[ He just thought the three belt stars were pretty as a kid, okay? But now it's become a game! As he focuses and goes silent, he starts pointing at stars. ...some incorrect, in which he mumbles a short little "no..." ]
Think that's...the legs...
[ And further up top? Two stars in particular stand out, making- ]
Upper body... [ ! ] Think I found the cool part.
[ His finger trails over to the right. Then stops? It's coming back to him. ]
One...two... ..three, four- [ And finally, ] -five.
All I know is that he's based on an old myth. A mythical hunter who boasted they could hunt any beast on the Planet.
[ Cloud doesn't know enough about the various myths surrounding him... The tale of Artemis, the Goddess of Hunting, falling in love with him sounds like it'd be right up Ayaka's alley. But it gives him an idea. Because now that they're here, laying beneath the stars talking about it? She's actually got him curious about it now. And not just because he wants to continue the story for her. ]
Maybe the MRU library's got books about that. I'll check it out.
You bet. Wouldn't mind spending an afternoon just relaxing in one.
[ They always seemed to be a pretty peaceful and quiet place. No need to talk. Or if he did? It was quiet. Minimal. No disturbing others while they read. ]
[ A beat. He's back to tilting his head to watch her beside him now. If they continue talking like this, he'll probably lean over onto his side with his head in his hand as he watches her.
It's not like he'll have stopped watching stargazing when he's got the brightest one by his side. ]
Worse comes to worse, we just snack outside before heading in.
[ They always seem to be snacking! Whether it's takoyaki, milk tea, sashimi and sushi... It's become a staple for the two, and Ayaka doesn't seem to mind at all. ]
It's a date, then?
[ Looking at him now with dreamy eyes... Say yes? ]
[ He takes a moment to just stare, seemingly lost for a moment. But it's hardly a bad thing. In fact, if he could preserve this little moment for a while longer... ]
...
[ A gentle hum from his chest, and wordlessly he leans in towards her. She'll get what she wants. But not before he gives her another kiss. He has to remember her wishes. One of them was that he kept on kissing her. More. It's short and sweet, that when he pulls back and relaxes again, still watching her, ]
[ The two of them explore the night sky together. There's not many more that Cloud can recount off the top of his head. It's been a while since he'd actively taken the time to stargaze... Before, in his time in Tokyo, he'd spent most of his night not looking for constellations. He was watching in the direction of Kyoto, the train station...and still, the sky in the hopes that maybe she was watching it too. It was such a silly, romantic little notion...
Something that Cloud didn't fess to daydreaming of often, if at all. But, safe to say, he's been more of a dreamer as of late. And thanks to a certain white heron princess? They were all coming true as of late.
Pegasus, Phoenix, the Little Dipper...there's only a couple more, before he draws a blank on the rest. He's sure there's many others. ...or they can just keep making their own like Ayaka had done. He even has the picture to commemorate it. He'll trace it and send it to her. ]
Wanna come inside for some tea?
[ They are on top of his house, after all! And if she wanted to stay out here beneath the stars for a little longer, he'll do that, too. ]
[ There's lots to see, and lots to talk about. It doesn't seem like there's any dead air between the two as they talk about the stars and the night sky. Ayaka is able to enjoy such a serene moment with Cloud! She's learning a lot and she hopes that he's enjoying, too.
At the invitation for tea, Ayaka already starts to push herself up. ]
Alright, I'll prepare us tea.
[ Cloud was the one who invited her but she'll be the one to make it. 🥺 It's just how it should be! There is one thing, though... ]
May I say hello to your mother first?
[ Whenever she's around, she bows and gives her greetings. This time though? She thinks a bit of a conversation is due. ]
[ Effortlessly pushing himself to his feet, he makes sure to take Ayaka's hand. The roof wasn't slippery or too steep, but they're still on an angle, after all. He begins leading her over towards the backside of his house. And once they start approaching the edge, ]
Sure thing. Just hang on.
[ Sure, it's not a far drop from up here, but Cloud carefully pulls Ayaka close again, scooping her light body up in his arms bridal style once more. And then? With a little hop over the edge of the roof— Oh. They landed already. On his little balcony! Sharing a look with her and a little smile, he sets her back on her feet again, the two of them finished roof hopping for the night as he goes to open the door to his balcony, letting her go inside first before following shortly after. Now to head downstairs!
Whenever he looked at the shrine in his living room, he couldn't help softly whispering that he's home. ]
[ There is a look of longing present in Ayaka's gaze when he sets her down. She imagines that after tea, their day will come to a close, and she would have to go home and be separated from him again. Slipping her hands away from him so she can enter his room and set her things down, she puts on that calm smile yet again.
