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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)

[ It is the flower that catches her eye at first, what with it being in the centre of the box. The little sakura balls are all so very pretty— the entire thing is! But her eyes widen ever so slowly as its beauty dawns on her by the second. ]

This is so beautiful!

[ And you can eat it?! Goodness! It must have taken so long to make this! And— how much did he spend?! This couldn't have been cheap, for something so well-crafted! Ayaka finds her heart racing, unsure what words to even say at this time. This was so thoughtful of him... not that he isn't on a normal day, but this feels so much more special. It's White Day, and all of this is for her. From him. Her love, her beau, her hero, her Prince, the person just for her.

If this is his way of returning the affection she's given him... he had better be ready for the days to come. Ayaka already fully intends to never let a moment go by without telling Cloud she loves him. But this just means that she has to work even harder to make her beau happy and shower him with the love that he deserves. ]

Hehe. I'm afraid I'm at a loss for words... I feel so very light, and so in-love.

Ohhh, an exercise bike. They'll give you a good workout depending on the weight of the pedals.

[ He'll go with her some time! Nodding in acknowledgement, he can't help but faintly blush when she begins to unravel the ribbon for the lid. He thought he liked it, and he knew that if he was putting a modicum of thought into his gift to her, she'd like it one way or another. But Ayaka...she always found a way to go above and beyond for him in turn. Here he was, sitting on a couch in his own apartment beside hers, tea in hand and living life without so much fret and worry as before. Despite the stakes that would no doubt continue to build, he still couldn't help but feel that this has been the most...

Normal.

So when her eyes light up at the camellia in the center, he can't help but sigh with relief, a warm smile growing on his lips as he watches her. ]

[ "Hehe. I'm afraid I'm at a loss for words..." ]

Then I did my job. [ He sets his cup of tea down momentarily, long enough for his hands to be free so that he can lean over to her, hand atop her lap for support as he drops every little semblance of a 'guard' he had to kiss her on the cheek. It's...hard to really resist at this stage. Not when she looked this happy. It rubs off on him, leaving an impact that he couldn't put into words properly. It's a good thing he's better with his actions. ] Happy White Day.

[ It is White Day— a day to show appreciation and thanks to the person who gave you a Valentine's present, but she can't help it!! She wants to give back to Cloud thousandfold as soon as possible!

With the box on her lap, it is so very easy to take one of the sakura balls, unwrap it, and pop it in her mouth. Yet another big bite from the Shirasagi Himegimi! But that's okay. It's just the two of them, and she already knows that he won't judge her for being unladylike. Especially at a time like this. ]

Mm! [ No squealing or anything, but she does let out a soft giggle upon tasting it. It's delicious!! So delicious that she must share, so she opens up another sakura ball and offers it to her beau, shifting in her seat so she can press herself up against him as she places the chocolate ball close to his lips. ] Hehe. Say ah~.

[ Seeing her pop the little sakura ball in her mouth only kept that smile on his face for longer. He might have had his road blocks since coming here, but watching her face and how she would softly giggle with delight over the little chocolate delight... These were the moments Cloud felt that he wouldn't dare stop fighting for. Not after almost a year of this. Not after he's finally felt like he's gotten his life back. Even if it's a path he never really anticipated for himself before... He'll cherish these little tidbits.

Even when she unwraps another little sakura ball, pressing herself up against him whilst his arm shifts from around her front, to gliding down her back to better allow her access to him. She was so close to him now... She's still the same swordswoman he befriended and fell for all that time ago, but she's much more bolder now. Far more willing to express what's in her heart.

Far be it from Cloud to not answer her in kind, face absolutely ripe red with fluster when she implores him to say "ah~". He damn near feels like melting with her right here. Take that sakura ball and forget about the tea for a moment and just bring her down to lay right on top of him. To just hold her with no sign of letting go. ]

Hmph...

Ah~

[ He takes it. The whole ball of chocolate, using the roof of his mouth and tongue to smoosh it down before letting the sweeter flavors dance on his palate. And now that he's got sealed lips with the chocolate melting in his mouth? He's free to take the Shirasagi Himegimi off guard once more. A sealed kiss on the lips, one accompanied by another soft hum before he draws back to chew the treat quickly enough to swallow. ]

Cute.

Thank you very much, Cloud.

[ She feels so special!! Not that Cloud fails to do so no matter the day, but given how she wanted to celebrate today? This is so important to her.

(She's gonna celebrate big time when their anniversary comes.)

Cloud may not have forgotten about the tea just yet, but his girlfriend has. Gone is the sweet piece of chocolate she's tried, and she's so very keen on making the most out of such a special day. On being spoiled. On being shown affection. And it's why she hasn't moved from her spot, still leaning on him the same way when she offered him a chocolate ball. ]

Won't you kiss me some more?

[ Ayato's not here... They both have nothing to worry about! ]

[ His gaze never has a chance of drifting back to the tea. Not when she hasn't left his side. In fact, she draws him in even more. Her words ring like a melodious echo. "Keep your eyes on me." And just like that, the world around them dissipates. There is no next door. There is no neighbors or family members. In this solitary moment, she's all he wants and all he can think about. especially when every kiss, every touch she gifts him is nothing short of electrifying. Stronger than anything the loosened inhibitions of Kizuna could accomplish. This world really was one of affection and companionship.

