[ He wanted to make a dry remark about her being better than having a Pyro or Cryo Vision for the cold, but having said that outloud and listening to himself, he huffs with a soft chuckle before kissing the top of her head. One last squeeze of her relaxed in his arms before he slowly lets go and steps back. ]
[ Cloud really knows how to charm this girl. It's one of those "When you say and do things like that..." kind of moments, and she can't help but look away while her cheeks turn as red as her ribbons. ]
What a silly thing to say... [ Heh...
But as Cloud lets go, she takes it as an opportunity to wash her hands! It's gotten quite sticky with the rice, after all! And she's done with the onigiri, anyway. Little rice balls with nori faces! Her students love it a lot... While it may not be Cloud's style? She hopes it will brighten up his day some and put a smile on his face! ]
And I'm alright. [ Facing him now as she wipes her now clean hands dry on a towel. ] I really would like to be able to work again soon, but it is unfortunate that I am being told to rest...
[ Cloud may have taken a step back initially, but it wasn't long before he was inching closer again, peering over her shoulder as she finishes making the little onigiri. It's not Cloud's style, no. But it's made by her...and he's already imagining what the look on her face was while she was making it on his way here, and he can't help but gently sigh through his nose. ]
Cute.
[ She faces him then, lamenting how she couldn't do anything but rest at home rather than return to work. To say that she's fine now...
Cloud's healing magic made sure of that, yes. But that still didn't stop him from worrying. Instead, he places his hand on his hip and lightly smiles. ]
Take it from me. You know how stubborn I am about the whole 'not resting' thing.
[ ...and thanks to a certain Shirasagi Himegimi, he was doing that more often. ]
Give it a couple more days. Till the snow's gone and you can hit the ground running.
[ That comment about not resting gets her to laugh a little. It's true, he is very stubborn when it comes to it. ]
If you won't be busy these next couple of days, would you like to stay over?
[ Not that she'll be busy with him specifically, but the company is always appreciated. ]
If there's any work you should be doing, perhaps it can be done here? [ It gets lonely. It's not so bad, really, but having nothing to do sucks! Ayaka takes the time for herself, yes, but she would rather be doing things for others.
And... besides that? Since they didn't see each other yesterday, she wants to make up for the time lost. Her cheeks redden and she looks down, a small and shy smile on her face. ]
[ Save for shoveling her place? There's still too much snow needing to melt away before he can really do much of anything else. That, and...well, he didn't need an excuse to want to be with her, after all. ]
Sure. [ There was no hesitation. She did say next couple of days...and he's not far away in the first place, so, ] I'll grab a change of clothes in a bit.
[ If he was going to be spending the night at the estate and spending tomorrow with her also. ]
Can't really do too much with all that snow kicking around... But I can keep busy here.
[ Cloud used to get restless if he wasn't working on a commission or taking work as a mercenary before. This world has taught him a lot in both being patient, and taking just a little more time for himself. The path he walks is much different from what would await him back home. And seeing the little shy smile on her face when his girlfriend says how she missed him...
It's easy to see why he doesn't regret a single moment or choice he's made since coming here. He's already come to Kyoto, but at times...it still feels like he's so far away. Melodramatic? Perhaps. But it's as they've both thought about too.
What would happen if he was truly accepted into this house? A discussion for another time. Much farther down the road as he takes these little moments and cherishes them. ]
A day still feels like too long sometimes...
[ But it wasn't. Aerith had once retorted back to him how she wasn't some princess who needed to be coddled. And Cloud wasn't about to be a proverbial mother hen to Ayaka. Still...he's happy and lucky seeing her as healthy as she is now. It just means he was going to work harder to protect her in the future. ]
Right. That settles it. [ A calming smile. ] I'm staying put.
Thank you very much. I'll prepare your room right after this, too.
[ Hehe, she's so excited!!! Little sakura blooms appear around her now when she smiles. ]
I will prepare the tea now. Would it be okay if you brought the onigiri to the dining?
