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[ Ayaka hears her name, and she snaps back to reality, yet the weight that's pulling her down remains. Her eyes meet Cloud's and she blinks, her lashes catching something wet, and she realises she must turn away immediately.

And so, she does. ]

I apologise, I was just... m- making a wish...

[ She knows she's in a safe space with Cloud, that she could tell him anything, and he would respond without bias or prejudice. He would listen, and still treat her like an equal while doing so. There is shame in feeling this way, however, because the reason why she feels this way is her own fault. She doesn't want him to see her this way.

Yet, that very same safety and comfort may be the reason why Ayaka is only able to externalise these feelings of helplessness that she's felt for almost a month now. She shakes her head as she brushes away the tears that begin to fall with the back of her hand, her back facing the blond. ]

Please. Please don't look. . .

[ Much as she'd like to try, she can't seem to stop herself from crying now. Soft muffled noises of controlled sobbing, and she gasps in an attempt to catch her breath. ]

[ For a moment, he feels frozen. Unknowing whether or not to defy what she's telling him to face her. To be the one who swore to catch tears that dared fall from her face. And yet, as she softly sobs and attempts to recompose herself, crying, Cloud grits his teeth without her knowing it as he struggles with himself. Hold her. Console her. Comfort her. The amount of suffering she endured as a bystander was staggering. Strong as she was, neither one of them were able to prevent what happened. He's no mindreader, and yet...he can't bring himself to ask why she's crying either.

As if he already knew. As if he knew exactly what needed to be done. This was an attempt for the two to just...get away. Regroup. Learn how to breath again. Come back stronger than before, together, for those that matter. And yet...what of Cloud? What of his emotions? His feelings? The revelations that came to light as of recent. Something he was powerless to stop. Somebody he failed to save. Somebody Ayaka and he both couldn't save. They can't change what's already happened- what's already shaped and defined them. And as fortunate as they were with the fact that in this realm, death wasn't permanent... ]

...

[ The truth is; they're both hurting. They both feel like they've fallen down. But right now? It's about learning how to get back up. So instead of reaching out for her yet... Instead of calling her name and putting his hands upon her shoulders so she may fall into his embrace...

He doesn't look. Instead, Cloud stays by her side in silence, turning towards the railing as he looks up at the night sky. A cool breath in through his nose...and softly out, pensive. ]

It'll come true. [ A beat. ] Your wish.

[ A wish he may not know word-for-word, but he's formulating an idea in his head. His gaze wanders the stars. Searching... Searching... ]

The people that work the hardest are the ones that make them real. No matter how many hurdles we stumble over along the way.

And sometimes...we don't even know what to wish for. Not until we find a reason to. [ His voice becomes quieter. If only these words weren't just for Ayaka. They're meant for nobody else. For him. For her. ] Even if the reason hurts.

So if we're making wishes... We don't hafta make them come true on our own.

[ Should Ayaka turn around at any point by now to face him, she'll see that he's no longer watching the stars on high anymore. He's keeping his eyes on her from now on.

Because the brightest star isn't up there. ]

I'll protect your wish, too.

[ She's always been right in front of him. ]

Edited 2023-07-22 06:36 (UTC)

Cloud... [ She can't bear it. She told him not to look, but she surrenders herself when it gets so difficult to breathe. The pain in her chest is too much, and once again, she has to come to him for comfort. Anything to relieve the pain. His words, his touch, the beat of his heart.

Ayaka doesn't look at him when she turns to throw herself at him. Rather, she can't, when her eyes are just so blurry from the tears. Once again, he remains her prince, her hero. The one who would catch her whenever she falls. His words resonate in her heart, that she must work hard— the hardest she ever has— to make her wish come true. She'll become stronger, someone that her loved ones can trust, so that she can protect them all. ]

Cloud... [ It's difficult to speak, let alone breathe, between her sobs, but she doesn't want to waste a moment in not showing her gratitude to him. It may take a bit to register her words, when they are muffled as she speaks against his chest. That she can let herself go in this manner in his presence speaks so much of how she can truly be herself around him. A bird with a broken wing who just wants to be home, so that she can heal and mend, until she can fly again. ] I- I will protect you, too. All your wishes.

And Ayato's, and Thoma's... Zack's, too.

[ A few more sobs, until she manages to calm herself down. Yet, she doesn't move. ]

I do not wish to disappoint anyone again.

