mistsplitter | 🌸 seasons inbox

[ 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.

[ It's nice to think about Ayato and Cloud bonding some more. Ayaka doesn't wish to replace his memories of his actual family, and she never would! Not when she pays her respects to Claudia every day, even tries to make conversation with her portrait even if it's always one-sided. She considers Cloud to be so important and a part of her small family now, though. They aren't married (yet), but they're always there for each other, and always support one another. Isn't that what family is all about? And him being more comfortable and close with Ayato would strengthen their family, too.

Their walk continues to be filled with fun chatter, plans for the future, whether individual or as a couple, amongst other things. The closer they get to their lodging, though, the colder it gets. It is almost always Winter in Coldreach, after all! And not evne their comfortable clothing can keep them warm for long.

One last look at the stars above outside their little treehouse, though. The balcony gives such a nice view, and Ayaka is already thinking that this could he such a relaxing place to have breakfast in the morning. They could order in and eat it outside.

Ayaka doesn't take too long observing the stars. It was just for one last look, after all! Once inside, she takes off her blazer and hangs it on the nearby rack. It's gotten late, but not too late that the day is over. With how quiet it is up here though, it definitely makes it feel like it's the perfect time to wind down for the night. And you can't do that without a cup of tea! ]

They probably do not serve sencha... And I feel it is too late to disturb the room service crew. . . [ u_u Hmm. . . ] I wish I could make today last longer, but when today ends, it just means there is next year to look forward to.

Let's see how long room service is running till...

[ Because if they haven't closed up shop yet? Then in his eyes, it's all fair game! After removing his boots, he grabs the stiff panel of a room service menu and plops himself down at the edge of their bed. While he reads through and checks what the service times are, he listens intently to what she's saying, all the while skimming the words. ]

If today ends, that just means I'll make tomorrow better with you.

[ Ah! ]

Hey, check it out. [ He flips the panel around so that she can have a see! Whether she sits with him or not, she can at least see for herself that not all hope is lost. ] Looks like the kitchen's closed down, but snacks are open for another twenty-ish minutes.

[ Which includes tea. 'u' ]

They could be using those twenty minutes to clean up... I'd rather not.

[ It's not a big deal! It's just tea, and they can make up for all the tea they didn't drink when they get back home.

Plopping down next to Cloud, she fiddles with her skirt for a moment. A shy sort of fidgeting as she gathers up the courage to ask her beau: ]

Um... tomorrow morning... would you like to have breakfast at the balcony? I can order food and tea for us, and set up there. [ If there's a flower shop that can deliver, she'd want to order some for Cloud, too. ] Though if you'd prefer to eat inside or at a restaurant, then I don't mind.

[ Cloud won't press for it any more then! But he can't help but smirk up at her for it before she plops down by his side. ]

You're better than me for that.

[ Falling quiet as he watches her, he lifts a brow, curiouser when Ayaka starts to fiddle with her skirt. And now it's her turn to be shy when she starts to ask about what they can do tomorrow. Everything she's proposing? She might as well have beaten him to the punch for proposing it all. Because while he might not have had a 1-to-1 itinerary, he still wanted to make sure this getaway for the both of them counted. Their night spent at the observatory and recreating their old memories at the pub wasn't something he would take for granted. Especially when he looks at the camelia charm now adorning his phone.

Just as Ayaka finishes, how she wouldn't mind them eating in or at a restaurant, his hand slips over the top of her lap, for gentle support as he leans in. If she's not looking his way, she's getting a kiss along the side of her head. If she's looking in his eyes? She's getting a gentle sweep of his lips against hers.

Soft and sweet...before he draws away with a nod. ]

Gimme breakfast on the balcony. [ A beat. ] Hard to think of a better way to start my morning with you.

Edited 2023-09-03 07:11 (UTC)

[ There he is again, catching her.

The blush on her cheeks is because she doesn't wish for her invitation to be rejected. She'd always want to do things that Cloud is comfortable in, or at the very least, open to. Sometimes, she thinks her ideas of romance may not be possible, even if it's as simple as having breakfast out on the balcony on a cool and crisp morning. But Cloud takes her hand, kisses her, tells her words that warm her heart not because she wants to hear them, but because she understands now that it is what he wants, too. ]

Then... please leave it to me. I shall coordinate with room service tomorrow.

