mistsplitter | 🌸 seasons inbox

( from the night of tartaglia & yoimiya's housewarming )

[ It's been a fun night; between drinking tea and sake under a warm kotatsu, one magic-fueled snowball battle, an attempt at ice skating and being the worst teacher for someone else, a ill-chosen battle against the Dark Queen of Summer in Fire Water Chess, breaking it down on the digital dance floor and more... It's a miracle he's held out this long before tucking himself into a corner somewhere. No one was asking him to turn into a social butterfly or be the life of the party, mind, but it's a combined effort! To make a conscious choice in supporting Ayaka and their companions- to make an effort.

That and the number of drinks it took to finally get him beyond buzzed. That also helped. Still feeling clear enough in the head that he wasn't just stumbling idiot, he is plenty loosened up enough by the time the festivities were finally beginning to wind down. Loosened up and...happy. He was looking forward to going home.

More importantly, he was looking forward to going home with a certain white heron in tow. They're both still in the same house, but, before Cloud can find her, her phone will buzz. One text message. ]

(*´▽`*)

[ Second text message. ]

what time we thinkin of headin out? no rush.

Hello, my love! Σ>―(〃°ω°〃)♡→

[ It's Cloud! This party has been a lot of fun, and they did split up to socialise some and do other things. Hearing from him again even though they're in the same place perks her up by a lot, and she starts looking around to see if he's nearby.

She cannot seem to find him though, so she decides to head outside to see if he's there. ]

It has gotten late, hasn't it? Perhaps we should get ready to leave.

Where are you? I'd like to come and find you.

[ Cloud had to take a little bit of time to recharge himself. Which is why after spending some time outdoors, he came back and decided to check out the network while he sat on the couch in front of their Switch system. ]

least it'll get warmer the longer we walk.

[ That and they dressed appropriately for the shift in regions. ]

just downstairs on the couch. you upstairs somewhere? (・・ )?

[ Oh, he is inside!! She's quick to head back in and look for him, and he'll definitely see her a bit more excited than usual once she spots him. ]

There you are. I went outside because I thought you were there.

[ But chilling here is fine, too! She'll only sit down if he wants her to, but if they're getting ready to leave, then it may be best to stay up. ]

[ Cloud got as far as cobbling together (o˘◡˘o) in his next text message by the time he hears the pitter patter of footsteps coming back around. Looking up, he drops his phone the opposite side of where she was coming, mako-infused blues lighting up when he pushes himself to stand upright. ]

Heya!

[ Funny she should say that, ]

Huh. I just slipped in a short bit ago. Sorry I missed you.

[ Cloud'll remember his phone eventually. He's a little more focused on closing what little space is left between the two of them, his arms moving to settle around her waist as the contentment he feels hasn't left his face since he saw her come back. ]

You have a good time?

[ Oh! They're around people, but at least they're in someone's house... No one seems to be looking, so this is alright.

Then, it'll be alright too if she tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. ]

Yes! It will be an adjustment now that Yoimiya is farther, but at least we can teleport and meet each other if we need to. This new house is lovely, too.

[ That's her bestie moving away, Cloud. 🥺 ]

[ Cloud wasn't about to pull her down on the couch mid-party for a cuddle, thankfully. But that still wasn't going to stop him from showing her he was perfectly okay with this! His cheeks dust redder than they already are when she gets up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. Instead of trying to kiss her right back though, he tilts his head in against her lips, even as she pulls away. Like he was going for a nuzzle, but he's back to looking into her eyes again. ]

Yeah, and a change of scenery to boot.

[ But...having Yoimiya be this far despite that, he can only imagine it was going to be an adjustment period for her too. Like being in completely different sectors of Midgar, but it's the same big city. ]

To think we all started in a buncha next door apartments to each other.

[ Oh! She's not sure what he was going for there, but no harm done. ]

Hehe, it feels like such a long time ago, no?

[ But they've all moved on and improved their places now! That's honestly so nice. ]

The skies in Coldreach are kind of like Nibelheim at times. Maybe we should come here more often.

[ Because of the auroras! ]

[ Your beau has had a little too much Fire Water, and is feeling more affectionate than usual. Everything will be okay. ]

Almost a year I think. Give a couple months? [ He sighs through his nose. ] Everything worked out too.

[ When mentions the skies in Coldreach, and how they reminded her of Nibelheim. How the aurora lights just made the stars appear that much closer when he took her to the center of town... The look he gives her is one of reminisce. Of everything that came out from that, and what she did for him that fateful journey through time. ]

We'll make a date out of it. [ Cloud's arms slip away from around her waist, only so he could seek out her hand to slip it right in his. Comforting. Just like earlier. Only this time, it's his turn to lace them first with a tender little squeeze between his fingers. ] See if we can make out some stars from Kyoto.