[ There's a bunch made! Ayaka would probably just be able to eat one or two with how big they are, so the rest? For Cloud. He needs his carbs and his energy! ]
[ Just as happy as she is when little sakura blossoms manifest around her, particles of mako gently hover above him briefly also. ]
Never get tired of seeing them...
[ She asks him to take the onigiri, and he doesn't dare hesitate as he steps up to grab the full plate of rice buddies. ]
Gotcha.
[ It's so quiet and peaceful here now, that even as he leaves the kitchen to go set the onigiri down in the living room, he doesn't have to really yell to reach Ayaka as he calls back, ]
You do these little faces for the kids often?
[ Now that he's got the snacks set, Cloud decides to wait for Ayaka in the hallway leading to the kitchen. ]
[ Whether Cloud hears her voice clip or not, her cheeks redden in embarrassment. The answer? No... but she thought it was cute and fun to try. But now she doesn't know if she should share that with Cloud. ]
A- Actually, it's my first time doing something like that...
[ Pot of hot water, matcha powder in a container, and all other paraphernalia ready, she brings it in a tray to the kitchen and sits down. ]
[ Sharp as his ears are, he doesn't catch the clip in her voice. At first, he doesn't think he's embarrassed her until she brings the tray out with the matcha and matching paraphernalia. Her cheeks are a little red... It's easier to tell with her, what with how pale her complexion was. (Like Cloud was any better...) ]
[ "Do you think it is childish?" she asks of him as she sits down, Cloud following shortly behind her. As he prepares to take his seat at her side, patiently waiting for her to commence with the tea prep, he wants to answer what she said earlier. About it being her first time doing something like this with the onigiri. ]
Well you coulda fooled me. [ He sighs coolly as he settles in beside her. ] They look good for your first time.
[ But...childish. He wonders about that...and about his initial reaction when he asked if she showed these to her students. He half frowns, more at himself than anything else. The last thing he ever wanted to do was stifle her creativity or freedom. He doesn't touch the plate of little rice buddies yet, still getting a better look and wanting to wait for Ayaka to finish so they can start together. It was tradition at this point...and also something Cloud had learned when it came to adopting manners of this world and hers.
Was making little faces on the onigiri childish? ]
And... Not really. [ Onigiri plain, with little faces, in the grand scheme of things it didn't matter, he decided. ] Food's food, but... You don't just stop liking cute stuff when you get older.
[ Look at Cloud. Even if he's not the type to fawn over puppies or gush about things, he still couldn't help softly mutter that the little rice snacks she made were cute earlier. His hand briefly settles on her lap reassuringly as his smile returns with confidence. ]
[ Ayaka would have started with the matcha powder and the water now, if not for the conversation that they are having. She is embarrassed, yes, and even worried that Cloud may find her actions childish. He's already seen her do other things that she's deemed to be childish, but never once judged her or told her that she was wrong. With his hand on her lap, she gives him a small smile, while one hand rests on top of his and gives it a squeeze.
Not once has he ever failed in giving her strength. ]
I suppose you're right.
[ She does like him, too, after all. :) But of course, she doesn't say that out loud!
Not long after, she begins the little tea ceremony with Cloud, mixing the water and the matcha powder to create a thick blend, as he's requested. Normally, she concentrates on making the blend, but this time? She asks him: ]
Do you think the children will like it? I do give them snacks when they come here. Unfortunately, I don't think I can bring that many to school once I'm back, but I can at least make more like these and serve it if they visit today or tomorrow.
[ No. Cloud's not gonna beat them up. ASDLKJ ...but he will let some of that rough & tumble Ex-SOLDIER come on through while dressing them down for mocking her. ]
They're wowed by you already. This'll just be another bonus. [ He hums then, as he patiently watches her commence with the little tea ceremony. Cloud doesn't worry about interrupting her or disturbing her work. ]
If...you did wanna bring more to the school, lemme know. [ He can help her carry them! ]
Huh? Please, Cloud, there's no need to do anything!
