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[ How could he forget? It was such a spontaneous end to her birthday, whisking her away to his rooftop and counting the stars... Despite the fact that their time in Nibelheim was marred with morose, there was still moments worth cherishing there too. He finally got to show her the sky he once lived under. The stars that they could reminisce over together, and see if there was a chance in connecting the dots between her world and his. And they could leave together.

Thanks to her...he feels like he can finally leave it all behind. At least, he can see everything from the rearview mirror as they move ahead. He'll always remember...

And thanks to Kamisato Ayaka, he'll remember a lot more of it for the better. For what it was. For what he had. For what he could see better upon returning. ]

Apparently the food's a bit different up here. [ He gives a half-shrug. ] Nothing too adventurous, but... [ There they go again. Little mind readers. ] How 'bout you take the lead for that? I'll follow.

[ Of course, he won't leave her overwhelmed. He'll do his part if she winds up not letting her own curiosities get the better of her. They can learn and discover together! ]

Then it may be best to take a local's advice.

[ She'd much prefer that over deciding a place after just checking online. It'll be more touristy! ]

A menu can describe the food, but it may not be able to properly convey the experience.

[ So!! They'll just ask someone later. Maybe their lodging has recommendations, even. ]

Works for me. Most of the locals have been pretty receptive to us.

[ Cloud takes the time to take the sights in as they make it towards the bottom of the slope and towards the pathed forestway. Surrounded by trees, but nothing's getting in their way at least! ]

Then again...if we're here to help save this world, it makes sense.

[ Their hike won't last for much longer! The two of them happen upon one of said locals who take notice of the two travelers dressed far more differently. Cloud takes this time to ask for directions and make sure that they're on the right path towards their special lodge. Sure enough, they are! Just take the left at the fork up ahead and it'll lead to a quaint little settlement. By the time the two of them finally arrive hand-in-hand, their first order of business is to check in at the little cabin for all guests. There was no need to drop anything off! Just claim their reservation and be on their way whilst their quarters are prepared and set.

"Welcome to Coldreach! Please enjoy your stay." ]

Thanks.

[ He nods with a little bow of his head, a force of habit in his time spent in Nippon as he takes his leave with Ayaka in tow, now that they had their key to the treehouse. Swinging the ring of the key around his finger as they set foot outside, the two are greeted to stylized homes that are situated up the thick trunks of trees, some with rope ladders, the others with a proper stairway built in spiraling up to the front door. The weather is cool without being too much, but here there's little snow... As if this place was perpetually caught between Spring and Winter. ]

S'like a...mini Nara?

[ Kind of! ... but the cat's also out of the bag as to why he specifically chose these kinds of rentable homes. The ancient tree and the city it seemed to protect...it held a special place in his heart for what that trip meant to him. What it meant to the two of them. Now they just had to go find theirs! ~~Thankfully, no climbing. Just stairs. LJKFDSA~~ ]

There is quite a lot of pressure on us, being Season Power Holders, but we must all do our best while we are here.

[ She nods with a small smile. It's been a slow start from them all, she thinks, when they haven't really been sought for their help. Most of them are settling down in this new world, Ayaka and Cloud included. And here they are, traveling Coldreach and exploring what this place has to offer.

Where Cloud takes her is definitely very new. On the way here, after she was told about the surprise, a growing sense of anticipation had begun to well up inside her. Seeing it all now, the tall trees with little rooms being held up by the branches— or they were built around the branches? They're all so amazing, either way. It's nothing glamorous like a prestigious resort or a mansion, but this is the most perfect spot for them right now. ]

This is amazing! [ She doesn't mean to, but she lets go of Cloud's hand so she could take a few steps forward to look around some more. ] I imagine it is much cooler at the top, because of all the leaves!

Where shall we go next? [ There are so many treehouses, Cloud!! LOOK!!!! ] We must look around at once and find our own tree, Cloud!

[ She'll come back for him, at least, and give his hand the tugtug it deserves. ]

[ Cloud's hands go to his hips as he watches her venture ahead with a sense of wonder. Internally, he's already satisfied with his choice in taking her here. ]

Apparently ours is supposed to have a stairw-whoa.