I do wonder if we can get some books from Kyoto here...

[ In the same way that some stuff from Nippon came with them! Maybe that is possible. ]

If not, perhaps we can ask some people who actually lived in Nippon prior to arriving here what they know of the constellations in their sky.

[ And then they can start looking! It'll be a great date, because they both won't know anything and they'll be learning things together. ]

Wouldn't be surprised if we could. Let's ask Olwen. We're not the only ones that got pulled from worlds that weren't ours.

[ It's going to hit Cloud later that, suspended back in Nippon... Bahamut's still there, isn't he. ]

Good call.

[ Wave bye to the dancing machine, still colorful and giving off a deep thumping beat. Time to head upstairs! Luckily for Ayaka, Cloud's not so sloshed that he'll forget how to step. kdjasfh ]

We can put the word out on the net later, see who picks up from Nippon.

I'm sure we have a lot more to learn. It'll be exciting!

[ About the constellations, she means. And if they do get an opportunity to get items back from Nippon, then you can bet your butt Ayaka is going to take advantage of it. She wants to get more stuff that Cloud gave her!! ]

We should say goodbye to Tartaglia and Yoimiya first, and then tell Ayato that we'll go on ahead.

[ It'll be a nice and chilly walk home! Or rather, back to the teleporter. Until they get to Sunwaning, anyway. ]

Yeah...

[ Cloud is on the same wavelength. The more he can take back from Nippon that he got for Ayaka, the better. And if the stars line up above them again...he'll find something he can name for her. ]

Right. Would be cruddy if we just up and took off without a word. [ To all three. But especially to Ayato. ] Alrighty. Time to wrap things up.

❄ ❄ ❄

[ The only instance where Cloud let go of Ayaka's hand was for any farewells to other guests and the homeowners themselves. That and to get his boots back on once they've returned to the foyer. ]

Thanks for the good time. Welcome home, you two.

[ Calling back with thanks to the Harbinger and Fireworks expert, Cloud out of instinct gives a polite bow. ...with a little more of a bend than usual because what is 100% control over his body right now. ]

Take care.

[ And once the two of them were finally outside, the door shutting behind them, it feels like Cloud can sigh with relief. More than usual, anyway. Because that was...a challenge. And he saw it through. Now that it's just the two of them again, he looks down to Ayaka's hand comfortably in his, before looking into her eyes with a warm smile. ]

Thank you.

[ Ayaka doesn't mean to be impolite, so she's been... holding back on making sure he's alright until they're alone. She's got her hand in his now as they head to where the nearest teleporter in Coldreach is, but her eyes are on her beau and not on the road ahead. ]

Cloud...

[ She won't ask in a worried way, because they had such a lovely day out with friends. Instead, she smiles at him and even laughs a little. He's. . . not drunk, she thinks, but he's definitely buzzed. Just like how he was when they went out with their crewmates in Nippon.

Then again, she was pretty buzzed then, too. ]

How many of me can you see?

[ Hopefully his vision hasn't gotten blurry that there's double of her right now. ]

[ In all truths? This is the first time that Cloud's actively let himself drink this much before. He was always touting about how he prefers something hard and bitter. That he was good with the heavy stuff. And while he doesn't plan on making this a repeat performance...he's also feeling rather content. He did things he didn't think he would while sober- such as getting into character to combat the Shadow Queen of Summer in Yoimiya...before that went down into a spiral of many, many drinks. Not to mention her brother delivering what was effectively the coup de grace in another round of chess.

Cloud doesn't swing her arm in his, but as they walk and keep to the well-traveled paths of snow so they're not trudging through fresh patches, en route to the nearest teleporter in Coldreach... There's more of a gentle sway in his hold of her hand, even when she questions how he was feeling after all that liquor. Much like their little celebration tour with the production and acting crew.

So, how many? ]

Just one. [ There's a glint of amusement in his eyes. And as if to make a point of it, he doesn't watch the road ahead as they walk so he can tell her, ] The only star I need.

[ Eyes on her. ...till they need to cross a street or something. ]

Edited 2024-01-17 03:39 (UTC)

[ Oh... Her beau is being cheesy tonight. ]

Silly Cloud.

[ He's said it before too, but hearing it slipped into their conversation now only makes her heart race. She's laughing again, and instead of keeping their hands laced together? She clings to his arm instead, resting her head on him. ]

I think... having two Clouds would mean I have two beaus. And they would both hold my hands at the same time. Hehe.

