mistsplitter | 🌸 seasons inbox

You always do. Thank you for being so patient with me.

[ Ayaka does cry a lot... she promises not to do so anymore for the remainder of their trip, but if he does something that makes her so happy, then she might just break her promise.

A wistful sigh, and she offers him a bit more of her food. No one's looking, she can feed him!!

And as they finish the rest of their anniversary snack, they might notice more people coming in. Looks like this pub's only getting livelier by the minute! A few people start manning the pool table, filling up the ambiance with the sound of balls hitting one another, cheers, and laughs. It's actually fun to see! Ayaka doesn't know anything, but it's nice to see people gather together and enjoy themselves. ]

Always.

[ And just like that, another sign of his support of her, she sneaks him a bit of her food and he doesn't make a scene of it. A moment of sharing, not even thinking of the romantic notions of it all as he accepts another bite of her beefy little treat. After enjoying and finishing off the rest of his own sausage, along with a good portion of his own drink, he notices that more and more people were coming in too. ]

Good thing we got here when we did...

[ Even still, it wasn't getting so busy that it was overcrowded either. Coldreach wasn't some bustling hotspot like some places in Nightwake seemed to be. He finds himself enjoying just watching the people mingle, especially when some were starting to play pool. It's a game he never played before...

However, as a small yet jovial group celebrate in one corner of the pub, they're loud enough to garner the blond's attention as he squints through the brief cluster of people walking between tables to see a dart board. And somebody just missed it completely while the others were having a laugh about it! ]

Huh, didn't see the dartboard when we walked in.

[ Probably because your attention was on a certain little ~~white rabbit~~ princess. ]

[ Well, Ayaka isn't any better. She was too focused on her beau to notice anything else...

But that's fine! They're more relaxed now, and they're both taking in the atmosphere. Ayaka doesn't know anything about darts, beyond what Cloud's told her, but... ]

Would you like to play? [ Now she can watch him in action! Hopefully those other people are friendly and would play with Cloud. Ayaka won't, because there are other people around, but she'll cheer Cloud on! ]

Hm. [ He eyes what's left of his drink. ... Then back to the darts. And then to Ayaka, ] Sure.

[ But on one condition! ]

Wanna finish our drinks, pay and check it out?

[ They can start making their way home afterwards! He gets to show off to Ayaka... ~~No hustling drunks out of money this time though.~~ ]

Mm, alright.

[ That sounds like a good plan to her! And he gets to show off to Ayaka!! :D She's so excited. And in true Kamisato-Strife action. . . ]

May I pay for our bill this time?

'Kay. You got this one.

[ He's almost tempted to try and convince her to go halfsies with him if she must...but knowing him? He'll find a way to spoil her right back. Beyond what he's already paid for their trip out here, that is. ]

[ The two take their sweet time finishing their drinks, and once Cloud bites his tongue on telling their server to split the bill, it's all combined for Ayaka to handle and purchase! There's no need to clean up either, their plates taken care of and their emptied glasses of Night Sky Wish ~~of which he shall ask for the recipe of before leaving~~. Now all that's left is a prince and his white heron princess, hand in hand more comfortably in public thanks in part to the strength of their drink. Just as the duo arrive with the group of friends playing darts, they appear to be just finishing up a round after the last shot is just short of the bullseye.

Were they playing for points? Or who can get the most bullseye marks? He supposes he shouldn't get too competitive about it... ]

Hey, [ he calls out with Ayaka at his side. One of the older gentlemen lifts their head up from the pile of darts in their hand to spot the younger couple. ] Mind if I join in for a round or two?

[ "Heeey, we got a newcomer! Can't say I've seen either of you 'round these parts before! What's your name?" ]

[ Well they seem like friendly enough tipsy folk! ... possibly drunk. He can't quite tell. Regardless, he's got his answer! He can play! ]

I'm Cloud. [ Even though she wasn't planning on playing, he had no intention of leaving her out either. Giving her hand a squeeze before letting go, ] And this is...

[ Friendly! Which is great, because it means Cloud can play! Ayaka can't easily shake off being so comfortable around Cloud then suddenly being around others, though, so she takes a few seconds to compose herself before responding. ]

Greetings. My name is Kamisato Ayaka.

[ She gives them a small smile and a bow of her head. There's no need to be so formal in a place like this! But they chalk it up to her being shy. She did look a little dazed when Cloud cued her to introduce herself, after all.

