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Potato croquettes and onigiri.

[ Cloud is officially on rice duty 'u'!! she'll probably ask him to make the salad too.

The potatoes are already ready and mashed, so it's just the mayonnaise and the bread crumbs and stuff! Cloud's gotta start from step one, on the other hand. ]

You'll have to clean the rice first for the onigiri before cooking it.

Makes sense.

[ He's had plenty of Nipponese breakfasts (and by extension, Inazuman?) to get a general gist of what tends to be served first thing in the morning. But rice duty it is! The second he hears onigiri, he's already on it. ]

Copy. [ That he can do! Thankfully he's been around her kitchen before, so he has a general idea of where most everything is. He'll need the pot first, since they'll be making rice the more traditional way. Luckily for them, he's had plenty of time to learn making rice the oldest and hardest way possible. ] Got your strainer kicking around somewhere?

[ He asks while bent over to pull out the right pot from one of the cabinets below. ]

Edited 2023-03-17 08:13 (UTC)

It should be in one of the drawers... [ One second, Cloud! She'll be the one to get it.

... she must remember first, though! Ah— it is by the sink! And she has shredded chicken already ready, too. ]

I thought of giving Ayato and Thoma chocolates yesterday, so they would give me a present today, but I did not want to trouble them!

[ It was such a silly idea in her head, though! ]

Oh yeah?

[ Cloud, meanwhile, will get started on measuring out the rice. A cup and a half of water per cup of rice was the typical ratio. Scoping around for a measuring cup once he's also procured the bag of rice, he scoops out two cups worth. It's more than enough for breakfast, but knowing one of Ayaka's favorite comfort foods being chazuke? You can never have enough leftovers. ]

Doubt they woulda seen it that way. [ Anything she could give to anyone really was worth treasuring. Ayaka really was one-of-a-kind. He knows that his box of chocolates was meant for her as a White Day gift, but as he moves the pot over to the sink, he continues, ] You could share what's in the box with 'em if you want.

[ If nothing else, the white chocolate camellia has a lot of different petals one can break off. ]

O- Oh...

[ The box contains chocolates then. Ayaka hasn't seen it yet, but she never really thought of sharing what was inside with anyone else but Cloud. It was his gift to her, after all. Just for her! And now she realises that perhaps she's being selfish by keeping it all to herself...

And yet, because it is from Cloud? There's still a part of her that wants to keep it that way. But now that she realises that she's being selfish, she can't. She should share. It wouldn't be right if she kept it to herself.

Turning around so she can get to work on the korokke, and so Cloud won't have to see how disappointed she looks, even for a moment, she says: ]

Thank you. I'll share it with them, then.

[ Ayaka made a mistake just now. The slip and falter in her voice. They joke about being mindreaders, but in truth, he can't do that... But he has a penchant for overthinking, as per usual. Even as Cloud rinses the rice, raking it up through his fingers, he slows down, the water gently swirling. Her brief moment of silence spoke louder. And just as he looks over his shoulder towards where she's working on the korokke, she's not watching him either... ]

...

Hey, after lunch, wanna go out with me for bit?

[ Because the camellia flower might be unique...but the other bits inside when Ayaka gets a look at them? They're still in stock. With their lives in this world only just starting, Cloud is going to do everything he can to make things right. No matter the obstacles. ]

Hm?

[ '^'!! she has her hands filled with potatoes and bread crumbs, but she looks back at him curiously. ]

Alright.

[ She'll go with him wherever!! And they can do whatever he has planned today. Cloud is the lead planner! Even such a simple question does good in distracting Ayaka from her thoughts. ]

I didn't make any plans today. I imagined we would spend the day together, after all.

[ He does a mental little fist pump when she agrees to go with him. It wasn't what he had planned...or rather, where he wants to go wasn't in the cards until he realizes his own personal blunder. It wasn't the end of the world, when he thinks about it. But Cloud doesn't want her to dwell on her own thoughts. Whatever they may have been. Time to become a leader again. ]

Yup. S'just a day for us.

[ He carefully starts to pour out the cloudy water from the rice. ]

That and I thought staying cooped in the apartment all day would get boring. [ Second round of rinsing is a go! ] Unless we got more books again...

[ ~~Contrary to popular belief, they don't just spend their whole day smashing.~~ ]

Kinda got used to having a yard too.

[ The mention of books gets her to laugh. One would normally spend time with a friend chatting away, or doing something together. When they would read, though? It was just the two of them sitting in silence together, enjoying their own books! It was such a peaceful activity, and she enjoyed every bit of the time spent with him that way. ]

Hehe, not yet...