[ /// That's the dream right there. ]

[ Her beau is being drunk tonight. ... The only difference is, she's giving him every reason not to regret any of it. ]

When's the last time I called you that?

[ He tells her he loves her every day. But it wasn't very often that he got this sentimental. But he also feels very free right now. Lighter than normal. Like if he stopped holding Ayaka's hand, he'd start floating away. Yet he doesn't feel dizzy or lightheaded. It's a buzz. A sensational buzz that only becomes more powerful when Ayaka clings to his arm, using him as a pillar of support he's proud to have become for her. ]

Sharing you with myself... [ But then if there's two Clouds, two beaus, and they're both holding a hand each... 🤔 ] What do we do with our free hands?

Edited 2024-01-17 08:14 (UTC)

Hmm... a while.

[ Ayaka for sure can't quite pinpoint when it was. Probably her birthday? Or some other special time like that. In any case, Ayaka does find it flattering. And she certainly likes the attention he's giving her right now. ]

It would be on your side? Or... Or you can pat my head!

[ She doesn't seem to realise that perhaps this little idea she's cooked up only benefits her. ]

[ At this stage, she'd best be prepared to get a lot more of that attention tonight. His thoughts are flowing, and his words? Just as much so. Her answer as to what two beaus do with their free hands earns her a gentle huff as he flexes his arm she's currently wrapped around. ]

Or two hands per yours? [ Her little plan she's cooked may only benefit her on the surface, but, in this hypothetical little world of hers where the Planet of the Beaus truly exists... ] So long as they're on you.

[ Ah, they really should go home asap. If only they could teleport to their front door instead of some random street in Sunwaning. She wants to hug him and kiss him all over for how sweet he's being with her. ]

Am I also silly because of how fast my heart is beating right now?

[ He's making her feel so special and it's sending her to the moon. Cloud doesn't have to do anything now to win her heart, but it just seems like he keeps doing it over and over, anyway.

She gives his arm a squeeze as the takes a deep breath, then lets out a relaxed sigh afterwards. ]

I truly am so lucky to have a loving and caring beau.

[ He'd be damn-near tempted to start running home at this stage. Because once they made it past the safety of their front gateway and up the serene walking path to their home, Ayaka would have nothing but her beau's eyes on her the entire time. It's so much warmer...but he still finds himself wanting nothing more than to pull her into his lap, sitting in either one of their bedrooms as he cradles her from behind.

A halcyon day in eternal summer, bathing in warm sunlight while reading a book and drinking tea, rays of light casting a glow upon Ayaka that makes her hair that much more brilliant. Like a painting preserved, yet he would hold and cherish these moments for as long as he lives. For as long as time lets them keep fast to these memories. ]

Glad it's not just me.

[ His heart hasn't stopped racing since she took his hand; it only got more pronounced when she held to his arm. This has been the most cheerful he's seen her in a long time. And while he was indeed buzzed, he was still in control of his own thoughts and feelings. Cloud knew he had lowered his guard for her well over a year ago. Even before they started dating when he whisked her away from that wild party, away from the bump and grind of flesh and cries of ecstasy.

The sweetest sound to his ears was the sound of her laughter when they made their harrowing escape. From that moment on that night, he knew that he wasn't letting her out of his sight.

He was keeping his eyes on her. ]

That's my line. [ A beat. Two beats, and his shoulders gently shake with a chuckle, his breath upon the chilled night air. ] 'Cept the beau part.

[ So then...what was his full line? ]

I'm lucky...to have a girl like you. And... [ His tone softens. If they were home already, he'd be stopping to kiss her right now. He's damn near tempted to just do that in the middle of the street, with no one around in the still of this winter night. But the teleporter station isn't far from here. Just another couple blocks. ] ...that I get to love you every day.

Edited 2024-01-18 09:16 (UTC)

Cloud...

[ Her breath shakes and she stops in her tracks.

Not once has Cloud given Ayaka any reason to doubt his affections for her, but Ayaka herself often doubts herself and if she is truly the right person to be by Cloud's side. He is amazing, he truly is, and he's someone she looks up to. Everyday that she gets to be with him and to still be his girlfriend is a blessing. It's as she said before— he has made her dream come true. He's her dream come true.

Ayaka does not cry, but she does tear up a little. And she is doing her absolute best not to let her emotions get the best of her.

Cloud isn't the only one tempted to kiss the other in the middle of the street. Ayaka is tempted as well. The only difference is that she gives in to the temptation, throwing herself at her beau as she wraps both arms around his neck as she kisses him. It's late. There's barely anyone around.

