[closed] 🌠stars in the rain🌸

[sultanofsquat]

⌛ Who: Cloud Strife & Kamisato Ayaka
⌛ What: Getting a lay of the land, shooting stars, firsto deito
⌛ When: The second week of June | TDM here
⌛ Where: The City of Nara
⌛ Warnings: ‎️‍🔥

[ The City of Nara, hailing from trees on high, with a more grounded world beneath it all. South of Kyoto, it'd crossed his mind to take a trip there eventually... The real question was when? While he deliberates, having spent the past couple days in Kyoto, his original plan was to take the next train to Tokyo after having lunch with Ayaka- at the teahouse they'd begun frequenting on occasion around Gion. When she mentions how she was taking a personal leave to Nara, it granted him pause, but the rest of their time at the teahouse went off without a hitch all the same.

Up until the time that they're prepared to leave, saying their goodbyes outside the teahouse. In one direction, the train station they'd once hurried to so they can catch the last sane train to Tokyo. The other, the way to the city in the trees. After waving farewell and taking a couple steps...he stops, looking over his shoulder to the younger Kamisato. The longer he watches her back, and the sway of her ponytail, the farther away she gets... ]

...

[ A low sigh under his breath escapes him as his eyes dart between the path he was going to take, and glancing back to the path he wants to. And sure enough, Ayaka would probably be able to hear the sound of hastened footsteps approaching as Cloud catches up. He wasn't lying when he said he was thinking of going to Nara at some point anyway. She just made his mind up for him. He'll get a lay of the land, he thinks. There were no plans to be had in Tokyo, but he still sends a message to Zack letting him know that he was checking out Nara for a few days. Call it spur the moment, but at least on the way the two were able to pass the time by catching up with their characters, contemplating depths of emotions or even humoring backstories that haven't even been written yet.

Even if Cloud was doing more of the listening, albeit with some ideas and what-ifs sprinkled in from time to time.

When they finally do arrive in Nara, he has to crane his neck far up as he takes in the sheer vertical scope of this place with her. But! So, in a completely new place, armed with only hearsay and buzz from civilians elsewhere (at least for Cloud), where do they start? With hands on his hips, ]

Start from the bottom.

[ From the larger businesses and shrines, and all the way up! ]

Comments

day 1

[sultanofsquat]

[ With the commotion around the upcoming shooting star spectacle projected to occur tomorrow night, the streets of Nara, both topside and below, are more crowded than usual. But it's also the pure peace that encompasses this ancient tree that makes this city feel so lively. Yokai, Ayakashi spirits (arukibake that seemed to enjoy following the duo around skdjlf) and people in general all live in harmony, curses at an all-time low in this place.

With how winding some of the stairways leading up and down levels were, it feels like one could get easily lost or separated. All the more reason why the Shirasagi Himegimi would find her hand securely in his as they share the street with other visitors.

Huh. Wonder why the Arukibake began scurrying away?

Returning to the lower levels towards the end of the night, the streets are alight with bioluminescent flowers, casting a duller yet still guiding glow for those who would still be out. The more natural glow in the darkness almost reminds him of how mako energy would illuminate places where there were leaks. It was all natural, yet why did this city feel a little familiar? It's time to think of retiring for the night, the gameplan for Cloud being to play things by ear. Whether it was to meet back up with Ayaka in the morning or to just let the two do their own thing now that they were here, he wasn't all that fussed.

...

That is until, ]

— — —

You serious?

[ Occupancy was full at this hotel. When saying they'll try somewhere else higher up? Nope. Most if not all were taken. And his reaction? Is to the only option left.

A single bedroom. With a single bed. One that the receptionist was willing to allow the two to stay in if they were truly pressed for a place to sleep. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka purposely did not ask Cloud if he wanted to join her on her trip, thinking that he would have other preferences to use his time on. Consider her relieved, and a little excited, that he chased after her and tell her that he was going, too. It meant more time to spend with him, even though they regularly started talking to each other either via call or text message now. Their meetings, either for rehearsals or just to hang out have become more frequent too, now that the month of love was over. And yet, Ayaka still wanted to get in touch with him as much as possible.

There is nothing quite like Nara, when compared to Inazuma. Ayaka is curious and happy as they go around the city, only inching closer to Cloud when he takes his hand so they won't lose each other. It's a good idea! And she doesn't seem to mind this even as they walk the streets and other people can see them. They aren't showing public displays of affection—goodness, no. This has a very specific purpose!