[ That's a threat isn't it??? D: And he sounds serious, too!!! Cloud π ]
I... Perhaps we can schedule a day when you can come visit them, too!
[ They really liked having Cloud around that day that he came over with her lunch. Since then, they would ask when Prince Cloud would join them in class again! Of course some of them do ask Cloud whenever he picks Ayaka up from school and they catch him, but he's yet to make a proper comeback. ]
I know. [ Because as far as he can tell, no one has actually talked down to her about what she does. That being said, ] Gotta defend my girl no matter what, though.
[ Later, he's going to reflect back on what he said. Has he...ever called her his girl before? So confidently? Perhaps it had something to do with the imaginary scenario of someone making her sad. Regardless, he's said what he said! His hands return to his lap as he leans back on the heels of his feet. ]
Mm. I'll bet they would.
[ As he watches her go through the motions of the ceremony, Cloud pats the tops of his legs patiently before letting out a soft breath through his nose. ]
Y'know... I didn't really think of it before, but- [ If only because he never really cared to think long about it with so many other matters to attend to. ] -kids gravitated to me back home, too.
[ He really is her prince. And because he's made her heart flutter like crazy? She has to pause in mixing the green tea for a second, smiling to herself and basking in how lucky she is to have him before she continues.
Once she's done preparing the tea? She pours it onto the cups, one for her, Cloud, and two for her parents. Once again, she'll entrust him with the task of serving her parents. If they were still alive, they would probably appreciate that gesture from Cloud a lot. ]
I have always known you to be kind and likeable. Of course children would think the same of you.
[ Admirable, heroic... Ayaka has nothing but praise for Cloud, really. There's no doubt in her mind that he's good with kids, despite how shy he can be. ]
[ Seeing Ayaka slow a little in mixing the green tea, only for her little smile to herself not going unnoticed... He quietly smiles to himself in turn, not quite realizing that threads of his hair have begun taking a familiar shade of light blue.
Once the tea is prepped, he fulfills his usual role and entrusts the cups to her parents at the shrine in the corner, kneeling in front of them as the steam rises.
"I have always known you to be kind and likeable." ]
Ah...
[ Looking over his shoulder back to Ayaka, he still retains his smile as he scoots back to her side. Now that they had their tea served and he gives her a small thanks, mindful not to steal a kiss or anything in front of her parents, they can snack on the Onigiri leisurely. ]
Glad to hear it. [ A beat. ] Definitely wasn't always like that.
When I first got to Midgar and started doing work as a mercenary, I started building a good reputation. [ A second beat, followed by a little huff through his nose and a smirk. ] Or a bad one. Depending on who you asked.
[ Ayaka remembers from their previous talks that Cloud didn't remember what he'd been doing before he started going around doing mercenary work. There's a gap. One that's been filled with information, she thinks... but perhaps he did not remember it all yet. What happened after being experimented on?
It hurts, still, but Ayaka remains the happiest with Cloud by her side. So, story about how he used to be? Or how he was starting out? It is something she considers a good thing, and it puts a smile on her face learning this. ]
A bad one? Why is that?
[ And based on what she's learned today...? Heh. ]
If anyone says something bad about you, please send them my way.
[ The revelation behind that would come to light soon enough, but until then, he was going to embrace these happier little moments wherever he can. He doesn't just owe it to himself, but to the girl by his side for believing in him for so long. For giving him a safe space to be normal. ]
I was a jerk. Who put money before everything else. [ A beat. ] Till it became less about a job and fighting Shinra...
[ He gently clasps his hands together briefly as a sign of respect to the snacks they'll be having, before taking his pair of chopsticks to pluck up one ":3" faced little onigiri. ]
'Kay, guess I wasn't all that bad. Didn't even get paid for half the people I helped.
