jikan_rpg | [closed] 🌠stars in the rain🌸

Entry tags:

[closed] 🌠stars in the rain🌸

⌛ 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! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Guess I know what I'm trying today.

[ Tempura! The second he sees the shrimp ones, he'll be all over those. And the sweet potatoes. The moment Ayaka gives his hand a light squeeze, his eyes are drawn back to her rather than the street ahead. Thankfully, considering they're already topside, they wouldn't have to go far to find a small place to eat. Rice bowls weren't uncommon! ]

Not his strongest suit for all his other skills? [ At least Ayaka is giving him a warning ahead of time, least her brother somehow fancied a meal to be made in his presence. As he listens and converses with her, he finds himself more or less navigating across the street and around other tourists and locals alike, the entire time not taking his eyes off her. It pays to have good reflexes and instincts, especially when it means he can spend more time keeping his eyes on her.

Her dress is still modest, yet this is the first time he's ever seen her show this much skin. Most of her back is exposed...

Ah— ]

Cooking and plating's two different talents. [ Cloud you said that so matter-of-factly, like you were some expert on the topic. kjfsdha ] Still gotta work on both, myself.

I'm afraid not, [ She says, mood so jovial despite talking about Ayato's weakness. ] But brother is always working, so it's understandable he has less time for smaller activities like cooking and cleaning.

[ But her brother is also spoiled and likes to keep it that way. Then again, in some ways? Ayaka is, too.

Just don't point that out. ]

Would you like to learn a recipe with me some time? It can be another date.

[ She thinks, anyway! What do people do on dates? Though if they're just being themselves, then a date can be doing just about anything so long as they're together. ]

Can't do everything when you're at the top.

[ Cloud won't fault him! He just...might be a tad cautious if he happens to be around when Ayato's feeling adventurous in the kitchen. After everything Ayaka's shared about what the Kamisato Clan's been through and their responsibilities as the heads of the Yashiro Commission, he's got a clearer picture. ]

Huh? [ Learning to cook with her? He hums thoughtfully. He's no expert on dates. He's the last person that one should ask for dating advice. So far? He's just going with the flow. It's working so far. And if that means this was their idea of a date? ] Why not.

I did say I gotta figure out how to do more than rice.

The kitchen can be put to good use, then.

[ Compared to now, when it is barely used, she means! :') What use is the kitchen at home right now, really...

They pass by a lot of places, some actually catch Ayaka's eye, because she didn't find herself in this part of Nara the previous day. Perhaps if they have time after lunch, she can take a look around with Cloud. Her small collection of light novels and such could still grow! That, and she does find herself reading other literary works in this world. Those would be good things to buy for herself, since she's only made purchases for other people so far.

Eventually, she spots a restaurant with a large red lamp at the front. One can smell the grilled and fried meat even from outside, and peering in? They'd be able to see the chef cooking food right at the front! There's a bar for patrons on the go, but there are tables scattered all over the small restaurant, as well. From the looks of it, it's a family-run business, with the person taking orders being the chef's wife. Well— based on the picture frame by the front of the shop, anyway.

It's quaint! And looks very homey. Ayaka would prefer a more quiet environment compared to the busier restaurants. Especially when her focus is the person with her.

She waves at the chef from the doorway and asks if they serve milk tea. Ah— they do! Ayaka nods and smiles back at Cloud, the sakura flowers popping by her head to float around. Milk!! Tea!! :D!! ]

Shall we?

Just gimme time to tidy mine.

[ You know. For those days when she's in Tokyo and happens to come to the outskirts of Neo Midgar where Zack and him live. He's already come to terms with it, already messaging his friend about staying later. How he's going to have to explain what happened while he was in Nara- before he came to Nara and Ayaka came into his life. He's just going to be a huffy, blushing idiot about it along the way. Whether it's the kitchen at the Kamisato Estate, his place in Tokyo? ...or the future one in Kyoto he wishes for...

Cloud's more encouraged to try, now. Following Ayaka's lead when they spot the little restaurant, he peers in beside her, curiouser yet until they spot the head chef cooking at the front of the grill and bar. A quaint little spot! And right now, since the shooting star spectacle was over, not quite so busy either. Cloud keeps to his silence for the most part, save for a polite little "hi" and subtle bow of his head, a custom he's picking up on from his time in this country. While she brightens up considerately? His eyes broaden, a more subtle reaction to figuring out they have milk tea here.

Give him more boba. Judging by the sakura flowers that dance over her head? ]

Let's go.

