[ 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. ]
Not that I'll hold it against them if we get told there's only one bed again.
[ He's not the winking type. But if words could wink... ]
Right. [ Arm still wrapped around her delicate waist, he accepts his cup of tea, knowingly smiling with the cup close to his lips. ] I'll look into getting us out there soon.
[ There were no falling stars this time of year that he was aware of, but he didn't need any when he had the brightest and only one that mattered by his side. ]
β β β
[ As they finish snacking and drinking their tea, Cloud nearly forgets about what partially brought him over here in the first place. Not until the two of them eventually return to the kitchen to clean up after finishing their tea and snacks and he looks outside the kitchen window. ]
[ lbr even if they did get 2 beds, she would still sleep next to Cloud, anyway... the other bed will be lonely. ]
O- Oh, Iβ
[ She only meant a nicer and bigger room ._. Cloud's response gets her cheeks to turn red, and she has to look down at her tea immediately. She feels no shame in sleeping next to him, now and back then, but she can't help but feel a little embarrassed right now, anyway. ]
πΈ
[ Ayaka does not let Cloud do much work whenever he is around and she is there to see it. She is the lady of the house! So she has to be the one to take care of it all. She wouldn't want Ayato to do the dishes if she were around, after all. But... she supposes he may help out and dry what she's cleaned, organise the racks and stuff! He can help! That is enough.
Once the dishes are done and it's just Cloud putting everything back in its place? She looks out the window so that she can paint a picture in her head with regards to what they're talking about. ]
Nibelheim, Wutai, Gongaga... and now Modeoheim... they all seem like a mouthful to say, except Wutai.
[ The other bed can have their luggage on it. sflkdaj ]
Makes sense. Culturally, Wutai sounds about as close to Inazuma as it gets.
[ The plates go in the upper shelf. While they could both reach, it's much easier for Cloud with his height. Not that there's much to clean up and put away, with it being just the two of them. ]
Zack and I laughed at each other's hometown names when we first met. We were on a mission in Modeoheim and...we were the only ones used to that kinda terrain. Being country boys and all...
[ Oh!! The story of how Cloud and Zack first met!! She seems to brighten up at the story, so happy to hear little bits and pieces of the story of the two boys. ]
A soft gasp escapes her as she covers her mouth with a hand. That's very surprising, is all! But nothing bad!! Inazuma is filled with nature, but nothing like a jungle!! What an out of this world concept... ]
That's so amazing! Nibelheim is so different compared to the jungle!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mistsplitter) wrote2022-04-20 09:38 pm
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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. ]
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[ 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?
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[ "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. ]
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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.
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[ 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.
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[ 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.
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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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. ]
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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 ]
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"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. ]
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... 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.
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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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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[ He's not the winking type. But if words could wink... ]
Right. [ Arm still wrapped around her delicate waist, he accepts his cup of tea, knowingly smiling with the cup close to his lips. ] I'll look into getting us out there soon.
[ There were no falling stars this time of year that he was aware of, but he didn't need any when he had the brightest and only one that mattered by his side. ]
[ As they finish snacking and drinking their tea, Cloud nearly forgets about what partially brought him over here in the first place. Not until the two of them eventually return to the kitchen to clean up after finishing their tea and snacks and he looks outside the kitchen window. ]
Haven't seen this much snow since Modeoheim...
[ Note to self. Shovel. Lots. ]
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O- Oh, Iβ
[ She only meant a nicer and bigger room ._. Cloud's response gets her cheeks to turn red, and she has to look down at her tea immediately. She feels no shame in sleeping next to him, now and back then, but she can't help but feel a little embarrassed right now, anyway. ]
[ Ayaka does not let Cloud do much work whenever he is around and she is there to see it. She is the lady of the house! So she has to be the one to take care of it all. She wouldn't want Ayato to do the dishes if she were around, after all. But... she supposes he may help out and dry what she's cleaned, organise the racks and stuff! He can help! That is enough.
Once the dishes are done and it's just Cloud putting everything back in its place? She looks out the window so that she can paint a picture in her head with regards to what they're talking about. ]
Nibelheim, Wutai, Gongaga... and now Modeoheim... they all seem like a mouthful to say, except Wutai.
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Makes sense. Culturally, Wutai sounds about as close to Inazuma as it gets.
[ The plates go in the upper shelf. While they could both reach, it's much easier for Cloud with his height. Not that there's much to clean up and put away, with it being just the two of them. ]
Zack and I laughed at each other's hometown names when we first met. We were on a mission in Modeoheim and...we were the only ones used to that kinda terrain. Being country boys and all...
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Have you ever been to Zack's hometown?
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[ O_O!!
A soft gasp escapes her as she covers her mouth with a hand. That's very surprising, is all! But nothing bad!! Inazuma is filled with nature, but nothing like a jungle!! What an out of this world concept... ]
That's so amazing! Nibelheim is so different compared to the jungle!
[ So Gongaga must be SOOOOO different!!! ]
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