[ Cloud's cut off briefly by her tugtugging his hand, but he collects himself straightaway, the two of them taking their time to observe as most of the treehouses are unoccupied. Save for the occasional staff member or cleaner coming in and out of various ones to ensure they're up to standard and safe. ]

According to the pics they shared, we're supposed to get a pretty good view over the woods and at the observatory from the balcony.

It is so innovative to make something like this... I can only imagine this area would be bustling with guests during festivals in this area.

[ But right now? It seems so peaceful and quiet! And for Cloud and Ayaka, and after everything they've gone through last month, they needed something like this.

And when they pass by some people, tourists and workers alike, Ayaka gives a small bow of her head as a greeting. ]

Are there any amenities offered to us, apart from the lodgings?

Maybe we can scout this place for a future one? [ A beat. ] Like the one you and Kaveh ran.

[ "Are there any amenities offered to us, apart from the lodgings?" ]

Let's see, there was...

[ Cloud brings out his phone and brings up the filed message he received when making his initial booking. Walkin' and scrollin' ]

Private shower, free bathrobes, free transit via cable car to and from the observatory...

Maybe! Though... what should we celebrate next? Martial arts would be exciting, but I am sure there are other things we can highlight.

[ He could even make his own suggestions! ]

A cable car— like the ones in Nippon, yes? I'm sure the sights we'll see when we ride it will be absolutely magnificent.

Edited 2023-06-26 12:06 (UTC)

We'll put "Martial Arts Festival" in the maybe pile, then.

[ But suggestions would be coming. There's zero doubt about that. ]

By the looks of 'em, yeah. [ A beat. ] Think I'll pass on the hypersonic trains this time...

[ Cloud's still learning to cope with motion sickness. lksjfad ]

No, none of that here.

[ She gives Cloud's hand a squeeze as she shakes her head. She'll protect you from the bad trains, Cloud. 😡 ]

And if I may tell you a secret. . . [ She knows he won't tell, unless he absolutely has to. It's not necessarily a secret, but... an admission made especially for him. Ayaka's smile is so endearing, so sweet. . . there are no words that she could say that aren't the truth. ] I much prefer traveling the long way with you.

[ She's held his hand for so long. Squeezed it for reassurance time and time again. Yet it didn't matter how many times she would console and comfort him. Every time would leave him with a sense of wonder in those bright eyes of his. He's mentioned before just how lucky he felt to be with her. That she gave him a reason to feel normal. That everything continued to make sense when he was with her... He felt lost until she gave him a place to feel at home. He felt more confident moving forward because of her. He felt driven because of her. Like anything that would come from home can be bested if it meant she was waiting for him at the end of the journey. ]

Well, [ He squeezes her hand right back...before loosening his grip so that he can let go. ] hard to think of better company than you.

[ All so he can slip his arm around her waist, gently cradling her against his side as they come up to their lodge. ]

This is it.

[ Plenty big enough for the two of them! With a lovely view out the side, as promised. Their little getaway... ]

Our own treehouse!

[ They've already passed by a bunch, but this amazes Ayaka all the more. This is just for them!! No doubt there would be sakura floating around her and dancing, were they still in Nippon. Not that Ayaka truly needs those to properly convey her happiness, in the first place. ]

Hehe. Let us get settled, then. [ A quick and tight hug for him!! Just before she takes his hand again so they can climb up together. Cloud's got their belongings, so Ayaka leads the way up, only giving him space once they're by the door. ]

Oh, I wonder if we have something to make tea with...

[ Ayaka you're on vacation and you're still thinking about making tea???? DON'T LET HER DO IT CLOUD ADSGDH ]

Looks way better kept than the Nara ones.

[ That went without saying. Those were more or less temporary little hideaways to watch fireworks or shooting stars. But the point still stood! With their belongings in tow, he notices that there's a separate walkway up the steps...looks like it heads for the balcony! It's not the biggest space, but enough is comfortably fit inside for a couple. A cozy bathroom with a full-on glass shower, queen size bedding, a clear shot to the balcony via doorway, ]

Prolly not.

[ He hates to be the bearer of bad news, Kamisato Ayaka, but. You two? Are on VACATION. ... .... ..... be that as it may, he knows her. She was the saddest kitty when she didn't pour for him in the past. ]

If I order us some, you pour?

