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[ He has nothing to worry about! But it is as she's said — they were reasonable thoughts. But she is glad he went to her, because now she can set his worries aside.

Handing him back his phone, she tugtugs on his hand so he can have a seat if he's inclined to stay. ]

Perhaps something along the lines of... "I'm a prince from a faraway land, and I've stolen the heart of your nation's Shirasagi Himegimi".

[ He was indeed inclined to stay. If he wasn't interrupting anything? It'll be like reliving another day in Kyoto. Keeping in one another's company, silently or talking about what may come next. Following Ayaka, he has a seat on the couch in her apartment. It...felt weird at first, sitting on a...would it be called 'western'? Sofa. But he can't deny that it's extra cushiony by contrast to how he'd normally sit in Nippon. ]

...

[ She's serious. Isn't she. If he thought she were kidding, he would have shot it down a lot more swiftly. He blinks at her, whilst finishing up his first message finally as he taps away on his phone. ]

You think that'll go over well with her?

[ meaning: "You really want me to tell her I'm a prince?" afdjkhs ]

Why wouldn't it? I think she would find it romantic.

[ She's serious. He could very well just say that he's her beau, but that just sounds too plain. Besides, Ayato already knows that she calls Cloud her Prince. It isn't so bad to call him that in front of other people, is it? ]

Would you rather keep it between us?

[ That he's her Prince, she means. ]

[ Did he find it embarrassing? He's not ashamed of their relationship. Far from it. In fact, should Ayaka come up at any point in a conversation, and his relation to her was questioned? Cloud wouldn't pull his punches in telling them who she was to him. Even if he was rather direct in how he said things. ... Usually. But then, Ayaka saw what he could accomplish with a script in his hand. What he could say when they were words exclusively for her. It was all things that he never would have imagined him thinking about, let alone feeling before she came into his life.

Ayaka really did change so many things for him. ...frankly, for the better. Cloud wasn't a bad person before, but she'd already helped him become something more. Somebody so much better. Someone he could be proud of if he had to look himself in the mirror and see where he was. Where he was going. So when she asks...

"Would you rather keep it between us?" ]

[ He quietly tells her to hold on. And he types back. Then deletes. Types some more...backspaces one more time. He looks focused, but his cheeks are turning a faint shade of red. And yet he doesn't sigh. Or wince. Cloud may not be shouting it from the rooftops. He was shy. Awkward. Still working on his social skills. But if there was one person who saw him through every step on this path to being better. Learning who Cloud Strife really was. It was Ayaka.

More importantly, he trusts Ayaka. How could he not, when she already had all of him to begin with. So finally, hitting send and washing away his doubts, he half smiles to himself as he looses a sigh through his nose, at the same time humming softly as he looks back to her, showing her his phone and the message he just sent. ]

How's that?

[ Ayaka just... sits there for a moment, not saying anything, nor does she move closer to Cloud to see what he's typing. He should be given the space he needs, when that is his conversation with Yoimiya, and not theirs! She hopes he isn't pressured by her words, which was why she asked if he wanted to keep it between them.

When Cloud is done texting and shows her what he sent? That's when she inches closer to see, eyes widening slowly upon reading the entire message.

She looks away then, cheeks red. A hand covers her mouth as she tries to calm herself down. It's just a text! But he made her heart skip again!!!

Oh Cloud... when you do and say things like that... ]

It really was just one look...

[ And she fell for him instantly.

A deep breath later, and she pushes herself up. She needs some tea to calm herself down. ]

Would you like some tea?

Edited 2023-03-05 09:30 (UTC)

[ Was it pressure? A little, if he was being honest. But. It was also something that he really needed to be asked in the first place. Because he was serious about her. He'd follow her to any world he had to if it meant protecting and being with her. That wasn't the intent of a coddler, but something that ran far deeper. A promise to 'stay' from her beau. And if he was going to stand behind his beliefs and how she makes his heart race? Than he was going to tell Yoimiya exactly what one of her best friends means to him.

It wasn't like he was publicly getting down on one knee and professing his love for his 'princess'. But when somebody asks what Ayaka is to him? ]

Mm. You're kinda unforgettable.

[ Damn right she's his princess. That's his girl. ]

Sure.

[ ... Oh! ]

You wind up finding matcha here? [ A beat. Two beats. ] Or sencha?

You are the same, Cloud.

[ This guy...

