jikan_rpg | [closed] 🌸still like the morning dew❄️

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[closed] 🌸still like the morning dew❄️

⌛ Who: Cloud Strife & Kamisato Ayaka
⌛ What: Sparring & learning the ways of Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu
⌛ When: After their Itabashi Springs vacation
⌛ Where: Kamisato Estate • Kyoto
⌛ Warnings: None!

[ It's a conversation they've had before, wishing to keep their wits sharp and blades even moreso despite these peaceful times. But with the space between them as he grows ever so closer towards finding a place in Kyoto, there hasn't really been enough time to actively pursue this contest. Not when both of them were contented with spending time together in other ways. But it's when the two of them returned back to his apartment, his newfound Kizuna Katana drawing their eye, that he finally voiced something he'd been harboring for a while. At first, it was the wish to spar with her; he told her as much the night they left the palace. But now? It's something deeper than just wishing to test his strength against hers- deeper than just learning how to fight somebody lighter and faster than him.

"I wanna learn." a beat and a nod, affirmation to himself before he seeks her gaze to ask, "The Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu." ]

— — —
Kamisato Estate • Kyoto
— — —

[ It was a foregone conclusion. Even without their intent to spar and train, neither one were prepared to say goodbye just yet, even after their getaway to the Itabashi Springs. It also didn't hurt that he could use this time to house hunt during his stay in Kyoto. It was just for a couple days; then he'd return to Tokyo to work again. This would be the first time that Cloud was going to stay on the estate, no need for crashing someone's place or renting a hotel this time. This time, he's packed appropriately, still opting to bring the Buster Sword just in case. But he has zero intention of using it on this trip. Not when he's packed two different weapons.

The longer-bladed Kizuna Katana gifted to him by the researchers, and a matching bokken. Luckily for him, both are secured around his waist so he has less to carry in his arms. To anybody else who sees the man loaded out with light luggage and three different swords? He's making a damning case as an intimidating bodyguard for the young Miss Kamisato. The walk back to the estate from the station is a tried and practiced path for him, having done this many times before as they round the street corner leading towards home.

First order of business? Get unpacked and settled in. Second order of business? Well...he's not in a hurry to start fighting. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ What his sword sees... And as if to answer the riddle for him, their swords cross and it sounds so much louder than it actually is. At first, he keeps silent, focusing on the sound of distant wind and the chimes they ride upon, the ambiance of Kyoto beyond this estate's walls... He focuses on it all, so he knows what to block out. With a deep breath through his nose, he gently exhales, bringing both hands to his sword, shuffling smoothly forward, trying not to make footsteps of his own as he pays attention for hers. ]

... .... .....

[ Then, ]

!

[ He swings, delivering a clean vertical slash through the air. But the very second that he does that? Steps. He hears a single step and suddenly, there's the clack of wood against wood. But there's reluctance in his slash despite the fact Ayaka blocks him. More importantly though...were his brows visible, they'd be furrowed right now as he envisions his sword in his hand despite the fact that he can't see it. He looks perplexed...but the reason why is: ]

When did I...?

[ Swing? Was it his fighting instincts? Or was his sword the one who saw everything for him? As if guiding him... He can't hear anything beyond the world around him and the Shirasagi Himegimi who continues to defend and test him. And as he continues to move and go through the motions, still overstepping and missing his strikes at first, every time he does? The second attempt seems to lead to success, by the guidance of his bokken.

There's still not complete unity, but for the first time since he ever started fighting with swords at all...it wasn't just his own raw skill and heightened senses that were guiding him. It was his sword. And with time, he starts landing more hits, paying attention as his hands move before his mind can even tell him how to move. The core of his fighting style remains, yet there's something lighter in the way he moves. Less of an aggressive stomp in closing any distance between himself and what he chases, but a glide of his feet, cool breathes in and out as he utters nary a battle cry.

Cloud may still have a lot of work ahead of him, but coupled with his own willpower and hard work? He was a prodigy of the sword. His trust in Ayaka is leading him to a connection he never would have considered before. ]

[ Cloud is picking up rather quickly, much to Ayaka's surprise. Not that she didn't trust Cloud to figure things out for himself... but she also didn't expect this exercise to end up working very well for him. The surprise is a good one, one that gets her to concentrate even further and not let her guard down when Cloud swings at her.