[ That's not a complaint. Not for current Cloud, anyway. Cloud would put up a front. Saying things like how he expects to be paid a lot for his work. Or how something was going to be a heavy cost to be saved by him. ...yeah. Cloud was all talk yet plenty of bite. Just in a way that favored most people he came across. ...even if he acted like a jackass sometimes. ]
[ Ayaka won't believe it until she sees itβ that Cloud was a jerk and all. It really is very different from how she knows him now, but she makes no judgements. The person she has gotten to know and loves is the important version.
When he sounds surprised at what she said about sending people her way, she can't help but laugh. That's how he made her feel! And by no means did she mean anything bad by it, by saying it. Just... ]
[ Hopefully she'll never have to see it. ...it wasn't that Cloud was deplorable. But looking back, and knowing who he really is now? He wasn't about to make a complete 180 on his nature, but he was starting to like who he was now. Having people like Ayaka, and Zack (still) in his life, helped plenty with that. When Ayaka laughs, he blinks bright and wide-eyed at her for a moment.
"Silly"... ]
Guess one of us hasta be.
[ Placing his chopsticks down, he holds his cup of matcha in his hands, breathing in the stronger aroma before letting his shoulders lax further. His tone of voice is softer than before, a sign of how content he really was. ]
I'm glad you're okay, Ayaka. [ Really glad. He takes a drink. ]
[ What happened last month was a terrible thing. In hopes of being able to help more people, she put herself in danger's way and got hurt for it. Ayaka is fine now, and Cloud has made sure of that, but it is an incident she personally doesn't want to happen again.
... it terrifies her. And yet, she knows within herself that she would pick up her sword at any time when she is needed. ]
Thank you for being here with me, Cloud.
[ She's the one who places a hand on his lap now. There is a small smile on her face when she moves a bit closer to him while she's seated, really just grateful that Cloud is here. He's the reason why she continues smiling, despite all that's happened. ]
[ The snack was nice, but as she scoots a little closer where she's seated, he keeps the chopsticks on the table along with his cup of tea so that he can better support and hold her. Slipping his arm around her waist, he returns her smile with a small one of his own. ]
Don't be. [ A couple beats. ] I'm the one who shoulda been there.
What's done is done. And I wanna keep looking ahead with you...
[ She's here now. Alive. Healthy. Happy. Smiling so beautifully... Everything he wished to get stronger for and protect. ]
[ He was there. He gave her a birthday present that she had on, but wasn't able to use. When she had remembered that she had such a gift, it was a little too late.
Cloud is right, though. No looking back. What's done is done. What is more important is the now. And she feels even more lucky that she's able to sit by her beau's side today. ]
So... where shall we go? [ :) Once she's able to go out again, she would like to take him on a date! ] Let us go anywhere you like. It will be my treat.
[ With the Everfrost waning, he had a good idea on where he wanted to go with her. As nice as Kyoto has been for them, and his ultimate end goal with how hard he worked to get a place on his own to stay, ]
I was thinking... [ Since it didn't take long to get there, and it could be something they planned for instead of being spontaneous if need be, ] A weekend in Nara.
[ The ancient tree city holds a special place in his heart, after all. ]
Perhaps accommodations will be easier to find this time of year.
[ Since it could be cold there still! It was noisy and bustling because of the falling stars, but it could be that it's different now. They could get a better room! ]
I'd like that very much, my love.
[ Her cheeks are red as she finally picks up her own tea cup so she can drink her tea. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mistsplitter) wrote2022-04-20 09:38 pm
no subject
[ Beau sarcastic. π ]
Lucky me, I got an Ayaka.
[ He wanted to make a dry remark about her being better than having a Pyro or Cryo Vision for the cold, but having said that outloud and listening to himself, he huffs with a soft chuckle before kissing the top of her head. One last squeeze of her relaxed in his arms before he slowly lets go and steps back. ]
How're you feeling now?
no subject
What a silly thing to say... [ Heh...