[ No books yet!! And when Cloud mentions a yard? She perks up even more, excited to share with him her plans. ]

Cloud, I was thinking... when I have enough funds, I would like to move to a house with a garden. All of us could live there together.

[ That way? She could be with her family and Cloud!! Who is also family at this point but not officially! 🤡 ]

Would that be okay with you?

[ He doesn't laugh the same way she does, but his shoulders give that little shake, loosing a breath in such a short chuckle. And he's smiling again. This is more like it. The sound of water getting sloshed in the pot as he rakes and cleans the rice fills the air between them...until she speaks up about her plans. He stops, watching her with a sense of wonder in his eyes.

She...wants them to all live together? He knew that she needed time, and it seems that he needs the same, before she could be someone who was proud of herself enough to live under a Strife's roof. But with her brother here, Thoma, and the spikier blond standing across from her in the kitchen...

It's a decision she's making for herself. What she wants. ]

I'll help.

[ All of this hope is doing a good job at bolstering his own resolve. It's doing a good job of pressing down those other feelings. Those lingering ones when he thinks of living under the same roof as her older brother. ... No. That's not the problem. And finding a home with a garden for everyone is well and good. It's what he wants.

But it's also a step of many that Cloud needs to take if he's going to be able to accomplish what he wants. But those were all thoughts for another day. Another time. Right now?

It's White Day. It's Ayaka's turn to get the royal treatment. This was going to be a fulfilling day, one way or another. His smile softens as he nods, as if to confirm his words. ]

Mm. It's more than okay.

[ Once all the potatoes have been properly shaped and coated? She starts the stove to begin boiling the oil.

Like this? Ayaka is at peace. It didn't take that long to make a decision, but it really is what she wants. Her family is growing bigger, and it needn't just be her brother anymore. Regardless of how Ayato feels about Cloud, oblivious as she is, these are the people she wants in her life. They're the ones she can't live without anymore. ]

Thank you for always listening to me.

[ Even this. Yet another dream she wants to make come true. He's always been there for her. ]

Oh- [ Pop! Her little bubble where her daydreams are kept is put away for now. They have a day together!! They should plan for that, too. ] Should we visit a bookstore today, too? We should start our collection of things to read on our spare time.

Always.

[ He drains the water from the pot of rice one more time. Last rinse. Cloud's not gonna cut a corner and leave starch. Especially since he's got to live up to Ayaka's own high standards. It's not a bad thing in the slightest. But if he's her helper? Than he's an extension of the Shirasagi Himegimi's hand. A hand that serves the people, her family, her loved ones... ]

Works for me. From what I windowshopped, looks like there's even magazines here.

[ One last drag of his fingers through the rice aaand... ]

Bingo.

[ It's clear enough! He drains the water to the best of his ability one final time. ]

Strainer...strainer...

[ Oh. Right! There it is. To his left thanks to Ayaka. Yoink. ]

Edited 2023-03-18 10:14 (UTC)

[ Ayaka may not be completely ready to be away from her brother just yet, but she wants to be able to expand her world and her horizons. Cloud has always helped her with that! But now, she wants to let him become an even bigger part of her world. It's a big step, and if those around her continue to support her, then there's nothing to be afraid of. ]

This world doesn't seem too reliant on magazines and newspapers anymore, it seems. The news can be found online!

[ It is fascinating, but because of how traditional Ayaka is? She'll pay attention to the press, still!

When the oil's all ready, Ayaka begins to drop a couple of the korokke so she can start cooking. This is her first time trying this recipe, but it said it was easy, so it should be okay! At least Thoma's just next door if something ever starts to smell like it's burning... ]

I'm very glad that the library hasn't been abandoned, though. I can't imagine others like me who come from a less technologically-advanced world to get used to these... screens and online websites so easily.

[ Books and newspapers and magazines are all still very helpful dammit!!!! ]

Funny enough...

[ Cloud's gonna just keep a watchful eye on Ayaka's oil. The less outer moisture like water, the better. He learned that the hard way when he just slapped wet meat into a pan one time. Ouch. asfdjk ]

This place might be fancier than my world in some senses. ... or at least, most of the advanced tech is being kept and used for Shinra's plans. Can't say I've ever had a phone this fancy before.

It is truly such a fancy phone!

[ Not fancy in the sense that Ayaka is, but their phone has so many features!! Bringing hers out, she shows Cloud the red camellia charm that hangs off it before she unlocks her screen. The korokkes are left behind as she makes her way towards him, showing him her phone's gallery of photos so far, sliding the screen to show them one by one.

They're mostly of flowers, from hydrangeas to tulips, roses to chrysanthemums, all kinds of camellias she's spotted in the botanical gardens. If Cloud's eyes are observant enough, he might notice some shots where Ayaka is there, too. She really does blend in with the scenery... ~~She learned how to use the timer so she can put down her phone and take pictures like this, Cloud fsadgds~~ ]

The photos are in colour! It is so amazing!