It may be because the city streets are filled with tourists that there aren't any free rooms anymore at any of the hotels. They're lucky enough to even be offered a single bedroom! At least, it's what Ayaka thinks. She should have seen this coming... perhaps they should have checked in as soon as they arrived, before going around the city. They likely would have gotten separate rooms then! ]

... we don't really have a choice. It's gotten late. Perhaps there will be a free room tomorrow?

[ It's what she tells Cloud, despite her red face. She's a little embarrassed to even be considering it, but it is as she said. No choice! And if they're lucky, they can go their separate ways the following day. ]

Um... I don't mind sleeping on a chair, if there is one in the room, too.

[ AYAKA NO ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Ever since the month of love finished, the amount of trips Cloud took back to Kyoto only increased. Yet, every time, whether the kizuna energy he felt was strengthening with her or not, it also just felt better being able to go through a day feeling more like himself. He wouldn't take back what happened for anything, but he also woke up actually wondering how his day was going to go, without the fret of needing to fight. Look at him now, acting upon an impulse that's taken him to yet another city. And he didn't do it alone. ]

Ain't holding my breath, [ he shrugs as he shares a glance with Ayaka. ...damn it. Just because she's blushing, he can feel his own cheeks glowing warm. They've been alone plenty of times! It's just...

Breathes. Yup.

Yet another kneejerk reaction, when she offers to sleep on a chair as he instantly shakes his head. ]

No chance. [ He steps up and pats his hand down on the receptionist counter. ] We'll take it.

[ And he'll take the chair. adskjfh

While respectful, the innkeeper couldn't help but smile wider up at the two refugees, accepting the yen that the swordsman had placed to cover their room. But, oh...he was giving them money for two! Oh no, they insist that for understanding and choosing them to stay,

"You and your partner—" Wait. Partner? Chotto a minute— "—can stay for the price of one."

He's given back half his yen, voice caught in his throat as he shyly puts it back in his pocket.

"Your room is towards the end of the hall on your left. We hope you enjoy your stay," they bow with gratitude. ]

[mistsplitter]

Oh— that is—

[ ... She looks at their joined hands for a moment. They must look like partners because of this, right? That's a little embarrassing. Ayaka doesn't want anyone to get the wrong idea because Cloud might get uncomfortable?! And also they aren't, so...

But she can't even correct the man. Too shy to do so, and they've already endorsed the key to them already. Ayaka figures it's better to leave it be since they're being given hospitality already.

Her eyes dart back to Cloud's before looking away. While she doesn't let go (unless he does, of course), she does feel embarrassed about the whole thing. ]

Let's discuss room arrangements when we're inside.

[sultanofsquat]

[ He'd...honestly almost forgotten about their hands. When he first did it, it was to keep close as they'd shift and step sideways through crowded streets in the upper levels. The magicomm would have made things easier if they got split up, and it wasn't so serious. But some old habits die hard. Up to the point where he can see just how embarrassed Ayaka was. It wasn't like he was any better. He nods with a terse little "thanks" to the clerk as he leads on with the white heron in tow. ]

Got it.

[ The walk to their room literally only takes a minute, but as they pad softly down the hallway, it feels like it's stretching into eternity. All the more aware of his hand in Ayaka's, yet he wasn't holding it just for her sake. It's just a room. Just a room. They're sleeping in the same room. There's one bed. There's a chair, right? Stop it, heart. Stop racing. It's just a room.

The first they've shared since— ]

...

[ That's just it. A very small bedroom, with a single bathroom behind the sliding door to the side. And when they're behind closed doors, his gaze returns to her, to her hand in his. And he can't help but shrug. Not just shrug, but his shoulders give a light shake as he laughs. What was it with them and getting so bundled up, only to feel like they can only laugh once they've "escaped"? It's like all the nerves that were bundling up in the day, compounded at the front desk of this hotel when they were called partners, down the hall, and finally in a plain and ordinary room with his friend...

They melt away, despite the light brush of pink to his face. ]

There we go.

[ Now he lets go of her hand, comfortable knowing it's just her. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ There's no chair. It is literally just a room with a bed and a bathroom. There is no chair.