[ Ayaya always pour. 😤 Reaching into his pocket for the key, it's a traditional one instead of anything like a card. But at least it's not giving him any grief once he slots it in and turns it! A sense of relief washes over him knowing that they're finally here. For this particular trip, he's left the Buster Sword at home and instead traveling with Tsubaki. Easier to carry around, especially into a treehouse like this! Now they just need to put their belongings down.

There might not be a tea set waiting and ready for them, but whenever the two of them finally make their way to the bedroom up ahead? There's a gift basket waiting for them. Compliments of the staff running these treehouse lodges. Pleasantly folded up house coats, candles that have been said to be blessed by the essence of eternal Spring and cool Winter nights (certain to leave you feeling refreshed yet pleasantly cool), brochures revolving around their services and the Coldreach Observatory, among other little treats!

...

As well as...ah, something 'extra' for the young couple. ~~Shouldn't have mentioned it was an anniversary, Cloud. 💦~~ ]

It was wishful thinking.

[ Listen, if she could make tea for him while he relaxed after a long day? That would be the best. But that's okay, they can have tea later on! There's bound to be room service, or if they decide to eat out...?

Ayaka takes a look around the main space, now that they're inside. Behind the bed is a window overlooking the ground. Lots of trees and flowers, ones that can't grow in humid and hotter areas. She'll have to buy a book about the flowers, here! There are some that aren't even present in the greenhouse she worked for when she first arrived... ]

Ah, there's a note.

[ Ayaka hasn't even seen the. . . gifts yet, instead sitting by the foot of the bed, pulling the basket of goodies next to her before plucking out the card. ]

"Thank you for your patronage, Mr Strife! We hope you and your partner enjoy your stay. May the two of you make wonderful memories here."

[ That's very sweet! Now then, what tokens were they given? ]

Robes to wear, and even candles! They must truly want us to relax. And a map for when we go around... And— [ Okay, she sees it now. In fact, she has touched the box and let go of it rather quickly once she figured out what it was. She's seen it before. In Nippon... ] A- Ah... We've never used these before. . .

[ Setting Tsubaki down against the nearby wall at the front entrance, Cloud isn't far behind Ayaka as they notice the little basket of goodies on the bed. ]

Can't say they didn't go the extra mile...

[ Because this? Was not planned! More specifically, neither were the...

Ah. ]

Huh?

[ Cloud reaches out for the box she's dropped like it just bit her, and before he even reads it, visually he can already tell.

...

He's still holding the box. His face? Bright red. Lips? A nice and tight line until finally, ]

I, uh...didn't...ask for...

[ Condoms, Cloud. You can say it. ~~WERE THEY EVEN THE RIGHT SIZE?!~~ ]

[ Didn't ask for these? Then... did he not think about that here? On their anniversary trip?

Ayaka has to pause and swallow thickly, before looking up at Cloud. ]

W- We would still... [ fasdg SHE CAN'T FINISH THE SENTENCE... ] Would we?

I mean, maybe after everything else, right?

[ Oh good. He was thinking about that here. On their anniversary trip. ... HE JUST SAID THAT OUTLOUD, NO FILTER WAIT AFSDJKHL ]

[ Somehow, despite how embarrassing this was at first? Ayaka's finding herself to be at ease. She looks away for a moment as the thinks, then looks back at Cloud with a small smile on her face. ]

A lovely night out under the stars, first. Just like the night you became my Prince.

[ and then a lovely night under Cloud after that asgdshr

She pushes herself up on her feet after that, closing the distance between them. Even the night before was something that meant so much to her. She would never wish for Cloud to have nightmares ever again, but he opened himself up to her that night. Their bond became deeper, and she made a promise to herself to always be there for him. That she would be his ally and by his side always. ]

Happy anniversary, my Love.

[ Ayaka's a lot shorter, so she has to be on the tip of her toes after she's cupped his cheek to give him a kiss. ]

[ Cloud, meanwhile, can't help but gently huff at what he just fessed outloud. He knew how to speak up when it mattered. But on other occasions? He was shy. They were both shy. But when it came to his Star, his Prince only knew how to shine. She brought out the best in him, and made him feel braver for everything he could say and feel. He felt safe and sound when it came to expressing himself with her. The brighter, young country boy who still had brighter dreams was still in there.

He's done a bit of growing since then, but every step he's taken has all been for Ayaka to witness. ]

Happy anniversary, Ayaka.

