mistsplitter | 🌸 seasons inbox

[ 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. ]

[ By the time Cloud is listing down his orders, Ayaka is back to leaning on him, both arms around his one, with one of her hands slipping her fingers to lace with his. Her eyes close as she listens to the conversation; Cloud's voice is just so calming, and she likes it when he talks about them, despite how it wasn't really much. It puts a smile on her face regardless.

Something just for them. ]

Hehe. Do you think it would be exactly the same as what we had in Nippon?

[ She doesn't think so... But she thinks it would still be nice, regardless. In this instance, it'd be a drink that the two made by themselves, for themselves! That's more special. ]

[ Her weight against his side is a comfort that's difficult to put in words. But that wasn't going to stop him from squeezing her enlaced hand right back, thumb strumming along slender, smooth skin. ]

Maybe close.

... but, if it's not- [ They technically can't read minds, but as the stories would go... ] -this might need an updated name.

Any suggestions?

[ They can start listing one name down after the other before their orders get served. ]

Well...

[ With his free hand, he brings it to his chin in thought. ]

The original was called, "One Thing I Love", right? Then...

[ His brow furrows with thought. ]

"What I Love About..." hmm...

It might be long if it's the full line.

[ Maybe that's why the person who made their drink changed it! ]

One Year of Love?

[ Though that means it's a different drink next year. ]

Two Years of Love. Three Years of Love...

[ Cloud's shoulder give a light shake as he suppresses the urge to laugh. ]

If it were red, I'd have went with something about a camellia...

Perhaps it can have something to do with what we did tonight?

[ The first time they tried it, it was a fruit of their labour from participating in the movie. But now... hm!! ]

Wishing Upon the Night Sky?

Oh yeah...since this'll be something new-ish for us.

[ And they aren't in Nippon anymore. The legacy remains, but what they make of their lives now? That's for the real Cloud Strife and Kamisato Ayaka to decide. ]

Good one... [ But it's long, isn't it? ] Night Sky Wish?

Night Sky Wish it is.

[ She sounds absolutely delighted now that they've come up with a name. Ayaka even pulls away a little so she can flash him a smile.

She's just so happy now. It feels like White Day all over again, with how her heart is racing and how light she feels. This feeling of being loved and being able to love someone in this way... she prays it never goes away. It's the best feeling in the world. ]

I like that a lot, Cloud. Our very own Night Sky Wish.

[ It doesn't matter how many times he sees it. The way she flashes a smile at him... It's like he's falling for the first time all over again. His cheeks redden, and his expression softens all the same. ]

Wonder if they'll let us have the recipe...so we can try it at home.

We could ask. Though I do not mind coming here once a year.

[ She thinks that would be fun. Or just coming over whenever they want a drink, now that they've found a nice and cosy place to eat and drink.

A few moments later, their drinks are served! Ayaka's pleased, despite it not being the exact same drink as the one they had in Nippon, but they did get the colours right!

"I'll be back with the food." ]

It's here! Our anniversary drink!

I'm game.

[ For either of those options really! ... though he might go ahead and ask anyway. Take it home with them so that there might be a chance he surprises her with it. Who knows if they'll have a chance to come back here next year or not? He wants to be sure he can remember and take their memories with them wherever they go... He blinks when the server returns with their special drink. And it does conjure up some old memories. It's not as blue as the original one if he's remembering right! But it does spark a familiar feeling. And right now, especially with how excited she sounds, that's all that Cloud could ever ask for. ]

Looks pretty close.

[ He nods with a small "thanks" to the server as they go to retrieve their orders. Taking his glass and inspecting it, there's a softer fondness in his eyes as he seems to be getting a little lost in the dual-toned beverage. ]

...

[ "Everyday, I will tell you and I will show you." ]

[ His smile grows then, as he looks to Ayaka by his side, still holding his glass up. A toast, then. ]

[ "I do not wish to lose a moment and not tell you that I love you." ]

To us and our wishes.

[ It may look different, but Ayaka certainly doesn't mind. And she could make it more meaningful by saying something like... their first drink was made based on their characters, but this is based on the real them! But she doesn't. There's no need to.

She holds up her drink as well, and clinks it with Cloud's glass. ]

To us and our night sky wishes.

[ It's likely because of Cloud's additional comment, but the drink? Strong. Really strong. Ayaka's eyes open once she's taking a sip, because, wow! The orange flavour is definitely still there, with a hint of passionfruit and vanilla, but the taste of alcohol is more prominent. Perhaps it's meant to be mixed? ]

Oh my. I think this is more to your tastes than mine.

[ This is even more personal. And frankly, he wouldn't change the colors of the drink for anything either. With a clink of his glass with hers, he hums in contentment as Ayaka claims their night sky wishes. It's got a orange flavour to it, but it's accompanied by a really wicked kick after. Nothing so terrible that it burned or anything, but even he has to throw up an eyebrow. It's not enough to make him stop straightaway! But even he has to let out a little 'phew'. ]

Maybe the orange and blue should be stirred...

[ Which is exactly what Cloud does, taking the end of his spoon on the table to dip it into his glass. The blue and orange mix start to swirl beautifully, creating a striping pattern. Normally this would cause the concoction to turn brown, but since he doesn't thoroughly stir it and the alcohol is dense enough...it holds some of its dual-toned color! Now no longer just sitting on top of one another. ]

Maybe this time...

[ So Cloud attempts it again, letting the drink sit in his mouth for a fleeting moment before swallowing. This time? Now it tastes like the passionfruit, vanilla and orange! But with a more subtle aftertaste by contrast as the citrus cuts into the strength of the harder liquor. ]

There's the ticket.

[ Should be stirred, huh? She'll do that with her straw, then, mixing the colours together until the drink's turned into a goldish hue, with hints of blue. Ayaka takes a sip when most of the colours have been mixed. Yes, okay. Cloud's right! That definitely tastes a lot better. ]

You did it.

[ Cloud saved their drink! Ayaka is definitely very pleased, leaning back on Cloud's arm once she's gotten a good sip of it. She'd like to save the rest for when their snacks come. ]

We had a long day. Are you tired?

[ Their food comes in shortly after. You can still see the steam coming up from the fritters! Ayaka says a quick thank you to the server, bowing her head slightly. ]

We did.

[ They made this together. And as silly as may be to get this sentimental over a drink... The history that leads behind it all makes it that much more crucial. He knows he's going to take that recipe before they leave here today. That or come very damn close to replicating it himself. Even if he's not the bar expert. ]

Not really. [ If he's being honest? Spending the night with her and going up to the observatory only rekindled his energy. Even after they spent a good portion of it traveling to Coldreach by foot. ] Might change after we hit the mattress though.

[ Though if he were being honest, Cloud wasn't really keen on going to bed right away, even when they got back. The treehouse had a lovely balcony, and listening to her for the rest of the night sounds just as nice. The fritters and his sausage come, and he bows his head in turn, a little mannerism he picked up on habit from the Shirasagi Himegimi and his tenure in Nippon.

Some old habits die hard. ]

How you feelin'?

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