This has been such a good day. And it is unfortunate that it must come to an end. If only she didn't have to go home... because she really would like to be with Cloud longer. Despite how open she's become with him, this is something she would prefer to keep to herself. Cloud has his own life to lead, after all. Ayaka can't be with him all the time, she knows this. Still...
Breathing out softly, she finally descends the stairs to head to the shrine for Cloud's mother. She said she would say hello, but she sits in seiza in front of the photo, touching the cheek of the small little boy softly, as if she knew who she was. Even if she doesn't, she loves him all the same. ]
Good evening.
[ If Cloud listens? He probably won't be able to hear much. Ayaka stays quiet, merely whispering her story of how her day started and how it's ending. It's not a very long monologue. At the end of it, she lets out a soft laugh, looking at Cloud before looking away again.
Right. As she gets up, she tells Claudia that she'll go prepare some tea.
[ If Cloud had it his way, he would have foregone an entirely new home to himself- even though he'd made the move to an entirely new city within months of arriving here. Yet at the same time, he also held his reservations on asking something as bravos as wishing to live with her. Especially when there was her older brother to consider. Yet...those were thoughts from the past. Thoughts before they'd realized just how deeply engrained with one another they'd become. How deep these feelings would take root in their hearts. The thought of her leaving and saying goodnight again doesn't hurt so much anymore. In fact, unlike those days when he left aboard that train, or had to watch her get on,
He's been leaving with a smile on his face more often.
He waits patiently, folding his arms as he leans against the wall across from the shrine. Something told him that this was a story for her and his Mom's ears alone. He doesn't quite feel left out, however. When she looks back over her shoulder for him, she's met with a gentle nod and look of admiration. Sorry, Ayaka. He may never get over the lengths you went to in restoring a memory from his lost past and framed it. He only approaches her when she looks to be getting back up, then, not wasting any more time in taking her hand in his. ]
[ It's so natural to hold Cloud's hand by now, but it still surprises her all the same. It makes her smile brighten immediately, flowers blooming in the air due to their bond. ]
Well... I have to go to school in the morning, but I don't have any plans after work.
[ Would he like her to make plans with him? Is that why she's asking? Oh, but she doesn't want to assume he wants to spend time with her... this is difficult 😣 ]
[ His eyes shimmer between their familiar blue mako hue, and the icier greys that hers were known for. ]
I've gotta grab a couple things for the business in the afternoon.
[ As they enter the kitchen, he only lets go of her hand so he can begin to retrieve everything she'd need to prepare tea. It's a good thing Cloud cleaned and washed everything up before picking her up earlier tonight. ]
Want me to come get you tomorrow?
[ After school? He wants to spend time with her. ]
[ In the end, she ends up getting way too excited about it. Nevermind that they spent the evening together. It's something that gives Ayaka a feeling of contentment and longing at the same time. ]
Is there anything I can do to help you?
[ With the pot ready, she fills it up with water so she can begin boiling it on the stove. With that going on, she'll prepare the powder and the wagashi to serve, if Cloud has any of the latter. ]
[ Not because he doesn't want her to help. But because what he'd planned on grabbing was simple enough. Although, as he takes a step back to allow Ayaka to get to work and do most of the work when preparing the tea, he shows her where the wagashi is kept. ]
Though a couple spots I was checking out are open later. Just some notebooks for jotting stuff down.
[ Clients, order history, he'll figure things out as he goes. Maybe Ayaka can come with him to those and he can hold off so she can give her opinion. ]
[ If they go to a store for supplies, she'll definitely have nice finds for herself too. Maybe a new light novel or two...
Now, for the tea? There's a bit of downtime while waiting for the water to boil. She decided to tidy up the kitchen some— not that Cloud keeps it messy!—but if there's anything out of place, she'd want to fix that.
[ Hearing that she'll come with him just meant that his evening got better. Spending the day doing his own thing was good and all, and he wanted to give Ayaka time to do the things she wished to do also. Though they tried to see each other every single day? It was a game of balance when it came to being together. Something that, if today was any indication? Was going well enough for them. They need to keep this momentum going! Taking a step back once he's helped her find the wagashi, he crosses his arms and watches her as she fusses with the little things in his kitchen.
Nothing big. A knife left out by the sink's side here. Bread crumbs on the counter from times he's made himself toast. Again; the little things. ]
Check the fridge and see.
[ He's keeping them safe and cool for later. If she were to check? She'll see that he's already eaten half of one already. There was so much red bean paste...but? That wasn't a bad thing in the slightest. ]
You got me hooked on red bean paste, hope you know. [ A beat. ] I was thinking of finishing the first one later.
