[ True to his word, he allows Ayaka to do the dishes, crossing his arms as he waits patiently. ]
Like I'm any better. [ A gentle exhale through his nose, closing what little distance is left between them. In the comfort of his own home, where no one can see or hear them. Where his blossomed feelings were nurtured and urged to grow. As he unfolds his arms, he takes her hands in his, thanking her for cleaning up with a squeeze of her hands. ] Not gonna close my eyes till you do.
Just saying.
[ They'll drift off eventually. But if she wants to be selfish? That's her choice. Their choice. After all, there can be such a thing as a good ending to a day. ]
[ Cloud!!!! NOW THIS IS HOW AYAKA WILL GET SOME REST... because Cloud won't sleep until she does :'(
But it is that silly comment that reminds her of a wish she made long ago. A wish she made to him, of how he should keep his eyes on her. With his hand in hers, she can't help it! ]
Come with me. [ They said they would rest, so she will tug tug him up the stairs and into his room. She doesn't say anything to him, but she asks him to sit on the bed facing the balcony. ]
While the moon is bright... [ The view from Cloud's bed is nice. Facing the balcony, the sliding doors just open halfway to create a frame of sorts. The moon is high in the sky, stars twinkling bright... there's not much light, just the lamp that Ayaka's switched on, making her shadow all the more prominent as she moves around the room.
She steps out into the balcony, her fan in her hand. Ayaka knows what she's doingβ seeing as they are ending the night, she would like to tell him again just how grateful she is to Cloud. Watch her, for she is about to show yet another side of the Shirasagi Himegimi.
Covering her mouth with her fan first, she hums a tune, a song she'd heard in this nation. Still very similar to Inazuman music, actually. Sharing yet a part of her as she sings, closing her eyes and moving along to the beat with her fan in hand. The song doesn't fully convey how she truly feels, but... she asks him to go to the beach with her, to watch the sun with her... though towards the end, she alters the lyrics a little, about how tomorrow, she will wake up next to him, and love is there. Love is always there. ]
[ He shouldn't act so surprised, but she manages to keep him on his toes all over again when she tug tugs him out of the kitchen, past the living room and around the corner towards the stairs. His bedroom's towards the end of the hall, the moonlight casts enough light for them to move around in. He'd stared at her as he follows all the way up here, wondering what she she was planning all the way to the point where she instructs him to have a seat on the bed.
It's less him being confused and more, once again, watching on with a sense of wonder when she eludes to the moon, the halfway open doors to the balcony framing the Shirasagi Himegimi with the soft glow of the lamp in the room accentuating her. That's when it hits him...a feeling that may as well be nostalgic at this point. An 'escape' from the palace as they ran away and took a train to another part of Kyoto. When they found that gazebo to hide away together and talk. Not even the pull of the 'month of love's heat was enough to disturb them in the moment that followed.
In the moment that returns here and now when she beckons him watch. Keep his eyes on her. Always. ]
....
[ And so he does, leaning back on his hands as his soft mako-infused blues hold true to her graceful and elegant form. Her method of song and dance was unlike anything he's seen before. There was nothing extravagant or over the top about it. It wasn't with the same pizazz one would come to expect from the finer night life of Midgar's Wall Market. And yet...as she hums, then sings, her fan creating snowflakes that glisten beneath the moon's guiding light,
It's because it's none of those things. Her dance isn't loud. It isn't over the top. It's enough that he can't help but be taken back to that feeling he got in his chest, heart hammering wildly as he fought not to stand up too soon. As he fought not to just close what little distance remained to kiss her amidst the symbol at her feet and the flourish of whirling snow. He wanted to preserve this. It was worth looping time for if it meant Ayaka's happiest day of her life could continue. She made every step count. Every lyric that guided her along to the beat as she looked like an unreachable princess.
He never stopped believing it, yet it felt like Ayaka was challenging him to witness her again for the very first time. Perceive her again for the very first time. Recognize just how beautiful she really was for the very first time. And relive it. Relive this feeling of falling in love as hard as he did for her. So much so that when she finishes, he slowly rises from where he's sitting. Just the same way as he did in that gazebo that fateful night, calmly closing what little distance is between the bed and the balcony where she awaits. ]
Always there...
[ Her encouraging words. Her cute smile. Every single memory she's engraved in his heart. Her love. It's always there. ]
[ There is a smile on her lips when it touches his. Underneath the moonlight, with the stars above as witness, Ayaka's best day ever draws to a close. She could sing for him, recite poems, tell him each day that she loves him, but nothing could compare to actually holding him. Dropping her fan to the floor, all she would like now is to hold her beau's hand.