[ He knows it's coming. This time, he almost expects it. In the past, he might have frozen in place, not knowing what the right thing to do was. Fighting with his emotions. And even now, he still keeps a sound state of mind of it all, even as he looses a shaky exhale when she hugs him tight, choking sobs as his arms slip around her and hug her close. A burst of emotions and feelings, only amplified by the direct contact they share. If this little white heron's wing was broken, then let it be mended with love and care. Let it be mended so that she may fly again. So that she doesn't have to fly alone.

They can see her wish come true together. She can get stronger. They can get stronger. But they're never alone.

They never have to be. ]

You never did. [ He breathes in the scent of her hair as he bows his head and nuzzles against her, kissing the side of her head, his hand rubbing gently along her upper back. ] Not once.

Only people we disappointed was ourselves.

[ And the sooner they make it up to themselves, the sooner they can get back up for the sake of others. ]

[ Cloud truly is a kind soul, to say this about her when she has brought so much shame. She hugs him tighter, as if the minute distance between them would bring harm to her.

He may be right, though. Ayaka stays silent as she lets his words play over and over in her mind. Difficult as it is to accept, and as much as she wishes to shoulder the blame for all the hurt her loved ones have gone through, he has a point.

Rather than say anything more, as if to make her sound even worse and rejecting Cloud's words, she pulls away so that she may look at him. Cloud is hurting too, and she understands that now.

Her eyes have turned red from all the tears she's shed, but at her weakest, she looks up to him for direction. She'll know what to do if she's with him. And so, she asks— ]

What did you wish for?

[ He can see how flush her face is, how red her eyes became from all the sobbing. Right now, despite the fact he was hurting too, he's far more focused on Ayaka's feelings now. That, and...by proxy, this was good for him, too. So when she asks him what he wished for? He calmly shakes his head. ]

I didn't make it yet.

[ But, now that he's face to face with her again, his hands slide down the length of her arms, until he finally takes hers. He doesn't want her to look away. This time, it's eyes on him when he says, ]

I wish...for the strength to protect what I cherish.

It wouldn't come true if I didn't find the brightest star.

But it's not up there.

[ She's right in front of him. And just as he'd fight to protect her wish? Cloud wishes to his Star in kind. ]

[ It feels like a magical moment in stories where the character experiences a pivotal moment that changes their life forever. Ayaka is looking straight into Cloud's eyes, his words ringing in her ear as she realises just what her purpose is.

She can come to him for comfort, come home and rest and heal. He would give her whatever she needs to be happy. But at the same time, she's his star. Just as he holds her hand and gives her strength, shows her that there's more to the little cage she's been given, she makes him feel normal—human—giving him experiences that he's missed out on. Experiences that he never would have had otherwise, but for the better.

Her own eyes, clear as the cloudless sky on a normal day, watery as they may be, reflect the stars in the sky a bit better. She takes a deep breath without looking away, and she once again makes a commitment to him. ]

I will make it come true. [ Just as she has with his other wishes before this. ] I will not disappoint you.

[ And she would not make this promise to him if she didn't have the confidence and the conviction. Whatever may come, she will make sure she keeps her word. It is everything Cloud deserves for everything he has given her. ]

[ Now. Now it's Cloud's turn to return her affections. It's his turn to close what little distance remains between them as he hugs her tight. Not so much that he would accidentally hurt her, but if she's paying close enough attention...

The tension leaves him. It just melts away as he heaves a sigh of relief- albeit one that tremors slightly. She's such a constant. A beacon of light. His reason for getting to experience what it's like to be normal. ]

I love you.

[ He can say it to her every day, and it would never get old. The impact she has on his life is something he will never take for granted. ]

I will make it come true.

[ He hugs her tight, but she clings to him like a lifeline when he brings her close to him again. All this time, she's felt so weak, but she feels stronger because of him. That she has more to fight for, and now that she has a better idea of how to become a better person, it gives her the motivation to keep pushing and not give up. ]

I will make your wishes come true. So... please, continue to keep your eyes on me.

[ She smiles against him as she hugs him tighter, though it probably isn't as tight in Cloud's standards. ]

I love you, Cloud. My own troubles really so melt away when you are here. I am so blessed to be loved by you.

Mm. [ He nods his head, breathing deep of her before exhaling gently. ] Together.

