'm fine. [ Now for the last leg of the tutorial. ] All you need to do is imagine what you want to cast.
[ Just like that! Though to put her mind at ease, ]
The more you use more powerful magic, the more tired you'll get.
[ She thinks she gets the hang of it! So long as her mind is calm, then she thinks she'll be able to use the Materia. ]
Then... would this mean that this bubble I've made can become even more powerful?
[ Thoma's shield is able to grow stronger with more application, so if she expends more energy in making the bubble manifest in the first place, would it mean she would be able to create a stronger barrier? ]
[ It is now called the Bubble Materia. We will not be taking questions at this time. ]
Mm. You're a natural to begin with, so...
[ It'll only get better from there, he nods with an affirmative hum. If it were anyone else, he would have left it at that. But with everything that's come to pass between himself and Ayaka, it becomes second nature to him, setting his hand reassuringly on her shoulder. ]
You can even create protection against magical attacks.
[ Cloud didn't do this very often. The first time he really gave someone a rundown of Materia in this world, he cast Haste on Hu Tao to make her walk faster. afdskjh But with Ayaka, this was a special occasion. ]
That, and I think it looks good on you.
[ Whenever she wears anything sleeveless, that is! ]
[ He cants his head, innocence brimming in the way he blinks at her once. Twice. Then she timidly asks if he prefers her to wear sleeveless dresses, and her reaction makes all the more sense now. And it's his turn to start blushing, breath clipping as he rubs the back of his neck.
It's hardly the most scandalous thing though! ]
T-That, wasn't what I was getting at.
[ If she didn't want to, she didn't have to. He liked anything she wore. But...then he remembers what she wore for their first date. And he almost forgot that they were in Nippon for a second. If he could loop time on laying eyes on her on that bridge, he very well may have a few times over and more. So as he shyly tucks his gaze to the corner of his collar...his eyes return to her once more despite the glow of red in his cheeks.
[ Even if that wasn't what Cloud meant, Ayaka pushes forth with the topic, determined to have her beau keep his eyes on her. That said, ]
Then... I shall invest in more of them.
[ If Cloud thinks she looks nice in those kinds of dresses. It is very different from her normal attire, but she's tried it before! It wasn't a bad experience! So it's not going to hurt her at all if she does wear more of those, especially on dates. 😳
Now then! Clearing her throat, she removes the armlet again so she can keep it. ]
Thank you for being so thoughtful, Cloud. You didn't have to get me anything, but everything that I have received from you today has been so precious.
[ With or without sleeves...when they were like this? His eyes never left. So far as he was concerned? They never would. It took him some time to adjust from always wearing his SOLDIER uniform, but he's become comfortable wearing Nipponese clothing. He wouldn't mind something that blended his experiences home and here, but that was a thought for another time. And for when the player makes Samurai Cloud icons finally S M F H. ]
Neither did you. [ But he's glad that she did. Now, if this world permits it, and he does see his next birthday here with her... He won't let it pass by. He'll look forward to it. In the same way he's been able to return his affections back on her today. Their lesson, for the time being, was finished now. ] But...
[ Save for Tsubaki, the omamori charm he keeps on his person even still...everything she's given him in turn, his cheeks redden a little despite his shy smile when he confesses, ]
Your letter to me is staying in my nightstand.
[ Where he can come home and read it every time by his bedside. ]
That is where I intend to keep the letter you wrote to me! Hehe. My nightstand, of course.
[ Not Cloud's! But ah... That puts a smile on her face. And now she's reminded. Earlier, she told Cloud that she would like to give him something. The sakura mochi she's made has been carefully placed in a box with the Kamisato's emblem on the cover. With it is yet another letter, so... ]
May I give you the sakura mochi now? I had written another letter for you along with it.
[ Words that she's already told him before, but feel the need to express everyday, or even write down into paper. Ayaka doesn't think she could ever grow tired of saying all these things to him, professing her love and admiration, thanking him for the friendship he has given her.
She owes him so much for the happiness he's provided. ]
[ He's past the point of modestly telling her that she didn't need to get him anything. Not when he knew how much it lit up her day knowing that she could gift him something. That, and just having her presence was more than enough; she's given him plenty of that in turn. So when she has sakura mochi and a new letter prepared for him? What else can he do but softly sigh through his nose, smile growing as he closes what little distance remains to steal away one more kiss?