Ayaka's not shocked or anything, but it doesn't really give them any choice but to actually sleep on the same bed. She hopes Cloud doesn't mind. Ayaka is in no position to complain when she finds herself fortunate to be able to sleep somewhere tonight. That's what matters to her now, regardless of the circumstances.

She gives him a small smile, reassuring him that this is fine. They're friends, and while this may have been awkward earlier, she doesn't seem so now. And... she's glad Cloud can sleep better tonight because he won't be sleeping on a chair. ]

It looks quaint, but comfortable.

[ Taking the reigns now that they're in a safe space and she can be herself, she takes off her sandals and takes a seat at the edge of the bed. ]

The bed is soft.

day 2 • starry night

[sultanofsquat]

[ After having an early breakfast together, Cloud was geared up in his SOLDIER uniform and equipped for a full day out! While he's always been good with functioning on minimal sleep, today he seems to have more energy than usual. From the touch of pep in his step, to the added life in his eyes. If someone asked him how he slept? He'd say good as he reflects,

(Next to her, who wouldn't?)

After meeting outside the front entrance of their hotel, at the base of the great tree that Nara's topside is built into, they part ways for the day. Cloud still wasn't quite sure what to expect when exploring this place more thoroughly, but he had an entire day to himself to find out! They had their magi-comms in case they needed to get hold of the other, and otherwise if there were others that had come to Nara? Why not spend time with them? Save for shopping for a yukata, he only really had one concrete plan before tonight. And that's make it to the highest point in Nara and get a good picture of everything. For Zack! Besides meeting a couple new faces around the city and getting a shot topside, what felt like the most time consuming part...was, well.

Actually finding a yukata he liked. Or more specifically...one based on a certain white heron's opinion. There were many patterns and price points thrown at him, even attempts at getting him into different colors. But the one thing the swordsman was adamant on? Was it had to be black. The price tag on some of them were staggering, especially since there were so many tourists and refugees alike coming to get dressed up for the big meteor shower, ramping up the prices. Just when he was beginning to think that he'd have to cut his losses...the owner of the shop called him out on why he was stubbornly sticking to black. Was it because he was trying to impress someone tonight?

"What's it to you?" Cloud retorted back, yet the blush gives him away. By the time he left the store after being custom tailored? They slashed the price in half. Stopping just outside the shop, holding up the bag with his personalized yukata, he huffs before picking up the pace. The sun was starting to set... ]

🌸 🌠 🌸

[ The wild flora that illuminate the bottom half of the city feel brighter than usual... Enough so that they happen to draw his attention as he makes his way back to the hotel. And as he kneels down off the side of the path, his gloved fingers gently brushing over the glowing petals, he's reminded of the time he was roped into picking flowers with Aerith. They went to the local orphanage then, and he'd tried plucking a variety as per her encouragement. He could play tough all he wanted to, but...he still went along with it. Sure enough, before he realizes it, he's already plucked a couple in reminisce.

Didn't seem like he was going to get in trouble for taking some, so he stands back up, stares down at the night flowers before tucking their stems under the strap on his chest. Cloud wasn't sure what he planned on doing with them now that he had them, but...he also couldn't think of throwing them away either.

Back at the hotel, he's ready to change and wait for Ayaka- if she wasn't back already.

Sure enough, when he takes his key and opens the door... ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka is there.

She'd finished her day much earlier than he did, having purchased a nice and comfortable yukata for herself, as well as a matching hair ornament for it. The other activities she partook of included trying out the parfaits, meeting some friends and making friends. Ayaka enjoyed her day, of course, and she's learned a lot! Except nothing quite compared to her excitement for the evening to come.

The morning wasn't awkward... at least, Ayaka doesn't think so, and she reflects on the night before when she's by herself, still wondering if what she did was the right thing to do. Or if Cloud minded that she wanted to stay close to him. It just felt right, somehow, to be that close. She doesn't think she could ever be that close with anyone else at this time.

She thinks, she reflects, and she wonders if what she chooses to wear tonight would be something that he would like. There are so many nice designs to choose from, but she would like to pick something that would impress someone. Of course, yukatas are so casual that it is difficult to impress someone in them (by her standards, anyway), but still. Ayaka puts more effort tonight in her attire than she normally would. ]

Hello, Cloud. [ He arrives just as she's fixing her hair in the bathroom, the doors open since she's just looking at herself in the mirror now. Compared to how she usually wears it, it's tied this time into a bun. She's quick to clip on the kanzashi before leaving the bathroom completely to greet him in proper. ] How was your day?