[ At this point, if they looked at the menu and found they didn't have rice dishes beyond side bowls of white? He wouldn't care. Not after seeing how happy she was. Cloud wants to protect that as they step inside the restaurant, opting to go for dining in. There's only a couple other patrons in, the initial lunch rush having already passed by as the chef's wife gladly shows them to their table. Given the nature of Nippon and the importance behind bonds? They're shown towards a corner of the restaurant, to a little booth surrounding a round table that they can slide into.

As Cloud goes in first, answering the wife's first query by ordering for a pot of sencha green tea (surprise! no uki blend!) and water, he keeps hold of Ayaka's hand until she's seated in beside him.

Only for him to let go so his arm can slip around her waist, drawing her in beside him as they finally take a load off their feet. Maybe it was the quiet nature of the restaurant and the fact they weren't outdoors...but this? This was coming so much easier for him. ]

[ She thinks it would be nice. Cloud has gone to her home here! It would be nice to see where he lives and how it's like there, get to meet his friend and perhaps be his friend too. It would be nice to get his approval that she's dating Cloud, after all.

At least, that's how she thinks it should go. But she doesn't voice it to Cloud, opting to keep it to herself for now. Perhaps there will be a time when she'll be invited to his home for dinner or just to spend time together. She'll wait until the time comes.

For this date, though? She's quick to order a plate of tempura. Mixed, this time, with prawns, uni, scallops, and some vegetables. And rice! Though if Cloud fancies anything else, like an actual rice bowl, then there are a variety of those available on the menu, as well.

The wife smiles at them when she's gotten their orders and heads to get them punched, leaving the two behind. Comfortable in her seat, she's about to ask Cloud something when she feels his hand run along the small of her back, til he's holding her by the waist. He's not even doing anything beyond holding her and it feels like her skin is on fire. That was not what she was expecting when she wore this dress. Perhaps... she should have considered it early on.

Sitting up straight, face red, and looking tense, she just has to tell him! ]

Your... ah... Your touch feels hot.

[ Stop being horny, Ayaka ]

[ If he still hadn't regained his memories of Zack since coming here, he would have felt less certain about the idea. Even when he felt a little embarrassed when texting him about spending time in Nara with her, it still ended with a trace of a smile. One that didn't leave for a while ever after he put his magi comm away and prepared for his date. The only thing missing was a more casual summer outfit of his own to better fit with hers. One step at a time. When Ayaka orders all the variety of tempura and rice on the side, he does eye the various rice bowls. Beef, chicken teriyaki, katsudon... But with what she's ordered, he actually might decide against it for now. Try the tempura and enjoy a bowl of rice and soy sauce to go with it and— ]

Mm?

[ With his arm around her lower back, hand resting atop her thigh absentmindedly, he can feel her body tense as she sits up straight with him. Enough that he draws back just a little so he can see her face. She's already so flustered... Of course he's gonna be concerned until she makes it clear. ]

You okay? [ His touch is hot. ] Uh- [ Oh. ]

I can, um...

[ Now that Ayaka's pointed it out to him, his hand on her soft thigh and hand trailing her back on the way around... It really didn't take much. Between the much slower-paced but passion fueled night they had, and even into the morning, he remembers the caresses that traced these closely. Cloud doesn't get very far despite his trailing words. This is the bravery test for them both. He's not trying to get them in trouble!! Yet he couldn't just shy away at the first sign of said 'trouble' either.

After a fleeting tense-up in his arm, his fingers dragging along the thin fabric of her skirt after he'd almost pulled away...he stays right there. ]

[ If there are any signs of Cloud drawing away? Ayaka places a hand over his to keep his touch there. With a shake of her head, she tells him: ]

I... I like it.

[ The warmth he brings, despite her thoughts going back to the night before. She didn't mean anything bad by it, just that his touch felt different now. It's different because of what they know now, of what they've shared, but at the same time? It's still Cloud. And she likes that part best.

This is all so new though, but she'll have to stop being so shy if she considers all of this good... which she does! And so, she rests her head on him as she inches closer. There's no need for uki anymore for the two of them. ]

The lady gave us a nice table.

[ In the corner, far from prying eyes. It's comfortable, and they can just be themselves like this. ]

[ Whether he stopped of his own accord or not, Ayaka's hand atop his was only going to cement his decision to stay. Hearing her say that he liked him holding her puts him at ease as well. Made even easier by the fact they were tucked away in the corner where not many other people could see or pay attention to them!

He closes his eyes then when she rests her head on him, letting the ambiance of grilling meats, collecting of dishes and utensils and the even further distant of passersby relax him more. ]

Yeah. Don't hafta worry about who hears us much.