Later on, Cloud's movements grow faster, as if he's gotten used to what he's doing now. Ayaka doesn't go for the offensive straight away, but— ]

You're doing well, Cloud. [ She's a few steps away from him, but he'll likely be able to hear her footsteps get louder by the second. ]

The objective remains the same— come find me. But I will try to hit you from time to time, as well.

[ Just like now! A predictable strike, if anything, and she knows he'd be able to block it easily. Yet another kind of sound to watch out for while he's blindfolded like this. ]

[ Cloud remains focused, only nodding even if it's not in the direction of her voice when she commends him for his progress. And while he's doing considerately well while blindfolded, her change in stratagem is going to be the moment where the speed of his progress falters some. He hears the steps rapidly approaching, and he does indeed get his guard up in time to her predictable strike. But barely. His teeth visibly grit lightly in response, only for her to relent.

Now there's another variable in the mix. At first, it was easier when he was the one seeking her out as he trained himself solely on both sound and the feeling resonating deep inside him. And as they continue, he can feel his heartrate getting a little faster. A contrast from the more tranquil feeling he had before when exchanging blows with the Shirasagi Himegimi. Though he feels his connection with his sword, it's tenser than before as he succeeds in most cases in seeking her, but it's when he hears nothing...her footsteps barely registering that he brings his guard up and... ]

!

[ He gets tapped. Cloud's plenty strong, so getting hit by her bokken doesn't hurt. But it feels so sudden when he can't brace for it thanks to being blindfolded. Sensing his own rising anxiousness, he pauses, lowering his sword in that lull between waiting for him and coming at him. Another deep breath in through his nose, the warm summer sun casting over him as he straightens upright. And a gentle exhale through his mouth, loosing his grip on his blade before stepping forward once more. Removing his steps from hers, he hears a distant footstep. Too far away, even with his longer sword. So he moves, footsteps soft as he doesn't rush into finding her.

Until he tests the waters with another vertical swing. He hears steps and—

Tap! ]

Ow-

[ A kneejerk slip. It didn't actually hurt. The session continues for a short while, and while Cloud does show some improvement as the upped difficulty ensues...he spends over half of it in a mixture of missing, succeeding in 'finding' her and clashing, and getting the timing mixed up as she tries hitting him from time to time.

Suffice to say, a rockier stage of his training as he exercises balance with his blade. But perhaps more importantly? Any tension that rises within him, he dispels before he can get frustrated.

Trust her, he repeats when he's left between success and failure. And though he's not visibly shaken, his breathing is starting to come in just a little less composed than before, the summer heat working in creating a thin sheen of sweat down his exposed arms and his exposed neck. ]

[ It would not be a challenge if it came to Cloud all that easily. And yet, a part of Ayaka does feel bad that he's being tested in this way. She would much prefer to see him in a more relaxed environment, where he's calm and composed. Perhaps at some point, because he is getting the grasp of things, an exercise like this would also merit that same sort of disposition. Just not now.

It has been a good while since they had started, and even though Ayaka can continue on, it may be best to take a break to relax and refresh one's mind. This may be a frustrating task for the blond, no doubt, so she does not move from where she stands. Waiting a couple of feet away from him, her bokken at the ready to parry his attack...

When the swords clash, she's quick to swing her arm aside with a bit more strength than she would use for an exercise like this. It's to call his attention, so that he knows there is something coming up next. ]

Shall we take a break? The heat has me parched.

[ Her sword is lowered, but she can't exactly come up to Cloud to remove his blindfold for him, unless she wants to accidentally get hit by him. It might come as a surprise, is all! She'll offer to remove the cloth for him if he doesn't do it by himself if he's fine with taking a break now.

He's done good! ]

[ Feeling the strength in her strike, he only clashes back against it momentarily when, as he realizes she keeps the pressure on that blow, he relents. Immediately, he exhales, preparing for whatever step Ayaka may have next. When he thinks he's raring to go or she had something else to impart, she asks if they could take a break. It's only then that her words break through that combative mindset he'd steeped himself in, and it feels like he's coming up for air. The rest of the world, sounds and all, come back to him as he stops honing in on her footsteps. Poking his bokken into the ground with one hand, he looses a sigh before reaching behind his head for the tie of his blindfold. ...only to find that he couldn't figure out where to tug so that it could come loose. ]

Umm.