[ That's when she notices the flowers by his chest. Ah— ]

You went flower picking?

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud wasn't so embarrassed anymore. If anything, it felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders after only sharing half-truths all this time. He fell asleep that night without incident, her close presence a soothing one when he really let himself go. And if Ayaka harbored any worries that he minded what she did for him? Imagine his surprise when he woke up on his side, effectively cuddled up to her as the first thing he saw was her sleeping face. He didn't dare move...resting his eyes in contentment until he could feel Ayaka stir.

When she first moved up to his side last night, any regrets or doubts he had in sharing his story with her melted away. Cloud still had a lot of things he needed to figure out about himself and the future he wants to make for himself, but if he can focus on the present? ...yeah, he might not nail every moment, but he has a good thing going here. He's going to give living a try, while he can.

Even still...the longer his own day went along, last night's events and just being by himself had attracted some little arukibake spirits to him. When he was informed just exactly why they took a fancy to him, a frown marred his lips then before he soldiered on ahead. But between meeting new people, even giving in to the compulsion to help someone else who had their own bigger squad of ayakashi...and the later it became, the closer he got to tonight...

The arukibake were gone. ]

Oh, hey, [ He calls from the entranceway. Their room is rather small, so there really wasn't any need to yell across the way. Despite being on his feet most of the day since the morning, Cloud wasn't tired, even if looking at their bed was tempting him to take a load off. He's quick to remove the Buster Sword from his back and put it back against the wall again, getting his boots off just in time for Ayaka to come out and greet him. ] Was okay. Got a pretty good shot of the city from the highest spot I could. [ For Zack! ] I'll show you in a...

[ His voice trails off when he finally looks up at his friend. He's seen her in a kimono before, and the yukata is meant to be much more casual and lighter. But seeing her actually dressed up for tonight...reminds him of where they were going. Cloud actually asked her...hah, they actually overlapped the other. But now the reality of it all was hitting him, and he can't help but stare with a sense of wonder. Congratulations, Kamisato Ayaka. You've got him stunned. Enough so that when you ask him about the night flowers, his voice catches and he comes back down to earth.

Looking down at the glowing blossoms then back to her, he pulls them out to give to her. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ It couldn't have been anyone else who entered, so her greeting was said with confidence. The flowers that would usually bloom and start floating around her head appear again, if only because she's been looking forward to tonight and being with Cloud.

They don't disappear when Cloud hands her the glowing flowers, either. In fact, they begin to spin even faster as the lady's eyes brighten. Ayaka's smile widen as she takes the flowers, looking at them in amazement. They are beautiful, after all! But the blush on her cheeks isn't because of that, but the gesture of the person before her. ]

In Chinju Forest, where one must pass before finding their way to the Kamisato Estate, it is always night. The sun does not shine in that forest, even though it is daytime elsewhere.

Flourescent flowers like these bloom to light up the path. Under the pale moonlight, they flow in silence, as if agonised in waiting for one who left all too suddenly.

[ As sad as it may sound, Ayaka doesn't seem too bothered by it. Taking one, she reaches up to Cloud to try and put one behind his ear and in his hair, the bloom resting just on the side of his face. If he lets her, she smiles, so content in this moment, and so very happy with this little present she's received from him. ]

These flowers wait for one who has made a promise to them. They remain steadfast and loyal, their hearts belonging to whomever has captured it until the day they wither. And them alone.

[ Ayaka are you confessing to him or is this really just an innocent flower in your hair moment ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud recognizes the sakura that spin around her head. An influence of Kizuna as bonds form and grow stronger... He'd thought of it before- wondered if something like this was going to happen to him at some point. But if there was anything physical that changed? He hadn't noticed yet. Though, considering the way he's started feeling lately around the daughter of the Kamisato Clan...maybe it was something emotional? He's opened himself to her over these past couple months in a way he hasn't fully shared with anyone else. And there's a part of that that...worries him in a way. Because he didn't want to lose what he already had, if something were to change. Yet when Ayaka accepts those flowers and shares with him the meaning behind similar ones... ]

...

[ Cloud closes his eyes, bowing his head once he realizes what she's doing. When it feels like the flourescent flower was in place, he raises a hand up to gently feel for it, only to realize his hand touches over hers. When he opens his eyes next, she's right there. Smiling and content, her words and the meaning to them send his heart to skip. For the first time since arriving in this world, his eyes hold a genuine, softer glow, glimmers of what appear to be mako floating into the ether above his head.