But as Cloud lets go, she takes it as an opportunity to wash her hands! It's gotten quite sticky with the rice, after all! And she's done with the onigiri, anyway. Little rice balls with nori faces! Her students love it a lot... While it may not be Cloud's style? She hopes it will brighten up his day some and put a smile on his face! ]
And I'm alright. [ Facing him now as she wipes her now clean hands dry on a towel. ] I really would like to be able to work again soon, but it is unfortunate that I am being told to rest...
[ She shakes her head slowly. ]
I feel fine now.
no subject
Cute.
[ She faces him then, lamenting how she couldn't do anything but rest at home rather than return to work. To say that she's fine now...
Cloud's healing magic made sure of that, yes. But that still didn't stop him from worrying. Instead, he places his hand on his hip and lightly smiles. ]
Take it from me. You know how stubborn I am about the whole 'not resting' thing.
[ ...and thanks to a certain Shirasagi Himegimi, he was doing that more often. ]
Give it a couple more days. Till the snow's gone and you can hit the ground running.
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If you won't be busy these next couple of days, would you like to stay over?
[ Not that she'll be busy with him specifically, but the company is always appreciated. ]
If there's any work you should be doing, perhaps it can be done here? [ It gets lonely. It's not so bad, really, but having nothing to do sucks! Ayaka takes the time for herself, yes, but she would rather be doing things for others.
And... besides that? Since they didn't see each other yesterday, she wants to make up for the time lost. Her cheeks redden and she looks down, a small and shy smile on her face. ]
I missed you.
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Sure. [ There was no hesitation. She did say next couple of days...and he's not far away in the first place, so, ] I'll grab a change of clothes in a bit.
[ If he was going to be spending the night at the estate and spending tomorrow with her also. ]
Can't really do too much with all that snow kicking around... But I can keep busy here.
[ Cloud used to get restless if he wasn't working on a commission or taking work as a mercenary before. This world has taught him a lot in both being patient, and taking just a little more time for himself. The path he walks is much different from what would await him back home. And seeing the little shy smile on her face when his girlfriend says how she missed him...
It's easy to see why he doesn't regret a single moment or choice he's made since coming here. He's already come to Kyoto, but at times...it still feels like he's so far away. Melodramatic? Perhaps. But it's as they've both thought about too.
What would happen if he was truly accepted into this house? A discussion for another time. Much farther down the road as he takes these little moments and cherishes them. ]
A day still feels like too long sometimes...
[ But it wasn't. Aerith had once retorted back to him how she wasn't some princess who needed to be coddled. And Cloud wasn't about to be a proverbial mother hen to Ayaka. Still...he's happy and lucky seeing her as healthy as she is now. It just means he was going to work harder to protect her in the future. ]
Right. That settles it. [ A calming smile. ] I'm staying put.
no subject
[ Hehe, she's so excited!!! Little sakura blooms appear around her now when she smiles. ]
I will prepare the tea now. Would it be okay if you brought the onigiri to the dining?
[ There's a bunch made! Ayaka would probably just be able to eat one or two with how big they are, so the rest? For Cloud. He needs his carbs and his energy! ]
no subject
Never get tired of seeing them...
[ She asks him to take the onigiri, and he doesn't dare hesitate as he steps up to grab the full plate of rice buddies. ]
Gotcha.
[ It's so quiet and peaceful here now, that even as he leaves the kitchen to go set the onigiri down in the living room, he doesn't have to really yell to reach Ayaka as he calls back, ]
You do these little faces for the kids often?
[ Now that he's got the snacks set, Cloud decides to wait for Ayaka in the hallway leading to the kitchen. ]
no subject
[ Whether Cloud hears her voice clip or not, her cheeks redden in embarrassment. The answer? No... but she thought it was cute and fun to try. But now she doesn't know if she should share that with Cloud. ]
A- Actually, it's my first time doing something like that...
[ Pot of hot water, matcha powder in a container, and all other paraphernalia ready, she brings it in a tray to the kitchen and sits down. ]
Do you think it is childish?
no subject
[ "Do you think it is childish?" she asks of him as she sits down, Cloud following shortly behind her. As he prepares to take his seat at her side, patiently waiting for her to commence with the tea prep, he wants to answer what she said earlier. About it being her first time doing something like this with the onigiri. ]
Well you coulda fooled me. [ He sighs coolly as he settles in beside her. ] They look good for your first time.