[ He didn't want to just rip the blindfold off either. So. ]

Sure. Let's take a break.

[ His once focused and stern-lined lips can't help forming a nervous smile as he gives up on the blindfold. ]

Sorry. [ Cloud, you can just drop the sword and use both hands... dsafkjh Help?? ]

Oh! Please let me— [ Take care of it...

Hurried footsteps so that she can go behind him and untie the handkerchief. It takes a bit of work, given that she has to be on the tips of her toes, but once it's loose enough, she lets it fall off Cloud's face unceremoniously. Tadah! You can see now, Cloud!

Catching the piece of cloth, then taking Cloud's hand in hers, she takes him back to where they came from, just outside the living room, so he can sit down and take a break. ]

I'll fetch the tea. [ For now, she leaves her bokken on the wooden floor to pick up later. Getting their refreshments doesn't take much time since she already prepared the tea earlier— she just has to move the tray outside! The tea hasn't gotten completely cold, still warm from being inside the pot.

Once she's out and has the tea ready, Ayaka sits back down on the floor seiza style. Serving Cloud comes first before herself, and so— ]

Here. [ A nice warm cup of tea! ] How are you feeling?

[ Poor Ayaka. If Cloud realized she was having to reach so high, he'd have knelt down for her. But he at least tilts his head back slightly when he feels her work on loosening it, until he can stop when it indeed falls off his face. The sunlight is extra bright, though he adjusts quicker than most would after a couple of scrunched blinks. He would have caught it, if it hadn't been for Ayaka being quicker to the draw, as well as taking his hand to lead him back to the spot outside the living room.

Following suit and setting his bokken down beside hers, he leans back on his hands as he watches her leave. A perfect time to quietly reflect by himself over his progress. It had only been a single session, making leaps and bounds yet not looking where he would land at times. Had she been training a novice who never picked up a sword in their life? This would no doubt have been far more arduous task. Yet, mesmerized by the way the younger Kamisato moved and flecks of a Samurai's technique when facing Kaedehara...even a Cloud Strife that hadn't taken up the sword or had a militant background would have come around eventually. If not under her guidance, in inspiration of it. ]

...detached from me-

[ It doesn't trouble him, but he continues to repeat everything she's said and instilled in him, all whilst he reminisces in her grace, be it with a sword or dance. His thoughts trail when Ayaka returns with the tray of tea in hand, the blond looking up to her with a more contented smile as he sits upright, following suit seiza style once he's accepted her tea. ]

Thank you.

[ It's warm! Enough that were he to take a sip now, he'd be tempted by a drink next. The aroma fills him, his shoulders visibly relaxing further. ]

Really good. [ A beat. ] And you called me a good teacher.

[ Mr. Swim Into My Abs Coach. ]

And you still are.

[ Just because Ayaka's teaching methods were effective on you doesn't make you any less of a good teacher, Cloud. :) She wouldn't have been able to learn the basics of swimming if not for you!

Serving herself a cup of tea next, she notices that it's gotten windy. While it shouldn't interfere with their training, she'll have to even out the ground some before they resume. ]

It truly is quiet in this neighbourhood, isn't it? At night, it's as if the cicadas are holding a concert in the gardens.

Didn't do half bad, did I?

[ Cloud wasn't knocking himself, only admiring Ayaka's diligence. They knew they would be sparring together and sharpening their skillsets. But it came as a surprise when he told her he wanted to learn her arts. Her philosophy in which she carries her blade. To find what drives her and learn from it himself. Ever since he first got his hands on a bokken, while the Buster Sword was a familiar and reliable weight, the feeling he got when he took his Kizuna Katana for the first time...

It lit the spark. And now Ayaka was seeing it through that he burn as bright as he can. He won't let her down. ]

Yeah...

[ As if cicadas were orchestrating a concert in the still of night... ] Never heard cicadas before coming here. But...now I'm having a hard time picturing this place without all the noise.