Just for that, she leans back down to give him a kiss. A reward from his princess for being so good to her. Ayaka could never become this comfortable with someone else. She admires him from the bottom of her heart, thinks he's so amazing, but at the core of it all? They're friends. They're on the same level, and she wasn't someone who was put on a pedestal. She gets to learn from him, and she gets to teach him new things, too.

Now then! Up she goes for real. ]

Mm, I found a shop that sells matcha powder, but I didn't buy some yet. I will need to save up and procure a nice tea preparation set before anything else.

I hope it will be okay to drink just sencha for a little while.

[ Even as Ayaka leans back down to give him a kiss, Cloud can hear his phone vibrating in his hand. It must have been from Yoimiya. He'll read it after. Something more important's happening right now. Such as her beau leaning up in his seat a little so he can receive his just reward. He closes his eyes, unable to help humming contently with a smile against her lips. She's the one who brought out and nurtured this side of him.

He might not have fully known it yet when they first met, but...he wasn't lying in his text, either. One look was all it took. And he was on the path to eventually taking this white heron's heart. And giving his to her in turn. And look where they are now. ]

So tea ceremony set for you, and a rice cooker for me. [ As their priority purchases. ] Got it.

[ "I hope it will be okay to drink just sencha for a little while." ]

Honestly? Kinda like sencha from time to time. [ He starts reading what Yoimiya sent to him, a light sigh of relief leaving his lips. ] I like when you make matcha more, but...sencha's easier for me.

I'm no good at tea prep like you.

[ So just taking crushed leaves and creating a pot was easier for him to do in comparison. ]

[ She can't help but giggle when he lists the things they need to buy. Cloud's not wrong! But now they're even... they need to save up for two things! And if Cloud ever wanted to learn tea preparation? She'll lend her tea set to him. No problems there. ]

Then, please let me serve you tea whenever you like.

[ If he's not good at it, then she will do it for him. Not because she is capable, but... it is a romantic thought— to cover the bases, do something that your partner isn't able to, as a means of support. She would like to do this for him. ]

I'll be back soon. Please make yourself at home.

[ He can be as comfy as he likes while he heads to the kitchen to heat some water. They have a water kettle!! It is actually really amazing... ]

I'd like that.

[ Not that he won't take her up on an offer to teach him some of the steps for Tea Ceremony! After he sends a text back to Yoimiya, he indeed does good in making himself at home. There's not a whole lot to this home quite yet. Same goes for his apartment just down the hall. Rather than twiddle his thumbs and sit on his phone, however, Cloud decides to get up from the couch, calmly pacing as he watches from the living room as she heats some water. ]

Looks like you're getting used to things pretty quick. [ Whether Ayaka asks him what he means by "things" or not? He elaborates anyway, his attentions between her and his phone which is currently being blown up with texts in his hand. ] The technology in this place.

[ S'just a water kettle, but. They also have new phones now. With better cameras on them. Among other things! What else did she discover since they got here? He wonders. ]

Teleporting is still very scary, but I must do my best in this world.

[ So she has to learn what she can as soon as possible! And... maybe she's a little bit excited, being able to experience so many new things once again.

Oh, speaking of technology!! ]

How much is a motorcycle? Perhaps we can buy one here for you, too!

[ 🥺 she can pitch in and save up for it with him if he likes ]

Yeah that's not something we see much of back home either.

[ When she brings up the idea of a motorcycle, something that he'd mentioned to Zack as well, he stops pacing in the living room, blinking over at her from where she is in the kitchen. We? She was gonna help procure him one? ... He can't stop her. But, she must know, especially if they're being treated like ordinary people here beyond their purpose of 'saving this world', ]

Not sure what the currency exchange rate is here compared to Yen...or Gil...

[ Or the third currency which he'll use since it's what she knows best. ]

Brand new they cost a pretty Mora.

[ Money was hardly a problem for Ayaka, but she also liked to keep things simple in Inazuma. Despite the elaborate furniture they have, or the fact that she collects fans and kimonos, she also liked to buy small and simple things. It is her natural grace and elegance that makes her the way she is. Even if she wore that white dress from when she woke up, she'd still look like a princess, and not some ordinary girl.

It is daunting, though! And she pauses for a moment, because she also needs to buy groceries and other things for her house... Or maybe she needs to figure out what she truly needs, and separate her wants in a different list. This does not get her down, but she does feel a little intimidated. ]

Then... I must find a job soon.

Don't rush. They said they'll pay us enough to keep us comfy for a little bit.

