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. ]

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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)

[ Ayaka likes this very much, and she would stay like this in Cloud's arms for as long as she can, if she's allowed to.

Just like that, he's made her heart flutter like crazy again. Her eyes open, lips feeling so warm from those two kisses that there is nothing else she can do but smile. This afternoon, with the gentle breeze passing by and the sunlight pouring into where they are just enough, with the heat being shielded by the leaves of the trees in the garden... ]

Just one. [ Repeating his words, because one more is more than enough now. She's... so happy like this. But time has to move forward, doesn't it?

Don't mind her enjoying the view for now, though. Cloud is a beautiful sight. ]

[ Ayaka wasn't the only one left watching. And if it weren't for the fact that he was doing the same thing? He might have cracked with a softer "What?" to ask if there was something on his face. Yet he doesn't even move to kiss her again either, simply letting everything sink in. The fact that precious moments like this were what would drive him to be right down the street. Around the corner. Anywhere that either one could run to. They really could go back to training, but while he still had every intention of going back at some point today? He also wouldn't be opposed to staying right here, behind her, by her side, giving her somebody to lean on while they basked in the coziness of sunlight and soothing winds. ]

...

[ He's the first to break the silence, humming under his breath and trying not to loose a laugh at the fact that he was just...happy. Just happy. It's the first word that he can think of when he sees her and finally bows to tuck his forehead to rest against hers. ]

Ayaka?

[ For all of the stories Ayaka has read and daydreamed about, none of them ever made Ayaka feel this way. With her heart beating so fast, and yet, she feels so much warmth and happiness amidst nervousness. This is her safe place, the most comfortable she's ever been. With Cloud, she can be herself, and even though she gets shy being open about her feelings, she knows he'll catch her, and that gives her confidence.

Her breath shakes when he whispers her name, foreheads touching. A happy, nervous breath, and she seeks comfort by squeezing his hand before she answers. ]

Cloud?

[ It took a lot of courage to do what he did, to try and embrace feelings for himself and not for someone he thought he was. When he still didn't fully understand who he was supposed to be, Cloud found a safe place of his own- sitting in a tree with a girl called Kamisato Ayaka, to memories of watching the stars kiss the sky and wishes be made. Even if there were still missing pieces in his past, deep down at the root of his soul, he knew. He was giving her everything that he was. That he truly was. ]

Don't feel like getting up.

[ Not for training. He tries not to laugh, instead letting himself softly breath as his free hand about her waist gently hugs her. Cloud just feels like giving her that comfort- the very same that she instills in him every time they talk. Every time they text. Every time she calls, or picks up when he hits that button first. ]

[ Her beau is rather silly, isn't he? ]

Then what about the Kamisato-Strife Art Tachi Jutsu?

[ Believe her - she does not mind at all if they don't get up. But at the same time? There is also something special about being able to teach an art that her clan had founded, in turn making him an honorary part of it. ]

[ And that? Is because she lets him feel safe to be. ]

Sigh... Can't go slacking right at the start.

[ He will get up. But if the bells chime, signaling the seconds to start marching again, before this fleck in time was over... ]

Thank you. [ For helping him better understand who he was. For letting him continue to try for her. For waiting so that she may see the real him, holding her in the still of night when his heart was at its most distraught. For always counting on him to catch her. For giving him a chance to feel normal. For giving him all of her to treasure and keep safe. ] For everything.

[ For being the best thing that ever happened to him. ]

[ Cloud doesn't have to thank her for anything... but hearing him say that sends warmth all over her chest. Her smile is so genuine, present out of pure admiration for the person she's with. Her most comfortable place.

He's still holding her hand, but she can reach for his cheek with her other one. To think that she's able to share such a peaceful moment with him like this... it is something she could never have had until they met. She wants Cloud to be happy, just as much as she wants her family to be happy. And yet, the love she has for Ayato is so different from her affection for Cloud.

... so different. And so new, with so much to unravel, not knowing how deep it could go. ]

One more?

[ Guess they can slack off a little longer... That "one more" is not a request to have him kiss her again. She's telling him she's going to kiss him again, sitting up a little more while still in her beau's arms so that she can be closer to him. Cloud doesn't have to thank her for anything. She's the one who should be showing gratitude for giving her the world. ]

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sultanofsquat - 2022-08-07 03:51 (UTC) - Expand

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