Even if there were though, after Cloud telling her that? She still wouldn't be able to stop herself. She loves him far too much and she never wishes to hurt him ever again. If she could give him everything, she would, but knowing that she can't? Then she has to love him ten times as much as she used to. It's what he deserves. ]

[ Funny how in the waiting room before stepping on stage for their first impromptu audition together, Cloud had once thought that characters falling in love too fast was unrealistic. How he figured these things needed to take time to truly mature. It just...sounded like the rational thing to say at the time, if he was asked to give an opinion as a former member of SOLDIER. Yet in that very same breath, he was the one who couldn't take his eyes off her after they celebrated landing their parts. Every little step of the tea ceremony, all the way to racing her to the station and catching her out of her veil of frost. Just as their characters did...

Just as he would continue to do to this very day. If Ayaka couldn't give everything of herself to him, than it was up to Cloud to make every single moment they have together count. Because if even if a thread of her remembers him in the depths of her heart should they ever have to say goodbye, than it's all she'll need until he finally comes back to her. At the end of everything. Past the very Edge of Creation itself. Ayaka was his star he wouldn't stop wishing for.

She stops in her tracks, and at first, the line of Cloud's brow lifts with concern, as tears well in her eyes amidst the chill of the night. Even now, she was so beautiful...and it's a damn shame he wasn't quick enough to act on letting his finger trail her cheekbone to catch whatever dared to fall. Nothing did. And nothing was stopping Ayaka from throwing herself at him, his heart leaping in his chest as he instinctively wraps his arms around her waist.

Their lips meet in an instant, and his hold on her tightens before he lets himself surrender to her all over again. In the middle of this street, nary a soul to watch or be close enough to perceive them. He only wants his eyes on her... This is exactly what he meant. How lucky he was to have a girl like her. How he got the chance to love her every single day. And he won't stop. He won't stop loving her more, giving her ten times the affection to ensure that he kept that place in her heart.

Wait for him, Kamisato Ayaka. For if you two part, and he becomes a dream again... He'll wash upon those shores of Inazuma and come back to her, and make her dream come true again. He pours everything back into the kiss she's giving him, and though he doesn't cry either, when he draws back enough to finally breath...

His own breath shakes in turn, his forehead pressed against hers as he hugs her close. ]

I love you.

[ Another kiss. ]

[ It doesn't matter where they are or who can see them. She is shy, yes, but she's also come to realise the lengths Cloud would go just to be with her. They are far greater than she could have ever imagined. That he still loves her despite everything that happened the past few months, perhaps loves her even more, is not something she takes lightly.

If Cloud would brave everything just to be with her in the end, she too has to step up. So it's okay if they're outside, it's okay if others will know. It is more than she could ever dare show. She has to think outside the box if she finds herself trapped due to the limitations she feels from her responsibility to her nation and to her brother.

She kisses him back when he tells her that he loves her, and it's as if the cold breeze in the area has gone completely. It's started to feel warm, as if spring was here even though it's eternally winter in this area. It makes no sense, but it still feels right regardless.

It is difficult to pull away from him, but she does so, anyway. Her hands remain on him, especially as she doesn't move too far from him, either. ]

Would you let me kiss you more when we are home?

[ He'll be much more comfortable there. ]

Edited 2024-01-19 06:52 (UTC)

[ As he breathes deep, the chill of eternal winter surrounding them feels like it's converted to the arrival of spring. A warmth that doesn't swelter like summer, but keeps them wrapped in a state of bliss not unlike the soothing fall of sakura petals. They weren't even dating at the time, yet he can't help but smell cherry blossoms, finding himself taken back to watching the great sakura tree as petals danced along the breeze.

A breeze he can feel envelope them both as they kiss, an outpouring of emotions as the cold winds of Frostreign can no longer reach them. Instead, the two Spring wielders are shielded by gentle, warmer winds of the east brushing them. And when it feels as if he couldn't be soaring any higher, he slowly comes back down to Earth with Ayaka in tow, pulling away shortly after she does. His arms remain slipped around her waist, not content in pulling away if she wasn't going to.

And yet... ]

Mm. [ Her comfort is his. ] Not gonna wanna let you go when we're home.

🌸 🌸 🌸
Back in Sunwaning . . .
🌸 🌸 🌸

[ The start contrast in temperatures between Frostreign and Sunwaning almost feels like night and day once they've taken the teleporter back. Their only saving grace is the fact that it's well past nightfall on their end of this world too. The entire time back, he keeps Ayaka close, hand in hand or being her support pillar when she decides to use his arm like it was a pole grip. But the relief he feels when they finally hit that familiar stretch of street before they arrive at the estate is enough to send a rush of warmth throughout his body. And his arm flexes a little in her hold in response to that. ]

Mochi's prolly gonna hear us.

january 5th • text, un: cloudstrife

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