Her heart is beating so fast. It was her first time to sing for Cloud, after all! While she knows she is talented, it still is a big difference to perform for the one you love. She hopes he liked her song... she hopes that he'd always remember today, because she could never forget anything that happened on this day. ]
Thank you, my love.
[ Her words brought out as a whisper. Words only for Cloud to hear, because there is no other person whom she loves in this way. No one else will ever find out who Kamisato Ayaka truly is, but Cloud. ]
πΈπΈπΈ
[ The door to the balcony is closed when the two decide to call it a night. Ayaka has let her hair down, the ribbons adorning her hair placed on Cloud's bedside table, while she takes a seat on the side of the bed that Cloud doesn't occupy. The smile on her face still hasn't left, but now she is ready to end the day. ]
I'd meant to ask sooner, but... may I ask why you hired someone to deliver the flowers to me this morning?
[ Hahah... she'd been curious this whole time! A light conversation as they wind down for the night. ]
[ Cloud had just finished swapping out of his clothes, slipping into cozier sleep attire and returning from the bathroom after brushing his teeth. ]
Funny that... [ But there's no sense in lying either! It wasn't anything so dramatic, but as he sits on his side of the bed, leaning on his hands and looking back at Ayaka, he continues. ] When we got back from Shikoku, I was trying to get everything ready for your birthday.
Same way you and Zack surprised me. While I got the Hanzaki Clan to deliver the flowers, I picked up your armlet.
[ Cloud has always been so kind and thoughtful... And now that her curiosity has been sated, she can share more about her day! ]
Zack sent me flowers for my birthday too, you know. It was such a sweet gesture. And Ayato had a bouquet for me, as well!
[ Truly the best day ever. ]
Come to think of it, it has been a while since I did something for the Hanzaki Clan. After arriving... it's gotten rather busy. Hehe. But we met because of them.
[ She'd just been talking about this the other day with himβ how they would've gotten together regardless. How would they have met if not for the Hanzaki Clan, she wonders? ]
[ Hearing that even Zack sent flowers out for her, actually earns her beau a soft little huff. His smile grows. While he still didn't consider himself a social butterfly, everything he learned since coming here lent to him being more observant of the people around him. If others hadn't done something for someone like Ayaka, he'd have been surprised. So hearing that sans the closest people from her world, that even Zack made the time for her? ]
I'm glad you two get along.
[ Stretching his arms with a small grunt, he swings his legs up onto the bed, not slipping under the covers quite yet as he settles in by Ayaka's side. ]
Really was the best timing, huh.
[ Not just 'good' timing. For him, knowing what he knew now and where their friendship would lead, Cloud couldn't settle for anything less. ]
You wanna? [ Because he will! ] We could always check in and see what's outstanding for them.
[ Whether it was something more diplomatic or something a touch more dangerous, it's nice having an equally badass girlfriend. They spend most of their time doing more peaceful things, but their skills when needed shouldn't grow rusty either. ]
We did agree to go on a date. What we receive can be our funds for the next one.
[ Such a good strategy!! And she's only half serious when she says it. Though... that wouldn't be so bad. After they get paid, they can celebrate and spend time together.
It was aways ago, but... it'd be nice to hang out under the giant sakura tree again. It is no longer spring, so flowers aren't in bloom, but... it'd be nice, she thinks.
Sliding down the mattress now, she rolls to her side so she can face Cloud. If he's gotten comfy already, she'll slip in under his arm so she can rest her head on his chest. It's time!! To cuddle!! ]
I'll make sure the funds get split proper this time.
[ Yet as he says this, he meets her with a little smirk. Indeed settled in and comfortable enough, Cloud lifts his arm up when she rolls to her side and cuddles in against him. When she's close enough, resting her head on his chest, he's already tilting his head down to kiss the top of hers. ]
... .... .....
Hey, [ A beat, his hand stroking the side of her head. ] Ayaka.
[ And when he feels he has her attention... ]
You think I'd fit in Inazuma?
[ They're wide awake, but... Nobody said that they still couldn't dream. ]
Perhaps it may take a while to do so... but I think you will.
[ At least, she thinks so. Ayaka can only speak from experience, growing up with Thoma who'd struggled with everything before he got used to Inazuma being his "home".