All touch screen. S'finally for everyone, it seems.

[ With the rice straining and draining, he rinses his hands off, deciding to just pat his legs down to dry them when Ayaka comes over and shows him her photos. A watchful eye indeed. Cloud still hasn't fancified his phone yet, beyond playing with a few settings and the background. ]

Charm's cute.

[ His was a different too. A fully blooming cherry blossom that, contrary to its nature? Hasn't fallen or wilted yet. ]

Most people got flip phones with actual buttons for dialing. Standard issue among SOLDIER members for sure.

[ But these? Are gorgeous pictures. He wonders if this is the kind of quality technology that's being kept to Shinra executives. These types of phones exist. But definitely not to the common people. Not even topside. An observant gaze sees him spotting little Ayaka amidst the garden shots. She blends in... It's almost like she isn't from Inazuma at all, wearing that outfit. She really did love it. She's also so much more vibrant than before, he's realizing. It has been a year for her since she saw him, memories intact or not. ]

About time. The one thing we were missing off the magi-comms. [ Oh what the heck. They got a little bit of time. He'll start the rice and measure the water shortly. Pulling out his own device, he holds his thumb over the little camera icon in the corner to bring his up. ] Didja see?

[ With another little tap of his thumb just to the side of the on-screen picture-taking button, there's a set of photos from his own gallery. Just a few. Cherry blossoms, lilies, the outside of a biker's outlet deep in the heart of Nightwake's downtown. He taps on the shop front. ]

You can edit 'em after.

[ Case in point? If someone was feeling nostalgic for Nippon? Sepia-tone! Among other default touch-up/alterations that Cloud shows her as he scrolls between the various filters. ]

Edited 2023-03-19 05:20 (UTC)

[ Woah!!!! She does her best to keep quiet, but with how close the two are? Cloud wouldn't be able to miss her tiny little gasp of amazement. The photo changed colours!!! ]

That's amazing!

[ Looking at her phone, she wonders if it can do the same thing Cloud's did? She has to open up a photo of one of the flowers, and then click on the edit button at the top— there! The selection of filters are at the bottom, and she goes through them one by one. Because of the filter, though?

The pink flowers have become red!

... and the korokke are still cooking. ]

What is this?

[ A pencil icon... oh! The filter selection disappeared, but... now it has a pencil, eraser, and some other icons... She tries to bring it back to the previous screen but accidentally draws a yellow line on the photo. ]

Oh no! That wasn't what I wanted to do!

[ It'll hit him the next time there's silence and the korokke continues to crackle away in the oil. Watching her sense of amazement and wonder as she plays with the filters brings another little amused smile to Cloud's face. Okay, this might be still new to him, having this kind of life and companionship...

But every little reaction she gives? Worth it. Even when she makes a mistake and accidentally puts a yellow line on the photo. ]

Huh. That's new...

[ He didn't fiddle with the little pencil icon on his before, he mentally notes as he puts the phone away. ]

... wait, wait wait- Don't do anything-?

[ Along the top. He's gonna reach over with his index finger and... ]

Hnnn-

[ 'Undo'. Yellow line gone. ]

Cool. There.

You did it! Thank you.

[ Thank you for being so patient with her, Cloud!! Her hero. This is all so amazing, and she's so delighted to learn something new! ]

Hehe, this is so exciting! I must spare some time later or tomorrow to learn more about this feature.

[ Fortunately for them all, she's not going to sit down and just leave Ayato's breakfast uncooked! And it is just as she's about to close her phone that she realises— ]

Cloud, would it be alright if we took a photo together later? Like what we did when we were in Nara. [ Their first date! She'll have to dress up nicely after making breakfast. Hopefully Cloud won't mind waiting a little bit longer for her while she gets to that after this. ]

With the technology here advanced, I think it would be possible to have a physical copy of it. And... I could put that in my room.

Learn something new everyday.

[ That goes for both of them. Cloud was just trying to look cool and boldly pushed a button that looked like...a winding back arrow? Good thing it wasn't some weird "delete" function. That's the literal trash bin icon. ]

Kaomojis one day...sketching on pics the next.

[ "Cloud, would it be alright if we took a photo together later?" ]

You mean...

[ Like the one they managed to take while they were in Nara. His cheeks suddenly start turning a little red, his breath catching slightly. That entire trip was still one of his most fondest memories of the time spent in Nippon. To think...it might not have happened if it hadn't been for that fateful little encounter between him and her older brother. Nothing could change the fact that he'd started developing feelings for her. But it was thanks to Ayato that he ultimately made that impulse choice to run after her to Nara.