[ As Ayaka cups his cheek, getting to the tips of her toes for a kiss, he finds himself leaning down to help close that gap. The kiss lingers, the boosted sensation from touching someone in this world only making the taste of her all the more sweet. Softer. It's tempting to just let himself yield and not want to get up again as long as she's there with him.

He doesn't deepen the kiss yet, but he does come back for a second kiss after taking a fleeting instance to breath. ... All the while, nonchalantly tossing that box of condoms away wherever on the bed, so that he can slip that hand of his around her waist and settle it on the small of her back. ]

Take a load off our feet for a bit before we head out?

[ He just wants to enjoy laying down with her for a moment. They can put their toiletries in the bathroom after. The bed was looking extra inviting if it meant he got a chance to feel her nuzzling up against him. ]

[ Cloud really does have beautiful eyes. Zack's teased her about it before, but she's never told Cloud about it before. Perhaps she never has to. Not when he keeps his eyes on her, always. ]

Alright.

[ They can rest for a bit! But if you asked Ayaka, she's more than comfortable being held in this way.

... maybe just one more kiss before they lay down. Ayaka sees to it that their gift basket's properly been set aside and not tossed aside no thanks to Cloud. Once they're settled, Ayaka doesn't even hesitate, immediately moving closer to Cloud until half the space on the bed is empty. They could just sleep on a single bed and Ayaka certainly won't mind. ]

Thank you for organising all this. I hope I can make it up to you in the future.

[ Cloud, meanwhile, is lying comfortably on his side, head resting in his hand as Ayaka wastes little time in cuddling nice and close. The bedding is actually quite soft. Soft yet still springy! It's a well-designed mattress. But nothing compared to the magically cool clouds they had fashioned into cushioning for their home. He reaches for the side of Ayaka's head, brushing his fingers through her hair in the moment. ]

Already have. [ A beat. ] You're here.

[ There he is again... providing her with safety and comfort, without asking for anything in return. Just her company. It's been a year, but she hasn't stopped thinking about how lucky she truly is.

She closes her eyes when she can feel his hand in her hair. There's a small smile on her face, content. This little treehouse may be small, but Ayaka does not wish to be anywhere else right now. Cloud is here with her. ]

It is aways from now... but on your birthday, would you let me take you on a vacation?

[ A little birthday celebration with friends and family doesn't seem all that bad, either. Just a small and intimate gathering... but that idea will have to be something Ayaka will have to warm her beau up to before he agrees. But her suggestion is a separate thing. As she always says— something just for them. ]

Take me...on a vacation?

[ Just the two of them? It wouldn't be the first time the two of them had a proper getaway together. But this... This would be the first time that she's actually taken him away on his own celebrated day. A day that he once never put much stake into. A day that he would have thought as forever marred knowing how many years he's ultimately lost. And yet, as he looks into her eyes, he's reminded of a memory closest and dearest to his heart. Beneath a moonlit night as neither one could sleep late into celebrating his birthday, tears streaming down her beautiful face as she makes a new vow.

"I wish to be with you..." ]

... Yeah.

[ "Everyday. Every birthday..." ]

[ Cloud's breath looses with a faint tremble as he can't fight the smile that pulls at his lips. The way his heart swells. A sudden rush of euphoria as he finally, finally yields and allows himself something he wasn't sure he'd be able to have again. Newfound happiness. New memories to add to that happiness. Not to just hang onto what he still has, but to embrace what's new and exciting. A chance to continue doing what his best friend implored upon him with his final words...

He lowers himself down more so that he can be on her level instead of lying on his side and watching her from higher. He doesn't touch his forehead with hers quite yet, simply feeling contentment in her presence alone. Her radiance. Just how bright and warm she really is despite the Cryo Vision she carries. ]

Yeah. Take me anywhere. [ A beat. ] For my birthday.

I'm sure Zack would like to spend time with you, too, though. I can't be too selfish.

[ So closer to the actual day? She'll coordinate with both of them so she can finalise their plans! But... now that she knows when his birthday is, and now that she is more prepared, she can give him something that's better than what she gave him the last time. More. Anything and everything for Cloud, because he deserves it all. ]

I'll let you know what places we can visit, and make you choose.

[ For now, they have something else they should be celebrating. ]

Before we leave... would you give me a moment to get changed? I'd like to dress up for where we are going tonight.

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