[ 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!
[ Ayaka's reaction to Zack living in a village in the jungle catches him by surprise also! Leaning against the kitchen counter on one hand, he relaxes more as she marvels at the landscapes he describes. ]
If things weren't so dicey there, I'd have shown you Midgar. For all the problems Shinra and extracting Mako have caused, the city's a technical marvel like nothing else.
[ Considering how much of the world Cloud still needed to see for himself, some things would be a whole new experience for both of them. ]
Maybe. [ Considering they were finished with the dishes and tidying now, and now that their hands were free...he can use them for more productive purposes. Like slipping them around Ayaka's waist and holding her. Guard completely dropped. No one else to see or know just how deep their bond has become and would continue to go. ] But you're worth the overtime.
[ She wishes she could hug him, but being close to him like this, her beau standing strong before her... she feels content. Instead of an embrace, her arms go up to wrap around his neck. Holding him like this, they could sway from side to side like how a couple would in a slow dance. In this moment in time though that the two share privately, they instead make plans for the future, keeping their words and promises locked just as they do one another. ]
[ And sway they do. Even just subtly, but it's less of a dance and more the hidden desire to cradle her. Not even in his wildest dreams, both home and otherworldly, would he have ever dreamed that somebody could actually hold his heart like this. Captivate him like this. Liberate him like this... Cloud never felt more free than when he was spending his days with Ayaka. These halcyon days... A little piece of heaven the two took solace in together. Even if they weren't to last forever, and there would be bumps in the road leading him back to her, these memories were also the ones that would drive him.
He'd never give up. He'd never stop looking for her. He wouldn't rest until he found Inazuma's shores. Or until he found her again on any shore. Cloud may have a lot to fight for and answer to when he returns to Gaia, but this.
[ A few months ago, on her birthday, they were kidding around about this, too. How Cloud charges a pretty Mora, and she proposed to pay him in kisses, instead. Ayaka's sense of humour still isn't the best, but she's having fun right now, anyway.
She gets up on her tiptoes now and kisses him softly on the lips. One might think this is the start of her payment for the shovel job, but... ]
Won't you just stay inside with me, instead?
[ She won't force him to stay with her if he really does want to clean up the snow... But she will also do whatever she can to make sure he can't concentrate with it if she has to. ]
[ He practically melts on the spot when she kisses him so softly. The question she asks next may as well be a foregone conclusion. Or at the very least, something that he can attend to later. Much later when he has far more important things to be doing right now. Such as taking care of the one girl in his life that he couldn't imagine himself without anymore. She's also already succeeded in making him unable to concentrate.
Long before his 'job' could even begin. There was no forcing it with her. ]
Mm. [ His forehead gently taps against hers, their noses almost brushing when he softly, honestly answers, ] I don't wanna be anywhere else.
[ He kisses her right back. Lingering. Soft. No intent on stopping until they need to breath despite the fact there's no heated passion. Just a desire to stay. ]
[ Ayaka doesn't do it on purposeβ she's just sweet naturally! Just like honey, and being close to her will make you want to stay there with her. Right now, though? She can't help but feel glad that Cloud's acquiescing to her so easily.
She lets out a soft laugh in between kisses, enjoying both their exchange of affection, and how new this is to both of them. ]
Do you promise?
[ That he won't so much as lift a finger to shovel the snow away??? Granted, she doesn't really have any means of entertaining him while he's over. . . She was working before he arrived, after all! ]
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mistsplitter) wrote2022-04-20 09:38 pm
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. ]
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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. ]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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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If things weren't so dicey there, I'd have shown you Midgar. For all the problems Shinra and extracting Mako have caused, the city's a technical marvel like nothing else.
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Perhaps there will be an opportunity in the future!
[ Even just talking about it is making her so happy. She gets to travel through his stories and experiences, and she enjoys it a lot. ]
Now you have more places to take me, hehe. Your bodyguard duties will never end at this rate.
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Maybe. [ Considering they were finished with the dishes and tidying now, and now that their hands were free...he can use them for more productive purposes. Like slipping them around Ayaka's waist and holding her. Guard completely dropped. No one else to see or know just how deep their bond has become and would continue to go. ] But you're worth the overtime.
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I still have many more kisses to give.
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[ And sway they do. Even just subtly, but it's less of a dance and more the hidden desire to cradle her. Not even in his wildest dreams, both home and otherworldly, would he have ever dreamed that somebody could actually hold his heart like this. Captivate him like this. Liberate him like this... Cloud never felt more free than when he was spending his days with Ayaka. These halcyon days... A little piece of heaven the two took solace in together. Even if they weren't to last forever, and there would be bumps in the road leading him back to her, these memories were also the ones that would drive him.
He'd never give up. He'd never stop looking for her. He wouldn't rest until he found Inazuma's shores. Or until he found her again on any shore. Cloud may have a lot to fight for and answer to when he returns to Gaia, but this.
All of this. ]
How many for the shovel job?
[ He'll never let go. ]
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She gets up on her tiptoes now and kisses him softly on the lips. One might think this is the start of her payment for the shovel job, but... ]
Won't you just stay inside with me, instead?
[ She won't force him to stay with her if he really does want to clean up the snow... But she will also do whatever she can to make sure he can't concentrate with it if she has to. ]
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Long before his 'job' could even begin. There was no forcing it with her. ]
Mm. [ His forehead gently taps against hers, their noses almost brushing when he softly, honestly answers, ] I don't wanna be anywhere else.
[ He kisses her right back. Lingering. Soft. No intent on stopping until they need to breath despite the fact there's no heated passion. Just a desire to stay. ]
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She lets out a soft laugh in between kisses, enjoying both their exchange of affection, and how new this is to both of them. ]
Do you promise?
[ That he won't so much as lift a finger to shovel the snow away??? Granted, she doesn't really have any means of entertaining him while he's over. . . She was working before he arrived, after all! ]
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