Here within the confines of these walls (and no shrine or big bro to see sdakfjh), in the same way she's been able to express her true feelings, so too was he able to become a little braver. Kizuna instilling that courage furthermore also never hurt. Her lips, soft as the time he first got up out of his seat when she danced for him and took back the breath she stole from him, leave him wishing that he could just keep doing that. But he tempers himself, always for her, and draws back with a little nod. ]
[ There he goes again...! While the kiss is most certainly welcome, it gets Ayaka's heart skipping fast. Her breath trembles, as if she's swooning. For the next few seconds after Cloud pulls away, Ayaka's just staring, a small smile of disbelief on her face at how fortunate she truly is. ]
Y- Yes... [ u///u Her face is so red, and her cheeks are stinging. Back to reality, though! She clears her throat as she gets up to fetch the last box of sakura mochi she's prepared.
For Cloud? He gets double the pieces compared to Zack and the others. The letter is in between the box's cover and the ribbon, something for Cloud to read in his spare time. Ayaka comes back not too long after she's excused herself, already having calmed herself enough to give him his present without her freaking out too much. ]
Would you like these served to you now? [ Cloud can eat straight from the box, but it would only be proper to offer to plate it... ] I would suggest to keep it and eat at home, for when you want a snack, instead.
[ If his shyness and reservations taught him anything, it's that while he wasn't one for deep public displays of affection, Ayaka'd earned more than enough of his heart to get an honest response in private. Especially when she reacted the way she would. It was a confidence builder, making him want to do it with her even more. Seeing the smile gracing her lips when he does draw back earns her another little one right back. He shares in her disbelief, but embraces the moment that's before him nonetheless.
Hating to see her go but loving watching her leave, he huffs a little to himself when she's out of sight, taking the time to enjoy the serenity that's held strong within these walls. Sitting in her garden for the first time was a memory that he harbors surprisingly close; it's part of the reason why he absolutely needed space either out front or out back for a garden of his own once he acquired his own house. ]
Mm? [ As he graciously accepts the box, noticing the letter between the cover and the ribbon most importantly. The Snow on the Hearth was a delight, and he'd treasure the mochi she's prepared for him! But unless he wanted to sit down out here or go back inside and take a piece from it, perhaps it was best he waited after all. To her suggestion, he nods with a soft hum. Though his eyes drift from hers...back to what's slipped between the cover and ribbon. ] Mind if I read the letter?
O- Oh— [ He wants to read the letter now?! Goodness! Ayaka can't refuse Cloud though, and so, she nods slowly. ] Yes, of course.
[ Much like other letters Ayaka has written Cloud in the past, the handwriting is no different. Neat, practised, precise. Perfect in the Kamisato Clan's standards, and far above all else. It's content, soft and vulnerable, something for Cloud and Cloud alone.
It reads:
To my dearest Cloud,
The sky has been so beautiful at night, lately. The stars have looked brighter and bigger. I do not know what phenomena caused this, or it may even perhaps be the fact that I no longer feel that emptiness when I look at it at night. Before I rest, I think of you, and I think of how many stars are in the sky that separate us. Did the sky look the same way from Tokyo? Do the stars shine the same way in Gaia?
Whatever the answer may be, I know now that we share the same sky, the same sun, the same moon. It is so very romantic to think about, and on a more personal note, I feel much closer to you. Should I reach up and grab a twinkling star, I may end up holding on to you, in the end, because of how near you are. It is something I can never, ever lose appreciation for.
I never once thought that I would meet a friend who would understand me in full, would share in my interests, or let me be myself. Knowing you, being friends with you, and with my heart beating now for you... it feels too good to be true. I am truly blessed to have met you, and even more fortunate to date you, and to love you. I understand now why I always thought I could never find someone for me... it is because my world has been so small, my views so limited, until the day I met you.
On this day, I would like to give you a token of my love, affection, and appreciation. Snow on the Hearth is a dish I am confident in making, and it is my variation of a popular Inazuman treat. I pray that you will like it, and if you do, that you will let me make more of these for you in the future.
Thank you for making my life fuller, and for allowing me to celebrate an important day with you.
I love you very much, Cloud. I will always be yours.
Your Ayaka ]
...