[ Her tone gives away the relief she's feeling, that Cloud wants what she wants, too, but there's no need to point that out anymore and thank him. She promises he'll have nothing to worry about, instead! ]

I shall make sure the start of our new year together will be nothing but good memories for you.

[ (And that means breakfast in the balcony might not be the first thing they do...) ]

Looking forward to it.

[ Cloud's head feels lighter than normal. And no, it has very little to do with the alcohol they had prior to making it back. But if he had any less restraint, he'd have tackled Ayaka to the bed already, holding her tight out of an eruption of joy. But instead, Ayaka receives it in pieces. Bit by bit. Holding her hand here. Squeezing it there. Kissing her now. Telling her everything they both want to hear. ]

Mm. [ (Breakfast on the balcony may not be the first thing they do...and if they wake up doing anything else? He's going to make sure she remembers every second of it.) ] And I'm gonna make sure...

[ He made his choice a long time ago. Even saying it now still felt...well, not hard. But heavy. Like he knew the gravity of his decision but without an ounce of regret. Without Nippon or Elipsa, he wouldn't have made it to this point. He wouldn't have met someone who swiftly became the woman of his life. He wouldn't have become so...complete. And knew exactly where he wanted to spend his days reveling in this complete person.

By her side. ]

...that the rest of our lives gives us even more.

[ After everything that's been said and shared between the two today, Cloud's words continue to make her feel like she's in heaven. He's given her the best days of her life, and each day just gets even better than the last. Being able to wake up next to him almost every day feels like an even bigger dream that's come true, even though she'd initially felt she wasn't ready to live under the same roof as Cloud yet months ago. ]

I love you, Cloud. I have never felt so happy until I met you.

[ He's so close to her. All she's left to do is to inch a little closer so that all she can do is lean up a little so she can kiss him again, giving his hand a squeeze at the same time.

She doesn't know what it is he truly means by that, that he's made his decision on what he'd do if he were given the choice to go back to Gaia or go to Inazuma and stay there forever. To her, it's hopeful words for the future. A promise. But everything in between is still uncertain. When it would be, how... but Ayaka is filled with optimism, nevertheless. ]

[ Cloud believes in the end of the road. He believes that no matter what it takes, he'll make it back to her. If he were to take a page from Ei's book of phrasing... This was it. Kamisato Ayaka was his eternity. And he would stop at nothing to see his eternity again. ]

I love you, too.

[ Squeezing her hand right back, their fingers enlace as he leans down to meet her halfway for their kiss. The road they may take to meet at the end may be hazed...but it wouldn't deter him. It wouldn't stop him from coming up that pathway from Chinju Forest, upon the doorsteps of the Kamisato Estate. There was too much at stake for him to accept anything less. With the path he's since walked since arriving in Nippon... A path he never would have been granted under normal circumstances. In another time, another life... Cloud wouldn't have even had this chance. He never would have known of the countless realms out there. A world with no Kamisato Ayaka. A world where, if he gets his happiness, it's through an entirely different path with painful roadblocks.

That Cloud...would go on to fight for what he cherishes most in a world in desperate need of salvaging. As for the man who sits by Ayaka's side now?

This Cloud...

He has a chance to be happy. And fight for it in a completely new way. Which is why he'll live for the moment. Every instant with her. Every kiss. The hand that rests atop her thigh as he kisses her again.

And again...and again, his head feeling light. He's unwilling to stop. ]

[ It feels different when they kiss now. Rather than the stars being witness to their story, it feels like a new star is born and shines brightly in the sky, in the same way that Cloud and Ayaka's relationship has grown deeper than ever before. Now that Ayaka's found the person for her, the one that she never thought even existed, her life has changed drastically. Her devotion to this person could only grow deeper and deeper, endless just like how vast the sky truly is.

There's nowhere else she'd rather be now, being with her beau as they start a new year together. As they start drafting a new page in their story that would last eternity. And everything else that's happened today, the past weeks, almost a month or so now, it spurs her to give her all when she kisses him. A memorable way to end the night.

It doesn't take long for her to inch closer and closer until their knees are touching. Ayaka kisses him again and again, responding to him in kind, but at the same time, giving more of her and letting Cloud know just how much she loves him and needs him. It doesn't take long for Ayaka to wrap her free arm around her beau's neck either, pull him closer and bring him closer to her. To everyone else, it's just a normal and hopefully happy day! But to Ayaka, this is one of the most important days in her entire life. ]

(no subject)

sultanofsquat - 2023-09-07 06:49 (UTC) - Expand