He would have no problem providing the support that others may need if they were going to accomplish great things in this world. If they were going to make a difference, assuming Olwen and his lot were trustworthy. It's still so early to tell... But only one person deserved this kind of touch. This level of affection and admiration. His lips on hers. His eyes watching her with adoration and hunger. She's the only one he wants. And if he has any say in the matter, it's the way things were going to stay.

Her White Day would be full of heart pounding memories. This being the start of many today if she would like anything and everything he could give her. There's nothing to worry about. And he succumbs with no hesitation whatsoever, this time leaning into her kiss more passionately. One sweep of his lips. A second...the third has his lips parting as fireworks pop off in his head. All the while his hold of her doesn't wane. If anything, he lounges more comfortably back in his seat on the couch as they begin to make out, face flush and heart hammering away in his chest. ]

[ This is all truly Cloud's fault. Giving Ayaka the space to be herself, to express how she really feels, there's no going back for him. Cloud's stuck in this endless loop of being showered all the love she could possibly give and more, and her asking to be shown affection in turn. She could never be this way towards anyone else.

And so, in this little safe space Cloud has created for them both, she grows more comfortable. Adding a little more weight on him as he leans back in his seat, his white heron princess a little bit more— just a little bit— kissing Cloud, getting a little more of that sweet white chocolate-y taste. They have somewhere to be, a meal to eat soon, but she doesn't think it would hurt to keep at this a little longer... ]

Our first White Day, [ whispered in between kisses, because Ayaka truly is full of gratitude and happiness on this day. This is something she never would have been able to experience if she had never met Cloud. ] When we go out later,

[ It's gonna take a while for her to say the whole thing, breath running ragged, voice turning more airy with each sweep of her tongue. ]

I'd like you to choose the dress I will wear.

[ It's safe to say that whatever they have to eat? It's a meal that can luckily be kept to...stew, as it were. Even with the aroma filling his apartment space in a familiar way, the only scent he's concerned with is the one of his girlfriend, weight upon him when she whispers how it's their first White Day between kisses. And of course he answers her in kind. Of course when he gets the taste of her and that sweet white chocolate on his tongue, he hums his approval before one of his hands upon her hip drifts a little higher up. ]

Yeah?

[ It'd be impossible for Ayaka to pick something to look bad in. But he knows exactly what she means, too. It's his choice. His attention. His thoughts and observations she seeks. His eyes on her. And he'll give her all of that and more. ]

Gonna hafta see you in 'em first to decide.

[ Model for him. He'll do his best to be as patient as he can for her. A good boy. Despite the fact that upon the next deepened kiss he shares with her, his hand glides up between them. Just a little bit of earnest stimulation for his girl when he palms and caresses one of her breasts. A little indicator that, yes, he is paying attention, Ayaka. ]

Hehe, alright.

[ That's a very quick and easy agreement from the Shirasagi Himegimi. She'd do anything he asks her to, just as long as he does his part- to keep his eyes on her. ]

Ah— [ That came out a little more airy and melodic than it should have. Holding hands, hugging, kissing— they're all well and good, even moreso in this world. His touch feels so hot, though, just a little more of her weight on him, so she can feel more. Her hand rests on his chest, just above his pec, comfy and secure. Even if they didn't go beyond touching one another, making out and all, that's okay. Ayaka just can't get enough of Cloud. When she told him before that she will always want to be with him, it never really mattered how. Just as long as she was with him. ]

I'm so excited for today, Cloud.

[ Even the subtle addition of pressure from her hand upon his pec was enough to get a reaction out of him. Enough that the muscle instinctively tenses and flexes under her delicate touch. Hopefully she didn't mind, this fleeting reprieve between kisses and filling that space with his hotter caress. If they weren't careful, he was going to get aroused before their day could truly begin...but he really didn't mind that part. But he's also not mindless either. Beyond that subtle floral tone that follows her when being so close to her, he still hasn't forgotten about what's on the stovetop counter. ]

Took the words outta my mouth.

[ It can wait. As Ayaka puts more of her weight on him, the hand that was once on her chest, squeezing softly through her top, moves as he shifts to get more comfortable. This time, his hand on her hip dips down, just shy of her backside as he effortlessly coaxes her to come a little closer. Lifting her just enough so that she could get nice and comfortable right in his lap. How she did it mattered little to him. Sitting sideways across his thighs, straddling him, he holds her like she was a lifeline.

Safe and sound in his stronger arms as he looks at her with a soft glow in those baby blues. ]

After...

[ After what? This? Whatever they decide they want to do? Whatever Ayaka wants of her beau? ]

Gonna need your second opinion on lunch.

[ Ayaka is quick to take the cue, sliding close to him and settling on his lap with her legs on either side of his. For a moment, before sitting on his lap, she's able to look at him from a higher angle. Noticing his lashes, how wonderful his eyes truly are, her own not at all looking away even as she sits down. Her eyes are just on him, just as his eyes are on hers.

He said something. He said something, and it must be important, but she's far too captivated with the view to properly pay attention. ]

Yes, [ she says, just saying something in agreement without properly thinking. At the very least, it doesn't take long for her to realise this, and she smiles at him as she lets out a soft laugh. ]

What... will we be having?

[ He was talking about lunch, right? She's playing in her head what he just said a few seconds ago. Sorry, Cloud. She really was paying attention, swollen red lips and pink cheeks and all. ]

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