[ Ayaka will give him all the time and space he needs, all the while she burns up as she waits because she's getting shy about what she had written. :( ]
[ If she insisted that he wait, he would have yielded as well. If they were in public, he may not have even brought it up at all. But here, where he feels safe and sound and no one else can see or share in this moment (except big bro) Cloud is grateful she's allowing him to do so. Even if it it embarrasses her doing so. ]
To my dearest Cloud...
[ ... Wait. Already, he can see just how much she's written down upon these pages. He stops for a moment, looking back up to Ayaka with her gift in hand. He hasn't even begun to read it yet and he already can feel butterflies fluttering in his stomach. So much so that he can't help the tickled huff of a laugh that leaves him as he smiles for her. Right. Tempted as he was to sit down with her for this, he also feels that if they do that, they just might get distracted all over again. The little smile he leaves for her before returning to the letter is one of reassurance.
He trusts her. The fact she even has a gift for him on her birthday was enough to catch him off guard. His gentle eyes continue to peruse the pristine handwriting, word for word. Sentence for sentence. Every one just as precious as the last. She poses a question to him in such a poetic fashion... Did the sky look the same for him in Tokyo as it did for her in Kyoto? Would it be the same back on Gaia? If they do share the same sky...and she's somewhere out there... ]
Hahah...
[ '-it is because my world has been so small, my views so limited, until the day I met you.'
There she goes again. Eloquent compared to him, yet it feels like she's reading his mind even in literature form. It's just like the stage. The movie that, as time goes on and the premier draws nearer, he wishes he could show to more and more people. No matter how big or little their role. Cloud and Ayaka may value their privacy, but she's the one responsible for breaking those barriers down. Piece by piece. Layer by layer. Until all that remains is a man who couldn't wait to tell anyone who marvels at the beautiful girl on the big screen,
"That's my girlfriend."
And when people who ask that spiky haired boy was that came from a countryside village and melted the heart of that beautiful girl,
"That's my beau."
As she lay dying in his arms and the audience's hearts are pulled by emotion,
"That'smylove."
]
I will always be yours...
[ Deja vu... She's filled him with this same feeling before. Back in Nara, beneath the ancient grand tree that safeguarded its many inhabitants. As flows of spiky hair gradually turn from golden blond to waves of icy blue, he lowers the pages to stare straight back at her once more. ]
Gonna feel like the longest wait of my life before I see you again tonight.
[ He's not moved to tears in the same way that she's been in the past. But his eyes remain soft still, his brow line lifted as the emotion in those mako-infused blues was clear as crystal. Like he damn well was about to cry. Even if he doesn't, what else was there to say? What can he say beyond telling her he loved her over and over again? Telling her Happy Birthday over and over again? That he would embrace this moment over and over again?
Well...telling by the way he finds himself hugging the box of sakura mochi and her letter closer to his chest as that tender smile of never left, ]
[ It doesn't seem like she's ever going to grow tired of professing her love to him. And there's nothing wrong with that, as long as Cloud loves her, too! Ayaka feels so very light today, and it's all thanks to him. ]
There is a saying, isn't there? That good things come to those who wait.
[ Today has been a good day! Today is a good birthday. And tonight? It will be an amazing date. ]
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2/2
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?
no subject
Visions manifest differently from one person to another, so I do not really know the scientific explanation to it.
[ And it can't be explained scientifically to begin with, when it is all mystical. ]
When you receive your Vision, should be fortunate enough, then you just know. The application is embedded in your mind, as if you had the Vision all along.
no subject
Her swimming senpai levelled up to Materia tutorial guide. ]
No need for anything scientific. [ With a squeeze of her hand, he slips away from her hold and takes a step back. Still within reach of her, to emphasize the leisure nature of this exercise. ] Let's try your bracer on. You're gonna cast a Barrier spell.
no subject
[ They've cleaned up already, so there's learning how to use Materia, and then Ayaka will give Cloud a present! There's no way she would rush this, because she really would like to learn what Cloud has to impart to her. As such, she brings out the box again from under the table, opens it and takes out the armlet.
One look, then she places it on her arm, sleeves already rolled up. She'll take a moment to see how it looks on her, because she's not really sure if there's supposed to be an effect of having it on. Is it like a Vision that you must keep close to be able to use its gift? Ayaka doesn't really know. Not yet, anyway. ]
Alright. What must I do?
no subject
[ Well? Since he couldn't relate it to her Vision, not yet, he would go the more straightforward route. The first thing he has her do? ]
Place your hand on your bracer. You won't need to next time, but just do it for now.