[ As for what kind of work would be good for Ayaka... Cloud still needs to discover what this world has to offer. What kind of locals exist here. ~~If there's kids to teach.~~ He crosses his arms, tapping his foot in thought. ]

This city's pretty huge. If we don't find something while we're out, [ and he's by himself, ] I'll tell you if there's places hiring.

[ After all, if he's going to start offering his services to everyone, it's only natural Cloud would be on the go quite often. ]

Yes, but I do not wish to only find work only when I am running out of funds.

[ She doesn't like being idle, just like you, Cloud. Just that her way of not being idle is different from yours. Not to mention, she would like to be able to achieve her goals. If she wants to get Cloud a rice cooker and a motorcycle, then she needs to make income!

The kettle switches off, the sign that the water's all good to use. Bringing out a plain-looking white pot, she scoops the loose tea leaves inside, then adds the water. Four cups worth! They both like their refills, after all. They'll need to wait a couple of minutes for the tea to be ready. ]

There is much to see, as well. I do not wish to lose out on experiences with you because of a small pocket.

[ She still wants to go on dates with you, Cloud!! 🥺 ]

Definitely don't do that either. I'm just saying it won't hurt to give yourself a day or few to make a gameplan.

[ Since so far, it seemed like this world wasn't in super dire straits. Cloud wouldn't want her to sit idly by either. Though hearing himself, Cloud suddenly puts a hand on his hip, shaking his head with a huffed laugh. He meant it all from a good place, caring about Ayaka deeply. But there he went, coddling and suggesting things where she didn't ask for it. It wasn't a huge deal, but there really was a sense of progress in all of this picking up on the things that he's said. So he'll leave it be otherwise!

If Ayaka wants to take charge and find work ASAP? Than he's not going to stop her. He's going to support her. Support every choice she makes instead of having them made for her. ]

We gotta find our new teahouse.

[ It doesn't have to be an actual teahouse! But Cloud wants to find a 'usual' spot with her once more. ]

Of course. [ Ayaka doesn't think she is being coddled, at least. She understands the assurance that Cloud brings, and does not reject it. But she understands now what her priorities are, and she won't dive into things head first! That part, you have nothing to worry about, Cloud. ] That goes without saying.

[ The teacups she has are more... western, with handles. She misses the yunomi already... Placing them on a tray so she can bring everything to the living room, she lets it be for a moment as she continues to wait for the tea to steep in the pot. ]

Preferably with sushi.

[ It really was their spot. 🥺 Granted, Ayaka's thoughts would wander sometimes whenever they visited the teahouse after October, but it was still their spot!! It was a great comfort, and they made many great memories there. ]

[ His phone vibrates yet again. He would have already joined Ayaka in the kitchen, but this was also a good time to keep a conversation going with Yoimiya too. Any other time? He would have ignored his phone for his girlfriend. What else was he going to do while he waited for her to come back to serve him tea? He knew how much joy it brought her to prepare snacks and tea. Especially when he knew he could easily return the favor for her any time he wanted to do something for her. So he decides to take a seat back on the couch to wait for her. He imagines it shouldn't be long now, the sounds of water being poured earlier telling. ]

No "preferably" about it. We're getting sushi. [ Though he has to wonder and hope... ] Hopefully as good as what we got back in Kyoto.

[ Please Nightwake. Don't let them down, these two have developed a high standard. ]

[ The teahouse...was never quite the same after October. Not that it was a bad thing, but he was indeed distracted every time they returned there. Or when his thoughts drifted to the locale. Thinking of it now, and all the affection and intimacy that place brought them...it's brought on another thought. But he decides to wait until Ayaka returns with the tea so they can talk together.

Besides, he's got something better to share with her and see first. ]

I must ask Thoma to make you some sushi some time. His cooking truly is one of a kind.

[ OuO!! But yes... now they must go on a mission to find "their spot"! A Japanese one. And if they find another place that's to their liking? Then they can have another spot! And another! For how much these two love to eat ~~each other~~ out, it's a miracle they haven't claimed multiple spots in Nippon.

A few clinking of ceramic can be heard from the kitchen, and Ayaka's on her feet, bringing the tray out into the living room. Carefully bending down to place it on the table, she then kneels on the floor to begin serving the tea. The table's low enough for it! Just not low enough for drinking... ]

I think I may try buying other kinds of tea leaves, too. I've been introduced to black tea recently, and there are so many kinds.