[ As for them being themselves? They've spent enough time together before this, as friends at the teahouse in Gion, but now that he thinks about it... ]

Never really sat down in a restaurant like this.

[ Especially with someone else. Not before meeting Ayaka. ]

[ It's true. They don't have to worry about anyone hearing them, which is nice! Because Ayaka would like to share this moment with Cloud, and him alone. In a way, him saying that makes it feel like the idea of their privacy is being protected, and that's very comforting. ]

What do you mean? [ She only cants her head to look at him, not moving too much because she's comfortable where she's seated. She likes this very much, as new as the feeling of his arm on her back is. ] Next to someone?

Yeah. [ For all the people he's been connected to, Cloud's led a relatively lonely life in another fashion. Whether he grew a superiority complex over the other kids back home, or lived, ate and breathed Shinra as a teenager...to missing five years of his life that continue to be a blur, ] Wasn't much time for making new friends.

[ He didn't mean it to sound so depressing, which is why he also adds with a little smile. ]

Or dating.

Then... this is yet another first for you to experience in this world.

[ They talked about that before, if he recalls. ]

Have you made friends here, Cloud?

[ Aside from her, anyway... ]

All it took was world hopping.

[ He leans back in his seat, shifting a little to get more comfortable as she rests against him. He mulls over her words with a soft hum.

People he can call friends... He's still trying to figure out if he could call Rufus that. Every encounter he's had with people has been by chance. And while there are plenty he could say were acquaintances, ]

A few. [ He pauses, both knowing that it wasn't really a satisfactory answer and that he was thinking of who he could call 'friend'. Cloud's gaze drifts up, as if filing through names in his head. ] Got Lumine, Noctis, Brickston... met Itto at your party.

[ That's four! And...a couple more probably if he takes the time to open up and go ahead with calling them his friends. ]

I only know of Lumine and Itto.

[ But only because they're from Teyvat.

Ah, well. Itto is. According to Aether, he and Lumine are from a different realm, far from Teyvat. She wonders what it would be like, now, for Cloud to find his way in her world. It would be nice to take a stroll in the city with him...

But she looks at him now, and realises where they are. They're far from the answers to what they should be doing in this world, and they're far from truly knowing who they are and what they want. It's not so bad to enjoy what the present has to offer. ]

I think you have more friends than I do. But I'm not surprised, either.

[ Like she told him before! He's always been very kind to her since they met. ]

Getting a bull chucked at you is one way to break the ice.

[ Yeah sorry about the dented up bokken too? Ayaka mentions how he has more friends than her, something that surprises him as he can't help but give her the lightest squeeze. ]

Coulda fooled me.

[ Well aware of her status as the Shirasagi Himegimi back home, and how adored she was by the public, yet left so distant and alone from most because of it. But as he watched and observed just how many people came to her housewarming party, maybe there's a more optimistic side of him that wants to tell her she has more friends than she thinks. She certainly deserves it. As for Cloud? If he can keep her happy while still figuring out how to do things right by her, he'll make sure he's worth giving her what she deserves too.

With another pause though, as intent on embracing the present as he is, though, talking about their friends, and the mention of the Traveler sparks a similar thought from Cloud. Of other worlds. Being recognized when he couldn't remember them in kind... ]

Ever been recognized by people you can't remember? [ Ah, he means, ] Here. Because you've been here before.

[ Ah, yes. Itto really did use his Vision against Cloud, didn't he? As shocking as that was, and she was worried for the blond when she'd heard about it, she felt relief that he was okay in the end. And they got their matcha mochi for it!

Ayaka has been building relationships here. That, she can't deny. But she's met more people from Teyvat, compared to people from other worlds. It's not bad, though! Just... she should broaden her horizons some more. Hopefully she will be able to get along with more people. ]

Is Ayato not your friend?

[ Because you know what?? She doesn't know what happened when they spoke. All she knows was that Ayato found Cloud inside their house and the two had a chat, nothing more. :')

And if Cloud doesn't say anything? Then she'll continue to be unaware of her brother's exchange with her... now boyfriend. ]

And yes, by a few people, in fact.

[ It's very strange. And she's never told anyone about how she feels about it because it bothers her. She worries about how these people see her, how her relationship was with them. More importantly, she's guilty that she can't remember at all.

But because Cloud asked? It should be okay to tell him what she truly thinks. ]

I wish I knew what they were talking about, and I wish I knew them the way they knew me. It does not feel fair to me. I do not wish to forget a friend.

[ She turns to face him, her hands falling to his thigh, resting there. This just made her think of something... ]

Do you think it's possible that the two of us have met before, and neither of us remember?