[ And should she do that? He patiently waits, having deliberated whether or not she should cast it on someone else, or herself... Ultimately, he decides, ]
Close your eyes and picture yourself creating a bubble. Doesn't matter what it looks like.
[ It was all about where she wished to place that bubble. Should she do so, keeping the Materia in mind for its intended purpose, the wisdom of the Planet and the power this particular stone could impart upon her would become clearer. There would be no pain, and if he's to believe in her strength? No stress upon her mind. An aura of light will begin to rise from her feet, the Materia upon her bangle answering her. ]
no subject
Now she imagines a bubble. Her ambition to help those around her far stronger than anything else. If she has to make a barrier, it's meant to protect someone, isn't it? The bubble is just a mental image to be able to make the barrier manifest. And it does, as soon as she's able to imagine it! It surrounds not her, but the blond before her— light, almost transparent, at first, until seconds pass and the colour solidifies for a moment. ]
Am I doing it?
[ She still has her eyes closed!! ]
no subject
It's just that he wasn't quite prepared for Ayaka to target him without instruction, his breath silently catching as he can see the hexagonal patterns begin to form around him.
"Am I doing it?" ]
See for yourself!
[ Because when she does, she'll be just in time to see him completely covered in a hexagonal bubble, the effects of an impressive Barrier spell taking effect. For Cloud, it feels like his body is more fortified than ever, without deterring his movement whatsoever. Pain, if any is inflicted on him, is dulled, and any damage he takes was also minimized whilst the effects of the spell remained active. The bubble breaks away like glass, the only thing left remaining is swirling particles of starlight that signify that he is currently under the protection of her spell.
Now, before he can appraise her, he has one final question. ]
How're you feeling?
no subject
I did this, [ she says softly, her hand feeling something there in the air, but it doesn't stop her from moving closer. Ayaka does not close the distance any more than she already has, instead concentrating on herself and how she's feeling since Cloud asks her about it. ]
I'm not sure... I don't feel any different.
What about you?
no subject
Thought as much.
[ As for him? ]
I'm fine. [ Now for the last leg of the tutorial. ] All you need to do is imagine what you want to cast.
[ Just like that! Though to put her mind at ease, ]
The more you use more powerful magic, the more tired you'll get.
no subject
Then... would this mean that this bubble I've made can become even more powerful?
[ Thoma's shield is able to grow stronger with more application, so if she expends more energy in making the bubble manifest in the first place, would it mean she would be able to create a stronger barrier? ]
no subject
Mm. You're a natural to begin with, so...
[ It'll only get better from there, he nods with an affirmative hum. If it were anyone else, he would have left it at that. But with everything that's come to pass between himself and Ayaka, it becomes second nature to him, setting his hand reassuringly on her shoulder. ]
You can even create protection against magical attacks.
no subject
I shall do my best!
[ She nods a couple of times, determined and emboldened by Cloud's words. This is a gift she won't ever allow to go to waste! ]
I do not wish to have to use this, but... knowing how dangerous the world can be, I must work hard to support the people I care about.
[ She's gonna surprise you too, Ayato! Your dps sister can make shields now! ]
no subject
[ Cloud didn't do this very often. The first time he really gave someone a rundown of Materia in this world, he cast Haste on Hu Tao to make her walk faster. afdskjh But with Ayaka, this was a special occasion. ]
That, and I think it looks good on you.
[ Whenever she wears anything sleeveless, that is! ]
no subject
[ With her sleeves covering her arm and all.
... hang on just a minute. Ayaka's cheeks redden and she looks away, stammering before she finally asks: ]
Ah... Did- Did you want me to wear sleeveless dresses more often?
[ So much skin... o///o ]
no subject
[ He cants his head, innocence brimming in the way he blinks at her once. Twice. Then she timidly asks if he prefers her to wear sleeveless dresses, and her reaction makes all the more sense now. And it's his turn to start blushing, breath clipping as he rubs the back of his neck.
It's hardly the most scandalous thing though! ]
T-That, wasn't what I was getting at.
[ If she didn't want to, she didn't have to. He liked anything she wore. But...then he remembers what she wore for their first date. And he almost forgot that they were in Nippon for a second. If he could loop time on laying eyes on her on that bridge, he very well may have a few times over and more. So as he shyly tucks his gaze to the corner of his collar...his eyes return to her once more despite the glow of red in his cheeks.