So this is how she's like when there's no cage... When she can spread her wings and fly.

Keeping the flower tucked behind his ear and in his hair, his expression softens as he looks at the flower she still has. He reaches out for it. ]

Guess it's a good thing I got two.

[ And if she'll be patient with him, he's...going to figure out the best place to put it in her hair back. Maybe slipped in the bun she's done up. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ The effects of kizuna are truly magical. Ayaka watches the glowing green lights around Cloud in wonder, only stopping when he's the one reaching out to her to put a flower in her hair.

She's patient, she always is. And she can feel the stem weave through her bun as her locks keep it secure. She has to walk back to the bathroom and turn around to be able to see it, though. While she thinks it looks good, she wonders what he thinks about it.

Not of the unspoken promise the two just made. Not right now, anyway. ]

How does it look?

[ She's facing him, but turns so he sees the back of her hair where the flower glows. It's a nice touch to the pink colours she's wearing, and Ayaka likes to think that this is the little accessory she's been missing. ]

day 3 • overtime

[sultanofsquat]

[ It was a late start for the two compared to the time they were used to getting up. Luckily for them? They weren't burning daylight either; a late morning departure to take care of a couple things on their own before meeting in a designated spot on the upper levels of Nara. Cloud only came to this city with two different changes of clothes; the first was his SOLDIER uniform, put away for the return trip, and the second was the casual yet nice haori and hakama set he'd stolen borrowed from the dorm he first lived in. He could have put on the yukata from last night again, but for today? They agreed that they were going to meet each other, truly, as themselves for the first time since their shared confession last night.

The first date, huh...

This is the very first date that Cloud's ever been on, a prospect that leaves butterflies in his stomach as he has plenty of time to mentally scope out their day. Did they end their day at the very top of Nara? Maybe not... The meteor shower was over, but maybe they could go through a walk along Sarusawa Pond? Or the parks that span the topside of Nara where they say adorable little creatures beg for treats. It sure beats having a parade of Arukibake following him around... Good luck getting any of those spirits to want to follow someone like Cloud now, feeling so light as he waits for Ayaka to arrive.

Dressed in his old dorm kimono, he waits at the center of a bridge connecting two streets, deciding to take this time to look out after waiting for a while. In his hand, a mini bouquet of flowers... Yet maybe it's because he's alone, but his expression remains neutral as he keeps a firm hold of the little array. After opening his bag and discovering the booklet she gifted him...he couldn't help feeling bad. That he didn't have a gift for her beyond the flowers and experiences of last night. Even when he found these, being told they were good to start a date by the local florist, Cloud wonders if something like this will be enough...

He has to get back to Kyoto. To Tokyo. He needs to find work beyond odd jobs. As well as it can pay thanks to his skills, he had a wish to fulfill. His top priority now? Was to find a place in Kyoto. To make good on the wish that makes anything come true; he's going to stay with her. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ By no means did Ayaka prepare for a date—a first date, even!—when she came to Nara, but just as she and Cloud have told each other to just be themselves... she figures it would be okay not to be prepared. She'd have liked to put on a nicer dress, but instead, she wears what she would have worn if they made their trip back to Kyoto today. A nice summer dress. The last time she'd worn this was when she met Izumi, though perhaps she should have brought a coat with her, then. Today? With the heat? She opts not to have it on, but carries a cardigan with her, just in case.

Ayaka didn't take too long out in the streets before she came back to the hotel. Lucky for her, Cloud was out already, because it gave her time to prepare, to look nice, and to mentally prep herself because she's doing something she's never done before! For both their sakes, she hopes she doesn't mess up. ]

Ah— [ There he is. Her date! Waiting for her on the bridge. She thinks she's not late, but she hopes he hasn't been waiting long.

There's a skip in her step when she walks towards Cloud, her hair dancing in the wind with each movement she makes. She looks more like a tourist today than someone who blends in with the citizens of Nara due to her attire, which is good, because she's here to see the sights. It's definitely enough to catch the attention of others, wondering who that lady could be, because she looks important! Ayaka notices, but pays it no mind. For her, the person she's approaching is far more important. ]

Hello, Cloud.