[ They'll make their wishes come true together. They'll learn from their mistakes. Roll with the punches. Protect what they love. Protect what they still have. Protect what they hope to gain. He already feels a sense of strength reinvigorating him just holding her like this. A soothing breeze sweeps across the open balcony, his hold loosening of her despite not letting go fully. ]

I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for you. [ As he thinks upon what he just said...he hums faintly to himself as if he needs to add to it. From the heart, Cloud. Your own. ] I wouldn't be who I am today...without you.

[ That's when his arms slip lower, draping around her waist as he takes this moment to watch the stars shine in her pure eyes. ]

Lucky me.

[ She'd have wanted to hold onto him a little longer, but she realises that it's fine. They're in Coldreach, a way from everyone else they know. It isn't as if they don't like being with their friends and their family, but they are celebrating something important, aren't they? They can be at the centre of the stage until they're done. ]

Do you remember when we were having sushi before the day of the arts festival?

[ They were celebrating a year of their friendship then. It is still so important to Ayaka to this day. Next year, she hopes she won't be too busy that she would almost forget. ]

We talked about the omamori that you keep on you. I believe we may not need to replace it, when it contains a prayer to keep you safe at all times.

[ And that means, there is no expiry to it! But she pulls away completely now, taking out her phone. After fiddling with the charm and removing the red camellia that hangs off it, she offers it to him with both hands. ]

The tsubaki has always stood to represent the Kamisato Clan, but ones that bloom red— this one in particular represents my eternal and everlasting love for you.

Perhaps it is rather belated when you have had all of me for such a long time now. But... I would still like for you to have this. Happy anniversary, my love.

[ Centre Stage. Let the act play for as long as their time gives. And if she needs to hear it again? How he loves her, how he made a choice to spend the rest of his life with her when everything's said and done, how he'd keep his eyes on her every day... Let there be an encore. ]

Yeah.

[ It was hard to forget, like many days behind them. Just as precious as the day they met and she introduced him to takoyaki, the endearing look on her face when she shut the door in his face, only to peek right on out at him to reveal her first 'secret', or the light in her eyes when she realized she was coming out of her comfort zone and actually climbing a tree, the memories can continue...and he'll cherish each and every single one. Even still, the omamori charm remains in his pocket to this very day. If they'd stayed in Nippon, he would have finally parted with it, if only to carry on the prayer to the next as was custom. But now?

Whether or not they can return back, he returns to Gaia, or they go to Inazuma together...he's going to hold it tight. A prayer to keep him safe at all times... Her words in his mind's ears calling him home. Giving him a reason to come home. ]

?

[ That's when she presents to him her red camellia charm, offering it with both hands. His breath catches silently, and her words leave an impact. The fact that she wanted him to have this when it was something so important to her, even as it represents her eternal love of him...

It's a moving gesture. ]

Ayaka, I...

[ "Happy anniversary, my love." ]

...

[ She won't be left waiting. Not with his hands covering hers. Not to close off the camellia, but to accept it into his. Speaking of having a reason to come back home... ]

Then,

[ Momentarily, he slips the red camellia charm into his pocket...before taking out his phone in turn. On the end of it, hangs the everlasting sakura. He knows exactly what it represents. The beauty and the tragedy. But as he speaks, fiddling with the charm and weaving it out of the phone's little loop, there's a sense of life in those mako-blues of his that was so rare. Purpose, drive, heart that belongs to a girl he wished upon a star for. ]

You're gonna wanna hold on to this.

[ In the palm of his hand, he holds it out for her. ]

I know what cherry blossoms represent. How long they're supposed to last, but...

[ Beautiful in life, yet so short. And still, Cloud shakes his head. ]

That's not what I see. [ He keeps his eyes on Ayaka. ] It...represents a promise. Just like every Spring— I'll always come back to you.

And so long as you have this...

[ He entrusts the sakura into her hand then, only to close it between his two. As eternal as Inazuma's principles. As eternal as his heart belongs with Kamisato Ayaka, ]

I'll never fall.

[ Ayaka was not expecting anything in return, but when Cloud opens his heart to her in turn... it truly does feel like she's the luckiest girl in the world. He'd already made her wish come true by seeing her for who she is and loving her for it, but their bond sees to it that she keeps wishing. It wants her to fall deeper in love with him, as if all the stars in all the worlds out there were out the night they told one another that they liked each other.

She does not interrupt such a precious moment, merely smiling at him as he speaks from his heart. Whatever it is that Ayato said about Cloud before... she cannot fault him for it at all. Not when he is able to be himself in her presence, and not when he can share these sweet words to her. Just Ayaka. ]

How amazing you are, Cloud. Thank you. [ She takes a step closer to him without letting go, putting her free hand on top of his. ] I will take care of it and treasure it.