[ It's become a background ambiance to him. A comfort in knowing exactly where he is. ]

They pretty common in Inazuma, too?

Yes, but they are only ever out for a specific month.

[ It's still peaceful with the sounds they make! Ayaka just wanted to tell him that where she lives is a bit detached from the city proper. Such a big home, with only two people living in it... Having people around even during the day makes it less lonely here. ]

When you're back in Tokyo... [ There it is again— a weight in her chest when she says that. It's never goodbye, but it just means she won't see him again for a while. ] You'll still continue your training, won't you?

[ He'd be back in Tokyo in a couple days... Every time he went back, besides his friends on the other side of the tracks, his steps felt heavier every single time he had to go. But it doesn't hurt as bad this time. Not after their journey to Kyushu. Cloud was still working hard and accruing money as he went, but even when they texted or called one another every day, they would still make the effort to visit one another more frequently. ]

...

[ If it weren't for the two sitting seiza and the tea in their hands, he'd have scooted onto his butt and closer to her so set his hand in hers. But for now? She has his full attention as he watches her, fresh determination in his eyes. ]

No doubt. Gotta have something to show when you test me again.

[ His hold on his teacup firms, letting its warmth radiate through his hands. ]

Truth is...we talked about sparring, but... I've...thought of how you fight since the day we met.

Good.

[ That feels like a relief to hear, and she nods her approval before going back to her tea.

But she's cut momentarily from her drink when Cloud speaks. The first time they met, they were on the same side in a fight. Admittedly, as skilled as Ayaka may be, her experience on the battlefield is not something to brag about just yet. After all, why would anyone send the Yashiro Commission out to fight? Her job doesn't give her much chance to use her sword, really only using it in times of trouble, when Thoma isn't around.

Had Cloud been thinking of her inexperience since then? She should hope not! But he's also been curious of the Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu... so... ]

How I fight? Is it really that different from what you've seen before?

[ Her inexperience? Far from it! But she won't be left wondering long as he raises his cup to sip, only to continue. ]

Mm. [ A nod. ] I'm not even talking about how you use your Vision with it. It just... [ Ah, now he's starting to feel a little nervous admitting this much. It's compliments! But...he wants it to make sense? Hahah... ] doesn't feel right just saying your fast and that's that.

It's... [ There really was only one word, wasn't there. ] Beautiful.

I won't stop training with what I know, but I can't take it everywhere here. Back home, somebody in SOLDIER walks in and no one bats an eye.

[ Meaning he's either been turned away or told to leave his Buster Sword outside on many an occasion. Even at their usual teahouse spot near Gion, he had to keep it at the front entrance. But that wasn't the main reason why he'd wanted an odachi or longer training bokken for so long. ]

If I'm gonna adapt, I wanna learn from you.

[ Cloud's words are met with a gentle and inviting smile. If that is what he thinks of her art? Then she thinks she has done well. Now, if he truly wishes to learn, Ayaka will not give him leniency because he is her beau. Much like what she has shown earlier today. ]

Swordsmanship is an art, and that is how I was taught since I was young. To have another person appreciate its beauty means a lot to me.

[ To wield a sword and to swing it around is an art, Cloud. It is not just something you do and hope that it does damage. ]

I think we shall be limited in terms of technique, as you do not possess a Vision, but... perhaps with your materia— ah, is that even possible?

Art...

[ And yet, here she was, putting him through his paces. Before, Cloud would have said something along the lines of, "There's no room for art on the battlefield. It's about who gets the job done first, with or without the finesse." But after seeing the way in Ayaka and Kazuha both carried themselves and treated their blades...it wasn't like he was disregarding the importance of the Buster Sword. But with everything Ayaka's taught him so far, and would continue to do...

He's become more openminded with time. And it shows as he hangs onto every word she says. Even giving a thoughtful hum as she asks him about his Materia. Since they're taking a break, he supposes he can take the lead and teach her a little more too! ]

In a way. I told you how there were different types of Materia. You see how my Buster Sword has two holes at the base of the blade? You can pair two different Materia to create different outcomes.

If I put a Lightning Materia and Elemental Materia in the slots, not only could I cast spells, but my sword would be imbued with lightning itself.