... maybe she should order another drink while Cloud is playing. A glass to hold onto and something to drink to to take away the nerves sounds like a good idea. Though she waits for the game to begin before she does anything. ]

Um... I shall watch from here. [ Her voice is soft enough for just Cloud to hear, but the others can probably tell what she's saying. They're just by the bar, so Ayaka will watch from one of the stools. ] It is customary to wish the other luck, no?

I'm excited to see you play! And... [ Tiptoeing so she can whisper in his ear, she gives him some words of motivation to carry with him when he plays.

Perhaps you can sit on our bed while I'm on my knees when we are back at our lodging after you win? ]

That's right.

[ She can get comfy! Besides, he imagines he won't take long doing this. But before she can go to her stool to watch and cheer him on, Cloud accompanies her with a confident smile. ]

Shouldn't be long. If you wanna leave early, just say when.

[ "I'm excited to see you play! And..." ]

Mm?

[ He leans in with her tiptoeing up so she can whisper in his ear. He cocks a brow, and her voice carries through... She really was soothing to him, whisper or no. But it's what she says, and the expression on his face, that tells the whole story. His eyes widen, and his breath catches in his throat silently. ]

.......

[ And so, whispered back, but not before her beau swallows thickly, face redder than a summon Materia, ]

Yes ma'am.

[ And now? Cloud was in full-on mercenary mode. Time to school the boys. Approaching the group, he crosses his arms. ]

So. 301 or 501 Darts?

[ They choose to go with 301 Darts! They like this young lad's bravado, too! Just don't get too cocky in front of your lady there, Cloud. They may be a little drunk, but they're not so fargone that they can't see where they're aiming! He squares up with the oldest of the group, sporting a thick and impressive white moustache and a shiny bald head. As the two take turns hitting the board, Cloud's shots are more accurate, going between bullseyes and calculating how much farther down he has to go in order to reach 0.

It's not the closest game, but in the end, after about 10 or so throws, Cloud successfully defeats the old man! They take it on the chin, as the group commend the blond for his throwing skills! Clearly he's done this before! But now it's time for a middle-aged, bearded fellow to step up to the plate. But this time...they have a twist in mind. 301 again! Only this time...

"How's about we heat things up a little? If I win, you buy a round for me and the boys before you and your lady friend call it a night."

Can Cloud even afford that?! Seems the crew doesn't care. They wanna see this hotshot of an otherworlder back up his talk and walk. Especially against their best guy! He bets he can hit 0 in less than 10 shots, no problem. ]

...

[ But then Cloud, ]

Six.

[ "Huh?" ]

I'll do it in six darts.

[ That gets the rest of the surrounding crowd murmuring. Six?! That's...a perfect game, isn't it? Hitting the triples back to back to back...the last shot is the easiest one, supposedly. But getting there is the tough spot. If Cloud literally misses once, he can't do it. ]

I do that? And you're paying for her drink.

[ Hiking his thumb over his shoulder to his girlfriend watching, Cloud is serious about this. ]

[ By the time Cloud and the other men look back at her, she's watching intently with a drink in her hand, and the straw in her mouth. She was mid-sip, Cloud!! But now they're looking, and she blinks for a moment before shyly waving at her beau.

'-' ]

You can do it!

[ 'u' A shy smile. She doesn't know what 301 and 501 mean, but Cloud's been impressing not just her, but the other people here! ]

[ Cloud can't help but break his cool exterior for a moment when he realizes he's caught her mid-sip. He may do his best to keep his cool and knows when to take matters seriously, but...he really was smitten with her. He has to shake it off, least he not back up his talk. So before he begins his round after his opponent proceeds to finish in 9 shots...

Deep breath in...and deep breath out. ]

[ He throws. Inner circle 20. The other men give a collective "ooo". Deep breath in...and deep breath out. Clear out all doubt. Focus. ~~Cheat a little because his reflexes and precision are superhuman. FJLKDSA~~ Another throw. 20 again.

With each one, the man he's facing is less worried about losing to Cloud and more rooting for the guy. Would he even make the guy pay up for everyone's tab if he misses a shot? Because by shot #4 and Cloud actually landing all of them in the same spot in a row, he's thinking of just letting the guy go and rewarding his girlfriend with a free drink anyway! This is entertaining to see! ]

...

[ Shot Five. A collective gasp. It strikes true. Triple 20 again. Cloud literally only has 1 point left for a perfect game. It should be the easiest one. Just hit in the biggest spot underneath the '1'. No double. No Triple.

Cloud doesn't keep the crowd holding their breath for very long. Without so much as a word...

He lets his sixth and final dart fly, humming as it hits the board. 1.

