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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.

Time with Zack and everyone...and time just for us. [ A beat, and that smile of his becomes a smirk as he decides to sneak a quick peck of a kiss in. ] We'll figure out both.

[ Because he's going to take this chance to be selfish too. For both their sakes. ]

Same here. [ She can get up to get changed and readied any time she'd like. He'll follow suit when they're done cuddling in their very own treehouse. ] Got a change of clothes in my bag ready just for tonight.

[ Because while, yes, he looks great in his usual SOLDIER uniform or the Nipponese attire, Cloud's since come to accept and actually not mind wearing more casual outfits. ~~If he's got the experience with getting dolled up, right? LFDKJSHA~~ ]

[ Cloud really does spoil her, not even telling her to share him with everyone else. A time just for them... Anything that's just for the two of them. . . it really is so precious. A time where they can just be themselves, with no one else to see them or judge them for their faults and imperfections.

Just like now.

Ayaka closes her eyes as she presses herself closer to her beau. ]

You do? [ Cloud isn't one to dress up, but now she's very excited to see what he's prepared to wear... ] I can't wait to see it.

[ One last kiss before she pushes herself up, and she makes sure it's worth getting up for. So sweet, one that lingers, enough warmth to keep them both comfortable in their cosy little treehouse, but also one that beckons to follow. You couldn't want to disappoint your white heron, would you, Cloud? The two of you have a date tonight.

Ayaka pushes herself to sit up not long after, a small smile on her face. ]

I must dress up now.

[ So she can see him sooner!!!! ]

Edited 2023-07-03 06:52 (UTC)

Nothing too fancy... [ His voice ebbs away when she kisses him again. Lingering. A sweep of her lips to his that sparks excitement. If this were the end of the night, they'd be staying right here. That kiss would be above and beyond as far as inviting her beau to make good on all the fun they can have. Making good on the heated affection he can give her. ]

I'll be waiting.

[ And he can change into his own clothes out here! Unless that's what Ayaka wants, than he can slip into the bathroom. Regardless, given the cool yet not so harsh conditions of Coldreach, teetering between Winter and Spring eternal, Cloud's choice of attire was simple yet effective. A long sleeved brown turtleneck combined with black pants. Simple! It's actually...less clothes and layers than he's used to putting on, considering the amount of armor he tends to keep on his person. ]

[ Ayaka takes a moment to gather her things, opening her luggage and taking out what she intends to wear for the evening. It's rather cold in Coldreach, so she can't exactly wear a sundress like the time she did on her birthday! Even though she'd like to wear sleeveless dresses around Cloud afsdgd ]

I'll try not to take too long.

[ But she would still like to look her best for him!! Off Ayaka goes, using the bathroom to dress up. First, she removes the ribbons in her hair, strips down to just her underwear, and replaces her attire with something more modern. It's warm and cosy, but she would say that it isn't warm enough, which is why she would need to hold Cloud's hand.

Somehow, despite how this isn't her normal attire? She feels pretty comfortable! And confident. Placing a nice pin in her hair, it's down and loose, free-flowing, compared to how she normally wears it, too. She hopes Cloud wouldn't mind— she'd like to try something new for tonight, a little extra detail to make this date memorable.

She does her eyebrows and eyelashes next, a little bit of blush... Ayaka keeps it relatively simple in terms of makeup. And once she's done, she smiles at herself before leaving the bathroom, her dirty clothes in tow. She'll have to put those in a laundry bag... ]

Ah- [ Stopping as soon as she sees him, her surprised expression only lasts a second or two before she starts to laugh. ] Oh my. You read my mind yet again.

[ With the colours!! ]

[ Cloud, on the other hand, doesn't mind the cold of this area as much. Even when he was younger, he was better suited for the mountain terrains. After becoming augmented against his will, however, those issues became even lesser. As Ayaka preps herself in the bathroom, he's already folded and hung up his uniform and gear in the chair beside their little tableside. As for the rest of his person? He tries his best to make sure the soft brown colored sweater is put on right. Or that his turtleneck wasn't out of place or folded down in the back or something.

...or that his hair was still kept in place after pulling his head through the top; something he didn't fuss with as often in his time wearing that SOLDIER uniform. But tonight? As he sighed through his nose and muttered little "no"s to himself, she would find him fiddling in the reflection of a mirror as he straightens some of those spiked bangs of his.

Only to sense her presence and clear his throat as he turns to face her. ]

How do I.........?

[ —look? That's the word he wanted to end that sentence on, but it wasn't every day he saw his girlfriend with her hair down in such a manner. Not when she's dressed up so differently from her usual choice of wears. Even her Fontaine-inspired outfit was a comfortable sight for him. It's so new...and he knows he's looking at Ayaka as he turns from the mirror to look her up and down.

But...unbeknownst to Cloud? He's having a very similar train of thought as his friend Zack once did. An angel. ]

A-Ah.

[ He's in the presence of an angel. And when she laughs and mentions he's read her mind once more, his cheeks color with a blush before a shy smile graces his lip. A shy yet true smile all the same as he closes the distance between them. ]

There I go again...

[ He breathes, collecting himself as he sets a hand on his hip more confidently. ]

You look beautiful.

[ Ayaka only wants the best for Cloud, so she must do her best at all times. Vain, perhaps, it may be, that she tries to look as good as possible whenever Cloud is around, but she doesn't want his gaze to be led astray.

She fights the urge to shy away this time, merely looking away for a moment before she continues her way to her him. She still has her clothes to put away, but she shouldn't be wasting time if it's just for a few seconds, both to present herself to him and to get a look at him proper, too. ]

You look very handsome, Cloud. Just as you always do.

[ And no doubt, were his mother here to see him, she would say the same. ]

I should just put these away... [ She lifts her arms up a little, where the dress she wore earlier on hung. ] I won't take long now.

[ He knows that she's wont to give him many reasons to keep his eyes on her. So that they may never be led adrift. If he was a true mindreader, and if he ever found out she still thought of it? Well...that was a bridge they would cross together in due time. His gaze was going nowhere. Not in any way that matters. He's right where he wants to be. Watching who he wants to eventually spend the rest of his life with. Despite the uncertainties they've since faced, and how nothing was still for certain as to their capabilities of returning to the same world together...

He made his choice. Devoted and true. ]

Thanks... [ He nods as he gives himself a onceover, noting the buckle of his belt wasn't facing entirely the front. ...perhaps he should shift that himself. ~~Leave her hands to fidget with it to the evening festivities.~~ ] Right. I'm just gonna wash my face then I'll be all set.

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