No. This wasn't some "just an example" moment. ]
But...you do look good in them.
no subject
Then... I shall invest in more of them.
[ If Cloud thinks she looks nice in those kinds of dresses. It is very different from her normal attire, but she's tried it before! It wasn't a bad experience! So it's not going to hurt her at all if she does wear more of those, especially on dates. 😳
Now then! Clearing her throat, she removes the armlet again so she can keep it. ]
Thank you for being so thoughtful, Cloud. You didn't have to get me anything, but everything that I have received from you today has been so precious.
no subject
And for when the player makes Samurai Cloud icons finally S M F H.]Neither did you. [ But he's glad that she did. Now, if this world permits it, and he does see his next birthday here with her... He won't let it pass by. He'll look forward to it. In the same way he's been able to return his affections back on her today. Their lesson, for the time being, was finished now. ] But...
[ Save for Tsubaki, the omamori charm he keeps on his person even still...everything she's given him in turn, his cheeks redden a little despite his shy smile when he confesses, ]
Your letter to me is staying in my nightstand.
[ Where he can come home and read it every time by his bedside. ]
no subject
[ Not Cloud's! But ah... That puts a smile on her face. And now she's reminded. Earlier, she told Cloud that she would like to give him something. The sakura mochi she's made has been carefully placed in a box with the Kamisato's emblem on the cover. With it is yet another letter, so... ]
May I give you the sakura mochi now? I had written another letter for you along with it.
[ Words that she's already told him before, but feel the need to express everyday, or even write down into paper. Ayaka doesn't think she could ever grow tired of saying all these things to him, professing her love and admiration, thanking him for the friendship he has given her.
She owes him so much for the happiness he's provided. ]
no subject
[ He's past the point of modestly telling her that she didn't need to get him anything. Not when he knew how much it lit up her day knowing that she could gift him something. That, and just having her presence was more than enough; she's given him plenty of that in turn. So when she has sakura mochi and a new letter prepared for him? What else can he do but softly sigh through his nose, smile growing as he closes what little distance remains to steal away one more kiss?
Here within the confines of these walls
(and no shrine or big bro to see sdakfjh), in the same way she's been able to express her true feelings, so too was he able to become a little braver. Kizuna instilling that courage furthermore also never hurt. Her lips, soft as the time he first got up out of his seat when she danced for him and took back the breath she stole from him, leave him wishing that he could just keep doing that. But he tempers himself, always for her, and draws back with a little nod. ]That concludes our lesson.
no subject
Y- Yes... [ u///u Her face is so red, and her cheeks are stinging. Back to reality, though! She clears her throat as she gets up to fetch the last box of sakura mochi she's prepared.
For Cloud? He gets double the pieces compared to Zack and the others. The letter is in between the box's cover and the ribbon, something for Cloud to read in his spare time. Ayaka comes back not too long after she's excused herself, already having calmed herself enough to give him his present without her freaking out too much. ]
Would you like these served to you now? [ Cloud can eat straight from the box, but it would only be proper to offer to plate it... ] I would suggest to keep it and eat at home, for when you want a snack, instead.
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Hating to see her go
but loving watching her leave, he huffs a little to himself when she's out of sight, taking the time to enjoy the serenity that's held strong within these walls. Sitting in her garden for the first time was a memory that he harbors surprisingly close; it's part of the reason why he absolutely needed space either out front or out back for a garden of his own once he acquired his own house. ]Mm? [ As he graciously accepts the box, noticing the letter between the cover and the ribbon most importantly. The Snow on the Hearth was a delight, and he'd treasure the mochi she's prepared for him! But unless he wanted to sit down out here or go back inside and take a piece from it, perhaps it was best he waited after all. To her suggestion, he nods with a soft hum. Though his eyes drift from hers...back to what's slipped between the cover and ribbon. ] Mind if I read the letter?
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[ Much like other letters Ayaka has written Cloud in the past, the handwriting is no different. Neat, practised, precise. Perfect in the Kamisato Clan's standards, and far above all else. It's content, soft and vulnerable, something for Cloud and Cloud alone.