It is not exactly the same, but... perhaps in the future, you can try to do that with what you learn from me. [ As uncertain as the future may hold, it sounds like a very exciting prospect. ] The... Kamisato-Strife Art Tachi Jutsu.

[ Haha! Because at that point, it is not just a form of art solely from the Kamisato Clan! It will be a new kind of art, one that was formed by two teachings, and from two different worlds, as well. ]

Hehe, it's a very long name, isn't it?

Maybe... [ He doesn't seem discouraged, simply going over the logistics and what he'd have to do, since using the Buster Sword just didn't work or mesh with these principles. But he gets an idea! He'll have to get a new sword made for him that can handle Materia! Or he would simply need to sport his bangle with the magic equipped. Before he can voice it aloud though, ]

Heh. [ It's not a knock, he can't help but let his shoulders shake when she brings attention to the length of the name. ] Bit of a mouthful.

[ With a little pause in the air, Cloud breaks it with: ]

Kamisato-Strife Art: ... [ Uh. ] Insert Technique Name Here?

[ Oh no his dork's showing. ]

[ She's covering her mouth as she giggles. It's funny! But if it does happen? Ayaka will welcome it whole-heartedly, and be so excited to share it with Ayato, too. ]

Yes. We'll have to get to learning more things to be able to put a name there. Shall we resume?

[ If Cloud was ever worried about his dork showing, he shouldn't. Ayaka is very much amused, and is very much enjoying where this conversation is going.

She makes a motion to get up though, but quickly sits back down. ]

Oh— one moment.

[ It feels as if her hair tie's loosened up! That won't do. Cloud can go ahead and get up if he likes. Ayaka takes a moment to use both hands to fix her hair, first. Ah... she really should be doing this in front of a mirror. This will take a bit of time. ]

[ When she laughs, he cracks a smile right back. And if one listens hard enough, they may very well hear a rumble in his throat. Like he's trying not to break out laughing, but it half-fails. This past week has been great to him...and he can only hope for her, too. And once they finish training today? They can spend the rest of the day doing whatever they want. ]

Lets.

[ Polishing off his warm cup of tea with a satisfied sigh, he's careful to set it off on his side before hopping right back up to his feet! Too late before Ayaka's signaling that she needs a moment. He still hasn't retrieved his bokken yet, instead nodding and waiting with his arms folded. ]

Okay. [ ... .... he's not impatient to get back to training, but, if Ayaka isn't paying close enough attention, Cloud has disappeared from her side, footsteps soft on the polished wood flooring until they come to a stop, and as she busies herself with her hair tie...she'll feel a familiar pair of hands move atop hers, a soft voice filling the air between them. ]

Here...

[ Let him help? His hands seek the ends of the ribbon strands tying her ponytail up, his touch surprisingly delicate as he fixes and tightens it back up. They seem pretty even... ]

[ Despite her long hair, it's not very heavy, but it does take a while to fix due to its length. It has to be just right, so that the ribbon is placed at a good angle that can hold her hair's weight while keeping it up at the same time.

When she feels Cloud's hands reaching for her hair tie, she tries to look back at him, before quickly realises how counterproductive that is. Setting her hands down so he can be the one to fix it for her: ]

I'm sorry to trouble you like this... [ Surely, it can't be much! But Cloud shouldn't be doing this for her. :( This should be something she can do by herself, after all.

In spite of her initial shyness, she relaxes into it, realising that she doesn't mind it at all. Or perhaps it is because Cloud is so close to her, being so careful with her hair and gentle with her. How it would feel to have his strong arms around her once he's fixed her ribbon... She looks up at him, craning her neck, 'til the back of her head ends up resting on his chest.

Hi, Cloud. :) ]

[ When she sets her hands down, he sighs through his nose as he focuses on making sure it's just right. It's not very complicated, but maybe it's because this was something familiar to him. Or he's watched Ayaka enough times...but as she apologizes, he hums and shakes his head despite the fact she couldn't see it. His fingers play along the flat of the ribbon, checking to make sure it's not tangled or on a weird angle as it leads up to the base. ]

I used to have longer hair...when I was a kid. Nowhere near yours, but. [ His gaze softens, half-lidded in reminisce as he thinks of how he used to have his Mom put his hair up for him when he couldn't figure it out. Then as he got older, he would stubbornly tell her that he could do it himself. ...she still did it, fussing over how it was lopsided sometimes or he had too many strands sticking out the sides. ] I always had it up in a ponytail.