[ But...childish. He wonders about that...and about his initial reaction when he asked if she showed these to her students. He half frowns, more at himself than anything else. The last thing he ever wanted to do was stifle her creativity or freedom. He doesn't touch the plate of little rice buddies yet, still getting a better look and wanting to wait for Ayaka to finish so they can start together. It was tradition at this point...and also something Cloud had learned when it came to adopting manners of this world and hers.
Was making little faces on the onigiri childish? ]
And... Not really. [ Onigiri plain, with little faces, in the grand scheme of things it didn't matter, he decided. ] Food's food, but... You don't just stop liking cute stuff when you get older.
[ Look at Cloud. Even if he's not the type to fawn over puppies or gush about things, he still couldn't help softly mutter that the little rice snacks she made were cute earlier. His hand briefly settles on her lap reassuringly as his smile returns with confidence. ]
no subject
Not once has he ever failed in giving her strength. ]
I suppose you're right.
[ She does like him, too, after all. :) But of course, she doesn't say that out loud!
Not long after, she begins the little tea ceremony with Cloud, mixing the water and the matcha powder to create a thick blend, as he's requested. Normally, she concentrates on making the blend, but this time? She asks him: ]
Do you think the children will like it? I do give them snacks when they come here. Unfortunately, I don't think I can bring that many to school once I'm back, but I can at least make more like these and serve it if they visit today or tomorrow.
no subject
[ No. Cloud's not gonna beat them up. ASDLKJ ...but he will let some of that rough & tumble Ex-SOLDIER come on through while dressing them down for mocking her. ]
They're wowed by you already. This'll just be another bonus. [ He hums then, as he patiently watches her commence with the little tea ceremony. Cloud doesn't worry about interrupting her or disturbing her work. ]
If...you did wanna bring more to the school, lemme know. [ He can help her carry them! ]
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[ That's a threat isn't it??? D: And he sounds serious, too!!! Cloud π ]
I... Perhaps we can schedule a day when you can come visit them, too!
[ They really liked having Cloud around that day that he came over with her lunch. Since then, they would ask when Prince Cloud would join them in class again! Of course some of them do ask Cloud whenever he picks Ayaka up from school and they catch him, but he's yet to make a proper comeback. ]
I think they would like that very much.
no subject
[ Later, he's going to reflect back on what he said. Has he...ever called her his girl before? So confidently? Perhaps it had something to do with the imaginary scenario of someone making her sad. Regardless, he's said what he said! His hands return to his lap as he leans back on the heels of his feet. ]
Mm. I'll bet they would.
[ As he watches her go through the motions of the ceremony, Cloud pats the tops of his legs patiently before letting out a soft breath through his nose. ]
Y'know... I didn't really think of it before, but- [ If only because he never really cared to think long about it with so many other matters to attend to. ] -kids gravitated to me back home, too.
[ His shoulders give a light little shrug. ]
Didn't really change anything around them either.
no subject
[ He really is her prince. And because he's made her heart flutter like crazy? She has to pause in mixing the green tea for a second, smiling to herself and basking in how lucky she is to have him before she continues.
Once she's done preparing the tea? She pours it onto the cups, one for her, Cloud, and two for her parents. Once again, she'll entrust him with the task of serving her parents. If they were still alive, they would probably appreciate that gesture from Cloud a lot. ]
I have always known you to be kind and likeable. Of course children would think the same of you.
[ Admirable, heroic... Ayaka has nothing but praise for Cloud, really. There's no doubt in her mind that he's good with kids, despite how shy he can be. ]
no subject
Once the tea is prepped, he fulfills his usual role and entrusts the cups to her parents at the shrine in the corner, kneeling in front of them as the steam rises.