It reads:
To my dearest Cloud,
The sky has been so beautiful at night, lately. The stars have looked brighter and bigger. I do not know what phenomena caused this, or it may even perhaps be the fact that I no longer feel that emptiness when I look at it at night. Before I rest, I think of you, and I think of how many stars are in the sky that separate us. Did the sky look the same way from Tokyo? Do the stars shine the same way in Gaia?
Whatever the answer may be, I know now that we share the same sky, the same sun, the same moon. It is so very romantic to think about, and on a more personal note, I feel much closer to you. Should I reach up and grab a twinkling star, I may end up holding on to you, in the end, because of how near you are. It is something I can never, ever lose appreciation for.
I never once thought that I would meet a friend who would understand me in full, would share in my interests, or let me be myself. Knowing you, being friends with you, and with my heart beating now for you... it feels too good to be true. I am truly blessed to have met you, and even more fortunate to date you, and to love you. I understand now why I always thought I could never find someone for me... it is because my world has been so small, my views so limited, until the day I met you.
On this day, I would like to give you a token of my love, affection, and appreciation. Snow on the Hearth is a dish I am confident in making, and it is my variation of a popular Inazuman treat. I pray that you will like it, and if you do, that you will let me make more of these for you in the future.
Thank you for making my life fuller, and for allowing me to celebrate an important day with you.
I love you very much, Cloud. I will always be yours.
Your Ayaka ]
...
[ Ayaka will give him all the time and space he needs, all the while she burns up as she waits because she's getting shy about what she had written. :( ]
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(except big bro)Cloud is grateful she's allowing him to do so. Even if it it embarrasses her doing so. ]To my dearest Cloud...
[ ... Wait. Already, he can see just how much she's written down upon these pages. He stops for a moment, looking back up to Ayaka with her gift in hand. He hasn't even begun to read it yet and he already can feel butterflies fluttering in his stomach. So much so that he can't help the tickled huff of a laugh that leaves him as he smiles for her. Right. Tempted as he was to sit down with her for this, he also feels that if they do that, they just might get distracted all over again. The little smile he leaves for her before returning to the letter is one of reassurance.
He trusts her. The fact she even has a gift for him on her birthday was enough to catch him off guard. His gentle eyes continue to peruse the pristine handwriting, word for word. Sentence for sentence. Every one just as precious as the last. She poses a question to him in such a poetic fashion... Did the sky look the same for him in Tokyo as it did for her in Kyoto? Would it be the same back on Gaia? If they do share the same sky...and she's somewhere out there... ]
Hahah...
[ '-it is because my world has been so small, my views so limited, until the day I met you.'
There she goes again. Eloquent compared to him, yet it feels like she's reading his mind even in literature form. It's just like the stage. The movie that, as time goes on and the premier draws nearer, he wishes he could show to more and more people. No matter how big or little their role. Cloud and Ayaka may value their privacy, but she's the one responsible for breaking those barriers down. Piece by piece. Layer by layer. Until all that remains is a man who couldn't wait to tell anyone who marvels at the beautiful girl on the big screen,
"That's my girlfriend."
And when people who ask that spiky haired boy was that came from a countryside village and melted the heart of that beautiful girl,
"That's my beau."
As she lay dying in his arms and the audience's hearts are pulled by emotion,
I will always be yours...
[ Deja vu... She's filled him with this same feeling before. Back in Nara, beneath the ancient grand tree that safeguarded its many inhabitants. As flows of spiky hair gradually turn from golden blond to waves of icy blue, he lowers the pages to stare straight back at her once more. ]
Your Ayaka.
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[ He's not moved to tears in the same way that she's been in the past. But his eyes remain soft still, his brow line lifted as the emotion in those mako-infused blues was clear as crystal. Like he damn well was about to cry. Even if he doesn't, what else was there to say? What can he say beyond telling her he loved her over and over again? Telling her Happy Birthday over and over again? That he would embrace this moment over and over again?
Well...telling by the way he finds himself hugging the box of sakura mochi and her letter closer to his chest as that tender smile of never left, ]
Thank you, Ayaka.
[ Powerful words, for saying so little. ]
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[ It doesn't seem like she's ever going to grow tired of professing her love to him. And there's nothing wrong with that, as long as Cloud loves her, too! Ayaka feels so very light today, and it's all thanks to him. ]
There is a saying, isn't there? That good things come to those who wait.
[ Today has been a good day! Today is a good birthday. And tonight? It will be an amazing date. ]
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