[ Once they finished their night together, that is. ]
[ Ayaka may not be the best cook, but she takes pride in her own variation of the sakura mochi. It's very intricate, and all her feelings are put into it. An Inazuman would even consider it a work of art! Not that that was Ayaka's intention, but even the things she makes in the kitchen require elegance.
She does check the fridge as she's told, laughing softly when she sees what she's made for him. If he's hooked on adzuki? Then she should get him to try more flavours! ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ That's the bigger constellation, right? ]
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[ He just thought the three belt stars were pretty as a kid, okay? But now it's become a game! As he focuses and goes silent, he starts pointing at stars. ...some incorrect, in which he mumbles a short little "no..." ]
Think that's...the legs...
[ And further up top? Two stars in particular stand out, making- ]
Upper body... [ ! ] Think I found the cool part.
[ His finger trails over to the right. Then stops? It's coming back to him. ]
One...two... ..three, four- [ And finally, ] -five.
[ Orion. ]
Those five in an arch? That's his bow.
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[ O_O!! So many things she's learning. But wait— ]
Who is Orion?
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[ Cloud doesn't know enough about the various myths surrounding him... The tale of Artemis, the Goddess of Hunting, falling in love with him sounds like it'd be right up Ayaka's alley. But it gives him an idea. Because now that they're here, laying beneath the stars talking about it? She's actually got him curious about it now. And not just because he wants to continue the story for her. ]
Maybe the MRU library's got books about that. I'll check it out.
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May I accompany you?
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[ They always seemed to be a pretty peaceful and quiet place. No need to talk. Or if he did? It was quiet. Minimal. No disturbing others while they read. ]
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[ :)!! Compared to like... more outgoing people, she thinks. STARES AT THOMA ]
We probably aren't allowed to bring snacks inside, though...
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[ A beat. He's back to tilting his head to watch her beside him now. If they continue talking like this, he'll probably lean over onto his side with his head in his hand as he watches her.
It's not like he'll have stopped watching stargazing when he's got the brightest one by his side. ]
Worse comes to worse, we just snack outside before heading in.
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[ They always seem to be snacking! Whether it's takoyaki, milk tea, sashimi and sushi... It's become a staple for the two, and Ayaka doesn't seem to mind at all. ]
It's a date, then?
[ Looking at him now with dreamy eyes... Say yes? ]
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...
[ A gentle hum from his chest, and wordlessly he leans in towards her. She'll get what she wants. But not before he gives her another kiss. He has to remember her wishes. One of them was that he kept on kissing her. More. It's short and sweet, that when he pulls back and relaxes again, still watching her, ]
Yup.
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[ A perfect kiss. A perfect plan. A perfect date. Everything's great! Ayaka couldn't be happier. ]
In the meantime... we can look for more constellations. Was there anything else you wanted to show?
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[ The two of them explore the night sky together. There's not many more that Cloud can recount off the top of his head. It's been a while since he'd actively taken the time to stargaze... Before, in his time in Tokyo, he'd spent most of his night not looking for constellations. He was watching in the direction of Kyoto, the train station...and still, the sky in the hopes that maybe she was watching it too. It was such a silly, romantic little notion...
Something that Cloud didn't fess to daydreaming of often, if at all. But, safe to say, he's been more of a dreamer as of late. And thanks to a certain white heron princess? They were all coming true as of late.
Pegasus, Phoenix, the Little Dipper...there's only a couple more, before he draws a blank on the rest. He's sure there's many others. ...or they can just keep making their own like Ayaka had done. He even has the picture to commemorate it. He'll trace it and send it to her. ]
Wanna come inside for some tea?
[ They are on top of his house, after all! And if she wanted to stay out here beneath the stars for a little longer, he'll do that, too. ]
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At the invitation for tea, Ayaka already starts to push herself up. ]
Alright, I'll prepare us tea.
[ Cloud was the one who invited her but she'll be the one to make it. 🥺 It's just how it should be! There is one thing, though... ]
May I say hello to your mother first?
[ Whenever she's around, she bows and gives her greetings. This time though? She thinks a bit of a conversation is due. ]
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[ Effortlessly pushing himself to his feet, he makes sure to take Ayaka's hand. The roof wasn't slippery or too steep, but they're still on an angle, after all. He begins leading her over towards the backside of his house. And once they start approaching the edge, ]
Sure thing. Just hang on.
[ Sure, it's not a far drop from up here, but Cloud carefully pulls Ayaka close again, scooping her light body up in his arms bridal style once more. And then? With a little hop over the edge of the roof— Oh. They landed already. On his little balcony! Sharing a look with her and a little smile, he sets her back on her feet again, the two of them finished roof hopping for the night as he goes to open the door to his balcony, letting her go inside first before following shortly after. Now to head downstairs!