She nuzzles her cheek against his chest when she closes her eyes. This is very comfortable. ]
I would like to watch the fireworks with you one day... The ones made by Yoimiya are the best. And she's told me of a good spot, looking over the ocean, that gives the best view of festival fireworks.
Would be a change of pace from Midgar... [ But, on that note, ] I could prolly handle it though. We didn't have a lot of big tech out in Nibelheim either.
[ If the stories of Inazuma and their own progression with machinery and technology was true, it was just a matter of readapting that country boy lifestyle. Or even living in the city would be a step back from the technical marvels that Midgar presented. ]
Yeah? You ever get a chance to go yourself?
[ Duties as the Shirasagi Himegimi aside, that is. ]
[ She shifts a little where she's resting so she can look at him. If this means she's practically climbed on him, then so be it. ]
As embarrassing as it is to admit... I've never seen the fireworks that way before. Nor have I ever watched it with anyone.
[ And even though it's embarrassing, she remains hopeful and optimistic! :) She would like to witness it for the first time with her prince. Just like she said earlier- she'll wait for him. Even if it means she'll never get to see the fireworks in Yoimiya's spot. ]
[ His own lil' bird perched atop him. His hand atop her head drifts down, trailing the small of her back as he loosely hugs her against him, tilting his head down to get a look at her in kind. She really was cute... She's the one who planted that word in his vocabulary, rarely sprinkled as it may be. ]
...
[ "You'll go there with me, won't you?" ]
Mm. [ He nods softly. ] I'm coming for you, Ayaka.
[ Oh well! What can she do about it when it is what her bodyguard wants as payment? Absolutely nothing. She's trapped to pay with kisses for life.
Getting on her elbows, she doesn't put a lot of weight on him, but there's a bit of pressure as she pushes herself up so she can reach him and kiss him! One kiss. ]
[ What a cruel, cruel fate. Yet Cloud will make sure that it's worth her while. As he leans up into her kiss... ]
That's one.
[ And then he leans back in for another, both his arms slipping around her waist as his lips press to hers. Two kisses. ]
Two...
[ He's not going to count every single one. But he sure as hell is going to remember every single one, the next lingering longer than the last as his heart pounds and his body starts to feel warmer as he gets more comfortable on his back. A faintly heated sigh against her lips when he counts, ]
[ She's laughing by the time the third kiss comes. Until how many are they going to count? Ayaka finds it all very silly, but how playful they'd become after talking about a trip to Wutai for diplomatic purposes, it feels right to do so! She's still only learning how to joke around and all that, but if it means being close to her beau, cuddles, and kisses? Then she'll want more silly conversations like this. ]
I believe I chose well in hiring a bodyguard, hehe. I like his kisses very much.
[ :)!!! She'll give him the fourth kiss now, long and lingering, pressing more of her weight on him as she does so.
Whether or not they get to the fifth or sixth before sleeping, or if they forego payment and just end up showing one another how they love the other, Ayaka's best day ever ends with her beau's arms around her. Safe and sound, happy and content, optimistic for the future. What a way to end the day, and to start a new year for the white heron. ]
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Like I'm any better. [ A gentle exhale through his nose, closing what little distance is left between them. In the comfort of his own home, where no one can see or hear them. Where his blossomed feelings were nurtured and urged to grow. As he unfolds his arms, he takes her hands in his, thanking her for cleaning up with a squeeze of her hands. ] Not gonna close my eyes till you do.
Just saying.
[ They'll drift off eventually. But if she wants to be selfish? That's her choice. Their choice. After all, there can be such a thing as a good ending to a day. ]
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But it is that silly comment that reminds her of a wish she made long ago. A wish she made to him, of how he should keep his eyes on her. With his hand in hers, she can't help it! ]
Come with me. [ They said they would rest, so she will tug tug him up the stairs and into his room. She doesn't say anything to him, but she asks him to sit on the bed facing the balcony. ]
While the moon is bright... [ The view from Cloud's bed is nice. Facing the balcony, the sliding doors just open halfway to create a frame of sorts. The moon is high in the sky, stars twinkling bright... there's not much light, just the lamp that Ayaka's switched on, making her shadow all the more prominent as she moves around the room.
She steps out into the balcony, her fan in her hand. Ayaka knows what she's doingβ seeing as they are ending the night, she would like to tell him again just how grateful she is to Cloud. Watch her, for she is about to show yet another side of the Shirasagi Himegimi.