Edited 2022-06-23 09:28 (UTC)

Oh, uh...yeah. [ It wasn't that their meeting was bad or anything. Just that Cloud wasn't dense and, especially now that he's confronted and accepted how he feels for a certain little sister, may have better understood Ayato's vibes. But if he was being truthful... ] Just gotta get to know him better.

[ As far as Cloud recalls, it was only Koro who'd remembered him. In due time, there would be others that recollected him. But all he knew was his journey from Midgar... The man seemed to speak fondly of him before, but it felt strange. Being in the dark like this. And hearing Ayaka having to endure the same thing sets his brow in a furrow as she turns to face him. His arm once wrapped around her slips down as she settles on his thigh, facing him to ask a rather puzzling question. ]

Honestly, at this rate, I'm just waiting till I wash up on Inazuma's shores or something.

[ One settles atop hers as he brings his brings his thoughts to words. Cloud's putting his trust in her, too. ]

Maybe... [ He can't rule out the possibility. But something about missing her, even in another life... Why did that impact him so? Cloud doesn't like not knowing, even if their relationship could have been entirely different. But even still, ] If this is the first time? I want it to be the only time.

[ The only time that counts is when he's with her. ]

Edited 2022-06-24 07:23 (UTC)

I pray that the two of you will get along.

[ Not just for her sake, but because she imagines Ayato is quite lonely, too. He doesn't tend to show what he's feeling, nor does he burden Ayaka with his own thoughts and worries, but Ayaka would like to share her happiness with him. It's what any loving sister would do.

And there's something romantic about meeting someone in another life. That is, if in another life, they liked and cared for each other, too. The idea of soulmates has always been in poems and stories, and of course, its found its way in Ayaka's idea of romance.

Ayaka doesn't know what she could have had with Cloud before, if it's true that they've met in the past and just have no recollection, but she hopes the past Ayaka was as happy as she is now. And... should she forget about him? She doesn't think the future Ayaka would be as fulfilled. In embracing her emotions, she realises she must take care of the present.

In who she has at this moment. ]

I hope to never forget you. I don't wish to forget more people.

[ She barely has any friends and she's forgetting them 😔 But because of how she feels for Cloud, her need to not forget is very strong. ]

Right.

[ A thought that's trailed though his mind before. Ayato worked so hard at the top, not just for the Yashiro Commission, but for the sake of restoring honor to the Kamisato Clan. For how isolated and lonely Ayaka was as the Shirasagi Himegimi... What of him? Time will tell, but what was once none of the Ex-SOLDIER's business was something he very well could...and should take interest in. Not just for Ayaka's sake- not for what he knows and wants to know. ]

I'm holding onto what I have now. [ He squeezes one of her hands, lifting it between them before clasping it between both his. Cloud didn't go breaking the walls of destiny down just to have his future determined for him. Before he even got here, he was set upon his goals. Now, here with Ayaka and embracing himself for the first time in a long time? ] And I'm not letting go.

Edited (i can speel) 2022-06-24 09:58 (UTC)

[ It's a good thing there's no one else seated nearby. The lady who owns the place is still fixing their tea, and the chef is busy making sure nothing gets burnt.

The way Ayaka looks at Cloud he says that is full of affection and appreciation. They've only been dating for one day, but that doesn't mean that her level of affection with him should be at a minimum. For all the times they've spent together... she thinks something like this is okay.

Pressing more of her weight on him when she leans forward to give him a soft kiss on the lips? She thinks that's okay, too. There's no one else around, and they're in a secluded part of the restaurant. Her image shouldn't be sullied from doing that. No one knows who she is in this place, after all.

Just Ayaka. ]

[ If there's one thing Cloud was eating his words for, it's thinking characters were more realistic when they fell in love over a longer period of time. It may not have been at first sight, but...it's safe to say that he liked her from the get go. The fact they're isolated from most other patrons in this restaurant makes him more comfortable too. The Kizuna bond they've formed only makes him that much more open, both in heart and actions. And Ayaka's the one who gets to be privy to all of it as she leans in to give him a kiss.

She kisses him once...only for Cloud to lean right back in to give her the very same. If anything, Cloud was going to protect this image of her, preserving it even when he kisses her. Whether she's holding his hand, canting her head with a tender smile, climbing a tree with nervous excitement or sitting here in this booth as they commit to holding onto this feeling,

Cloud from Nibelheim was going to protect all of it. All of her. He huffs with a gentle shake of his shoulders as he draws back, unable to help his little smile. A smile of disbelief as he looks into her eyes, mako particles sparkling above him and fading into the ether. ]

Good start.