Whenever he looked at the shrine in his living room, he couldn't help softly whispering that he's home. ]
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This has been such a good day. And it is unfortunate that it must come to an end. If only she didn't have to go home... because she really would like to be with Cloud longer. Despite how open she's become with him, this is something she would prefer to keep to herself. Cloud has his own life to lead, after all. Ayaka can't be with him all the time, she knows this. Still...
Breathing out softly, she finally descends the stairs to head to the shrine for Cloud's mother. She said she would say hello, but she sits in seiza in front of the photo, touching the cheek of the small little boy softly, as if she knew who she was. Even if she doesn't, she loves him all the same. ]
Good evening.
[ If Cloud listens? He probably won't be able to hear much. Ayaka stays quiet, merely whispering her story of how her day started and how it's ending. It's not a very long monologue. At the end of it, she lets out a soft laugh, looking at Cloud before looking away again.
Right. As she gets up, she tells Claudia that she'll go prepare some tea.
To the kitchen! ]
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He's been leaving with a smile on his face more often.
He waits patiently, folding his arms as he leans against the wall across from the shrine. Something told him that this was a story for her and his Mom's ears alone. He doesn't quite feel left out, however. When she looks back over her shoulder for him, she's met with a gentle nod and look of admiration. Sorry, Ayaka. He may never get over the lengths you went to in restoring a memory from his lost past and framed it. He only approaches her when she looks to be getting back up, then, not wasting any more time in taking her hand in his. ]
So what's on the agenda tomorrow?
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[ It's so natural to hold Cloud's hand by now, but it still surprises her all the same. It makes her smile brighten immediately, flowers blooming in the air due to their bond. ]
Well... I have to go to school in the morning, but I don't have any plans after work.
[ Would he like her to make plans with him? Is that why she's asking? Oh, but she doesn't want to assume he wants to spend time with her... this is difficult 😣 ]
What about you?
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I've gotta grab a couple things for the business in the afternoon.
[ As they enter the kitchen, he only lets go of her hand so he can begin to retrieve everything she'd need to prepare tea. It's a good thing Cloud cleaned and washed everything up before picking her up earlier tonight. ]
Want me to come get you tomorrow?
[ After school? He wants to spend time with her. ]
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[ In the end, she ends up getting way too excited about it. Nevermind that they spent the evening together. It's something that gives Ayaka a feeling of contentment and longing at the same time. ]
Is there anything I can do to help you?
[ With the pot ready, she fills it up with water so she can begin boiling it on the stove. With that going on, she'll prepare the powder and the wagashi to serve, if Cloud has any of the latter. ]
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[ Not because he doesn't want her to help. But because what he'd planned on grabbing was simple enough. Although, as he takes a step back to allow Ayaka to get to work and do most of the work when preparing the tea, he shows her where the wagashi is kept. ]
Though a couple spots I was checking out are open later. Just some notebooks for jotting stuff down.
[ Clients, order history, he'll figure things out as he goes. Maybe Ayaka can come with him to those and he can hold off so she can give her opinion. ]
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[ If they go to a store for supplies, she'll definitely have nice finds for herself too. Maybe a new light novel or two...
Now, for the tea? There's a bit of downtime while waiting for the water to boil. She decided to tidy up the kitchen some— not that Cloud keeps it messy!—but if there's anything out of place, she'd want to fix that.
That reminds her... ]
Did you get to try the sakura mochi yet?
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Nothing big. A knife left out by the sink's side here. Bread crumbs on the counter from times he's made himself toast. Again; the little things. ]
Check the fridge and see.
[ He's keeping them safe and cool for later. If she were to check? She'll see that he's already eaten half of one already. There was so much red bean paste...but? That wasn't a bad thing in the slightest. ]
You got me hooked on red bean paste, hope you know. [ A beat. ] I was thinking of finishing the first one later.
[ Once they finished their night together, that is. ]
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[ Ayaka may not be the best cook, but she takes pride in her own variation of the sakura mochi. It's very intricate, and all her feelings are put into it. An Inazuman would even consider it a work of art! Not that that was Ayaka's intention, but even the things she makes in the kitchen require elegance.
She does check the fridge as she's told, laughing softly when she sees what she's made for him. If he's hooked on adzuki? Then she should get him to try more flavours! ]
What kind of mochi should I make next?
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[ He could have said matcha if that was possible, but. He brings a hand to his chin in thought. It's a
dorkyunique thought, but, ]What's black sesame like?
[ He's seen that filling as an option for mochi before, but he never tried it. ]
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[ She begins to hum in thought, wondering how else to describe it. ]
I shall make you some, so you can try it.
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