[ 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 π£ ]
[ 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 someβ not that Cloud keeps it messy!βbut 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! ]
[ He's not an overtly sweet-toothed guy, but at the same time? He's curious about the other end of the spectrum. Sesame on its own was fragrant and nice. ]
What do you think the color of the mochi should be?
[ Because ever since Ayaka presented him with her work of art that was Snow on the Hearth, Cloud can't help but think that if she attempted this one, it would also come out turning into something he almost wouldn't want to eat. At least he can take a picture of it? ...alas, sepia tones only convey so much. ]
[ Actually, this sounds silly saying it outloud. But he may or may not have found the idea of mochi and the treat itself to be really cool. It's becoming a favorite of his amongst the other treats found here in Nippon. Especially when it shares many familiarities with her own world. ]
Not sure if this sounds weird or not. [ Kizuna? Do your magic. Let those thoughts out, Cloud. ] Can it come in blue?
[ He has a good reason for asking something as innocent as that. ]
If you want. [ He sure won't stop her. Anything she makes is a work of art. He's sure he's good at lots of things, himself. Even if he lacked the same level of 'grace' she did. ] But...maybe I oughta start working on that, myself.
[ Making her something that'd make her think of him. ]
A dish that will remind me of you... hehe, how romantic.
[ A soft sigh, almost swooning. Sorry your girlfriend is so into you, Cloud. And as such, there is a happy smile on her face as she pours the water in the pot. Steam rises in the air before she closes the teapot, then she puts everything on the tray so they can head to the dining.
He'll notice she got three cups. One for Cloud's mom, too! ]
[ He can't help but smirk, sighing through his nose as he watches her happily smile. It's a shame that a day couldn't be stretched any further on. Because once she mentions the day coming to a close, he still hasn't lost his smile as they move to the dining room together. ]
Yeah... [ He doesn't seem sad about it, however. ] You have a good time?
[ Noticing the third cup and clueing in straightaway, he waits for her answer before asking, ]
Mind setting that by Mom?
[ In the same way that Ayaka had him offer tea to her parents' shrine. ]
Yes! [ Of course she has a good time. Noβ she had such a great time! It hasn't fully sunk in yet just how much today means to her, but she's also incredibly overwhelmed from the happiness. ] Today... today feels like a day I've never ever experienced before. And I should like to experience it again.
[ If she could keep reliving today, that would be the most ideal. But it is as she said... her day is coming to an end. Ayaka does not dawdle in mixing the water and the tea, creating a nice and smooth pot of sencha. Much as she would like for the day to be longer, there's no use in dwelling on what she can't have. ]
And yes, of course.
[ That was the plan to begin with! Pouring now a cup for Cloud, his mom, and her, a nice scent fills the room. After offering Cloud his cup, she pushes herself up with the other cup so she may serve her beau's mother.
Once she's seated with Cloud again, she finds herself wondering how else she can share the happiness he's given her with him. She hopes that he's happy, too. ]
Do you think your mother would like the tea I make?
Next birthday, then. [ And he mirrors something she once told him, softer now as he accepts her tea and waits patiently for her to return after she goes to serve Claudia. ] And the next after that.
[ His eyes follow her the whole time, and should she look back, she'll find him gently smiling in admiration. A look that hasn't left his face for long today.
She's done a lot. She's successfully harnessed the power of Materia, and even got to learn about constellations he's shared with her from his world. It was a productive and, if he believes her words? A happy day. ]
Bet she would. I remember seeing a bag of imported tea blend from Wutai in the cupboard once as a kid.
[ He never tried it, but if their flavors and aesthetic was anything like Inazuma's, let alone Nippon, he bets it may have been familiar. ]
Hehe... [ She shakes her head softly when she hears him say that. Cloud's always put a smile on her face, and he hasn't failed today. ] I'm glad to hear you say that.