Six shots. It's Cloud's game to win. And he's feeling pretty damn good about himself right now, pumping his fist as the crowd hoots and hollers in celebration. Aaand add a cool little 'hmph' as he crosses his arms for good measure. ]

[ Ayaka thinks she gets it easily enough. Six shots, and he has to make "301" points. It's hard to see the numbers from where she's seated, but the suspense is still immense when Cloud doesn't just have the attention of the men he's playing with and his girlfriend, but he has the attention of some other customers, and even the bartender.

When everyone's cheering and hooting, even toasting with one another and handing each other money because someone just lost a bet, Ayaka's jumped off her seat and left her drink at the bar. ]

That was amazing! [ No high fives, no fist bumps. She's clenching and shaking her fists in excitement as soon as she's in front of him. ] You didn't even look nervous. Not for a second!

[ She's already crazy about him but agsfdhfk her affections for him is just. Limitless. ]

[ Cloud doesn't even get the chance to gloat or rub it in to the guy he just beat by the time Ayaka bounds over excitedly. And just like that, his front crumbles and he's relaxed once more. Sighing through his nose in relief, he smiles for her when she mentions how he didn't look nervous for a second. ]

Gotta have nerves of steel in my line of work. [ Briefly he pauses, before correcting himself as the group he was playing with begin to approach them. ] Well, not anymore.

[ He gave up the merc life. At least, the kind he used to do. He turns around to face the gentleman he just bested who can only shake his head before flashing him a big toothy grin! ]

[ "That's one steady hand you got there, Cloud! A deal's a deal. Little Miss Kamisato's drink is on us!"

Yeah! ]

Thanks for indulging me.

[ "Now then, how's about one more go at the board! Think you can hit the same amount of bullseyes in a row?"

Ohhh that does sound good! They wanna see it!!

But...as Cloud looks to Ayaka at his side, and back to the darts... The choice is pretty easy for him. He's consulting her, like there's no one else around and it's just the two of them. Ayaka's his priority. What she wants? He wants. And Cloud wouldn't mind going back soon, if not right now. ]

How you feelin'?

[ Wanna go back? ]

[ It's a little embarrassing for a stranger to pay for her drink, but she can't really refuse that anymore. Not to mention, it's what Cloud wanted, so she has to tuck that shyness away and just let it be. There are far more exciting things at hand, though, like Cloud's victory!

She doesn't have a preference— to stay or to go, because if Cloud wants to play some more? Then of course she's support him! And he might want to play some more because it's fun, too. This would be when mindreading powers would be very beneficial, but it is a sad truth that they aren't capable of it. Would Cloud be sad if they left already? Or is this his way of excusing themselves as it is? ]

I don't mind staying a bit longer. [ She'll just have yet another drink kajdajd ] It was fun seeing you play! I know you said you were good, but I didn't think I could be excited for a game I'd never even tried before. You just had this air of confidence around you, and I was at the edge of my seat with every move you made.

My heart is beating so fast right now... [ ///// She laughs after that, swaying from side to side slowly. Why is it that she says she doesn't mind staying longer, but it also feels like she wants to be alone with him already? ] You're really amazing, Cloud.

[ Cloud knew which way he was leaning. After all, they intended to leave after they enjoyed their drink and snack before the allure of the dart board grabbed a certain beau's attention! Not to mention...the more that Ayaka strokes and strokes and strokes on Cloud's ego with how cool he looked and the confidence he exuded while backing up his talk, ]

You were...?

[ "My heart is beating so fast right now..." ]

...

[ ///// He can't help himself. He rubs the back of his head, then takes that one important step closer. Towards his girlfriend. Hand in hand, squeezing hers when he just as confidently tells her, ]

Let's get outta here.

Are you sure?

[ Ayaka meant what she said, and she wasn't saying anything just to make him feel good! She would like for him to have a good time too, after all. But it also comes naturally to her to step into him. Then she looks back at the other people who are still waiting for Cloud's decision. ]

Um, please excuse us. We'll be retiring for the night now. Thank you for letting us join you.

[ They're not bothered! Cloud joining them for a game was pretty fun, and it definitely brought a bit more excitement to their night. They're usually just here to meet up every week to talk about work and their families, so having someone young up and join them even for a bit was the highlight of their session tonight.

Some of them even give Cloud a pat on the back, inviting him to come over this time of night whenever he's around. It's pretty easy to travel around the city, after all. Looks like Cloud's got more supporters now! And that puts a smile on Ayaka's face.

Tug tug. ]

Positive.