[ She'd been crying earlier because of the weight in her heart, but now? It's Cloud to blame this time. He's made her so happy yet again that her eyes are getting watery, just like when he told her that he loved her for the first time. ]

Hehe...[ She squeezes her eyes shut to get rid of the oncoming tears, because doesn't want to let go of him. Not yet. ] I- I apologise. I am just so happy.

[ Her free hand atop his, the two of them holding the sakura blossom between them. As if it wasn't just for her to safekeep, but something they would protect together. Just as he'd defend her love for him with the red camellia, they would work together to ensure this particular cherry blossom reaches eternity. That it may never fall, so that he may come back to her no matter what may threaten to divide them. Spring will always come...and with it, so will he.

Seeing the tears form in Ayaka's eyes again, his heart doesn't sink seeing them. Instead, he finds himself blinking in turn. A surge of emotions rushing through him and making his heart feel like it's about to burst from his chest... He doesn't cry, but damn it he's close. Close enough that she's the only one he could lower his guard this far for. And so he grants her wish. Instead of wiping away her tears, he keeps his hands put, lowering them slightly so that she may still keep hold with him as he closes that miniscule space between them.

Until all that's left is nothing. Nothing but the two of them, beneath a beautiful sea of stars at the highest point in coldreach. Anniversary commemorated and their pledges to the other reforged. He leans his forehead against hers, smiling tenderly for her as she apologizes. ]

Me too. [ Once more, Cloud. From the heart. ] If this is what every day's gonna be like for us... I'd be in Inazuma yesterday.

Then... it can only mean the future that we will share together will be bright.

[ (〃＾▽＾〃) Ayaka had always believed it to be so. She never had a doubt, but saying it out loud right now... It feels more real.

She lets out a soft laugh, ducks a little so she can give Cloud a peck on the lips. ]

I love you so much, Cloud. [ There's drops of tears on face, which will dry up eventually, but she seems to be very happy again. Sakura blooms would be floating around her by now if they were still in Nippon, no doubt Cloud would be able to see it easily anyway, despite the visual lack of it now. ] Should we look at the stars some more?

[ He can practically visualize them now after she pecks him on the lips, the contact sending a pleasant little spark to tingle in his brain. It...was still taking some getting used to- being touched by her only getting amplified in this world. But it wasn't a bad thing. Far from it. So long as he never loses sight of how it felt to hold her hand the first time. ]

I love you, too. [ Blinking harder, he wills whatever tears might have tried to come through away as he leans back just a little now to give her some space again. ] I wanna.

💫💫💫

[ And that's exactly what they did, but not before the two of them made sure to secure their new charms to one another's phones. They say that the charm was representative of the arrival to Ellipsa. But now? Everything feels like it's falling into place. Like the sakura petals were right where they belonged. Just as he would continue to safeguard the camellia that now adorns the end of his phone. Phone in hand after taking a moment to look at the new charm again, he casually leans back against the support railing where they've been watching the stars.

He has been watching with her! ... it's just right now he's back to admiring an even brighter star. But Cloud says nothing, only feeling a sense of accomplishment and determination for the future as he watches Ayaka. Keeps his eyes on Ayaka. She was so beautiful. So pure, yet...he's had the chance to see her come into her own for himself. To be able to experience happiness, sadness, to laugh and cry, to just be a girl on a trip with her significant other. No politics, no expectations,

This is the sight he'll never tire of seeing the most. ]

[ Ayaka didn't really know what to expect on a first anniversary, but she'd been looking forward to celebrating this with Cloud for a long time. Now that it's happening, and that the day is almost over? Ayaka thinks that it is such a fulfilling occasion. To think that she has had a beau for a year now. Someone has noticed her for who she truly is for a year now! And the best thing about is that all she can see— no matter how hard it will be— is more of these celebrations in the future.

It's why she has a smile on her face as she's looking up at the stars. What an amazing opportunity Cloud has given her. The skies above, the flowers blooming in the ground... he's given her everything. ]

Perhaps we can have a snack before going back to our room?

[ At some point, she leans on him. The silence is over when she asks him a question, one because all those emotions have made her a little hungry, and also to get a feel if Cloud wants to do something else now. ]

[ He doesn't move, a pillar of support for his little white heron when she asks if they can have a snack. ]

Yup. [ A beat. ] It's been a long day. Let's see what's in town on our way back.