"I have always known you to be kind and likeable." ]
Ah...
[ Looking over his shoulder back to Ayaka, he still retains his smile as he scoots back to her side. Now that they had their tea served and he gives her a small thanks, mindful not to steal a kiss or anything in front of her parents, they can snack on the Onigiri leisurely. ]
Glad to hear it. [ A beat. ] Definitely wasn't always like that.
When I first got to Midgar and started doing work as a mercenary, I started building a good reputation. [ A second beat, followed by a little huff through his nose and a smirk. ] Or a bad one. Depending on who you asked.
no subject
It hurts, still, but Ayaka remains the happiest with Cloud by her side. So, story about how he used to be? Or how he was starting out? It is something she considers a good thing, and it puts a smile on her face learning this. ]
A bad one? Why is that?
[ And based on what she's learned today...? Heh. ]
If anyone says something bad about you, please send them my way.
1/2
I was a jerk. Who put money before everything else. [ A beat. ] Till it became less about a job and fighting Shinra...
[ He gently clasps his hands together briefly as a sign of respect to the snacks they'll be having, before taking his pair of chopsticks to pluck up one ":3" faced little onigiri. ]
'Kay, guess I wasn't all that bad. Didn't even get paid for half the people I helped.
[ That's not a complaint. Not for current Cloud, anyway. Cloud would put up a front. Saying things like how he expects to be paid a lot for his work. Or how something was going to be a heavy cost to be saved by him. ...yeah. Cloud was all talk yet plenty of bite. Just in a way that favored most people he came across. ...even if he acted like a jackass sometimes. ]
[ Wait, that's just asking for trouble?! ]
Wait, you don't have toβ
2/2
TouchΓ©, Ayaka.
[ Om. ]
no subject
When he sounds surprised at what she said about sending people her way, she can't help but laugh. That's how he made her feel! And by no means did she mean anything bad by it, by saying it. Just... ]
Now you know how I feel! Silly Cloud.
[ The silliest π₯Ί ]
no subject
"Silly"... ]
Guess one of us hasta be.
[ Placing his chopsticks down, he holds his cup of matcha in his hands, breathing in the stronger aroma before letting his shoulders lax further. His tone of voice is softer than before, a sign of how content he really was. ]
I'm glad you're okay, Ayaka. [ Really glad. He takes a drink. ]
no subject
... it terrifies her. And yet, she knows within herself that she would pick up her sword at any time when she is needed. ]
Thank you for being here with me, Cloud.
[ She's the one who places a hand on his lap now. There is a small smile on her face when she moves a bit closer to him while she's seated, really just grateful that Cloud is here. He's the reason why she continues smiling, despite all that's happened. ]
I'm very sorry for making you worry.
no subject
[ The snack was nice, but as she scoots a little closer where she's seated, he keeps the chopsticks on the table along with his cup of tea so that he can better support and hold her. Slipping his arm around her waist, he returns her smile with a small one of his own. ]
Don't be. [ A couple beats. ] I'm the one who shoulda been there.
What's done is done. And I wanna keep looking ahead with you...
[ She's here now. Alive. Healthy. Happy. Smiling so beautifully... Everything he wished to get stronger for and protect. ]
...not looking back.
[ Not on that. ]
no subject
Cloud is right, though. No looking back. What's done is done. What is more important is the now. And she feels even more lucky that she's able to sit by her beau's side today. ]
So... where shall we go? [ :) Once she's able to go out again, she would like to take him on a date! ] Let us go anywhere you like. It will be my treat.
no subject
I was thinking... [ Since it didn't take long to get there, and it could be something they planned for instead of being spontaneous if need be, ] A weekend in Nara.
[ The ancient tree city holds a special place in his heart, after all. ]
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[ Since it could be cold there still! It was noisy and bustling because of the falling stars, but it could be that it's different now. They could get a better room! ]
I'd like that very much, my love.
[ Her cheeks are red as she finally picks up her own tea cup so she can drink her tea. ]
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