Covering her mouth with her fan first, she hums a tune, a song she'd heard in this nation. Still very similar to Inazuman music, actually. Sharing yet a part of her as she sings, closing her eyes and moving along to the beat with her fan in hand. The song doesn't fully convey how she truly feels, but... she asks him to go to the beach with her, to watch the sun with her... though towards the end, she alters the lyrics a little, about how tomorrow, she will wake up next to him, and love is there. Love is always there. ]
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Huh?
[ He shouldn't act so surprised, but she manages to keep him on his toes all over again when she tug tugs him out of the kitchen, past the living room and around the corner towards the stairs. His bedroom's towards the end of the hall, the moonlight casts enough light for them to move around in. He'd stared at her as he follows all the way up here, wondering what she she was planning all the way to the point where she instructs him to have a seat on the bed.
It's less him being confused and more, once again, watching on with a sense of wonder when she eludes to the moon, the halfway open doors to the balcony framing the Shirasagi Himegimi with the soft glow of the lamp in the room accentuating her. That's when it hits him...a feeling that may as well be nostalgic at this point. An 'escape' from the palace as they ran away and took a train to another part of Kyoto. When they found that gazebo to hide away together and talk. Not even the pull of the 'month of love's heat was enough to disturb them in the moment that followed.
In the moment that returns here and now when she beckons him watch. Keep his eyes on her. Always. ]
....
[ And so he does, leaning back on his hands as his soft mako-infused blues hold true to her graceful and elegant form. Her method of song and dance was unlike anything he's seen before. There was nothing extravagant or over the top about it. It wasn't with the same pizazz one would come to expect from the finer night life of Midgar's Wall Market. And yet...as she hums, then sings, her fan creating snowflakes that glisten beneath the moon's guiding light,
It's because it's none of those things. Her dance isn't loud. It isn't over the top. It's enough that he can't help but be taken back to that feeling he got in his chest, heart hammering wildly as he fought not to stand up too soon. As he fought not to just close what little distance remained to kiss her amidst the symbol at her feet and the flourish of whirling snow. He wanted to preserve this. It was worth looping time for if it meant Ayaka's happiest day of her life could continue. She made every step count. Every lyric that guided her along to the beat as she looked like an unreachable princess.
He never stopped believing it, yet it felt like Ayaka was challenging him to witness her again for the very first time. Perceive her again for the very first time. Recognize just how beautiful she really was for the very first time. And relive it. Relive this feeling of falling in love as hard as he did for her. So much so that when she finishes, he slowly rises from where he's sitting. Just the same way as he did in that gazebo that fateful night, calmly closing what little distance is between the bed and the balcony where she awaits. ]
Always there...
[ Her encouraging words. Her cute smile. Every single memory she's engraved in his heart. Her love. It's always there. ]
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Her heart is beating so fast. It was her first time to sing for Cloud, after all! While she knows she is talented, it still is a big difference to perform for the one you love. She hopes he liked her song... she hopes that he'd always remember today, because she could never forget anything that happened on this day. ]
Thank you, my love.
[ Her words brought out as a whisper. Words only for Cloud to hear, because there is no other person whom she loves in this way. No one else will ever find out who Kamisato Ayaka truly is, but Cloud. ]
[ The door to the balcony is closed when the two decide to call it a night. Ayaka has let her hair down, the ribbons adorning her hair placed on Cloud's bedside table, while she takes a seat on the side of the bed that Cloud doesn't occupy. The smile on her face still hasn't left, but now she is ready to end the day. ]
I'd meant to ask sooner, but... may I ask why you hired someone to deliver the flowers to me this morning?
[ Hahah... she'd been curious this whole time! A light conversation as they wind down for the night. ]
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Mm?
[ Cloud had just finished swapping out of his clothes, slipping into cozier sleep attire and returning from the bathroom after brushing his teeth. ]
Funny that... [ But there's no sense in lying either! It wasn't anything so dramatic, but as he sits on his side of the bed, leaning on his hands and looking back at Ayaka, he continues. ] When we got back from Shikoku, I was trying to get everything ready for your birthday.
Same way you and Zack surprised me. While I got the Hanzaki Clan to deliver the flowers, I picked up your armlet.
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Zack sent me flowers for my birthday too, you know. It was such a sweet gesture. And Ayato had a bouquet for me, as well!
[ Truly the best day ever. ]
Come to think of it, it has been a while since I did something for the Hanzaki Clan. After arriving... it's gotten rather busy. Hehe. But we met because of them.