To watch over her whenever he couldn't. Even here, he still intends to do that... ]

I'll take one too. [ He's satisfied with looking at her phone now. Time to get the rice boiling proper! But not before he decides to slip his arm around her waist at his side. Just a half-hug, a little smile before letting go so he can get back to his rice duty now that it's been successfully strained. ] Call it the first of many.

[ Cloud gives her a half-hug, but she hugs him real tight before he lets go. A promise of more experiences together, something new to remember today, and more happy days to come. Ayaka's so excited! But they'll need to get moving now, so that they can go on with their day together. As such, she checks on the korokke, scooping the ones that are already golden brown out, before replacing uncooked ones into the pot.

When all of the potato korokke are cooked, she helps out with the rice. She did just ask Cloud to cook it, after all. She has to make the onigiri, still! Nothing cute like how she would make things for Cloud, as she doesn't really have the time to properly decorate things today, so they just look like the regular triangular shaped ones with shredded chicken inside!

The tea is kept relatively warm, still, but Ayaka intends to bring it to Cloud's apartment now. She and her lovely beau leave the Kamisato's apartment with a note on the table, as well as a nice and warm breakfast spread for Ayato. With Ayaka's morning responsibilities done? They can truly celebrate today just by themselves!

Starting by finally pouring the tea for Cloud, and then a cup for herself. Something nice smells in the kitchen, but she does not ask about it just yet. It is Cloud's surprise, after all! ]

[ The entire breakfast endeavor takes less than an hour from start to finish! He really was like a little sous chef, prepping and handling the smaller jobs while Ayaka was responsible for and taking charge of the onigiri and korokke. As the two of them set the breakfast spread down on the table, his gaze briefly drifted to the other side of the apartment. Over in the direction of where her older brother would come in due time. ]

...

[ Right. One step at a time, he mentally tells himself as the two take their leave of the apartment. Now- Now they can have their tea! Cloud, meanwhile, brings her box of chocolates and white chocolate camellia with them. Setting it down on his own living room table, he leaves plenty of space for Ayaka's tea tray and cups when she finally pours for him. Humming his approval with a nod, he reaches for it once she's poured for herself. He'll check on the dutch oven sitting on his stovetop in a little bit, a familiar aroma filling the air of his apartment. ]

Can't believe I didn't think to ask... [ But! It is an important part of their lives still. They spent their time together and apart learning more about this new world they would be 'saving'. Seeking out new restaurants, if they could find a genuine teahouse, things like that, but, ] You come across any good places to keep training yet?

[ Y'know. Besides a house they'll hafta keep daydreaming about for now. ]

I thought the gym would be like a dojo, but it was a very different place!

[ Still, there was a part of it similar to a dojo. She sparred with Venat there, Cloud! But there were lots of people and some machines that she doesn't really understand just yet... ]

I was told to come back some time so I could be given a tour.

[ OuO They were so nice to her!! So she really will when she has the time. ]

There is also the colosseum, which had dummies you could use to train.

[ Now that they're sat and alone? Ayaka pulls the box closer to her. Looks at Cloud, then back at the box, then back at him again. If she were the type to vibrate from excitement, she would be doing so by now, but she's doing her very best to be a good girl! ]

Would it be alright to open the box already?

Were there a ton of weights and weird looking things to sit at?

[ Because if so, this was Ayaka's introduction to a more modern gym! Not many places were fully decked out that he came across. ]

Mind if I check it out with you?

[ Cloud and Ayaka had zero problems when it came to fitness, but. He would be lying if he said he wasn't curious about other methods of exercise that didn't revolve around squats, push-ups, sit-ups and destroying things with a big ass sword. When looks between the box, back to him, back to the box, now back to him—

~~The chocolates are now diamonds.~~ ]

[ A softer little chuckle escapes him, lifting the cup of tea to his lips before answering, ]

Kinda surprised you haven't already. [ A sip. If she wants a direct answer? ] Let's see.

There was one that looked like a motorcycle! It was stationary, however. The tour was said to be free of charge, so we can schedule a day together and visit.

[ What are these descriptions ]

And, hehe, [ Now she's a little embarrassed. She's been wanting to open the box since he gave it to her! But she had things to do, and wanted to give it proper attention. Surely Cloud can understand! ] I should have opened it sooner, I'm sorry.

[ Ayaka's content, though! That's a good enough answer for her, which is why she carefully unravels the ribbon to push up the lid of the box to open it. Her first White Day gift!! That she has to share (unfortunately). She's so, so lucky and so happy Cloud wanted to celebrate this with her.

... ]

Edited 2023-03-20 08:15 (UTC)

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