[ He's had his good time! Now he's looking forward to better times beyond this place. Frankly, he only stepped up for this because it was a brief detour on his plan to spend the rest of the night with her. A calming walk home, taking in the scenery...living in these gentler times for just a little longer. For as long as they can afford to. Turning back to the crew that was glad to welcome them for a couple rounds, Cloud nods his thanks before declaring, ]

Think we're gonna call it a night.

[ "Thank you for letting us join you."

"Not a problem! You and your sharpshooter of a boyfriend here are welcome back any time. Isn't that right, fellas?"

A joyous raise of their glasses and a little cheer for the couple! Everyone seems to be in a good mood out here in this little town... It's actually comforting to him. It doesn't change his decision whatsoever as far as wishing to go back to their special little treehouse, but it makes the memory even fonder to him knowing this was the note they were leaving on. Sure enough, the drinks Ayaka had were entirely on them!

With pats on the back (and Cloud doing his best to just suck it up and take them...), he's tug tugged along by Ayaka as they leave the establishment. He'll be sure to come back to get the recipe for their anniversary drink before they leave this town. In the meantime, however, as the cooler night air greets them, Cloud feels a sense of relief wash over him. It wasn't that hot inside but, with that many people out and about, it was only a matter of time before body heat just built up.

He doesn't shiver though, only stepping in closer with Ayaka at his side before squeezing her hand. ]

You have fun?

[ Not just back there. But in general today. Even with everything they talked about before... To give Ayaka a chance to explore and visit so many new places she never would have had the chance to back home... This was but a taste of the life of a Traveler. ]

[ It feels like yet another chapter to their day has come to a close now that they've left, but it also means a new chapter's begun. Their walk back to their treehouse is bound to be an enjoyable one, regardless of how eventful or how quiet it might be. Cloud doesn't have to do anything for Ayaka to enjoy the time spent together. All he has to do is be there. ]

Yes! [ Her answer is as bright as how the sun would be in the morning. It's the alcohol. Definitely the alcohol that's given her much energy again, especially after she said she was tired already earlier. ] It was so nice to be able to travel on foot. The teleport crystals are truly very convenient, but we would not have been able to see the sights had we used them to get around this area.

I even got to see flowers growing here that I haven't seen in the botanical gardens. And- [ She's going to keep talking about her day. From the different kinds of flowers, trees, the people, the food, the scenery, their time spent at the observation tower. . . everything was just amazing! She won't get into too much detail about the game he played just now, if only because she already talked about it earlier! But she does mention it again, telling him that it was so exciting and he was just so amazing! If this is how anniversary dates are going to be like, then she wants all of them. More. Until they've been able to see anything and everything that life could offer. ] Thank you, Cloud.

What about you?

[ She could go on and on, really, but this is an anniversary date! He wasn't just treating her because he wanted to! So she hopes he had a good time, too. Even if she didn't have any surprises prepared for him this time. ]

[ It takes a bit more alcohol to actually put a 'dent' in the former SOLDIER. But it also means that Cloud gets to better remember and protect this sunnier side of Ayaka that's come out. ]

You've become quite the adventurer between here and Nippon. If you had a second calling, think we might have found one of 'em.

[ And for the most part, Cloud listens to her keep talking. Interjecting here and there to acknowledge what she's seen. Adding about the various types of scenery he'd come across or took note of. But more importantly, he's letting her talk. Express herself just as she's given him the chance to so many times before now.

"Thank you, Cloud."

Something so simple speaks volumes for him, and he can't help but watching her back with wider blue eyes, only to him and step in just a little further to her so she could be more comfortably leaning on him as they walk. It's getting too dark to really see much beyond the street and lights, so sightseeing would have to wait for another day. But they're comfortable here. Safe here. The ambiance of what little nightlife is stirring in this woods-laden land fills what space stays between them as they talk. ]

Yup. I had fun, too. Last time I threw darts in a bar, turns out Diluc was working there and showed me up.

[ But how could anyone be better than Cloud after seeing that?! That was just far too amazing, and she could go on and on about how excited she was and how cool she thinks her beau is after seeing him play. ]

They seemed to like you very much— those men you played. Will you be coming back here, then?

[ Could be nice... A sense of community, in a way. Though she doesn't think Cloud would want to come back unless there was a special occasion, it's worth hearing what he thinks, above all else.

In case Cloud wants to play some more, though, then they can ask the ones they're closest to at this time. ]

Perhaps Thoma knows how to play darts. I don't know about Ayato...

Maybe.