[ They saw each other earlier this morning! And yet, the sakuras floating around her are as bouncy as ever. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Lost in his own thoughts, it wasn't until he could hear some murmurings from others passing by on the bridge (and others that stopped because of a certain someone), that he turned around and stepped away from the railing. He's seen her in everything from her battle-ready kimono, a more comfortable yukata, a modest nightgown and even a kimono for the palace party. While being from Inazuma, Nippon's style was very much part of her familiar aesthetic. So color him surprised when she appears before him, wearing a white summer dress.

Some ask who this girl is. Others murmur how pretty or beautiful she is. Respectful admiration from afar, but it's one person who she has her eyes on, just as Cloud stands there with a dumbstruck look of awe on his face. Eyes on her.

"Hello, Cloud."

It's less noticeable in the middle of broad daylight, but it makes the mako particles that hover over him look like emeralds fading with the light. ]

That's really... [ Gorgeous. It wasn't like she was dolled up for some fanciful ball or anything... It's just that he's never seen her in anything like this. And it...fits like a glove. It also doesn't hurt that his feelings are making him a little speechless. Luckily, after blinking and clearing his throat, he remembers something.

It's the second time he's given her flowers on this trip. But as he presents her with the bouquet after sighing to rid his nerves, there's a couple softened gasps from onlookers. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ She hopes he is just as happy and excited as she is! And she's about to ask him if something is wrong when he stops, but she realises... is it because of what she's wearing? She has to look away and tuck her hair behind her ear for a bit, because she didn't expect such a reaction! Ah... the nerves she's gotten rid of seem to be back... ]

It's— [ Turning to look at him again, she's presented the small bouquet. Her reaction isn't a lack of words, but utter delight. Regardless of what the flowers mean, or if Cloud even knows, this makes her truly happy. ]

These are very beautiful. [ Taking them, she gives the bouquet a sniff. Fragrant, but not too much. These would look good on her desk at home, if they make the trip. She hopes they do. ] I'm truly delighted, and surprised! Hehe. Thank you very much, Cloud.

[sultanofsquat]

[ He feels relief wash over him when she talks about how beautiful they are. But now there's another problem. If they do anything today, he's going to be hard-pressed to focus. Especially when the sight of Ayaka in a summer dress, hair flowing in its long ponytail thanks to the breeze that passes through so high up and sniffing the flowers was gonna stay in his head for a very long time. Another memory to leave on loop... ]

Wasn't sure what to get you, so... [ At least he's being honest! And judging by her reaction? It bolsters his confidence once more, keeping his gaze solely on her as he steps up to her side. If she hasn't eaten yet, that should be their first priority. Then? While it's still bright out and easy to see the whole city, he's taking her to the top. The rest of the city was all theirs, he thinks to himself, more bravado as he starts improvising.

Only instead of starting from the bottom like their first day here...they'll start from the top. ]

Off to a good start then.

[ On this whole "date" thing. Without so much as a care for whose seeing them, he'll take her hand in his with a more affirmative nod before they start walking across the rest of the bridge. Before coming here, while he wasn't adverse to taking hold of someone to protect them, he was normally more content in walking with his hands to himself, always at the ready in case something bad happened. But considering how different the world was here compared to the rough 'n tumble nature of the slums?

And the fact that Ayaka was a bit of a handholder herself...

Yeah. It all comes too easy to him now. ]

[mistsplitter]

I'm afraid I didn't get you anything. [ For today, their date! Not yet, anyway... but Ayaka looks around to see if there's anything interesting that might catch her eye. A gift for her date on their first date! Then an idea hits her. ]

Have you had lunch? We didn't exactly discuss expenses today, but please let me pay for our meal.

[ And she'll let him choose where they go! It's not quite a gift as lovely as the flowers, but she hopes it will alleviate part of the burdens he's carrying today. ]

day 4 • promise

[sultanofsquat]

[ Maybe it's because they were leaving the same way they came (together), but actually bidding farewell to the city in an ancient tree wasn't so difficult. They even extended their stay from their original plan! But between a combination of duties back home and the fact Cloud could only afford so much, it was only a matter of time. Even on the trip back, they were still in that content 'honeymoon' phase. That is, until they left the station once they finally arrived in Kyoto. Even with his hand in hers the entire way back, their conversations began to shift back to their routine. Arranging for times to rehearse whether he was visiting or back in Tokyo, discussing future plans to begin his training with her...but most topics returned to one conclusion.