Your choice, this time.

[ He let her choose where they'd have dinner, after all! And before he can pass it back to her? ]

I insist.

[ She takes his hand now as she pulls away. A little tug tug to lead him back inside so they can take the stairs down. ]

How'd you know...

[ Their characters were mindreaders, right? If she insists? Then he'll make sure that they find something they can both enjoy. But this time? They won't be snacking on Nipponese or Inazuman goods anymore. They won't do anything daring, but, this time, something outside the box. Since it was getting late, there may not be a chance to find a place to sit down... ]

— — —

[ Hand-in-hand with Ayaka? He's never been more glad to be wrong. A local pub that seems to be quite popular was still open! It was nowhere near as rowdy or intimidating as some establishments in Nightwake, what with the more quaint lifestyle that Coldreachers lived. But as he squeezes her hand and guides her in, they learn that it's also a renown brewery also! Patrons relax and have a good time at their booths, laughing and snacking and drinking, while some seem content to mind their business up at the bar, nursing a drink without so much as a care in the world.

Cloud can relate...sometimes having a stiff drink to yourself after a hard day takes the edge off. At least, it's what he thought of as a SOLDIER. He didn't drink often in Nippon either, but he also began valuing the means of taking the edge off after taking various commissions.

He's not all too hungry, but if there's one thing that this place was known for? It was their various sausages. One in particular on the menu that looks striking for its pure red color and being made of pure pork. Having been given two menus, Cloud decides to start with water, but not before telling their server that he'll want to look at their alcohol once they figured out what they want to eat. If he took a closer look at that brochure of theirs that talked of this place, he'd remember that there was something special about this brewery. ]

Anything catch your eye?

[ He's already got sausage on the brain. Just. Which one, he'll hafta decide quick. ]

[ She's so curious about a lot of these! But this is just a snack and not dinner, so she shouldn't choose a lot. ]

I'm interested to try these beef fritters, so one serving of that, please.

[ Though hopefully they aren't too oily or fatty! ]

And...

[ It's said that this place can make just about any drink that their customer requests. Since it's their anniversary, she wonders if it would be okay to order something like what they had in Nippon before. Is Cloud thinking the same thing, or would he like some that fits more his taste?

She looks at the server to ask a question, because she does want to order the drink they had in Nippon! The only thing is, Ayaka's not very knowledgeable about alcohol, so she may not describe it properly. ]

How is it possible that you can make any sort of drink? Would it be possible to make one based off one's memory of it?

[ Seems like the server's ready with an answer! It's a very popular question. All Ayaka has to do is describe what she likes, flavour, texture, and then pick a glass! ]

Mm, okay. Then... there was a time I tried a drink that was in a tall glass, and the drink itself had two colours that looked so wonderful together. The bottom one was gold, and it had a citrusy flavour. On top of it was a royal blue drink. It was all so very smooth when mixed together.

[ Very descriptive, Ayaya. The server can relay that to the bartender and he's sure he can figure something out. They do have a type of gin that's indigo in colour, so it's just a matter of finding the right things to mix it with!

"Right away, ma'am. And how 'bout you, Sir?" ]

Right... [ A beat. ] Think I'll give this...pølser? I saying that right...?

[ That! He'll give the red sausage a try. Luckily for Ayaka, she's not the only one who was thinking about it. The brewery and its advertising reminds him of a fleeting thought he had. A dream, even. They even talked about it before...how there's a chance they may never get to experience some of the things they got to try back in Nippon. The ability to create anything that the customer desired... As best as they could replicate, that is.

With their food ready to order, he patiently listens to his girlfriend converse with the server, and when it becomes clear that they will do their best to help them relive an old memory... ]

I'll have the same. [ Perhaps it's to do with how relaxed he was around her, and while he doesn't go out of his way to gush or tell this server their whole story, ] It's something that was meant for the both of us.

[ Very descriptive indeed! But Cloud does have one last thing to add. Something that a sharper tongue with alcohol may catch. If Tifa had a drink of this, she could probably replicate it in an instant. But at least he could help with the royal blue shade. ]

And the top was slightly sharper. Sharper but still citrusy.

[ Aha! Like another piece of the puzzle getting fitted. The server nods with a hum as he writes down their drinks and snacking choices. Thanking them and being excused, Cloud looks back to Ayaka with a smile. He's more excited than he thought he'd be about all this... Even if he's good at hiding it on the surface. ]

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