Then... is Wutai anything like Nippon? Perhaps Inazuma has some things in common with Wutai, too.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mistsplitter) wrote2022-04-20 09:38 pm
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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 π£ ]
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 someβ not that Cloud keeps it messy!βbut 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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[ He's not an overtly sweet-toothed guy, but at the same time? He's curious about the other end of the spectrum. Sesame on its own was fragrant and nice. ]
What do you think the color of the mochi should be?
[ Because ever since Ayaka presented him with her work of art that was Snow on the Hearth, Cloud can't help but think that if she attempted this one, it would also come out turning into something he almost wouldn't want to eat. At least he can take a picture of it? ...alas, sepia tones only convey so much. ]
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[ A very Inazuman aesthetic... :) ]
Do you have any special requests?
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[ Actually, this sounds silly saying it outloud. But he may or may not have found the idea of mochi and the treat itself to be really cool. It's becoming a favorite of his amongst the other treats found here in Nippon. Especially when it shares many familiarities with her own world. ]
Not sure if this sounds weird or not. [ Kizuna? Do your magic. Let those thoughts out, Cloud. ] Can it come in blue?
[ He has a good reason for asking something as innocent as that. ]
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[ She'll have to ask around and figure out how to make things blue. But she is his star... so she shall make his wish come true!
With a determined nod, she says: ]
I'll make it. Blue black sesame-flavoured mochi.
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No rush. [ A huff, feeling a little embarrassed for his reason, but he's honest with her. ] Cherry blossoms remind me of you.
[ Thus why he admires her sakura mochi. But, more specifically to this conversation while the water boils, ]
Same goes for shades of blue, so...
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Mm... perhaps I should make a Cloud-inspired snack, along with it.
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[ Making her something that'd make her think of him. ]
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[ A soft sigh, almost swooning. Sorry your girlfriend is so into you, Cloud. And as such, there is a happy smile on her face as she pours the water in the pot. Steam rises in the air before she closes the teapot, then she puts everything on the tray so they can head to the dining.
He'll notice she got three cups. One for Cloud's mom, too! ]
Our day is almost coming to a close.
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Yeah... [ He doesn't seem sad about it, however. ] You have a good time?
[ Noticing the third cup and clueing in straightaway, he waits for her answer before asking, ]
Mind setting that by Mom?
[ In the same way that Ayaka had him offer tea to her parents' shrine. ]
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[ If she could keep reliving today, that would be the most ideal. But it is as she said... her day is coming to an end. Ayaka does not dawdle in mixing the water and the tea, creating a nice and smooth pot of sencha. Much as she would like for the day to be longer, there's no use in dwelling on what she can't have. ]
And yes, of course.
[ That was the plan to begin with! Pouring now a cup for Cloud, his mom, and her, a nice scent fills the room. After offering Cloud his cup, she pushes herself up with the other cup so she may serve her beau's mother.
Once she's seated with Cloud again, she finds herself wondering how else she can share the happiness he's given her with him. She hopes that he's happy, too. ]
Do you think your mother would like the tea I make?
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[ His eyes follow her the whole time, and should she look back, she'll find him gently smiling in admiration. A look that hasn't left his face for long today.
She's done a lot. She's successfully harnessed the power of Materia, and even got to learn about constellations he's shared with her from his world. It was a productive and, if he believes her words? A happy day. ]
Bet she would. I remember seeing a bag of imported tea blend from Wutai in the cupboard once as a kid.
[ He never tried it, but if their flavors and aesthetic was anything like Inazuma's, let alone Nippon, he bets it may have been familiar. ]
No one makes it like you, though.
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Then... is Wutai anything like Nippon? Perhaps Inazuma has some things in common with Wutai, too.
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[ Although...as the topic of Wutai comes up, he remembers, ]
Not sure how much has changed about it after the war.
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[ Goodness! She wants to ask about it, but she doesn't even know where to begin... ]
Was it a long time ago? Or...
[ Yeah... it feels like a sensitive topic, even if he's not from Wutai. ]
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