[ She really lucked out having Thoma so close by! She's been doing her best making it on her own, but having some sense of familiarity will never not be a bad thing. Save for Zack and Ayaka, and others who recognize him from a different reality... Well. For the time being, Cloud decides he'll focus on everyone that she's had the chance to reunite with. It's easier that way for now. ]

Oh yeah? What's that taste like?

[ He's never tried much when it comes to tea. Not before coming to Nippon and spending so much time with Ayaka, that is. From his side of the couch, he leans into his lap instead of lounging and watching her while she begins serving and setting everything out proper. He'll relax back in a moment...it was strange reclining back with Ayaka on her knees before him. ~~SWEATS.~~ ]

Edited 2023-03-08 06:41 (UTC)

The one that I had recently was called "pomegranate tea". It was very fruity! Like a... berry, I suppose, but different.

[ They don't have local pomegranates in Inazuma!! ]

Much as I would like you to try it, I don't think you will like it as much. It was on the sweet side.

[ On its own! And you even had the option to drink it with milk and sugar!!! ]

Though... I think it would still make a good pair with some mochi.

[ With tea poured into two cups, and the pot still containing some for refill, Ayaka pushes herself up and sits down next to the blond on the couch.

Her home seems so simple right now. So much different from her home in Nippon, and couldn't even be compared to her home in Inazuma. Still... this is where she will be staying now. Before reaching for her own tea cup, though? She looks at Cloud, canting her head slightly at him with a smile. ]

Did Yoimiya respond to you?

Probably not.

[ He can handle sweet. But it has to be on special occasions. He didn't have a sweeter tooth like Ayaka did. And nobody could compare to Ei's. Don't even try. ]

I'll try a sip or two though.

[ Because one never knew until they tried! He thanks her when she presents him with his cup of sencha, deciding to let it sit for a moment until Ayaka's sitting at his side. If they weren't about to have tea, he'd have slipped an arm around her already. But she's instilled Inazuman manners into him quite well! Cloud can be patient. Especially since his phone vibrates in his pocket, almost as if on cue, when Ayaka asks about her home friend. Giving the last message sent a read over, he doesn't respond back just yet. Instead, it's all Ayaka's to take as he hands her his device. ]

Have a look. [ And once he knows Ayaka has his device to read? Then he'll reach for his cup of tea with a calmer smile. ] Think I got her stamp of approval?

[ He has no idea what she sounds like and yet he can hear a voice through her text alone. He closes his eyes and takes a breath in of the tea, filling his lungs and relaxing him further. No one made it quite like Ayaka did. Even without her full set. He takes a sip. ]

[ See? She told you that Yoimiya would find it romantic, Cloud!! Such a silly goose... he had nothing to worry about!

Reading Yoimiya's responses makes her laugh, covering her mouth with a fist, while Cloud goes on ahead with his tea. ]

I must do my best and calm her down the next time we meet. She sounds so excited!

[ But it is a big deal though, Ayaka. And you, yourself, sometimes can't even get over the fact that you have a hot stud for a beau!!

Placing Cloud's phone on her lap first (he's drinking!!), she then reaches for her tea. She blows on it first before taking a sip, a calm smile on her face through it all. ]

I'm very glad, Cloud. I'm very fortunate that I'm able to share more of myself with you like this.

She looks like a bundle of energy. [ He halfheartedly shrugs so as to not disturb his cup of tea in his hands. ] Let alone sounds like it off of text alone.

[ But that's okay. It doesn't bother him any. Especially since Cloud's still allowed to react and work at his own tempo. That, and while she's far more composed and 'elegant' about matters? It's not like Ayaka wasn't a ball of cute energy from time to time either. ~~Or Zack. Zack had energy written all over him.~~ ]

Mm... [ It doesn't make him sad to think about, but by comparison to Ayaka... ~~he has more games that need to come out— I mean SDFJAHK~~ ] I'm glad I get to be here for it all.

Feels like I only just got started with sharing more of me to you...

[ Even if they'd taken that fateful trip back to Nibelheim. Something that was on his mind was how a year had passed Ayaka by, whilst her return to another world brought back her memories of their time spent together with the proverbial snap of a finger. Cloud? Everything he came to understand about his future...and what happened in his past, it all happened off Planet. Who knew where he was going to end up if he were taken back home again?

One thing was certain. This time, he wasn't planning on going back until he either had no choice? Or if he knew for a fact that he had a way back to her. This second chance taught him about everything he could have lost... ]

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