'-when I get back.'

It'll be nice to be back in his own bed, he muses whilst wondering if Ayaka felt the same way. But just like that fateful night during the 'month of love', he finds his pace slowing with her as they make their way to the Kamisato Estate. The sound of cicadas are starting to emerge as the summer season begins, adding to the background as his eyes on occasion turn to her at his side. To his hand in hers, having laced together at some point during their walk in Kyoto. It's not goodbye, he has to remind himself. Even if a selfish part of him wanted a place here now. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ The energy the two gave in their conversation doesn't die completely, but as they near the gates of the Kamisato Estate, their voices grow softer, footsteps slow. This would mean goodbye for now, but... Ayaka feels it's all too soon. She doesn't want him to go just yet. ]

Would... Would you like to come inside for tea?

[ She's a little scared of what he might say, but she wants to hold his hand a little longer. Is this what it meant to like someone? She wonders how her mother felt, when she would not see her father for days before they had gotten married.

... she hopes it wasn't like this. She feels her heart sinking just thinking about Cloud being away. ]

If you don't mind, I can prepare something for you to take home to Tokyo, as well.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Despite everything they've been through and how important their confessions beneath the stars were to them, it may not sink in fully until he was truly alone in his room, lying awake and staring up at his ceiling. It might take until then for it to truly hit him. That he had somebody waiting for him on the other side of the train tracks. That he didn't just deepen a friendship with someone from another world- he took a chance and became her boyfriend for it. That wish he made on a rainbow-tailed star where he wished he could stay with her was only going to make his heart feel heavier when he does say goodbye.

Whether it was just some superstition or a powerful force that can make it happen, Cloud wasn't content with sitting on his hands. He'd make it come true with his own two hands. His answer to Ayaka was a foregone conclusion. ]

Yeah. [ Of course he did. ] Sure, I would.

[ No more saying goodbye from the front gate, this time. ]

[mistsplitter]

Thank you.

[ Relief fills her, even if she doesn't show it all too much. ]

I'll have to see if Ayato is here, as well. We can all catch up together.

[ Going inside the house, Ayaka takes off her sandals and takes Cloud to the living room so he can relax there. He'll find that the shrine is still the same, no portraits or pictures just yet. Maybe soon, Ayaka can find a way to get a portrait of her family here, though. She would really, really like that. ]

Please wait here. I'll prepare the tea shortly.

[ No one's going to stop him if he wants to join her in the kitchen, though. ]

1/3

[sultanofsquat]

[ Ayato's meaning behind saying how his sister liked him was far clearer now. The thought of the three of them catching up together, while admittedly still nerve wracking, also doesn't make him overthink as much as he used to. Cloud didn't have any family here to share in the news...and to his friends? It would come in due time. ]

Works for me.

[ Keeping his bags at the front entrance and removing his boots, he returns to the familiar living room, his eyes admittedly returning to that little shrine from earlier. Just as empty as before...but the importance behind it hasn't been lost on him.

"Please wait here. I'll prepare the tea shortly." ]

Okay.

[ As he watches her slip away towards the kitchen, he does contemplate whether or not to follow her. She can prepare the tea, pour it, do as she wishes, but Cloud can't just sit by himself in a room for too long if he knows someone's doing something for him. ... okay, he can. But this is a rare exception. And as he fishes into his pocket and retrieves his omamori, holding it in his open palm, it's a very good reason. ]

.....

[ only to realize that he really wasn't waiting by himself, was he? So he'll follow her in a moment. First, he'll softly pad across the living room, around the center table towards the incomplete shrine. He's still holding onto the younger Kamisato's charm when he gets down to the shrine's level, down on one knee. ]

2/3

[sultanofsquat]

She looked really happy... [ His tone shifts, softer yet as if he didn't want anyone else to hear. ] Don't wanna go yet either. But...

[ He made a wish. ]

I'll come back. [ He closes his hand around the Omamori. And before he can push himself back to his feet, ] I'll keep watching her, too.

[ Just as he knows they both would be. ]

3/3

[sultanofsquat]

[ If Ayaka were paying close enough attention, she'd be able to hear his footsteps coming down the hall, but this time instead of waiting outside the kitchen for her to peek out the crack from, he'll stand in the doorway with his arms crossed, watching her wrap up with a content look on his face. ]

Don't mind me.

[ Here he is. Not listening. fdsajk ]