[ Kamisato Ayaka; what are you doing to him? ]

[ The sakura blooms are back, dancing happily around them when she smiles up at him after they kiss. This is nice. Ayaka finds that she likes holding Cloud or being held by him very much. If this continues, she might get so used to it that she'd want her hand in his everyday. ]

What made you ask the question?

[ She sits back down properly now, her back resting against his arm that's around her.

The lady who took their orders comes back not long after that, complimenting the two for how cute they look! When she and her husband were younger, they were just as sweet! Of course, they still have their moments now, but they definitely were very handsy with one another as their relationship began to blossom.

Thanks, lady??? Ayaka just wants her tea. •_•

Once they've left, Ayaka can't help but shake her head in embarrassment. ]

... she said we look cute.

[ From bodyguard duty and a natural instinct to protect others despite what he may say, Cloud taking Ayaka's hand was a foregone conclusion. But now it held so much more meaning...yet even before then, as the sun was setting and she looked ahead forlorn, Cloud took her hand again that day too. He wasn't sure if he could walk her home again without doing that. It was...nice. But more importantly, it just felt right. He'll take the nerves with all the good feelings she's given him. ]

Oh. [ Right! There was a good reason for that. If it were anyone else, he may have been more hush on sharing this in case it was more sensitive information. But after meeting the twins... ] I was thinking how Lumine's been to other worlds. Reminded me of getting recognized 'cause I've been here without knowing it.

[ And sure enough, their tea order is here! Along with the compliment on them being a cute couple. ]

Oh we— [ —PUMP THE BRAKES, CLOUD. It's different, now!! You don't have to fumble trying to say, "Oh we're just friends". Now you can fumble trying to say, "we're dating". 'u' ] Thanks.

[ "... she said we look cute." ]

Got a feeling we'll be hearing more of that, [ he huffs with rosy cheeks, only to remove his arm from around her back for a moment so he can pour Ayaka her tea. ] 'specially with you.

[ She the cute one. ]

Ah—

[ She was going to pour tea for Cloud but he got to it first! There's a look of mild disappointment because she wanted to serve him, remembering the times she's made him tea and how he enjoyed it. ]

... thank you.

[ :T She'll just have to be more alert next time!

As for what they were talking about before the lady came with their tea? Ayaka knows of what Aether and Lumine are, and why they were traveling from one world to another. Because Aether's kept it a secret until recently, though? She imagines Lumine would not enjoy it if Ayaka talked about it so casually. She dare not ask what Cloud knows, either, intending to keep the privacy of the two travelers.

... she does, however, say: ]

Do you feel unsettled? For all we know, there may be another one of ourselves in a different realm, with different memories and a different personality.

[ Just like Aether and Lumine. It's all still confusing to her— how Lumine knows her yet Ayaka knows nothing, but they met in Inazuma, according to the traveler. How, despite how strange that is, Ayaka welcomed Lumine into her heart the same way she did Aether. Perhaps it can be a story to tell another time. For now, though, perhaps they should keep their topics light. ]

[ As he pours her tea, he can't help but notice the subtle hint of disappointment on her face. He gets as far as asking, "What's-" before it clicks. Rather than apologize, however, he simply lets it go. And makes a mental stamp on what to let her do for him. Afterwards, Cloud's going to start overthinking things again. Like how often did he let Ayaka do something for him? What did he do for her? Did he ever pour the tea? If he let her do it too many times and he was expecting her to do it, but one time she was wanting him to take the reins and pour her a cup, would he know?! Thankfully she's not a mindreader. alfkjsd

The extent of what Cloud knows came from what Lumine referred to in passing. Considering where they were and how many worlds were congregating to this nation, regardless if he was told anything further or not? The blond swordsman had enough time to let his thoughts and theories stew. Once their tea is served, there's only a few minutes left before their meals will be ready. Enough time to continue on this train of conversation as his arm returns back to her waist, a comfort as he taps his fingers idly on the tabletop. He'll let the tea cool for a minute before going in. ]

Maybe that's who was here before... [ His voice trails, but despite his words, Cloud doesn't seem all that perturbed. Not after everything he's been through since coming here. Everything he's rediscovered about himself. When she met him, he was still shades of his fabricated self. But the one who earned a place deepest in her heart? That was the real Cloud. And what the real Cloud says, ] But if you're right, they're not me.

And if there's another Ayaka out there? [ The answer is simple as he looks to her, confidence brimming in his voice when he nods and bravely states, ] I'm only interested in one.

[ The only one that matters to him. In the present. In this life that he's learning how to take back for himself. ]

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