[ So he's more familiar with this than she'd think. And once he's finished fixing her ribbon, before he can sit back on his knees or move with a satisfied little sigh, she cranes her neck and looks right up at him, head bumping his chest. His expression flickers, eyes widening as he feels warmth spreading on his face again. But it's fleeting, his surprise and yet another reminder...this is the girl that he told Ayato he would watch over. That he told her parents that he would watch over. ]

...

[ It doesn't take much, leaning down over her the way he did to steal another kiss, staying right where he is as he closes his eyes. Distant chimes ring along the summer breeze when they kiss, bringing warmth that preserves and protects this moment.

This is the girl he promised to always keep his eyes on. And the girl he fell in love with. ]

[ In this moment, Ayaka's forgotten about having to get up to resume their training. She's supposed to serve a teacher to Cloud, but she's set aside that title for now. Instead, she continues to be a young maiden, completely smitten by someone from another world, whose stars may not even exist in the same sky she sees in Inazuma...

She'd only looked up at him to ask if her hair was okay now, and if they should already get up. Completely content in his presence, however, she forgets what she was going to do, melting and smiling up at him because he's here with her. Ayaka did not expect to be kissed, especially in this way, but... she doesn't mind this one bit. Cloud will feel Ayaka leaning into him a little more, though this time, a bit to the side so that she can get a better look at him when he pulls away.

What was that...? ]

My heart is beating very fast again...

[ Here and now, it really has become a nonentity... Sure enough, when it all passes, he'll remember what they were supposed to be doing. Even if it stays at the very back of his mind. For all he cared? Cloud could leave it for later, until both of them were ready to continue, or even double down on his training the next day. In this moment, he doesn't even feel his body pulsing with that pleasant thrum, only the tingling in his brain as he commits how her lips feel against his to memory. Nothing else. Nothing more than this as streaks of soft blue steadily flow down his spikes of hair like a gentle river.

The second she leans into him further, his arms are already slipping around her waist. Less to pull her into an embrace as he finally draws back and opens his eyes, but a comfortable purchase, even when he sits a little lower. A hand settles over her arm in her lap, but that hardly registers to him in the end when she speaks of how fast her heart was beating. It only makes him all the more aware of his own, the realization loosing a shaking huff from his lips as he shyly smiles down at her. ]

Sorry... [ He wasn't. ] You were right there.

[ Mayhaps not his own words, but...too kissable for her own damn good. But he wasn't pulling away, or giving her any signs to move. ]

[ ... she is a very happy bird right now, so comfortable on her perch. With her cheeks so red, the rest of her hair on Cloud's lap, she smiles back at him.

Now, they're not drunk, but. . . ]

One more?

[ She's allowed to do that, right? She's allowed to ask for one more kiss? And she's ready for it now, too. ]

Hm.

[ Permission granted. And with Ayaka comfortably resting against his chest and his arms settled around her so gently, he'll lean in with her when he closes his eyes. It's just like the first time he kissed her, in the gazebo distanced from the rest of the festivalgoers. His feet moved before he could think of what he was doing then. His heart beat before his mind could catch up. Removed from the heat, Cloud Strife moved that night to do something he couldn't stop thinking about since he caught her, on stage and before the train station's last call.

Then...

"Would you..." Her voice so soft, she finally looked him in the eyes when she asked, "Would you do it again?"

And he did. And Cloud would do it again. And again. As many times as she wanted. As many times as she wanted to say one more. As he trails the length of her plated forearm in her lap, his larger hand settles over hers once he reaches it, slipping his fingers between hers as this kiss stretches on into what feels like eternity- one that never feels like it wanes, if not time looping this moment for them, stopping entirely so these precious seconds stretch out everlasting in their hearts.

Soft chimes signal the movement of time once more when they part, though Cloud doesn't veer far enough away when he opens his eyes. He's right here. Right where it makes sense. ]

Just one.

Edited 2022-08-03 06:49 (UTC)

[closed] 🌸still like the morning dew❄️

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