[ She'd just been talking about this the other day with himβ how they would've gotten together regardless. How would they have met if not for the Hanzaki Clan, she wonders? ]
Should we pick up a commission for them soon?
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I'm glad you two get along.
[ Stretching his arms with a small grunt, he swings his legs up onto the bed, not slipping under the covers quite yet as he settles in by Ayaka's side. ]
Really was the best timing, huh.
[ Not just 'good' timing. For him, knowing what he knew now and where their friendship would lead, Cloud couldn't settle for anything less. ]
You wanna? [ Because he will! ] We could always check in and see what's outstanding for them.
[ Whether it was something more diplomatic or something a touch more dangerous, it's nice having an equally badass girlfriend. They spend most of their time doing more peaceful things, but their skills when needed shouldn't grow rusty either. ]
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[ Such a good strategy!! And she's only half serious when she says it. Though... that wouldn't be so bad. After they get paid, they can celebrate and spend time together.
It was aways ago, but... it'd be nice to hang out under the giant sakura tree again. It is no longer spring, so flowers aren't in bloom, but... it'd be nice, she thinks.
Sliding down the mattress now, she rolls to her side so she can face Cloud. If he's gotten comfy already, she'll slip in under his arm so she can rest her head on his chest. It's time!! To cuddle!! ]
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[ Yet as he says this, he meets her with a little smirk. Indeed settled in and comfortable enough, Cloud lifts his arm up when she rolls to her side and cuddles in against him. When she's close enough, resting her head on his chest, he's already tilting his head down to kiss the top of hers. ]
... .... .....
Hey, [ A beat, his hand stroking the side of her head. ] Ayaka.
[ And when he feels he has her attention... ]
You think I'd fit in Inazuma?
[ They're wide awake, but... Nobody said that they still couldn't dream. ]
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[ At least, she thinks so. Ayaka can only speak from experience, growing up with Thoma who'd struggled with everything before he got used to Inazuma being his "home".
She nuzzles her cheek against his chest when she closes her eyes. This is very comfortable. ]
I would like to watch the fireworks with you one day... The ones made by Yoimiya are the best. And she's told me of a good spot, looking over the ocean, that gives the best view of festival fireworks.
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[ If the stories of Inazuma and their own progression with machinery and technology was true, it was just a matter of readapting that country boy lifestyle. Or even living in the city would be a step back from the technical marvels that Midgar presented. ]
Yeah? You ever get a chance to go yourself?
[ Duties as the Shirasagi Himegimi aside, that is. ]
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As embarrassing as it is to admit... I've never seen the fireworks that way before. Nor have I ever watched it with anyone.
[ And even though it's embarrassing, she remains hopeful and optimistic! :) She would like to witness it for the first time with her prince. Just like she said earlier- she'll wait for him. Even if it means she'll never get to see the fireworks in Yoimiya's spot. ]
You'll go there with me, won't you?
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...
[ "You'll go there with me, won't you?" ]
Mm. [ He nods softly. ] I'm coming for you, Ayaka.
That's a promise.
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And so we can conclude this thread... ]
How much do I owe you?
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[ How much indeed... ]
Hard to say. I charge a lot.
[ His hand starts strumming along the small of her back, meeting her words with a faint smirk. ]
I'll letcha pay in increments.
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[ Oh well! What can she do about it when it is what her bodyguard wants as payment? Absolutely nothing. She's trapped to pay with kisses for life.
Getting on her elbows, she doesn't put a lot of weight on him, but there's a bit of pressure as she pushes herself up so she can reach him and kiss him! One kiss. ]
I can start now, if you like.
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That's one.
[ And then he leans back in for another, both his arms slipping around her waist as his lips press to hers. Two kisses. ]
Two...
[ He's not going to count every single one. But he sure as hell is going to remember every single one, the next lingering longer than the last as his heart pounds and his body starts to feel warmer as he gets more comfortable on his back. A faintly heated sigh against her lips when he counts, ]
Three..-
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I believe I chose well in hiring a bodyguard, hehe. I like his kisses very much.
[ :)!!! She'll give him the fourth kiss now, long and lingering, pressing more of her weight on him as she does so.
Whether or not they get to the fifth or sixth before sleeping, or if they forego payment and just end up showing one another how they love the other, Ayaka's best day ever ends with her beau's arms around her. Safe and sound, happy and content, optimistic for the future. What a way to end the day, and to start a new year for the white heron. ]