[ Cloud doesn't have much reason to return on his own for personal reasons...as nice as they are. ]

Depends on if I have a quest lined up that takes me out this way. [ That being said, as he looks back down to her at his side, he adds, ] We'll come back again. See if this feeling sticks.

[ He has a hunch that it will. Everyone out here was so relaxed and settled in with their way of life. It's not that they didn't have a care in the world, but...this place was surprisingly safe. ]

Thoma was from Mondstadt... Maybe he saw it before heading to Inazuma. [ Though now that she mentions her brother...! Cloud actually hums thoughtfully at that, his tone of voice lifting a little. ] Not gonna lie, I can see him liking it.

Why don't you ask Ayato to go with you some time? [ Ayaka fully supports Ayato and Cloud getting to know each other better and becoming closer!! ] He said he also likes to go out for drinks at times, but I'm not sure if he's gone to this part of the city.

[ And the two can see who can outdrink the other... Go wild, boys. ]

And then you can show Ayato how good you are in playing darts. I think he would be very impressed!

Edited 2023-08-23 07:01 (UTC)

Huh? Out here?

[ That's...not a bad idea at all, actually. The trick is Cloud feeling comfortable enough to ask him for such a trip just for the sake of it. A short getaway.

... he didn't think he'd get excited (as Cloud gets on the surface anyway) over this prospect. Because if Ayaka wanted to, he'd gladly show her too. But...his tone of voice softens some more as he curiously asks. Mayhaps there's a hint of hope in his tone? ]

You think he...wouldn't mind me teaching him if he doesn't know yet?

Mm... A change of scenery might be nice for him, as well. Even if it's just for dinner and some games.

[ Ayato travels more than Ayaka does, but if he's been home most days and just sticking to home and work and the main city, then going here might be good! There are no dangers, there's fresh air, and he can see the sights.

If they wanted Ayaka and Thoma to come too, then of course they would! But she just wants both of them to have a good time and get to know each other better. Much as she takes interest in other things that Cloud likes, she'd be more happy watching him and supporting him from the sidelines.

To Cloud's inquiry, she pulls away slightly without letting go. She wants him to look at her when she answers, ]

I think he would appreciate it. [ Cloud just being himself, showing more of who he is to someone that's learned to trust him. Ayato wouldn't allow someone in his home to live in his home if he wasn't trusted, even if that someone had his sister's heart. Perhaps, especially if that someone had his sister's heart. ] Though you must stay on your guard so Ayato does not best you.

Hehe. You may be my beau, but my brother is one of the most intelligent and skilled people I know. He's quick to learn new things, and will pick up on the smallest detail and turn that around you.

[ She gives him a wink before she looks forward again as they walk, leaning on his arm again. Didn't she sound cool just then?! She thinks so!! ]

I'll jot it down as a reminder.

[ The less danger her brother was put into, the better. As capable as he was, they both knew the turmoil that this world could throw at one without a moment's notice. What he's been through... They would look after one another, but Cloud couldn't help but feel a deepened sense of responsibility to the older Kamisato in turn. And he wasn't even a retainer. A simple getaway. One that they can either partake with on their own, or go all together.

What a family will eventually be...

"I think he would appreciate it," she says as she implores him to look at her. Despite the fact they were still walking, they've slowed down enough that they can not keep their eyes on the road ahead. Having Ayaka's vote of confidence, regardless of their relationship, was also a big stepping stone to overcome in his eyes. She may be a gentle soul, but she was no doormat either. The Kamisato Clan was a guarded family, for a myriad of reasons. But once you were let inside...

Well. Suffice to say, Cloud had no intention of ever leaving now that he was let in. He wouldn't take the memories she's not only helped him regain, but also the new ones they were making together, for granted. Including the one she bestows upon him now when she playfully hypes her older brother up. She sounds both serious and genuine! Only to top it with the proverbial cherry as she gives him a wink. ]

A-Ah...

[ And just like that, she's leaning on his arm again, nothing was amiss. She wasn't just cool there, but...

Σ>―(〃°ω°〃)♡→

Consider him charmed all over again. The added influence of touching her in this world may not help him hide his blush after all. His body may feel warmer than normal, all the while his heart hammers away in his chest as he feels a compulsion practically swallow him whole. ]

I think I can manage. I'm a quick learner, too.

[ She can lean on him all she wants to...but it'll have to be closer than his arm as he slides it over the curve of her hip, keeping her snug against his side. It won't be long before they're back to their tree lodge. ]

Got a good teacher to thank for that.

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